Chapter 165

In the dream—

Lancer stared in disbelief at the crimson flowers blooming from the red spear's pole, dripping onto the ground. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't believe that this was his own blood!

His beloved spear had pierced his own heart.

The hands driving the spear into himself were his own!

This outcome was not his will, nor his desire.

His red spear should have pierced Saber's heart! And the sword that should have pierced his heart should have been Saber's blade!

The only force that could completely disregard his resolve and faith, stripping everything from him... was the Command Seal!

Kenneth sat in his wheelchair with a vacant, hollow expression, and beside him stood another man holding the unconscious Sola—Saber's true Master, whom he had seen at Einzbern Castle but didn't know by name.

Seeing these people, Diarmuid (Lancer) understood that his modest wish had been betrayed once again...

Unforgettable! Unforgettable!

This scene, this outcome, no matter what, he couldn't forget it!

Every moment, it replayed in his dreams!

Those despicable magi!

This was the second time he had been betrayed and murdered by his Master!

It was his desire to overturn that unfortunate outcome that made him long to return to this world from the Throne of Heroes!

But!

But the result he received was a repeat of the tragedy—merely reliving that despair and sorrow!

Hatred! Rage! Unbearable! Truly unbearable!!

"Ah...!!"

Diarmuid's crimson eyes flew open as he roared with anger carried over from his dream: "Unforgivable!! Absolutely unforgivable!!"

Huff—Huff—Huff—

Diarmuid panted heavily, his bloodshot eyes glaring fiercely at everything around him like a demon.

But soon, Diarmuid realized something was off. This ceiling, this décor—where was he...?

Dumbfounded for a moment, Diarmuid turned his head to the side.

He saw Shinji (Mr. Miyafuji), who had likely been startled by his earlier outburst and now looked wary.

"Mr. Miyafuji..."

"Ah, you scared me to death..." Shinji breathed a sigh of relief, patting his chest. "You looked like you were about to kill someone. I thought I was done for."

"Mr. Miyafuji, why..."

"I'm not entirely sure either, but... well, let's start with this. I found it at the factory."

Diarmuid recognized the earpiece in Shinji's hand. It was the one Shinji had given him on their first patrol together.

Since then, even though he hadn't used it, he kept it with him as a token of his bond with Shinji in this era.

...

After listening to Shinji's "sincere" explanation, Diarmuid understood what had happened. It turned out nearly two days had passed since his Master's betrayal.

The earpiece had accidentally recorded the final moments of his Master (Kenneth) and his fiancée, as well as conversations between Saber's Master, the silver-haired woman, and Saber.

Saving humanity?

A noble ideal indeed, but the means were despicable, something he couldn't agree with!

After Saber and her Master had left, Shinji, linked by the earpiece, had infiltrated the factory and, by chance, discovered Diarmuid's fading, nearly extinguished spiritual core.

"I see. Fate is truly fickle."

Diarmuid was filled with emotion. He didn't know how Shinji had restored his spiritual core, but he was lucky to have survived.

"And then..." Shinji scratched his head and awkwardly smiled before extending his left wrist to Diarmuid. "I found this on me. After two days of secret investigation, I figured out what it is..."

"Command Seals..."

Diarmuid stared at the three red marks on Shinji's wrist.

At that moment, he didn't ponder why a normal person had Command Seals, nor did he focus on Shinji's story about "learning from a magus that he had magical power despite lacking magic circuits."

Diarmuid was simply grateful to the Holy Grail and the gods for giving him a third chance! A third chance to fulfill his loyalty!

"Um... I..."

Seeing Shinji awkwardly scratching his head, Diarmuid looked serious and said, "Mr. Miyafuji, please repeat after me..."

After hearing Diarmuid's words, Shinji thought for a moment, then shook his head slightly and sincerely extended his left hand.

"I don't understand swords or the Holy Grail, but I know this is a chance to end Fuyuki's tragedy. So, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, as a trusted friend, will you help me end this tragedy?"

