Writhing Fangs

"What are you standing there blankly for? You came here to fight, didn't you, Emiya?"

Although I should have known... my mind doesn't quite grasp this absurd sight. He is... To the shocking realization that Tohsaka was indeed my Master, I stand dumbfounded. I had considered the possibility that Shinji might be the Master, but I didn't want it to be true. Now that hope has been shattered, I, with only a fragile determination, am greatly shaken.

Unable to stop trembling, I drop the broomstick I was holding. Realizing the urgency of the situation, I tightly clench my fist to calm my chaotic self. Then, I turn to face Shinji directly and ask for final confirmation.

"Shinji. Are you really the Master?"

"Huh? Why are you saying something like that now? Can't you see? You're the Master too, Emiya."

With a disdainful shrug of his shoulders, Shinji shows me something like a magic tome he's holding. It's as if he's a child showing off a toy, yet at the same time, it gives off an incredibly twisted vibe.

Other than that, Shinji doesn't seem particularly different. He stands there as if it's only natural, with a smile on his face. In other words... Shinji Matou, without any hesitation, aimed for my life and Tohsaka's life, despite us being his classmates.

"Why did you target Tohsaka?"

"Huh? Are you really that stupid? This Holy Grail War is a battle to the death. So, there's only one thing to do, right?"

With a deeply mocking expression, Shinji answers my question.

Shinji's ability to casually mention the taboo of killing is abnormal, but in the world of magi, I'm the one who stands out as an anomaly. As long as this Holy Grail War operates under the rules of magi, from that perspective, what Shinji says is correct. Although we can never coexist, I understand that it is normal for them.

However, even if I concede that, it's unacceptable to harm other students besides us, the Masters.

"In that case, you should have just targeted us. Why did you attack that girl student?"

"Well, I'd rather not do something like that either. Those Servants are quite a hassle to maintain, you know. You and Tohsaka just happened to get caught up in it. For those Servants, humans are perfect prey. If you want to strengthen your Servant, you should catch some people around here."

What's wrong with him? While saying such deranged things, Shinji laughs joyfully.

Humans are prey, he says?

For something so trivial. Is he saying that he attacked unrelated people for that...?

"Shinji... Are you serious?"

"Of course. That's the rule, you know. This is it. Should I call it the food chain? Humans eat pigs and cows. Servants devour humans. And weak Servants are defeated by stronger Servants."

According to him, it's only natural for humans to be devoured by Servants. I grit my teeth. Something is wrong. This friend standing before me has fundamentally changed.

With the incident involving the girl student and Shinji's words, I am convinced. Shinji is the culprit behind the incident that left Mitsuzuri in a coma. No, it's not just that. The Master who set up a barrier at this school without considering humans as humans is most likely this man.

I have to stop him. Shinji Matou has become completely distorted, to a point where it's too late. A decent person would never consider attacking others, and a proper magus would never engage in acts that directly challenge the principle of mystic secrecy.

In other words, this human who commands a Servant is neither an ordinary person nor a magus. He is a detestable criminal who has discarded the notion of ethics.

"That's not right, Shinji. Do you realize what you've done? Stop it immediately."

"Stop? Hey, what are you saying, Emiya? Without magical energy, those Servants won't be able to move properly. Try walking around with useless people like them, and I'll be the prey of other Servants in no time. I can't do something so terrifying."

"Even so, it's absolutely wrong to attack unrelated people. You should know the difference between right and wrong, don't you?"

"You're so persistent. Who do you think you are, ordering me around?"

Shinji's eyes, which were smiling pleasantly, darken with a threatening aura.

"Frankly, it pisses me off. That side of you trying to act like a good person."

Shinji opens the book he held in his right hand, and an immense magical power emanates from its pages. It is a dense, malevolent entity that is unsuitable for someone without magical abilities.

According to Tohsaka, Shinji has no aptitude for magecraft. Moreover, he doesn't even possess magical circuits. That thing Shinji holds in his hand is probably a magic item to compensate for such weaknesses.

With hostility directed towards me, Shinji wields his empty left hand as if commanding something. In response, something akin to shadows gushes forth from the darkened ground. The shadows stand upright and converge like blades. What I witnessed earlier was akin to crawling guillotines.

With the rising black blades in tow, Shinji's face transforms into a ferocious one. Is he underestimating me? He looks down on me with a gaze that confronts me head-on.

"You won't understand your position unless you experience pain."

The flickering blades. The weapon that cuts everything it touches without exception awaits Shinji's command. Seeing Shinji directing his intent to kill without any hesitation... I finally understand that there are no more options left.

No, it's futile. Shinji has completely abandoned the idea of a peaceful resolution. An opponent who cannot be reasoned with is like a wall. No matter how much I try to communicate, it only bounces back fruitlessly.

Nonchalantly taking lives without remorse, not even bothering to listen to my words. If I leave Shinji alone, more innocent people will become victims like that girl student. I have to find a way to stop him.

But there's something I want to make sure of first. I had suspicions before that Shinji might be involved in these incidents. If Shinji truly doesn't mind involving third parties, I have to ask this question.

"...Before that, let me ask you something. The school's barrier and the missing person incidents. Did you do those?"

Perhaps my question caught him off guard. For a moment, Shinji shows a bewildered expression.

If Shinji isn't fighting as a mage, it's highly likely that he's involved in these two incidents, which are far from common sense for mages. I don't want to believe that Shinji would go that far, but I wanted to confirm it here.

However, Shinji, who seemed dazed by how he received my question, suddenly bursts into laughter.

