Didn't Expect This!

Even though he had abandoned his once naive and cruel wish, Kiritsugu Emiya still maintained all the professionalism of the Magus Killer.

Apart from Kirei Kotomine, he had also pinpointed the location of the last enemy—Waver Velvet.

Waver was hiding in the home of an ordinary elderly couple in the deep mountain district of Fuyuki City, adopting a strategy akin to "the best hiding is in plain sight." Kiritsugu had a high opinion of him, far higher than the strategies of the Tohsaka family or Kayneth, who flaunted their magical barriers as symbols of strength.

Perched atop a six-story apartment building across the street, Kiritsugu's sniper rifle was trained on the elderly Grans' residence.

Thoughts crossed his mind—planting a timed bomb or using the couple to lure Waver out—but he dismissed them in the end.

If not for Avenger being his Servant, perhaps he truly would have done it.

The setting sun cast its last light on a seemingly calm scene about to be shattered by gunfire. The young mage had yet to return.

Kiritsugu lit his final cigarette, stowed his tools beneath the water tower, camouflaged with a concealment spell, and prepared to depart.

Another battle was on the horizon.

The sun had completely dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky painted with the remnants of a dim, yellow glow.

On the vast open sea, Kurumi stood with a calm expression, watching the magical signal smoke rising from a buoy. The distant lights of Fuyuki flickered faintly. There was no better place for their duel.

She was waiting for the proud king to arrive.

Her long, jet-black hair was tied into two tails, resembling the hands of a clock.

Her wine-red eyes were half-lidded, blooming like a seductive rose.

Beneath her goddess-like beauty lay a wickedly alluring ensemble—a black gothic choker, barely-there thin straps that seemed ready to snap at any moment, and a tight corset barely containing her ample bust, pushing her cleavage into full view.

Her delicate shoulders and elegant collarbones were fully exposed, and her back, smooth as ivory, radiated a deadly temptation.

Beneath her flared gothic skirt, her slender legs were encased in sheer black stockings, the heels of her boots lightly tapping against the surface of the sea.

One might be tempted to gaze deeper into the rippling water, but the winds sweeping across the Fuyuki magical vortex had scattered the sea's reflections, leaving only faint glimmers.

Her presence was ethereal yet enchanting, like a dream—a nightmare's perfect beauty.

Unfortunately, beneath the rose lay lethal thorns.

From afar, a golden-green vessel sailed through the sky. The King of Uruk, freshly returned from the city streets, wore a flamboyant and casual outfit. His golden hair fell loosely, and his crimson eyes shimmered with indulgence.

He seemed utterly unbothered by the upcoming battle.

To Gilgamesh, this climactic fight was little more than a game.

"Avenger~" he called with a derisive grin. "I hear from Kirei that you've come seeking me."

"What? Are you that eager to marry me?"

Kurumi slowly lifted her head, her gaze cold and emotionless. "You abducted one of my avatars while I was away."

"Gilgamesh, what will you offer in return?" she demanded.

The King of Heroes burst out laughing, his gaze never wavering from the bewitching girl before him.

"From the beginning of time until its end, every inch of this world is my garden. Every treasure has once belonged to me. What do I need to return?" His laugh was arrogant, his blood-red eyes filled with mockery.

"If I had known that vessel was your avatar, I would have taken better care to enjoy it thoroughly."

Bang—

A bullet spiraled through the air, piercing Vimana's defenses. Even though Gilgamesh dodged swiftly, a streak of blood was drawn across his face.

"You mongrel."

He cursed.

"In all of history, only one person has ever wounded me and lived."

Behind him, the golden ripples of the Gate of Babylon opened wide, and with a wicked smile, Gilgamesh let thirty-some treasures vibrate in the ripples before launching them forward.

"Oh my, how terrifying. Even the King of Heroes is so ruthless towards a mere girl?" Kurumi's voice was light and mocking.

But internally, she remained calm. This was no overwhelming attack.

Kurumi confirmed.

"Zafkiel."

With a graceful shout, Kurumi summoned Zafkiel.

"Aleph—First Bullet."

The simplest and most effective of her abilities, consuming the least amount of time.

In an instant, Kurumi disappeared from her spot.

The sea erupted with a violent explosion, the shockwave vaporizing the water and creating a thick steam that obscured everything.

Gilgamesh remained on guard. Though still lounging in Vimana's throne as if this were a mere game, the ripples of the Gate of Babylon reloaded, ready to fire another thirty-some treasures.

But then he frowned deeply.

High above, Kurumi stood in mid-air, the enormous golden clockface behind her casting a shadow over Vimana.

"You mongrel," Gilgamesh spat furiously. "You dare make a king look up to you? You deserve a thousand deaths!"

Kurumi's smile deepened, her small pistol raised lightly to her lips. "Oh my, I do apologize."

"But you see, it's not just you who gets to have fun."

Bullets rained down like a metal storm, tearing through the air.

"Hehehe..."

Her wicked laughter echoed in the sky.

Yet every bullet was blocked by a layered barrier, forming a seven-petal flower in front of Gilgamesh, shielding him from harm.

However, he was enraged. Vimana shot upward, aiming to ascend higher than Kurumi.

Simultaneously, the treasures launched from behind Vimana in a barrage, chasing after Kurumi's flowing skirt.

"Aleph—First Bullet."

Kurumi repeated the technique, elegantly stepping out of harm's way, unfazed by the barrage.

And then she saw it—

The golden king, grinning cruelly, was waiting exactly where she reappeared.

"Hmph—"

"Mongrel!"

-35:21:44

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