Fate: Hero of Justice Takeover

Who...?!

In the intense panic, where it felt as though his heart had stopped, Emiya Kiritsugu quickly retracted his gun and rolled away, instantly creating distance while the barrel of his gun was already aimed at the person who had appeared behind him.

It was a familiar girl. However, she wasn't wearing any peculiar ceremonial attire but was instead dressed in an elegant floral kimono, standing there with her small hands tugging at the hem of her clothing in a cute manner.

Looking at Kiritsugu, who was on high alert, Miyu tilted her head in confusion.

Although she didn't quite understand whether it was due to the Holy Grail's seal or her distant memories, Miyu's impression of Kiritsugu was still limited to the fact that "Onii-chan said Kiritsugu was his saviour and role model." Since her brother said so, he must be a good person, right?

[Since in Miyu's route, Kiritsugu passes away early, she has no idea that he originally intended to use her as a tool...]

Kiritsugu quickly realized that this was Miyu, the mysterious Caster who had saved his life earlier. He cleared his throat, feeling a little awkward, and put his gun away.

It wasn't because of gratitude, but because ordinary weapons couldn't penetrate the defenses of a Servant.

His hand moved to the inside of his coat to reach for the Necromancy magic bullets, but on the surface, he remained calm and asked.

"Why don't you want me to shoot?"

"Onii-chan said that's his prey."

Miyu obediently repeated.

"So, Kiritsugu, you don't need to shoot. Let Onii-chan handle it."

Onii-chan... Shirou? No, Sakatsuki?

Kiritsugu suddenly sensed something and hurriedly rushed to the edge of the rooftop, peering down at the battlefield.

At the same time, Maiya's urgent report reached his ears.

"Master Sakatsuki is fighting Lancer!"

***

Holding a black bow, Sakatsuki steadied his breath, nocked an arrow, and released it.

Without hesitation, the arrow shot straight toward the pair of Lancer and Berserker.

"Ugh!"

Completely caught off guard by the attack from behind, Diarmuid barely managed to dodge in time.

However, Berserker, who had been focusing entirely on Saber, didn't even have time to turn around.

The arrow whistled past Lancer's nose, embedding itself in Berserker's body and exploding.

Amid the cloud of smoke from the explosion, the black-armoured knight was sent flying like a ragdoll, tumbling several meters before collapsing to the ground, unable to stand again.

"You're crazy, Caster's Master!"

Now that the participants of the Holy Grail War were clear, Kayneth naturally knew what class Sakatsuki had summoned. But precisely because of that, his fury was all the more sharp and incredulous.

"This is the perfect opportunity to defeat Saber, the strongest class!"

"Yeah, you're right."

Sakatsuki replied with a mocking tone as he held the black iron bow.

"If I'm lucky, I might even turn around and finish off Berserker."

"Since you know that, then it's still not too late. If you join me—"

"I refuse."

Sakatsuki interrupted, giving Kayneth a bright smile.

"My favourite thing to do is to say no to those who think they're so capable!"

"Are you insulting me?!"

Kayneth's patience had reached its limit, and his voice became twisted with rage as he shouted.

"Are you insulting the Lord of the Clock Tower? Insulting the leader of the El-Melloi faction?!"

"Quite the opposite, Kayneth."

Sakatsuki's voice was even clearer and more defiant than Kayneth's. He nocked another arrow and aimed it at the place where the magician was hiding.

"Our heroic spirits, although they come from eras that will never intersect, and may be mortal enemies, still possess the glorious Noble Phantasms—no matter if they are just shadows of past individuals, their dignity and honour are untouchable!"

"How dare you stain the dignity of Lancer, who has walked under the shadow of his predecessors to reach this point!"

"Please stop, Master Sakatsuki!"

Kayneth did not answer. Instead, Diarmuid stepped forward, placing himself between Sakatsuki and his Master.

"Thank you for your sincere words, Master Sakatsuki, but please stop."

The handsome knight lowered his eyes and spoke calmly.

"If my master is insulted, as a knight, I cannot stand idly by."

"Loyalty is also a knight's virtue, Lancer."

Sakatsuki smiled but did not lower his bow. Instead, he aimed the arrow at Diarmuid.

"Then, let me put it another way—if you want to attack Saber, you'll have to defeat me first, warrior of the Fianna Knights, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne."

"Gladly."

This time, Diarmuid's handsome face finally showed an expression of joy.

If he fought Sakatsuki, then he wouldn't have to go against his master's orders, and he could finally let out his suppressed desires!

But their battle was destined not to happen—because Berserker who had been blasted away, after a moment of stillness, began to fade away like a mirage.

He was retreating.

If Kayneth insisted on having Lancer attack, then he would be forced to face a two-on-one disadvantage.

"…"

After the humiliation of wasting a Command Spell, a voice full of bitterness rang out from the void.

"Retreat, Lancer. Tonight… ends here."

Lancer breathed a sigh of relief at the words and lowered his spear.

"Thank you, Master Sakatsuki."

Hearing Lancer's quiet thanks, Sakatsuki merely shrugged, seemingly dissatisfied with the lack of a fight. Then, as if remembering something, he suddenly called out loudly.

"Hey—Lord El-Melloi I!"

"Master Sakatsuki?!"

Lancer was surprised by Sakatsuki's persistence.

"What now?!"

Kayneth's tone was full of impatience, but Sakatsuki's next words made him rethink.

"Your workshop is at the Hyatt Hotel, correct?"

Sakatsuki reined in his murderous aura and let magical energy flow around him.

"Well then, as a magus, I'll pay you a visit tonight to discuss the mysteries of magecraft."

This was a declaration of war from one magus to another.

The disappointment from tonight's battle was now gone, and Kayneth responded with a proud and reserved laugh.

"Fine, I don't dislike capable people, especially magus with manners. Though, regrettably, you declined my offer earlier—since you know what I'm capable of, let's see what you can do. I'm looking forward to it."

And with that, he left, motioning for Lancer to follow.

Lancer nodded to Sakatsuki, then nodded to Saber, a silent understanding passing between them. There were no unnecessary words—both knew the oath that should be made between them.

One day… they would settle things for good.

After confirming this, Lancer vanished into spirit form, and a moment later, Kayneth's barrier was undone.

The sounds of waves crashing against the cliffs, along with the distant noise of the city streets, slowly returned to fill the night air that had been disturbed by the chaos of the battle.

***

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