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Prologue

Prologue

Therewasonceahero.Agreatherowhokilledadragon.

AprinceoftheNetherlands,hewasbraveandnoble,andeveryonepraisedhis
majesticappearanceandextoledhisglory.

Allmenhastenedtobecomehissubordinates,andallwomenpushedtheir
earnestaffectionsontohim.

Theheroalsoliveduptotheirexpectations.

Withrarelyanytimeforrest,heonlysoughtbattle.No,itwasntthathesought
battle,butrather,battlewouldneverlethimandhisgreatpowerescape.

HisfamousswordBalmung,whichhereceivedfromthetribeofthefog,the
Nibelung.Hisbodyofsteel,whichwasbathedinthebloodoftheevildragon
Fafnir,whomheslayed.

Aninvincibleswordandaninvinciblebody.Itwasonlylogicalthatmanybattles
soughthimout.Untoucheduntilhisdeath,hislifewassimplydazzling.

Buthewasaherotoomuchso.Whensomeonemadearequestofhim,he
answeredit.Whensomeonekneeledbeforehimandbeggedhishelp,hefirmly
graspedtheirprofferedhand.

Whenaskedtoslayadragon,heslayedit.Whenaskedforhelpinsleepingwitha
peerlessbeautifulmaidenwhomnonecouldsatisfy,hewrackedhisbrainsovera
waytodoso.Hisactionswereneithergoodnorbad.Hiswayoflifewasjustlike
thatofawishgrantingmachine.Hethoughtthatitwasfinethatway.Afterall,
goodandevilweremerelyamatterofwhereyoustood.

Prologue

Whenofficialswhotookadvantageoftheirpositioncomplainedthattheir
familieshadbeenkilled,hetookrevengeforthem.

Sincepeoplesufferinginpovertysimplydidntwishforanything,heabandoned
them.

Becauseifhedidntdoso,itwouldneverend.Itsimpossibletocarryeverything
intheworldinasinglepersonsarms.Sohedecidedtoonlyrespondtorequests
thatwereaskedofhim.

Hedidnotactaccordingtohisownwill.Hedidnotfightbecausehelikedit.Ashe
wasdoingso,theherosuddenlyrealized.Hedidnotknowwhathehimself
wishedforatall.Hehadnowishesordreams.Hecouldntevenimaginethe
future.Eventhoughtherewerethosewhocalledtheheroanidealbeing,the
heroinquestionhadlostsightofhisownideal.

Whatafraud.Thegearsdidnotmeshatall.Ifherespondedtoanyandall
requests,itwasonlynaturalthathewouldendupnotknowingwhathehimself
wanted.

Hehadlostsightofhispathandwanderedaimlessly,butevensohebelieved
thattherelaysomethingattheend.Hebelievedthattherelaysomethingatthe
endofthiswayoflife.Theherocouldonlycontinuetofight.

Hewasneverdefeated.Suchathingwasimpossible.Aslongasothersrequested
victoryofhim,hegraspedvictorynomatterhowmuchsufferinganddespairhe
trodon.

Prologue

Victory,victory,heonlyknewvictory.Pleasekillthatmonster,Pleasesaveour
village,Pleasedefeatourenemies,Pleasegetmethatmountain,Pleaseget
methatbeautifulmaiden,Pleasegetmethatcountrythenumberofwishes
equaledthenumberofpeople,andtheamountofthosehegrantedequaledthe
amountofthosethatwererequestedofhim.

Hewasalreadyamere[System]a[HolyGrail]thatborethenamehero.

Evenso,itsfine,theherothought.

Afterall,beingthankedbysomeonewasnotabadfeeling.

Itwasonlynaturalthathisheartwouldbemovedwhenpeoplerequestedhis
helpwithdesperateexpressions.

Sohecontinuedwithoutfalteringandintheend,heevenmanagedtoslaya
dragon.Buttherewasaholesomewhereinhisheart.Therewasnothingatthe
bottomofthehole,merelyanemptyblackspacewithinhim.

Eventhoughhelovedhumans.

Eventhoughhelovedtheworld.

Henevermanagedtofillthatemptinessnomatterwhathedid.

Theherosnamewas

ENDOFPROLOGUE

Ch11

Chapter1

Staggering,hetriedtostandup,andhishandtouchedthesurfaceofcooland
roughrock.Beforehecouldaskhimselfwherehewas,hesensedthepresenceof
somethinginfrontofhimandfelthimselfgrippedbyachill.

Somethingwasbreathingnearby.Butwhywerethosebreathsshoweringhis
entirebody?

Itwasbecausethe[something]thatappearedtobeinfrontofhimwasabsurdly
huge.Filledwithrageandwickedness,itwaslyinginwaittoeathim.

Hisownbreathingbecameerratic.Hewantedtorunaway,immediatelyrunaway
atfullyspeed;hehadtorunaway,runaway,runaway.However,hisbody
couldntmove,asifitweretieddowntohisshadow.Coldandunpleasantdrops
ofsweatdrippeddownhisentirebodylikeslugs.

Cold.

Hisheartwasfrozeninfear.Andyet,heatshookthroughouthisbody.Didthat
meanthatthethingrightinfrontofhimwassomethingmoreferociousthanany
kindofflame?

Theairheinhaledwaslikepoison,andexhalingitwasaccompaniedbypain.
However,thethinginfrontofhimnevertriedtolayahandonhim.

Withoutappearingorcallingout,thethingsluggishlyturnedinanotherdirection.
Itwasneitherrunningawaynorleaving.Ithadsimplydrawnitshugebodyback
inside.

Therewasonlyonesentencethatthethingcommunicatedtohim.

Ch11

Dontforget.Thosewordsengravedthemselvesonhisskinlikeatattoo.

Thisisneitheradreamnorreality.Thisisthethresholdworldontheborder
betweendreamsandreality.

Neverforgetthisthing,foryouwillmeetitagainsoon.

Thus,withapaininhischestthatfeltasifneedleshadbeenstabbedintohim,
andwiththefeelingofhisbloodburningasifonfireheawoke.

Ch12

Chapter1

Frozenair,frozensilence.Theforestwassimplydarkandsilent.RiderofBlack,
Astolfo,whohadbeenemotionallysobbingjustearlier,finallystoodup.

Hepulledupthefallenhomunculus.Hisstature,whichshouldhavebeenslightly
smalleroraboutthesameasRiders,hadgrownconsiderably.Itappearedthat,
duetotakingintheheartofSaberofBlackofSiegfried,hisbodyhadundergone
aradicaltransformation.

Stillunabletobelieveit,thehomunculusclenchedandunclenchedhishands
againandagain.Thedullpainhefeltwhenhisheartwasrupturedstillremained,
butithadalreadybeenreducedtoalevelthatwouldntimpedehim.

ItseemsthatSabersheartisfunctioningproperly.

Ridernodded,appearingimpressed.Thehomunculusputhishandagainsthis
heart,andindeedfeltastrongpulsefromit.Bloodsohotthatitmadehimsweat
flowedthroughouthisentirebody.

Yeah

Thehomunculusfeltslightlymovedashespokewithoutexperiencingpain.To
thinkthatinhalingandexhalingcouldbesocomfortable!

Somewhatexcited,hesurveyedhissurroundingsuntilhisattentionwascaughtby
atree.

ThehomunculusadjustedhisbreathingandactivatedhisMagicCircuits.Hegently
placedhishandsonthetree,confirmedthetreesmaterialproperties,andthen
releasedhispranatodestroyit.

Ch12

Thetreeeasilybrokelikeatwig,butthehomunculusbodymagnificentlyendured
theforceofoperatinghisMagicCircuits.

Watchinghim,Ridernoddedinasomewhatlonelymanner.

Yeah.Likethis,youllprobablybeokaybyyourselffromhereon.SinceSaber
died,someonehastogobackandexplainwhathappenedrightaway,orthings
willbecomecomplicated.

Riderwascorrect.TheMastersattheFortressofMillenniawereprobably
confirmingthestatusofalltheServantsonebyone.Saberhadbeensenttochase
afterRiderandthehomunculus,sotherewasahighchancethatanewpursuer
wouldbesentatthisrate.

Ihavetotakebackthisguytoo.

HelightlytappedtheheadofSabersMasterGordesMusikYggdmillennia,who
wasunconsciousafterhavingbeenstruckbySaber.Themansphysiquenormally
wouldntmakecarryinghimafeasiblefeat,butRiderwasaHeroicSpirit.Carrying
themanonhisshoulderwasnoproblemforhim.

Oh,thatsright.Wedontknowwhatyoumightencounteralongtheway,soIll
giveyouthissword.

Ridercasuallyhandedovertheslenderswordhangingalonghiswaist.
Bewildered,thehomunculusacceptedit.Thoughitwasslender,thesteelblade
feltheavyinhishands.

But,thisisyours

Yeah,butIhavemylanceandbookbesidesmysword.Andthatsnoteven
includingmyHippogriffaswell.Honestly,Idontusemyswordthatmuch.

Ch12

Ridergaveafullblownsmileandapeacesignwithhisfingersunabletoseea
reasontorefuse,thehomunculushungtheswordalonghiswaist.

Hewasabitworriedabouthisbalanceduetotheaddedweightononesideofhis
body,buthewouldprobablygetusedtoitbeforelong.

Iwantyoutouseitwithgreatcare.ItseemsImisunderstoodSaber.Umm,
howtoputit?Imistakenlythoughthewasasullen,straightlaced,andboring
guy.

Igetit.Thankyou.Iwastrulysavedbyyou.

Itsfine,itsfine.Iwasntveryusefulintheend.

Thatsnottrue,thoughtthehomunculus.Rideralonehadansweredhiscriesfor
help.Hehadheldouthishandtohim,sayinghewouldhelphim.Thehomunculus
hadnothingtorepayhimwith,andyetRiderhadunhesitantlydonesomething
thatwouldnotrecompensehiminanywayPerhapsitwaspreciselybecausehe
wassuchamanthathiswordshadconvincedSabertosavethehomunculusat
thelastmoment.

Bytheway,Ivewantedtoaskyoubefore.Whatsyourname?

Myname?

Howdifficult,thoughtthehomunculusashefoldedhisarms.Naturally,ifhehad
beenspeciallymadetoserveasamaidortofight,hewouldhavebeengivena
nametodiscernhimfromotherhomunculi,butsincehewasjustamass
producedindustrialproduct,therehadbeennoneedtogivehimaname.

Thatswhyhehadtothinkofanameforhimselfnow.Therewasnowayhecould
livehisentirelifeunderthenamehomunculus.

Ch12

Suddenly,hetouchedhishandtohisheart.ThiswasablessedgiftfromaHeroic
Spirit.So,attheveryleast

HowaboutSieg?

NotSiegfried?

Itwouldbefartoobrazenformetocompletelycopyhisname.But,itwouldbe
regrettabletocompletelyforgetitaswell.So,IthoughtSiegwoulddo.

Ridernoddedhisheadenthusiastically.

ThatstrueYeah,Siegisanicename,isntit?

Thankyou.Then,mynameisSieg.

Ahaha.Nicetomeetyou,Sieg!

Riderofferedhishand,and,withsomehesitation,Sieggrabbeditwithhisown.
Theybothknewthattheirfinalfarewellwasapproachingsoon.

IsnttheresomethingIcandoforyou?

Ridermadeasomewhatpainfulexpressionandslowlyshookhishead.

Thereisnt.Youhavebeenfreedfromthiswar.Youreafreemannow.And
mostlikely,yourlifespanhasbeenincreasedtothatofanordinaryperson,I
think?Soyoushouldlivenormallyanddienormally.Ifyoudothat,theonewho
savedyou,Saber,willprobablybehappyaswell.

Withakindgesturelikethatofayoungmaiden,RiderplacedhishandonSiegs
cheekandsmiled.Then,asifovercomewithemotion,hepulledSiegsheadclose
andruffledhishair.

Ch12

Afterdoingthatforawhile,Riderfinallyreleasedhim.

Allright,getgoingnow.Illmanagesomehoworotheronmyside.

NoddingatRiderswordsthatseemedtothrusthimawayslightly,Siegdrewback
firstone,thentwosteps.Itwasslow,buthewascertainlyincreasingthedistance
betweenthem.Riderwavedhishandreluctantlyastheyparted,buteventuallyhe
noddedasifseveringhimselffromsomething,andthenhesuddenlyhoistedup
GordesoverhisshoulderandturnedhisbacktoSieg.

Rider!WhatshouldIdo?

Siegcalledouttohisbackashebegantoleave.Riderturnedhisheadaroundand
shoutedbacktohimwithafullblownsmileonhisface.

Anythingisfine!Youreabletodoanythingnow!Gotoatown,meetpeople,
cometolikeanddislikeothers,andliveahappylife!

Isee.Indeed,thatisprobablyhappiness,agreedSiegmentallySomewhereinhis
heart,hefeltasenseofuneaselikeathin,clingingmembrane,buthedidhisbest
toaverthiseyesfromthat.

Riderbreathedasighofsatisfaction.

Yeah,thathomunculuswasnolongersomeonethatneededtobeprotected.
WithhisstrongbodyandfirstrateMagicCircuits,itshouldntbeimpossiblefor
himtoquietlyslipintotheworldandkeeponliving.

Ofcourse,Yggdmillenniasreparationswereconsiderablylarge.LosingSaber,the
selfproclaimedstrongestswordsmanintheGreatHolyGrailWar,wasespecially
fatal.

10

Ch12

TheBlackFactionhadalsomanagedtodefeatBerserkerofRed,Spartacus,and
hadplacedhimundertheircontrolasapawn.ButtherespectivevalueofSaber
andBerserkerwasnotcomparablebyanymeans.

Well,itsfine.Whatwillbe,willbe.

Withthat,RiderstoppedthinkingaboutthecourseoftheGreatHolyGrailWar.
Forthetimebeing,hewouldsimplydancethroughtheskiesandfight.Ofcourse,
hehadtowrackhisbrainsoverhowtoexplainthematterofSaberbuthewas
badatlying,andhedidntthinkheddoneanythingwrongeither.

True,SaberofBlack,Siegfried,hadgivenhishearttothehomunculusanddiedas
aresult.ThismighthavebeenafatalactforthemintheGreatHolyGrailWar.But
sowhat?Intheend,Saber,whohadbeengivenasecondlife,didwhathewanted
todo.Itwasdefinitelynotsomethinghedbeenforcedtodo,butratheranactof
selflessnessofjustice.

HewouldhonestlyandfranklyconfesswithprideinhischestthatSaberhaddone
therightthing.

ThatwaswhatRiderdecided.

Thus,Siegslowlybeganwalking.Hislegssteppedforwardstronglyandmadelight
footprintsonthefrozenground.Butevenso,hisprogresswasslow.Witheach
stephetook,hewouldturnaroundandwatchRidersincreasinglydistantfigure.

RiderstillhadntkilledthelivingGordes.HewasaMasterandhadCommand
Spellsremaining,soitwaspossibleforhimtomakeacontractwithanew
Servant.

11

Ch12

TheproblemwasthatRidermightbepunished.Hedidntknowanythingbesides
theknowledgethathehadpossessedfrombirthregardingtheGreatHolyGrail
War.ButheknewenoughtounderstandthattheSaberclasswasfamedforbeing
thestrongestamongallServantclasses.

ThatSaberhaddied.Moreover,ithadbeenduetogivinghishearttoSieg.This
wasanactthatcouldrightfullybecalledequivalenttosuicide.Thatwasan
unmistakeabletruthevenforServants.Eventhoughhehadbeengivenasecond
lifelikethis,whyhadhedonesuchathing?

SiegdidntknowwhatSaberhadwishedfor.Siegwasneitherhiscomradenor
friend.Theywerentevenacquaintances.Thoughinasense,theymightsharethe
commonfeatureofpossessinglivesthatweremeanttobeconsumedlikewood
chips.

Evenso,Sieghadbeensavedbyhim.Overflowingwithfeelingsofendless
gratitude,hedidnotknowhowtorepaythisdebt.

Nowthen.Forthetimebeing,hewouldheadtoatownjustlikeRidersaid.That
beingsaid,though,therewasnowayhecouldslipintoTrifas.Thattownwas
Yggdmillenniasterritory.Sohewouldwalkstraightthroughthisplaceandgotoa
nearbyvillage.

Hehadtogo,but.

Quitestrangely,inspiteofthefactthatRiderhadalreadydisappearedfromsight,
hisprogresswasslowashisfeetstilltendedtostop.

Hmm,Iwonderwhy?

12

Ch12

Forsomereason,hewhisperedtohimselfandhisthroatdidnthurtfromdoing
so,whichmadehimalittlehappy.Asahomunculus,therewasnothinghedidnt
knowabouthimself.Attheveryleast,heshouldknowaboutanyerrors1inhis
body.

Itwasntthathewasinjured.Hisphysicalconditionwasatitshighestwithinhis
shortlife.Therewasheatinhisbodyandhisheartbeatwasstrong.Therewereno
errorsinhisfeetatall.Hisbrainnoerrors.Hisnervesnodamage.Illnessdue
toavirusnone.

Everythingwasnormal.Andhisobjectivewastofirst[gotoatown]becausehe
hadtosecureabasebesidesthatofTrifas.Heestimatedthepossibilityofhis
successtobeabitmorethan80%.Ifhewasunlucky,hemightgetcaughtby
Yggdmillenniabycoincidenceandthenwouldprobablyreturntoatragicfate.

Hehadanobjectiveandhisphysicalconditionwasnormal,sotherewasno
reasonforhisfeetnottomove.Andyet,theywouldntmove.

IshouldhaveaskedRiderforamethodtomakemyfeetmove

Andsuddenly,atthislatehour.

Thehomunculusrealizedhewasaloneoncemore.Andthathewouldneveragain
meetRider.

Hmm.

Ithurts,hethoughtashefelthischesttightenalittle.Tryingtoignoreitasmuch
aspossible,hesomehowmanagedtocontinuewalking.

1
Here,itsaysEnglishworderrorsinfurigana,whilethekanjibeneathitsaysabnormalities.

13

Ch13

Chapter1

Toexplainstartingfromtheconclusion,RiderofBlack,Astolfo,currentlyhad
stakesdrivenintobothhisarmsandlegs,hadhismovementsconfinedbyfluid
formgolemsandwasinfactimprisonedalongwithBerserkerofRed.

Hehadspokentoohonestly,andtomakeitworsehadaddedinhisownthoughts
(Itwasreallyquiterefreshing!)intohisreport.ThatLancerofBlackVladIII
wouldbecomeenragedwasonlytobeexpected.

AlltheMasters,wholearnedSaberofBlackstruename,hadalsolookedatRider
ofBlackwithreproach.Afterall,itwasSiegfried,thedragonslayerofthe
Netherlands.TotheBlackFaction,hewascertainlyaServantthatcouldserveas
theirtrumpcard.

LancerhadorderedthatRiderbeimprisonedandthenimmediatelyvanishedinto
spiritualform.HisMasterDarnicwassmoothingthingsoverwithhim,buthewas
currentlyinanillmood.Ifthiswerebackwhenhewasstillalive,someoneslife
wouldcertainlyhavebeenanecessarypricetoimprovehismood.

Afterexpellingeveryoneelsefromthedungeon,RidersMasterCelenikeslapped
hisface.Annoyinglytoher,thesounditmadewasverylight.AlthoughRiderwore
asolemnexpression,heshowednosignsofreactingtothepainandmostofall,
nosignsofdespair.

Doyouunderstandjustwhatyoudid?

Iunderstand,youknow?IsavedahomunculusThatsall.

Dontjokearound!Saberhasdisappeared,dontyougetit!?Saber,thestrongest
ofallServants!Anditwasntinbattle.Hedidntevendieinbattle!He
disappearedduetoaninternaldispute,howridiculous!Anditsyourfault!

14

Ch13

Riderthoughtitoverforashortwhile,andwhileknowinghisnextwordsmight
angerher,hewhispered.

No.Itsnotmyresponsibility.Sabersplendidlyactedaccordingtohisownwill,
justlikeaheroshould.

CelenikeslappedRidersfaceagain.Evenso,heremainedcalmandcomposed,
whichexasperatedherirritationmoreandmore,soshegrippedthestakes
stabbedintohishandsandlegsandshookthem.

Ow,oooooww!No,ccomeon,givemeabreak!

ShefeltsatisfiedasRiderfinallyshowedananguishedface.Itwasanexpression
thatshehadntbeenabletoseenomatterwhatshedidtohimontopofthebed.

Celenikethoughtsofromthebottomofherheart.Itwastrulyregrettablethat
Servantsdidntpossessaphysicalbodymadeofflesh.

IfyouhadheldbackatmysidelikeaServantshould,youwouldntbeinthiskind
ofposition.

Ah,ifIstartdoingthatfromnowon,willyoutakethesethingsout?

Celenike,asexpected,shookherheadatthatproposal.Attheveryleast,Lancer
ofBlackwouldnotallowit.Shehadnointentionofgettingdraggedintoit.

Thesewillonlybetakenoutwhenyoufight.Itsbeendecidedthatyouwillbe
completelytreatedasapawninthisGreatHolyGrailWar.

Celenikegaveacruelsmileandputhermouthtohisearasshespoke.

Ifyouregoingtoblamesomeone,blamethathomunculus.

15

Ch13

Thisaloneiswonderful,andyet

16

Ch13

WatchingCelenikeleaveaftersayingthat,Ridertiltedhisheadwithanidle
expression.

Why?

CelenikeconsideredServantsasbeingthesameasnormalhumanstoomuch.
Afterall,Ridercouldntunderstandatallherwordsabouthatingthehomunculus.
HeunderstooditevenlessthanthereasonforwhyLancerofBlackhaddriven
stakesintohislimbsandtheabusehehadreceivedfromhisMaster.

CrossingpathswithCelenikeassheleft,ArcherofBlackChironalsocameto
visitRiderinthedungeon.HehadntsaidasinglewordwhenRiderhadbeen
broughtbeforealltheotherServantsandMasters.

IfIhadatleastintervened,itwouldnthavecometothis.

Thiswastrue.LancerhighlyvaluedArchersstrategicexperience,andhewas
widelytrustedduetohishonestanduprightcharacter.Ifhehadspokenoutand
stoodupforRider,therewasahighchancethatthematterwouldhavebeen
settledwithjustarebuke.

ButRiderimmediatelyhadstoppedhimfromdoingsowithabriefglanceatthe
start.

No,no.Theresnoreasontosplitapartourcampduetoatrivialthinglikethis.In
thisincident,Iwasscoldedandreceivedpunishment.Ifthatsenoughtoendthe
matter,Idontminditatall.

Riderunderstoodwhyhewasbeingpunished.Regardlessofwhetherwhathedid
wasrightornot,itdidntchangethefactthatSaberhaddiedintheend.Sothe
king,Lancer,thoughtitwasnecessaryforsomeonetobepunished.Andsince
Saberwasgone,Riderwastheonlyonewhocouldbepunishednow.

17

Ch13

Evenifitwasunreasonableandheknewthathisactionshadntbeenwrong,
Riderdidnotrefusethepunishment.Hehaddecidedthatuponfinallyreaching
here.

Inthefirstplace,thiswasnthisfirsttimebeinglockedupandimprisoned.He
hadasimilarexperiencewhenhewastrappedintheformofatreebyacertain
witch.

However

TheonlythingthatRiderworriedaboutwasthat,ifitcametolightthatArcher
hadalsobeeninvolvedwithfreeingthehomunculus,Lancermightalienate
Archer.

Itwouldbetroublingiftheirkingandtheirstrategistquarreledwhiletheyfought
inthewarfromnowon.Iftheissuewasresolvedwithpunishingasinglereckless
knight,thewarfrontwouldntcollapsecompletely.

Itsfinethisway.Andinthefirstplace,losingSaberdoesntmeanthatwevelost
yet.Right?

Ridergrinnedfearlessly.

Yes,thatsright.

ItwastruethattheyhadlostSaber.But,aslongasArchercoulddeviseastrategy,
itdidntmeanthattheirsidesadvantagehadbeencompletelyundermined.If
theythrewBerserkerofRed,Spartacus,ontothebattlefield,itwouldcertainly
dealenormousdamagetotheenemy.Itmayhavebeencompletelybychance,
butthestrategyofcapturinghimhadbeentheverybestplaninthatsituation.
Iftheyhadtriedtodestroyhimwithoutproperhandling,theymighthave
sustainedfarmorelargescaledamage.

18

Ch13

However,itwascertainthatgreatcarewouldhavetobetakeninhandling
BerserkerofRed.

Evenso,IneverthoughtSaberwoulddosuchathing.

Yeah,metoo.Yeah,maybeIshouldhavetalkedtohimmore.Iregretnotdoing
sonow.

ThatwouldhavebeendifficultsincehisMasterGordesforbadehimfrom
talking.

Ah

Sabersgreatestmisfortunewasprobablyhavingthatguyofallthemagiamong
theYggdmillenniaashisMaster.Itwasextremelyunluckyforthatrareheroto
serveundersuchacowarderr,cautiousMaster,thoughtRiderwithasigh.

Inanycase,didhemakeitoutsafeandsound?

Yeah.MaybeitsduetotakinginSabersheart?Hisheightandfeaturesbecame
quitesplendidandheroictoo.Ifheslikethat,hellbefine.Bymydiagnosis,hell
liveforahundredyears.

Hoh,saidArcherasheshowedararedisplayofsurprise.

IheardthatSaberSiegfriedgainedasteelbodyduetobeingbathedinthe
bloodofadragon,andthatthebloodcirculatedthroughhisbodydueto
swallowingit.Theheartisaninternalorganthatsendsbloodthroughthebody,
sothebloodofadragonmighthavebeenmixedinwithitasaresult.

Itmustbenice,beingadragonslayer.Ialsowantthetitleofdragonslayer!

19

Ch13

Atanyrate.Ifitshim,heshouldbeabletomakeacompromisewiththe
worldandlivesuccessfully.

ArcherandRiderfeltnouneaseinthatregard.Amongthemanyhomunculiwithin
thisfortress,hewastheonlyonethathadboldlyshownhisowndesiretolive.

Nomatterwhatdifficultcircumstanceshecametoface,hedprobablylive
bravely.

Evenso.Whydidyougothatfartohelphim,Archer?

Weare,afterall,transientghostswithoutflesh.Itwouldbeniceiftherewas
evenasinglebeingthatweetchedintothisworld,dontyouthink?

TherewasonlygentlenessinArchersvoice.

Ithinkthatyoushouldhavebeentheonetobecomeourking.

RiderwhisperedsomethingsodangerousthatLancerwouldhavehadtokillhimif
heheardit.Archershookhisheadwithabittersmile.

Imnotgoodatbearingthefullbruntofresponsibility.

Ridersighedatthosewordsandlamented,Thisisntgoingtogowell.

20

Ch14

Chapter1

Itwasagoodthinghehadtimetospare.Siegthoughtthatwhilewalking.Ithad
beendifficulttoevenvaguelythinkofsomethingwhilewalkingwithabodythat
previouslywouldbecomeexhaustedandfeelpainjustbytakingsteps.

SincetheBoundedFieldwasfunctioning,theforestremainedsilentasusual.
Therewerenosignsofanylivingcreatures.Hedalreadygainedconsiderable
distancefromthefortress.EveniftheYggdmillenniaknewvaguelywherehewas
withintheBoundaryField,theywouldntgototheextentofexpresslychasing
afterhim.

Whenhehadnearlyclimbedhalfwayupthemountain,thelightvoicesofbirds
startedtoleakout.ThatmeanttheBoundedFieldthatdroveawayliving
creaturesdidntfunctionhere.Itwasstillgloomyduetothelargetreesclustered
aroundeachother,butitappearedthatdawnwouldarrivesoon.Throughthat,
hecalculatedthathedbeenwalkingforseveralhours,buthisbodystillshowed
nosignsofbeingtired.Eventhoughhisclothingwastoothinandsparsefor
mountainclimbinginthelatefall,hedidntevenfeelchilly.

Evenifhehadbecomehealthiernow,thiswasstillabitabnormal.Sieg
conjecturedthatitwasmostlikelyduetothepowerofSaberofBlack,Siegfrieds
heart.

Hewantedmoreconcernstothinkabout,sothathecouldsurrenderhismindto
complicatedandmysteriousequations.Ifhedidthat,hecouldescape,evenif
onlyslightly,theunidentifiedhazethathadbeencoilingthroughhismindsince
earlierwhichstillhadntgoneaway.

Hisprogresswasstillslow,butevensoashekeptgoingforward,aroad
appearedbeforehehadnoticedit.

21

Ch14

Crossingoverthemountain,Siegsightedavillagetoosmalltobecalledatownfar
below.UnlikeTrifas,theinfluenceoftheYggdmillenniamagishouldntreach
here.

Itprobablywouldnteventakehimadaytotakecontrolofthevillagersminds
throughsuggestion.Inotherwords,hecouldobtainapeacefulandordinarylifein
thatvillage.Orhecouldalsouseitasasteppingstonetogotoanothertownor
evenanothercountry.

Soifhetookthissinglestepforward,thatlifewouldbeginthemomenthedidso.
Hewouldbeabletolive,obtainsomething,orfindawishforhimself.

Beingabletolivesuchalifewascalled[freedom].

Itwaswonderful.Itwasfullofgoodthings.Nomatterwhatmayhappen,there
wasnothingasbadashispreviouslife,andifhecouldchangethingsforthe
better,hejustneededtotakethisfirststepforward.

Forthesakeofthissinglestep,aherohadgivenhimhislife.Anotherherohad
healedhim.Andanotherherostillhadwalkedalongsidehim.

Itwasallforthesakeofthissinglestep.

Butwhy?Whydidhisfeetrefusetotakethatstepforward?

Hesighed.Hecouldntseemtoshakeoffthehazeinhismind.Didlivingasa
humanbeingmeanthatthishazinesswouldaccompanyhimforhisentirelife?

Regardless,hesomehowmanagedtoraisehisfootforwardand

Stop!

22

Ch14

Hefranticallylookedoverhisshoulderinresponsetothevoicethatrestrained
him,whichwasfollowedbyanoise.Thenoisejustnowwasdefinitelynotnatural.
Itwasthesoundofsomethingheavyfallingdown.

Wasitapursuer?Buttherewasnosignofmagecraftbeingused,andhedidnt
sensetheenormouspranaofaServant.Althoughhehesitatedslightly,Sieg
decidedthatitshouldbefinetoatleastseetheownerofthevoice,andsohe
turnedback.

Hebrokeoffabitfromthemountainpathandpushedthroughtheforest.Ithink
thesoundcamefromaroundhere,hethoughtashelookedaroundandfoundit.

Inthatinstant,hissoulwassnatchedaway.

Hecouldntevenletoutasighofwonder.Hejustlookedatthegirlwhowas
leaningherbodyagainstatalltreeasshecrouchedinexhaustion.

Illuminatedbythefaintlightofdaybreakthatleakedthroughthegapsbetween
thetrees,herslightlyswayinghairshonelikegoldensilkthreads.Heramethyst
coloredeyeswerecompletelypureastheylookedathim,rousinganunnecessary
feelingofguiltinSieg.

Shedidnthavethepreciseandmoldedbeautyofahomunculus,orthekindof
cutenessthatmadeonesheartflutterjustbybeingnearbylikeRider.She
possessedawondrousbeautythatscarcelyfeltreal.

ThegirlsbodywascladinarmorshewasunmistakablyaServant.Regardlessof
whethershewaswiththeBlackorRedcamp,sheoughttobesomeonethathe
shouldntbecomeinvolvedwith.

23

Ch14

Ifaskedwhethershewasanenemyoranally,hewoulddefinitelyconcludethat
shewasanenemy.Andyet,thethoughtofgettingawayfromherwasfarfromhis
mind.

Wasitlikehavingoneseyesenrapturedbyaworkofart?Withoutrealizingit,
Sieghadsteppedovertothegirlsside.Theinstanthetriedtotouchhishandto
thegirlscheekassheleanedover,theswordhangingonhiswaistmadea
clinkingsoundasiftowarnhim.

Theybothremainedsilent.Meetinghergaze,Siegsmindwasinchaos.Nowthat
hethoughtaboutitproperly,whathadhebeenabouttodo?

Extendinghishandtotouchagirlcrouchingdownwasanextremelyvulgaract.
Justashewasabouttohurriedlypullbackhishand,thegirlsuddenlygraspedhis
handwithherown.

ThankgoodnessImanagedtomeetyou!

Theinstantthegirlsmiledandsaidthat,Siegthoughttohimself:Evenifthisgirl
washisenemyorevenifshecutoffhisheadrighthere.Justbeingabletohave
seenthatsmilingfacelefthimwithnoregrets.

24

Ch15

Chapter1

TheholymaidenwhohadbeensummonedinthisGreatHolyGrailWarasRuler:
JeannedArc.Shecarefullyinspectedthepartsoftheforestthathadbeenthe
stagefortwofights,thebattlebetweenBerserkerofRedandLancerandRiderof
BlackandthebattlebetweenRiderandArcherofRedandSaber,Berserkerand
ArcherofBlack,andplacedahandtoherchestinrelief.

Thedestructionhadbeenlimitedtotreesmoweddowninthemidstofbattle.
Furthermore,therangeofdestructionthroughtheforestwasntextensive.If
LancerofRedthegreatheroKarna,whowascladinthesunitselfhad
participated,theforestmighthavebeenturnedintoscorchedearth.

LeavingasidetheMastersofBlackFactionwhoweresecludingthemselvesinthe
FortressofMillennia,shehadntcaughtanysightoftheMastersoftheRed
Factionwhoshouldhaveinitiatedtheattack.Butitwasntthatstrangeifshe
considereditfromtheviewpointthatthiswarwasjuststartingtounfold.Masters
intheHolyGrailWarmainlyconsistedofmagi,sotheylikelywouldntbe
experiencedwithbattleitself.

Inanycase,itwasanormalbattle.

Yes.ThoughthenumberofServantswaslarge,thebattlewasconducted
normally.Archerwhosnipedfromlongrange,Berserkerwhochargedforward,
Casterwhocontrolledgolemsthroughmagecraft,Lancerwhosummonedstakes
andskeweredtheenemyincludingRiderandSaberaswell,noneofthemwere
absurdServantswhoslippedfromthelimitationsofHeroicSpirits.Thatwentfor
boththeBlackandRedServants.

Ofcourse,sincetheywereServants,theirpowerwastremendous.RiderofRed
especiallystoodoutamongthem.ByRulersestimation,heboastedabilityand
powerthatrivaledLancerofReds.

25

Ch15

Thatwasunderstandable.Afterall,hewasagreatandfamoushero.Theprogress
ofabattlecompletelychangedjustduetohisexistence.ShouldRiderandLancer
bothbepresentonthebattlefield,theRedsidewouldbesuperiorintermsofthe
[quality]ofServants.

Naturally,thatwasonlyacomparisoninsimplepower.Theaffinitiesbetween
Servants,theabilitiesoftheirNoblePhantasms,magecraft,location;therewere
countlessfactorstoconsider.DependingonwhatkindofServantsthestillunseen
AssassinofBlack,SaberofRed,CasterofRedandAssassinofRedwere,the
situationcouldchangefurtherstill

Atanyrate,thesituationwasfixedtothelimitsofanormalHolyGrailWar.Even
ifitdissolvedintoanalloutbattlebetweenallfourteenServants,thetownof
Trifaswasisolatedfromtheoutsidewithitspopulationoftwentythousand.Ifshe
usedherprivilegeasRuler,shecouldalsolikelylimitanydamagedonetothe
minimum.

Therewerentanysuspiciousfactors.Therewerentany,but

Nonetheless,asenseofdoubtwhosesourceshejustcouldntgraspwhirled
withinherheart.Shehadheldoutthroughthenightlikethisandinvestigatedthe
tracesfromthebattles,butintheendshehadntobtainedanyclues.Theonly
cluethatsheobtainedwasthefactthatLancerofRedhadcometotakeherout.
RuleralsounderstoodquitewellthatLancerofRedpossessedapureandnoble
character.Assuch,itwasprobablyduetotheorderofhisMasterthathehad
triedtokillher.

Asexpected,sheneededtomakecontactwiththeMastersoftheRedFaction
somehow.

Inanycase,tonightsbattlewasovernowThemomentshethoughtthat,her
bodylostalittlestrengthItappearedthatshewassleepy.Toputitmore
accurately,itwasntRuler,Jeanne,whowassleepy.

26

Ch15

Theonewhorequiredsleepwas,intheend,onlyLaeticiasbody.However,inthe
firstplace,Servantslackedtheabilitytosleep.Perhapsduetothatgap,itwas
somehowarefreshingurgeforher.

Ugh,nonotyet

ThissleepinesswasnotsomethingthatJeannecoulddealwithjustthrough
willpower.Shehadtoreturntothetownandmakeitallthewaytothechurch
andthebedintheatticthere.Butherbodywasrapidlywishingforsleeptoo
much.

Sheleanedherhandagainstthetrunkofalargetree,andwhenthatturnedout
tobenotenough,shereluctantlypunchedhercheek.Thepainmanagedtoclear
hermindAphysicalbodywastrulyinconvenient.Duetoherincomplete
summoning,shecouldendureitforlongperiodsoftime,butifshecrossedover
thelimit,shewouldprobablyloseconsciousnesslikeaswitchbeingcut.

Leavingthematteroffindingawaytodealwiththisproblemforthefuture,for
nowsheusedtheholywatershecarriedandoncemorebeganidentifyingthe
locationofeachServant.Ifshefoundnoproblems,shewouldendherworkhere
fortonight.

FiveoftheBlackServantsandoneoftheRedServantswerelocatedinthe
fortress.TheRedServantshouldbeBerserker.Ithadbeenalargecapture
operation,butitappearedhehadsucceededinsafelychangingMasters.Thiswas
notaviolationoftherules,aschangingtodifferentMastersorServantswasa
naturaloccurrenceno,wait.

Theresonemissing?

ThereshouldhavebeensixBlackServantsinthefortress.Whathadhappenedto
thelastone?Sheexpandedhersearchrangefurtherandfurther,butshecouldnt
findthesixthone.

27

Ch15

Shehadabadpremonition.ThatServanthaddiedwasnotwhathad
happened.IfoneofthefourteenServantslost,Rulerwoulddefinitelybeableto
senseitintuitively.Atpresent,noServantshadbeendefeated.

Butsomethingwasstrange.ItwasntherintuitionastheServantRuler,buther
instinctsasJeannedArcthatwhisperedtoherthatsomethinghadoccurred
somewherewithoutherknowledge.

ShehadtolocatethelastServantasquicklyaspossible.Buthowtosearch?
Shouldshegooutandsearchaimlessly?

Shewouldntfindanythingthatway.Rulerfeltcertainofthat.Godhelpsthose
whohelpthemselves,sosearchingblindlywouldmerelybeactingwithout
thinking.

InthatcaseshelookedatthefortresswheretheotherfiveServantswere
gathered.Questioningthemwouldbemoreconstructive.

Attheveryleast,theBlackcamphadtobringherovertotheirside,sothey
probablywouldnottrytokillherwithoutevenattemptingtotalkliketheRed
camp.

Itmightbewishfulthinking,butnothingwouldstartifshedidntact.Ruler
decidedtoproceedsquarelytowardsthefortressrighttothefrontdoor.

ThefortresstoweredontopofaslightlyelevatedhillthatlordedoverTrifas.Its
silhouettefaintlystoodoutagainsttheblackofnight,reminiscentofahugekettle
inhellwithinwhichsquirmedthesoulsofthedeparted.Itsmajestywasfartoo
mismatchedwiththesmalltownwithapopulationoftwentythousand,butthe
inhabitantsofthetowndidntevenconsiderusingitasasightseeinglandmark.

28

Ch15

Onereasonwasthatthisfortresswasnotapublicbuilding,butratheraprivate
buildingbuiltonprivatepropertybutmostofall,itwasbecauseallthe
inhabitantsofthetownwereafraidofthisfortress.

Itwasntthattheythoughtitwascursed.TheoneswhoruledTrifaslivedinthis
castle.Theinhabitantsgenerallyperceiveditthatway,andinreality,that
assumptionwascorrect.

Standingbeforethecastlegate,Rulertwistedherheadtolookup.Thefortress
possessednotevenafragmentofartistry,anditsstubbornstructuremadeitin
effectdifficulttoassaultandeasytodefend.However,thatwasnotthetrue
specialcharacteristicofthisfortress.

Shesoftlytouchedthecastlewall.Instantly,aslightnumbnessranthroughher.It
wasprobablyaspellthatcontainedbothstronginterferenceanddetection
magecraft.Duetothecountlessmagicaldefencesthatcoveredthesurfaceofthe
wall,evenaServantwouldprobablyrequireasuitabledestructiveforcetomake
thisfortressfall.

WhenRulerstoodbeforethecastlegate,thegatestartedautomaticallyopening
beforeshehadevennamedherself.Thedooropenedwithatremble,andonthe
othersideofitstoodasingleoldpersonwithastaffinhishand.

YouareamagusofYggdmillennia,correct?Iam

ThemediatorofthisGreatHolyGrailWar,JeannedArcsama.Itistrulythe
highesthonortomeetthefamousholymaiden.MynameisDarnicPrestone
Yggdmillennia.IserveasthechiefofthemagithatresideintheFortressof
Millennia.

Forestallingherintroduction,Darnicgaveanexaggeratedbow.Hisuseofhertrue
namewasprobablyawarningratherthananattempttoshowfamiliarity.But
then,thefactthathertruenamewasknowntoothersdidntmattertoher.

29

Ch15

Rather,ifshedidntdisclosehertruename,itwouldprobablybedifficultfor
everyMasterandServanttoplacetrustinher.Thatwaswhyshehadgivenher
nameasJeanneatthechurch.

Illsaythisjustincase,butIdontintendtosupporteithertheBlackorRed
campsintheGreatHolyGrailWar.Ihaveonlycomeherebecausetherearetwo
orthreethingsIwishtoaskyouabout.

DarnicrespondedtoJeanneswordsofindifferencewithoutlosinghissmile.

Naturally,Iamawareofthis.However,forthetimebeing,pleasecomemeetmy
lordfirst.Hesbeeninagoodmoodsincewereceivedthereportthatyoucame.

Lord?

DarnicnoddedandspokewithasmilethatgrippedRulerwithwariness.

ThesovereignofWallachia,VladIII,ismyServant,LancerofBlack.

AsRulerwalkedthroughastonepavedhallwaywithDarnicleadingtheway,
servantscameandwentineitherdirectionandbowedtothemonebyoneas
theypassed.Rulerrealizedtheywerehomunculifromtheirexcessivelyuniform
looks,behaviorandMagicCircuitswithintheirbodies.

Wethoughtitwasbesttokeepthenumberofhumansinvolveddowntothe
absoluteminimum.

Darnicmurmuredthosewordsastheywalked.Thisfollowedthefundamental
ruleoftheHolyGrailWartoavoidinvolvingunrelatedhumansasmuchas
possible.But

Homunculiarealsounrelatedlivesnodifferentfromanyoneelse.

30

Ch15

Rulercurtlyreplied.

Byitsnature,theHolyGrailWarwasboththesmallestandgreatestwarinthe
world.SevenMastersandSevenServantsshouldhavebeensufficientforittobe
conductedThoughthistime,thecircumstancesdifferedfartoomuch.

Hoh.Soasasaint,youalsoworkyourhardestforartificiallifeforms.Thenhave
weviolatedyourrules?

Darnicgaveherasarcasticsmile,andRulersexpressionstiffenedslightlyasshe
responded.

Iwontgoasfarastosaythat.

But,consideringthecurrentscaleofbattle,itcouldbearguedthatemploying
homunculilikethiscouldntbehelped.Itwastruethattherewasnoroomfor
Rulertojudgeitasaviolationoftherules.Shecouldntforcethem,anditwas
difficulttocallthehomunculichildren.Theyhadmerelybeencreatedthatway.

Unlikeourenemy,theAssociationofMagi,theexistenceofourclanhangsinthe
balance.Iwouldappreciateitifyouwouldtakethatpointintoaccount.

Thedoorconnectingtothethroneroomopened.

Guh.

AlthoughRulerleakedoutthatfaintmutter,shesteppedintothethroneroom
withouthesitation.SittingonthethronewasLancerofBlackVladIII.Andfrom
amongtheBlackServantswhofollowedhim,Archer,BerserkerandCasterstood
inreservenearby.

Furthermore,golemsandhomunculicarryinghalberdswerealsolinedupinthe
roomwiththem.

31

Ch15

Theirpresencewasminisculeasathreat,butevenso,theircombinedhostility
asagroupcreatedanintimidatingaironitsown.However,Rulerhadexperience
withbeingsurroundedonallsidesbyenemiesduringherlifetime.

Notespeciallyworkedupbyit,Rulercalmlysteppedforwardtotheking.Since
shewasntaretainer,shedidntbowherhead,butthekingdidntraiseasingle
eyebrowatit.

IamtheServantRulersummonedasthemediatorinthisGreatHolyGrailWar,
JeannedArc.

Hmm.ItsreassuringtohaveamediatorwhobelievesinthesameGodasI.

SinceIbelieveinGod,IpraythatIcanconveytoyouthatIaimtobefairand
impartial.

TheedgesofLancerofBlacksmouthloosenedintoasmileatRulersresolute
gaze.Heprobablythoughtherwordswerethenonsenseofafoolishcountrygirl.

Nowthen,dawnisalmostuponus.Firstofall,whatisyourbusinesshere,
mediator?

YoubattledagainsttheRedServantsearlierthisnight,correct?Theopponents
shouldhavebeenRider,ArcherandBerserkerofRed.

Yes,whatofit?

Intheend,itappearsthatthebattleconcludedwithRiderandArcher
withdrawingandBerserkerbeingcapturedbutjustwhathappenedafterthat?

32

Ch15

ArcherofBlackreactedslightlytoRulersquestion.No,itwasntjusthim.Aslight
agitationwasalsovisibleamongthehalberdwieldinghomunculi.

ButtheonewhoshowedthemostdramaticreactionwasLancerofBlack.

Howunpleasant.

JustbyLancersayingthat,thethroneroomwasfilledwithkillingintent.Itwas
unreasonablelikeachildstempertantrum,butitspowerwasequaltoawide
range,saturationfireweapon.Rulernonchalantlyacceptedthekillingintent
releasedbyaweaponwithitsownwill.

Itwasntasbadastheillwillshehadreceivedwhenshehadsoughtanaudience
withtheCrownPrinceCharlesattheChteaudeChinondespitebeingamere
villagegirl,orwhenshewasimprisonedandputontrialforheresy.Iftherewas
eventheslightestuncertainty,itwasthatitwasgreaterthanwhenshehadbeen
executed.

Ifyoucannotprovideananswer,itcantbehelped.Ourconversationendshere.
Illgoandinvestigateitonmyown.

Theinstantshewasabouttoturnherbacktohim,Lancerskillingintent
immediatelysoftened.

Pardonme.ItseemsthatIteasedyoualittletoomuch.

EvenRulercouldnthelpbutbestunnedthatLancercalledthekillingintentjust
nowteasing.No,perhapshewastellingthetruth.Toaking,allhumanemotions
wereapartofhisrule.Forexample,hecriedforhisretainerseventhoughhefelt
nosadnessandheacceptedtributeseventhoughhefeltnohappinessfromit.
Perhapsangerwasalsojustamereperformanceforhim.

Sabercommittedsuicide.

33

Ch15

Wha

EvenRulerwasleftspeechlessatthosedispassionatelyspokenwords.Lancerof
Blackshookhisheadandsighedasifsad.

Shepromptlystoppedshuthermouthasshestartedtosay,Thatsimpossi.
ItappearedthathewastellingthetruthwhenhesaidthatSaberofBlack,
Siegfried,hadlosthislife.Buttherewasacontradiction.SaberofBlackwason
thevergeofdeath,buthewasstillalive.

TherewasnowayaMasterwouldntbeabletosensethestatehisorher
Servant.Ifthatsituationweretoarise,itwasprobablybecausetheServantsline1
hadbeensevered.

ButRulersperceptionabilityexceededthatofthe[spiritboard]2.True,itwas
feeble,butshecouldaffirmthatSaberofBlackhadntcompletelydisconnected
withthisworld.Itwasunclearwhereexactlyhewas,butinanycase,heshould
stillbealive.

Whowouldbeabletoexplainthesituationmoreconcretely?

TheonewhoreporteditwasRiderofBlack,AstolfoItappearsthathe
instigatedit,though,sohesbeenincarceratedinthedungeonaspunishment.

Isthatso?

Here,itsaystheEnglishwordlineinfurigana,whilethekanjibeneathitsayskarmicline.
Spiritboard:AnitembelongingtotheChurchoverseeroftheHolyGrailWar,mentionedin
theFate/Zerolightnovel.ItallowstheoverseertodetectwhenServantsaresummonedand
whichclasstheyare,andalsoindicateswhichServantsremainandwhenaServantiskilled.

34

Ch15

Nowthen.Ruler,Illspeakfrankly.Theswordsmanwhocouldtrulybecalleda
vitalcornerstoneforushasbeenmeaninglesslylost.Therefore,Iwantto
replenishmyforceswithafighterofequalpowerasSaber.Isthatnotonly
natural?

Rulerfrownedastheconversationseemedtoturnsuspicious.

AsIsaidbefore,IamRuler.Iamthiswarsabsolutemediatorsummonedbythe
HolyGrailIhavemyownobjective,anditdoesnotinvolvejoiningyouall.

Donotyouhaveawish?SinceyouweresummonedbytheHolyGrail,you
shouldhaveawishofyourown.

TheRulerclassisanexceptioninthisregardaswell.SinceRulerissummoned
asamediator,possessingnowishestobefulfilledinthepresentageisoneofthe
qualificationsfortheclass.

ThosewordscausedaslightdisturbanceamongtheotherServants.

Ruler,youhavenowish?

Yes,Ihavenone.

Lancerstruckhisthronesarmrestinirritation.Standingup,hisformermadness
wasunconcealedasheshoutedangrily.

JeannedArc.Iknowofyourlastmoments!Thereisnowaythatyou,whowere
betrayedbyeveryone,hadeverythingtakenawayfromyouandmetaviolent
death,donothaveawish!Answerme!Iwontallowanyfalsehoods!

Ifhispreviouskillingintentwaslikeawiderange,saturationfireweapon,his
wordsthistimeweresharplikeastake.Shecouldtellthattheinstantsheliedor
gaveananswerLancercouldnotaccept,shewouldbeskewered.

35

Ch15

RulergazedatLancerforashortwhile,andthenspokeinavoicesocalmit
overpoweredhim.

Ihavenowish.EveryonesaysthatIshouldregretmylastmoments.ThatI
probablywishforrevenge,orwishtobesaved.HoweveritsenoughifIalone
knowthelifethatIlived.ItsnotthatIdonthavesympathyforothers,butatthe
veryleast,Idonthaveevenasingleregretregardingmylife,andIhavenowish
tomaketotheHolyGrail.IfIweretohaveone,itwouldonlybethatthisHoly
GrailWarbeconductedcorrectly.

YousaythatafterhavingbeenforsakenevenbyGod?

Thatinitselfisfoolishness.TheLorddidnotforsakeus.No,inthefirstplace,
theLordhasneverforsakenasingleperson.Therewasjustnothinghecoulddo.

What?

Praying,givingofferings,everythingisanactnotforoneself,butfortheLord.
WeprayinordertohealtheLordslamentsandsorrow.Yes,Idefinitely

IdefinitelyheardtheLordslament.

Heshrieked.Helamented.Hewept,andhefeltsorrow.

Theworldchangedstraightintohell,andnoonecouldstopit.No,perhapsthat
itselfwashell.

TheLordlamentedinsorrow.Peoplewerenotevenallowedtolivesimply,and
werecompelledtobecomeeitherbeastsorfood.

Conflictneverended,andbloodcontinuedtorainincessantlyandsoaktheland.

36

Ch15

ThatswhytheLordlamentedIheardHisvoice.IcaughtHissmall,feeble
murmursthateveryoneelsefailedtohear.

Itwasanobviousthing.TolendmyearstoHisvoiceandrespondtoitmeantthat
IwouldthrowawayeverythingIhaduntilnow.

Ihadtothrowawaymylifeasasimplevillagerandthejoyoflovingsomeoneand
beinglovedback.Furthermore,therewouldbenocompensation.Iwouldsurelybe
scornedbymanypeoplebothenemiesandalliesalike.

Itwasaveryterrifyingthingtocontemplate.Itwasmadforamerevillagegirl
fromthecountrysidetoleapontothebattlefieldwherepeopleskillingintent
swirledabout.

ButtheLordcried.

Yes,Isurelycantbearit.IcantturnmybackonHiscries.

InordertostoptheLordstearsandsootheHim,Iwillopposethisworldshell.I
willcladmybodyinarmor,hangaswordonmywaist,carrytheflaganddevote
mylifetoit.

Yes,thevoiceofrevelationIreceivedfromtheLordcontainednogloryorvictory,
noobligationorsenseofpurpose.TheLordmerelylamentedandgrieved.

Thatswhy.Attheveryleast,havingreceivedthatrevelation,IthoughtIshould
stoptheLordslaments.

LancerofBlackglaredfixedlyatRulerforawhile,buteventuallyheshookhis
headandsatbackdown.

Itseemsthat,eventhoughwebelieveinthesameGod,weareincompatible.

37

Ch15

Therearethosewhoburnedmeatthestakeeventhoughtheybelievedinthe
sameGodasme.Soitsonlynatural.

Rulerspokewithacomposedexpression.LancerofBlacksmiledpleasantlyat
thoseexcessivelyjokingwords.

Itcantbehelped.ButitsafactthataRedServanttriedtokillyou.Wemerely
wishtowinyouover,butitseemstheyaredifferent.

Soitseems.IalsomustinvestigatewhattheRedcampisthinking.Idontintend
toopposethembut

Itsadifferentstoryiftheyattackyou.

Thatscorrect.

IllpraythattheRedcampconsistsoffoolsaimingtokillyou,then.

Lancersaidthatandsmiledoncemore.

Rulerexitedthethroneroomandheadeddirectlyforthedungeon.Both
BerserkerofRedwhohadbeencapturedinbattleandoneoftheBlackServants
werepresentthere.AccordingtoLancer,itappearedtobeRiderofBlack.

Theatmospherewithinthedungeonmadeitobviousthatithadntbeenusedina
longtime.Nearlyalloftheeightcellspresentwerefilledwithnothingbutrotted
wood,strawandspiderwebs.

Inonecell,BerserkerofRedwasimprisonedwithhisbodycompletelysealedina
waxlikefluid.EventhoughhehadchangedMasters,thatdidntmeanthatthe
BlacksidecouldsimplyleavehimtotakecareofhimselfThougheveninthis
situation,hisunchangingsmilewasveryeerie.

38

Ch15

Nowthen,theproblemwastheServantwhowasimprisonedinthelastremaining
cell.

Oh?Whomightyoube?

Theyoungboytiltedhisheadwithapuzzledexpression.Itwasacasualgesture,
butrightnowhewasevenmorefirmlysealedupthanBerserker.Thesightofhim
withstakesdrivenintohisarmsandlegswasquitepainfultolookat.

YouareRiderofBlack,correct?IamtheServantRuler,JeannedArc.Iwas
summonedbytheHolyGrailtocarryoutthemanagementoftheGreatHolyGrail
War.

WhenRulertoldhimthat,RidernoddedwithaYeahinunderstanding.

Nowthatyoumentionit,IdidhearthatsuchaServantwassummoned.Butare
youforreal?YourenotaRedServant?

WhenRidergaveheradoubtfullookandasmilethatsaid,Thingshavegotten
interesting,Rulertookashorttimetoponder,andthenremovedhergauntletand
rolleduphersleevetoshowhimthat.

Woah

Isthissufficientasproof?

Itis.Yeah,youredefinitelyRuler.Isee,sothatstheprivilegeofRuler.How
nice,Iwantit!

Ridernoddedrepeatedlyinunderstanding.

Itsfortunateyouunderstand.Nowthen,Rider.Iapologizeforthis,buttheres
somethingIwishtoquestionyouabout.

39

Ch15

Sure,sure.Illansweranythingaslongasitswithinmypower,sogoright
ahead.

Riderrepliedinhisunwaveringlightmanner.

DidSaberofBlack,Siegfried,reallycommitsuicide?

Yeah,thatsright.

Butthatshouldntbepossible.WhetheritwasSaberoranyoneelse,all
fourteenServantswerepresentinthisworld.Sheintuitivelyknewthathewas
alive.Rulerknewthisforcertain.Hestillwalkedthisearth.

Imsorry,couldyoupleaseexplaininalittlemoredetail?

Sure.Youcameatjusttherighttime.Icantstandallthisfreetime.

Smiling,RiderstartedtalkingaboutSaber.Itwasfarfromaheroictale,andmore
likethestoryofasaint.Andhespokeofthehomunculus,thenamelessboysaved
bythathero.Hetoldofhowtheboyhadsoughtfreedomanddeparted.

Well,afterthisandthat,Iendedupbeingtiedupallbymylonesomeinthis
place.No,IdohaveBerserkerofRedasaneighbor,buttalkingdoesntworkwith
himYoudoinggoodoverthere?

WhenRiderofBlackcalledout,therewasaresponsefromthecellnextdoor.

Ihavenointentionofflatteringthedogsofpoliticalpower.Though,Iwillanswer
yourquestion.Imdoingfine.Now,itwouldbeperfectifyoucouldjustremove
theserestraints

Thatsforanothertime.

40

Ch15

Itwasastartlingdevelopment,butatthesametimeRulerfinallyunderstood.

Saberhasdefinitelydisappeared.Buthegavehis[heart]tothathomunculus.

Itwasntamereswordorsuitofarmorassembledoutofprana,orsomething
smalllikeapieceofhair.Itwasaheart,theinternalorganthatwasjustas
importantasthebrainforhumans.ThespiritualcoreofServantsalsoexistedin
theheartandbrain.Personallygougingoutonesheartandgivingittoanother
wasanactwithoutprecedentinthepastHolyGrailWars.

Furthermore,theonewhohadgivenhisheartwasSaberofBlackinother
words,theimmortalheroSiegfried,whowasbathedinthebloodofadragonand
obtainedabodyclosetothatoftheDragonkind.Itwouldntbestrangeifithad
somekindofeffectonthehomunculusbody.

Yeah.Ipartedwithhimthere.Afterthat,heheadedtowardsthemountainroad.
IsawavillageovertherewhenItookmyHippogriffoutforatestride,soIguess
hedbetherenow?

Isee.Iunderstandnow.Thankyou.

AfterRulergaveherthanks,RiderofBlackmadeaverycomplicatedexpression
andaskedaquestionofhisown.

Areyougoingtomeethim?

Yes.Ifwhatyousayiscorrect,thereisnooneelsebuthimwhocouldbe
radiatingthepresenceofaServant.

Iknow,butIdlikeitifyoudidntinvolvehiminthiswar.

Rider,whohadgivenanoptimisticsmileearlier,suddenlyglaredatRulerwith
eyesthatconcealedaslighthostilityandastrongdetermination.

41

Ch15

Rulercaughtaglimpseofanextremelystrongwillwithinthoseeyes.

Iunderstand.Ifwhatyousayiscorrect,thenheiscertainlyjustavictim.As
longashedoesntwishotherwise,Idonotintendtoexcessivelyinterferewith
him.

Ridersighedwithrelief,andhishostilityvanishedlikemistallatonce.

Imrelievedtohearthat.Yeah,ifhecansurviveandlive,endinguplikethisis
worthit.

AsRiderwhisperedthat,RuleraskedRideraboutonepointthatwasstillunclear.

Rider.WhydidSabersavethathomunculus?IfyouweretheoneinSabers
position,Iwouldunderstand.SinceyoureAstolfo,oneofCharlemagnesTwelve
Paladins

IftheonewhosavedthehomunculuswasAstolfo,whosacrificedhimselfto
chivalryandyetpossessedabottomlesssoftheartednature,itwouldbemore
understandable.ButSaberofBlackwasSiegfried.Hewasamemberofroyalty,a
princeoftheNetherlands.Protectingthelamentingweakandtakingdownthe
strongwholivedinluxurywasasuitableactforaHeroicSpirit.However,even
thathadalimit.SincehewasaServantsummonedintheHolyGrailWar,he
shouldhavehadawishtomakeupontheHolyGrail.Attheveryleast,itwas
carelesstogoasfarastosacrificehislifetosaveasinglepersonwhowasnteven
hisMaster.

ToaServant,participatingintheHolyGrailWarmeantgainingasecondlife,a
oneinamillionmiracle.Itwasnotnaturaltosoeasilythrowitawayandfora
homunculushedidntevenknowatthat.

42

Ch15

EvenifwereServants,thatdoesntmeanwerepeatthesamethingswedidin
life.Rather,therearealotofguyswhotrytodosomethingdifferentinorderto
wipeawaytheregretsfromwhentheywerealiveWell,itprobablyendsin
failuremostofthetime,though.

Heroeswereheroesduetowhattheyachievedinlife.Noonewishedforwhat
theycouldntaccomplishinlife.

Thankyouforeverything.Ipraythatyouwillbevictoriousinthiswar.

Eh?Areyoufavoringme?

Rulerchuckledandshookherheadathisquestion.

No.Imerelyprayforalltheparticipantstobesuccessful.

Hey,hey,dontspeaknonsense,Ruler.ItstheprincipleoftheHolyGrailWar
thattherecanonlybeonewinner,youknow?

Thatscorrect.Evenso,Ipraythateveryonewillbevictorious.

Rulerquietlyleftthedungeon.Leftaloneoncemore,RiderofBlacksuddenly
rememberedSaberslastmoments.

Hadthatman,whosacrificedhimselftosavethehomunculuswithouthesitation
andsmiledinsatisfactionattheend,beenvictorious?

Itwouldbeniceifthatweresono,ithadtobeso.Riderthoughtthatfromthe
bottomofhisheart.

43

Ch15

TheonethatguidedheroutwasnotDarnic,butafemalehomunculusservant
thistime.Silentlywalkingwithquietandprecisesteps,thehomunculustrulydid
resembleadoll.

IsitallrightifIaskyousomething?

ThehomunculusrepliedwithoutstoppingornoddingatRulersquestion.

Idontmind.Pleasegoahead.

AreyouhomunculiparticipatingintheGreatHolyGrailWarbecauseyouwish
so?

Ofcourse.Thatisthewishofourmasterwhocreatedus,afterall.

Itwasanindifferentandsmoothanswer.Isee,repliedRuler.Attheveryleast,
itdidnotdeviatefromtherulesoftheHolyGrailWar.Itwasbythewillofboth
thesehomunculiandthegolemsthattheyactedtoobeytheirmaster.Evenif
theyweremanufactureditwasstillbytheirownwill.

Therefore,shehadtorespecttheirwishes.

Icanmakemywayfromhere.Thankyouverymuch.

Whentheyfinallyarrivedatthecastlegate,Rulerpolitelystatedherthanks.
Gazingatherwithtransparenteyes,thehomunculusboweddeeply.Andthe
instantRulerturnedaroundandwasabouttodepart,thehomunculusclearedher
throatslightlyinhesitationandcalledouttoher.

Didhecommitsomekindofwrongdoing?

Turningbackaround,Rulertiltedherheadattheunexpectedquestion.

44

Ch15

He?

Imeanhim.Thehomunculuswhobroughtaboutthedeathofmymasters
Servant,Saber.

Therewasnoturmoiloremotioninhereyesorsoshehadthought,butwhen
Rulerobservedcarefully,shecaughtaglimpseofsomethinglikeconcernforhim
inhereyes.

No.FromwhatIveheard,Sabermerelyrespondedtohiswishtolive.Wishing
toliveisneverasin.

ShedeclaredthatnotasRuler,butasahumanbeing.Nomatterhowevilone
maybe,thewishtoliveitselfwasnotwrong.Thecrimeoflivingandcommitting
evilwasanothermatter,though.

Thankyouverymuch.

Thehomunculusexpressionrelaxedjustalittle.Yes,thesehomunculitrulywere
aliveRulersighed.Theirfateswerealmostcompletelydetermined.Their
compensationashurriedlyconstructedlifeformswasaconsiderablyshortlife.

But,preciselybecauseshewasRuler,shecoulddonothingaboutit.Shehadnot
beengrantedtherighttotakeuparmsforthosewhodidnotwishforsalvation.

Pullingherselftogether,Rulerbeganwalkinginthedirectionofthemountainthat
Riderhadspokenofearlier.

AlthoughRiderofBlackhadrecountedwhathesawearlier,thebadpremonition
thathadbeenclingingtohersinceearlierwouldntgoaway.Itwasntactually
rareforaServanttoselfdestructintheHolyGrailWar.Thecircumstancesvaried,
butfortheBerserkerclass,thereweremanycasesofthemadServantself
destructingduetoexhaustingitspranasupply.

45

Ch15

TherewerealsoServantsthatusedpowerfulNoblePhantasmsandaccidentally
destroyedtheirMastersintheirwake.

Thoughitwasararecase,therewerealsoServantsthatchosetokillthemselves
forthesakeoftheirMaster,andsoftheartedServantsthatdeployedtheirNoble
Phantasmsinordertoprotectinnocentcitizens.

Butsomethingwasdifferentthistime.Saberhadgougedouthisownheart,and
therewerenoanecdotesofhimdoingsoinlifebutthatwasntthereasonshe
feltthisway.Somethingwasfundamentallydifferent.Thatwasonlynatural;after
all,therenowshouldhavebeenonlythirteenServantsleftnow.

SowhydidshefeelthattherewerestillfourteenServantsleft?Whydidshethink
thatSaberofBlackwasstill[alive]?Therereallywassomethingstrangeaboutthis
GreatHolyGrailWar.Somethinghadgoneamiss.Wasntthathomunculus
partiallyresponsibleforthat?

No,thatwasmerelyconjecture.Shedidntknowforsure.Shedidntknow,sofor
now,shecouldonlychaseafterhimandquestionhim.

Ridersaidheheadedtowardsthismountain,but

Theforest,coveredentirelybyaBoundaryField,wassosilentandstillthatithurt
theears.ThehomunculuswasntemittingthepresenceofaServant.Inother
words,shehadtosearchfor[someone]whowascontinuouslywalkingtogetout
oftheforest.

Howeverthatmightunexpectedlybedifficult,shebegantothink.Afterall,the
homunculuswasrunningawayfromYggdmillennia.Hewasprobablysensitiveto
thepresenceofmagiandServantsmorethanothers.

Evenifshecalledouttohim,helikelywouldntcomeout.Therewasagood
chancethathewouldrunawayinfear.

46

Ch15

ThethoughtShouldIstophim?rosethroughhermind.Inthefirstplace,the
homunculusranawaybecausehedidntwanttobeinvolvedinthiswar.Tohim,
heprobablycouldonlythinkofherasanightmaretryingtobringhimbackinto
thewar.

But

Shegatheredherpranaandhelditdownenoughtojustbarelynegatetheeffects
oftheBoundaryField.Thisway,shewouldntbedetectedasaServant,and
wouldprobablybeabletoapproachhimcloseenoughtoseehimwithherown
eyes.

Butinthisstate,herphysicalabilitieswerenodifferentfromthatofanordinary
human.Evenifthemoonwasout,walkingupamountainroadwhilerelyingonits
hazylighttoseewasanactthatwouldexhaustherbodyextraordinarily.

Whilesettlingdownherroughbreathing,sheprayedthatshewouldcatchup
withhimandascendedthemountainroadwithdetermination.

Hereyesswamdizzilybutshedidnthavethetimetospareworryingaboutit.

EachstepshetookexhaustedherstaminagreatlyJustendureitalittlelonger,
shethoughttoherbody.

Whydidshehavetogothroughsomuchtrouble?Becauseshewantedtomeet
him.ThehomunculuswhomRiderofBlackhelpedandSaberofBlacksacrificed
hislifeforwithouthesitation.

Wasthatall?That,thatshouldhavebeenenough.Thenjustwhatwasthis
senseofdutyandpurposethattroubledhersomuchshewasatherwitsend?

No,itwasbetternottothinkaboutit.Forthetimebeing,itwasbesttojust
concludethatshewastryingtomeethimoutofherownwill.

47

Ch15

Andyet,contrarytohermind,herbodygraduallylostthatcontrol.

ItwasprobablyLaeticiashumanbody.Ithadatlastbrokenthroughthelimitof
itsabilitytocontinuemoving,andwasnowonlywalkingthroughRulers
willpower.Corneredinthissituation,shestifledtheimpatienceinherheart.
Walkingthroughamountainatnightdidntmeanthatshecouldbenegligent.

Resistingthetemptationtosleep,shesimplywalkedupthemountain.Perhaps
duetoseveringthesupportprovidedbyherprana,theweightofherarmorwas
somewhatpainful.

Shecontinuedtowalkupthepaththatseemedtogoonforeverandthenshe
finallycaughtsightofahazyfigurestandingataplacenearthesummitofthe
mountainbeyondwhichtheforestended.

Ah

Shesighedinreliefbut,thatseemedtobeafatalactiononherpart.Hervision
darkenedallatonceandtheworldswayed.

No,IstillIstillhavetoendureit.

Stop!

Shereflexivelycalledouttohim.ThethoughtIblunderedflittedthroughher
mind.Eventhoughshehadgonethroughsomuchtroublesoasnottofrighten
himaway,shehadcalledouttohimattheverylastmoment.

Herstaminawascompletelyusedup.Beforeshecouldformsomekindof
counterplan,herconsciousnessbrokeoff.Shecrouchedandleanedherback
againstalargetreenearby.

48

Ch15

Shecouldntmove.Thoughshewasntgoingtodie,shecouldnolongermove
presently.Herbodyneededtosurrenderitselftosleep.Buthershoutamoment
agohadprobablymadethehomunculusthinkhewasbeingpursued.Ifshedidnt
chaseafterhimnow,shewouldnevergetanotherchancetomeethim.

Shemighthavecommittedafatalblunder.AsRulerregrettedthatinherheart,
thefaintsoundoffeetsteppingongrassreachedherears.

Itcouldntbe,shethoughtassheraisedherhead.Herconsciousnessclearedjust
alittle.Aboywithfine,elegantfeaturestimidlyextendedhishandtoher.

Shegraspedhisarmatonce,andwhisperedwithasighofrelief.

ThankgoodnessImanagedtomeetyou!

Andthus,thetwomet.

ThegirlwhowasaServantyethadnoMaster,whomerelydevotedherselfto
administratingthisGreatHolyGrailWar.Theboywhowasneitherhumannora
Servant,andwhomightnotevenbeahomunculus.Bothwereoutsidersinthe
ritualknownastheHolyGrailWar.

Ah,um,err.Imnotanenemy.

Thegirlapologeticallymutteredthat,andtheboyrepliedwithanodemptyofill
will.

Somehow,Iunderstand.

Despitestaggering,thegirlmanagedtoliftherselfupand,aftercorrectingher
seatedposture,sheintroducedherself.

49

Ch15

IamJeannedArc,summonedintheServantclassofmediatorRulerforthis
GreatHolyGrailWar.ThereissomethingIwishtoaskyou,ahomunculus
formerlybelongingtotheFortressofMillennia,butdoyoumind?

Yeah,Ihavenoproblemwiththat.

DuetothespecialcharacteristicoftheRulerclass,Icandetectwhenanyofthe
Servantsparticipatinginthewararedefeated.Currently,Icanconfirmthatall
Servantsarestillpresent,However

No.Thatsincorrect.SaberofBlackdiednotlongago.

RideralsotoldmethatSaberhaddied.However,thatshouldntbe.Accordingto
mysenses,therearestillfourteenServantspresent.Andyouareemittingthe
presenceofaServant.ButIunderstandnowthatIvedirectlymetyoulikethis.
YoureallyarentaServant.

Rulertookoffhergauntlet,andsuddenlyplacedherhandonhischest.Ignoring
hisbewildermentandembarrassment,sheconfirmedthesoundofhisheartbeat.

Itsbeatingstrongly.Itappearstobefunctioningnodifferentfromanormal
heart.Thankgoodness.Hereallydidntchooseameremeaninglessdeath.

Shesighedinrelief.Then,sheseemedtorealizewhatshewasdoing,and
franticallypulledbackherhandandapologizedprofusely.

Imsorry,Ijust

No,IdontreallymindAretherenoproblemswithme?

Theboyaskedthatsomewhatuneasily,butRulershookherheadandassured
him,Yourefine.Frankly,his[heart]wasfunctioningsoperfectlyitwas
unbelievable.

50

Ch15

IfoneexcludedhisMagicCircuitsandhisabilitytoperformmagecraft,hewasno
differentfromanordinaryhuman.

ItsjustasRiderofBlacksaid.Youarefree.

Whenshesaidthat,thehomunculusexpressioninvoluntarilycloudedover.
Seeingthat,Rulerquizzicallyquestionedhim.

Issomethingwrong?

No.Inaturallyunderstandthemeaningoftheword[freedom].ButIdont
knowwhatIshoulddo.

Sieghonestlyspokehisworries.Rulertiltedherheadincuriosity.Sheknewthat
RiderofBlackhadspokenhappilyoftheboysfuturewhenshewasatthecastle.

Hellsurelygotothevillageandthenusethatasasteppingstonetogotoa
town.Hellcomeintocontactwithlotsofpeople,moveforwardwhilebeing
healedandwounded,andthencometolovesomeone.Yeah,howwonderful!

WhenRulertoldhimofRiderswords,heshookhisheadanddeniedthatfuture.

Yeah,certainly,ifIm[free]nowthatisprobablyalsoapossibilityforme.But
forsomereason,Idontfeelthedesiretodothatatall.

Heturnedhisfacedown,wearingagloomyexpressionthatconveyedhis
apologiestoRider.Rulerspokeuptocomforthim.

Alothasjusthappenedtoyou,soIdontthinkyourfeelingswillsimplychange
sosoonafterwardsButperhapsyouhaveadifferentwish?

51

Ch15

Adifferent,wish

ThefuturehehadbeengivenbyRiderwaswithoutadoubtattractive.Butfor
somereason,hedidntfeelattractedtoit.Somaybetherewasasomethingelse
adifferentfuturehewishedfor.

Ifyousayyouhavenodreams,thenfirstyoushouldexperiencefreedomand
thensearchforadream.But,ifyoualreadyhaveadreamyoushouldexpressit
honestly.ThatswhatIthink.

Adream,hisowndream.Whatwasitreally?ClosinghiseyesSiegthoughtback
onhislife.Hehadwishedtoliveandescaped,askedforhelp,triedtoescapein
ordertoliveandfailed,andeventhoughhehaddiedonce,hewasrevivedlike
thisandobtainedfreedom.

Itwasanextremelyshortlife,buthehadbeenblessedwithmuchgoodfortune.
EventhoughhewasnodifferentfromtheotherhomunculiNo,hehadbecome
differentfromtheotherhomunculi.Theydiedoutwithoutexception,andhe
lived.

Itwassimpletojustsay,Itcantbehelped,andendthematterthere.With
thosewords,hecouldsimplycastthemaway.But,heabsolutelycouldntsay,It
cantbehelped.Earlier,inspiteofbeingorderedtosearchforhim,hisfellow
homunculihadpurposefullyoverlookedhim.

WhatwasthathappinesshefeltwhenheheardaboutthatfromRider
afterwards?Wasitnotbecausehefeltabondwithhisfellowhomunculi,whohad
overcomeeventheirmastersorders?

Then.

Then,itseasytounderstandwhatmywishis.

52

Ch15

Ibecamefree.ThatswhyIwanttofreeeveryoneelseaswell.LikehowRider,
SaberandArchergavemefreedom.

Wish,mywish,mydreamistosavethem.Iwanttosavemyformerselfmy
fellowhomunculiwhowilldieatthisrate.

Theyreimmersedinthatrottingjuice,onlyabletofeelfrightened.Itsnormalfor
alllivingthingstohavedeathasafixedpartoftheirfuture,butforitbedecided
thattheycouldntdoanythinguntilthenisjusttoounreasonableandsad.

LikehowRidersavedme,Illsavethem.IfIdothat,IfeellikeIllbeabletostick
outmychestwithprideifIevermeetRideragain.IllbeabletosaythatIsaved
everyoneelsewhowishedforfreedom

Theysaid,pleasesaveus.Iheardthem.IcantactasifIdidnthearthemand
runawayfromit.Uponthispride3entrustedtomebyahero,thatistheonething
Icanneverdo.

Iwanttosavethem.

Whodoyouwanttosave?

Mycomrades,thosewhoarethesamekindofbeingasme.Thosewhocant
evencryouteventhoughtheybeggedtobesaved.Theoneswholivejusttodie
withoutevenbeingabletoexpecthelp.

3
Here,itsaysprideinfurigana,whilethekanjibeneathitsaysheart.

53

Ch15

Youmeantosayyouwillsavethehomunculiinthatcastle?

SiegnoddedatRulersquestion.

ButthatisntwhatRiderwanted,right?

Exactly,thatServantshouldhavejustwishedforthehomunculustobehappy.For
himtohaveapeacefullifewithoutbattle.

IknowBut,thatpeaceful,ordinarylife.Thatdreamisntmydream.

Ridersfeelingshadtrulymadehimhappy.Evenso,hewantedtodothis.

Iheardit.Iheardtheirwishtosomeoneaskingforhelp.Icantjustliveand
turnmyeyesawayfromthat.

Itwaslikeachaintohim.Thehomunculus,havingbeensavedbymuchgood
fortune,understoodthatjoyverywell.Thegreatjoyofhavingsomeonegrasp
thehandyouheldout.Itwasanemotionthattheotherhomunculiwould
probablyneverexperienceintheirlives.

Astrangefeelingofguiltcreptthroughhisbody.Itwassomethingthatcouldnt
behelped,buthisheartwantedtodosomethingaboutit.

RulerhadherbreathtakenawaybySiegswords.

Thoughthesourceofthevoiceheheardwasdifferent,hehidthesame
determinationasherwithinhimself.Shetriedtorespondtothelamentsofthe
Lord,andhewastryingtorespondtothelamentsofhisfellowhomunculi.Even
thoughRulercouldntheartheirvoicesaskingtobesaved,thisboyheardthem.

Therefore

54

Ch15

Icantstopyou.

Hmm?Ifitsyou,Ithinkyouhaveplentyofwaystostopme,though.

No,Iwastalkingtomyself.Inotherwords,youintendtoreturntothecastle
nowandpersuadethehomunculitorunaway?

Imthinkingofvariousapproachestotaketodothat,butthatsbasicallyit.

