A peculiar circular structure lay before them, enclosed by a larger triangle. Around the triangle's edges were inscribed the names "ANAPHAXETON," "TETRAGRAMMATON," and "PRIMEUMATON."
Within the three sections of the triangle, formed by the circle's division, were written "MI," "CHA," and "EL."
"Is this a summoning magic circle?" Tohsaka Rin asked, somewhat surprised as she examined the array on the ground. But she quickly shook her head. "No, that's not right. This isn't for summoning!"
At that moment, Morpheus called out, "Look closely, Rin. Examine the words written in this magic circle and tell me... what do they represent?!"
Both Emiya Shirou and Artoria were momentarily stunned. To them, Morpheus seemed like a teacher seizing a practical opportunity to test his student on the spot.
And that student was Tohsaka Rin!
Realizing Morpheus was using this moment to teach her, Rin immediately focused. Holding Illya in her arms, she had no time to dwell on the girl's soft skin... her attention was entirely on the question at hand.
The black giant roared, struggling to break free from the circle, but no matter how much force he exerted, he could not escape.
The mysterious power emanating from the magic circle completely restrained the raging giant, rendering even his strength... beyond human limits and nearing that of a god... useless!
Yet, no matter how fiercely the giant struggled, Rin paid him no mind.
Morpheus' question was far more challenging!
Finally, after racking her brain and analyzing the circle's structure, Rin gave her answer.
"ANAPHAXETON, TETRAGRAMMATON, and PRIMEUMATON are all names of God, holy names. And the separated 'MI,' 'CHA,' and 'EL' are actually meant to be combined... they form 'Michael,' representing the archangel Michael, leader of the four archangels!"
She shouted her answer to Morpheus as if proclaiming her victory.
Her response brought a smile to Morpheus' face.
"Well done. A bit slow, but at least it's not wrong." Morpheus said, beginning to chant a spell.
"In the name of the great, glorious, and incomprehensible Almighty Lord, I bind you, spirit of the otherworld. By the holy name, I confine you within this circle!"
As the incantation concluded, the magic circle's power intensified. The divine force pressed inward, sealing off every possible avenue for the spirit to escape!
At that moment, Rin finally understood the circle's purpose... it was designed to seal a Servant, preventing their escape!
Servants were spiritual entities from beyond this world, and this circle was perfectly crafted to bind such beings!
Having once called upon Gabriel's power through the Moonstone, Rin knew well the might of angels. And now, this circle bore not only the name of Michael, the chief of the four archangels, but also three distinct titles of God!
What kind of magecraft was this, sealing an existence with the name of God?!
"What… what kind of magecraft is this?" Shirou, an ordinary person with some supernatural knowledge, who had mostly lived a normal life, couldn't help but ask.
"Demonology," Morpheus replied calmly.
The term sent a chill through everyone present.
"D-Demonology?!" Shirou asked cautiously. "You mean that kind of demon?"
"Yes, exactly. It could summon something like the seven demon kings, but what I'm using here is the Triangle of Solomon. It's more suited for the seventy-two demons, though." Morpheus explained, as he lifted the hypnosis on Illya.
As the hypnosis faded, Illya slowly woke up, just in time to hear Shirou's exclamation nearby.
"The seventy-two demons of Solomon?! I know about those... they show up all the time in novels and games!"
Despite not being a true magus, Shirou, with hobbies typical of a high schooler, instantly grasped what Morpheus meant.
At that moment, Illya fully opened her eyes. She saw Heracles trapped within the magic circle. Instead of struggling, she carefully manipulated her own power.
Her Magic Circuits began to react, generating immense magical energy. This surge came suddenly, and with it, Illya finally issued her command.
"Berserker, come to my side!"
This was the absolute command of a Command Spell, capable of turning a Servant into spirit form or even teleporting them instantly... a miraculous power granted by the Holy Grail!
"Oh no!" Rin gasped, moving to restrain Illya, but it was too late. The Command Spell had taken effect, and Heracles' physical form within the circle rapidly turned into spirit form and vanished!
Artoria immediately drew her weapon, positioning herself beside Shirou to protect her Master.
If anyone on the scene remained calm, it was Morpheus.
Just as everyone braced for danger and Illya smirked, expecting her Servant to rescue her, a roar echoed from within the circle again.