"Oh, you still haven't realized? Yeah, that's right. The school's barrier is the work of my Servant."

"Seriously, those Servants are monsters, aren't they? They can easily create something like that. Whether there are ten or a hundred students, it doesn't matter to them."

Shinji seeks agreement as he laughs. His abnormality is evident in how he enjoys discussing the barrier that involves hundreds of people as if it were a joke. It's not just the fact that he set it up, but his demeanor itself feels eerie.

Ignoring my growing anger due to the terrifying nature of his words and Shinji's detached attitude, I throw another question.

"In that case, did you also attack Mitsuzuri?"

"Huh? Hey, don't compare that idiot with me."

This time, Shinji's mouth twists into an unpleasant expression. In response, the summoned shadows sway.

...Something's off. Has Shinji always been someone whose emotions fluctuated so greatly?

"Whoever did it, they're pretty stupid to make it into the news. If they were going to do it, they should have done it more discreetly. It's like spreading the word that 'Servants are doing it.'"

Ignoring my sense of unease, Shinji continues talking at length. However, a particular remark catches my attention, making me tilt my head in confusion.

Considering Shinji's loss of composure, it's hard to believe he's lying. It's probably true that he doesn't know about the missing person incident.

However, there's a contradiction between the words he just uttered and the crimes he most likely committed. He may be able to come up with excuses for the as-yet-undeployed barrier, but he shouldn't be in a position to mock the perpetrator of the missing person incident.

"In that case, why did you attack Mitsuzuri? You should have made sure it went unnoticed."

"Hmph. You guys were just too clueless. I gave you a hint, you know?"

"...A hint?"

"Yeah. You and Tohsaka never realized that I was the Master, right? I felt sorry for you, so I decided to give that annoying girl a taste of it, and I threw in a little extra. I was surprised that even after that, you guys didn't come to me. So, it can't be helped. I was planning to make it a bit more obvious, and then you guys happened to take the bait."

Shinji revels in his sense of superiority, spilling information one after another. His behavior, willingly sharing things that don't need to be said, is completely different from his usual self. One could say he's high on something. No, even before that, Shinji's actions are just too strange.

First of all, Shinji is ignoring the fact that he's in a disadvantageous position. While Shinji has only one Servant, Saber and Archer are on our side. Moreover, Saber can hold her own against Berserker, showing her strength. There's no way he can win by confronting us directly. Despite that, Shinji doesn't hide himself, but rather deliberately exposes himself.

Even if Shinji's Servant was a formidable opponent on par with Berserker, I could understand his confidence. However, that Servant I saw, who was easily overwhelmed by Saber, is probably the weakest among the Heroic Spirits I've encountered. They wouldn't stand a chance against us in a one-on-one, let alone a two-on-one battle.

Mocking the other Masters who made tactical mistakes while drawing attention to himself. He puts himself in a disadvantaged position despite the clear disparity in strength. Shinji's words and actions are filled with contradictions, making them hard to comprehend. At the very least, it's impossible to think that he's thinking strategically. Even the current situation where Shinji and I confront each other is nothing but a product of chance, not a cunning plan.

Without noticing my questioning gaze, Shinji continues to smile smugly.

"Well, it was lucky after all. If you didn't realize it, I was thinking of going after Fujimura next."

"What... did you say about Fujimura?"

"She was annoying from the start. So, at this point, I thought I'd get rid of her along with Mitsuzuri. If Fujimura got attacked, even a slowpoke like you, Emiya, would have noticed, and it would have been killing two birds with one stone. Well, since you came to me on your own, it saved me the trouble."

"...You."

My voice trembles. I can't even begin to fathom Shinji's thoughts. Right now, I'm desperately trying to suppress my anger.

This guy has set up a barrier that will involve a large number of people, has taken the life of a classmate like Mitsuzuri, and was even planning to prey on Fujimura. And all of that just because he found them unpleasant.

"Hey, you know what? I'm getting sick of your attitude. You should start recognizing your place."

Shinji says something, but it's just noise to me right now.

This man has crossed a line that should never be crossed. By stepping into that territory, Shinji Matou is no longer a Master, but a despicable outlaw who has strayed from the path of humanity.

--There's no choice but to defeat him.

A switch flips in my brain. Emiya Shirou clearly recognizes the presence in front of him as an "enemy."

"--It's you who should recognize your place, Shinji."

"Huh? Damn, you're so annoying..."

Shinji's angry voice. Along with it, the blades of shadow approach, cutting through the ground. Once I'm struck by those, my body will be split in two.

...However, I couldn't even feel fear towards that. It seemed insignificant to me.

What comes to mind is Saber's bamboo sword that crushed me. In the face of her speed that I couldn't even react to, let alone see, I would have been easily killed in a real fight, likely exceeding three digits.

And the giant sword of Berserker that literally sliced through my body. Heavier than a rock, faster than the wind, that sword shattered iron with just its sword pressure, overwhelming Saber, who was a sword-wielding Heroic Spirit.

But the blade in front of me has neither speed nor strength. I couldn't find any reason to fear its empty threat of being able to cut.

"Hmph--!"

I dodge in two steps and charge straight towards Shinji. My clenched fist creaks as I tighten it.

"...Huh?"

Shinji freezes in surprise. I deliver an unrelenting blow, striking him without mercy.

"Ga--!?"

Whether his lip was cut or not, Shinji is sent flying, blood spurting from his mouth. Unable to even take a defensive stance, he crashes into a tree towering behind him and falls down ungracefully.

Approaching him slowly as he tries to get up from the ground, I glare directly at him.

