With falsehood and truth

"Tonight, you're planning to attack Ryuudou Temple? Are you serious?"

"Yes, I am serious. Tonight is our only chance."

It was 2 PM. After I returned from the park and finished a slightly late lunch, Tohsaka casually dropped a bombshell.

Tohsaka stood there with her arms crossed, unperturbed, while the Servants who seemed to have anticipated this development remained seated without showing any signs of agitation. From their demeanor, it seemed that the three of them had been talking while I was out shopping... but still, I never expected it to be tonight.

"You look surprised... Was it really that unexpected?"

"Well, it's not that. But that place is Caster's stronghold, in other words, a magus workshop, right? Going in there head-on..."

A workshop. It could be likened to a laboratory for researchers in the field of magic, or rather, researchers in the genre of magic.

A workshop belonging to a magus, where their materials and research findings are accumulated, should not be defenseless. Just like ordinary research institutions equipped with security systems such as security guards, electronic locks, and surveillance cameras, magus workshops have magical defense mechanisms.

The danger level of a workshop is far beyond that of a research institution where, at most, trespassing would result in arrest. Rather than capturing, they aim to annihilate and leave no one alive. It's natural for countless traps that lead to certain death to be laid out, and if the Servant in question is Caster, her workshop might as well be a military fortress. Nonchalantly walking into such a place is like walking into a trap.

"They probably anticipated it as well, but I don't feel enthusiastic about it either. If we leave Caster alone, we'll be at a disadvantage. Even though Rider's barrier is gone, Caster can gather magical energy from this town as much as she wants. Both Caster and Rider will recover and come back soon."

Tohsaka conveys this message with a sense of urgency.

If the three fully prepared Servants with their powerful Noble Phantasms, Lancer, Caster, and the accumulated magical energy, were to attack, there would be little chance of winning.

While Berserker is also a formidable threat, the tactics and strategies employed by one versus three are completely different. Given that Saber's Noble Phantasm is capable of defeating Berserker, the priority now should be the three Casters.

Moreover, Caster is the culprit behind the frequent gas leaks in the city. In order to prevent further harm to the townspeople and to stop her from causing another incident and gathering magical energy, we need to intervene before that happens.

...It's an unpleasant task. But we had no choice but to take the risk and infiltrate the enemy camp.

"Luckily, I can nullify most of the spells, and I also have means to destroy Caster's workshop itself. At this stage, Rider probably hasn't fully recovered yet, so it won't be an extremely disadvantageous battle."

"W-Wait a minute. Destroying the workshop..."

I'm left speechless by Saber's nonchalant remark. Well, I understand that it would make sense to destroy the fortress if the enemy is holed up there... but Caster's workshop is Ryuudou Temple itself.

"What about the people living there? What would happen to them?"

"Don't worry about the people, Shirou. The only ones in that temple right now are the Servants and Masters."

"Huh...? What do you mean, Tohsaka?"

"I sent my familiars to investigate. They found out that Ryuudou Temple is undergoing renovation, and everyone who lived there has been moving down the mountain in the past few days. Caster probably used hypnosis or something. They are also considering the battle at Ryuudou Temple, but it's convenient for us. There's no need to worry about involving anyone else."

Tohsaka's blue eyes narrow with a bellicose tint. As the administrator of Fuyuki City, she must be greatly displeased by Caster and her ilk causing harm to ordinary people on her territory.

Well, leaving that aside. Indeed, as Tohsaka said, we don't have the luxury of being picky. Our top priority is to defeat Caster and prevent further casualties. I don't like it, but... when it comes to human lives and a whole building, there's no need to question which is more important.

"Got it. But isn't it dangerous to attack head-on? Ryuudou Temple is located in the mountains. I think it would be better to approach from the rear and catch them off guard."

"That's not possible, I'm afraid."

Saber responds with a complicated expression.

"This temple has a boundary that excludes everything except natural spirits. If we, as Servants, try to enter, our abilities will be significantly restricted. The only path without a boundary is the main approach, so if we want to enter that temple, we have no choice but to use that path."

"Once we're inside, we just need to keep an eye on the front. It's perfect for Caster. It's annoying, but we have no choice but to be at a disadvantage."

If we attack head-on, we will face the three Servants who are waiting with their weapons drawn and Caster's traps.

If we try to attack from another route, Saber and Archer's abilities will be limited by the boundary. Already outnumbered, it would be impossible to win if our abilities are diminished.

For Caster's side, it doesn't matter which option we choose. In this situation, the reckless tactic of blowing up Ryuudou Temple where Caster is holed up becomes increasingly realistic.

"Don't be so pessimistic. If they have the advantage in terrain and numbers, then you should make use of your own strengths."

As we begin to contemplate what we should do, Archer, who had been silently sipping his tea, interjects.

In the past few days, I've come to understand that when Archer opens his mouth like this, he is trying to offer advice from a different perspective. I have been astonished by the sharp insight and observational skills he possesses on more than one occasion. It's as if he sees a different world from the rest of us, from a higher vantage point.

Allowing everyone else to discuss and exhaust their opinions, he provides observations and advice from a slightly elevated viewpoint. Archer naturally falls into the role, as if he were someone who once stood above others in his lifetime.

