A/N: Hey everyone! I have returned as promised with an update to this story (as I mentioned before in Chapter 7 of the Kamen Rider Eternal story). As you all saw from the previous chapter, Luvia made her appearance and now starting to be involved in investigating Wizard's actions. Now, this is part two of it. Hope you all enjoy the chapter.

Also, as I mentioned before I plan to publish a new story soon (probably next month). However, I am searching for a Beta-reader/editor for it. The requirements are the following: Must have knowledge of Final Fantasy VII (and its remake since the story will follow the remake storyline) and Final Fantasy XIV Online as I also played both games. If you are interested in helping as an editor/beta-reader, send me a message but you must know both games well (or the original Final Fantasy 7).

Now let's begin the chapter for the story!

Henshin!

'Thought'

"Phantom"

Frustration was the first thing on the Tohsaka Magus's mind as she was called by the priest in Fuyuki on an update on the current situation. It's not about the Masters who resided to participate in the Holy Grail War, but the sudden visitor that entered the city for a different reason.

"There is another Magus inside Fuyuki?" Rin spoke from the phone.

"She informed me of her presence a couple days back." Kirei informed. "She's here to investigate the presence of the Mana that appeared constantly around the city and the monsters attacking."

The Magus held the phone tightly at the words. She knew who the fake priest was referring to: Wizard and the corrupted constructs.

"She has told me that she will not interfere with the proceedings of the War, so do not worry about her interfering with your activities."

"You knew about that guy, didn't you?" Rin assumed with a frown.

"As well as his Ruler-class Servant." He simply stated. "I have to admit, it is the first time to see a vessel of Mana."

"What are you talking about? Didn't you check the incidents to make sure it's covered up?"

"Actually, the church didn't. Someone cleaned it up before we arrived."

"What…?" Rin blinked in surprise over the news. Could someone else be spectating the ongoing situation? She recalled a white crystal bird during the mahoutsukai's fight against Hellhound. "And you haven't found the one who did it?"

"He slipped away every time we arrived. We haven't got a description of the one who covered it up."

'The white Familiar from back then…' the Tohsaka heiress realized. Someone was channeling their Magecraft through the white bird and onto the area. 'Someone's definitely watching him and those constructs...but who could it be…?'

"That will be it for now. I'll inform you if there's any progress concerning their presence in the city." With that, the call ended.

Just what was happening in Fuyuki City?

A Wizard's Fate

Chapter 8: Crashing Concrete

The days at the shop can be uneventful for the mahoutsukai as there were no Phantoms around. For one thing, it gave him time to think about the event that Ruler told him– the gas leak incidents.

According to what the priest told him, the Servant that was most likely responsible was residing in the area of Ryuudou Temple. If that's true, the Servant must have something big planned to attack the other Masters and Servants.

Normally, it would be best to approach the temple immediately but he couldn't due to the lack of information. From the Servants he encountered, he could assume that either Caster or Assassin may be the possible culprit since the incidents involve gas.

Enrique grimaced at the possibility of fighting another Servant. He knew that Ruler would be fighting alongside him, but a Servant was a different level than the Phantoms themselves even though there are some who match their strength like Phoenix. Also, he had to include the type of Noble Phantasms the Servants have.

Come to think of it, he wondered what kind of Noble Phantasm Ruler had. From what he had seen from her, she wielded her sword and flag spear.

According to his teacher, Noble Phantasms are actually the embodiment of the legends that make the entire existence of the Heroic Spirits. It can be anything imaginable like swords, bows, lances, or even magic books and curses of any kind.

He wanted to ask the Servant, but he put it aside knowing that using a Noble Phantasm isn't going to be necessary as he had his magic to fight against the Phantoms. Not to mention the resulting damage from using a Noble Phantasm could be very catastrophic if not used properly.

"Master? Is everything alright?"

"Oh, Ruler." He looked slightly at the Servant in front of him. "I'm just thinking about which Servant who caused those gas leaks in the city."

"I see the reason why you're concerned. He or she is a problem to the civilians." The Servant noted in response to his work. The only lead they had was the unidentifiable Servant made their base at Ryuudou Temple.

Judging from the incidents, Ruler could assume that the ones responsible were Caster or the unknown Assassin since the other Servants are unlikely. Lancer seemed to be the type who prefers fighting head on from their first encounter while Berserker… honestly the Servant's title just says it all. Nothing but pure rage and strength. And it looked like his Master didn't have a reason to use the gas leak incidents.

"By the way, you know the true identities of the Servants when you first saw them right?" He recalled from her further explanation of her abilities during one of the days when they didn't confront any Phantoms.

"Yes, but seeing Berserker and Lancer, they are not the culprits. My biggest suspect is Caster judging from her abilities in Magecraft and the time when she noticed your Mana." Ruler held a hand close to her chin. "The only action we have is to confront her, but we don't have enough information about her."

"All I know is that she has purple hair with pointed ears." Enrique recalled the description of the Servant. "I don't know much about her attack capabilities or her special abilities though since she didn't attack me."

"I can figure out what her True Name is, but I need to see her directly in order for it to work." The Heroic Spirit informed. "We'll confront her sooner or later, Master. There's no use dwelling on it for the time being."

