He met her eyes, offering a reassuring smile, though it wasn't as carefree as usual. "No need to worry, Misuki. I'll be careful."
"Oi, fox! Don't even think about slacking off and leaving everything to Issei." Yuuka's voice rang out with mock sternness, but there was a playful edge to her words.
"Says the little girl who can't even contribute anything useful to the group." Tamamo shot back, her teasing tone sharp as ever, but there was warmth beneath it as always.
"Tamamo, let's go," Issei said, a grin tugging at his lips as he watched the girls bicker.
"Coming, husband." Tamamo's voice was a soft purr, teasing yet affectionate. She stuck her tongue out at Yuuka before following Issei, her presence a calming counterpoint to the playful chaos.
———————————————————————————
Saber and Irisviel
The two are now seen in a black car.
The hum of the engine was smooth, barely noticeable as the car drove through Fuyuki's streets. Saber, seated beside Irisviel, kept her gaze on the passing buildings, observing the unfamiliar world around her.
"This place is so alive." Irisviel says, looking at the city with wonder.
Saber agreed. She had seen many cities before, but never like this. The roads stretched endlessly, glowing with unnatural lights, filled with people who had never known war in its truest form. It was strange… but not unappealing.
"Kiritsugu was set to have arrived here already, yes?" Saber asked.
"Yes. Twelve hours before us." Irisviel confirmed. "But he'll find us. Don't worry. For the moment, we'll keep an eye on things so we can act when the time comes." She smiled softly. "We've come all this way to Japan. I'd like to enjoy it before the fighting starts."
Saber's gaze hardened slightly. "That's dangerous. We should secure a base of operations and then discuss plans with Kiritsugu."
Irisviel sighed. "I suppose you're right. But it's such a waste." Her voice grew softer. "We've come all this way. And It's my first time."
Saber turned to her, slightly surprised. "Eh? This is the first time I've ventured into the world outside. Then you've spent your entire life in that castle?"
"Yes, I was a puppet created for the Holy Grail war." She glanced out the window, watching the city lights blur past. "Of course, it isn't as though I'm wholly ignorant of it. Kiritsugu brought me movies and pictures, and he's taught me all about the outside world. But this is the first time I've seen it for myself." She let out a small laugh. "So Forgive me. I got overly excited."
Saber's expression softened. "Please stop the car."
Irisviel blinked. "Huh?"
Saber looked at her firmly. "Walking through the city will be a new experience for me, as well. But it is a knight's duty to serve as escort. I shall do my best." She gestured forward. " Come with me."
Irisviel's red eyes widened slightly before a genuine smile graced her lips.
The car pulled to a stop.
And so, hand in hand, the two stepped out into the bustling streets of Fuyuki, one experiencing the world for the first time, while the other prepared to grant her request.
———————
Hotel
Kiritsugu Emiya knocked twice on the door, his posture tense, his sharp eyes scanning the hallway for any signs of movement. After a brief pause, the door unlocked with a soft click.
Opening it was Maiya Hisau, her black hair tucked neatly behind her ears, her expression impassive. She stepped aside, allowing him entry before locking the door behind them.
Inside, the hotel room was sparse—functional, devoid of comfort. The bed was covered with firearms and tactical gear, each weapon meticulously arranged. A single suitcase sat open on the table, revealing a disassembled sniper rifle.
Maiya turned toward him. "The equipment you requested has arrived."
Kiritsugu glanced at the bed before giving a slight nod.
Maiya continued, her voice level. "The mistress and Saber have arrived as well. The other Masters will likely assume she is Saber's Master."
Kiritsugu nodded slightly. "Understood."
Maiya clicked a button on the remote, turning on the television. "There was an incident last night at the Tohsaka estate. Here is the footage I recorded." A video playback began. A series of grainy images flickered across the screen. Tohsaka Manor showing Assassin's infiltration, or rather, his attempted infiltration.
The recording showed golden light illuminating the night sky, followed by a brief but violent retaliation.
Kiritsugu's eyes narrowed. His cold, calculating eyes remained locked on the images before him. "What do you make of this?"
