[64] : Holy Grail War · Begins! Saber vs Diarmuid!

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...

"..."

"I summon thee, heed my call! Cross the boundary of limitations and appear. Guardian of the Scales!"

As Mika finished chanting, a dark figure emerged from the magic circle, roaring ferociously before him.

"Aaargh!"

"Such ferocious fighting spirit... worthy of Lancelot," Mika praised, a look of admiration on his face as he sensed the powerful aura emanating from Lancelot.

"Merlin!"

Lancelot swiftly turned, his gaze fixated on the figure standing beside Mika. He recognized the familiar presence immediately.

"Well met, Lancelot. It's been a while," Merlin greeted with a smile.

However, his smile only intensified Lancelot's rage.

"Why... why weren't you by the King's side at the end?!"

Lancelot was consumed by guilt and self-loathing for his past actions. He yearned to die by King Arthur's blade, to receive her judgment.

He believed that if Merlin had been by Arthur's side in those final moments, perhaps the fate of Britain could have been altered.

"Spare me, Lancelot. I was powerless to intervene at that point," Merlin replied, spreading his hands in a gesture of helplessness. He then continued with a serious tone, "Regardless of my presence, the outcome would have remained unchanged. The fall of Britain was inevitable."

"Merlin!"

"I understand your regret, Lancelot. Our King will descend into this Holy Grail War as a Saber. If you seek redemption, seize this opportunity."

With those words, Merlin shook his head and departed from the basement.

Lancelot, summoned as a Berserker, lacked complex reasoning abilities. He was driven solely by obsession and resentment.

Under normal circumstances, he would be incapable of speech.

However, perhaps due to the lingering power of the Holy Grail from his recent summoning, coupled with the overwhelming regret for his past actions, he managed to speak upon seeing Merlin.

But this moment of clarity was fleeting.

Witnessing the noble knight he once knew reduced to such a state filled even Merlin with a sense of unease.

"Even though I knew all of this would happen, seeing an old friend in such a state still evokes such emotions... how pathetic, Merlin," he muttered to himself, disappearing from the basement with a self-deprecating sigh.

"King... King... King!"

"Aaargh!"

Lancelot's agitation grew as he recalled Merlin's words.

However, as time passed, his ability to speak gradually faded, leaving only beast-like roars.

"Lancelot, I know you desire to die by King Arthur's hand. I can create that opportunity for you. However, until then, I require your obedience and cooperation in securing our advantage in this war."

"What do you say?"

Lancelot nodded in response to Mika's proposal. His reasoning capabilities were limited, but his obsession compelled him to agree.

"Excellent. Then, for the initial stages of the Holy Grail War, you will accompany Kariya Matou," Mika said with a grin.

After eliminating Zouken Matou and severing the Matou family's last chance of obtaining a Master's qualification, Mika had acquired the Command Spells, granting him the right to become a Master.

"Unlike the original story, there's no interference from Ryuunosuke Uryuu. With Mellie taking his place, the roster for the Holy Grail War is now complete."

"In other words, the Fourth Holy Grail War has officially begun."

...

As Mika summoned Lancelot, far away in Germany, within the Einzbern castle, Kiritsugu Emiya summoned Artoria Pendragon.

Upon realizing that the true identity of Artoria was a woman, Kiritsugu abruptly turned and left, leaving a bewildered Artoria and an exasperated Irisviel von Einzbern.

Meanwhile, in the Tohsaka residence in Fuyuki City, Tokiomi Tohsaka exclaimed excitedly as he witnessed the golden king emerge from the magic circle.

"We have triumphed, Kirei!"

"The long-cherished dream of our lineage will be fulfilled in this Holy Grail War!"

Within the Fuyuki Church, Kotomine Risei, the overseer of the Holy Grail War, observed the summoning sensor indicating the completion of all seven Servants.

"The Fourth Holy Grail War has commenced!"

...

"All seven Servants of the Holy Grail War have been summoned, yet the first battle has yet to begin," Mika chuckled, gently stroking the head of the young girl beside him.

