Nasuverse Holding Back the Sea
- Thread starter Ryuugi
- Start date
Okay.
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XxXXxX
The shadows writhed and shifted as the massive dog pulled her way from them.
BerserkerÆs hound, Mrs. OÆLeary, was a hellhound, a species of Magical Beast. Most of her kin were Monstrous Beasts that were exceptionally violent and short-lived as a result, but she had been tamed and had lived long enough to become a Phantasmal Beast; one of the were to stand between their Monstrous lesser cousins and the Divine Beast, Cerberus.
However, rather than a Phantasmal Beast, perhaps now, she was something else. SheÆd been given to Berserker to look after, becoming a creature closely associated with his legendùyet she, too, was legendary.
Rather than a Hellhound, perhaps she had become the Hellhound, against which none could compare, and had gone down in legend with her master as the quintessential Hellhound. Like her master, her legend after her death had been full of exaggerations and speculations those who respected Berserker and those who hated him; as a monster tamed by the heroes own hand, a gift from the God of the Dead, a ferocious beast kept in check only by her master, as a gentle creature who was famed in battle, and even an omen of death whose eyes and howl could kill her enemies master, or whose appearance meant that fate had decreed their death at her masterÆs hand. There were hundreds of legends of æHellhoundsÆ and æBlack Dogs;Æ the legends had drawn and discarded from them all so liberally, where the beast stopped and the concept began was impossible to distinguish. Perhaps even the ætruthÆ had been changed by those myths, until the lie itself had become the truthùlike her master, perhaps she too was a æDeceptionÆ?
More than a Phantasmal Beast now, yet her legend was dependent on BerserkerÆs, as he was always at the center of hers. Much like the summoned mount of a Rider, yet she was not an independent being. In the ærecordÆ within the Throne of Heroes, she was definitely beside BerserkerÆs ownùno, not just next to it; she was definitely within the same ærecordÆ as her master. Perhaps she was a living æcrystalized mystery,Æ like a Noble Phantasm, or perhaps she too was a æHeroic Spirit.Æ
Even Berserker did not know the specifics and too him, they did not matter. He and his hound were a legend that persisted together, even past deathùthe details were no important as long as that fact was true.
Besides, having a friend that can shadow travel is always useful.
Berserker walked into the house, not worried in the slightest about Mrs. OÆLeary; she wouldnÆt be seen if she didnÆt want too. Sure enough, a moment later she was gone, but for a strangely large shadow that followed him along the ground.
ôThisÆll be our home for a while,ö He said.
A strange sound came from the shadow, causing Berserker to smile sadly.
ôYeah. Not quite home,ö He agreed. ôYou want to go hunting or do you want me to get you something to eatùhold that thought.ö
The phone was ringing.
He immediately assumed the worst and picked it up before he heard the second ringùwhen it was on the other side of the house.
ôKariya?ö He asked. ôIs something wrong?ö
He wanted to say more, but he suppressed the urge to do so. His mind was already racing with possibilities, as it always did when something went wrong, and he wanted to know exactly what, if anything, was happening, but his question covered everything. And worrying wouldnÆt helpùeven if he couldnÆt help but remember that nobody ever seemed to call to tell him something good.
ôJack-san?ö SakuraÆs voice surprised him, sounding high pitched. He was well acquainted with the tone of a scared little girl.
ôSakura? WhereÆs Kariya?ö
ôJack-san, you have to help!ö Sakura said, his question snapping her back to the situation at hand. ôItÆs UncleùheÆs covered in blood!ö
Yeah. No one ever called to tell him anything good.
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XxXXxX
The shadows writhed and shifted as the massive dog pulled her way from them.
BerserkerÆs hound, Mrs. OÆLeary, was a hellhound, a species of Magical Beast. Most of her kin were Monstrous Beasts that were exceptionally violent and short-lived as a result, but she had been tamed and had lived long enough to become a Phantasmal Beast; one of the were to stand between their Monstrous lesser cousins and the Divine Beast, Cerberus.
However, rather than a Phantasmal Beast, perhaps now, she was something else. SheÆd been given to Berserker to look after, becoming a creature closely associated with his legendùyet she, too, was legendary.
Rather than a Hellhound, perhaps she had become the Hellhound, against which none could compare, and had gone down in legend with her master as the quintessential Hellhound. Like her master, her legend after her death had been full of exaggerations and speculations those who respected Berserker and those who hated him; as a monster tamed by the heroes own hand, a gift from the God of the Dead, a ferocious beast kept in check only by her master, as a gentle creature who was famed in battle, and even an omen of death whose eyes and howl could kill her enemies master, or whose appearance meant that fate had decreed their death at her masterÆs hand. There were hundreds of legends of æHellhoundsÆ and æBlack Dogs;Æ the legends had drawn and discarded from them all so liberally, where the beast stopped and the concept began was impossible to distinguish. Perhaps even the ætruthÆ had been changed by those myths, until the lie itself had become the truthùlike her master, perhaps she too was a æDeceptionÆ?
More than a Phantasmal Beast now, yet her legend was dependent on BerserkerÆs, as he was always at the center of hers. Much like the summoned mount of a Rider, yet she was not an independent being. In the ærecordÆ within the Throne of Heroes, she was definitely beside BerserkerÆs ownùno, not just next to it; she was definitely within the same ærecordÆ as her master. Perhaps she was a living æcrystalized mystery,Æ like a Noble Phantasm, or perhaps she too was a æHeroic Spirit.Æ
Even Berserker did not know the specifics and too him, they did not matter. He and his hound were a legend that persisted together, even past deathùthe details were no important as long as that fact was true.
Besides, having a friend that can shadow travel is always useful.
Berserker walked into the house, not worried in the slightest about Mrs. OÆLeary; she wouldnÆt be seen if she didnÆt want too. Sure enough, a moment later she was gone, but for a strangely large shadow that followed him along the ground.
ôThisÆll be our home for a while,ö He said.
A strange sound came from the shadow, causing Berserker to smile sadly.
ôYeah. Not quite home,ö He agreed. ôYou want to go hunting or do you want me to get you something to eatùhold that thought.ö
The phone was ringing.
He immediately assumed the worst and picked it up before he heard the second ringùwhen it was on the other side of the house.
ôKariya?ö He asked. ôIs something wrong?ö
He wanted to say more, but he suppressed the urge to do so. His mind was already racing with possibilities, as it always did when something went wrong, and he wanted to know exactly what, if anything, was happening, but his question covered everything. And worrying wouldnÆt helpùeven if he couldnÆt help but remember that nobody ever seemed to call to tell him something good.
ôJack-san?ö SakuraÆs voice surprised him, sounding high pitched. He was well acquainted with the tone of a scared little girl.
ôSakura? WhereÆs Kariya?ö
ôJack-san, you have to help!ö Sakura said, his question snapping her back to the situation at hand. ôItÆs UncleùheÆs covered in blood!ö
Yeah. No one ever called to tell him anything good.
Holding Back the Sea
Repercussions
A stunned moment after hearing SakuraÆs words, Berserker had demanded to know where they were. Sakura gave up their location immediately and then he and Mrs. OÆLeary shadow traveled there immediately.
On the bright side, they were out of the city, like heÆd hoped. They were in a hotel about forty miles outside of Fuyuki, and only because theyÆd stopped for the night. After this, he wanted them to put another fifty miles between them and the battlefield, at least. Maybe take a plane over to China, or somethingùKariya had said that the Matou family had money and that he could access it easily. Okay, maybe not a plane, but if they were willing to travel on Mrs. OÆLearyàshe could take them anywhere. If they needed, they could start a new life somewhere far awayùhe could give them some advice about how to make it in New York, if they were willing. A week from now, theyÆd be so far away from Fuyuki that none of the other Masters would ever find them in time.
On the down side, that should have protected them, but it hadnÆt.
And he couldnÆt understand why. It couldnÆt have been an enemy Servantùonly Caster and Assassin were unaccounted for and, though he admired Kariya, if either of them had shown up, heÆd be dead by now.
But then who, or what, had hurt him?
Knowing the only way to find out would be to ask and examine the area, Berserker rushed up the stairs and found the room number Sakura had given him. He was so upset that when he found the door was locked, he honestly considered breaking it down before remembering that he could dematerialize and passed neatly through, his houndÆs shadow following him all the while.
If he had been a bit less distraught, he would materialized away from Sakura and attracted her attention, but he didnÆt know if he had any time to waste and did so right in front of her instead, startling the young girl and making himself feel guilty in the process.
He clamped tightly down on the feeling, as heÆd been trained to do, and went straight to business.
ôSakura, whereÆs Kariya?ö He demanded.
Like any child would be, Sakura was frozen at the sight of a grown man clad in full body armor appearing suddenly in front of him, especially when she realized who it wasùnamely, a person that sheÆd talked to on the phone moments before, while he was over forty miles away.
ôSakura!ö He nearly yelled.
Startling the girl into motion, she grabbed his hand and quickly pulled him into the hotel roomÆs small bedroom.
Kariya was on the bed and the sheets were stained with blood. In fact, so were his clothes and skin.
He was at his masterÆs side in an instant. He couldnÆt claim to be a doctor, but heÆd seen thousands of battlefield injuries and he knew how to give, at least, some treatment. Granted, those were usually other demigods who he could just give ambrosia and nectar to and quicken their healing. But he didnÆt have any on him at the moment and it would kill Kariya anyway.
Even so, he looked Kariya over quickly.
There werenÆt any visible woundsùit was like Kariya had bleed straight through his skin. Berserker quickly decided that it could only be the worms inside him, unless heÆd gotten cursed or something.
But why were they hurting him this much? Kariya had said that heÆd lasted a year, but if it could do this much damage to him in a day, Berserker couldnÆt imagine that being possible.
ôWhen did this start?ö He asked Sakura. The young girlÆs eyes darted quickly to him, to Kariya, and then back.
ôAbout ten minutes ago, maybe?ö She blurted after a moment of panicked thought.
About ten minutes agoù
Realization and reaction were almost simultaneous. He abandoned his material form, flew through the ceiling, and raced quickly for the nearest body of water his senses could find. Fortunately, Kariya had stayed near the coast and a moment later his spiritual form dove into the water.
His plan worked. None of the other Servants knew where Kariya was, in all likelihood.
But there was one thing distance could not protect him from.
The bond between a Servant and his Master. It didnÆt care about distance; it simply drained away the MasterÆs prana and gave it to the Servant. Berserker didnÆt know why his battle would have caused this, but it was the only thing he could think of that had happened about ten ago.
But for whatever reason, by using his masterÆs prana, he was hurting him.
And heÆd used a lot of prana in the battle. Even now, he felt KariyaÆs energy being feed to him, trying to refill what heÆd used up. Moments before, it had even been used to sustain his material form and in every action he took, from walking to blinking.
