---o---
In the light screen projection, the camera returned to the port. Elysia and Gilgamesh were at a tense standoff, a major battle ready to erupt at any moment.
However, despite the extremely hostile atmosphere, neither side chose to make the first move. Just as the projection's narrator had stated, the port was already damaged beyond recognition.
Shattered shipping containers, torn-up pavement, and broken lampposts were everywhere. No matter how oblivious the citizens of Fuyuki City were, they were bound to notice this.
As the sound of sirens began to wail in the distance, it symbolized the end of the first night of this Holy Grail War. The arrogant King of Heroes glanced at Elysia, as if to sear the girl's face into his memory. Perhaps the next time they met, Elysia would not be facing his ordinary treasures. To erase that power of hers, it might require Ea itself to make an appearance.
However, based on the power and caliber Elysia had displayed so far, she had not yet reached a level worthy of him using Ea.
Seeing that Gilgamesh had no intention of continuing the confrontation, Elysia breathed a sigh of relief internally. Naturally, she wasn't afraid of Gilgamesh. If she were, she wouldn't have chosen to conflict with him from the very beginning.
What she was worried about was the Honkai Energy within her own body. In the world she lived in, a world constantly overflowing with Honkai Energy, those who survived all had a remarkably high resistance to it. Because of this, although MANTISes were sometimes called monsters behind their backs, they wouldn't actually harm others due to their high levels of Honkai Energy.
But this world was different. This world didn't even possess Honkai Energy. Her very existence was like a natural source of contamination. A single misstep could lead to the spread of zombies and Honkai Beasts, which was absolutely unacceptable to Elysia.
Fortunately, Elysia had excellent control over the Honkai Energy in her body, and normal combat wouldn't be much of an issue. It was just that the power she sensed from this "Lamppost King" was not to be trifled with. She had no desire for a battle to cause the Honkai Energy within her to leak...
---o---
[Boros: So they didn't end up fighting after all? I don't understand. If you're going to fight, then fight with everything you have. Why care about those weaklings?]
[Kurumi Tokisaki: So both Elysia and Gilgamesh have things they are wary of? Ara ara, how very interesting~]
[Schicksal Overseer: What a long first night. With this battle concluded, the coming plot will surely be even more exciting...]
[Eriri Spencer Sawamura: Phew~ Regardless, this Holy Grail War feels as thrilling as watching a movie.]
[Conan Edogawa: The police are almost there. Aren't they going to retreat?]
---o---
In the light screen projection, the camera focused on Saber. After seeing Lancelot disappear, she let out a wistful sigh after a brief moment of shock, yet her brow also showed a hint of relief.
Clearly, the Knight-King was not yet prepared for a decisive battle with Lancelot. If she wanted to defeat him head-on, the best method would be to use her Noble Phantasm, not to compete with him in martial skill.
In terms of raw power, even a Lancelot in the Berserker class was not her match. If she were to fight him seriously, she could definitely slay him. But... Saber ultimately chose not to kill Lancelot. Perhaps it was because he was once her knight, or perhaps for other reasons.
Just as Saber was grappling with these complicated feelings, Gilgamesh's grating voice rang out. "Hahahaha~~ Interesting~ How utterly interesting~ Woman, you have truly shown this King an amusing performance. Like a comical actor in a stage play, filled with a black humor that brings this King great joy! Hahahaha~~"
Tonight, aside from Elysia, Saber was the second person to bring this king amusement. So, just as he was about to depart, he naturally had to jump out and stir up some hatred.
Hearing this, Saber's brow furrowed. She looked up at Gilgamesh, who had at some point reappeared atop a pile of damaged containers. Already in a foul mood, she retorted without hesitation, "Do you wish to test if the sword of the 'woman' you speak of is sharp, O King of Uruk?"
Faced with this sharp retort, Gilgamesh did not get angry. Instead, he stared at Saber with the appreciative gaze of one admiring a work of art. "What a sharp-toothed lioness you are. Very well. This King acknowledges you, Knight-King."
Just then, his brow twitched as he looked into the distance. There, the flashing lights of the belated ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars were now clearly visible.
Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Gilgamesh looked back at Saber. "It seems some boring mongrels have arrived. Well, ending it here for tonight is acceptable. This King is already quite pleased. We shall save the rest of our fun for next time. Knight-King, I look forward to seeing you again."
At this point, his expression hardened, and his wine-red eyes swept over to Elysia. "Hehe, visitor from another world. Do your utmost to amuse this King. Let this King witness your true form, and then... you can make your exit. This world does not welcome mongrels like you."
With those words, he dissolved into golden particles of light, evidently having dematerialized into his spiritual form.
Elysia just silently watched Gilgamesh disappear. That guy... he's really asking for a punch. If I get the chance, I'll definitely let him have a taste of a cute girl's mighty fist.
After Gilgamesh's departure, the night's battle was more or less at its end. Lancer's Master, Kayneth, also spoke up: "Lancer, let's go! Tonight's battle is over; there's no need to remain here. As for you, Waver Velvet, my dear student, I look forward to a proper magus duel with you."
Hearing this, Waver's body trembled, thoroughly terrified.
Lancer acknowledged Kayneth, then turned to Saber. "O Knight-King, I look forward to finishing our battle next time. Then, I shall truly fight with all my strength."
Saber replied, "As do I."
With a lopsided, confident smirk, Lancer turned and dematerialized.
The King of Conquerors patted Waver's back reassuringly, then grinned at Saber. "Tonight was not as fulfilling as I'd hoped, but it has truly surprised me. This Holy Grail War is full of surprises! Knight-King, I too look forward to a battle with you! When that time comes, we shall see whose path of kingship is superior! Hahaha~ Boy, let's go too!"
With a hearty laugh, the King of Conquerors also departed, riding his bull-drawn chariot with his timid Master in tow.
At this point, only Saber, a single Servant, and the pink-haired fairy-like lady remained at the port.