Chapter 17: Clash with the Hero King
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[Ding! The question-answering session will begin in ten minutes, please be prepared.]
Chihiro, who had been deeply engrossed in practicing the talismans Zhang Jiao had taught him, was jolted out of his concentration. He'd become so focused that he nearly forgot about the upcoming quiz.
"What's going on?" Zhang Jiao asked curiously, noticing Chihiro's sudden shift in expression.
"The next round of questions is about to start," Chihiro replied, setting aside the brush he'd been using for his talisman practice.
"So, it's the system you spoke of," Zhang Jiao said, his curiosity piqued as he leaned forward. Despite his fascination, he had been unable to perceive Chihiro's system interface no matter what method he tried.
"You summoned me using a reward from this system, didn't you?"
Red Hare chimed in, munching on a carrot as his grin spread impossibly wide. "It truly is something out of this world."
[Ding! New members "Madam" and "General Tiangong" have joined the group chat.]
Chihiro and Zhang Jiao exchanged a glance, momentarily speechless as they read the message.
"So, this is the system…" Zhang Jiao murmured, quickly diving into examining the interface. His excitement was palpable; the system intrigued him beyond measure.
Meanwhile, Red Hare grumbled about not being included, while Chihiro sighed inwardly. This system really seemed intent on revealing his hand. At least Red Hare had remained anonymous for now.
As for "Madam," it was fairly obvious—likely Irisviel. Her identity wasn't hard to guess.
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Madam: "Saber, is this the system you mentioned?"
Artoria: "Yes, Irisviel."
King of Conquerors: "Hahaha, new recruits! Would you like to join my ranks?"
General Tiangong: "Interesting. I wouldn't mind joining a worthy army."
Tohsaka Tokiomi: "Wait… General Tiangong? Are you Zhang Jiao, the great sage of the Three Kingdoms?"
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In Japan, the Romance of the Three Kingdoms was well-known, and Zhang Jiao's title as "General of Heaven" was practically synonymous with his name.
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General Tiangong: "Oh? I didn't expect a foreigner like you to recognize me."
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Hero King: "Is this guy famous?"
At the Tohsaka estate, Tokiomi quickly explained Zhang Jiao's background to Gilgamesh, adopting the manner of a sycophant trying to impress his superior.
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Hero King: "Tch, and who did I think he was? Just some cult leader."
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Gilgamesh's words immediately soured Zhang Jiao's previously amiable expression. The label "cult leader" had always grated on him, and it seemed Gilgamesh had struck a nerve with ease.
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General Tiangong: "And who are you supposed to be?"
He asked, voice laced with irritation, his fingers curling slightly as if preparing to summon a talisman.
Chihiro had to admit, he was impressed at how quickly Gilgamesh could irritate even the most composed individuals. Without hesitation, he filled in Zhang Jiao about the so-called King of Heroes and his grandiose legends.
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General Tiangong: "Hmph, no wonder you speak with such arrogance. You're just a small-time king from a far-off land."
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Hero King: "What nonsense are you spouting, you uncultured cult leader?"
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Compared to the ancient kingdom of Gilgamesh, the vast empires that came after seemed less impressive in their grandeur. His was a realm steeped in legend and antiquity, earning him the title of the oldest king in human history, a title that Chihiro recalled with a faint smirk.
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Hero King: "You dare disrespect me, Yellow Turban bandit?"
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General Tiangong: "Little king, if you think you can demean me with such words, then you are sorely mistaken."
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Chihiro found himself smiling at Gilgamesh's boldness. Zhang Jiao was not one to tolerate being called a bandit.
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Chihiro: "Why, is Zhang Jiao wrong, King of Heroes?" he interjected, a glint of mischief in his eye. "You speak rudely to others without cause. Does that not show a lack of decorum?"
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Hero King: "Ha! You insignificant fool dare lecture me on proper conduct? The King does as he pleases."
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Chihiro: "Well then, if you're so certain of your superiority, why not come prove it here in Fuyuki City?"
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Hero King: "Oh, I intend to, little Master. You and your servant shall bow before me."
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General Tiangong: "Such arrogance, even for a king," Zhang Jiao replied, a sharp tone in his voice. "You will have to go through me first if you wish to touch my Master."
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Tohsaka Tokiomi: "Master?! So, you really are Chihiro's Servant!"
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Waver: "Chihiro, did you actually replace that creep from before?"
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Chihiro: "Of course I did."
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Waver: "Then Zhang Jiao is your Caster."
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Hero King: "How convenient, you've made yourselves easier to find. Save me the trouble of searching."
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Chihiro: "We'll see if you can back up those words when the time comes," he shot back confidently. Then, noticing someone's conspicuous silence, he added: "@Tohsaka Rin, you've been quiet today. Didn't you use to argue back with Gilgamesh?"
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Gilgamesh paused, seeming momentarily caught off guard by the sudden change of topic.
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Chihiro: "Gilgamesh, did you do something to silence the little girl?"
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Hero King: "What?!"
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Chihiro: "Even picking on children now, huh? You really are shameless."
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King of Conquerors: "King of Heroes, is that true? Do you harass children as well?"
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Artoria: "There's no honor in threatening a child."
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Hero King: "Cease your wild speculations! I did no such thing!"
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Tohsaka Tokiomi quickly intervened to clarify, "No, Rin was simply told to remain quiet and learn some manners."
It was true. Gilgamesh hadn't harmed Rin but had given her a scare. Tokiomi had contemplated sending his family away from Fuyuki City for safety but ultimately decided against it, fearing Matou Zouken might try to abduct Sakura again if they left.
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Chihiro: "@Tohsaka Rin, if you're not being coerced by Gilgamesh, just blink twice."
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Tohsaka Tokiomi: "..."
Hero King: "..."
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In a text-based chat, the suggestion was absurd, and both men were momentarily dumbstruck by Chihiro's taunt.
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[Ding! The first question is about to begin!]
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[This is a multiple-choice question. Please watch the following video and then answer accordingly.]
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The video began playing, displaying the Fuyuki City docks under the cover of night. Diarmuid stood with two spears wrapped in cloth, facing Artoria, who wore a sleek black suit, while Irisviel stayed close behind her.
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"I've wandered around the city all day, but no one else would accept my challenge. You, however, answered my call," Diarmuid said, his tone carrying a hint of frustration. "You are Saber, correct?"
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"Yes," Artoria replied, her gaze meeting his evenly. "And you must be Lancer."
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Diarmuid's brow furrowed as he answered, "Indeed. But it's disappointing that we cannot even exchange our names as true knights should. This kind of battle is… beneath us."