Chapter 151

After hearing Rider's invitation, Lancer, displaying his excellent manners, expressed that he couldn't curse, but told Rider to go back to where he came from. At the same time, he seized the opportunity to show his loyalty to Kayneth, stating that he would only offer the Holy Grail to his new master.

As for Saber, she was more direct and blunt, stating that interrupting the honorable duel between knights just to say such nonsense meant Rider must be itching for a fight!

While Shinji was slowly corroding the support column of the crane with his natural, non-polluting corrosive agent, he silently echoed Lancer's sentiment in his mind—how predictable.

Seeing their refusal, Rider scratched his head in frustration before having another idea.

"The terms can be negotiable..."

"Shut up!" ×2

Interrupted by both simultaneously, Rider sighed like a child who couldn't get the toy he wanted.

Next, Saber introduced herself as the King of Britain, emphasizing that not even a king could make her bow. However, Rider, misunderstanding her intention, joyfully exclaimed how surprised he was that the famous King of Knights was a little girl.

Saber, infuriated, raised her sword and sternly asked if Rider wanted to be cut down by the "little girl" he mocked.

As Rider struggled with the failure of his negotiation, a comedic scene unfolded with Waver, who had skipped class, being caught by his teacher, resulting in social death.

Having completed his preparations and returned to Kiritsugu's side, Shinji watched the flustered Waver with rare empathy. After all, getting caught smoking in the bathroom or sneaking out to play games by a teacher is nerve-wracking, let alone "borrowing" money and being caught.

However, Shinji quickly shifted his focus to Kayneth, who he could see from his vantage point.

... Aren't you cold? Just wearing a T-shirt? Is it because she bought it?

Seeing Kayneth in what looked like a cheap white T-shirt, Shinji mentally applauded his devotion to Sola.

True love, no doubt.

Rider then started protecting Waver and began a full-scale taunt!

"Cowards who are afraid to show their faces, you shall be scorned by the King of Conquerors, Iskandar—!"

Shinji wholeheartedly agreed, mentally criticizing the cowardly adults hiding in the shadows.

Bunch of sneaky bastards! Disgusting! I despise you!

As for himself? He was just a seventeen-year-old kid! The most important thing for kids is to distinguish right from wrong and learn to protect themselves, which he already did. That's enough!

After Rider's shout, a golden light appeared, causing a slight intimidation among the observers.

But—

No one was truly surprised. The fourth Servant's appearance due to Rider's provocation was inevitable.

However, the fact that four Servants had gathered before a major battle was daunting, making it impossible to predict the development of events.

Shinji immediately hid in the shadows. His invisibility cloak might not work against this king, as his treasury likely held such items too!

"Do not disregard me, and dare to call yourselves 'kings' in my presence. Two have emerged in one night."

Appearing atop a ten-meter-high lamppost, a figure clad in golden armor spoke disdainfully.

Simultaneously, Waver, Kayneth, and Kiritsugu, hidden with his rifle, instantly recognized the Servant who had slain Assassin!

When Rider asked for his name, Gilgamesh, furious, declared that anyone who dared claim kingship before him and didn't recognize him deserved death!

Gilgamesh's sides were soon surrounded by a fiery, peculiar aura—swords and spears materialized in the air, shimmering with intense magic. Clearly not ordinary weapons, but Noble Phantasms!

At this moment, Shinji felt it was time to remind everyone about the remaining Assassin who hadn't yet made his entrance.

Squeak—

Boom!!!

The sudden event caught everyone off guard.

The crane collapsed, bringing Assassin down to the spotlight, and a floodlight malfunctioned, casting a bright light on him.

Everyone was dumbfounded by this unique and spectacular entrance!

The most bewildered was Assassin himself.

He couldn't understand what had just happened. One moment he was feeling dazed (spiritually invaded), the next his connection with his Master was severed (isolated barrier), and then he knew nothing.

Upon regaining consciousness, he found himself center stage, basking in the best light, and instantly became the focus of everyone's attention!

From a shadowy figure unnoticed by anyone, he was thrust into the spotlight!

This feeling... so confusing.

"Um..." Rider looked at the brightly lit Assassin, scratching his head. "Though I said to come out if you were spying, this entrance is a bit... too much? You've overshadowed us all."

"That's not the point!" Waver loudly interjected, then looked at the spotlighted Assassin. "That's... Assassin! I saw Assassin being eliminated..."

Before Waver finished, Gilgamesh's Noble Phantasm pierced Assassin!

Boom!!!

The explosion was accompanied by Gilgamesh's furious roar.

"A mere insect dares stand in the light! A mere insect interrupts me! A mere insect... damn you!!!"

Meanwhile, in the Tohsaka mansion's basement, Tokiomi's composed demeanor faltered.

"Kirei, what's happening?! Why is Assassin..."

"I'm very sorry, teacher. I'm not sure either. But based on our connection, Assassin seemed momentarily distracted..."

Tokiomi didn't believe Kirei's explanation but decided not to pursue it. More pressing matters awaited.

Back at the port, everyone's attention was on the spotlighted area. Beneath the surface, they pondered why Assassin was alive.

Quickly, they deduced that Assassin's earlier death was a ruse.

—A staged act between Gilgamesh and Assassin!

However, besides the fearless King of Conquerors, no one dared question the seemingly enraged Gilgamesh.

"So, that flashy guy, Assassin and you..."

Before Rider could finish, Gilgamesh, enraged, shouted, "Mongrel! Do you dare question me?!"

Gilgamesh's anger towards Tokiomi flared. With Assassin's appearance, everyone would suspect their collusion in a deceitful act.

Gilgamesh couldn't tolerate being seen as someone using underhanded tricks because of a magician's ploy!

Unforgivable!

Only by killing everyone present could he quell part of his rage!

Tohsaka, you're in for it!

You will face my wrath!

Seeing the furious Gilgamesh, Rider lightly laughed, "I can tell it's not your fault. You seem to have a Master that doesn't align with you, huh? Ahahaha..."

Shinji, hidden, mentally applauded Rider's emotional intelligence.

Only such words could slightly appease Gilgamesh's anger. Any mistrust or questioning would provoke Gilgamesh's full-force attack!

That's his nature, unlike me.

I don't care about accusations as long as I didn't do it.

"Humph!" Gilgamesh crossed his arms and coldly snorted, his rage slightly diminished by Rider's words. However, more Noble Phantasms materialized around him.

In the Tohsaka mansion, fully aware of Gilgamesh's temper, Tokiomi was in a tight spot. Without a Command Seal, Gilgamesh would rampage against three Servants.

Using a Command Seal would deepen Gilgamesh's anger, making it even harder to appease him!

Sending another personality from the Hundred-Faced Hassan, Kirei urged, "Teacher, make a decision quickly. Archer is about to act..."

Tokiomi, rubbing his forehead, was truly torn. How did things get to this point? Where did it go wrong?

"Teacher! Archer is about to strike! Make a decision quickly!"

Kirei's voice grew more urgent through the magical speaker, and Tokiomi clenched his fist, finally deciding.

"By the Command Seal, I order you, Heroic Spirit Gilgamesh, to calm your rage and retreat. I pledge on my life that Assassin's appearance was a mistake..."