---o---
[Time returns to the present.
BOOM!
With a deafening roar, Rider drove his chariot into the ground with unparalleled might, sending sand and stones flying. The already ravaged port was brutalized once more, leaving deep scorch marks in its wake.
At the same time, arcs of lightning spread out and flashed incessantly, bathing Rider on his chariot in a unique, imposing aura, like a god descending to the mortal realm.
This entrance maxed out his imposing presence, instantly capturing the attention of everyone present. Even Elysia was staring intently at the domineering Servant before her.
In an instant, aside from King Arthur and Elysia who had noticed Rider from the start, Lancer and Irisviel were still in a state of shock, on full alert against the sudden intruder. As for Waver, because he was huddled inside the chariot, his body was blocked from view, and no one even noticed his existence, allowing him to achieve perfect concealment.
Then, Rider was seen spreading his arms as if no one else were present, his face beaming with a confident, heroic smile, as he let his voice ring out: "Both of you, sheathe your swords! Show respect before a King!"
Everyone: "...?"
What in the world was this?
Rider, however, seemed very satisfied with his own performance. He even tilted his head slightly to look from side to side, then took a deep breath and continued his speech: "My name is Iskandar, the King of Conquerors! In this Holy Grail War, I have descended upon this world in the Class of Rider!"
Everyone: "!!!"]
---o---
What? He just revealed his True Name right at the start!?
Not just in the video, but viewers across the multiverse were stunned. After all, from the information they had gathered about the Holy Grail War from people of the Type-Moon world, Servants were supposed to conceal their true identities to avoid being targeted!
Conan Edogawa: "Iskandar, the King of Conquerors. Another king renowned in history."
Yukino Yukinoshita: "To show all your cards right from the start... are all kings this bizarre?"
King of Heroes: "Hmph. Does any mongrel dare call himself a king these days?"
Waver Velvet: "Wh-What on earth is that guy doing?!!"
Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald: "Hmph. A mere familiar. How arrogant."
King of Conquerors: "Oh? Hearing you say that, could you also be a participant in the Holy Grail War?"
Schicksal Overseer: "Hehe, more than just a participant. He is Lancer's Master."
Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald: "You... When did you learn my identity?"
Schicksal Overseer: "Did you ever try to hide it? It wasn't difficult, was it?"
Schicksal Overseer: "This screen of light connects the multiverse. From the moment it appeared, nothing can truly be hidden."
---o---
[In the video, the King of Conquerors, Iskandar, made his domineering entrance and, with the air of a true sovereign, grandly announced his True Name, leaving everyone baffled. The scene fell into a momentary silence.
Then, the meek little Master, Waver, with tears of fright and frustration in his eyes, was seen grabbing the King of Conquerors' cape and shouting with all his might, though his voice was still weak and whiny: "What are you thinking?! You idiot!!"
Thwack!
A crisp sound rang out as the King of Conquerors used an index finger, nearly as thick as Waver's forearm, to flick him on the forehead, forcing him to shut up and sit back down in the chariot.
Then, without paying any more mind to his current Master, the King of Conquerors cast his gaze upon everyone present.
He took a deep breath and said with a smile, "Though fate has bid me contend with you for the Holy Grail, I wish to ask one thing first—You two..."
He spread his arms, clenched his fists, and with a grin, his voice boomed with heroic pride, "Will you join my banner and cede the Holy Grail to me?"
"If you do, I shall treat you as my friends, and together, we shall share in the joy of conquering the world!"
After these words were spoken, only silence remained.
After a brief pause, Lancer gave a disdainful smile, his eyes closed in a show of loyalty. "I must refuse your proposal. The one to whom I will offer the Holy Grail is my new lord, with whom I have now forged a pact, and him alone."
At this, he opened his eyes, his smile vanishing as his sharp gaze fell upon the King of Conquerors. "But that person is most certainly not you, Rider!"
Saber also shook her head and said, "Was it for the sake of such jests that you interrupted my duel with Lancer?"
Hearing this, the King of Conquerors showed a somewhat helpless expression and scratched his head, then made a universally understood 'money' gesture. "The terms can be negotiated."
Lancer roared in anger, "Silence!"
"..." Saber said nothing, but the look she gave the King of Conquerors was one you would give a simpleton.
Seeing the expressions on Saber and Lancer's faces, the King of Conquerors understood that getting these people to submit would not be an easy task.
Just then, his eyes fell upon Irisviel and Elysia standing beside Saber. In his eyes, Irisviel must be Saber's Master.
But what about the young woman next to her?
"Hmm... You there, the girl with pink hair! What about you? Will you join my banner and share in the joy of conquering the world with me!" the King of Conquerors said, clenching his fist, his expression one of boundless heroism. If not for the fact that everyone present was an extraordinary individual, many would have likely been moved to join his cause.
Elysia hadn't expected the King of Conquerors to address her; after all, she had only been a spectator from start to finish. However... she was quite interested in his question.
Conquering the world... it sounded rather fun. But... she scrutinized the King of Conquerors, scanning him from head to toe, and couldn't help but furrow her brow, looking very conflicted.
The King of Conquerors saw this as a chance to persuade her. "Hoh! Do not be so conflicted! Join the banner of Iskandar! Remuneration and all other terms are negotiable!"
As the King of Conquerors' voice fell, Elysia looked as if she had made a decision. She sighed and said, "Oh dear, I'm very sorry. While conquering the world does sound very interesting, for me, pretty girls are just far more appealing. If you could turn into a beautiful girl as lovely as a flower, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment."
Silence...
Elysia's words made the scene even quieter. The reason for rejecting the King of Conquerors... was because he wasn't a pretty girl?
Indeed, compared to a dazzling female knight like Saber, the King of Conquerors was lacking by more than just a little. But, as a woman, shouldn't you be interested in the King of Conquerors' masculine charm? At the very least, in terms of both height and muscle, he had a unique appeal.
---o---
Eriri Spencer Sawamura: "Oh my god, is this what a lesbian is like?"
Utaha Kasumigaoka: "Right now, I just want to know what the King of Conquerors is thinking."
King of Heroes: "Hahahaha! This King admits it. This woman has successfully captured this King's attention."
Kevin Kaslana: "That... certainly sounds like something she would say."