"There really is such a terrifying affinity as 'food flying into the mouth'. I wonder if I will ever encounter such a spirit."
Walking down the street, Roland reflected on the earlier scene. Without the Key of All Spirits, even if compatibility were perfect, a person possessed by such a spirit would inevitably be corrupted by knowledge, their personality gradually becoming alienated.
For example, influence and manifestation are elements that permanently exist within the possessed individual. Even if one perfectly meets the digestion requirements, this outcome cannot be avoided.
But frankly speaking, Roland felt it made little difference to Kirei Kotomine. After all, they were both firmly within the category of the Twisted Ones.
"The four Servants, Berserker has already been dealt with. As for the remaining three slots, if everything goes smoothly, we'll have clarity within the next couple of days. Don't disappoint me, Darnic."
——
"Rider! Stop fooling around and come quickly there may be a major battle coming!"
Inside the spacious suite, Waver pushed open the door and shouted toward the King, who was absorbed in a strategy game in front of the television.
Iskandar did not even look up, his gaze firmly locked onto the screen.
"What is it? Has my Master devised another brilliant strategy? If so, kid, stop what you're doing and play a few rounds with me."
Iskandar voiced his displeasure in an annoyed tone. He was a man who kept his word, and the two had remained on bad terms since their last argument.
After that incident, only due to Waver's mediation, acting as a lubricant between Master and Servant, had allowed Kenneth to accept a division of labor where Rider decided whether to engage, while he focused on eliminating the enemy Master.
Seeing his Master relent, Iskandar did not press further, but his everyday exchanges with Kenneth had inevitably frozen to the lowest point.
"I don't have time to play games with you! This time, another Master has sent a familiar and issued a formal declaration of war."
Already accustomed to the game-addicted King of Conquerors, Waver showed no surprise and went straight to the point.
"Oh?"
Hearing this, Rider paused, released the controller, and rubbed his chin.
"It seems I've been taken lightly."
Although Kenneth's workshop was conspicuous, so too were the three starting Servants. After witnessing the strength of multiple Servants, choosing to challenge Rider was an unmistakable sign of contempt.
"It's also possible that Teacher Kenneth's workshop is simply too frightening, so even if a Servant infiltrates, they wouldn't be able to succeed in a single strike."
Waver complained that after the previous incident, Kenneth despite his pale face and trembling anger had still accepted his suggestion to extend the workshop's barrier to encompass the entire building. Though this reduced its absolute strength, overall security had improved significantly.
"Do you know who declared war?"
Iskandar frowned and asked, his expression puzzled.
At the mention of the name, Waver hesitated and began to stammer.
"It's Lord Darnic… Lancer's Master."
Kenneth entered calmly and spoke in a low voice, yet even Waver could hear the biting chill beneath his words.
"That shameless man actually believes I, Kenneth, am the first he can eliminate? I've just been dealt a favorable hand."
Kenneth snorted coldly, completely ignoring the fact that his Servant was standing right beside him.
"After all, it's Enkidu hahaha!"
Iskandar, who had long since grown accustomed to Kenneth's occasional lapses in emotional intelligence, was not particularly irritated. Instead, he spoke with interest.
"In this Holy Grail War, only Gilgamesh is likely capable of standing against him."
"If that's the case, then there's no need to worry about disparities between Masters. We simply need to focus on selecting superior artifacts."
Kenneth waved his hand dismissively. "Darnic wants the Servants to clash at range, while I, as the Master, engage him in a one-on-one duel."
"I have a bad feeling about this… It's illogical that a Servant would abandon such an advantage and voluntarily allow a duel between Masters."
After a moment of thought, Waver spoke. Over the past few days of close interaction, he had come to realize that his teacher was a genuine genius, someone unlikely to lose in a battle between magi.
"I've already agreed."
Kenneth's words were unexpected.
"H—Hey! Mr. Kenneth, why would you do that?"
Waver froze, his face filled with confusion.
"Because this is also an opportunity. Rider, if you can restrain Lancer, I am confident I can swiftly defeat Darnic. That way, we can reverse our disadvantage and win this battle."
Kenneth responded calmly to Waver's question.
"And what risks does that entail?"
Iskandar nodded. Rarely did he refrain from challenging Kenneth, but this time he agreed.
As he spoke, he turned to Waver, who seemed insignificant standing between the two of them.
"Kid, I want to hear your opinion."
"But I'm not a Master…"
Normally, when he was not required to speak, Waver could quickly discern the threads of a situation. But when actual decision-making was placed in his hands, he became timid.
"I'd like to hear your thoughts as well, Waver," Kenneth added, his gaze sweeping over. "After all, unlike the incompetent fool I imagined, you don't appear entirely useless."
In the past, such words would have infuriated Waver. Now, he understood this was simply Kenneth's peculiar way of offering praise.
He lifted his head and met Kenneth's gaze directly, unwavering and fearless.
"The trap lies in the fact that if we want to confront Darnic during the Lancer versus Rider battle, we must leave this workshop, which is practically a fortress. No magus would be foolish enough to conduct a one-on-one duel inside the enemy's workshop, especially when Professor Kenneth hails from the El-Melloi family, a magus lineage of monarchy."
"That's correct, Waver," Kenneth nodded, a trace of satisfaction in his eyes. "Compared to crude and dangerous methods like direct bombardment, a truly cunning magus would employ a fair strategy to force you out of your workshop."
"That man's nickname is Eight Tongues. It's impossible that he hasn't considered this. Therefore, this battle may conceal a trap. The question is whether we possess the courage to face it and whether you possess that courage is the first lesson I intend to teach you."
