Chapter 528: The Complete Lesser Grail

Facing Semiramis's provocation, Karna calmly spoke:

"Although the Master has indeed changed, the person who decided to summon me and sought my help is undoubtedly one of those Masters. Moreover, even as my Master faces impending physical demise, he still desires the Holy Grail. Given that, I can only fight for him with my spear. That is my wish, and it is also the reward for my summoning."

"So, you intend to continue serving your previous Master? What nonsense! Great hero Karna, that is a foolish choice."

Perhaps seeing his words as a declaration of opposition, Semiramis's expression grew severe.

Karna showed no fear and simply declared calmly:

"Call me whatever you like; it doesn't matter to me. But that's overestimating me, Empress of Assyria. I'm just a mere spear."

Everyone present, except Shirou, was momentarily speechless. Those who had gained knowledge from the Holy Grail were well aware of what a rare hero he was.

If such a statement came from anyone else, they would undoubtedly be enraged or mock the person, as excessive humility can turn into self-deprecation and ridicule.

But when he said it, it was entirely genuine, coming from his heart. He truly believed it and was firmly convinced of it.

"As expected of the 'Hero of Charity'; this level of selflessness might even surpass Saint Jeanne d'Arc. Though it's a bit different from what I imagined, it's fine. I'm counting on you."

"Though the positions have changed, the fundamental route of the enemy coming here to seize the Holy Grail hasn't. Given that, my spear just needs to continue felling the enemies. Moreover, this aligns with my wish and is currently the best choice. I will give it my all and turn anyone who comes to seize the Holy Grail into ashes."

A wish? Could it be that this seemingly selfless Lancer also harbors a desire for the Holy Grail?

Semiramis and Shakespeare were slightly shaken, but only Shirou understood.

"You mean a rematch with the Black Saber Siegfried."

"That's right. Because when we fought in the initial battle, he requested it."

That was an endless fight, an unending clash of swords and spears.

The divine spear repeatedly inflicted wounds on the immortal dragon scales, while the phantasm sword continuously slashed through the seemingly invincible golden armor.

It was neither a tragic slaughter nor a battle of hidden strengths. Both sides fought with all their might, miraculously keeping the scales of power balanced.

The few hours until dawn felt like fleeting moments.

Seeing the anticipation in Karna's eyes, Shirou gladly agreed: "I will create an opportunity for you two to fight fairly, without any interruptions."

Karna nodded slightly to express his gratitude: "Then let me ask, Shirou Kotomine, how do you plan to use the Greater Holy Grail to 'destroy the world'?"

"Oh, that. Simply put, it's about using the basic application of the Third Magic that created the Greater Holy Grail—materializing souls and eliminating the concept of death—to create a world where everyone is happy."

Hearing such an extraordinary wish, Karna showed no surprise. Instead, he appeared somewhat puzzled.

"I see. Birth, death, and lifespan are fundamental attributes of humanity. Changing these would, in a sense, make humans no longer human. It can indeed be seen as the destruction of the world. However, from another perspective, it is a form of salvation for all humanity. I cannot judge whether your approach is good or bad for humanity, but I believe some heroes will be moved by this wish. Since you need strength to fend off the interference of the Counter Force, why use the term 'destroy the world,' which is most repulsive?"

"To showcase the charm of language, the same thing can be explained in different ways. Ah, you are the greatest master—"

"Sikera Ušum!"

"Woo woo woo—"

Semiramis finally couldn't tolerate Shakespeare's unrestrained mouth any longer, and she administered a poison that paralyzed his vocal cords. Then she complained to Shirou.

"Exactly, Master. If you didn't use such phrasing to push everyone to the opposite side, you wouldn't have to worry about retrieving the Lesser Grail."

"I'm not worried about that at all."

Shirou's relaxed attitude piqued everyone's curiosity.

"Huh?"

"Do you have some clever plan?"

"Of course not. I just made some preparations in advance. Do me a favor and move that stone box from my room here."

"No problem."

Hearing this, Semiramis casually pointed her finger twice. A one-meter-square stone box, adorned with various Holy Seals, appeared in front of Shirou.

Shirou patted the surface of the box and gave Semiramis a peculiar look: "I know you've been curious about what's inside but couldn't open it."

Semiramis turned her head away: "That's because back then, there was no courtyard where I could exert my full power, and I didn't have enough time."

"But your knowledge of magic shouldn't be affected. Unlocking this doesn't require immense magical power or grand rituals—or is it that you're only good at brute force and not fine manipulation?"

Embarrassed by Shirou's blunt remark, Semiramis blushed and huffed: "Nitpicking, not like a man."

"Alright, no more jokes. This is the Holy Ark, a sacred treasure passed down through the church for many years. It's said to be a replica of the Ark of the Covenant used to store the Ten Commandments of God, specifically made for storing precious relics—if it were so easily cracked, the church's treasures would have been stolen by various heretics or magus long ago."

As Shirou spoke, he removed the Holy Shroud draped over his shoulders and covered the top of the Holy Ark with it.

With a soft "click," the top lid of the Holy Ark flipped open, followed by the four stone walls unfolding outward, revealing its golden contents. The gleaming gold, contrasted against the falling red Holy Shroud, was particularly dazzling.

"This, this is—"

With the eyesight of the Servants, mere golden light couldn't obstruct their vision. That's why they were shocked, as it was a golden cup, identical to the legendary Holy Grail that held the blood of God.

Shirou caught the falling Holy Shroud and used it to lift the golden cup.

"Ladies and gentlemen, behold—this is the complete Lesser Grail, a necessary component to operate the Greater Grail."