Whatdoyouthinkyourchancesofsuccessare?

Rightnow,itsequivalenttozero.ButthatdoesntmeanImgoingtorunaway.

Pleasecutitoutwiththerecklesschargingahead.Thatisthesameastrampling
overRidersgoodwill.

Ofcourse,hedidntintendtodothat.Butcurrently,Siegcouldntcomeupwith
anythingthatcouldbecalledaplan.

IhaveaquestionforyouasthemediatoroftheGreatHolyGrailWar.TheBlack
campisusinghomunculilikemeasapranasupply.Thatcouldbecalleda
violationintheHolyGrailWar,right?

Rulersexpressiondarkened.Yes,rescuingthehomunculiwashisobjective.But
thejourneyaheadofhimwasfilledwithtoomanydifficulties.Thebiggest
problemrightnowwasthedifficultquestionofwhetherthiscouldbecalleda
violationifonestrictlyappliedtherules.

FromwhatIhaveseen,thehomunculiareparticipatingintheHolyGrailWarof
theirownwill.Attheveryleast,thatshowahomunculusansweredwhenIasked
her.

Becauseitwastheirmastersorder,theyagreedtofight.

55

Ch15

Thatwasacourseofactionthatnotonlyhomunculi,butalsomanyhumanshad
taken.Inthefirstplace,Servantsparticipatedinbattlefundamentallyforthat
reason.

Ourwillisextremelyweak.Werebeingsthatjustobeytheordersweregiven.

Butyouyourselfpossessasenseofselfandareactingaccordingtoit.

Thatstrue,but

IftheyareparticipatingintheHolyGrailWaroftheirownwill,Idontthinkits
myplacetospeakout.Youcanaskthehomunculiwhethertheyareparticipating
oftheirownwillandobtainananswerfromthem,cantyou?

Thehomunculuswasatalossforwords.Itwasdoubtfulthathewouldgetan
idealanswerfromthemifheasked.Sincethemomenttheywereborn,obeying
someonesorderswaseverythingtothem.Theirwilltoresistwasprettymuch
nonexistent.

ButitstruethatthisissomethingIcannotoverlook.Itsageneralrulethatthe
supplyofpranashouldbeconductedbetweenMasterandServantalone.To
ignorethatruleonsuchalargescaleandsoopenlyitmightbeabitofa
problem.But,evenifIorderthemtocorrectthesituation,theydonothavethe
obligationtoobey.

Dontyouhavethatkindofauthority,sinceyourethemediator?

Ido,butthenumberoftimesIcanuseitislimited.Tobemorespecific,Ihave
beengrantedtherighttoenforceuptotwoordersoneachServant.

Thats

56

Ch15

Rulernoddedathissurprisedexpression.Yes,thiswashergreatestprivilegeas
Ruler.TherightstoenforceabsoluteordersonServantsthateachMaster
possessedthreeofinotherwords,[CommandSpells].

However,IcannotuseaCommandSpellasthemediatorwhenitcomestominor
mattersNo,naturally,thisisjustmyowncriterion.

Ofcourse,ifsheusedtheCommandSpells,shecouldevencontrolwhoobtained
theHolyGrailasanextremeexample.ShecouldjustordertheServantwhoshe
didntwanttoobtainittocommitsuicide.

However,thatwaspreciselywhysheneededlawsinsideherself.Ifshegotridof
those,shewouldntbeRuler,butjustadespot.

Asthehomunculusslumpedhisshouldersindefeat,Rulerfeltherhearttighten.
Justashesaid,itwastooharshtoaskforadisplayof[will]fromthehomunculi.

Ihaveasuggestion.Dontyouthinkthehomunculiwouldopentheirheartsif
youtalkedtothem?Whydontyoushowthemthethingstheonesthatrulethem
haventshownthem?

Thats

Theboybegantoponderhard.Asahomunculuslikethem,hemightbeableto
makeanappealregardingtheirwretchedconditions.Thenitwaspossiblethat
Rulermightactalittleaswell.Ifthatwasenoughtobreakoutthehomunculus
whosoughthelpandchosetowithdrawfromthewarfromthecastle

IfIcansavemycomradesthatway,IthinkIlltryit.

IseeInthatcase.

Tobehonest,thiswasanactjustontheborderlineofRulersjurisdiction.

57

Ch15

Shewassupportingthishomunculustoomuch.

Butevenifsheweretosayshewouldntcooperatewithhimnow,heprobably
wouldntstop.

AslongasRiderofBlackexisted,hewouldundoubtedlycausechaosamongthe
BlackFaction.AndwithmattersalreadybeingcomplicatedduetotheRedFaction
aimingtokillheraswell,shecouldntallowforthewarsordertocrumbleany
further.

Firstgivingalightcoughandthenpuffingoutherchest,shespokeina
deliberatelycrabbymanner.

Itcantbehelped.Thesituationisunavoidable,sofromnowonIlldirectand
manageyouractions.Havenoworries,Iwillconsideryourwillasmuchas
possible.However,pleaserefrainfromtakinganyabsurdandrecklessactions.
Understood?

Mgh

Thisisntasituationthatyoucandealwithbyyourselfrightnow.

Thatstruebut.

Mostofall!Ifyougobacktothatcastlebyyourselfrightnow,wehavenoidea
whatRiderofBlackAstolfomightdo.Ifeeldeeply,deeplyanxiousaboutthat

Shegrumbledasifshefeltanxiousfromthebottomofherheart.

Thatstrue.

Afterall,hewasaHeroicSpiritwhoblewoffreasonallthewaytothemoon.

58

Ch15

Ifthehomunculusactedcarelessly,Riderwoulddefinitelygoonarampageinside
thecastleforhissake.

Therefore,pleasefollowmylead.Isthatfinewithyou?Itsfine,right?Answer
me!

OverpoweredbyRulerasshesuddenlyandforcefullypressedhimforananswer,
theboyfranticallynodded.

UUnderstoodIllobeyyou.

Rulerwasabouttoholdouthergauntletlesshandtoshake,butthensuddenly
realized.Shehadyettohearhisname.

Imsorry,butaboutyourname

PleasecallmeSieg.Thoughthiswasoriginallyhisname,notmine.

Theboyspokewithhishandplacedagainsthischestasifsomehowproudofthat.

Sincehesgonenow,Imustlive.WhenIconsiderthat,thisnameseems
appropriatethatswhatIthink,buthowaboutit?

Iunderstood.SoyournameisSiegfriedthen.

No,thatswrong.JustSiegisfine.Ifeelthatthatherosnameistooheavyfor
me.Iprobablywouldntbeabletolivelikehedid.

Heprobablywouldntabletosacrificehislifewithouthesitationlikehedid

Hewhisperedthatwithsomeregretandfrustration.

59

Ch15

Thatsonlynatural.Youhavemerelyobtainedapositionthatallowsyoutojust
barelydosomething.Youarentaherowhohasalreadyaccomplishedthethings
youneededtodolikehim.

Itwasmeredisgustingarrogancetoforceaboywithaninfinitefuturespreadout
beforehimtosacrificehislife.Nomatterhowmuchhelookedlikeanadultin
appearance,hewasstillveryyoung.

IseeYeah,Iunderstand.

Siegobedientlynodded.Whatagoodboy,Rulerpleasantlythought.Then,she
offeredherhandagain.Andtheboygingerlygraspedthathand.

Then,letsreturntothecastlewithoutdelayIfwemeetRider,pleaseleaveit
tometoproperlyexplainthingstohimsoitdoesntturnintoaquarrel.

Allright.Then,letsgo.

Yes,letsgo!

Rulerturnedaroundtofaceawayfromthevillageatthebaseofthemountain.
Andthen,aftertakingafewstepsforward,sheweaklycollapsedtoherknees.

WWhatswrong?

Siegfranticallyrushedovertoher,andRulerrepliedwithadeeplyapologetic
expression.

UmmImsorry,butletsgotothevillageatthebaseofthemountain.

Why?

Hisquestionwasansweredbyasoundmoreeloquentthanwords.

60

Ch15

Itwasthetrillofherstomach;inotherwords,itwasthesoundofherstomach
growling.

Idontthinkitspossible,butareyou

Imsorry,butcouldyoupleasecarrymeonyourbackwhileyoureatit?My
stomachisemptyandIcantmove

Itwasthatimpossibility.Shewasoutofgas.Thinkingbackonit,sinceeating
dinner,shehadbeenrunningaroundhereandtherewithouteatingordrinking
untilitwasneardawn,andshehadlackedthetimetorestafterusingherholy
watertosearch.Itwasonlyforaninstant,butherconsciousnesshadflickedoff
earlier.

EvenifitwasnoproblemforaServant,shehadexpendedtoomuchenergyasa
human.Ifsheexpendedamassiveamountofprana,shecouldmove,butshe
couldnotendurethisdespairingsensationofhungerforever.

Ifeelanxiousaboutourfutureprospects.

Rulerhadnowordsshecouldrespondwith.

61

Ch16

Chapter1

HowisLancer?

Insteadofgoingintospiritualform,myLordissittingonhisthroneandseemsto
bethinkingaboutsomething.Heappearstobeconsideringsomemattersfrom
hisdiscussionwithRuler.

Gatheredtogetherinoneofthecastlesrooms,theheadoftheYggdmillennia
clan,Darnic,andArcherstoodinfrontofeachotherastheystartedworkingout
theirplansfromnowon.

TothinkthatSaberwoulddropoutsoearlyon

Darnicworeadarkexpression.Itwasonlynatural;theoneextolledasthe
greatestofthesevenServantclasses,Saber,possessedoutstandingtalentthat
shouldhaveensuredhesurviveduntilthefinalstagesofthewar.Therewere
ServantslikeCasterandAssassinwhoexcelledattargetingtheiropponentsweak
points,andServantslikeRiderwhooverwhelmedtheenemywithanabundance
ofNoblePhantasmssoitwasntliketheSaberclasshadanabsoluteadvantage,
butunlikethoseotherclasseswhosufferedfromtheissueofcompatibilitywith
theirenemies,theSaberclasscoulddealwithanytypeofenemyinbattlewithits
allpurposestrengthandskills.

Moreover,SaberofBlackhadbeenSiegfried,thegreatherooftheNetherlands.
ExcludingSaberofRed,heshouldhavebeenabletodominateanybattleno
matterwhatServanthefaced.

Itsnouseregrettingwhatspastnow.TheRedcampwillprobablydetect
Sabersdeathsoonerorlater.Whentheydo,thereisahighchancethattheyll
attacktotryandfinishusoffinonestroke.

62

Ch16

TheRedcamphadlostBerserkertothemandwasalsodowntosixServants.If
Archerweretheircommander,hewouldwanttoattackbeforetheBlackcamp
madecountermeasurestodealwithSabersloss.Theyhadthebestchanceof
winningnowwhiletheBlackcampwasntprepared.

CastersNoblePhantasmwillbenecessary.

Iheardwehaventyetgatheredallthenecessarymaterialsyet,though.

AServantsNoblePhantasmwasbroughtintothisworldwhentheywere
summoned,andwasnaturallycompiledoutofprana.Thoughtherewere
sometimesnecessaryconditionsforactivatingit,itwasrarefortheNoble
Phantasmitselftorequirematerialstoconstructit.

Mostofthetime,thisoccurredincaseswheretheNoblePhantasmstillexistedin
theworlduptothepresentday.However,inthiscase,whatwasneededwasthe
NoblePhantasmitselfinsteadofthematerials.

ANoblePhantasmwasnotanunknownweapon.NoblePhantasmswerenone
otherthantheultimatemysteriesofHeroicSpiritsthatweresublimatedintotheir
legends.Therefore,NoblePhantasmwerealreadycompletedexistences
normallyspeaking.

IftherewasaNoblePhantasmthatdidnotfollowthislogic,itwouldbe
somethingtoohugetobepossessedbyasingleHeroicSpirit,orsomethingthat
wasincompletebutstillcarvedintolegend.

Theresjustonematerialleft.Ifwecanobtainit,CastercanactivatehisNoble
Phantasm.

Afirstclassmagus.

63

Ch16

Darnicspokewithagrimexpression.Hearingthosewords,Archerfinally
understandthereasonsforvariousthingsthathadbeenhappening.

Isee.SothatswhyCasterwantedthathomunculus.

Thatsright.CastersNoblePhantasmrequiresa[core]tofunction,andthe
qualityofthecoreisreflectedinthepoweroftheNoblePhantasm.Theonlyones
thatpossessthenecessarytalentamongourclanare

ThesevenwhobecameMasters.Andalsothehomunculusinquestion.

Wecangatheranynumberofsecondrateandthirdratemagiasmaterials.
However,amaguswhoisthesuccessorofathousandyearoldMagicCrestcant
beobtainedinsuchashortperiodoftime.

IdontthinkthatthehomunculushasaCrest,though

Butthathomunculuswasmadeusingcraftingtechniquesstolenfromthe
Einzberns.Itsnotunusualforanextraordinarymonstertobebornamongthose
wecreated.Casterprobablynoticedthat.

Thatstrue,Archerthoughtwithanod.HisMagicCircuitswerefirstclass.Asa
result,hisfeeblebodyhadntbeenabletoendurethepowerofhisCircuits.

Butatthispoint,capturingthathomunculusisadimprospect.Inotherwords

Wehavetousesomeoneamongusasthematerials,huh?

Yes.Inthatcase,thereisonlyonepersonwhoqualifies.

Darnicmutteredwithabittersmile.

ArcherguessedthathewasprobablyreferringtoGordesMusikYggdmillennia.

64

Ch16

EspeciallysinceSaberhadchosenhisowndeath,hisMasterwasdefinitelynot
unrelated.

Whenheregainedconsciousness,GordeshadshakenpitifullybeforeLancers
crossexaminationofwhathadhappenedandhadblamedeverythingonSaber
andRider.Watchinghimdothathadnotbroughtpleasantfeelingseventoa
ServantlikeArcher.

Gordeshadforgottenthat,atthesametimeasbeinghisServant,Saberwasalso
theundyingheroSiegfriedwhowasunparalleledinhistoryNo,perhapsitwas
moreaccuratetosaythatheavertedhiseyesfromthatfact.

IfSaberdidntobeyhisMastersorders,itwasprobablyduetohisownbeliefs.To
tryandovercomethatwithahighhandedattitudewascompletelyoutofthe
question.Asamatteroffact,ArcherfeltthatGordesarrogantattitudehad
causedLancersangertowardsRidertocooldown.

WasitokaytomakeCastertheMasterofBerserkerofRed?

ThoughGordeshadlostSaber,hestillhadoneofhisCommandSpellsleft,and
continuedtopossesstherightsofaMasters.Ifheweretomakeanewcontract,it
wasonlynaturaltodosowithBerserkerofRed,but

ThecontractwithBerserkerhadalreadybeencompletedwithCasterasaproxy
Master.

WecantexpectanythingfromBerserkersMaster,afterall.Oncewetransfer
GordesCommandSpelltoCaster,hisrolewillendafterguidingBerserkers
rampagewiththeCommandSpell.

Isee.

Darnicrolledhiseyesinexasperation.

65

Ch16

HavewestillnotreceivedanywordfromAssassinsMaster?

No.Thankstothe[spiritboard],weknowthatAssassinhasntdied,but

Theworstpossiblescenariopassedthroughtheirheads.Amemberofthe
Yggdmillennia,SagaraHyouma,hadpurposefullydepartedforhishomelandin
theFarEastandperformedthesummoningofhisServantwithperfect
preparation.

Theyconfirmedthatthesummoningitselfhadsucceededthroughthe[spirit
board].ButtheycouldntconfirmiftheMasterwasSagaraHyouma.

Inotherwords,therewasahighprobabilitythatsomeonebesidesSagarahad
becometheMaster.AssassinofBlackJacktheRipperhadashorthistoryand
wasaserialkiller,whichwasfarfromthelevelofaHeroicSpirit,butwiththe
specialcharacteristicsofhisclass,heundoubtedlyspecializedinkillingMasters.

Inthatregard,AssassinwasquiteaterrifyingServanttohaveasanenemy.

HavingbothAssassinsintheRedcampistheworstpossibleoutcome,but

DarnicshookhisheadatArcherswords,asiftosaythathedidntwanttoeven
considerthepossibility.Itwasthenthatthedoorsuddenlyopenedandthetwoof
themturnedtolookatthesametime.

Grandfather,Archer.MayIhaveaminuteofyourtime?

TheonewhobargedinwasArcherofBlacksMaster,FioreForvedge
Yggdmillennia.Normally,sheactedinagracefulmannerinallsituations,butfor
once,sheworeahighlybewilderedexpression.

Whatswrong,Fiore?Tonotevenknock

66

Ch16

Withoutanswering,Fioresilentlyputanewspaperonthetable.Darnicand
Archerfocusedtheirgazesonaparticularnewsarticle.

Thisis

ItappearsthataserialkillerhasappearedinRomaniascapital,Bucharest.The
deathshavespreadnorthofBucharesttoSighioara.

Darnicfranticallyporedoverthenewspaper.Whilethedetailsonthemurders
themselvesweresparse,therewerealreadymorethanthirtyvictims,andallof
Romaniaappearedtobeinapanic.

Ithoughtitwasjustacoincidence,butpleaselookhere.Thelistofvictims

WhatFiorepointedatwasthephotoofawoman.Thoughtheywerelowgrain
photos,onecouldseethatshepossessedwellorderedfeatures.Onlythewords
[Unidentified]werewritteninthecaptionbeneaththephoto.

HernameisPemetrekis.Sheisamaguswhowasinthesamedepartmentas
meattheAssociation.

Atherwords,Darnicalsorecognizedtheseriousnessofthesituation.Ifthiswere
amereserialkiller,onecouldjustdisregarditasacoincidence.Butthatwas
impossibleifamaguswasincludedamongthelistofvictims.Moreover,shewas
probablyoneofthemagiwhohadbeendespatchedtoTrifas.

Issheamagusweakenoughtobekilledbyaserialkiller?

No.Pemetrekisisamagusspecializedinintelligencegathering.Addinginthe
battleabilitiesofherfamiliars,anormalmaguswouldntbeabletocontendwith
herinbattle.

Inotherwords.Thisserialkillerpossessestheabilitytokillmagi.

67

Ch16

Iftheserialkillerwassimplyamaguswhosurpassedherlevel,thenitwasstilla
minormatter.Butthenameofamonsterthatwasfamousforsurpassingmagiby
farcametotheirminds.

ServantAssassinJacktheRipper.HadhearrivedinRomania?Ifso,justwhaton
earthwashisMasterthinking?Attheveryleast,theycouldntimaginehewas
saneifhewasturningablindeyetotheseabnormaleventsthatevenappearedin
thenewspaper.Hewassteppingfarofffromthegeneralruleofallmagito
concealtheirmysteriesfromthepublic.

Thatsright.Whatshouldwedo,grandfather?Thisisntsomethingthatcanbe
ignored.

Afterponderingforawhile,Darnicdecidedtodespatchseveraloftheirclans
magiwhowereonstandbyinTrifasatthemoment.

IfthisreallyistheworkofAssassinofBlack,magiwontbeabletofighthimat
all.

NomatterhowweakanyServantmightbe,theywereallHeroicSpirits.Theyhad
reachedthedomainofwhatcouldbecalledtheultimatemysteries.Notto
mentiontheopponentwasAssassin,whoseabilitieswerespecializedinkilling
Masters.

Shouldwenotheadoutaswell?

Fioressuggestionwascertainlyreasonable.Butitwasadifferentstoryifshehad
toleaveTrifasandgoallthewaytoSighioara.DespatchingServantsinthis
situationandweakeningtheirdefencesinthissituationwas

AsDarnicsthoughtshadreachedadeadend,hereceivedatelepathic
communicationfromCaster.

68

Ch16

Reporting.ItseemsSaberofRedandherMasterhaveleftTrifas.

LeftDoyouknowwheretheyvegoneto?

TheyappeartohaveheadedtoSighioara.IfIobservethatcitywithmyremote
viewingthaumaturgy,mysurveillanceherewillbecomesomewhatinsufficient,
thoughwhatshouldbedone?

PleasekeepmaintainingyoursurveillanceoverTrifasasyouhave.ButIalsowant
informationonSighioaratosomeextent.Ifyouhavethepowertospare,divertit
toobservingSighioara.

TherecouldonlybeoneoftworeasonswhySaberofRedandherMasterthe
bountyhuntingnecromancerShishigouKairiwereheadingtoSighioara.

TokillAssassinofBlackortojoinforceswithhisMaster.Eitherway,theBlack
campcouldntremainamerespectatorinthissituation.

TheycurrentlyhadsixServantsandsixMastersundertheircontrol,butthey
coulduseonlyoneServantasascout.Fromadefensivestandpoint,theycouldnt
sendouttwoormoreServants.

Archer.AndArchersMaster,Fiore.YouaretoheadtoSighioara.Assassinof
BlackandSaberofRedarethere.

FioresexpressionvisiblystiffenedfaintlyatthementionofSaberofRed.Aclash
withtheServantwhowastheirmostformidableenemyintheGreatHolyGrail
War.SheguessedthatcrossingbladeswithherMasterShishigouKairiwouldbe
inevitable.Hencethereasonforherstiffenedexpression.

Understood.Welldepartassoonaswefinishmakingpreparations.Letsgo,
Archer.

69

Ch16

Butthoughshewastenseasshenodded,Fiorewasnotafraid.Hertrustinher
Servantwasnaturallyonereasonforthat,butitwasalsobecauseshepossessed
absoluteprideinherownabilitiesaswell.

Understood,Master.Then,Darnicdono,pleasepardonus.

FioreexitedtheroomwithArcher,andDarnicletoutashortbreath.

Theworldtrulyisbeyondmycontrol.Butthatsfine.Ialreadydecidedtoputmy
lifeonthelinetoseparatefromtheAssociationofMagi.Anincidentofthislevel
iswithinmyexpectations.

Naturally,Darnichadalsotakenintoconsiderationthepossibilitythathehimself
wouldbedefeatedandthattheirclanwouldbedestroyed.Buthisresponseto
thatwouldprobablybeSowhat?Darnicrememberedwellhowmanyclanshad
diedoutgloomilywithoutevengettingthechancetoreachtheRoot.

Theyhadgottenthatchance.Thatalonewasunexpectedgoodfortune.Andof
course,Darnichadnointentionofbeingdefeated.

70

Ch17

Chapter1

Itsnotmyfault.

Aloneinhisroom,Gordeswascrushedbyhumiliationandterror.

Itsnotmyfault.

Mutteringthat,Gordesdrankdownanentireglassofalcoholwhiletrembling,
tryingtodenyhisownblunder.Thetasteoftheexpensivealcoholplacedonhis
nighttablewasntthatgood.Itwasabittertastethatpiercedhistongue.Notonly
wasthetastebad,buthealsocouldntgetdrunkonitittrulywasafraud
product.

Yes,itsafraud.ThatdamnheroasifthatcouldbeSiegfried.

Hestoppeddrinkingwasntwhathedid.Hedrankanddrank,buthishead
hurt,andherememberedthegazeofthatannoyingswordsman.

Justrememberingitmadehisthoughts,hisheart,regaincalm.

Ithadntbeenuglyorbeautiful.Ithadntbeenfilledwithcoldnessorkillingintent
either.Ithadjustwaited.

WhatshouldIdo?

IfithadheldexpectationsforGordesanswer,hemighthavehadthetimeto
think.Ifthatgazehadbeencoldorangry,hewouldhavecompliedoutoffear
evenifhewasitsMaster.

71

Ch17

IfithadcalmlygivenaproposalwithmeritsanddemeritsGordesmighthave
refused,buthewouldnthavebeenthatenragedbyit.

Thatsnotwhatitdid.Ithadjustwaitedrobotically.Ithadwaitedforhimto
chooseYesorNo.

ThatwasntthebondbetweenMasterandServant.IwasjustapebbleGordes
thought.

Gordeswasapebbleonthepathtoachievinghisobjective.Gordeswasinthe
way,sohekickedhimawaytothesideofthepath.Thatwasprobablythelevelof
recognitionhehadgivenGordes.

Asifthatcouldbeahero.

Evenashegrumbledthosecomplaints,heunderstoodbutheavertedhiseyes
fromit.Hejustcontinuedtoaverthiseyes.Becausethatwouldforcehimtoface
hisownfoolishnessaswell.

Youdontunderstandanything.

Theterror,shameandsorrowofhisServantrealizingthatandsayingittohim.To
preventthat,heactedthatway.Hedidntspeaktohimandwasntspokento
either.BecauseGordestriedtotreathimasaServant(tool),Sabercouldonly
treatGordesasaMaster(tool)aswell.

Thatwasonlynatural.Gordestreatedeverythingbesideshimselfastools.His
objectivewastherestorationoftheproudalchemistMusikfamily.Evenbecoming
partoftheYggdmillenniaclanwasameresteppingstoneforthesakeofthat
goal.Thatwaswhathewastaught.Hisfatherandmothersaidthat,andhis
grandfatherandgrandmothersaidthat.

72

Ch17

Heknewthatwasntright.Heknewthat,buthecouldntthinkofawaytobring
aboutchange.Followingtherulesimposedonhimmadehisheartfeelatease.
Welltriumphoneday.Thatswornrevengewaspusheduponthenextgeneration
byhisgrandfather,grandmother,fatherandmother.

Hehadalsoofcourseintendedtopushituponhisson.Oncethiswarwasover,
heplannedtostarttheincrementaltransplantofhisMagicCresttohim.

Hissonalsosawhimasatool.Hehadimmediatelyunderstoodthatfromhissons
obscureeyesthatseemedtorebelathimwithouttryingtohideitAfterall,he
wasthespittingimageofGordeswhowasreflectedinthoseeyes.

If,hesuddenlythought.

IfhehadrecognizedhisServantnotasatool,butasaherowithhisown
personalityliketheForvedgesiblingshad.

PerhapsSabersmachinelikeeyeswouldhavechangedsomehow.Perhapsthe
futurewouldhavebeendifferent.

Gordeslaughedscornfullyathisownthoughtsandpouredmorealcoholintohis
glass.

Ridiculous.Whatgooddoesitdotothinkofitnow?

Hegulpeddownthealcohol,butevensoGordesthought.If,atthattime,he
hadrespondedtoSaberssuggestionno,ridiculous.Itwasridiculous,sohe
stoppedthinkingaboutit.Hewasaloser,adropout.Nowhecouldonlyleavethe
resttosomeoneelse.

Concludingthat,Gordesfinallystartedtofeelthealcoholtakeeffectonhismind.

73

Ch17

Geez,howannoying.

Whiletwistingherintelligentandbeautifulfaceinanger,Celenikewalkedthrough
thehallwaywithloudandroughfootsteps.Nomatterhowmuchshetormented
herServant,shedidntfeelrefreshedbyitallduetothefrivoloussmilehealways
wore.

Shehadthegreatestfeastbeforehereyes,butshecouldnttouchit.Notonlywas
shenotallowedtoeatit,butitalsoremainedtoohardtochewnomatterhow
muchshestabbedatitwithafork.

ToCelenike,whowasraisedanddoteduponbytheoldfemalemagiwho
practicedthedarkarts,patienceandselfcontrolwerethesamethingsastorture.
Shecouldonlymaintainselfcontrolwiththingsregardingmagecraft.

Iftherewasanythingthatcouldbringasmiletohernoblelookingface,itwould
probablybeforsomeonetobringthehomunculuswhomRiderhadprotected
beforeher.Ifshegougedouthiseyes,cutoffhisarms,pulledouthistongueand
madehimeathisownintestinesrightinfrontofRider,evenRiderwouldprobably
lamentanddespair.

Shewantedtoseethatexpression.Shewantedtoseeitnomatterwhat.Ifshe
couldseetheexpressionofAstolfo,knownasbeingtheloveliestamong
CharlemagnesfamousTwelvePaladins,twistindespair,shewouldntevenmind
dying.

Atthesametime.Sheseemedtogreatlyhatethehomunculuswhohadstolen
Ridershearttothisextent.

TherewassomethingthatAstolfohadnevergivenhernomatterhowmuchshe
wishedsosincehehadbeensummonedasRiderofBlack.

74

Ch17

Itcouldprobablybecalledlove.Cherishment,affectionandthejoythatcame
withitwereemotionsthatCelenikehaddifficultyunderstanding.

Whywouldnthedirectthoseemotionstowardsher?Howannoying.Eventhough
thathomunculushasjustatransientlifelikeamayfly.

Inreality,shehadwantedtosearchforhimtillthebitterend.Notonlywasshe
skilledinmagecraft,Celenikealsohadthemostvindictivepersonalityamongthe
Yggdmillenniaclan.Toher,thehomunculuswasalreadynothingmorethanan
annoyingpest.Thekindofbugthatonehadtosearchforthrougheventheroots
ofgrassanderadicate.

Butshecouldnttakeuphertimetosearchforasinglehomunculus.Findinghim
wasntimpossiblewithherdarkarts.Butalotofpreparationswouldneedtobe
madetodoso,anditwasmadehardersincethehomunculuswhose
whereaboutswereunknownwasalsoanexcellentmagus.

Therewouldbenopointtoitifsheattackedunskillfullyandendedupbeing
bittenbyacorneredmouse.Shecoulddonothingbutgiveupregardingthe
homunculusuntiltheendofthiswar.

ItmadeherwanttoseeRidersanguishedfaceanddoevenmoreextremethings
tohim.Shewantedtoviolatehim,disgracehim,anddyehimindespairbut
Celenikesomehowmanagedtoholdherselfbackfromsuchwickedacts.Once
thiswarwasover,oncehersidewon,shecoulddosowithnoproblems.

OncetheybeattheRedcamp,shewouldgiveupherwishandparticipationinthe
war.ShewoulduseallthreeCommandSpellstoviolateRideruntilhedied.

Perhapsitwasbecauseshewaswalkinginsuchanoverlyirritatedmanner,buta
homunculusbumpedintohershoulderasshepassed.Theyoungboy,inchargeof
settingthetableformeals,bowedhisheadandapologizedwithvacanteyes.

75

Ch17

Illdoittohim,Celenikedecided.

You,comewithmeforabit.

Thehomunculushadnorighttorefuse.AndCelenikehadnotonefragmentof
sympathyforahomunculusservant.Furthermore,consumptionwasavirtuefor
magi.

Withavulgarpleasurethatevenothermagiwouldscorn,Celenikedecidedto
releasethestressshedkeptbuildingupforthetimebeing.

Somethingweirdhashappened.

RocheFrainYggdmillenniasighed.Hestirreduphisextremelycurlyhairandtried
tosettlehisdisorderedthoughts.

TheirsidesSaberhadfallen.Moreover,itwasduetosuicide.HethoughtHeroic
Spiritswerepeoplewithabitmoresense,butthatdidntseemtobethecase.

Geez,howabsurd.

Thisshouldhavebeenawarwithplentyofleewayfortheirside.

WithLancerofBlack,SaberofBlack,ArcherofBlackandthecombinationofhim
andCaster,hehadbeenconfidentthattheycouldknockdownanyenemy.Toput
itmoreaccurately,hehadconfidenceinmakinggolemsthatcoulddealwith
anything.

TheBlackMastersvaluedhisgolemsfartoolightly.Certainly,SaberofRedhad
cutthemdownwithasinglestrike.Butthoseweregolemsmadetoserveas
lookouts.Itdidntmeanthattheywereinferiortotheothershemade,buttheir
purposewasstrictlydetectionandgivingreports.

76

Ch17

Golemsthatdisplayedtruebattlespecswouldnthavebeendefeatedsoone
sidedly.

Ofcourse,theywouldhavebeendefeatedintheend,buthisgolemsexistedin
thehundreds.Sabermightnotgetinjuredagainsttenortwentyofthem,butif
shewasattackedinwaveswithgolemsnumberingbeyondahundred,whoknows
whatmighthavehappened?

Hewasfullyawarethatitwasanabstractacademictheory.However,the
possibilityofthatwasdefinitelynotlow.

Butintruth,heunderstooditwasexpectingtoomuchforSabertobetakendown
byhisbattletypegolems.

TheproblemwasCastersAntiArmyNoblePhantasm,GolemKeterMalkuth:
RoyalCrown,theLightofWisdom.Naturally,heguessedthatCastersNoble
Phantasmwasalsoagolem.Butforsomereason,Casterwasvagueaboutits
preciseform.

ThatwasbecauseRochewasstillinexperienced.Hewantedtothinkthatwas
thereason.However,basedonthewordsCastersometimesletslip,itatleast
seemedtobeahugegolem.Afterthat,CasterofBlackhadtoldhimthisaswell.

Thisgolemisnotmeanttobeinvincible.

Rather,itmustbedesignedsothatitcandiethroughanykindofmeans.

ThegolemImcreatingpossesseslife.Therefore,itwilldie.

Mygolemisnotacrafttosimplemoveclaydolls.Mygolemisthecreationof
lifeinotherwords,acopyoftheoriginalhuman,Adam.

77

Ch17

ThatwasthebeingCasteraimedtocreate.ToRochewhothoughtthatitwas
sufficienttojustcreateacapablegolem,Castersthinkingwasextremely
shocking.

Hewantedtohelp,andifhecouldntdothat,hewantedtoatleastbenextto
himtowatchhimmakeit.Franklyspeaking,theGreatHolyGrailWarwasnothing
otherthanatroublesomeeventforRoche.Ifitwerentforthebattlearoundthe
HolyGrail,hewouldnthavebeenabletowitnessthemiracleofsummoning
HeroicSpirits,andnaturally,hewouldnthavemetCasterofBlackAvicebron.

Sofightinginthewarcouldntbehelped.Butalthoughtherewerestillatonof
thingshewishedtolearnfromCaster,thelengthoftheGreatHolyGrailWarwas
fartooshortBecauseofthat,Rochehaddecidedonwhattowishfor.

HiswishwasforCastertobefullyresurrected.Casteralsohadawishhewanted
tofulfillinthepresentworld,soitshouldbefinetoassisthimalittle.

WhenheheardRocheswish,CasterofBlackhadsaid,Thankyou.Itdidnt
meanthatCastersdetachedattitudehadchanged,andhisteachingdidnt
becomesofter.

Buttheycommunicatedthroughtheheart.Justknowingthatwasagreatyieldto
Roche.

Hedidntfinditthisinterestingtominglewithotherpeople.Itwasrarerforthere
tobesomeonewhomhecouldrespectfromthebottomofhisheart.Roches
parentshadnevershowninterestinhim.No,evenifbeingraisedbygolemswasa
traditionoftheFrainfamily,hehadneveroncefeltloveandaffectioneven
beyondthat.

Thatmightbenecessaryforamagus.Loveforonesfamilywassometimesa
heavyburdeninthequestformagic.Soitsbetternottogiveanylovefromthe
beginning.Attheveryleast,thatwasthepolicyoftheFrainfamily.

78

Ch17

Furthermore,RochewasachildwhowascalledtheFrainsgreatestmasterpiece
sincethefamilyhadjoinedYggdmillennia.

Rochehimselfrecognizedthataswell.Hehadcarefullyreadthenumerous
grimoiresthatcontainedthefeelingsofhisancestorsasiftheirbloodranthrough
it,andhadtiltedhisheadinpuzzlementatwhytheywouldexplainindrawnout
wordssuchasimpleeasilyunderstoodthing.

Andthen,hehadsummonedagenius.Hewasoverwhelmedbyhimrightfrom
thestart,andthenadmiredhim.Themanwhowasonthesamelevelashimno,
whohethoughtmightevenbeloweringhisleveltomatchhis.

ItwasunthinkableforhimtoserveRoche.Rochehimselfhadtobetaughtbyhim.
Andoneday,hewouldwatchfrombesidehimasCasterfulfilledhisdream.

Hewoulddoanythingforthesakeofthat.Ifhumanliveswerenecessary,he
wouldmowdownasmanyasittook.Hewouldevendothingsthatwould
underminehisownfamily.

Itcantbehelped.Afterall,itsforthesakeoffulfillingsenseis,ourdream

Ah,thatwasscary.

TheeldestsonoftheYggdmillenniasclansForvedgefamily,CaulesForvedge
Yggdmillennia,trembledwhilewalkingdownthehallwayasherememberedwhat
hedjustseen.

FollowingcloselybehindhimwashisServant,BerserkerofBlackThoughhe
thoughtthatshewasalittletooclose,likeaspirithangingoffhisback.

Whatfilledhimwithfearwasnttheenemy.ItwasoneofhisalliedServants
LancerofBlack.

79

Ch17

Caulesstillhadntgraspedexactlywhathadhappened,butitseemedthatsome
troublehadhappenedbetweenSaberofBlackandhisMasterGordes.

Inanycase,asaresult,Saberhadbeeneliminatedwithoutevenfighting.Ittruly
wasanightmarishdevelopment.BycapturingBerserkerofRedandchanginghis
Master,theyhadincreasedtheirnumberofServantstoseven.AlthoughAssassin
stillhadntjoinedupwiththem,theyhadatleastgainedthesuperioradvantage
inthequantityoftheirforcesjustwhenhethoughtthat,thishappened.

LancerofBlackhadnaturallybeenfuriousatthatreport.Itwastrulyafitofrage.
TheforceandintensityofithadbeenenoughtomakeevenCelenike,acold
bloodedpractitionerofthedarkarts,turnpale.Tobehonest,hethoughtitwasa
miraclehewascurrentlystillalivelikethis.

ThatwasaHeroicSpirit;thatwasLancer.Furthermore,hewasVladIII,whowas
knownthroughouttheworldforhisharshgovernanceandskewers,amanwho
hadwithouthesitationskeweredevenaristocratswhoshouldhavebeenhis
relatives.

Andatthesametime,theothergatheredServantswereworthyofevenmore
admirationfornothavingbeengrippedbyconsiderableterrorwhentheyfaced
Lancersrage.HecouldatleastunderstandArcher,BerserkerandCaster
remainingcalmsincetheywerebystanderstotheevent.Butthesupposed
relatedparty,RiderofBlack,hadremainedcalmnomatterhowmuchLancer
ragedorrather,hehadjustsmiledasifenjoyinghimself.

Wasthatstrangenessofsmilinginthatsituationwithoutfeelingevenaniotaof
fearRiderofBlacksgroundsfordefence?Theotherrelatedparty,Gordes,had
desperatelymadeexcuses,butnomatterhowCaulesthoughtaboutit,hewas
justreapingwhathesowed.

Unfortunately,YggdmillenniahadlostSaberofBlack.

80

Ch17

ButCauleswasnotparticularlypessimisticaboutthisincident.Itappearedthat
SaberofBlackhadbeenSiegfried,thegreatherooftheNetherlands.Atthesame
timeasbeingtrulyinvinciblethankstobathinginthebloodofadragon,hewas
famousforhavingdiedatragicdeathfrombeingpiercedinthebackduetoaleaf
fromalimetreethathadclungtohisbackwhilehewasbathedintheblood.

AndthentherewasthatincidentduetoGordestryingtoforceSabertounleash
hisNoblePhantasmwithaCommandSpellinafitofconfusion,therewasa
chancethathistruenamehadbeenexposed.IftheRedcampfoundoutthathis
truenamewasSiegfried,theywouldnaturallytakemanycountermeasures.They
wouldntjustsimplytrytoaimforhisback.

Firstly,sincehewasadragonslayer,theywouldprobablytrytoavoidfacinghim
withaheropossessingthebloodofadragon.Conversely,whileSiegfriedwasa
dragonslayer,hehadbeenbathedinthebloodofadragon,sohemightreceive
fataldamagefromNoblePhantasmsthataretremendouslyeffectiveagainst
dragons.

Naturally,suchcountermeasureswouldntnecessarilygoaswellasitsounded.
Butinanycase,theenemycouldworkoutthatmanycountermeasuresifthey
foundout.TheBlackcampsfirstplanhadbeentoconstructstrategiesthat
pivotedaroundSaberofBlack,butifhistruenamewasseenthrough,theywould
needtorevisetheirplans.Howeveratthesametime,therehadalsobeenthe
chancethathistruenamewasntexposed.

Intheend,thatuncertainsituationhadbeckonedconfusiononthebattlefield.
Thatwastheworstpossibleresult.Fromthestart,itwasnormalforthe
battlefieldtoberuledbychaos.Ifevenmorefactorsthatconfuseditwere
included,therewasnotellingwhatresultitwouldleadto.Caulesdidntlikethat
kindofgambling.Saberhaddied,sotheyshouldjustformanewsystemoforder.

Fromthestart,theBlackcamphadtheadvantageousposition.

81

Ch17

BasedonthesystemoftheGreatHolyGrailWar,itwasimpossibleforittoturn
intoadrawnoutwar.Furthermore,thiswarinTrifaswasknowntomagi
throughouttheworld.

Yes,fortheAssociationofMagiwhoprizedhonorandprestige,theycouldnt
standthecontinuedexistenceofthisFortressofMillenniaforadayorevenan
hourmore.

Inthatcase,theyshouldjustdropaclusterbombonitbutasexpected,that
wasamethodthattheycouldntuseastheAssociationofMagi.

Honor,traditionandconventiontherewereamountainofthingsbeyondones
controlinthisworld.BoththeAssociationofMagiandtheYggdmillenniaclan
wereboundtothem.

Itwassimpletojustdiscardthosevaluesasstupidandtrivial,butCaules
himselfcouldntdoanythingaboutitassomeonewhowasboundtothem.He
understoodthatfactsowellitpiercedhisbody.Theworldandhumanlifewas
likethat.

Well,whatever.

Hewouldjustdowhathehadtodo.Ifhediedalongtheroad,thatwastheendof
itsoCaulesconcluded.

Noticingthathewasmutteringtohimself,Berserkersuddenlypeeredathisface.

Ah,sorry.Itsnothing.

Hesighed.Butthen,evenifhesaidhewoulddowhathehadtodotherewas
nothinghecoulddowithBerserkerlikethis.

82

Ch17

Havinglostherreason,shecouldonlybreakthroughtheenemydirectlybefore
herwhenshewentoutonthebattlefield.

Inotherwords,therewasnoneedforanydirectionsfromCaulesatall.

Evenso,Berserkerwas,inaway,exceptionallyconvenientforCaulesasaServant.
Afterall,therewasalmostnoneedforhimtosupplyherPrana.Shecouldabsorb
theresidualpranathatexistedonthebattlefieldandcouldineffectcontinueto
fightperpetually.

ItwastruethattheBlackServantsdidnthavetofearrunningoutofpranaaslong
astheyhadthepranasupplyfromthehomunculi,buttherewasalimittohow
muchtheycouldprovide.Mostofall,Cauleshaddoubtsaboutwhetherornot
theycouldprovidepranaforsevenServantsevenwithSabergonenow.

ShortlyaftersummoningBerserker,Cauleshadperformedbattlesimulations
wherenotonlydidhemakeBerserkernotabsorbpranawithherNoblePhantasm
BridalChest:Maiden'sChastity,butalsocutoffherpranasupplyfromthe
homunculi.

Theresultwasthatshewasassaultedbylightdizzinessjustbymovingand
swinginghermaceseveraltimes.Ifsheremainedinthatstateforfiveminutesor
longer,shedprobablybeincapableofevenstanding.

ThiswasBerserkersactualconsumptionrateofprana.Itwouldhavebeenagreat
burdentobearforCauleswhowasgenerallyacceptedtobeathirdratemagus.

ButthisuneasewasresolvedaslongasBerserkerhadherBridalChest.Naturally,
itwoulddefinitelyturnintoacrisisifshelostherNoblePhantasmbutshe
wouldhavealreadyprettymuchlostinsuchasituationinthefirstplace.

Ofcourse,itwouldbeanexaggerationtosaythathehadnoproblemswithher,
but

83

Ch17

Hesuddenlyheardthefamiliarsoundofawheelchairsqueakingacrossthefloor.
Stoppinghispondering,heturnedforwardandfoundhisoldersisterFiore
ForvedgeYggdmillenniathere.TheonepushingherwheelchairwasherServant,
ArcherofBlack,Chiron.

Neesan?

Puzzled,Caulessuddenlystoppedwalking.Itwasntthattherewasanything
strangeaboutherServantpushingherwheelchair.Theissuewastheblack
suitcasesheheldinherlap.

Ah,Caules.

Neesan,areyougoingoutsomewherewiththatdangerousthing?

Itappearedhewascorrect,asshenoddedwithasolemnair.

Yes.ImgoingouttomakecontactwithAssassinofBlackandhisMaster.

Contact?Ithinkthatthingsquitedangeroustobringforjustthat,though.

StoredinsideFioressuitcasewastheBronzeLinkManipulator:Coupled
ReinforcementMysticCodethatshehaddesignedherself.

Usingthecomputerisfine,butyoushouldatleastlookatthelocalnewspaper
too,Caules.

FiorefrownedandscoldedCaules.Yeah,yeah,Caulesrespondedveryhalf
heartedly.ThismadeFioreraisehereyebrowsevenfurther,butArchergently
pushedherwheelchair,stoppinghersermonfromgoinganyfurther.

Geez.ImgoingtohaveatalkwithyouonceIreturn.

84

Ch17

Igetit,Igetit.Illlistenproperlywhenyougetback.

Really?Then,Illbegoingnow.LookaftertheplacewhileImgone.

FioreleftthosewordsanddepartedwithArcher.Seeingthemoff,Caulessighed,
andthenBerserkeragitatedlypulledathissleeve.

Whenheturnedtofaceher,hersilverandgoldeyes,whichflickeredinandoutof
sightfrombehindherlongforelocks,lookedliketheyweretremblingwithan
innerfire.

What?Areyoumadaboutsomething?

Shenoddedtwice.

ItseemedBerserkerhadbeenangered.Bywhom?Obviously,byCaules.But
unfortunately,shecouldntcommunicatewithwords,sohecouldnttellwhatshe
wasangryabout.

IsitaboutNeesan?

Fornow,Caulesguessedthatrandom,andBerserkernoddedaffirmatively.Tilting
hisheadinpuzzlement,Caulesmanagedtofindtheanswerwithheraffirmative
andnegativegestures.

Thetwoofthemreturnedtohisroomandfacedeachother.Caulessatonachair,
andBerserkersatdownonthebedfacinghim.Incidentally,Caulesroomcould
probablybecalledthestrangestroomintheFortressofMillennia.Therewere
severalgrimoiresonhisbookshelves,acrystalballonhisdesk,andchesspieces
placedalongthecornersoftheroom,perhapsmeanttoaffixaBoundedField.All
thatwasfine,buttheproblemwasthecomputerenshrinedonhisdesk.

85

Ch17

Darnicgrimaced,GordesscoffedandFioresighedatit,butinCaulesopinion,
scienceandtechnologywerentwithouttheirworth.Inthefirstplace,theywere
inanerawheremagialsohadtocommunicatethroughinformationtechnology
unlikeadecadeago.Unexpectedly,theonewhousedthistechnologyforalotof
correspondenceswasthedarkartspractitionerCelenike.Maybesheuseditto
conductresearchoncursingtechniquesperformedthroughthecomputer
network.

Inotherwords,youmeanthat?YoucantstomachthewayIwasmentally
overpoweredbyanopponentwemighthavetofacesomeday?

Affirmative.Indeed,itwashardforhimtosaythatBerserkersanxietywasjust
needlessfear.

WellThisdoesnthaveanypersuasivepowerifIsaythistoaServant,butmy
oldersisterisamonster,youknow.

Cauleseyesbecametingedwithnostalgiaashesighed.Thoughhegrumbledthat
shewasamonster,therewasaglimpseofsomethinglikeprideinhimashesaid
it.

Well,Imnotsostupidastoresolvemyselftodieandcommitasuicideattack.
Moreimportantly,thebattlewiththeRedcampcomesfirst.JustlikeArchersaid,
theothersidesRiderisextremelyoverpowered.

Inthefirstplace,itwasabnormalforaServanttobeunbeatablebythosewithout
divineblood.Fortunately,theBlackcamphadArcher.ThoughhisDivinity
receivedaRankDownduetobeingsummonedasaHeroicSpirit,hestill
possesseddivineblood.

Iftheyhadntsummonedhim,theirsidesdefeatwouldhavebeenfixedatthat
point.Naturally,evenwithoutdefeatingtheServant,therewastheoptionof
killinghisMaster.However,thatwasaplanwithlittlehopeofsuccessfor

86

Ch17

Berserkerandathirdratemagus.

Ithinkyoualsounderstand,butmakesureyoudonottofightthatRider.Okay?

Berserkervigorouslynoddedherhead.Itappearedshehadlearnedherlesson
afterfightinghimjustonce.Itcouldntbehelpedifherattackswouldntaffectthe
enemyrightfromthestart.

Thankgoodnessthisisateambattle,Caulesthoughtfromthebottomofhis
heart.IfthishadbeenanormalHolyGrailWar,hehonestlydidntfeelthatthey
couldhavewonnomatterwhattheydid.BridalChestwasaconstantlyactive
typeNoblePhantasmthatwaseasytouse,butifBerserkerunleashedherother
NoblePhantasm,BlastedTree:LightningBranchofCrucifixion1,withallher
limitersreleasedthepriceforwieldingpowershenormallycouldntboastof
wouldbetoohigh.

Thepriceforitwasdeath.IfBerserkerofBlack,Frankenstein,releasedallher
limitersandunleashedherNoblePhantasmatmaximumpower,allherfunctions
wouldhalt.Sincethatwaswhatwaswrittenintheblueprintleftbehindbynone
otherthanDoctorFrankensteinhimself,hehadnochoicebuttobelieveit.

Naturally,itwasalsopossibletounleashitwithoutreleasingherlimiters,butthat
wouldlowerthepoweroutput.Inordertoavoidasmuchuncertaintyaspossible,
CauleshadalsomeasuredtheNoblePhantasmspoweroutputwhenitwas
unleashedwithoutreleasingthelimiters.

AfterputtingupaBoundedFieldtoclearpeopleoutoftheforestduringtheday
andretreatingbacktowhathethoughtwasasafedistance,hehadmade
BerserkeruseherNoblePhantasm.

1
Here,theliteraltranslationofBlastedTreesJapanesenameisLightning/ThunderTreeofCrucifixion,
buttheoriginaltermforlightningtree()ismeanttopoeticallydescribelightningstrikes,anddue
tohowtheNoblePhantasmislaterrevealedtowork,CanonRapandIdecidedthatthistranslation
wouldbemoreappropriate.

87

Ch17

ItspoweroutputwasatbestCrank,atworstDrankbyhisestimation.Hehad
usedgolemsheearnestlyrequestedtoborrowfromRocheasastandardof
measurementforitspower,butthelightningstrikesgotweakerthefartherthey
traveledfromBerserker,whileconverselythegolemsshehitatpointblankrange
hadbeenliterallyturnedintogarbage.

CaulesestimatedthatitwaspowerfulenoughtokillmostServantsifthelimiters
werereleasedandshefireditfrompointblankrangeHowever,thepriceforit
wastoohigh.TherewasnoproportionalgaininkillingoneenemyServantatthe
costoflosingoneoftheirown.

Berserker,thoughIthinkitgoeswithoutsaying.Basically,dontreleaseBlasted
Treeslimiters,okay?

BerserkertiltedherheadoddlyatCauleswarning.Asexpected,nomatterhow
highherintelligencewas,itappearedthatBerserkerwastrulyBerserkerCaules
sighed.

Inanycase,forthecomboofathirdratemaguslikehimselfandBerserkerwho
hasahardtouseNoblePhantasm,therewasnootherchoicebutforhimto
strainhisintelligencetocomeupwithaplan.Evenifhewasthirdrateasa
magus,thereshouldbeaninexhaustiblenumberofmeanshecanuseasa
Master.

Ah,thatremindsme,Neesansaidtoreadthenewspaper.

Suddenly,herecalledFioresearlierwordsandhadahomunculusbringhima
localnewspaper.Afterthankingthehomunculus,heopenedthenewspaperand
readthearticlethatseemedtobewhatshehadnoticed.

Indeed,therewassometruthtowhatshesaid.Afterhefinishedreadingthe
articleontheserialkiller,Caulesstoodup.

88

Ch17

Nowthen.Berserker,sorryaboutthis,butpleaselookaftertheplacewhileIm
goneforabit.

Caulespickedupseveralmagicaltoolsforsummoningevilspiritsandbeaststhat
werestowedawayinhisdesk,andequippedthemonhisperson.Heputona
braceletwiththenamesofbeastsinscribeduponitonhiswristandstoredblack
insecteggsinthetiptoesofhisshoes.

ThoughtheyweresmallfriesthatwouldntlastevenasecondagainstaServant,
hispantherfamiliarsandhishordeofearthwormsthatcrawledintotheenemys
bodyandcausedpainwouldprobablyreasonablyharassanenemymagus.

Caulesoncemorefelthissleevebeingagitatedlypulled.Explainyourself,
Berserkerseyesdemanded.

Itsnothing,ImjustgoingtogohelpNeesanabit.

Sayingthat,Caulesglancedathiscomputer.Theemailhedreceivedtoldofhow
theAssociationmagistationedinSighioarawerebeingmurderedoneafter
another.

Thisinformationmeanttwothings.First,thepersonwhohadtakenoutthose
magiwasattheveryleastnotamemberoftheYggdmillenniaclan.Second,the
factthatFiorewasheadingtheremeantthatitwastheworkofaServant.

And,thoughthiswasjustguessworkonhispart,ifAssassinofBlackandhis
MasterweretoopposeboththeYggdmillenniaandtheRedcampitwas
conceivablethattherewouldbeaclashbetweenArcherofBlack,Assassinof
BlackandaRedServant.Inotherwords,athreesidedbattle.

Thiswasanextremelybadsituation.

89

Ch17

Evenifthechanceisoneinamillion,wecantaffordloseArchernow.Ifitwas
oneonone,theenemymaguswouldprobablyfightmysister.Thatswhatit
meanstobeaprofessional.But,ifitsatwoononebattlewithmeincludedno
matterhowweakIam,hellprobablyrunaway.Becausethatspartofbeinga
professionaltoo.Butitstruethatwehavetoprotectthisfortress.SoIllleave
youheretocontinuedefendingit.Well,intheworstcasescenario,Illcallyou
withaCommandSpell.

BerserkerofBlackthoughtthatsheshouldgoalongwithCaulesifpossiblein
ordertoprotectherMaster,buthisordertoprotectthefortresswasalso
rational.

Dontworry.Ihavenointentionoffightingtothedeathwiththeenemy.Anyone
whowouldfightinatwoononesituationiseitherverystrongorasimplefool.

TherewasnofalsehoodinCauleswords.Hetrulydidntintendtofight.Anyway,
hissisterwasstrong.Letalonenormalmagi,shewouldnteasilylosetoevenmagi
thatcouldbecalledfirstrate.HeralteredMagicCrest,saidtoberankednextto
Darnics,waslikeaprecisioninstrument.

HerServant,ArcherofBlack,wasalsoafirstrateHeroicSpirit.Withinthe
Yggdmillenniascamp,LancerofBlackwasthebannerandArcherofBlackwasthe
cornerstone.

Thatwaswhatmadetheworstcasescenariosofrightening.IfAssassinofBlack
andArcherofBlackclashedandaRedServantusedthatasanopeningtodefeat
Archer,itwouldmeandefeatforthem.

But,justbyaddingCaulesintotheequation,themagusoftheRedcampwould
probablychoosetowithdraw.Necessarily,theRedServantwouldalsowithdraw.
Hecoulddothatnotthroughhisownpower,butjustbybeingthere,soitwould
probablybeeasy.

90

Ch17

AfterwatchingCaulesleavetheroom,Berserkersuddenlytooknoticeofthe
computer,whichhadbeenlefton.Itseemedhehadforgottentoturnitoff.What
acarelessMaster.ElectricityispreciousBerserkersighedand,without
hesitation,pulledoutthecomputersplug.

ShewasscrupulouslyconsiderateasaServant.HerMasterwouldprobablypraise
herforitaswell.

91

Ch18

Chapter1

Thus,itwasannouncedthatthelargestscaleHolyGrailWarinhistorythe
[GreatHolyGrailWar]wasover.TheBlackcamphadlost,andthewarendedwith
theRedcampasthevictors.Unfortunately,theGreaterGrailhadceased
functioning,sonowishescouldbegranted,butanenormousrewardwasgivenby
theAssociationofMagiascompensation.WiththeGreaterGrailnonfunctional,
theycouldntfightamongsteachothereithernow.

TheRedMastersrelaxedastheypleasedandsoothedtheirfatiguefromthewar.

Everyone,Itrulythankyouforyourhardwork.

Justlikewhentheymetatthebeginning,ShirouKotomine1presentedthemblack
tea.

Thankyouforthetea.

Themomenttheyputtheteatotheirlips,arefreshingaromaplungedinsidetheir
chests.Acomfortablepleasantnessthatpervadednotonlytheirlungs,butall
theirinternalorgans.Perhapsitwasalsobecausetheyhadfinishedtheirjobs
withoutahitchthattheyfeltsorelaxed,toadegreetheyhadntfeltsincethey
becamemagi.

Thisisgoodtea.

Thankyouverymuchforthepraise.

Shirou.Wontyoudrinksome?

1
UnlikeotherJapanesenamesinthebook,ShirouKotomineiswrittencompletelyinkatakanaandis
writtenwithhisgivennamebeforehisfamilyname.

92

Ch18

No.Brewingitismyspecialty,butImnotaccustomedtodrinkingblacktea

Smilingwryly,hepouredhotwaterinhisowncup.SotheJapanesearelikethat,
themagithoughtabsentmindedly.

Ah,Ijustremembered.CouldyouallpleasehandoveryourCommandSpells?

OurCommandSpells?Why?

TheCommandSpellswereextremelyimportantandnecessaryinorderto
winthewar

Reallynow,everyone.Dontyouremember?TheGreatHolyGrailWarisover.

Nowthatyoumentionit,thatsright.

Nowthatyoumentionit,thatstrue.

Yes,theGreatHolyGrailWarwasover.WhentheyheardthatRulerhadjoined
theYggdmillenniacampmidwaythrough,theirsweathadturnedcold,butthey
hadsomehowmanagedtodealwiththataswellthankstoShirousquick
wittedness.Ithadtrulybeenahardbattle.Sincethepreparationsbeforethe
fightingyes,ithadbeenquiteahandfulsincethepreparations.

Iamtheoverseer.ImustrecoverallofyourCommandSpellsandhavethem
readyforthenextHolyGrailWar.Iapologizeforthetrouble.

Itcantbehelped.Theresnousekeepingthemnowanyway.

Isupposethatstrue.

ThenhowaboutIbillthecostsandexpensestotheChurch?Ifwearrangeso
thatIprovidethemoneyandlookaftertheCommandSpells

93

Ch18

Inthatcase,wecanagreetoit,butisthatallright?

TheonebeingbilledistheChurch,notme.Thinkofthisasmyrevengeagainst
themforpushingthisimportanttaskontoajuniormemberlikeme.

Laughterspilledfromeveryoneathisexpression,whichwasjustlikethatofa
mischievousboy.Thoughtheyhadbeenwaryofhimatthestartofthewar,
thinkinghimtobeanassassinsentbytheChurch,hehadinfactworkedquite
hardforthem.

Weappreciateallthehardworkyoudidastheoverseer.Wewouldalsoliketo
rewardyou,but

Ah,pleasedonotworryinthatregard.Ialsoreceivedsomethingfromyouallas
propercompensation.

Someoneaskedwhatitwas.Shirouspokewithasmallandelusivesmilelike
always.

ThatwouldbeyourrightsasMasters.Thatissuitableascompensation,isit
not?

Isee,someonesaidwithanod.

Areyoureallyfinewithsomethinglikethat?

Yes,ofcourse.Then,Iwillarrangethepreparationstoconductthetransfer
ritual.Pleaseenjoychattingamongstyourselvesforashortwhile.

Welldoso.

94

Ch18

Atlast,withoutnoticingtheunnaturalnessofthesituationrighttillthevery
end,themagidecidedtohandoverthat,whichtheyshouldhavetreasured
morethantheirlives,overtothesmilingboy,freeofcharge.

Moreimportantly.Howshouldweusetherewardwereceived?

Ithinkweshouldspendtimerelaxingandenjoyingourselvesforawhile.This
recentjobwasquitehard.

ItseemsthatanauctionforgrimoireshasopenedattheClockTower.Withthis
reward,IllbeabletobuyatleastthreebooksthatIvewantedforalongtime.

Illuseittogiveapersonaldonationtomydepartment.Thebudgethasbeen
constricted.

ItsnofuntouseitforthingsrelatedtotheAssociation.Iwill

Thewarhadended.Nowtheyjusthadtogettheirreward.Incidentally,therewas
onethingtheyjustcouldntseemtounderstand.

Justhowexactlydidwewin?

Eventhoughitwassomethingtheyshoulddefinitelyremember,forsomereason
noneofthemcouldanswerthatquestion.Butitallbecameinconsequentialto
themwhentheydranktheblacktea.

Onlydaysofpeaceanddecadencefilledtheirmemories,andeverythingseemed
toshine.Withoutgloryorprestige,theymerelyquietlypassedthetimein
idleness

CHAPTER1END.

95

Ch21

Chapter2

ParticipantsintheHolyGrailWarwereabletoseedreams.Perhapsitwasdueto
thedeepmentalconnectionbetweenMasterandServant.

Theywereabletovieweachotherspastsintheformofdreams.Itwasa
phenomenonthatwaswidelyknowntohaveoccurredinthefirstthreeHolyGrail
WarsandthesmallerderivativeHolyGrailWars.

SoShishigouKairiwasntsurprisedatallwhenhefoundhimselfinBritaininthe
farancientpast.

Well,thiskindofthinghappenstoo,Iguess.

ThiswasprobablyhisServantMordredspast.Whenherealizedit,shewas
alreadyrighttherenexttohim.Theswordsheheldwastheweaponshefavored
inthisHolyGrailWaraswellClarent:RadiantSwordoftheKing.

Originally,thisweapondidnotbelongtoher.Itwasaswordthatservedasthe
symbolofthethrone,whichKingArthurhadobtainedandstoredinhisarmory.

Mordredhadstolenitandincitedalargescalerebelliontotakethetitleofking
forherself,andnowshewastightlygraspingthisswordinfrontofKingArthuras
shechallengedhimtoaoneononefight.

Inotherwords,thisisCamlann,huh?

Yes,thisplacewasthehillofCamlann.Thesiteofthefinaldecisivebattle
betweentherebelarmyledbyMordredandtheregulararmyledbyKingArthur.
Inthissadandgloomywar,thecurtainswouldfinallycloseonthebrilliant
knightlystoryofKingArthurslegend.

96

Ch21

Firedarrowspiercedlightlyarmoredrankandfilesoldiers.Mordred,withher
entirebodycladinarmor,pushedforwardindefianceofallattacks.

KingArthur,whoboastedoftremendouscharisma,hadfinallymanagedtounify
Britain.Yetinspiteofthat,whydidsomanysoldiersapproveofMordreds
rebellion?

Withunificationcloseathand,wearinessofwarhadspreadandgrownrampant
withinthecountrythatwasonereason.

ThescandalbetweenQueenGuinevereandtheKnightoftheLake,Lancelot,who,
despitebeingextolledasperfect,hadfallenintoanimmorallove,hadcausedthe
kingsauthoritytoweakeninthepeopleseyesthatwasalsoonereason.

Manyknightshadbeengrippedbybothastrangefearandevendisdainfortheir
king,whowastoopureanduprightandneveractedaccordingtopersonal
feelingsthatwasalsoonereason.

Buttherewasanotherreason.

SeeingMordredonthebattlefield,Shishigoucouldunderstanditquitewell.Her
wayoffightingwassavage.Themagnificentandgallantswordtechniquethat
otherknightsboastedofwaslikeafrailtwigbeforeherstyle.

Itwasastyleofkillingthatfocusedonobeyingherinstinctsandoptimizedher
fightinghabitswiththegreatestefficiency.

Themoraleofthetroopswhofollowedherfrombehindwashigh.Itwasarhythm
thaturgedpeoplesinstincts.Theirfootstepsbangedloudlyandgrandlylikelarge
drumsastheysteppedforward.

Itwasacalamitylikethatofadragon.

97

Ch21

Mordredwasafamousknight.Shehadworkedhardtobeoneandseemedtobe
soinreality.Still,ifshehadproceededtothebattlefieldasa[knight],hundredsof
thousandsofsoldiersprobablywouldnthavefollowedher.

Herstrengthwasrealandsomehowseemedtobefilledwithmadness.Butthat
verymadnesswashermostadmirableandsuitabletraitonthebattlefield.

Sinceshewasasstrongasamonsterandscatteredenemieslikeagallofwind,
hersoldierscontinuedtofollowherasifstirredbymadness.

Theywantedtoseehowfarthismadwarriorcouldgo.

Afaiththatwentunderthenamefrenzy.Iftheythoughtaboutitdeeply,that
wasprobablytheonlymotiveforthesoldiers.Buteveniftheyhadhighmorale,
theywerefiniteinnumbers.Onewaskilled,twowerekilled,hundreds,thousands
ofthemdiedacrossthebattlefield.

Mordreddidnotlookbackatthem.Soldierno,humanswerebeingsthat
multipliedoftheirownaccordsafterwinning.Thatwashowsheseemedtoview
them.

Sheprioritizedattackingathickformationofenemysoldiers.Whenshescattered
themlikewoodchips,shewouldlookforanotherthickenemyformationandride
swiftlytowardsit.Enemiesthatfaltered,enemiesthatresisted,enemiesthatran
awaysheslayedthemallandpiledupmountainsofcorpses.

Andasexpected,Mordredpaidnoheedtotherankandfilesoldiers.Theonly
onethatheldherinterestwasnoneotherthanherfatherKingArthur.

WhereisKingArthur?!!WhereistheKingofKnights?!!

Shecriedoutandtorethroughthesoldierssurroundingherbytwo,threefold.

98

Ch21

Bychallengingthickformationsoftheenemy,shehadahighchanceoftreading
wherethekingwas.However,asiffateitselfrefusedher,thetwoofthemnever
encounteredeachotheronthebattlefieldnomatterwhereshewent.

Butoncetherewerenomorewallstoblockher,fatewouldfinallyfulfillher
wish.BothKingArthursarmyandMordredsrebelarmyperishedalmost
completely,leavingcorpsesstrewnabouteverywhere.AsMordredrestedusing
herswordasacane,KingArthurfinallyappearedbeforeher.

Hisexpressionwascompletelytranquil,containingnopityorhatredforher.That
expressionlessfaceclearlyirritatedMordred.

Inanycase,thetwoofthemstoodfacingeachother.Therewerenolongerany
livingbeingslefttogetintheirway.

Mordredspreadherarmswideandshoutedpassionately.Sheshoutedwith
anger,delightandalltheemotionsshecouldnthelpfeeling.

Howsthat?!Howsthat,KingArthur?!Yourcountryendshere!Itsfinished!
Regardlessofwhowinseverythingisalreadyinruins!

Theonewhoreceivedthosewordswasakingwholookedjustlikeayouth,with
featuresverysimilartoMordreds.

WithoutcaringaboutMordredspassionatewords,orevenrespondingwith
wordsofhisown,thekingmerelyliftedhisswordlikesomesortofmachine.

ThatwasthemostunacceptableresponsetoMordred.Howling,Mordredswung
hersword.

KingArthurparried,causingsparkstoscatterasthetwoholyswordsclashed.
Theywerebothexhausted,butbothfoughthardastheyrefusedtolose.Buttheir
battlewouldchangenothing.

99

Ch21

JustasMordredsaid,nomatterwhowon,thiscountrywasquicklyfallingtoruins.

Youshouldhaveknownthiswouldhavehappened!Youshouldhaveknownit
wouldenduplikethis!Ifyouhadjustturnedoverthethronetome,itwouldnt
haveturnedoutlikethis!

Butevenso,Mordredssworddidnotslacken.

Shewasbornasanillegitimateson,admiredherfather,wasrejectedbyhim,and
thenhatedhimandnowtheyweretryingtokilleachotheronthebattlefield
likethis.

Ihateyou,Ihateyou.Ihateyou,theperfectking.Ihateyou,whodidnt
acknowledgemyexistence.EventhoughIwashappytobeinyourshadow.You
neveronceturnedaroundtofaceme.

Thatswhythisisanaturalpunishment,KingArthur.Idestroyedeverything,
everythingyou1had!

Doyouhateme!?Doyouhatemethatmuch!?Didyouhatemeforbeing
Morgansson!?Answermeanswerme,Arthur!!

Atthatshout,Arthurfinallyrespondedtoherastheycrossedswords.Inacold,
completelyemotionlessvoice,thekingpronouncedhisverdict.

Ihaveneveroncehatedyou.ThereasonIdidnothandthethroneovertoyouis
because

1
Here,Mordredrepeatedlyusesthreedifferentversionsofyouforemphasis,someofwhichareabit
derogatory,butsinceitcantreallybeproperlytranslatedwiththemeaningintact,Ileftitasasingle
youhere.

100

Ch21

Youdidnothavethecapacitytobeaking.

Itwasareplyfilledwith[indifference].HehadmerelyunderstoodMordreds
abilitiesand,withouttheslightestbitofemotion,divulgedthatshedidnthave
thenecessarycapacity.

Immediatelyafterthat,Mordredswungherswordinrage,andthen,KingArthurs
holylanceRhongomyniadpiercedthroughherchest.Nomatterhowtoughher
armorwas,itamountedtonothingbeforethatlance.

However.

Evenafterbeingfatallywounded,Mordredmusteredthelastofherdying
strengthandfinallydealtadecisiveblowtoKingArthur.Mordredshelmsplitin
two,revealingthefaceofayounggirlthatShishigouwasfamiliarwith.

Asblooddrippeddownfromherlips,MordredstretchedoutherhandtoKing
Arthurwhostoodrightbeforehereyes.

Fa,ther.

Mordredfellwithouttouchingherfather.Watchingsteadily,KingArthur
understoodthathehadwonthisbattleand,withoutaword,turnedhisbackto
Mordredandwalkedaway.

Afterthis,KingArthurwastakenawaybyhissurvivingknight,Bedivere,andhe
hadhimreturnhisswordtothelake.Itwassaidthatevenafterdying,hewas
healinghiswoundsinthelandoffairies,Avalon.

ThatwashowKingArthurslegendcametoanend.

PayingnoattentiontoKingArthurashewalkedaway,Shishigougazedatthe
fallenMordred.Hesighedandmutteredtohimself.

101

Ch21

Damnit,whataterribledream.
Itwassoreal.Thisdreamwassolifelikehecouldevensmellthebloodonthe
battlefield.Mordredmerelylaytherewithvacanteyes,herexpressioncompletely
lifeless.

Yes,thecurrentMordredwascompletelyacorpse.Shewouldprobably
eventuallybestrippedofeverythingshehadonherandrotawaywhiledevoured
byinsects.

KingArthurbecamealegend,andMordredwasrememberedastheknightwho
tarnishedthatlegend.

Sinceallthesoldiersthatfollowedherhadbeenslain,therewasnooneleftto
rememberher.Thatwasonlynatural.Thiswasabattlefieldthosewholostand
becamebleachedcorpseswerefinishedwiththisworld.

Herpassion,herkeenwishwasrecordednowhereandmerelydisappeared.Truly.
Rightuntilherlastmoments,shediedinobscuritywithoutevenherparent
turningbacktolookather.

Ah,geez.IdrewatroublesomeServant.

Theresalimiteventocompatibility,Shishigouthought.Intheend,aServantwas
merelyavisitorfromthepast.Connectingwitheachotherwasimportant,but
plungingintoodeeplywasoutofthequestion.Oncetheygottheirhandsonthe
HolyGrails,theirrelationshipwouldend.

Thatswhythistruthwasextremelyirritating.Achildwhowishedforherfathers
lovewastheworstbadjoketoShishigou.

Whilewaitingtowakeupfromthedream,ShishigousatdownbesideMordreds
corpse.Andthenhemerelygazedaimlesslyattheperishedpeopleofaruined
country.

102

Ch21

Nomattertheeraornation,thesceneofacountryslastmomentswerealways
thesame

Thus,morningcame,andthefirstwordsthatcameoutofShishigousmouthwere
directedatSaberofRedandfilledwithillhumor.

Geez,dontshowmestrangedreams.

Idontreallygetit,butisthatmyfault?

EvenSaberofRedwaswideeyedwithamazementatsuchanunreasonable
complaint.

TheplacethetwoofthemawokeinwasntthecatacombsofTrifas.Itwasinthe
roomofasmallhotelinSighioara.Justincase,theywerentusingaroomthey
hadrentedthemselves,butaroomtheyhadgottensomeoneelsetopayforusing
suggestionmagecraft.

HavingreceivedamessagefromtheAssociationofMagi,Shishigouhaddecided
totemporarilywithdrawfromTrifas,wheretheydbeenhiding,togoto
Sighioara.Famousforitshistoricalbuildingsandarchitecture,thiscityappeared
tobecurrentlyruledbyfearduetoaserialkillerthathadsuddenlyappeared.

So.Whyarewehere?

BecausetheAssociationmagiwhowereonstandbyhereasbackuphavebeen
massacred.

Thesomewhatunbalancedpairdrankcoffeeatanopenterracecafunderthe
clearautumnsky.SaberofRedturnedherfaceawayindispleasure,andShishigou
silentlyreadthecityslocalnewspaper.

103

Ch21

Magihavebeenmassacredhuh.

TherewerenoopeningsinTrifasforAssociationmagitoenterthetown,butthe
nearbycityofSighioarawasadifferentmatter.Manymagihadbeenstationed
hereasbackuppersonnel.Whiletheirstrengthinbattlewasinferiortothatofthe
magihiredastheRedMasters,therewerecountlessotherthingstheycoulddo
suchassurveillanceanddespatchingfamiliars.

TheyhaddiligentlyobservedthebattlebetweenSaberofBlackandLancerofRed
outsideTrifasaswellandhadprovidedvaluableinformationforShishigou.

However,heappearedtohavesuddenlylostallcommunicationwiththem.The
AssociationofMagihadorderedthemtogiveperiodicreports.Itwasonlynatural
tothinkthatsomethingabnormalhadoccurred.

ItspossiblethataServantisinvolved.So,wewerecalledtogoandcheckitout
sincewereactingfreelyonourown.

Souldevouring,huhButwhyaretheydoingthathereinsteadofTrifas?

InorderforaServanttoremainsecuredtothisworld,anenormousamountof
pranaisnecessary.ProvidingthatpranaistheMastersrole,butsecondand
thirdratemagiorsimplyordinarypeoplewhobecameMasterscannotdoeven
that.Asaresult,theyhavetoattackinnocentpeopleandsupplementtheir
Servantswithhumansouls.

Itwasanormalpractice,butdependingonthenatureoftheHeroicSpirit,there
wereServantsthatwouldobjecttothatmethod.Also,evenformagi,usingthis
methodwasahumiliationthatwasequivalenttodeclaringtheywerecorneredor
wereasecondratemagus.Therewerentthatmanymagiwhowouldwillingly
choosetodoso.

104

Ch21

Thatsalsooneofthethingswellbeinvestigating.Maybetheydidntwantto
causeadisturbanceinTrifas,or

Shishigouspreadouthisnewspaperandpointedatasimplydrawnmap.Inthe
beginning,themurderhadstartedatBucharestandthengraduallywentnorth.
Seeingthat,Sabernoddedinunderstanding.

MaybetheyredevouringsoulswhileheadingtowardsTrifas.

Exactly.AlltheRedServantshavebeengatheredaccordingtoShirou,andhe
saidthattheyarentdevouringanysouls.Ifwetrustthosewords,thentheculprit
mustbetheonlyonewhosepresencehasntbeenconfirmedyetamongtheBlack
ServantsAssassin.

HefeltitwassomewhatdangeroustotrustShirouKotomineswords,buthe
wouldntlieaboutsomethinglikethis.And,oftheBlackServants,thedeceased
SaberandtheoneswithintheFortressofMillennia,Lancer,Rider,Archerand
Berserker,hadalreadybattledagainstsomeoftheRedServantsatleastonce.
Basedonthequalityofthegolemstheyfought,Caster,whowaspresumedtobe
agolemuser,wasalsoprobablyamongthem.

OnlyAssassinspresencehadntbeenconfirmed.Ofcourse,withAssassinsclass
skill,[PresenceConcealment],thepossibilitythattheServantwasonstandbyin
theFortressofMillenniacouldntbediscarded,but

Inanycase,theyhadtoobtainconfirmation.IftheserialkillerwasaServant,he
wouldhaveSaberfightthem.Evenifthatwasntthecase,theserialkillerwasan
enemyduetohavingkilledthemagidespatchedbytheAssociation.Theyshould
trytogetridofanyfutureworriesasmuchaspossible.

ItsfineifitsaServantSo,whatdowedo?

105

Ch21

Wellwaituntilnight.Inthemeantime,Iintendtogolookatthecorpsesofthe
deadmagiatthemorgue.

Hmm.Andme?

OfcourseIdbegratefulifyouaccompaniedme.Butitsdaytime,soIwont
forceyou.Itsawaste,butifIjudgethatIminadangeroussituation,Ill
immediatelysummonyouwithaCommandSpell.

However,ShishigoudidntthinkhedhavetouseaCommandSpellanyway.All
theincidentshappenedatnight.Perhapstheserialkillerwasprotectingthewars
minimumruleofnotactingduringtheday,orperhapstherewasareasonwhy
theculprithadtokillatnight.Eitherway,thechancesofbeingattackedduring
thedaytimeweresolowthathecouldignorethedanger.Soheessentially
intendedtotreatthisasfreetime.

Whowouldgotoagloomyplacelikeamorgue?Now,whatshouldIdo?

Saberapparentlydecidedtostrollaroundthestreets.Fortunately,Sighioarawas
oneofRomaniastouristspots,withbuildingsthatboastedofhundredsofyears
ofhistoryandwerepreservedeventothisday.Therewasnowayanyonewould
gettiredofno,wait.

Afterhepartedwithherandwasinthemidstofheadingtothemorgue,
Shishigourealizedacrucialpoint.ShewasaServant,apersonwhohadlivedin
thefarpast.

NowthatIthinkaboutit,theresnowayshehasntseensuchthingsbefore.

EvenifpeoplesaidthebuildingshadaMiddleAgeslook,shehadlivedinthat
veryera.