"I guess you're right." He nodded to Ruler's assessment. He had to agree, there are too many unknowns for him to take direct action against Caster. "Our current plan is still the same: Find any Phantoms that are wandering around Fuyuki."

"I understand. Let's go look for any Phantom as well as to search for Luvia." Ruler advised. "She will definitely track down the traces of Mana around the city, the most definite places being the spots where we destroyed the previous ones before."

"Good idea. There could be some traces of Mana left even if Teacher repaired all the damage." Enrique accepted her suggestion, before going to his motorcycle. "Let's go, Ruler."

"As you wish, Master." The Servant obeyed, getting on the vehicle. Enrique revved the handles and drove into the city.

The blonde Magus focused on the concrete, the tip of her fingers pressed against the ground. Her eyes narrowed before marking the information on a notebook, logging in another location of the minor presence of Mana. It was obvious the various locations across Fuyuki held the energy. However it was the fact each location showed no damage thus the explanation of someone in the shadows making the debris nonexistent.

'Who or what caused the Mana to appear in this city? The number of locations doesn't make sense.' From the bridge, the streets, near the school, the hospital, etc.

If a Magus was doing a secret experiment in Fuyuki, how come the Second Owner couldn't find him/her? Did she allow it to happen? Or was the Magus trying to stop something more sinister, even in the Holy Grail War?

Too many questions, too little time to find answers. She had to find the truth of the growing situation. While that Tohsaka no doubt attempted to investigate, she was too busy with the Grail War. That was the advantage she had over the Magus.

Once she has the answer, she can finally beat Tohsaka for once!

Right, focus. Find answers, then gloat about this to her when she has the chance. She still has a job to do.

Taking another look at her journal, she decided to check on the next destination to gather more information regarding the recent incidents outside the Grail War. Monster appearances, devilish golems attacking people. People were targeted for a reason but for what? What was it about the victims that made it so important to the monsters? So many questions with no answers much to her chagrin.

"Okay… the next location should be-" Luvia stopped mid step to a few pebbles falling by her feet. She raised an eyebrow before looking up at the rooftop of the building beside her. There stood three statues which were normal but the one in the center was something that made her suspicious.

Luvia narrowed her eyes at the odd statue resting on the roof with the others. She can tell there's something abnormal about the statue in the middle. Unlike the other statues, there are less cracks from aging and no signs of deterioration. It was staring at her and she swore it moved an inch as odd energy seeped off its form. That alone made her suspicious of the statue.

Preparing her right hand to launch a Gandr spell, the statue suddenly shifted and dropped towards her from the roof. The Magus quickly moved away in time as the statue created a cloud of dust upon crashing.

"As expected of a Magus. You have noticed me in an instant."

She blinked and noticed a pair of gleaming red eyes in the dust before the wings shoved it away, revealing its true colors. The monster has blue skin while its head was almost fiendish.

Its body practically screamed gargoyle.

Okay, golems were one thing in research but an actual gargoyle? That was a first for her to see before her eyes. Gargoyles were seen as the guardians of the church, warding off evil spirits dating back to Medieval and Greek times.

Aiming her finger at the Gargoyle, she fired a Gandr spell at the beast, each shot hitting its hide but the beast showed no signs of stopping its charge.

"Did you think a simple curse would destroy me?" Gargoyle sneered in a mocking tone. "How pathetic."

The blonde felt her eyebrow twitch at the mockery it made. Oh, it was going to get the harsh punishment definitely.

"Now let's see you-" The Gargoyle received a harsh kick to the face by the Magus. He skidded on his feet, grasping his snout in pain. The Phantom rubbed it to ease the pain. "Okay, that really freaking hurt!"

"You left yourself wide open." Luvia kept her stance ready, her arms already Reinforced to fight off the beast. "What are you exactly?"

"You will never know, Magus. All that matters is you have something we want." The Phantom answered.

"And that is?"

Her eyes widened when she witnessed Gargoyle charge towards her. "Your despair!"

Acting quick, she jumped away from the monster's attack before firing Gandr spells at its hide. While the Phantom buckled from a few, it didn't deter him from his target.

'Have to use something stronger.' The blonde Magus focused on her arms and legs with Reinforce. When the monster's claws drew near, she used her arm to stop it by the wrist before delivering a palm strike which pushed Gargoyle considerably.

The Phantom's face scrunched in annoyance. "Damn it! I knew this won't be easy…" The Phantom brought out magic stones and scattered them across the concrete.

Luvia witnessed the stones grow and mold themselves to reveal human-like golems which surprised her. Each one holding a sliver of the natural energy but they were following the order of the Phantom. Each Ghoul carried a spear while their hoarse gurgling was audible for her to hear. She grimaced at the number that now appeared. She wasn't outmatched but she was outnumbered.

The constructs ominously approached the blonde but several bullets were delivered to a few, startling the Gargoyle.

"Silver Bullets?! That can only mean-" another barrage sent Gargoyle sprawling in pain as he and Luvia noticed who was responsible.

The ring-bearing Wizard.

"Not this time Phantom." Wizard stated, the distorted voice familiar to the Edelfelt.