"Hii... Y-You..."

Shinji retreats in fear. Blood flows from his lips, and the expression that was filled with confidence just moments ago is completely shattered.

"This is the end. Stop attacking people, Shinji."

"Y-You're annoying. If Rider was here, you wouldn't..."

Shinji glares back at me. Just as I try to corner him further... something rolls towards us, crushing the trees and rolling across the ground with a thunderous noise.

Shinji's eyes widen. What is lying on the ground a few meters away from us, just like Shinji, is... the purple-haired Servant who was supposed to have been fighting Saber with her sword just moments ago. She must have been defeated by Saber. The nail sword she held in her right hand is bent from the middle, and deep wounds that seem to have been inflicted by a sword are carved from her left shoulder to her chest.

Even to the casual observer, it's clear that this Servant is on the verge of death. She shows signs of trying to get up, but the wounds are too deep for her to even stand. The amount of blood flowing is a reflection of the damage she has suffered.

"Hey, that's a lie... What the hell is Rider doing!?"

A sudden outburst. Overwhelmed by the sight in front of him, Shinji stands up vigorously as if he had forgotten about my presence, looking down on the Servant he called Rider with a gaze filled with hatred.

Rider. I see, that Servant is the Rider-class mounted warrior.

"Who told you to come and get killed!? Are you kidding me... Why did you get defeated by that kind of Servant? Huh!?"

Shinji berates Rider like a tantrum-throwing child. He neither treats her injuries nor helps her up, but just shouts angrily at the Servant.

More than anger, I feel a sense of resignation towards his excessive frenzy. Even though his own Servant is injured, he doesn't show any sympathy. It's a nauseating situation that makes you want to sympathize with Rider, even though she's the enemy, and feel disgusted.

"Don't joke around, don't joke around, don't joke around!!!! Servant, can't you even follow my orders!?"

"--That's enough, Rider's Master. You have no chance of winning anymore."

Perhaps getting tired of Shinji's ugly behavior, Saber, who holds the invisible sword, appears from the bushes. Shinji's face is filled with fear at her presence, exuding a sense of calm confidence.

"Hii--!? Hey, hurry up and stand up, Rider...! It's your job to protect me, right? Hurry up!"

"Ahh... Guh...!"

Desperately trying to lift her body in response to Shinji's scream, Rider reaches out her right hand and pushes it into the ground. But her strength gives out at that moment, and she collapses with a thud.

It's impossible. Rider doesn't have the strength to fight, let alone support her own body. It's a wound that would kill a human instantly, and it would be close to a fatal wound even for a Servant. If she's not treated immediately, it's obvious that she will die. And yet, due to her Master's reckless orders, Rider continues to wear herself down. Ironically, only Shinji, Rider's Master, doesn't understand this.

The battle is over, even though they're enemies. Unable to bear the sight any longer, I speak to Shinji.

"Shinji, enough..."

"Surrender, Rider's Master. Revoke the Command Spells and admit defeat--or become the rust on my sword. Choose."

I was about to continue, telling him to leave it at that. But just when I thought she was suddenly beside me, Saber, who had approached Shinji and pointed her sword at him, coldly interrupted my words.

Although I can't see it, I can feel the coldness of the steel against my neck. Perhaps finally realizing the situation he's in, Shinji's face contorts, and he trembles violently.

"H-Huh, a defeat...? I-I'm the one losing...?"

His gaze repeatedly shifts between the book he was holding and Saber's sword. But it was clear to anyone that Shinji was the one trapped in this situation.

His lifeline, Rider, is on the brink of death. Even if he were to summon that black blade, if he were to do so now with Saber closing in, his head would be severed in the blink of an eye. No matter how oblivious Shinji may be, he couldn't possibly fail to recognize this disadvantage.

Eventually, reality crushes him, and Shinji falls to his knees without strength. At that moment, there was no longer any sign of his will to resist. His shocked and trembling gaze fixed upon the ground, he resembled a defeated loser. The pair of Servant and Master had met an anticlimactic end--

"--That's enough, Saber. Sorry, but let me play with this one first."

In an instant, a crimson lightning bolt pierces through the air.

"Dangerous, Shirou!"

Before I could even recognize it as a spear, Saber grabs me and jumps to the side. In a matter of split seconds, a scarlet demonic spear impales the ground as if gouging it.

"What...!?"

Whose voice was that? Everyone directed surprised gazes towards the sudden intruder.

A man with a nonchalant demeanor clad in blue armor. There was no mistaking his appearance. He pulls out his spear and gazes at us with hostility--that Heroic Spirit was none other than Lancer, the one who killed me that night.

Confusion fills my mind due to this unexpected factor. Why has Lancer appeared here? And why... is he standing in front of us, protecting Rider and Shinji?

After briefly scanning us with a glance, Lancer coldly looks down at Shinji, who is still on his knees.

"Disappear with your Rider, brat."

His words, devoid of any warmth, feel as cold as ice. Unbelievably... that Servant told the enemy Master, Shinji, to "run away."

However, it seems Shinji didn't perceive the chilling intent behind those words. Without understanding the situation, Shinji, now wearing a desperate smile, unsteadily stands up and approaches the blue-clad Servant.

"H-Hahaha! I knew it, I'm just lucky, aren't I? Are you going to help us, then? In that case, go defeat the Emiya over there and his Servant--"

"--Didn't you hear me?"

Lancer's voice suddenly turns quiet. Shinji's words come to a halt, perhaps sensing the discordance in the air.

"I told you to dis-a-ppear."

"H-Hiiii!!"