106

Ch21

Shishigoupredictedthat,atfirst,Saberwouldwanderthroughthestreets
expectingtoseenewandcuriousthings,butgraduallynoticeandmutterto
herself,Huh,theresnotmuchdifferencefromtheeraIlivedin?,andthen
immediatelybecomedispleasedandkilltimewhilesulking

Itwassoboring

ShishigouandSabermetbackupwhenthesunstartedtoset.Withatruly
disappointedexpression,Sabervoraciouslyateamassivequantityofbaked
sweetssheappearedtohaveboughtatastreetstallhalfoutofdespair.

Ithoughtso.

EventhoughIwantedtoseeskyscrapers,therewerentanyatall.Thebuildings
thattouristsgatheredaroundhadnothingstrangeaboutthematallDamnit,I
wastedmytimefeelingoutofplace.

Ithoughtso.

Afterthis,IcantcalmdownunlessIfightaServant!So,howdidthingsgoon
yourend?

Rejoice,Saber.Ihavegoodnewsforyou.Icheckedthedeadbodies,butthey
reallywereinahorriblestate.

Shishigousaidthathappily,andSabersquintedathimsuspiciously.

Whatdoesthatmean?

Someofthemwereattackedwithedgedtoolsandbluntweaponsorothers
withpunchesandkicks.Theresevidencethatsomeofthevictimsusedgunsor
magecraft.Andalmostallofthemhadtheirheartsgougedout.

107

Ch21

Hearts?

TheplacewherethespiritualcoreislocatedforaServant,andtheinternalorgan
saidtobethesourceoflifeforhumans.Theymighthavebeeneateninaritualin
ordertoobtainprana.

Saberthoughtaboutitforashortwhile,andthenmutteredtoherself.

Weretheyeatenraw?

DontsaysuchunpleasantthingsIdfinditscarieriftheywereeatencooked.

Toeattheheartrawwastouseitforaritual,buttocookandtheneatitmeant
theactwasahobby.Ofthetwo,thepeoplewhodidthelatterweremore
terrifying.

Inanycase,IhopethatitsaServantwereafter.Iwontforgiveyouifyoure
wrong.

IllfacetheMaster.Thatguyisalsocompletelybreakingtheuniversalruleof
magiofhidingtheirmysteries

Articlesinthenewspaperswerealreadyshowilydeclaring,JacktheRipper
reborninRomania,andtheentirecountrywasgrippedwithfear.Nomatterhow
Shishigouthoughtaboutit,hecouldonlythinkthatamaguswhowouldleavethis
situationalonehadgonecompletelyinsane.

EventhoughnighttimehadonlyjustdescendedinSighioara,boththetourists
andlocalinhabitantswerealreadytakingrefugeinthesafetyoftheirhomes.

Didyoufindanywheresuitablewhenyouwerewanderingaround?

Shishigounodded.

108

Ch21

Thepeoplewhohadbecomevictimshadatfirstbeenhoodlumsandgangster,
anditwasconjecturedthattheserialkillerhadbrokenintothebuildingswhere
theygatheredandmassacredthem.However,afterthatjustafterAssociation
magihadbeendespatchedtoSighioaraasrearbackup,itappearedthatthe
killersaimhadnarroweddowntoonlythem.

Inotherwords,itwasfinetothinkthattherewasahighchancethatthekiller
wouldaimforShishigouKairinext,ashewasnowtheonlymagusinSighioara.

Saber,justincase,changeintoyourarmor.TheenemyisAssassin.Youmightnot
havetimetochangeyourclothesifyoureceiveasurpriseattack.

Shenoddedathiswordsandcladherentirebodyinhersteelarmor.Fortunately,
duetotheeffectoftheincidents,theyweretheonlyoneswalkingdowntheroad
atnight.Theymightpassbyvigilantpolicemen,buttheycouldsimplydeceive
themwithsuggestionmagecraftthen.

Allrightletsgo.

Thus,themagusandServantbeganboldlywalkingdownthestreet,using
themselvesasbait.

109

Ch22

Chapter2

Therereallyisntanyoneoutatall.

RikudouReikasighedasshelookeddownatthedeadstreetswithnosignof
humanspresentfromathirdstorywindow.Itwasalwayslikethishererecently.
Whenitbecamenighttime,thecitybecameasstillasdeath.

Mother1,shouldntwemovetoadifferenttownsoon?

ReikasServantAssassinofBlackpulledathershirtsleeve.

Isupposeso.NextisTrifas,right?

Assassinnoddedherhead.Butthenherexpressionimmediatelyturned
downcast.

But,thatmightbeabitdangerous.Sincealltheothersarestillalive.

Theothers?

TheotherServantslikeus2.

Yeah.Nowthatyoumentionit,thereareothersbesidesJack.Itdbeabitscary
togowheretheyare.

Reikacommentedinacarefreemanner,andAssassinalsoagreed.

1
AssassinofBlackoverlapsthewordMotherwhenshesaysMaster,butforsimplicityssakeIlljust
sticktoMotherfromhereonunlessthecircumstancesarespecial.
2
AssassinreferstoherselfnotinthesingularasIorme,butinthepluralasweandus.

110

Ch22

Yeah.WeareAssassin,afterall.Surpriseattacksareourspecialty,butits
impossibleforustofacemultipleenemies.Wewoulddefinitelydiefirst.

Assassin,withthefaceofaveryyounggirl,calmlyspokethatcoldfact.

Buttheyretryingtokilleachother,right?

Yes.ThemagiandServanthavedividedintotheRedandBlackcampsandshould
beinthemidstoffightingeachother.

Thenfornow,whydontwegoovertherewhileatthesametimetakingawait
andseeapproach?Iftheresachance,youcangoandeat,andifitsdangerous,
wecanrunaway.

AssassinofBlackthoughtoverReikassuggestionforashortwhile.Although
ReikaandAssassinwereconnectedthroughtheircontract,Reikawasacomplete
amateurwhenitcametomagecraft,soshecouldprovidealmostnoprana.
Therefore,Assassinhadbeensupplyingherselfwithpranabydevouringthesouls
ofhumans.

Naturally,thismethodhadheavydemeritsforaServant,buttherewereslight
meritstoitaswell.Reikadidntemitanypresenceofmagecraft,sothechancesof
beingdiscoveredbyanotherMasterwereextremelylow.IfAssassinused
[PresenceConcealment]aswell,RikudouReikawouldprobablybeoverlookedas
acompletelyordinaryhuman.

Mostofall,AssassinwantedtoconfirmhowmanyServantsthatshecouldntkill
herselfcurrentlyremained.

Yeah,wecouldgonow.Butitseemsanothermagushascometothiscity.

AfterponderingwhethertogotoTrifas,thetwoofthemcametoadecisionfor
thetimebeing.

111

Ch22

Ohmy,isthatso?ThenshallwemakethemyourlastmealinSighioara?

Yeah,lets.ButMother,youcantcometowatchtoday.Itmightbemore
dangerousthanusual.

Allright.ThenIllwaithere.Takecare.

Yeah.Wereheadingout.Hey,hey.Whenwecomeback,wewanttoeat
hamburgersagainIsthatokay?

Ofcourse.Ivealreadyboughttheingredients,soIllborrowthekitchentomake
it.

Assassinwasbashfullyhappyatthosewords,andthenshejumpedoutfromthe
thirdstorywindow.Reikawavedherhandwithasmileandwatchedherdepart.

Nowthen.ReikadidntknowwhenexactlyAssassinwouldreturn,butinanycase,
shehadtoprepareadeliciousmealforthatdarlinggirl

112

Ch23

Chapter2

TherewasnotownasuniqueasSighioarainRomaniaorevenallofEurope.This
wasreferringtoitsunchangingnature.Itwasasmalltownwithapopulationof
thirtythousand,butthepeoplewhocametosightseefeltasiftheyhadslipped
backintimetotheMiddleAgesjustbywalkingthroughthetownshistorical
district,whichwaslabelledaWorldHeritageSite.

Ifyouwalkedthroughtheextremelyrough,stonepavedhillroad,youwouldfind
privatehousesthatlookedexactlythesameastheyhadinthesixteenthcentury
liningthestreetsandevenpublicsquareswherewitchtrialswereonceheld.

OthersightseeingspotsincludedthehomeinwhichVladIIIwasborn(itwasnow
arestaurant),thetownslandmarkclocktower,andachurchatthetopofthe
mountainintheoldcitydistrict.Atanyrate,thetownwasthemostsuitable
sightseeingareaforforeignerstoexperiencetheEuropeofthepast.

Andpresently,Sighioarawasgrippedbyfearduetoaserialkiller.Itwasaghastly
situationwherevisitingtouristshadbeenmurderedoneafteranotherandall
theircorpseshadtheirheartsgougedout.

Therewasnoevidencebesidesthecorpsesleftbehind,andnolinkcouldbe
foundbetweenthevictimsatall.Butonlyaselectfewpeopleknewthetruth.The
victimswereallmagiinotherwords,somethingextraordinarilyabnormalwas
occurringinSighioara.

ShishigouandSaberofRedhadbeenwalkingforanhournowthroughthe
streets,litfaintlybysodiumvaporlamps,onedgeallthewhile.Sabersarmor
clinkednoisily,butfortunatelytherewasnoonearoundwhoquestionedthem.A
drunkenhomelessmancarryingawinebottleinonehandgazedatShishigouand
Saberwithanopenmouthedexpression.

113

Ch23

Notevenbotheringtousesuggestionmagecraft,Shishigouwavedhishandat
him,andthemanbangedhisheadandstarteddrinkingagain.

Althoughtheyencounteredpolicemenseveraltimes,theywereimmediately
drivenawayusingShishigoussuggestionmagecraft.Eventhepolicemenprobably
didntwantthedutyofremainingonwatchforacrazykiller.Shishigouwasable
todrivethemawaywithoutevenforcingthemthatmuch.

Butmoreimportantly,Saberwasmoreseriousnow.Notlongago,shedbeen
complainingwithThisisboring,Sodull,andAretheyhereyet?overand
overagain,butnowshehadgonesilent.

Whatswrong,Saber?

Sorry,pleaseletmeconcentrate.Ihaveabadfeelinghere.

Shishigousfacetensedatherwords.Ifshewastakingsuchavigilantattitude,
thentherewasdefinitelyaServantnearby.

Atsomepoint,theirpacesloweddownandbecamecautious.Theysurveyedtheir
surroundingsthedimglowofthestreetslampsseemedtoconverselymake
theirvisionfuzzier.Afreezinggustpassedthroughthatseemedtolickatthenape
ofShishigousneck.

Amistisforming.

JustasSabersaid,beforetheyknewit,amistbrokeoutaroundthetwoofthem.
Thiswouldobstructtheirvisionmoreandmoreno,wait.

Mist?

Eventhoughtheairwasclearjustmomentsago,couldamistsothickit
obstructedtheirvisionjustsuddenlyappear?Impossible.

114

Ch23

ShishigouandSaberstoppedwalkingatnearlythesametime.Saberalreadyhad
herswordout,andShishigouhadhishandsontheholsterofhisfavoriteshotgun.

Thismistis

TheinstantthatShishigoutriedtomuttersomething,theinsideofhisnosewas
struckbypainlikescatteringsparks.Hereflexivelycoughedandcoveredhis
mouth.

Master!?

Itspoison!Dontbreathe,Saber!

Shishigoucroucheddownashecoveredhismouthandnose.Evenjustbreathing
alittlecausedtheinsideofhisnosetoexplodeinpainandhisvisionstartedto
falter.

Hey,hangon,Master!

Makinganinstantdecision,Shishigoutookoffhisjacketandusedittocoverhis
mouthandnose.Thejacket,madefromtheskinofamagicalbeast,wasableto
cancelmostSingleActionspells.Whenhebreathedthroughthejacket,thepain
wasmitigatedslightly.Itappearedthatthemistreallywascreatedoutofprana.

Damnit.Fornow,letsgetoutofthismist.

Yeah,ifyoureabletorun,thatis!Illpullyoualong,followme!

SaberheldherswordinherrighthandandtightlygraspedShishigoushandinher
leftasshebegantorun.Fortunately,perhapsbecauseherMagicResistancerank
washigh,Saberseemedtoreceivenearlynodamagefromthemistanddidnt
appeartomindtheworseningvisibilityatall.Hersharp[Instinct]madethemist
noobstructionatallforher.

115

Ch23

ButSaberandShishigouwerebothcertain.Sincethiswasntanordinarymist,
naturallysomethingwouldcomenext.Theissuewasjustwhenitwould
happenEvenassheranandtriedtoescapefromthemist,Saberprudently
estimatedthetimingwhenitwouldoccur.

Perhapsbecauseshedbeenabletopreciselychoosetheirescaperoute,themist
graduallystartedtofadeaway.

Peoplealwayswishforrelief.Whentheyfellintoadangeroussituation,no
matterhowmuchtheycalmlydealtwiththesituation,theirmindswouldrelax
immediatelyaftertheyescapedfromit.

Forjustamomentrightaftertheyescapedfromthejawsofdeaththatlayin
waitforthem,nomatterwhatkindofpersontheywere,therewasanopening
whentheystoppedtotakeabreather.

Serialkillersneveroverlookedthatmomentofrelaxation.Theywouldhold
theirblades,whichhadsippedthebloodofcountlesspeople,andquietlycreep
upbehindthem.

Allright,wereout!

SaberandShishigousucceededingettingoutofthemist.Inthatinstant,theonly
thoughtinShishigousheadwastobreathefreshair.Havingescapedfromthe
fearofdeath,hismindrelaxedjustslightly.Frombehindhim,anassassincreptup
toslithisthroat

ButSaber,whowasstandinginfrontofShishigou,swungdowntheswordinher
righthandjustasshespunaround,andsentShishigourollingonthegrounddue
tolightlybrushinghisfeet.

116

Ch23

Therewasaflash.

Ashrillsoundresoundedonthestonepavedground.Sabersslashhadstruck
awaytheknifegraspedinAssassinshand.

Ah.

Sorry,butthatguysmyMaster.Theoneyoullbefightingisme.

WhenShishigouturnedaround,therewassomeonestandingstillalmostright
behindhim.Hehadntnoticedinspiteofgettingthisclosetohim,hehadnt
noticedatall.

Andhewasstruckwithamazementbyonemorething.

ThepersonstandingbehindShishigouwasayounggirl.Shelookedtwoorthree
yearsyoungerthanhisownServant,SaberofRed.Shehadshortandmessysilver
hairandiceblueeyes,whichwerewidenedslightlyinsurprise.Shehadseveral
knifescabbardshangingalongherwaist,butshedidnthavethevitalskirtto
coverherlowerbody.Togetherwiththeleatherclothesonherupperbody,she
hadasensuousatmospherelikeaprostitutedespiteherveryyoungappearance.

Youslashedatus.Howhorrible.

Mutteringthat,shelookedstraightatSabersface.

Whatdoyoumean,horrible?Alowlifelikeyouwhodevourssoulsdespite
beingaServanthasnorighttosaythat!

Notbotheringtohideherdispleasure,Saberthrustedherswordbeforeherin
preparation.Assassin,notseemingtofearthesword,tiltedherheadandreplied
withanextremelyinnocentexpression.

117

Ch23

Theresnothingwrongwiththatright?

Thenextinstant,Saberrepelledaknifethrownatherfacewithhergauntlet.
Assassinhadthrownaknifewithanextremelynaturalmovementwhilespeaking
withouttheslightestvisiblequiverofherwrist.

ThereasonSaberwasabletorespondtothesuddensurpriseattackwasdueto
herinstinctsandskill.Butanopeningwascreatedtheinstantsheblockedthe
knifewithhergauntletandAssassinjumpedbehindher.Themistwasstillwafting
stronglyintheairthereandimmediatelymaskedherfromsight.

Waithere,Master!

Aftersayingthat,Saberoncemoreleaptintothemist.Breathinginthemistmade
herbodyfeelsomewhatheavier,butSaberjudgedthatitwouldntimpedeherat
thislevel.

Shestrainedherearsforthefaintestsoundandswungherswordaccordingtoher
instincts.Thesamesoundasearlierresoundedshehadstruckdownathrown
scalpel.

Wow.Yourereallygood.

Saberclickedhertongueatthegirlsvoice.Thevoicecouldbeheardfromall
directionsandshecouldntpinpointitsoriginatall.

Sparemeyourprattle.WhatgoodarethewordsofacleanerlikeAssassinwho
isntevenaHeroicSpirit?No,yourenotevenacleaner.Yourejustakiller,justa
murderer!

Oh?Howdidyouknow?

What?

118

Ch23

Sabersmindwasfrozenwithshockforaninstant.

OurnameisJacktheRipper.Hey,hey,hey,hey,wontyoutellusyourname
too?

Thevoicewhisperedrightinherear.Saberimmediatelyswungherswordinthat
direction,butshefeltnoresistanceagainstherbladeasshemerelycutthrough
mist.Butrightnow,thefactthatshehadlearnedtheenemystruenamewas
moreimportant.

Itwasanincidentfromahundredandtwentyyearsago.ThepeopleofLondon
inGreatBritainhadtrembledinterror.Thepeoplehetargetedwereall
prostitutesfromtheEastEnd.Thenumberofpeoplehemurderedwasinfact
onlyfive.Inspiteofthat,hewastheworldsfirstserialkiller,wholeftbehind
manylegendsandmysteriesbeforehedisappeared.

Basedfromasignaturewritteninaletterpostedinthenewspapers,peoplecalled
himJacktheRipper.

Itwasonlyahundredandtwentyyearsago.Fromtheviewpointofother
mysterieswithfirmconceptsthatwerefarmoreancient,thisServantwas
probablythemostfragileinthisregardinthisGreatHolyGrailWar.

KingArthurhadgoneoutonmanycampaignsandearnedmanymagnificent
achievements.MordredherselfhadetchedhernameintohistoryastheKnightof
Treachery.OtherServantswerealsogenerallythesame.Thoughtheirerasand
societiesdiffered,theyshouldhaveovercomemanylegendarybattlesandleft
theirnamesbehindinthememoriesofthepeople.

ButSaberadjustedhergriponthehandleofherswordandfocusedhermind.

119

Ch23

Whyhadsomeonelikeamurdererbeenelevatedtoalevelwhereshecouldbe
summonedasaServant?

Theonlypossibleexplanationwasthatitwasbecausethemurdererscareer
hadbeenshroudedintoomuchmysteryandfilledthepeoplewithtoomuch
terror.Peoplemightcheerastheywatchedaherofight.Theymightbefilledwith
courageandviewithoneanotherastheyhoisteduptheirfists.Butthisgirlwas
different.

Sheetchedhernameintotheworldwitharbitrary,thoroughanddespairing
slaughter.Iftherewerethosewhobelievedinher,theyweresurelyother
murderersjustlikeher.

Indeed,shewasappropriateasAssassin.Withoutanysoundorsignofher
presence,shesimplykilledhertarget.Therewasnooneelsewhospecializedin
killingMastersasmuchasher.

ToSaber,thismistwasntmuchofanobstruction.However,duetoAssassins
classskill[PresenceConcealment],shecouldntgraspherpresenceatall.Since
AssassinsvoicewasresoundingaroundSaber,sheshoulddefinitelybenearby,
but

Ah,justlikewethought!Youreawoman,arentyou?

Saberinvoluntarilygroundherteethslightlyatthosewords.

Inthatcase

Yeah.Inthatcase

Letsdoit.

120

Ch23

Itsoundedasifshewereconversingwithsomeone.Aneeriesluglikefeeling
thatSaberhadntexperiencedinalongwhileslightlypassedthroughherchest.

Thiswasfear.Anunknownassassinlurkinginthedarkness.Sheneverfought
headon,alwaysusingsurprisedattacks,alwaystakingtheinitiative.IfSaber
mistakenlypredictedhernextmove,itwouldinstantlyleadtoherowndeath.

Sowhatshouldshedo?

Hah.Dontunderestimateme,youshittybrat!!

Aninstantreply.Saberstoredherhelmintoherarmorasiftearingofftheskin
uponwhichthefearclungtoher.Atthesametimeassheexposedhernoble
lookingface,sheraisedtheswordinherhandandshouted.

CrimsonLightning!

Iftherewasaneeriedarkness,thanshejustneededtoblowitawaywithherown
light.Shepouredallherpranaintohersword,makingitspewcrimsonlightning
aroundher.

ThemistliterallyvanishedandAssassinlookedatSaberwithanopenmouthed
expression.

Itsover,Assassin.Ifyouregoingtoscreamouttoyourheartscontent,nows
yourchance.OnceIbeheadyou,youwontbeabletoscreamanymore.

Wedontwanna.Ourtummyisstillempty.

Speakinglikeachild,sheheldabutcherknifeineachofherhand.

121

Ch23

Youshouldgiveupandrunaway,saidSaberwithafearlesssmilewhileshe
timedthemomenttoactivate[PranaBurst].

Sincethemisthadvanished,herbodywasnolongerweigheddown.Sothere
shouldhavebeennowayforSaber,aServantofthestrongestclass,tofallbehind
thelikesofamurdererthatcouldnthideinthedarkness.

Watchingtheirfightfromafar,Shishigouhadtheutmostfaithregardingthat
point.However,therewasjustonefactorthatmadehimuneasy.Aftergetting
outofthemist,hehadtakenoutapieceofequipmentfromhisjacketpocket.

Itwasthewristofamagicalmonkeycastinadipocerewax.Insituationswherehe
wasntabletomovefromwherehewas,heusedthiswristtoquicklyconstructa
BoundedFieldthatwardedpeopleaway.Itwasntahalfheartedpieceof
magecrafteither.Thewristcrawledaroundindependentlylikeamouse,andasit
didsoitcreatedacompletelylockedoutareaasifcuttingoffthatspacefrom
everythingelse.

Hehadnttrieditoutyet,butevenifhewereinanintersectioninthestreetsof
NewYorkatnightorofShibuyainTokyo,hewasconfidentthathecould
completelyclearpeopleoutofthearea.Thoughthereexistedeyesbesidesthose
ofpeople,suchascameras,insuchdowntowndistricts,soitwouldntbeeffective
inthefirstplace.

Thesourceofhisuneasewas

thefactthattheywereintheunfavorableemergencysituation,assomeonehad
managedtobreakintothisspacewhereeveryonebesideshimandthetwo
femaleServantsinfrontofhimhadclearedaway.

Hispalmhurtasifitwerebeingstabbedbyneedles.ThatwashowShishigou
sensedthatanintruderhadpenetratedhisBoundedField.

122

Ch23

Saber!

Hiswordsexplodedintotheairasthecriticalsituationcontinuedtounfold.Saber
ofRedandAssassinofBlackwerebothchargingateachother.

SaberwasaimingtoswinghersworddownfromaboveandcutAssassininhalfin
asinglestrokewiththeforceofasurgingwave.Ontheotherhand,Assassinwas
challenginghertoclosecombatagainwithmovementssosmooththeywere
terriblyeerie.HertargetwasthenapeofSabersneck,avitalpoint.IfSabers
strikewasasuperhumanattackthattranscendedthedomainofhumans,then
Assassinhadabandonedhumanitysothoroughlythatshehadreachedthe
domainofinhumanbeasts.

Illwin.

Theinstantsheleaptforward,Saberwascertainofthat.Shehadnodoubtthat
herstrikewoulddeliverafatalwoundtoAssassin.Thetiming,speed,power;
everythingwasinperfectsync.

But.

Atthesametime,SabersmindwasbotheredbyShishigousshout.Therewas
definitelyareasonfortheshoutjustnow.Ifnot,hewouldnthavecalledouther
name.Whenshehadthoughtthatfar,sherealizeditwithachill.

Shedidntknowwhere.Butshewasdefinitelybeingaimedat.

Athroworshotfromlongdistance.TheenemywasprobablyLancerorArcher.
Eitherway,atthisrateshewouldbekilled!

Herbodymovedbeforeherlogicalthoughtcaughtup.Shejustslightlyputthe
brakesonherintenseforwardchargeandforcefullyscrewedherbodyaround.
Thiswasallshecoulddonow.

123

Ch23

Slantingherbody,shelookedattheclocktowerthatwasoneofthiscitys
landmarks.

Shegazedatitinamazement.Twofiguresstoodatthepinnacleoftheclock
tower.Illuminatedbythefaintmoonlight,thepersonshesawpointingabowand
arrowathertherewasdefinitelyaServant!

Thenextinstant,ashockwaveandathunderousroarhitSabersentirebody.

124

Ch24

Chapter2

Thefiredarrowhitjustasplanned.Butthetargethadntmovedasplanned.
Withoutloweringhisbow,Archerloadedhisnextarrow.

Didyousucceed?

ArchershookhisheadatthequestionofhisMaster,Fiore.

No.Unfortunately,Saberdodgedtheattackjustnow.Shereallydoesdeserveto
becalledamemberofthestrongestclass.

AndAssassin?

Assassinavoidedafatalblowaswell.ThoughIdidmanagetoinflictawoundon
her.

Sighioarasfamousclocktowerboastedofbeingthetallestbuildinginthecity,
withaheightofsixtyfourmeters,and,justasonecouldseenearlytheentire
townfromatopit,thetowerwasvisiblefromeverywhereintown.

Itconsistedofacentralspiresurroundedbyfoursmallerspires.Aboveeventhe
towershighesthallway,ArcherandFiorestoodonanoutcroppingsosmallthatit
thatcouldntevenbecalledathinfoothold.

ThereasonArcherwasabletocalmlystandsomewherethatnormalpeople
wouldntbeabletoendureforevenafewsecondswasprobablyduetohisinnate
senseofbalance.Itwasnothingtobesurprisedaboutforsomeoneofhiscaliber.

TheproblemwashisMaster,Fiore.Herlegsweredisabledduetotheeffectofher
degeneratedMagicCircuits.Normallyshewasincapableofstanding,andthe
footholdwasntwideenoughtoholdherwheelchaireither.

125

Ch24

Inspiteofthat,shewasonthatfoothold.However,shewasntstanding.

Herfeetweresuspendedinmidair.Longmetalarmswereextendingoutfromher
backandsupportingherbodyonthesmallfoothold.

Master.ItappearsthatAssassinofBlackhasdecidedtoretreat.

ThenwellmoveontofightSaberofRedjustasplanned.Archer,pleaseface
Saber.IllfightwithherMasterShishigouKairi.

Ifpossible,shewishedtheycouldhavekilledbothAssassinofBlackandSaberof
Redtogetherwiththatlastattack.Ifoneweretoaskwhichtheyprioritized
betweenAssassinofBlackandSaberofRed,theanswerwouldnaturallybeSaber.
NowthattheyhadlosttheircampsSaber,shewasaServantthattheyabsolutely
wantedtotakedownhereandnow.

Master.Pleasedontoverextendyourself.

YesIknow.

ByArchersjudgement,SabersMasterShishigouKairiandhisownMasterFiore
werenearlyeveninability.Shishigouwassuperiorwhenitcametoexperience
andFiorewassuperiorwhenitcametosense.Theonlyremainingfactorwashow
calmlyeitherofthemcoulddealwiththisbattlesituation.

SabersangrygazepiercedArcher.Herexposedfacewassurprisinglyyoungand
beautiful.ButArcher,havingseenmanyheroes,couldtell.Shedefinitelyhadthe
dispositionofahero.

FeelingasenseofexaltationasifthebottomofhisstomachwasablazeArcher
smiledbitterly.Itappearedthathehimselfwasstillagreenyouth.Orperhapsit
wasduetobeingsummonedintheformfromhisheyday.Ashewasnow,Archer
leanedtowardrecklessnesssomuchthatitsurprisedevenhim.

126

Ch24

SaberexchangedaglancewithherMasterShishigouforjustaninstant,andthen
immediatelychargedinArchersdirection.Itwouldnttakehereventenseconds
toreachtheclocktower.

FiorematchedherandheadedtowardsShishigouwhilecircumventingSabers
path.

SabersgazeturnedtowardsFioreforaninstant.Instantly,Archerfiredhisnocked
arrowathertodeterherfromdoinganythingtoFiore.

Sabercutdownthearrowwithasinglestroke.ThatseemedtodecideSabers
mind.WithoutglancingatFioreanyfurther,shechargedstraightatArcher

127

Ch25

Chapter2

SaberhadneededfivesecondstoregainherfootingafterArchersshot.Butby
thetimethosefivesecondshadpassed,Assassinhadalreadywithdrawn.

SheclickedhertongueherregretovernotkillingAssassinandherhatred
towardsArcherforgettinginthewaymadeSabersfacetwistinanger.

Master.Assassinhasrunaway,whileArchersoverthere.WhoshouldIattack?I
personallyrecommendArcherwhossofullofhimselfontheclocktower.

Saberaskedthatquestionwhilepointingherswordattheclocktower,and
Shishigoujustscratchedhisheadwithasigh.Hisanswerwasalreadydecidedfor
him.Inaddition,itdbeverydifficulttochaseafterAssassinnowthatshehadrun
away.Anyhow,theywouldntbeabletocatchherbysightatallduetoher
[PresenceConcealment]skill.

YouseemprettyintentonfightingArcheryourself.Well,thatsthecorrect
decision.IlltakecareofhisMaster.

Sorryaboutthis,Master.Then,ImofftocrushArcher.

Sabergrinnedhappily.ShecouldalsotellwithhereyesthatArcherwasnocking
hisnextarrow.Hernormalfullthrottlespeedwouldntbeenoughtoreachhimin
time.However

Saberhadthe[PranaBurst]skill.BytakingoffherNoblePhantasmhelm,she
couldcladherbodyinpranaevenfurtherandcouldexplosivelyaccelerateherself
byinstantlyreleasingitallinajetburst.

AllrightSaber,goandgethim!

128

Ch25

Aye!!

TheinstantaftersheyelledoutheragreementtoShishigou,shedisappearedina
flash.Shehadtakenasingle,powerfulstepforward.Shewaslikeahuman
shapedcannonball.Sheflewtowardswherethatdistantbowmanshouldbe.

Archerdidntmove.SaberglancedatArchersMasterassheheadedtowards
ShishigouwhilecircumventingaroundSaber.However,anarrowflewtowards
SabertopreventherfromtouchingthefemaleMaster.

Asshecutthearrowwithhersword,Sabersmiled.

Youdontneedtoworry,Archer.TheoneIwanttocrushisyou.

ArchersMasterwasgoingtofaceSabersownMaster,Shishigou.Hewouldnt
losebeforeher.Shefeltalittlesurprisedwhensherealizedthatshebelieved
that.Shehadnevertrustedthoseknownasmagibeforenow.Shehadthoughtof
magiasallbeingshutinswithextremelytwistedpersonalities.No,inreality,the
magithatshehadmetuntilnowweregenerallylikethat.

Buttherewerealsothesortofmagithatgetalongwellwithher.Thetypethat
wasfoolhardyandreckless,thinking90%onattackand10%ondefense.

Speakingofwhich,thecatalystthatsummonedherwasafragmentfromthe
RoundTable.Inotherwords,itwouldnthavebeenstrangeforanyoftheother
KnightsoftheRoundTablelikeLancelot,whoslightedherfather,orGawain,
thatannoyinghonorstudenttohavebeensummonedinstead.

Andyet,theonewhowassummonedwasher.Sheconsideredthemeaningof
that.Shethoughtthat,atsomepoint,shewouldhavetoproperlythinkitover.In
ordertoobtaintheHolyGrailforherself.

129

Ch25

Atthatpoint,Saberstoppedherextraneousthoughts.Shewasheadingforthe
sixtymetertallclocktower.Sheonlyneededtwelvestepstoreachit.Insteadof
ascendingitwithbothherhandsandfeet,shedashedstraightupthe90degree
angleouterwallwithjusthertwofeet.

Archerwasalreadyrightbeforeher.Shecouldseenotonlyhisform,butevenhis
expression.Hewasamanofdelicatefeaturescladinleatherarmor.Indeed,the
styleofhisappearancewastrulythatofabowman.Butnowthatshehadgotten
thisclose,therewasnolongeranythingthatArchercoulddo.

Archerywasthemostsuperiorwhenitcametolongrangesniping.Evenwhen
comparedtomodernguns,itstillhadahugeadvantageduetobeingableto
shootalmostcompletelysilently.Ofcourse,inordertohitthetargetwithan
arrow,onerequiresunimaginablyharshtrainingandinnatetalent.Buttherewas
nowayaHeroicSpiritsummonedasArcherwouldlackthose.SotheArcherclass
wasnearlyinvincibleaslongasitremainedatlongrangefromtheenemy.

ButiftherewasaServantfastenoughtoclosehimfromlongrangetoclose
range,thesituationwouldbecompletelyoverturned.

Abowmanalsonaturallyhasseveralweakpoints.Firstly,itwasnearlyimpossible
toshootconsecutively.Secondly,hislocationwaseasilyexposedfromthepathof
hisarrows.Thirdly,abowwasextremelyfragileatcloserange.

ItwasnaturalforSabertofeelconfidentofhervictory.Whentheenemyhad
gottensoclose,therewasnothingabowmancoulddothatshowitshouldhave
been.

CompletelyunfazedbySabersviolentcharge,Archersmoothlyloadedhisnext
arrow.

ThenockedarrowwasshotatSabersfaceasshecameathimrightfrombelow,
butsheflickeditawaywithherswordheldinbothherhands.

130

Ch25

Igotyou,Archer!!

Therewasnotimeforhimtonockanotherarrow.JustlikewithAssassinearlier,
Saberwascertainthatshewouldkillhiminasinglestrike.

ButArcherwasaHeroicSpiritwithalonghistoryofexperienceasawarrior.At
thatprecisemoment,hedidsomethingsounexpectedthatitsurpassedeven
Sabersinstincts.Withouthesitationhethrewhimselfofffromthesmalland
unreliablefootholdintotheair.

AsSaberwasparalyzedinshock,Archernockedanotherarrowandfireditat
Saberevenashefelltowardsthegroundbelow.Histargetwasnaturallyher
chest,whichshouldbethinlyarmored.However,anarrowshotbyArcher
ChironoftheSagittariuswoulddefinitelykilleverythinginitspath.

Thearrow,cladinthelightofthestars,forciblysmashedthroughSabersarmor.
Somethingcoldcreptintohershoulder,andflashesofdizzyingpainranthrough
herentirebodyoneafteranother.But,probablythankstoherheavyarmor,the
arrowthathadbeenaimedatherchestseemedtohavebeendeflectedand
piercedhershoulderinstead.

ButsuchathingwasntcomfortingatallforSaber,whohadbeencertainofher
victory.

You,bastard!!

Sabermanagedtodrownouttheintensepain,spreadinglikeripplesfromher
shouldertotherestofherbody,withjustheranger.Withouthesitation,she
wentintoabulletdivestraightatthestillfallingArcherusing[PranaBurst]!

Sheslikeashootingstar,Archerthought.

131

Ch25

Shewasntgracefulatall,butshewasexcessivelystrongandexcessivelyviolent,
andsoshepossessedanenchantinglight.

Indeed,SaberwasamagnificentHeroicSpirit.Shehadtohaveastrongwillto
launchacounterattackimmediatelyuponreceivinghisattack,ignoringthepain
andimpactfromit.

InjustseveralfractionsofasecondSaberwouldprobablycuthimdownthis
timebeneathherbladethemomenthelandedontheground.Nowthen,what
shouldhedotopreventthat?

Hecouldntusehisarchery.Nomatterhowfasthisarrowswere,hewasalready
atadisadvantageagainstaswordthatwouldfinishitsmotionjustbybeingswung
down.Hehadnoswordorlance,hecouldntusehisbow,hehadnomount,there
wasnowayhecouldgomadandrampage,andhecouldntstopthiscourseof
eventswithmagecraftordirks.

Inthatcase.Hehadnochoicebuttofightwithhisfinalremainingweapon.

Hissixtymeterfall,andhislandingjustbeforeitcametoanend,hevigorously
struckthegroundwithonelegandslightlyshiftedhisbodytotheside.

Heextendedbothhisarms.TheroaringSabernoticedhisinexplicableaction,but
shedidnthavethetimetotakeitintoconsideration.

Withherswordbrandishedtostrikecombinedwithherexplosiveaccelerated
speeddueto[PranaBurst]andwithherbeinginhernormalstateexcludingthe
releaseofherNoblePhantasm,therewasnowinningblowasperfectasthis.

However,againstwhatwoulddefinitelydealafatalwoundifithit,Archerdid
somethingdreadfulorrather,somethingcrazylikeSaberherselfwoulddo.

132

Ch25

Heextendedbotharms,andbeforethechargingSabercouldswingdownher
sword,hecoiledhisarmsaroundher.Theinstantherwristswereseizedinahold,
hersensesrangoutinalarm.Forcefullyhaltingherslashasitbitintohis
collarbone,Archerdidntnegatethemomentumofherchargebutinstead
cleverlytransferredherbodyweightand

Athrowingtechnique!?

TheinstantthatSaberrealizedwhathewasdoing,shewasflungthroughtheair
upsidedown.Itwassimilartoaonearmedshoulderthrowinjudo,butthewayit
immobilizedthejointsofherwristswascompletelymerciless.

ArcherChironwasthegreatestsageamongthecentaursandreceivedvarious
teachingsfromthegodssuchaslearningmedicineandmusicfromthesungod
ApolloandhuntingfromthegoddessArtemis.Andso,youngandimmature
heroesgatheredaroundhimandlearnedvariousteachingsandfighting
techniquesunderhiswing.

Thesword,lance,andbowbesidesthose,Archerhadalsoacquiredtechniques
forfightingbarehandedasamatterofcourse.Theyconsistedofperfecthandto
handcombattechniquesthatcombinedboxingandwrestling.

ThatfightingstylewasPankration1theworldsoldestmixedmartialartsspoken
ofinAncientGreektales.

Gah!!

Hittingthedeadlyweaponknownastheground,Saberseyeswidenedasshe
experiencedanimpactthatseemedtomakeherverygutsreverberate.Herentire
bodyfrozeforjustafewsecondsifshewastieddownwithchains.

1
Pankrationiswritteninkatakana,whileaboveitinfuriganaitiswrittenasthepowerofeverything
orallstrength/power.

133

Ch25

Itwasanextremelylethalsituationforherhowever,despitethefactthatSaber
hadfallendown,Archerdidntfinishheroff;instead,hefelldowntohiskneesin
anguish.Thewoundfromthebladethathadbitintohisshoulder,evenifitwasnt
afatalwound,wasextremelyclosetobeingso.

Normally,therewasnostrengthbehindthepartofthebladeclosetothehandle,
soArcherhadjudgedthatitwouldprobablyonlybestrongenoughtocuthis
leatherarmor.Buthehadunderestimatedittoomuch.Inspiteofreceiving
Sabersstrikeundermostlikelytheverybestofconditionspossible,thewound
onhiscollarbonewastoodeep.

Mostlikely,hisrightshoulderwouldntmoveuntilitwasmendedwithhealing
magecraft.Inotherwords,hecouldntusehisbowuntilthen.Archersmiled
bitterly.Hehadintendedtocornerher,butheendedupbeingcorneredinstead.
Thedecisivechancehehadreceivedinreturnhadbeenreversedintoafatal
situationforhim.

Hecametoadecisionwithouthesitation.Hecouldnotthinkofawaytodelivera
finalblowtoSaberinthissituationnomatterhowhemovedorfought.Ifhe
effectivelyusedtheslightlylessthanthreesecondsitwouldtakeuntilSabergot
backup,withdrawalwasprobablythebestplanhere.

ArcherdecidedtoreportthesituationtoFiorewhowasfightingafiercebattleof
herownandrecommendretreating.

134

Ch26

Chapter2

Necromancersstarttheirtrainingbyfirststaringattheirowndeath.Theymust
hypnotizethemselvesandseetheirfleshdecomposemany,manytimes.Their
reflectioninthemirrorrotsawaydisgustinglybeforetheireyesandtheyget
usedtoit.Theystareatdeath,carrydeath,andlearnthatlifeisalways
accompaniedbydeath.

Andnecromancyisacraftthatcontrolsdeath.

ShishigouKairiwaitedforthegirltoarrivewhilesmokingacigarette.Hedidntset
upanydetectionorprotectiveBoundedFields,leavinghimselffartoo
defenseless.

Butthen,Shishigouknewquitewellthattherewasnomeaninginsuchthingsif
theonehewasgoingtofacewasher.AnyBoundedFieldshemadeatthispoint
wouldsimplybeawasteofhispranaandtools.

Shishigounoticedthewindchangedirectionslightly,andflickedawayhisstilllit
cigarette.

Helookedupattheskyaboveandcalledouttotheyounggirlsuspendedinthe
airthere.

Nowthen.Youdontmindifweskipintroducingourselves,doyou?

Themansmirked,andthegirlsmiledinturn.

Inasomewhatnarrowalleywaycaughtbetweentwobuildings,FioreForvedge
Yggdmillenniahadstabbedthe[arms]sproutingfromherbackintothewallsof
thebuildings.

135

Ch26

Thearmsgaveofftheimpressionofbeingsmoothyethard,andweresimilarto
insectlegsthatwaswhatShishigouthought.

Verywell.Theresnowayeitherofusdoesntknoweachothersnames.
However,mayIgiveawarningjustincase?

Goahead.

Leavenow,necromancer.Allthisfarandwidelandbelongstous
Yggdmillennia.Iwilloverlookyourinsolenttrespassingshouldyouleave.Ifyou
ignorethiswarning,yourfollywillberepaidwithcompensationequivalentto
death.

HehSo,doyouthinkIllobeythat?

InresponsetoShishigouswords,Fiorespokewithasatisfiedsmile.

No.ButifIdeclarethatfirst,Iwouldntbeabletoresolvemyselfinside.

Isee,Shishigouthoughtwithawrysmile.Toputitanotherway,sinceshehad
warnedhimshewouldnthesitatetokillhimnow.

Andofcourse,Shishigouhadnointentionofobeyingsuchawarning.Hisanswer
wastoreachhishandforhisshotgun.Atthatinstant,thedensityofpranainthe
surroundingareathickened.

Therewasnomoreroomforidletalkbetweenthem.FioreknewthatShishigou
Kairiwasafreelancemagusandthathesurpassedherintermsofbattle
experience.ShishigouknewthatFioreForvedgeYggdmillenniawasaprodigywho
borethenexteraoftheYggdmillenniaclanonhershoulders.

136

Ch26

Themagecraftthispersonusesisnecromancy.However,hismagecraftisntas
simpleasturningcorpsesintoghoulsandusingthemasslaves.Forexample,the
smallfirearmhesholding

ThemagecraftthisyoungladyusesareEuryphis1andhumanengineeringIfI
rememberright,herMysticCodeiscalledtheBronzeLinkManipulator.

Thefrozenatmospherebetweenthetwoofthemwasblownawaybythemetal
lidofagarbagecannearby.Perhapsblownbythewind,itfelldownnoisilyand
causedthetensionbetweenthemtoexplode.Shishigoupulledouthissawedoff
shotguninasinglesmoothmotionandFiorewhirleddownfromtheskyfiercely
andresolutely.

Hepulledthetriggerandabulletmanufacturedfromaprocessedfingercutoff
fromamagussniffedoutthepresenceofamagusandrushedouttohitherright
inthehead.

Jupiter:TinArmofProtection,intercept.

Afatalmagicbulletthattargetedtheenemysheadwithoutmistakeandcould
notbedodged.Thatbullet,whichwouldntstopuntilitplanteditselfinthehead
oftheenemy,waspluckedawaywithouthesitationbythearmssproutingfrom
Fioresback.

Shishigousshockatthislastedforonlyaninstant.Movingquicklytoretreat,he
hidhimselfontheothersideofacarparkedalongthestreet.Thetwoarms
sproutingoutfromFioresbackeachsplitintotwo.Withnowfour[arms]armsin
total,twoofthemactedassubstitutelegsforherbystabbingthemselvesintothe
stonepavement.AndtheothertwoarmsopenedtheirjawsstraightatShishigou
likemenacinginsects.

1
Here,itsaysEuryphisinfurigana,whilethekanjibeneathitisthetermforspiritualevocation,a
certaintypeofmagecraftthatinvolvesthesummoningofspiritualbeings.

137

Ch26

138

Ch26

Mars:IronArmofWar,shoot.

Withsoundssimilartogunfire,[bulletsoflight]shotoutfromthoseopenings.
Thoseshots,whichhadforcebehindthemequaltobullets,pulverizedthestone
pavementatShishigousfeet.

Ah,damnit.Sothosearmscandoanything,huh!

Whilepigeonholinghimself,Shishigouusedthecarasashieldandwithstoodthe
machinegunlikestrafingfireofcursedbullets.Hethrewouthisshotgunsempty
cartridgeandreloadedwithabulletfromhiswaistpocket.

Aftershootingsomerestrainingfire,hetookoutaprocessedowleyeballand
tosseditoutthroughanopeninginthecar.Itlinkedwiththesightinhisrighteye,
allowinghimtosurveythegirl.First,helookedoncemoreattheMysticCodeshe
wore.

Accordingtotheprofilehedobtainedbeforehand,sheshouldbeburdenedwith
thehandicapofbeingunabletomoveherlegsduetoadefectofherMagic
Circuitsthatwasaphysicalpeculiarityofhers.

However,withthatMysticCode,suchathingwasnoproblem.Toher,thatMystic
Codewasexceedinglyexcellentlegsinandofitself.Sinceitwasabletopluck
awayafiredbullet,evenifitwasatsubsonicspeeds,itsurpassedotherMystic
Codesintermsofprecisemovement.

Thereactionspeedofitsautonomousdefensewasnearlyperfectaswell.Most
likely,itwasequaltothatoftheVolumenHydrargyrum:CerebrospinalFluidof
theMoonSpirit,theautonomoustypemaidgolemthataccompaniedtheyoung
mistressoftheElMelloi.

139

Ch26

However,duetothedifferenceincompositionbetweenmercuryandmetalarms,
thearmswouldprobablyhavetroubledealingwithsomethinglikeaclaymore
minethatattackstheentiresurroundingareainsteadofasinglepoint.

Inotherwords,Illhavetousethis.

Shishigoutookouttheheartofamagusfromtheinsidepocketofhisjacket.This
internalorgan,whichhadtheteethandnailsofmagiembeddedinsideit,was
quitesuitableasanantimagusweapon.Theteethandnailsitscatteredupon
detonationwerechargedwithpranasoakedingrudgesandexertedaneffect
similartoakindof[Gandr]whentheyhitapersonsbody.However,theireffect
wasmuchstrongerthanthatsimplecurse,perhapsbecausetheyweremade
fromthebodypartsofthedead.

Putsimply,whentheteethandnailspenetratedapersonsskin,theirskinwould
decomposeandmeltaway.

Hepulledouttheheartsmusclefiberlikeapin,andthehaltedheartinstantly
beganbeatingandpulsing.Heconfirmedherlocationwiththeowleye.While
remaininghiddenbehindthecar,Shishigouusedabitofsuddenairflow
manipulationandthrewthehandgrenadeheartattheperfectspot.

Kuh!!

IfShishigouhadmadeonemistake,itwasusingthishandgrenadeintheskirmish
againstthehomunculibefore,therebyshowingittoFioreandtheothers.Having
collectedandexaminedthecorpsesofthehomunculiandthenhypothesizedthe
powerandeffectofthegrenadefromtheirdecomposedstate,sheknewthatthis
attackwouldbefatal.

Saturn:LeadArmofRoaring,crush!

140

Ch26

Themetalarmthatactedasherrightlegseemedtoturnitselfflatlikeaspatula
andsquashedtherollingheartfromabove.Theteethandnailsthatshouldhave
beenscatteredintothesurroundingswithadestructiveblastwerepushedinto
theground,unabletohurtFioresbody.

ButthefactthatShishigouhadmanagedtogainevenalittlebitoftimewas
important.Gettingintothecarthathewasusingasashield,hepulledouta
hiddensparekeyfromthedriverseatssunvisorandquicklystartedupthe
engine.

TheinstantthatFiorefranticallyturnedaroundatthenoisysoundoftheengine
hepresseddownontheacceleratorandthecarranheroverfromthefrontwith
aviolentcharge.

Geez!Thispersonissorecklessandabsurd!

Evenasthecarhoodcoiledaroundher,Fiorewasnotsignificantlyinjured.Her
fourartificialarmshadinstantlyprotectedher.

However,atthisrateshewoulddefinitelybecrushedagainstawallorsomething
else.Shedugherartificialarmsintothecarhoodandpulledherbodyup.Her
eyesmetShishigousinthedriversseatandthenheturnedthehandlesharply
totheleftinordertoshakeheroff.

ButtwoofFioresarmspiercedintothecarhoodandcompletelyfixedherbody
inplace.Furthermore,sheusedhertworemainingarmstotearoffthecarsfront
glassalongwithitsroof.

Shishigouwasnowdefenseless,buthehadgottenhissawedoffshotguninhis
handwithouthernoticing.Hesmiledinsatisfactionandhitthebrake.After
havingbeenhitbythecarhood,Fiorewasblownoffthistimebythesudden
recoil.

141

Ch26

Herfourartificialarmsdetectedthatshewasinadangeroussituationand
stabbedintothestonepavementtoactasacushion.Instantly,Fioreunderstood.
Inthisstate,shecouldntintercepthisattackwithherartificialarms.

Inthecarsdriversseat,Shishigoupulledouthisshotgun.Sheshudderedasshe
feltthepresenceofdeathandthenhepulledthetriggerandfiredamagicbullet
atsubsonicspeed.Fiorecouldntthinkofanycountermeasures.

Ohn!?

Andthen,thesilhouetteofananimalquicklycutinbeforeher.

What!?

Themagicbulletsmashedthroughtheanimalsbrain,endingitsmission.AsFiore
wasfrozeninastonishment,someonehiddenbehindanearbybuildingcalledout.

Neesan,dontjuststandthereinshock!

Ah.RRight!

Fiorefranticallystoodup.Herartificialarmshadalreadyregainedtheirflawless
readyposturestoprotecther.Sheorderedherarmstoreleasestrafingfirewith
bulletsoflightallatonceinordertoblowwaythecar.

Clickinghistongue,Shishigouwentbacktohidingbehindthecar.Hetriedto
figureouttheidentityofthepersonwhohadshoutedjustamomentago.

Neesan,Neesan,NeesanareyouCaulesForvedgeYggdmillennia!?

Thatsright!

142

Ch26

Caulesrespondedwithashoutfrombehindthebuilding.Thingshavegotten
troublesome,Shishigouthought.Magihadtocreateasituationasadvantageous
aspossibleifabattleshouldincreasebeyondjustoneononebetweenthem.
Tryingtofightaloneagainsttwomagiwaspurefolly.

AccordingtotheprofileShishigouwasgivenbeforethewarstarted,thisyounger
brotherwassoinferiorwhenitcametomagecraftthathecouldntevenbe
comparedtohisoldersister,butthatjustmadefightingbothofthemallthemore
foolish.Beinginferiorinmagecraftdidnotmeanthathewasweakwhenitcame
tofightingaswell.

Rather,Shishigouknewwellthatthetypeofmagiwhowould[doanything]in
ordertocompensatefortheirinferiormagecraftwerefarmoreformidable
enemies.Inthefirstplace,thiswasnotabattleofmagecraft,butawarafight
tokilleachother.Nomatterhowmuchyouexcelledinmagecraft,ifyoudied,you
lost.

Comeoutandshowyourface!Howaboutintroducingyourselffairandsquare
likeamagus!?

InresponsetoShishigousprovocation,Caulesrepliedhonestly.

Irefuse!Doselfintroductionselsewhere,youmuscleheadeddaruma!

Whatsupwiththatbluntrefusal?Shishigouthought.Inacompletereversal
fromearlier,hehadfallenintocheckmate.Honestly,hehadnoconfidencethat
hecouldbeatherinclosecombat.Nomatterhowmuchhehadtrainedhimselfas
ahumanbeing,hecouldntdoanythingagainstthosefearsomeartificialarms
theBronzeLinkManipulator.Inaddition,Cauleswashisbiggestobstacle.
Shishigoucouldntconcentrateonfightingheroneonone.Couldhebewatchful
ofCauleswhilefightingFiore?Rejected;thatwasimpossible.

143

Ch26

Inotherwords,heneededsomethingthatwouldbesufficienttokillFioreina
singlestrike.

TheresnowayIcandiewhilekeepingmytreasureunused.

Hecarefullytookitoutfromhisinsidepocket.Itwasaknifewithathinbladethat
washardtocallpracticalinshapeanddesign.Thisweapondidnotautomatically
aimfortheheadlikethefingerofamagusthathehadusedearlier.But,this
wouldkilltheenemyifithit.No,itwouldkillifiteventouchedsomeone.

WhenShishigouacceptedtherequesttoparticipateinthisGreatHolyGailWar,
hehadaskedforababyhydrapreservedinformalinaspriorcompensation.He
hadusedeachofthenineheadsofthehydratocreateeitherweaponsor
supplementaltools.ThiswasanenchantedpoisonousMysticCodethatshould
probablybekeptinreserveforwhenhefoughtasamagus.

Buthewasstuckinastalematenomatterwhathedid.Justbeforeheresolved
himselfandentrustedhimselftoamakeorbreakgamblethestrafingfire
suddenlystopped.

Findingitodd,hesecretlypeekedatFioretoseehercondition.Withacalm
expressionyouwouldntexpecttoseeinthemidstofbattle,shelightlynodded.
Andthen,shespoketoShishigou.

Itseemswemustendthingshere.

Icanstillfight!

Shishigoushoutedthatwhiletightlygrippinghisknife.ButFioreshookherhead
andrejectedthatwithagentlegesture.Whenhesawherdothat,Shishigouknew
thathehadlostthechancetousehistrumpcard.

144

Ch26

IllbewaitinginourfortressinTrifasforournextencounter.Shishigousama,Ill
settlemybattlewithyounexttime.

Fioresaidthatandthenquicklyretreated.Herbehaviorwasrathersplendid,and
notevenafragmentofherdesiretokillhimhereremained.

Shishigouquicklygaveuponpursuingher.Itwasaselfevidenttruththatthe
pursuerhadtheadvantageinbattle,butitdidntcanceloutthedisadvantageof
numbers.Theadvantageofpursuingandthedisadvantageofnumbers.Therewas
noneedtoweightthemonascaletochoosewhichoptionheshouldtake.

DidsomethinghappentoherServant?

Inthatcase,thisbattlecouldntevenbecalledadraw.Sighing,Shishigoutookout
acigarettefromhisinsidepocketashedecidedtowaithereuntilSaberreturned.

Acigaretteafterabattlewasnormallyreputedtotastegood,but

Nogood,thisreallytastesbad.

Grimacing,Shishigousavoredthetasteoftheworldstransiencewithhislungs.

145

Ch27

Chapter2

FioreagreedtoArcherssuggestion.Itappearedthattheotherbattlehadalso
reachedastalemate.

Then,letsjoinupatthedesignatedlocation.Ourintentionwasreconnaissance
fromthestart.Theresnoneedtoobsessoversettlingthingshereandnow.

Understood.Thankyou,Master.

BythetimeSabermanagedtostandup,Archerhadwidenedthedistance
betweenthemsufficientlyenoughforhimtoescape.

Areyourunningaway,Archer!?

Watchinghimmoveaway,Sabershoutedwithouthidingheranger.

Yes,since,atthisrate,Illbedefeatedfirst.Letsconsiderthismatchasadraw
duetomutualinjuries.

Aftersayingthosefinalwords,Archersmoothlydisappearedintothedarknessof
abackalley.EventhoughitwasntatthesamelevelasAssassins[Presence
Concealment],itappearedthathepossessedknowledgeoftechniquesformaking
oneselfdisappearaswell.

Foraninstant,Saberwaveredoverchasingafterhimrightnow,hecouldntuse
hisbow.Shewasconfidentthatshecoulddefinitelycuthimdownifshecaught
upwithhim.However,theissuewaswhetherornotshedcatchuptohim.
Additionally,shecouldntbecertainthathewasnthiding[something]likethe
throwingtechniquehehadusedearlier.

146

Ch27

Ofcoursehehadhumiliatedher.Sohumiliatedthateventearinghimapart
wouldntsatisfyher.Butsheenduredit.

Nowthen,IwonderhowMasterisdoing?

Shewasntthatworried.ShouldherMasterfallintoacriticalsituation,Saber
wouldimmediatelybeinformedthroughtheCommandSpells.Ifhewasjust
abouttofallintosuchasituation,hewouldprobablycallherbacktohimusinga
CommandSpell.

Afterstandingupandwalkingfortenminutes,shefoundShishigoulooking
languidasheleanedagainstahistoricbuildingthathadbeenmagnificently
destroyed.

SoArcherretreated,huh.

Shishigouhadnoconspicuouswoundsthatwereworthmentioning.Someblood
flowedfromhisfaceandabdomen,buttheywereprobablyjustscratches.

Prettymuch.

Soourfirstbattlewasadraw.Saber,howdidyoufindabattlebetween
Servants?

Withoutreplying,Sabermerelylookedupattheskysilently.Whywasitthatshe
foundthecoldbluemoonlightsodazzling?

Shishigousmiledandnoddedasifheunderstood.

ItappearswevebothtastedthethrilloftheHolyGrailWartoourhearts
content.

Muh.Ididntsayanything.

147

Ch27

Icantellthatmuchfromyourface.Nowthen,assumingthatAssassinhas
retreated,chasingafterherwouldbedifficult.Shecantremainconfinedto
SighioaraforevereitherSinceArchershotather,itlookslikeshesnotworking
withtheBlackcamp,sotherewillprobablybeotherchancestokillher.

OrshemightbekilledbyanotherServantaswell.Mostlikely,athirdpartyhad
killedtheoriginalMasterandtakenAssassinforthemselves.Didtheyintendto
conductthemselvesskillfullyandgettheirhandsontheHolyGrail?Orbasedon
theseserialkillings,maybetheywerentthinkingofanything.

Shishigouhopeditwastheformercase.Thatwouldbefinethen,sincetheywere
fightingwithreasoningbehindtheiractions.But,iftheywerecompletely
unconcernedwitheverythingandwerekillingjustbecausetheywantedto
AssassinofBlackandherMasterwoulddefinitelybecomethemostdifficult
enemiesintheGreatHolyGrailWar.

However,justasFiorehadsaid,notjustTrifas,butallofRomaniashouldbeunder
thecontrolofYggdmillennia.Ifnot,thetitleofSecondOwner1wouldweep.

So,wellbegoingbacktoTrifas,Saber.

AyeBut,howarewegoingtogetback?Thebuswetooktogetherewontbe
passingthroughanymoreatthistime.

Well,naturallyweregoingtoborrowoneofthese.

Shishigoubrisklywalkedoutontothemainstreet,smashedtheglasswindowofa
parkedcarandunlockeditsdoor.Bytheway,hehadnointentionofreturningit,
sohewasbasicallystealingit.

1
Here,itsaysSecondOwnerinfurigana,whilethekanjibeneathtranslatesaslandlord/supervisor.
Thisisatitlegiventoafamilyofmagiwhoareresponsibleforoverseeingalandwithhighspiritual
qualities.

148

Ch27

Comeon,getin.

PleaseavoidushavingtodropoutfromtheGreatHolyGrailWardueto
gettingcaughtbythepolice,Master.

SabersighedasifamazedbyherMastersactions.

149

Ch28

Chapter2

WhenAssassinofBlack,dwellingwithherrightarmhangingtornandlimp,
returnedtotheplacesheusedasher,anhourhadpassedsincesheleft.

Ithurts.

Withtearyeyes,sheshowedherrighthandtoherMaster,RikudouReika.Even
theboneinherhandwasvisibleinthecutcrosssection,andhermusclefibers
weretorntoshreds.Ifshewereanormalhuman,shewouldntbeabletouseher
handeveragain.

Ohmy!

Withapaleface,Reikafranticallytriedtosearchforafirstaidkit,butsoon
realizedthattherewasnopoint.AssassinwasaServantwhowasnotofthis
world.Therewasnopointinapplyingmedicaltreatmentwithoutmagecraft.And
asanordinaryhuman,Reikacouldntusemagecraft.

Shewashelplesslylimitedtobindingthewoundwithacleanhandkerchief.There
wasnothingelseshecoulddo.

Doesitstillhurt?

Reikaaskedthatuneasily,butAssassinshookherheadandsmiledasiftotellher
nottoworry.

Noitsfinenow.Moreimportantly,Mother,werehungry.

Allright.Justwaitabit.Illgoreheatyourhamburgerrightnow.

150

Ch28

SinceAssassincouldntuseherrightarm,Reikadecidedtocutupthereheated
hamburgerwithaforkandfeedAssassinpiecebypiece.

AfterpesteringReikaforthehamburger,Assassinopenedhermouthlikeasmall
bird.Seemingtohaveforgottenaboutherrighthand,shesmiledhappilyfromthe
bottomofherheart.

Doesittastegood?

Yeah!

Thankgoodness,thoughtReikawithrelief,butwhenherthoughtsturnedto
Assassinsrighthand,herexpressionturneddark.

Then,Jack.Justhowdidyougetthatinjury?

Ah,yeah.WefoughtaServant.

OhmyServantsarepeoplelikeJack,right?

Assassinnodded.ReikahadlearnedabouttheHolyGrailWarinherownway
fromJack,andshewasabletounderstandenoughtoknowthattheenemiesshe
challengedwereconsiderablystrong.

Didyoulose?

NoSomeoneelsebargedin.Theywerereallycowardly,attackingwhilewe
wereinthemiddleoffighting.

Yeah.Everyoneisthinkingofactingallsneakyandcunningbecauseitsawar.
Thatsnotgood,right?

Right~,repeatedAssassinwithasmile.

151

Ch28

Then,whilecontinuingtofeedherthehamburger,Reikaaskedaquestion.

Hey,Jack.Whatshouldwedoaboutthat?

Ourrighthand?

Yeah.Itspainfultoseeyourprettyhandlikethat.

Eheheyeah.A[meal]wouldprobablybethebestcure.

Assassinrepliedwhilesmilinginembarrassment.Reikahadacontractwith
Assassin,butshecouldntsupplypranatoher.Sonaturally,Assassinhadtorely
on[eating]tosupplyherselfwithprana.

Yeah,sohowabouteatingtheheartofthelastMisterMagus?

Yeah,letsdothat.

Reikatookoutadarkredheartwrappedinfilmonawhiteplatefromthe
refrigerator.Unabletowait,Assassinpluckeditoutofthewrappingfilmand
swalloweditinasinglegulp.

Theheartofamaguswasfarricherinpranathanthatofanordinaryhuman.
Havingreplenishedherdepletedpranasupply,Assassinfeltherselfbecome
revitalized.Hertownuprighthandwasalsoalreadyregenerating.

Phew.Whatarelief.

YeahButwereoutofheartsnow.Mother,whatshouldwedo?

Hmm,ifwestayhere,youmightgetattackedagain.Also,thepolicehavestarted
togetnoisy.ShallwetryheadingstraighttoTrifasnext?

152

Ch28

AssassinfoldedherarmsandstartedtohumtoherselfinthoughtSaberwasa
formidableenemy,butbasedonthenatureoftheHolyGrailWar,therewouldnt
bemanyServantsstrongerthanthatone.Ofcourse,ifSaberusedherNoble
Phantasm,Assassinsdefeatwouldprobablybecertain.ButAssassinhadanother
certainkillNoblePhantasmofherown,andshehadntuseditinthisbattle.

SaberwouldprobablyrunatandscattertheotherServantswithherstrength,but
therewasnowayshedbeabletoavoidusingherNoblePhantasmatsomepoint.
IfAssassinaimedforthatmomentshedbeabletoeather.

Hmmyeah.Letstrygoingthere.

Okay.Yourealsotired,soletsleaveaftertakinganap.Okay,Jack?

Yeah!

Withlightfootsteps,Assassinjumpedontothebed,andthentoreoffthesheets.
Sherolledherselfwithinthemintoaballlikeabagworm.

Ohmy.

Smiling,Reikapiledthedishesandbroughtthemtothekitchen.Theywouldbe
immediatelydepartingwhentheygotup,butitwaspropermannerstotidyup
beforetheyleft.

Although,sincethemenwhohadlivedinthishousehadbeendissectedafter
havingtheirheartsgougedoutashorttimeagoandwerenowburied
underground,therewouldneveragainbeanopportunityforthosedishestobe
used.

Mother,hurryup!

Buncheduplikeabagwormontopofthebed,Assassinkickedherlegsabout.

153

Ch28

WhilesayingYes,yeswithawrysmile,Reikaquicklyfinishedwashingthedishes
andheadedovertothebed.

TheinstantReikalaydownonthebedaftertakingoffherclothes,Assassin
coveredherwiththesheetswrappedaroundherself.Smilinginnocently,Assassin
huggedReikasnakedbodyandburiedherfaceinherabdomen.

Mother.

Shemurmuredinasomehowslow,frightenedmanner.Reikaembracedher
closelyandpattedherheadtocomforther.

There,there.

Assassinbehavedlikeaspoiledchild,butReikadidntfindthatstrange.Shedidnt
knowabouttheHolyGrailWar,MastersandServants.ServantswereHeroic
Spirits,elevatedduetothebeliefofthepeople,andwerealwayssummonedin
theformoftheirheyday.

Sotherewerehardlyanythatweresummonedaschildren.AssassinofBlack
JacktheRipperwasntlikethisbecauseofafailureofthemindorsoul,butwasa
genuinechild.

Inthefirstplace,Jackwasnta[human]whenshewasalive.

In1888,thereweretensofthousandsofprostitutesinLondon.Theabortion
methodsbackthenweretoounskilledandrough,andthechildrenwhoshould
havebeenbornweretreatedliketrash.Theircorpseswerediscardedintothe
riverthatflowedthroughtheEastEnddistrictwheretheprostituteslived,and
theirhatredandgrudgesaccumulatedinthestagnantriver.

Thegrudgesofthetensofthousandsofchildrenwhoweredeniedeventheright
tobeborngraduallystartedtotakehumanform.

154

Ch28

Eventually,averyyounggirlwhocouldntevenbecalledaprostitutewandered
thestreetsofEastEndwithoutknowingwhy.Whyshewasborn,whyshewas
sad,whyshewascoldshedidntknowanything.Shedidntknow,butsheat
leastunderstoodthatshewantedsomething.

Insuchastate,shehappenedtomeetawoman.

Whenshewalkedtowardsthewomanandunconsciouslycalledout[Mother],
Jackwasterriblyabused.Gettingabusedwashard,painfulandonlylefthersad.
Soshekilledthewoman.

Killingherwasunexpectedlyeasy.Theorgansshetookoutofherafter
dismemberingherwerewarm,asiftheywereasignoflove.

Thenextday,therewasahugeruckuswhenthewomanscorpsewasdiscovered.

Shekilledasecondwomanandthenathird.Andasshedidso,shewasgivena
namebythepeople.

JacktheRipperItmadeherhappy.Becauseshehadntknownherownname
eitheruntilthen.

WhenrumorswentaroundsayingthatJackmustbeadoctorbasedonhis
dissectiontechnique,shewasdelighted.Thepeopleshehatedthemostinthis
worldweredoctorsbecausetheyweretheoneswhokeptkillingchildrenlike
her.

Afterkillingseveralprostitutes,shethendied.Itwasntduetoanysignificant
reason.Acertainmagusmerelynoticedthatthebizarremurderswerecrimes
donebyademonicbeingandpromptlydealtwithher.

Afterthat,themurdersstoppedandJacktheRipperdisappearedintothe
darkness

155

Ch28

Buthismurdersweretoobizarre,tooincomprehensible,andtoomysterious.

Bornduetothefearthatpersistedevenafterherdeath,aserialkillerAntiHeroic
Spiritthatwaswhothisgirlwas.

WhileReikarepeatedlysangalullabyseveraltimes,Jackseemedtohave
completelyfallenasleep.Seeingthat,RikudouReikaalsofeltrelievedandclosed
hereyes.

RikudouReikahadbeenofferedasasacrificeforaServantsummoningritualby
anYggdmillenniamagus,SagarazHyouma,butinsteadbecameaMasterdueto
Assassinsbetrayalofhim.Untilthattime,shehadsimplylivedbydriftingthrough
lifeaimlessly.

No,shemightbedoingsonowaswell.Shemightbejustgoingwiththeflowof
thisunrealisticsituationandvaguelyseekingtheHolyGrail.Shewantedtobe
happy.ThatwastheonlyreasonshesoughttheGrail.Butsheshouldbeableto
findplentyofwaystoaccomplishthatjustbyliving.Sowhyhadsherefusedthat
simplelifeandpurposefullyagreedtotakepartinawarandevenkeptkilling
peopletouseasnourishment?

ItsprobablybecauseIwasbored.

WhatahorriblewomanIam,shethoughtinselfmockery.Butshehadno
intentiontostopkilling.Becauseitwasabsolutelynecessaryasfoodforthegirl
sleepingbeforehereyes.Becauseitwasnecessaryinordertolive.
ToReika,Jackwasherownchild.Sosherejectedeverysingleethicalview.Ifit
wasforthesakeofherchild,amotherwouldgladlybecomethedemonHariti1.

1
Here,itsaysHaritiinfurigana,whilethekanjibeneathtranslatesasyaksa,Buddhistguardian
deitiessometimesdepictedasdemonicwarriors.Haritiisademon/ogressinBactrianmythologythat
symbolizedtheprotectionofchildrenandwasdescribedashavinghundredsofchildrenwhosheloved
anddotedupon,buttofeedthem,shewouldabductandkillthechildrenofothers.

156

Ch29

Chapter2

Siegwassurprisedathowunexpectedlylightthegirlhecarriedonhisbackwas,
buthewasalsosurprisedathercurrentstateofdress.Havingreleasedherarmor,
shewasnowdressedincivilianclothes.Asexpected,itwouldbetoosuspicious
forhertogointotownwearingthatbattleoutfit.

Ah,thisissoembarrassing.

Dontworryaboutit.Itcantbehelpedconsideringyourcircumstances.

Siegsaidthatashevigorouslysteppedontheground.Ifwhatshehadconfessed
aboutbeing[summonedbypossessingahuman]wastrue,thenitwas
understandablethatshewouldcollapse.

Inotherwords,youhavethephysicalabilitiesofaServant,butsinceyoure
linkedtophysicalhumanbodythroughtherealmoftheunconscious,youhaveto
carryonyourlifeasahumanaswell.

Thatshowitis.Moreover,Iseemtouseupanexcessiveamountofcalories
whileIactasaServant.

Thatsreallyinconvenient

Evenifshecoveredhernormalhumanbodywithashell,whatshedidwasstillno
differentfromoverusingandabusingit.Shewasabletoendurethisunimaginable
situationbycoatingdifferentpartssuchashernervesandmuscletissue,butshe
couldntavoidtheferventconsumptionofcaloriesthataccompaniedthat
method.

Ofcourse,shewouldntdiefromit.Shewouldntbut

157

Ch29

Ididntthinkanemptystomachwouldbethispainful.Umm,IeventhoughtId
befinewithmunchingontreerootsifitmeanteatingsoon,butwhatshouldI
do?

Hertoneconveyedthatshewasquiteserious.Siegrepliedwhilespeedinguphis
feetsomewhat

Pleaseendureitjustalittlelonger.

Imnotsureeatingtreerootsissuchagoodidea,Siegthought,butRulermerely
feeblyrespondedwithYestohiswords.Atthisrate,shewouldprobablystart
munchingontreerootswithinlessthanthirtyminutesifshehadnothingelseto
eat.

Dawnhadalreadycome,andtheystartedtoseeearlyrisingvillagerseveryhere
andthere.Siegrushedfromthemountaintoapproachthenearestfarmerand
askedanoldmanwhethertherewasashopthatsuppliedfoodinthisvillage.

Didyourfriendcollapse?

Seemingtotakeabreakfromhisearlymorningmanuallabor,themanaskedthat
inaworriedtonewhilewipingthesweatfromhisneckwithatowel.

No,itseemsshesunabletotakeevenasinglestepduetoanemptystomach.

ThatsnotgoodIwasthinkingofeatingbreakfastrightaboutnow,butwould
youliketoaccompanyme?

Thankyou.ThenIllacceptyourkindnesswithoutreserve.

Sieghadconsideredusingsuggestionmagecraftifpushcametoshove,butsince
theconversationhadgoneunexpectedlywell,hecouldntfindthetimingtodoso
atall.

158

Ch29

Theoldmanimmediatelyreturnedtohishouse,soSiegalsofollowedafterhim.

Uu.Whatanicesmell

Havingfaintedearlier,Jeannewokeup.Siegsatherdownfromhisshoulderonto
achairinthediningroom.Theoldmanimmediatelyplacedaplateandspoonin
frontofher.Itwasadishofthickreddishbrownporridge.

Thisis

Thisisrealkashamadefrombuckwheat.Well,tryeatingit.

Seemingtogasp,Rulerscoopedupsomeporridgewithherspoonandbroughtit
tohermouth.Immediatelyafter,sheseemedtoquicklycomebacktolife,and
thenateuptheporridgeintheblinkofaneye,requestingsecondswithtearsin
hereyes.

HelplesslySiegheledoutsomemorefromnexttoher,andsheateupthatportion
almostimmediatelyaswell.

Youreabigeater,arentyou?

YYes!No,err,thatisImsorry.

Withherstomachsettleddown,sheseemedtoputenergyintothinkingagain.
Hercheeksturnedbrightred,andshebowedherheaddeeplyinapology.

No,no,goaheadandeatmore.Youtoo,youngman.

HeheldoutanothersetofplatestoSiegandRuler.WhileSieghesitated,Ruler
decidedtohappilypresumeupontheoldmansgoodwill.

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TheoldmansaidhisnamewasSerge.Hetoldthemhowhehadbeenborninthis
village,raisedhissonhere,seentheboyoffwhenheleft,andplowedhisfieldsas
helivedbymakingthemostofthepresent.Itwasanordinarylifethatdidnot
particularlystandout.

Itsbeenawhilesinceweveseenanyyoungpeopleinthisvillage.

Whentheoldmantreatedthemtocoffeeafterthemeal,thetwoofthem
gratefullyacceptedthedrinksaftersweeteningthemwithlargeamountsofsugar
andmilk.

Arentyougoingtoaskwhatweredoingouthere?

InresponsetoRulersquestion,Sergeshookhisheadinagentlemanner.

Well.Whentwoyoungpeoplewanderthroughatowninthemiddleof
nowherelikethiswithonlytheclothesontheirbacks,itsnothardtofigureout
whatsgoingon.

Siegsbodystiffenedinshock.

Well,Ithinkitcantbehelpedsinceyoutwoareyoung.Butyoushouldproperly
preparebeforeyourunawaynexttime,okay?

ItseemsthatSergehasseenthrougheverything,Siegthought.Heglanced
sidewaysatRuler,butshelookedatSiegwithasomehowembarrassed
expression.

Iunderstand,wellmakesuretodothatnexttime.

Huh?

RulerwasstrangelysurprisedbySiegsreply,whichhefoundcurious.

160

Ch29

So,whatwillyoudonow?

Ofcourse,wellgobackTherearepeoplewaitingforme,afterall.

Sergeseemedabitsurprisedbyhisanswer.Shortlyafter,henoddedseveral
timesasifinunderstandingandsippedathisdeliciouscoffee.

Isee.Yeah,thatsgood.Itreallyisimportanttogeteveryonesblessing.

Notunderstandingwhathewastalkingabout,Siegglancedtohisside,andfor
somereason,Rulerseyeshadstartedswimming.Hedidntgetit,butSieg
decidedtofocusonhiscoffeefornow.

Intheend,sinceSiegwasalsoexhausted,thetwoofthemdecidedtorestat
Sergeshouseuntilnoon.Sergegladlylentthemhissonsroomwhichhadnt
beenusedsinceheleftthevillage.

Evenifwehavepermission,Iwonderifthisisallright

TThatstrue.ButIdfeelbadaboutnotwillinglyacceptinghisgoodwill

Itwasatrivialconversation,butSieglookedatRulerquizzically.Siegwasa
homunculus,andhiscommunicationexperiencewaspracticallyzeroexceptfor
withRider.

However,evenso,heunderstoodenoughtoknowtheappropriatedistance
betweenpeoplewhentheyspoketooneanother.Rulerwasconsciously
distancingherselffromSieg.Thedistancebetweenthemwasaboutthreemeters.
Rather,shewashidingherselfbehindtheroomsdoorandwouldntcomeout
fromthere.

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Ch29

Whyareyousofaraway?

Ah,err.ItseemsthatLaeticiainsidemeisbadwithmen,soIcantinteract
normallywithyouunlessImaintainthisdistance

Rulerspokeapologeticallybutshestayedhiddenbehindthedoor.

No,butyoudidntseemthatonguardagainstmewhenwefirstmet.

Itwasatnight.AndIdeemeditmoreimportanttoseewhatkindofpersonyou
weresinceIdidntknowyou.Nowthatthesituationhascalmeddown,the
Laeticiainsidemeiscomingoutabitmorestrongly.

Thepossessedisaffectingyouthepossessor?

Yes.Thoughthisisalsoafirstexperienceforme.Imcertainlyconsciousof
myselfasRuler,JeannedArc.However,atthesametime,Laeticias
consciousnessremains.Inparticular,sheservesasthebaseformyknowledge
thatconcernsmattersoutsideoftheHolyGrailWar.

Arentthereanyinconveniences?

LikeIsaidbefore,besidesthenecessityofeatingandsleepingAh.

Rulertookoutabookfromthebagshecarried.Itseemedtobesomekindof
textbookonmathematics.

ItssomewhatinconvenientthatIdontunderstandmathematicsatall.

Shelightlycomplainedwithabittersmile.

IshighlevelmathematicsnecessaryfortheHolyGrailWar?

162

Ch29

InresponsetoSiegsextremelynaturalquestion,Rulerentwinedbothherhands
fingerstogetherandrepliedwithasomewhatpoutingexpression.

No,itstruethatitsunrelated,butIcantgettheequationproblemsoutofmy
headnomatterwhatIdo,andIcantquiteseemtocalmdownaboutit

Indeed,onewouldntbeabletoremaincalmaboutthat.IfSiegcouldbeofevena
littleuse,perhapsheshouldhelp.

Lendmethetextbookforalittlebit.Imightbeabletosolvethem.

Eh,really!?

WhenSiegnoddedaffirmatively,herexpressionsparkledbrightly.

Then,err,IsupposeIllletyougetcloser.

Aftergivingasinglecough,RulerapproachedSiegwithsomewhatawkward
footsteps.Theysatdownonchairsandfacedeachotherwithasmalldiningtable
betweenthem.

PPleasegoahead.

Bowingherhead,Rulerheldoutthetextbookandapencil.Siegacceptedthem
andopenedthedesignatedpage.Hereaditsilentlyforawhile,andthenfilledin
theanswersintotheblackspacesinthetextbook.