'So my assumption about him was right.' Luvia realized. 'The foreigner was the mahoutsukai.'

The mahoutsukai glanced at Luvia but his brows raised in surprise to who they were targeting. He then grimaced. The Phantom was after Luvia which meant she was the Gate.

"Luvia, you go on ahead!" Wizard shouted to the Magus.

"What are you talking about? I can fight that-"

"You're it's target! It wants something from you!" He exclaimed, trying to explain the situation to her. "You will get hurt badly if it gets what it wants!"

She wanted to refute that but relented as she had no knowledge of the nature of the magical beast that is in front of her.

"Fine. But I still have questions." Without any choice, the woman ran off to safety while Wizard faced against the Gargoyle and its cronies.

"You won't stop me from reaching my target, mahoutsukai!" The Phantom growled, swiping his claws at Wizard, the latter blocking it with his sword.

"Yes, I will." He countered. "No one is falling into despair on my watch."

"Get the mahoutsukai!"

Upon Gargoyle's command, the Ghouls charged towards Wizard with their spears in hand. Just the usual work for the mahoutsukai. The ring-bearing wizard activated the mechanism of his weapon to change it to sword mode. With the blade appearing, he stopped two spears before delivering a whirling kick to knock down the first Ghoul.

He grunted in pain when two other Ghouls struck his back. The mahoutsukai swiftly turned with his blade to horizontally strike the two before changing his focus to the remaining Ghouls.

With a twirl of his signature weapon, he charged towards the grunts with diagonal slashes across their torsos. Each one falling before the last one met its end in miniature explosions.

"That takes care of the Ghouls but where's that-" He saw a shadow below him, causing him to lift his head to see his target.

"Bottoms up!" Gargoyle's body began to turn itself into stone.

"Crap." The petrified Phantom landed on Wizard. Wizard coughed harshly, his hand moving left and right. He was losing air and his bones were slowly being crushed by Gargoyle's weight. I hope this works!' With the topaz Ring now in his finger, he moved his hand and tucked it under to his belt to scan it.

LAND, PLEASE! DO-DO-DO DO-DO-DON! DO DO-DO-DON!

With his style changed, the teen gripped the stone Gargoyle and began to slowly lift the Phantom up.

"Oi! Oi! Oi!" The stone Phantom said through its petrification.

"Guess this Style does have its perks to carry the heavy weight." Wizard chuckled. "I wonder if you can break like a statue?"

With a grunt, the mahoutsukai tossed the Phantom across the road with a thud. The kaijin dismissed his petrification and stood on its feet.

"Who's the one standing around now?" Wizard joked, much to the Phantom's growing annoyance.

"I'll make you stand around in your grave, mahoutsukai." It growled, charging against Wizard to ram him to the streetlight. Wizard coughed but with Land Style, his defense was raised so thankfully he wasn't in much pain. Holding its head, Wizard performed a high kick on the Phantom, the strength leaving the Phantom reeling in pain.

"Guess you're the one going to be broken." The Wizard taunted in amusement. The mahoutsukai aimed at the mythical beast but he detected the essence of Mana. It wasn't coming from the Gargoyle but then he caught a glimmer from the corner of his eyes.

An incoming orb of energy.

'Shit!' He quickly ducked to avoid its collision.

"You're taking too much time, Gargoyle. You missed the chance to create a new Phantom."

The mahoutsukai saw the woman who was responsible for the interference. She was unfamiliar to him but she was aware of the Phantom's name.

"Sorry, but the mahoutsukai was in my way!"

The woman sighed and waved her hand. "Then go. I'll deal with them."

"Roger that!" Gargoyle saluted before using his wings to escape.

"Hey!" Wizard called out but the woman stood in his way.

"I can't have you interfere." The mysterious woman informed him. The mahoutsukai grimaced and asked her, "Who are you?"

"Who am I?" The woman parroted, her soft voice held a devious tone. "Perhaps I can show you, mahoutsukai. You know what I am."

"What the…" Wizard gasped when the woman's form shifted. Standing before Wizard was a Phantom but the mana she held was greater than the other Phantoms. "What Phantom are you?"

"You can call me...Medusa."

From the tree, Rider's eyes widened underneath her blindfold. 'It can't be…'

This was what Phoenix meant of someone being like her. There was a Phantom named after her and she held her powers. Rider's fingers curled to the realization and upon seeing the Phantom slowly set her on edge.

"You can say I am like Phoenix." Medusa stated with a devious grin. "I'm afraid I have to stop you here, mahoutsukai."

He grimaced under his helmet, gripping his WizarSwordGun tightly preparing for a fight. He wasn't sure how it would go in the battle. He may have beaten Phoenix, the Phantom before him was another story. However, he detected the sudden presence of Prana and immediately saw Rider leap down from the tree.

"Rider?" Wizard recognized but the Servant ignored him, her focus solely on the Phantom. Did something about Medusa bring her attention?

"So you're the one Phoenix mentioned."

"I never expected a Servant who has the same name and identity as I do." The Phantom mused. "Quite amusing indeed. It's like seeing a doppelganger."

'Same name?' Wizard took note of the interaction between the two. What could she mean by that? Could Rider be possibly...

