Chapter 38: Conclusion of the Second Battle (Part 1)

Chapter 38: Conclusion of the Second Battle (Part 1)

The atmosphere grew heavily with killing intent, but there was a missing target in the lock-on against Shinji.

It is not difficult to understand the reason for this. Kenneth had used a Command Spell, which meant that unless Saber died or Kenneth gave the command to stop, Lancer would not cease his attacks. In this situation, whether Shinji lived or died would not affect the fact that Saber was surrounded. Killing Kenneth and severing Lancers' sources of magical power became the top priority.

To prevent Shinji, this unpredictable element, from interfering, it was reasonable to have someone assigned to restrain him.

Kiritsugu's judgment was undoubtedly correct in that regard. However, from Shinji's perspective, it was all in vain because—

"Assassin, assist Saber."

Just before Kiritsugu and Maya left their hiding places and launched their attacks, Shinji's voice echoed throughout the battlefield.

"As you wish, my Master."

A streak of red light was cut through the night sky. It was the tip of a lance-like weapon that flashed like lightning, leaving behind a beautiful trail.

The path of the lightning was precisely calculated, slicing through a flat arc and simultaneously passing through Lancer and Berserker's bodies if they continued along their original route.

Both Lancer and Berserker were top-class Heroic Spirits. Although red lightning was swift, they were already on guard because of Shinji's words. At the critical moment, they halted their steps, narrowly evading Scáthach's attacks.

The red lightning streaked past them, piercing straight into a shipping container beside the street with a piercing wail.

It was a red spear, with half of its shaft buried inside the container, leaving only its rear end exposed. Illuminated by the streetlights, it reflected a soft glow, capturing the attention of every Servant.

The owner of the red spear moved almost as quickly as that of the spear. Before Lancer and Berserker could react, Scáthach had reached the edge of the container and smoothly drew out her own Noble Phantasm, showcasing her speed that surpassed most other Servants—despite being hindered by Shinji, an inexperienced Master. Her agility still reached A+, a speed at which even top-class sports cars would struggle to match.

"Are you out of your mind, Assassin's Master?"

Kenneth's voice turned sharp with anger and incomprehension.

"This is a perfect opportunity to defeat Saber, the strongest Servant."

"Yes, you're right."

Shinji's disguised voice remained steady, devoid of any fluctuations that could reveal his emotions.

"If we're lucky, we might even be able to take care of Berserker at the same time."

"Since you know that, why not join me now—"

Kenneth's anger subsided, and his words took on a persuasive tone.

"I refuse."

Shinji interrupted without hesitation, fueling Kenneth's anger.

"Why?"

"Because my Master is not someone like you, driven by selfish motives."

It was not Shinji who answered Kenneth but Scáthach. She aimed her crimson spear, resembling the fangs of some ancient behemoth, at Lancer.

"He possesses the heart of a warrior, and you have disgraced this knightly battle with your dishonorable methods, Lancer's Master."

"Unreasonable."

His voice trembling and the sound of clenched teeth could be heard.

"If you can, then try it. A mere Assassin, Lancer, what are you waiting for? Attack—"

Kenneth's voice was interrupted once again, this time by Rider.

Shinji coughed deliberately twice to ease an awkward atmosphere.

"Now it's just Lancer left. Should we continue? Lancer's Master."

"Retreat, Lancer. Tonight, we stop here."

With a three-to-one advantage, Lancer had no chance of winning, so Kenneth promptly issued a retreat order.

Upon hearing the command, Lancer breathed a sigh of relief and put down his spear.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, the Queen, and the King of Conquerors."

Upon hearing the words of a beautiful spearman, Scathach and Rider were satisfied.

The former put away her spear, saying, "It's nothing. I just don't want a first-class warrior to leave the stage too soon."

The latter waved his hand boldly, saying, "Existences like you are what make the battlefield beautiful."

Lancer once again expressed his gratitude to Assassin and Rider with his gaze, then nodded to Saber.

Saber also nodded in return.

There was no need for words, and they mutually confirmed their duel.

—The duel would take place at another time.

After confirming this, Lancer disappeared into spiritual form.

--*--

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