Ithinkthisisthecorrectanswer.

TThatwasadmirablywelldone.

Afterreadingtheanswer,sheboweddeeply.Itsnotsuchabigdeal,Siegthought.
Hehadmerelyhadthatkindofknowledgesincehewasborn.

163

Ch29

Silencesuddenlyfellbetweenthem.SieggazedatRulerwithhisredeyes.She
seemeduncomfortablewithbeingstaredatandnervouslyglancedaroundthe
room.

IntheroomSergehadfurnishedthemwith,therewasabed,asmalltablefor
two,andtwosturdilybuiltchairs.Therewasnothingelsebesidesaclosetinthe
corner.Mostlikely,thesonwhohadusedthisroomhadtakenhispersonal
effectswithhimwhenheleftthevillage.Buttheroomwasstillthoroughly
cleaned.

Hemustreallybetreasured.

Who?

SiegenquiredaboutthewordsRulermurmuredtoherself.

Ah,ImeanSergesson.

WhenSiegtiltedhisheadquizzically,Rulerrealizedthereasonandcasthereyes
downsomewhatsadly.Itstruethathewasendowedwithknowledge.Hewas
bothlogicalandintelligent.However,atthesametime,thereweremanythings
hedidntunderstandaswell.Ratherthanignorant,perhapsitwasbettertocall
himpureandinnocent.

Itwasntjustbecausehewasahomunculus.Havingbeenmadetoserveasa
pranasupply,heprobablylackedmanythings.

164

Ch29

Doyouunderstand?Thisroomprobablyhasntbeenusedsincehissonleftthe
village.ThatcanbesurmisedfromthefactthatSergesanlivesaloneandthe
meagrenessofthisroomsfurnishings.

Hmm,thatslogical.

So,normallyspeaking,thisroomwouldbeagoodroomevenifitwasntclean.
No,rather,itwouldntbeaproblemevenifthisroomwascoveredindust.And
yet,thisroomhasbeencompletelywipedofdust.Theonewhocleansitcanonly
be

Sergedono.

Itwasalogicalconclusion.Helivedaloneanddidnthavethemoneytohirea
maid.

Itspossiblethathesatidyperson,butthefirstfloorisabitmessyand
disorderly.Though,ofcourse,nottothepointthatitcouldbecalledunsanitary.

Certainly,justasRulersaid,thethingsheshouldnormallytidyup,likehisclothes
andfarmingtools,werestilllyingscatteredabout,butitdidntseemlikehedidnt
careaboutthematalleither.

So,wecansurmisethatkeepingthisroomcleanismoreimportanttohimthan
tidyingupthefirstfloorwhereheconductsthemainpartofhisdailylife.Inother
words,thatcanonlybeanactoutoflove.

Siegthoughtitoverforawhile,andthenrefuteditwithashakeofhishead.

No,thatsnottheonlypossibility.Itsalsopossiblethatthesonisatrociousand
hascompletelyenslavedhisfatherSergedono,makinghimdoforcedlaborlike
cleaninghisroomeverydayevenafterheleft

165

Ch29

Thatsimpossible.

Certainly,thechancesareextremelysmall,but

Isaiditsimpossible.

Siegcouldnthelpfeelingsomewhatunconvinced,butheobedientlynodded.He
wasignorant,andevenifshewasaHeroicSpirit,shewasahumanwhobore
knowledgeofthisera.Herlogicwasprobablycorrect.

Hmph.Well,youareanewborn,Siegkun.SoIsupposeitcantbehelped.But
leaningaboutthesubtletiesofhumanrelationsabouttheheartisalso
important.Iftheresanythingyoureunclearabout,Illteachyouaboutittothe
bestofmyabilities.

Rulerpuffedupherchestproudly.Ithinkthiswayoftalkingisreferredtoas
actinglikeasenpai,Siegremembered.Buttherewassomethingthatbothered
himmorethanthat.

Hey,waitaminute.

Yes,whatisit,Siegkun?

No,whyareyouadding[kun]totheendofmyname?

BecauseSiegisyoungerthanme,right?SoIdontthinktheresanyproblemwith
using[kun].Doyoudislikeit?

Ah,Idontreallydislikeit,Ithink,but

IdontthinkIdislikeit,butsomethingseemswrongaboutitSiegwantedtosay
that,butsincethatsomethingwastoovagueforhimtoarticulate,hecouldnt
raiseanyobjections.

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Ch29

ThenIllcallyouSiegkunfromnowon.PleasecallmeeitherRulerorJeanneas
youlike.

Igetit,Igetitalready.Then,Ruler,Ihaveaquestion,butisitokayifIask
you?

Yes,goahead.

Inthefirstplace,whatisRuler?Yousaiditwastheclassthatconductsthe
managementoftheHolyGrailWar,but

SieghadbeenfurnishedwithknowledgeabouttheHolyGrailWartoacertain
point.Butbesidesknowingthatthatthecrucialclassknownas[Ruler]existed,
everythingelseabouttheclasswasuncleartohim.

HedecidedthatheshouldatleastaskwhatRulersobjectivewasandwhatshe
prioritized.

Yes,thatsanunderstandablequestion.Basically,itsnearlyimpossiblefora
RulertobesummonedinanormalHolyGrailWar.Therearetwobigcaseswhere
aRulerlikemeissummoned.ThefirstcaseiswhenaRulerissummoneddueto
theHolyGrailWartakingplaceinanextremelypeculiarformandanunknown
numberofconsequenceswouldcomeaboutasaresult.Inotherwords,this
referstocaseswhenthecentralpillaroftheritual,theHolyGrail,deemsthatthe
ServantRuler,whoisundernoonescontrol,isneededinthisritual.Likenow,
withtheGreatHolyGrailWarwheresevenServantsfightsevenotherServants
thelargestscaleHolyGrailWarinhistory.Andtheothercaseiswherethereisa
possibilitythatdistortionswillappearintheworldduetotheeffectsoftheHoly
GrailWar.

Distortionsintheworld?

Yes.InthecurrentHolyGrailWar,peoplewhobecomeMasterscontrolHeroic

167

Ch29

SpiritsasServantsandcompetefortheHolyGrail,butthemajorityofthepeople
whobecomeMastersareMagiwhoprioritizetheconcealmentofmagecraftand
thewar.Sotherearerarelysituationsthatbeckonmayhemintotheworld,and
evenwhentherearetheyaredealtwithassimpledisastersinmostcases.

Disastershuh.

Yes.Itssomethingthatshouldnthappen,butitsalsotruethatitcantbe
helped.ManyHolyGrailsareforgeriesquitedifferentfromtherealthing.
However,theirfunctionisanothermatter.Therearemorethanafewthatcan
functionasanomnipotent,wishgrantingdevice.Thatissomethingthatmustnt
spreadthroughtheworldaspublicinformation.

IsupposethatstrueThepeoplewhoareabletohavetheirwishesgrantedby
theGrailarentlimitedtosaints.

Rulernoddedwithasadexpression.

Ofcourse,Idontmindifthepersonisntasaintandwishestofulfillapersonal
desire.Aslongasitdoesntbeckontheworldsdestruction,Iwouldproperly
respectthewish.However,therearerarepeoplewhowouldplantodestroythe
worlditself.Theymightbemagi,orsomeotherkindofpersonRuleris
summonedwhenthatdestructioncouldtheoreticallycomeaboutduetotheHoly
GrailWarandisgiventhedutyofprotectingtheframeworkoftheHolyGrail
War.

Whenitcouldtheoreticallycomeabout?Then,doesthatmeanitspossible
thatthereissomeoneplanningtodestroytheworldinthisGreatHolyGrailWar
aswell?

Ifthatweretrue,itwasaseriousmatter.Afterall,thistimeitwasntabattle
betweensevenServantsagainstoneanother,butawarbetweentwosideswith
sevenServantseach.

168

Ch29

Iwonderaboutthat.ItstruethatseveralofmyabilitiesasRulerarent
functioningcorrectly.Whetherthatsduetoanabnormalphenomenoninthe
HolyGrailWarorsomethingelsecompletely,IstilldontknowAlso,evenif
someoneisplanningsomething,itcouldbeeithertheBlackcamportheRed
camp.Oritcouldalsobeanotherforceentirely.Therearenoprecedentsofanall
outbattlebetweentwosidesofsevenServantseach.Furthermore,theHolyGrail
theyareseekingthistimeistheGreaterGrailof[Fuyuki],whichservedasthe
originalbasisforallsubspeciesHolyGrailWars.Itsaholyobject,anartifact
createdbythreemagi.SoIcantstilldefinitelysaywhatthecauseformy
summoningis.

However,comparedtotheBlackcampwhomerelytriedtobringRulertotheir
side,theRedcampattemptedtoassassinateherwithLancer,theServantwho
couldboastofbeingthestrongestamongtheircamp.Basedonthesituation,the
Redcampwasexceedinglysuspicious.

Itsreallyaserioussituation.Imgratefulforyouassistingmeinspiteofthat.

Fufu,itsfine.YouweresomeoneinvolvedinthisGreatHolyGrailWarfromthe
momentyouwereborn.Iwanttorespectyourwillanddetermination.Also

There,Rulerswordsawkwardlycutoff.WhenSiegtiltedhisheadcuriouslyather,
sheshookherheadsoftly.

Imsorry.Ithinkitdbebetterifyoudidntthinkanythingofmywordsjustnow.
Forsomereason,umm,thewordsImexpressingarevery,likethat,andthat,and
alsothat

Ihavenoideawhatyouretryingtosay.

Umm,itsjustthatIhavenopositiveproofyet,sopleaseforgetaboutitfor
now.

169

Ch29

Siegdecidedtoagreetoherrequest.Inthefirstplace,shewastheonlyperson
besidesRiderhecouldrelyonnow.

Theresnoreasonformenottobelieveinasaintlikeyou.Idontmind,youcan
talktomeaboutitwhenyouhavethepositiveproofyouneed.

AfterSiegplainlydeclaredthat,sheblushedandnodded.

IdontknowwhetherImembarrassedorhappytohearyousaythat.ButIlldo
mybest.

Hervoicewassmall,buttherewasdefinitelydeterminationinit.Adiamondhard
determinationthatcouldntbeshakenbyanything.

Nowthen,sincewevecalmeddown,theresaproblemIdliketoclearup.

Ah,whatacoincidence.Iwasthinkingthesamething.

SiegandRulerbothawkwardlylookedatthebed.Itwasasinglebed,andwas
verycramped.Sieghadgonethroughtheentiremorningwithoutevenawinkof
sleepsincehisescapeinthedeadofnight,andLaeticiasbodywasalsonearit
limits.

Butthebedwasonlybigenoughtoproperlyfitonepersontosleeponit.Ifboth
ofthemsleptonit,theywouldbegluedtoeachotherlikeaffectionatelovers.Of
course,itseemedthatSergethoughtthattheywerelovers.

Illsleeponthefloor,soyou

Idontmindsleepingonthefloor,though.

BBut.Basedonwhatyousaid,Siegkun,youhaventsleptatallsincelastnight,
right?

170

Ch29

Thatstrue.Butperhapsthankstothisheart,Idontfeelthattired.

Thatsalie.Youlooktotallyexhausted.ImaHeroicSpirit,soitsnoproblemfor
me.

No,butyousaidjustearlierthatyouhavetoeatandsleep.Youshouldsleepon
thebedforthesakeofthegirlwhosebodyyoureusingaswell.

Guh,itsunfairtobringupLaeticiaasanexcuseThen,howaboutweatleast
sleeptogether?

Thebedisnarrow.Wedbegluedtoeachother.Laeticiahatesmen,right?

No,itsfine.Shemaybeinexperiencedwithmen,butshesagirlthattrulyfeels
thatitsbadtobeheartless.Shehasnoobjectionstosleepingtogether.

Dontyoufeelembarrassed?

Inresponsetothosewords,Rulerturnedsilentandavertedhereyeswhile
blushing.

Imfine.

Sinceshesaidshewasfine,shewasprobablyfine.Siegfinallyagreedtoit,and
thetwoofthemsomehowmanagedtolaytheirbodiestogetheronthenarrow
bed.Itwascramped,butfatiguesettledintothemlikealog,andtheycouldnt
helpfeelingsleepy.

RulersfacewasrightinfrontofSiegs.Sheseemedtohavereachedherlimitas
hereyesstartedclosingjustbylayingdown.Siegwasalsoexhausted,andhehad
beenonthevergeofclosinghiseyesforthispastwhileaswellbut,thefearthat
nestedinhischeststoppedsleepfromtakinghold.

171

Ch29

Wasthisentirerealityadream,whereeverythingwouldreturntothewayitwas
beforetheinstanthefellasleepandwouldheawakeninthatpranasupply
tank?Herehehadbeengivenmuchcompassionandfortunateblessings.Perhaps
theworldwasntsokind,andinstead

Goodnight,Siegkun.

Hisfoolishthoughtsweredrownedoutbythatwhisperandthesmilelikethatof
anaffectionatemotherinfrontofhim.Yeah,thisreallydidseemtobereality.Ifit
werealladream,thatwouldmeanshewasaproductofhisimagination.But
therewasnowayhecouldimaginesuchasmile.

Goodnight.

Theinstanthesaidthatandclosedhiseyes,Siegsconsciousnesscutoff.Without
eventhechancetoseeadream,hesleptwhilefeelingasifhewerefalling.Even
so,hefeltnofearinit.

Whentheynextregainedawareness,theyfoundthattheyhadbothrolledoff
thebedontothefloor.Theirheavywearinesshadbeenreduced,buttheirjoints
hurtduetosleepingonthehardfloor.

Iguessitreallywasimpossible.

Yeah.

Theysmiledwrylyateachotherandstoodup.Afterthat,theytoldSergethey
wereleavingnow,buthesaidWaitabitandcarriedoveramountainofluggage
fromthekitchen.

Here,here,puttheseon.

172

Ch29

Hehandedthemabunchofpreserveddriedmeatandbread.Heevengavethem
athermosofcoffee,andSiegaccepteditallinbewilderment.

Umm,Imgratefulforyougivingusallthis,butunfortunately,wedonthave
anythingtorepayyouwith.

IdontneedanyBut,Iknow.Makesuretoprotecttheyoungladythere.

Eh?

Siegtiltedhisheadwithapuzzledexpression,andtheoldmanstruckhisshoulder
vigorouslywhilesmiling.

Youhavetheabilitytodothatmuch.

AAllright!LLetsgetgoingnow,Siegkun!

Withquestionsmarksstillhoveringoverhishead,Siegwasforcedtostartleaving
asRulerpushedhisback.ButtherewasonethinghehadtoaskSerge.He
forcefullystoppedhisfeetandturnedaround.

CanIaskyouonething?

Whatisit?

Doyouloveyourson?

Sergeblinkeduponhearingthatcrazyquestion,butthenhistannedandrugged
faceimmediatelymadeasatisfiedsmileandheansweredit.

OfcourseIdo!Hesmyprideandjoy.Hesworkinghardrightnowinanother
countrysomewhere.

173

Ch29

EvenSiegcouldunderstandthatthatsmilewasfromthebottomofSergesheart,
prayingforthewellbeingofhissonwhohadleftthenestandrejoicingathis
success.

RulerpulledathissleeveandsaidDidntItellyou?withasmile.Siegnodded,
andshoutedThankyou!toSerge.

Goodlucktoyouboth!

Afterwavingtheirhandsbackatthosewordsoffarewell,thetwoofthem
returnedtothemountainoncemore.WalkingalongsideRulerwhohad
completelyregainedhervitality,Siegtiltedhisheadinpuzzlementagain.

Whatdidhemeanbyprotectyou,Iwonder

Siegkun,thatwasjustamisunderstandingonhispart.Youshouldntthinkabout
ittoodeeply.

Yeah,Isupposeyoureright,but

WhenSiegsaidthat,Rulerstrangelyturnedherfaceawayfromhimasifsulking,
confusinghimevenmore.

Inanycase,Rulerandthememberofherentouragereturnedtothemountain
oncemoreandheadedtowardstheFortressofMillennia.Theywouldprobably
reachtheforestbynighttime.

HowshouldIconvincetheotherhomunculi?

WhenSiegaskedthatashewrackedhisbrainforasolution,Rulergently
admonishedhim.

174

Ch29

Thatssomethingyoumustthinkaboutforyourself.However,youdidhearcries
for[help],right?

Yeah,ImsureofitTheotherhomunculishouldhaveheardthosevoicesas
well.

Thenhowaboutappealingtothat?Dontworry,theywillsurelylistenifyou
speaktothem.

Herwordshadamysteriouspersuasiveness.JustbyhearinghersayDont
worry,hefeltasifthepathtosuccesswasguaranteed.

Thankyou.Illdomybest.

Yes,Ihopethatyourprayerwillreachthem.

Butcontrarytotheboyshopes,thetwoofthemwouldendupwitnessing
somethingunexpectedwhentheywerehalfwaytothefortress.

Andthatsomethingwasthe[meaning]behindJeannedArcsbeingsummoned
asRuler.

175

Ch210

Chapter2

Asifhismindwascreaking,hesawadreamofbattle.

Thatworldwasonthevergeofdeathfromthestart.Themaliceoftherulers
coveredtheland,andtheygreedilydevouredthemeatoftheweakwhowere
unabletoevenresist.

Theweakcouldonlydespair.Astheycontinuedtobeexploited,theyeventually
foundasinglethingtorelyonwordsofsalvationfilledwithlove.

Beautifulwordsthatcouldntbedefeatedbystarvation,povertyordespairBut
therulerstriedtotakeeventhatfromthem.Itwasnolongerexploitation;itwas
murder.

Sotheyroseup.Theirfearofhavingtheirrighttolivetakenawayovercametheir
fearofdyinginbattle.

Amongthemwasayoungboy.Nooneknewwhetherhispresencetherewasa
coincidenceorthewillofGod,butbeforeanyonerealizedit,theboywasleading
them.

Theirbattleshouldhavenodefeat.Andnovictoryeither.

Becausebyrisingup,theywerebothlosersandvictorsatthesametime.Indeed,
theyhadnofiststoswing;alltheyhadleftwasthepowertoriseup.However,
theactofrisingupitselfwasanecessaryact.Theyroseupforthesakeofwhat
theybelievedinthatinitselfwasimportantandwhattheywishedfor.

176

Ch210

Thesacrificeswouldbekepttoaminimum,andevenifseveralpeopleincluding
themselvesbecamesacrifices,theworldwouldntdie,butwouldinsteadbe
reborn.

Thatwashowitshouldhavebeen.

EvenGodwilloccasionallyexercisemaliceduetogoodwill.Themiraculouspower
grantedtotheboybyGodbroughtthepossibilityofvictorythatshouldhavebeen
impossible.

Miraclesare,afterall,thingsthatonlyhappenrarely.Amiracleisaphenomenon
thatoccurswhentheheavens,earthandallpeoplemeshtogether,andeventhen
itstillrequiresthateverythingbelefttotherollofthedice.

Unfortunately,theboyattainedvictory.

Everyonewentwildandbecameexcitedoverthevictory.Theyclungtotheboy,
whohadwonabattlewherevictoryshouldhavebeenimpossible,asachildof
miracles.Thatfoolishpurityoftheirstroubledtheboy.

Theyshouldnthavewon.Winningwasnotanoption.Hehadbeencaughtupin
savinglivesinthenearfutureandavertedhiseyesfromthebiggerpicture.

Theymaybiteacorneredcatbutafterbeingbitten,theenragedcatwould
retaliatebyslaughteringthem.Thatwasthetruthofthisworld.

Iwasnave.

Thecutoffheadsofoldpeople,themenchoppeduplikeexperimentalanimals,
babiespiercedbyspears,girlsviolatedinthepursuitoflustandthenthrown
awayafterwardsItwastrulyaplaceworthyofbeingcalledhell.

177

Ch210

Andthecountlesslivesgatheredherewerenottakenawaybytheenemy,butby
theboy.Hewasconvincedofthatandyet,thatmadeitallthemoreimpossible
fortheboytoyieldandgiveup.

Theboy,withoutoncechangingexpression,acceptedthisresultwithawillof
steel.Hemerelygazedatthissceneofruin.Herevealednoresignationorsorrow
andevenovercamethepainofhisdismemberedarms.

Heacceptedthathehadlost.

Heacceptedthathewoulddie.

Heacceptedthattheresponsibilityforalltheirdeathslaywithhim.

Buttheonethinghewouldntacceptwasthateverythingwouldfalltoruins
afterthis.Hecouldntacceptit.Afterhavingwastedsomanylives,heabsolutely
couldnotacceptthatnothingwouldbegainedasaresult.

So,God.Givemeanotherchance.Nexttime,Iwontlosesightofthebigger
picture.Iwilleliminateallobstacles,enemiesandhardshipsinmyway.Nexttime,
Iwillobtainallthegoodintheworld.Aworldwhereeveryoneishappy,everyone
isgood,andeveryoneisperfect.Iwillexterminateallevilandcreateanew,pure
world.

Hesawahappydreamofprayerthatmesmerizedhismind.

ShirouKotomineawokefromalanguiddream.Ratherthanaproperdream,he
hadsimplydraggedoutfaintyetnostalgicmemories.Hehadintendedtodozea
bit,butitseemedhehadfallencompletelyasleep.
Soyoureawake,Master.RiderandArcherhavereturned.

178

Ch210

179

Ch210

AssassinofRed,Semiramis,seemedtohaveputhisheadonherlapandwatched
overhimasheslept.Itwasanacttrulyunlikethequeen.

Guh.WhyamIonyourlap?

Hehadnomemoryofdoingthat.Herememberedlyingdownonthecouch,but
thereshouldhavebeennoonearoundthen.

IamAssassin,afterall.

Shegiggledinamusement.Shirouacceptedwithatroubledexpressionthat
laughterwhichhadbewitchedmenanddriventhemcrazywhenshewasalive.

Whatarewegoingtodoifsomeonesawuslikethis?

Dontworry,noonesaw.Hmph,IfinallydidsomethingServantlikeonawhim,
sowhatareyoudissatisfiedwith?

Herexpressionsuddenlybecamesulky.

Itsbecauseitsembarrassing.Butthankyou.

Whilesmilingbitterly,Shirougotupfromhisproneposition.Assassinnoddedin
satisfaction.

WellsaidLeavingthataside,itstime.Everyonehasgathered.Thoughweve
lostBerserker.

HesnotaServantforustoworryoverhavinglost.Buthewillbeabitofa
nuisanceifhesturnedagainstusasanenemy.

180

Ch210

Yes,theproblemishisNoblePhantasmCryingWarmonger:Howlofthe
WoundedBeast.

Theybothsighed.TheyhighlyvaluedtheunequaledstrengthofBerserkersNoble
Phantasminbattle.Butitwasfartoodifficulttocontrol.Theonlywaytouseit
wastosendhimtothefrontlinestheinstantbattlestartedandleavehimalone
untilhedied.

BerserkersCryingWarmongerwasaNoblePhantasmthatconvertedalldamage
dealttohimintopranaandthenreleasedit.Sinceitsabilitywasusedonhimself
insteadoftheenemy,thisNoblePhantasmwastentativelycategorizedasanAnti
Unittype,butithadsubstantialpotentialformassivedestructionequivalenttoan
AntiArmytypeNoblePhantasm.

Theproblemwasthatitsrangewasfartooextensive.Ifitwasmistakenlyused,it
woulddefinitelyinvitethemiserableresultofbringingaboutgreatercasualtieson
hisownside.

Fortunately,weknowofhisNoblePhantasmItsuncleartowhatextenthecan
invokeit,butanyServantwillbeabletosensehimusingit.

Atthatpoint,theywouldhavenochoicebuttorunaway.Nomattertheir
dispositions,noServantenjoyedfightingontopofabomb,andtherewasno
needtoeither.

Eitherway,itsfortunateforusthattheothersidenolongerhastheirSaber.Its
finetothinkthatthecourseoftheGreatHolyGrailWarwillbenearlydecided
throughthisnextbattleItsbestthattherebenoServantswhocanblockthe
attackofourLancer.

AsAssassinmurmuredthatinsatisfaction,Shiroufrownedslightlyandhis
expressiondarkened.

181

Ch210

Whatswrong?

Yes,itscertainlyjustasyousay,but

ShirouKotominewasapriestdespatchedbytheChurch,andhealsohadtheduty
ofbeingtheoverseerofthisGreatHolyGrailWar.Therefore,hepossessedthe
[spiritboard]thatwasgiventotheoverseerandcouldperfectlygraspthestateof
allfourteenServants.

Incidentally,theYggdmillenniacamphadalsoobtaineda[spiritboard]through
theirconnections.ThankstothesubspeciesHolyGrailWars,therewere
abundantmeanstopurchaseone.

IveconfirmedthatSaberhasdiedwiththe[spiritboard],butitseemshisLine
hasntbeencompletelycut.

SoShiroudeclared.Assassinfrownedandacceptedhiswords.

Hoh,sohesalive?

No,itshowsthathesdying.Hesprobablyonthevergeofdeath;atthevery
least,itshouldbeimpossibleforhimtofightButthefactthathesremainedin
thisstatesincelastnightisincomprehensible.

Inaddition,hehadusedfamiliarsconcealedinsidethebodiesofhomunculiwithin
theFortressofMillenniatoeavesdropontheYggdmillenniaMasterslamenting
terriblyoverhavinglostSaber.

Thenishesimplyhurt?

Itwouldbegoodifthatwereit,butInanycase,wellsendoutLanceragainin
thelikelyscenariothatSaberisrevived.

182

Ch210

AfterreturningfromhisbattlewithSaberofBlack,Lancerunusuallywhispered
withsomeslightemotion,Idliketofightwithhimagain.Shirouhaddecidedto
respecthiswish.Inthefirstplace,theonlyoneswhocouldfightmorethanan
evenmatchagainstaformidableenemylikeSaberwereLancerorRider.

However,RiderseemedtobeobsessedwithfacingArcherofBlack.

Butthen,SaberofBlackprobablywasntaliveanymore,andevenifhewerealive,
hewouldbeunabletofightwhileonthevergeofdeathlikethis,but

PleasedonttellLanceraboutSaberofBlack.Itdbetroublingifhewent
searchingforSaberonthebattlefield.

Whentheyarrivedatthethroneroom,RiderandArcherwererelaxingasthey
pleased.Riderwaslyingdownandlookingupattheceiling,whileArcherwas
sittingonthefloorandroastingananimalsheseemedtohavekilledherself,
eatingthemeatonaskewer.

Ohmy,Iapologizeformakingyoubothwait.

AssassinshruggedandsighedinexasperationatShirousapology.

Whatareyousaying,Master?Bythelookofthings,theywerejustself
indulgentlypassingtime.

RiderandArcherturnedtheirfacesawaywithahumphatnearlythesame
time.ItseemedthetwoofthemhadnointentionofpayingrespecttoAssassin,
QueenSemiramis.

Well,itsfine.

Noddinggenerously,shesatdownonthethrone.Shirounestledupbesideheras
ifhewereherattendant.

183

Ch210

WhereareLancerandCaster?

Riderrespondedtothequestionwhilestilllyingdown.

AhLancerwasvacantlygazingoutsideearlier.Casterissecludinghimselfinhis
workshop.

ShallIgocallthem?

Hahaha,Master.Ifyougotosummonthem,wontitbelikeyouregoingaround
runningerrands?Illcallthemusingtelepathiccommunication.

Shelightlywavedtwofingers,andsoonafterthethroneroomsheavydoors
opened.

Lancer,Iapologizeforcallingyouhere.

Inresponsetothosewords,Lancerslowlyshookhishead.Hisfacewaswhiteand
deadpanlikealways.Hisexpressiondidntwaverevenalittle,asifitwerefrozen
inplace.

Idontmind.Didyouneedsomething?

Imsorry,Illexplainafteronemorepersonarrives.

Fiveminuteslater,thelastpersonmadehisentrance,while
receivingirritatedlooksfromeveryoneintheroom.Throwingopenthedoor,he
enteredwithhisarmsspreadexaggeratedlywideandshoutedloudly.

Oh,[ForIhavesworntheefair,andthoughttheebright]![Whoartasblackas
hell,asdarkasnight]!

Assassinsighedandaskedaquestion.

184

Ch210

Isthathowyouthinkofme?

ThemansheaskedthatCasterofRed,themonsterofliteratureShakespeare
nodded.

WhoelsecouldIbedescribing,QueenofAssyria!No,no,sorryaboutthat.I
wasinhighspiritsanditjustcametome.Ihadthepleasureofwritingforthefirst
timeinawhile,yousee.Ah,bytheway,FatherShirou.Thoughitsabitsudden,
theressomethingIwant.

Huh?

AccordingtotheknowledgeIvebeengiven,thereisadevicethatletsonetype
letterswithjustthestrikeofakey,istherenot?

Shirouponderedforashortwhile,andthenstruckhisfistagainsthishandin
realization.

Ah,youmeanacomputer.

Yes.Couldyoulendmethemoneytobuyone?

Hmm,Idontmind.Illlendyouthemoneythedayaftertomorrow.

Shakespearenoddedinsatisfaction.Assassinandtheotherscouldonlywatchthis
inutteramazement.

CasteryouhaventforgottenabouttheGreatHolyGrailWar,right?

Ofcoursenot,mydearqueen.Therecanonlybeonereasonforustobecalled
andgatheredlikethis.Forwar,correct?Heroeswillvieforsupremacyandstartto
killeachothertotheextremesofsavagery,correct?I,Caster,shalldomybest
towatchitallattentively!

185

Ch210

Yourenotgoingtofight?

Thatsright.ThetruthisthatImextraordinarilyineptatfightingandmagecraft.
[Butyou,gods,willgiveussomefaultstomakeusmen].

BothRiderandArcherwantedtopointout,YoureCaster,right?,butmanaged
tocontrolthemselves.Intruth,hewasright;ShakespearewasaHeroicSpiritthat
didnotcommitactsofbattle.HisrolewastorecordtheHolyGrailWarandspin
thestoryofthehardships,despair,hopeandviolenceoftheMasters
(protagonists)toaccompanythetale.Thenarratordoesnotcometothefront,
butmerelysupportsthosewhostandatthefront.

IfhehadbeensummonedinanormalHolyGrailWar,aslongashisMaster
wasntnaturallygiftedatclosecombat,hewouldhaveprobablybeendestinedto
bedefeatedveryearlyoninthewar.

Butfortunatelyforhim,inasituationliketheGreatHolyGrailWar,therewas
plentyofopportunityforhimtoplayanactiverole.Thankstotheveryunique
[skill]hepossessed.

Inanycase,everyonehasgathered.NowthatSaberofBlackhasfallenandour
preparationsarecomplete,thetimeforustoattackhascome.Awarwithmerely
repeatedskirmishesisnotinteresting,correct?

InresponsetoAssassinswords,RiderandArchergrudginglynodded.Certainly,it
wasjustasshesaid.Theytiredofmereskirmishes.

Thiswarisarareoccasion.Itshouldbeconductedflashily,shoulditnot?

Assassinsmiledsweetlyasshesaidthat.

No,well,thatstrue.Butarentyoutheonewhomadethepreparationsto
expresslymakethiscastleandbarricadeourselveswithinit?

186

Ch210

Ridersaidthatwithanamazedexpression,butAssassinchuckledandreplied.

Barricadeourselves?Rider,thepremiseofyourassumptionismistaken.My
NoblePhantasmHangingGardensofBabylon:AerialGardensofVanitydoesnt
existinordertodefend.ItsaNoblePhantasmforattacking.

RiderandArcherbothtiltedtheirheads.Caster,whoknewthedetailsofthis
NoblePhantasm,smirkedattheirreactions,andLancerremainedunperturbedas
always.Shirou,theonlyMasterpresenthere,smiledbitterlyandchidedAssassin.

Assassin,pleaseshowittousdirectlywithoutthatsuperiorairofyours.

VerywellMaster,youarealsocomparativelyexcitedaboutthis,itseems.

Iamaman,afterall.

Isee,Semiramissaidinunderstanding,andthenlaidherhandonthehuge
jewelimbeddedinthearmrestofherthrone.Instantly,thegroundstarted
shakingslightly.

TheotherServantsexchangedglances,wonderingifitwasanearthquake.The
tremblinggraduallyincreasedininintensityandthensuddenlystopped.

Fufu,golookoutside.

Followingherwords,everyoneexceptherleftthethroneroomandrushed
outside.Theearthquakejustnowhadclearlybeenintentionallycausedby
Assassin.Butwhatonearthwasthereason

Wha!?

187

Ch210

BothRiderandArcherbecamespeechless.Castermadeanoverlymoved
expressionofdelightandShirou,whonormallykepthisexpressioncalmasmuch
aspossible,alsohadunusuallyshiningeyesofexcitement.EvenLancerwidened
hiseyesalittleashegazeddown.

Theywerestandingonafloorofstonethatservedasabalconyandbeneathit,
therewasjustawideexpanseofemptyair.

Inotherwords,theywerefloating.Justasitsnameimplied,thisgardenofvanity
washanginginmidair!

Youreallsurprised,correct?Well,itsspeedisnothingtopraise,though.

TherewasafainttoneofprideinAssassinswords.

TheQueenofAssyria,Semiramis.HerNoblePhantasmHangingGardensof
Babylonwasaflyingfortress.However,itwasimpossibletomanifestitthrough
prana.First,materialsconsistingofstoneandwoodfromaspecificregionmust
begathered.

Oncehavinggatheredeverythingsheneeded,alongritualneededtobeheldby
Assassinherself,andthenitwouldfinallybecompleteasaNoblePhantasmThis
processstemmedfromthefactthat,historically,QueenSemiramisdidnotcreate
theHangingGardensinthefirstplace.

Inreality,shehadneveronceseentheHangingGardensinherlifetime.However,
sheknewandinstinctivelysensedthatithadbeeninscribedaspartofherlegend.
Thismysterywasaddedtoherlegendafterherdeath,butpeoplesmentalimage
oftheHangingGardensbeingbuiltbytheworldsmostancientassassin,the
legendaryqueen,wasverystrong.

188

Ch210

TheHangingGardensfirstrequiredmaterials.Materialsthatcamefromthisworld
inthepresentday.Wood,stone,minerals,plantsandwaterallfromtheland
sheoncelivedin.

Aftergatheringandassemblingeverythingtogether,theritualsheconducted
turnedthemereillusionintoreality.Itwasacounterfeitturnedreal,aNoble
Phantasmthatnormallyshouldbeabsolutelyimpossibletoexist.

Therefore,itpossessedtheword[vanity]initstitle.Peoplewhoknewthetruth
couldonlyfeelakindofscornforit.SemiramisdidntbuildtheHangingGardens,
theywouldsay.However,vanitywasnotafragilething.No,sincethematerials
hadbeengatheredandtheNoblePhantasmhadmanagedtobesuccessfully
constructed,attheveryleast,thisvanityhadbeenturnedintothetruthinthis
dayandage.

Andthisformerillusionarygardenwasfarmoreabsurdandridiculousthanthe
realone.

Then,letusprepareforbattle,everyone.Atthisspeed,wehaveaboutanhour
untilwerecloseenoughthattheonesbarricadedintheFortressofMillenniasee
uscoming.

Everyonewassilent.Ofcourse,itwasntthattheywerenervous.Duetohaving
beengiventheconcretenumberofonehourtillbattle,adrunkenlyhighfighting
spirithadsimplygushedforthwithinthem.

Caster.AreyoufinishedwithmyswordIgaveyouearlier?

Yes,itsrighthere.

Castermaterializedtheobjectfromanastralstateandrespectfullypresentedit.

Hey,Shirou?

189

Ch210

Whatareyougoingtousethatswordfor?Idontwanttothinkso,but

RiderandArcherbothworesuspiciousexpressions.Smiling,Shiroutookthe
swordandpulledthebladefromitsscabbard.Thoughthebasicshapewasthe
sameasaJapanesesword,itborevariousaspectsduetothesoulofthe
swordsmith.Iftherewerebeautifulandlovelybladesthatpossessedashine
worthyofbeingcalledworksofart,therewerealsobroadmindedanddeadly
bladesliketheoneShirouheldthatspecializedincuttingsomething.

EvenfromtheperspectiveofServantswhowereknowledgeableabouteverykind
ofweaponfromeverytimeandplace,thatbladewasagreatswordworthyof
beingcalledfirstrate.

IwillfightinCastersplace.Dontworry,Imquiteknowledgeablewhenitcomes
tobattle.

Butitwasfartoosimplistictosaythathecouldfightequallyinthisbattleof
Servantsjustbecausehehadthatweapon.

No,no,no,no,no.Iwontsayanythingbad,butwouldntitbebetterforyouto
remainholedupherelikeaMastershould?

Riderisright,youknow.Itseemsyouhaveaccumulatedquiteabitoftraining,
butyouarestilllimitedtothelevelofhumans.Ifyoucomeacrossanenemy
Servant,itwillbetheendforyou.

RiderandArcherfranticallytriedtostophim.Thatwasonlynatural;anormal
Mastershouldneverheadouttothefrontlines.Servantsdidnotmerelyaimfor
otherServants.IftheenemyMasterswerearationalperson,theywouldhave
theirServantskillaMasterwhononchalantlycameontothebattlefield.Ifthe
Masterdied,thecountdowntotheirServantsdeathwouldbegin.Atthevery
least,itwouldbevirtuallyimpossibleforthemtofightatfullpowerwithouttheir
Master.

190

Ch210

Moreover,thisnextbattlewoulddefinitelybeagreatdecisivebattleinthewar.It
wouldbealargebattlewherenotonlyServantswouldclashagainstServants,but
theirownpawnpieces,DragonToothWarriors,wouldbemobilizedaswell.

Foramerehumanlikehimtoendureinasituationlikethat.Atthatpoint,
CastercamebetweenRiderandArcherasiftoholdtheirwordsbackandspoketo
them.

Youtwo.Ioncewrotethisinthepast.[Thebetterpartofvalorisdiscretion].And
IhaveneverseenanyonewithasmuchdiscretionasFatherShirouhere.
Furthermore!

Actingasifinaplay,hegatheredeveryonesattentiononthebladeShirouheld.

Ihavebestowedanenchantmentofsomenoteontothisblade.Tobeblunt,itis
nowequaltoaCrankNoblePhantasm.

IncludingAssassin,everyonebesidesShiroustiffenedatthatproclamation.He
haddefinitelysaidNoblePhantasm.Acertainkillholyrelicinscribedinlegend,
whicheachServantpossessedthatwaswhataNoblePhantasmshouldbe.

Huh?

Inotherwords,what?YoucreatedaNoblePhantasm?

Yourspecialskillis[Enchant],correct?Isitperhapsduetothatskillsability?

CasteransweredPrecisely!toAssassinsquestionandpuffeduphischest
proudly.

Strictlyspeaking,whatCasterofRedShakespeareusedwasnotformal
magecraft.NomatterwhatkindofReinforcementmagecraftwasused,it
shouldntbepossibletostrengthensomethingtothelevelofaNoblePhantasm.

191

Ch210

Inthefirstplace,hehadntactuallyenchantedthebladewithmagecraft.While
gazingatthebladehedbeengiven,hehadmerelywrittendownhowtheblade
wasmagnificentlysharpandhowmuchblooditwasstainedin.

Butifthatwritingwasdonebythisworldfamousliterarymaster,itwasa
differentstory.

Inthisworld,thereexistedConceptualArmamentsweaponsthatdidnot
possessaphysicalpower,butrathermanifestedaneffectthroughaconcept
possessedbytheiteminquestion.Shakespearestexts,whichhepouredhissoul
into,weresufficienttoimbueacertainkillconceptintoevenapebbleonthe
roadside.

CanIaskonething?Whydontyoufightusingthat?

Lancer,whohadremainedsilentuntilnow,askedthattoCaster.Hisquestionwas
onlynatural.IfhecouldturnanordinaryswordintoaNoblePhantasm,heshould
beabletofightwithit.

Icantwriteaboutmyself.Thatwouldjustbeanessay.Rightnow,Ionlyhave
theabilitytospinotherpeoplestalesandcannotwriteanythingbesidesthat.

Casterrepliedwitharesolutetone.Lancerunderstoodhiswordsandspokewith
afrown.

Soinotherwords,youfindittroublesome.

Well,prettymuch.

Lancernoddedinunderstanding.

192

Ch210

Thenitcantbehelped.Yourgoalistodepictthestoriesofothersinsteadof
yourself.Regardlessofwhethertheendofthestoryisruinortragedy,youmust
writeittotheveryend.Therefore,yourgoalistosurvivetilltheveryend.
Fightingonthefrontlinesisoutofthequestion.

HearingthosechillinglycoldwordsCastersmiledhappilyatbeingunderstood.

Yes,thatspreciselyright!IwanttowitnesstheendingofthisGreatHolyGrail
War!Imustwitnessit!Whetheritendsinfortuneormisfortune,orevena
despairingtruth,watchingeveryonesstoryrighttilltheendasaspectatoristhe
dutythatIhavebeenchargedwith!

ThosewerewordsthatwereimpossibleforaServantsummonedinaHolyGrail
War.Hehaddeclaredthathewouldwatchasaspectatorrighttilltheend.

ArcherandRiderdidntknowwhethertobeamazedorangry.

Eitherway,Ibasicallyhavenobattlepower.SoIwishtoentrusttheroleof
fightingtoFatherShirouhere,theonewhopossessesthegreatestfightingpower
amongourMasters.

IdontmindWiththisblade,Iwontfallbehindonthebattlefield.

ItwasjustasShirousaid.Attheveryleast,withabladethatequaledaCrank
NoblePhantasm,hewouldhavenotroublewiththelikesofhomunculiorgolems.

No,no.Myownpoweristrivial.Itsjustthatyourbladewasanincredibly
famoussword.Ifnot,IwouldnothavebeenabletomakeitaNoblePhantasmas
highasCrank.

Itsbecauseitwasoncethefavoredbladeofacertainmasterswordsman.

193

Ch210

Shiroumutteredthat.Hisexpressionloosenedslightly,showingamischievous
smile.

Itcantbehelped.Master,Imustcontroltheflightofthisgarden,soIcannot
directlygotothebattlefield.Illsupportyouasmuchaspossible,butdontget
toodeeplyinvolved,okay?

Iunderstand.Ialsounderstandmyownabilitiesverywell.

Eventhoughhesaidthat,Shirouhadnointentionofslackingatallinthiswar.He
wouldfightusingallhispowerandtaketheGreaterGrailforhimselfusingallhis
power.Forthesakeofthat,hewaswillingtoriskhislife,andevenifhehadto
commitdeedsthatwerefarfromjustandgood,hewoulddosowithoutany
hesitation.

Nowthen.Thoughwemayhaveourgeneralsgathered,itssloppytohavezero
troops.Eveniftheenemyhasgatheredonlyamishmashofhomunculiand
golems,theywillbesomewhattroublesomeforus.

ItwasjustasAssassinsaid,theyhadnotroops.EveniftheirMastersmobilizedall
theirfamiliars,itwouldamounttolessthantenofthem.However,theyhadthe
AssyrianQueenSemiramisontheirside.Shecouldproduceaninexhaustible
supplyofexpendablepawns.

YoumayusemyDragonToothWarriorsatyourowndiscretion.Wouldthree
thousandbeenough?

Createdusingdragonteeth,DragonToothWarriorsweredisposablerankandfile
troopsHowever,nomatterhowdisposabletheywere,threethousandwasjust
plainabnormal.

Well,theresnosuchthingashavingtoomuchinquantity,butevenso,
Assassin,isntmakingthatmanyimpossible?

194

Ch210

Normally,itwouldbeimpossible.ButaslongasImwithintheseHanging
Gardens,nothingisimpossibleforme.

AssassinsmiledinclearconfidenceatRiderswords.Yes,eveniftheseHanging
Gardenstraveledtoanothercountry,theywerealwaystreatedasherpersonal
field.Allherstatswereenhanced,anditevenbecamepossibleforhertouse
magecraftthatsteppedintotherealmsofsorcery.

Ofcourse,itcamewithaprice.Afterall,thisNoblePhantasmwasalmostfoul
play.AssassinofRedwasrenderednearlypowerlessshouldsheleavethese
gardens.Butthesegardenswereamovingstronghold.Itwasunlikelythatshe
wouldeverchoosetoleavethesegardensinthefirstplace.

Thenwhoshallcutthroughtheenemyvanguard?

AtShirousquestion,Archer,RiderandLancerexchangedglances.Caster,who
hadnointentionofparticipating,actedasifithadnothingtodowithhim.

Lancersilentlyshookhishead.Itseemedhewassaying,Youcangofirst.Thus,
ArcherandRiderstartedglaringateachother.Itseemeditcouldntbehelped
thattheybothwantedtocutthroughthevanguard.Assassinshruggedasif
amazedattheirbehavior,andCastersaid,Illdedicateapoemtotheonewho
cutsthroughthevanguard,pouringfuelonthefire.

Couldyoubothpleasediscussitpeacefully?

Thoughitprobablywasntbecausetheyobeyedthosewords,intheend,thetwo
ofthemagreedtoacompromise.

Illcutthroughthevanguard.

ItseemedtheydecidedthatRiderwouldbetheirvanguard.However,Archer
summonedherownweapon,abow,andhoisteditintheair.

195

Ch210

ButIllshootthepreemptivestrike.IintendedtousemyNoblePhantasmfrom
thebeginning,afterall.

Understood.Thenletsdothat.

Sothisisthefirsttimeyoutwowillbeworkingtogetherasagroup.ShallIwrite
alovepoem,then?

RiderseyessparkledwithjoyatCasterssuggestionandherespondedin
agreement.

Yeah,pleasedo.

AndArcherscowledunpleasantly.

No,Idpreferifyoudidnt.

Casterdecidedtoputtogetherboththeirrequestsandmakeaheartrending
poemaboutamanwithunrequitedlove.

Watchingtheexchangewithabittersmile,Shirouturnedhisgazetowardsthe
FortressofMillennia,whichwasstartingtobecomevisiblefaroffinthedarkness
ofthenight.

Hisheartwasbeatingnoticeablyfast.

Yeah,hecouldtell.Hecoulddefinitelytell.Itwasdefinitelythere.Thethinghed
sought,soughtandsoughtforsolongwasinthatfortress.

Hecouldntstoptremblinginexaltation,andhedesperatelyheldbackthecorners
ofhismouthastheytriedtoloosenintoawildsmile.

196

Ch210

Evenamanlikeyoucannothideyourexcitementwhenwhatyouwantisright
beforeyoureyes.Yourestillachildinthatregard.

Histremblingandsmileceasedatthesametime.Shirousilentlyturnedhisgazeto
Assassinnexttohimwithaslightlypoutinglook.

No,itsfineaslongasyoucanholdyourselfbackfromjumpinginexcitement.
Moreimportantly,Master,ifyoushoulddie,Iwilldie,andifIdie,allofourplans
willcometonothing.Youunderstandthat,right?

Yes,ofcourse.

HerMastercalmlyreplied,makingAssassinopenlysigh.

Despitethat,youintendtogooutontothebattlefield.Icantunderstandit.
Rightnow,youareaMasterwhosupportsaServant.Normallyspeaking,yourein
apositionwhereyoudefinitelyshouldnotstepontothebattlefield.Sowhyare
youriskingyourlifebyheadingtobattle?

PreciselybecauseAssassinwashisServant,shewellunderstoodShirou
Kotominestruepower.Hewouldntfallbehindthelikesofhomunculior
golemsthoughitwasunknownhowhewoulddoifhefoughtaServant.

Inanycase,therewasnoproblemaslonghewascareful.Therewasnoproblem,
buttherewasstillthatoneinamillionchanceofsomethinggoingwrong.
AssassinhadabsolutelywantedtorefuseShiroufromheadingoutontothe
battlefield.Butnomatterhowmanytimessheexplainedherreasoning,hehad
stubbornlyrefusedtolisten.

Assassinhadnointerestinhismotivesandthoughthemighttakebackhis
previouswordsifpushcametoshove.Butseeinghisdeterminationnotfalter
evenatthelastmoment,shecouldnthelpbutwanttoaskwhyhemustbehave
sorecklessly.

197

Ch210

Shirouhesitatedslightly,butasifresigninghimself,heansweredinaquietvoice.

IfmyplanissomethingthatgoesagainstGod,thenIwilldefinitelybestruck
downonthisbattlefield.ImighthavethemisfortuneoffightingaServantand
dying,orImightletmyguarddownandbekilledbyhomunculiorgolems.Imight
evengetcaughtupintheblastofanallysNoblePhantasm.

Peopledie.AndevenServantsdie.Thingslikegoodpeoplegettingcaughtupin
somethingunreasonableandmeetingatragicendwereeverydayoccurrences.

Ifhewasntintheright,thenhewoulddefinitelymeethisendlikethat.

Ifthathappens,Iwillsolemnlyacceptmydeath.Godcouldntforgiveme.Thatis
somethingthatIcantdoanythingabout.Butififeverythinggoeswell.

Assassinwasoverawed.ItwasntreallybecauseShiroudidanything;hemerely
stoppedhisusualsmileanddirectlyfacedAssassin.

Therewasnoominousness,madness,rageorhatredtobefoundinhiseyes.
Rather,theywerecalmlikeastilllake.Somuchsothatonewouldntthinkhewas
someoneabouttoheadtobattlehewasabsolutelycalm.

ThenthatmeansGodapprovesofmydeeds.ThatmywishfortheGreaterGrail,
toloveandhealallhumansisjust.IfIcanbecertainofthat,Iwillnolonger
waver.Iwillknowthatthereisindeedworthinbetrayingevenwhatshouldnever
bebetrayed.

Shirouspokeinaresolutetone.Hewasheadingtothebattlefieldinorderto
confirmwhetherornothisobjectivewascorrect.ToAssassin,itwasnothing
morethanarecklessandfoolishact.

Butmostlikely,thiswassomethingShirouhadtodo.Anextraordinary
obsessionofhisthatotherpeoplecouldntunderstand.

198

Ch210

Itwasaritualthatwasnecessaryforhimtoperformnomatterwhat,inorderto
solidifyhisresolutionwithoutanydoubts.

Hmph,honestlyspeaking,Icantunderstanditatall.

Isupposenot.

Shirousmiledbitterly.Shewasright.Otherpeopleprobablycouldntunderstand
theideaofheadingtothebattlefieldwheredeathwasrampanteverywherein
ordertodecidewhetheryouwereintherightornot.

Justwhenhethoughtshewouldopposehisdecision,though,Assassindeclaredin
amannerasiforderingaretainer.

However,ifyoudontdothis,youwontbeabletomoveforward.Thenitcant
behelped.Illallowit.Fightasyouwish,butmakesureyousurvive.

Thankyou,Shirousaidingratitude.Immediatelyafter,theHangingGardens
gentlycametoahalt.TheFortressofMillenniawasjustahead.Betweenthe
HangingGardensandthefortresswasaforestthatspreadouttobothsidesanda
grasscoveredplaininthemiddleofit.

Inotherwords,thiswastheirbattlefield.TheRedServantsandtheMasterShirou
KotominegatheredattheprowoftheHangingGardens.

Theothersideisprobablyallfranticrightaboutnow.

ArchernoddedatCasterswords.Hervision,whichshehadtrainedwellasa
bowman,couldseetosomeextentthestateofthefortressdespitebeingseveral
kilometersawayandwrappedinthenightsdarkness.

Yes,noServantshaveyetbeensentouttointerceptus.Theyallseemtobeina
panicatoursuddenappearanceTheyregivingoffthatkindofpresence.

199

Ch210

Perhapsduetoheranimalinstincts,Archerseemedtobeabletoperceiveeven
thepresenceofthehumansinsidethefortress.

Thenletsusethistimetolineupourrankandfilesoldiers.

Assassinwavedherhand,andagiantpotthatlookedtobeaboutthreemetersin
diameterappearedfloatinginmidair.Thegiantpotfloatedovertheedgeofthe
gardenswhereAssassinandtheothersstood,andthenturnedover.

Atonce,slightlyyellowedbonefragmentpouredoutfromittothegroundbelow
likerain.Theyburiedintothegroundandthengrewoutlikeplants,and
eventuallyskeletalwarriorswithlizardlikejawswerecreatedonebyone.

Theylookfragile

Archermurmuredwhilelookingdownatthem.

Yes,thatsright.Theyrefragile,extremelyfragile.Buttheyregreatinnumbers.
ThoughtheyrenomatchforServants,theyresufficientforfightinghomunculi,
andiftheirCasterisasmallfrylikeourCaster,thentheymightbeabletokill
him.

Hahaha,howharsh.ButnotalltheCastersintheworldaresuperbwriterslike
me!

Castercalmlysaidthatinretort.Assassindecidednottosayanythingelsetohim.

Hmm,themembersoftheBlackcamphavefinallycomeout.

NootherbesidesArchercouldyetseethemembersoftheothersidethroughthe
thickdarkness.ItappearedthattheYggdmillenniaclanandtheirServantswere
finallystartingtoact.

200

Ch210

Itwasgoingtobecompletelydifferentfromtheskirmishesuntilnow.Nowthere
wasabattlefield,soldiers,weapons,commanders,aterritorythatneededtobe
captured,andmostofall,a[king]thatneededtobeslain.

Therewasjustashorttimeleftuntilthedecisivebattlewiththegoalofcomplete
annihilationoftheothersidebegan.TheRedServantspatientlywaitedforthe
momentitstarted

201

Ch211

Chapter2

TheYggdmillenniahadpredictedthattheMastersoftheAssociationofMagiin
otherwords,theRedcampwouldattackthemandhadpreparedplansto
counterattackfromalldirections.

TheymightsuddenlylaunchanattackfromthecityofTrifas,ortheymightattack
fromtheeastwithalargearmy.Thepossibilitythattheymightlaunchasurprise
attackfromtheskywasntloweither.But

Forthemtoattackwiththeirownfortressistrulybeyondexpectations.

ArcherofBlackChironsighed.HisgazewaslockedonAssassinspridedNoble
Phantasm,theHangingGardensofBabylon,asitfloatedintheairfarabove.

Archer,whatisthatthingscurrentstatus?

Fioreaskedthatinathinvoicefromnexttohim.Archercouldperceiveaslight
trembleinhervoice,butthatwasonlybecausehewasaServant.Anormal
humanwouldnothavesensedeventhesmallesttrembleinhervoice.Archer
smiledathisMasterasshetriedtoremainascalmasshecould.

IthascometoastandstillinmidairThisisjustconjectureonmypart,butit
appearsthattheErythros1campintendstousethesegrasslandplainsastheir
battlefield.

Soitsgoingtobeanalloutbattle.

1
Here,ArcherusestheGreekwordforred.Thespellingmightnotbequiteright,butunfortunately
ImnotwellversedinGreek,sothebestIcanmanageistodirectlywriteitasitspronounced.

202

Ch211

Yes.YouandtheotherMastersshouldheadsomewheresafe.Theotherside
likelyintendstoencampthemselveswiththeirServantsandfamiliars.

Soitseems.TheyappeartohavesummonedDragonToothWarriors.Probably
inordertofaceourhomunculiandsoldiers.

Darniclandedonthecastlerampartwithasofttap.Heseemedtohaveboldly
gonearoundlookingatthatfloatingfortress.

Grandfather

Letsheadinside,Fiore.Wehavenochoicebuttoleavethebattletothemnow.

Precisely,Darnic.WhatfollowsfromhereisthedomainofusServants.

Particlesoflightresolvedandgatheredtogether,regaininghumanform.Lancerof
BlackVladIIIworeasavagesmileashegazedatthefloatingfortress.

No,itwasntjustLancer.BerserkerofBlack,Frankenstein,andCasterofBlack,
Avicebron,alsostoodontheramparts,glaringatthefloatingfortress.

Ontopofintrudingintomyterritoryinthatkindofuglything,theyvescattered
filthyskeletonwarriorseverywhere.

Lanceropenlylaidbarehisdispleasure.Themomenttheytrespassedonhis
territory,theywereenemies,conquerors,OttomanTurks.Astrongsenseofduty
thatobligatedhimtomassacrethemallboundhisentirebody.

Mylord.Wewilltakerefugeinsidethecastle.Butifthosegrasslandplains
becomethebattlefield,wewillfightwithourbackstothetown.Soyoumaywield
yourpowertoyourheartscontent.

Darnicrespectfullybowed,andLancernoddedplacidly.

203

Ch211

Indeed.Also,releaseRiderandBerserkerofRed.Wellhavethemaddedtoour
forcesaswell.

Isthatallright?LeavingasideBerserker,Rideris

Idontmind.Theyvecomethisfarseekinganalloutshowdown.Itisonlygood
mannerstothrowoutallourforcesaswell.

Understood.Illgoreleasethemrightaway.

Darnicdisappearedfromsight.Fiorealsofollowedafterhimandretreatedinto
thecastle.

Archer.Takecommandoftheorganizedformationsofhomunculialongwith
Rider.

Understood,Lancer.However,shouldRiderofRedtakethefield,Iwillhaveto
goinordertostophim

Idontmind.Itsfineaslongasyoutakecommandatthebeginning.Thebattle
willeventuallybecomechaoticanyhow,andthehomunculiwillmerelybe
expendedalongwiththegolems.

Archernodded.Lancerwascorrect.Oncetheopeningstrikeofthebattleended,
thesituationwouldimmediatelyturnintoabattlebetweenServants.

Asforyou,Caster,remainonstandbyhere.Illleavethetimingtorelease
BerserkerofRedsshacklestoyourjudgement.

Understood.Ah,thatsright.Lancer,thereisnowayyoucangotobattleonfoot.
Ivepreparedahorseforyou.

Atthosewords,LancerlookedatCasterwithgreatinterestinhisgaze.

204

Ch211

Ofcourse,itsanartificialimitation,but

Thatsquitesatisfactory.Anordinaryhorsecouldneveraccompanymeinthis
war.

WhatCasterbroughtoutwas,naturally,agiantgolemhorseofmetal.Itwas
madeofacombinationofironandbronzewithanunevendesign.Itseyes
consistedofaredrubyandbluesapphire,whicheachcarriedabewitchingshine.

Quitesatisfactory.

Smilinginsatisfaction,Lancerclimbedontothehorse.Thehorsedidnteven
whinnyandobedientlystoodupright.

Huh,Lancersridingonahorse?Mypositionsbeentaken!

Thatsomewhatloudvoicemadetheatmosphereturntense.Itbelongedtothe
Servantwhohadjustbeenreleased,RiderofBlackAstolfo.Heworeacarefree
smileonhisfaceandgreetedLancer,whohadorderedhimtobeimprisoned,
withanunconcernedattitude.

Rider.Iwontaskifyouvereflectedonyouractionsatthispoint.Nowisthe
timeforyoutoshowyourpowertome.YourpowerasoneoftheCharlemagnes
TwelvePaladins.

Riderreassuringlystruckhischest.

Yeah,leaveittome!Thatisthat,andthisisthis.Fightinginthiswarismy
mission,afterall!

Ifyoureawareofthat,thentheresnoproblem.Rider,joinwithArcherin
commandingthehomunculi.

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Ch211

Roger!

Lastly,LancerturnedhiseyestoBerserker,whowasstillglaringatthefloating
fortress.

Berserker.Youarefreetodoasyouwish.Fightandwreakhavocuntilyoure
exhausted.

Uuuuuuui

Berserkergaveasingle,lightnod.Shehadbothherhandsonthecastlerampart,
appearingreadytojumpoverthemevennow.

Nowthen,everyone.Saberhasvanished,andAssassinisnotonourside.In
return,wemanagedtogetaholdofBerserkerofRed,butheismerelya
disposable[weapon].Inotherwords,wearetheentiretyofourbattlepower.

Ontheotherhand,theothersidemostlikelyhasallsixoftheirServants
excludingBerserker.LancerofRedfoughtevenlywithSaber,andRiderofReddid
notreceiveasinglewoundfromSabersattacks.CasterandAssassin,whohave
yettobeseen,areundoubtedlyfearsomeenemiesaswell.

Thosewerewordsthatacknowledgedthedisadvantageoftheirside.Theywere
inferiorinpurenumbers,andwhiletheenemysoverallqualitywasunknown,at
theveryleast,theynolongerhadSaber,soitwouldbeahardbattle.

Yes,theywereoverwhelminglyoutmatchedifthiswasanormalbattle,the
differencebetweentheirforceswassufficienttoguaranteethattheywouldbe
defeatedfirst.

Nowthen.Ihaveaquestionforyouall.Doanyofyouintendtoacceptdefeat?

Everyonepresentrejectedthatnotionwiththeirwordsandactions.

206

Ch211

Thedifferenceinbattlepowerwasoverwhelming,andthechancesoftheirdefeat
werehighinthefaceofthattruth,LancerandtheotherServantsdidntact
agitatedatall.HeroicSpiritsweresuchbeings.Againstanoverwhelming
disadvantageandadespairingsituation,theywouldlaughandoverturnsuch
things.Thatwaswhatmadethemworthyofbeingcalledheroes.

Yes,exactlyright.Wewillwin!Asifanyonewhofallsbeforethisdegreeof
differenceinbattlepower,thisdegreeofdespaircouldcallthemselvesheroes!

Hiswordswerecorrect.Afterall,LancerstruenamewasVladIII,thegreathero
whohadprotectedhiscountryoverandoveragainfromthesoldiersofthe
approachingOttomanTurks.

Whatwasdefinitewasthefactthat,in1462,theOttomanTurksinvaded.Against
theTurksforcesofonehundredandfiftythousand,theWallachianarmythat
VladIIIcommandedconsistedofonlytenthousand.However,hehadexhausted
theTurkswiththoroughguerillawarfareandscorchedearthtactics,andthen
evacuatedthecitizensinordertoemptythecountryscapitalandambushthe
enemy.

TheonewhohadcommandedtheTurkswasMehmedII,theOttomansultan
knownastheConquerorwhohadfelledConstantinoplewithitsthreefold
defensivewalls.Evenhe,widelyknownforhisbravery,paledwhenhearrivedat
thecapitalofBucharest.

Countlessstakesstoodsurroundingthecitadel.Impaleduponthemwerehis
comrades,subordinates,andcommanderstwentythousandmembersofthe
Turkarmy.Theinstanthesawthem,anythinglikehatredforhiscomradesbeing
killedwasblownaway.Hewasterrified.Someonewhocouldnotonlythinkof
suchathing,butputitintopracticewasterrifying.Theplunder,violations,and
atrocitieshisownarmyhadcommittedweremerelytheresultofhavingtheir
lustsanddesiresacceleratedintheheatofthemoment.Thiswasdifferent,
committedunderacompletelydifferentwayofthinking.

207

Ch211

Thiswastrulyamethodofwarfarethatdidnttreatpeopleashumanbeings.
Afterall,hismenhadbeenskeweredmerelyforthesakeofdisplay!

Themoraleofhisarmyhavingplummetedtonearlyzero,MehmedIIhadno
choicebuttowithdrawandreturnhome.Atthattime,MehmedIImutteredthis.

Ifearnohumanbeing.ButDracul2aloneisaseparatematter.

Thosearesavages.Foolswhodirtymydominionandlaughcrudelyinarrogance
canonlydie.Killthemwhilelaughing.Wemustthoroughlyreeducatethosewho
lacktheknowledgeoffearwithanoxhidewhip.

Lancerswordswereextreme,butwereinfacteasytounderstand.

Dontlettheenemygohomealive.Whathewantedtosaywassimplythat.And
thatwasexactlyastheotherServantswishedaswell.

Then,Illleadthevanguard.

Lancergraspedthereinsofhishorseandjumpedofffromthecastleramparts
alongwithhissteed.Theheightofthecliffthatroseupbeneaththerampartswas
overahundredmeters,butthemetalhorsethatCasterofBlackhadcreated
wouldntbedamagedbysomethingofthatdegree.

LikealonegeneralwithbutasinglearmyLancerrodehishorsetowardsthe
enemyformation.Thegrasslandplainsweretranquil,buttheywouldprobablybe
transformedintoscorchedearthbythetimethisbattleended.

2
UnderneathDraculinkatakana,thekanjireadsasdevil.

208

Ch211

Resurrectedintothepresentdaywithnewsubordinates,thesternkingonce
morechallengedtheenemyinadisadvantageousbattle.Butthatwashowit
alwayswasforhim,sotherewasnothingforhimtofear.

Eventually,thehomunculicommandedbytwoServantsandthegolemsmassed
togetherintotroops.ArcherandRiderscommandsweresplendid,andinaflash
theywereallarrangedintoorderlyformation.

AttheflankofthetroopswasCaster,whohadbroughtalongthestillsealed
BerserkerofRed.TheplanwasforhimtochoosethetimingtoreleaseBerserker
athisowndiscretion.Berserkersmindwascompletelyruined,butheretained
justenoughreasontodistinguishenemiesfromallies.

NowthathehadchangedMasters,hisenemywastheRedcamp.Andstanding
alonefarawayfromthehomunculiandgolemswasthemadwarriorwith
reasonBerserkerofBlack.

Theoneswhocouldtrulybecountedaspartoftheirbattlepowerweretheten
golemswhohadbeenselectedforbeingespeciallyexcellentevenamongCasters
creationsandalltheotherServantsbesidesCaster.

Casterthoughtfrombehindhismaskthesituationcouldntbecalledthat
disadvantageousforthem.Archersstrengthanddiscernmentwereboth
excellent,andnowthatCasterhadobtaineda[core],hisownNoblePhantasm
wasalreadycapableofbeingactivated.

However,therewasbutonedecisivereasonforbeingconfidentoftheirchances
ofvictory.

BecauseLancerofBlackwasVladIII.HereinRomania,andmoreoverin
Transylvania,hisfamewasnearlyatitsmax.Theboostinpowerduetofamewas
notthatgreat,buthereVladIIIsfamewasonthelevelofdevotedpiety.

209

Ch211

Yes,hewasagreatherowhohadsavedhishomeland.Andhewasaterrifying
being.Thetragicmanwho,despitebeingthecornerstoneofthisnation,was
betrayedandlosteverythingthiscountyskingwhowasknownbyeveryone
fromchildrentotheelderly.

Hiscurrentformwasexceedinglyclosetothatofhisheyday.Furthermore,dueto
hisskill[DemonicDefenderoftheState],theentiresurroundingregionincluding
thesegrasslandplainshadbeenturnedintohispersonaldominion.

Indeed,RiderofRedstrueidentity,whichtheyhadallheardfromArcherofBlack
yesterday,wascertainlyshockinganddevastating.HewasaServantwhoboasted
ofworldwideclassfameandwasastoprankasaHeroicSpiritcouldconceivably
be.

Butevenso.Evenso,VladIIIstillhadsomedegreeofadvantageoverhim.

Thetwoarmiesadvancedtowardseachotherlittlebylittle.AsLancerwondered
whatServantstheopposingsidehad,hesawonlyDragonToothWarriorsatthe
frontoftheirforces.

Puzzledandsuspicious,Lancerhaltedhisforces.Atthesametime,theDragon
ToothWarriorsalsostoppedmoving.

KnowingthattryingtotalktotheDragonToothWarriorswaspointless,Lancer
turnedhisgazetothefloatingfortressabove.

Hmm.Whataretheyplanning?

Shecouldnthaveheardhismutter,butasifinreplyArcherofRedsbowfired
thefirstshot.

210

Ch212

Chapter2

ArcherofRedAtalantanockedtwoarrowsonherfavoritebow,Tauropolos.
Sheaimednotatthegroundfarbelow,butatthenightskywhichshinedinthe
faintmoonlight.

Achillyanddrylateautumnwindshookherhair,andheranimalearstwitched.

Itwastime.

Withmybowandarrows,Irespectfullyaskforthedivineprotectionofthesun
godApolloandthemoongoddessArtemis.

Thearrowsstartedtoshinebewitchingly.HerNoblePhantasmwasntherbow,
northearrowsshotbyherbow.Thosewerebothmerelythecatalystsforit.Her
NoblePhantasmwasthetechniqueitselfofnockingandshootingarrowswithher
bow.

IoffertheethiscalamityPhoebusCatastrophe:ComplaintMessageonthe
Arrow!

Thetwoarrowssheshottowardstheskypiercedthroughthecloudsand
disappearedfromsight,leavingaglitteringtrailbehindthem.Thiswasthe
startingsignaltobeginfighting,thefirstshot.

Thosearrowswereacomplainttothegods.ThesungodApolloandthemoon
goddessArtemis.Theyweregodsdeeplyconnectedtothesunandmoon
respectively.Apollowasthegodofthebowandarrow,andArtemiswasthe
goddessofthehunt.

211

Ch212

IncompensationforArcherrequestingdivineprotectionfromthem,theysought
acalamity.Inotherwords,theirdivineprotectionequatedtoacalamityforthe
enemy.

Afaintlightfilledthenightsky,alongwithaquietsoundlikefallingrain.Butit
wasntsomethingassimpleasablessedrain.Themalevolentgodssoughta
sacrifice,andscatteredatorrentialrainunderthenameofcatastrophe.

Arrowsoflightraineddownincessantlyfromtheskyandhomunculiwerepierced
andkilledbythearrowsoneafteranother.Eventhestrongandsturdygolems
hadtheirbodiessmashedapartoneafteranotherbythecountlessarrows.The
BlackServantnaturallyevaded,blockedandrepelledthearrows,buttheirbattle
linestillfellintodisorder.

Watchingthatdrearyscenewithanextremelycoolexpression,ArcherofRed
lookedoverhershoulderandspoke.

Withthis,theopeningmoveisover.Timetoswitch,Rider.

Yeah!

Riderstruckhiskneesandranoutwithanextremelyhappyexpression,jumping
offfromtheHangingGardens.Hewhistled,andachariotwiththreesteeds
appearedtearingthroughtheskyandscoopedupthefallingRider.

Hegraspedthereinsinthedriversstandandwhippedthemonce.Theneighsof
thestrongmuscledhorsesroaredthroughtheskyabovethebattlefield.

Nowthen,thebattleisstarting!I,RiderofRed,shallcutthroughtheenemy
vanguard!

Sayingso,Riderdescendedhischariottowardsthegroundbelow.Homunculiand
golemsstoodinhispath.

212

Ch212

Butboththebattlespecializedhomunculiandtheoveronetongolems
pulverizedinthepathoftheimmortaldivinehorsesgiftedtohimbytheseagod
Poseidon.

Thehugechariotwasasfastasabulletandscrapedoffthegroundwhereit
passed.RiderofRedschariottrampledthebattlefieldjustbyridingit.

Comeout,ArcherofBlack!Showusyourpower!Ifyouthinkyoucanstopthis
chariotofmine,justtryit!

TheoneswhoansweredhisprovocationswerentanyServants,butgolems.

Threegolemssteppedinfrontofthefiercelygallopingchariot.Clickinghis
tongue,RiderofRedchosetorunthemoverasifitwerenatural.

Outofmyway,smallfry!

Atthosewords,CasterofBlack,whowaswatchingthebattlefieldfromafar,
muttered.

Nowthen.Iwonderhowthatwillgo,RiderofRed.

TheinstantRiderschariotcrashedintothem,thethreegolemssplitapart.
IgnoringthesurprisedRider,thegolemseachentwinedthemselveswiththelegs
ofthechariotshorsesandtheninstantlyhardenedthemselves.

Guh!!

Althoughitcontinueditsmadcharge,RiderofRedschariotfinallycametoastop.
Seeingthat,thehomunculiswungthehalberdsintheirhandsandjumpedathim
allatonce.

Youimpudentlittle!

213

Ch212

Removinghishandsfromthereins,RiderofRedtookouthisswordfromthe
scabbardathiswaistwithonehandandswunghisheroslayingspearwiththe
otherashejumpedoutfromthedriversstand.

Theconfrontationlastasingleinstant.Inthatmoment,Ridertookawaythelives
ofeverysingleoneoftheattackinghomunculi.Bloodgushedoutfromthemand
poureddownonthegroundlikerain.

Theresanopening.

TherewasasingleServantwhosawthatmomentasanopening.Ridersbody
reactedtothekillingintentbeingdirectedathimthen.Butthebloodofthe
homunculiwasblockinghisvision.
Passingthroughagapbetweenthecorpses,anarrowwasshotatthenapeof
Ridersneck.

Kuh!!

Thoughhisreactionwasaninstantdelayed,RiderofRedsquickwittednessand
agilityallowedhimtostrikedownthearrowwithhissword.However,hecouldnt
completelyknockitawayandevenwithitstrajectorychangethearrowstill
grazedhisneck.

Vividredblooddrippeddownhisneck.Hissurpriseatbeingwoundedwasturned
intojoyinsteadofhumiliationforRider.

Thatsright,therewasaServantwhocouldwoundhimamongtheBlackcamp
Archer!

Standingbackonthedriversstand,Riderloudlyshoutedwithamajesticand
imposingattitude.

214

Ch212

WhereisArcherofBlack!?Ivecometoresumeourearliermatch!Letsfightand
killeachothertoourheartscontentthisevening!

Inplaceofananswer,anotherarrowwasfiredathim.Butitwasaneasymatter
forRidertostrikedownanarrowaslongashisvisionwasnotblocked.

Whereareyou,ArcherofBlack!?

Imcloserthanyouthink.

TheinstantRiderturnedaround,Archer,whohadbeenhiddenbehindagolem,
firedanotherarrowwhileconcealingeverythingbuthisbowandarrowfrom
sight.Duetohavingadditionalpranaloadedintoit,thisarrowwasfarfasterthan
theonesheshotearlier!

Guh!?

Thearrowwasaimedathisfacetobemoreprecise,athisrighteye.Riderraised
hisswordanduseditsbladetoknockawaythearrow.Butduetothat,hisvision
wasmomentarilyblocked.Takingadvantageofthatopening,Archerranand
jumpedbehindadifferentgolem,andthenfiredanotherarrow.

Youbastard!

Archernevershowedhimself,andfiredarrowsoneafteranotheratRiderwhile
runningaroundandhidinghimselfbehindgolems.

Archerwasbaitinghim.

Littlebylittle,thegolemsmovedawayfromthemiddleofthebattlefield.Isee,
Riderthoughtinunderstanding.IfRiderofRedandhischariotremainedonthe
battlefield,itwouldturnintoadifficultbattlefortheBlackcamp.

215

Ch212

Naturally,hecouldjustignoreRider.Theinteriorofaforestwastheidealfieldfor
abowman.Hecouldhidearoundeverywhereandfirearrows.Conversely,
fightinginaforestwasafatalsituationforRider.Afterall,hewouldntbeableto
usehiscrucialchariotwithinit.

ButthatwaslimitedtonormalServantsoftheRiderclass.Attheveryleast,
doingthiswasanobviousmistakewhenitcametoRiderofRed.

Certainly,Riderboastedofextraordinarypowerwhenherodehischariot.Itwas
verydifficulttostophischariot,whichwasfirmandrodelikelightning.Oneofhis
threesteedswassimplyafineandfamoushorse,buttheothertwoweredivine
horsesbestoweduponhimbytheseagodPoseidon.

Therefore,ifhisgoalwastodefeattheenemyonthebattlefieldandwin,the
correctdecisionwouldbetoignoreArchersprovocations,cutdownthegolems
entanglinghischariot,andcontinuetotrampleovertheenemybattleline.

Butthatlogicalplanhadasingleflaw.Wasitrightforanyonewhocalled
themselvesaheroforevenaninstanttochoosetheoptionofrunningawayhere?

No,absolutelynot.Forthesakeofthehonorofhisfatherwhowasagreathero,
ofhismotherwhowasagoddess,andofhiseternalfriendwithwhomheshared
manyjoysandsorrowsinlife,heabsolutelycouldnotrunaway.

WhileshoutingWait!,RiderleftthebattlefollowingArcher.Hereturnedhis
chariottoitsastralizedstateandheadedintotheforestonhisowntwofeet.
RiderknewthatArcherofBlackmustbelaughingathim.Afterall,Riderlet
himselfbeluredintoaterrainadvantageoustotheenemyandnegatedhisown
advantages.

Yes,evennow,RiderdidnotknowwhoArcherwas.Thatis,hethoughthedidnt
knowArcher.Perhapsheshouldhavebeenevenalittlemoreattentiveand
consideredeventhemostmeagerofpossibilities.

216

Ch212

Butitwaspointless.Therewouldhavebeenbarelyanydifferencewhetherhe
waveredbeforeorafterithappened.

Riderdidntfailtohearthesoundofabowstringbeingdrawnbackinpreparation
tofireanarrow,andsearchedhissurroundingwithcompleteconcentration.He
coulddefinitelyfeelthepresenceofaServant.Buthecouldntpinpointtheir
exactlocation.TheonlythingheknewforcertainwasthathewasinArchers
attackrange.

Ridersworetohimselfthathewouldntexperiencethesamehumiliationaslast
time.Whilewalkingabout,hesuddenlysteppedonadeadbranch.Theinstant
thesoundofitbreakingresoundedthroughthefartooquietforestanarrow
wasfired.

Ialreadyforesawsomethinglikethat.

Hestruckdownthearrowwiththebuttendofhisspear.Riderwasalready
capableofreadingthroughthetrajectoryofArchersarrows.Thiswastheresult
ofcalmlyrepeatingthepreviousbattleinhisheadandthinkingoverhowto
matchitwithhismovements.

Dontthinkyoucanhitmeasecondorthirdtime,bowman!Thistime,Illbethe
oneheadingtoyou!

Itonlytookhimaninstant.Hejumpedandadvancedforwardbykickingoffthe
branchesofnearbytrees.Hisphysicalprowesswasabnormal,butitwasntan
impossiblefeatforaServant.But,eventakingintoaccountthefactthathewasa
Servant,hisspeedstillgreatlystoodout.

Withspeedequivalenttoinstantmovementandnotworryingaboutany
obstaclesinhisway,Riderracedtowardswherethearrowwasfiredfrom.

Therewassuddenlyafaintnoise.Itseemedtheenemyhadmovedaswell.

217

Ch212

Asusual,Archerhidamongstthetrees,preventingRiderfromseeingabouthim
orheranythingbesidesafaintoutline.IfArcherofRedwasinhisplace,shecould
usetheenemysscentasonemeanstotrackthem,butRiderssenseofsmell
wasntthatstrong.

ArrowswerefiredathimoneafteranotherTheirtrajectorieswerefartooeasy
toreadandweremerelyaimedhaphazardly.Riderlaughedscornfullyand
repelledthemwithhisspear.Itwasfartooeasyforhimtoparryanddodgethem.
Ridercouldreallyfeelthathewascorneringhim.

