Chasing the Culprit

"Anything related to gods carries a bit of mystery. As allies, I advise against making her your enemy."

"Enough with the nonsense!"

Kariya Matou grew agitated. "If we're allies, shouldn't we face powerful enemies together?!"

"What can you offer me?"

Kariya gritted his teeth, the dark skin under his hood writhing with Crest Worms squirming beneath it.

"I've done as you asked, kidnapping this white-haired woman! Now, you should..."

"Who saved you?"

Kariya glared coldly at Kirei Kotomine. "You're insufferable."

"That's not the point, Kariya Matou." The stern man in the black cleric's outfit took two steps forward.

"In your current state, confronting her would be a death sentence."

"Do you remember the sea demon burnt to nothing and Caster's Master?"

Kirei turned to look at the hooded white-haired man, then faked a contemplative tone. "I forgot, you almost got killed by my teacher."

"Stop with these pointless remarks, Kirei. Just give me her information."

"And then? Challenge her? Get killed? Die in some filthy, unknown corner, only to be devoured by wild dogs."

Kirei's voice carried no emotional inflection, making it sound chillingly cold and terrifying.

"Hmm?!"

Both turned to look into the distance. A Servant's magical energy was unmistakably present, radiating battle intent.

"It's Saber. She's here."

Kirei lowered his head, staring at the unconscious Irisviel discarded on the ground.

"Have we been exposed?"

Kariya was displeased with Kirei's tone and retorted, "I perfectly framed Rider. If we're exposed, it's because of your poor planning!"

"Now's not the time for blame," Kirei said, bending down to hoist Irisviel over his shoulder, her white hair cascading down beautifully.

"Are you going to stop Saber here?"

"Hmph! My only concern is the witch and Tohsaka Tokiomi!"

Kirei glanced at Kariya, his eyes showing no emotion. To him, this situation seemed "unimportant."

"It's not just Saber coming. Your longed-for witch might be among them. Decide for yourself."

With that, Kirei carried the unconscious Irisviel and left the dismal place.

Kariya shot a cold glance towards the magical energy source, then limped into the shadows after Kirei.

...

With Kurumi's guidance, Artoria maintained speed, rapidly closing the distance between them and their destination.

"Click~"

The engine was cut, and the heavy motorcycle was parked to the side.

Kurumi stood nearby, gazing at an open space. "Well, this should be the place. Irisviel's trail ends here."

Artoria nodded at Kurumi's words. "Thank you, Kurumi."

She then ran ahead, armored dress materializing, sword already in hand!

As she approached, Artoria could sense the lingering presence of Irisviel.

"Tap, tap, tap~"

Her steps halted at the edge of the shadows, her face grim. Human-shaped ash and a small bloodstain told a troubling story.

"Preliminary assessment suggests it's Irisviel's blood."

Kurumi analyzed, her skirt's hem fluttering in the night breeze, slowly scattering the dust.

"Irisviel is badly injured, and they haven't gone far."

"Can you track them again?"

Artoria asked, hopeful.

Kurumi shook her head. "They've obscured their magical traces well, and there are no cameras here. Unless we follow standard investigative procedures, Irisviel is as good as lost."

"Damn those filthy maggots who disgrace the title of heroes! I'll make sure they stay in the dark forever!"

"Are you serious?"

Artoria gritted her teeth, saying nothing.

"Rider has been cleared of suspicion, and Gilgamesh wouldn't bother to act. That leaves only Berserker. And you know who Berserker is, right?"

"Lancelot would never do such a thing!"

"But he's Berserker, his sanity eroded by madness! And historically, has he never done something like this?"

Artoria's face turned pale, recalling unpleasant memories.

Her gaze shifted from the ground to the shadowy depths. She stepped forward. "I will find him!"

Sensitive to magical fluctuations, Kurumi stepped back a few paces.

"Lancelot?"

A mysterious smile formed on her lips. "Artoria, he's already here."

"Boom!"

Just as Artoria turned to question Kurumi, a tall, black-misted armored figure emerged from the shadows!

A heavy strike!

Artoria hastily raised her sword to block but was still knocked back several meters by the powerful blow from the Berserk Lancelot!

The cement ground beneath her feet was scratched by the steel boots, sending shards flying around!

"Ar...thur!—"

The terrifying growl echoed, but Artoria couldn't understand his language!

Her right foot stepped back, stabilizing her stance, her "invisible sword" pointed at Berserker!

"Lancelot?"

Artoria questioned, but the dark figure swung a massive black weapon at her.

Seeing the weapon's true form, Kurumi noted that it was a streetlight post snapped in half by immense force.

Berserker wielded the entirely black and red Noble Phantasm with great power. Due to various concerns, Artoria was on the defensive.

She wanted to confirm Berserker's identity; even if she had her suspicions, she refused to admit it!

The clash of steel became the dominant sound, sparks occasionally flying, adding a touch of splendor to their fight.

"Master~"

"What is it?"

"Should we take this chance to send Berserker back to the Throne of Heroes?"

"We'll see how it goes. We have time."

Red Queen acknowledged, and 'Nightmare' remained in the sky.

They hadn't killed the Conqueror King earlier because Kurumi wanted to use him to draw out Gilgamesh's Enkidu.

At that time...

"Boom!—"

A loud crash resonated. The agitated Artoria seemed unable to form an effective battle strategy, continuously pushed back by Berserker!

Hiding in the shadows, Kariya Matou struggled with the magical energy required for the fight. The Crest Worms writhed inside him, driving him mad!

Bent over, he coughed up blood-tinged worms.

Saliva mixed with blood dripped to the ground. "Damn mad dog! Who told you to attack Saber?!"