That's it. Just that. His single word, tinged with an underlying murderous intent, was more than enough.

Shinji, startled, takes one step back, then another... On his third step, he flees like a startled rabbit. Along with his escape, Rider, who was lying there covered in blood, also disappears. Most likely, she has dematerialized and fled.

With Shinji and Rider gone, only the three of us remain. Saber, who had been vigilantly staring at Lancer, finally speaks up.

"What's your intention, Lancer?"

Why did he side with Rider? With anger brewing, Saber aims her sword at Lancer.

Normally, there would be no reason to assist other factions in this Holy Grail War. So if there is a reason... could it be that Lancer's Master is working together with Shinji? Even if that were the case, there are still many points that don't make sense...

"Well, that's how it is. If you want to chase after them, defeat me first."

That was Lancer's response to my unignorable question. If he let those two escape, they would continue to harm more victims. That's why I wanted to defeat them here and now... but with Lancer in the way, we couldn't make any reckless moves.

Saber feels the same. If it were just Lancer alone or the nearly defeated Rider, Saber would have an overwhelmingly advantageous position. However, for Saber, who possesses a one-shot killing Noble Phantasm and is completely unharmed, defeating Rider while fighting Lancer would be an exceedingly difficult task, no matter how skilled she is. Once she exposes even the slightest opening, the "piercing-death-thorn spear, Gáe Bolg," will come flying towards her.

With the activation of that threatening Noble Phantasm, defeat is certain. For Saber, who lacks the resurrection ability of Berserker, the wounds inflicted by that spear would be fatal. That's why Saber had no choice but to let Shinji and Rider escape.

"Ahh, don't be so angry. I'm not doing this because I want to. It's my Master's policy."

"Your Master's policy?"

I felt something I couldn't overlook in Lancer's words.

Lancer helped those two because it was an order from his Master. Normally, there is no reason to assist other factions in this Holy Grail War. If there were... does it mean Lancer's Master is collaborating with Shinji? Even if that were the case, there are still many things that don't make sense...

"Well, that's how it is. If you want to chase after them, defeat me first."

Suddenly transforming from his reluctantly unwilling expression, Lancer flashes a fierce smile and readies his spear. He twirls his weapon once with a flick of his wrist, and in the next moment, the atmosphere changes.

The air crackles. Just by facing each other, these heroes of old make the trees tremble under their oppressive presence.

The sun has already set, and darkness has enveloped our field of vision. Instead of stars, a shining knight brings forth the light, weapons raised as they prepare to devour each other's radiance.

Saber grasps her sword, and Lancer assumes his stance with his spear. The two of them close in on each other, gradually moving in circular motions. The tension is so high that even sound seems to escape--in the midst of this tension, they both move simultaneously.

"Haah!"

"Soraahh!"

The ground explodes.

Saber shoots out like a bullet with an immense release of magical energy. Lancer, who intercepts her, swings his spear with all his might, smashing it sideways towards the sword that draws near.

The knight with the sword is repelled, but she swiftly turns her momentum into a spin, using her left foot as the axis, aiming to decapitate the spearman. But Lancer, with his own cunning, expertly twists his body to evade the scythe of death. With just his left hand, he launches an attack with his spear. Even with just one hand, Lancer demonstrates the chaotic dance of his demonic spear.

--However, despite their fierce clash, the battle is evenly matched, unlike that night.

"What's wrong, Saber? Your movements seem sluggish, don't they?"

"Kuh...!"

With a joyful smile on his face, Lancer launches a rapid series of thrusts. The sharpness of his techniques surpasses what he displayed just a few days ago, leaving us wondering about the intricacies of his maneuvers.

On the other hand, Saber, with a serious expression, gracefully avoids Lancer's spearhead. Unlike that night, where she relentlessly attacked Lancer, there was no explosive assault this time. Although she is far from being at a disadvantage, she cannot be considered superior either. It's hard to believe that Lancer, who was struggling just to keep Saber at bay last time, is now launching such a storm-like onslaught.

...Something is off. Saber's movements are not sluggish, and she is not injured. That man has undoubtedly become stronger than before. It's hard to believe that he suddenly grew stronger out of nowhere, as if it were a manga. But this is reality, and it's an unpleasant fact.

Strength. Speed. Masterful spear techniques. Could it be that even the power he displayed that night was not Lancer's full potential?

"Uoraa!"

With a burst of spirit, Lancer relentlessly attacks Saber with overwhelming speed, striking his spear with all his weight behind it. Saber, unable to withstand the impact, retreats while the ground is gouged beneath her. The weighty blow causes the young girl to emit a pained voice.

With lightning-like speed and devastating striking power reminiscent of a battering ram, the spear techniques wielded by Lancer, possessing the skills of a god, possess a destructive force that surpasses even modern weapons. A spear's trajectory, combining precision and boldness, befitting a demigod Heroic Spirit. If this man weren't an enemy, I would have praised him without hesitation.

"Indeed, you truly live up to your renowned name. I never expected you to possess such power...!"

Surprised by Saber's words, Lancer opens his eyes wide.

"So, you've even seen through my true name. Well, I suppose you must have heard it from your monk friend... Correct, Saber. It's a rare chance, but I'd like to hear your name as well. Come at me with all your might."

Cu Chulainn, the fierce hound of Clan Cu. The Servant bearing that name firmly grasps his spear once again. His face, sporting a smirk, is filled with the joy of battle.

On the other hand, Saber briefly averts her gaze as if contemplating something... then turns resolutely toward Lancer.

