Shirou chuckled, "They say smart people usually meet an early death."
"That may be true, but it seems like Fujimaru-sama enjoys dealing with smart people."
"You're absolutely right. I actually have a soft spot for smart people, especially the really clever ones. I don't mind if people try to figure me out, but they better be careful not to overstep," he said with a slight smile. "So, Orlocke Caesarmund, do enlighten me. What clues have you brought? I'm all ears. If the price is right, I will ensure your safety."
Just then, Gray abruptly stood up and addressed Waver, "Um... Teacher, I'm feeling a bit tired. I think I'll head back to my room."
Waver replied, "Is it because of the ritual at the entrance? Would you like me to accompany you to your room?"
"No... there's no need. It would only delay Teacher and Fujimaru-sama."
Arcueid smiled and offered, "In that case, I can accompany you back, Artoria."
"It's Gray..." she interjected instinctively, waving her hand. "I... I can handle it on my own. You don't have to go out of your way, Miss Arcueid."
"Um... alright,"
Gray made her way towards the door, pausing for a moment. She turned her head to glance at Shirou and softly said, "Fujimaru-sama, please take care and make sure to get some rest..."
Shirou was momentarily taken aback, then nodded and said, "I understand."
Gray walked out of the room.
The attention of everyone returned to Orlocke Caesarmund.
Caesarmund looked at Shirou and asked, "Do you know about the Caesarmund family's magecraft?"
Shirou shook his head and then looked at Waver.
Waver said, "It's Butterfly Magecraft."
"Correct," Caesarmund nodded and said, "The so-called Butterfly Magecraft simulates the series of changes from a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. In a sense, it can also be considered a resurrection ritual..."
Caesarmund went on to explain the ins and outs of the Butterfly Magecraft, leaving Shirou deep in thought with a slight frown on his face.
After the Age of Gods came to an end, modern magecraft emerged, giving rise to a complex realm of study and understanding. It encompasses various fundamental concepts such as "Origin Awakening," "Elements," and "Attributes."
Unfortunately, due to misconceptions, many people harbor incorrect notions about magecraft. Contrary to the oversimplified portrayals found in poorly devised isekai novels, magecraft attributes cannot simply be wielded for attacking purposes. Take, for instance, the water attribute, which, in the realm of Natural Science, signifies "cold and moist" properties and is associated with absorption. This particular attribute has been passed down through generations in the Matou family.
The Matou family specialized in a unique form of magecraft that revolved around the use of familiars. In fact, the concept of Servants and the Command Spell system was born based on this type of magecraft. On the other hand, the Insect Magecraft, which was a secret technique exclusively held by Zouken, differed from the Butterfly Magecraft.
As for the Butterfly Magecraft, it was a magecraft passed down through generations in the Caesarmund family. It focused on simulating the series of transformations from a caterpillar to a butterfly and explored various applications in different fields. One of those applications happened to be resurrection, where the Butterfly Magecraft played a pivotal role.
Caesarmund revealed, "The person pushing my wheelchair behind me was an artificial being created using my blood and genetic information. Through the power of Butterfly Magecraft, I embedded a cocoon within his body. Once my current body is destroyed, the cocoon will rupture, and he will emerge like a butterfly, carrying my personality, spirit, memories, and Magic Crest. It will serve as a means of resurrection, transferring everything into the new body."
Taking a brief pause, he added, "As for myself, I had a connection with the previous owner of this Castle. We collaborated on research specifically focused on Butterfly Magecraft and the concept of resurrection."
Shirou raised an eyebrow, "Are you implying that the current anomaly is orchestrated by the owner of this castle, who intends to use Butterfly Magecraft for resurrection? And the magi who received the invitations are the materials?"
"That's exactly what I'm thinking." Caesarmund nodded, his expression serious.
Waver frowned and asked, "But why did they specifically mention the Holy Grail on the invitations then? if they hadn't mentioned it, the Church, Lord Barthomeloi, as well as the Dead Apostle Ancestors and their princess, wouldn't have shown up. His resurrection magecraft doesn't actually require the Holy Grail. However, considering the current circumstances, even if his magecraft succeeds, he won't be able to obtain the Holy Grail due to the interference of Lord Barthomeloi and the Dead Apostle Ancestors."