Thenextarrow.Immediatelyafterthenextarrowwasfired,Riderwouldcorner
himorher.

Shoot,shoot,shoot,hurryupandshoot!

Riderswishwasgranted.Hegrabbedthenextarrowimmediatelyasitwasfired
and,withalaugh,broughthisfaceclosetoArcher.

Igotyou.

ArcherofBlackshouldhavebeensurprised.No,hehadtohavebeensurprised.
Archerwascompletelycornered,hadanypossibleattacksealed,andfinallyhad
allowedhimselftobeapproachedatafataldistanceforabowman.

Andyet,thatmanwassocalmthatitmadeRidersomewhatuneasy.Heeven
smiledatRiderdespitehowclosehewas.

No,wait.

Iveseenthismanbefore.

No,Ivetalkedwithhim,learnedfromhim,andsharedbedandfood
withhim

218

Ch212

You.

Yes,thatisyourweakpoint.

ArcherofBlacksaidthatinaquietvoiceandkickedthemaninfrontofhiminthe
solarplexus.Ridersbodywentflyingbackthroughtheairatthestrongblow.
Landingontheground,Archernockedanarrowonhisbowwithafluid
movementandfiredit.

Kuh!!

Riderunderstoodthatthearrowstargetwashisvitalpoint,andimmediatelyhe
frayedthenervesthroughouthisentirebody.Hescrewedhisbodyandbenthis
jointstothelimit,tryingtoatleastgetitawayfromthearrowstrajectory.

Hesucceeded.

Insteadofhisvitalpoint,thearrowpiercedthroughhisflank.Vividpainran
throughRidersentirebody,buthepaiditnoheed.Themanstandingbelowhim
wasabiggerproblem.

AllthemysteriessurroundingArcherofBlackhadbeenclearedup.Itwasonly
naturalthathisskillwiththebowwasequaltothatofArcherofRedAtalanta.
Afterall,hewasateachertomanyheroesincludingRiderhimself.

Riderpulledoutthearrowfromhisflankandtosseditawayashestoodup.
Archerdidntmoveevenslightlyasheheldhisbow,asifwaitingforRiderto
speak.

Whyareyouhere?

Whatafoolishquestion.IwassummonedasArcherofBlackinthisGreatHoly
GrailWar.AndyouweresummonedasRiderofRed.

219

Ch212

Weeachhavewishesandregretsthatbindus.Thatswhywearehere.Bothme
andyou.

Ridercasthiseyesdownandremainedsilent.Archersighedandchidedhim.

Youretrulysoft.Hasthatpartofyoualonenotbeencuredfromyourprevious
life?Youresterntotheendtowardsthoseyouveacknowledgedasenemies,but
yourealwayssoftwhenfacedwithpeoplewhoyouvealreadyacknowledgedas
goodpeoplewhentheytemporarilyceasetobeyourallies.Thatmaybea
lovabletraitasahero.ButthisistheGreatHolyGrailWarthereisnoroomfor
feelinganythinglikemercyorcompassion.Evensomeonewhoiscalledaherolike
youunderstandsthat,right?

Youunderstandthat,right,Achilles?

ArcherspokeRiderofRedstruename.TheyoungmanknownasAchillesnodded
oncewithagraveattitude,likeapupilreceivingalesson.

220

Ch213

Chapter2

LancerofBlackwasunarmed.Hewasntwieldinghisspear,andmerelyrodehis
horse.

DragonToothWarriorsbecamerousedupastheysensedtheapproachofa
Servant.Itwasntjustoneortwohundredofthem.Aforceofoverfivehundred
DragonToothWarriorstriedtoswarmhim.

Ofcourse,apileofsmallfrysoldierswasnoproblematallforaServantlikehim.
Butitwouldstillbefoolhardytoplungestraightintothemidstofthem.

Lancermadehisgolemhorsekickoffthegroundandjumphighthroughtheair.
Spreadinghisarmswide,hedeclaredinasonorousvoice.

Come,savageswhotrampleovermyterritory!Itstimetodisciplineyou!Illturn
mycompassionandrageintoredhotstakesandskeweryouall!Andthesestakes
arenotlimited,buttrulyinfinite,sodespairandgorgeonyourownblood!
KazikluBey:LordofExecution!

Thegroundshookslightly.TheDragonToothWarriorsreflexivelylookeddown.
Instantly,longandnarrowstakesweresummonedforththroughoutthe
surroundingareaandshotupoutofthegroundasiftryingtoreachtheheavens,
piercingthewarriorsoneafteranother.Treeswerecreateduponthegrassland
plain.Thestakeswereslendertreetrunks,andtheleavesandbrancheswere
madeofbone.

InthethreesecondssincethemomenttheNoblePhantasmwasactivated,allfive
hundredDragonToothWarriorswereannihilated.

221

Ch213

LancerignoredthemallandmerelykeptheadingstraighttowardstheHanging
Gardens.

Ofcourse,thosewhosensedhisintentionimmediatelycameouttointercept
him.

Soyouvecome.

LancersightedtwoServantsheadingtowardshimatragingspeed.Onehelda
bow,andtheotherheldaspearinotherwords,theywereArcherandLancerof
Red.

WhilegrippedbyastrangejoyoverfightingaServantofthesameclassas
himself,LancerofBlackaimedatthemandsummonedhisstakesallatonce.
Stakesshotuponeafteranotheruponthegrasslandplaintheyranacross.
Thoughshedashedfasterandmorenimblythanahorse,ArcherofRedsspeed
begantodull.

Astakeappearedrightbeforehereyes.Grippingthestake,shecoiledherbody
arounditlikeamonkeyandfiredanarrowatthehorsemountedLancer.

ButastakeshotoutinfrontofLancerandblockedthearrow.Whilestillatophis
horse,Lancercalmlyremainedstillthere.ArcherofRedfiredanotherseriesof
arrows,buttheywereallblockedbystakesthatshotoutoftheground.

ThisLancerwasabletoprotecthimselfwithstakesArcherofRedhadto
acknowledgethat.ThesestakesappearedtobehisNoblePhantasm.Inthatcase,
FatherShirouhadbeenright;thismanwasLancerofBlack,andhistruename
was

IsupposeyoureLancerofBlack,VladIII,right?

222

Ch213

JustasLancerofRedKarnasaid,hewasRomaniasgreatesthero,VladIII.

Hoh.Areyou,whocallsmebymytruename,LancerofRed?

Thatsright.Duetocircumstances,Illbetakingyoudown.Dontthinkillofme.

No,no,theresnoneedtothinkillofeitherofus.Youpeoplemustkillme,andI
mustkillyouall.Itstragic,butthatshowrealityis.Besides,itismydutyasaking
tokillthosewhoinvademycountry.Sotheresnoneedtogrieve.

AstakeshotoutofthegroundrightbeforeLancerofRedseyes.

Hmm.

ButthedivinespearthatLancerofRedheldeasilysmashedthestake.

Isee.ThesestakesreallyareyourNoblePhantasmbuttheseenormous
numbersareabnormal.

CountlessDragonToothWarriorshadbeenpiercedandhoistedhighuponthe
surroundingstakes.Justlikehumanswhohadbeenlefttheretillthepointthey
turnedintoskeletons.

Yes,ifitwasjustamatterofthestakesthemselvesbeinghisNoblePhantasm,it
wasstillfine.Individually,theydidnthavethatmuchdestructivepowerandtheir
speedwasalsoslowButtheirnumbersweretoomany,alreadysurpassinga
thousand.Furthermore,theysproutedoutsuddenlyfromtheground,makingit
difficulttododgethem.

QuantitythatwasthegreatestcharacteristicofthisNoblePhantasm.The
numberofstakeshecouldpotentiallysummonequaledapproximatelytwenty
thousand.ThisNoblePhantasmwasalreadyextraordinaryinthisregard.

223

Ch213

Certainly,thereexistedAntiArmyandAntiFortressNoblePhantasmsthatcould
killhundredsandthousandsofpeople.

Buttherewereveryfewthatcouldkillovertenthousandpeople.

ThiswasnotbecausehisNoblePhantasmwasaholyswordordivinespear,but
ratherareproductionofan[event]thathistoricallyoccurredthatis,thelegend
ofhowheskeweredtwentythousandOttomanTurksoldiers.

Certainly,asinglestakemightbeinsufficientandworthlessforthisNoble
Phantasm.

Butanoverwhelmingnumberliketwentythousandwasoverpoweringevenfor
HeroicSpiritsofvalor.Whileitwasnothingshortofmadness,itwasalsoan
elaboratedisplayofmilitaryforcethatnonecouldmatch.Itwasanactthatwas
nolongerpossibleforhumanbeingstocommit.

AndsothisNoblePhantasmiscalledKazikluBey:LordofExecution,themost
fearsomeNoblePhantasmwiththesametitleasitsowner.

Lancer!

ArcherofRedcalledouttoLancerofRed.Ofcourse,Lanceralsounderstoodit
well.PranawaswhirlingandconvergingtogetheroutfromLancerofBlackinfront
them!

Nowthen,criminalswhohavetrespasseduponmylandwithoutpermission.Its
timeforyourjudgement.DieonthebattlefieldalongwiththosegarbageDragon
ToothWarriors.

LancerofBlackslightlymovedhisfingertipandinstantlyafter.

Stakessuddenlystruckoutfromtheground,aimedatthetwoRedServants.

224

Ch213

Archerpromptlyavoidedthembyjumpingintotheair,but,asifhavingpredicted
that,stakessprangupafterheroneafteranother.

LancerofRedalsojumpedreflexively.Hejudgedthat,ifhesteppedonthe
ground,thestakeswouldaimforhisfeet.Butthestakessprangupallatoncein
ordertopiercehisfallingbody.

Hebrandishedhisdivinespearoncemorebutthestakeshedestroyedwere
replacedbynewstakesthatseemedtothrustoutofthepreviousones.

Destroyingthemismeaningless,huh?

AsLancerofRedgrippedhislancewithonehand,thestakesstruckouttoattack
himoncemore.Itwasjustlikeamuddystreamofstakes.Evenso,LancerofRed
dealtwiththesituationwithoutpanickingatall.

Inthefirstplace,thearmorhewore,KavachaandKundala:OSurya,Become
Armor,wasanabsolutedefensiveNoblePhantasmthatpossessedtheradianceof
thesun,grantedtohimbythegods.Iteasilyrepelledthestakesofaking.

But

Whatsplendidarmoryouhave.

LancerofBlacksvoicecamefromcloserthanhedexpected.Havingequipped
withhimselfaspearinonehandwithoutanyonenoticing,LancerofBlackfinally
arrivedneartheRedServants.

Yes.Hehadranatopthestakeswithhisgolemhorse.AndwhileLancerofRed
wastrappedbythestakesandunabletomove,LancerofBlackmovedtopierce
thebackofhisneckwithhisspear.

ButitsmeaninglessifIapproachthisclose.

225

Ch213

Lancer!!

ArcherofRedfiredanarrow,butstakesblockedthearrowlikeprotectivewalls.
Notaskingforhelp,unabletoevenmove,LancerofRedwasabouttobepierced
bythespearheadandyet,hisexpressionremainedcompletelycalm.

TheinstantLancerofBlacktriedtopiercehisthroatwithhisspear,Lancerof
Redsbodybegantoshinedazzlinglyasiftopiercethroughthenight.

TheskillpossessedbytheHeroicSpiritKarna,[PranaBurst].Ithadthesamename
astheskillpossessedbySaberofRed,butinhiscasethisskillspecializedin
[flames].

Thestakesthatheldhimandrestrainedhisbodywereallburntaway.Thescene
lookedasiftheflamegodAgnihaddescendedupontheearth.Astreamoffire
formedaroundLancerofRedasiftoburnawaytheground,yetitdidntharm
evenasinglestrandofhishair.

LancerofRedlandeduponthenowbaregroundwithamovementthateven
lookedelegant.Watchinghim,ArcherofRedsighedinamazement.

Youshouldhavedonethatfromthebeginning.

Itwouldnthaveworkedaswellasyouthink.Mypranaconsumptionasa
Servantisquitebad.Icantmaintaindoingthatkindofthingforeventen
seconds.

Itsquitetroublesome,LancerofRedaddedwithasigh.TheHeroicSpiritKarna
wasunmistakablytopclass.However,withhisgoldenarmorthatwas
continuouslyactive,themagnificentdivinespearheheld,andthe[PranaBurst]
heusedjustnow,heconsumedanextraordinaryamountofpranaaswell.A
normalmagusprobablywouldntbeabletomoveevenasinglefingerwhile
supportinghim.

226

Ch213

Evenafirstratemaguswouldbeexhaustedtothepointthattheycouldntuse
theirownmagecraft.

Assuch,hewasgratefulthathehadntreceivedasinglecomplaintfromhis
Master,buthecouldntjusttakeadvantageofiteither.Inthatregard,itcouldbe
saidthatLancerofRedhaddisciplinedhimselfquitewell.

ItseemsyouarentanordinaryHeroicSpirit.

LancerofBlackmutteredinacoldvoicewhiledustingsootoffhimself.Therewas
nosignofeventheslightestmentalagitationorangerinhiscountenance.

Willyousurrender?

Regardlessofwhetheryourejokingorserious,dontspoutstupidwords,Lancer
ofRed.AslongasIhaveawishtoaskoftheHolyGrail,Iwillneversurrender.
Besides

LancerofBlackwavedhisrighthand,andanintenttokilloozedoutfromthe
surroundingground.Therewerestillmorethanenoughstakespresent,which
keptwatchonthetwoHeroicSpirits.Furthermore,theRedServantscouldsense
that[something]moreforebodinghadstartedtomovefromthedistantrearof
theBlackarmy.

Arentyoutheoneswhoshouldbesurrendering?Though,Iwontshowmercyto
youallwhoareinvadersontopofbeingpagans.

Indeed,LancerofRedcouldburntoashandcrushthestakeswithhisflamesand
divinespear.ButtheRedcampsoddsofsuccessfullyopposingtheBlackcamps
overwhelmingamountofmaterialresourceswerefiftyfifty.Fightingaforceof
twentythousandwasbeyondthecapacitiesofevenamightyHeroicSpirit.Even
then,therewouldhavebeennoproblemsiftheywerealive,butrightnowthey
wereServants.

227

Ch213

Themoretheyconsumedpranaingreatquantities,theclosertheyapproached
death.

Thatstrue.Pleaseforgetthatjokejustnow.Letsgo,Archer.

Come.

LancerofRedswunghisdivinespearinpreparationwithbothhandsandArcher
ofRednockedanotherarrow.Standingintheirwaywastheonewhoruledthis
land,theDraculLord.

Atthesametimeasthegolemhorseneighed,theclashbetweenthreeServants
recommenced.

228

Ch214

Chapter2

Thoughsomewhathesitant,RiderofBlackrodehishippogrifftowardsthe
HangingGardens.TheonlyonewhocouldflythroughtheskyamongtheBlack
campwashimself,sofirstheshouldrestrainthatthing.Thatwastheconclusion
hecametoafterstraininghisnonexistentwisdom.

However,hehadoneconcern.Hehadsummonedthehippogriffandwassimply
usingitasamount.Atthislevel,itspranaconsumptionwasntthatmuch.Asingle
homunculuswasenoughtocoverthecost.Theproblemwasifhereciteditstrue
nameanddisplayeditsfullpower.

ItspranaconsumptionthenwouldequalthatofunleashingthefullpowerofanA
rankNoblePhantasm.Moreover,thepranaconsumptionwouldntdecreaseafter
firingitonce.ItwasaNoblePhantasmwithanexceedinglybadfuelconsumption
thatwouldcontinueexpendingprananonstopaslongashecontinuedtokeep
thehippogriffdeployed.

Inhismind,herecalledthehomunculiwhowerebeingsuckeddryofprana
withouttheirconsent.HerememberedSiegsextremelyfeebleplea.

Afterwaveringoveritforashortwhile,RiderofBlackdecidedtosealawaythe
useofhisNoblePhantasmstruename.Afterall,rightnow,hedidntwanttouse
it.Sohehadnochoicebuttochooseanalternativeoptionwherehedidntneed
touseit.

Yes,hetrulywasafool.Whatafoolishthought.Andweakaswell.Heshould
unleashhisNoblePhantasmstruenamewithoutmindingthehomunculiwho
servedaspranabatteries.EvenSiegwouldntcondemnRiderforit.Hewouldnt
askthatmuchofaServantwhowassummonedinordertofightandwin.

229

Ch214

ButAstolfowasthatkindofHeroicSpirit.Sincehedidntwanttodoit,he
wouldntdoitnomatterwhatanyonesaid.

Allright,letsgo!

Infrontofthefloatingfortress,Riderlightlyclappedthenapeofthehippogriffs
neckwithhisusualcarefreemanner.Thehippogriffrespondedwithashrillbird
likecryandstronglyflappeditswings.Andsoitflewforwardwithparticlesof
lightflowingoutfromthewingsalongwitharagingwindandlightinguptheair,
likecountlessfireflies,beforedisappearingimmediatelyafter.

RiderflewtowardstheHangingGardensThoughnaturally,themistressofthe
floatingfortresswouldntallowhisthoughtlessactions.

Hoh,itseemstheothercampsRideralsohasamountthatcanflyacrossthe
heavens.Inthatcase,theseonesIvepreparedwontgotowastethen.

TheonlyremainingpersonwithinthefloatingfortresstheHangingGardensof
BabylonAssassinofRed,smiledfaintlyandreleasedthemintothesky.

Go,uglywingedones.Flyanddevourtheenemytoyourheartscontent.

Alongwiththosewords,countlessbighumanoid[things]flewofffromthe
gardensallatonce.

Riderflewacrosstheskyoverthebattlefield.Hesawthatthesecondpowerful
clashbetweenthetwoarmieshadalreadybegun.DragonToothWarriors,
homunculiandgolems.Additionally,theotherServantswereclashingwitheach
otherandfightinglifeordeathstruggles.

Allright.Ihavetoworkhardtoo!

230

Ch214

AsRiderrenewedhisfightingspirit,monstersappearedandswoopeddownto
attackhimwithgoodtiming.TheirupperhalveswerethesameastheDragon
ToothWarriors,butthesehadwingssproutingfromtheirbackandtheirlower
halveswereclearlybirdlike.

Harpies?No,modifiedversionscombinedwithDragonToothWarriors?

Harpies,avaricefilledflyingbeasts,werecreaturesthatcouldnthelpbeingeasily
ledastraybytheirappetite,possessingcruelhabitsandacowardlynaturethat
madethemunsuitableassoldiers.ButAssassinofRedhadfusedthemwith
DragonToothWarriors.RatherthanDragonToothWarriors,perhapsitwouldbe
moreappropriatetocalltheseDragonWingWarriors.Eitherway,considering
theywerenamedafterdragons,theywereverythinanduglylookingsoldiers.

Buttheyweregreatinnumbers.ThesightofoverahundredDragonWing
Warriorsattackingdownwasjustlikethesceneofaskyburialwithbirdsrushing
toeattheofferedcorpse.Withtheirclawssharperthanmetal,theyswooped
downallatoncetoeliminatetheinsolentintruderwhosoughttotrespassonthe
gardens.

Buttheywerefacingtheworstpossibleopponentforthem.

Afterall,theirenemywasahippogriff,acreaturecountedamongthePhantasmal
Species.Therewasnowayitwouldlosetomeresmallfrylikethem.Andtheone
whorodeitwasalsotheworstpossibleenemyforthemaswell.

RiderofBlack,AstolfoofCharlemagnesTwelvePaladins.He,whohadgone
throughmanyadventures,possessedvariousNoblePhantasmsthatdisplayed
effectsunderrestrictedconditions.Hislancethatspecializedinthrowingdown
theenemy,hisbookthatdestroyedallmagecraft,andaphantasmalsteedthat
possessedapowerworthyofspecialmentioninregardstoacertainpoint.

Andthehuntinghornhecurrentlyheldinhishandwasthemostextremeofhis

231

Ch214

NoblePhantasms.

Pleaselineupinarow,wontyou?HerewegoLaBlackLuna:MagicFluteThat
CallsPanic!

Alongwiththatshoutthatcontainednotensionatall,thehuntinghornhanging
fromhiswaistsexpandedandbecamehuge.

Disappear!

Hesuckedinahugebreathandthenreleaseditallinonebreathintothehorn.
Thehighpitchedcallofthehornresoundedthroughthebattlefield.Allhomunculi
andDragonToothWarriorinstantlylookedupattheskyabove.

Theroarofadragon,thecryofagiantbird,theneighofadivinehorsean
enchantedsoundwhichwascomparabletoallthosethingsmadetheDragon
WingWarriors,whoshouldhavenumberedoverahundred,vanishlikemistinan
instant.Theyhadbeenliterallyblownaway.ItwasntsomethingassimpleasThe
harpiesranawayinfearafterhearingthatsoundastoldofinmyths.Thehorn
wasagenuineweaponofwidescaledestruction.

Allright,straightahead,straightahead.Letsgo!

Hanginghisnowminiaturizedhornbackonhiswaist,RiderofBlackoncemore
grippedthereinswithbothhands

Thingswontgothatwellforyou,lovelybattlemaiden.

Henoticedablackcladwomanstandingatthefrontofthegardens.Shewas
withoutadoubtaServant.RiderofBlackguessedherclassbasedonherclothes.

232

Ch214

YoulooktobeCasterofRed!Prepareyourself!

TheblackcladServantsmiledwrylyatRiderofBlacksshout.

Imafraidyouremistaken.IamAssassinofRed.Howeverjustasyousurmised,
Ihavesomesmallamountofconfidenceinmyskillwithmagecraft.Letmetestto
seeifyouhavethequalificationstoentermy[gardens].

Shesnappedherfingersonce.Instantly,wavesofpranaunfoldedaroundher.
Perhapsduetothespellhavingalreadybeensetupbeforehand,shiningpurple
magiccirclesthatgavetheimpressionofpreloadedcannonssuddenlyappeared
intheairaroundher.

Ah,bytheway,therearemoreoftheseaboveandbelow.Pleasebecareful.

RiderofBlackreflexivelylookedattheskyaboveandbelowandwasleft
dumbfounded.Themagiccircleswerentlimitedtojustthefourthathad
appearedaroundher.Therewerefourmoreabovehimandfourmorebelow.
Theywereallloadedwithhugeamountsofpranaandwereimpatientlywaiting
forAssassinsorder!

Fall.

Withtheordertofiregiven,thecannonsfiredallatonce.Withsoundssimilarto
ferociousroars,pillarsoflighteasilybrokethroughthebarrieroftheairandshot
atRiderofBlack.

Justtryit!!

RiderofBlackhadthecontinuouslyactivetypeNoblePhantasm,LunaBreak
Manual:UniversalMagicGuidethoughthenamewasjusttemporaryandas
suchwasgrantedArankMagicResistance.Inpractice,thiseffectivelymeantthat
hecouldntbeharmedbymodernmagi.

233

Ch214

Thatswhyhechosetoattacklikethis.Ifhedidnthavethatbook,evenhewould
falteroverconductingadirectassault.

ButRiderofBlackdidnotknow.TheAssassininfronthimactuallypossesseda
rulebreakingdoubleclassthatallowedhertosimultaneouslyactastheCaster
classaswell.AndshewascurrentlystandingintheHangingGardensofBabylon,
agreatNoblePhantasmwhichsurpassedthehighestgrade[Temple]thatcould
becreatedwiththeclassskill[TerritoryCreation]oftheCasterclass.

Inotherwords,shehadbasicallybarricadedherselfinasolidfortressthat
deployedfiendishweaponsofmassdestruction.Approachingherwasthesame
asthrowingoneselfbeforehertobekilled.

Unabletododge,hisentirebodywasstruckbyEXrankblastsofprana,andasif
unsatisfiedwithjustthat,theblastsransackedtheinsideofhisbodyand
relentlesslyandthoroughlyviolatedhim.

Kuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!

Thehippogriffvanishedwiththatcry,andRiderofBlackfelltowardstheground
below.Watchinghimfall,AssassinofRedmurmuredwithsobereyes.

Whatsthis?Ididsaytofall,butevenso,theresalimittohowquicklyyou
shouldbedefeated.Howboring.Ithoughtyouhadabitofpromisewhenyou
instantlyannihilatedmyDragonWingWarriors,but

Sheswitchedhergazetothebattlebelow.Seenfromabove,theflowofbattle
seemedtobegoingbackandforthbetweenthetwosides.TheirRiderwasfacing
ArcherofBlack,whileLancerandArcherwerefacingLancerofBlack.Andherown
Master,Shirouwas

Hoh.

234

Ch214

Asmilepeekedthroughherexpressionasshewatchedthatparticularscene.
ThoughitwasregrettablethathisopponentwasBerserker,hisexpressiondidnt
lookperturbedatall.

Verywellthen.Showme,Shirou,thefirstbrightandclearbattlecampaignofmy
Master.

235

Ch215

Chapter2

BerserkerofBlack,Frankenstein,didntshowitmuchinherexpression,butshe
wastroubled.

Obeyingherorders,shehadatfirstprowledthebattlefieldlookingforenemy
Servants,andshehadleaptintotheforestafterseeingahumanfigurethere,but
whatshefoundtherewasntaServant,butinstead

Itseemsyouremyopponent,Frankenstein.Thesorrowfulmonstercreatedby
humansinpursuitofanideal.Inacertainsense,youarebothaturningpointand
amidwaybeingthatshouldbeaimedfor.

Theonewhowhisperedthosestrangewordsasifsubtlymistakingthesituation
wasahuman.HedidntseemtobeaServant.Butwasthemanbeforehereyes
reallyahumanbeing?

Forsomereason,BerserkerofBlacksintuitiveperceptionwasvagueonthat
point.

Uu

DragonToothWarriorswereattackingher,butshedealtwiththemeasily.Onthe
otherhand,sincetheyneverlaidahandonthemaninfrontofher,shewasable
tocomprehendthathewasontheenemyside.

Butevenso.Whydidheknowhertruename?

JustlikehowherMasterCauleshadbeensurprised,Frankensteinwasgenerally
recordedasbeingmale,andahugemanwhocouldstabthecloudsatthat.Soit
shouldntbepossibleforanyonetoguessheridentitybasedonherappearance.

236

Ch215

Hadhemetherduringherlifetime?

Thatwasalsoimpossible.ShewasayoungHeroicSpiritwhohadbeenbornright
attheveryendoftheerawhenmysteriescouldstillcomeintoexistence.There
werefewpeoplewhohadlivedinthesameeraasherthatcouldhavebecome
HeroicSpirits,andeveniftherewere,shehadneverchanceduponmeetingany
ofthem.

Sodidsomeoneexposehertruenametotheenemy?

Yes,youtrulyaredistinct.ThoughaBerserker,youretainacertaindegreeof
higherorderthought.TrulyamodernHeroicSpirit.

Whilegivingacarefreesmile,themanheldouthishandtoBerserker.

Iknowandunderstandyouquitewell.Howaboutit?Wouldyoubeinterestedin
comingovertooursidetoreplaceBerserkerofRed?

Atthosewords,Berserkerbecamefilledwithwarinessandgrowledmenacingly.
Themanlethishandfallbackdownwithabittersmile.

Thatsuseless,myMaster.

Berserkerswarinessincreasedfurther.Behindtheman,thistimesomeonewho
wasclearlyaServantappeared.Therewasathinamountofpranabeingemitted
fromhimandhisclothingwashardlysuitedforabattle.Wasthistheenemy
Caster?

Ohmy,howrude.Ihavenointentiontofightintheleast.Theonewhowillfight
isthisMasterhere.Imerelywatchoverandsupporthim.

SayingsuchathingthatwasunbecomingofaServanthetookonestepbackas
iftousetheMasterasashield.

237

Ch215

Therewasnosignofhimusinganymagecrafttoattack.Unbelievably,itseemed
thisMastertrulyintendedtofightheroneonone.

Thatsright.TheonetofightwillbeI,ShirouKotomine.

Theinstanthelethisarmsdangleathisside,[hilts]appearedbetweeneachofhis
fingers.Berserkercouldnttellwhatkindofweaponstheywerewithherscarce
knowledge.

Butthosewhohadseenthembeforewouldprobablyimmediatelyrecognize
them.TheywereConceptualArmamentsthatdispensedpurificationandtookthe
formofbladescompiledoutofprana,knownas[BlackKeys].

Ifyoueverfeellikecomingovertoourside,pleasefeelfreetoacceptmyoffer
atanytime.

Sayingthatwithasmile,ShiroulaunchedtheBlackKeys.

!?

Whileleapingbackwards,BerserkerswattedtheBlackKeyswithherweapon,the
[BridalChest].

Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaooooooh!!

Withthat,hermindwassettled.Nomatterthecircumstances,thisMasterwas
facingherasanenemy.Regardlessofwhetheritwasatrapornot,shedidnt
thinkitwouldhandicaphertoomuchinthissituation.Ofcourse,shemadesure
tonevertoletherselflowerherguardagainstthenearbymaterializedCaster.
Eventhen,shedidntthinkshewasatadisadvantage.

Berserkerdidacompletespinandthenplungedforwardatfullspeed.Fourmore
BlackKeyswerethrownfromthemanshands.

238

Ch215

Theymovedatasplendidspeedforweaponsthrownbyahuman,andifshewere
attackedbythemwithherguarddown,shewouldprobablybeskewered.

Buttherewasnopointinthrowingthematherrightfromthefrontwithsuch
unrefinedskill.Sherepelledthemoncemoreandadvancedfurtherforward.

Asexpectedofaherolikeyou.

Hepraisedherwitharelaxedexpression.Irritationslightlygushedforthin
Berserkersmind.Letstestoutwhetherhewouldcontinueactingcomposedlike
thisevenaftershesmashedthatfaceofhis!

Set1.

Instantly,impactslikelightningstrikesranthroughhersurroundings.She
immediatelyturnedherselfalongwithher[BridalChest]around380degrees
theBlackKeyssheshouldhaverepelledhadreturned,aimingatheronceagain.It
seemedsuchaspellhadbeeninsertedintothehiltsbeforehand.

Howdisappointing.

WasShirousmurmurdirectedathimself?Orwerethosewordsdirectedather
forknockingthemdowninadisappointingmanner?

Itmakesnodifference,Berserkerthought,instantlydiscardingthattrainof
thought.Fromthebeginning,shecouldntputupwithcomplexthoughtsforlong
periodsoftime.Shejustthoroughly,determinedlyandhonestlyadvanced
forward!

Nowthen.Caster,Illuseitnow.

1
Here,itsaysSetinfuriganawhilethetextbeneathitroughlyreadsasIannounce.

239

Ch215

Shirousaidthatandheldouthishandintheair.Suddenly,hispersonalweapon
wassummonedintohishandwithaburstofprana.AsBerserkercharged,her
gazefocusedontheJapanesebladestoredinanironscabbard.Atthesametime,
shefeltunbelievableshock.Withanenormousamountofpranaconverging
withinit,thatbladewasclearlyaNoblePhantasm!

Yes,yes.Pleasegoahead!Useittoyourheartscontent!Likeatempest
accompaniedbyragingflames!Likeatorrentialrainaccompaniedbylightning!
Theeternallycontinuingstorybeginsnow!

AlongwithCastersexcitedshout,Shirouranforward.Heinstantlypulledoutthe
swordfromthescabbardinhislefthand,sunkintoadeeppostureandthrustthe
bladeforward.

Uuuuuuuuu!!

Caughtoffguardasshecharged,Berserkerhadapatchofskintornofffromher
body.Thatfactmadehertrulyrealizethatthebladeheheldwasnoordinary
object.TherewerentmanyweaponsthatcouldwoundaServantsbody.

Berserkerswunghermace.Itturnedintoafranticdanceofslashesandstrikes.A
normalswordwouldprobablybreakorbendifitreceivedadirecthitfromher
mace,butthebladedidnotreceiveasinglescratchnomatterhowmanyblows
wereexchanged.

Hedidntfightwithartisticskillandtalent.Shirousswordtechniquewasalmost
average.Hewasabovethelevelofarankandfilewarrior,buthewasfarfrom
beingamaster.Butinthatcase,whywereheandBerserkerevenwitheachother
astheyexchangedblows?

ItstruethatBerserkerwasntaHeroicSpiritwhohadwonfameasan
embodimentofmartialprowess.Shewasabeingthatfoughtferociouslyand
brutallyasaHeroicSpiritduetoherorigins.

240

Ch215

Butevenso,herbasicspecswereexceptional.Abletocreateaninfinitecycleby
reproducingapseudoTypeIIPerpetualMotionMachine,shecouldcontinue
movingatfullpowerinanykindofsituation.Shewouldneverrunoutofbreath
andtire,unlikeahuman.Shewouldcontinuehittingperpetuallywithout
breathinguntiltheenemyfellthatwaspreciselywhyshewasgiventhetitleof
themadwarriorBerserker.

Yes,anybeingwhowasableexchangeblowswiththatPerpetualMotionMachine
headoncouldnotbecalledhuman.Ofcourse,sincethismanwasthemediator
sentfromtheChurch,hehadtobehuman,anditwouldbenaturaltosimplysay
hehadaccumulatedalotoftraining.

Butevenso,thepowerhedisplayedstoodouttoomuch.Berserkerfeltafeeling
ofuneasesettleinthepitofherstomach.

Shebrandishedhermaceandinstantlyswungitdownbuthedodgedit.Ifitwas
thatalone,itwouldhavebeenfine.Itwasntanunavoidableattackforonewho
hadreachedthepeakinthedomainofmagecraft.Theproblemwashowhe
dodgedit.Someonewhocouldgivefaintsmileinthissituation,withoutcaring
aboutthefactthathermace,whichcouldcrushandknockoffhisheadlikea
tomato,hadjustpassedinfrontofhisnosebyaliterallypaperthindistanceof
onlyafewmilimeters,wasnthuman.

Idontlikethatsmile,Berserkerthought.Idontlikethoseeyes,Berserker
thought.ButmostofallIcantstandhisexistence!

Shirouwidenedthedistancebetweenthemwithasinglejumpbackwards.He
grippedhisbladeinonehandandheldBlackKeysintheother.

ThemadartificialhumanpushedthroughtherainofthrownBlackKeyswithout
theslightesthesitation.

241

Ch216

Chapter2

ChoosingthemomentwhenLancerofBlackbeganfightingagainsttwoother
ServantsfromtheRedcamp,CasterofBlackreleasedBerserkerofRed.Right
now,LancerofBlackwasthecornerstoneoftheircamp.CasterofBlackjudged
thathemustntbeallowedtodie.

Berserker.IamyourMaster.Doyouunderstand?

Yes,Iunderstand.ItseemsIcantcontinueexistingwithoutyourpower.What
anunforgivableenslavement.

Thenwillyoukillme?

ButIcantkillyou.Afterall,IhaveamissionforwhichImustremaininthis
presenteraforevenalittlebitlonger.Imuststrikedowntheoppressorsand
graspthehopethatliesattheendofdespair.Andfinally,Imustslaughterall
thosegreedypowerfulpeoplewhohavegatheredinsearchoftheHolyGrail.

Isee.Butinordertodothat,youmustfirstannihilatetheenemyside.Go,
Berserker.Youropponentsareoppressorsandthehoundsofthoseinpower.That
shouldbesufficientmotiveforyou.

CasterreleasedthesealonBerserker.Unabletoendureitevenamomentlonger,
Berserkerstruggledoutofhisbindsandfinallytookastepforward.

Theinstantheregainedhisfreedom,heturnedtowardsCasterwithagentle
smilelikethecalmsea.ButCasterdidntreactatall.Duetothemaskhewore,it
wasimpossibletotellwhetherhewasafraidorevenfeltanyemotionatall.

Hmph.

242

Ch216

SeemingtohavelostinterestinCaster,BerserkerofRedturnedtofacethe
battlefield.Happilytakingadeepbreath,hebeganwalkingtowardsthe
battlefieldwithhisswordthatwasfarbiggerthanastandardgladiusinhishand.

Watchinghimleave,Castersighedinexasperation.Ifhehadactedtoohigh
handed,Berserkerprobablywouldhavewithdrawnhispreviouswords(since
therewasnootherServantasfickleasBerserker)andkilledhim.

Imweak,afterallIwouldhavebeenkilledbyasingleblowfromhim.

Thoughhisskinwasaspaleasacorpses,thatmanwascomposedofnothingbut
muscle.Hewouldprobablytramplethroughthebattlefieldandthrowthebattle
intochaoslikeademon,returningeverythingtonothing.

Nowthen,nextis

Casterhadoneremainingduty.Thatwastochoosethetimingtosacrificethe
magustheyhadchosenandactivatehisNoblePhantasm.HehadDarnics
permission,sotherewerenoproblemsinthatregardHefeltconfidentabout
hisownabilities,buthestillfeltsomeuneaseoverhowfarhewouldreallybe
abletogowhenupagainstthebestchosenHeroicSpirits.Butifhecouldnt
overcomethem,hewouldntbeabletoaccomplishhiswish.

ThewishthatCasterofBlack,Avicebron,wantedtoentrusttotheHolyGrailwas
complicated.Normally,HeroicSpiritsfoughtandkilledoneanotherasthey
advancedthroughtheHolyGrailWarinordertogranttheirwishes.Butthe
circumstancesofhiscasewereslightlydifferent.

HiswishwastocompletehisNoblePhantasm,GolemKeterMalkuth:Royal
Crown,theLightofWisdom.Thenwouldnthiswishbegrantedoncehe
activatedhisNoblePhantasm?

243

Ch216

No,itwouldnt.Inthefirstplace,golemswereapartoftheKabbalahstyleof
magecraft,withthewordmeaningembryoormouldedbeing.Therefore,
golemswerenothingotherthananattempttoreproducethesecretmysteryof
howGodcreatedthehumanAdam.

Inotherwords,evenifitwascompletedasaNoblePhantasm,itwouldstillbe
incomplete.Evenifitcouldwieldunparalleledpower,itwouldntbeatruly
perfectedexistence.

Agreatkingwhowouldleadushumansfilledwithhardshipandsufferingtothe
GardenofEdenoncemorethatwastherolehesoughtinthesupremegolem.

Hehadassemblednearlyallthenecessarymaterials.Allthatwasleftwasthefinal
[core];inotherwords,amagus.Itwouldhavebeengreatiftheycouldhaveat
leastcapturedthathomunculus,buthewouldntaskfortoomuch.

Sensei!

Casterheardavoicefromfaraway.Whenheturnedaroundandlookedup,he
sawhisMasterRochestandingonthecastlerampartsandwavinghisarm
innocentlyathim.ThoughCastercouldseehim,Rochewasobviouslytoofarfor
hisvoicetoreachhim,soheusedtelepathiccommunication.

Ibelievecomingoutlikethatisdangerousforyou

Yes!Umm,whenyoucomebackwontyoupleaselookatmygolems!?IthinkI
managedtomakethelatestbatchwellthistime!

Casternoddedinanimpressedmanner.Theboyspassionforgolemswasquite
something.Whenhewasgivenadvice,hewouldimmediatelytrytocorrectthose
pointsandaimtomakethembetter.BackinCasterslifetime,Rochemighthave
beenabletoserveashispupilwithhisoutstandingtalent.

244

Ch216

Mostofall,Casterlikedthattherewasafamilylineagethatstillcontinuedtopass
onthemysteriesofgolemmakingthatheandhisforefathershadcreated.

Illlookitoveriftherestime.

YYes!

Rocheseemedlikehestillwantedtosaymore,buthefinallyhunghisheadasif
embarrassedanddrewbackintothecastle.

Evenso,Imbadwithchildren.

Inthefirstplace,Casterhadsufferedfrommanyillnessesduringhislife,andhad
spenthisdayswithalmostzerocontactwithotherhumans.Hehadeven
purposefullycreatedmaidtypegolemstotakecareofthehouseworkinorderto
maintainhisisolation.

Asaresult,hehadneverhadanycontactwithchildren,andassuch,thissituation
whereachildadoredandidolizedhimlikethiswassimplybafflingand
uncomfortableforhim.

Howironic.He,whowastryingtocreatetheoriginalhumanAdaminorderto
reproduceGodsmiracle,couldnthelpdislikinghumans.

Goodgrief.

ItwouldbealietosaythatCasterfeltnohesitationoverusingamagusasthe
[core].Evenso,completinghisNoblePhantasmwasCastersdearestwish.
Therefore,itwasnecessarytohavetheresolutiontosacrificeeverythingforthe
sakeofwinning.

Andbesides,hehadreceivedpermissionfromDarnic.ThatmanGordesMusik
Yggdmillenniawouldprobablybepassinglyadequateasthe[core].

245

Ch216

CasterpersonallywantedtoaimforsomethingbettertouseashisNoble
Phantasm,buttherewerenootheroptionsbesidesGordesavailable.

Casterfeltjustalittledisappointmentoverthat.

246

Ch217

Chapter2

BerserkerofRedignoredalltheDragonToothWarriorsthatbitathim,and
savagelyattackedLancerandArcherofRed.Thereasonheattacked
wholeheartedlylikethiswasprobablybecauseofLancerofBlack.

ThoughhehadswitchedhisMasterandchangedcamps,Berserkerwouldhave
undoubtedlyattackedLancerifhewerentrestrainedbyCastersCommandSpell.
Hisunconsciousdesiretodosohadnaturallyledhimtothefiercestsceneof
battleonthisbattlefield.

BerserkerofRedwastrulylikeatimebomb,buthisstrengthwasgreatenoughto
invokefeareveninotherServants.

Tch.IknewIshouldhaveshothistendonsbackthen!!

Asshesaidthat,ArcherofRedrepeatedlyshotastrafingofarrows.Herarrows,
firedatthesamespeedasamachinegun,allhittheirtarget.Berserkersknees
nowlookedlikehedgehogs.

Withastrangesound,BerserkerofRedskneeschangedtoaneeriecolorlikethat
ofoverlyripenedpersimmons,butBerserkerdidntfall.

Archer.PleasetakecareofBerserker.Illtakecareofthislordofimpalement,
KazikluBey,here.

LancerofRedsaidthattoArcherwhilecrossingspearswithLancerofBlack.

Roger.HmphNowthatIthinkaboutit,youarequiteapitifulcreature,
Berserker!

247

Ch217

SincehewasparticipatinginthisGreatHolyGrailWar,Berserkerhadto
subordinatehimselfundersomeone.Theremightalsooccasionallybecases
wherehewouldhavetofightasthedogofsometyrantIfhehadbeen
summonedintheSaberclassasaproperswordsman,wouldhehavebeenableto
endurethehumiliationofthat?

Thatswhy,ifhewasgoingtofightwiththeHolyGrailastheprize,hecouldntbe
anythingbutahighriskBerserker.AndhisMadEnhancementwasdeterioratedto
thepointofbeingbeyondsaving.Mostlikely,nomatterwhichHolyGrailWarhe
wassummonedin,hewouldneverbeabletohavehiswishgranted.

Butevenso,hesmoteevilwhilelaughing.Hesearchedforthepathofrebellion
evenwhilebeingtormented.Ahopelessdestroyerwhopursuedthewayof
sufferingthatwaspreciselythekindofpersonSpartacuswas.

ArcherofRedthereforedeemedhimpitifulassheshotherarrowsathim.Toher,
Berserkerwasmerelybigbodied.Boththeblowsofhisgladiusswungbyhis
strongarmandhischargewereequivalenttomotionlessinthefaceofherbeast
likespeed.ButBerserkerssteellikemusclesdidntfalteratalldespitebeing
piercedbyseveralarrows.

SotoughThenhowaboutthis!

Archerstoppedtryingtomaintaindistancebetweenthemandvigorouslyran
forward.Shedodgedthesweepingslashthatcametointerceptherbyslidingon
theground.Asifitwerechasingafterher,KazikluBey:LordofExecutionshot
stakestopierceherinrapidsuccession,buttheydidntreachArcherasshe
dashedforwardatfullpower.

AsshepassedthroughthespacebetweenBerserkersfeet,Archerfiredarrowsat
hislowerjaw,windpipe,solarplexusandabdomeninasingleinstant.

Hahahaha!Notenough!Notenough!Noooooteeeeeeeeenooooough!!!

248

Ch217

ButBerserkersimplyturnedaroundandkickedArcherinthestomachwithallhis
might.Hitwithanimpactequaltothatofadirecthitfromacannonball,Archer
wassentflyingtwentymetersawaythroughthesurroundingDragonTooth
Warriorsandhomunculi.

Guuuh!

Fortunately,shedmanagedtojumpbackandescapebyahairsbreadthright
beforethekickfullyhit.Ifshehadnt,itwouldnthavebeenstrangeiftheimpact
hadbeenstrongenoughtotearhertorsoofffromtherestofherbody.

Whileagonizingoverhercarelessness,ArcherwatchedasBerserkerapproached
her.Despiteallthearrowsshedshotathim,hismadchargehadntchangedat
all.

Butmyarrowsshouldhavehithim

ItwaspossibleforhighrankingHeroicSpiritslikeRiderofRed,whowasbeloved
bythegods,tonegateattackswiththeirskillsorNoblePhantasms.Sheherself
alsopersonallyknewaherowhopossessedsuchanabilitythatwasnearlyfoul
playintheformofaNoblePhantasmthatcompletelynegatedallattacksbelowa
certainrank.

ButtherewasnosuchabilityamongBerserkerofRedsNoblePhantasmandskills
thatShirouhadinformedherabout.Ofcourse,itwaspossiblethatthepriest
hadnttoldheraboutit.ButinthissituationwhereBerserkerwasclearlyfacing
themasanenemy,Shirouhadnoreasontohidesuchinformation.

Andbesides,mostimportantly,herarrowshaddefinitelypiercedhim.Shehad
receivedsuchfeedbackfromthem.Perhapsirritatedbythem,Berserker
sometimespulledoutthearrowsthatpiercedhim,buthewasdefinitelycovered
inwoundsalloverhisbody.

249

Ch217

Yes,therewasevenbloodflowingfromthem.Shewasdefinitelywoundinghim.
Then,hemustsimplybeenduringthem.Perhapsshehadmerelyunderestimated
hisextraordinarystamina.

Nosomethingisstrangehere.

Shewasagirlwhohadspentallherlifedoingnothingbutfightingandhunting.
Evenasshewasnockinganotherarrow,sheobservedBerserkersbodyfromafar
andfinallynoticedit.

Hiswoundswerehealing.Ratherthanhealing,though,itwasmorelikeover
regeneration.Thepiercedpartsofhisbodyswelledandbulgedliketumors.
Archersarrowsshouldhavepiercedholesthroughouthisbody.Thenthis
meant

Impossible,ishebecomingbigger!?

Itwasntjustthat.Shecouldfeelatorrentofpranafromhimthatwasgreater
thanitwasbefore.Whilecladinadenseconcentrationofpranaalloverhisbody,
Berserkerswunghisswordwithstrengthandspeedgreaterthanearlier!

Tch!!

Archerjumpedassheavoidedthedownwardslashbyapaperthindistance.She
jumpeduponBerserkersarmandranstraighttowardshisface.

ThenIlltakeyourhead!

StandingatopBerserkersshoulder,Archerfiredarrowafterarrowatthenapeof
hisneck.Thankstoherinnatesenseofbalance,shedidntfallnomatterhow
muchBerserkerswungaround,andshecrawledaroundhisbackand,grabbing
oneofarrowsthathadpiercedhim,continuedusingittoslashhisneck.

250

Ch217

Whenthesoundofbloodgurglingoutbegan,shestoppedandputawaythe
arrow,andthenfirmlysteppedonBerserkersshoulderwithbothherfeetand
pulleduphisneckwithallhermight.Atthesoundoffleshtearingoffasshedid
so,Berserkerbeganrunningamuckevenmoreinrage.

Trippingonthebloodgushingout,Archerfelltotheground.Sherolledoverand
resetherstance,andlookedovertoconfirmthestateofBerserkersbodyand
wasnaturallyleftdumbfounded.

Thisisabaddream.

Archersmutterwasonlynatural.Berserkersneck,whichshouldhavebeentorn
off,hadfleshbulgingfromitlikeaspoutofbubbles.Itwasanextremely
disgustingandevenslightlyridiculoussight.AndArchercouldtellthattheprana
overflowingfrominsidehimhadincreasedevenfurther.

TheNoblePhantasmofBerserkerofRed,Spartacus,CryingWarmonger:Howlof
theWoundedBeast,wasanAntiUnitNoblePhantasmthataffectstheuser,
convertingpartofthedamagereceivedintopranaandusingtheaccumulated
energytoboostonesabilities.

ButIdidnothearanythingaboutitgrotesquelymorphingevenhisphysical
formguh!

Hisnecknowlookinglikeaturtles,Berserkergrinnedwithwideopeneyes.While
dodgingthelashlikeattacksofhisswingingarms,Archershotathishandholding
hisswordthistimeinordertotearitoff.Oncethreearrowshaddugintohis
wrist,thegladiusfinallyfellfromhishand.

Archerfiercelysprintedforwardandpickeduphissword,andthenswungitwith
bothherhandstostabitintothebackofBerserkerswrithinghandandplantitin
theground.

251

Ch217

Hedidntcryout,buthismovementsstoppedduetobeingdeeplystabbed.Ifhis
wristhadbeentornoffhecouldhaveescaped,butunfortunately,duetohis
excessiveregeneration,hiswristhadalreadyundergoneadhesion.

Allright,dontmoveforawhile.

ArcherlookedaroundtoconfirmthattherewerenoDragonToothWarriors,
homunculiorgolemsinthesurroundingregion,andthennockedanothertwo
arrowsandfiredthemintothesky.

Shelimitedthetargetedareatoaminimumandfocusedthearrowsontoasingle
point.ShewasgoingtouseherNoblePhantasmasecondtime,butthiswas
currentlytheoptimalchoiceamongtheattackoptionsshehad,soitcouldntbe
helped.

Fortunately,herMasterdidnotutterawordofcomplainteither.

IoffertheethiscalamityPhoebusCatastrophe:ComplaintMessageonthe
Arrow!

BerserkerofRedstaredattheskyandsmiled.Ashiningrainfelldowntopurify
him.

Hisentirebodywasthoroughlytornapartandfinelyhashedup.Muscletissue,
skin,bloodvessels,nervesallofitwasdamaged.EvenasuperiorServant
wouldntbeabletoescapefrombeinginaneardeathstateafterthat.
InstantaneoushealingwasimpossibleevenwithaMasterwhowasafirstrate
magus.

But

Noway.

252

Ch217

AsifinresponsetoArchersmutterofmuteamazement,thetornuplumpof
meatinfrontofherbegansquirming.

253

Ch218

Chapter2

Achilles.AgreatherowhorivaledthelegendaryGreekheroHeraclesintermsof
fame.Therewereprobablylessthantenheroes,includinghim,whosenames
wereknownonaglobalscale.However,thenumberofpeopledecreasedwhenit
cametothosewhoknewthestoryoftherushedandshortlifeofthisgreat
sprinter.

BornfromtheseagoddessThetisandtheheroPeleus,Achilleswasblessedbythe
godsfrombirth.HismotherThetis,havinggreatlylovedherson,hadwarmedhim
withinholyflamesinordertotryandmakehimimmortal.ButherhusbandPeleus
hadopposedit,sayingThenthatwoulddestroyAchillesasahuman,andinthe
endAchillesgrewupwhileonlyacertainpartofhimremainedhuman.

Eventually,whenwarbrokeoutbetweenTroiaandAchaea,Achilleswasasked
thefollowingbyhismotherThetis.

Doyouwishtolivealongandpeacefullifewithouthavingyourname
recognizedbythemasses?Ordoyouwishtolivetheshortlifeofaherowith
brilliantachievementsinbattle?

Achilleschoicewentwithoutsaying.Atthesametimeashismotherfeltpridein
hisdecision,shealsofeltheartbreakinglysad.Becausehisfatehadbeen
predeterminedsincehewasborn.Ifhelivedasahero,hewouldhaveashortlife,
asifsprintingthroughitatfullspeed.

Afterhavinggrownup,heparticipatedintheTrojanWaraspartoftheAchaean
armyandcontinuedachievingmanygreatfeats.Hisbody,blessedbyallthegods,
neverreceivedanywounds,andthespearthathisfatherhadgiventohim
piercedthroughallotherheroes.

254

Ch218

Withhischariotledbythreesteeds,consistingoftwodivinehorsesgiventohim
asagiftfromtheseagodandafamoushorsehestolewhileassaultingacertain
city,noonecouldchaseafterhimfrombehind.

ButduringtheoneononefightbetweenAchillesandthegreatestherointhe
TrojanWar,Hector,whowasequalinstrengthandskillwithAchilles,hisweak
pointwasexposed.EvenifHectorwasthekillerofAchillesclosefriendPatroclus,
thewayAchillesinsultedhimbydragginghiscorpsearoundwithhischariotwasa
foolishandintolerableact.

Asaresult,heincurredthedispleasureofthesungodApollo,butdespitebeing
repeatedlywarnedtorestrainhimself,AchillescontinuedslaughteringtheTrojan
army.SotheenragedApolloaidedtheTrojanarmysbowexpertParis,and
guidedhimtoshootAchillesonlyweakpointthatis,hisheel.

Havinghisheartpiercedbyarrowsoneafteranotherafterwards,Achillessensed
hisowndeath,butcontinuedfiercelyfightingandusingallhisstrengthtokillthe
soldiersoftheTrojanarmyaroundhim.Justaspredicted,hehadashortlife,but
hislegendasaherowascarvedintotheworld.

Ahumanwhowasexceedinglyclosetothelevelofthegods,afastsprintinghero
withaninvinciblebody.Buthisheelalonewasthisherosvitalweakpoint.

AndArcherofBlack,Chiron,servedasAchillesteacher.WhenAchilleswasa
youngchild,hismotherThetisreturnedtoherhomeatthebottomoftheseadue
todiscordwithhisfatherPeleus.Chiron,whohadraisedmanyheroes,wasanold
friendofPeleus,andhappilyacceptedtheroleoftrainingAchilles.

Yes.ItwasonlynaturalthatAchilleshadwaveredforaninstant.Chironhad
beenanabsolutefigureandsymboltohisyoungerself.Hisgentleness,
seriousnessandwordshadbeenengravedlikemagicintotheyoungAchilles.

255

Ch218

FornineyearsChironwasafather,teacher,olderbrotherandclosefriend
whomhespenthischildhoodwith,whenhewasathismostsensitive.For
Achilles,whowasthesonofahero,hadreceivedtheblessingsoftheOlympian
godsandhadbeengivenlooksofawe,respectandadmirationfrommanyyoung
warriors,therewerefewpeoplehecouldtrulycallhisfriendsorteachers.

Chironwas,beyondadoubt,oneofthosefewpeople.HewassomeoneAchilles
couldtrustjustasmuchashisclosefriendPatroclus.

ThatherowasnowblockinghiswayinsearchfortheHolyGrail.

AsArcherofBlack,asanenemy,andasanopponenttobekilled

HereIcome,sensei.

Suchwordsareunnecessary,RiderofRed.

Thoughhewitheredslightlyatbeingspurnedbythoseharshwords,RiderofRed
fiercelyswunghisspear.Thetwoofthembeganfightingwhilekeepingsufficient
distancebetweenthemtotalkwitheachother.Inotherwords,thebowmanwas
allowingtheattacking,lightlyarmoredwarriortogetupclosetohim.

EvenwhileRiderwasgrippedbyalittleregret,hisspeartipdidntdullandaimed
attheenemysheart.However,withrecklesscouragelikethatofamadwarrior
whoknewnofear,ArcherofBlacktookastepforwardatthesametimeasthe
spearwasthrust.

TheskillofthefamoussprinterAchilleswiththespearwassogreatthathewould
havenotroublebeingsummonedasaLancer.Normallyspeaking,hewouldhave
hadeasilygougedoutArchersheart.

256

Ch218

ButRiderhadfatallyforgottenonepoint.

Insteadofgouginghisenemysheart,hisspeartipendeduppassingbyArchers
flank.

Wha!!

Didyouforget,Rider?Whogaveyouthisspearandtaughtyouthebasicsof
usingit?

RiderreceivedashockfromArcherswords.Justashesaid,Riderhadntrefined
hisspearskillswithselftaughttraining.Inthebeginning,hewastaughtthebasics
byhisteacherChiron.Therefore,itwasonlynaturalthatArcherwouldsee
throughallhisbodysmovementsandhabits.Furthermore,thisspearwas
originallygiventohisfatherPeleusasaweddinggiftforhimandhiswife,sohe
couldalsocompletelygraspitsdistanceandreach.

AndArcherhaddisplayedanevenmoreshockingtechniquethanthat.Atthe
sametimeashesteppedforward,hehadnockedanarrowonhisbow.Trulya
quickdraw.Hehadsetupanunavoidableshotfromzerodistance.

Youregoingtodie,youknow,Rider?

FixinghisaimonRidersskull,Archerfiredthearrowwithouthesitation.Rider
bentbackwardsrightawaytododgeit.Withmovementscapableofunbelievable
quicknessandreadiness,hemanagedtojustbarelyavoiditsoitonlygrazedhis
skin.

ButthenArchershotakickathimatthatmoment.Withhisstancedestroyed,
Riderwasblownawayandimpactedagainstatree.Theinstantthedistance
betweenthemhadwidened,Archernockedandfiredanotherarrow.

257

Ch218

WithinRider,somekindofswitchwasthrown.Grittinghisteeth,heglaredat
Archerwithdeterminedeyes.HeranstraighttowardsthearrowArcherfiredat
him.Dodgingthearrowbybendingforward,heswunghisspearinasweeping
slashbutArcherdodgedit.

Afeelingofjoyrandownhisspine.Howlingfiercely,hethrusthisspearagainand
again.Archerdodgedthecontinuousbulletlikespearattacksandnockedmore
arrowswhileskillfullycontrollingthedistancebetweenthem.

Itwasimpossibleforabowmantofightatcloserange,andifRidercouldgethim
withintherangeofhisspear,hewouldwin.Riderwasfuriousathisown
shallownessforthinkingthat.HisopponentwasChiron,thegreatsagewhohad
taughtnotonlyRiderhimself,butotherheroesthatwerelikeshiningstars,such
asHeracles,Jason,CastorandAsclepius.

Gettingcloseuponlymadethemequal.Fromthispointon,ifRiderdidntmuster
everythinghehadintohisattacksevenfurther,hisdefeatwouldbeinevitable!

RiderattackedArcherwhilethrusting,slashingandcleverlyusingfeintswithhis
spear.Archeravoidedtheattacksandoccasionallydefendedwithhisbow,and
furthermore,addedinhisownkicksandpuncheswhileshootingarrows
whenevertherewasanopening.

RidersbodywasgreatlywoundedbyArcherspointblankshots.Evenwithhis
bodyblessedbythegods,hewasdefencelessagainsttheattacksofArcherwho
possessedthesame[Divinity]ashimself.

AllofRidersattackswereread,whileontheotherhandhecouldntreadhis
opponentsattackswell.Hesomehowmanagedtomaintainabalanceinthefight
withhisnaturalsturdiness,butatthisratehewouldendupbeingdrivenintoa
corner.

Riderdetachedhisthoughtsfromthebattlebeforehimforamoment.

258

Ch218

Thereasonhistechniqueswerebeingreadwasbecausehehadlearnedthebasics
fromtheveryArcherinfrontofhim.Everythingfromsettinghisstancetotiming
histhruststomakingsweepingslasheswithhisspear.

Dontbedeceived.

ItwastruethatArcherhadtaughthimthebasics.ButRiderhadntmanagedto
keepwinningsincethetimehethrewhimselfintobattleatayoungagewithjust
thebasics.Hehadlearnedhowtoapplythosetechniquesinafightandhowto
surviveinthemidstofdesperatebattles.Hehadfoughtmanyheroesand
sharpenedhisskillsintheprocess.

Howhadhefoundawaytosurviveineverybattleandcriticalsituation?Yes,like
thattimehe

Ridersmovementschanged.Hestoppedusingbasictechniquesandtryingto
overwhelmhisopponentwithhisoverwhelmingspeed,andinsteadstarted
changinghisattackswithtrickymoves.

Justwhenheseemedtoletgoofhisspear,hekickedArcherandsenthimflying
usinghisownfatalweakpoint,hisheel.

Hethenkickeduphisspearasitfellandgrabbeditoncemoreintheair,andthen
fixedhisaimandthrustedwithit.ThespeargrazedagainstArchersneck,causing
bloodtospoutout.

Kuh!!

Findinghimselfdeeplycornered,Archerwidenedthedistancebetweenthem.
Riderwavedhisspearasiftosay,Howsthat?

Astheireyesmet,theybothgavefearlesssmiles.

259

Ch218

Hmm.SoyoureallydidearnyourplaceasaHeroicSpirit.

Ofcourse.Unlikeyouwhosimplytaughtothers,Iranthroughnumerous
battlefields,afterall.

Hehadcrossedblades,foughttothedeath,andexchangedfriendshipsofthesoul
withmanyheroes.ItwastruethathehadlearnedthebasicsfromChiron.Butthe
corpsesthatRiderhadpiledupinbattlewerealsoanothertruthforhim.

No,Imreallyglad.ItwouldhaveleftabadaftertasteinmymouthifIone
sidedlyslaughteredastudentofmine.

Archersmiled,andRidersmiledinreturn.

Riderhadalreadythrownawayhishesitationoverfightingagainsthisteacher.All
thatwasleftwasthejoyofadeathmatchagainstastrongopponent.

Riderwaveredoverwhetherornotheshouldclosethedistancebetweenthem.It
wasstandardtacticsforhimtochargeathisenemy,butthismightbeagoodtime
tothrowawaythosestandardtactics.

Themainpurposeofthespearheheldwasoriginallyforthrowing.Itwasa
weaponthatdestroyedalldefensesandpiercedthechestsofheroes.Chiron
understoodthefearsomenessofthatspearbetterthananyoneelse.Afterall,he
wastheonewhohadgivenitawayasagift.

Nowthen,whattodo?

Theirgazesmet.BothRiderofRedandArcherofBlackplannedtheirnextmoves
whilewatchingeachotherseveryaction.

260

Ch218

Ridersmiled,andArchersmiledinreturn.Therewasdefinitelyabondbetween
them.Teacherandstudent,friendandfriendwhotrustedeachotherfromthe
bottomoftheirhearts.Eveniftheytrampledonthosefeelings,vastjoyover
facingeachotherthatsurpassedtheirotherfeelingsdefinitelyexistedintheir
hearts.

261

Ch219

Chapter2

RiderofBlackbynomeanshadatoughorsturdybody.Hisstaminawasjustas
couldbeimaginedfromhisshowyappearance.

Owowow

Evenso,hewasntallthatwoundedbythedamagefromthefallandblastsof
prana.ThatwasprobablybecauseoftheimmenseeffectofhisNoblePhantasm
LunaBreakManual:UniversalMagicGuide(TemporaryName).

Ahman,Igiveup.WhatshouldIdonow?

Hishippogriffwasntdead.Ithadbeeninjured,butsincehesentitbackright
away,itwouldbeabletorecover.Buthewouldntbeabletouseitagaininthis
battle.

Whenhethoughtbackonit,hecouldntdenythathedbeenabittooimpatient.
Ifhehadcompletelyreleasedhishippogriffspower,hedefinitelycouldhave
gottenthroughthatmagicattack.

Thereasonhewasntabletodothatwasbecausehehaddecidednotto.

Ah,geez!

Hescratchedhishead.Hadhehesitatedandwaveredthismuchduringhislifeas
well?Heunderstood,atleastintheory.Hetrulydidunderstandthattheyhadto
winthisbattle.Buthisbodywouldntlistentowhathesaidnomatterwhat.

Ah,damnit.Ireallygiveup.

Theimagethatfaintlyaroseinhismindwasthatfeeblehandseekinghelp.

262

Ch219

Thatpersonsvoicehadbeenthinandfleetinglikeamayfly,tremblingsofrailly.

Becausewearegravesinnerswhofattenourselvesbyeatingtheweaklikethat.

ThewordsItstoolateforthatfloatedtohismind.Yes,ittrulywastoolatefor
suchsentiments.Hewasamonsterwhoconsumedpranajustbymanifesting.
Thatwashistrueform.Whoknewhowmanyhomunculimighthavealreadydied
forhissake?

Ittrulywastoolatetostartthinkinglikethis.Butevenso,hewouldntdoit.He
haddecidedthatandresolvedhimselfnottodoit.

Fornow,letslookfortheothers.

HewantedtheHolyGrail,andhewantedtoexerthimselfforthesakeofhis
comradesthatmuchwasfine.Butthequestionofwhetherornothecoulddo
thatwhilefollowinghishearthadbecomeaproblem,obstructinghispath.

Hmm?

ClaaaaaaangRiderfranticallyturnedaroundatthehighpitchedmetallicsound.
Withbloodstainsanddentshereandthereoveritsredframe,aconventional
Americansportscar,aChevroletCorvette,plungedtowardsRiderwhiledodging
golemsandsendingDragonToothWarriorsandhomunculiflying.

Noway!?

Thoughhewasshockedattheappearanceofsuchanoverlymismatchedintruder
onthistraditionalbattlefield,RiderwasstillaServant,andsoheimmediately
tookevasivemaneuvers.Passingrightbyhim,theCorvettessteeringwheelwas
apparentlyspunwithabsurdforce,asitcametoahaltwhilespinningaroundasif
itwereswungbyagiant.

263

Ch219

AsRiderwatchedthecarinmuteamazement,aclatteringsoundcamefromthe
driversseat.Thedriverseemedtobetryingtoopenthedoor,butperhapsdueto
havinghitsomething,itappearedtobecompletelybentshut.

Gah,howirritating!

Alongwiththosewords,thedoorwasblownoff.

Slenderfeetsteppedoutfromthedriversseat.Agirl,withherfacedirtiedblack
hereandthere,cameoutandhittheroofofthecarwithobviousdispleasure.She
woreavividredleatherjacketandtubetoponherupperbody,andcutjeansthat
exposedherthighsonherlowerbody.Thedoorofthefrontpassengersseatwas
alsosimilarlyblownoffamomentlater,andamanslowlycrawledoutfromthe
car.Hewasagiantofamanwhoworeblackbootswithblacktrousers,andhis
overallappearancetrulymadeitseemlikehelivedashowyanddestructivelife
totallyunconnectedtothatofaproperandrespectableperson.

Hey,Master,Americancarsarentverysturdy,arethey?

Theonlyvehiclethatcouldwithstandyourdrivingisatank.Rather,doyou
reallyhaveBrankintheRidingskill?Doyouactuallyknowhowtodrive?No,its
fine.Theresnoneedtoanswer.Thisisjustyournature.Yeah.

ThemanrepliedwithatiredexpressionInotherwords,shewasaServant,
then?RiderofBlackstiffened.Itwasntthathewassurprisedbythecar.Itwas
becausehecouldtellthattheServantinfrontofhimwasincrediblypowerful.

SaberofRed.

InresponsetoRidersmurmur,SaberofRedflashedafearlesssmile.

Yo.YoureaBlackServantright?

264

Ch219

Basedontheprofilesweweregiven,hesprobablyRider.Nowthen,Saber.I
leavetheresttoyou.Imouttahere.

Whatswiththatattitude,Master?Wontyoustayandwatchmyvalorousfigure
withyourowneyes?

Iwouldwatchtomyheartscontentifwewerentinthemiddleofa
battlefield

Thelargemanlookedovertheirsurroundingswhilesighing.Notonlywerethere
DragonToothWarriors,homunculiandgolemseverywhere,buthealsocaught
glimpsesofclashesemittingabsurdamountsofpranabetweenServantshereand
there.

Tch,itcantbehelped.Goon,hurryupandrunaway!

Rogerthat.Then,well,makesuretocomebackalive.

SabersMasterheadedovertothedriversseat,andleavingthedoorunattached,
heforciblydroveoffintheChevroletCorvette.

Goodgrief.Goingofftofightwithoutme,theresalimiteventojokingaround
Well,whatever.Theleadactorarrivinglateonstageandthekingjoiningthe
battleleisurelyarepartofhowtheworldworks.

Huh,youreaking?

Correct.Ifyousurrender,Illfinishyouwithaquickandeasydecapitation.

No,thatsabit

265

Ch219

Riderhadalreadyregainedhisfootingafterdodgingthecar.Asheheldhislance
andpreparedhimselftofight,SaberofRedlookedathimwithadoubtful
expression.

Hey,hey,Rider.Whataboutthesteedyouresupposedtoberiding?

Ah,Imhavingitrestforalittlebit.

SaberofRedsexpressionsuddenlybecamefilledwithkillingintent.Itappeared
shecouldntholdherselfbackatthewayRidersattitudeseemedtomakelightof
her.

Aaah?WhatcanaRiderdowithoutridingasteed?Thatjustmakesyouan
amateurontopofbeingaweakwarrior.

Well,Icantdenythat,but

No,youshoulddenyit.

No,no,Imareallyhonestguy,yousee.Beingforcedtodesperatelykillthe
enemyistheroleofaServant,though.

Tchcantbehelpedthen.Bytheway,Rider.IsittruethatSaberofBlackhas
fallen?

Itstrue,itstrue,itsseriouslytrue.

Whatwasthecause?

HmmFromanoutsidersperspective,itwouldlooklikeinternaldissent.From
hisperspective,hejuststucktohisbeliefs,Iguess?

Uwah,thatssoarchaic.WasSaberofBlacksomekindofknightfromthesticks?

266

Ch219

Hekickedthebucketbecausehestucktohisbeliefs?Howridiculousandstupid!

Atthosewords,theatmosphereovertheareacompletelychanged.Theonewho
changedwasRiderofBlack,andSaberofRedsexpressionalsotightenedin
response.

Iwontdenythateither,youknow?Iwontdenyit,butdontyoudaretalk
abouthimlikethat.Aswordswomanthatlookslikeadelinquentatbesthasno
righttotalkabouthim!

Hoh,youhowlquitewell.Inthatcase

SaberofRedsappearancechanged.Theenormousamountofpranahidden
insideherwasreleased,andherclothingwasexchangedforherarmorandhelm.
Inherhandwasthewideandbroadswordofaknight.Itwastrulyasplendid
outfitandequipmentworthyofonecalledSaber.

Thechattingendshere.Illturnyouintoswordrust,youdamnsteedless
Rider!

My,my,howscary~

Thesituationwasunfavorableforhim,andhewasalsooverwhelminglyinferiorto
herintermsofsheerpowerasaHeroicSpirit.Butevenso,afightbetweenthem
wasunavoidable.

Ah,thisisbad.Imightjustdiehere.

ThatwashisintuitionasaknightratherthanasaHeroicSpirit.Theimageofhim
dyingeasilyandinobscurityifhefoughtheraroseinhismind.

Eveninthefaceofsuchadespairingreality,RiderofBlacksexpressionand
countenancedidntchangeatall.

267

Ch219

HepreparedhisstancewiththelancehehadpilferedfromtheknightArgaliain
thepast,andreadiedhimselftotacklethisallornothingbattle.

268

Ch220

Chapter2

Athickfogsuddenlyappearedinthemidstofthebattlefield.Thehomunculi
withinitwereperplexedbyitandstoppedmovingandthenfeltanimpactlike
burningsparksfrominsidetheirnoses.

Astheycollapsedandfelltotheirkneesoneafteranother,aninnocentand
laughingvoicelikethatofafairyresoundedabovetheirheads.

Thereslots,lotsandlotsandlots,everyonelookssoyummy!

Thehomunculiconcludedthatitwasanenemyandtriedtoreadytheirweapons,
buttheyhadnostrengthleft.Eveniftheystoppedbreathing,theyhadalready
breathedintheairandtheirlungshurtasiftheywerebeingpulledupwith
somethinglikeneedles.

Itwasnogood;theyhadtorunaway.Throwingawaytheirweapons,theytook
twoorthreeunsteadyfootstepsandfelldown.Theycouldntputanystrength
intotheirlegs.Theirheadsthrobbedasifgushingwithinsects,andtheirthoughts
fellintomessyconfusion.

Help

Oneofthemmutteredthatwhilewheezing.Andinresponse

Ufufu,therearesomanyIdontknowwhichtochoosefirst.WhatshouldI
do~

Thecryforhelpwasrejectedbytheinnocentwordsofayounggirl.

Ithurtsomuchtheireyesmelted.Theairtheybreathedscorchedtheirlungs.

269

Ch220

Thefeelingofhavingtheirheartscorrodeawaywasterrible.

Ah,ithurts,ithurts,ithurts,someone,please,help!

Then,letsdigin!

Charmingyetcruelwordsthatwereassicklysweetassugar.Inaninstant,the
internalorganswhichwereessentialforlivingweregougedoutfromthem.The
homunculi,whooriginallyshouldhavehadalimitedcapacitytoexpress
emotions,screamedinterror.

Butthosescreamswerecoveredbytheheavyfogandfadedawaywithout
reachinganyone.

Thisfogwastrulythestomachofamonster,aspaceofabsolutemurder.Youdied
justbybeinginsideit,andevenifyoutriedrunningawayorresisting,youstill
died.TheonewhoruledthisspacewasaserialkillerJacktheRipper.

Thanksforthemeal.

Nightandfog.Alwaystakingthefirstmovewithoutexception,shecontinued
increasinghervictimswithouteverbeingquestionedbyanyone

Thebattlefieldwasalreadyinastatethatcouldonlybelovedbythegodofchaos.

Arrowsoflighthadfallendownlikerainastheopeningattack,andachariot
pulledbythreesteedshadrunthroughtheskies.Stakesofdeathgushedforth
oneafteranotherinswarmswhileaspearmancladinflamesattackedthem.A
bowmanwhoseemedtohavebecomeonewiththeforestchallengedamounted
warriorwhohadgottenoffhischariot,whileabeastlikebowwomanranabout
thebattlefieldandturnedamadwarrior,whocontinuedsmilingevenwhilebeing
reducedtoadisgustinglumpofmeat,intoahedgehogfullofarrows.

270

Ch220

Anothermadwarriorcontinuedrampagingwithouteverrunningoutofbreathas
ifshewereaPerpetualMotionMachine,whileamediatorwhoseemedlikea
monstermaintainedhiscalmashefoughther.Stonegiants,homunculiwhose
expressionsneverchangedastheywreckeddestruction,DragonToothWarriors
whopushedforwardnomatterhowmuchtheyweresmashedapart.A
swordswomanwholookedlikelumpofsteelwasopposedbyalovelylooking
mountedwarriorwieldingalance.Anancientqueenhadlaunchedasurprise
attackwithherfloatingfortressinordertoopposemagiwhohadshutthemselves
insideasturdycastle,whileaserialkillerhidherselfwithinthefog

Thebloodofhomunculidyedthegrasscoveredplainsscarlet,andtherubbleof
golemsandDragonToothWarriorsfellandpiledupeverywherelikesnow.

Theword[peace]nolongerexistedinthisplacewhereeveryonefoughtandtried
tokilloneanother.

TheGreatHolyGrailWarwasspeedingupmoreandmore,coilingaroundand
submergingthosewhogotclosetoitlikeliquefiedsludge.

Andtheoneswhoappearedonthishellishlandofchaoswerethesupreme
refereeoftheGreatHolyGrailWarRuler,alsoknownasJeannedArc,andone
otherpersonwhoaccompaniedher.

HercompanionwasthehomunculuswhocalledhimselfSieg.

271

Ch31

Chapter3

Nowthatshethoughtaboutit,shehadfeltthatsomethingwaswrongfrom
thebeginning.

AlargebattleconsistingofsevenServantsversussevenServants.Itwastruethat
thiswasastateofemergencythatwarrantedsummoningRuler.

ButRulercouldnthelpbutfeelthatthiswasntthetrueobjectiveassignedtoher.

Somethinginsideherchestwasurgingheron.Itwasclosertoasenseof
impendingdangerthanasenseofduty.

Somethingthatcouldntbeundonewasoccurring.Theinstantshesawthatgiant
floatingfortress,Rulersuneasinessreacheditspeak.

Mostlikely,alargescalebattlewasabouttostartbetweentheBlackandRed
camps.Rulerwouldbefinewithwhicheverofthemwonaslongastheyaskeda
correctandproperwishoftheHolyGrail.Atfirst,shehadfeltrelievedonthis
point.

ThatwasbecausetheMastersinbothcampsweremagi.Magimaybethosewho
aredisconnectedfromhumanmorals,butatthesametimetheywouldnttryto
grantapurelycorruptwish.Theonlythingtheywouldwishforistoreachthe
Root,orperhapssomethingelserelatedtomagecraftbutregardless,almost
everythingtheymightpossiblywishforwasrightandproper.

However,shefeltdoubtsstarttoforminsideherwhentheRedcampattacked
her.ThewaytheBlackcamptriedtobringherovertotheirsidewasfine.That
was,intheend,onlyanactforthesakeofachievingvictoryintheGreatHoly
GrailWar.

272

Ch31

TheproblemwastheRedcamp.Rulercouldnotthinkofanyreasonforwhythey
wouldattempttokillher.Thedemeritsofitexceededthemerits.Andnowthe
RedcampwasattackingtheFortressofMillennia,thestrongholdoftheBlack
camp,withafloatingfortress.

RulerhadcrossedthemountainalongwithSiegandtookaroundaboutpath
aroundthefortressoutercircumference.Whentheycameoutfromtheforest
whereRiderandArcherofRedhadtrespassedandfoughtafiercebattle,they
arrivedinthemiddleofthebattle.Homunculiandgolemswereclashingagainst
DragonToothWarriors,andwereperformingthegruesomeactofkillingeach
other.Spellsexplodedlikecannonfirehereandthere,whilebattlesbetween
whatseemedtobeServantswerequicklychangingthesurroundingareainto
emptyplotsofland.

Whilegazinguponthisgruesomebattlefield,Rulerfocusedonthefloating
fortressthatlikelybelongedtotheRedcampThatthingwasfartooabnormal
evenamongthemanyHolyGrailWarsthathadoccurredinhistory.Theabilityto
flyitselfwasasimplepieceofmagecraftthatevenordinarymagicoulduse,let
aloneServants.

Butthatthingwasonanentirelydifferentlevel.Therewerentmanywhowere
capableofaccomplishingfeatsonsuchascaleevenamongmagifromtheAgeof
Gods.

Listenwell,Siegkun.Fromhereon,Ihavetocrossthisbattlefieldandmeetwith
someonefromtheothercamp.

Why?

TheressomeoneIneedtomeetonthisbattlefield.Idontknowwhoitis,or
evenwhetheritsaServant,Masterorsomeoneelseentirely.ButImustmeet
withthem.