"Strengths... Does that mean Saber's magic doesn't work on her?"

In this Holy Grail War, resistance to magic is not a decisive factor. Whether or not a Servant is strong against magic, it wouldn't be of much help if their Noble Phantasm is taken away or if the Master is targeted from the start.

That's not it. Let's discard the preconception of magic and think about it. What other factors could determine the outcome of a group battle?

The enemy Servants don't have it, but we have our own strengths... What could they be?

In terms of numbers, we are already at a disadvantage. In individual abilities, Saber is probably the strongest, but without knowing the full extent of Rider in perfect condition, we can't assert it.

In terms of supply, Caster, who can increase her magical energy stockpile as much as she wants, has an overwhelming advantage. In terms of information, we have knowledge of Lancer and Rider's true names and Noble Phantasms, and Caster doesn't know the secrets of Archer and Saber, so we have an advantage. However, there is very little information available about Caster. It is a major source of anxiety that we need to infiltrate Caster's base.

No matter which aspect we consider, we are either at a disadvantage or, at best, evenly matched. We can't think of any strengths that only we possess.

"Coordination, huh? In the previous battle, Lancer and Caster couldn't coordinate well. If they had coordinated properly, the outcome of yesterday's battle might have been different."

"50 points. The perspective is good, but narrow-minded."

After carefully considering, Saber reaches a conclusion, and Archer gives a scathing evaluation. He looks amused as he gazes at her disgruntled face. But then, he turns his eyes towards me and Tohsaka, sighing as if exasperated.

"Why don't you focus on the Masters instead of the Servants? If the Servants are soldiers, the Masters are the commanders. It would be more important to pay attention to them."

"But Caster and Lancer's Masters never showed up, and we don't know anything about them."

"Hmph, that's why your thinking is narrow-minded."

As I protest, a gaze, as if saying "Why don't you understand?", is directed at me. Even if I'm blamed like that, it's impossible for me to align my thinking with Archer's. In Archer's mind, everything is interconnected, but his words are like those from another dimension to us. What connection is there between the strengths we possess and the enemy Master who hasn't even shown themselves?

"Because they haven't shown themselves, you don't understand? It's the opposite. Because they haven't shown themselves, there are speculations that can be made. It's a fact that they are working together, but it's probably not an equal relationship. Not just between the Servants, but also between the Servants and the Masters."

"Please, Archer. Can you speak in human language?"

I surrender, raising both hands. With my mediocre mind, it was extremely difficult to understand what Archer was saying.

Looking at Tohsaka and Saber, who also wore expressions of doubt as they turned their gaze to the golden Heroic Spirit, I felt slightly relieved that I wasn't the only one who needed an interpreter.

Archer, who seemed to be squinting his eyes in annoyance, realized that there was no one in this place who shared his perspective. Whether he understood that or had given up, he cast a glance at everyone and continued his lecture.

"Now, let's reflect on yesterday's battle. Why did Rider appear weakened and without magical energy? Despite having a plentiful amount of magical energy and being in an alliance with Caster."

"That's because Caster didn't want to use her own magical energy, right? Even if she had stored up a lot of magical energy, it would require a significant amount to restore Rider to that extent, and it would take time. Judging from her approach, Caster seems cautious, and she probably didn't want to choose an option that would weaken herself."

I nod in agreement with Tohsaka's analysis. Caster has chosen a strategy that allows her to increase her hand by utilizing the excellent base of Ryuudou Temple, the means of replenishing magical energy from the town, and her alliance with Lancer. Rather than increasing her hand with Rider, she may have been reluctant to deplete her own resources. In hindsight, Caster has managed to form an alliance with Rider while maintaining her own magical energy.

But Archer shakes his head, indicating that it's different. Prefacing that it's not necessarily a mistake, he opens his mouth again.

"Now, let's broaden our perspective a little. Let's focus on why Caster took those actions—why she even considered forming an alliance with other Servants in the first place. If anyone wants to win this Holy Grail War in a proper manner, there will undoubtedly be visible obstacles."

"Berserker."

Saber murmurs, and Archer nods in agreement.

"Among the Heroic Spirits summoned this time, there is no one who can defeat Berserker alone. It is natural for others to consider forming alliances, just like you all do. However, considering what happens after defeating Berserker, it would be better to form an alliance with someone who is easier to control—yes, my Master."

With a mocking grin, Archer looks at Tohsaka. The red-haired magus, with her arms crossed, answers with a serious expression.

I understand what Archer is trying to say. Since the goal of the Holy Grail War is to defeat all the other Servants, the allies we form will eventually need to be defeated as well. Therefore, it is suitable to have a Servant who is less threatening and can be defeated even if they betray us. A Servant who is not too strong and weaker than ourselves—Archer, who has lost his memories and cannot use his Noble Phantasm, is indeed a perfect candidate.

"Lancer doesn't know, but in that regard, Rider fulfills the conditions sufficiently. She is not allied with anyone else, and her Master is inexperienced. She is a moderate combat force and easy to manipulate."

