boyutpedia Page 69
Page 69
After hearing everything, Archer nodded deeply as if he had finally realized something, and his characteristic evil smile reappeared on his face, his expression broad and cruel, proud and supreme.
That was the smile of an absolute king whose values depended entirely on his own aesthetic sense.
"Tokiomi—finally he's somewhat interesting after his death. It seems that the boring man has finally brought me some amusement."
"However, Kirei, you seem to have forgotten something."
Kirei looked up, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes: "What is it?"
“Even if Tokiomi harbored rebellious intentions, he still devoted his magic to me during his tenure to sustain my flesh and blood, demonstrating his loyalty, and he never committed any acts of disloyalty.”
Gilgamesh's voice carried a hint of coldness and sarcasm.
"Even if I am now willing to punish him, he was ultimately killed by you who overstepped your bounds, and it was an act of treason that you committed without my knowledge or permission."
"What do you think, Kirei?" Gilgamesh's gaze was sharp, as if he were waiting for Kirei's answer.
"...All of this...God will punish my sins, and as for you—Hero King, you may kill me or torture me, it is all up to you."
Gilgamesh sneered:
"Hmph, you seem to really think I'm made of clay. However, I am indeed currently searching for a Master who has no contract partner."
"Now that you mention it, there are indeed Masters who want to continue fighting even without Servants." Faced with Archer's blatant invitation, Kirei chuckled and nodded in response.
"But I don't know if he is a Master that the King of Heroes would approve of, and he has just committed a heinous crime."
The King of Heroes' blood-red eyes gazed indifferently at Kirei Kotomine, who was kneeling beside Tokiomi Tohsaka's corpse, seemingly lost in thought.
After a long silence, Gilgamesh finally spoke:
"I have already judged your sins. The gods will not punish you. Human sins will be judged by humankind. You will die in the direction you have chosen, which is contrary to your original path."
"Kirei, if you choose to become my Master, this will be your fate."
Prophetic pronouncements are usually made to the public by spiritualists who hold priestly positions.
However, if such words pass through the vocal organs of a supreme ruler, then with the blessing of power, even mountains and seas will lend them a hand.
—The prophecy will only become reality, turning into a rule that binds the world and entangles Kirei Kotomine.
This will become a predetermined fate, a destiny pact like the spear of death.
Upon hearing this, Kirei finally stood up and looked at Gilgamesh in front of the corpse.
"...This is exactly what I seek. It is only right that those who commit evil deeds should be punished, but the evil I have done will not cease because of this. So, King of Heroes, are you willing to become my servant, the one who takes the place of my sins?"
“Ha…” Gilgamesh chuckled.
Kirei Kotomine—what a contradictory figure, constantly suppressing his own desires in accordance with the principles of heaven and earth and the teachings he received.
When desire breaks free from the cage it has set for itself, even the sweetest things cannot fill the abyss-like chasm of desire.
They might voluntarily flee from punishment because their desires are insatiable, yet they would willingly accept being punished by justice without complaint.
This man embodies a certain human trait to its fullest extent.
If we let it continue like this, and give it some more opportunities, perhaps it can shake the position of those "beasts".
That was absolutely hilarious.
Unfortunately, he is bound by the king's decree, and he will die in the near future...
I'm starting to regret it, Kirei...
Chapter 96 Immorality
"Are you really not opposed?" Kirei asked calmly.
"As long as you don't bore me... otherwise I will still abandon you, Kirei. Just like the corpses lying here. You should be the one who needs to be mentally prepared."
Even when the question was thrown back at him, Kirei simply nodded without changing his expression.
As a partner to whom one could entrust one's life, Archer is indeed an extremely dangerous individual. Just as the name suggests, this is dealing with demons.
He is a dictatorial follower of spirits who is devoid of kindness and loyalty, and who acts arbitrarily and cruelly.
However, it is precisely for this reason that he is a good match for Kiri.
Kindness and morality never provided Kirei with the answers he needed, and this heroic spirit who completely disregarded these values was precisely the guidance he required.
Kirei rolled up his upper sleeve, revealing the Command Seal etched on the back of his hand, and solemnly chanted:
"Your body is given to me, and my destiny to your sword. If you are willing to follow the reliance of the Holy Grail and obey this reason and will—"
Gilgamesh picked up the conversation, a glint of pleasure flashing in his eyes:
"I hereby swear that your offerings will become my flesh and blood. Kirei Kotomine, my new Master..."
The magic supply circuit has been successfully reconnected.
The Command Seal on my left hand took effect again, accompanied by a dull pain, and then emitted a glow.
Their blood-red eyes, gleaming with joy, and their deep, wistful pupils exchanged a shared understanding.
--that's all.
At this moment, the last group of summoners and their followers, chosen by fate, looked at each other and smiled for the first time.