273

Ch31

Thoughthehomunculustiltedhisheadinpuzzlement,therewasamysteriously
strongpersuasivenessinRulerswords.Itwasntbecausehertonewasfilledwith
confidence;rather,shewaswhisperingtohimquiteanxiously.Andyet,hestill
caughtaglimpseofastrongwillinherthatwouldntbestoppednomatterwhat.

Isee,thehomunculussaidinunderstanding.Thereasonshehadbeenidolized
andfollowedbysoldiersinthepastwasntbecauseshedisplayedastrongwill
withstrongwords.Herwordswerentforthesakeofcoercingothers.

Herwordsweresimplyforthesakeofcommunicatingherwill,saying[Imgoing].

Ithinkthatsdangerous,butifthatsyourwill,itcantbehelped.

Sayingthat,heplacedahandonthehiltofhisswordwithouthesitation.Itwas,in
otherwords,adeclarationofhisintentiontogowithheraswell.Eveniftheyhad
onlyknowneachotherforashorttime,hehadquicklycometounderstandRuler.
ThehomunculuswhohadgivenhimselfthenameSieghadthekindofpersonality
where,afterdecidingsomethingevenonce,hewouldfollowthroughwithhis
decisiontilltheveryend.

Ifshetoldhimtonotcomeandwentoffbyherselfhewouldprobablyjust
followafterherevenso.Thatwouldbedangerous.Hewoulddefinitelybeviewed
asanenemybytheRedcamp.Andtherewasnowaytoknowwhetherornotthe
magioftheBlackcampmightreactiftheysawhimaswell.

ButSieghadadifferentobjectivefromheronthisbattlefield.

Whatdoyouintendtodo?

Leavingasidemycomradeswhoarefightingonthefrontlines,Imighthavea
chanceathavingashorttalkwiththeotherswhoareonstandbyintherear.
Dependingonthesituation,Iintendtotalkwiththemandaskforthereleaseof
theotherhomunculiwithinthecastle.Afterthat

274

Ch31

Afterthat?

Siegcasthiseyesdownapologeticallyandmurmured.

No,IdliketomeetwithRider,buttheresnotellingwhetherornotwedbe
abletomeet.Meetinghiminthissituationwouldalsocausehimtoomuch
trouble.

Idontthinkshe1wouldbetroubledbyit,though

Eitherway,RulerjudgedthathavingSiegaccompanyherwasthemost
appropriatecourseofaction.

Inanycase,pleasecomewithmethen.Butlisten,atleastavoidfightingany
Servants,okay?IfyourunintotroublewithanymagioftheBlackcamp,usemy
name.Ifyoudothat,youmightbeabletoavoidbeingimmediatelyexecutedby
them.

Thankyou.

Atthatinstant,shecouldsomehowintuitivelytellthatherdecisionwastruly
correctunderGodswill.Thatwashowdeeplyshefeltdoubtscarvedwithinher
heart.Justwhatcouldamerehomunculuslikehimdoonabattlefieldruledby
Servants?HecouldneverbecomeaswordsmanlikeSaberjustbyhavinga
sword.Butshedidnthavethetimeandlibertytowrackherbrainoverhisfate.

1
No,itsnotamistake:RuleractuallydoesrefertoRiderofBlackasashehere.Ithasntbeen
apparentinthetranslationduetolanguagedifferenceslikehowEnglishdoesnotgivegendertothe
secondpersonpronounyouunlikehowJapanesesometimesdoesso,butRulerhasactuallyalways
referredtoRiderasagirl.Thishasmanyimplicationsandbringsinatonofconfusion,butsincetheissue
ofAstolfosgenderisprettymuchoneofthebigtropesofFate/Apocrypha(highlightedbyhowhis
genderisevenlistedasLeSecretinhisServantprofile),Imjustgoingtokeepcallinghimhim
exceptwhenthetextimplicitlywritesotherwise,justtokeepthingsconsistent.

275

Ch31

Becauserightnow,shehadtoplungeintothischaoticbattlefieldandsearchfor
somethingfatallydangerous.

Allright!

Lightlyslappinghercheekswithherhands,Rulersummonedaflagintoherhand
andgraspedittightly.
Itwasabattleflag,theholyflagthathadalwaysbeenbyhersideinlife.Dont
fallbehind,shewhisperedtoSiegoverhershoulder.

Then,letsgo!

Rulerchargedontothebattlefield.Siegalsoranafterherfromrightbehindher.

AnabsurdnumberofDragonToothsoldiersimmediatelyrushedatthem.Going
asfarastoevenignorethehomunculiandgolemstheywerefighting,theDragon
ToothWarriorsallfocusedonRuler.

JustlikeIthought!

RulerswungtheflagwithherhandandsmashedtheDragonToothWarriorswith
itonebyone.Rulersbasicmottowastoavoiddoinganythingthatdirectly
affectedthecourseoftheHolyGrailWar,butshecouldntjuststandbyanddo
nothingiftheyopenlytreatedherasanenemy.

Alongwithasharpyellthatseemedtocutthroughthebattlefield,Rulerdashed
towardsthelocationofherobjective.

276

Ch32

Chapter3

Suddenly,Shiroustoppedmoving.Heclickedhistongueandjumpedbackwards
withabitterexpression.

Caster,werewithdrawing.ThatgirlhasnoticeditfasterthanIthought.This
mustbeduetosomekindofRevelationskillonherpart.

BerserkerofBlackwasbewilderedbyShiroussuddenwideningofthedistance
betweenthem,andshedecidedtojustwaitandseewhathedidforthetime
being.

IdidhearthatthosechosenfortheRulerclassaremostlysaintsduetotheir
impartialjudgement.Soshesoneofthosetypes,huh?

CasterofRedshruggedinasarcasticmanner.

SoitseemsThisisacriticalsituation,Caster.Ifshedenouncesme,thesituation
willturnextremelychaotic.No,toputitinyourwords,itwouldbecome
uninteresting.

Tryingtoforciblystretchoutpartsthatarentveryexcitingisasignofpoor
writing.Thatbeingthecase,letsendthestoryofmyMasterofthebattlefieldfor
thetimebeing.

Yes,letswithdraw.Well,tolookatitanotherway:itsgoodenoughthatwe
managedtoweatherthroughthis.Verysoon,everythingwillchangeintoa
situationthatevenRulerwontbeabletodoanythingabout.AnditseemsIreally
amintheright,sinceImanagedtoavoiddeathbyapaperthindistance.

Sayingthat,ShiroustabbedBlackKeysintotheground,formingawallinfrontof
BerserkerofBlackasshetriedtostepforward.

277

Ch32

HeandCasterthenbeganwithdrawingfromthebattlefieldatfullspeed.

Master.ThatdamnRulerispushingherwaystraighttowardsyouwithout
faltering.Hurry!TheDragonToothWarriorscantholdherback!

Iknow!

Slightlyimpatient,Shirouquicklyshelvedawaythewarningandincreasedhis
speedfurtherWithinthedarkforestwheretherewasnolightwithnoteven
themoonlightshiningwellthroughthetreesShirouranatfullspeedwithout
payinganyheedtothenearabsolutedarkness.Hisspeedwas,toputitinasingle
phrase,beyondabnormal.Easilyexceedingsixtykilometersperhour,Shirou
simplyranandran.

However,therewassomeonechasingafterhiminhotpursuit.Seeingherover
hisshoulder,Shirouwidenedhiseyesslightly.

BerserkerofBlackTothinkyouwouldchaseafterme.

TheinstantshesawthewallofBlackKeys,Berserkerdecidedtopursuethe
MasterknownasShirou.Itwasduetosomethingthatcouldbecalledintuition,
whichshouldhavehadnoconnectionwithanartificialhumanlikeher.

CauleshadtoldhertosearchforotherServantselsewhereiftheMasterand
Servantshefacedranaway,butshehadrefusedtheorderwithoneofherusual
moans.

Inanycasethoughsheherselfdidntreallyunderstandwhatitwasthatbugged
her.

Shefeltthatitwasbadtoletthismanescapehere.ThatMasterwasdefinitely
abnormal.No,inthefirstplace,washereallyaMaster?

278

Ch32

Ifsheweretosaywhathewasbasedonthefeelingrunningdownherskin,it
wouldbe

uu!?

Asifstitchingherbriefmomentofthought,fourbladesshotrightather.Theman
hadapparentlythrownBlackKeysasheranawaywithoutevenlookingbackat
her.

BerserkerofBlackinstantlygraspedthebestoptionhere.Thatis,sheignored
them.

Shedidntfeelpain;whatshereceivedwasonlydamageasanumericalvalue.
Thatwasntabigdealeither.Intheend,thebladescompiledoutofprana
possessedmeagerphysicaldestructivepowerandwerentsufficienttodefeata
Servant.

Still,receivingadirecthitfromthemmightslowherdownandeatupalittle
timeIfitwereanyonebesidesher,thatis.

aaaaaaAAAAAAAAAiiiiaaaaaaaa!!

Withascreamthatcouldmakeahumansheartshudder,shereleasedevenmore
speed.ShedidntpayanyattentiontothedirecthitsfromtheBlackKeys.
Eventually,thepranaofthebladesdispersedandthehiltsslippedoffherbody,
whileherwoundsimmediatelyclosedup.

Unbelievable.

Lookingoverhisshoulder,Shiroudidntknowwhethertobeimpressedor
stunned.IfshehadknockeddowntheBlackKeys,thenitwouldhavebeen
understandable.Ifshehadheldherground,itwouldhavebeenconvenientfor
him.

279

Ch32

Buttothinkthatshehadntsloweddownatallevenafterseveraldirecthits!

IbelievethenameofhercreatorwasDoctorFrankenstein,correct?Withjust
whatkindofdesigndidhemakesuchamonster?

ShirousmiledbitterlyatCasterofRedswordsandthensuddenlythoughtofa
craftyplan.

Caster,pleasematerializeyourself.Ihaveneedofyourtheatricaltroupe.

Casterinstantlymaterializedalongwithasinglebookinhishand.

Oh,Isee,Isee!Thenletshavehermeetthemanshebothdearlylovesand
hates![Lifesbutawalkingshadow;apoorplayer.Thatstrutsandfretshishour
uponthestage!]

Castercriedoutthosewordsloudly,andthenanimpossiblemiracleappeared
withinthedarkforest.Onceheconfirmeditsappearance,Casterwentbackinto
spiritualforminordertofallbehindShirouasheran.

AndthenBerserkerofBlack,whowaschasingafterShirou,metitthere.

uu.!?

Confusion,thatwasallshefelt.Amanwhoshouldntbeherespoketoherwitha
gentleexpressionthatwastrulyunlikehim.Inlife,hehadneveronceshownsuch
asmiletoher.

Stop.

aa,aaa

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Ch32

Berserker,whohadnothaltedevenafterreceivingdirecthitsfromtheBlack
Keyandhadevenacceleratedcametoastop.Shewasntgoodatshowingher
emotions,buthereyeshadwidenedduetoshockandwonder.

ThepersoninfrontofherwasDoctorFrankenstein.Theonewhocreated,her
father,theonewhosheshouldhate,her

Why?How?

BerserkerofBlackwasntshockedbythefactthathewashere.Whatshockedher
wassimplyhisgentlesmile.Eversinceshefirstopenedhereyes,herfathers
expressionwastwistedwithhateanddisgust.Fromhismouthwhichshethought
wouldgiveherwordsofblessing,onlywordsofinsultandabusehadcomeout.

ItwasaneventthatoccurredonalonelyNovembernight

Itsafailure,afailure,afailure,afailure,afailure!

Whatthehell,thisisjustaworthlessdollpuppet!

Ithasnoemotion!Didthelinesnotconnect!?Eventhetearglandsarenogood!
ForgetthefactthatitisnttheperfectmaidenEve,itisntevenhuman!

Ah,itseemsIwasafailedcreation.

Whatsaddenedherwasntthefactthatshehadbeenjudgedafailedcreation.It
wasthatherfather,ashefellintoafuriousfrenzyandtoreathisownhair,was
fartoopitiful.

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Ch32

Imsorry,Father.Imsorry,Imsorryforbeingafailedcreation.Imsorry,Im
sorry,Imsorry.Illcorrectmyself.Illproperlycorrectmyself.Sopleasedontbe
angry.Dontbeangry,dontbeangry,dontbeangry

Thoughshetriedtocry,forsomereason,shecouldnt.Itappearedthather
functiontoshedtearsalsodidntwork.Everytimeshetriedtocomforthimashe
drownedhimselfinalcohol,hewouldpushheraway,hither,andkickher.

Itdidnthurt.Justthat,everytimeshewashitherhearttightenedterribly,for
reasonsshedidntunderstand.

Thegirlfeltsorrowforherfather,whocontinueddoingnothingbutlamentin
regretdayafterday.Shewrackedherbraintofigureoutwhatsheshoulddo.
Whatcouldshedotocomfortherfather?Resolvingherself,shedecidedtogoout
andleavetheirresidence.

Shefoundvariousthingsoutside.

Thegreentrees,thetransparentpondsofwater,theshiningsun.Ifshebrought
thesebackwithher,herfathermightalsobecomehappy.Asshethoughtthat,
shewassuddenlyattackedbyastraydog.Ithadprobablyreactedtotherotten
smellthatwaftedfromherclothes.

Whenthedogbitherarm,shetoreoffitsneck.Inthatinstant,shereceiveda
revelation.

Ah,pretty.Pretty.Thisispretty.SinceIdonthavethisinsideme,itssurely
pretty

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Ch32

Shesplitopenitsabdomenandfoundevenmorefreshentrails.Thesewerethings
thatshedidnthave.Soshethoughttheywerepretty.Soshedecidedtobringit
backandshowittoherfather.

Pinkentrailswerepretty,andfreshredbloodwasbeautiful.Sheneveronce
thoughttheywereuglyordirty.Shedidntthinkthestenchofbloodwas
unpleasanteither.

Theinstantsheshoweditalltohim,herrelationshipwithherfatherwas
decisivelysnappedapart.Because,notonlywassheafailedcreation,shewas
alsoclearlyahideousmonster.

Alifeformthatfeelsbloodisbeautifulandisintoxicatedbyentrailsiswhat
peoplecallamonster.

No,thatsnotit,thatsnotit.Really,thatsnotit.Imnormal.Ijustwantedto
makeyouhappy,Father.

Herfatherranawayfromherinfear,nevershowingherasmilerighttillthevery
end.Instead,heleftheranabsolutecurseattheend.

Youareamonster!Amadmonster!

So,shethoughttobecomenormal.Shedecidedtoobtainreasonand
understandcommonsense.Andshedecidedtohaveamate.Becausenormal
humanshadfamilies.Nowthatshehadbeendeniedbyherfather,sheneededa
matenomatterwhat.

283

Ch32

Butthatwasnotsomethingthatcouldbeobtainedbywishingforit.Norwasit
somethingthatcouldbeobtainedbystealingitaway.Evenso,shekidnapped
manymen.Butnoneofthemcouldbehermate.

Soshedecidedtoaskherfatherforone.

Pleasemakesomeonewhowillloveme,pleasemakesomeonewhowilllookat
me.IfImsupposedtobetheperfectmaidenEve,youshouldhavearesponsibility
tomaketheoriginalhumanAdamaswell

Herfatherrefused,andthegirlwasdrivenmadbyangerandsorrow.Heranger
wasduetoherfathersbetrayal.Hersorrowwasbecausesheunderstoodthat
shewouldbealoneuntilthedayshedied.

Shejustwantedsomeonetoloveher.Shejustwantedtolovesomeone.Shejust
wantedtoknowloveNo,ifeventhatwishcouldntbegranted,shethoughtto
herselfthatsheatleastwantedtobehated.Shechasedafterherfather,accused
him,wasirritatedbyhowheranfromher,andkilledhisfamilyasaresult.Even
so,herfatherran,ran,justranawayfromher.

Rightuntilhislastmoments,hejustcontinuedtorunawayfromher.Hedidnt
eventhinkofrevengeagainsttheonewhohadbrokenhisheartandkilledthe
peopleheloved.

Whywontyouhateme?Whywontyoulookatme?

Thegirlthrewherselfintohellfirealongwithherfather.Andthusendedthe
storyofFrankenstein.Allthatwasleftbehindwasthelegendofafreakish,
hideousmonster.

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Ch32

Andnow,thefatherwhohadbetrayedherwasrightbeforehereyes.Hewas
lookingatherwithawarmexpression.Itwasamomentshehadneverseeneven
inherwildestdreams.

Yes,thatsgood.Stopfighting.Ididntcreateyouforthesakeofsomething
likethat.

uu,aa

Thedoctorheldouthishandtoherheaditappearedhewastryingtodowhata
parentoftendidtotheirchild.Inotherwords,hewasgoingtopatherhead.That
waswhatshehadsoeagerlywishedfor.

Shehadwantedtobeloved.Shehadwantedsomeonetoloveher.Shehad
wantedtolovesomeone.

Thatwishedwasabouttobefulfilled.

But.

Butthatwaspreciselywhy

uuuuaaaaaaaaaaaaauaaaaaAAAAaaaaaaaAAAAAA!!

Berserkerfellintoafuriousfrenzy.No,itwasntsomethingassimpleasafrenzy.
Withunconcealedkillingintentaswell,shestrucktheflankofthemanwho
allegedlylookedlikeDoctorFrankensteinwithBridalChest:MaidensChastity.

What,areyou!?

Dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dont
speak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dont
speak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dont

285

Ch32

speak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dont
speak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dont
speak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dont
speak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dont
speak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,speak,dontspeak,speak,dont
speak,speak,dontspeak,speak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dont
speak,dontspeak,dontspeak,dontspeak!

Asbloodgushedoutfromthemansbody,shehithimoncemoreintheface.His
facewascrushedlikeapoppedballoon.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaUuaaaa!!

Shescreamedandscreamedassheswunghermaceathisentirebody.Theman
wasnolongereventwitching;hesimplysurrenderedhimselftothe
overwhelmingviolence.

Eventually,eventhecertaintythatapersonhadbeenthereinthefirstplace
disappeared.Atlast,BerserkerofBlackstoppedmoving.

aaaaa

Hehadspokenthewordsshewantedtohearwhenshedidntwanttohearthem.
Sheknewthetruth.Shealreadyunderstoodthatthiswasprobablysomekindof
magecraftcreatedbyCaster.

Thecorpsefadedaway.Whatshehadsmashedintotinypiecesseemedtobe
somekindofsimplepuppet.Thebestproofofthatwerethewoodchips
scatteredalloverher.

Butstill.Ah,butstill.

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Ch32

Onceagain,Ihurtsomeonepreciousevenwhilethinkingtheywerepreciousto
me!

Butjustastheartificialgirlcollapsedtoherknees,extremelycoolheadedwords
enteredherears.

IorderyouwiththisCommandSpell.Berserker,calmdown.

Instantly,allthewailing,rage,uneasinessanddespairdisappearedwithinher
head.

aaaa?

Good.Haveyoucalmeddown,Berserker?Theyvealreadyescaped,soletsendit
hereforthetimebeing.Thereareplentyofotherplaceswhereyoushouldbe
fighting.Doyouunderstand?

BerserkerofBlackfeltlogicspreadthroughherandwasgrippedbyareassuring
feeling.

Thatsright;itwasjustasherMastersaid.Therewerestillplentyofplaceswhere
sheoughttobefighting.Shehadopenlylaidbareheremotions.Ah,how
embarrassing.HerMastersevaluationofherhadprobablylowered

Dontworryaboutit.Youfoughtwell.Whathappenedjustnowcouldntbe
helped.ThatMasterissimplyabnormal.Inanycase,ourmaximumpriority
objectiverightnowistokilltheRedServants.Dontforgetthat.

ItseemedherMasterhadntloweredhisopinionofheratall.

Noddinginunderstanding,BerserkerofBlackranoutoftheforest.Butevenafter
nowregaininghercalm,somewhereinherthoughtcircuits,shefeltregretfor
lettingthatMasterslipaway.

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Ch32

Caulesfeltthesameway.Hehadmerelyseenhimfromadistancethroughhis
familiars,butevenso,heclearlyfeltthatMastersoddnesshisabnormality.

ButhewasstilljustaMaster.Shakingoffthechillhefelt,Caulesdevotedhis
attentiontodirectingBerserker.

DidheregrethavingtouseaCommandSpell?No.Caulesfeltconfidenceinhis
decision.Berserkersturmoilhadbeenstaggering.Itwasonlynatural,afterhaving
killedherfather,whomshebothferventlyadoredandhated.Itwaspossiblethat
itwouldhavelastingeffectsonherlateron.Hedidntthinkhisdecisiontousea
CommandSpelltowashitallawayatoncewaswrong.

Attheveryleast,hedthinkitwasmoreworthwhilethanusingonetoforceher
toactivateherNoblePhantasmortostopherfromdoingsoherself.

288

Ch33

Chapter3

Explosions,shrieks,screams,spellchantingallthesenoisesmixedtogetherand
becameoneuponthebattlefield,jumpingintoRulersears.Thosewhowishedfor
it,thosewhodidnt,andeventhosewhodidntevenknowthewordwishtook
nonoticeofit,whileRulerranevenfasteracrossthebattlefield.

WithinthehugefloatingfortresstherewasoneServant.Thereasonshecould
tellthatevenfromdownherewasduetothebeamsoflightbeingshotdown
fromthefortressalongwithoverwhelmingkillingintent.TheServantthere
concentratedallthatdestructivepowersufficienttodestroyacastleontoRuler
alone.

ButRulerhoistedherflagwithoutpanicking.HerMagicResistancewasEXrank.
Assuch,shewhowasasaintcouldntbewoundedevenbymagecraftfromthe
AgeofGods.However,thisresistanceonlyturnedspellsawayfromher.Inother
words,itdidntreceiveandnegateit.

Siegkun,getaway!

Siegimmediatelyreactedtothosewords.Aftergettingawayfromthatspotwith
arollacrosstheground,hesawRulerdisappearinaninstantunderabeamof
lightthatfellfromthesky.

Ruler!

Hereflexivelyshoutedbuthisvoicestoppedmidway.Hewasspeechless.Being
magusrightfrombirth,heunderstood.Thepillaroflightthathadfallenfromthe
skyjustnowwasalightningstrikefilledwithmalice.

289

Ch33

Withpowerequaltothatofadroppedbomb,eventheSaberclasswhichtended
tohavethehighestMagicResistancewouldntbeabletojustshrugitoff.

Butsheavoidedit.Thoughavoidedwasnottherightwaytodescribeit.That
spellattack,whichtotallysuppressed,notasinglespot,butanentirearea,had
beendivertedawaywithoutinjuringher.

Thelightningstrike,whichshouldhavehadawillofitsown,hadlostitsmalice.
Instead,thelightningattackedthesurroundingarea.

Ifshehadntcalledouttohimjustnow,Siegalsowouldhaveprobablybeen
caughtupintheattack.Surroundingherhadbeenthewreckageofgolemsalong
withDragonToothWarriorsthathadbeentryingtoattackher,butnowevery
lastoneofthemhadcompletelyvanished.

NotasinglepieceofrubbishremainedIfshehadntcalledouttohim,hemight
havebeenreducedtodustthataswell.

ThisistheServantoftheeighthclass.

Whilemurmuringthat,helookedtothesky.ThoughRulersabnormalMagic
Resistancewassurprising,whatwasevenmoreshockingwasthefeatof
magecraftjustnow.Suchaspellthatwasequaltoabomberattackcouldonlybe
magecraftfromtheAgeofGods.

ItwasprobablyCasterofRed.ThatfloatingfortresswaslikelytheNoble
PhantasmorsomethingofaRedServant.Attheveryleast,suchafeatwas
impossibleforamodernmagus.

Eitherway,itstillhadntmanagedtokillRuler.BothSiegandRulerthoughthat
theServantcastingthespellsfromthefloatingfortresswouldthereforegiveup.

But

290

Ch33

!?

Theywerebothshockedatthesametime.Withoutcaringatallaboutthefact
thattheirattackshadbeendiverted,theServantabovecontinuedfiringmore
spellblastsoneafteranother.TheyweredoingameaninglessactNo,therewas
meaningtoit.Thiswassimplyanattempttobuytime.Andthemeansthat
accompanieditwerejusttoooverwhelming.

Kuh!

RulerlookedatSieg.Yes,Rulercouldstillmove,butSiegwouldalwayshavetoget
awayfromher.Siegspokewithoutwavering.

Goonahead.Eitherway,IhavetomeetthepeopleImustmeet.

Iunderstand.

Shedidntwishhimluckinbattle.Thebattlefieldwasnotsomethingthatcouldbe
survivedjustbyhavingluck.Ifshehadtosayanything,itshouldbeaprayerthat
hewouldnotencounteraServant.

Butthatwasimpossible.Becausehesaidhewouldmeetwiththepeoplehemust
meet.Thefirstoneshehadtomeetwerethehomunculi.Savingthemwasoneof
Siegsobjectives.

Andtherewasonemorepersonhehadtomeet.AServantRiderofBlack,
Astolfo.HiswishtomeetwiththisServantwasntoutofaclearsenseofpurpose.
Perhapshewouldjustmeethimbecausehewantedtomeethim.Rulerthought
thatwasalittlecharming.

However,goingtomeetRidermeantencounteringotherServants.Hehelda
swordinhishand,andhisbodywasclearlyfilledwithfightingspirit.

291

Ch33

Therefore,hewouldprobablybeviewedasanenemybytheRedcamp.Byall
rights,sheshouldstophim,buthewouldprobablyneverstop.Eventhoughhe
knewthatmeetingRiderwasafutileandmeaninglessactandthathewouldbe
betrayingRidersprayerforhim,Siegwouldstillgomeethim.

Rulerbeganrunning.Shesensedthatthesomeoneshewasafterwasgetting
furtheraway,sosheincreasedherspeedmoreandmore.Sheabandonedeven
dealingwiththeslashesfromtheDragonToothWarriorsandsimplyran.

Itwasntthatshewantedtostopthiswar.Aslongasthewarbetweenthetwo
campswastunedcorrectly,Rulerhadnoobjectionstoitatall.

Butastrongsenseofuneasinessthatmadeherteethclenchandgrateurgedher
tocutacrossthisbattlefield.Shehadtomeetthem,shehadtomeetthe
someonewhowasgettingfurtheraway.

AndaRedServantwasintentionallyobstructingher.TheypiledupDragonTooth
Warriorslikeamountainandsimplycreatedawalltoblockher.

Youreinmyway!

Ofcourse,eventhedelayofhavingtodealwithaminorobstructionlikethiswas
precioustimetoRuler.Sheaimedthetipofherflagatasinglepointandbroke
throughthewallwithoutpausing.

Andthen,shewavedtheholywatershecarriedanddisplayedthelocationof
eachServantjustasshedidbefore.SheknewthattheBlackServantswerenota
problemrightnow,andsoshefocusedherattentionononlythelocationsofthe
RedServants.

MereDragonToothWarriorswerefarfromeffectiveatstallingfortimeagainst
her.ButServantswereanothermatter.First,shedefinitelyhadtoavoidbeing
chasedafterbyanyofthem.

292

Ch33

RulerswiftlycameupwitharoutethatdidnotcomeintocontactwithanyRed
Servants,andrantofollowthatpath.Shefeltachillswellupinsideher
increasinglyastimepassed.

Andthen,theworstpossiblematchupbargedontoherrouteasiftoblockher.

293

Ch34

Chapter3

Thisisfine.SiegbreathedasighofreliefashewatchedRulerleave.Shehadher
ownobjective,anditwasntsomethingheshouldhinder.Herobjectivewasmore
nobleandimportant.Unlikehis.

Therewasamountainofthingsheshouldbedoinginsteadofthinkingasheran.
DragonToothWarriorswerecomingathim,andthoughaServantwouldbeable
tobeatonewithasingleblow,theywereenemiesthathehimselfhadtohandle
verycautiouslyonebyone.

Thrustingatthemwithhisswordhadlittleeffect,sohechargedforwardtocollide
withoneandgluedhimselfagainstit,andthenvigorouslybisecteditfromthe
waist.TheDragonToothWarriorcrumbledintheblinkofaneye.Hecutoffthe
armofanotherDragonToothWarriorthatsteppedforwardfromhisflankand
softlytoucheditwithonehand.

Strae\gehen1.

HeactivatedhisMagicCircuitsinvestigated,analyzedandsympathizedwiththe
materialpropertiesofwhathetouchedandworkedoutthenecessarylogicto
reverseitallanddestroyit.

Instantly,hispalmreleasedaspellthatchangedthebonesoftheDragonTooth
Warriorintotheoptimalbreakablematerial.Siegsmagecraftrequiredthathe
analyzehistargetbytouchingit,soithadbasicallyzerorangedcapability.
However,itsdestructivepowerwasimmense.

TheDragonToothWarriorwasturnedintoapileofminisculepieces.

1
Strae\gehen:ThisisSiegspersonalariaforutilizingmagecraft.Itusesthewordsroadand
go/walk,whilethekanjibeneathitreadsaslogicpath\open.

294

Ch34

Rider!

Hisshoutwascompletelysweptawayintheclatterofthebattlefield.While
running,hecarefullyexaminedthesituationofthebattlefield.Theplaceswhere
therewerenoticeablyviolentclashesofpranawereprobablywherebattles
betweenServantswereoccurring.

Whatareyoudoing?

WhenSiegturnedaroundatthatvoice,hefoundtwobattletypehomunculi
lookingathimwithgazescontainingreproach.Whatareyoudoing,youmust
fighttoothatwasprobablywhattheymeant.

Enough,enough,stopfightingyouguys.

AtSiegswords,thetwohomunculiexchangedconfusedglances.

Ifyouwanttodie,Iwontstopyou.But,ifyouwanttolive,goback.Goback
andsaveourfellowhomunculi.Boththeoneswhoarebeingexploitedfortheir
pranaandtheoneswhoarent.Youguysarentboundtoanything.

Butthatsgoingagainstourorders.

Thatsrighttheorderweweregivenwastofightanddefeattheenemy
Servantsandtheirfollowers.

Thatorderisimpossible.Youguysshouldalsounderstandthatwell.Inthefirst
place,whatobligationdoyouhavetoobeyit?

AtSiegswords,thetwohomunculioncemoreexchangedglances.Asiftocut
intotheirconversation,aDragonToothWarriorranatthemandswungitssword
atSieg.

295

Ch34

SiegswiftlyunsheathedRiderofBlacksswordandslashedatitfromitsflankto
itsneck.Theothertwohomunculijoinedwithhimandcrushedtheskullandfeet
oftheDragonToothWarriorwiththeirhalberds.

Siegspokeoncemore.

Doyouwanttodieorlive?Wehavetochooseoneofthem.

Thatwashislastwarning.Oneofthehomunculifollowedhisrequestand
returnedtothecastle.Theotheronedecidedtoobeyhisordersevenso,and
returnedoncemoretothebattlefield.

Thisisfine,Siegthought.Ifgivenachoice,homunculicouldnthelpbutchoose.
Theirthoughtprocesseswerentsodimthattheycouldntunderstandit,afterall.

Asservantsfrombirth,theoptiontorebelstrangelynevercametotheirminds.
Butitwasadifferentmatteriftheyweregiventhechoice.

Hehadmerelygiventhehomunculiinthesurroundingareawithintherearlines
thechoice.Theywouldeachchoosetheirownpath.Siegwasntresponsiblefor
whattheydidafterthatorrather,hethoughtthatheshouldntberesponsible
forthemafterwards.

NowhejusthadtosearchforRiderofBlack.Hewassoclumsythathehadnt
thoughtofwhathewoulddoafterfindinghim.RiderofBlackwouldprobably
lamentthatofallthings,thiswasthefirstthingSiegchosetodowithhisnew
freedom.

Evenso.Evenso,therewerefeelingsthatmaddeninglydrovehim.Therewere
thingshewantedtodoandcouldntforget,andhedidnthavetheresolutionto
seekthingslikepeaceful,ordinarydays.

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Ch34

Therewerethingsmuch,muchmoreprecioustohimthansuchapipedream.He
wantedtosavehiscomrades.HewantedtomeetRiderofBlackagainandrepay
him.

Hedidntcareifitwasuseless.EventhoughheknewfullwellthatRiderhadnt
wishedforhimtodosuchathingandmightlamentSiegsdecision.Hesimply
chosethis.

Yes,sincethatwaswhathehadchosentodo,hecouldntturnback.Thatwasthe
worstthinghecoulddo.

Hetookadeepbreath.Hewasterrified;eventhoughhehadntbeenfrightened
atallwhenhefellrighttothebrinkofdeathbefore.Whenhethoughthemight
belettinggoofwhathehadtemporarilyobtainedhecouldnthelpbutfeel
terrified.

Buthisheartbeatwasstirringupsomethinginsidehim.

Grittinghisteeth,hetightlyclenchedhisshudderinglycoldhandsseveraltimes.I
candothis,hethought,hoped,andprayedandtookhisfirststepforward.

297

Ch35

Chapter3

ThebattlebetweenthetwoLancerswasstillgoingonneckandneck.

WhiletheywerebothLancers,theirfightingstyleswerecompletelydifferent.
LancerofBlackstabbedstakesathisenemyjustbydirectingthemwithasingle
finger,whileLancerofRedaimedtodirectlysmashhisenemywiththespearhe
heldinhishands.

LancerofBlackwouldthrowstakeswhilemaintaininghisdistance,andLancerof
Redwouldclosethedistancebetweenthemwhilebreakingeveryoneofthose
stakes.Thebattlewasarepetitionofthissequence.

Mysteriesarenegatedbystrongermysteries.Inthatregard,LancerofRedgreatly
exceededLancerofBlack.Basedonhisstrengthinlife,thegreatheroKarnawas
trulyexceptional.

Inordertosendhimtohisgrave,thethundergodIndrahadnootherchoicebut
todeviseanintricatescheme.Karnawasthebestandproudestspearmanwho
hadntfallentothegroundevenafterbeingbetrayedbyallhisallies.

However,evenagainstsuchahero,LancerofBlackdidntfallbeforehisattacks.

UnlikeLancerofRed,whoseexistenceinactualhistorywasunclear,Lancerof
BlackVladIIIwasaherowhohadactuallyexistedinthisworld.

Hewasapatrioticherowhohadbeenfearedbyallsurroundingcountries,and
eventhoughhewasequallyfearedbyhisowncitizenshestillreceivedgreat
respectandworshipfromthem.

Withouthim,theircountrywouldnthaveexisted.Theherowhohadcarvedthis
intotheworldshistoryhadbeenbroughtbacktolifeinthatverysamecountry.

298

Ch35

Hisfameandpopularitywasequaltothatofagreatinthiscountry.

HisNoblePhantasmKazikluBey:LordofExecutionpossesseduncommonpower
asaresultaswell.

True,theywereonlyordinarystakes.Buttheproblemwasthatthesestakes
couldbefreelysummonedforthaccordingtoLancerofBlackscommand.

Though,evenwhenfacedwithanenemywithaNoblePhantasmofthatlevel,
LancerofRedwasstilleasilyamatchforathousandofthem.Withoutpayingany
caretothestakesthatstabbedcountlesstimesalloverhisbodyfromhisfeetto
hisrightshouldertohisleftflanktohiselbow,neitherhismovementsnorhis
strengthchangedatall.Rightnow,hisNoblePhantasmKavachaandKundala:O
Surya,BecomeArmorwasnegating90%ofthedamagefromthestakes.They
werereducedtomerescratchesthathecouldhealwhilefighting.

However

Magnificent.Youvebrokenonethousandstakeswiththatspear,burnedeight
hundredwiththoseflamescoveringyourbodyandstoppedtwothousandwith
thatgoldenarmor.LancerofRed,youarewithoutadoubtworthyofbeinga
hero.Withthatarmor,evenabatteringramwouldhavenoeffect,letalonemy
stakes.

KarnaacceptedLancerofBlackspraisewithasolemnattitude.

Thankyouforyourwords,lordofthisland.

Ifyouwerentapagan,Iwouldallowyoutosurrender.Thataloneisregrettable,
thatyoubelieveinafakegod.

Hmm,howdoyouknowthatmygodisafake?

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Ch35

OfcourseIknow.Godisapureanduntouchedabsolute.Ifnot,whowould
believeinhim?Whowouldrelyonhim?Agodwhomingleswithpeopleandhas
intercoursewiththemismerelyahideousmonster.

Now,Iwonderaboutthat.Itsonlynaturalthatanyreligiousfaithundergoes
innumerablechangesdependingontheland.Ifitisalandwherefloodsoccur,
thenonewhorulesoverwateristheGodthere.Ifmygodsandtheirgodsare
monsters,thentheGodyoubelieveisalsomerelyamonsteruponwhomthe
idealofbeing[absolute]waspressedupon.

Instantly,fireseethedinLancerofBlackseyes.Evenafterseeingthat,Lancerof
Redspokeclearlyandcalmly.

Isee.Yourequitesternandsevere,lordofimpalement,KazikluBey.Toyou,
thesestakesarebothattackanddefence,bothademonstrationofforceandan
embodimentoffear.

What?

Youusethesestakestoestablishyourdomain,yourcastleandwhatyoumust
protect;inotherwords,youtrytoformacountrywithjustasingleperson.Isitan
actoutofloveforyourhomeland,orisitduetoyoursenseofresponsibilityas
thekingofastate?

LancerofRedexposedLancerofBlackinanindifferentmanner.Nothisbody,but
whatwaswithinhisheart.

Buttherearentanysubjectstoobeyyouhere,arethere?Akingmightbealoof
andisolated.ButthereisnosuchthingasakingwithoutaretinueWhata
blunder,lordofimpalement.IamaHeroicSpirit,anddonotfearevenmakingan
entirecountrymyenemy.

Hoh,howinteresting.

300

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LancerofBlacksmiled.Itwasanextremelyviolentsmilechargedfullofangerand
fury,hatredandkillingintent.

Youdontfearfacingmycountrybyyourself,asexpectedofaheroIhave
alreadypunishedyouthreetimesoverforthatarrogance.YesMystakeshave
piercedyouthreetimesintotal.Therefore,youwilldiehere.

!?

Feelingdreadsuddenlyhithisbody,LancerofRedimmediatelyattemptedto
jumpbackbutitwasnolongeranissueofbeingsloworfast.Itwasalreadyin
thepast.Theattackwasalreadyending!

Youguessedquickly.Yes,myKazikluBey:LordofExecutionisntaNoble
Phantasmthatcreatesstakes.Itsthestakesstabbedintotheenemythemselves
thataretheNoblePhantasm.Aslongasyourewithinthisterritoryofmine,no
matterhowmuchyoufortifyyourbody,ifitisafactthatyouhavereceivedan
attackfromme

WithinLancerofRedsbody,somethingwasswellingupwithviolentforce.Hard,
sharp,repulsivelycold,itwas

Stakes,huh

ThegoldenarmorthatcladKarnasbodycouldprotectagainststakes,blades,
hammers,oranykindofattackregardlessofwhetheritwasphysicalormagical.
Howeverattacksfromwithinhisbodywereasingleexception.Furthermore,
thesestakesweremanifestinginthestateofalreadyhavingpiercedhim.

Evenahornetwithstrongjawsandstingersthatfreelydancedthroughthesky
andcovetedpreywasjustpowerlessfoodwheninsideanestweavedbya
multitudeofspiders.

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Ch35

Bloodtrickleddownfromthethreestakesstabbingintohimveryquickly.This
wasprobablyKarnasfirstexperienceofreceivingdamagewhilecladinthat
armor.

Inaflash,LancerofBlackchargedforwardinordertosnatchvictory.Fromthe
beginning,heneverthoughteveninhisdreamsthatLancerofRedwouldbekilled
bysomethingofthislevel.

Sohecouldntoverlookthissingleinstant.Nomatterhowgreataherowas,there
wasnowaytheycouldresistwhilestabbedwithstakes!

Thisischeckmate,LancerofRed!

LancerofBlacklaunchedanattackwithastreamofcountlessstakesandalsothe
spearheheldinhishand.Theattackwasalreadyclosertoaswarmofpiranhas
thanaNoblePhantasm.Afterall,therewasnopauseinhispranausage.Aslong
thehomunculisqueezedoutpranaforhim,hecouldcontinuecreatingstakes
perpetually.Twothousandstakeswassimplythemaximumlimithecouldinvoke
atonce.Nomatterhowmanystakesweredestroyed,theycouldberecreatedas
longashehadprana.

Inotherwords,thisbattlefieldwasbasicallycoveredentirelybystakescontaining
hismalice.Hecouldntbebeaten.Thereshouldntbeanywayforasinglewarrior
tochallengeandbeatthiskingwhoruledthelandandsubduedhisnation.

Buthisentiresurroundingsbeinghisenemywasthemostcommonplaceof
commonplacesituationsfortheHeroicSpiritKarna.

AsLancerofBlackthrustedhisspearatthecrownofhishead,LancerofRed
splendidlydiverteditawaywithasweepofhisownspearasifhecouldnteven
feelthedamagefromthestakesstabbingintohim.

!!

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EvenLancerofBlackwasleftspeechless.Meanwhile,LancerofReddisplayedhis
superhumanwillpowerevenfurther.

OAgni1.

AblazewrappedaroundLancerofRedsentirebody.LancerofBlackinstantly
understoodthathewastryingtoburnawaythestakes.

Hewasgoingtolaughinridiculeathim,butstiffenedaninstantlater.Theflames
wentinsideLancerofRedsbody.Theyburned,burnedandburneduntilevery
singleoneofthestakespiercingLancerofRedwereblastedaway.

Withoutwastinganytime,LancerofBlackattackedwithanotherrainofstakes.

Butwhatthestakesweretryingtodestroywas,ofallthings,anincarnationof
fire.Hewasthesonofthesun,whocouldnotbeburnedevenbyflamespirits.

Hissturdyspearhandedtohimbythegods,thegoldenarmorthathadbeen
grantedtohimduetohismotherssupplication,andhisbloodtiestothesun
godtheirstatswerealllistedashalftheiractualvaluewhencheckingthestats
oftheServantknownasKarna.

Karnasstrongestweaponwashiswill.Possessingastrongwillandastrong
heart,hewastheHeroofCharitywhohadneverresentedasinglepersondespite
experiencingallkindsofmisfortune.Hewasamanwhohadbeengiventhings
morespecialthanthatofanyoneelse,butneveroncewastreated[special]
himself.

Neitherproudnorarrogant,hewasaherowhomerelycarriedoutawayoflife
thatwouldnotshamethenameofhisfatherfromthemomenthewasbornto
whenhewasfinallyshotdown.

1
Agni:Hindugodoffire.Thekanjibeneathitsimplyreadsasflame.

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Ch35

Therefore,evenwhenhisentrailsweregougedoutandthenervesofhisarms
wereseveredbyjustthreestakes.Evenwhenhewasattackedbyan
overwhelmingfeelingofoppressionduetoanendlessstreamofstakes.Even
whenhehadtoendureunimaginableagonyashecirculatedfirethroughthe
insideofhisbodyinordertodealwiththestakes.

LancerofRedwouldneverfearnorbendhiskneesinsubmission!

FlamessurroundedthetwoServants.Itwasexactlythesameasearlier.The
flameswerereturningeverythingtonothing.Butthatwasntall.

Lordofthisland,Illbetakingyourhead!

Whilecladinflames,LancerofRedfiercelyplungedforwardandwithout
mindingthedamagefromthestakesandflamesatall,helandedadirecthitto
thetipofLancerofBlacksshoulder.

Guh!

Acryofunconcealedanguish.Thestruggleforsupremacyendedhere.Lancerof
RedhadfinallyseizedLancerofBlack.Andinordertoincreasethesuccessofhis
finishingblow,LancerofRedbegantowaitforthechancetoreleasehisother
NoblePhantasmthatrivaledhisgoldenarmor,thatis,BrahmastraKundala:O
Brahma,CurseMe.

304

Ch36

Chapter3

TheFortressofMillennia.TheMastersthereviewedthebattlefieldthroughtheir
familiarsandMenorah,andeithergavedirectionstotheirServantsorhad
nothingmoretosayandsimplywatchedthebattlewhileholdingtheirbreaths.

Amongthem,Darnicsuddenlyspokeup.

Imgoingout.Fiore,IleavecommandingtheMasterstoyou.Henceforth,you
arealltoobeyherorders.

Grandfather?

DarnicdidntrespondtoFioreandleaptoutfromawindow.Flightwasntavery
difficultspellforamagus.Hesteppedthroughtheskyasifwalkingupasetof
stairs.

LikeIthought,IsupposeIllhavetoactivateit.

WhilelookingdownathisCommandSpells,hecarefullyexaminedthecurrent
situationofhisServantLancerofBlack.HeconsideredLancerofRed,whohad
foughtevenlyagainstSaberofBlack,theheroSiegfried,andalsoRiderofRed,
Achilles,whoArcherofBlackhadconcludedcouldntbekilledexceptbyHeroic
Spiritswiththebloodofthegods.

Inadditiontothosetwo,SaberofRedwasalsoaformidableenemy.Evennow,
shewasonesidedlyfightingagainsttheircampsRider.Atthisrate,RiderofBlack
wouldbedefeated.

ButDarnicstillhadalastresort.LancerofBlacksotherNoblePhantasm.

305

Ch36

ItwasatrulycertainkillNoblePhantasmthat,onceactivated,wouldallowhimto
easilytearapartLancerofRedandkillevenaHeroicSpiritwithdivineblood.

Ofcourse,thepriceforusingitwashigh.Rather,itwassomethingthathe
absolutelydidnotwanttouse.

LegendofDracula:TraditionofBlood

Onceused,LancerofBlackwouldtransformintoabloodsuckingvampirethat
wasonlytoldofinfolklore.InsteadofaHeroicSpirit,hewouldbereducedtoa
literalmonster.

ThepriceofactivatingthatNoblePhantasmwasDarnicslife.BecauseLancerof
BlackhadformedacontractasaServantwithDarnicinordertoeraseVladIIIs
bloodtarnishedlegendthatis,thevampireDraculafromhistory.

Inotherwords.MakingmeusethatNoblePhantasmisthesameasspitting
uponme.EvenifIamabouttodie,Iwillabsolutelynotuseit.Andifyouforceme
todosowithaCommandSpell,Idontneedtotellyouwhatwillhappentoyou
afterthat,doI?

Thatwasthewarning,no,theorderLancerofBlackhadgivenimmediatelyafter
beingsummoned.Inotherwords,ifDarnicmadehimusethisNoblePhantasm,
hewouldpayforitwithdeath.

Butifwelose,Illdieeitherway.

Thatwasthetruth.Ifheranaway,hecouldprobablyextendatleasthislife,but
themagusDarnicPrestoneYggdmillenniawoulddie.Thatalonewasanoptionhe
wouldnotchoose.

306

Ch36

Ifitwasforthesakeofgraspingvictory,Darnicwouldpermitanyandall
sacrifices.ButtheproblemherewasthattheMasterofLancerofBlackwas
himself.

HecouldforceLancertouseLegendofDraculawithoneCommandSpell,and
thenmakeLancerkillhimselfwithasecondone.Thiswouldremoveallproblems.
Butifhedidthat,DarnicwouldlosehisServant.

EvenifLancerannihilatedalltheRedServantsduringthattime,whatfollowed
wasabattlebetweentheMastersoftheYggdmillenniaclan.EvenifDarnicwas
theclanhead,thiswasawarsurroundingtheHolyGrailwhichcouldgrantall
wishes.

EventhemostsensibleclanmemberslikeFioreandCauleswouldntlistentohis
ordersthen.

Then,shouldhetakeoveranotherServantfromsomeoneelse?

Thatwasalsoadifficultproblem.Wouldanyonereallycomplywithanorderto
handovertheirServant?Also,therewasnoHeroicSpiritbesidesthealready
vanishedSaberamongthemwhocouldopposeFioresServantChiron.

Nomatterwhathedid,itwasasituationfilledwithgreatrisk.

Goodgrief.

Hewasbeingcornered.Darnicunderstoodthatverywell.Buthehadexperienced
thatmanytimesinthepastonehundredyears.

Amongthoseexperiences,theThirdHolyGrailWarsixtyyearsagohadbeenan
uncannilyharshbattle,somuchsothat,evennow,herejoicedatstillbeingalive
likethis.

307

Ch36

Backthen,hehadtheunexpectedfortuneoffindingapaththatledtothe
GreaterGrailfromaholehehadhappenedtofallinto.Hethenenticedthe
GermanNaziswithskillfulwords,gettingthemtosendin,underthedirectorders
oftheFhrer,ahugemilitaryforcethatonewouldntexpecttobesenttoan
alliedcountrylikeJapan,andhadthemstealtheGreaterGrail.

Andthen,heintentionallyarrangedforthetransportcarryingtheGreaterGrailto
passthroughTrifasonthewaytoGermany,andthenkilledallthemagiand
soldierswhomhehadfoughtalongside.Followingthatweredaysofresearchand
politics.OutwardlytowardstheAssociation,hefeignedtohavetheYggdmillennia
clancontentitselfwiththedutyofbeingareceptaclefordropoutmagi.

HealteredtheGreaterGraillittlebylittletoadaptittoTrifas.Hisachievementin
makingitpossibletosummonnotonlypureHeroicsSpirits,butalsothosewho
onlyhavetheaspectofaHeroicSpiritcouldbecalledanunexpectedbyproduct
ofthealterationprocess.

Atanyrate,timewastheonethinghehadplentyof.Tenyears,twentyyears,
thirtyyears,fortyyears,fiftyyears,sixtyyears

Whatwastheoriginofthistenacityofhis?

Thedrivingforceofallmagi,toreachtheRoot?Ofcourse,thatplayedabigpart
inhisreasons.Aslongasonelivedasamagus,toaimforthatwasnatural.But
hadhereallystruggledonuntilthispointforsuchapurewish?

Abittermemoryfromovereightyyearsagosurfacedinhismind.

Atthetime,hehadbeendecoratedwithabrilliantdebutasanupandcoming
youngmagus,andhadsuddenlyobtainedamarriageproposal.Itwasagood
matchformarriage.Darnicwouldbetyinghimselftoaclanoflonglineagethat
stoodamongstthearistocraticLordsoftheClockTower.

308

Ch36

Butthenitallcametoahaltthere.TheYggdmillenniabloodwaspollutedand
impure,andcouldntmaintainitselfpastthefifthgeneration.Allthatsleftisruin
foryourclan,acertainmagushadwarnedhim.

Ridiculous.Aslongastheclancontinuespastthefifthgeneration,anynumber
ofcountermeasurescanbethoughtof.

ButitseemedtheonlyonewhothoughtthatwaywasDarnic.Theclanhewas
abouttomarryintodidntlikerisks,andsotothem,heimmediatelybecamean
outsiderthathadtobeexcluded.

Evenhisfuturebrotherinlaw,whohadslappedhisbackwithasmileandsworn
friendshipwithhim,andthewomanwhowastobehisspouse,whohadshyly
whisperedherlovetohim,hadbothturnedawayfromhim.

Thatsfine.Suchthingshappen.

Butatthatveryinstant,Yggdmillenniawascutofffromtheirdreamofrisingto
theranksoftheLords.Eveniftheyovercameruinpastthefifthgeneration,the
labelthathadbeenonceslappedonthemwouldnevercomeoff.

Hecouldlivewithwhathappenedtohimself,butthosemagihadtakenaway
eventhefuturesofthosewhofollowedafterhim.Atthatinstant,Darnic
abandonedtheideaofreachingtheRootthroughthenormalapproachinother
words,byaccumulatingdiligentresearchasamagusandgraduallyclimbingup
thepoliticalladderwithintheAssociationasawishthatwouldneverbe
granted.

Therefore,hefirsthadtothinkofamethodtostoptheruinofhisclan.Andthen
hehadtosearchforapathtoreachtheRoot.

TherewasalsotheoptionofsimplywithdrawingfromtheAssociationofMagi
andcontinuinghisclansresearchwhilehidingthemselvesamidsttheworld.But

309

Ch36

Darnicrefusedtodothat.

Naturally,remainingintheAssociationwashumiliating.ButDarniccarvedthat
humiliationintohisheartwithoutforgettinganybitofitforevenasecondand
useditasnourishment.

Atthattime,hecoincidentlylearnedabouttheHolyGrailWarinFuyukiCity.He
involvedNaziGermany,whowereinterestedintheoccult,obtainedthepowerof
theirarmy,andparticipatedinthewarasaMaster.

Itwasfortunateforhimthatthesituationhadturnedextremelychaoticdueto
theEinzberns,whohadcommittedanactoffoulplaythatbrokethewarsrules.

TheThirdHolyGrailWarconcludedwithnodefinitevictor,andtheexhausted
Einzbern,TohsakaandMakirifamilieshadpossessednomeansbythentostop
DarnicandtheGermanNazis.

Accordingtorumorsfloatingaround,theEinzbernsapparentlystillhadntgiven
upontheHolyGrailandweretryingtomakeanewone.TheTohsakagaveupon
theHolyGrailandsearchedforanothermethodtoreachtheRootinFuyuki.The
Makiriwasaclanthathadalreadybegunfallingintodecayevenbackthen.There
wasnonewsofthem,buttheThirdHolyGrailWarhadmostlikelydealtadecisive
blowtothem.

Darnicnolongerfeltanyresentmenttowardstheclanwhohadforsakenhim.
Whenheconsideredthepresent,heevenfeltlikethankingthem.Though,they
hadalreadyfallentoruinasaclanlongago,withoutleavingtheirnamesin
historyatall

ItwasntthatDarnichadadirecthandinbringingabouttheirruin.Theywere
simplycorneredpolitically.

310

Ch36

Theyhadmerelyinvestedfundsintoafutileexperiment,leakedthedetailsofthe
hiddenritual,andthechildwhohadinheritedtheirclansMagicCresthad
coincidentallyandunfortunatelydiedinanaccidentduringtheexperiment.

They,whoflatteredDarnicandwereevenpreparedtosellthemselvestohimnow
thattheyhadcometoruin,weretheonlyclantowhomherefusedtherequestto
joinYggdmillennia.Followingthat,heknewthattheyhadheadedtoJapaninthe
FarEastwheretheHolyGrailWarhadoncetakenplace,buttheirwhereabouts
wereunknownafterthat.Mostlikely,theyhadlivedouttheirliveswhile
lamentingeverythinguntiltheirdeath.

Humanlifeconsistsofcontinuingtodefeatsomeoneelse.Andrightnow,the
oneshemustdefeataretheAssociationofMagiandtheothermagiofhisclan.

Ofcourse,hefeltnohesitation.Whetheritbedefeatingmembersofhisownclan
ormakinghisServantuseaNoblePhantasmthathehaddeemedtaboo.

Darnicsexpressionrightnowwasenoughtoterrifyanyonewhoknewhisusual
self.Itwasinhumaneandcold,asiffrozeninplace,withnotevenafragmentof
emotionshowingthroughit.

Rightnow,hewasthinkingofsomethingterriblycraftyandvicious.Ifnecessary,
hewouldnthesitatetofalltoanyandallsortsofcorruption.Thereasonhe
purposelywentoutsidewasbecauseofthis.Sothathewouldntinspireany
unnecessarywarinessintheothers.

Nowthen.Whattodo?

Hethoughtitoverforashortwhile.Andthen,Darniccametoasingleconclusion.
Thedecisionanddeterminationtonotbalkatdirtyinghimselfwithbloodwas
necessary,butthatwassurelysomethingthathehardlyhadtobeaskedtodoat
thislatehour.

311

Ch37

Chapter3

Onesidedwastheonlywaytodescribeit.

Fromthebeginning,thetwoofthemwereindifferentleaguesfromeachotherin
termsoftheirstatusasHeroicSpirits,theageoftheirmysteriesandeverything
else.

Withbestialinstincts,SaberofReddidntbothertoblockRiderofBlacksgolden
lanceandinsteadcontinuedtocleverlydodgehisattacks.

Althoughitsoffensivepowerwaseffectivelynil,thiswasthelancethathadthe
extremelyfatalabilitytoforcefullymakeaServantslegsvanishtheTrapof
Argalia:DownwithaTouch!.

Butthatabilitywasalsouselessifitcouldntdeliveradirecthit.Itwasntthat
RiderofBlackwasinexperiencedwithhandlingalance.Rather,hehad
participatedinmanyjoustingmatchesandreachedalevelwherenormalknights
couldnotcompetewithhim.

However,SaberofRedwasnotanormalknight.ShewasMordred,the
illegitimatechildofArthurPendragon,theKingofKnightshimself,andan
uncommonchildprodigywhohadstudied,stolenandalteredherfathers
techniquestomakethemherown.

Tooslow!

SaberofRedsfullbodyarmorwasobviouslyintheheavyweightclassevenfrom
anoutsidersperspective.Evenifitwasmadeofprana,itsweightdidntchange.
RiderofBlack,whohadconfidenceinhisnimbleness,triedtocompletelyransack
herwithhisspeed.

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Ch37

ButtheonewhowasfallingbehindwasnoneotherthanRiderofBlack.Hewas
desperatelyblockingSaberofRedsswordwithhislance.Onthebladesedge,red
sparksoflightningdancedbeforedisappearing.

ThiswasSaberofRedsprana.Sinceshewasreleasingherinsaneamountof
pranathatpracticallygushedoutofherentirebody,hisarmswentnumbjustby
blockingthebladeofhersword.RiderofBlackwasterrified.Hecouldfeeliteach
timetheirweaponsclashedherviolentflamelikepassionthatmixedtogether
madness,hatredandthejoyofbattle.

Ah,damnit,Ivegototherthingstodo,youknowJustdiealready!

Clickinghertongue,SaberofRedmutteredthatwithaveryannoyedtone.In
response,RiderofBlackdidwhatwashisnaturalspecialtyandwhichalways
annoyedhisopponentthemosthesmiled.

No,no,dontsaythat.Howaboutkeepingmecompanyawhilelonger?

Enoughprattling!!

AndSaberofRedalsohadalowboilingpoint.Overwhelmedwithanger,she
gratedherteethandlaunchedanevenmoresevereattack.

Itwasterrifying.Andyetevenso,herattackswerejustbarelywithinwhatcould
becalledswordtechnique.

Asheexchangedblowswithher,RiderofBlackunderstood.Herswordskills
possessedtheconflictedyetperfectbalancebetweentheferocityofaBerserker
andtheskillofaSaber.

Touseacomparison,takeaferociouswildmonkey.Sayitwastaughttofightto
receivefoodandpittedagainstthousandsofenemies.Ofcourse,itdidnthave
theintelligencetolearnfightingtechniques.

313

Ch37

But,ifinstincttrainedit,numerousbattlessharpeneditsmind,andtherewardfor
doingsosatisfiedit

Thenwhatwasproducedintheendwasanultimatemonsterthathadmastered
notfightingtechniques,butsomethingelse.

SaberofRedsswordskillswereextremelyclosetothat.Itwasaswordtechnique
thatwasproducedonlybythosewhocontinuedfighting,fightingandkilling,
throwingawaythingslikeetiquetteandchivalryandfightingonlyforthesakeof
survivalandslaughter.

Noonebuthercouldmasterthistechnique,andnoonebutherwascompatible
withthelogicbehindit.Itwasthetechniqueofalion,createdandmasteredby
Mordredalone.

Kuh!!

Sparksflewaslanceandswordclashed.Sincethebattlehadstarted,SaberofRed
hadbeenoverwhelmingRiderofBlack.

ButSaberofRedwastheonewhowasirritated.

Damnit,Icantdealafinishingblow.

SaberofRedsInstinctskill,whichresembledpsychicperception,waswarningher
nottoletherselfbehitbythatgoldenshininglance.Evenifshethoughtthat
receivingasingleblowfromthelancesblunttipwouldnthavemucheffecton
her,herinstinctswouldntallowit.

Asaresult,herdodgesbecameslightlybiggerandwider,andshecouldntfollow
upwellwithacounterattackusingherblade.Itwasntenoughtomakeher
attackssloppy,butitwastruethatshecouldntputherfullpowerbehindit.

314

Ch37

Shouldshejustignoreherinstinctsandtryreceivinganattack?Thatthought
cametomind,butsheimmediatelydismissedit.ThatlancewasaNoble
Phantasm.AndaslongasitwasaNoblePhantasm,shehadtoremaincautiousof
itnomatterhowlowitspowerwas.

Itwouldbefatalforherifithadsomeabilitylikeimmobilizingwhatithitor
weakeningtheenemysmovements.No,SaberofReddidntthinkthatRiderof
Blackwouldjustchargeatanenemyofthemostpowerfulclasslikeherwithout
someplaninmind.

SheshutoutherirritationHerimpatiencerightnowwasntoutofworryof
losing.Shewasjustimpatienttogetthisoverwithsothattheentirebattle
wouldntendbeforeshecouldfightotherServants,especiallythatArcherofBlack
whomshecouldntconcludeherearlierfightwith.

So,shuttingoutherimpatience,SaberofReddeterminedlywaitedforRiderof
Blacktoshowanopening.

Now!

Andthen,thatchancecame.Sherepelledthelanceupwardswithallherpower
anddroveherswordintohisdefencelessabdomen.Hischainmailmightaswell
nothaveexistedinthefaceofhersword.

Gah!

Atthelastmoment,RiderofBlackputallhispowerintotwistinghisbody.Thisact
succeeded,attheveryleastlettinghimavoidinstantdeathasitonlypiercedhis
flankinstead.

Butcoulditreallybecalledasuccess?RiderofBlacknolongerhadthestrengthto
enduretheshorttimeitwouldtakeforanyhealingspellsorhisownselfhealing
abilitytotakeeffect.

315

Ch37

Well,itwasfun.

SaberofRedsaidthatandraisedClarentoverherheadtoprepareforabigswing.
RiderofBlackforciblyraisedhisface,andmurmuredwithasmile.

Preparations,complete.

SaberofRedfrownedsuspiciouslyatRiderofBlackswords.

Hey,whatpreparationsareyoutalkingabout?Eh?

Atthatinstant.Withaspeedthattrulycouldntbecaughtwiththenakedeye.
AstrongattackbyBerserkerofBlack,whohadreceivedaboostfromaCommand
Spell,hitSaberofRedsdefencelessback.

Deemingthatthiswasanallornothingbattle,Cauleshadusedhissecond
CommandSpell.AccordingtoArcherofBlacksdiagnosis,SaberofReddidnthave
adefensivetypeNoblePhantasmthatwasclosetoaConceptualArmamentlike
SaberofBlackorRiderofReddid.Hehadjudgedthatherhelmetmerelyserved
tohidehertruenameandabilities,andhadnootherpowers.

Inthatcase,thisattackshould,attheveryleast,getthrough.Particularlysince
Berserkersmacewasaweaponthatdealtimpactsinsteadofslashes.Itwas
especiallyusefulagainstenemiescoveredentirelyinarmor.

Theimpactbetweenthearmorandthemacewaslikethesoundofacarbeing
crushedinacarpressmachine.BerserkerofBlackfeltfeedbackfromherblow.
Rider,whowatchedtheattackfrombeginningtoend,wasalsocertainithadhit.

However.

Thats,impossible.

316

Ch37

TheonewhodeservedshockandadmirationwasntBerserkerofBlack,whohad
takencarefulaimandhitwithhermacejustasplanned.Theonedeservingawe
wasSaberofRed,whohadreceivedthatattackandyet,insteadofbeingblown
away,hadntmoved,asifshewererootedtotheground.

Caules,whowatchedthroughhisfamiliars,theattackerBerserker,andevenRider
couldnothidetheirshock.

BerserkerEvenifasmallfrylikeyouisaddedtothebattle

SaberofRedsvoicewaspenetratinglycold,asifstiflingpainandangerbeneath
it.ShefirmlyturnedthepointofherswordtowardsRiderofBlack.RiderofBlack,
whohadtriedtostabherwithhislanceatthesametimeasBerserker,couldnt
moveasinglesteplesthebeskewered.

uuuu!

Thisisbad.Getaway,Berserker!

AtnearlythesametimeasCaulesorder,Berserker,seizedbyapremonitionof
death,immediatelyjumpedbackwardsbyafulltwentymeters.Shedisappeared
amidstthecrowdofgolemswhohappenedtobestandingthere.

Andimmediatelyafter.BerserkerandRiderofBlackweremadetorealizeonce
morejusthowmuchSaberofRedtoweredabovethemasaHeroicSpirit.

Didyouthinkyoucouldbeatme!?

Sheleaptforward.No,itwasalreadyatthelevelwhereshewasntjustleaping,
butwasshotforward.SaberofRedwasaloadedbullet,andthegunhammerhad
justhitthedetonator.

317

Ch37

ThroughSaberofRedsskill[PranaBurst]she,thebullet,flewoutfromthe
rifledgunbarrelwhilespinning,andshotwithoutwaveringstraighttowardsher
target,Berserker.

Andthelargeswordsheheldreadywasawarhead.EvenwithSabersface
completelycoveredbyherhelmet,Berserkerdefinitelyfeltit.

ThisServantissmilingwithasneeronherfacerightnow.

Sabersslashswunginanarcandexplodedthroughallthesurroundinggolems.
Explodewastrulytherightword.Ashockwaveandredlightningburstoutfrom
theblade,andthesurroundinggolemswerereducedtorubblejustbythe
aftershock.

TheBlackMasterswhoobservedthissceneandtheServantswhosawitcould
onlygasp.

No,way.

Thatstrainedmutterfromsomebodywasasentimentthateveryonethereagreed
withinthedepthsoftheirhearts.Thatwashowamazingandabsurdtheattack
was.AndwhatwasmoreterrifyingwasthatthiswasntaNoblePhantasm.Itwas
justanormalattacklaunchedwiththefullpowerofaHeroicSpirit.

Berserker!!

Caulesdesperatelycalledouttoherthroughtheirtelepathiccommunication.
Berserkergavenosignofrespondingtoit.Shewasntdead;herMasterCaules
couldtellthatmuch.Butwhatstatewassheinafterreceivingthatattackjust
now?

SaberofRedclearedawaythesmokewithaswingofherblade.Catchingsightof
Berserkerandnoticinghercurrentstate,Sabersfacetwistedwithhatred.

318

Ch37

You

Hey,didyougether?

AfterherMastercutinwithtelepathiccommunication,Saberrepliedwitha
displeasedvoice.

Ihither.Ihither,butshesstillalive.Shesaliveandstrugglingunseemlyonthe
ground.

Yourereallyinabadmood,arentyou?So,haveyoufiguredouthertrue
identity?

Notreally.Butthisgirlisnthuman.Rather,Imdoubtfulthatshesanykindof
livingcreature.Itfeelslikesheskindasimilartoahomunculus.

Ahomunculus?

ThearmIchoppedoffhascablesrunningthroughitinsteadofbloodvessels.
Master,isthereanyHeroicSpiritlikethat?

Anartificiallifeform,huhIgetthefeelingthatImightormightnothave
heardaboutsuchaHeroicSpirit.

Hey,whichisit,Master?Well,itdoesntmattereitherway.Learningthetrue
nameofaServantthatsabouttodieisuselessknowledge.

Wait,waitanartificiallifeformIllaskjustincase,butherentirebodyisnt
thatofamachine,right?

Herfleshisfullofpatchedtogetherdefectiveparts.Shesnotamachinewell,
whocares.Imgoingtodealthefinishingblownow.

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TokillaServant,itwasnecessarytosmashtheirspiritualcore.Soshejust
neededtodestroytheorganswhichconnectedtoit,herheartorbrain.

Withouthesitation,SaberofRedstabbedherswordintoBerserkerschest.
BerserkerofBlackreceivedtheswordwithoutresisting.Shejusttwitchedthe
instantthebladewasthrustin.

Itsover.

NowthatBerserkerhadreceivedafatalwound,Sabernolongercaredabouther.
HernexttargetwasRiderofBlack.Whensheturnedaround,shesawRider
chargingatherwithhislanceready.

Hewasfast.Butwithhiswoundsstillnotcompletelyhealed,hisattackwasonly
justslightlyaboveaverageforaHeroicSpirit.Shewasconfidentthatshecould
handleevenahundredofsuchattacks.

Comeatme,dog!

Shewasconfident.ShewouldblockRiderslancewithherswordanddecapitate
himintheblinkofaneye.Andthusthebattlewouldend.Thoughtherankofher
Instinctwasnthighenoughtobecalledfutureforesight,itstilleasilyguidedher
totheoptimumanswerinthisscene.

TheoddsweretentoonethatRiderofBlackwouldbekilled.Itdidntseemlike
anymiraclewouldhappen,sonowshejusthadtoconcentrate.

SaberofRedwascorrect.Butoneofhercalculationswasinsufficient.Notasmall
frylikeabattletypehomunculusorgolemnorevenanotherServant.But
rather,iftherewasaflukethatshouldntexistinthisworld.

Thenallhercalculationswouldturnbrittleandfallapart.

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!?

First,RiderofBlackslowedhischargewhilemakingashockedexpression.Next,a
smallhumanfigureappearedinthecornerofhervision.

BerserkerofBlackitwasnot.Itwasjustarankandfilehomunculus.Hewas
carryingaslenderswordandchargingatherjustlikeRider.Hisattackwas
unexpectedlyfastforasmallfry,though.

Butsomethinglikethatwasstillnothingmorethanamosquitostingtoher.Saber
ofRedignoredhimandfocusedonRiderofBlack.

Ifhecollidedwithhim,shewouldjustrepelhisattackandtakehimdownwith
onehand.Thenitwouldbeover.Thatswhatshepredicted,butSaberofRedstill
feltalingeringunease.

Itwasntanythingonthelevelofapremonition.Itwasjustasmallandtrivial
uneasyfeeling.SoSaberignoreditandpreparedherselftokillthechargingRider
ofBlack.

RiderofBlackshookoffhisshockand,asifdrivenbysomeimpatience,chargedat
Saberevenfaster.

ThefirsttoreachSaberwasthehomunculus.Buthisswordthrustwouldprobably
bounceoffSabersfullbodyarmor.Therewasnowayitwouldnt.Atthevery
least,itwasimpossiblethatherarmorwouldlosetothelikesofaslashfroma
homunculus.

However,theweaponthatthehomunculusheldwasnoneotherthanthesword
ofaServant.ThoughnotaNoblePhantasm,itssharpnesswasincomparablewith
commonplaceweaponsheldbyotherrankandfilesoldiers.

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Still,therewouldhavebeennoproblemifitswielderwasanordinary
homunculus.But

Hedidntactaccordingtoanyrationalthought.Withoutconsideringanything,
hethrewawayevenhisownlife.

RiderofBlackschargewasgoingtofail.Siegunderstoodthat.Theherowhohad
savedhimwouldbecruellydefeatedandkilledbeforehiseyes.

Thatwastheonethingthatheabsolutelycouldntstand.Hisheartbeathadsent
bloodpumpingstronglythroughhisentirebody,andputstrengthintohisfeetas
hefirmlysteppedontheground.

Heyelled.Idontneedanything,hethought.Evenifthisattackwasameaningless
act.EvenifitwouldonlyextendRiderofBlackslifebyjustalittlelonger.

TheoptiontoabandonRiderandliveapeacefullifewascompletely
meaninglessinSiegseyes.

SaberofRedsfinalmistakeinhercalculationswasconcerningherfullbody
armor.Shehadforgotten.True,Saberhadwithstoodthefullypoweredand
CommandSpellenhancedattackbyBerserker.

Butthatdidntmeanshewasntinjured.Thepartofherarmorthathaddirectly
receivedtheattackbythemacehadbeenbentandcavedin.

Therefore,itwasonlynaturalthatthatpartofherarmoralonewasnowbrittle.
Thehomunculuseyeshaddefinitelygraspedtheexistenceofwhatcouldbe
rightlycalledacatastrophepointinherarmor.

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SaberandSiegeachsharedaheavyshock.ForSieg,itwasthephysicalcollision
afterchargingintoherwithhisshoulderandtheresultingterriblepainthat
wrackedhisentirebody.ButSaberwasntconcernedwiththat.

What?

Beforefeelinganypain,shewasdumbstruck.Thatslenderswordhadpiercedher
pridedfullbodyarmor.Bloodwasslowlyflowingoutfromherabdomen.Herrage
instantlydissipated,andinitsplace,afrozenkillingintentruledSabersmind.

Whothehellareyou?

Siegremainedsilentashepulledouttheslenderswordandreadiedtouseit
again.Itwasntthathedidntreply,butthathecouldnt.TheServantinfrontof
himwasntmadwithrage,butwasjustfacinghimwhileherfaceremained
concealedbehindhersteelhelmetandasaresult,Siegcouldntevenopenhis
mouthtospeak.

Ifyouwontanswer,Idontmindthateither.IjustdecidedthatImgoingtokill
you.

kuh!!Stop,Saber!

RiderofBlackchargedoncemore.Heattackedfromalowstanceasifgliding
forward,butSaberofRedblockeditwithherswordand,inrecompenseforhis
blindandnavecharge,dealthimasevereelbowstrike.

Guh!!

Shehadaimedforthespotthatstillhadntcompletelyhealedfromtheearlier
slash,andsoevenmorebloodgushedoutfromhisabdomen.Evenashe
collapsedtotheground,RiderofBlackglaredatSaberofRedwithadesperate
expression.

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SaberspoketoRiderwithalookthatcontainedatraceofpity.

Unfortunately,Ivealreadyconfirmedthisguyasanenemy.Ifhewerejustabit
weaker,hecouldhavefoundanotherpath.

SaberofRedreadiedhersilversword,completelyfocusedonherintentiontokill.
TheswordwaspointednotatRider,butatthehomunculus.Asifinatrance,Sieg
gazedstraightatSabersvaliantform.Howterrifying,hethought.Imgoingtodie,
hepredicted.Andyet,somehowhisemotionswerenumbed.Hewaspractically
closetoaserenestateofmind.

Hisheartbeatwasnofasterthanusual.Itseemedthisheartdidntaccelerateits
pulseoutoffear.Asexpectedofahero,Siegthought,admiringinhisheartthe
manwhohadbeenSaberofBlack,Siegfried.

Thematchwasoverinasingleblow.

SiegdidntevenhavethetimetoswinghisswordasSaberofRedsslashtore
throughhischest.Herbladeslashedthroughhimfromtheshoulderdownand
eventuallyreachedhisheart.

Seeya.Illcarvethememoryofyouintomyheart,namelesshomunculus.

Thosewerewithoutadoubt,wordsofpraisebySaberofRed.Vividbloodgushed
out,andyetanotherhomunculusfelldyingtotheground.Itwasascenethathad
repeatedcountlesstimessinceearlieronthisbattlefield.

Butatthatinstant,allthehomunculiwhohadbeenmadetoparticipateinthis
GreatHolyGrailWarhadtheirbreathscatchintheirthroatsAllofthemknew
abouthim.Allofthemunderstoodwhyhehadreturnedaswell.

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Ch37

Theywereunabletosupportorassisthim.Buttheysympathizedwithhim.They
hadwishedblessingsuponhim,theonlyoneamongthemwhohadchosentobe
free.

Thebattlewasntover.Thegolems,DragonToothWarriors,andeventhe
homunculididntresttheirhands.Butatthismoment,thehomunculicreatedby
Yggdmillenniafeltthateverythingwasover.

Whileagloomyshadowspreadamongthemthatnoonebesidestheirfellows
noticedthehomunculicontinuedstrugglingtofightandsurviveonthe
battlefield.

SaberofRedturnedtofaceRiderofBlacknext.

Sorryformakingyouwait.

RiderofBlackwassilent.Hishead,tilteddownwards,hadlostanytraceofhis
usualcarefreesmile.

HereIcome,SaberofRed.Iwontforgiveyou.

Hah,enoughwithbeingmovedbyfeelings!Thisisabattlefield.OfcourseIm
goingtokillthosewhofacemeasanenemy.Evenmoresoforthosewhowound
me!

Yeah,Iknowthat.Iknowthat,buttheresnowaythatI,Astolfo,canagreewith
thatkindoflogic!!

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AsRiderofBlackyelled,SaberofRedgaveafaintsmilefilledwithprovocation,
planningtointercepthimthistime,butshecouldnthelpstoppingherattackdue
toasuddentelepathiccommunication.

Thespeakerwas,naturally,herMasterShishigou.

Hey.WhathappenedtoBerserkerofBlack!?

Thoughshefeltdoubtfulovertheunclearpurposeofthisquestion,SaberofRed
repliedhonestly.

Whatswithyou,Master?IfitsaboutBerserker,shesalready

Didyouproperlyconfirmthatherbodydispersedandvanished!?

No,Ididntconfirmherdeaththatfar.

Butevenwithoutdoingthat,shedefinitelyfeltthatshehaddeliveredthe
finishingblow.WhileremainingattentivetoRiderofBlack,sheturnedherhead
backslightlytolookatwhereBerserkerhadfallenandconfirmedthattherewas
noonethere.

What!?

Evenwhileshocked,Saberscannedhersurroundings.TheServanthadntsimply
vanishedafterdying.Asproofofthat,Berserkersmacewasplanteduprightinto
theground.Itremindedherofagravemarker,butsheimmediatelynoticed
somethingstrangeaboutit.

WhenshereceivedSabersslash,BerserkerofBlackshouldhavedroppedthat
mace.Andyet,whenhadthatmacebeenplantedintothegroundlikethat?

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Perhapsbecausethesceneofitplantedtherewasfartooodd,herattentionwas
caughtbythemace.Thenextinstant,asifhavingtimedit,BerserkerofBlackfell
downfromtheskyandgrabbedontoSaberofRedsback.

Kuhgetoff!!

SaberofRed,havingsurviveduponthebattlefieldforalongtime,understood.
Thiswasdefinitelyasuicideattack.Berserkerwasabouttofireoffsomething
evenifitmeantsacrificingherselftodoit.

NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOU!!

Whilescreaminglikeaferociousbeastoradeceasedspiritfromhell,Berserkerof
BlackstilldesperatelyclungtoSaberofRedsback.

Pranaswelledupfromwithinherinawhirlwind,anditbegantocreateahuge
twisterwithheratthecenter.

Berserker!

RiderofBlackdesperatelyshoutedwhileblockingwithonehandthedustthat
wastryingtogetintohiseyes.

ButtheonetorespondtohimwasntBerserker.

Thatsenough,Rider.BerserkerisactivatingherNoblePhantasm.Withdraw
fromthere.

ItwastheunpleasantlycoldvoiceofhisMaster.Naturally,Riderobjected.

Noway.Saberis

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Bequiet.Ifyoustaythere,youlldie,youknow?Doyouwantmetousea
CommandSpell?