"It seems too good to be true. There is insufficient time between Assassin's infiltration and the Tohsaka Servant's attack. Assassin has a skill that masks his presence, making it highly improbable that he was detected in advance. I believe Tohsaka was expecting an intruder."
Kiritsugu's gaze darkened. "In a battle among Servants, learning their identities is critical. Why would Tohsaka expose his Servant this way?"
Maiya's tone remained neutral. "He had some reason to, I suppose."
"Maiya, what became of Assassin's Master?"
"He took refuge in a church last night. The overseer declared him to be under his protection. Assassin's Master is Kirei Kotomine."
His eyes widened at the information. "Maiya, set a familiar to watch the Fuyuki Church."
"Are you certain? Masters are forbidden to take action inside the neutral zone around a church."
"Place it just far enough away that the priest won't spot it."
Maiya nodded. "Very well. Understood."
"Where is the item I left with you?"
"Right here." Maiya turned, walking to the closet. She retrieved a brown suitcase, placing it on the table before unlocking it. The case snapped open, revealing a Walther nestled in foam.
Kiritsugu stepped forward, running his fingers over the rifle before carefully lifting it from the case. He expertly checked its scope, barrel, and magazine, muttering under his breath. "Approximately two seconds, I'd say. I've slowed down."
Maiya, standing beside him, responded in a matter-of-fact tone. "Indeed."
Kiritsugu sighed, setting the rifle down for a moment. His shoulders tensed slightly, his expression darkening and falls to his knees in despair. "Illya weighs less than that Walther. Even though she's eight years old already." He couldn't help but think of just what he was about to do to his wife.
Maiya's expression remained unreadable as she observed him. Then, without hesitation, she reached out, gripping his collar and pulling him into a kiss.
Kiritsugu didn't react.
She pulled back just as quickly, her tone devoid of emotion. "Focus on the matter at hand. Think of nothing else."
Kiritsugu stood there for a moment before exhaling slowly, his face betraying no reaction.
Without another word, he turned back to the rifle, resuming his preparations.
——————————————
Fuyuki Beach
The sound of waves lapping against the shore filled the quiet night air. The two women had wandered until they reached Fuyuki's beach, where the vast expanse of the ocean stretched beyond the city's glowing skyline.
"It's wonderful." She mused, tilting her head slightly as she gazed at the ocean. "Like a mirror that reflects the night sky."
A few steps behind her, Saber stood with her hands behind her back, her emerald eyes scanning the horizon with quiet contemplation. She was ever-vigilant, always aware of her surroundings, but even she couldn't deny the peacefulness of the moment.
Irisviel turned, a playful twinkle in her crimson eyes. "It's fun to walk around a new town, accompanied by a gentleman."
Saber, standing with perfect posture, regarded her with mild curiosity. "Did I make an acceptable gentleman?"
Irisviel giggled softly. "You were perfect. You were a wonderful knight today."
Saber inclined her head."You honor me, Highness."
Irisviel turned back to the ocean, letting the water kiss her ankles once more. Her voice was softer when she next spoke. "Saber, do you like the sea?"
Saber hesitated, as if unsure how to answer. "I guess I don't really know." She looked out at the water. "In my country and in my time, the sea was the source of constant barbarian attacks. Sometimes, I hated it. But I never felt any affection for it."
Irisviel's gaze softened "I feel kind of bad. You're a girl, just as I am, but when you were King Arthur, you never had the luxury of enjoying simple things like this, did you?"
"What of you?" Saber asked suddenly, hoping to change the subject. "Surely, you would have preferred Kiritsugu to escort you, right?"
Irisviel's smile grew faint. "He couldn't. It would only cause him suffering."
A brief silence settled between them, the sound of the waves filling the space where words should have been. Saber studied her carefully. "Does Kiritsugu not enjoy the time he spends with you?"
Irisviel's eyes softened, but her smile was tinged with sadness. "When he's happy, it causes him pain."
Saber was about to ask. But instead, she turned toward the harbor next to them. Her posture shifted slightly, her battle instincts kicking in.
Irisviel noticed immediately. "An enemy Servant?"