With the contract over, Kirei took off his priest's robe, as if shedding a layer of disguise.
He covered Tokiomi Tohsaka's body, which lay in a mixture of rain and blood, with his long robe, and gave him a complicated look.
Kirei wrapped his arms around Tokiomi's body and lifted him up from the cold ground.
Just like Michelangelo's stone sculpture "Pietà".
In contrast, the Virgin Mary in the statue has her head bowed, holding her deceased son Jesus in her arms, her face calm and sorrowful, filled with endless mourning and tenderness.
Her arms gently lifted Jesus, as if unwilling to let his body touch the cold ground.
As for Kirei Kotomine, although he tried his best to suppress his emotions, the unconscious upturn of his lips revealed the complexity and distortion in his heart.
As the battle on the overpass ended, a damp atmosphere filled the air, and the ground was covered with mud and bloodstains left from the fight.
The previous rain had washed away the traces of gunpowder, bringing a brief moment of tranquility.
As members of the church arrived one after another, the sight before them made them stop in their tracks.
Amidst the ruins, Kirei's figure stood out prominently.
He walked step by step toward the church, his arms tightly embracing Tokiomi's body.
Under the illumination of the dome, it resembled a standing cross.
As sunlight shone through the clouds onto him, Gilgamesh transformed into a golden aura of spiritual energy and dissipated into the air.
In that moment, Kirei Kotomine seemed like a saint fighting for his faith, inspiring awe and reverence.
The church members watched this scene in silence, a deep sense of respect and sorrow welling up in their hearts.
What they saw was Kirei holding Tokiomi Tohsaka's body, his expression complex and filled with sorrow.
It was as if a saint who failed to redeem Jesus was still upholding his faith and duty in his final moments.
Such a scene inevitably evokes images of a theatrical performance in religious classics: a saint at the foot of the cross, embracing the deceased Savior, his heart filled with endless mourning and regret.
Amidst the solemn mourning of the crowd.
Kirei Kotomine's steps grew heavier, each step carrying a silent pleasure and a wicked satisfaction.
The church members watched from the sidelines, their respect for Keish growing with each passing day.
They watched him walk away silently, and sighed:
"Father Kotomine is a truly devout believer. Even in the face of such a sorrowful moment, he remains so strong. He truly is worthy of being Mr. Kotomine Risei's child."
"Yes, his faith and loyalty are admirable; he is a true saint."
However, under the sunlight, in the shadows, Kirei finally stopped hiding and a smug smile appeared on his face.
There was no sadness deep in his heart, only a secret sense of satisfaction.
Was he sad? There was a little sadness, but that was only because Tokiomi never saw the true nature of his disciple Kirei Kotomine, even until his death, and because of the misunderstandings of these church members. This contrasting pleasure quietly grew in his heart.
Not long after, Kirei finally returned to the Church of Tokiomi with Tohsaka's body in his arms.
The flickering candlelight inside the church cast a solemn glow upon him and Tokiomi.
Kirei walked slowly to the altar and gently laid Tokiomi's body down, his movements careful, as if he were handling a precious relic.
Normally, Tokiomi's body needs to be kept intact and properly sealed away, waiting for Tokiomi's wife and daughters, who were still in exile in Europe, to return before a decision is made on the funeral arrangements.
However, Kirei couldn't wait to arrange a Catholic Mass for Tokiomi, even though it wasn't a formal one, it was enough to satisfy his wicked sense of humor in advance.
He took out a clean white sacrificial cloth and carefully covered Tokiomi's body.
Then, he lit candles and placed them on either side of the altar, the soft light illuminating Tokiomi's serene face.
Kiri also placed several bouquets of white lilies, symbolizing purity and eternity, in front of the altar, making the whole scene appear sacred and solemn under the candlelight.
Kirei stood before the altar, hands clasped together, and softly recited a prayer.
His voice was deep and calm, as if he were conversing with a deity, or perhaps telling something to the deceased Tokiomi.
The church was completely silent, with only the candlelight flickering gently, reflecting the solemnity and reverence of the moment.
But Kirei felt a little strange at this moment. If it were the King of Heroes, he would definitely be showing up next to him right now and mocking him.
Saying something like:
"You bastard, how can your desires be so great? Can't you even exercise a little self-control?" "You monks who have broken the precepts are like insatiable wild beasts..." Such words.
However, this is also what Kirei was hoping for, since any performance, whether it's the actors or the organizers, needs the audience to provide some emotional value.
Just like when they had just embraced Tokiomi, the rest of the church members were a group of qualified spectators.
The King of Heroes remained silent, which dampened Kirei's interest by half.
Suddenly, a familiar voice came from the confessional.
"Kirei, did Tokiomi die in battle?"
Chapter 97 Making Up for Mistakes