Evenwhilegrittinghisteethatthosewords,Ridermovedawaytosomewhere
thatseemedsafetohim.Whenhecooledhishead,hewasshockedtorealize
wherehecametoastop.

HewasnowmorethanahundredmetersfromwherethetwofemaleServants
were.Inotherwords,Ridersbodyhadinstinctivelyjudgedthatitwouldbe
dangerousifhedidntgetthisfaraway.

RiderofBlackknewthatBerserkerhadtwoNoblePhantasms.Thefirstwasa
continuouslyactivetypeNoblePhantasm,BridalChest:MaidensChastity.And
thesecondwas

BlastedTree:LightningBranchofCrucifixion.

ItwasaforbiddenNoblePhantasmthatwoulddriveBerserkerofBlackherselfto
deathaswell.

CaulesdidntknowwhatheshouldsaytoBerserker.

Hejustcouldntstopher.ItwasntbecauseshewassuitedtokillingSaberofRed
oranythinglikethat.

Cauleshadntorderedhertodoso.HehadntbeencoercedbyanotherMasteror
Fioreeither.CaulesjustsomehowthoughtthatBerserkerwouldprobablydoso,
andBerserkerhadtriedtoactivateherNoblePhantasmwithouthimevenhaving
touseaCommandSpell.

Berserker.IllbackyouupwithaCommandSpell.

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TheCommandSpellwasneithertoprotecthernortomakeherwithdraw.Itwas
aboost.Themorenarrowlydefinedanorderwas,andthemoreinstantaneousit
was,thestrongertheeffectoftheCommandSpellwas.AndiftheServantagreed
withtheMastersorder,anevengreatereffectwouldmanifest.

Inthiscase,ifCaulesorderedBerserkertouseherNoblePhantasmatmaximum
power,itwouldbeabletoexceeditsnormaloutput.

Withthatmuch,itwouldprobablybepowerfulenoughtokillSaberofRed.

uu.

Hergroanofagreementrangthroughthetelepathiclinksowellitwasdepressing.
Atthismoment,CaulesregrettedinthedepthsofhisheartthatBerserkerofBlack
wasFrankenstein.

Itwouldhavebetterifsheweresimplymad.Itwouldhavebetterifshewerea
madwarriorthatdidntevenrecognizeherMastersface,couldntcommunicate
andjustslaughteredtheenemy.

Ifso,hewouldnthesitatesomuchoverusinghislastremainingCommandSpell.
Fromthebeginning,hewasntevenproactivelyparticipatinginthisGreaterHoly
Grailwar,andhehadnowishtogranteither.

HeshouldhavepartedwithBerserkerwithoutregrets,lamentsorevensorrow.

Andyet.Whatherecalledinhismindwastheimageofherpluckingflowers
withavastexpressiononherfaceandthrowingthemawaywithoutpickingthe
flowerpetals.Ofhersimplygazingattherippeduppiecesoftheflowersdancing
uponthewind.

Hishearthurtasifitwerebeingrippedapartbutheenduredit.Hedidntshed
tears;fromthebeginning,heshouldnthavehadtherighttodoso.

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Theonebeingkilledwasher,andtheonekillingherwashim.Hecouldntbreak
that.

Withavoicesocoldhehatedit,hebeganspeakingthewords.

ThefifthBlackMasterordersyouwithaCommandSpell.

Hecastedawayhismeagerandshortmemoriesofher.

Releaseallyourlimiters.ActivateyourNoblePhantasmBlastedTreeandkill
SaberofRed.

Theskysplitapart.TheenormouspranathatBerserkerofBlackhadgatheredup
wasmakingthefinsonthetailendofhermacespinathighspeeds.

You!

Sabersvoicewastwistedwithirritation.Givingafaintsmile,BerserkerofBlack
spokebacktoher.

Youre,coming,withme.

Fromtheskytotheearth,orperhapsfromtheearthtothesky,bluishwhitelight
raineddownlikeawaterfall.

!!

Thelightningstrikeoverrantheworldcompletely.Everythingwithinahundred
meterradiuswascompletelydestroyed,leavingnotevenasinglefragment.

330

Ch37

AnyonewhosawitwasconvincedthatSaberofRedhaddied.Excluding
exceptionsamongexceptionslikeRiderofRed,nomatterhowpowerfulthe
Servantwas,itshouldhavebeenimpossibleforthemtobeallrightafterbeinghit
bytheattackjustnow.

TheattackBerserkerofBlackhadreleasedbywageringherlifewastruly
tenacious.

Didshegether?

Buttheyhadforgottenonething.TheonesfightinginthisGreatHolyGrailWar
consistednotonlyofServants.Thoughnoonecaughtsightofthemonthe
battlefield,therewerestillthosewhohadgatheredtofightalongsidethe
Servants.

Yes.LikehowCauleshadboostedBerserkerofBlacksattackwithaCommand
Spell.

Wha

RiderofBlackwasstrickenspeechlessbythesightoftheServantwhohad
appearedrightbeforehiseyes,surroundedbyblacksmokeandsmelling
extremelyunpleasantlyofscorchedflesh.

SaberofRedwasbeforehim.

Damnit,Icouldntdodgeit.

SaberofRedmutteredthatinacalmmanner.

Comeon,dontsaythat.Shouldntyoubethinkinghowgreatitisthatatleast
youwerentdisintegrated?

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Ch37

Shutup.ItwouldhavebeenbetterifyouusedtheCommandSpellonesecond
sooner,Master.

Itwouldnthavechangedanything.Inthefirstplace,youshouldnthavereceived
anyinjurieswhenItransportedyououtsideofthedangerzone.Butthatlightning
chasedafteryouandeventriedtodragyoubackintothecenterofitMostlikely,
Berserkerwasorderedto[killSaberofRed]withaCommandSpell.Thatswhat
causedyoutosustaininjuries.

WiththeadditionalsupportofaCommandSpell,ithadtrulybeenafullypowered
attack.TheonlywaytohavesurviveditwaswithaCommandSpelloftheirown.

SaberofRedsMaster,ShishigouKairi,hadnthesitatedtouseit.Heorderedher
towithdrawtosomewheresafewithaCommandSpell.Ateleportationthatwas
nearlyequivalenttotheconceptoftimealreadytreaduponthedomainof
sorcery.ThereasonShishigouKairi,ameremagus,wasabletousethishighest
levelofspellsthatevenawitchfromtheAgeofGodscouldonlyuseintheir
personaldomainwasthankstotheenormousamountofpranacontainedinthe
CommandSpell.

Andevenafterallthat,Saberstillwasntcompletelyunscathed.

CaulesCommandSpellhadalsocrossedintotheconceptofspace,andasaresult
haddistortedevencauseandeffecttomaketheBlastedTreehitSaberofRed.

ButtheCommandSpellsabundantpranawasconsumedinordertodothat,and
sohadntbeenabletoadditspowertotheNoblePhantasmsoutputitself.Asa
result,SaberofRedhadgottenawaywithonlyseverewounds.Itwouldtakeabit
oftime,buthealingthoseinjurieswaseasy.

Damnit!

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Ch37

Caulesstruckthestonewallwithhisfist,causingtheskintosplitandbleed.He
didntevennoticethestingingpainduetotheheatragingthroughhishead.After
confirmingthathisServanthaddied,hehadsilentlylefttheroomwherethe
otherMasterswereandstruckhisvexationagainstthecorridorwall.Asexpected,
hedidntwanttoshowsuchunsightlybehaviorinfrontofothermagi.

Thatwasntamistake.

Perhapsnoticingheryoungerbrotherslamenting,Fiorefollowedhimandsaid
that,butCaulesshookhisheadindenialofherwordsandshouted.

No,itwasamistake!Mymistakewasbettingonadesperategambleeven
knowingthattheenemyalsohadCommandSpells.IftheenemysCommandSpell
hadjustbeenafewsecondsslowerifIhadjustfirmlydecidedtosupport
BerserkerwithaCommandSpellafewsecondssooner,thiswouldnthave
happened!ThenIwouldnthavemadehermadeBerserkerdieinvain!

Iblundered.Imadeanerrorinjudgement.Caulestorturedhimselfwiththose
thoughts.FromFioresperspective,hewashalfright,halfwrong.

Asshesawit,thatmistakewasanunavoidableone.CaulesandBerserkerhad
definitelydonetheirverybestinconfrontingSaberofRed.Theenemyspower
hadsimplyexceededtheirs.

Attheveryleast,Sabersustainedheavyinjuries,right?

Itwasntinvain,Fiorethought.Thatattack,filledwithBerserkerswill,shouldnt
havebeeninvain.ButCaules,asamagus,shookhisheadanddeniedthat.

AslongastheenemyMastercanusehealingmagecraft,herinjuriescanstillbe
healedImfine,Neesan,sohurryupandgobacktocommandingtheothers.

But

333

Ch37

Itsfine,justgoalready.

Caulessaidthatinaforcedtoneofvoice,andintheend,Fiorereturnedtothe
roomtoleadtheothers.Nowalone,Caulesleanedhisbackagainstthecorridor
wallandcoveredhisface,thinkingtohimself.

Whenthatfirstattackdidntendupbeingdecisive,shouldIhavemadeher
withdraw?

WasitamistaketotryandkillSaberofRedwithasurpriseattack?

Inthefirstplace,wasmydecisiontotryitoutwithBerserkerfoolish?

Naturally,therehadbeenreasonsforwhyhehaddoneso.IftheydidntkillSaber
ofRedthere,therewasahighchancethattheircampsRiderwouldhavebeen
killedinstead.

LancerandArcher,whowerefightingwiththeirfullpower,hadntbeenhavingas
muchdifficultywiththeirrespectiveformidableopponents.

Whatshouldhehavedone?Howcouldhehavewon;howcouldhehavesaved
her?Hethoughtandthoughtitoverinagony,andtheconclusionhecametowas
simplythemostordinaryandworstone;thattherewasnothinghecouldhave
done.

TheycouldntaffordtoloseRider,andatthattimetheonlyonewhocould
quicklyrushovertherewasBerserker.Berserkerhadalsobeensearchingfor
anotherenemytofightafterlosingsightofCasterofRedandtheMastershewas
chasing.

No,evenifhemournedandlamented,hecouldntdoanythinganymore.

BerserkerofBlackhaddied.CaulesGreaterHolyGrailWaralsoendedhere.

334

Ch37

TheCommandSpellsonhisrighthandhaddisappearedafterhavingallbeenused
up.Hisconnectiontothiswarhadbeencompletelysevered.

Hefeltapainthatwasbittererthanhehadimaginedgougingthroughhischest.
Evenso,Cauleshadintendedtoresolvehimselfasamagusshould.Hemightdie,
hemightbekilledorkillinturn,andatworst,allhisotherclanmembersincluding
hisoldersistermightbekilledhehadbeenpreparedforthat.

Rightnow,whatwasgougingthroughhischestwerethoughtsofacompletely
differentkind.Itwasapainhehadntevenimagineduntilhesummonedhis
Servantandfoughtinthewar.HehadntthoughtthatBerserkersdeathwould
carvesuchadeepwoundinsidehisheart.

Iwasntabletodoanythingforher.

HerwishwassomethingthatcouldbegrantedbytheHolyGrail.Shepossessed
exceptionallyhighreasonfortheBerserkerclassand,morethananythingelse,
shewasaneasytohandleServant.

Hehatedhimselfforhavingthoughtshewasjustsomeonewhosharedmutual
interestinobtainingtheHolyGrailduringthoseshortfewdays.Shewasa
preciouscomradewhohadestablishedabondandfoughttogetherwithhim.No,
shehadbecomesuchacomradetohim.

Thatswhyherdeathwassosad.

ButthepastcouldneverbechangedandaServantthatwentbacktothe
[Throne]couldneverreturneither.

Thegirl,who,despitehavingtheappearanceofahuman,hadbeenforcedtobea
monster,hadonlythemeagerwishofwantingabeingofthesamekindasher

335

Ch37

[someone]whomshecouldloveandwhowouldloveherback.

Caulessimplyregrettedthathehadntbeenabletograntherwish.

SaberofRedwasheavilywounded,butitwasntenoughtohinderherfighting
movementsaslongasShishigouKairiappliedhealingmagecraftrightaway.In
otherwords,justasCauleshadsaid,theuseofBerserkerofBlacksNoble
Phantasmcouldbeconsideredextremelymeaninglessasanattack.

ButthisNoblePhantasmhadoneotherhiddenability.Therewasaparagraphin
FrankensteinsblueprintsthatevenCauleshadntpaidattentionto.There,itwas
writtenthus.

Thislightningattackisnotsimplylightning,butratherapowerthathas
Frankensteinswillimbeddedwithinit.Aslongasitexists,shewillneverperish.

Atthesametimeasthelightningattackturnedthesurroundingareatorubble,
Sieg,whohadbeenlyingonthegroundthere,receivedasuddenshocktohis
heart.Itsuddenlycontractedandexpanded.Thebloodflowthatshouldhave
haltedresumed.ThepranathatFrankensteinhadreleasedwasabsorbedintohim
andbloodbegancirculatingthroughhisentirebody.

ThefirstthingthattheboywhohadgivenhimselfthenameSiegfeltwaspain.

336

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Chapter3

Wha!?

EvenRuler,whoreceivedknowledgeconcerningallServantswhenshewas
summoned,couldnthelpedbutbeshockedbytheappearanceofwhatappeared
beforeher.

Hmm.Youoverthere,youarentaBlackServant,areyou?Hmm,Ruler,then?

Thespeakerhadaclearvoicelikethewind,withabodysothinandlightitwas
likeatreeleafswayinginthewind.

ThegreengirlspunthroughtheairandlandednexttoRuler.Inherhandwasa
largebowthatdidntsuitherstature.

ArcherofRed.

Rulerwas,ofcourse,onguard.Itwasonlynaturalafterhavingbeenattackedby
Lancerand(probably)CasterofRed.

ButArcherofRedlookedatRulerasifdoubtingherandspoke.

What?Youreamediator,right?Dontyouunderstandwhoyoushouldbeon
guardagainstrightnow?

No.Naturally,Iunderstand

Thosewordscamefromthebottomofherheart.Rulerlessenedhercaution
towardsArchersomewhat.Mostlikely,theRedcampwasntmonolithic.Atthe
veryleast,ArcherandherMasterdidntseemtoconsiderRuleratargettobe
killed.

337

Ch38

Yes,rightnow,theonesheshouldbeonguardagainstwasnther.

ThesecondBerserkerontheBlackcampsside,Spartacushuh?

BerserkerofRedhadbeencapturedbyLancerofBlackandforcedtochange
Masters.Inotherwords,despitebeingBerserkerofRed,hewasfightingtheRed
campasanenemyrightnow.

Rulerhadnoissuewiththat.IntheHolyGrailWar,alliedServantsturningaround
andbecomingenemieswasfarfromimpossible.

But

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo1!!

Wasthisactuallypossible?Foraninstant,Rulermistookitforahill.Next,the
thoughtIsthatapileofcorpses?flashedthroughhermindandfinally,shehad
nochoicebuttoarriveataconclusionthatrejectedboththoseguesses.

Berserkerisit?

Yeha.Ididntthinkitwouldbecomethisterrible.Ikeepshootingandshootingat
him,buthisbodyjustenlargesandreinforcesitself,andnowhesalready
forgettinghishumanform.TothinkthatBerserkerwouldgothismad.

Asarelatedparty,ArcherofRedsighedasifamazed.

Whatstoodinfrontofthetwoofthemwastrulyahilllikemonster.Ifitwere
simplylarge,Rulerwouldnthavebecomespeechlesslikethis.

1
Here,Berserkerswordscomesoutasasimpleyell,butitactuallyhaskanjibeneathit,whichroughly
translatesasbraveorheroic.

338

Ch38

WhatleftheratalossforwordswasBerserkerofRedscurrentstate.

Hehadeightarms.Threeofthemhadnobonesinthem,letalonejoints.They
werelikeoctopustentacles,butwhentheywereswung,theybecamelikewhips
andsmashedthroughtheenemy.

Hisloglikelegshadmultipleinsectlikelegssproutingoutfromthem,mostlikely
todividetheweightsincetwolegsalonecouldntsupporthim.

Hisheadhadsunkintohisneck,butupperandlowerjawslikethatofa
Tyrannosaurusrexstuckoutfromthetopofhisshoulders.

CryingWarmonger:HowloftheWoundedBeast.

ItsalreadymorelikeakindofcursethanaNoblePhantasm,Rulerthought.He
lived,hemoved,andmorethananythingelsehestillsoughtthebattlefieldand
victory.

Partofthedamagedealttohimwasconvertedintopranaandaccumulatedto
raisehisabilities.Mostlikely,thatalsoincludedhisabilitytoheal.Hereceived
damage,converteditintoprana,raisedhisabilities,andusedselfhealing.There
wasntevenanyroomforhisMastertointervene.

Theproblemwasthatthisformofrecyclingcontinuedrevolvingtothepointthat
itwasabnormal.Duetohishealingabilitygoingoutofcontrol,hisbodybroke
awayfromitsproperform.Andyethisabilitieskeptbeingraisedduetoreceiving
damage,andsohisbodyrapidlytransformedintoagrotesqueform.

Heightandweightweretheeasiestfactorstousetoconjecturethestrengthof
humans.EventhosecalledHeroicSpiritsalmostallhadthesamebasichuman
form.

339

Ch38

ButBerserkerofRedhadalreadydiscardedthat.Eightarmswerestrongerthan
two.Ifhisweightwastoogreattosupport,thenjustincreasethenumberoflegs.

Tothemadwarriorwhobelievedinthecreedthatvictorycamecloser,not
farther,themoreonewaswounded,asituationofthisdegreewasprobably
trifling.

There,you,are!!

Fiveeyes,locatedinvariousplacesonBerserkersshoulders,neckandabdomen,
allturnedtoglareatArcherofRedandRuler.ThetwofemaleServantsinstantly
separatedtotheleftandrightrespectivelyasifflickedaway.Notcaringabout
that,BerserkerofRedswunghisswordwithallhismight.

PiecesofthegroundthatheblewawayandsmashedapartflewatRulerand
Archerlikehighexplosiveprojectiles.

Guh!

Kuh!!

RockstorethroughtheirskinandevendamagedpartofRulersarmor.Anattack
withoutpranaaccompanyingitcouldneverharmaServant.Butpranahadbeen
loadedtothepointofburstingintotheswordheswung,andithadeven
contaminatedthebrokenpiecesofstone.

ItwasthesameasaServantthrowingdirkswithpranaloadedintothem
Though,itwasthefirsttimeRulerhadwitnessedofthephenomenonofprana
clingingeventofragmentssmashedapartwithasword.

Hmm.ItseemsIendedupdraggingyouintothis.Forgiveme,Ruler.

RulergentlyshookherheadatArcherofRedsapology.

340

Ch38

No,IhavealotofexperiencewithtrifleslikethisHowever,duetomyposition,
Iwontbefacinghimasanenemyeither.Sinceanydamagehedoesislimitedto
thisbattlefield.

Hmm.Well,Ihavenocomplaintsinregardstothat,but

ArcherofRedlookedatRulerwithasourexpression.Rulersfacestiffenedatthe
suddenchillthatcameuponher.

Whatisit?

ItsanorderfrommyMaster.Imtoimmediatelywithdrawfromhere.

Umm,youcouldntmean

Aftersighing,ArcherofRedpattedRulerontheshoulderasiftoconsoleher.

Sorryaboutthis,butIleavetheresttoyou.

Wai

ArcherofRed,Atalanta,oneoftheheroesinGreeklegendwhowereboastedof
beingswiftrunners.HerfeetwerentsomethingthatevenRulercouldchase
after.

BeforeRulerevenopenedhermouthtosayAh,Archerhaddisappearedinto
theforestitwasntthatshewentintospiritualform;shejustranoff.

Rulersilentlylookedup.Therestoodagrotesquelookingherono,creature.
Berserkeraimedhisgladius,whichwasnowneedlesizedcomparedtohisbody,
atRuler.

341

Ch38

Thatsright.BerserkerofRedSpartacuswasafighterwhorebelsagainstall
thosewithpower.Rulerwasnoexceptiontothat.

Ivebeenhad.

Archerhadnoanimositytowardsher.ButherMasterseemedtohaveadifferent
opinion.

ThesomeoneshehadtomeethadalreadyreachedtheHangingGardens.How
shouldshechaseafterthem?Itwouldhavebeenniceifshehadwingsthat
couldletherfly.

However,stayingheremeantthatshewouldhavetofightBerserkerofRed,
Spartacus.Shouldsheinvokeherprivilege?

No,hewouldntstopunlesshewasorderedtodie.EliminatingotherServants
wassomethingthatRulershouldntfundamentallydo.Thenshouldshe
withdraw?Thatwasalsoanotheroptionthatshecouldhardlycalldesirable.Ifshe
werealone,shemighthavewithdrawnfromhere.Buttherewassomeoneelse
shehadleftonthisbattlefield.Aboy,whowassmallandweak,yethadasoul
thatwassturdylikesteel.

Attheveryleast,shehadtojoinupwithhim,butrightnowheseemedtobe
talkingwiththehomunculibackattherearlines.Mostlikelyinordertosavehis
fellowhomunculi,evenifitmeantdoingsoalone.Untilthatwasfinished,he
wouldntleavethisbattlefield.

Inthatcase,sheonlyhadoneremainingoption.

Buytime,huh?

Nowthatshehadlostboththeoptionstoretreatandcounterattack,theonly
thingRulercoulddowasnonaggressivedefence.

342

Ch38

Ifsheprotectedherself,ServantsfromeithertheBlackorRedcampwouldmost
likelyhavetorepelhim.

Thatwastheoptimisticscenario.Intheworstcase,neithertheBlacknorRed
Servantswouldcometohelpher,insteadwaitingforRulerandBerserkertotake
eachotherout.

Thisfeelingofeveryoneturningagainsther.Thissituation,whichwouldprobably
freezethespineofanormalperson,feltnostalgictoRuler.

Scorn,hate,ridiculeevenafterreceivingallthosethings,herfaithhadnever
wavered.ToRuler,whodidntevenhaveaMastertofightalongside,beingalone
wasnormal.

No,Imnotalone.

Thoughhisgoalsweredifferent,therewasaboywhofoughtwithoutseekingthe
HolyGrail.Therewassomeonewhoknewherandhadwalkedalongsideher
Rightnow,thatmightbeenoughforher.

BerserkerofRedhowledandRulerreadiedherholyflag,saying,Comeatme.

Rightbeforeheswungdownhisgladius,Rulerrepelleditwithherholyflag.Two
ofhiswhiparmsattackedherandsheblockedthemboth.Butthen,thethird
one,whichhadhiddenbehindthem,swungather!

Ugh,kuh!!

Shereceivedadirecthit.Shewasblownawayandrolledacrosstheground.
Luckily,theDragonToothWarriorswhohadbeenorderedtokillheractedas
cushionsforher.Incompensationforbringinghertoastop,arowofthreeof
themwassmashedapart;shewouldhaveflowntotheedgeofthebattlefieldif
notforthat.

343

Ch38

ThatattacktechniquebeendonethroughBerserkersphysicalstrengththatwas
sogreatitwashardtobelieveandhispranathathehadkeptstockpiling.

No,perhapstheattackjustnowshouldntbecalledatechnique.

Asshestoodup,Rulerwipedbloodfromherlips.Rulerkeptabackupofthebody
shewaspossessingofLaeticiasbody.Whensheachievedherobjectiveorifshe
waskilledmidwaythroughthewar,atthatinstant,Laeticiasbodywouldreturn
toitsoriginalformasrecordedinthebackupand,dependingonthesituation,
wouldbeforcefullytransportedsomewheresafe.Withthatprocess,nomatter
howmanywoundsthisbodyreceived,itwouldimmediatelyregenerate.

Therefore,itcouldbesaidtherewasnoproblemnomatterhowwoundedshe
became,butifshehadreceivedtheblowjustnowwhiledefenceless,shewould
havedied.

Asifhavingseenthroughherdoubts,apillaroflightraineddownfromthesky.

Wha!?

Thesevencoloredlight,whichwouldhaveseemedbeautifulifthiswerenta
battlefield,wasaimednotatRuler,butat

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOO!?

Ahowlthatwasmixedwithbothanguishandjoy.BerserkerofRedhadreceived
damage,andasaresulthisNoblePhantasmbeganhealingthefleshthathad
beentornapart.ButeventheheroofrebellionSpartacuswouldprobablysoonbe
athislimit.

No,hehadalreadycrossedoverhislimits.Hehadendured,endured,and
enduredeverypossibletorture.Allthatwasleftwasforhimtospititbackout

344

Ch38

Instantly,RulerunderstoodtheRedcampsaiminfiringthatpillaroflightfrom
theskyandBerserkersownaim.

WhatthishowlingmanaimedtodestroywereoppressorsandtheirvassalsIn
otherwords

Heintendstodestroyeverythinghere!!

Ofcourse,themembersoftheRedcampwerenotanexceptiontothat,butthey
werewithinthefloatingfortress.ItwasimpossibleforBerserkertogotoa
domainwherehishandscouldntreach.

TheDragonToothWarriorsweresimplyrankandfilesoldierstotheRedcamp.
Theyhadnointentionofmourningthelivesofmereartificialconstructs.

Ontheotherhand,theproblemwastheBlackcamp.Thiswasprobablyan
unanticipatedsituationforthemaswell.WhocouldhaveimaginedthatCrying
WarmongerwassuchamalignantNoblePhantasm?

TheabundantpranathatBerserkerhadaccumulatedandhisbodythathadbeen
transformedbyitwerealreadybeyondthebindsoftheServantcontract.Even
usingCommandSpells,whichevenHeroicSpiritswithArankMagicResistance
couldonlyendureasingleoneatatime,probablywouldntworkonhim.

BecauseCommandSpellswereshacklesplacedonthosebelowbythoseabove.
Nomatterhowlowonesrankwasasamagus,aslongasonewasaMaster,their
positionwassuperiortotheirServants.

WiththeheroofrebellionSpartacus,anorderprobablywouldntbeobeyed
unlesstwoCommandSpellswereusedeveninhisnormalstate.Inthissituation,
evenusingthreeCommandSpellsonhimprobablywouldntwork.

Yes,inotherwords,BerserkerofRedwouldntstop.

345

Ch38

Assumingheswunghisnextblowwithallhismight,thedamagewouldmost
likelyextendacrossthisentirebattlefield.Onthecontrary,eventheFortressof
Millennia,whichlaybetweenthetownandthebattlefield,wouldntbeableto
escapedamageeither.

Nowthen,whatshouldIdoasRulerwaveredoverhernextcourseofaction,she
receivedarevelation.ShefeltnumbingpaincoursethroughherCommandSpells.

Astonished,Rulerlookedofftowardsacertaindirection.Evenwithoutbeingable
tograspitbysight,shecouldsenseitfromthatoverwhelmingamountofprana.

Servantparameterswererewritten.ItappliedtotwoServants.Onewaschanged
frombeinglistedashealthytodead,andtheotherwentfromadyingstateto

346

Ch39

Chapter3

Therewasonceahero.Agreatherowhokilledadragon.

Flawlessandperfectinallaspects,hewasanimpeccablegreathero.Aman
whomeveryoneadored,seekinghispowerandaskingrequestsofhim.

Iwashappy,theherothought.Thatdidntchangeuntiljustbeforehedied.He
neitheryieldedtooverwhelmingpowernorlosttodespair.

Theonlythinghereceivedwerewordsandsongsofblessingandpraise.Fromthe
momenthewasborntillhisdeath.Thathadneverchanged,theherothought.

Theverylastwishthatwasaskedoftheperfecthero,towhomotherscontinued
tomakerequests,washisowndeath.

Arequestthathecarriedoutendedupcomingbacktohimaspunishment.His
brotherinlawlovedacertainwomanandrequestedthattheheromakeher
capitulate,andsoitwassettledbyhavingtheheroembracethatwomanashis
proxy.Thatmaynothavebeenacrime,butitwasntbehaviorthatcouldbe
praisedeither.

Duetoknowledgeofthisspreadingaround,theherowoundedthewomans
honor.Hewoundedthewomanspride.Andshewasntanordinarywoman,but
thequeenofacountry.Asaresult,hesensedthatitwouldcauseaterrible
conflictandsohespoketothemanwhohehadoncecalledafriendandwith
whomheshouldhaveexchangedcupsofbrotherhood.

347

Ch39

Ah,thesituationisbeyondmycontrol.Hagen,Iaminvincibleandsohavenever
oncebeenwoundedbyyou.Butevenso,ifIdonthaveyoukillme

Themanwhowasoncehisfriendgrantedtheheroswish.Hetenaciously
searchedandfoundouttheherosweakpoint,craftedaplanknowingfullywell
thatitwasacowardlyact,andaimedfortheherosbackashedrankwater.Even
whileknowingthat,theherostoppedhimselffromresisting.

Withoutleavingbehindanyunseemlyfigureorstupidity,theherodiedasatragic
herowhoreceivedasneakattackduetotrickery.Hisformerfriendbecame
widelyknownasararevillainwhohadkilledtheherothroughfoulplay.

Properlyspeaking,thestoryendedhere.Itshouldhavebecomeatalewherethe
conflictwasresolvedandtheheroalonediedanobledeath.

Butitledtotheworstofsituationsthatwasbeyondwhattheherohad
expected.

Thewomanwhowastheheroswifeburnedwiththeflamesofrevengeand,asa
result,manymendied.

Itwassurelybecausetheherowaslovedbyandbefriendedeveryone.He
probablycouldnttrulyunderstandsomethinglikeadeeprootedandblindlove
apassionatelovethatrepaysthemurderofoneslovedonewithtwicethe
payback.

Orperhapsitwasbecauseherepeatedlyrespondedtotherequestsmadeofhim.
Perhapsthewomanwholovedhimthoughthewouldntdosomethingifitwasnt
requestedofhim.

348

Ch39

Asaresult,hiswishwasntgrantedrightuntiltheveryend.Fortheherowhohad
actedneithertodefeatevilnordogood,butinsteadspecializedinsimply
grantingtherequestsofothers,itwasprobablyaninevitableconclusion.

But,rightashewasonthevergeofdeath,theherohadafaintthought.Ashe
wasconfrontedwithdeath,whathewantedtodofinallybecamecleartohim.

Ilivedanddiedasahero.Ihavenoregretsaboutthatinitself.Icandeclarethat
therewasnotasingledisagreeablethinginmylife.

Evenso,Icanthelpbutthink.IfIwerentaprince,ifIwerejustanordinaryman.

WouldntIhavebeenabletoearnestlypursuemyownwill?

ItdoesntmatterifImnotacknowledgedbyanyone.IdontmindifImnot
praisedbyanyone.Iwanttoacknowledgemyself.Iwanttohaveprideinmyself.
TherelieswhatIsought.WhatIwishedfor.

IwanttostandonthesideofwhatIbelievein.IfIcoulddothat,thensurelyI
wouldbeabletolivewithmychestpuffedupproudly.

Iwontfightforthesakeofsomeoneelse.Iwontfightformyownsakeeither.

ForthesakeofthebenevolencethatIbelievein,thejusticeIbelievein,theloyalty
Ibelievein,andtheloveIbelievein.Iwilltakeholdofthisswordandfightwith
thisbody.

Thatismydream,mywish.

349

Ch39

Iwanttobeanallyofjustice1.

1
Allyofjustice:ThisisaveryfamiliartermforthosewhoarefansoftheoriginalFate/StayNightvisual
novelanditsprequelFate/Zero.Youmayhaveseenittranslateddifferentlyasheroofjusticeor
superhero,butitallreferstothesameterm.IpersonallywillbeusingallyofjusticesinceIfindthat
itmakesiteasiernottoconfusewiththeusualtermhero.

350

Ch310

Chapter3

ThestrongpainrunningthroughthebackofhislefthandforciblybroughtSieg
backtoconsciousness.

Ugh

Thepain,likethatofasmolderingironbeingpushedagainsthishand,gradually
startedtoabate.Itappearedthathewasalive.Feelingpainprobablymeanthe
wasalive.

However,thiswasntthebattlefieldhehadreturnedtoalongwithRuler.Hefelt
thesensationoftouchingacoldandhardrocksurface.Itseemedhehadcome
backtothatplacehehadvisitedoncebefore.

Perhapsworriedaboutthevividpainjustnow,Siegunconsciouslyglancedathis
lefthand.

Wh,at?

Heshivered.SieghadbeenbornpossessingbasicknowledgeabouttheHolyGrail
War.Therefore,itwasnaturalthathefeltsoshockeditblewthepainoutofhis
mind.

Impossible,theseare!

Onthebackofhislefthandwerethreepatterns.Henaturallyunderstoodwhat
theywere.TheseweretheproofofbeingaMasterintheHolyGrailWarthatis,
CommandSpells.

No,theywereslightlydifferentfromnormalCommandSpells.

351

Ch310

ItwasnaturalforthepatternsoftheCommandSpellstodifferdependingonthe
Master,buttheyshouldalwaysbedyedaredcolor.Buttheseoneswereblack
instead.

StandingoutonthesurfaceofSiegswhiteskin,theblackpatternssomehow
seemedrepulsive.

Suddenly,hefeltthepresenceofagiantcreaturebehindhim.Hewasparalyzed
withfearthatnumbedthetipsofhishandsandfeet.Hisreasontoldhimthathe
mustntturnaround.Hetriednottobeconsciousofthesoundandsmellofthe
rawanddeepbreathsbehindhim.

Butthethingbehindhimdefinitelyheldmalicetowardshim.

Hehadtofightit.Hehadtopickupaswordandfightit.Andanordinarysword
wasnogood.EventheswordhehadreceivedfromRiderofBlackwasnogood.

Whatheneededwasamagicswordthatcouldevenslayadragon.Abladeso
greatitwasextolledandhadcarveditsnameintolegend.

Stupid.Wherecouldyoufindsomethinglikethat?

Stupid.Youalreadyhaveit.

Thethoughtsthatappearedinhismindwereeasilyoverturnedbyawhisper.

Inhisrighthandwasaswordhilt.Thebladeitselfwashalfwaystuckinthe
ground.Itseemedhehadtopullthisout.Inordertodefeatthecreaturebehind
him,hehadtopulloutthissword

Siegdidnthesitate.Hegrippedthehilttightlyandtriedtopullitoutatonce.

352

Ch310

Kuh!

Butitwouldntbudge.Evenwhenheusedallhismight,itwouldntmoveasingle
millimeter.Itwasasifthebladewasbeingheldtheretightlybysomeone.

Ifhedidntpullitout,hewoulddie.Whenhesawtherepulsivethingthat
shouldntexistinthisworld,hisbodywouldbedestroyedandhisspiritwoulddie.
Thatwoulddefinitelyhappenifhedidntobtainthemeanstoopposeit.

Thisswordcantbepulledoutbyyou.

But,ifitsyou,youcandoit.

TheCommandSpellsonhislefthandflickeredominouslyCommandSpells
containedabundantamountsofprana.Theycouldoverturneventhelawsof
natureandreproduceallpossiblephenomenawithmagic,evencrossingintoa
domainclosetothatofsorcery.

Inthatcase,whatpowerwasnecessarytopulloutthisblade?

Theonewhoitisrequestedofisntyou.

Theonewhowishesforitisntyou.

Theanswerhadalreadybeengiventohim.Thehearthehadreceived,the
abundantpranahehadobtainedwhenhewasrevived.AndtheblackCommand
Spellsthathadappearedonhishand.

Allofitpiledup.Allofitbegantoadvanceinasingledirection.

353

Ch310

Hecouldntopposeit.Hedidntintendtoeither.Evenifthismightbeapaththat
someoneelsehadgivenhim,hedidntmind.

ThisisthepathIchoose.

Thisisthepathyouchose.

Isee.Then

IorderthisbodyofminewithaCommandSpell.

OneoftheCommandSpellsstartedshiningwhite.Alongwiththelightthat
swelledup,Siegsbodychanged.TheinformationofaHeroicSpiritwas
downloadedintohisbody.Physicalinformationwasexpressed,battleexperience
wasstoredandaccumulated,personalabilitieswereembodied,andevenNoble
Phantasmswerereproduced.

ButevenaCommandSpellcouldonlyreproducethatmiracleforashorttime.

Ahundredandeightyseconds.ThatwasthetimelimitofreproducingaHeroic
SpiritwithaCommandSpell.Afterthattimelimitpassed,Siegfriedwouldreturn
tobeingSieg.

Thatsfine,hethought.Eventhreeminutesisenoughifthisbodycanbeofuseto
him,ifthisbodycanbecomethepowertosavethem.

Hedidnthaveanounceofhesitationinhim.Aslongaswhatheneededtohold
inhishandwasthere.Hewouldhappilyacceptevenruin,decayandamiserable
death.

354

Ch310

Whatwasessentialwasntputtingstrengthinhisrighthand,buthiswill,andso
heeasilypulledoutthesword.Hereturnedtothehelloverflowingwithlight.

Lastly,thinkingheshouldatleastseetheformofthemonster,heturned
aroundandhesaw,forsomereason,himselfstandingstillthere.

Hedecidedtoleavethinkingaboutthiseventforlater.Rightnow,therewas
somethinghehadtodo.Siegstoppedthinkingandchosetosimplyadvance
forward.

Itwasjustashortthreeminutes.Butevenifitwasjustashortthreeminutes,the
reproductionwasperfect.Intermsofphysicalabilities,Sieghadbeenperfectly
reproducedasSaberofBlack.

OnhisbackwasthePhantasmalGreatsword,Balmung.Coveringhisbodyhere
andtherewassilverarmor.Hischesthadgreatlyexpanded,exposingskinthat
wasdyedbrownwiththebloodofadragon.Thatskinwascomposedofdragon
scalesthatwouldntbewoundedbyanybladeoranyspell.Allexceptforasingle
partinthemiddleofhisback

Whataccomplishedthismiraclewasthecurseofadragon,andwhatallowedthat
transformationwastheheartofadragon.Therefore,theirnamewasDeadCount
Shapeshifter:DragonRevelationCommandSpells.Alifecrystalizedinahundred
andeightyseconds,approachingdeatheachtimeonewasused.

Thus,aherooflegendthedragonslayerreturnedtostandontheearth.

355

Ch310

356

Ch311

Chapter3

ItwasanimpactsostrongthateveryServantonthebattlefieldsenseditand
froze.Justwhenitseemedthattheabundantpranadispersedasifhaving
exploded,atremendoussomethingwasborn.

RiderofRedandArcherofBlack,whowerefacingeachotherintensely,puta
temporaryholdtotheirbattleandranoutoftheforest

CasterofBlacksuspendedhiscontroloverthegolems.

LancerofBlackandLancerofRedturnedtheirgazetothesomethingevenwhile
remainingcautiousofeachother.

ArcherofRedstoppedrunningandlookedatthesomethingwitha
dumbfoundedexpression.

CasterandAssassinofRedwereunabletohidetheirshockeither.

EvenBerserkerofRedstoppedmovingforaninstant.

SaberofRed,evenwhiledoubtingwhathadhappenedbeforeherveryeyes,sent
anurgenttelepathiccommunicationtoherMaster.

Hey,Master.

What?

Letmeconfirm.AlltheBlackServantshavebeensummonedalready,right!?

Theyshouldbe.

357

Ch311

Thenwhosthisguystandinginfrontofme!?

Imlookingathimfromtheeyesofanowl,butheseemstobeaServant.

AsfarasIcansee,heisntArcher,Lancer,Rider,Berserker,Caster,orletalone
Assassin.HesaSaber,thesameSaberclassasme.Whatsthemeaningof
this!?

Hmm.Well,thisistheGreatHolyGrailWar.Suchthingsalsohappen.

Shishigousaidthatinalighttone,andcontinuedspeakingwithoutgivingthe
confusedSaberanytimetogivearebuttal.

Goandcrushhim.Ivefinishedhealingalmostallofyourwounds.Evenifyour
opponentisaSaber,hesirregularAnormalServantshouldntloseagainstan
abnormalone.Right?

Understandinghiswords,SaberofReddiscardedherdoubts.Shespokeinalight
tonethatmatchedShishigous.

Isomehowfeellikeyouresmoothlytauntingme,though.

What,Idontreallymindifyouretreat.Youshoulddowhatyouwant.What,do
youwanttoretreat?ThenshallIuseanotherCommandSpelltogetyououtof
there?

Ah,damnit.Youretauntingme,youredefinitelytauntingme!ButIlldoit!Ill
doit.Ifmyfatherwashere,hedefinitelywouldntchoosetoretreat!

SaberofRedswunghersilversword,clusteringherupliftedbattlespiritand
advancedforwardtoattackthemanwholookedlikeSaberofBlack.

358

Ch311

Andmeanwhile,RiderofBlack,mostlikelytheonlyoneonthisbattlefieldwho
understoodeverything,desperatelytriedtoholdbacktearsatthecornersofhis
eyes.Buthecouldntstophimself,andsohequietlywept.

ThatwasntSaberofBlack.Saberhaddefinitelyvanishedbackthen.

Thenwhowasthatstandingthere?WhowasthatfacingSaberofRedand
grippingaswordinhishands?

Itwasobvious;hecouldonlybeoneperson.RiderofBlackdidntknowhowsuch
anastoundingthinghadhappened,andhedidntcarehoweither.

Ridersimplyregrettedthathehadntchosenapeacefullife,andcriedatthe
pathofhardshiphehadchoseninstead.Inlife,Riderhadneveroncelamented
hisownweakness.Butrightnow,helamented.Hisweakness,hiswordsand
deeds,hisdecisionshadledhimastrayhere.

Imsorry.

Intruth,RiderofBlackdidnthavesomethingthatcouldbecalledawishtomake
upontheHolyGrail.MaybeIshouldasktobeincarnatedsothatIcanenjoya
secondlifethatwasallhethoughtofwishingfor,atbest.Therefore,ifanyof
theotherBlackServantshadanextremelyseriouswish,hehadthoughthewould
happilyturntheGrailovertothem.

Butnowitwasdifferent.Hehadawishhewantedtoclingtoevenifhehadto
defeattheothers.Hewantedtosavehim.Hewantedtosavetheboywhohad
desperatelywhispered[Helpme]inahoarsevoice.

Buthewasntableto.AlonelysorrowpainfullygrippedRiderofBlack.

Withacalmattitude,SaberofRedtookastepforwardtoattack.SaberofBlack
grippedhisswordandchosetofighther.

359

Ch311

ButhisgazelayonRiderofBlackwhereherestedatSaberofRedsfeet.

Areyouokay?

Idiot.

Heseemswell,Sieg,whohadbecomeSaberofBlack,thoughtwithrelief.Nowhe
justhadtodefeatSaberwiththisSaberspower.

Yo,fakeSaber.

SaberofRedssnickeredbeneathherhelmet.Sieg,eventhoughhefeltthesame
heavypressurefromherasbefore,realizedthathewasntafraid.Inspiteofbeing
hitbyafightingspiritthatevenseemedtohaveitsownmass,hisminddidnt
waveratall.

ItstruethatImafakejustasyousay.Butthisswordandthispowerarebeyond
adoubttherealthing.Thereisnothinginsufficientformetobeyouropponent.If
anythingisinsufficient,itsonlymyspirit.

Isthatso?ThenhowaboutItestitout!

Inaninstant,SaberofRedclosedthedistancebetweenthem.Withstepsso
nimbleitwashardtobelieveconsideringherextremelyheavybuiltarmor,she
triedtoslashSiegdiagonallyfromtheshoulderdown.

Thatwildyetpreciseandpeerlessattackwastrulyworthyofthenameofahero.
So,ifhecouldparrythisattack,shewouldregardhimasaServantSaberofRed
swungherswordwithsuchthoughts.

Siegdidntparryit,norevadeorsidestepit.Amazingly,hetookastepforward
andblockeditbyholdingouthisgauntlet.

360

Ch311

SaberofRedwidenedhereyesinshock.Whatwasthatfrighteninglystrong
toughnessjustnow?EvenaServantsarmorshouldntbestrongenoughto
remainuncutafterreceivingherslash.

No,herbladehadcutthroughthegauntletandreachedhisskin.Butwhatshe
couldntcutthroughwasntthegauntlet,buttheskin.Unbelievably,Saberof
Blacksskinwastougherthansteel!

EvenSaberofRed,whohadanticipatedallhispossibleactions,neededalittle
timetorecoverfromthatshock.Eventhoughherinstinctswarnedher,herbody
couldntreactinthatinstant.

ItwasunfortunatethatSaberofBlackhadtoblocktheswordwithonehandin
ordertocreatethatopeninginSabersguard.Evenifheusedhisfullstrength,a
onehandedswordslashwasslightlyinferiorinpowercomparedtoatwohanded
slash.

Evenso,theimpactwasenormous.AsSaberofRedstumbledbackwardsin
retreat,SaberofBlackswunghisbladeinpursuitofher.

Theringingofbladesresoundedandblooddancedthroughtheair.SaberofBlack
waseasilybrandishingthathugesword.No,hewasntsimplyswingingitwithall
hismight.Therewastechniqueinhisswings.Theinstantthetwobladeedges
touched,hisswordcoiledaroundtheotherbladelikeasnake.

SaberofRedsswordwasonthevergeofbeingknockedawayskywards.She
immediatelyputstrengthintoherhandsholdingtheswordhiltandstoppedit
fromhappening.ButhertorsohadoncemorebecomeopenandSaberofBlack
didntmissthatopening.

Hisnextattackwasafullypoweredhorizontalswingwithbothhishandsgripping
hissword.

361

Ch311

Withherfullbodyarmorunabletoabsorbtheimpact,SaberofRedcouldnt
braceherselfandwassentflyingfaraway.

Evenassheslidacrosstheground,SaberofRedsomehowmanagedtofixher
postureandstandbackup.Butshewashitbyasharppain,andshepresseda
handtoherabdomenwhilegroaning.

Ah,damnit.HereallyisaServant,thatbastard.

SaberofBlacksslashhadbeenquiteskillfulandclever.Itwasanattackthat
hadntsimplyreliedonpowerlikeBerserkershad,butinsteadefficiently
destroyedapersonsbodywithoutanyemotionatall.Andthewayhehadflicked
awayherweaponasaleaduptohisattackwasalsoexcellent.

Inotherwords,hewasntsimplywearingtheshellofSaberofBlack.Itwas
obviousthathehadinheritedeventheherosabundantaccumulatedbattle
experience.

TheexceptionalbattlesensethatServantspossessedespeciallythoseofthe
mostpowerfulSaberclassthishomunculusdidindeedpossessit!

SuddenlythepaininherflankvanishedherMasterhadappliedhealing
magecraft.Itappearedhehadgottencloseenoughonthebattlefieldtowatch
herbattle.Hewasmostlylikehidingsomewhereonthebattlefield.Thoughshe
hadnoideahowhecouldhideanywherewiththathugebodyofhis.

Hey,Master.Becareful,ifyouapproachtooclose

Well,Iknow,butIcanreactmorequicklyifIwatchwithmyowneyesthanifIrely
onthedangersensefromtheLinethatconnectsusWell,Ialsohonestlywantto
runaway,though.

362

Ch311

Hewasleakingoutidlecomplaints.SaberofRedimperiouslystompedonthe
groundasifheweregrumblingrightbesideher.

Hey,Master.Doyouhavesolittlefaithinme!?

Imean,afterall,SaberofBlackisstrong,youknow?

Shishigousmoothlyspoketheharshtruth.Facedwiththatunhesitatinganswer,
SaberofRedwasmorespeechlessthanangry.

Bymyroughassessment,hesalmostevenwithyouintermsofstats.Tomakeit
worse,hehassomekindoftroublesomespecialdefensivetypeNoblePhantasmor
skill.Inotherwords,hesbetterthanyouintermsofdefenceinastraightup
match.

Shishigouindifferentlyspokethefactsandthethingshehadgleamedfromthem.

Yeah,eventhoughIcutthroughhisgauntlet,hisskinblockedmyblade.

Thatwasabnormal.Somethinghadclearlyobstructedherblade.Itcouldntbe
somespellbyaMaster.Shewasabletonormallycutthroughhisarmor,soin
otherwords,theremustbesomesecrettothatbodyofhis.

Therearealotofheroesthroughouttheworldwhoaresaidtobeimmortaland
invulnerable.Buttherearentthatmanyheroeswhoactuallyhaveimmortal
bodies.Thereshouldbeastipulationof[However,thereisoneexception]inall
legendsofimmortality.

HehSo,whatshisweakpoint?

Well,youregoingtohavetodoyourbesttofindthatout!

Shit,Iknewitwasgoingtobethatway!

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Ch311

Butletmegiveyouaproposal,fromaMastertohisServant.HowaboutI
strengthenyouwithaCommandSpellforaslongasyourefightingSaberof
Black?

ShishigousproposalslightlydeviatedfromtheproperwaytouseaCommand
Spell.Normally,aCommandSpellwasusedinamorenarrowlydefinedway.For
example,aspatialjumpequivalenttosorcery,oranimpossiblypreciseattack
aimedatasingleexactpoint.Ifnotusedinsuchpreciselydefinedways,the
bindingforceoftheCommandSpellwouldweaken.

UsingtheCommandSpellinthewayShishigouproposedwouldprobablyraise
Saberspowertoitsmax,butthatwasall.However

No,thatsanexcellentidea,Master.Withthat,myslasheswillcutthroughhim.I
swearthisuponthenameofSaber.

SaberofRedsinstinctswhisperedtoher.Itwasntthatherslashjustnowdidnt
receiveanyfeedbackorwasobstructedbyanotherpower.Thetargetwaspurely
hardandsturdy.Inthatcase,ifshecontinuouslyusedattacksthatwerestronger
thantheonejustnow,shewasconfidentthatshewouldcutthrough.Iftheback
upfromtheCommandSpellwasnarroweddowntoherbattlewithSaberofBlack
onthisbattlefield,itdefinitelyshouldntbeafoolishplan.

Isee,thenIllbelieveinyou,Saber.

IllbelieveinyouJustbyhearingthosewords,theangershehadfelttowards
himearlierwascompletelyblownawayandanupliftingfeelingswelledupinher
chest.Shewasamazedatherownsimplicity,butrightnow,itwaspleasant.

Yeahyeah!Understood,Master.

IordermyswordsmanwithaCommandSpell.UseallyourpowertodefeatSaber
ofBlackonthisbattlefield!

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Ch311

AnabundantamountofpranasurgedthroughtheLineconnectingthem.Itwas
takenintoherbodyatitsterminus,andflowedthroughoutherentirebody
throughherMagicCircuits

Thatwishshallbegranted!InthenameofSaberofRedandofMordred,Iwill
definitelydefeatSaberofBlack!

Instantly,Saberreleasedandemittedherprana.Herappearancewasjustlikethat
ofasteamlocomotiveinhumanform.Whilefiercelyemittingthesteamknownas
prana,shereadiedhersword.Shehadnofear;therewasonlyapureand
immaculatefightingspirit.

Wordswereunnecessaryafterthat.Therewasnoroomfornegotiationbetween
theServantsofBlackandRed.SieghadmadeachoiceandSaberofRedhad
respondedtoit.

HereIcome,SaberofBlack.

InresponsetothesilverSaberswords,thegoldSaberreplied.

Come,SaberofRot1.

Therewasnodoubtorhesitation.Fearwasovercomeandkillingintentwas
respectivelyreactedto.Rewardwasunnecessaryandpraisewasneedless.Each
simplyfollowingtheirownchoices,theygrippedtheirrespectiveswordswith
bothhandsandbeganrunningateachother.

1
Here,bothSabersrefertotheirrespectivefactioncolorsinnonJapanese.SaberofRedsimplysaysthe
blackinSaberofBlackinEnglish,butontheotherhand,SaberofBlackusesthewordRotinsteadof
red,whichistheGermanwordforred.

365

Ch311

Abulletchargeaccomplishedthroughtheskill[PranaBurst].Withevenmore
poweraddedtoitduetoaCommandSpell,SaberofRedsattackwastrulyasfast
asacometdashingacrosstheearth.SiegSaberofBlackunderstoodthathe
couldntwinwithspeedaftergettingalatestart,andhemovedtomeether
attack.

Thebulletandguillotinecollidedheadon.Petalsofflamescoloredoverthetwo
ofthem.Athunderousroarrangthroughthebattlefieldwitheveryclashwithin
themaddeninglychaotichurricaneofweapons.

Hah.Yourslashesarepathetic,SaberofBlack!

Kuh!!

Andthentheirswordsclashedforthethirteenthtimeinthisexchange.Thetwo
swordsentangledwitheachotherandtheyproceededtoacontestofpure
physicalstrength.Assuch,naturallySaberofRed,withbothherPranaBurstand
theboostfromaCommandSpell,wasstronger.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!

Howling,SaberofRedforciblypushedbackSaberofBlack.Thedistancethem
widenedandSaberofRedthrustherswordoutwithafearlesssmile.

AndyoucallyourselfSaber,onewhooughttobethegreatestamongstall
Servants?Whatadisappointment.Orperhapsthisisasfarasafakecango?

Remainingsilent,SaberofBlackstoodbackup.Thedamagehehadreceived
wasntmuch,SaberofRedjudged.Asexpected,hissturdinesswasntnormal.She
hadtoabsolutelykillhimhereSaberofRedhardenedherresolvetodothat.

Osword,lettheefill.

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Ch311

SaberofBlackbeganthestepstounleashhissword.Orangelightlikeatwilight
coloredauroraborealiscameoutfromtheswordandbegantodazzlingly
illuminatehisface.

HehadactivatedtheaceintheholethatallServantshadhisNoblePhantasm.

SoyourereleasingyourNoblePhantasmHah,thatsfinewithme!

Goahead,Saber.ShowmeyourtrumpcardNoblePhantasm!

Notevenvoicinganydisapproval,herMastergavehispermissionforhertouseit.

Wellthen,seeingasmyMasterhasgivenmepermission,allowmetorespond
inkindwithmyownNoblePhantasm!

AtthesametimeasSaberofRedreadiedhersword,herhelmetsfunctionasa
NoblePhantasmwasdeactivatedanditwasstoredawaywithinherarmor.Itwas
saidthattheKingofKnightsfromBritain,ArthurPendragon,hadntagedduring
hiskingshipandhadremainedthesamefairlookingboyashedbeenwhenhe
pulledoutthesword.

Thenitwasonlynaturalthathischild,Mordredalsohadtheappearanceofa
delicateandevenlovelylookinggirl.

However,hergirlishoutwardappearancecouldntcompletelyhideherBerserker
likebrutalpersonality.Hergreeneyesbrimmedfullofintoxicationwithviolence.

Atthesametimeassheremovedherhelmet,herswordalsounderwenta
transformation.Thesilverbladewasdyedcrimson,anditsformbegantodistort.
Asviolentandfurioussoundsrangoutfromit,redlightningflickeredthroughthe
swordssurroundings.

Thisphenomenonwasntthisswordsoriginalnature.

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Ch311

TheproofofkingshipthatKingArthurhadobtainedandkeptstoredaway,
Clarent:RadiantSwordoftheKingtheswordthatMordredhadstolenand
usedtodealafatalwoundtoKingArthur.

Itstransformationintoanevilswordwasduetothatepisodeinherlegend.When
Mordredheldthissword,theswordofthekingtransformedintoanevilswordof
hatred.

Itistimeforyourexecution.Come,meetanendworthyofanimitation,Saberof
Black!

Theoverwhelmingvortexofpranatrampledthesurroundingwreckageonthe
battlefieldandrejectedanythingthatlived.Itbecamelikethisjustbyhavingthe
twoofthembeginpreparingthereleaseoftheirNoblePhantasms.

HereIcome.

SaberofBlackmerelymutteredthatquietly.

Twoheroes,whohadcomefromtheAgeofGodstothepresentday,whoshould
neverhavecrossedpaths.Atlast,theyrevealedtheircertainkillattacks.

ClarentBloodArthur:RebellionAgainstMyBeautifulFather!!

SaberofRedhowledinrage.

Balmung:PhantasmalGreatsword,FellingoftheSkyDemon!!

SaberofBlackroared.

Theorangelightroselikeatide,andtheredlightningplungedforward.

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Ch311

Theshininglightsclashedandcausedfrighteninglystrongragingwindswith
groundzeroatitscenter.

Itwaslikeahighpressuretornado.Itengulfedthesurroundingsandsimply
continueddestroyingeverythinginitspath.Notevenasinglepieceofrubblewas
leftbehind.

Andalso.IntheclashbetweenNoblePhantasms,SaberofRedwasslightly
superior.

BetweenSaberofBlacksNoblePhantasm,whichdestroyedtheentire
surroundingareainawave,andSaberofRedsNoblePhantasm,whichdestroyed
allexistingmaterialinitspathinastraightline,SaberofRedsNoblePhantasm
hadtheadvantageintermsoftheirrespectivenatures.

SaberofBlackfelldowntoonekneeandSaberofRedwentintoafitofrage.

Whyareyoustillalive!?

Yes.ToSaberofRed,thefactthathewasstillaliveinthefirstplacewasinitselfa
problem.

ToMordred,Clarentwasaweaponthatpossessedcurselikeglory.Shewouldnt
permitherselftobedefeatedbyanyoneexceptherfather,andevenmore,she
wouldntallowforthissword,whichhaddeliveredafatalblowtoherfather,to
failtofinishkillinganyone.

Donotdaremove,SaberofBlack.I,andnobodyelse,willbetheonetokill
you!

ButtherewasanotherbigreasonthatmadeitworthkillingSaberofBlackhere
andnow.

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Ch311

WhentheirNoblePhantasmsclashed,SaberofRedhadnoticedit.SaberofBlack
stillwasntinhisnormalconditionatfullpower.Inthefirstplace,hehadbecome
aServantthrougharidiculousmiraclebytransformingwithaCommandSpell.

Indeed,hispowerwasdefinitelyequaltothatofSaberofBlacks,andhecertainly
hadallofhisbattleexperienceaswell.

But,itstilldidntreachhismindandspirit.Hewasdisconcertedbytheactof
swingingasword.Asaresult,shewasabletostayonestepabovehimin
everythingduringthisbattlethistime,thatis.

Andalso,withoutadoubt,thiswasthehomunculusfirstbattlewiththebodyof
SaberofBlack.

Herinstinctswhisperedtoher.Shehadtodefeathiminthisfirstbattlewhilehe
wasstillinexperienced.Shehadtocutoffhisheadnowwhilethetransformation
hadcomeundone.

Mostlikely,hisresolvewouldbeevengreaterwhenhenexttransformedandhe
wouldbestrongenoughtomatchher.Then,ifhetransformedathirdtime

Ifshewastograspvictory,shehadtocompletelyeliminatethatnextchance!

Ihavetocutoffhisheadandstabmyswordthroughhisheartbyanymeans
possible,orelseObeyingherinstincts,SaberofRedtookastepforward.

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Ch312

Chapter3

AssassinofRedsFortressNoblePhantasm,HangingGardensofBabylon.Though
onthebattlefield,thisfortresswastheonlyplaceruledbysilenceandcalm.

Nowthen,Master.Wasthatpartofyourcalculations?

Shesmilednastily.ShirouKotominegazeddownatthephenomenonthathadjust
occurredwithanunusuallygrimexpression.

Unbelievable!SaberofBlackhasrevived!Goodnessgracious,itsagreatmiracle
worthyofasaint!Truly,[HangupMagic]!

InresponsetoCasterofRedsmutterings,Shiroushookhisheadsilently.

No,itisntarevivalIfIhadtodescribeit,thatisclosertoapossession.

Apossession?

AmongServants,therearealsothosewhocancausestrongeffectsonthe
bodiesoftheirMaster.Normally,therelationshipbetweenMasterandServantis
thesameasbetweenownerandfamiliar,buttherearethosewhopossessskills
thatmakeitpossibletosharebodies.Inthosecases,theMasterbecomesan
existenceclosetoimmortal.Ofcourse,onlyforthedurationoftheHolyGrail
WarAndmostimportantly,itdoesntmeanthattheirbattlepowerincreases,so
theonlyServanttheydbeabletofightisAssassin.

Wait.NomatterhowIlookatit,thatthereisdifferent.HeisntaMaster,andhe
definitelyisntaServant.

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Ch312

Yes.Thatswhyitsapossession.Mostlikely,hessummoningSaberofBlack
withtheabundantpranaofaCommandSpell.Ofcourse,normallyitwouldbe
impossibleevenwithaCommandSpell,but

SaberofBlackandSaberofRedwerefiercelyclashingagainsteachother.Itwas
animpossiblebattleeveninmythbetweentheDragonSlayerSiegfriedand
SaberofRed.

Thathomunculusaloneisanexception.HehassomethingconnectedtoSaberof
Blackwithinhisbody.IdontknowifitsapartofSabersbodyoraholyrelicof
his.Inanycase,byusingthatasanintermediary,hesmakingSaberdescendfrom
theThroneintohisownflesh.

ImpossibleWerenotsuchlowclassevilspirits.WereHeroicSpirits,you
know?Thepurity,density,strength,solidityandeveryotheraspectofoursouls
arecompletelydifferent.Somethinglikepossessingsomeonesphysicalbodyand
givingthemaHeroicSpiritsabilitiesisimpossible.

AssassinofRedwascorrect.IfShirouswordswereright,thenthatwasashell,a
beingwhoworethebodyofSaberofBlack.Butthatwasimpossible.Thephysical
abilities,magicalabilitiesand,ofcourse,thesoulofSaberofBlackno,ofany
beingthatwascalledaHeroicSpiritwasincomparabletothatofahumans.

IfabodyispossessedbyaHeroicSpirit,ahumanssoulwouldntbeableto
endureit.Tosaynothingofthesoulofahomunculuslikehim.

Itspreciselybecauseheisahomunculus.Theirsoulsareveryyoungand
thereforepure,assuchtheywontbedyedbyanything,andtheirbodiescan
endureanykindoftransformationaswell.

Inthefirstplace,ahomunculuswasamoldedentityusingMagicCircuitsasthe
foundation.Sincetheyhadnoaccumulatedexperiencelikehumansdid,their
soulswerepureandsturdylikeaninfants.

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Ch312

Ahumanwhohadlivedtwentyyearswouldhavetwentyyearsworthof
accumulatedexperience,andthatexperiencewouldsometimesproduce
magnificentstrengthundercriticalduress.

But,whenyoupossessedanotherpersonsbody,thataccumulatedexperience
becamejammedandobstructedasifbywhitebloodcells.Thatotherpersons
accumulatedyearsofexperienceandyourownaccumulatedyearsofexperience
wouldclashduetolackofcompatibility.

However,thehomunculuswasdifferent.Hehadnoaccumulatedexperience.He
wasmerelyabeingcreatedinanalreadymaturedstate.Therefore,therewasno
rejectionwhenhewasbeingpossessed.

Though,beingpossessedbyaHeroicSpiritforevenonesecondisequivalentto
amiracle.EvenwiththeassistanceofaCommandSpell,heshouldonlybeableto
maintainitforafewminutes.

Inotherwords,youmeanthis?Thatthingissomethingthatwecanignore.

Shirounodded.Certainly,SaberofBlacksrevivalwasastounding.Butitwas
anothermatterifitwaslimitedbytimeandnumberofuses.Evenifhestillhad
themaximumnumberofCommandSpellsleft,hestillhadonlytworemaining.He
wasbasicallyworthless.Heprobablywasntaccustomedtobattleitselfeither,so
itwashardtosaythatheperfectlydisplayedSaberofBlackstruespecs.

Andyet.Thathomunculusexistenceisawfullyirritatingtome.

AllthosegatheredonthisbattlefieldwerechesspiecestoShirou.Whetheritwas
thosefacinghimasenemies,thosewhowerehisallies,orevenhimself,everyone
wasapieceontheboard.

Buthealonewasclearlydifferent.Anunintendedpiecehadsuddenlyrevivedand
strucktheboard.Perhapsthegrowingirritationinhischestwasduetothat.

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Ch312

Orperhaps

Howfoolish.Evenifhedhaveanephemerallyshortlifespan,itdbefarbetter
totryandbeaperfectexistence.

Shirouswhisperdidntseemtoreachanyonesears.AssassinofRedquestioned
Shirou.

Well,ifthatsthecase,hesnotaproblemthen.Moreimportantly,Shirou,ifyou
donthurryupandgettoworksoon,youwontmakeitintime,youknow?Ruler
hasalsocometothisbattlefield.Rightnowallherenergyisdevotedtodealing
withBerserker,butifshemanagestoreachthesegardens,itllbetheendofthe
lineforyou.

Yes,IvealreadyreceivedpermissionfromthemAllthatsleftisthetransfer
ritualwiththeagreementofbothparties.ItsaneasyprocedureIhaveto
conductthetransfer,soIwillneedabitoftime,though.

Hmm,ifIobstructherwiththosethree,Illbeabletobuysometime.

GoodluckthenLeavingbehindthosewordswitharefreshingsmile,Shirou
departed.TheonlyonesremainingtherewerethetwoServantswhorespected
himastheirMaster.

Bytheway,Caster.Sincewehavethefortuneofbeingalonetogether,theres
onethingIdliketoaskyou.

Ah,IalsohavesomethingIneedtoask.Then,pleasegoaheadfirst,revered
empress.

Whatareyouscheming?

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Ch312

Whilesmilingsweetly,AssassinofRedstrucktotheheartofthematterwithcruel
andruthlessemotioninhereyes.Theyweresimilartotheeyesofasnake
ascertainingitsprey.

AndCasterofRedsawthoseeyes,butinsteadofbreakingoutinacoldsweat,he
merelytiltedhisheadcuriouslyinresponse.Heclearlypossessednoordinary
nervesaswell.Evenifhedidnthaveanyweaponsormagecraft,hehadawell
functioningtongue.

Nothingreally.JustasIhavestated,IonlypursueourMastersShirou
Kotominesfleetingandmajesticdream.

Hah.Soyourethatkindofcharacter,storyteller.Indeed,hisdreamisasfragile
asglassworkandalsoverylong.Thejourneytoitisobstructedbymany
hardships,andevenifhecanovercomethem,itsstilluncertainwhetherornor
hiswishwillbegranted.ButifourMastershouldbrushasideallthosehardships
andevenreachthat

Itcouldonlybecalledamiracle.ThedreamthatShiroutoldtoAssassinofRed
wassomethinganyordinarypersonwouldlaughoffasridiculous,somethingthat
onlyabnormalpeoplecouldseriouslytalkabout.

Yourrolewillceasetoexistinthisworld.

Notjustmine,butyoursaswellno,thesamegoesforallHeroicSpirits!

AssassinofRedsmiledfaintlyatthosewords.

Iamdifferent.Illstillhaveaproperrole.Ifnot,evenIwouldntfollowShirous
plan.

Ah,Isee.Sothatswhatyoumean!Hmm,itstruethat,ifShirousdreamis
realized,eventheneedtospintaleswilldisappearfromthisworld.

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Ch312

Butthestorytoreachitwillbeamasterpiece.Anunprecedented,firstandlast
masterpiecethatwouldbeunreachableevenifyougaveaninfinitenumberof
typewriterstoaninfinitenumberofmonkeys!IfIcanwriteitdown,well,Iwont
haveanyregretsleft.

Youmakesomesense.

Still,AssassinofReddidntlosehersuspiciousexpression.Honestlyspeaking,her
doubtsaboutCasterhadstartedwhenhehadreleasedBerserkerofRed.

IfShirousplanadvancedwell,thismanmaycarelesslyproducehardshipshimself.

Ah,that.Inthatcase,havenoworries!

WhatshouldIhavenoworriesabout?

Spreadingbothhisarmsinanexaggeratedmanner,CasterofRedspokeasif
singing.

OurMasterisalready[Againstdeathandallobliviousenmity],andistryingto
winagainstthem!Theresnowaythatnoonewillinterferewithsuchan
extraordinaryplan!Evenwithoutmeplanninganyunderhandedtricks,every
singlepersonwillcometoobstructhim!However!However,Ihavefaiththatour
Masterwillsurelyovercomeeventhem!

WatchingCasterofRedexcitedlytalkonandon,AssassinofRedfinallyletgoof
hervigilancetowardshim.

Isee.Ifyouputitlikethat,Icanunderstandyourattitude.Caster,youthink
obstacleswillappear?Whatkindofobstaclespecifically?

Youalreadyknowwhat.Rightnow,itsthatgirlwhosbewildereddueto
ignorance.

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Ch312

Ruler,huh?Certainly,herprivilegeisastounding.Butwereconductinga
countermeasureagainstthatrightnow,arentwe?

No,no.Herprivilegeisalsomarvelous,butwhatshouldbetrulyfearedisthegirl
herself.

What,doyouknowwhosheis?

TherearentmanyHeroicSpiritswhoarefemalesaintshoistingaflagSheismy
motherlandsbelovedenemy.Thecountrygirlwhowasdestroyedduetoobeying
thevoiceofgodandwentmadwithgriefJeannedArc.

Hoh.Soshesthebitterenemyofyourcountry.

AssassinofRedsaidthatwithasmile.Justasshesaid,JeannedArchadrisenup
asthesaviorofFranceandcompletelydefeatedtheEnglisharmy.Thoughshe
wasarrestedintheendduetotreachery,theirhatredtowardsherwasprobably
verydeep.ManyworkswritteninEnglandatthattimedepictedherasanenemy
anddenouncedher.

No,no,Inolongerharboranysuchillfeelings.Actually,isntourownMastera
saintfromtheFarEast?ThingslikeEnglandandFrancenolongermatter.
Howeverifshesgoingtoobstructus,wellhavetocrushherwithoutany
mercy.

Byyourhands?

Me?Perishthethought.Illleavethattoyou,reveredempress.

CasterofRedlaughedloudly,andAssassinofRed,thoughshedalreadyknownit
wouldbethatway,sighed.

So?Whatwasitthatyouwantedtoask?

377

Ch312

ItsaboutnoneotherthanourMaster.InaturallyknowthatShirouishisreal
name.ButwheredidthenameKotominecomefrom?Theresnowayhesimply
adopteditbecauseitwassuitable.

Ah,that.Kotomineisapparentlythenameofhisadoptivefather.Needlessto
say,thatmaniswithoutasinglerelativeinthisworld.Soapparentlyhereliedon
thesupervisorwhohadsurvivedalongwithhim,apriestnamedKotomine,and
receivedacertainsocialstatusfromhim.

Haha,Isee.SothereasonhebecamethesupervisoroftheGreatHolyGrailWar
wasalsothankstothoseconnections.

Soitseems.Though,thatpriesthasalreadybeendeadalongtimenow,and
Shirouapparentlydoesntinteractmuchwiththemanwhomhesstepbrothers
withWhatswiththoseeyesandthatsmileyouremaking?

No,no,IjustthoughtthatourMastertrustsyoualot.WhenIaskedhimaboutit,
hejustvaguelydodgedthequestion.

Isntitprobablybecauseyouhaventmadeyourselftrustworthy?

WhenShirouhadcarelesslytalkedtoCasterofRedabouthisorigins,Caster
couldnthelpseemingasifhewereabouttospilloverandfallfromthegossip.
Moreover,itwasquitepossiblethathedpublishitasbiography.

Hmph.IamnotsomuchofafiendthatIdexposepeoplesprivacy,butwhoa
there.

Animpactranthroughthegroundbeneaththemfromthebottomofthegardens.
Thewholegardenstrembledviolentlyasifaffectedbyanearthquake.

Thatwas?

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Ch312

TheaftershockofBerserkersattack,probably.Itseemshesabouttoreachhis
criticalpoint.

AssassinofRedorderedtheHangingGardenstoascendhigherintheair.Itwould
betroublingifthesegardensweretargetedbythat[weapon].Heshouldbe
targetingnotthesegardens,buttheFortressofMillennia.

HoweverwonttheHolyGrailbreakasaresult?

Havenofear.TheGreaterGrailisundergroundbeneaththefortress,anditsnot
somethingthatcanbeturnedintorubbleanyway.EvenifBerserkergoestoattack
itdirectly,theresnoproblem.Andinanycasehenolongerhassuchintelligence
leftinhim.

Usingremoteviewingthaumaturgy,AssassinofRedconfirmedthatRulerwas
fightingBerserkerofRed.

NowthenHowdoesRulerintendtofaceBerserker?Ifshegetshitbyhisfinal
attack,evenshewontbeabletowalkawayunscathed.

JustasAssassinofRedsaid,thechampionofrebellion,Spartacus,wasaboutto
swinghisfinalblow.HewastargetingtheFortressofMillenniawherethe
oppressorsweregathered.Themadwarriordidntevenconsiderthathisown
Masterwasthere.

Whenhisbodystartedtocollapseduetoitsownweightasitswelledupwith
prana,Berserkeratlastreachedenoughpowerforthatfinalandmostpowerful
attack.Itwastheattackoftheendanddemiseonthisbattlefield.

Hereitcomes.

Rulerwascertainofit.Thenextattackwouldbethemostpowerfulattackthat

379

Ch312

BerserkerofRedcouldunleash.Atthesametime,itwouldbehisfinalattack.He
wasgoingtouseupeventheprananeededtotiehimselftothepresentageand
disappearasaresult.

IfthatwasthepaththattheHeroicSpiritSpartacuschose,thenshewouldntstop
him.

But,asexpected,shehadtoavoidgettingswallowedupinitherself.

SheglancedattheHangingGarden,whichexistedasiftosneerather.Next,her
gazeturnedtowheretheSabersofBlackandRedwerefiercelybattlingeach
other.

Shedecided.ShemadeadecisionnotaccordingtoarevelationfromGod,but
accordingtoherownwill.

Whileholdingherflaginonehand,shetookahugejumpbackwardsandonce
havingconfirmedthatBerserkersgazehadturnedtolookatthefortress,she
headedtowardsthetwoSabers.

Forthetimebeing,sheintendedtogettheirattentionandconvincethemto
withdraw.TheotherServantshadalreadynoticedBerserkerofRedsabnormal
stateandhadretreatedsomewheresafe.

OnlySieg,whohadtransformedintoSaberofBlack,RiderofBlackandSaberof
RedwerestillwithinrangeofBerserkersattack.

Notgood!

SaberofRedandSaberofBlackhad,ofallthings,unleashedtheirrespective
NoblePhantasmsagainsteachother.Theaftershocksofthattremendousenergy
naturallyreachedRuler,butalsoBerserkerofRedfurtheraway.

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Ch312

Havingbrokenthroughhiscriticalpoint,BerserkerofRedhowled.Thecountdown
reachedzero,andthegroundshook.

Rulershouted.

Runaway!

JustasshewasabouttodealthefinishingblowtoSieg,SaberofRedturned
aroundinshockandcaughtsightofBerserkerrightashewasonthevergeof
exploding.Thoughshehesitatedslightly,sheseemedtoreceiveanorderfromher
Masterandclickedhertongue,immediatelyturningintospiritualform.

ItwentwithoutsayingforRuler,whowasinfactpossessingthehumanLaeticia,
butSiegcouldntturnintospiritualformandrunawayeither.

Siegkun!

HearingRulersdesperatecall,thenowemptySiegsilentlyshookhishead.It
appearedhecouldntmoveduetothepainanddamagefrombeinghitbySaber
ofRedsNoblePhantasmattackearlieraswellasthebacklashfromhis
transformation.

Go.YouarentaServantwhoshouldperishhere.

Andyet,heunhesitatinglytoldRulertorunawayalone.Rulersighedin
exasperation.

DontsaystupidthingsTheonewhobroughtyouherewasme.

Ichosetofightbymyownwill.

Guh.Theresalimiteventobeingstubborn!

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Ch312

Isntthatbasicallythepotcallingthekettleblack?

Despitebeinginthiskindofsituation,SiegspoketoRulerwithcooleyes.

Donotworry.Idontintendtoletyoudie.AndImnotgoingtoperishhere
either.

Sheplantedtheflaginherrighthandintotheground.Peekingatthestateof
affairsbehindherback,shesawRiderofBlack,wholookedtotallyexhausted,
tightlyhuggingSiegasiftoprotecthim.

ShedidntthinkhisMasterwouldrefusetolethimturnintospiritualformand
runaway.Mostlikely,Riderhimselfhadrefusedtodoso.Sincehepossessedthe
[IndependentAction]skill,Ridercouldcontinuetosurviveforashorttimeevenif
hispranasupplywascutoff.

However,notrunningawayinthissituationwasjustreckless.

Areyounotgoingtoescape,RiderofBlack?

Idontwantto.

But

RidershookhisheadferventlywhilehuggingSieg.

IsaidIdontwantto!Idontwanttoseehimgetwoundedanyfurther!I
absolutelywontmoveawayfromhere!

Despitehisownsubstantialwounds,Riderdidntevenconsiderrunningaway.It
wasntthattherewassomethinghecoulddo;hewasjustgoingtoperishwiththe
twoofthembecausehewastryingtoprotectSieg.

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Ch312

Itwasmeaningless.Acompletelymeaninglessact.

IfhisNoblePhantasmswerenttakenintoaccount,RiderofBlack,Astolfo,wasa
HeroicSpiritthatwasonlysomewherebetweensecondandthirdrateintermsof
strengthandskill.AstolfowastheonlyoneamongCharlemagnesTwelve
Paladinswhowasfamedtobe[weak]accordingtolegend.

Butevenso,Astolfowasahero.

Idontwantto

Eventhoughhetrembled,RiderdidntstopprotectingSieg.Hedidntfalter
either.Itwasonlynaturalforthosewhowerebornstrongtodisplaycourage.
Becausetheywerestrong.Theyhadprideintheirstrength,andtheyhadawill
thatwouldntyieldtoanyenemy.

Astolfowasdifferent.ThisServantwasweakandcouldneverdefeattheenemy
knownasfate.Hisstrengthcouldneithermovemountainsnorpiercethe
heavens.Andyet,Astolfowasabraveheroacknowledgedbyeveryoneduringhis
lifetime.Evenifhewasweak,evenifhispowerwasinsufficient,evenifhewas
defeated.Astolfowasabravepersonandhadthequalificationstobeahero.

Iunderstand.Thenpleasestaystillthere.Itwillbedangerousifyoumove.

IfthatwasthisServantswill,Rulerhadnorighttostophim.

ThatswhythiswastoprotectSieg.Shemightbeslightlydeviatingfromherrole
asamediator.Butshehadbeengiventhediscretiontoactaccordingtoher
judgementonthebattlefield.

TheServantwhowaslikeneitherabeast,human,monsterorevenaHeroicSpirit,
butratheragiantwrathfulgod,atlaststruckthegroundwithhisfinalattack.

383

Ch312

BerserkerofRedwasfilledwitheuphoriathatnumbedhisbrain.Hisfinalattack
woulddestroyalltyrannyandsmashallauthority.

