Should he abandon Kirei Kotomine and instead search for Rider's Master, Waver Velvet?
Kiritsugu moved swiftly, his mind as still as a frozen lake, reflecting the surrounding landscape with perfect clarity. He turned himself into a sharp probe, surpassing hearing in sensitivity and exceeding sight in clarity, leaving no blind spots. Every shift in the wind or rustle of leaves was imdiately registered as he advanced cautiously through the darkness.
At the sa ti, he dedicated a part of his mind to strategizing his next move.
Under normal circumstances, he would have scoffed at Rider's request and his so-called "trust." Kiritsugu would have discarded the task Rider entrusted to him, focusing solely on eliminating Kirei Kotomine to rescue Irisviel.
But this ti was different. In the presence of Servants, an individual's power was insignificant. Kiritsugu was not only facing the dangerous Kirei but also Sakatsuki, whose strength rivaled that of a Servant.
Kiritsugu was confident in his ability to defeat Kirei. However, when it ca to Sakatsuki—whose full strength remained unknown—he had no confidence at all. Especially considering that Sakatsuki had conquered the Einzbern Castle a year ago, planting the seeds of fear deep within Kiritsugu's heart.
Yes, he admitted his fear. This was precisely why, even though Sakatsuki had not shown hostility at the start of the Holy Grail War, Kiritsugu had repeatedly devised sches against him.
If he wanted to seize the Holy Grail, Sakatsuki would inevitably beco his final obstacle.
Kiritsugu firmly believed this, and his intuition had already been proven correct. In just a few days, everything around him had been taken away, and he himself had fallen into a precarious situation.
Perhaps this was all his own doing, but Kiritsugu never wasted ti on regret. No matter what, Saber had already abandoned him, and he had no intention of believing Sakatsuki's words.
—Only fools trust the words of their enemies. And following an enemy's pace is even worse than being a fool.
To avoid provoking Sakatsuki, he would kill Kirei. But when it ca ti to head for Mount Enzo, Kiritsugu had no intention of following Sakatsuki's lead.
However, resistance requires power. And for that, even a lone-wolf assassin like Kiritsugu had to seek the aid of a Servant.
Rider, who had voluntarily sought him out, was the perfect ally he needed.
Even if they reestablished a contract after saving Waver, Kiritsugu knew Rider and his Master well enough to be sure they would repay this favor.
But...
"To think I'm placing my hopes on soone else's trust... What the hell am I thinking?"
Kiritsugu muttered to himself before coming to a halt.
Not because he had changed his mind—but because he had no choice.
Before him, a man in a priest's robe slowly erged from the shadows, blocking his path.
The two t in a narrow passageway, too confined to allow for escape or concealnt.
From across the corridor lined with statues, Kiritsugu saw the robed figure. From beyond the stained-glass windows, Kirei recognized his enemy's black coat.
Just as he had made his decision, his destined adversary appeared before him.
In Kirei's hand, Black Keys glinted. In Kiritsugu's eyes, the barrel of his gun glead with a fresh coat of gun oil.
The atmosphere filled with murderous intent, suffocating the corridor.
In that charged air, silver blades flashed.
Three in his right hand, three in his left—Kirei wielded six Black Keys as he sprinted forward.
Kiritsugu aid his gun at the swiftly approaching storm.
Thus, the battle between the assassin and the executor began in silence.
***
For Rider, this was the third ti he had summoned his 'Ionioi Hetairoi.'
But for Archer, this was the first ti he had witnessed the Conqueror King's army.
The scorching desert wind, as if responding to the king's call, swept away the church's chill and surged toward Archer.
The great king raised his Sword of Kupriotes, gathering the wills of those who once shared his dreams across ti and space.
They stood united, gazing at the mirage-hidden horizon, longing to see what lay beyond the boundless blue sky.
Their yearning to return to battle eroded reality, transforming the sacred church into a vast plain where whirlwinds raged.
One by one, Heroic Spirits arrived on the prepared stage, facing off against the most ancient Heroic King.
Archer stood alone before the surging army, yet there was no trace of distress in his posture. He remained composed, standing tall in radiant gold like an unshakable peak—exuding the overwhelming presence that only the greatest of Heroic Spirits possessed.
His crimson eyes surveyed the mighty army, gleaming with a bloodthirsty delight. Only a king who had indulged in every pleasure the world had to offer could understand this peculiar joy.
Indeed, Archer was exhilarated.
Since being summoned to this ti, he had endured nothing but nonsensical battles unworthy of the na "war." He had long grown weary of such nonsense. Now, at last, he had found a foe worthy of being called an enemy.
And yet, this grand feast was missing a vital ingredient—Rider, the army's core, lacked the killing intent that should announce a decisive battle.
"What's the aning of this, Conqueror King? Do you take for so Eastern concubine awaiting amusent?"
"Don't overthink it, Heroic King. I have no interest in you. This display is rely an apology."
Despite calling it an apology, Rider's attitude carried no trace of remorse.
"You recall what happened at the King's Banquet, don't you?"
"I see..."
Gilgash imdiately understood Rider's implication.
"You're saying you're not at your peak today?"
"Exactly. While my supply of mana is more abundant now, my Master—the one to whom I entrust my back—is not here. Without him, I cannot fight at full strength."
Rider admitted frankly. Then, rubbing his hands together with a mischievous grin, he continued.
"Archer, speaking of declarations, we had another agreent that night, didn't we?"
"You an our conclusion that only a battle to the death could settle things?"
"Before that, weren't we supposed to finish the remaining wine?"
Rider urged the Heroic King, wearing an innocent smile that was entirely unfitting for a man on the verge of a death match.
"So crude fools interrupted us that night... But I know there's still so left in that bottle. You can't fool my eyes."
"You truly are the Conqueror King, keeping such a close eye on other people's possessions."
Archer chuckled bitterly, retrieving a full set of drinking cups and pouring the last remnants of the divine-era liquor into two cups. He clinked his cup against Rider's.
"King of Babylonia, this is my final question at this banquet."
"Very well, ask away."
Holding his wine cup, Rider's expression was serious, yet his eyes still twinkled with the mischief of a child.
"If we were to combine your 'Gate of Babylon' with my 'Ionioi Hetairoi,' wouldn't that create the strongest army imaginable? Even the so-called 'presidents' of the Western nations would be nothing before us."
"Hm? And then?"
"So, I'll ask you again—will you form an alliance with ? If we join forces, not even the stars themselves could stop our march!"
Upon hearing this, Gilgash burst into hearty laughter, as if he had just heard the most amusing joke in ages.
"You truly are an interesting man. It's been a long ti since soone other than a fool entertained with such nonsense. But unfortunately, my friend—past, present, and future—has always been and will always be only one person. And besides, this world has no need for two kings."
With a knowing glint in his eye, Gilgash added.
"More importantly, you don't seem the least bit worried about your Master. Do you have sothing to rely on? Or are you just adorably naive?"
By now, that boy must already be drowning in despair.
Yet, in response to Gilgash's subtle taunt, Rider showed no worry at all. Instead, he downed his drink with a confident smile.
"I believe in Waver Velvet. I believe in my Master's intelligence and strength to escape danger."
Thinking of his ordinary yet courageous Master, the once-great Conqueror King felt a pride beyond words.
"Just as I believe in myself."
***
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