The Servant's lips twitched into a thin frown, her hands holding her weapons tightly. That monster was no doppelgänger.

"I am not you." She denied.

"Are you denying it?" Medusa said as she observed. "You are denying who you are. We are monsters. Isn't that what you were once seen as?"

The response the Phantom earned was the chains aimed for her head. Medusa used her staff to parry a few before the snakes on her head extended, biting onto the next set of chains that could have restrained her.

"I will defeat you." Rider declared with anger seething in her tone. "You will not say any further."

"Then by all means, entertain me Rider." Medusa held her staff ready at the Servant.

The Servant glanced at the mahoutsukai and said, "You go on ahead… I'll hold her off."

"Will you be okay?" He asked in concern. "We don't know what she's capable of, even if she is Medusa."

"Go." Wizard felt the glare behind her blindfold. "This is something I must do."

Wizard would have argued against it but he relented after seeing that she was serious. "Alright...but watch yourself."

"Don't worry about me. I'm not gonna die by her hands." The Servant assured him, holding her chains close.

The mahoutsukai reluctantly ran to his motorcycle and drove away as Rider glared at the Phantom.

"How valiant of you. Do you plan to die alone?" Medusa mocked. "Then again, you have to die for us to get the Grail."

"I don't plan to be killed by someone like you."

"Let's see which one wins: Who will be the real one and who will be the fake? How exciting."

Being labeled a fake sent a wave of frustration to Rider. Throwing her weapon at the Phantom, the monster evaded it but quickly saw Rider's other chain dagger. With her staff, Medusa parried the attack, allowing the chain to hit the wall instead. However, it only served as an opportunity for Rider to pull herself towards Medusa like a slingshot. Using her strength, she immediately slammed both feet against Medusa's chest. The harsh impact sent the Phantom sprawling on the ground. However, Medusa quickly stood up and stumbled slightly.

It reminded Rider of Phoenix's sturdy form. Like him, the Phantom in front of her was also on par to a Servant. The mana she felt was of similar potency thus strong forms unlike the lower Phantoms.

The Phantom of Greek Mythology used her feet to launch herself towards Rider. Medusa held her weapon diagonally and aimed for Rider. At first, the Servant assumed the Phantom would land a physical hit but instead her blindfolded eyes watched the staff gather dark energy as she drew near. It was waiting for her to get close!

The Heroic Spirit leaped back, the attack missing by a hair as the dark orb blasted the concrete she stood on into pieces.

'This Phantom fights like a Caster.' Rider grimaced, now raising her guard. Like Phoenix who matched a Saber, Medusa was equivalent to a Caster. She glanced behind her to make sure the mahoutsukai was away from battle proximity. With no sight of him, she knew her main order was fulfilled but the Phantom was her priority. Rider leaned to the side, the staff of Medusa grazing a strand of her hair.

The purple-haired woman slammed her knee against Medusa's stomach, earning a grunt. With swift movement, she desired to slam her weapon into the monster's back. However, the snakes on the Phantom's head reacted and ensnared her wrist.

Rider's blindfolded eyes widened before she felt the elbow to her chin. She locked her jaw before she felt herself thrown to the tree.

"Your dedication is admirable but can you really deny what we are?" Medusa sneered. "I know what your eyes can do. I can't do all the things like you do, but there are alternatives for that." She tapped her concealed 'headdress'.

Rider knew what Medusa was referring to. The very ability that can turn those who look at them into stone. She has the same ability. Monstrous appearance. Everything in front of her reminded her of the past.

"Perhaps I will drain your energy away, see if we can turn you into one of us?" The snakes hissed in anticipation. "Never know what will happen, but that's what makes it interesting."

"Not this time." Rider thrust her weapons across the area, the chains gliding across the air, coiling passed any object to have the opening.

Medusa watched the chains move left and right across the surroundings. Her shielded 'eyes' glanced before her snakes on her head moved and stopped the daggers. Her feet slid across the ground and was face to face with the Servant again.

'She's dangerous...I don't know what her snakes are capable of.' Much like her legend, the snakes act as hair but also act defensively. The corner of her lips twitched at the memory before pushing herself back. She flipped before landing on her feet.

"What's wrong? Where did your bravery go?"

Rider's blindfolded eyes narrowed angrily but held back the emotions. Her nose twitched to the smell of humans nearing. She clicked her tongue in annoyance. Due to the rules, she can't let humans be aware of the Grail War.

"Leaving already? How pathetic. Is it because of the 'rules' you're bound to?" Medusa switched her staff to her other hand. "We know of the Grail War, Servant. Can't have humans be aware, can you?"

"Don't talk like you know everything." The Servant refuted in anger.

"Oh, don't be sour. My leader has told us everything. Isn't it why someone like you existed? Just a construct much like myself?" Medusa glided aside to avoid the kick that shattered the tree trunk.

Rider glared at the Phantom but noticed she was already gone. "We'll meet again, Rider." Medusa's voice echoed before she was no more.

The Servant's hands gripped her personal weapons tightly. 'Damn it...just how long have they been watching…'

Who would know so much of the Grail War to allow the Phantoms to be aware of its existence?