"It's understandable," Merlin replied nonchalantly, ignoring the bloodied corpse on the floor. "After all, according to your information, Saber, Lancer, and their Masters are still abroad and haven't arrived in Fuyuki City."

"Among the remaining five participants, we are allied with Rider, and Archer and Assassin are allied with each other. Unless we instigate a conflict, there's no catalyst for a battle to erupt."

"Indeed. It seems we'll have to wait for Kiritsugu Emiya and Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald to arrive before the waters become muddied," Mika replied before turning to Merlin. "Hypnotize this child and erase her memories of today. Allow her to grow up healthy and happy."

"Yes, yes, yes! I'm constantly busy thanks to you, Mika," Merlin grumbled, approaching the girl with a reluctant expression before quickly shifting to a comforting demeanor.

Meanwhile, Mika gazed at the corpse on the floor, lost in thought.

It was the body of Ryuunosuke Uryuu, the seventh Master from the original story.

As a serial killer, Mika found his existence utterly repulsive.

Therefore, during their free time, Mika and Merlin had taken a stroll and eliminated him.

The young girl was the sole survivor they had rescued.

Under Merlin's gentle touch, the girl's memories of the traumatic events faded away, and she peacefully drifted into slumber.

After reporting the incident to the authorities using the house phone, Mika and Merlin departed.

"Ugh, why isn't this Holy Grail War over yet?" Merlin complained, clad in modern attire as he walked alongside Mika.

Since being summoned by Mellie, he had been relentlessly tasked with various duties under Mika's direction.

From constructing magic workshops to imparting magical knowledge and crafting magical tools, Merlin, the perennial slacker, was being thoroughly exploited.

"Don't worry, this period of tranquility won't last long. The catalyst for change is about to arrive," Mika replied with a knowing smile.

That evening, Mika's words proved prophetic.

Assassin stealthily infiltrated the Tohsaka residence, only to be discovered and swiftly eliminated by Archer.

The first official battle of the Holy Grail War had begun and ended, leaving only the demise of Assassin in its wake.

---

"Hold on, do you possess EX-ranked Clairvoyance or Future Vision?" Merlin inquired curiously, observing the scene relayed through his familiar.

Upon being summoned as a Caster, Merlin had lost his EX-ranked Clairvoyance, the Eyes of All-Knowing.

In the past, with this ability, combined with his exceptional deductive skills, he could effectively see into the future.

However, he no longer possessed that power.

Therefore, witnessing Mika seemingly predict events multiple times piqued his curiosity.

"I don't have such a convenient ability," Mika replied nonchalantly, dismissing Merlin's inquiry. "With this as the starting point, the true war will begin."

...

The following day, a powerful surge of magical energy swept through Fuyuki City.

All the Servants sensed it – a challenge had been issued.

And the challenger was likely either Saber or Lancer. Among the seven classes, these two were most inclined towards such duels.

"Someone's provoking you, Merlin," Mika remarked with a smirk.

"Perhaps you should go and teach them a lesson?"

Merlin rolled his eyes and retorted, "I'm a Caster! I'm not suited for close-quarters combat. What am I supposed to fight them with?"

"Don't play coy, Merlin. Aren't you most proficient in swordsmanship?"

"I'm waiting to see you accidentally bite your tongue while chanting a spell and then, in a fit of rage, draw your holy sword to teach them a lesson."

"N-Nonsense! Hahaha!" Merlin chuckled nervously, wiping the sweat from his brow. He thought to himself, How does this guy know everything?

"Regardless, let's go and observe," Mika suggested, stroking his chin with a playful grin. "We can't miss out on such an entertaining spectacle."

With that, Mika led Merlin towards the source of the surging magical energy.

...

At the port of Miyama, two formidable forces clashed in a breathtaking display of skill.

"Wow, as expected of Saber and Lancer. Their swordsmanship is truly remarkable," Mika exclaimed, impressed by the legendary battle unfolding before him.

