Chapter 34: Teaching the King of Heroes How to Play Video Games
"To think we would meet here. Should we make a move and eliminate him?" Kotomine Kirei looked toward Gilgamesh beside him.
Having reached a consensus on the subject of "Pleasure," they had begun to form a 'friendship' without Tohsaka Tokiomi's knowledge.
Gilgamesh sneered at Kotomine Kirei's question.
"This King has no interest in striking such a weak child."
Gilgamesh did not take Karna, who was following Shirou, seriously.
Although they were both top-tier Heroic Spirits, that fact was only known from Shirou's perspective. Gilgamesh, apart from witnessing Karna's martial prowess that night, did not feel that Karna possessed power sufficient to threaten him, so he naturally maintained his attitude of utter disregard.
"What a coincidence, running into you here." Shirou showed no sign of fear and walked straight up to them.
"By the way, what are you two planning to do in the commercial district?"
Hearing Shirou's question, Kotomine Kirei opened his mouth slightly, hesitating whether to answer.
Kotomine Kirei suffered from emotional deficiency, not brainstem deficiency; naturally, he wasn't so foolish as to answer every question asked of him.
Although it was still a while until evening, and they were in a public place, Kotomine Kirei didn't know if these two might suddenly attack.
The rule that the Holy Grail War should only be conducted at night was only something magical families were willing to abide by; whether others would comply was hard to say.
Even with the Church supervising, it was difficult to ensure that everyone would obediently follow the rules.
While Kotomine Kirei was thinking, Gilgamesh spoke first.
"This King intends to go check out that building."
Saying this, Gilgamesh directed his gaze toward an arcade center not far ahead.
Watching the look of keen interest in Gilgamesh's eyes, Shirou's mouth twitched.
It seemed that the King of Heroes had developed a strong interest in modern games.
This was understandable; their era certainly lacked such abundant entertainment, so it was completely normal for the King of Heroes to be so interested.
Since things weren't urgent, Shirou wanted to see the King of Heroes playing video games.
Just thinking about it made it seem very amusing.
At this moment, sensing Shirou's subtle interest, Gilgamesh spoke to him.
"Hey, you should understand these things, yes?"
Upon manifesting in the current world, Heroic Spirits acquire some basic information about modern times from the Grail, but this might not include minor entertainment like this.
Kotomine Kirei was certainly not the type to play video games, so he naturally wouldn't know anything about them either.
It was for this reason that Gilgamesh questioned Shirou.
"More or less. I know a few things." Shirou shrugged.
Since it was currently 1994, Shirou, who was extremely knowledgeable about countless entertainments of the future, naturally knew how to play games.
"Very well. You should accompany this King and enlighten him on these toys."
After saying this, Gilgamesh took out a gold-plated bronze artifact and tossed it to Shirou.
"Of course, this King won't let you work for free."
"..." Shirou stared blankly at the golden circular object in his hand.
The item looked like a clock, its face inlaid with metal flames and light, adorned with white stones, and its base inlaid with a thick piece of yellowish-green stone forming the clock's edge.
Was it a bit ominous to give away this kind of object? Shirou was speechless.
However, in Gilgamesh's era, such taboos wouldn't exist.
Everything in the 'Gate of Babylon' was genuine, and Gilgamesh would not put anything of insufficient value into his treasury, so the value of this clock was absolutely incalculable.
"Alright then, let's go."
Shirou accepted the treasure without hesitation, then led Gilgamesh and Kotomine Kirei into the arcade hall.
Karna followed close beside Shirou, constantly vigilant toward the two.
Upon entering the arcade, Shirou quickly scanned the area. There was a dedicated section for PS1.
The PS1 had just been released in 1994, so the timing was just right.
"This one looks quite interesting."
As soon as Gilgamesh walked in, he immediately became interested in the game The King of Fighters '94.
As a game released in August of this year, KOF '94's popularity was naturally booming.
"Let's play this one then."
Shirou started the PS1 and handed the controller to Gilgamesh.
Gilgamesh sat on the sofa, examining the controller with great curiosity.
"Give it a try~"
Shirou explained the basic operations to Gilgamesh and then started the game.
As a Heroic Spirit, it was quite simple for Gilgamesh to learn these things. Even being a beginner, he was already at the level of an ordinary person who had practiced for a long time.
Mainly, his reaction speed was simply unmatched by ordinary people.
Had it been Shirou from a week ago, he might have been completely annihilated.
However, the current Shirou also possessed the power of a Heroic Spirit, and he had vast experience in video games, so he easily defeated the character Gilgamesh had chosen.
"Damn it! Watch this move from this King!" Gilgamesh gripped the controller, grinding his teeth slightly.
Behind the sofa, Kotomine Kirei and Karna stood silently, both watching the game screen with solemn expressions.
An uninformed person seeing this might think they were watching a professional player competition.
About half an hour passed, and it was nearly five o'clock.
As the in-game character let out another miserable cry and fell to the ground, Gilgamesh's usual arrogance began to slip, and the corner of his mouth twitched uncontrollably.
"This King... was actually defeated by a child!"
The dignified King of Heroes, a Heroic Spirit no less, being defeated in a commoner's entertainment by a child no older than six or seven—this felt incredibly humiliating to him.
Shirou noticed the time was getting late and he had things to take care of, so he prepared to stand up.
"Time is about up. I have some matters to attend to..."
"You shall not leave!"
Gilgamesh took out another treasure and slammed it onto the table with a bang.
"This King commands you, one more round! You are not permitted to leave until I defeat you today!"
Standing behind them, Karna's expression immediately became severe, and he even prepared for a fight.
"Are you threatening my Master?"
Shirou broke out in a cold sweat and quickly placated him.
"It's just a game, it hasn't reached that point yet, Lancer."
Then, Shirou played one more round with the King of Heroes, this time intentionally going easy on him.
Although Gilgamesh ultimately won, he frowned tightly. Being concerned with appearances, he was clearly displeased with this kind of victory.
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