Fate: Edmund

Night had fallen completely over Fuyuki, and Edmund watched the screens in front of him intently. The lights on the map indicated activity on the dock, a place he hoped would soon become the scene of a significant confrontation. As he took a sip of his wine, a faint smile tugged at his lips.

"Finally, something interesting."

On the main screen, Kayneth Archibald El-Melloi was gracefully descending from a black vehicle, accompanied by his servant, Hector of Troy.

The figure of the ancient warrior was imposing even in the dim light of the pier's street lamps.

He wore his trademark green tunic with a belt tied at his waist with loose white pants, and with his spear resting casually over one shoulder, as if he were a carefree walker rather than a legendary hero ready for battle.

Edmund watched as Kayneth deployed his magic to create an advantageous environment. The mage set up a field with his alchemy, which transformed the properties of the terrain, strengthening his defenses and increasing his ability to detect any intrusion. Hector, for his part, stood by his side, yawning slightly and staring at the water of the dock as if thinking about how far he was from Troy.

"A classic scenario," Edmund muttered, setting the glass aside.

"The proud wizard and his carefree servant."

On another screen, Edmund noticed movement. From a nearby alley, Kiritsugu Emiya observed the area through a magnifying scope, analyzing Kayneth's magical field.

Unlike his opponent, Kiritsugu was fully dressed for combat: dark clothing, a holster for his Thompson Contender, and an expression of cold determination.

However, what Edmund found most interesting was the arrival of Irisviel von Einzbern and Saber, who advanced toward the pier without attempting to conceal themselves. Irisviel walked with confidence, while Saber, ever stoic, kept her sword wrapped in Invisible Air.

Her stance was that of someone ready for any attack.

"That's strange, Kayneth hasn't given the signal for Hector to provoke the other participants yet."

Unknowingly, Edmund had changed the course of events with what he did the day before. Because of him, Kiritsugu had been watching Kayneth at all times, and when he saw him leave the Hyatt Hotel, he followed him. He tracked his steps until he saw him stop at the pier.

Kayneth, for his part, noticed nothing, thinking that Saber and Irisviel were still near the pier.

Hector of Troy looked up when he sensed the presence of Irisviel and Saber approaching. His gaze, weary yet alert, fixed on the blonde figure walking beside the woman. With a single glance, he recognized Saber as a formidable warrior.

"Well, well! Looks like we have company," Hector remarked with a lopsided smile, twirling his spear slightly. His voice was calm, almost carefree, as if he weren't facing an imminent battle.

"And here I thought tonight would just be boring work."

Kayneth, who was about to make a dismissive remark toward the intruders, frowned at his Servant's relaxed demeanor.

"Hector, stay alert. Do not underestimate anyone," he said coldly.

"I know, I know. But a little conversation never hurts, Master!" Hector replied, shrugging before stepping forward. He raised his free hand in a friendly gesture, looking at Saber.

"So, you must be my opponent, right?"

Saber didn't answer immediately. She kept her sword raised—though Invisible Air rendered it unseen—and simply observed Hector's movements. Irisviel, on the other hand, stepped forward.

"We are here to stop any action that could harm innocent people," she said firmly, her voice echoing in the night.

Hector scratched his chin as if considering her words.

"I see! But you also know I can't just let you do whatever you want. This is my job, after all."

Saber, maintaining her combat-ready stance, finally spoke.

"I have no intention of avoiding this fight. If necessary, I will defeat you."

Hector grinned broadly, spinning his spear effortlessly in his hand.

"I like that! Then let's test our skills. But don't worry, I'll be gentle."

Without further delay, Hector charged forward, his spear tracing a wide arc toward Saber.

Though his attack seemed almost careless, there was hidden precision in every movement. Saber blocked the strike with her invisible sword, the clash resounding in the night.

The fight continued at a controlled pace, as if both were assessing their opponent.

Saber launched a counterattack, but Hector dodged it with a fluid motion, his carefree smile never fading.

"You're fast! You know, this is way more fun than I expected," he said while delivering another strike, this time aiming at Saber's legs. She leaped back, keeping her distance.

"Lancer, stop playing," Kayneth growled from the background.

"Eliminate that Servant at once."

Hector sighed.

"Masters… always so demanding," he murmured before refocusing on Saber.

"Well, looks like I have to get serious."

Despite his words, Hector's relaxed demeanor didn't change entirely. The battle continued, with both opponents exchanging blows and testing each other's abilities. Edmund, watching from his hotel, rested his chin on one hand and smirked slightly.

"Hector is just as fascinating as I imagined. This fight might become very interesting soon."

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Well, I can upload another chapter tomorrow.