Chapter 34: Kenneth’s Arrogance

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Waver: "Professor, you're a bit too quick to answer these questions."

Kenneth: "Hmph, that's because I already knew the answer."

Tohsaka Tokiomi: "Ah, I see. You must have predicted this when you answered the last question."

Chihiro: "Well, it was about your own actions."

Kenneth's confidence was certainly surprising, he'd answered so quickly, even Chihiro hadn't expected it.

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[The video resumed, showing the exterior of Einzbern Castle.]

["Boil… my blood," Kenneth said as he poured a silvery liquid from a vial onto the ground, which formed a shimmering sphere of mercury that encased him as he walked toward the castle.]

["The head of the Archibald family, Kenneth El-Melloi, has come to pay a visit," he announced, his voice filled with disdain.]

[Kenneth then arrogantly pushed the castle doors open, only to be immediately engulfed in an explosion, one of Emiya Kiritsugu's traps.]

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Tohsaka Rin: "Kenneth, even I can see something was wrong with that situation. Were you really this reckless?"

Kenneth: "Hmph! Don't compare your simple understanding to my level, child."

Kenneth: "For the record, a mere explosion of that level couldn't harm me in the slightest."

Waver: "Honestly… he's right."

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[The smoke from the explosion cleared, showing Kenneth standing unharmed behind the protective barrier of his mercury-based Mystic Code Volumen Hydrargyrum.]

["Using such lowly traps… this only proves that the Einzbern have fallen from grace," Kenneth sneered, barely acknowledging the blast.]

Tohsaka Rin: "Incredible! That mercury… it's like a living armor."

Tohsaka Tokiomi: "Is that a Mystic Code? I've never seen anything like it. Did you craft it yourself?"

Kenneth: "Of course. Only someone of my skill could create something so refined."

Kenneth: "Do you see now, Kiritsugu? True magic cannot be countered by your pitiful tricks."

Emiya Kiritsugu: "…"

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[In the castle above, Kiritsugu watched Kenneth's approach on a monitor, then quickly shut it off and prepared to leave. But Kenneth, surrounded by his mercury, breached the floor and emerged directly in front of him.]

[The two men locked eyes, and an intense battle erupted, with Kenneth's mercury barrier dominating the close-quarters fight. Despite using his Inherent Time Control to boost his speed, Kiritsugu couldn't penetrate Kenneth's defense with conventional bullets.]

[Realizing his usual tactics weren't effective, Kiritsugu drew his final weapon a single-shot pistol known as the "Thompson Contender." He pointed it at Kenneth and pulled the trigger.]

[The video paused.]

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[Question: What was the outcome of this battle?]

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Kenneth: "Well, obviously I won."

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[Ding! Kenneth's answer is incorrect. 1 Saint Quartz will be deducted.]

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Chihiro: "Kenneth speed doesn't always mean accuracy."

Kenneth: "This is ridiculous! There's no way a scoundrel like Emiya Kiritsugu could defeat me. I'm certain the battle ended inconclusively, with Kiritsugu escaping."

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[Ding! Kenneth's answer is incorrect. 1 Saint Quartz will be deducted.]

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Waver: "Professor, maybe… it's best to slow down?"

Chihiro: "He's right. Don't lose all the Saint Quartz you earned by rushing."

Emiya Kiritsugu: "I won."

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[Ding! Emiya Kiritsugu has answered part of the question correctly, earning 1 Saint Quartz.]

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Emiya Kiritsugu: "The system only gave me partial credit… Looks like it wants specifics."

Chihiro: "Emiya Kiritsugu managed to defeat Kenneth, but Diarmuid arrived and rescued him before things went too far."

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[Ding! Congratulations to Chihiro for answering the question correctly. 3 Saint Quartz awarded.]

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Waver: "So that's what happened. Given Diarmuid's loyalty, it makes sense he would rush to Kenneth's side if he were in danger."

Diarmuid: "Indeed. As long as I draw breath, I will defend my lord to the death."

Kenneth: "No… this can't be!"

Kenneth could hardly accept it, defeated by Kiritsugu and then needing to be saved by his own Servant. For someone who prided himself on being a "color mage," losing to a "lowly mercenary" like Kiritsugu was unthinkable.

Emiya Kiritsugu wasn't exactly thrilled, either. His victory here meant his secret weapon might soon be exposed.

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[The video resumed.]

[Kiritsugu fired the single shot, and contrary to Kenneth's expectations, the bullet passed through the mercury barrier and struck his left shoulder, causing him to cry out in pain.]

[Stunned and enraged, Kenneth commanded his mercury to strike, but Kiritsugu quickly raised his M950 again and fired a burst, forcing Kenneth to cover himself with the mercury barrier while Kiritsugu escaped down a nearby corridor.]

["This… this is impossible… my Marrow of the Moon Spirit can't be penetrated," Kenneth muttered, holding his wounded shoulder in disbelief.]

["I was careless. His attacks seemed simple, so I underestimated him. Next time, I'll be prepared."]

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Kenneth: "I see… so that gun was enchanted. A Mystic Code of its own."

Waver: "It's the first time I've seen a gun used like that. Kiritsugu really has his own brand of magecraft."

Tohsaka Tokiomi: "Kiritsugu's methods may be unconventional, but they're clearly effective."

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[Determined to retaliate, Kenneth continued to chase Kiritsugu through the castle, his anger growing with each step. His mercury barrier tore through walls as he searched for his opponent.]

["You filthy scum of a mage, daring to make me bleed… you will pay dearly for this insult," Kenneth fumed as he hunted Kiritsugu down.]

[Their chase continued through multiple rooms and hallways, with Kiritsugu setting traps along the way to delay Kenneth.]

[Kenneth's mercury barrier protected him from further harm, but each trap he encountered left him seething with rage.]

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Chihiro: "Kenneth, this is what the Holy Grail War is really like. Not exactly what you expected, is it?"

Chihiro: "And you really need to work on keeping your composure. You got injured once, and you're losing your mind out there."

Kenneth: "Silence! What would a child like you understand?"

Kenneth: "Emiya Kiritsugu… he's nothing but a cowardly rat. I…"

Kenneth was too furious to finish his sentence, still unable to accept the way Kiritsugu's tactics had humiliated him.