But he had other sources of prana and, as a dematerialized spirit, he would use up less prana like this. Even now, he could feel the sea quickly feeding him power, as well as feel the pull on Kariya dropping.
All he could do right now was sit and wait. When all of his prana had returned, heÆd fly back to Kariya.
Until then, heÆd just hope that his assumption was right.
Because if it wasnÆt, heÆd just left Kariya there to die.
XxXXxX
Repercussions
A stunned moment after hearing SakuraÆs words, Berserker had demanded to know where they were. Sakura gave up their location immediately and then he and Mrs. OÆLeary shadow traveled there immediately.
On the bright side, they were out of the city, like heÆd hoped. They were in a hotel about forty miles outside of Fuyuki, and only because theyÆd stopped for the night. After this, he wanted them to put another fifty miles between them and the battlefield, at least. Maybe take a plane over to China, or somethingùKariya had said that the Matou family had money and that he could access it easily. Okay, maybe not a plane, but if they were willing to travel on Mrs. OÆLearyàshe could take them anywhere. If they needed, they could start a new life somewhere far awayùhe could give them some advice about how to make it in New York, if they were willing. A week from now, theyÆd be so far away from Fuyuki that none of the other Masters would ever find them in time.
On the down side, that should have protected them, but it hadnÆt.
And he couldnÆt understand why. It couldnÆt have been an enemy Servantùonly Caster and Assassin were unaccounted for and, though he admired Kariya, if either of them had shown up, heÆd be dead by now.
But then who, or what, had hurt him?
Knowing the only way to find out would be to ask and examine the area, Berserker rushed up the stairs and found the room number Sakura had given him. He was so upset that when he found the door was locked, he honestly considered breaking it down before remembering that he could dematerialize and passed neatly through, his houndÆs shadow following him all the while.
If he had been a bit less distraught, he would materialized away from Sakura and attracted her attention, but he didnÆt know if he had any time to waste and did so right in front of her instead, startling the young girl and making himself feel guilty in the process.
He clamped tightly down on the feeling, as heÆd been trained to do, and went straight to business.
ôSakura, whereÆs Kariya?ö He demanded.
Like any child would be, Sakura was frozen at the sight of a grown man clad in full body armor appearing suddenly in front of him, especially when she realized who it wasùnamely, a person that sheÆd talked to on the phone moments before, while he was over forty miles away.
ôSakura!ö He nearly yelled.
Startling the girl into motion, she grabbed his hand and quickly pulled him into the hotel roomÆs small bedroom.
Kariya was on the bed and the sheets were stained with blood. In fact, so were his clothes and skin.
He was at his masterÆs side in an instant. He couldnÆt claim to be a doctor, but heÆd seen thousands of battlefield injuries and he knew how to give, at least, some treatment. Granted, those were usually other demigods who he could just give ambrosia and nectar to and quicken their healing. But he didnÆt have any on him at the moment and it would kill Kariya anyway.
Even so, he looked Kariya over quickly.
There werenÆt any visible woundsùit was like Kariya had bleed straight through his skin. Berserker quickly decided that it could only be the worms inside him, unless heÆd gotten cursed or something.
But why were they hurting him this much? Kariya had said that heÆd lasted a year, but if it could do this much damage to him in a day, Berserker couldnÆt imagine that being possible.
ôWhen did this start?ö He asked Sakura. The young girlÆs eyes darted quickly to him, to Kariya, and then back.
ôAbout ten minutes ago, maybe?ö She blurted after a moment of panicked thought.
About ten minutes agoù
Realization and reaction were almost simultaneous. He abandoned his material form, flew through the ceiling, and raced quickly for the nearest body of water his senses could find. Fortunately, Kariya had stayed near the coast and a moment later his spiritual form dove into the water.
His plan worked. None of the other Servants knew where Kariya was, in all likelihood.
But there was one thing distance could not protect him from.
The bond between a Servant and his Master. It didnÆt care about distance; it simply drained away the MasterÆs prana and gave it to the Servant. Berserker didnÆt know why his battle would have caused this, but it was the only thing he could think of that had happened about ten ago.
But for whatever reason, by using his masterÆs prana, he was hurting him.
And heÆd used a lot of prana in the battle. Even now, he felt KariyaÆs energy being feed to him, trying to refill what heÆd used up. Moments before, it had even been used to sustain his material form and in every action he took, from walking to blinking.
But he had other sources of prana and, as a dematerialized spirit, he would use up less prana like this. Even now, he could feel the sea quickly feeding him power, as well as feel the pull on Kariya dropping.
All he could do right now was sit and wait. When all of his prana had returned, heÆd fly back to Kariya.
Until then, heÆd just hope that his assumption was right.
Because if it wasnÆt, heÆd just left Kariya there to die.
XxXXxX
XxXXxX
ôYour spear bounced off his skin?ö LancerÆs master asked. ôYouÆre sure of that?ö
Kayneth Archibald El-Melloi had always been defined by the word æprodigy.Æ From the very beginning, he had always been considered better than anyone he competed against and had never faced an opponent he couldnÆt defeat. Even after his desired artifact, which heÆd hoped to use to Summon Alexander, had been stolen, he had not worriedùheÆd merely been enraged. Finding out that his former student had summoned the Ancient King in his stead merely added fuel to the fire.
But he still hadnÆt worried. Despite everything, he had still come through, summoning the Servant Lancer, who he would bet his pride on in this fight.
But now, after the first battle was overàhe was worried.
In truth, the battle that had so recently ended profited him a great deal. HeÆd already known RiderÆs identity, but having been able to witness the battle, heÆd gotten the chance to use the MasterÆs Perspective to view the stats and abilities of other Servants and compare them to LancerÆs.
Even he could admit that their stats were frightening. Saber, Archer, Rider, and Berserkeràif one were to look at their stats as a whole, each of them was stronger than Lancer.
However, even against physically superior opponents, a ServantÆs Noble Phantasm could change everything.
And yetàLancerÆs had failed.
This, too, said a great deal.
Gae Dearg û The Crimson Rose of Exorcism. It wasnÆt a weapon that could be marveled at for its incredible destructive power like RiderÆs chariot, but in its own way, it was a very frightening weapon. It was able to render magical enchantments and projections useless by severing all ties with prana. It could pass through the armor of Servants, which was made out of prana, cut holes in bounded fields, nullify any magical enhancements, and could even sever the ties between a source of prana and all its recipients. ItÆs not strong enough to completely destroy the target, but as long as the blade was in contact with itùit would continue to function normally once the blade was removed.
But while itÆs sheer destructive power wasnÆt overwhelming, if it came in contact with another Noble Phantasm, it would prove quite dangerous. Howeveràit cannot cancel the effects of completed magecraft or curses. As such, if it simply bounced of BerserkerÆs skin, then, without a doubtà
BerserkerÆs body itself was a Noble Phantasmùspecifically, a curse that grants him either resistance or immunity to harm.
Furthermore, having been able to view the battle, Kayneth was able to recognize and understand BerserkerÆs Noble Phantasms. The Deception of Divinityùan effect which worked by increasing its owners Divinity until they were effectively a materialized Divine Spirit. By itself, itself, it granted no particular abilities; it æincreased,Æ but did not ægrant.Æ Given its effect, Berserker was surely a demigodùand as the Noble Phantasm had not specifically granted control of the water, it was highly likely that Berserker was specifically a demigod of the sea.
Kayneth could only think of one invulnerable demigod of the sea that wore bronze armor and a shield engraved with images.
On the bright side, if his opponent was Achilles, then Lancer could still defeat him. A single strike to his Achilles Tendon with LancerÆs other Noble Phantasm, Gae Buidhe, and BerserkerÆs death was almost assured.
And yetàKayneth could not help but think of the risks. Despite LancerÆs prowess and skill with his spears, Achilles was famed for having fought a spearman whose legend, if anything, far surpassed LancerÆs. The famous Hector of Troy had fallen to himùwho was to say Lancer would not do the same. Achilles may have had one weak point, but he was otherwise invulnerable, and Lancer was not.
Even with his knowledge, it was still dangerous possible that it might be LancerÆs body being dragged behind a chariot.
But perhaps he should leave that conclusion to Lancer, whose skill far surpassed his as both a warrior and soldier.
ôLanceràwhat would you say if I told you that I suspected Berserker of being Achilles?ö He asked. ôIf so, his heel would be his weak pointàcould you defeat him?ö
ôI think that if your right, we have a very dangerous opponent.ö
Both Lancer and Kayneth shifted their eyes to the woman as she walked out of the bedroom. Despite her flaming red hair, there was definitely something icy about her face and eyes; her name was Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri. Despite being younger than him, she was both KaynethÆs teacher and his fiancÚe.
And, more than that, she was also someone whose words Kayneth greatly respected.
Seeing that she had their attention, Sola continued.
ôIn this war, knowledge is powerùor, to put it another way, ignorance is weakness. Achilles is, of course, dangerous, as shown in the Iliad. An invulnerable warrior who defeated many heroes, but with a weak point on his heel. And yetàhe is more dangerous because of what we do not know of him. The Iliad detailed the last of ten years of fighting, leaving out the details of the previous nine. Prior to that, the Greek sailed to Troy, but were lost at sea for eight year. Before that, he spent a number of years hidden as a girl name Pyrrha and before that, Achilles was trained by the Centaur Chiron for an unknown period of time, but itÆs not very detailed. He could have done a great deal, during that time.ö
Kayneth frowned.
ôHidden as a girl?ö
ôOut of all that, that was what you focused on?ö Sola asked. ôIt was prophesized he would die in the Trojan War but also that the Greeks needed him to win. His mother hid him as a girl on the Isle of Scryos, where he had a child with the princess and presumably did other things, but itÆs largely undefined.ö
Kayneth put that aside and focused.
ôYouÆre right. There are too many unknownsùhe could have done anything in that time period. Chiron taught many heroes, as I remember; he could have taught Achilles a great deal. Perhaps IÆm misremembering, but I recall legends of him marrying the witch Medea in the Underworldùwhether or not thatÆs true, itÆs possible he could know magecraft, as itÆs still part of his legend.ö
He shook his head.
ôFighting him directly may be too dangerous, even knowing his weakness, but perhapsàö Kayneth closed his eyes contemplatively. ôIn that battle, he consented to working with Lancer. Given the circumstances, perhaps he would be willing to ally with usàat least for now. It would give us a great advantage, to have the mighty Achilles on our side.ö
Sola nodded in agreement, before her eyes widened in alarm.
ôThough, even if it didnÆt say for sure in the Iliad, there were rumors about Achilles and Patroclus; perhaps his reasons for allying with Lancer are not completely pure?ö She said, seeming honestly worried about.
Kayneth blinked once, before understanding.
ôAh, yes; in that case, perhaps Lancer should be the one to handle crafting the alliance.ö
Lancer blinked in turn.
ôàWhat?ö He asked, before his eyes widened. ôWaitàwhat?ö
Kayneth sighed.
