XxXXxX
Never having left the Einsbern Castle before, Irisviel had desired to walk around a town for the first time.
Originally disagreeing, Saber conceded to escort her after learning sheÆd never been away from the Castle, before.
After all, escort was also a duty of a knight.
All the way to nightfall, the pair strolled aimlessly throughout the city. However, while Irisviel was enjoying every moment, Saber, despite looking calm on the surface, was full of nervous tension. Whether the place was beautiful or a new experience, one fact didnÆt changeùthis place was enemy territory. As Saber was not a class that excelled in searching for the enemy, it wouldnÆt be surprising if someone else noticed her first, and while a straightforward attack in the middle of the city was unlikely, it wouldnÆt be strange for a well-timed surprise attack.
However, she still went along with IrisvielÆs wish, because of her unfaltering confidence in her sword. She had been summoned as Saber, the strongest class in the Grail War, and she is unsurpassed in close combat; she is certain that she could clear an escape route even in a disadvantageous situation.
Perhaps she even desires a surprise attack, so that she could withstand it fair and square and go in for the kill. If anyone was enough of a fool to make her their enemy, then she would crush them with her own power.
ôHey, Saber, do you want to see the beach, next?ö Irisviel asked, unable to hide her excitement.
Not sensing any enemies, Saber nodded with a smile. She had sworn that she would protect Irisviel, so as she enjoyed herself, Saber would protect her to the very end.
XxXXxX
On the opposite shore of the bridge that crossed the Mion River, there was a vast seaside park. In the summer, couples would be there even at night, but in the winter, it was too cold for most people to find enjoyable. But Irisviel had grown up in a place that was often much colder, and had long grown accustomed to it.
As such, it was only she and Saber on the shore that night.
ôWe should have come here when it wasnÆt so dark,ö Saber said apologetically.
ôItÆs fine. The sea is beautiful at night, too, when it mirrors the night sky. Tell me, Saber, do you like the sea?ö
ôàIn my countryùin my timeùwhat was beyond the sea was always the enemy. It was annoying, not attractive.ö Saber closed her eyes as if in regret. ôSadly, it would seem that the more things change, the more the stay the same.ö
Irisviel immediately settled down.
ôAn Enemy Servant?ö
ôYes,ö Saber confirmed.
The Servant was approaching and making no effort to his that fact. At this distance, it is clear that he is aware of SaberÆs presence, but he simply shortens the distance between them.
ôHeÆs coming this way.ö
ôHm. Does he not want to choose the battlefield, or does he simply think it makes no difference?ö Irisviel wondered without a trace of tension in her voice. In this situation where battle seemed inevitable, her lack of react showed her complete faith in SaberÆs skills. ôMoving in as soon as he became aware of you. Perhaps heÆs a Servant looking for a frontal fight like you, Saber?ö
ôCertainly, he seems like a straightforward opponent.ö
ôThen shall we wait for him here, Saber?ö
The Servant of the Sword nodded firmly.
The enemy was approaching more quickly now, apparently no longer weary that his targets might run away. As Saber stood firmly in quiet self-confidence, Irisviel turned on the small palm-sized device hidden in her pocket. A gift from Kiritsugu, it was a ætransmission machineÆ that worked without prana in a way she didnÆt understand, which allowed him to follow a path to IrisvielÆs position. She turned it on as she had been instructed too, but stillà
Irisviel trusted in SaberÆs power. Any enemy below Saber would be annihilated in a single strike by her proud Servantùthat was the type of easy end she expected.
Yes, more than anything, she wanted her Servant to end the fight before Kiristugu entered the battle.
XxXXxX
The Servant the walked onto the beach wasànot what theyÆd expected.
He was taller than the average Japanese man, which, of course, meant he was quite a bit taller than Saber. In the darkness, it was hard to make out precise details, though he had dark hair. What surprised them, though, was what he was wearingùlike Saber, he was wearing more modern clothing. Unlike Saber, his modern clothing consisted of a blue, long-sleeved shirt and jeans.
He glanced once at Irisviel before focusing completely on Saber.
ôFinallyàIÆve been looking for hours, but I couldnÆt find any of the other Servants. I even walked around unarmed, but no one was willing to attack me. IÆd thought this war would be exciting, but up ætil now, it seems like IÆve spent most of my time waiting for something interesting to happen.ö
Brushing back his hair with one hand, he narrowed his eyes.