"Even in the battle the day before yesterday, it was probably within Caster's plan. By creating a situation where Rider, who was wounded and on the verge of death, and a Master who had lost her judgment—once that situation was created, Rider had no choice. If she wanted to survive, she had no choice but to seize the offered thread of the spider."

I'm taken aback by Archer's words.

In the battle in the forest two days ago, Lancer hindered Saber, and Caster hindered Archer. I thought it was to help Rider, who needed an alliance. But that wasn't the case. Caster's intention was for Rider to be moderately wounded but still alive. After Rider targeted me and Tohsaka, it was an opportune moment for her. Rider was being monitored by Caster from the beginning.

I didn't know, so there's no use regretting it, and I think it was the best course of action given the situation... But Saber, who fought against Rider, was manipulated by the enemy. She, too, came to the same conclusion as me, and anger distorted her face.

Therefore, the relationship between Caster and Rider is not equal. One could say that Rider, in a sense, is not dead thanks to Caster's mercy. Though she may have had intentions of resistance, for the time being, she has no choice but to rely on Caster.

On the other hand, it is desirable for Caster that Rider is easy to manipulate, but she cannot afford to let her die. Since Caster and Lancer alone cannot break through Berserker, it would be better to have Rider in a moderate condition. The contradiction lies in not fully healing Rider, but still lending a hand in activating the bounded field. Caster wanted to conserve her own combat strength and minimize the risk of betrayal, while also wanting Rider to be in a perfect state.

Archer chuckles, saying that Caster was anxious when Berserker appeared. Although he probably heard the story from Tohsaka and Saber, his clarity of thought is still astonishing. Even from fragments of information, this Heroic Spirit quickly connects the dots and arrives at the truth.

It must have been unexpected for Caster as well that Berserker intervened in that chaotic battle. If that was an expected event, Caster would have allocated resources from the beginning to heal Rider.

If they had formed a proper alliance, they should have expended magical energy to heal Rider, even at the cost of their own. If Rider had been defeated in that situation, there would have been no point in forming an alliance in the first place. They could have defeated Berserker after defeating Saber and me by using the bounded field. The reason they couldn't do that is that they formed an alliance in a twisted manner.

Always anticipating betrayal and being betrayed, maneuvering in a way that temporarily preserves one's advantage—Caster seems to have an extreme lack of trust in others. The fear of immediate betrayal seems to outweigh the overall gain or loss.

Archer decisively concludes with his terrifyingly calm analysis. Even though he has only met Tohsaka and me directly once, he can discern even the character of our Masters. His ability to piece together fragments of information and compile them into meaningful conclusions is extraordinary. Even if he lacks physical abilities or cannot use his Noble Phantasm, this strength is unwavering. Valuable information becomes a superior weapon to anything else.

I can't help but question why I was able to summon a Heroic Spirit like this young man. What common ground is there between this Servant and me as his Master? Wait, the Master?

"Wait a minute. If you're a mage who is so cautious of others, there's no way you would leave your Master behind...!"

As I raise my head, Tohsaka's face contorts with astonishment. She seems to have reached the same conclusion a moment faster than me.

I see... what Archer was saying about the Master all along leads to this. If Caster is so distrustful and wary of betrayal, there's no way she would willingly accept a Master who can command her with Command Seals. And from the Master's perspective, it's hard to believe they would trust a Servant like that. It's only natural that a rift would occur between the two.

However, in reality, Caster is acting freely. Unlike Lancer and Rider, it doesn't seem like there is any other will intervening. In that case, Caster's Master...

"You finally realized it. Caster's Master has most likely been rendered powerless long ago. Either they exhausted their Command Seals, had their free will taken away, or were killed and replaced with a substitute... Regardless, the shackles binding Caster can no longer be felt."

At Archer's insinuation of killing the Master, Saber's face turns pale. It must have been an unimaginable choice for her as an upright knight.

"At this point, the enemy's numbers decrease by one. If she wants to escape the chains that bind her, the most efficient and quick choice is to make the Command Seals useless. It's highly unlikely that a Servant can freely use Command Seals, and it's safe to assume she cannot use any trump cards with Command Seals. At this point, there is a difference of one mage and three Command Seals between us."

So, that's what Archer was referring to as an advantage. Caster cannot fully utilize the Command Seals that even enable Servant teleportation, while we can. It's not something that can be used casually, but the presence or absence of a trump card creates a significant difference. Since there is only Tohsaka as a legitimate mage on our side, reducing the number of mages by one is significant. Since Shinya cannot use magecraft, the only mage we need to be cautious of is Lancer's Master.

The relationship between Caster and Rider is bad, and moreover, it can be said that Caster's Master currently does not exist. According to Saber's account, there was also a lack of coordination between Lancer and Caster, so it remains questionable whether they can effectively utilize the numerical advantage. Although the relationship between Saber and Archer may not be ideal, it is at least not hostile. That's a significant difference.

"You're quite something..." Tohsaka mutters, her eyes widening in surprise. Archer's precise speculation feels like scales falling from her eyes.

Even though I thought we were being pushed into a disadvantageous position, that's not the case in reality. The lack of coordination, the absence of Command Seals, and the number of mages are all factors that cannot be ignored. Just realizing that alone will greatly change the future battles.