"I apologize for not revealing my name. Allow me to exchange it with my sword."

"Ha... fine. It won't be a proper fight if you don't."

With the agility of a beast, the spearman sweeps away the earth. The shockwave alone blows away the branches and leaves, sending them flying like scraps of paper.

"I...!"

In an act of impatience, Saber takes action amid the stalemate of their fierce clash.

Instead of swinging her sword with both hands, she releases magical energy from both of her legs. The explosively expelled magical energy sends a pile of dried leaves on the ground swirling in mid-air. The shockwaves of the bombing, which seemed capable of even blowing away the ground itself, fill the entire area, accompanied by clouds of dust.

"What...!?"

For a brief moment, Lancer's field of vision is obstructed. Taking advantage of that momentary opening, Saber's body sinks. In Lancer's eyes, it must have seemed as if Saber had disappeared.

The explosive propulsion force that gouged the earth acted in separate directions from the tips of her feet, causing Saber's petite figure to rotate like a superhuman gyration. With tremendous momentum, she unleashes a ferocious spinning slash. It was a strike that clearly traced a path to bisect the spearman's body.

Saber is now within Lancer's reach, in the perfect inside position. With a spear of long reach, it becomes impossible to react when someone rushes into close quarters. Even if she tries to create distance, in this extremely close range, she is completely cornered. Defense and evasion are impossible, and it is a lethal strike that ensures mutual destruction.

--However, faced with impending death in a second, Lancer genuinely smiles with delight.

"Foolish!"

Lancer's left elbow is swung downward vertically. Simultaneously, his foot, firmly planted on the ground, springs up like a coil, and the movement synchronizes with the motion of the spear's shaft.

"What--"

It seems unbelievable. The invisible sword, swung with a speed surpassing the speed of sound, is... caught between Lancer's elbow and knee, blocked by his right-hand spear.

There is no choice but to hold one's breath. The armor on Lancer's left elbow and knee, which restrained the force of the slash, is destroyed, and blood drips from the wounds. However, those are the only visible wounds. With just that sacrifice, Lancer successfully blocked Saber's sword.

In awe of his unfathomable feat, Saber tries to pull her sword back and retreat. As if not intending to restrain her, Lancer quickly releases his hold on the sword and smirks defiantly.

He can see it.

He can see Saber's supposedly invisible sword. Its length, width, and cutting edge. Although he doesn't know the mechanics behind it, that man has a perfect grasp of it. Otherwise, such an incredible feat would be impossible.

Recalling the previous battle, Lancer had fought Saber once before. At that time, he was overwhelmed by the threat of her invisible weapon, but he is a man invited to the Holy Grail War as a hero. He must have analyzed the capabilities of Saber's sword within that intense exchange. That's why in their second battle, he can wield his spear without any hesitation.

I don't know the cause, but Lancer's physical abilities have improved. Additionally, if the peculiarity of the sword is gone, it's understandable that Saber is having a hard time. Given equal conditions, the longer reach is advantageous.

"It's too beautiful, your swordsmanship. That's why I can read it at crucial moments."

With a casual remark directed at Saber, who has distanced herself, Lancer continues to terrify us. Can he truly see it...?!

"...I was surprised. I take pride in being able to fight against a warrior like you."

Saber sincerely praises Lancer's abilities. Even though he had already demonstrated such skill in their previous battle, his performance this time surpassed even that. The movements of his spear, which could be called a work of art, evoked a sense of beauty even in someone like me, an amateur. If he had displayed this strength when he clashed with Archer that night, that golden Servant would have been defeated overnight.

...Come to think of it, Archer had speculated that Lancer was bound by something. So, does that mean the current Lancer is in a state of being unleashed from those restraints?

"Well, that's my line. Your swordsmanship, as a woman, surpasses that of an ordinary Heroic Spirit. I truly saw you as a renowned hero. Just any swordsman wouldn't be able to match my spear."

"Now then... let's decide this soon. Without using this, it wouldn't be a serious fight."

With a cool expression on his face, Lancer directs provocative words towards Saber. After a moment's pause, he assumes a peculiar stance, facing only half of his body towards Saber. The tension in the air grows taut.

The demonic spear hums. It gathers the surrounding magical energy as if scraping it away, a clear sign of the activation of his Noble Phantasm. Lancer's ultimate weapon, "Gae Bolg: The Spear of Impaling Barbed Death," is about to be unleashed once again tonight.

Even though I've witnessed its activation once before, I feel uneasy in the face of the violent waves of magical energy. If even I, who is merely observing from the sidelines, feel this way, the pressure Saber is experiencing must be incomparable. It's not just the spear; the wind, the trees, the ground—everything seems to be filled with a sense of murderous intent.

In the midst of the violence, Lancer stands at the center, a smile filled with fighting spirit. It's an otherworldly quality, as if he is truly savoring the pleasure of gambling his life in this ultimate battle.

"--Yes. You are worthy of wielding my holy sword."

Under the weight of that pressure, Saber tightens her grip on her sword. Her resplendent armor, polished by the fighting spirit, shines even brighter. The overwhelming killing intent has no effect on her. Rather, her eagerness to overpower and dominate in response to it reveals her character.

The sword, clad in an invisible scabbard, screams to release its own seal. If the violent whirlwind of the demonic spear represents raw power, then this is the sharpness akin to lightning.

Roar. The wind flows. The scabbard, which is bound by layers of wind to form a barrier, gradually comes undone due to the power of the sword. The raging wind causes Lancer's hair to stand on end and the surrounding trees to creak. I can't even stand, and I find myself kneeling, buffeted by the storm.

