Chapter 30: Spear and Sword (5)

Chapter 30: Spear and Sword (5)

Saber showed no sign of weakness.

"Well then, let's give it a try. See if you can block my next attack," she replied.

Both were experts, capable of predicting each other's movements through changes in magical energy and muscle tension. Despite declaring their determination to win, they maintained a standoff and were unwilling to move too easily.

Until... Lancer's right foot stepped into a patch of sand. The intense battle between the two caused the asphalt on the road to ripple, revealing the soft layer of sand beneath.

Lancer's leg sank into the sand, momentarily immobilizing him.

Saber had no intention of giving Lancer a chance to regain his footing. An explosion shook the air, and the once-invisible golden sword was now gleamed in the night sky.

This was the second function of the Wind King's Barrier. When the barrier was released, the restrained atmosphere was unleashed like a weapon, a one-time attack.

However, Saber did not treat it as a weapon, but as a propulsion device.

The air liberated from the golden sword propelled Saber. By using her entire body's strength to release magical energy, her body is transformed into a supersonic projectile.

This was Saber's plan—to break Lancer's predictions with triple the speed and unleash a decisive victory with a single swing of her sword.

In this state, Saber does not intend to hold back. Even if Lancer's counterattack inflicted heavy damage on her, she was prepared to take his life at that instant.

Facing Saber's high-speed charge, Lancer seems to give up on intercepting her. His red spear remained motionless, while the only thing moving was his right leg trapped in the sand.

The small opening that Saber caught was intentional, and it led her to her current position—the spot where Lancer discarded his short spear earlier.

"This is your mistake," Lancer revealed a triumphant smile as he kicked the sand beneath his feet.

However, what flew into the air was not just sand, but also the short spear Lancer had thrown away moments ago.

The blade of the spear was aimed directly at Saber's direction, and the runes on the short spear were undone, revealing its golden body emanating a chilling magical aura.

Yes, indeed, a spear is typically a two-handed weapon, but this does not mean that it can only be wielded with both hands. Though rare, history has witnessed heroes renowned for their dual-wielding of spears, such as Dong Ping, the "Dual Spear General" among the famous 108 outlaws of Liangshan, as well as Scáthach, who stood by Shennong's side, and the one standing before Saber.

More importantly, the Heroic Spirit's Noble Phantasm is not limited to just one.

Saber's biggest mistake in this battle was her preconceived notions and conclusions about Lancer before the fight even began. With such assumptions, she disregarded Lancer's exquisite dual spear technique, only to step into the trap that he had set.

Unfortunately, this realization was too late.

Saber's body couldn't stop, and Lancer's spear wouldn't stop either.

Both could only await the decisive moment when victory or defeat would become clear, perhaps a moment that would determine not just the outcome, but also life and death.

The fierce wind raged.

Life and death are intertwined.

Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, also known as Diarmid O'Dyna, is an important figure in Celtic mythology and ancient Irish Gaelic stories, particularly in the Fenian Cycle. His legends were passed down to this day in the Irish region.

"That's the wonder of the Holy Grail War. However, I am the one who is more honored. If there is someone who can sit on the Throne of Heroes across time and space, they would never mistake that golden sword."

Having revealed his true name, Lancer showed no signs of regret. Instead, he narrowed his eyes with refreshing expressions.

"To have a showdown with the famous King of Knights and even gain the upper hand. It seems that the heavens have not abandoned me yet."

The King of Knights refers to King Arthur, the most famous figure in Celtic legends. In full, his name is Arthur Pendragon. In Romanized form, Arthur is expressed as "Artorius," and in its feminine form, it is "Artoria." Considering Artoria Pendragon's female identity, her story, along with the Knights of the Round Table under her command, is renowned worldwide.

King Arthur and the Radiant Visage Diarmuid Ua Duibhne both belong to the Celtic tradition. Diarmuid predates King Arthur slightly in time, but when summoned as Servants, they are granted knowledge of modern times by the Holy Grail. Therefore, Diarmuid knows of King Arthur's legends, who later brought honor to his homeland.

"So now that we know each other's names, we can finally have a proper knightly battle. Or perhaps you'd prefer to find out after I've injured your hand, Saber?"

"Don't jest. It would be an insult to me to be concerned about such a minor injury." Saber decisively asserted, and once again, she enveloped herself in her magical energy, donning her silver-white armor. Although it would only waste her magical energy against the Lancer's Rose of Piercing Crimson, it would still be useful against the Yellow Rose of Mortality.

At the same time, the "Invisible Air" gathered, and the golden sword disappeared.

Despite being overwhelmingly disadvantageous, Saber's face showed no signs of despair. By contrast, she grew even more resolute.

Both Lancer and Saber wore expressions of delight, encountering a worthy opponent.

One of them cleverly used the Noble Phantasm to catch the opponent off guard, displaying astonishing battle wisdom.

The other person blocked the surprise attack of the Yellow Rose of Mortality, sacrificing their left arm. Their exceptional adaptability was commendable.

Their shared adherence to the code of chivalry adds a sense of mutual respect between them.

"Prepare yourself, Saber. This time, I will emerge victorious."

"That's something you can only say if I haven't already won, Lancer."

As they boldly and provocatively exchanged words, they predicted each other's deadly techniques, cautiously probing each other step by step. The warrior's smiles, unique to fighters, elicited a sigh from Scáthach:

"It's a pity that such exceptional warriors will fall here. If only I had arrived a little earlier."

"It's not too late to join now," Shinji proposed. "The Holy Grail War has just begun. There's no need to eliminate someone so early."

"Shinji!" His partner, Justeaze, glared at him disapprovingly. They had agreed that they would obtain the Holy Grail and evolve further. Wasting the opportunity to defeat their enemies without reason was unacceptable to her.

"Calm down, Lady Justeaze," Shinji waved his hand and looked up at the sky. "Even if I don't intervene, others will."

In the sky, thunder rumbled, and lightning flashed.

--*--

+60 Advanced Chapter /AbsoluteCode