Archer is now tracing Caster's mindset and principles of action from her position, connecting them with the known information to draw conclusions. His insight and speed of thought are extraordinary, but it's not impossible for us to do the same. However, it would be challenging to actually execute it. How can I attain the same level of insight as this young man? If I could, I might be able to get closer to being a hero of justice...

"It's about having a broad and wide perspective. Don't fixate on a single direction, mongrel. If you only look down, you'll only see the ground. If you only look back, you'll only see the past."

As I wander in thought, an arrow of crimson pierces through the air. The weight of his words makes my spine involuntarily tense up.

Archer, who always exudes a sense of ease and maintains a detached attitude, for a brief moment, loses that aura. His words are abstract, and it's not easy to grasp what he's trying to convey. However, there is no doubt that Archer, at this moment, uttered those words with a serious intention. What exactly was Archer trying to convey to me?

"Well then, this is as far as the past journey goes. Shall we try to read the future?"

Interrupting my contemplation, Archer continues speaking. I decide to stop pondering for now and listen attentively to the words of the Servant.

"Based on Caster's principles of action and the trend of yesterday's battle, we can predict to some extent how she will move. Hmph, a few more favorable elements will emerge for you guys."

From here on, it seems he wants me to think for myself. After taking a sip of the tea in his cup, Archer falls silent.

Archer, who is a Servant that does not desire the Holy Grail and doesn't even need a Master, as he himself says, is only participating in the Holy Grail War as a kind of pastime. We can't rely solely on Archer's intellect for everything. We have all the information that Archer analyzed regarding Caster and yesterday's battle. If I were Caster, how would I move from now on? Let's try to mimic Archer's way of thinking.

"Cast is most wary of Berserker. However, it's clear that we will have to fight against us before facing Berserker..."

Seiba murmurs quietly, perhaps to organize her thoughts.

Since we couldn't defeat Rider in the battle at school yesterday, we have no choice but to launch a quick attack to seize an opportunity against the Caster faction. Caster should also understand this and will undoubtedly come up with countermeasures accordingly.

If I were Caster... I would definitely want to preserve my own forces. Even if we defeat Saber and Archer, if we lose even one of our own Servants, our defeat would be certain if we can't defeat Berserker. Ideally, I would like to fight Berserker first and defeat him, but that option is not available due to Rider's exhaustion. It must be a headache for Caster to have to fight us before Rider recovers.

Most likely, Caster wanted to defeat either Saber or Archer in the battle yesterday. In reality, if the barrier had been completed and Rider had been in perfect condition, we would have been in a difficult situation. If things had gone according to Caster's plan, we would have lost a Servant and been pushed into a disadvantageous position, while Caster could have slowly prepared for defeating Berserker.

Not sacrificing any of our own Servants, defeating or repelling Saber and Archer—this is Caster's victory condition.

"She actually wanted to defeat us yesterday... But she couldn't defeat Saber, and Berserker's interference prevented her..."

Normally, I wouldn't think of jumping into that situation. However, Berserker... and his Master, Illya, being abnormal turned the Berserker faction into a sudden unpredictable element. Caster, who carefully plans everything, would surely think it unbearable to have her plans disrupted and the situation thrown into chaos.

Somehow restricting Berserker's movements and eliminating uncertainties, then confronting Saber and Archer with one other Servant—there is no need to engage them with three Servants if we fight on our own territory. Yes, if I were Caster, that's what I might do.

"Lancer is also fast, just like Rider. If it's only about restraining Berserker, there shouldn't be any problem even if one Servant is missing."

Tohsaka and Seiba continue, supplementing the discussion as Archer suggests... Gathering the information and summarizing it from the perspective of what would be advantageous if I were Caster, I can predict her actions to some extent.

If we can predict her actions, we can come up with countermeasures. Until now, we have been used by Caster, with our movements predicted, but now it's our turn to do the same. Caster, who used unrelated individuals, caused harm, and even lent a hand in mass slaughter, is an enemy that should be defeated here.

"In other words, there is a high possibility that there is only one Servant besides Caster at the Ryuudou Temple tonight. And that would most likely be Rider, who hasn't fully recovered from her injuries. Although the geographical advantage is on their side, we have Command Seals and my Noble Phantasm. If the number of Servants and Masters is the same, we can consider the battle to be even."

"I thought the situation was bad, but now there's a chance of winning. If we can defeat even one Servant, it's our victory. This time, we'll win for sure."

Tohsaka, now motivated by the discovered opportunity, has a spark of determination in her eyes.

Although this discussion is still speculation, it is a highly plausible scenario. And even if three Servants were waiting for us, we have no choice but to fight. It would be too optimistic to hope that Caster and the others would weaken while we remain silent.

Tohsaka, who has become enthusiastic, and Seiba, burning with anger towards Caster. The atmosphere, which had been gloomy and downcast due to the belief in a disadvantageous situation, suddenly clears up through the analysis of information and a change in perspective. Humans, when they see hope, gain motivation.

"Hmph."

Meanwhile, Archer, who ignited the two and changed the flow of the situation, looks at me intently with a raised corner of his mouth. It seems he's satisfied with at least getting a passing grade.