ôThat was a joke, Lancer. Achilles was also married and repeatedly pursued women; the events of the Iliad had a lot to do with a fight over one in particular. And more to the point, I wouldnÆt actually whore you out.ö
But even soàfor a moment, Sola had seemed honestly alarmed. Kayneth frowned slightly and continued.
ôDue to the danger he presents, however, I would like you to be the one to meet with Berserker.ö
Lancer nodded then, expression having returned to normal.
And then the fire alarm began to ring, followed moments later by the telephone.
Kayneth picked it up unworriedly and listened for a moment.
ôIt seems there a several fires. TheyÆre scattered and not too severe, but it appears to be arson. Given what has happened tonight, it seems unlikely to be a coincidence.ö
ôSomeone wants to get rid of the crowd.ö Sola stated.
ôYes. I looks like someone from earlier wants to play some more.ö
XxXXxX
ôYour spear bounced off his skin?ö LancerÆs master asked. ôYouÆre sure of that?ö
Kayneth Archibald El-Melloi had always been defined by the word æprodigy.Æ From the very beginning, he had always been considered better than anyone he competed against and had never faced an opponent he couldnÆt defeat. Even after his desired artifact, which heÆd hoped to use to Summon Alexander, had been stolen, he had not worriedùheÆd merely been enraged. Finding out that his former student had summoned the Ancient King in his stead merely added fuel to the fire.
But he still hadnÆt worried. Despite everything, he had still come through, summoning the Servant Lancer, who he would bet his pride on in this fight.
But now, after the first battle was overàhe was worried.
In truth, the battle that had so recently ended profited him a great deal. HeÆd already known RiderÆs identity, but having been able to witness the battle, heÆd gotten the chance to use the MasterÆs Perspective to view the stats and abilities of other Servants and compare them to LancerÆs.
Even he could admit that their stats were frightening. Saber, Archer, Rider, and Berserkeràif one were to look at their stats as a whole, each of them was stronger than Lancer.
However, even against physically superior opponents, a ServantÆs Noble Phantasm could change everything.
And yetàLancerÆs had failed.
This, too, said a great deal.
Gae Dearg û The Crimson Rose of Exorcism. It wasnÆt a weapon that could be marveled at for its incredible destructive power like RiderÆs chariot, but in its own way, it was a very frightening weapon. It was able to render magical enchantments and projections useless by severing all ties with prana. It could pass through the armor of Servants, which was made out of prana, cut holes in bounded fields, nullify any magical enhancements, and could even sever the ties between a source of prana and all its recipients. ItÆs not strong enough to completely destroy the target, but as long as the blade was in contact with itùit would continue to function normally once the blade was removed.
But while itÆs sheer destructive power wasnÆt overwhelming, if it came in contact with another Noble Phantasm, it would prove quite dangerous. Howeveràit cannot cancel the effects of completed magecraft or curses. As such, if it simply bounced of BerserkerÆs skin, then, without a doubtà
BerserkerÆs body itself was a Noble Phantasmùspecifically, a curse that grants him either resistance or immunity to harm.
Furthermore, having been able to view the battle, Kayneth was able to recognize and understand BerserkerÆs Noble Phantasms. The Deception of Divinityùan effect which worked by increasing its owners Divinity until they were effectively a materialized Divine Spirit. By itself, itself, it granted no particular abilities; it æincreased,Æ but did not ægrant.Æ Given its effect, Berserker was surely a demigodùand as the Noble Phantasm had not specifically granted control of the water, it was highly likely that Berserker was specifically a demigod of the sea.
Kayneth could only think of one invulnerable demigod of the sea that wore bronze armor and a shield engraved with images.
On the bright side, if his opponent was Achilles, then Lancer could still defeat him. A single strike to his Achilles Tendon with LancerÆs other Noble Phantasm, Gae Buidhe, and BerserkerÆs death was almost assured.
And yetàKayneth could not help but think of the risks. Despite LancerÆs prowess and skill with his spears, Achilles was famed for having fought a spearman whose legend, if anything, far surpassed LancerÆs. The famous Hector of Troy had fallen to himùwho was to say Lancer would not do the same. Achilles may have had one weak point, but he was otherwise invulnerable, and Lancer was not.
Even with his knowledge, it was still dangerous possible that it might be LancerÆs body being dragged behind a chariot.
But perhaps he should leave that conclusion to Lancer, whose skill far surpassed his as both a warrior and soldier.
ôLanceràwhat would you say if I told you that I suspected Berserker of being Achilles?ö He asked. ôIf so, his heel would be his weak pointàcould you defeat him?ö
ôI think that if your right, we have a very dangerous opponent.ö
Both Lancer and Kayneth shifted their eyes to the woman as she walked out of the bedroom. Despite her flaming red hair, there was definitely something icy about her face and eyes; her name was Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri. Despite being younger than him, she was both KaynethÆs teacher and his fiancÚe.
And, more than that, she was also someone whose words Kayneth greatly respected.
Seeing that she had their attention, Sola continued.
ôIn this war, knowledge is powerùor, to put it another way, ignorance is weakness. Achilles is, of course, dangerous, as shown in the Iliad. An invulnerable warrior who defeated many heroes, but with a weak point on his heel. And yetàhe is more dangerous because of what we do not know of him. The Iliad detailed the last of ten years of fighting, leaving out the details of the previous nine. Prior to that, the Greek sailed to Troy, but were lost at sea for eight year. Before that, he spent a number of years hidden as a girl name Pyrrha and before that, Achilles was trained by the Centaur Chiron for an unknown period of time, but itÆs not very detailed. He could have done a great deal, during that time.ö
Kayneth frowned.
ôHidden as a girl?ö
ôOut of all that, that was what you focused on?ö Sola asked. ôIt was prophesized he would die in the Trojan War but also that the Greeks needed him to win. His mother hid him as a girl on the Isle of Scryos, where he had a child with the princess and presumably did other things, but itÆs largely undefined.ö
Kayneth put that aside and focused.
ôYouÆre right. There are too many unknownsùhe could have done anything in that time period. Chiron taught many heroes, as I remember; he could have taught Achilles a great deal. Perhaps IÆm misremembering, but I recall legends of him marrying the witch Medea in the Underworldùwhether or not thatÆs true, itÆs possible he could know magecraft, as itÆs still part of his legend.ö
He shook his head.
ôFighting him directly may be too dangerous, even knowing his weakness, but perhapsàö Kayneth closed his eyes contemplatively. ôIn that battle, he consented to working with Lancer. Given the circumstances, perhaps he would be willing to ally with usàat least for now. It would give us a great advantage, to have the mighty Achilles on our side.ö
Sola nodded in agreement, before her eyes widened in alarm.
ôThough, even if it didnÆt say for sure in the Iliad, there were rumors about Achilles and Patroclus; perhaps his reasons for allying with Lancer are not completely pure?ö She said, seeming honestly worried about.
Kayneth blinked once, before understanding.
ôAh, yes; in that case, perhaps Lancer should be the one to handle crafting the alliance.ö
Lancer blinked in turn.
ôàWhat?ö He asked, before his eyes widened. ôWaitàwhat?ö
Kayneth sighed.
ôThat was a joke, Lancer. Achilles was also married and repeatedly pursued women; the events of the Iliad had a lot to do with a fight over one in particular. And more to the point, I wouldnÆt actually whore you out.ö
But even soàfor a moment, Sola had seemed honestly alarmed. Kayneth frowned slightly and continued.
ôDue to the danger he presents, however, I would like you to be the one to meet with Berserker.ö
Lancer nodded then, expression having returned to normal.
And then the fire alarm began to ring, followed moments later by the telephone.
Kayneth picked it up unworriedly and listened for a moment.
ôIt seems there a several fires. TheyÆre scattered and not too severe, but it appears to be arson. Given what has happened tonight, it seems unlikely to be a coincidence.ö
ôSomeone wants to get rid of the crowd.ö Sola stated.
ôYes. I looks like someone from earlier wants to play some more.ö
XxXXxX
which heÆd hoped to use to Summon Alexander
By itself, itself, it granted no particular abilities;
Even with his knowledge, it was still dangerous possible that it might be LancerÆs body being dragged behind a chariot.
ôI think that if your right, we have a very dangerous opponent.ö
It seems there a several fires.
I looks like someone from earlier wants to play some more.ö
RJL333 said:
sytang said:
Even with his knowledge, it was still dangerous possible that it might be LancerÆs body being dragged behind a chariot.
RJL333 said:
sytang said:
Even with his knowledge, it was still dangerous possible that it might be LancerÆs body being dragged behind a chariot.
It's still grammatically incorrect
it should be
"Even with his knowledge, there was still a dangerous possibility that it might be LancerÆs body being dragged behind a chariot."
or
"Even with his knowledge, it was still dangerously possible that it might be Lancer's body being dragged behind a chariot."
XxXXxX
Outside, Kiritsugu made a phone call, dialing an empty number.
A moment later, a very small but precisely placed explosion went off within the building and it began to collapse.
Kiristugu gave it a single glance to assure himself that it was working according to plan and then glanced away.
By now, Kayneth and his wife should be dead. The Servant Lancer would fade away momentarily.
It seemed, for a moment, that everything had gone according to plan.
And then he heard the clashing of metal as Lancer and Saber continued to fight.
XxXXxX
High above Kiritsugu, on the unfinished thirty-eighth floor, Maiya had been carefully watched the window of her targetÆs hotel room. If KiritsuguÆs plan had failed, she would have been in position to ambush them.
Howeveràthat did not seem to be necessary. The hotel had completely collapsed and all she was doing now was watching the rubble.
If so, she was careful. Unmoving, Maiya stared silently at the rubble for three minutes and then lowered her weapon. Despite having seen the destruction of the hotel, she was not excited or tense in the slighted; for her, it was just another day.
Though, admittedly, it had been a very rough day.
Maiya was not one to speak of her feelings, much less allow them to interfere with her work. She also wasnÆt one to feel emotions for any particular target, as it could interfere with her work.
However, if she was, she would hold a grudge against Berserker, whoÆd nearly knocked her off a high building and drowned her with that wave heÆd conjured. It was probably a coincidence that it had happened to hit both she and Kiritsugu, but if not for Saber, both of them would have drowned.
Of course, even if she had held a grudgeùwhich she didnÆtùsheÆd have been powerless to do anything about it to a Servant. Normally, sheÆd go after the Master instead, but Matou Kariya was quickly proving himself two things; dangerous and smart. Having had a chance to check the police records after they finally examined the Matou household, she was able to confirm that Matou Zouken was dead, and probably killed at KariyaÆs orders. The house, of course, was empty of people.
Next, sheÆd checked the house listed under KariyaÆs name, but it was also empty and KariyaÆs car was gone. SheÆd found signs of his Servant living there, apparently trying to draw out people foolish enough to attack someplace so obvious and had quickly removed herself from the area.
