Chapter 46: Shocking News!

"Rider, just as you predicted, Emiya Kiritsugu is making his move," Waver said, retracting his surveillance familiar. He glanced at Lelouch, who was lying on the bed with bandages wrapped around his exposed upper body.

"Of course, he would. This is the perfect opportunity," Lelouch replied calmly, propping his head up with one hand. A familiar smirk played on his lips. "With Archer and I wounded, and Berserker not likely to intervene, it's the ideal chance for him to settle a personal score. I'd do the same."

"Assassin and Kirei, huh? Makes sense. They're the ones who killed his wife and assistant," Waver added thoughtfully. "Archer can't help him, and Assassin is isolated now. With you injured, Kiritsugu knows he's in the clear to act."

"Indeed. Whether it's taking down Assassin or seizing the Dragon Balls from Kirei, this is his best shot," Lelouch agreed, his smirk widening.

"Just half a day after that chaos, and things are already moving again. It's never peaceful for long," Waver sighed, watching the events unfold. With Rider out of commission, they could only observe for now.

"Rider?" Waver blinked in surprise as he watched Lelouch start to get dressed.

"What are you doing? You're injured!" Waver exclaimed, bewildered by Lelouch's sudden actions.

"I might be unable to fight directly, but that doesn't mean others can't act in my place," Lelouch said, his usual cold smile returning. "There's a valuable piece in play—Kirei's father. It's time to make use of him."

---

The sound of a gun being loaded echoed through a small motel room. Kiritsugu checked his weapons, preparing for the coming confrontation.

"Rider's familiar is gone," Saber observed, standing beside him.

"Doesn't matter," Kiritsugu replied curtly. "Rider's injured and has lost his Noble Phantasm. Even if he knows what I'm up to, he can't interfere."

Kiritsugu's cold assessment was not entirely accurate. He remained unaware of Lelouch's hidden trump card—Geass—which had yet to be revealed. This gap in intelligence led to a crucial miscalculation.

"You're planning to confront Kirei directly?" Saber asked, her gaze steady.

"Are you going to stop me, Saber?" Kiritsugu asked without looking up.

"No. If it's to avenge Irisviel and Maiya, I won't interfere," she answered, understanding the storm of vengeance brewing inside Kiritsugu. This mission wasn't just about the Dragon Balls—it was about settling a personal score. Kiritsugu sought Kirei's death.

Saber herself also wanted a rematch with Assassin, eager to retrieve her scabbard, Avalon. Once she reclaimed it, she'd be well-prepared to face Archer and Berserker.

Avalon—the "Distant Utopia." When in her possession, it was the ultimate defense, capable of nullifying all physical and magical interference, including higher forms of "magic." Even Gilgamesh's Ea couldn't scratch its surface.

Unfortunately, Kiritsugu was unaware of this hidden strength, viewing Avalon as merely a magical artifact. 

"This time, I'll settle things with Assassin!" Saber declared confidently.

Kiritsugu nodded, reassured by her determination. He was ready to face **Kirei** and put an end to his grudge, especially with Rider and Archer out of commission. He led Saber out the door, unaware of the unexpected turn that awaited Kirei at the church.

---

Kirei's hands were suddenly pinned as he was grabbed from behind, unable to break free. His father, Risei Kotomine, held him down firmly, catching him off guard.

"Father... what are you—"

Kirei stared in shock as Rider emerged before him. His first instinct was to summon Assassin with a Command Seal or flee, but his father's grip was ironclad.

Why was Rider here? Why was his father betraying him, especially in the safety of their own church?

Kirei's mind raced, but none of his scenarios included Risei Kotomine turning against him.

"You've served your purpose," Rider's calm voice echoed through the church. "Assassin's Master, let's begin with you."

Just as Kirei tried to use his Command Seals, his vision blurred as Lelouch's Geass took hold. His mind was no longer his own.

---

"Rider!" Waver exclaimed, looking at Lelouch, who was hiding in the shadows of the church.

They had managed to evade detection, and Lelouch wasn't ready to leave just yet. They needed to avoid any suspicion about his true abilities. For now, it was best for Lelouch to remain in the background.

"It was a close call, but I've managed to manipulate Kirei with Geass," Lelouch muttered, coughing lightly. Without his Knightmare Frame, moving quickly had taken a toll on his already weakened body.

"It wasn't easy, but it had to be done. I've given Kirei one simple command: kill Emiya Kiritsugu."

"As for Kirei's father, he'll prove useful," Lelouch added, smirking as the Kotomine father-son duo knelt obediently before him.

---

At the same time, Kiritsugu was making his own preparations. He didn't anticipate much resistance—Assassin was isolated, and Kirei was vulnerable. But things were not as they seemed.

"Rider has another card up his sleeve... I should've known," Kiritsugu muttered, but he pressed forward.

"Are you ready to face Kirei, Saber?" Kiritsugu asked.

"Yes. This time, I'll defeat Assassin and reclaim my scabbard," she replied.

As the two set out, neither could have predicted the events unfolding within the church.

---

Kirei struggled in vain as his father pinned him down. Before he could act, Rider's eyes gleamed with red light—the Geass had taken full effect.

---

"Rider!" Waver called again, but Lelouch remained calm, despite the intensity of the situation.

Lelouch coughed, his body weakened, but his mind sharp as ever. "Don't worry, Waver. The pieces are already in motion. Kirei is under my control, and now, I have something important to tell you."

"Kirei told me something very interesting before I left." Lelouch smirked.

"What is it?" Waver asked, confused.

"It's about Berserker's Master... and Gilgamesh," Lelouch said, his eyes gleaming.

"Berserker's Master?" Waver blinked, stunned. After so long, they finally had information about the mysterious Master.

"Yes. Berserker's Master is none other than Matou Sakura, Tohsaka Tokiomi's adopted daughter," Lelouch revealed.

Waver was floored. "A six-year-old girl... is Berserker's Master?"

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What do you guys think about this chapter? my offer for guessing the winner is nulled, its very obvious now who will be the winner.