Truly, he is a man who excels at dominating the situation. He grasps the essence of people and events from the slightest glimpses, understanding them completely. If it were just that, one could attribute it to his intelligence, but this Hero has an exceptionally broad view of the scenes he observes.

It's certain that this man was once a king or a leader in his lifetime. He possesses all the qualities necessary to stand above others. Before his memories return, his true identity remains unknown, but his presence is no less impressive than famous heroes like Heracles and Medusa.

"Well, now that we know how they will act, let's plan our strategy. Rider's hand has been revealed, so we also have moves to make."

Tohsaka, who is determined not to lose again, takes out a map from somewhere. Even if she falls into despair once, her strength lies in always bouncing back and vowing to retaliate. It's a different kind of strength from Saber's noble warrior strength or Archer's self-awareness that surpasses others, but it's still somewhat dazzling.

"We'll make them regret underestimating us!"

Her eyes shining with fighting spirit, Tohsaka declares.

With the discovery of an opportunity, the atmosphere that had been pessimistic and stagnant is now refreshed through the analysis of information and a change in perspective. The skirmish between the two factions, with our two Servants and Caster forming an alliance, is about to begin.

＊＊＊

Evening. After a strategy meeting that lasted several hours, I came to the storage shed alone.

There was still some time before dinner, so we had thoroughly discussed the battle against Caster tonight. I thought I would take advantage of this free time to train in magic, which I had been neglecting.

Since Kiritsugu's death, I had been training constantly every night. However, since the Holy Grail War started, I often couldn't find the time for training, despite it being unavoidable. Suddenly stopping a daily habit was unsettling in itself.

Thanks to Tohsaka, I no longer needed to continue the training that risked my life by creating magic circuits from scratch. But that was just the beginning of my ultimate goal. What I needed to master was reinforcement magic. Maybe it was because of the heightened tension and concentration, but I had easily succeeded in actual combat. However, I needed to test if it was just a fluke.

Ideally, I would have asked Tohsaka, who had been guiding me in magic, to watch over me. But she was preparing for the imminent battle at Ryuudou Temple. It was unfortunate to miss the opportunity to learn magic, but I couldn't ask her to set aside time for me when she was preparing for the battle. I had to do what I could on my own.

"...Still, it hasn't changed here, has it?"

Sitting on the familiar floor, I looked around. Even though my life had drastically changed since being involved in the Holy Grail War, this storage shed remained unchanged.

The mysterious items Fujinee brought. Machines in the process of repair or disassembly. Components that had broken due to failed reinforcement magic. And empty junk created by imperfect projection magic.

At first glance, it looked like a pile of garbage, but I had a fondness for this place. I had spent years here and sometimes even stayed overnight. It could be called my private room. Unlike other places, I felt a sense of calmness and relaxation here.

"But the Holy Grail War started from here..."

That night. Although it had only been a little over a week, it felt like a distant memory due to the intense and condensed time I experienced.

I was cornered by Lancer, and all that awaited me was certain death. Despite thinking that there was no way I could survive, I jumped into the storage shed with a glimmer of hope—and that's where I encountered Archer.

A golden Heroic Spirit filled with confidence and an overwhelming presence. A Servant who had been summoned unintentionally and lost his memories. Like me, he was an irregular existence in the Holy Grail War, but somehow we had managed to come this far.

I had a strong conviction that if I deviated from his intentions, I would undoubtedly be killed. However, as long as I didn't stray from the path, that strange sense of trust made me believe that he would never abandon me.

A hero skilled in governing and leading people. What would happen to our relationship when his memories returned? It would be a lie to say that it didn't concern me... But before the uncertain future, I had to survive the imminent battle.

"Phew..."

I took a deep breath and focused. If I neglected my concentration, the result would be a failed magic. The impact would be directly reflected back onto the practitioner. Magic was always on the verge of death.

"――――"

I regulated my breathing and delved deep into my inner self. As my mind cleared, blurry images began to surface in my mind.

――― A crimson sword.

Lately, whenever I tried to train in magic, this sword would vaguely appear. I had never seen such a strange sword, not even in the world of television... If it appeared repeatedly, it must be an image with some meaning.

Previously, it was not this sword, but a different... a shining golden sword that I saw. When did it change to this crimson sword?

If the golden sword had the beauty of an art piece perfected with craftsmanship, this crimson sword had the dignity of a ruler who governed everything. Just like that golden Servant.

"...No, I need to focus."

I brushed away distracting thoughts. What I should be focusing on now was not the sword.

I should visualize not a sword, but a hammer. When this hammer falls, Shirou Emiya becomes a device to perform magic...

"―――Synchronization Trace, activate."

In an instant, I activated the magic circuits that used to take over an hour to generate. It was simply wasteful to recreate something that already existed every time. By changing that, the effort required for using magic was dramatically improved.

If the problem with the circuits was solved, then the next step was crucial: reinforcement magic. Understanding the structure of the target and enhancing its abilities by channeling magical energy through it. If the hardness of the wooden material in front of me increased, it would be a successful reinforcement.

"―――Analyze structural material."