The tension just before their Noble Phantasms clash. Both Lancer and Saber, while capturing each other within their deadly range, are waiting for the opportunity to unleash their respective Noble Phantasms. The atmosphere, created by the extreme concentration and tension, freezes time itself.

This sight is undoubtedly reminiscent of that fateful night. The swordsman and the spearman engaged in a fierce battle, confronting each other to unveil their trump cards.

--In that case.

"--Huh--?"

The intervention of a third party seems inevitable as well.

"----"

It suddenly appeared.

Thump. My heart pounds. An abnormal weight hangs over the entire space. Saber and Lancer, upon seeing it, both stop moving.

The world plunges into darkness.

The tension of releasing Noble Phantasms feels lukewarm in comparison. Despite not being able to discern its true form, an indescribable fear grips my entire body.

It's not based on reason or emotion. Instinct is telling me to run away, to escape right now. Being here means death. Undoubtedly, I will be killed.

What is this? What is this? I don't know such a thing. This shouldn't exist.

"--Hey. What kind of joke is this?"

Lancer laughs. No, he tries to laugh but fails. The seasoned warrior, more formidable than me by far, feels the approaching aura of death.

"What is that--"

Saber is astonished. Even in the midst of their life-and-death struggle, an expression that she had never shown before appears on her face. The restlessness clearly reflects the threat posed by the entity that has appeared.

Everyone's gaze converges on a single point. Deep within the forest. In a place shrouded in the darkness of the night, where nothing should exist except for the trees. There--

--A black "shadow" stood.

It was like the embodiment of darkness itself, taking the form of an otherworldly entity. It could be described as nothing but sheer terror. It swayed gently, doing nothing else.

Its appearance resembled dozens of thin sheets of cloth gathered together. No, it would be more accurate to call them tentacles. Despite its frivolous appearance, its presence was more than peculiar.

It's not a Servant. In the first place, that thing couldn't be considered a living creature. I have never seen anything that could instill such fear and despair. It would be believed to be a demon without a doubt, saying that the hell of ten years ago had returned.

If it were compared to a living organism, it would be similar to a jellyfish. A black shadow searching for prey in the deep, dark sea. There is no need to explain what happens to those who are captured.

"...Saber. And you, monk over there. I won't say anything bad, but run away now."

Lancer, with a seriousness that doesn't suit him at all, speaks to us. But his gaze and the tip of his spear remain fixed on the otherworldly shadow. The blue warrior is even more cautious of that presence than Saber, whom he was facing.

Upon closer inspection, the concentrated magical energy that had converged for the release of his Noble Phantasm is focused on a single point of his spear. The crimson demonic spear has changed its target from Saber's heart, which it should have pierced, to the enigmatic shadow.

"Lancer. Do you know the true identity of that thing?"

"No, I don't. But it's the one causing people to collapse in the town, the one responsible for that."

"...Na--"

I'm astonished. However, I can instinctively understand that those words are true. It's the same as a black hole. Anyone who gets close will be inevitably drawn in and disappear from this world.

The swaying shadow in the wind. The darkness it harbors is black enough to swallow even the night. The red lines running through the tentacles evoke images of spilled fresh blood.

--And suddenly, it starts moving slowly.

Sliding, sliding. Smoothly, the shadow moves towards us. Countless tentacles raised within the shadow wriggle. It moves without revealing any intention, leaving us to wonder why.

"Shirou, retreat. Come here."

With utmost seriousness, Saber pulls me towards her. Lancer, too, starts to step back gradually.

The two Heroic Spirits nod at each other, as if they had agreed upon something. Despite having just engaged in a fierce battle, their thoughts align. No, not just the two of them, but my thoughts as well. Everyone had the same impression when it started moving.

--To be devoured.

Both Lancer and Saber are readying their Noble Phantasms. However, even if they were to use their Noble Phantasms, it's unknown whether they would have any effect on it.

If it were a living being, Lancer's spear would undoubtedly slay the enemy, and the yet unseen Noble Phantasm of Saber would be the same. But that only applies to dealing with living beings. That evil monster is not just a mere living creature.

Lancer, after clicking his tongue at the moving shadow, lowers his spear and assumes a leaping stance. Even this audacious man seems to have no intention of confronting that creature.

"We'll continue this another time, Saber. That thing is no laughing matter."

"Understood. I'll take care of it here. Good luck."

"Sorry, I'll repay the favor someday."

Lancer quickly runs away, displaying an incredible speed. Considering his temperament, he might have been the one to suggest staying behind, but there is no time to debate in front of that shadow. Lancer immediately accepts the words, accurately grasping the situation.

And then. Whether it realized that Lancer had retreated or not, the shadow momentarily stops moving. The tentacles waver as if attempting to follow the spearman.

...Even though it doesn't have eyes, mouth, or even a nose. By some means or another, that entity has completely captured Lancer. However, the pause lasts only for a few seconds. The shadow of terror slowly approaches us once again.

"Shirou, hold on to me."

Saber grabs my motionless arm as if to carry me. To evacuate from this place before that shadow arrives, there is no choice but to rely on Saber.

In the end, from start to finish, I have been nothing but a burden to Saber. But now, there is no time for regrets. If I had the luxury to do so, I would flee from that shadow without hesitation.

While holding onto me, Saber assumes a leaping stance. But just at that moment--

It glares at me.

"Eh...?"

There are no sensory organs in it. However, at this moment, I am convinced that I made eye contact with it.