SheÆd then attempted to hunt down where Kariya now was, but all signs pointed to him having left the city completely. Given time, Maiya could definitely hunt him down, but with a dayÆs head start and counting, it wouldnÆt be something that she could do in the middle of the Grail War. Especially since if he caught wind of her, he could summon his Servant with a Command Seal and have him kill her.
Leaving the city could be interpreted in two.
It could be an act of cowardice in which he was fleeing for his life, but that didnÆt make sense. Outside of the Holy War, no one had any reason to chase him and if he was running from the Servants and Masters, he could easily have just made his Servant kill himself with a Command Seal and approach the Church.
The other way it could be interpreted was as a move of complete confidence. Traditionally, all MasterÆs stay by their Servants to support them and control the War first hand with their magic and Command Seals. So literally stood on the battlefield while others watched from afar, but none had actually left the city. By doing so, Kariya was basically saying that he had no need to involve himself or even look over BerserkerÆs actions. It was a statement of complete certainty in his own victory.
Granted, if Maiya had loyal, invulnerable super soldier who could create Tidal Waves on demand at her beck and call, she might feel a bit cocky, too.
Irisviel had shared her suspicions that Berserker was Achilles, an extraordinarily dangerous Servant, which also explained his status as Berserker, despite his personality.
And without his Master present as a target, the only way to the Holy Grail was through his invulnerable hide. It seemed to chaff Kiritsugu slightly, but to defeat Berserker, they would have to rely completely on Saber.
Maiya waited a few more seconds, just to be sure, before removing the bullets from her gun and slinging the assault rifle over her shoulder.
Almost immediately, she froze and she became aware of another presence. No, perhaps it had been there from the beginning, but had simply waited for her to store her most powerful weapon.
But she was never unarmed. At most, she was less armed. In a single smooth motion, she drew the 9mm-calibur handgun from her side and pointed it into the shadows.
ôùYour senses are sharp, miss.ö
Maiya did not respond or ask questions. Whoever it was, the simple fact that heÆd located herùthat was enough for him to become her target.
ôAnd also,ö The hidden man continued. ôItÆs good that you were prepared.ö
An object was thrown towards her, landing on the ground in front of her. She quickly shifted her gun down towards it, focusing on it before returning her gun towards the man after she was sure it wasnÆt dangerous.
Even so, she recognized it immediately as the corpses of one of her bat familiars after she saw the CCD camera on it.
If that was so, then without a doubt, the person in front of her can only beù
ôKotomine Kireiàö
ôOh? This should be the first time weÆve met, so how do you know my name?ö He asked, his tone mocking. ôDo you perhaps have precognition? If so, I bet you know lots of other things to. For example, this is a good place to spy of Fuyuki Hyatt hotelÆs thirty second flooràcould someone important live there, I wonder?ö
Looking past her, Kirei sighed.
ôEven soàblowing up the building, too? That manàcan he still be called a magus? No; should he even be considered a magus at all?ö
In that moment, Maiya realized something.
This man knew. He knows about Emiya Kiritsugu, just like EMiya Kiritsugu knows about Kotomine Kirei.
ôIf you have precognition, could you answer a question for me? Where is the man who should be here in your place?ö
In that same moment, Maiya realized that this man had to die and pulled the trigger three times.
Yet, she missed completely.
KotomineÆs speed may have been great, but there was no way he could dodge a bullet. So, instead, he definitely dodged before she fire.
Not only that, but her gun was sent clattering on the floor. Even as heÆd dodged, Kotomine had drawn and thrown the iconic weapon of the ChurchÆs Executionersùa Black Key. Even thrown, it had enough force to sink into concrete, but it only cut her handùit was simply an attack to take away her weapon.
After all, she had yet to answer his question.
He had somehow known that she and Kiritsugu were going to attack this hotel. Knowing that, heÆd set up shop nearby and waited for themùwithout a doubt, she was here for Emiya Kiritsugu. For that reason, he wanted to capture her aliveùthen, as long as he could make her talk, it would be fine. He could find out where Kiritsugu was, even if he had to break her arms and legs in the process.
ButàMaiya should have checked in with Kiritsugu minutes ago. By now, heÆd have realized something wrong; if she could hold on a little longer, thenà
Suddenly a veil of smoke appeared on the unfinished floor. A simple smoke screen, it was an America model that anyone with the right connections could get.
But Maiya hadnÆt thrown it. Kotomine knew he would miss, even as he hurled another Black Key.
In seconds, the smoke was gone, and Maiya with it.
He was over a hundred meters from the ground and there were no buildings around that could stand shoulder to shoulder with this once, but definitelyàthe magus he was after had thrown that bomb. As long as he was able to confirm that, he definitely gained something by coming here this night.
Even as that thought passed through his mind, he glanced to the side, feeling the breath of his Servant.
ôAssassin?ö
As if waiting to be acknowledged, his Servant materialized.
ôDidnÆt I tell you not to materialize where you can be seen?ö
ôIÆm terribly sorry, Master, but I have a very urgent report to make. As instructed, we have been carefully watching Saber and LancerÆs battle, butàsomeone has chosen to interrupt.ö
Kotomine understood immediately. If it was a battle between Servants, the only one who could interrupt was, naturally, another Servant.
But was it someone from earlier? Or could it possibly beà?
ôMasteràCaster has finally chosen to reveal himself.ö
XxXXxX
Outside, Kiritsugu made a phone call, dialing an empty number.
A moment later, a very small but precisely placed explosion went off within the building and it began to collapse.
Kiristugu gave it a single glance to assure himself that it was working according to plan and then glanced away.
By now, Kayneth and his wife should be dead. The Servant Lancer would fade away momentarily.
It seemed, for a moment, that everything had gone according to plan.
And then he heard the clashing of metal as Lancer and Saber continued to fight.
XxXXxX
High above Kiritsugu, on the unfinished thirty-eighth floor, Maiya had been carefully watched the window of her targetÆs hotel room. If KiritsuguÆs plan had failed, she would have been in position to ambush them.
Howeveràthat did not seem to be necessary. The hotel had completely collapsed and all she was doing now was watching the rubble.
If so, she was careful. Unmoving, Maiya stared silently at the rubble for three minutes and then lowered her weapon. Despite having seen the destruction of the hotel, she was not excited or tense in the slighted; for her, it was just another day.
Though, admittedly, it had been a very rough day.
Maiya was not one to speak of her feelings, much less allow them to interfere with her work. She also wasnÆt one to feel emotions for any particular target, as it could interfere with her work.
However, if she was, she would hold a grudge against Berserker, whoÆd nearly knocked her off a high building and drowned her with that wave heÆd conjured. It was probably a coincidence that it had happened to hit both she and Kiritsugu, but if not for Saber, both of them would have drowned.
Of course, even if she had held a grudgeùwhich she didnÆtùsheÆd have been powerless to do anything about it to a Servant. Normally, sheÆd go after the Master instead, but Matou Kariya was quickly proving himself two things; dangerous and smart. Having had a chance to check the police records after they finally examined the Matou household, she was able to confirm that Matou Zouken was dead, and probably killed at KariyaÆs orders. The house, of course, was empty of people.
Next, sheÆd checked the house listed under KariyaÆs name, but it was also empty and KariyaÆs car was gone. SheÆd found signs of his Servant living there, apparently trying to draw out people foolish enough to attack someplace so obvious and had quickly removed herself from the area.
SheÆd then attempted to hunt down where Kariya now was, but all signs pointed to him having left the city completely. Given time, Maiya could definitely hunt him down, but with a dayÆs head start and counting, it wouldnÆt be something that she could do in the middle of the Grail War. Especially since if he caught wind of her, he could summon his Servant with a Command Seal and have him kill her.
Leaving the city could be interpreted in two.
It could be an act of cowardice in which he was fleeing for his life, but that didnÆt make sense. Outside of the Holy War, no one had any reason to chase him and if he was running from the Servants and Masters, he could easily have just made his Servant kill himself with a Command Seal and approach the Church.
The other way it could be interpreted was as a move of complete confidence. Traditionally, all MasterÆs stay by their Servants to support them and control the War first hand with their magic and Command Seals. So literally stood on the battlefield while others watched from afar, but none had actually left the city. By doing so, Kariya was basically saying that he had no need to involve himself or even look over BerserkerÆs actions. It was a statement of complete certainty in his own victory.
Granted, if Maiya had loyal, invulnerable super soldier who could create Tidal Waves on demand at her beck and call, she might feel a bit cocky, too.
Irisviel had shared her suspicions that Berserker was Achilles, an extraordinarily dangerous Servant, which also explained his status as Berserker, despite his personality.
And without his Master present as a target, the only way to the Holy Grail was through his invulnerable hide. It seemed to chaff Kiritsugu slightly, but to defeat Berserker, they would have to rely completely on Saber.
Maiya waited a few more seconds, just to be sure, before removing the bullets from her gun and slinging the assault rifle over her shoulder.
Almost immediately, she froze and she became aware of another presence. No, perhaps it had been there from the beginning, but had simply waited for her to store her most powerful weapon.
But she was never unarmed. At most, she was less armed. In a single smooth motion, she drew the 9mm-calibur handgun from her side and pointed it into the shadows.
ôùYour senses are sharp, miss.ö
Maiya did not respond or ask questions. Whoever it was, the simple fact that heÆd located herùthat was enough for him to become her target.
ôAnd also,ö The hidden man continued. ôItÆs good that you were prepared.ö
An object was thrown towards her, landing on the ground in front of her. She quickly shifted her gun down towards it, focusing on it before returning her gun towards the man after she was sure it wasnÆt dangerous.
Even so, she recognized it immediately as the corpses of one of her bat familiars after she saw the CCD camera on it.
If that was so, then without a doubt, the person in front of her can only beù
ôKotomine Kireiàö
ôOh? This should be the first time weÆve met, so how do you know my name?ö He asked, his tone mocking. ôDo you perhaps have precognition? If so, I bet you know lots of other things to. For example, this is a good place to spy of Fuyuki Hyatt hotelÆs thirty second flooràcould someone important live there, I wonder?ö
Looking past her, Kirei sighed.
ôEven soàblowing up the building, too? That manàcan he still be called a magus? No; should he even be considered a magus at all?ö
In that moment, Maiya realized something.
This man knew. He knows about Emiya Kiritsugu, just like EMiya Kiritsugu knows about Kotomine Kirei.
ôIf you have precognition, could you answer a question for me? Where is the man who should be here in your place?ö
In that same moment, Maiya realized that this man had to die and pulled the trigger three times.
Yet, she missed completely.
KotomineÆs speed may have been great, but there was no way he could dodge a bullet. So, instead, he definitely dodged before she fire.
Not only that, but her gun was sent clattering on the floor. Even as heÆd dodged, Kotomine had drawn and thrown the iconic weapon of the ChurchÆs Executionersùa Black Key. Even thrown, it had enough force to sink into concrete, but it only cut her handùit was simply an attack to take away her weapon.