The wooden material, which I didn't even know where I picked up, was probably dropped at a construction site or somewhere. I grasped the structure of the thin, long piece and searched for gaps to channel magical energy through. If magical energy was not channeled accurately, the wood, which had foreign objects inserted, would not only increase in hardness but also break.

"―――Reinforce structural material."

I carefully flowed my own magical energy into the found gap. Not too much, not too little. The appropriate amount in the appropriate place.

Reinforcement, considered fundamental in magic, was positioned as a beginner's technique. However, it was still difficult for me. It had succeeded strangely in actual combat... But even though I had finished flowing magical energy, there was no sense of accomplishment.

"...!?"

As I opened my eyes wide, something shattered with a cracking sound. The wooden material, which was supposed to have become as strong as a metal bat, had broken halfway in a miserable state.

Had I made a mistake in adjusting the amount of magical energy somewhere, or had I channeled it to a different place? In any case, the result I desired was not achieved. It was better than risking damage to my own body, but I should consider it preferable.

I sighed and stared at the broken wooden material. Then, sunlight shining on the wood was blocked by something, and a shadow fell.

"So, you disappeared. To think you were training. A commendable attitude, mongrel."

I looked up and saw Archer at the entrance of the storage shed. Bathed in the evening sun, the Servant's appearance shone even more brightly as he looked down at me with his arms crossed.

His extraordinary perceptiveness allowed him to instantly see what I had been doing. It felt a bit awkward to be caught in the act of failure.

"I wanted to test it before going into battle, but it didn't go well. It seems to work smoothly in actual combat..."

"Hmm. I've heard that you're an inept magus, but it seems you're still in the middle of training. I'm not so reckless as to tell someone who can't do something to do it... But the enemy won't take your circumstances into consideration. It's best to at least acquire the means to protect yourself."

I thought he would criticize my failure, but his unexpected words surprised me. This man, he would normally say that it's natural to be able to do something like this, and if you can't, then you're disposable... But come to think of it, there's no point in telling someone who can't do it to give it a try. It would be foolish to force someone to do something they're incapable of, especially if they lack the motivation.

With my current abilities, success is rare. It seems that he saw failure as the natural outcome. I wonder if he had seen through that. Well, maybe it's because I'm at a level where I can't even perform proper reinforcement magic...

"Archer, are you actually worried about me?"

"Fool. If even a Master, or whatever you call yourself, is like this, it would disgrace my name as a Servant."

Hmph, he dismissed me with a sharp gaze. Well, I knew from the start that he wouldn't be concerned about someone else. It's typical of Archer, who has more pride than Mount Fuji. It doesn't matter that I'm inexperienced as a magus, but it seems he's concerned that his Master is too weak to protect himself.

Archer's gaze, which was looking down on me, shifted towards the inside of the storage shed. As I continued to sit and look up, Archer casually walked into the shed.

"So, this is your workshop, huh? It's rather shabby. I should bring you some treasures to store here..."

He stopped abruptly as he looked around. There was an unprecedented seriousness on his face, which had been mocking just moments ago. In the tense air that felt like it could be cut with a knife, I couldn't help but hold my breath.

I couldn't even ask what was happening in such an unusual atmosphere. Archer, with narrowed eyes, opened his mouth while focusing on a single point.

"―――What is that, mongrel?"

"That...?"

I followed Archer's gaze. What was lying there was an old stove, empty on the inside.

"Oh, that? It's the one I failed to project during my practice... I can make the appearance look good, but the inside is hollow. It doesn't function at all, just a piece of junk."

"A failure in projection magic?"

After hearing my explanation, Archer furrowed his brow and placed his hand on his chin, deep in thought.

Was he displeased because my magic level was lower than expected? The success rate of reinforcement magic is low, but I can't say that projection magic has been going well either. It looks almost identical on the outside, but it lacks substance on the inside.

I vaguely remember that I was able to project a pair of scissors or something fairly successfully before, but that was probably just a coincidence. I can't create anything decent, only junk, so it's even more useless than reinforcement.

"...Mongrel. Do you understand what you're doing?"

After contemplating for a while, Archer turned to me and asked in a low voice. I was puzzled by the meaning of the question.

"What do you mean...? I'm just practicing reinforcement and projection here. Was there something strange about it? Well, it's true that I've only been failing..."

"I see. You really know nothing, do you?"

Satisfied with my understanding, Archer muttered in a low voice. I couldn't tell what bothered him, but he continued to look at the stove and several other pieces of junk lying around with the same troubled expression. It wasn't anger or joy, just deep contemplation. It was the first time I had seen Archer in such a state.

His reaction went beyond just my magic being shoddy. I didn't know what Archer had discovered, but this Servant had an extraordinary interest in my projections. And it seemed to be accompanied by negative emotions.

"What about that girl? Have you told her about your projection magic? ―――No, in that case, it's impossible for you to be this ignorant. Boy, after tonight's battle, make sure to tell her about those failed creations."

"Ah, alright."

The girl he referred to must be Tohsaka. He wanted me to inform her, the one who guides me in magic... It must mean that it would take quite some time. Archer, what exactly does my failed creations mean to him?