To die. My existence will vanish. Beyond disturbance and fear, only that fact occupies my mind. Saber, who is next to me, tries to kick the ground, but she's too slow. Numerous shadowy hands swiftly extend all at once--

"--Na--"

And it suddenly disappears.

It didn't become invisible. As if it were a lie, the demonic shadow that covered the entire forest vanished suddenly.

"..."

Unable to grasp reality, I remain motionless in that spot. On the other hand, Saber, still vigilant, scans the surroundings without lowering her guard.

I...I definitely thought I was going to die just now. I was convinced that I would be devoured by that shadow. After the object of fear has passed, I now recall my emotions, and my whole body trembles involuntarily. However, in contrast to the chill that feels like catching a cold, my mind is strangely calm.

What is that shadow? An entity that poses a threat even to Saber and Lancer, despite not being a Servant. It possesses an instinctive horror that surpasses even Berserker, even though it is an empty entity that doesn't even give the impression of having substance. It's not about being strong or weak; there is something fundamentally different about it.

"Hey, are you both okay...!?"

Unable to withstand the trembling, Sakura rushes over to us in a panic. She must have instantly sensed that something is unusual about us, as her demeanor becomes as sharp as a blade.

"What happened, Emiya-kun?"

Trying to answer Sakura's question...it's not something that can be explained in a single breath. I try to meet Sakura's gaze, but my vision doesn't focus due to the nauseating discomfort that followed the fear.

Observing my condition with a serious gaze, Sakura turns her attention to Saber, who still has her sword at the ready. However, before Sakura can say anything, Saber speaks without lowering her guard.

"Rin, we'll explain later. It would be better to retreat for now."

"...Understood."

Sensing the unusualness from Saber's unmistakable presence, Sakura doesn't say anything further. She stoops down and takes hold of my arm while I'm still bent over. The sight overlaps with the one when she was treating the injured girl, reminding me of the attacked female student.

"Emiya-kun, can you stand?"

"Ah, yes... More importantly, is that girl okay?"

"Eh...? Yes, she's already fine after the first aid treatment. But, more importantly, worry about yourself, Emiya-kun. You've gone pale."

Sakura glares at me as if angry. Sensing her seriousness through her eyes, I feel like my face must look terrible.

Using Sakura's help, I stand up and take a deep breath to calm myself down. Despite the fact that the shadow has permeated the space, the air in the forest remains cold. Finally, my trembling subsides in the refreshing wind that is no different from usual.

The treatment of the female student is complete, Rider has suffered a serious wound, Lancer and the black shadow have left. For now, it seems that the crisis of the current situation has passed, giving me a sense of relief that almost makes me let my guard down.

However, from the perspective of a Master, the current situation is actually deteriorating. The supposedly defeated Rider has escaped, Lancer has not been severely injured, and in addition, a mysterious entity that is not even a Servant has appeared. There's also Archer, who still hasn't shown up. Troubles keep piling up, to say the least.

"..."

The irregularities continue in the Holy Grail War. The oppressive clouds continue to linger, showing no signs of clearing up.

＊＊＊

"...Ah--"

After fleeing from the school and arriving at a park where the Fuyuki Bridge is visible, Rider reaches her limit and collapses.

Defeated in battle against Saber, Rider suffered a serious injury. It's only thanks to her luck that she didn't die instantly. If the blade had reached just a little deeper, Rider would have lost her heart and been eliminated from the Holy Grail War. The difference in power between a genuine Heroic Spirit, a knight with the highest-ranking Noble Phantasm, and Rider, an existence that can't even be called a hero, was too great. They weren't even able to compete.

Beside the dying Rider, her Master, the young boy, kicks a nearby can with a rough breath as if recalling something.

"Darn... Damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it--! Why did it turn out like this? This is ridiculous...!"

The boy shouts in anger, as if he's remembering something. Now that he's escaped the fear of death, anger towards the unreasonable situation dominates Shinji Matou's heart.

This wasn't how it was supposed to be. He was supposed to defeat the detestable Rin Tohsaka and Shirou Emiya and triumphantly return as the winner. That was the rightful reward that should have been bestowed upon him, the chosen one.

But what is the reality? The weak Servant couldn't even land a blow on Saber and was defeated, while he himself was beaten by Shirou Emiya. To top it off, he escaped freely, just because that detestable Lancer let him go. This kind of thing shouldn't be allowed.

"Damn it...! It's all your fault, you worthless Servant!"

The boy has no choice but to vent his anger, as the option to regret his own actions doesn't exist within him. Thus, his anger is directed not at himself, but at the pitiful Servant who is unable to move even in a spiritual form.

The difference in strength between Rider and Saber was far too great. If only she could have used one of her Noble Phantasms, there might have been a chance to turn the tide. But as a temporary Master, there is no hope of receiving magical energy supply. While a true Master would be able to fully unleash their power, in the current situation of having made an unusual contract as a substitute Master, the magical energy supplied by the original Master has been greatly diminished. Since the substitute Master herself doesn't even understand that, it was nothing but misfortune for Rider.

...

The boy, who only shouts and complains, doesn't regret his own actions. Watching his behavior with a sense of disappointment, Rider bites her lip in frustration. Her true Master didn't desire to fight. Although their true contract lasted only a short while, she knows that the girl is a kind-hearted person and understands that she was merely being used to summon herself. However, as the brother of that girl, this boy falls short by about five levels as a Master of Heroic Spirits.

"Damn it... How did I end up with such a loser! Can you really allow something like this!?"

