Chapter 87

Watching Shirou's strange expression, Rin didn't bother to explain the friendship between Shinji and Lancer in detail. The fact that their friendship was forged over a VIP nightclub card was something she'd never admit, even under duress.

When Rider heard this, she glanced slightly at the resting Shinji nearby.

Friendship with Lancer?

What's that about?

I used a Noble Phantasm on him for your sake yesterday, and now you're talking about male camaraderie?

Unaware of Rider's thoughts, Shinji was still pondering how to break the deadlock.

Currently, Archer, that sly schemer, if it came down to a fight, would aim to reap the greatest benefits, potentially hoping for a battle where he could emerge as the final victor. Saber, on the other hand, would likely follow Shirou's suggestion, who in his current state of trying to rescue Shinji would first target Rider.

And as for Rin...

"First it was Caster, now it's Rider," Rin clenched her fists, her expression grim. "One after another, they're involving ordinary people."

"Tohsaka, now..." Shirou began hesitantly.

"Yeah, I know." Rin looked at Shinji, gritting her teeth with a mix of frustration and helplessness. "Let's team up for now. I can't believe that idiot has been dragged into this twice already..."

Shirou's face became serious, and he nodded.

"Saber, please!"

Saber didn't respond, still alert to both Lancer and Archer. In this situation, it was hard to believe no one had ulterior motives for the alliance.

At the same time, Lancer seemed to notice Saber's concerns and stepped forward, speaking.

"Listen up, my target is just that woman. Whether you get involved or not doesn't matter, but if you plan to pull any tricks during the fight, be ready to become my mortal enemy tonight!"

"Hmph!" Archer snorted disdainfully once again, full of contempt.

To Shinji, this sounded like a clear confession of Archer's treachery. Lancer was unbothered by such things, Saber remained cautious, and Rin...

"Listen, Archer, don't act on your own. Our primary task is to deal with Rider and resolve the chaos caused by involving ordinary people. That's also the duty of the Tohsaka family!"

"I understand."

Archer agreed, though his true thoughts were known only to himself. Rin hadn't used a Command Spell to enforce the order.

Given a chance to eliminate multiple enemies, Shinji believed Archer wouldn't easily pass it up.

The sound of chains pulled Shinji from his thoughts.

Seeing Rider, weapon in hand and ready to fight, Shinji realized the situation.

Wait! How did it turn into a three-on-one suddenly?

Though one opponent was scheming Archer, it was still three against one!

In this situation, if Rider used her Mystic Eyes, she might not be at a disadvantage.

Lancer was still bound by the Command Spell preventing him from killing Servants. Archer, being a traitor, wouldn't fight with full strength and couldn't withstand Rider's Mystic Eyes... Saber couldn't receive proper magical energy, and her overall stats were currently lower than Rider's. If she was hit by the Mystic Eyes and all her stats dropped...

The more Shinji thought, the more he realized Rider had a decent chance of winning!

Of course, Shinji wasn't aware that Rider and Lancer's earlier encounter meant Lancer could now fight Rider with full strength.

Rider herself believed she had a chance of winning if she used her full power with the Mystic Eyes…

But she didn't plan to use full power immediately. She wanted to show off a bit in front of her "Master" (as she perceived Shinji) and assess the situation first.

Moreover, in this narrow alley, her agility was an advantage. The only real threat was Lancer's Noble Phantasm.

She had to avoid Gáe Bolg's heart-piercing strike by either keeping her distance or using her Mystic Eyes before he unleashed it. Her luck wasn't high enough to survive a direct hit.

Facing her opponents, Lancer kept a close watch on Rider, viewing her as his target. Saber gradually shifted her focus towards Rider as well. As for Archer, despite his scheming thoughts, he drew his twin swords at Rin's command, ready for action.

Shinji was baffled. What are you doing?

Are you really going to fight in this narrow alley?

What's wrong with you?

Do you want to save me or kill me?

How did it come to this?

If Bazett knew, she'd be in tears!

Shinji pondered the situation again. A fight might not cause any early exits, but it would surely damage the surrounding buildings significantly.

And who would pay for the reconstruction? Him!

Even if it saved some demolition costs, real estate in Japan wasn't profitable!

This must not be allowed!

Wait, Shinji suddenly sensed something.

"Rider, someone is watching us..."

Hearing his telepathic message, Rider looked around.

"Hmph, hiding like a coward, disgusting witch."

(Caster, clutching her crystal ball: Ah! So frustrating! Who's a witch? Your whole family's witches!)

Rin, catching on, looked around.

"Could it be?"

"Yes, the witch is likely spying on us," Archer nodded.

(Caster: Can you all shut up?!)

"Witch? What witch, Tohsaka?" Shirou asked.

Rin, thinking it over, decided to tell the truth: "Someone is watching our fight, probably Caster, the one behind the recent coma incidents, hiding in Ryuudou Temple."

(Caster: Damn it!)

"What?!" Shirou was shocked, his expression serious. "There's a witch in Ryuudou Temple causing those incidents…"

(Caster: ****! ****! ****!)

"If you don't want to reveal your trump cards, retreat now! The enemy likely doesn't want to fight under surveillance either!"

"This is the only chance to retreat without fighting!"

Shinji telepathically urged Rider again.

"So disgusting, that witch," Lancer sneered at Caster's actions.

(Caster: Do you all have to say something?!)

After a brief deliberation, Rider made her final decision.

Two minutes later...

High in the sky, feeling the wind rush past, Shinji, held by Rider around his waist, looked down at the passing buildings in silence. After a while, he telepathically complained.

"Why did you take me with you when you ran?!"

Rider realized her mistake.

Isn't it normal to take your Master when escaping?

I just acted on instinct.

Hmm... what now?

No wonder they've been chasing us…