After giving me a glance, Archer turned back and confidently walked out of the storage shed. As I followed his retreating figure without being able to stop him, he suddenly stopped just before leaving the shed. Without looking back at me, only his voice reached my ears.

"Let me tell you one thing, Shirou Emiya... Your true talent lies not in reinforcement, but in projection."

With those words left behind, Archer left the storage shed as the setting sun sank.

"―――Counterfeit Creator, Faker."

＊＊＊

The sun had set, and several hours had passed. The deep and dark forest sank into an unfathomable darkness. There were no signs of any creatures, only silence. Despite the countless trees that filled the area, there was an indescribable unnaturalness, making it a strange and quiet forest.

Located on the outskirts of Fuyuki City, it was the Einzbern Forest, which had become the property of the Einzbern family two hundred years ago during the First Holy Grail War.

The entire forest was enveloped in a barrier, signifying that it was effectively under the control of the Einzbern family. No one would trespass upon this land tainted with their obsession. If there were to be anyone appearing in this place, it would be...

"You insolent rat, trespassing into my forest without permission. I'll make sure to teach you who this forest belongs to."

There was no doubt that the ruler of this forest was the Einzbern girl.

The girl walking with confidence had no fear of the darkness. After all, there was no reason to fear in her own garden. All she felt was a deep disgust for the pests that would trample her garden.

Of course, the girl wouldn't show such hostility towards someone who had simply lost their way. The person who had penetrated the forest's barrier tonight was a clear enemy with a definite purpose. Through her clairvoyance, she had seen that the enemy was unquestionably the Servant Lancer.

If a Servant had invaded, there was no choice but to confront them. Though he knew that he couldn't win alone, the spearman understood that. Why he chose to launch a solitary attack at this point, I couldn't fathom, but if he had challenged, then it was the path that Berserker, as Ilyasviel's Master, should take—to crush him.

Yesterday's battle had ended ambiguously as three Servants escaped using Rider's Noble Phantasm. Ilyasviel had planned to assault Caster's stronghold for another battle, but if the enemy came to them, it would save them the trouble. Moreover, he had chosen to attack alone, so there was nothing to be said except that he was like a moth flying into the flames.

"..."

The accompanying servant remained silent. His madness had robbed him of reason, rendering him incapable of speaking from the start. However, the remnants of intelligence and instinct, even in his lost state of reason, sharply scanned the surroundings.

Lancer, the Servant of Madness Enhancement, was not a weak opponent. However, due to the fame penalty and the weakness of his Master, he couldn't display his true strength and was no match for Berserker. Although he might have been able to contend with Heracles, the demigod hero, if he were in his fully unleashed state, the numerous constraints made it difficult.

But even with his powers diminished, his Noble Phantasm remained intact. The essence of his piercing and deadly spear, Gáe Bolg, resided in its absolute accuracy against its target. If it were Berserker, who was clad in the curse of divine protection, it would be one thing, but if his Master, Ilyasviel, were targeted, there would be no chance. It was instinctively understood, and thus, the great hero was vigilantly on guard against his surroundings.

In legends, the madness of Heracles was said to have led him to throw his own children into the flames and kill them. Even if he were to be consumed by madness once again, that sin and memory were seared into his soul. It was inconceivable for him, a proud hero and also a father, to accept the killing of another innocent child under his protection.

"..."

"What's wrong, Berserker?"

Suddenly, while they were advancing through the dark forest, the Berserker seized the girl. Stepping forward to protect her bewildered Master, Berserker slowly raised his axe-sword.

"They're here."

Even without seeing their form, the heightened instinct of the mad warrior sensed the enemy's presence. Unless they were Assassin-class Servants, it was impossible to evade Berserker's senses.

However, although the presence was confirmed, they didn't know where the enemy was hiding. It would require considerable skill to avoid detection by Berserker at this distance without any presence concealment ability. It was a technique unique to Cu Chulainn, who had spent countless times engaged in unconventional combat.

"..."

Ax-sword in hand, Berserker surveyed the surroundings. If he were alone, he could use his fortitude to blow away the surrounding terrain, but the presence of the snow-covered girl behind him prevented that. If Berserker were to move on his own, it would put her in danger.

Therefore, he waited. He waited for the opponent's move, protecting the young girl who was his Master, and annihilating the enemy.

Without the Master's instructions, even though he had lost his reason, the fact that he could still make tactical judgments was evidence of his noble character. As befitting Greece's mightiest hero, even in his state of madness, he hadn't lost a single bit of his pride.

Berserker, radiating an imposing presence like a mountain range, and Lancer, hiding among the trees. They stood motionless, seeking to discover each other's moves. The tension-filled time, so intense that it made the ears ache, was suddenly torn apart by the sound of cutting wind.

"Take this!"

From directly above, Lancer, holding his magical spear, launched his attack like a falling meteor. His aim was solely the head where the spiritual core resided. The fastest strike, imbued even with the momentum of free fall, exploded upon Berserker. With no time to react, an ordinary Heroic Spirit would have been finished with that spear thrust, but...

"Tch, it still doesn't work...!"