After retreating due to Gargoyle escaping and the revelation of another sub-leader Phantom, the mahoutsukai had to improvise. While he was glad for Rider to appear, it was still a problem as Gargoyle will make its next move to make Luvia fall to despair.

That said, Enrique drove to the antique shop due to the usual routine. He parked the vehicle once it was in front of the shop and hopped off it. He sighed and removed his helmet before entering the store. However when the door opened, he was greeted with his mentor.

The American bowed to his mentor. "Teacher."

"I was told about your recent fight against not one Phantom but the encounter of a Phantom like Phoenix." He stated. "Medusa, wasn't it?"

"Yeah...she appeared to be one of the leaders of the Phantoms. I managed to avoid a skirmish with her."

"And the other Phantom?"

"It's the Gargoyle." Enrique answered. "It was after… er…"

His mentor looked at him. "Something the matter regarding the current Gate?"

"It's the Magus, Luvia."

"Luvia is a Gate?" White Wizard questioned in slight surprise.

"Yes Teacher."

"So like Sakura… a Prana/Mana Phantom…" His mentor murmured. Deep down, he wondered if it was truly possible for unique Prana Phantoms to be born from the Magus while special Prana/Mana Phantoms to also be born from Gates who are Magus. Could those theories made by him and his former friend be true? One time it was just a coincidence but now it was becoming proven.

"What should I do?"

His teacher glanced at him. "Your task remains the same. Magi or not, she can't fall into despair." The wise wizard stated firmly. "Perhaps after you save her, try to convince her of the dangers that involve us. Hopefully she will back off once she knows of the situation."

"Yes sir." His apprentice bowed in understanding.

"Good. Now be careful around her when she asks you again." The wise wizard advised. "I assume she's gonna try to track down that Phantom for her research. Stop her from doing so to prevent any danger."

"I will."

After saying his words, the White Wizard used his Teleport Ring to teleport away from the shop. Once Enrique is alone, he was thinking about what had happened earlier and what to do next.

"I hope Luvia takes my advice this time…" He scratched his head with a deep sigh. "Yet why did Rider attack Medusa with such force and anger earlier?"

Did something about Medusa bring a past memory of sorts from her past life? He can't be sure since he doesn't know a lot about her life as a Heroic Spirit.

All he can hope for is for Sakura to talk to Rider due to their close relationship with each other. Knowing the young teenager, she should be able to console the Heroic Spirit and ease her mood.

Rider was deep in thought after the last Phantom encounter. She knew about the Phantoms being based on mythological creatures after seeing the Hellhound Phantom. But to think there is a Phantom based on her legend, which surprised her.

In a rare moment, it angered her. She will not let that Phantom assume her identity and abilities. She will make sure that monster is destroyed for good. It felt like looking at something she once was considered– A monster.

"Is everything alright, Rider?" She was thrown out of her thoughts due to Sakura approaching her.

"Sakura." She responded. "I'm okay, just thinking about that Phantom."

"You mean… the one Enrique-san called 'Medusa'?" Rider winced at the name.

"It is…" She nodded.

"What makes you think of that Phantom?"

Rider bit her lip before she said, "That Phantom is Medusa… it makes me think of…"

"Of what?"

"... myself."

Sakura's eyes widened and came to a realization. "So that was why you were angry. The Phantom reminded you of what you were…"

"It is something that I want gone," Rider gripped her hands tightly. The sight of the Phantom irked her. It's personality was completely opposite than her own. "When I saw that Phantom… it brought too many memories."

"Rider…" Her expression softened hearing that. "You're nothing like her. It may have your powers and represent you, but it doesn't have your memories."

The Servant's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "I...never expected to hear this from you, Sakura."

"I'm still trying my best to be more assertive." She replied meekly, awkwardly scratching her right cheek. "When Hellhound taunted me about my past…I felt so helpless...I hated myself for letting it happen..."

Rider remained silent as Sakura continued her explanation.

"But… meeting Enrique-san… I saw how he did everything to protect others like me…" She fiddled with her hands. "To not fall into despair… I… look up to him." There were times she would ask him for advice and guidance ever since they became friends.

Deep down, he was starting to become the closest thing to family. She wanted him to be safe and to help him however she can. Like Shirou, he reached out to her in the edge of despair.

"I want to help him to save others that are suffering like me."

"That was why you wanted me to watch the mahoutsukai during his hunts." Her Servant realized.

The brunette looks at the Ring on her hand. "I don't like fighting… but… I want Enrique-san to be safe, including the people who can get caught in the crossfire from their fights. Ruler-san may be helping him but I want to make sure he is okay whenever she can't help." She remembered the damage Phoenix did to Ruler, Enrique, and Rider. It didn't care about whatever damage it caused, only the thirst for battle and blood.

It wasn't like any battle of the Holy Grail War. The Phantom never cared for anything, only the lust for battle.

"I understand, Sakura." Rider understood her Master's words. "I'll try to keep my temper when fighting against that Phantom. You're right...I'm nothing like her."

Sakura smiled, happy that she raised the Servant's mood. But she knew Rider will fight Medusa again to stop her plans with the Gates.

Hopefully, it doesn't get any worse for the Servant when she will face that Phantom soon.