Saber's voice was calm, but firm. "Yes. Making its presence known from the shadows, 100 meters ahead. It appears to be inviting us to go see it."
Irisviel exhaled. "How thoughtful. It wishes to decide on a battlefield. Shall we take it up on its invitation?"
Saber's eyes sharpened with an excited smile. "I'd like nothing better."
————————————————————
Fuyuki Bridge
A red bridge that interconnected the town's two sides.Two figures stood at its peak, one frozen in fear, the other basking in exhilaration.
"Rider Let's go back down. Right now! What?" Screams Waver as he clung desperately to one of the metal beams, his knuckles white as he held on for dear life. His entire body trembled, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he dared not look down. Rider and him could be seen on top of one of the bridge's support beams.
The massive, red-haired warrior beside him stood completely at ease, gazing out over the city with an amused grin. "This is the perfect vantage point."
"I'm climbing down! No, take me back down! I-I can't handle any more of this." His voice cracked as he tightened his grip on the railing.
Rider simply laughed, crossing his arms as he remained unbothered by the sheer drop beneath them."Calm yourself. Waiting is a part of war."
"I wanna go home.I wanna go back to England." Waver practically wailed, his entire body pressed against the cold steel for any semblance of security.
Rider rolled his eyes, stroking his beard. "I told you not to be in such a hurry. See? Things have finally begun to unfold. This will be fun!" Rider could feel it. Two servants were about to clash.
————————————————————
Fuyuki Harbor
Ahead, the figure of a man stood waiting.
His dark blue armor gleamed under the moonlight, his lance resting lightly in his hand. His presence exuded confidence, but not arrogance. He stood with the grace of a knight—one who had lived and died by the way of the spear.
As Saber stepped forward, her emerald eyes locked onto his.
The man smirked. "Welcome. I have spent the whole day searching the city. Everyone simply slinks away, hiding in their little holes. You alone have accepted my offer. That pure energy surrounding you. You are Saber, I presume?"
Saber met his gaze without hesitation. "Indeed. And you are Lancer."
Lancer's smirk widened. "Being unable to honorably name myself to my opponent in combat troubles me. I dislike these rules." He raised his spear, his stance shifting slightly. "No matter. A true knight does not shy away from battle."
Saber formed her battle dress and raised her invisible blade, her stance unwavering. "Agreed."
Irisviel spoke out, stepping back slightly. "Saber. Be careful. I can use healing magic to act as support for you. But more than that-"
"Leave Lancer to me." Sabor interrupted, her tone left no room for argument. "But it troubles me that the other Master has not shown himself. Perhaps they plot something.Watch yourself. Irisviel, watch my back."
"Very well, Saber. Grant me victory!"
"I will." Saber declared, taking her stance.
Chapter 8: A Clash of Legends
Fuyuki Docks
The night air was thick with anticipation. The cold breeze carried the scent of salt from the ocean, the rhythmic crashing of waves providing a steady backdrop to the scene unfolding at the docks. Two warriors stood poised on the open ground, one clad in black, the other in shining silver over a blue dress.
Saber and Lancer faced each other in perfect stillness, their gazes locked in on their respective opponents. The tension between them, ready to snap at the slightest movement. Their postures betray neither hesitation nor doubt.
———————————————
"Its pretty cool that we have front row seats and that nobody is noticing us. Your illusions must be pretty powerful Tamamo." Issei smiles while sitting on a stack of the storage containers.
Tamamo, nestled comfortably beside him, leaned in with a satisfied smile. "Aren't I amazing, husband." She nuzzled against his arm, tail swaying with amusement.
(FOCUS) Ddraig screams in his mind with a growl.
Causing Issei to wince. "Alright. No need to scream my head off." He turned back to the duel and notices that Lancer was just a pretty boy with two spears, one long and the other short.. He frowns, wanting to punch his face. He quickly pays more attention to the two bombshells that were Saber and Irisviel. Too bad one of them is married, so he mainly focuses on Saber. "Hey, where's her sword?"
At first glance, it looked like she wasn't holding anything, yet her stance was unmistakably that of a swordswoman prepared for battle.