After all, she had yet to answer his question.
He had somehow known that she and Kiritsugu were going to attack this hotel. Knowing that, heÆd set up shop nearby and waited for themùwithout a doubt, she was here for Emiya Kiritsugu. For that reason, he wanted to capture her aliveùthen, as long as he could make her talk, it would be fine. He could find out where Kiritsugu was, even if he had to break her arms and legs in the process.
ButàMaiya should have checked in with Kiritsugu minutes ago. By now, heÆd have realized something wrong; if she could hold on a little longer, thenà
Suddenly a veil of smoke appeared on the unfinished floor. A simple smoke screen, it was an America model that anyone with the right connections could get.
But Maiya hadnÆt thrown it. Kotomine knew he would miss, even as he hurled another Black Key.
In seconds, the smoke was gone, and Maiya with it.
He was over a hundred meters from the ground and there were no buildings around that could stand shoulder to shoulder with this once, but definitelyàthe magus he was after had thrown that bomb. As long as he was able to confirm that, he definitely gained something by coming here this night.
Even as that thought passed through his mind, he glanced to the side, feeling the breath of his Servant.
ôAssassin?ö
As if waiting to be acknowledged, his Servant materialized.
ôDidnÆt I tell you not to materialize where you can be seen?ö
ôIÆm terribly sorry, Master, but I have a very urgent report to make. As instructed, we have been carefully watching Saber and LancerÆs battle, butàsomeone has chosen to interrupt.ö
Kotomine understood immediately. If it was a battle between Servants, the only one who could interrupt was, naturally, another Servant.
But was it someone from earlier? Or could it possibly beà?
ôMasteràCaster has finally chosen to reveal himself.ö
XxXXxX
XxXXxX
Saber and Lancer clashed fiercely. Unlike before, on the sands of the beach, their fight now took place in the city and the destruction was obvious. The entire street looked like an earthquake had hit it; windows were broken, lights were shattered, and the road had been cracked and broken.
They had been fighting a life and death battle for nearly ten minutes, and yetàneither of those two warriors had broken a sweat. The destruction of the street was merely a side effect of their clash.
Sweeping his longer spear at SaberÆs legs, LancerÆs weapon carved an arc in the ground as she leapt over it. Bringing up his shorter spear, he managed to block SaberÆs descending blade just in time, but the sheer impact was enough to break the pavement beneath his feet.
In close combat, they were equally skilled, but in this situation, Lancer had the advantage. Having borne witness to the battle earlier, he knew the truth of SaberÆs blade. Even if it was now invisible, heÆd seen its size and shape, and he could counter it as if it were completely visible. Meanwhile, the only one who even had the slightest idea about the truth of LancerÆs spears was Berserkerùand even then, he only had a vague idea about one.
For Saber, who had no way to know which spear was his Noble Phantasm, she had to be weary of both. Even if sheÆd know that both were Noble Phantasms, she would have had to be carefulùwithout knowing what either of them did, she could not risk allow herself to be hit.
So it truly said a great deal about SaberÆs skill with a blade, as well as her sheer physical ability, that she had not received a single blow from either of LancerÆs two spears. It spoke even more of LancerÆs ability, however, that she had failed to land even a single blow in return, despite having much lower stats than his opponent in almost every regard.
Even so, without a doubt, both of those warriors would have enjoying themselves in a different situation. Rather than fighting Berserker, who was a soldier who would do whatever was needed to achieve result, whether that meant fighting fairly or dirty, Lancer and Saber were, without a doubt, two knights, fighting for their lords. Both of them acknowledged each otherÆs skills and fought all the harder because of it.
And yetàthe Grail War was not about enjoyment. Lancer fought because his Master had been in that building as it collapsed. His continued presence revealed that his Master was still alive, but he had no way of knowing how long it would last. Saber fought as she had been order too, for the sole purpose of keeping Lancer away from his Master. There was no honor in holding back a brave knight as his lord was executed, and so Saber felt no joy in this fight.
In this way, it would only be a matter of time before Lancer revealed his Noble Phantasm, and the moment when he did way very well decided the entire fight. That simple fact was the only reason he had yet to reveal his secret weaponsùthe moment when he first did would be his best chance at victory. If he used it unwisely, he could easily waste the opportunity. But at the same time, he had to move fast.
But in the same way, if his attack failed and Saber learnt of the true nature of his weaponsàwithout a doubt, the tide of the battle would surely shift in that instant,
For a long, tense moment, bother Servants were still, each ready to spring in to action at the slightest movement.
And then they were interrupted.
ôùIt has been such a long time, OÆ Holy Maiden.ö A voice suddenly spoke.
Attention immediately swerved towards the source. At just a glance, it could be easily seen that he wasnÆt a normal person. He wore a luxurious but archaic robe of scarlet and black. His eyes were abnormally large, like a nocturnal predator. And even if one were to ignore that, no normal person would interrupt a fight between two raging heroes, especially not with the barrier raised over the area.
Lancer tensed.
ôFriend of yours, Saber?ö He asked, suspecting a trap.
ôNo, I have never seen him before.ö Saber immediately denied. Having already been forced to use dishonorable tactics, she had no wish to tarnish her reputation further.
The strange man, whose face had seemed so happy, had frozen at her words.
ôHow can you say that?ö He demanded. ôDo you not remember me?ö
ôRather than remembering, this is the first time we have ever met.ö Saber said tensely. ôPerhaps you have the wrong person.ö
ôItÆs me! Your loyal servant, Gilles de Rais! IÆve always prayed that weÆd meet againùalways waited! For that reason, I came here across space and time, Jeanne!ö
Lancer sucked in a sudden breath at the name, while Saber was merely surprised. Already, two Servants had declared their names, whilst Saber had been forced to reveal her own. As Assassin was always one of the faceless Hassanàover half of the Servants had revealed their true identities on the first day of this war; more, if their assumption about Berserker was correct.
ôI do not know your name, nor do I know of this Jeanne. But as you have already declared your name, I am honor bound to do the same. I am Arturia, the rightful child of Uther Pendragon, and the king of Britain.ö
ôHowàcould it be? Could you have forgotten who you were in life? Not only that, but your mind has been befuddled! YouàyouàGod, why are you so cruel to this lovely maiden of mine!?ö
ôàSaber, there is no point in saying anything more to this man.ö Lancer said.
As Saber was an incomplete Heroic Spirit, she did not possess the knowledge which surpassed both space and time that one gains upon entering the Throne of Heroes. But Lancer was a true Heroic Spirit, and of course he knew about it.
About the tale of insanity of the legendary BluebeardùBaron Gilles de Rais.
Saber and Lancer clashed fiercely. Unlike before, on the sands of the beach, their fight now took place in the city and the destruction was obvious. The entire street looked like an earthquake had hit it; windows were broken, lights were shattered, and the road had been cracked and broken.
They had been fighting a life and death battle for nearly ten minutes, and yetàneither of those two warriors had broken a sweat. The destruction of the street was merely a side effect of their clash.
Sweeping his longer spear at SaberÆs legs, LancerÆs weapon carved an arc in the ground as she leapt over it. Bringing up his shorter spear, he managed to block SaberÆs descending blade just in time, but the sheer impact was enough to break the pavement beneath his feet.
In close combat, they were equally skilled, but in this situation, Lancer had the advantage. Having borne witness to the battle earlier, he knew the truth of SaberÆs blade. Even if it was now invisible, heÆd seen its size and shape, and he could counter it as if it were completely visible. Meanwhile, the only one who even had the slightest idea about the truth of LancerÆs spears was Berserkerùand even then, he only had a vague idea about one.
For Saber, who had no way to know which spear was his Noble Phantasm, she had to be weary of both. Even if sheÆd know that both were Noble Phantasms, she would have had to be carefulùwithout knowing what either of them did, she could not risk allow herself to be hit.
So it truly said a great deal about SaberÆs skill with a blade, as well as her sheer physical ability, that she had not received a single blow from either of LancerÆs two spears. It spoke even more of LancerÆs ability, however, that she had failed to land even a single blow in return, despite having much lower stats than his opponent in almost every regard.
Even so, without a doubt, both of those warriors would have enjoying themselves in a different situation. Rather than fighting Berserker, who was a soldier who would do whatever was needed to achieve result, whether that meant fighting fairly or dirty, Lancer and Saber were, without a doubt, two knights, fighting for their lords. Both of them acknowledged each otherÆs skills and fought all the harder because of it.
And yetàthe Grail War was not about enjoyment. Lancer fought because his Master had been in that building as it collapsed. His continued presence revealed that his Master was still alive, but he had no way of knowing how long it would last. Saber fought as she had been order too, for the sole purpose of keeping Lancer away from his Master. There was no honor in holding back a brave knight as his lord was executed, and so Saber felt no joy in this fight.
In this way, it would only be a matter of time before Lancer revealed his Noble Phantasm, and the moment when he did way very well decided the entire fight. That simple fact was the only reason he had yet to reveal his secret weaponsùthe moment when he first did would be his best chance at victory. If he used it unwisely, he could easily waste the opportunity. But at the same time, he had to move fast.
But in the same way, if his attack failed and Saber learnt of the true nature of his weaponsàwithout a doubt, the tide of the battle would surely shift in that instant,
For a long, tense moment, bother Servants were still, each ready to spring in to action at the slightest movement.
And then they were interrupted.
ôùIt has been such a long time, OÆ Holy Maiden.ö A voice suddenly spoke.
Attention immediately swerved towards the source. At just a glance, it could be easily seen that he wasnÆt a normal person. He wore a luxurious but archaic robe of scarlet and black. His eyes were abnormally large, like a nocturnal predator. And even if one were to ignore that, no normal person would interrupt a fight between two raging heroes, especially not with the barrier raised over the area.
Lancer tensed.
ôFriend of yours, Saber?ö He asked, suspecting a trap.
ôNo, I have never seen him before.ö Saber immediately denied. Having already been forced to use dishonorable tactics, she had no wish to tarnish her reputation further.
The strange man, whose face had seemed so happy, had frozen at her words.
ôHow can you say that?ö He demanded. ôDo you not remember me?ö
ôRather than remembering, this is the first time we have ever met.ö Saber said tensely. ôPerhaps you have the wrong person.ö
ôItÆs me! Your loyal servant, Gilles de Rais! IÆve always prayed that weÆd meet againùalways waited! For that reason, I came here across space and time, Jeanne!ö
Lancer sucked in a sudden breath at the name, while Saber was merely surprised. Already, two Servants had declared their names, whilst Saber had been forced to reveal her own. As Assassin was always one of the faceless Hassanàover half of the Servants had revealed their true identities on the first day of this war; more, if their assumption about Berserker was correct.