'I'll be stronger, Rider...for senpai… and everyone's sake.' Sakura vowed to herself in her thoughts.

The young high schooler may not be able to fight like the mahoutsukai and the two Servants, but she will support them as much as she could. Just like what her school teacher was doing now.

Within the few hours that passed, Luvia went to a hotel by Wizard's advice knowing that she was Gargoyle's target. However, she couldn't forget what she had detected from that monster earlier. She already contacted her butler regarding her late return thus had to wait until the situation is resolved.

'To think that monster is made of the Mana…that explains everything.'

Fuyuki was under attack by those monsters all this time. She never thought that monsters made out of pure Mana could actually exist and appear. From what she has seen from Wizard's actions, he was familiar with it, even where the beast came from and how it worked. Seems following him was the right idea.

Normally, she would try to capture it for her own study but the monster was currently targeting her according to Wizard's words. What would a magical gargoyle want with her?

The only way for her to get some answers is from the mahoutsukai himself. But the only question is: how to ask him? She doesn't think that he would reveal his secrets so easily after he evaded the questions she asked when they first met.

She wanted to pressure him to reveal more. Why would he keep something like this hidden from the entire world of Magi? Even from the highest members of the Clock Tower itself?

'Guess I'll take that Gargoyle down myself.'

If she can take it down, she will finally show that Tohsaka who's the better Magi! Well, they never technically met each other before but the blonde remembered the grudge held between the two families.

She can't let it go on like this. She had to do another search of the city. No matter the risks.

The next day, Enrique got himself ready for another day of patrol around the city to search for the Gargoyle Phantom. Knowing that Luvia was the target, he had to act quickly. He could guess Luvia was currently searching for that Phantom at the very same moment. The longer she stayed out in the open, the bigger danger she will be in.

He sent out the Familiars ahead of him to search for her location, helping him find where the blonde Magus would be going.

"Do you think Luvia will show up and investigate, Master?" Ruler asked.

"I'm afraid of that possibility." Her Master admitted. "Knowing her attempts to investigate the magic appearances in the city, there's no doubt that she will try to find out about the Phantoms again."

Ruler understood what her Master was worried about. Being out in the open increased the chance of Luvia being attacked by the Phantom. Not to mention, they don't know what kind of object of importance or memory that the Gargoyle will be after to send Luvia into despair.

"Looking for her now will help us protect her." The Servant advised. "Do you need my assistance to find her?"

"It's alright, I can find her with Garu's help and the other Familiars." He waved off, holding the Ring to summon his Familiars. "I won't do anything reckless, so don't worry about it. You can keep an eye on me using the crystal ball at the shop."

"I understand. But, don't hesitate to call for my help." Ruler complied, knowing the crystal ball allowed surveillance from Garu's point of view. However, she knew that he may get injured from facing the Phantom General if they interfere again. "I don't want you to be injured like last time."

"Thanks, Ruler." He thanked his Servant before driving away to search for Luvia's location. Ruler then heads inside the store to approach the crystal ball, looking at what Garu's seeing.

'Hopefully we'll find her before it's too late…' She hoped. The worst possible situation was Luvia falling into despair. They were nearly successful last time when Phoenix attacked but hopefully this time will change.

Gathering her wits and courage, the blonde Magus had to return to her search for the monster. Despite Wizard's advice, she wasn't going to let the opportunity slip away. Upon returning to the previous location of the Gargoyle, the beast was nowhere in sight.

Luvia clicked her tongue in frustration. "Not here…and the trace of Mana is too low for me to track it…"

Not to mention there is a different trace of Mana that is similar to that Gargoyle but stronger. Just what in the world happened here after she left the Wizard to deal with that beast? It added more to her frustration. The blonde dusted her dress and shook her head. No, she can't give up here. If she can properly investigate then she will have that chance.

Since the mahoutsukai called the beast 'Gargoyle' and its appearance being obvious, she decided to search for any buildings with statues. The church would have been the first thing that came to mind but that was too simple a reason.

"Just where could that beast go off to…?" Luvia searched the area, trying to find the Phantom again. It's been hours ever since the monster last attacked her. "I know that I'm its target…but what does it want from me exactly?"

Was the monster aiming for a part of her that will be useful for its plans? It sounded plausible as some Magi did sacrifice parts of their body for the sake of their research. She had seen records of it happened before, in fact.

From what she witnessed , the Phantom wanted her to fall into despair. What exactly did it mean by that? How can she fall into despair just from a single attack? It was preposterous.

Wizard must have known something of the beasts' M.O against their victims if he sent her away. In fact, the way he uses magic is completely different than any Magus. The belt, the Mystic Code, and even the magic Rings that allowed him to use such spells.

Approaching the old art gallery, she looked up at the sunlight with a hand over her eyes and frowned. Blasted sunlight. She reached for her parasol and opened it, providing her shade much to her satisfaction.

The parasol was one of her prized possessions; the most important one. It served an importance to her as a Magus as an Edelfelt. She wanted nothing to happen to her parasol.

The sudden flapping of the birds made her look at the roof, some moving themselves away from the statues of the art gallery. Her grip on the parasol tightened defensively and protectively. She watched the birds fly before they were gone. Her body relaxed and loosened her grip slightly in relief. Perhaps she was getting paranoid after the incident.