ôI have no grudge against you,ö He said. ôBut we are both Servant in this War. Having met like this, itÆs natural for us to fight.ö
It seemed almost like an apology, but the Servant seemed resolved. Saber nodded regally in agreement to his words.
ôYou and I,ö He continued. ôLikely came from times that were centuries apart. But since youÆre here, you must have been a hero, soàitÆs a pleasure to meet you, though the circumstances could be better.ö
Irisviel was somewhat surprised at how pleasant their meeting with their first Servant was going, but Saber didnÆt seem surprised.
ôA pleasure,ö She agreed smiling slightly. It was a smile she reserved for those willing to participate in a straightforward life-or-death battle. ôIf this were a battle for honor, I would introduce myself, but we both fight for our masters in this era. Such pleasantries seem out-of-place before a fight to the death.ö
He gestured dismissively.
ôDonÆt worry about it; I understand. Even so, I am Servant Berserker.ö He said, understanding the need to keep true identities hidden, even if it probably wasnÆt a problem for him in this time period.
Even Saber was surprised at his words.
Berserker smiled easily, completely relaxed before his disbelieving stare.
ôMad Enhancement isnÆt on at the moment, obviously.ö He said.
ôàAh.ö Saber said.
Even so, it was strange for a Berserker to not use Mad Enhancementùit was their class ability, allowing them to boost their strength higher than it had been even when they were alive. What purpose was there in summoning a Berserker if one didnÆt use Mad Enhancement?
But then a thought struck her; a number of heroes that qualified for other classes could also be summoned as Berserkers. As such, if one summoned a Servant that would normally be of the Lancer class as a Berserker, but didnÆt take away their mindsà
WasnÆt that the same as summoning a Lancer?
The same could, in theory, apply to any class. So, even if the slots of the three Knight Classes were already taken, couldnÆt one still summon on as a Berserker class and simply not use Mad Enhancement?
A glance at Irisviel confirmed that sheÆd realized the same thing.
A Berserker without Mad Enhancement could effectively be any class.
Which raised the questionà
If he wasnÆt really a æBerserker,Æ then what was he?
ôI am Servant Saber,ö She said, introducing herself quietly.
She got a bad feeling when Berserker smiled, seeming completely unworried about fighting the strongest of the Knight Classes.
ôThen come, Saber.ö
Never having left the Einsbern Castle before, Irisviel had desired to walk around a town for the first time.
Originally disagreeing, Saber conceded to escort her after learning sheÆd never been away from the Castle, before.
After all, escort was also a duty of a knight.
All the way to nightfall, the pair strolled aimlessly throughout the city. However, while Irisviel was enjoying every moment, Saber, despite looking calm on the surface, was full of nervous tension. Whether the place was beautiful or a new experience, one fact didnÆt changeùthis place was enemy territory. As Saber was not a class that excelled in searching for the enemy, it wouldnÆt be surprising if someone else noticed her first, and while a straightforward attack in the middle of the city was unlikely, it wouldnÆt be strange for a well-timed surprise attack.
However, she still went along with IrisvielÆs wish, because of her unfaltering confidence in her sword. She had been summoned as Saber, the strongest class in the Grail War, and she is unsurpassed in close combat; she is certain that she could clear an escape route even in a disadvantageous situation.
Perhaps she even desires a surprise attack, so that she could withstand it fair and square and go in for the kill. If anyone was enough of a fool to make her their enemy, then she would crush them with her own power.
ôHey, Saber, do you want to see the beach, next?ö Irisviel asked, unable to hide her excitement.
Not sensing any enemies, Saber nodded with a smile. She had sworn that she would protect Irisviel, so as she enjoyed herself, Saber would protect her to the very end.
XxXXxX
On the opposite shore of the bridge that crossed the Mion River, there was a vast seaside park. In the summer, couples would be there even at night, but in the winter, it was too cold for most people to find enjoyable. But Irisviel had grown up in a place that was often much colder, and had long grown accustomed to it.
As such, it was only she and Saber on the shore that night.
ôWe should have come here when it wasnÆt so dark,ö Saber said apologetically.
ôItÆs fine. The sea is beautiful at night, too, when it mirrors the night sky. Tell me, Saber, do you like the sea?ö
ôàIn my countryùin my timeùwhat was beyond the sea was always the enemy. It was annoying, not attractive.ö Saber closed her eyes as if in regret. ôSadly, it would seem that the more things change, the more the stay the same.ö
Irisviel immediately settled down.
ôAn Enemy Servant?ö
ôYes,ö Saber confirmed.