Seeing Shinji's sincere eyes and expression, Diarmuid knew that Shinji didn't care about the Holy Grail or Servants. He just wanted to do something with his limited power to end the tragedy of the Holy Grail War.

Without fear, unafraid of sacrifice, filled with justice, and dedicated to the truth—this was the essence of the young man before him!

Diarmuid didn't insist on a formal Master-Servant relationship. As long as he considered Shinji his true Master, that was enough.

"Of course, Mr. Miyafuji."

Diarmuid extended his left hand, shaking the young man's outstretched hand, thus completing their contract.

Feeling the clear yet slight magical energy from Shinji, Diarmuid was overjoyed.

This pure magical energy indicated that Shinji was a straightforward person, not someone with hidden motives or schemes!

Of course, Diarmuid would never know that this magical energy was from the cucumber and mint-flavored magical replenishment lollipop Shinji had just eaten. Cucumber and mint—how could it not be refreshing?

...

On the hotel rooftop, feeling the magical energy fluctuations from the Great Hole and the chill in the air, Diarmuid asked Shinji again.

"Mr. Miyafuji, are you sure you want to go to the battlefield? I can sense intense fighting there..."

"What are you talking about? If a detective fears danger, can they still be called a detective? Besides... I'm an ally of justice!"

Seeing Shinji, fearless and ready to face danger, Diarmuid felt incredibly fortunate.

Having a Master like this on his third chance—he had no regrets, even if he died in battle!

After bowing slightly to Shinji, Diarmuid declared, "Diarmuid Ua Duibhne acknowledges your pure heart. From this moment, I vow to fight by your side!"

...

At Ryuudou Temple, Diarmuid set Shinji down and stood protectively in front of him. The temple was ravaged by fierce winds, and even Diarmuid frowned.

From the magical energy fluctuations, it was clear that Saber and Archer were fighting, with Saber at a disadvantage. It wouldn't be long before she was defeated.

If he did nothing, Saber would surely lose. Diarmuid was torn. Should he wait and face the last person standing, or help Saber now, so they could settle their knightly duel and resolve his regret?

"Lancer, do what your heart truly desires."

Hearing Shinji's sincere suggestion, Diarmuid was deeply moved, feeling both happy and sorrowful.

The books were right: the best always comes last!

Tranquil times must be met with a calm heart!

"I understand. Mr. Miyafuji, please hide yourself. The enemy's Master might be nearby!"

Shinji shook his head, looking honestly at Lancer, and said, "No, I will seek them out. If the Holy Grail War is the source of this tragedy, I will do my utmost to persuade them."

"They are powerful magi!"

Before Diarmuid could finish, he saw the determination in Shinji's expression. His warning was pointless; this was just the kind of person Shinji was!

No one could stop his resolve, not even death!

"Master against Master, Servant against Servant—that's fair, right? And that's truly fighting side by side, isn't it?"

After leaving these words, Shinji walked away. Diarmuid was so moved that he nearly abandoned the Holy Grail War to serve Shinji loyally!

Having such a Master in the end—his luck was incredible! Who said his luck was bad? His luck was off the charts!

Still, he reminded Shinji to call for him if he encountered danger, and then Diarmuid headed straight for Ryuudou Temple.

...

"My lord, from my observations, Lancer is utterly devoted to you. Hohohohoho..."

Seeing Zayd appear beside him, Shinji frowned. "Stop laughing like that. You should learn to smile with your lips closed, conveying warmth and kindness. That's a real smile. Understand?"

"I understand." Zayd quickly suppressed his laughter and bowed respectfully.

"What's happening below?" Shinji asked as he walked toward the Great Hole.

"Kotomine Kirei and Saber's Master are fighting. But from my observation, Kotomine is about to lose. We don't need to—"

Before Zayd could finish, Shinji started running, shouting back, "Hurry up! If we're late, someone else will take the credit!"