Maybe she should just-

A large shape suddenly snatched the parasol from her hands, causing her to fall from the forceful pull. Luvia darted her head to the scoundrel but saw Gargoyle.

"Got it!" He finally had the parasol in hand. "I knew something about this was special to you!"

He was glad to notice how protective she was of the object. Thank petrification to allow him to stand idle to watch her.

"Hand that over!" Luvia demanded but the Gargoyle breathed out a fireball to stop her progress.

"Not a chance! Now watch as I break this item of yours!"

The Phantom gripped the parasol before using his own jaw to snap it in two. Luvia's eyes widened in horror to see her prized possession destroyed. She watched Gargoyle spit out the leftover pieces that broke off from the parasol.

"What is the point of having this when it is a mere parasol? It's nothing." Gargoyle insulted.

Luvia's eyes stared at her precious parasol that meant a lot to her as a Magus and as an Edelfelt. Her hope….

Suddenly the female Magus felt a cold sensation spread across her body. Her heart pounded and she fell to her knees, gripping her dress. She felt so cold yet it felt like something wanted to escape from the depths of her soul. To break free with despair as its key.

"Time for that Phantom to break free from your Underworld! Hahaha-Yeouch!" Something jabbed him from behind. He quickly looked back but the culprit wasn't a civilian trying to play hero. The Gargoyle's eyes trailed down to see a small unicorn. "What the?"

Then two more small creatures flew around, pecking or spraying ink onto his face. The Phantom spluttered, wiping away the ink that blinded him.

"Get off me you small pests!" The Phantom tried to grab them but it was useless as several bullets pelt into his body with its distraction.

His crimson eyes darted to the very person responsible for the silver bullets. "Yubiwa Mahoutsukai!?"

Wizard twirled his WizarSwordGun around his finger. "I figured you would continue your stalking much like the others." He hummed.

"Well you are too late! All I have to do is hold you off to let the Phantom in the Magus rise!"

"Then let's quicken things up from here, shall we?" Twirling his weapon again, he fired another set of rounds but Gargoyle used his Petrification as a shield. The mahoutsukai clicked his tongue before he attempted to strike it but again the Phantom continuously used his ability to protect itself from harm.

"My turn!" Gargoyle laughed and delivered a headbutt.

The attack pushed Wizard away. He clutched his stomach, reeling from the blow. "Have to try a different attack." He grunted. The raven-haired teen reached to the Ring Holder and plucked the Flame Dragon Ring. "Dragon, time for another round with another Phantom."

Putting the Ring on his finger, he swiftly moved the limb to his belt.

FLAME, DRAGON! BOU, BOU! BOU, BOU, BOU!

The familiar red seal appeared with the fiery dragon hovering around him before colliding to change his Flame Style into Flame Dragon. He chuckled and grabbed another Ring to amp up the firepower due to his enhanced form.

COPY, PLEASE!

With the Ring scanned by his sword, it created its dual copy into his other hand.

'Okay… remember what Teacher once said. Even the strongest defense has its limits.'

While Gargoyle may have its petrification, that didn't mean it was invincible. The petrification also has its own limits. His strikes and bullets couldn't hit it but… if more pressure was applied, it could work. Theoretically. of course.

Time to put it to the test.

Aiming both guns at the Phantom, he pulled the trigger to allow both weapons to unleash a barrage of silver bullets. Unlike last time, he chose to focus on one spot of the Gargoyle's body. The Phantom turned itself to stone as the bullets began to hit it. At first it was futile until the belly began to crack.

"What!?" The mahoutsukai was breaking through his Petrification!

Wizard continued firing on the same spot until Gargoyle's Petrification was gone and the Phantom damaged by the attack.

"Time for the curtains to fall." He declared as he grabbed the Ring from his hip to finish it.

CHOINE, SPECIAL! SAIKO!

Dragon's head manifested on his chestplate. With the appendage appearing, Wizard's magic circle reveals itself in front of Dragon's face. The head of Dragon opened its jaws and blasted a stream on fire, the stream engulfing the Phantom entirely, destroying it.

Seeing Gargoyle defeated, the mahoutsukai turned around to check on the Magus. "Luvia!" Wizard rushed over to her, the familiar cracks crawling across her body. "Are you alright?"

"Wizard…" She spoke weakly, her face lifting up seeing the mahoutsukai. "Guess this is my punishment...for not heeding your warnings about them…"

"Don't give up yet." He tried to encourage her. "You can't fall into despair now. You still got a life to live."

"How…?" She tried to say. "I'll die…"

"I'm not going to let that happen." He presented a Ring. "Allow me to be your Hope."

Putting the Ring onto her hand, the mahoutsukai holds the hand over the Driver.

ENGAGE, PLEASE!

The familiar magic appeared over Luvia as she fell unconscious, allowing the Mahoutsukai to jump through and arrive in Luvia's Underworld. Landing on his feet, he witnessed the memory where Luvia was given the item as a gift by her father and assigned the duty of a Magus to the blonde, which she accepted with pride.

"Makes sense for Luvia to have a memory of her family life despite being a Magus…" Wizard mused upon watching the memory. "At least it was a normal one for her."