Are you willing to join this dangerous battle?
This was the implication hidden in Kenneth's words. Being stared at so directly made Waver instinctively want to retreat.
He had personally witnessed battles between Servants and seen the resolve required to face them. He had only been able to endure thanks to Kenneth's protection. Did he truly have the confidence not to become a burden in such a confrontation?
Compared to these enlightened magi, his own preparation and determination seemed trivial. Though he had once felt proud of correcting Kenneth's mistakes, Waver had since shed his naivety and come to accept his own insignificance.
Such an opportunity would never come again. Perhaps this Holy Grail War was the key to changing his destiny.
Waver no longer hesitated and declared his decision.
"Mr. Kenneth, I want to go with you!"
"Hmph." Kenneth raised an eyebrow, his expression noticeably refreshed. "Only now do you barely look like someone who came out of El-Melloi's classroom."
Though his words remained as arrogant as ever.
"No matter how exceptional Darnic may be, it doesn't change the fact that he is the only one of his generation to truly become an elite magus. No matter how much praise he receives, he's still just a third-rate magus wielding fourth-rate magecraft. He has no chance of defeating me."
Kenneth narrowed his eyes slightly, glanced at the fully restored Moon Spirit Essence Liquid on the table, and smiled.
Kenneth felt utterly uneasy in battles between Servants, but battles between magi were an entirely different matter.
"The rhythm of this Holy Grail War is finally back under my control. Now, I am invincible!"
"Oh—!"
Iskandar clenched his fists and cheered, something he had not done in a long time.
——
As dusk approached, and in response to the recent gas explosions, early martial law was imposed. Before the sun had fully set, Fuyuki City fell into a long-absent silence.
Iskandar drove the Gordius Wheels alone, leisurely arriving at the mountain range dozens of kilometers away from the Fuyuki City National Highway, the final battlefield left behind by the Lancer faction.
Although he briefly considered the possibility of a diversion, Rider did not believe his mobility would be underestimated to such an extent.
As expected, within the desolate mountains, Lancer stood quietly, exuding a profound aura while gently stroking the trees beside him. Though dressed in white, his inhuman beauty still shone brilliantly beneath the twilight sky.
Enkidu lifted his gaze toward Rider, who descended amid rolling thunder, and offered a helpless smile.
"You really came, Rider. When my Master told me you would abandon your base and strike first, I thought he was joking."
"If you intended to intimidate me with such theatrics, Lancer, you've chosen the wrong opponent."
Lancer sighed, his expression tinged with habitual sorrow. "No. I'm merely lamenting the fate that awaits your Master. Had you remained in your workshop, my Master might have chosen patience. But by stepping into this trap, you are courting death."
Perhaps it was the undeniable emotion in Enkidu's voice that caused Iskandar to feel a flicker of unease.
"What, are you underestimating my courage? Or are you underestimating my Master?"
"I'm only stating facts. Your Master will die at my Master's hands. I thought that day would make him restrain himself for a while, but instead, he has grown even more ruthless."
Lancer spoke sorrowfully. "Though you may not believe me, I never wished for this outcome. But everything has already crossed the point of no return."
"Who says that?" Iskandar laughed. "Even if I don't fully grasp your meaning, all I want is to defeat you here as quickly as possible!"
"Yes, but unfortunately, my Master has ordered me to stop you. So that will not happen."
"That remains to be seen…"
Rider shrugged, allowing the scorching wind to sweep across the winter mountains.
The barren terrain transformed. Blinding sunlight and a scorching desert that parched the throat replaced the surroundings, as the mirage-like army once more assembled beneath Iskandar's raised sword.
"Lancer, you may think my words are meaningless bravado, but after witnessing the eternal landscape within my heart, can you still maintain such certainty?"
The crimson cloak billowed violently behind Iskandar, like the most conspicuous war banner.
"My goal lies at the ends of the earth, to witness the boundless sea. This is the shared dream of the companions who have gathered beneath me. Lancer, you shall be the first step of my journey as Iskandar!"
Iskandar roared, and the army behind him answered, their voices merging into a thunderous chorus.
"Exactly! Exactly!"
Behind him, amidst the ranks, Brasefas, Iskandar's childhood steed, towering like a bull, snorted as it stepped forward to his side.
"This is my strongest Noble Phantasm—
Ionoi Hetairoi,
the might of the King's Army!"
"What a breathtaking sight."
Lancer gazed upon the vast and boundless world. He felt no fear only nostalgia.
"Different hearts moving forward toward a shared goal, united beneath a single dream… Humans truly are fascinating."
He crouched, brushed his hand across the lifeless sand, and revealed a sincere smile.
"Rider, whether you intended it or not, I thank you. Here, no innocent lives will be harmed by my hand. In return…"
The king who never ceases his domineering march earnestly lays bare his ambitions and dreams, creating the perfect stage. Enkidu knew he had to respond in kind.
In the next moment, within the barren desert, countless tiny flowers, on the verge of tears, miraculously sprouted, forming buds ready to bloom.
"Next, I will face you with everything I have, Rider."
In response to his call, the planet itself resounded.
Centered on Lancer, invisible ripples spread across the ground. Vast magical energy surged forth, forming a wedge that connected heaven and earth, humanity and divinity.
Enkidu spread his arms wide, joy lighting his expression as he proclaimed the rebirth of a miracle.
"O mortals, who seek to bind the gods!"
(Enuma Elish)
In the next instant, the flower buds bloomed. Boundless magical power condensed into a spear capable of piercing the world itself, flooding the desert with daylight as it soared skyward.