Tamamo, sitting beside him with her arms folded beneath her chest, thought. "Ah, you noticed. Saber is concealing her blade with a powerful enchantment. Possibly the element of wind."
Issei's eyes widened "Whoa, that's pretty cool. An invisible sword."
Tamamo's ears flicked as she observed the battlefield. "It keeps her sword hidden, forcing her opponents to fight without knowing its reach, making it harder to defend.
————————————————
"A charm spell." Saber remarked coolly. As she noticed the mole.
Lancer gave a casual shrug, his expression wry. "Sorry. It's a curse I was born with. There's nothing I can do about it. Blame it on my birth or the fact that you were born a woman."
Saber's eyes narrowed, her stance unwavering. "Surely you don't believe that a pleasant face will save you from my blade, spearman." (Saber)
"I certainly hope not. It would spoil the fun." Lancer smirked, rolling his shoulders as he adjusted his grip.on his weapon. "Then the tales of the Saber-class magic resistance were accurate. Very well. I prefer not to kill a girl who's throwing herself at me, anyway. It would sully my reputation. I'm pleased that my first opponent is made of stern stuff."
"Oh? So you desire a fair fight?" A glimmer of approval flickered in Saber's eyes. "I consider myself fortunate to encounter such a proud hero."
"Then let us begin."
Then, in an instant, the silence was broken. They moved.
Lancer lunged first, his long spear lashing out like a striking viper, aimed directly at Saber's heart. She pivoted, her invisible blade flashing up to deflect the blow. The force of the impact sent a shockwave rippling through the air, scattering dust and loose debris across the ground.
Saber countered immediately, pressing forward with a precise thrust aimed for Lancer's midsection. But before her strike could land, Lancer twisted his body, his second, shorter spear flashing upward in a brutal arc. The deadly tip skimmed past her face, slicing through the wind as she barely managed to evade.
The deadly exchange lasted only only seconds, but in that short span, steel had clashed, dust had risen, and the air buzzed with the sheer speed of their attacks.
————————————————
From their vantage point, Issei and Tamamo watched the battle unfold.
"That's insane," Issei muttered, his eyes locked onto the duel. "They're fighting so fast, I can barely keep up."
"Here master, this should help." With Sherris help, his eyes acquired a glow.
Issei felt a shift in his eyes acquiring a faint glow. "Thanks Sherri." He quickly thanks his helper AI. "I can see the fight but even then they are so fast.
Seated beside him, Tamamo rested her chin on one hand, her ears twitching as she observed the rapid exchanges. "That's to be expected. Even among Servants, Saber and Lancer belong to the fastest classes." Her tail flicked idly as she analyzed their movements. "Saber's got excellent footwork, but Lancer's attack range is keeping her at bay."
Issei clenched his fists. "I see. Sabers kind of on the back foot.
Tamamo smirked. "Yes, but for how long?"
Across the battlefield, hidden figures observed the fight with calculating eyes.
"It's started. Someone's put up a barrier," Kiritsugu noted, his voice clipped and precise. "Probably the Master of the enemy Servant."
Maiya nodded, her sharp gaze scanning the area. "From up there, we can survey the entire battlefield."
"Indeed. That's the best vantage point. Anyone would think so." Kiritsugu's tone was measured, but his mind was already working through possible strategies. "You circle around to the eastern wharf. I'll take the west. We'll find spots where we can monitor both the battle and that crane."
"Understood." Maiya moved swiftly to position.
Kiritsugu remained still for a moment longer, his eyes narrowing as he watched the duel unfold. "Let's see what you're capable of, my adorable King of Knights."
————————————————
On the battlefield, the fight had only grown fiercer.
Saber pivoted sharply, using the momentum of her last dodge to launch a sudden vertical strike. Her sword descended with enough force to cleave through steel, but Lancer reacted instantly. His right-hand spear—the longer of the two—rose to meet her attack. Sparks erupted as their weapons clashed, the impact forcing both warriors apart for a fleeting second.
Then they engaged once more.