"No, that guy doesn't have the Holy Grail," Caesarmund asserted confidently. "I'm absolutely certain about this."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Knowing that person's character, if he possessed the Holy Grail, he would have taken it with him even in death. There's no way he would mention it on the invitations."
Shirou remarked, "Yet, it feels like this place has been isolated from the outside world by the sheer power of the Holy Grail, almost like an entirely different realm."
"What makes you so certain that it's the Holy Grail?" Caesarmund asked curiously,
"I wouldn't say I'm completely certain, but it's more of a speculation. However, apart from the Holy Grail, there's nothing that can hide the truth from my eyes!"
"The Mystic Eyes, huh..."
"You could say that."
At that moment, Arcueid asked, "Hey, magus, what happens to the personality of the body when it's resurrected using your Butterfly Magecraft?"
"Well, to put it simply, their personality will gradually fade away until it's completely gone. This magecraft essentially allows someone to inhabit the body and achieve resurrection."
"Isn't that the same as Crimson Moon?" She felt a mixture of anger and frustration because she herself was the vessel for the resurrection of Crimson Moon.
As the realization dawned on Arcueid that her own personality would vanish once Crimson Moon fully consumed her body, a wave of intense emotions surged within her. Anger and frustration intertwined, leaving her deeply affected, and it was impossible to hide the hostility in her gaze as she directed it towards Caesarmund.
Caught off guard by the sudden change in atmosphere, Caesarmund felt a knot of unease forming in his stomach. Sensing the need to provide further explanation, he hastily added, "You see, this artificial being of mine was infused with the cocoon during its early stages as an embryo, before any distinct personality could form. Its purpose was always to serve as a substitute body for me."
However, before their conversation could continue, a piercing scream abruptly shattered the stillness of the night, echoing through the air with an unmistakable sense of terror.
"Ah!!"
Shirou chuckled, "They say smart people usually meet an early death."
"That may be true, but it seems like Fujimaru-sama enjoys dealing with smart people."
"You're absolutely right. I actually have a soft spot for smart people, especially the really clever ones. I don't mind if people try to figure me out, but they better be careful not to overstep," he said with a slight smile. "So, Orlocke Caesarmund, do enlighten me. What clues have you brought? I'm all ears. If the price is right, I will ensure your safety."
Just then, Gray abruptly stood up and addressed Waver, "Um... Teacher, I'm feeling a bit tired. I think I'll head back to my room."
Waver replied, "Is it because of the ritual at the entrance? Would you like me to accompany you to your room?"
"No... there's no need. It would only delay Teacher and Fujimaru-sama."
Arcueid smiled and offered, "In that case, I can accompany you back, Artoria."
"It's Gray..." she interjected instinctively, waving her hand. "I... I can handle it on my own. You don't have to go out of your way, Miss Arcueid."
"Um... alright,"
Gray made her way towards the door, pausing for a moment. She turned her head to glance at Shirou and softly said, "Fujimaru-sama, please take care and make sure to get some rest..."
Shirou was momentarily taken aback, then nodded and said, "I understand."
Gray walked out of the room.
The attention of everyone returned to Orlocke Caesarmund.
Caesarmund looked at Shirou and asked, "Do you know about the Caesarmund family's magecraft?"
Shirou shook his head and then looked at Waver.
Waver said, "It's Butterfly Magecraft."
"Correct," Caesarmund nodded and said, "The so-called Butterfly Magecraft simulates the series of changes from a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. In a sense, it can also be considered a resurrection ritual..."
Caesarmund went on to explain the ins and outs of the Butterfly Magecraft, leaving Shirou deep in thought with a slight frown on his face.
After the Age of Gods came to an end, modern magecraft emerged, giving rise to a complex realm of study and understanding. It encompasses various fundamental concepts such as "Origin Awakening," "Elements," and "Attributes."
