Chapter 19: Alliance?

"How is your kingdom? Is it prosperous? Does it flourish? Are your people happy?" 

"My Britannia is a leading world power, with global domination close at hand," Lelouch replied, his voice calm but firm. 

"I see," Saber responded softly. 

"That's all you'll get from me," Lelouch added, cutting off any further inquiry. He had no intention of revealing too much, especially about his true wish.

Before being summoned into this war, Lelouch had a grand plan called the Requiem, aimed at creating a peaceful world for his sister, Nunnally, while ending the cycle of hatred between nations. That was his goal—until he learned about the Dragon Balls. Their existence opened up a new opportunity. With their power, he could achieve his ambitions in a much simpler and faster way.

Thus, when summoned by Waver, he had no hesitation in accepting. The risks of the Dragon Ball War? He had long stopped worrying about things like that. He had faced death countless times before, and this was just one more challenge. Lelouch was never one to shy away from danger.

Saber glanced at the sword in her hand, feeling a strange sense of relief. No matter what, she had received a response from this so-called new king of Britannia. If a powerful Britannia still existed as a leading world power, wasn't that what she had always wished for?

Her kingdom had fallen, and her people had suffered. That was why Saber had sought the Holy Grail—to undo it all. But if another, more capable ruler had taken her place and led Britannia to prosperity, wasn't that enough? Lelouch's existence, in a way, was a reflection of her deepest desire: a stronger, enduring Britannia.

Having come to terms with this, Saber's will to fight began to fade, replaced by admiration for the young king before her. He, too, had ascended to the throne at a young age, and though his origin was unclear, he represented the success she had failed to achieve. The sight of Britannia still alive and powerful meant her efforts had not been in vain.

"You seem more at peace than before," Lelouch observed, sensing her change in demeanor. 

"Yes. Perhaps my wish has already been fulfilled," Saber admitted, lowering her sword slightly. "Now I can fight for my Master without distraction. If your wish truly is for world peace, perhaps you and my Master would get along well." Her tone was softer now, almost friendly.

If Britannia was thriving somewhere, Saber no longer needed to chase the Holy Grail or the Dragon Balls. Her sole purpose now was to fight for her Master's victory.

"An alliance?" Waver considered the idea from his seat in the cockpit, mulling over the potential benefits. The Dragon Balls had gathered them here, promising the fulfillment of any wish. That alone made it a fierce competition where only one victor could emerge. But an alliance? It wasn't out of the question if they shared common goals.

"It's an intriguing offer," Lelouch replied with a smirk. "However, from what I've heard, your Master doesn't have the best reputation." He wasn't quick to reject the proposal, seeing the potential advantage in teaming up. Working together to eliminate the competition before handling the final outcome could be beneficial.

Saber hesitated, knowing there was some truth to his words. Kiritsugu Emiya was not known for playing by the rules. His title as the "Mage Killer" was well-earned, and his reputation within the world of magi was far from spotless. Aligning with someone like him came with the risk of betrayal at any moment.

Still, Lelouch didn't outright dismiss the possibility. "We are willing to consider it, but you'll need to prove your Master's sincerity."

Saber was surprised by Lelouch's openness. She hadn't expected the conversation to take this turn. 

"I will relay the message to my Master," she responded calmly, feeling relieved that there was a chance for diplomacy.

'So, a man who will stop at nothing?' Lelouch mused. He had his own reasons for entertaining the idea of an alliance. His hidden card, the power of Geass, was still in play. If Kiritsugu showed up in person, Lelouch would have the opportunity to use it. An alliance? Lelouch didn't believe in such naive partnerships. He was only interested in manipulating the situation to his advantage.

His Geass, the "Power of Absolute Obedience," would allow him to control anyone who fell under its influence. Once someone was subjected to his command, they were bound to his will, unable to resist. All it took was a direct command, and even the strongest convictions could be twisted.

If he could just find a way to use his Geass on all the Masters, he could bring the war to a swift conclusion. Servants might resist the power, but ordinary humans—no matter how clever—could not.

---

"You really think you can escape?" Sola-Ui mocked, watching from a distance as Kiritsugu wandered through the maze-like territory she and Kayneth had created. From her vantage point, it seemed like Kiritsugu had lost his way.

'Just stay here and keep the magic flowing. Don't leave the perimeter,' Sola-Ui recalled Kayneth's instructions. She found the task tedious. While Kayneth was better suited to handling the direct confrontation with the Masters, she couldn't help but feel frustrated at being relegated to support. She wanted to participate in the battle herself, not merely wait for victory to come.

"Hm? Did he get hit by a wraith?" Sola-Ui murmured, noticing Kiritsugu stumble after being struck by one of the summoned spirits. 

"He's not breathing… no heartbeat either." Her tone turned smug. "So this is the so-called Mage Killer? Pathetic." 

Seeing Kiritsugu lying motionless on the ground, Sola-Ui felt her guard drop. With Kiritsugu eliminated and Kirei occupied by Kayneth, there was nothing more to worry about. 

"Next, I'll take care of Assassin's Master," she mused, stepping away from her post.

However, the moment she set foot outside the boundary of the magical field, she heard a sharp crack. 

Bang! 

A sharp pain shot through her side as something hot pierced her flesh. Her eyes widened in shock as she looked in the direction of the gunshot.

Kiritsugu stood there, emotionless, his smoking gun aimed directly at her. 

'How?!' she thought, her mind racing in disbelief. How had he survived? How had he gotten so close?

Before she could even speak, the only answer she received was the repeated sound of gunfire. 

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! 

Each shot found its mark, leaving Sola-Ui no time to process the pain before darkness overtook her.