Lancer's assault was relentless, a barrage of rapid thrusts aimed with pinpoint accuracy at Saber's vitals. He weaved seamlessly between his two weapons—the long spear pressing her back while the shorter spear lashed out like a concealed dagger, seeking an opening in her defense.
Yet, despite the overwhelming speed of his attacks, Saber held her ground.
Each movement she made was precise, every step calculated to avoid wasted motion. Her sword flowed like liquid steel, deflecting each thrust with minimal effort, redirecting rather than absorbing the full force of Lancer's strikes.
————————————————
It was hard but Issei could tell who had the advantage.
"She's stuck reacting to him," He murmured.
Tamamo nodded. "Lancer's dual-wielding technique forces Saber into a defensive stance. If she had more room to move, she could shift momentum, but with how close he's pressing her…"
Issei watched as Saber barely evaded another strike, Lancer's spear slicing through the air a mere hair's breadth from her shoulder.
"This guy's insane," Issei muttered. "It's like he's using two separate fighting styles, and she has to defend against both at once."
Tamamo's ears twitched, her expression turning more serious. "It's worse than that."
Issei turned to her. "What do you mean?"
"One of those spears is a Noble Phantasm," she explained. "If she doesn't figure out which one soon, she's going to get seriously hurt."
Issei swallowed. "Then shouldn't she just go all out?"
Tamamo smirked. "Oh, I'm sure she will. The question is—will she still be standing when she does?"
———
On the battlefield, Saber's sharp eyes tracked the two spears Lancer wielded.
'Saber is watching both spears simultaneously. Lancer's greatest advantage is his opponent's uncertainty as to which he will use.' Irisviel's thoughts as she notices Saber struggling.
'The long spear in the right hand, or the short spear in the left. I wonder which is the Noble Phantasm. If I were sure, I could attack.' Saber's continues to keep track of both Lances wondering which was the Noble Phantasm
Lancer's strikes came fast and fluid, his crimson spear cutting through the air in vicious arcs while his shorter yellow spear remained poised for an opening. "What's wrong, Saber? You're on the defensive!"
'Curse that blade of hers. Without knowing its exact length, I cannot get close enough to strike. The fact that she is able to repel my strikes so easily means that she must be a master swordsman.' Lancer even though appearing to have the edge is also struggling to know the length of Sabers blade.
Saber pivoted sharply, using the momentum of her last dodge to launch a sudden vertical strike, her sword cutting downward with enough force to split steel. Lancer reacted instantly, raising his right-hand spear, the longer of the two, to parry the blow. Sparks erupted as their weapons clashed, the sheer impact forcing both warriors apart for a brief second.
Then they engaged again.
Lancer's assault was relentless, a barrage of rapid thrusts, each one aimed with pinpoint accuracy at Saber's vitals. He weaved seamlessly between his two weapons, his long spear forcing her back, while the shorter spear lashed out like a concealed dagger, seeking any opening in her defense.
Yet, despite the overwhelming speed of his attacks, Saber stood her ground.
Every movement she made was precise, each step calculated to avoid unnecessary movement. Her sword flowed like liquid steel, meeting every thrust with a deflection, redirecting the force of each attack rather than blocking head-on.
————————
Meanwhile, on the distant rooftops, the other Masters observed the battle.
Kiritsugu, watching through his scope, muttered to Maiya, "Northeast of Saber and Iri. On the roof of that warehouse. That is Lancer's Master. Can you see him?"
Maiya's voice crackled through his earpiece. "Negative. Not from my position."
"Understood," Kiritsugu murmured. "I'll take him out from here." Just as he was about to squeeze the trigger, movement in the shadows caught his attention. His sharp eyes narrowed. "Assassin?" As he sees a figure long thought dead.
————————
Elsewhere, within the church and Tohsaka Manor, Kotomine Kirei and Tohsaka Tokiomi conversed while monitoring the fight through Assassin's eyes.
"There is activity at the warehouse district at the mouth of the Mion River. The first battle has finally begun," Kirei reported.
"Not the first," Tokiomi corrected smoothly. "To the others, this would be the second battle, Kirei."
Kirei's gaze remained steady. "It would appear that Lancer and Saber are the combatants."