Unfortunately, due to misconceptions, many people harbor incorrect notions about magecraft. Contrary to the oversimplified portrayals found in poorly devised isekai novels, magecraft attributes cannot simply be wielded for attacking purposes. Take, for instance, the water attribute, which, in the realm of Natural Science, signifies "cold and moist" properties and is associated with absorption. This particular attribute has been passed down through generations in the Matou family.
The Matou family specialized in a unique form of magecraft that revolved around the use of familiars. In fact, the concept of Servants and the Command Spell system was born based on this type of magecraft. On the other hand, the Insect Magecraft, which was a secret technique exclusively held by Zouken, differed from the Butterfly Magecraft.
As for the Butterfly Magecraft, it was a magecraft passed down through generations in the Caesarmund family. It focused on simulating the series of transformations from a caterpillar to a butterfly and explored various applications in different fields. One of those applications happened to be resurrection, where the Butterfly Magecraft played a pivotal role.
Caesarmund revealed, "The person pushing my wheelchair behind me was an artificial being created using my blood and genetic information. Through the power of Butterfly Magecraft, I embedded a cocoon within his body. Once my current body is destroyed, the cocoon will rupture, and he will emerge like a butterfly, carrying my personality, spirit, memories, and Magic Crest. It will serve as a means of resurrection, transferring everything into the new body."
Taking a brief pause, he added, "As for myself, I had a connection with the previous owner of this Castle. We collaborated on research specifically focused on Butterfly Magecraft and the concept of resurrection."
Shirou raised an eyebrow, "Are you implying that the current anomaly is orchestrated by the owner of this castle, who intends to use Butterfly Magecraft for resurrection? And the magi who received the invitations are the materials?"
"That's exactly what I'm thinking." Caesarmund nodded, his expression serious.
Waver frowned and asked, "But why did they specifically mention the Holy Grail on the invitations then? if they hadn't mentioned it, the Church, Lord Barthomeloi, as well as the Dead Apostle Ancestors and their princess, wouldn't have shown up. His resurrection magecraft doesn't actually require the Holy Grail. However, considering the current circumstances, even if his magecraft succeeds, he won't be able to obtain the Holy Grail due to the interference of Lord Barthomeloi and the Dead Apostle Ancestors."
"No, that guy doesn't have the Holy Grail," Caesarmund asserted confidently. "I'm absolutely certain about this."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Knowing that person's character, if he possessed the Holy Grail, he would have taken it with him even in death. There's no way he would mention it on the invitations."
Shirou remarked, "Yet, it feels like this place has been isolated from the outside world by the sheer power of the Holy Grail, almost like an entirely different realm."
"What makes you so certain that it's the Holy Grail?" Caesarmund asked curiously,
"I wouldn't say I'm completely certain, but it's more of a speculation. However, apart from the Holy Grail, there's nothing that can hide the truth from my eyes!"
"The Mystic Eyes, huh..."
"You could say that."
At that moment, Arcueid asked, "Hey, magus, what happens to the personality of the body when it's resurrected using your Butterfly Magecraft?"
"Well, to put it simply, their personality will gradually fade away until it's completely gone. This magecraft essentially allows someone to inhabit the body and achieve resurrection."
"Isn't that the same as Crimson Moon?" She felt a mixture of anger and frustration because she herself was the vessel for the resurrection of Crimson Moon.
As the realization dawned on Arcueid that her own personality would vanish once Crimson Moon fully consumed her body, a wave of intense emotions surged within her. Anger and frustration intertwined, leaving her deeply affected, and it was impossible to hide the hostility in her gaze as she directed it towards Caesarmund.
Caught off guard by the sudden change in atmosphere, Caesarmund felt a knot of unease forming in his stomach. Sensing the need to provide further explanation, he hastily added, "You see, this artificial being of mine was infused with the cocoon during its early stages as an embryo, before any distinct personality could form. Its purpose was always to serve as a substitute body for me."
However, before their conversation could continue, a piercing scream abruptly shattered the stillness of the night, echoing through the air with an unmistakable sense of terror.
"Ah!!"