ôI do not know your name, nor do I know of this Jeanne. But as you have already declared your name, I am honor bound to do the same. I am Arturia, the rightful child of Uther Pendragon, and the king of Britain.ö
ôHowàcould it be? Could you have forgotten who you were in life? Not only that, but your mind has been befuddled! YouàyouàGod, why are you so cruel to this lovely maiden of mine!?ö
ôàSaber, there is no point in saying anything more to this man.ö Lancer said.
As Saber was an incomplete Heroic Spirit, she did not possess the knowledge which surpassed both space and time that one gains upon entering the Throne of Heroes. But Lancer was a true Heroic Spirit, and of course he knew about it.
About the tale of insanity of the legendary BluebeardùBaron Gilles de Rais.
A short snippet to end the chapter.
_______________________________________________________________
ôHe used to be a hero in France,ö Lancer said. ôBut he turned his back on it all and fell to black magic. No one knows for sure how many people he killed, since he often burned the bodies, but estimates have gone as high as six hundred. But they all have one thing in commonùthe victims were between the ages of six and eighteen.ö
Caster narrowed his eyes in annoyance at being interrupted, but made no attempt to protest his innocence. He just seemed annoyed that Lancer would dare talk. For her part, Saber widened her eyes in shock at LancerÆs words before narrowing abruptly. She lifted her blade and set her jawùthis was a person that she couldnÆt possibly get along with.
Lancer continued without pausing.
ôHis descent into madness came at about the same time that Jeanne dÆArc met her end. The two were connected and fought beside each other, but perhaps you look like her, Saber. Butàwithout a doubt, that man is insane; he has accepted you as Joan of Arc and words will not convince him otherwise.ö
For a moment, Caster was silent as he carefully observed Saber, who was already too angry to speak. The mad light in his eyes had slowly diminished and his face had calmed.
But it was not sanity or reason that had replaced it, but a silent resolution. His belief had not faded in the slightestùif anything, it had just grown strong through being denied.
ôàIt seems that words alone wonÆt be enough. Has even your heart been sealed, Jeanne?ö Caster lamented. ôThen IÆm very sorryùit seems I must use enforced therapy on you. Have no fearùno matter what needs to be done, I will definitely see it through.ö
Lancer and Saber immediately tensed at his word. There should have been absolutely no need to worry. After all, he was a Caster and they each belonged to one of the Knight classes. In physical combat, Casteràwithout a doubt, he was no threat to them. Either of them could effortlessly crush him and end the matter in mere seconds. The Caster classÆs only advantageùit great magical powerùwould mean little to nothing against either of them.
Saber, who was untouchable to modern magiàLancer, who could only be affected by High-Thaumaturgy and Greater Ritualsàin a battle against someone who had to rely completely on magic, victory against either of them was something that should have been æimpossible.Æ CasterÆs spells would be canceled completely if they targeted either of them, soàthere should have been nothing to fear.
And yetàwhy was it?
Why did both of those Servants few an irrepressible tremor of fear?
All Caster had done was reach into the folds of his cloak and retrieve a simple book.
The book was strange looking, with a cover of wet, glistening human flesh. It was disgusting, butàa Caster with a spell book wasnÆt unusual. And neither Saber nor Lancer was so new to battle or death that they would be unnerved by the sight of a book bound in skin.
And yetù
ôCthulhu fhtagn.ö Caster said.
_______________________________________________________________
ôHe used to be a hero in France,ö Lancer said. ôBut he turned his back on it all and fell to black magic. No one knows for sure how many people he killed, since he often burned the bodies, but estimates have gone as high as six hundred. But they all have one thing in commonùthe victims were between the ages of six and eighteen.ö
Caster narrowed his eyes in annoyance at being interrupted, but made no attempt to protest his innocence. He just seemed annoyed that Lancer would dare talk. For her part, Saber widened her eyes in shock at LancerÆs words before narrowing abruptly. She lifted her blade and set her jawùthis was a person that she couldnÆt possibly get along with.
Lancer continued without pausing.
ôHis descent into madness came at about the same time that Jeanne dÆArc met her end. The two were connected and fought beside each other, but perhaps you look like her, Saber. Butàwithout a doubt, that man is insane; he has accepted you as Joan of Arc and words will not convince him otherwise.ö
For a moment, Caster was silent as he carefully observed Saber, who was already too angry to speak. The mad light in his eyes had slowly diminished and his face had calmed.
But it was not sanity or reason that had replaced it, but a silent resolution. His belief had not faded in the slightestùif anything, it had just grown strong through being denied.
ôàIt seems that words alone wonÆt be enough. Has even your heart been sealed, Jeanne?ö Caster lamented. ôThen IÆm very sorryùit seems I must use enforced therapy on you. Have no fearùno matter what needs to be done, I will definitely see it through.ö
Lancer and Saber immediately tensed at his word. There should have been absolutely no need to worry. After all, he was a Caster and they each belonged to one of the Knight classes. In physical combat, Casteràwithout a doubt, he was no threat to them. Either of them could effortlessly crush him and end the matter in mere seconds. The Caster classÆs only advantageùit great magical powerùwould mean little to nothing against either of them.
Saber, who was untouchable to modern magiàLancer, who could only be affected by High-Thaumaturgy and Greater Ritualsàin a battle against someone who had to rely completely on magic, victory against either of them was something that should have been æimpossible.Æ CasterÆs spells would be canceled completely if they targeted either of them, soàthere should have been nothing to fear.
And yetàwhy was it?
Why did both of those Servants few an irrepressible tremor of fear?
All Caster had done was reach into the folds of his cloak and retrieve a simple book.
The book was strange looking, with a cover of wet, glistening human flesh. It was disgusting, butàa Caster with a spell book wasnÆt unusual. And neither Saber nor Lancer was so new to battle or death that they would be unnerved by the sight of a book bound in skin.
And yetù
ôCthulhu fhtagn.ö Caster said.
biigoh said:
The Eromancer said:
I was eating when I read that last line and almost choked on my food
<a href='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36qSzVj4Xec#t=02m35s' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36qSzVj4Xec#t=02m35s</a>
Stormfury said:
biigoh said:
The Eromancer said:
I was eating when I read that last line and almost choked on my food
<a href='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36qSzVj4Xec#t=02m35s' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36qSzVj4Xec#t=02m35s</a>
I'm... I'm speachless
The Eromancer said:
Stormfury said:
biigoh said:
The Eromancer said:
I was eating when I read that last line and almost choked on my food
<a href='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36qSzVj4Xec#t=02m35s' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36qSzVj4Xec#t=02m35s</a>
I'm... I'm speachless
Holding Back the Sea
Horrors of the Spiral City
It started with a single scream. A man, drawn by either curiosity or foolishness, had overcome the admittedly weak suggestion to stay away. It was not his fault, really; the minor spell that was now being used to ward away hundreds of people had originally been intended to merely keep away the idly curious. It was nothing but a minor spell intended to keep people from bothering itÆs master, now reinforced with a great deal of energy in response to the sudden battle between Servants.
Even so, spells as delicate as bounded fields and mental interference werenÆt meant to be so bluntly reinforced; they took a steady, careful hand and a great deal of time to be properly created. One that was subtle enough to work without being noticed was the sign of a master; one as obvious as the one Kayneth had hastily erected would have been considered amateurish. Despite the power that had been put into it, even a fairly weak magus could have overcome it with their natural resistance to magecraft.
It wasnÆt particularly surprising that the man had strayed too close to the fireùbut he was going to be burnt because of it. Worse, he would probably just be the first. Others would be drawn by the noise of the battle and come too close.
Whoever did would fall into CasterÆs trap?
His spell was a simple one; a summoning spell. To work, it used flesh as a mediumùwhether that flesh was dead or alive did not matter in the slightest.
Of course, to use such a thing on a living beingàthat was a sign of how monstrous Gilles de Rais was.
The manÆs spine gave a crack as he wailed. His body burst apart; torn to pieces from the inside.
But what flowed out of his body was not blood.
At first, it seemed like an inky horde of countless, intertwined snakesùbut no, those things that were covered in suckers could not be snakes. Are they octopi? Or the tentacles of some strange octopus-like creature?
Whatever it was, the creature pulled itself from the manÆs body and swarmed across the ground, the manÆs flesh and blood still clinging to them, and only then could its form truly be seen.
But even if it could be seen, it was difficult to put into words.
It had no limbs or even a discernible body. At the end of each of its countless tentacles was a circular mouth and each mouth was filled with shark-like teeth. Although the origin of the creatures could not be determined, one thing was obviousùsuch creates were definitely not produced by nature. They might be from another world, but if so, for such a creature to exist, it obviously must have had completely different natural laws.
But more than the monster, Lancer and Saber both focused on the book in CasterÆs hands and its cover of wet, glistening human flesh.
Even if it appeared to be a ænormalÆ book, as Servants, both of them could feel the enormous amount of prana surging through the air. Without a doubt, that book was at the center, which meant that, just as undoubtedly, that book must have been CasterÆs Noble Phantasm.
ôThis is the magic book my friend left to me,ö Caster said. ôThrough it, I obtained the means to summon a demonic army. What do you think, Jeanne? Could any army stand up against their majesty?ö
Saber did not reply. Rather, her eyes remained focused on the innocent man that had been dragged into this. Naturally, she did not recognize him and would probably new even know his name, butà
That monster had consumed his flesh as it had emerged; therefore, the remains of the carcass were in a truly pathetic state. Rotten and smashedùit could no longer even be thought to look human. That man who had been drawn into a conflict which did not involve himàhe had already been reduced to such a tragic state.
ôùThatÆs enough, Caster. I donÆt want to compete in the same war as you any longer. I apologize Lancer, but our fight will have to wait.ö
ôàAh. I feel the exact same way.ö Lancer replied.
Horrors of the Spiral City
It started with a single scream. A man, drawn by either curiosity or foolishness, had overcome the admittedly weak suggestion to stay away. It was not his fault, really; the minor spell that was now being used to ward away hundreds of people had originally been intended to merely keep away the idly curious. It was nothing but a minor spell intended to keep people from bothering itÆs master, now reinforced with a great deal of energy in response to the sudden battle between Servants.
Even so, spells as delicate as bounded fields and mental interference werenÆt meant to be so bluntly reinforced; they took a steady, careful hand and a great deal of time to be properly created. One that was subtle enough to work without being noticed was the sign of a master; one as obvious as the one Kayneth had hastily erected would have been considered amateurish. Despite the power that had been put into it, even a fairly weak magus could have overcome it with their natural resistance to magecraft.
It wasnÆt particularly surprising that the man had strayed too close to the fireùbut he was going to be burnt because of it. Worse, he would probably just be the first. Others would be drawn by the noise of the battle and come too close.
Whoever did would fall into CasterÆs trap?
His spell was a simple one; a summoning spell. To work, it used flesh as a mediumùwhether that flesh was dead or alive did not matter in the slightest.
