Rin Tohsaka's declaration, brimming with possessiveness, was the signal for battle to begin.
Before her words even finished, the red-clad knight beside her transformed into a scarlet blur, rushing toward the gate.
No unnecessary words—obeying the Master's command was instinct carved into a servant's very soul.
Yet someone was faster.
An indigo-blue figure appeared as if by teleportation, blocking Archer' path.
Sasaki Kojirou maintained his unhurried demeanor, but the long sword in his hand had already been drawn.
That narrow blade reflected a chilling gleam in the cold moonlight.
"Your opponent is me."
Clang—!
The piercing metallic ring exploded through the silent night sky.
Archer's projected black and white dual blades collided solidly with that seemingly simple long sword, sending forth a cascade of dazzling sparks.
In a single exchange, the victor was clear.
Archer was knocked back half a step by this seemingly effortless yet technique-laden force, his arms tingling slightly.
He looked at the man before him—breathing steady, composure unshaken—and a hint of gravity crossed his eyes.
'Such a fast blade... no, it's the technique.'
'This man's skill has reached perfection.'
"Oh? To block my blade, you're no ordinary opponent."
A pleased arc formed at Sasaki Kojirou's lips—the joy of meeting a worthy rival, "State your name, red-clad archer."
"A nameless one," Archer replied gravely, then crossed his dual blades and launched a counterattack.
Kojiro's swordsmanship was sweeping and grand, yet harbored lethal intent in its subtleties—each blade strike resembled an antelope hanging its horns, leaving no trace.
His figure flickered uncertainly, like a phantom beneath the moon, launching a mercury-like torrent of fierce attacks around Archer.
Yet Archer, relying on his rich experience from countless battles, maintained a defense without a single flaw.
Kanshou and Bakuya danced in his hands like a two-sided whirlwind shield, precisely blocking every fatal slash.
He was not eager for quick victory, but rather observed and analyzed his opponent's sword path within strict defense, seeking the sole flaw in that perfect technique.
Two top-tier warriors thus found themselves locked in an intense and pure contest of skill, fighting to a standstill.
Meanwhile, the battle between the mages unfolded in a far more intense and uninhibited manner.
"I won't allow you to stay by his side! You vixen who stole him away!"
Rin Tohsaka's eyes nearly blazed with fire.
Jealousy and fury stripped her of her usual composure entirely. She attributed all her hostility toward Medea to the other woman "stealing" what rightfully belonged to her—her "possession."
Without hesitation, she pulled several gleaming gems from her pocket and hurled them violently toward Medea!
"—Gandr!"
The dark red magical projectiles shot forth like cannon fire, tearing through the air with a sharp whistle.
Facing this rage-filled attack, Medea's response was remarkably composed.
She merely waved her wand lightly, and several purple magical projectiles materialized, precisely meeting Rin's assault.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Violent explosions erupted in succession through the air, the raging magical currents causing the surrounding trees to rustle.
"Calm yourself, heir of the Tohsaka family."
Medea's voice carried through the aftermath of the explosions, clear and steady. "My relationship with Master is one of equal alliance, not as you imagine. You are blinded by your own emotions."
'Sigh... another poor soul affected by Master's cursed charm,' Medea sighed helplessly in her heart. 'Though worthy of sympathy, that does not justify your attack on me.'
As a mage of the Age of Gods, her pride would not allow her to be provoked by a modern mage.
Even though in her Lily state many powerful Age of Gods magics were unavailable, her exquisite control over magical power and battle experience alone allowed her to maintain a firm advantage.
Purple magical projectiles continuously materialized and gathered around her, like a deadly meteor shower, pouring down toward Rin Tohsaka, forming an impenetrable barrage of firepower.
"Stop spouting nonsense!"
Rin naturally disbelieved Medea's explanation. In her view, this was merely the victor's boasting and sophistry.
She gritted her teeth and continuously pulled gems from her pouch, instantly unleashing their magical power into dark red beams for counterattack.
For a moment, above the mountain path of Ryuudou Temple, purple and dark red magical projectiles shuttled back and forth, violent explosions erupting in succession, like a miniature fireworks display.
Yet Leo, the source of all this chaos, could only stand in the relatively safe position behind Medea, helplessly watching everything unfold.
His gaze switched back and forth between the two battlefields.
On one side was the dazzling sword technique duel between Kojiro Sasaki and Archer, each collision of blade and sword bursting with lethal brilliance.
On the other was the violent magical barrage between Medea and Rin Tohsaka, each explosion causing the earth to tremble slightly.
A strong sense of helplessness surged up again.
Again.
Again, he could only watch helplessly as others were drawn into battle because of him.
Whether it was before at the Tohsaka residence or now at Ryuudou Temple, he was like a king placed on a chessboard, capable of nothing but passively accepting protection.
He looked at Rin Tohsaka's pretty face twisted by anger and jealousy, his heart a mixture of emotions.
There was guilt, there was helplessness, and more than anything, disgust at his own cursed charm.
As long as this curse existed for even one more day, "troubles" like tonight would never end.
He must... he must win the Holy Grail as quickly as possible and end all of this once and for all!
Just as Leo was silently steeling his resolve, the battle situation underwent a subtle shift.
Archer, unable to break through after prolonged assault, seemed to lose patience. He suddenly used both blades to pry open Kojiro's long sword, and with the momentum, leaped backward, creating a distance of dozens of meters.
"Since I cannot surpass you in technique, then I'll crush you with quantity!"
He raised both hands and began chanting in a low voice.
"—I am the bone of my sword."
Vast and scorching magical power began gathering around him, the air itself becoming viscous from it.
On the other side, Rin Tohsaka's gem reserves were nearly depleted.
She breathed heavily, looking at her empty pockets, her eyes flashing with determination.
She removed from her neck the gem pendant that served as her final trump card, containing ten years' worth of her magical power.
"This is the last one... take this, you vixen!"
Two battlefields simultaneously approached an escalating confrontation.
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