Tokiomi swirled the wine in his glass. "Can you ascertain their status with Assassin's eyes?"
"With ease. Saber's abilities are especially high. Most of her parameters are rank A or higher," Kirei noted.
Tokiomi's brow arched slightly. "I see. It's no wonder that they are considered the strongest class. Saber likely presents a greater threat than Lancer. Can you see either Master?"
Kotomine focused, then spoke again. "There's only one person besides the Servants who is in the open. Standing next to Saber—a woman with silver hair."
Tokiomi's expression hardened. "Then Lancer's Master is wise enough to remain hidden. That's no novice. They understand the rules of the Holy Grail War." His brow furrowed slightly. "Wait. A silver-haired woman?"
"Yes. Caucasian, with silver hair and red eyes," Kirei confirmed.
"That doesn't sound human… An Einzbern homunculus?" Tokiomi muttered, his mind racing. "I had thought the only pawn Jubstacheit had on the board was Kiritsugu Emiya. It would appear that I was wrong."
Kotomine's tone remained unreadable. "Then that woman is the Einzbern Master?"
"Either way, she will be a critical factor in the rest of the Grail War," Tokiomi stated. "Kirei, keep a close eye on her."
Kotomine's tone darkened. "Agreed. I shall keep one Assassin tasked to her at all times."
————————
"I can see them. But Assassin should be dead, so why is he here?" Maiya wonders as seen the footage of Assassin's death.
"I knew something was up. Let's see how this plays out. Continue to observe Assassin. I'll watch Lancer." Kiritsugu quickly figures out that it was all a set up to make them believe that Assassin was dead.
"Let me attack Assassin, and while I have him distracted, you take out Lancer's Master." Maiya says pragmatically.
"No, Maiya. Not against Assassin. We're not equipped to fight Servants right now." Kiristugu says, as humans are no match against Servants.
"Understood."
————————
Back at the docks, Saber and Lancer continued their intense battle.
"There is no honor in a battle fought without an exchange of names," Lancer called out between clashes. "But allow me to offer my regards. It is quite impressive for a woman to fight so hard without even breaking a sweat."
"You needn't be so humble, Lancer," Saber replied, her voice steady despite the brutal pace of their duel. "Even without knowing your name, words from such a master of the spear do me honor."
"I gratefully accept them."
A voice interrupted their moment.
"That's enough fun for now, Lancer," Keyneth El-Melloi Archibald's cold command rang out.
Lancer's Master. Irisviel's expression hardened as she glanced toward the source of the voice.
"Do not allow this battle to go on. That Saber is a formidable opponent. Eliminate her at once. You may use your Noble Phantasm."
Lancer's grip on his spears tightened. "Yes, my Master."
From the sidelines, Tamamo's ears perked up.
"Oh dear," she mused. "Lancer's Master just gave him the order to use his Noble Phantasm."
Issei tensed. "Wait, that means—"
Tamamo's tail flicked. "He's going for the kill."
On the battlefield, Lancer exhaled sharply, then shifted his stance. His right-hand spear—the long crimson one—glowed faintly in the moonlight.
Saber immediately noticed the change.
'So the long spear is his Noble Phantasm,' she thought grimly.
Lancer smirked. "You heard him. I'll go for the kill now. Saber, are you using focused wind mana to keep your blade concealed? I see. You have a reason to hide your sword. My guess is that the sword reveals your true name."
"How unfortunate, Lancer," Saber countered. "You will never know the name of my blade. I'll finish this before you get that chance."
"We'll see about that." Lancer's eyes gleamed. "You've exposed your sword."
A sudden shift in the air made Saber's eyes widen in realization.
'The Invisible Air is disintegrating?!'
Irisviel gasped. 'What's going on?'
Issei watched in shock as the shimmering distortion around Saber's hands flickered and began to unravel.
'That red spear is chipping away at the Invisible Air!' Saber thought.
Lancer smirked. "I have the length of your blade now. Now I needn't worry about being struck!"
On the sidelines, Issei clenched his fists. He was really getting engaged in the fight.
"Her sword—he figured it out."