The Servant was approaching and making no effort to his that fact. At this distance, it is clear that he is aware of SaberÆs presence, but he simply shortens the distance between them.
ôHeÆs coming this way.ö
ôHm. Does he not want to choose the battlefield, or does he simply think it makes no difference?ö Irisviel wondered without a trace of tension in her voice. In this situation where battle seemed inevitable, her lack of react showed her complete faith in SaberÆs skills. ôMoving in as soon as he became aware of you. Perhaps heÆs a Servant looking for a frontal fight like you, Saber?ö
ôCertainly, he seems like a straightforward opponent.ö
ôThen shall we wait for him here, Saber?ö
The Servant of the Sword nodded firmly.
The enemy was approaching more quickly now, apparently no longer weary that his targets might run away. As Saber stood firmly in quiet self-confidence, Irisviel turned on the small palm-sized device hidden in her pocket. A gift from Kiritsugu, it was a ætransmission machineÆ that worked without prana in a way she didnÆt understand, which allowed him to follow a path to IrisvielÆs position. She turned it on as she had been instructed too, but stillà
Irisviel trusted in SaberÆs power. Any enemy below Saber would be annihilated in a single strike by her proud Servantùthat was the type of easy end she expected.
Yes, more than anything, she wanted her Servant to end the fight before Kiristugu entered the battle.
XxXXxX
The Servant the walked onto the beach wasànot what theyÆd expected.
He was taller than the average Japanese man, which, of course, meant he was quite a bit taller than Saber. In the darkness, it was hard to make out precise details, though he had dark hair. What surprised them, though, was what he was wearingùlike Saber, he was wearing more modern clothing. Unlike Saber, his modern clothing consisted of a blue, long-sleeved shirt and jeans.
He glanced once at Irisviel before focusing completely on Saber.
ôFinallyàIÆve been looking for hours, but I couldnÆt find any of the other Servants. I even walked around unarmed, but no one was willing to attack me. IÆd thought this war would be exciting, but up ætil now, it seems like IÆve spent most of my time waiting for something interesting to happen.ö
Brushing back his hair with one hand, he narrowed his eyes.
ôI have no grudge against you,ö He said. ôBut we are both Servant in this War. Having met like this, itÆs natural for us to fight.ö
It seemed almost like an apology, but the Servant seemed resolved. Saber nodded regally in agreement to his words.
ôYou and I,ö He continued. ôLikely came from times that were centuries apart. But since youÆre here, you must have been a hero, soàitÆs a pleasure to meet you, though the circumstances could be better.ö
Irisviel was somewhat surprised at how pleasant their meeting with their first Servant was going, but Saber didnÆt seem surprised.
ôA pleasure,ö She agreed smiling slightly. It was a smile she reserved for those willing to participate in a straightforward life-or-death battle. ôIf this were a battle for honor, I would introduce myself, but we both fight for our masters in this era. Such pleasantries seem out-of-place before a fight to the death.ö
He gestured dismissively.
ôDonÆt worry about it; I understand. Even so, I am Servant Berserker.ö He said, understanding the need to keep true identities hidden, even if it probably wasnÆt a problem for him in this time period.
Even Saber was surprised at his words.
Berserker smiled easily, completely relaxed before his disbelieving stare.
ôMad Enhancement isnÆt on at the moment, obviously.ö He said.
ôàAh.ö Saber said.
Even so, it was strange for a Berserker to not use Mad Enhancementùit was their class ability, allowing them to boost their strength higher than it had been even when they were alive. What purpose was there in summoning a Berserker if one didnÆt use Mad Enhancement?
But then a thought struck her; a number of heroes that qualified for other classes could also be summoned as Berserkers. As such, if one summoned a Servant that would normally be of the Lancer class as a Berserker, but didnÆt take away their mindsà
WasnÆt that the same as summoning a Lancer?
The same could, in theory, apply to any class. So, even if the slots of the three Knight Classes were already taken, couldnÆt one still summon on as a Berserker class and simply not use Mad Enhancement?
A glance at Irisviel confirmed that sheÆd realized the same thing.
A Berserker without Mad Enhancement could effectively be any class.
Which raised the questionà
If he wasnÆt really a æBerserker,Æ then what was he?
ôI am Servant Saber,ö She said, introducing herself quietly.
She got a bad feeling when Berserker smiled, seeming completely unworried about fighting the strongest of the Knight Classes.
ôThen come, Saber.ö