It's understandable to be lacking in power. Let's admit that he is inferior to other Servants. However, his perception of the Holy Grail War as if it were a game, his lack of even a proper strategy, and his childishness that can't be tolerated even by the kind-hearted Rider, all add up to something unbearable. Even so, Rider follows him, solely out of her feelings for that girl who asked her brother to fight in her place.

If she could use her true abilities, her own Noble Phantasm, she wouldn't be inferior to the other Servants. Whether it's Saber or Lancer, she would fight on equal terms or even surpass them. But she can't create that situation. Despite fighting for the sake of the girl she cares for, it's the girl's own will that binds her. Unable to resolve the contradiction, Rider can only bow her head silently.

...But she can't stay idle. Thinking that, Rider resolutely focuses on finding a way to break through the current situation.

"Shinji, we should change our strategy. That Saber is powerful, we can't match her head-on."

"What!? What the hell are you saying? Are you saying I can't defeat a woman like her? You--"

"...Noisy. Can't you be quiet for a moment?"

Interrupting the voice that was about to respond, which shouldn't exist, a clear sound like a ringing bell resounds. Drawn to that sound, Shinji and Rider's gaze turns upward.

"Hehe..."

In the night, as if blocking the moonlight shining in the sky, the shadow floats there. Amidst the dancing brilliance of the stars, its deep purple robe spreads as if swallowing the brightness. The staff it holds in its hand resembles that of a fairy-tale magician. Drifting with an otherworldly presence, its figure floating calmly in midair undoubtedly belongs to Caster, the Servant.

Shinji and the others are unaware, but for the Lancer faction and the Golden Servant, this is the third time this witch has revealed herself to others. Each time, it held the scheming intentions of a devil.

Riding on Shinji's astonishment, Rider, covered in wounds, steps forward to protect her Master. She sees through that if this opponent is Caster, there must be a hidden scheme behind it.

"Oh my, what a disgraceful appearance you have. ...No, it's not you who's disgraceful, it's that boy over there, isn't it?"

Without even introducing herself, with a smile that exudes composure, Caster looks down at Rider quietly. On the other hand, Rider, despite her trembling body, moves only with the force of willpower.

Rider, who originally possesses a high Anti-Magic skill and agility, would have the advantage over Caster. However, in her current state, where she has received almost fatal injuries, it doesn't seem like Rider even has the option to defend herself. Understanding that, Rider grits her teeth. She wonders at what timing this person has appeared.

But at the same time, there is also something inexplicable. Even though she's injured and weakened, if Caster could snatch the opportunity from above without even realizing that she is a Servant, then the battle would have been decided then and there. Rider, the Servant, would have vanished from this place tonight. However, if Caster deliberately abandoned that choice, then her aim must be something other than combat.

"Hey, what the hell are you all of a sudden!?"

Is he still unable to comprehend reality? Without noticing Rider's vigilant state, Shinji shouts loudly.

...However, Caster's response is a disdainful coldness even colder than ice.

"What a noisy dog. It's said that weak dogs bark a lot... and it's annoying. Be...qui...et."

"Huh?"

The moment Caster utters those words, her sharp gaze peeks through her robe and pierces through Shinji's eyes. Shinji, who briefly shows a shocked expression, loses the light from his eyes in a matter of seconds and collapses like a broken puppet.

That's all it took. With just one word from Caster, Shinji Matou loses his will and becomes a harmless object.

With her exceptional ability to dominate ordinary humans with a single glance, even though Shinji lacks magical energy, to be able to effortlessly subdue a Master while confronting a Servant, her skill befits a mage's Servant. Understanding that the Master has been neutralized in the blink of an eye, Rider's expression becomes stern.

"Now, it seems we can finally have a conversation."

Ignoring Rider, who tightly grips her chained swords, Caster calmly declares. It was clear who had seized control of the situation. Even as Rider prepares to defend herself, holding her broken beloved sword, she calls out in a hoarse voice.

"What is your purpose, Caster?"

"I will lend you my power. What will you do?"

"...Ngh."

Rider's entire body freezes at the words that emanate from Caster's beautiful lips. Looking down at her reaction, the witch lets out a mischievous smile.

"Don't you understand? I'm saying that you should join forces with me in exchange for lending you power. That puppet is nothing more than an annoyance. With me, I can provide a far superior environment. You won't be bothered by an incompetent Master, and you can wield your power as you please."

And then, Caster continues with a sneer on her lips.

"With your current state, can you even protect the true Master? It must be unsatisfactory for you to disappear like this. I don't think it's a bad deal, do you?"

With those words, Rider, who was dumbfounded until now, suddenly directs a gaze filled with murderous intent through her eyepatch.

She doesn't understand Caster's intentions. A near-death Servant like herself would leave no loose ends if defeated. However, the words spoken now are so decisive that they strip Rider of that question.

The fallen Shinji Matou is not Rider's true Master. The true Master is not present here now and doesn't even have the will to fight. But what is astonishing is Caster's keen insight that discerns the substitute contract relationship that should not be apparent to outsiders. The witch's words carry an invisible magical power that creates the illusion of understanding even the depths of Rider's heart.

Behind the persuasion lies the pressure of knowing Rider's situation and the threat of being able to kill the true Master at any time. At the same time, it also implies the offering of support to protect the true Master if Rider agrees to the proposal.

Consideration for the temporary Master and loyalty to the girl who summoned her. Assessing the current situation and how to navigate this situation. Caster's unclear motives and the direction of her actions depending on Rider's response. However... no matter how one thinks about it, there is only one answer left for Rider.

"..."

In the end, Rider nods in response to Caster's question, and the power dynamics of the Holy Grail War are once again rewritten here.