Tamamo nodded solemnly. "Now that he knows its reach, Saber's advantage is gone."
"Then she has to do something before he attacks," Issei muttered.
Tamamo tilted her head. "The question is—does she have an answer to that spear?"
Saber narrowed her eyes. 'I still have ways to counter it. I just need to wait for an attack—one less powerful than the rest.'
She adjusted her stance, watching carefully for the right opening.
Just as the servants were about to clash, Saber quickly brings her plan into action but just as everything was going to plan. Lancers red spear pierces through Saber's armor causing her to bleed at her midsection. Saber quickly steps back from Lancers range, placing distance between herself and Lancer.
"Irisviel," she spoke calmly, despite the tension.
"Yes?" Irisviel quickly starts healing Sabers' injury. She quickly channeled her magecraft. The wound closing as healing energy worked its way through her wound.
"My thanks. The healing is working."
Irisviel nodded, but concern lingered in her eyes.
"So, this won't be an easy victory," Lancer remarked, twirling his spear as he almost killed her.
'But why?' Saber's mind raced. 'My armor should have easily deflected that strike… yet the blade of his spear—'
Her gaze darted to her armor. It was intact.
'The armor itself isn't damaged? What is at work here? The only explanation is… Lancer's spear bypassed the magical protection.' Realization struck her.
"So that's it. I see the secret of your spear, Lancer."
Lancer, noticing the shift in her expression, chuckled. "Oh?"
"That red spear…" Saber's grip tightened. "It negates magic."
Lancer smirked. "Your armor was created using magic. If you were counting on it to protect you, you should surrender, Saber. You're as good as naked before my spear."
Saber's gaze sharpened. "Don't think that simply defeating my armor gives you the upper hand. If I cannot block your blade, I need only kill you before it strikes." As she quickly casted off her silver armor protecting her. Leaving her in only her blue dress.
Lancer's smirk widened. "A bold move. Betting everything on one strike. Courageous. I like it." He shifted his stance. "But in this case… it was a foolish mistake, Saber."
"We shall see." Saber's voice was steady. "Tell me your opinion again after my next attack."
The moment the heavy plating vanished in shimmering golden light, revealing the slim blue dress beneath, Issei's eyes widened, in disappointment.
"That's it." He muttered under his breath staring at Sabers' modern chest.
Tamamos ears twitched. "What was that, dear?"
"Nothing." Issei said quickly, looking away reeling. All that majestic presence and she's totally flat!
Tamamo wasn't fooled. She smirked knowingly, leaning in slightly. "Oh my, were you expecting something more abundant?"
Issei coughed. "I mean, with all that knightley confidence, I kinda thought." he signed "Nevermind!"
Tamamos tail swayed mischievously. " You should know by now, darling. Size isn't everything."
Issei sighed. "Yeah, yeah. But still.
On top of the Fuyuki Bridge.
"This is bad. Extremely bad," Rider rumbled, his arms crossed as he observed the duel with a deep frown.
"What—what is?" Waver asked nervously, trying to keep up with his Servant's train of thought.
"Lancer has begun his ultimate attack. He intends to end the battle here."
"Isn't that better for us?"
Rider turned to him with a sideways glance, unimpressed. "Idiot! What are you talking about? I wanted to sit back and watch until we saw a few more Masters. But at this rate, Saber may fall. Then it will be too late."
"T-too late for what?" Waver stammered.
"The plan was to attack once they'd weakened each other! I admit, I had hoped another Servant would answer Lancer's challenge." Rider's voice took on a wistful tone. "Of course, it would be faster to fight them together than to find them one by one."
Waver frowned. "Together?"
"Yes. Rarely does one have the chance to exchange blows with heroes from another time. And with the chance to fight as many as six, I'd hate to miss out on a single one." His eyes gleamed with excitement as he gestured toward the duel. "Observe, boy! Saber and Lancer—both are valiant warriors whom I would dearly love to duel. I cannot let either die."
"But… isn't that the point? The Grail War's objective is to kill one another!" Waver exclaimed.