The combatants were none other than Artoria Pendragon, the King of Knights of the Round Table, and Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, the shining face of the Fianna.

Both were renowned knights from Celtic mythology.

Their clash was akin to a legendary duel between heroes from different eras.

This was the allure of the Holy Grail War.

"Merlin, what kind of training did you give her?" Mika questioned, feigning disapproval. "King Arthur is being suppressed by Diarmuid. That's the King of Knights we're talking about!"

Merlin quickly defended himself, "Hey, don't blame me! My teachings were flawless. It's just that Artoria hasn't mastered them yet."

"Besides, her opponent is no pushover. He's the Knight of Fianna, a seasoned warrior. It's not surprising that he can gain the upper hand against Artoria in the early stages."

"The real test comes later. This is merely a probing phase."

"Such a quick deflection. You truly are a brat, Merlin."

"Right back at you!"

As Mika and Merlin engaged in their playful banter, concealed atop a shipping container by Merlin's invisibility spell, the battle below intensified.

Diarmuid's dual-wielded spears posed a significant challenge for Artoria.

Based on her experience, dual-wielding experts typically favored one weapon for offense and the other for defense.

Therefore, the weapon used for offense was likely the opponent's Noble Phantasm.

As a Servant's ultimate technique, Artoria had to be constantly vigilant against the activation of a Noble Phantasm, lest she be defeated in a single blow.

Thus, facing Diarmuid's two spears, one long and one short, Artoria found herself on the defensive.

Diarmuid seized an opportunity and nearly pierced her with his spear. Fortunately, Artoria's Instinct skill allowed her to narrowly escape with minimal injury.

"Magnificent!" Mika exclaimed, nearly clapping his hands in excitement as he witnessed the thrilling exchange.

"Diarmuid's spear techniques are truly impressive and unpredictable!"

Mika, himself proficient in spear combat, couldn't help but admire Diarmuid's mastery.

His own skills paled in comparison to Diarmuid's, especially considering the latter's dual-wielding prowess.

"Now that the probing phase is over, the climax should be approaching," Mika observed.

Merlin nodded in agreement.

On the battlefield, Diarmuid received orders from his Master, Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald, to deploy his Noble Phantasm and settle the duel.

Artoria, also overhearing Kayneth's command, focused her attention, intently watching Diarmuid's every move.

However, Artoria soon found herself wounded.

And it was a wound that would not heal.

Following Kayneth's orders, Diarmuid discarded his short spear and engaged Artoria with his long spear, Gáe Dearg, the crimson rose of exorcism.

Its anti-magic properties nullified Artoria's magical armor, piercing it as if it were non-existent.

Recognizing the threat, Artoria discarded her armor, gaining increased agility and attempting to overwhelm Diarmuid with her superior speed.

However, this was all part of Diarmuid's plan.

As they clashed once more, Diarmuid suddenly kicked up his discarded yellow spear, Gáe Buidhe, striking Artoria's left arm. This spear possessed a curse that prevented wounds from healing.

"Artoria's left arm seems to be incapacitated. This will drastically reduce her combat effectiveness," Merlin observed, nodding grimly.

He knew that Excalibur, Artoria's Noble Phantasm, was a two-handed sword. Her fighting style relied on wielding it with both hands. With one arm crippled, her remaining combat strength was less than half of her full potential.

Moreover, with one hand disabled, she would be unable to unleash her Noble Phantasm.

"So, should we intervene?" Mika asked, observing the now-disadvantaged Artoria struggling against Diarmuid's relentless assault.

He was fully prepared for battle.

In fact, Mika intended to join the fray himself.

After all, he had Merlin as his support.

Just as Merlin was about to respond, a thunderous roar echoed from the distance.

"It seems you won't have to make that difficult decision. The King of Conquerors, Iskandar, has arrived!"

Mika burst into laughter as he saw Iskandar, standing triumphantly atop his Gordius Wheel, and a panicked, teary-eyed Waver Velvet clinging to the chariot for dear life.

"The hype man has arrived!"

...

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