The Servant, who had turned into spirit form to teleport, reappeared... not at Illya's side, but still inside the magic circle!
Despite expending the power of a Command Spell, Heracles remained unable to break free from the circle's seal!
"Berserker!"
Illya shouted again, pouring her magical energy into another Command Spell, but it was futile. No matter how much Heracles roared, he couldn't escape the circle's bindings.
The stubborn girl's face began to show signs of tears, but Morpheus merely shrugged. "Now, can we talk calmly?"
Illya gritted her teeth, silent.
Her body was unique. As a descendant of both humans and homunculi, it had undergone extensive modifications. Her Magic Circuits were exceptionally numerous, and each could function as a Command Spell.
This was why she had attempted a second try without hesitation.
But despite her immense power, with her Servant sealed, Illya knew she couldn't oppose the people here.
So, she quieted down, though she cautiously listened to the exchanges around her, trying to figure out whether she was being kidnapped or something else.
Artoria, observing the sealed giant, asked, "You're not going to kill him?"
"I need to prove something." Morpheus replied, turning to his Master. "Rin, I told you I needed to make preparations. This is the result of those preparations, and the proof is now right in front of you."
"Proof?" Rin asked, puzzled. She glanced at the sealed Berserker and then at Illya, who stood nearby, confused about the situation. Suddenly, it clicked. "Wait, you mean the preparations you mentioned these past few days…"
Morpheus nodded. "I looked around and decided this was the best place. So, I've been coming here quietly the past few days to set things up at Emiya's house. This magic circle was prepared for this exact moment."
Shirou was stunned, immediately shouting, "Hold on, you've been messing around in someone else's house?!"
"No choice. I calculated we'd face an attack, and after checking, this was the safest place to seal Berserker." Morpheus said unapologetically. "I could've done it at her place, but sneaking around to avoid triggering her bounded fields was too much hassle."
"Then… then this…" Shirou pointed at the black giant. "He's just going to stay here?!"
"Let him stay in spirit form normally. I'm sure the lovely Miss Einzbern will cooperate." Morpheus said, glancing at Illya, who was trying her best to minimize her presence.
As everyone's eyes turned to her, Illya smiled. "Why should I cooperate with you?"
Morpheus looked at the defiant girl and suddenly said, "Let's talk privately."
Illya's smile grew brighter. "What's so important that you'd hide it even from your Master?"
Her words drew everyone's attention to Morpheus. A little girl, especially such a cute one, had just been used as a hostage by him... her comment easily sparked misunderstandings.
But Morpheus only said calmly, "If you don't mind everyone here knowing the secrets you're hiding, I don't care either."
His words froze Illya mid-mockery, her expression stiffening. After a moment of silence, she looked at Heracles. "Berserker, stay here quietly and don't cause trouble."
Once the giant calmed down, she turned to Morpheus. "Fine, if you want to talk privately, let's talk, Unc!"
She emphasized "Unc" with a pointed tone.
Morpheus glanced at the others. Rin looked at him with curiosity, while Shirou seemed relatively calm, clearly trusting Morpheus as a fellow advocate of justice.
As for Artoria, who looked ready to act, Morpheus rolled his eyes helplessly. "Want to come listen too?"
"I'm just making sure you don't do anything you shouldn't," Artoria replied.
"Oh, really? How about you stand guard at the door then?" Morpheus shot back without hesitation, clashing with Artoria. "Besides, I'd say my moral standards are top-tier here."
At the same time, Morpheus held back a thought he didn't voice.
"You're so protective of her... do you think you're her mom? Or do you have a thing for Illya's mom?"
After all, in the Fourth Holy Grail War, Artoria's Master was Emiya Kiritsugu, who was not only Shirou's adoptive father but also Illya's biological father!
Artoria and Illya's mother had cooperated quite a bit during that war.
But knowing that saying this might set Artoria off, Morpheus restrained himself from speaking it aloud.
Then, he led Illya to a small room ahead.
Though Shirou and the others were curious, they didn't follow. Even the highly vigilant Artoria stayed put, standing alone and staring at the completely sealed Heracles, her mind swirling with thoughts.
"If I were sealed in there, could I break free?"
She couldn't help but wonder.
***
If you enjoyed this story, don't forget to drop 5 stars and your power stone. And if you want to read more than 70 chapters in advance, feel free to visit: pat reon . com / KangTL