"To win, but not destroy. To subjugate, but not humiliate." Rider's lips curled into a confident grin. "That is true conquest! We will watch no longer! We shall join the fray, boy!"
"You idiot! What you're doing is insane!" Waver nearly shrieked.
Rider let out a booming laugh. "If you don't approve, will you stay here and observe?"
Waver gritted his teeth. "I'll go! Take me with you, damn it!"
Rider's laughter rumbled across the rooftops. "Excellent! That is my Master!"
————————
On the battlefield, the decisive clash was about to begin.
Lancer's stance shifted, his movements sharper, more deliberate.
He's preparing something, Saber realized.
Then, in a blur of motion, Lancer revealed his second trump card. The shorter spear—his left-hand weapon—glowed with the same ominous energy as the first.
That was a misstep. A chill ran down Saber's spine. A Noble Phantasm needn't be merely a single weapon.
The realization came too late.
Lancer's golden spear shot forward, its tip striking true.
Pain flared in Saber's hand. Her fingers trembled as she felt the control over her grip loosen.
No… Her mind raced as she tried to close her fingers into a fist, but they barely responded.
She stole a glance at her hand—her thumb's tendon had been severed.
"You aren't going to make this easy, are you?" Lancer chuckled. "Still, I really do like your indomitable spirit."
"Get to work, you fool. You haven't finished her." Came Keyneth's impatient voice from the shadows.
Lancer sighed. "I apologize, my Master."
Saber took a steadying breath, shifting her stance despite the pain.
"Irisviel. I require healing."
Irisviel immediately focused her magic, sending healing energy toward Saber's wound. Yet… something was wrong.
"I have! I have, but…" Irisviel's hands trembled. "The healing worked. I'm certain. Saber, you should already be fully healed!"
And yet, her hand remained weak.
Lancer watched the exchange with a knowing smirk. "You were sharp, realizing that my Gae Dearg could penetrate any armor." He twirled his shorter spear. "But it was foolish to abandon your protection. Had you not done so, you would have blocked my Gae Buidhe."
Saber's gaze darkened as the pieces fell into place. "I understand now. A cursed spear, whose wounds never heal. I should have realized it sooner." Her eyes traced over Lancer's form, his weapons, his stance, his smirking confidence."A red spear that destroys magic. A cursed yellow spear and beneath your right eye, a mole that enchants women." The answer was undeniable. "First of the Knights of Fianna, Diarmuid of the Love Spot."
Lancer's smirk widened. "Such is the pleasure of the Holy Grail War. But it is I who have the honor here. No hero summoned by the Grail could mistake that golden blade of yours." His voice carried a note of genuine admiration. "To face the legendary King of Knights and land even a single blow… I must be pretty damned good."Saber straightened, refusing to acknowledge the disadvantage she now faced.
Lancer chuckled. "Now then, since we both know each other's names, we can duel honorably, as knights should." His smirk turned teasing. "Or does this displease you, occurring only after you've lost the use of an arm?"
"You jest." Saber's expression didn't waver. "It's humiliating that you would show me concern over such a scratch."
Lancer grinned. "Prepare yourself, Saber. Next time, you're mine."
Saber's fingers curled slightly around her sword. "Only if I fail to strike first, Lancer."
A sudden gust of wind tore through the battlefield, sending loose gravel skidding across the docks.
Descending from the sky was a massive golden chariot pulled by bulls, its wheels crackling with energy as it landed on the open ground. The air around it shimmered with sheer power, like the arrival of a storm.
Standing atop the chariot was a towering figure, clad in regal crimson. His mantle billowed behind him, his imposing form exuding an undeniable presence of authority. By his side a quivering young man stood next to him.
His arms were crossed, a confident smirk plastered across his face as he gazed down at the warriors before him.
Rider and Waver had arrived. The tense duel was shattered by a sudden, thunderous voice.
"Hahahaha! Such skill! Such passion! Both of you, sheathe your blades!"
"You are in the presence of the king! I am Iskandar, King of Conquerors!" His booming voice carried across the battlefield. "In this Grail War, I am of the Rider class!"
Everyone from the Servants of the duel to the masters hiding in the dark were astonished and stupefied.