Of course, to use such a thing on a living beingàthat was a sign of how monstrous Gilles de Rais was.
The manÆs spine gave a crack as he wailed. His body burst apart; torn to pieces from the inside.
But what flowed out of his body was not blood.
At first, it seemed like an inky horde of countless, intertwined snakesùbut no, those things that were covered in suckers could not be snakes. Are they octopi? Or the tentacles of some strange octopus-like creature?
Whatever it was, the creature pulled itself from the manÆs body and swarmed across the ground, the manÆs flesh and blood still clinging to them, and only then could its form truly be seen.
But even if it could be seen, it was difficult to put into words.
It had no limbs or even a discernible body. At the end of each of its countless tentacles was a circular mouth and each mouth was filled with shark-like teeth. Although the origin of the creatures could not be determined, one thing was obviousùsuch creates were definitely not produced by nature. They might be from another world, but if so, for such a creature to exist, it obviously must have had completely different natural laws.
But more than the monster, Lancer and Saber both focused on the book in CasterÆs hands and its cover of wet, glistening human flesh.
Even if it appeared to be a ænormalÆ book, as Servants, both of them could feel the enormous amount of prana surging through the air. Without a doubt, that book was at the center, which meant that, just as undoubtedly, that book must have been CasterÆs Noble Phantasm.
ôThis is the magic book my friend left to me,ö Caster said. ôThrough it, I obtained the means to summon a demonic army. What do you think, Jeanne? Could any army stand up against their majesty?ö
Saber did not reply. Rather, her eyes remained focused on the innocent man that had been dragged into this. Naturally, she did not recognize him and would probably new even know his name, butà
That monster had consumed his flesh as it had emerged; therefore, the remains of the carcass were in a truly pathetic state. Rotten and smashedùit could no longer even be thought to look human. That man who had been drawn into a conflict which did not involve himàhe had already been reduced to such a tragic state.
ôùThatÆs enough, Caster. I donÆt want to compete in the same war as you any longer. I apologize Lancer, but our fight will have to wait.ö
ôàAh. I feel the exact same way.ö Lancer replied.
XxXXxX
Irisviel watched worriedly from a distance using magic. Several blocks away, she was watching using magic.
In truth, she shouldnÆt even be this close, butàshe considered Saber a close friendùone of the few that sheÆd ever really had. If nothing else, she could support her in battle with healing magecraft.
Even if he was her real Master, Kiritsugu and SaberàdidnÆt get along very well. Even if she was in troubleàIrisviel could not be sure that he would care about his Servant.
Not that she didnÆt have faith in the hero theyÆd summoned, butàshe was a bit worried.
The original opponent had been Lancer, another Knight Class opponent who had managed to fight evenly with Saber for an extended time. Even now, she couldnÆt help but be amazed at the clashing of heroes.
And nowà
That Casterà
As a Magus herself, Irisviel understood. Maybe even better than Saber herself.
If one were to consider the special abilities of the Servant Classes, æSaberÆ definitely had an advantage over æCaster.Æ None of CasterÆs abilities would be helpful against Saber and any spells he cast would be completely ignored.
Butàthere was one exception to that rule.
While any spells cast directly upon Saber would be negated, it was a different story if the target wasnÆt Saber at all. Normally that exception wouldnÆt be a weakness, butù
Caster was a magus who summoned Demons.
SaberÆs Magic Resistance would not prevent him from calling his servants from another world. Moreover, once summoned and materialized, the spell could be considered overùeven if he had to æfuelÆ the demons with his prana to keep them in this world, they were definitely not æmagecraft.Æ Against a monsterÆs sword like teeth or claws, the only defense Saber had was her own body.
But even so, Saber, the mightiest of the seven classes, would definitely not be defeated just because she had to face a few monsters. Even if their teeth were like swords and skin like armor, Saber would cut them all down.
And yetàwhat she saw through her crystal ball was not that optimistic.
Indeed, with a single swing of her blade, the reaching tentacles of the alien monster were torn to pieces. When three more monsters suddenly sprang up in its place, Saber killed two in the time it took Lancer to deal with oneùa single stroke felled both.
And suddenly there were ten. They died in moments and were replaced by twenty, who fell to be replaced by fifty. In mere moments, a small army of alien creatures had gathered before Caster and with each that fell, more arose.
Irisviel knew the reasonùat least in part. The monsters were summoned using fleshùjust as theyÆd been summoned through that poor man. Only now, instead of using living human flesh, Caster was calling them through the dead flesh of the monsterÆs Saber and Lancer killed.
Of course, Saber must have known that, too, as the new monsterÆs literally ripped their way out of the scattered limbs of the old ones. Yet she continued to kill them, not taking a single step back even against such numbers.
She was trying to wear Caster down. Common sense stated that Caster would run out of prana eventually. A normal magus would have fallen from exhaustion long ago, yet Caster kept it up easily. Still, eventually he would run out of pranaà
Or so logic would dictate. But as the numberÆs increased again and again until two hundred creatures stood before Lancer and Saber, having crawled out of the many more that had died, a fact became obvious.
No magus should have this much prana. For a magus that had become a Heroic Spirit, incredible feats were to be expected, but for that many monsters to have been summoned without Caster showing even the slightest sign of strainùeven if he was this powerful in life, as a Servant, he had to obey the constraints of his MasterÆs prana. And any master in the world, up to the highest echelons of the Magic Association, would have long sense been sucked dry under the strain of this many consecutive summonings.
Saber could handle these weaklings easily, but with the amount Caster was summoning, butà
Without a doubt, there was definitely something wrong with Caster.
XxXXxX
Irisviel watched worriedly from a distance using magic. Several blocks away, she was watching using magic.
In truth, she shouldnÆt even be this close, butàshe considered Saber a close friendùone of the few that sheÆd ever really had. If nothing else, she could support her in battle with healing magecraft.
Even if he was her real Master, Kiritsugu and SaberàdidnÆt get along very well. Even if she was in troubleàIrisviel could not be sure that he would care about his Servant.
Not that she didnÆt have faith in the hero theyÆd summoned, butàshe was a bit worried.
The original opponent had been Lancer, another Knight Class opponent who had managed to fight evenly with Saber for an extended time. Even now, she couldnÆt help but be amazed at the clashing of heroes.
And nowà
That Casterà
As a Magus herself, Irisviel understood. Maybe even better than Saber herself.
If one were to consider the special abilities of the Servant Classes, æSaberÆ definitely had an advantage over æCaster.Æ None of CasterÆs abilities would be helpful against Saber and any spells he cast would be completely ignored.
Butàthere was one exception to that rule.
While any spells cast directly upon Saber would be negated, it was a different story if the target wasnÆt Saber at all. Normally that exception wouldnÆt be a weakness, butù
Caster was a magus who summoned Demons.
SaberÆs Magic Resistance would not prevent him from calling his servants from another world. Moreover, once summoned and materialized, the spell could be considered overùeven if he had to æfuelÆ the demons with his prana to keep them in this world, they were definitely not æmagecraft.Æ Against a monsterÆs sword like teeth or claws, the only defense Saber had was her own body.
But even so, Saber, the mightiest of the seven classes, would definitely not be defeated just because she had to face a few monsters. Even if their teeth were like swords and skin like armor, Saber would cut them all down.
And yetàwhat she saw through her crystal ball was not that optimistic.
Indeed, with a single swing of her blade, the reaching tentacles of the alien monster were torn to pieces. When three more monsters suddenly sprang up in its place, Saber killed two in the time it took Lancer to deal with oneùa single stroke felled both.
And suddenly there were ten. They died in moments and were replaced by twenty, who fell to be replaced by fifty. In mere moments, a small army of alien creatures had gathered before Caster and with each that fell, more arose.
Irisviel knew the reasonùat least in part. The monsters were summoned using fleshùjust as theyÆd been summoned through that poor man. Only now, instead of using living human flesh, Caster was calling them through the dead flesh of the monsterÆs Saber and Lancer killed.
Of course, Saber must have known that, too, as the new monsterÆs literally ripped their way out of the scattered limbs of the old ones. Yet she continued to kill them, not taking a single step back even against such numbers.
She was trying to wear Caster down. Common sense stated that Caster would run out of prana eventually. A normal magus would have fallen from exhaustion long ago, yet Caster kept it up easily. Still, eventually he would run out of pranaà
Or so logic would dictate. But as the numberÆs increased again and again until two hundred creatures stood before Lancer and Saber, having crawled out of the many more that had died, a fact became obvious.
No magus should have this much prana. For a magus that had become a Heroic Spirit, incredible feats were to be expected, but for that many monsters to have been summoned without Caster showing even the slightest sign of strainùeven if he was this powerful in life, as a Servant, he had to obey the constraints of his MasterÆs prana. And any master in the world, up to the highest echelons of the Magic Association, would have long sense been sucked dry under the strain of this many consecutive summonings.
Saber could handle these weaklings easily, but with the amount Caster was summoning, butà
Without a doubt, there was definitely something wrong with Caster.
XxXXxX
XxXXxX
Unknowingly, Saber agreed with her friend.
At first, she didnÆt know the reason yet, but something about the situation had triggered her instinctive alarm.
Maybe it had been the overly fragile nature of CasterÆs tentacle monsters or maybe had been the simple fact that, despite how sheÆd already proven how easily she could cut down the alien creatures, CasterÆs strange confidence had never failed.
But after killing ten, sheÆd finally understood.
The number of her opponents didnÆt decrease. No matter how many she defeated, new opponents would emerge, and she realized that CasterÆs magecraft continually called for reinforcements from another world.
Even so, it hadnÆt changed anything. No matter how much the number swelled, she would just continue to defeat them. Even if the summoning called for monsters, it shouldnÆt be able to do that without limit. If she were to simply attack twice as fastù
When the numbers reached thirty moments later, she felt a flash of anxiety. When they swell further, to fifty, she realized it was pointless to countùthe monsters were being summoned from the corpses of their fallen comrades.
If that was the case, then rather than skill, this was a battle of prana. The first to run out would definitely lose. And so, she had two options.
She could slow her attack and used the bare minimum energy required for this hunt, oràshe could use Excalibur. With a single attack from her strongest Noble Phantasm, this entire crowd of filth would be wiped away.
And yetàit would be a mistake to focus completely on Caster. Even though Lancer was even now besides her, fighting fiercely to hold back the creatures standing against them, it would be foolish to forget that before this fight had begun, they had been fighting. An attack from Excalibur would erase this mob, butàit would also leave her weakened.
Lancer was an honorable man, butàshe had walked into battle today in order to keep him from protecting those he had sworn to protect. Having never met them, she could not even say that his master was deserving of death. How could she expect honor if she did not show itùif Lancer were to attack her when this battle was over, it would be foolish to complain.