Suddenly, the memory cracked before the Inner Phantom made itself known. A massive lion with fur as gold as the sun itself. Its vicious red eyes displayed pride and despair to its victims.

This was the Nemean Phantom.

"Well… look at what the cat dragged in." He joked upon seeing the Phantom. He rolled aside to evade its powerful claws before plucking the Ring off the holder and scanned it.

DRAGORISE, PLEASE!

The familiar Phantom soon appears from the seal, with Wizard using his motorcycle to attach itself to its back. The draconic Phantom roared before focusing on its opponent.

With a breath of fire, it was unleashed at the Nemean Phantom. The mahoutsukai would assume it took care of it but he was wrong. The lion roared, its mane glowing fiercely by its prideful bellow. Its own skin was not even burnt by the flames.

"Crap." He cursed. Much like its legend, its skin was extremely durable. He had to change plans. "Alright, Dragon, time to change tactics on this."

Roaring in response, the Dragon slammed against the Nemean. The draconic beast avoided the lion's claws before taking to the sky. Wizard used his WizarSwordGun to allow a few rounds to hit the Inner Phantom but was useless against the Nemean.

They circled each other with vicious glares. The prideful lion against the mighty dragon. Neither one backing down until there was only one left standing. Lifting itself up, Dragon inhaled deeply and unleashed another breath of fire.

The Nemean evaded with a small pounce before running towards Dragon. The latter met it in the middle before both collided with their claws. Both noble beasts now in deadlock of pride and power.

Wizard gritted his teeth and focused as he gripped the handles, keeping his hold to prevent himself from falling off. The Nemean, by its legend, was practically invincible until it met its end by Heracles when he-

"Wait…" He mentally slapped himself. Now he knew the lion's weakness. "Dragon, shove it and go for its neck!"

The Phantom roared in obedience before using his large wings to move away from the Nemean Phantom. The lion Phantom roared but Dragon took to the sky before diving down, his mighty claws pushing it across the ground and now pinning the beast with its left claw. The Nemean squirmed by Dragon applied more pressure to keep it pinned.

"Alright, now toss it!" Wizard ordered.

The Dragon used his powerful jaw and grabbed Nemean before harshly throwing the beast across the concrete. The Inner feline Phantom rolled across the ground before the draconic beast flew up again and delivered a meteor-like dive, plummeting the beast across the area.

With the opportunity arising, Wizard converted his weapon into its sword mode and flipped the panel.

COME ON SLASH, SHAKE HAND!

Presenting his hand, he moved it over to the attachment, his weapon responding.

FLAME SLASH STRIKE! HII HII HII! HII HII HII!

The sword now burns with flames, Wizard leaped off his Phantom. He raised the blade as Dragon quickly held the Nemean down.

"HAA!" He sliced through the Nemean's neck, finally cutting through thanks to his Phantom's assistance. With the attack finally delivered, the Inner Phantom exploded, restoring the memory to its normal state.

Wizard took a moment to breathe in relief while Dragon roared in victory. The noble dragon defeated the mighty lion.

"We took care of that cat. Man, that was tough." He looked at Dragon who returned into his body and then the scene again. "Time to get out of here."

Exiting Luvia's Underworld, the mahoutsukai was relieved to destroy her Inner Phantom. Looking at Luvia, the ominous cracks vanished in gold light and the blonde started to come to.

Her eyes slowly open, moving herself to her knees. "What...happened?"

"I destroyed the Phantom from emerging from your Underworld." Wizard knelt down to her. "At least now you understand why I do this, Luvia. This situation is one I have to stop on my own. This is too dangerous for any Magus to have."

"I-I see…" her eyes noticed his armored hand extended to her. Looking up, she heard him say, "But I am glad you're alright though. Having Hope is the most important thing to have to a person like you."

"Even to a Magus like me…?"

The mahoutsukai gently brought her onto her feet. "Magus or not, you're still a human being." He smiled under his helmet. "I'm not gonna let someone fall into despair and let someone die just because of that. Every life is important."

Luvia's cheeks gained a shade of pink, her eyes filled with surprise to his words.

He noticed her face reddened. "Luvia? You alright?"

"A-Ah, I'm fine." The blonde Magus assured. "I-I should get going. Don't worry, I won't pry about your magic further after what happened just now. We'll talk again soon."

"Thanks. I appreciate it." He spoke. After surviving a situation like that, no doubt she didn't want to research about the Phantoms any further. Well, at least that's one problem off his mind. "Take care of yourself, Luvia."

The mahoutsukai walked away, leaving the Magus alone. Picking up her broken parasol, her eyes moved to the Ring on her finger.

"Wizard...you're an incredible man…" She praised with a smile. She decided to return to her place to rest for the night.

A/N: With that, this completes the chapter and another Phantom is destroyed. Seems there will be a quarrel between Rider and Medusa due to their true names. As you have noticed in one part of the chapter, wanted there to be some development for Rider and Sakura as they also play a role for Wizard due to his actions. That said, you guys just have to wait and see what will happen next for our mahoutsukai and his allies. Til then, leave a review, favorite and follow! Stay in the shadows everyone!