Chapter 21: The Abrupt End of the Battle
The figures of the two Servants instantly vanished from their positions. Even a Magus could only see the afterimages they left behind and the sparks constantly erupting from the clash of spear and sword.
Saber's attack style was broad and grand, characteristic of Western swordsmanship, while Lancer's spear technique was incredibly refined, with every thrust and withdrawal perfectly timed.
Clang—!
Suddenly, Saber, who instinctively raised her sword to block Lancer's thrust, saw the spear blade graze against her horizontally held sword, sparking, before it slid and, in an instant too quick for Saber to react, slashed her right arm.
"What—!?"
Saber was shocked that Lancer's spear technique was so exquisite. She was defending with all her strength, yet she still couldn't completely fend off Lancer's offense.
After her right arm was injured, the hand holding Saber's sword even began to tremble slightly.
Clearly, the damage inflicted by the spear blade was somewhat difficult to bear. As a result, Saber's momentum in attacking instantly weakened.
Because her right arm was injured, she couldn't continue to attack as recklessly as before until it was healed.
"Irisviel, please heal my wound."
"Yes, I'll treat you immediately!"
Irisviel quickly mobilized her prana. As the most excellent Homunculus created by the Einzberns throughout their history, Irisviel possessed a vast number of magic circuits, and her level of magecraft was very high.
Under Irisviel's healing magecraft, the wound on Saber's right arm quickly healed.
Saber rotated her right arm slightly, felt that it was almost completely recovered, and smiled.
"Thank you, Irisviel. I feel as good as new now."
Hearing Saber's thanks, Irisviel also let out a sigh of relief.
"It is my honor to be able to help you, Saber."
Having also heard the exchange between Irisviel and Saber, Lancer raised the golden spear in his hand, and fierce flames began to bloom on the shaft.
"This is the end, Saber! It's time to give up everything. Both for you and for me."
At this moment, both Irisviel and Saber could tell that Lancer might not have been fighting at full strength just a moment ago.
Saber couldn't help but frown, gripping her sword even tighter.
Their figures once again became phantoms. In the fierce exchange, the fully displayed overwhelming martial arts and the power of Lancer's innate skill, 'Mana Burst (Flame): A', immediately caused Saber immense distress.
Shirou, as the Master, had sufficient prana for Lancer to continuously activate this innate skill. Saber could not immunize herself from the flame damage, and her armor became scalding hot because of it. Several new injuries appeared on her body.
Saber's grip on her sword tightened further.
She understood that her martial skill could not compete with Lancer, who had the added boost of high speed, and there was no gap in their strength. Therefore, she was currently being completely overwhelmed.
Since that was the case, the only way to distinguish the difference in power was to release her Noble Phantasm.
"Damn it...!" Saber gnashed her teeth, already preparing to activate the power of her Noble Phantasm.
Boom—!
In the nick of time, the sky was filled with the sound of wind and thunder, like ten thousand horses galloping, and a loud, rough male voice echoed across the sky.
A purple bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, and a mighty bull, treading on thin air and pulling an antique chariot, descended from the heavens accompanied by the rumbling of its wheels.
"Stop right there, both of you!"
The chariot plunged recklessly into the duel area between Lancer and Saber, interrupting their fight, which was on the verge of reaching a climax.
"It's Rider, just as expected..." Compared to the stunned Irisviel, Shirou on the side looked much calmer at this sight.
And since Rider had arrived, Kiritsugu Emiya should have already set up his sniper rifle on the tall building over there.
Shirou looked up at the top floor of a tall building. While other Magi might have difficulty noticing, Shirou, who possessed 'Clairvoyance: A', saw the faint reflection of the sniper scope in the darkness.
However, even knowing that Kiritsugu Emiya was aiming his sniper rifle at him, Shirou was still unconcerned.
In his current state, he had no fear whatsoever of an attack from such a firearm.
Withdrawing his gaze, Shirou looked at Rider.
The King of Conquerors, Iskandar, was holding the reins, standing in a chariot.
It was an ancient-looking chariot. In front of the reins was a vigorous Thunder-Bull with powerful muscles that gave an impression of immense strength. Every time the bull stamped the ground, it caused a deafening roar and emitted purple lightning.
Rider, standing on his Noble Phantasm, 'Via Regia (Gordius Wheel)', laughed heartily.
"Hahaha! I am the Emperor of the Macedonian Empire, Iskandar, the 'King of Conquerors'!"
His grand entrance, where he immediately announced his name, drew the gaze of all the Servants present onto him.
"Idiot! Idiot! Who exposes their True Name right off the bat!"
Waver, who was lying nearby on the chariot seat, trembled with fear and stamped his feet, pounding Rider's chest like a little girl.
Rider lifted his hand and flicked Waver on the forehead, causing the latter to cry out "Ah!" in pain and collapse back onto the seat, unable to rise.
Then, Rider continued, looking at the others.
"All of you are heroes and valiant figures from different eras! I hereby formally invite you to join my banner! I will share the joy of victory and conquest with all of you!"
At this, not only did Saber and Lancer show confused expressions, but even Irisviel and Kiritsugu Emiya, who was holding the sniper rifle, were somewhat dumbfounded.
"What is this guy doing, announcing his identity the moment he shows up?"
Kiritsugu Emiya felt that for him, who was constantly cautious and gathering intelligence on other competitors, Rider's behavior was nothing short of blatant mockery directed at him for taking this Holy Grail War seriously.
"Rider, huh... At least I gained some information tonight." Kiritsugu Emiya murmured.
Down below, at this moment.
Everyone, except for Shirou, who already knew Rider's personality, was examining Rider with gazes of either confusion or incredulity.
"While your boldness in immediately announcing your identity impresses me, my beliefs run counter to your proposal, so I cannot accept."
Lancer seemed not to find Rider's statement absurd and answered him seriously.
"Is that so..." Rider nodded, having received Lancer's serious reply.
"Then it can't be helped."
Next, Rider looked at Saber.
"You—"
Rider had barely uttered one word before he heard Saber's unequivocal answer.
"I refuse!"
Saber pointed her Holy Sword at Iskandar, displaying the forcefulness befitting a King.
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