Ofcourse,hewasmadandevenheunderstoodthathewasmad.Buthe
wouldntstop.Hewasbornwiththispersonalitythatcouldntendureobeying
anyone.

No,thatwasntit.Beingscornedandwoundedfeltgoodtohim.Makingthe
stagnatingthingsinsidehimsettlelikesedimentswasanirresistiblejoytohim.

Sohecontinuedsmiling.Andwhenitreacheditscriticalpoint,Spartacusrebelled.
Aslongastherewereoppressorsintheworld,neitherhisjoynorhisangercould
bestopped.

Andnow,afterhavingbeengivenasecondlife,hewastryingtothrowthemost
powerfulblowofhislife.Hisvisiondistortedandthepainofhavinghisentire
bodyrearrangedbysomethingtorturedhismind.Butthatwasalsoatanend.
Thiswasntsimplyanattackloadedwithallhispower.Itwaswhatcould
appropriatelybecalledtheultimatedestructionthathecouldntachieveunless
hesacrificedallofhimself.

Ah.

Heevenletoutasighofwonder.Hedidntevenreflectonhowmuchhisflesh
hadbeenhideouslytransformed.Thegladiatorofsufferingwhohaddevotedhis
entirelifetimetorebellionfinallyswungthatfinalblow.

HistargetwastheoppressorwiththegreatestauthorityintheGreatHolyGrail
War:Ruler.AndalsothoseintheFortressofMillenniabehindher.Anattackthat
seemedtoreachthemoonandmakethestarsfall.Thegreatestcounterpunchhe
hadevermadeinhislifetimeincludingbothbeforeandafterhisdeath.Wouldhis
fist,hisswordreallyreachthoseoppressors?

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Ch312

Heneitherknewnorcaredtofindout.Theausteregladiator,whohadonly
devotedhislifetorebellion,breathedhislastbreathwhilesmiling.

Ruler,RiderofBlackandSiegwereinthedirectpathofthatattack.Avoidingit
wasimpossible,andnomatterhowtoughashieldonepossessed,itcouldnt
protectagainstthatattackthatBerserkerhadwageredhislifeupon.

ButtheonereceivingthatattackwastheabsolutemediatoroftheHolyGrail
War,Ruler.

Luminosit

Shetightlygraspedherflagwithbothhandsandactivateditstruename.

TheflagthatthesaintJeannedArchadkeptinplaceofasword.Thatflag,which
inspiredandupliftedthesoldierswhofollowedherbelievingthatasaintwalked
amongstthem,wassaidtohavecontinuedtoprotectthisfemalesaintwho
alwaysranaheadasthevanguard.

Eternelle:GodisHereWithMe!

AndwhenthisholyflagwasactivatedasaNoblePhantasm,itconvertedJeannes
EXrankMagicResistanceintoaprotectionagainstallphysicalandspiritualharm.

BerserkerofRedsattackhadbeenunleashedwithallhishateandjoy.Butthe
flagcompletelycutoffnotonlyJeanne,butalsoRiderofBlackandSiegbehind
herfromit.

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Ch312

Sheputstrengthintobothherhands.Rightnow,Rulersflagwastheironly
lifeline.StiflingheranguishandsimplylookingforwardRulersimplyenduredthe
explosivemaelstromoflight.

Itwaslikesomeonewhoopposedalltheevilintheworld.

Itwaslikesomeonewhoopposedafallenstar1.

Itwaslikeallhumanswho,despitebeingsosmall,opposedthethingbeforetheir
eyesthattheydidntconsiderright.

Filledwithpride,willpower,angerorperhapssomethingelseentirely,humans
possessedheartsthatcouldriseupwithcouragethatsurpassedtheirfearevenin
thefaceofoverwhelmingviolencethatslaughteredthousandsofpeople.

Watchinghersmallback,Siegwasgrippedbyaheartbreakinglysadfeelingfor
somereason.Hewasfullyawarethatitwasarrogantofhim,butwhenhe
thoughtofthetragictaleofherlife,hecouldntdiscardthosefeelings.

Shehadeverythingtakenfromherduetobetrayal.Receivingtheworsttreatment
conceivablypossibleforahuman,andyetnevercursinganythingthe
personificationofasaintwhoneverdespaired.

Itwouldbefineifshecursedthosewhobetrayed.Hecouldunderstandifshe
hatedthem.Butshehadfeltnohatred,resentment,orevenregrets.Forsome
strangereason,Siegcouldntstandthat.

1
ThesetwolinesareareferencetoacertainsceneinFate/StayNight,asImsuremanyreadershave
alreadyrealized.Iwontgiveanyspoilers,butIfelttheneedtopointitoutforthosewhohaventseen
theoriginalvisualnovel,sincethelineslosetheirsignificancewithoutthatknowledge.Onceagain,I
suggestlookingatFate/StayNightforthosewhoarestillnewtotheFateuniversetoenhanceyour
readingexperience.

386

Ch312

RiderofBlacksuddenlyrecalledthemythofanoldmanwhomanagedtocut
theseainhalf.Thelightthatcompletelyisolatedandcutthemofffromtheir
surroundingswaslikethatdividedwater.Justaslifehadanend,thisattackthat
Berserkerhadwageredhislifeonalsocametoanend.BerserkerofRedsfully
poweredattackhadhalfdestroyedtheFortressofMillennia,andkilledthemany
golems,homunculiandDragonToothWarriorsthatremainedonthebattlefield.

Butevenwiththatstupendousdestructivepower,thethreeofthemdidnt
receiveasingleinjury.Whenthelightsettleddown,Rulersighedwithreliefand
turnedaround.Withabrilliantandshiningsmile,sheletoutanothersighofrelief
and

Thankgoodnessyoureunhurt.

Shemurmuredthat.

Itwasclosertoacalamitythanaswordslash.Itwasalsolikeanearthquakeand
tsunamifilledwithmalice.HavingconvertedBerserkersentireenormousstoreof
pranaintopuredestruction,itshooktheearthandmoweddowntheFortressof
Millennia.

Shrieksroseuparoundthemagi.Fortunately,thelocationwheretheywere
watchingthebattlesituationfromwasnotdirectlyexposedtotheroaringflames.
Buteverythingjustafewmetersaheadofthemwasinamiserablestate.

WWhatwhathappenedjustnow?

Gordesmutterasifhewereseeinganightmarewasonlynatural.Iftheyhad
beendirectlyhitbytheattack,itwouldbeunderstandable.Buttheyhadonly
beenhitbytheaftershocks.

WhatstheconditionofBerserkerofRed?

387

Ch312

InresponsetoFioresquestion,Caulessighedandspokeup

HesvanishedWhatabouttheotherServants?

Archerisstillalive.HowaboutRider?

Celenikenoddedinanannoyedmanner.Despitehowmuchshehadtoldhimto
turnintospiritualformandcomebackhere,hehad,letalonecomeback,triedto
protectthathomunculus.Consideringthesituation,itmightbetimetofinally
settlethingsdecisivelywithhim.

Riderisalsoalive.Caster?

RochehadreceivedaterribleshockoverhowthegolemsheandCasterhad
workedhardtomakehadbeenscatteredintopieceslikewoodchips.Buthe
confirmedthattheonehewasconcernedaboutthemost,Caster,wasstillalive.

Senseiissafeandsound80%ofthegolemswereblownaway,andtheones
thatwerekeptonstandbyatthefortressarebarelyabletooperate.

Isee.AllthatsleftisLancer.Itseemsgrandfatherisalsoalive,but

Mylordisalsofine.HisbattlewithLancerofRedendedwhileunsettled.Hes
terriblyangry.Moreimportantly,thereisanemergency.

Standingonthebrokenwindowframe,Darnicsaidthatwithasomehowhoarse
voice.

Emergency?

Fiorethoughtthattherecouldntbeanysituationworsethanwhattheywent
throughjustnow,butDarnicsvoicewasmoreseriousthansheexpected.

388

Ch312

TheHangingGardenshavestartedtoapproachthefortress.

SaberofRedcanceledherspiritualformandexaminedthestateofher
surroundings.

Intheforestthatspreadoutoneithersideofthegrasslandplains,manytrees
hadfallen.Theywereinawretchedstatethatmadeitlookedasiftheyhadbeen
trampledbyagiant.

Nearlyallthegolems,homunculiandDragonToothWarriorshaddied.That
wasonlynatural.Thatmuchpranahadbeenconcentratedandreleasedallat
once.Theonlyonesstillalivewerethosehomunculiwhohadbeenonstandby
backintherearlinesorwhohadsensedthesituationandrunaway.

TheServantshadallescapedfromthebattlefieldathighspeed.Atthevery
least,anyonewhowasthickheadedenoughtogetswallowedupbythisattack
wasworsethanthirdrate.

Inotherwords,thelandwascompletelyempty.ThatstrangemonstrousServant
hadannihilatedthisbattlefield.Whethershewasangry,amazedorsneeringnot
knowingwhathercurrentlyfeelingsshouldbedescribedas,Sabersimplystood
thereinadumfoundeddazeforalittlewhile.

Hey,Saber.

Ah,Master.Thesituationisjustasyoucansee.

Turningaroundatthevoicethatcalledouttoherfrombehindherback,she
shruggedhershoulders.HerMasterShishigoualsoletoutasighofamazementas
helookedatthebattlefield.

So,whatshouldwedonow,Master?Pleasegivemeorders.

389

Ch312

Evenifyousaythatabattlewithenemiesandalliesjumbledtogetheron
completelyemptylandlikethiswilldefinitelyturnoutawful.

Soshallwewithdraw?

Shishigouwasabouttoagreewiththosewords,buthesuddenlylookeduptothe
skyanddecidedtorejectthatproposal.

No,wewontbewithdrawing.Look,Saber.

ShishigoupointedattheHangingGardens,aproductoftheAgeofGods.
Shishigou,havingcarefullyinvestigatedinformationaboutSemiramis,couldtell
thatitwasAssassinofRedsNoblePhantasm.

TheproblemwasthattheHangingGardenswereapproachingthecrumbled
FortressofMillennia.

Hmph.Certainly,ifwewithdrawnow,wellbetreatedasoutsiders.

Right?Letsgo,Saber.

Understood,Master.So,isflyingyourspeciality?

Imterribleatit.Idontwanttothinkaboutitthatmuch,butitseemsIllhaveto
relyonyou.

InresponsetoShishigousgrumbles,SaberofRedchuckled.Yes,inotherwords,it
wastimeforhertouseherpersonalskill,[PranaBurst].

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Chapter3

Hmm.Ithoughtthatdestroyingthatfortresswouldbeslightlydifficult,butwe
weresavedthetrouble.IthoughtwewouldhavetouseLancersNoblePhantasm
aswell,but

AssassinofRedsaidthatandgazedatherfellowRedServantswhohadretreated
fromthebattlefieldtotheHangingGardens.

Thankyouverymuchforallyourefforts,everyone.Icanseethatyourboiling
bloodisstillunsatisfiedbutjustendureitforalittlewhilelonger.Thebattlewill
resumeverysoon.

ArcherofRedshookherheadatAssassinswords.

Idontmindbutwhatdoyouintendtodobyhavingusapproachthefortress
likethis?DoyouwanttogokilltheMastersdirectly?

Itgoeswithoutsaying.WeregoingtotakebacktheGreaterGrail.

Instantly,alltheotherServantstherefellsilent.RiderandArcherexchanged
glancesandevenLancerlookedatAssassinwithadoubtfulexpression.

Takeitback?No,inthefirstplacehowarewegoingtodosuchathing?

AssassinofRedpointedatthefloorbeneaththemwithasmile.

WhatallowstheseHangingGardenstofloatistheconceptof[inversion].
Plantsgrowdownwardandwaterflowsfromdownstreamtoupstreamhere.

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Chapter 313

ThegardenscametoahaltintheskiesabovetheFortressofMillennia.Ifany
citizensinTrifasweretolookupatthenightsky,whatwouldtheythinkofthese
giantgardensthathideventhemoonfromsight?Attheveryleast,theywouldnt
believetheireyesiftheyweresober.

Gazewelluponit,youtinymagi.Thisisthetrueterritoryofamagus.

AssassinofRedlaughedloudlyandspreadherarmswideasshereleasedacertain
spell.

Roaringwindblewoutfromthebottomofthegardens.Similartoatornado,it
connectedtothefortressbelowlikesomekindofpipe.

Hey,heyYoumeanyoureallyintendtostealit!?

AtRiderofRedswords,AssassinofRednoddedandshouted.

Ofcourse!Becausethesegardensweredesignedforthesakeofthat!Now,
comeout,GreaterGrail!Showusyourterribleandbeautifulfigurethatwas
constructedwithgodlikemagecraft!

ThegroundcrumbledandflewupwardsasitwassuckedtowardstheHanging
Gardens.Morethantwothirdsofthefortresshadalreadybeendestroyed.The
nakedbedrockwassmashedupandthen,atlast,theGreaterGrailwasexposed
tothesurfacesair.

ThatistheHolyGrail?

ArcherofRedmutteredwithadumbfoundedexpression.Withhereyesightthat
wasasgoodastheeyesofafalcon,shewascertainlyabletoseetheGreaterGrail
below.Butthatwasntwhathadtrulyshockedher.

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Chapter 313

ItwasntjustArcher;Lancer,RiderandevenCastercouldonlystandthere
dumbfounded.Theabsolute,eternalandcolorlessabundantpranathathad
accumulatedcontinuouslyformorethansixdecadesswirledaroundinavortex.

ThatistheHolyGrail!Excellent!Thatisfartooexcellent!Magnificent!
Magnificent,magnificent!!EvenIcansensethatoverwhelmingpranafromhere!I
evenwanttojumpinanddrownwithinit,becomeonewithit!Andyet,itis
hideouslikeanakedhumanbody!Truly[Fairisfoulandfoulisfair]!

Casterraisedcriesofjoy.

Itwasobviousthatitwasworthytobecalledan[almightywishgrantingdevice],
aslongasthewishaskedofitwasnttoogreat.Itwasonlynaturalthateven
Servantslikethemwouldbecomeexcited.

Tch,itscompletelybondedtotheleylines.Itseemsitwilltaketimetotearit
out.However,wedonthavetheleisuretoremainatease.Theyrecoming,
everyone.

EvenwithoutAssassinofRedsayingit,alltheServantstheresensedit.Inorderto
preventtheplunderingoftheGreaterGrail,theBlackServantswereheading
thereonebyone.

IhavetofocusontheGreaterGrailforawhile.Illleavetheenemiestoyouall.If
youdontholdthembackhere,yourwisheswillvanishlikedewinthemorning.
Dealwiththemcarefully,understood?

Inresponsetothosewordsaccompaniedbyajeeringsmile,RiderandArcherof
Redretortedwithouthidingtheirhostility.

Thatgoeswithoutsaying.Ishouldbesayingthattoyouinstead.Makesure
nottofail.

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Chapter 313

Illdowhatwehavetodo.Dontbotherwithmeticulousinstructionslikethat.
Youdontneedtotellus.

Buteveninthefaceofthatunabashedhostility,AssassinofRedscomposure
didntcollapse.

Wellthen,asforme,ImgushingwithinspirationthankstotheGreaterGrail,so
Illtakemyleavehere!

Youshouldhelpatleastalittle.

Ignoringeveryoneelsesamazedanddisgustedexpressions,Casterhastilyheaded
towardstheworkshopmadeforhispersonaluseinotherworse,hisstudy.

Ah,thatreminds.TheresonethingIforgottosay.Thesegardensarentwithin
Romania.Youshouldfightwhilebearingthatinmind.

AssassinofRedleftthosefinalwordsanddisappeared.TheGreaterGrailwas
movingataconstantdullspeed,butitwasdefinitelybeingtornoutfromTrifas.

SincetheGardenshadapproachedrightbesidethefortress,theBlackServants
wereabletoreachthisplacewithasingleleap.

IlltakeLancerofBlack.

TheRedspearmanmurmuredthatandreadiedhisdivinespear.RiderofRed
naturallychosehisteacher,ArcherofBlack,andArcherofReddecidedtoaimfor
Caster,whomshewasmeetingforthefirsttime.

Theoffensiveanddefensivesideshadswitched.TheBlackServantshadtotake
backtheGreaterGrailbeforeitwasstolen.TheRedServantshadtoprotectthe
GreaterGrailuntilitwascompletelytakenaway.

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Chapter 313

Thesituationhadalsoreversedalongwiththeoffenceanddefence.TheFortress
ofMillennia,whichshouldhavebeenanimpenetrablestronghold,wasnow
uselessrubbish,andtheRedcampweretheoneswiththeoverwhelming
advantage.

Buttherewasonethingthatwouldbecomeprobleminthiscurrentsituation.
ThatwastheexistenceofRuler,whoalreadywasinthemidstofheadinghere.
ButtheonlyoneswhoknewthatwereAssassinandCasterofRedalongwiththeir
MasterShirou.

TheBlackcamp,RedcampandRulerallunderstoodthatthiswasabattleagainst
time.IntheseveralminutesitwouldtakefortheGreaterGrailtobetornout
fromtheleylinesandcompletelyinstalledinsidetheHangingGardens,theyhad
tofightadesperatebattletothedeath.

395

Ch314

Chapter3

RulerhadleftbehindRiderofBlackandSiegandwasnowrunningtowardsthe
HangingGardensbyherselfatfullspeed.Theclosershegot,themoreshocked
shewasbythatfloatingNoblePhantasm.AntiFortressNoblePhantasms,which
possessedthepurepowertodestroyfortressesandcastles,wererare,butthat
didntmeanthattherewerentHeroicSpiritwhoownedthem.However,Noble
Phantasmsthatwerefortressesinandofthemselvesweremostlikelyeven
scarcer.

FortressesthatexistedasNoblePhantasms,accordingtotheknowledgethat
Rulerimmediatelydraggedout,werelimitedtothoseliketheonepossessedby
IrelandsChildofLight.Andeventhatwasrestrictedtothebordersofhis
homeland.

Furthermore,thenumberofNoblePhantasmsthatwerefloatingstrongholdswas
nearlyzero.Andtomakethingsmoretroublesome,itappearedthattheownerof
thatfloatingfortressheldillwilltowardsher.Shehadgonethroughconsiderable
detours,butinanycase,thereweremanythingssheneededtoverifywiththe
Redcamp.

However.

Something,somethingfatalwasstartingandabouttoend.Shekepthavingthat
premonition.Somehowmanagingtoshakeoffthechillthattookholdofher,she
jumpedontothewallsoftheFortressofMillenniaandranupwardsatfullspeed.

FromthehugeholethathadbeenboredintotheFortressofMillennia,the
GreaterGrailwasslowlycomingintoview.

Icantbelieveit.

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Ch314

Rulersmurmurwasonlynatural.Theoppressivesensationclampingdownonher
entirebodytoldherthatitwaswithoutadoubttherealGreaterGrail.Whatshe
couldntbelievewasthattheRedcampwastryingtodragitout.

ItwastruethatthiswasawarthatrevolvedaroundtheGreaterGrail.Shealso
predictedthattheRedCampwouldendupdoingthisiftheywon.Butthatwould
normallyonlyhappenafterthewarwasover.Whyweretheyhurriedlytryingto
recovertheGreaterGrailwhenthescalesofbattlewerestillswaying?

Mostlikely,theonecausingproblemsrightnowwasnotanyoftheRedServants,
butaMaster.Someonewho,attheveryleast,wasntfollowingthewillofthe
AssociationofMagi

Afterhavingconjecturedthatfar,shefinallymanagedtoarriveatopthefloating
fortress.Waterranupstreamandplantsclearlygrewnotupwardsbut
downwardsinstead.

AreversedflowtheHangingGardens!

Thatsright,Ruler.

Hearingthatjeeringvoice,RulerturnedaroundsheknewofonlytwoHeroic
SpiritswhopossessedtheHangingGardensasaNoblePhantasm.Thefirstwas
NebuchadnezzarII,andthesecondwasthelegendaryempresswho,duetooral
transmissionofancientfolkloregettingmixedup,waslavishedwiththefalsehood
ofhavingmadetheHangingGardens.

TheworldsoldestpoisonerSemiramis.

AssassinofRedsothatswhoyouare.

Indeed.Nowthen,Ruler.Doyouhavesomebusinessinmygardens?Idont
believeIhaveviolatedanyparticularrules,though.

397

Ch314

Perhapsduetothedimnessofthenearbytorches,herblackandglamorousdress
washalfwaymergedwiththedarknessofthenight.Rulerfeltitwasterribly
eerie.

No,youhave.

Hoh,saidAssassinofRed,displayinginterest.

Thentellme.WhatrulehaveIviolated?

Ifyouhavenotasinglesmidgeonofguiltonyourconscienceandyouare
obeyingtherulesoftheHolyGrailWarasyousaythenpleaseletmemeetyour
Master.

Instantly,thelookinAssassinofRedseyesswitchedfromsneeringtocautious.
Rulerknewfromthoseeyesthatthepathshehadfollowedherewasntmistaken.

Unfortunately,myMasterisoccupiedrightnow.Furthermore,whileheisnta
cowardatall,IwontlethimmeetwithotherServants.

Isee.Heshidingsomewherewithinthesegardens,isnthe?

Rulereasilypointedthatout.AssassinofRedwasalreadypreparingtofight.Asif
tostopherfromdoingso,Rulerstuckforwardherflagandspoke.

Youshouldunderstandthatfightingmeisuseless,AssassinofRed.Thepillarsof
lightshotfromtheHangingGardensweretheworkofyourspells,correct?Inthat
case

Hmph.ItstruethatmymagecraftcantpiercethroughyourMagicResistance.Is
thatoneofyourprivilegesasRuler,Iwonder?

IhavestillmoreprivilegesAssassinofRed.Pleasedontmakemeusethis.

398

Ch314

Rulersentirebodyshinedslightlywithpalelight,andevenAssassinofRed
couldntstopherselffromgrimacinginresponse.

ThegreatestprivilegeoftheRulerclass;CommandSpellsthatcanbeusedon
allServants,huh?

ThiswasthegreatestreasonthatRulercouldactasamediator.Rulerpossessed
twoCommandSpellsforeveryServant.Inthiscase,thataddeduptoatotalof
twentyeightCommandSpells.ItwasonlynaturalthattheBlackcamphadtried
togetherasanally.

Inextremecases,shecouldendthemajorityofServantsbyorderingthemtokill
themselves.Ofcourse,aCommandSpellcouldbecounteractedbyanother
CommandSpell.IfsheorderedServantstokillthemselves,theirMasterscould
simplyuseaCommandSpelloftheirowntostopthemfromkillingthemselves.

ButthatmeantthattwoCommandSpellswereuselesslyexpended.Iftheykept
oneCommandSpellinreservetotakeintoaccountthebetrayaloftheirServants,
itactuallybecomeimpossibleforthemtouseanyCommandSpellsafterwards.

Additionally,thecampthatRulersidedwithwouldbeabletouseasumtotalof
fourCommandSpellsforeachServantwithRulersCommandSpellsalsoincluded.
Ruler,whocouldoverturnthesuperiorityorinferiorityofanyside,wasnaturallya
capablepersonwhomeveryonewanted.ThoughHeroicSpiritswhowouldfallfor
suchtemptationshouldntbefitfortheRulerclassinthefirstplace.

Butdontbother.EvenifwehavetoexhaustallourCommandSpells,Iwont
betraymyMaster.IfyouordermewithaCommandSpell,myMasterwillstopit.

YourMasterisntyourpuppet,ishe?

Ofcoursenot.Nomatterwhatmyfirstlifewaslike,IamnowaServantandIwill
selflesslysupportmyMaster.

399

Ch314

Rulertookastepforwardandspoke.

Inthatcase,rightnowyouaremyenemy.

Havingreachedhere,sheatlastclearlyconfirmedthatAssassinofRedandher
Masterwereherenemies.EvenAssassinofRedcouldnthelpturningnervousat
thatstep.

Fromthebeginning,thespecsofAssassinandRulerwerentevencomparable.
Additionally,magihadfatallybadcompatibilitywithRuler.Evenwithoutusinga
CommandSpell,shecouldimmediatelydefeatAssassin.

Inthefirstplace,AssassinofRedandherMasterdidntwishtofightRuler.

WhatwasmoreimportantwasthatLancerofRedandLancerofBlackwouldsoon
comeintocontacttoresumetheirbattle,andthatLancerofBlacksMasterwould
becomeawareofthesituation.Shejustneededtobuyafewminutesoftimeby
talkingwithRuleruntilthen.

Shirou,knowingquitewellthecrueltyandinhumanityofLancerofBlacksMaster
DarnicPrestoneYggdmillennia,wascertainthathewoulddefinitelyactivatethe
NoblePhantasmthatreproducedthatlegendifthesituationbecame
disadvantageousforLancerofBlack.

Hoh,Isee.SoIamyourenemy,amI?Butitsunfortunate.Startingfromthisvery
moment,wemustsharethesameinterest.

!?

Rulerturnedaround.Therewasnosoundordisturbanceofprana.Butinjusta
fewseconds,theworstpossiblesituationwouldoccurshereceivedsucha
revelation.

400

Ch314

There,youshouldgetgoingnow.What,Illalsohelp.Wemustopposethat
togetherbecausethatshowextremelytroublesomeitis.

Rulergrittedherteethslightly.ButAssassinswordswerecorrect.

Somethinghadalreadybeenbornalongwithanenormousoutpouringofprana.
SomethingthatdidntbelongintheHolyGrailWarandcouldbeconsideredfatal.

RulerturnedherbacktoAssassinandbeganrunningwithallhermight.

401

Ch315

Chapter3

Itwasoverwhelming.

AsIthought.

Kuh!

Speakingwithadispassionatevoice,LancerofRedwascorneringLancerofBlack.
Hisprecision,whichdidntshowtheslightestbitofmercy,wastrulycoldhearted,
suitableforagreathero.

However,theheroVladIII,whohadequallyfoughtagainsthimjustalittlebit
earlier,wasgreatlyinferiortohim.

LancerofBlackhimselfcouldalsosensethatabnormality.Hehadbecome
weaker.Ifhisearlierselfwasrated10,hiscurrentselfwasatbesta6.

StakeswerebeingcreatedfromLancerofBlacksownbody.Buttheirforceand
sharpnesswerenotasgreatasbefore.Evenwithoutcoveringhimselfinflames,
LancerofRedwasabletorepelallofthemwithjusthisspearandarmor.

TheseHangingGardensarethedomainruledbyourcampsAssassin.Itsnot
yourterritory.Inotherwordsaslongasyouarewithinthesegardens,you
arentthegreatpatrioticherowhosavedhiscountry.

AssassinofRedsNoblePhantasm,HangingGardensofBabylon,wasafortress
NoblePhantasmthatruledadefineddomain.Toputitanotherway,thatplace
wasntRomaniawhereVladIIIwasreveredasahero.Accordingly,thelevelofhis
famebecameequaltozero.

402

Ch315

Naturally,LancerofRed,Karna,alsohadclosetozerofamehere.Buttherewasa
differenceinbasicpowerbetweenKarnaandVladIII.

Evenifhisfamewasequaltozero,aslongashislegendexistedsomewhereinthe
world,Karnawasunmistakablyagreathero.Ontheotherhand,outsideof
Romania,VladIIIwasonlyknownasabloodsuckingvampire.

Havingbeensummonedwiththecharacteristicsofahero,LancerofBlacksfame
didntgivehimanypower.Rather,itinhibitedhisabilitytodisplayhisoriginal
specs.

AshefacedagainstLancerofRedwhowieldedaspear,LancerofBlackhadlost
therefinement,splendorandevensternnessthathehadalwaysmaintained.Only
thefactthathehadprideanddignityasaherosupportedhim.

Thatalonegavehimthepowertofight.

ButitwasfarfromenoughtocutofftheheadofLancerofRed.

IfthefightingspiritthatLancerofBlackhadduetohisprideasaheroweakened
evenslightly,thebattlewouldendwiththeforceandspeedofanavalanche.

ThetwoLancersunderstoodthatverywell.Inthatcase,LancerofBlackshould
justretreat,turnbackandrunaway.Though,ifhecoulddothat,hewouldnt
havebecomeaHeroicSpiritinthefirstplace.

Imgoingtodie.

Thatthought,dyedwithcertainty,suddenlywelledupinsideLancerofBlack.His
defeatwouldnaturallymeanthedefeatoftheentireBlackcamp.Butitcouldnt
behelped.Hehadbeenunabletowinandhadchasedtheenemytoofar.Mostof
all,hehadneverimaginedthattheGreaterGrailwouldbestolen.

403

Ch315

IfonlySaberofBlackwasalive.Hehadsuchthoughtsaswell.Shame,despairand
regretthrewhisheartoutoforderlikeanoverflowingriver.

But

Itreallycouldntbehelped.

Themomenthethoughtthat,wascertainofit,andresolvedhimselftoit,the
Masterwhohadcontractedwithhimappearedthereasifthroughmagicand
whisperedtohimlikeadevil.

No,wecanstillwin.IfyoureleasethatNoblePhantasm,thatis.

AlltheServantspresenttherestoppedmoving.Theonestandingtherewasa
singleMaster,theheadofYggdmillennia,Darnic.

LordingovertheServantsfromatopatemplelikepillarsomedistanceawayfrom
theopenspacewheretheServantswereinthemidstoffighting,Darnicwas
strangelyirritatedbyLancerofBlack.

Butwhathehadsaidjustnowwasafargreaterproblem.Withastrongblow,
LancerofBlacktookdistancefromLancerofRedandglaredathisMaster.

Darnic.Whatdidyousaytomejustnow?

Hewasntplayingaroundthistime;hewasradiatinggenuinekillingintent.
Receivingitcoolly,themaguscontinuedspeakingevenmoredisrespectfulwords.

Mylord,IsaidtoreleasethatNoblePhantasm.Wehavenochanceofwinning
besidesthat.

Whatareyousaying!?ItoldyouIwouldntusethatNoblePhantasm,haveyou
forgotten!?Iwilldiehere!Iwillcrumbleawayindeathwithregret!

404

Ch315

Butthatisthefateofthedefeated!Darnic!Iwillneverevenconsiderusingthat
andturningintoanunsightlyexistence!Never,never!

Youretheonewhohasforgotten.WemustobtaintheGreaterGrailbyany
meanspossible!Inordertoturnitintoasymbolandretaliateagainstthe
AssociationofMagi.OrtoreachtheRoot.Asaking,yourwishshouldbefervent
aswell.InthatcasetheresnootherwaybuttousethatNoblePhantasm.

Sayingthat,Darnicheldoutonehand.Ontopofitwerethreeredandshining
CommandSpells.

You!?

AsLancerofBlackwidenedhiseyes,Darniclaughedathimandspokeina
penetratinglycoldvoice.

IorderyouwithaCommandSpell.HeroicSpiritVladIII.ActivateyourNoble
Phantasm,LegendofDracula.

Darnicyoubastaaaaaaaaaaaard!!

EvenLancersshout,whichwasfilledwiththedeepesthatredanddespair,didnt
reachDarnic.

Im,not,avampireIm,not!

ThattremblingmutterwasthelastofthereasonofHeroicSpiritVladIII.Andthen
hisMasterDarnicsmasheditintotinypieces.

No,youareavampire.ThevampireDracula,acreaturepitifullyburdenedwith
infamyduetoliteraryworks.IorderyouwithasecondCommandSpell.Continue
tosurviveuntilyouobtaintheGreaterGrail.

405

Ch315

LancerofBlackhowledandleaptathisMasterDarnic.Whilegivingafaintsmile,
Darniclethimselfbestruckinthechest.

Inthespanofasecond,hischestwaspiercedthrough.Hisbodycollapsed.Fresh
bloodflewthroughtheairandraineddownonLancersface.Andtheonewho
laughedloudlyatitwasDarnic.

Hahahahaha!Howrudeofme,myServant!Asanapology,youcandrinkmy
blood!Youreallyareabloodsuckingvampire,thekingwhorulesthenight!Your
wishisunnecessary.Iwillbequeathyoumydream,mywish,myveryexistence!I
orderyouwithathirdCommandSpell.Engravemyexistenceintoyoursoul,
Lancer!

What?

Didthatwhispercamefromonepersonoreveryonepresentthere?Regardless,
theywereallshockedbyLancerofBlackkillinghisMasterandthethirdorderthat
MasterhadspokenwithaCommandSpell.

Servantscoulddevourthesoulsofhumansandconvertthemintoprana.Thiswas
theirprivilegeasspiritualbeings.Humanscouldonlytransfersoulsbetween
vesselsorobservethem.

ButthismagusDarnicwasanexception.Hehaddevotedhisattentiontothesoul
whichshouldhavebeenimpossibletoconvertandtransformwithmagecraftand
wasuselessasnourishment.

Mostlikely,itwasduetohavingfoughtalongsideaServantinthethirdHoly
GrailWar.Orperhapshehadaccomplishedthisgreatexploitoutoffearofthat
predictionacertainmagushadtoldhim.

406

Ch315

Darnichadworkedoutaspelltoturnthesoulsofothersintonourishmentfor
himselfHowever,itwasaformofcursethatwasexceedinglyclosetobeing
taboo.Itwasntamatterofethics.Ifitwasforthesakeofhisownlife,he
wouldntbalkatevencrushingtheheadofababy.

Butthisspellwasfartoodangerous.ItwasariskypieceofHighThaumaturgy
that,ifsomethingwasoffevenbyonlyafewmillimeters,wouldinstantlyleadto
hisowndeath.Theactualnumberoftimeshehadconsumedsoulsduringthe
pastsixtyyearswasonlythreetimes.

Hehadheldtheritualunderasperfectconditionsasconceivablypossibleeachof
thosethreetimes,butevenso,theprecisionratioofhisbodyandsoulhadbeen
reducedtosixtypercent.Someonewhowasnthimselfwasgraduallycomingto
ruleoverhimlittlebylittle.

Mostlikely,evenifheperfectlyaccomplishedthenextritual,hewouldnolonger
beDarnicPrestoneYggdmillennia,butsomeoneelseinstead.Evenifhehadhis
memories,evenifeverydetailwasperfectlyrecordeditwouldntbehim.

Inotherwords,forDarnictoconsumethesoulofLancer,aServant,withouteven
conductingtheritualwasnothingotherthanagenuinesuicidalact.

Afterall,itwasthesoulofaHeroicSpirit.Avastandenormoussoulofthefinest
qualitythatcouldactivatetheGreaterGrailwithsevenofthem.Therefore,it
shouldhavebeenimpossibleforahumanwhowasnta[vessel]oranythingelse
toconsumesuchathing.

Noway,thatsimpossible!!

ThatswhyitwasonlynaturalforArcherofBlacktomurmurinshock.

ACommandSpell.No,evenwiththatitsimpossible.Darnicno,thecurrent
youisneitherDarnicnorVladIII.

407

Ch315

LancerofBlackno,thepersonwhowasneitherLancernorDarnicsmiled
fearlessly.

Exactly,Archer.Evenif,with,thethird,CommandSpell,Itookthesoulofthe,
HeroicSpiritVladIIIintomyself,totheutmostlimititisntpossibletocontrola
HeroicSpirit.Letalonetakeoneintooneself.

Histhinsneeringvoicewasalreadydifficulttodistinguishbetweenthatof
DarnicsorVladIIIs.

But,but.Icanengraveintoit.Icanengrave,mythoughtsofahundredyears
mytenacityfortheHolyGrailIamnolongereitherDarnicorVladIII!Iamjusta
monsterthatonlyseekstheHolyGrail,andIdontcareaboutbeingone!

Inthefirstplace,evenifthesummoningoftheHeroicSpiritwasaccomplished
usingaholyrelicasthefoundation,theirspiritualnaturetendedtobecloseto
thatoftheirMaster.DarnicandVladIII,whowantedtowipeawaytheirdisgrace
andinfamyinotherwords,heldexcessiveconfidenceandprideinthemselves,
resembledeachothercloselyonthelevelofthemindandsoul.

Furthermore,evenifitwasforashorttime,theyhadspentmanydaystogether
asMasterandServant.IfthebindingofthethirdCommandSpellwasaddedto
that,itbecamepossibletoevenengravetheidentityof[DarnicPrestone
Yggdmillennia]intothetremendoussoulofaHeroicSpirit.

Thetenacityofthismagushad,evenifjustslightly,surpassedthatoftheHeroic
Spirit.

Stop!!Stop,stop,stop,stop,pleasestop!!IamtheKingofWallachia,theson
ofVladIIdontenterinsidemeeeeeeeeeeeee!

408

Ch315

LancerofBlackcriedout,hisformalreadyfilledwithhatred.Buthisfacewas
alreadyrearrangingtoanextremelyvaguevisagethatwasbothlikethatofDarnic
andofVladIII.Itwasjustlikeanamorphousmonster.

Nowwiththis,youaremeandIamyou.Mylord!No,vampire!Yourpowerwill
becomeoursharedproperty!EverythingisforthesakeoftheHolyGrail!My
dream,mywishwilltakerootwithinyouandcontinueonforeternity!

DarnicPrestoneYggdmillenia.Hehadnowbecomeaparasitewithinthesoulof
theHeroicSpiritVladIIIwiththeviciousnessofacancer.

YYoubastaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaard!!

Thisisntgood.

Assomeonewhohaddevotedhimselfto[lookingatothers],LancerofRed
immediatelydrewnearandwithhisspear,triedtopiercethroughLancerof
Blackschestfromtheback.Hedidntthinkitwascowardly;inthefirstplace,the
onewhohadlookedawayinthemiddleofbattlewasLancerofBlack.

Hepiercedtheheartwherethespiritualcorewas.Almostallservantswoulddie
withoutquestionatthispoint.HeroicSpiritswhowererecognizedfortheir
staminacouldstillremainedconnectedtothecurrentageevenafterthat,but
VladIII,whohadunfortunatelylosthisfame,wasntsuchapowerfulServant.

Thatsright.IftheServantthatLancerofRedhadstabbedwasVladIII,thatis.

!!

LancerofRedshouldhavedefinitelypiercedtheheartofthislandslordwhohad
shownhisdefencelessback.

409

Ch315

Butheneithervanishednoreventurnedaround.Insteadofblood,ablack
shadowysomethingbeganleakingoutfromthespothehadstabbed.

LancerofRedstaredhisspearandmurmured.

Idefinitelyfeltfeedback,butattackslikethathavebeenreducedtohavingno
effect,huh?

Lancer,yourspearhadnoeffect?

ArcherofRedcouldnthidehershock.Likeherbow,Lancersspearwasagreat
weaponbequeathedfromthegods.Foritnottohaveanyeffectafterbeing
drivenintoanenemyServantsspiritualcoremeant

Ifitwasbeforehebecameavampire,itprobablywouldhavedestroyedhis
spiritualcorelikenormalandkilledhim.

Batsgatheredtogetherandcombinedtogetherintotheformofaperson.

ButwhatstandsbeforeusisnotLancerofBlack,VladIII.Itisthecreatureknown
andfearedthroughouttheworldavampire.

VampirescalledDeadApostlesexistedinthisworld.Someslippedinamong
peopleandsuckedtheirbloodwhileothersremainedinisolationwithoutcoming
intocontactwithanyone,buteitherway,DeadApostlespossessedtheirown
uniqueconceptsandcultureandlivedquietlyintheshadowsoftheworld.

Rightnow,theoneinfrontofthegatheredServantswasntsuchavampire.In
termsoftheconceptofmystery,itwasonlyahundredyearsold.Buttheterrorof
itcoveredtheentireworld.Whenpeopleheardthewordvampire,whatthey
firstthoughtofwasnttheDeadApostleswhohidethemselvesfromtherestof
theworld,buttheonewhohadbeencreatedusingthegreatheroofRomania,
VladIII,asabasethevampireDracula.

410

Ch315

Itsamonster.

LancerofRedsfrankfeelingswereagreedwithbyalltheServantsgathered
there.

Havingcompletelyregainedhumanform,thevampirefacedtheServants.There
wascrueltyinhiseyes,buthisgazewasntbrimmingwithintelligence.

Hiselegant,blackaristocraticclothesweretorntoshredsandfromwithinthem,
shadowswithmassbegantospilloutinsteadofbloodorflesh.

ThespearLancerofBlackhadheldvanishedlikedustatthesametimeashis
aspectasaherowasextinguished.

Nowthen,returnmyHolyGrail.Imustgrantmyclansdearestwishwiththat
GreaterGrail.Yes,inordertograntmylongstandingdesire,Imustinfinitelyand
inexhaustiblysurvive.Imustincreasemybloodline.Imustgathertalent,effort
andanurturingenvironmentandgivebirthtothosewhowillfollowafterme.So,
givebacktheGreaterGrailgiveitback,giveitback,giveitback,giveit
baaaaaaaaaaaack!!

ThatshouthadDarnicsselfishdreamandhisinstinctsasavampiremixed
togetherintoit.

HehadthrownawayallofhishumanitynotforthesakeofreachingtheRoot,but
ratherfortheprecedingsteptoincreaseonesclan.

Hehadtoincreasehisbloodlineforthesakeofhisclan.

Hehadtobecomestrongerforthesakeofhisclan.

ThewishhewouldaskoftheGreaterGrailwastopropagatehimself,augment
himselfandincreasehimself.

411

Ch315

Themanwhohadconfusedhisloveforhisclanandhisowndeeprootedand
delusionalconvictionsrefusedtounderstandhowdestructivehisdreamwas.

Allthatwasleftwasmerelyacreaturethatdidnthidehiscruel,bloodredeyes
andbaredhisfangs.Heslowlylookedaroundasifsurveyinghissurroundingsand
thenfocusedonasinglepoint.

ThisnamelesscreaturehadalreadysniffedoutthelocationoftheGreaterGrail
whereithadbeenbroughtintothesegardens.

Hah.Regardless,thefactthatyoureamonsterfarofffromthegodsdoesnt
change!

RiderofRedsteppedforward.Holdinghisheroslayingspearinonehand,he
closedthedistancebetweenhimselfandthevampireinaninstantwithhisswift
feet.Hethrewhisspearatthesametimeasheleaptforward,anditclosedinon
thevampirewiththespeedofabullet.

No!

ThevoiceofrestraintcamefromArcherofBlack.Butitwastoolate.Thespear
hadalreadybeenbroughttoahalt.

Wha!?

Itwasasurekillspearthathehadthrownfastenoughtosurpassthesound
barrier.Andyetthespearthatshouldhavebeenclosetoimpossibletoevadehad
beenstoppedbyoneofthevampireshands.

Itwaslikegrabbingaflyingmissilebarehanded.Naturally,hishandsfleshwas
torntoshreds,hisnervesweresnappedapart,andhisbonesweresmashed
loudly.

412

Ch315

Butthevampiresregenerativeabilityworkedfarfasterthanthespeedatwhich
hewaswounded.Eventhesightofhishandregeneratingfromitssnappedends
lookeddisgusting.

ThevampirelaughedandjumpedatRiderofRed.Havingjustjumpedhimself,
Ridercouldntstophimselffrombeingpusheddowntotheground.Butevenso,
Riderwasstillcomposed.Aslongastheenemydidnthavethebloodofthegods,
noattackwouldaffecthisbody,soitwasonlynaturalhewouldfeelthatway.

Theinstantthevampirebaredhisfangs,Riderimmediatelyheldouthisarmto
protecthimself,mostlikelyduetohisabundantaccumulatedbattleexperience
andsurvivalinstinctswarninghim.Themomenthewasbitten,hefeltastrange
itchiness.

Poison!?

Thenextinstant,hewassentflyingbyastrongkickfromArcherofBlack.The
fangscameoutofhisarmandtheitchinessdisappeared.

Afterstandingupwhilegroaning,RiderofRedprotestedtohisteacherArcher.

Whatareyoudoingallofasudden,sensei!?

Itstruethatattacksagainstyouwonthaveanyeffectwithoutthe[Divinity]
skill.AndduetoyourBraveryskill,notevenbewitchingspellsthatinterferewith
themindwillaffectyou.Butevenwithoutthebloodofthegods,thereexists
waystoturnyouintoanally.

Archernockedanarrowtohisbowand,withouthesitation,fireditatthevampire
whoshouldhavebeenhisallyonlyminutesago.Butevenafterthearrowpierced
him,thevampirecalmlypulleditout.Notasingledropofbloodcameout,andhis
woundclosedatonce.

413

Ch315

Thatwasntanattackjustnow,butrathertheactofbloodsucking.Itwasnt
intendedtokillyou,buttotransformyouintohiscomrade.Yourbodyisvirtually
invincibleagainstillwillandkillingintent.Butitwasrequestedthatpartofyoube
weak.Yes,inotherwords

RiderofRedsAchillesmother,thegoddessThetis,hadtriedtoextinguishhis
humanbloodandturnhimcompletelyintoagodbybathinghiminholyflames
whenhewasababy.ThoughithadbeenstoppedmidwaybyherhusbandPeleus,
hisentirebodyexcepthisheelbecameimmortal.

Asaresult,noformofattackwouldhaveanyeffectonAchilles,butthatspecial
characteristicofhishadtwopitfalls.First,hecouldbewoundedbythosewiththe
bloodofthegodslikehimself.Andsecond,whenfacednotwithanattack,but
instead

Againstanactthatdisplaysfriendship,myinvincibilitydoesnotapply.

RiderofRedmadeadispleasedexpressionashefinishedArchersexplanation
himself.ArcherofBlacknoddedwithoutsmiling.

Thevampireturnedtofaceanunexpecteddirectionwithatwitch.Hegrimaced
withdispleasureandthrewRiderofRedsspearfromhishand.Heaimednotat
anyofthegatheredRedandBlackServants,butatagirlwhohadjustcome
runninghere.

Therewasashiningflashthatseemedtotearthroughthedarkness.

RiderofRedsspearwasknockeddownwithoutreachingthegirl.Herflagthat
flutteredinthewindwasafirstrateholyweaponthatcouldsmashanykindof
darkness.

414

Ch315

Ruler!

AtArcherofRedsshout,everyoneelseturnedtogazeather.LancerofRed,who
hadtriedtokillheroncebefore,wasalsoamongthem,butRulertooknonotice
ofhimshejustglaredferventlyatthevampirethathadjustbeenbornhere.

VladIIIno,youareavampire,andDarnicaswell

Thevampire,whohadabandonedevenhisexistenceasaServant,couldntbe
boundwithRulersCommandSpells.LancerofBlackwasinastatecloseto
vanishing,andevenifsheorderedhimtokillhimselfwithaCommandSpell,the
parasitewithinhim,Darnic,couldrejectit.

Rulerhadalreadydeemedthisvampireasbeingthegreatestthreatthatcould
destroytheHolyGrailWar.

HewasneitheraproudHeroicSpiritnorevenaServant.Hewassimplya
namelesscreaturethathadgainedthepowerofavampireandlostanytraceof
morality.

Themosttroublesomepartofallwashisconcept.Evenundernormal
circumstances,VladIIIwasmixedwiththelegendofKazikluBey,theLordof
Impalement,andthelegendofavampirethatwasassociatedwithhim.Itwas
possiblethatthepowerandfameofVladIIIwouldbeadoptedbythevampire
hereaswell.

IfhereachedtheGreaterGrailandhewasreleasedfromtheHangingGardens
Romaniawouldlikelyturnintohellinasingleday.

Itwassomethingthatmixed,joinedandfusedtogetherhistoryandlegend.It
wouldbecomeaGrandGuignol1thatsimplyslaughteredthepeoplewhodwelled
inthiscountry.Someonewithaheartmightcallthistragedythus.

415

Ch315

Thatisthe[NightofWallachia]2.

JustasAssassinofRedhadsaid,Rulerhadtotakehimdownbeforeanythingelse.

InordertosafeguardtheconductanceoftheHolyGrailWar,Iaskthatyouall
temporarilyjoinforces.

Hoh.Soourenemyisthisvampire,huh?

RulernoddedatArcherofRedswords.

Yes.Irequestthatwemaintainatruceamongsteachotheruntilheisdefeated.
WecannotletthisvampirereachtheHolyGrailAbsolutelynot.

Thevampireseemedtowaitinanticipationevenasheheardthosecommands,
simplyglaringatRuler.Rulerraisedherlefthandandspokeclearly.

InthenameofRulerofJeannedArc.IorderallServantsgatheredherewith
myCommandSpells!DefeatthevampirewhowasonceVladIII!

TheCommandSpellsengravedonherlefthandreleasedanintenselight.Chains
ofcommandmentcoiledaroundArcherofBlack,CasterofBlack,ArcherofRed,
LancerofRedandRiderofRed.

Thosechainswerentanimpedimentiftheyfoughtthevampirerather,they
wouldraisetheabilitiesofalltheServantsaslongastheywerefightinghim.Butif
theytriedtofightthegroupthathadtemporarilyjoinedtogethertoopposethe
vampire,theirmovementswoulddull,andthestrengthtowieldtheirweapons
wouldweakenatonce.

416

Ch315

Inthatcase,itwasobviouswhomtheyshouldfight.Inthefirstplace,theywere
heroes,menandwomanofvalorwhofoughttodefeatmonsters,demonsand
maneatingfiends.

Verywell.IllprovidesupportalongwithArcherofBlack.Rider,Lancer,you
twomoveasyouwish.

Rogerthat,Neesan.Sothatshowitis,Lancer.

Idontmind.

Caster.Canyoumakeshackleswithgolemslikeyoudidwhenwecaptured
BerserkerofRed?

ItsnotthatIcant,butitwontworklikeitdidwithBerserker.Itwillonlydullhis
movementsabit.Also,itllbepointlessifhechangesformintomistorbats.

CasterofBlackmanipulatedhisfingersintheair,andtengolemsstartedmoving
smoothly.Onefingerforeachgolem.Withjustthat,thetengolemsattackedthe
vampire,eachwithcompletelydifferentmovements.

Comparedtothis,thegolemsthathadoperatedautonomouslyonthebattlefield
weremerepuppets.

Whiledodgingthearmsthatthevampirelashedoutwith,thegolemsstruckat
himwiththeirbronzefists.Evenafterbeinghitbystrongblowsthatwould
considerablydamageevenanormalServant,hejustcasuallycounterattacked.

ButnowthatRulerhadgivenanedictwithherCommandSpells,hehadnota
singleally,andeveryonethatstoodaroundhimwashisenemy.

417

Ch315

RiderandLancerofRedmatchedtheirtimingandattackedwitheachoftheir
spears.OnonehandwasaheroslayingspearbequeathedfromRidersteacher,
andontheotherwasaspearoflightthatwassaidtobecapableofevenkilling
gods.

Furthermore,thetwoArchers,whoboastedoftalentthatreachedthedomainof
thegods,firedarrowsinsuccessionthroughthegapsbetweentheirtwo
spearmenallieswithoutmindingthemastheyapproachedtheenemy.

Andinadditiontothis,Ruler,JeannedArc,wasalsoaddedtotheirforces.She
usedherholyflagwhichthevampirewasweakagainstandsystemicallyknocked
downthevampiresarmsashetriedtoextendthem.

Theyweresixintotal.SixServantswhowereallworthyofbeingcalledthe
strongest.However,therewasnottheslightestbitofrelaxationshownonanyof
theirfaces.Itwasntinordertostopthemselvesfrombeingnegligent.Theyreally
weredesperate.

Kuh,hesturnedintomistagain!!

VladIIIhadbeensummonedasLancerofBlack,andhadbeengiventheNoble
PhantasmKazikluBey:LordofExecutionthatcamefromhisaffinityastheLord
ofImpalementaslongashewaswithinhisdominion.

BybecomingavampireandtakinginDarnic,thosehadallbeensealedaway,but
hehadbeengivennewweapons.Thevariousunmatchedabilitiespossessedby
thoseknownasvampires.

Ablackcloakthatmeltedintothenightandstakesthatstabbedoutfrominsideit
hadbeensummonedforth.Sincetheywerentsummonedfromtheground,there
wasnofearofasurpriseattack,butthestakeswerethrownwiththe
superhumanstrengthofavampire,breakingthesoundbarrierasifitwere
extremelynatural.

418

Ch315

Tch,howtroublesome!!

RiderofRedsteppedintorangeandrapidlysnappedthemawaywithhisspear.
Generallyspeaking,therewasnooneamongtheseServantspresentwhocould
beathimintermsofspeed.Itwasthesameevenifhewasntmountedonhis
chariot.Therewasnoone,eitherbeforeorafterhisdeath,whohadbeatenthe
greatheroAchillesoftheTrojanWarinspeed.

ThoughhewasonestepslowerthanRider,LancerofRedwasalsoquickwitted
andagile.Hesmashedallthestakesthathadbeenshootingathimsinceearlier.

Butatlast,oneofthemassproducedspearsseizedLancerofRedsfoot.It
piercedthroughthetopofhisfootwithpowerequaltothatofaNoblePhantasm.
Themomenthetriedtopullitout,Lancersmovementsstoppedslightly.

Withhisterrifyingsuperhumanstrength,thevampiresimplyhithimwithapunch.
JustthatwasenoughtosendLancerflyingintoawall.Thedamageitselfwas
insignificant,butLancercouldnthidehissurpriseathowthevampirehad
overpoweredhimwithjusthisoverwhelmingphysicalstrength.

RiderofRedreflexivelyturnedhisgazetothewallthatLancerhadcollided
against.Whenhedidthat,thevampireattackedRiderasifhehadintentionally
aimedforthat.HebaredhisfangsinordertosuckRidersbloodandturnhiminto
oneofhiskind.

LancerofRedpreventedhimfromdoingsobythrowinghisspearathim.

Tenacity,malice,orperhapsconvictionbasedonflawedbeliefs.Neithera
magusnorahero,youarenolongeranyonenow.Youragonyoverhaving
becomesomethingnotyourselfisnthalfhearted.Dontleaveanyregretsor
lingeringattachmentsbehind,monster.Justswiftlydisappear.

419

Ch315

Itwastruethat,justasLancerofRedhadpointedout,thecreaturesagonywas
extraordinary.

Thesensationofhisveryselfcompletelydisappearing.Itcouldntbehelpedthat
evenhisownname,whichcouldbecalledthefoundationofahumanbeing,felt
likesomeoneelsestohim.

WhoamI,whatamIeventhosequestionsfadedaway.

Whatheclungtowassolelytheorderthathadbeengiventohimwiththesecond
CommandSpell.EvenwhensurroundedbysixServantsandwithhiscoreself
fadingawayevennow,thevampirestillhowledloudly.

Ha,haha!No!AsifIllletmyselfdieorbekilledyet!No,IwontdieuntilI
obtaintheGreaterGrail!

Whenarrowspiercedhim,hewouldturncompletelyintomistandbats,andon
topofthatwouldturnintoagiantsavagedogbaringitsfangs.Hecontinuously
changedhisform,andhissuperhumanstrengthandclawstorethroughnotonly
thegolems,butevenoccasionallythetwoArchers,approachingthemwithspeed
thatresembledteleportation.

However,withallsixServantsattackinghimtogether,thesituationwasntata
disadvantageforthem.Consideringthebattleasawhole,theServantsledby
Rulercouldbesaidtobetheonesdominatinginthissituation.Afterall,itwould
befineaslongastheycouldbuytime.Whendawncame,thevampirespower
woulddropsharply.Itwouldbeeasytokillhimthen.

TheproblemwasthathewastryingtoheadtowardswheretheGreaterGrailwas
stored.Evenwhilefighting,thevampirecontinuedtoremainobsessedonthe
GreaterGrailduetothesecondCommandSpellhisMasterDarnichadusedand
alsoDarnicsownwill.

420

Ch315

WhatshouldhappenifhereachedtheGreaterGrail?Whatwouldhewishfor
withthatswirlofpranathathadbeenaccumulatedoversixtyyears?Ifhehad
evenafragmentofreasonleft,hiswishwouldbedefinitelybethefinalgoalof
magecraftinotherwords,toreachtheRoot.

But,ifeventhatfragmentofreasonhadbeenlost,hiswishwouldprobablybe
somethingexceedinglydestructive.

Itwilldefinitelybethelatter.

AndRulerhadapremonition.ThathewouldwishfordestructionwiththeGreater
Grail.AslongastheGreaterGrailwasntcompletelyactivated,therewasa
chanceitwouldntgranthiswish,butRulerwasnotsofoolishastosimplyhope
forthebest.

ThesixServantssplitintovanguardandrearguardandcontinuedfighting
efficiently.

Wecandoit.

AlltheServantsgatheredtherewerecertainofit.Itwasslowgoing,butthespeed
oftheirattackshadstartedtowinagainsttheregenerationofhiswounds.Even
whenheturnedintomist,theflamesfromLancerofReds[PranaBurst]didnt
givehimtheleisuretorunaway.

Thevampireunleashedanattackwithahatefulgaze,butitwasblockedbyLancer
ofRedcomingtotheforefront.However

Fartooabruptlyandwithoutanywarning,alltheRedServantsfelltotheirknees
withanguishedexpressionsandstoppedmoving.

Guhwhat!?

421

Ch315

Isit,ourMasters!?

Thoughitwasonlyforaninstant,theirexistencesterriblyweakened.Thevampire
didntoverlookthatshortopeningandjumpedoverthemtobeginrunning
towardstheGreaterGrail.

Wait!!

RulerandArcherofBlackbeganrunningafterhimatthesametime.Wasthechill
Rulerhadfeltsinceearlierduetofearofthevampirehavinghiswishgranted?

Castingasidesuchthoughts,sheconcentratedonrunningwithintensespeedand
chasingafterthevampire.Fortunately,thepranaoftheGreaterGrailcouldbe
sensedevenfromhere.Therewasnowaytheycouldmissit.

Butthevampirewasfast!

ArcherofBlack,stophislegs!

AtRulersorder,Archernockedarrowsonhisbowwithoutsayinganythingor
deceleratingatall,andshotfiveoftheminsuccessionasstrafingfire.Allthe
arrowspiercedthroughthevampireslegsandwaist,justashehadaimedfor.But
thenthevampirechangedintobats.

Hisspeedhaddulledalittle,butithadntmanagedtostophim.Shakinghishead,
ArcherofBlackfocusedonpursuinghim.

ArcherofBlack,doyouknowthereasonwhytheRedServantsstoppedmoving
justnow?

No.IthoughttheeffectofyourCommandSpellsmighthavewornoff,butit
doesntseemso.

422

Ch315

ArcherofBlacksensedpowergushingfrominsidehisbodythatwasseparate
fromthepranasupplyfromhisMaster.Thiswasmostlikelytheboosteffectfrom
RulersCommandSpell.

Rulerwasalsobotheredbyit.HadtheRedMastersdisagreedwithfighting
togetherwiththeBlackcamp?No,inthatcase,theywouldhavefirsttoldtheir
Servants.Whathappenedjustnowwasif

Thebatsflyingaheadofthemweresuddenlyshotdownonebyone.Contracting
lightslikefinethreadswereshotoneafteranotherfromfardownthehallway
ahead.

Kuhsoshedoesntcareiftheyhituseither!

However,thoselightswerealsoinevitablystrafingRulerandArcherwhowere
chasingafterthevampire.Theshooter,AssassinofRed,probablydidnttakethat
intoaccountatall.Sheseemedtothinkthatherownpoweralonewasenoughto
takedownthevampire.

Butthatwasnegligent.Thebatsreturnedtotheformofthevampireoncemore
and,evenwithhisentirebodybeingtornapartbythelights,heregainedhis
speedbyprioritizingtheregenerationofhisfeetalone.

Ratherthanrunning,hesimplyadvancedforwarddeterminedlybyrepeatedly
crashingintowallslikeaflexibleball.Eventually,thevampirefoundadoor.Ifhe
passedthroughit,hewouldfindwhathesoughtthere.Thealmightywish
grantingdevicethatwouldreleasetheviolentemotionsgushinginsidehischest
wasbehindthatdoor.

Justalittlemore,andmywishwillbegranted.

423

Ch315

ThreeServants,consistingofBerserkerofBlack,BerserkerofRedandSaberof
Black,shouldalreadybestoredintheLesserGrail.SaberofBlackhadbeenre
summonedduetoamiraculousphenomenon,buttherewerestilltwoServants
collectedintheLesserGrail.Ifitwasasmallscalewishinotherwords,aslong
asitwasntawishasgreataswishingfortheworlditselftochangeand
transform,heshouldbeabletoforcefullyactivatetheGreaterGrailandhaveit
granthiswish.

Thepropagation,augmentationandsupplementationofhisflesh.Thereshould
benoproblemwithawishofthatlevel.

DarnicPrestoneYggdmillennia.Thatnamealreadyseemedlikethatofsomeone
elsetohimnow.

ButheunderstoodthatthatmanhadsoughttheHolyGrailandhewasnowhere
attheendofthatsearch.Sorejoice,Darnic.Yourwishwillsoonbegranted!

Heopenedthedoorwithouthesitatingforaninstant,andtherelayprecisely
whathewishedfor.Thebroadstairwayofsundriedbricksbeforehiseyes
headedstraightdownand,atthebottomtherewasagiganticstructurestanding
therethatseemedtopiercethroughthetopfloorofthebuildinginwhichitwas
contained.

Filledwithpalewhitelight,itwasthealmightywishgrantingdeviceFuyukis
GreaterGrail.

Ah.

HehadstolenthemarchonnotonlymanyServants,butevenRuler.Thevampire
hadreacheditatlast.NowhejusthadtoforcefullyactivatetheGreaterGrailand
granthiswish

424

Ch315

Thatsfarenough,DarnicPrestoneYggdmillennia.

ApersonstoodhalfwaydownthestepstotheGreaterGrail.Judgingthatitwasa
MasterandnotaServant,thevampirehaddecidedtokillhim.

Buthereflexivelycametoastopwhenheheardthosewords,asifheldbackby
them.Thoughitwouldhavebeenbettertojustgodownandkillhimwithout
breakingasweat,somethingaboutthatvoicebotheredhim.

Whoareyou?

Atthesoundofthepersonsfootsteps,thevampirereflexivelydrewback.Hefelt
achill.Hisinstinctsweretellinghimthathemustntmeetwiththepersoninfront
ofhim.Itwasabomb.Thefusehadalreadybeenlitandashatteringexplosion
waslessthanafewsecondsaway.

Standingbeforethevampirewasatannedskinnedyouth.Heworeagentlesmile
anddeclaredthussolemnly.

OrperhapsIshouldcallyoutheremainsofDarnic.Ihonestlyadmirethat
tenacityofyours.ButIllneverhandovertheHolyGrailtoyou.Muchlessnow
thatyouvebeenreducedtoavampire.

Itexploded.WithinDarnicwerememoriesofthepastthatheabsolutelywouldnt
forgetevenifheforgothisownname.TheThirdHolyGrailWarthathehad
desperatelyfoughttothebitterendinasamagushewouldabsolutelynever
forgetthatbattlewhichhadbeenthestartofeverything.

Thatswhyhewasshockednow.

Thats,impossible.

425

Ch315

Ohmy.Thosearetrulybanalwords,comingfromyou,Darnic.Sinceyou
managedtosurvive,thentheresnothingtobesurprisedaboutmesurvivingas
well.

Thats,impossible!Noway!Why!?Whyareyouhere!?Whyareyoustill
alive!?

Theyouthshruggedhisshouldersandspokeinaveryaloofmanner.

Naturally,itsbecauseImparticipatinginthisGreatHolyGrailWar.Asa
MasteroftheRedcamp.

Itwasanabsolutelyimpossibledeclarationtothevampire.Ignoringthe
speechlessnessofvampire,theyouthshoutedinanincreasinglyloudervoice.

Ivewaitedforthismoment,Darnic!FuyukisGreaterGrailbelongstome!
WhetheryoubeamagusoravampireIwillneverhandoverthisGreaterGrail
tothelikesofyouwhocandonothingbutdrivetheworldtodestruction!

Atthosewords,thevampirewasfreedfromtheshacklesoffearthathad
unconsciouslyboundhim.

Dontscrewwithmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

Enraged,thevampiretookastepforwardtorushathimandfelldowninan
ungainlymanner.

Guh!?

Whenhelookeddown,somethingsharpandpointedwasstabbedintohisknees.
ThesewerethethrowntypeConceptualWeaponsthatwerefavoredbyagentsof
theChurch[BlackKeys].

426

Ch315

Youareavampire.Unfortunately,vampiresmustalsohavevariousweaknesses
ascompensationfortheirunmatchedstrength.Sunshineweakensthem,andthey
areweakagainstholysymbols.Andtheyarealsoweakagainstweaponsmeant
forpurificationlikeBlackKeys.

Yes,whattheyouthsaidwascertainlycorrect.AChurchagentsBlackKeyswere
ConceptualWeaponsstrongenoughtopurifyDeadApostles.

ButthepowerofhisBlackKeyswasfartooextraordinaryno,abnormal.

Coollyandsolemnly,thetannedskinyouthspokeinpraiseofanother.

No,comparedtoRulerwhowaschasingyou,someonelikemeisworthless.Im
justaworthless,unacknowledgedshamofasaint.However,Ihaveenoughpower
topulverizeyourcurrentself.

Hisredholyshroudfluttered,andsilverbladesflewout.TheBlackKeysstabbed
aroundthevampire,suppressinganycounterattack,andtheyouthgrabbedthe
vampiresface.

Theyouthspresencesuddenlytransformed.HewasnolongeraMasternow,but
someonedifferent.Yes,thiswastheonewhohadfoughttothedeathagainstthe
ServantDarnichadsummonedinthepast

Then,itstimeforprayer.Namelessvampire.

Iwillkill.Iwillletlive.Iwillharmandheal.Nonewillescapeme.Nonewillescape
mysight.

Thevampireshriekedandstruggledwithhislimbs.

427

Ch315

Butthehandsgraspinghimtightenedonthefaceofthevampireasifinavice.

Becrushed.Iwelcomethosewhohavegrownoldandthosewhohavelost.
Devoteyourselftome,learnfromme,andobeyme.Rest.Donotforgetsong,do
notforgetprayer,anddonotforgetme.Iamlightandrelieveyouofallyour
burdens.

Theyouthquicklyliftedthevampireupthestairsanddashedthroughthehallway
whilestillholdinghim.Physicalstrengthwasntanissuehere.Thiswasaclashof
convictionandfaith.

Sotherewasnowaythatthisunknownperson,whohadbeenreducedtoa
vampire,couldmatchthisyouthsfaiththatwasashardassteelandassharpasa
sword.

Hisexistencewasbeingerasedwithjustafewwords.TheGreaterGrailthat
shouldhavebeeninreachofhishandjustearlierwasgettingfurtherandfurther
awaybeforehiseyes.Thatfilledhimwithregret.

Donotpretend.Retributionforforgiveness,betrayalfortrust,despairforhope,
darknessforlight,darkdeathfortheliving.

Theyouthsdarkandagelesseyes,togetherwiththechant,stabbedintothe
vampirelikeablade.ItwasanextraordinarilypowerfulBaptismRitethatwasnt
possibleforahuman.

428

Ch315

Andwhydidhehavetobekilledbyhimofallpeople?Thevampirecould
understandifitwasaServant.Hewouldbetormentedbyregretifitwerea
Master.Butthiswastooincomprehensible.Ameteoritecrashingintohishead
wouldbemoreunderstandablethanthis.

Reliefisinmyhands.Iwilladdoiltoyoursinsandleaveamark.Eternallifeis
giventhroughdeath.Askforforgivenesshere.I,theincarnation,willswear.

Ah,ah,ah!MyHolyGrail,mydream(illusion)!MyHolyGrail!Mydream(wish)!
Itsstillunfulfilled,unfulfilled,unfulfilled!!3

Thevampirecrashedagainstadoorashewaspushedalong.Notmindingthe
details,theyouthsimplycontinuedrunningforwardatfullspeed.Thedoorwas
smashedapartandtheyouthsteppedinside.Theroomwasachapel.Theyouth
ranthroughthechapelsnaveand,inthepresenceofGod,hespokethefinal
holywordswithagazefilledwithcompassionandpity.

Butwhy?

KyrieEleison:Igrantcompassionontothissoul.

Theentirebodyofthe[namelessmonster],whohadoncebeenadevoutbeliever
andkingofalandandwhohadalsooncebeenamagusbeforebecomingnoone
intheend,begantoemitwhitesmoke.Hewasmelting.Nothisflesh,buthisvery
existencewasmeltingaway.

429

Ch315

Whileleavingbehindmoansofregretandgaspsofdespair,thevampire
evaporatedawayrightdowntothefinalfragmentofhimself.Theherowhosaved
hishomelandandtheleaderofaclanwhocommandedmanymagiwerealready
dead.

Thepastkingsweredead,andthecurrentkingraisedaloudsongofvictory.

AnditwasthenthatRulerandtheotherServantsthathadbeenchasingthe
vampiresteppedintothechapel.

Here!?

Strangelyenough,thosetwometinachapel,aplacesuitableforthetwoofthem.
Thevampire,havingmeltedawayinthecenterofthechapelnave,nolonger
movedorspoke.Hehadevaporatedaway.Hissoulhadreturnedtowhereit
shouldbe.

Standingcalmlybesidehiscorpsewasayouth.Hehadtannedskinandwhitehair
likesilver,andheworearedstoleandmantleoverhiscassock.

Theinstantshesawhim,Rulerunderstoodeverything.

No,way.

Becausesheunderstood,shegasped.Impossible,itcouldntbe.Theyouthin
frontofherwasaServant.No,ifitwerejustthat,itwouldbefine.AMaster
beingaServantdeviatedfromtherules,butattheveryleast,itwouldbea
conceivablepossibility.

Buttheproblemwashisclass.HewasntSaber,Archer,Lancer,Rider,Berserker,
CasterorAssassin.

Howdoyoudo?Rulerofthiswar.

430

Ch315

AsixteenthServant!?

EventhecalmandcollectedArcherofBlackcouldnthidehissurprise.Thesame
wentfortheRedServantswhohadarrivedafterfranticallyfollowingbehind
ArcherandRuler.

TheyouththeyhadthoughtwasaMasterwasdefinitelyopenlyexudingthe
spiritualnatureofaServantfromhimself.

Imnotthesixteenth,Chiron.ThesixteenthisRulerbesideyou.Strictlyspeaking,
IamthefirstServant.

MasterofAssassinWhathaveyoudonetoourMasters!?

InresponsetoArcherofRedsenragedquestion,theyouthchuckledandheldup
onearm,rollingbackthesleevecoveringit.Everyonegaspedastheylookedatit.

EngravedonitwasalltherespectiveCommandSpellsforArcherofRed,Lancerof
Red,RiderofRed,BerserkerofRed,CasterofRedandAssassinofRedeighteen
CommandSpellsintotal.

IpeacefullyhadthemturnovertheirrightsasMastersandeachoftheirthree
CommandSpells.Dontworry,theprananecessarytokeepyouallinthisworldis
atrivialamounttosupplynowthatImconnectedtotheGreaterGrail.

Peacefully?

Theyouthnoddedatthemurmurspokenbysomeone,andspokewhileglancing
atLancerofRed.

Afterall,ourcampsLancerisaheroofcharitywhoexcelsatseeingthrough
peopleslies.ThatswhyIhadtohavethingsproceedaccordingtoourplan
withoutlyingasmuchaspossible.

431

Ch315

ThereasonIpurposefullyhadmyordersconveyedviayourMasterswasforthe
sakeofthat.Yes,yourMastersdidntlie.Theythinkthattheygavedirections
accordingtotheirownjudgementevennow.

Yes.WhatIsensed,whatGodwarnedmeofwasyou,Iseenow.

Iwonderaboutthat.IhavenointentionofdefyingGod,though.

Evenwithoutthinkingdeeplyaboutit,everythingaboutJeannedArcs
summoninghadstrangefromthebeginning.Apossessionsummoningby
borrowingahumansbody.Atfirstshehadthoughtitwasbecausethiswarhad
anunprecedentedsummoningoffourteenServants,butwhenshethoughtabout
it,itwastheopposite.Ifitwasasituationwhereitwasinevitablethatchaosand
mayhemwouldbecausedbyfourteenServants,theGreaterGrailwouldhave
correctlyaccomplishedRulerssummoningatallcosts.

ThereasonitcouldntdosowasbecausetheGreaterGrailsidentityrecognition
wasconfusedbytheabsolutelyimpossiblesituationoftherebeingtwoRulers
existingatonce.

Inthatcase,itwasobviousthatitwouldbeconfusedhowtoproperlysummon
theonebeingsummonedsecond.Andthereasonthispriesthadrunawayfrom
herwasalsobecauseshewasRuler.BecauseoftheskillthatRulerpossessedas
oneofherprivileges[TrueNameDiscernment].

Thisskill,whichexposedtheclassandtruenamesofotherServants,wasnaturally
effectiveevenonServantsthathadachievedincarnation.Intheworstcase
scenario,ifhehadmetheronthebattlefield,theyouthsplanwouldhavefailed.

YouaretheRulerwhowassummonedintheThirdHolyGrailWarinFuyuki.

EveryServantgatheredtheregaspedatRulerswords.

432

Ch315

Yes.ItwouldhavebeentroublesomeifImetyoufacetofacebeforeIbecame
theirofficialMaster.Afterall,youhaveCommandSpells.IfyourealizedwhoI
was,everythingwouldhavecometonothing,right?Iwontletyougetintheway
ofmydream.

Therewasnohatredintheyouthsvoice.Buttherewasaresolutewillinit.
Persuadinghimwasimpossible,andthisyouthwouldntstopunlesshewas
killedRulerwascertainofthat.

Rulergazedattheyouthwithheramethystlikeeyes,andcalledhimbyhisname.

Whatisyourobjective,AmakusaShirouTokisada?

Thatsobvious.Itsthesalvationofallhumanity,JeannedArc.

Theboyandthegirlwerefamedandextolledforcreatingmiraclesbythe
unrewardedmassesandthesoldierswhochasedaftertheirbacks.

Unabletoforgiveeachothersexistence,theyquietlyglaredateachother.

CHAPTER3END

433

Ch315

434

Afterword

Afterword:ByHaganeyaJin

Letmetellyouaboutacertainman.

Fromthetimewefirstmet,hewasconnectedtopathology.

Dualpistols,doves,thechurch.Zombies,chainsaws,bloodbaths.

Otherpeoplescornthosedumbthings.Herejoicesatthosedumbthings.

Satisfaction,doting,deaddrunk,climaxes.

Thereasonforsuchslovenlytastesisbecauseofthisgoodfornothingbusiness
wherekarmacomesbacktobiteyou.

Butwell,itsnotsuchanunusualthing.

CovetingBratedmaterialofbadtasteisthetasteofotakus.

Ofcourse,ImtalkingaboutHigashideYuuichirou.AndImalsoreminiscingabout
thepast.

Thetimewastrulyrightattheendofthecentury.ThoughIsaythat,society
wasntinthemidstofdecay,freedomandviolenceanditwasntsuchacrazy
time,butinanycase,wemetatthedawnofthestagnantinternet.

Thetriggerforourencounterwithitwasacertaingamemaker.Inotherwords,
thecompanythatmadetheworkswithDidtheradioswavesreach?,Iwillkill
you,Hawawa~(*NotreferringtoKoumeifromKoihimeMusou)and,though
theworkforthisstillhadntbeenpublishedbackthen,IsleptwithTouyakun.

Afterword

Well,inshort,thegamecompanyLeaf1.Itwasaseriesofshortstoriesderived
fromtheirworks.Wehadeachwrittenapieceatthetimethatwemet.

ThereasontowhyIvestuckwithhimthislongisprobablybecauseourinterests
matchitwouldntbewrongtosaythat,butIfeelthatsnotaccurateeither.For
instance,IhadnointerestinBratedmovies(especiallyhorror).ThereasonIwas
taintedis100%HigashideYuuichirousfault.Hesjustlikeapriestofjoyand
pleasure.

Bytheway,attheendoflastyearaswell,hebroughtmetoseethemovie
[Cabin]withoutanypriorexplanationatall(moreover,itwastheEnglishversion),
sotheresabsolutelynodifferenceinwhathedoesnowfifteenyearsafterwe
firstmet.WhatishedoingonChristmas?

Well,gettingbacktothemainsubject.AsforwhyIvestuckwithhimthislong,
well,attheveryleast,IpersonallythinkthatitsbecauseHigashideYuuichirouis
anextremelyinterestingman.Andthegreatestproofofthisistheexistenceof
thisbook.

Andsoeveryone,itdwhatyouveallbeenwaitingfor!Scatteringbothsparksand
theflowersoflifethroughtheair!Crossingweapons,tragedyandcomedy!The
secondvolumeoftheGreatHolyGrailWar!Deliveredmorebrilliantlyandgrandly
thanever!

Orrather,itsmorelike,youknow.Theauthorhimselfsaiditinthefirst
volumesafterword,butthebookreallyconveysthefeelingthatheenjoyed
writingit.

1
Here,HananeyaisreferringtovariousvisualnovelsbyLeafthroughquotesthatcomefromindividual
games.ThefirstcomesfromShizuku,thesecondfromKizuato,thethirdfromToHeart,andthe
fourthfromWhiteAlbum.

Afterword

Yeah,hehasntchangedatall.Justlikebackthen,hewriteswhathetrulylikes
trulyashelikesto.ThatisHigashideYuuichirous[Origin].

Thisworkislikealovelettertothestory.Aslongashedoesntlosesightofhis
[Origin]of[Like],hewillneverbebetrayedbythestory.Boththefeelingsofthe
authorandthefeelingsofthereaderswillonedayreachtheCupofHeaven.

Likehowhisfeelingsfrombackthenhavebloomedandbornfruitnowlikethis.

Justbeforetheendofthecentury.ThemonthofDecemberintheyear2000.

Acertaindoujingamesentwavesofagitationthroughtheworld.

[Tsukihime].

ItwasproducedbyanamateurgroupknownasTypeMoon.

Iwaswrappedupwithinthatfrenzy,andnaturally,sowasHigashideYuuichirou.

Itwassomethinghe[liked].Thatswhyhedefinitelywantedtowriteuphislove
forthisstoryinsomeform.

Ofcourse,therewasnowayofknowingbackthenthatHigashideYuuichirous
[Fate/Apocrypha]wouldbeborn.

Butwell,itwasdefinitelyatthatmoment.Thedecisiveturningpointofhislife.

Inotherwords.

Afterword

Thatday,thegoodfornothingHigashideYuuichirouencounteredfate.

VOLUME2END

Credits

ProjectLeaderandTranslator:EternalDreamer

Supervisor:Hantsuki

Editor:DudeLong,Elenrod

Typesetter:DevilHands

TranslationGroup:NanoDesuTranslations