With a high-pitched sound, the attack was repelled, scattering sparks. It couldn't overcome the curse of divine protection, even with a perfectly timed direct hit.

On the other hand, Berserker, who had withstood the fatal blow unscathed, raised his axe-sword to crush the exposed spearman.

"■■■■■■■■■■──────!!!"

The earth exploded. In an instant, as soon as the spearman landed, the swung axe-sword turned into a digging machine, shattering the ground. The impact, which could be mistaken for an earthquake, destroyed the entire area accompanied by shockwaves.

Lancer, who managed to evade the spear being deflected, still showed signs of pain on his face. Though he had managed to dodge, he couldn't completely escape the impact. If hit directly by this weight, not even scraps of flesh would remain.

A mere swing of an axe, equivalent to the strike of a Noble Phantasm. Berserker, who scattered violence to the extent of changing the terrain with a single blow, was a disaster in himself. A legend that said he shattered a mountain range with just his physical strength, one fragment of that legend was materialized here tonight.

"This old man is a bit tough to handle..."

"Oh my. What do you intend to accomplish by coming here to die?"

Lancer distanced himself and wiped off his cold sweat. A cruelly innocent voice was directed at him.

While Lancer was prepared to face death with a single blow, Ilyasviel remained composed. It directly indicated the power dynamics between the two.

The young girl firmly believed that her Servant couldn't possibly lose. It was not complacency or arrogance but a pure fact. There was no way for an ordinary Heroic Spirit to stand against Heracles, who was counted among the strongest Heroic Spirits. And because she knew this better than anyone, Ilyasviel felt no fear. Meanwhile, deep inside, Lancer was grinding his teeth in frustration.

"Enough. I have my reasons too. It's bedtime for kids, so back off."

Lancer waved his hand in a disrespectful manner. Although Ilyasviel was an enemy, there was no order to kill her tonight. Lancer himself wasn't the type to harm women and children willingly, and as long as there was no necessity, he had no intention of engaging with the opponent.

"Lady, you're quite rude with your insults. - Berserker, you can crush him."

Without knowing such inner thoughts, the snow-haired girl, interpreting it as an insult to herself, narrowed her eyes and gave the order to her faithful Servant to kill. The warrior, who had been waiting for his Master's voice after delivering a strike, slowly turned his mad gaze towards Lancer.

The great hero made a slight movement. Just a step, yet it created an illusion as if the entire continent was shaking. The pressure was enough to evoke awe even from the experienced hero, a dog of war from Clan. Though Lancer readied his crimson spear again, even with his magical spear capable of reversing causality, it seemed as insignificant as a twig compared to that colossal figure.

"To buy time against Berserker, huh? - That damn bastard."

Lancer muttered curses under his breath in response to his Master's unreasonable demand. If he weren't bound by Command Spells, he would have thrust his spear a hundred times. He despised his current Master to that extent.

He had responded to the summon to compete with the strong and clash with weapons. However, he absolutely couldn't accept a futile death without accomplishing anything. While fighting Berserker was within his expectations, the order to merely buy time was the height of humiliation for him.

Now that he had allied with Caster, Lancer understood the role assigned to him. Time was crucial for Caster, and if it ran out, Berserker would simply trample over them. As a Lancer who didn't harbor attachment to the Holy Grail itself, he didn't care about what would happen to the displeasing Caster. But when it came to the Master's orders, he couldn't refuse.

Reluctantly, he had come to this forest to fulfill the command. Facing the strongest hero of Greece, his goal was to buy a certain amount of time and survive. That was indeed a different approach to competing in combat, Lancer had forcibly convinced himself. As a hunter and a skilled marksman, Heracles was formidable. If they couldn't escape from him, a fight where they exhausted all their strength would surely take place.

But that fact left a great dissatisfaction. It wasn't a proper one-on-one fight, and that bothered him immensely.

Suddenly, without any warning, Lancer vanished into the darkness, his spear ready. Employing a special footwork, he concealed even his footsteps. To Ilyasviel, who knew nothing about martial arts, it would have seemed as if Lancer had suddenly disappeared.

There was no prospect of winning in a direct confrontation. Attacks utilizing Noble Phantasms were powerless against God Hand's twelve labors. If the goal was to buy time, a frontal assault was out of the question.

Therefore, Lancer chose the tactic of striking and retreating into the darkness. Repeating ambushes and retreats, delaying tactics while hiding. For Cu Chulainn, who had fought against large armies for seven years, it was a familiar strategy.

"I don't know what you're planning... but go after him, Berserker. First, take care of one person here."

"■■■■■■■■■■──────!!!"

Although his form was obscured, Berserker's sensory organs detected Lancer's presence. Despite being in a state of madness, his instincts wouldn't allow him to be attacked twice. To protect the girl standing behind him, the Berserker turned into a demon that would eliminate any and all enemies.

The young girl and the greatest and strongest hero continued their advance through the forest. The ferocious dog of Clan lying in ambush. Would the Berserker smoke out the spearman and crush him, or would the spearman escape before his time was up?

And so, a life-or-death game of hide-and-seek began. Amidst the threads of plots being spun in various places, ahead of the Ryuudou Temple, the flames of a deadly battle were ignited.