But there was a definite chance that Lancer could defeat her in a fight, once she had expended the energy needed for Excalibur. Even if she could not hate him if he tried such a tactic, she also could not afford to lose. But at the same timeàeven she would have difficulty against a constantly growing army of demons.
But against two Servants, Caster would eventually exhaust his prana, so it should have been the safer route.
And yetàif he was really using so much energy, why did he show no strain?
Once again, she noticed the incredibly dense shroud of prana that hung around CasterÆs strange book.
ôCould it beà?ö
It was hard to believe, but that did necessarily mean it was wrong.
ôùItÆs the book, Lancer.ö A voice suddenly swept across the battlefield. She recognized it from the previous battle as the voice of LancerÆs Masterùa fact that seemed to relieve Lancer.
His words confirmed her suspicions.
The spell that had summoned all of these monsters and sent them against herùit was definitely magecraft.
But its user wasnÆt Caster.
It was his book.
No, maybe it shouldnÆt even be called a æbook.Æ It was definitely more than a pile of pages that recorded spells. It was a prana furnace with tremendous capacityùlike the creatures it sent forth, that book was definitely a æmonsterÆ capable of using magecraft on its own. Caster was not using spells, but simply controlling the book.
Even as she was startled by the revelation, LancerÆs Master continued, seeming quite calm.
ôWithout a doubt, that book acts as a æcore,Æ keeping those monsterÆs in this world with a steady flow of pranaàit seems we are quite fortunate, arenÆt Lancer?ö
Lancer chuckled, unnerving Saber, and dropped his shorter spear.
ôSo it would seem, my lord.ö He replied, even as the cloth surrounding his red spear began to fall away.
æWas that spearàhis Noble Phantasm?Æ Saber wondered.
XxXXxX
Unknowingly, Saber agreed with her friend.
At first, she didnÆt know the reason yet, but something about the situation had triggered her instinctive alarm.
Maybe it had been the overly fragile nature of CasterÆs tentacle monsters or maybe had been the simple fact that, despite how sheÆd already proven how easily she could cut down the alien creatures, CasterÆs strange confidence had never failed.
But after killing ten, sheÆd finally understood.
The number of her opponents didnÆt decrease. No matter how many she defeated, new opponents would emerge, and she realized that CasterÆs magecraft continually called for reinforcements from another world.
Even so, it hadnÆt changed anything. No matter how much the number swelled, she would just continue to defeat them. Even if the summoning called for monsters, it shouldnÆt be able to do that without limit. If she were to simply attack twice as fastù
When the numbers reached thirty moments later, she felt a flash of anxiety. When they swell further, to fifty, she realized it was pointless to countùthe monsters were being summoned from the corpses of their fallen comrades.
If that was the case, then rather than skill, this was a battle of prana. The first to run out would definitely lose. And so, she had two options.
She could slow her attack and used the bare minimum energy required for this hunt, oràshe could use Excalibur. With a single attack from her strongest Noble Phantasm, this entire crowd of filth would be wiped away.
And yetàit would be a mistake to focus completely on Caster. Even though Lancer was even now besides her, fighting fiercely to hold back the creatures standing against them, it would be foolish to forget that before this fight had begun, they had been fighting. An attack from Excalibur would erase this mob, butàit would also leave her weakened.
Lancer was an honorable man, butàshe had walked into battle today in order to keep him from protecting those he had sworn to protect. Having never met them, she could not even say that his master was deserving of death. How could she expect honor if she did not show itùif Lancer were to attack her when this battle was over, it would be foolish to complain.
But there was a definite chance that Lancer could defeat her in a fight, once she had expended the energy needed for Excalibur. Even if she could not hate him if he tried such a tactic, she also could not afford to lose. But at the same timeàeven she would have difficulty against a constantly growing army of demons.
But against two Servants, Caster would eventually exhaust his prana, so it should have been the safer route.
And yetàif he was really using so much energy, why did he show no strain?
Once again, she noticed the incredibly dense shroud of prana that hung around CasterÆs strange book.
ôCould it beà?ö
It was hard to believe, but that did necessarily mean it was wrong.
ôùItÆs the book, Lancer.ö A voice suddenly swept across the battlefield. She recognized it from the previous battle as the voice of LancerÆs Masterùa fact that seemed to relieve Lancer.
His words confirmed her suspicions.
The spell that had summoned all of these monsters and sent them against herùit was definitely magecraft.
But its user wasnÆt Caster.
It was his book.
No, maybe it shouldnÆt even be called a æbook.Æ It was definitely more than a pile of pages that recorded spells. It was a prana furnace with tremendous capacityùlike the creatures it sent forth, that book was definitely a æmonsterÆ capable of using magecraft on its own. Caster was not using spells, but simply controlling the book.
Even as she was startled by the revelation, LancerÆs Master continued, seeming quite calm.
ôWithout a doubt, that book acts as a æcore,Æ keeping those monsterÆs in this world with a steady flow of pranaàit seems we are quite fortunate, arenÆt Lancer?ö
Lancer chuckled, unnerving Saber, and dropped his shorter spear.
ôSo it would seem, my lord.ö He replied, even as the cloth surrounding his red spear began to fall away.
æWas that spearàhis Noble Phantasm?Æ Saber wondered.
XxXXxX
ôTo have made no progress after killing so manyàmy amazement is surpassed only by my shame,ö Lancer admitted.
Indeedùthe number of monsters they had killed had already surpassed five hundred. The battlefield they were standing on had already been turned into a swamp of vile filth. The hordes of monsters that kept appearing had been piled high as mountains of corpses, their spilt innards and fluids mixing, constantly being kicked and stirred by two pairs of feet. Over powering the scent of blood and death, a horrible scent emerged from the rent organs of the monsters. As thick as a mist, it filled the airùand without a doubt, it was like a poisonous gas. A living human would probably die because of lung corrosion just by inhaling.
ùThat battlefield was like a scene out of hell itself.
ôSaberàmy Master is safe, soàfor now, ally with me.ö Lancer said. ôAs long as Caster still holds that book, the situation wonÆt change. But if we want to take that book from that weaklingÆs hands, we first have to break through this wall of monsters, no matter what. So, Saberàat a desperate time like this, would you make a gamble with me?ö
ôAlthough it annoys me to appear to be outlasted,ö Saber said, her voice bitter, but not particularly tired. ôNo matter how long we fight, playing with CasterÆs minions will accomplish nothing. I accept Lancer; what do you propose?ö
ôI can end this fight here and now, but IÆll need you to open the way, King of Knight. Soàwill you show me that beautiful blade of yours again?ö
For a brief moment, Saber was shocked, thinking he meant Excalibur. But even if he had seen it, there was no way Lancer knew of the true power of her mighty blade. But thenùAh.
She understood LancerÆs plan.
Saber stared back at the wall of flesh that stretched back to Caster, carefully judging its thickness and density.
ôAs a fellow Knight, it would be an honor to have one such as you admire it.ö She finally consented.
ôNow what are you mumbling about?ö CasterÆs voice reached them. ôAre you saying you last words?ö
Right now, it could not even be said that it was Caster who was fighting them, but his Noble Phantasm, PrelatiÆs Spellbook û Text of the Sunken Spiraled City. In comparison, Caster was like an audience observing the battle from outside the ring.
For such a person to watch the battle from afar and shower them with insults raked at the pride of the two knights.
ôDo you feel terror? Do you feel despair? Even for one such as you, there is a limit to the difference in numbers that brute strength can overcome. ItÆs humiliating, isnÆt it? To be crushed and killed by these pathetic, unnamed creaturesàfor heroes, there can be no more humiliating demise!ö
But even awash in his words, Saber was emotionless and unfaltering. As befits the King of Knights, her expression was decisive and calm and her hands were firm upon her blade.
Nothing had changed since that day, had it?
That girls unwavering eyes had only ever stared at that victory that she had to obtained.
ôTwist and writhe in agony for meàJeanne!ö
The horde of monsters roared as one and surged forth in a cacophony of strange and alien sounds, unrecognizable as either joy or hatred.
Their unworldly voices drowned out all sounds but oneù
For how could the voices of mere rabble drown out a KingÆs?
ôùStrike Air.ö
Indeedùthe number of monsters they had killed had already surpassed five hundred. The battlefield they were standing on had already been turned into a swamp of vile filth. The hordes of monsters that kept appearing had been piled high as mountains of corpses, their spilt innards and fluids mixing, constantly being kicked and stirred by two pairs of feet. Over powering the scent of blood and death, a horrible scent emerged from the rent organs of the monsters. As thick as a mist, it filled the airùand without a doubt, it was like a poisonous gas. A living human would probably die because of lung corrosion just by inhaling.
ùThat battlefield was like a scene out of hell itself.
ôSaberàmy Master is safe, soàfor now, ally with me.ö Lancer said. ôAs long as Caster still holds that book, the situation wonÆt change. But if we want to take that book from that weaklingÆs hands, we first have to break through this wall of monsters, no matter what. So, Saberàat a desperate time like this, would you make a gamble with me?ö
ôAlthough it annoys me to appear to be outlasted,ö Saber said, her voice bitter, but not particularly tired. ôNo matter how long we fight, playing with CasterÆs minions will accomplish nothing. I accept Lancer; what do you propose?ö
ôI can end this fight here and now, but IÆll need you to open the way, King of Knight. Soàwill you show me that beautiful blade of yours again?ö
For a brief moment, Saber was shocked, thinking he meant Excalibur. But even if he had seen it, there was no way Lancer knew of the true power of her mighty blade. But thenùAh.
She understood LancerÆs plan.
Saber stared back at the wall of flesh that stretched back to Caster, carefully judging its thickness and density.
ôAs a fellow Knight, it would be an honor to have one such as you admire it.ö She finally consented.
ôNow what are you mumbling about?ö CasterÆs voice reached them. ôAre you saying you last words?ö
Right now, it could not even be said that it was Caster who was fighting them, but his Noble Phantasm, PrelatiÆs Spellbook û Text of the Sunken Spiraled City. In comparison, Caster was like an audience observing the battle from outside the ring.
For such a person to watch the battle from afar and shower them with insults raked at the pride of the two knights.
ôDo you feel terror? Do you feel despair? Even for one such as you, there is a limit to the difference in numbers that brute strength can overcome. ItÆs humiliating, isnÆt it? To be crushed and killed by these pathetic, unnamed creaturesàfor heroes, there can be no more humiliating demise!ö
But even awash in his words, Saber was emotionless and unfaltering. As befits the King of Knights, her expression was decisive and calm and her hands were firm upon her blade.
Nothing had changed since that day, had it?
That girls unwavering eyes had only ever stared at that victory that she had to obtained.
ôTwist and writhe in agony for meàJeanne!ö
The horde of monsters roared as one and surged forth in a cacophony of strange and alien sounds, unrecognizable as either joy or hatred.
Their unworldly voices drowned out all sounds but oneù
For how could the voices of mere rabble drown out a KingÆs?
ôùStrike Air.ö