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

Magic involves something called "live transformation." In a place where there was originally nothing, after being concealed by a curtain or some other obstruction, and then suddenly revealed, a person can be seen standing there. 

In reality, this is achieved through mechanisms exploiting visual illusions—phenomena explainable by scientific principles. To ordinary people, it appears as stage magic. 

For true magi, however, teleportation—an ability existing only in the imagination of civilians—is very much real. Caster, **Medea**, from this Holy Grail War, possesses such a skill. 

Only she can do it. 

Illyasviel (Ilya) knew this; Medea had mastery over spatial teleportation magic. Neither Medea nor Li Mo had taught her this particular art—not yet. Though she'd only been studying for a few days, it was enough to grasp its fundamentals. 

So why did Li Mo suddenly vanish into the lake's center? 

Questions begot answers, and the one who could provide them was Medea. 

"Master must have entered the interior of the **Greater Grail**," Medea explained. 

The *interior* of the Greater Grail? 

Ilya asked hesitantly, "Is this the only way?" 

"Avenger won't emerge," Medea replied succinctly. 

"Not emerge? What I mean is… wouldn't destroying the **Lesser Grail** outright work? Last time, Saber destroyed the Lesser Grail, buying us ten years. Could that solution apply here?" 

Though Einzbern never formally educated her on these matters, Ilya inferred based on past events. Still, an unsettling suspicion lingered: were Medea and Li Mo hiding something? 

As if sensing her unease, **Koyanskaya** interjected with a sly smile. 

"Assassin, Koyanskaya-san," Ilya muttered, disliking the Servant. Like Archer, she seemed modern—or perhaps even futuristic. Knowing their true names revealed little about their origins. 

More frustrating still, Archer's identity was at least known among participants. But this Assassin appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Even Medea seemed unaware of her background, leaving all knowledge centralized in Li Mo alone. 

Worst of all, Koyanskaya excelled at concealing truths—a master of secrets. 

"Do you know, Ilya-chan? Men are drawn to power—be it wealth, authority, or combat prowess. Among magi, men far outnumber women, especially among the elite. My Master simply seeks power." 

"So… Mr. Li deceived us?" 

"On the contrary, he hasn't. He told you: eliminating Avenger and dismantling the Lesser Grail remain our goals. Compared to the corrupted wish-granting machine, my Master values the **Third Magic**." 

The Third Magic—"Soul Materialization." 

In modern magecraft, users of the First or Fourth Magics remain unknown. The Second Magic belongs to the Wizard Marshall, a reclusive figure rarely seen. The Fifth Magic seems tied to a Japanese individual. And the Third Magic lost its inheritor long ago. 

Its last user, **Justica von Einzbern**, whose body became the Lesser Grail itself. The current Lesser Grail crystallizes the essence of the Third Magic. 

Ilya understood now. Li Mo valued the Third Magic—or more specifically, Medea's research into it. His own comprehension of the Third Magic remained limited. 

Thus... 

"Why did Mr. Li enter the Greater Grail? It couldn't just be for Avenger. Turning Avenger into another Servant under his command doesn't align with his goals." 

Li Mo already commanded three Servants. Occasionally, they discussed how he supplied mana to sustain all three. Outside combat, it might've been manageable—but during battles, mana consumption skyrocketed. For example, Shirou Emiya struggled to maintain sufficient energy for Saber's existence. 

Given this context, adding a fourth Servant shouldn't pose issues. Besides, Avenger's appearance likely resembled her mother's. 

"Why do you say that?" Koyanskaya pressed curiously. 

"It's just a hunch. So, what exactly are you planning? Does Mr. Li intend to use something inside to enhance his power?" 

"Little girl, you shouldn't concern yourself with things beyond your understanding." 

"Who are you calling a little girl?!" 

Despite her petite stature, Ilya towered over Shirou and others! She was older, after all—a teenager. Comparing her to the enigmatic woman before her, Ilya reflected briefly: Koyanskaya's glasses obscured her gaze, but judging by her figure, she must've been ancient when ascending to Heroic Spirit status. 

Shaking off these thoughts, Ilya persisted, "Has Mr. Li prepared a backup plan?" 

"Why do you care so much about my Master, Ilya-chan?" Koyanskaya teased lightly, patting her head. Their height difference emphasized the maternal undertone. 

"Don't touch my head!" 

Ilya resisted further, signaling her surrender to questioning. That man must've arranged everything meticulously. Her acceptance mirrored Shirou's and the others' trust. 

Seeing no further queries from the Masters, the Servants turned their attention suspiciously toward Koyanskaya. Compared to Medea, her knowledge clearly extended deeper. 

Medusa materialized beside her, asking pointedly, "What exactly are you planning to do?" 

"Isn't it obvious? Pursuing power." 

"He's not that obsessive or reckless type," Medusa countered skeptically. 

"There's a reason behind his actions, Rider. Rest assured." 

Koyanskaya's demeanor shifted subtly, dispelling any lingering jealousy. Her gaze, hidden behind lenses, scanned the Greater Grail intently, reflecting everything unfolding within. 

A faint smile curved her lips. 

"It's about to begin, my dear Master."