Multiverse: Why does the world show a health bar? !

What exactly is "intelligence"?

The attributes displayed before Li Mo by the system totaled six, roughly divided into two categories: physical traits like "strength," "constitution," and "agility," and more abstract qualities such as "intelligence," "spirit," and "perception." If pressed, the latter set likely pertained to brain development.

But Li Mo had never delved deeply into this aspect.

Nearly a week had passed since that fateful dinner. Fuyuki City welcomed its own semblance of peace—the term "gas explosion" no longer haunted its streets. From the perspective of ordinary residents, this tranquility seemed natural. 

For Li Mo, however, it marked the inevitable conclusion of Kotomine Kirei's story. The priest's death at Rin Tohsaka's hands was confirmed shortly after the gathering, though specifics remained undisclosed. Whether Rin felt guilt or satisfaction over the act, Li Mo chose not to inquire. Even if she hadn't acted, Illyasviel would've—Kiritsugu Emiya's daughter couldn't ignore her father's legacy. Still, Rin possessed greater leeway in executing justice, given the Einzbern family's role in the Tohsaka clan's decline.

While life resumed normally for others, Li Mo dedicated himself entirely to learning under Medea. Or rather, becoming her capable assistant.

"Today's tasks are complete, Master."

"Thank you for your help, Medea-san."

"No, those words should come from me. I didn't expect Master to progress so swiftly."

Medea genuinely marveled at Li Mo's rapid growth in thaumaturgy. Though guided personally, his learning speed astonished even her. Unlike past Masters, he grasped concepts with remarkable ease.

"It's just about identifying commonalities between Yin-Yang Sorcery and Western magecraft," Li Mo replied casually.

This statement held both truth and deception. While different worlds expressed mysteries uniquely, their underlying principles could be adapted. What he omitted, however, was critical: **he had allocated attribute points**.

The system existed quietly in the background, often disregarded since discarding it still allowed him to grow stronger. Yet during pivotal moments, its utility became undeniable. Initially, Li Mo planned to invest all points into physical attributes post-transformation. However, shifting priorities led him to focus solely on *intelligence*.

Even a single point made a difference—he noticed clearer thoughts, faster problem-solving, and dramatically improved learning efficiency. This revelation solidified his decision. Intelligence wasn't merely an abstract trait—it was foundational.

After maxing out this attribute to 14, Li Mo now absorbed knowledge several times faster. In Medea's eyes, his progress bordered on miraculous.

"So, how far along is the Greater Grail?" Li Mo asked nonchalantly.

Though nominally her assistant, his role reduced to following orders without question—a reliable tool ensuring smooth operations. His competence lay in avoiding elementary mistakes.

"The Greater Grail is roughly fifty percent unraveled," Medea explained. "However, the remaining half poses significant challenges. So far, I've only cracked the simpler components."

The Greater Grail represented a colossal, intricate magical construct. Medea painstakingly dissected its mechanisms, aiming to fully comprehend it before dismantling. Within the Grail lay *All the World's Evil*, a force capable of corrupting or consuming anyone who approached recklessly. Each step required utmost caution.

"As for the Lesser Grail, should we proceed with extracting Illyasviel's heart as discussed?"

Illyasviel's heart itself was the Lesser Grail. During one timeline, Gilgamesh extracted it, using Shinji Matou as a vessel to open a gateway. Li Mo could replicate this action but preferred delaying activation. Alternatively, he considered summoning the Greater Grail prematurely, then destroying it via Artoria Pendragon's Noble Phantasm—a move reminiscent of Kiritsugu's strategy decades prior. Such delays granted additional time to analyze and dismantle the system.

"Master's plan is sound, but let's wait. Current fluctuations in the Greater Grail aren't pronounced enough. Once I replace fragments with replicas, we'll sever ties to the Lesser Grail entirely. Until then, please monitor its status closely," Medea advised.

Li Mo nodded solemnly. "Understood. Truly, these past days have been nothing but trouble for you, Medea-san. Thank you for bearing with me."

She shook her head gently, lowering her hood to reveal her radiant features. A faint blush adorned her cheeks after Koyanskaya's teasing remark.

"Of course not..."

"Nonsense! You shouldn't say that, Medea-san. You ought to express gratitude—being useful to Master is your honor!" Koyanskaya interjected playfully, holding up a sign reading "Heartless Bastard" in bold strokes.

Her preparation was unmistakable.

"Koyanskaya-san, have I offended you somehow?"

With a light tap, Li Mo drew Medea's attention. Her composed demeanor shifted slightly under Koyanskaya's jests.

"Of course, Master has wronged me! How dare you cozy up to Medea-san while ignoring your loyal Assassin? We're all your Servants—why the preferential treatment?"

In response, Koyanskaya folded away her signboard as though nothing happened, maintaining her usual cheerfulness.

---

As Sunday approached, Li Mo invited Koyanskaya to accompany him to the Emiya residence.

"Sure thing."

Without hesitation, she agreed, seamlessly resuming her playful facade. Despite her antics, Li Mo recognized her dedication. Beneath her jests lay genuine loyalty—something he valued greatly. Together, they returned to the Emiya household, where preparations for unraveling the Greater Grail awaited.