Shinji Matou at Your Service

Although Medusa was also born in Greece and was active even earlier, she wasn't a magus. In this regard, she couldn't compare to Medea and quickly found herself at a disadvantage. She looked to Shinji for help, and Shinji scratched his head, saying:

"Your idea is good, but sorry, I refuse."

"Why?"

"It's simple. I'm a prospective Master who can summon another Servant, so I can't form a contract with you right now. As for the issue of magical energy supply, Medea, someone once told me that purely in terms of magical expertise, you stand at the pinnacle of magical history. Even without using extreme methods, you should have ways to replenish your magic."

"If I don't use those methods, the efficiency of replenishing magical energy is low. One battle is fine, but any more than that…"

Shinji waved his hand.

"It's fine. Your combat role is already more supportive. In general—well, this situation doesn't seem ordinary, so it's better to play it safe. You'll form a contract with Sakura. She'll prioritize supplying your magical energy, and I have a solution for Rider."

"What solution?"

Medusa asked curiously.

"This."

Shinji drew his finger across his other hand, flicking a liquid-like substance toward Medusa's lips.

Instinctively, Medusa stuck out her tongue and licked it. In the next second, her expression changed.

"This—this is!!!"

"My blood. Not bad, right?"

Indeed, Shinji's solution was to provide Medusa with magical energy through his blood.

Broadly speaking, Medusa could be classified as a type of vampire. However, compared to True Ancestors or Dead Apostles, Medusa was an even older existence and wouldn't create subordinates or thralls by drinking blood. Her classification as a vampire was solely because, for her and her two sisters, blood was the most potent source of energy. They could extract the greatest amount of power from it. One of Medusa's Noble Phantasms, Blood Fort Andromeda, directly reflected this trait.

However, the energy contained in ordinary human blood was limited. Even if she drained someone completely, she wouldn't gain much magical energy. But Shinji was different—he was a magus, and his blood was far more potent than that of an ordinary person. Additionally, his body had been strengthened through various means from a young age, and he had recently consumed part of the True Ancestor's blood and the essence of the Crimson fruit. To Medusa, his blood was the perfect supplement.

Based on the analysis of the blood she had just ingested, only a few drops of Shinji's blood per day would be enough to sustain her existence. For combat, she would need more, but it wouldn't have a significant impact on Shinji's body.

This was a method of magical supply unique to Shinji and Medusa (although Steno and Euryale could also use it). Medusa's gaze towards Shinji instantly changed—like a horny Onee-san eyeing Shotacon.

Shinji shuddered involuntarily and quickly changed the subject.

"Does anyone else have any objections? If not, then it's settled—Sakura, form the contract."

"Okay."

Having already formed one contract before, Sakura skillfully raised her left hand, which bore the Command Seals, and began chanting.

"Your body shall be under my command, and my fate shall be entrusted to your sword."

As invisible magical energy flowed, creating a swirling current, a new contract was established.

With a new source of magical energy and an anchor in the physical world, Medea's recovery was visible to the naked eye. The magical aura unique to witches became even more intense.

When she got off the bed and donned her cloak, a combination of a cape and robe, she spoke with unprecedented confidence to everyone:

"Master, and Mr. Shinji, rejoice. You've made the wisest choice—I now hold the key to victory in this Holy Grail War and have found the best location to establish a base. I'll take you there right away."

What she didn't expect was that the group's reaction was much more casual than she had anticipated. Her Master and the other two girls were somewhat curious, but Medusa remained expressionless, while Shinji looked as if he had expected this all along.

"You're talking about Mount ENzou, right? The mountain in that direction."

"You knew?"

This time, it was Medea's turn to be surprised. She had used considerable effort to come to this conclusion.

"Of course, I know. We've lived in this area for over ten years. How could I not know where the best ley lines are or where the center of magical rituals is? As you said, the terrain there is excellent, with a powerful bounded field that restricts the movement of spirits, making it easy to defend and hard to attack. The underground magical energy is also ideal for a magus like you. It's certainly the best choice for a base—"

Here, Shinji deliberately paused and pointed at the ground beneath his feet.

"—That is, if you ignore the workshop you're standing on right now."

"Huh?"

Medea was even more astonished after hearing Shinji's words. He wasn't like Atrum, who was ignorant. He clearly understood the advantages of Mount Enzou, so why was he saying this?

It wasn't that Medea was being arrogant, but modern magecraft couldn't compare to the magecraft of the Age of Gods in terms of level or scale. What was considered advanced modern magecraft seemed like children's toys to her.

Could this workshop be that impressive?

Seeing her confusion, Shinji smiled smugly.

"Well, well, I didn't expect the famous Medea to make a misjudgment. Sakura, show Caster around the workshop. Kirie, Fujino, clean up, and I'll go wash the dishes. Rider—"

"I'm going with her."

Medusa, her face cold, pointed at Medea.

"I still don't fully trust her. I won't give her any chances."

"Hmph, suit yourself."

Medea turned her head, put on her hood, and walked ahead.

Medusa followed closely behind, maintaining a standard three-step distance.

"Ha~ Why can't you Greek representatives just get along?"

Shinji sighed.

Both Greek representatives snorted coldly at the same time, their hostility undeniable.

Shinji shrugged and said no more. After the two left the room, he followed behind them.

Medusa, you don't need to worry. Even if Medea has second thoughts, I have countermeasures. She may seem crazy, but she also has things she fears.

For example, her aunt, and half-mentor, the Great Witch Circe. As an apprentice, Medea had endured quite a bit of torment from Circe.

Even if that doesn't work, I have another trump card: a natural counter to manipulative personalities—Medea Milf may be devious, but her younger self, Medea Lily, was pure and innocent, rivaling even Arcueid in naivety. With a Command Seal and a bit of magic to alter her spirit origin, betrayal? Not a chance.

Of course, these thoughts remained in Shinji's mind. He wasn't a fool who would reveal all his cards. He had long planned for contingencies, both for Medusa and Medea.

Now that most of the pieces were in place, all that was left was to wait for the other Masters to make their moves.

And from this moment on, the Fifth Holy Grail War finally began to feel like a real war.