Multiverse: Starting with Killer queen in Type Moon

"Eh? Teacher Kenneth, are we really going to do this?"

Waver's voice trembled slightly as he clutched the edge of the chariot, glancing nervously at the rushing scenery below.

"Of course. This is something you must witness for yourself, and learn from."

Kenneth's tone was full of confidence and pride as the chariot raced toward the harbor. Waver, recalling how his last bout of impulsiveness got him in trouble, swallowed his retort. Instead, he cast a sidelong glance at Rider's massive back and held his tongue.

Even though it hadn't been long since their summoning, Waver could already sense that Rider's nature was very different from Kenneth's. Although both claimed to act openly and with dignity, the meaning of those words felt drastically different between them.

Sure enough, as the chariot thundered into the port, two loud declarations rang out, Rider's boisterous proclamation, and Kenneth's furious reprimand:

"I am Iskandar, the King of Conquerors! I have descended upon this Holy Grail War as Rider. Do you desire to join my army and share in the joy of world conquest?"

"Rider! You absolute fool—!"

Before Rider's bombastic voice even finished echoing through the empty port, Saber had already stepped forward. Her silver armor shimmered beneath the dim harbor lights, radiating a quiet defiance that matched the storm of magic gathering around him.

"Other than my current Master, the only homeland I pledge myself to is Britain."

There was no hesitation in Saber's voice. He stood his ground before the towering Rider, utterly unshaken. Merlin, his mentor from long ago, had once said that the one who would wield the holy sword forged by the planet itself would stand as the guardian of the world.

Now, he would prove that right.

Rider's approach had been absurd, even comical. Talking of negotiation and treatment as if they were allies discussing terms. But the moment his Master dismounted, Saber's demeanor changed entirely. With a flick of his wrist, he drew his invisible sword. His boots sank into the concrete, leaving deep imprints, as his surging magical energy burst outward, cracking the ground.

A whirlwind of magic engulfed his form. Bolstered by Irisviel's unwavering supply of mans, Saber had reached the pinnacle of his strength. The mere release of his power distorted the air and space around her.

In a single flash, the sword's unseen blade surged toward Rider's body. The speed was inhuman, too swift for normal eyes to track. Only a ghostly blur hinted at the strike's direction.

Even Rider, who moments ago exuded unmatched confidence, tensed at the sudden attack. He was no expert in direct combat. The invisible blade, coupled with Saber's raw strength, left him at a severe disadvantage.

But Iskandar didn't falter.

With a deceptive move, he brandished his sword as a feint and roared with all his might:

"unleash—!"

At his cry, the two divine bulls that had been standing patiently roared in response. Electricity crackled in arcs around their bodies as they lunged forward, launching the chariot in a thunderous charge. With Iskandar standing proud atop it, the momentum was devastating, like a meteor tearing through the battlefield.

As a Rider-class Servant, Iskandar's full power could only be realized atop his chariot. But Saber, expecting this, shifted at the last second, dodging the devastating frontal charge. The sheer pressure and debris from the impact were held at bay by the magic wrapping his body.

Yet even then, Saber didn't retreat. As the chariot roared past him, he spun with force and slammed his invisible sword into its flank like a hammer.

A radiant burst of mana exploded. The impact cracked the earth and howled through the night. The chariot screeched, the magical beasts growled, and sparks flew.

Saber alone, with nothing but the force of his will and strength, halted the chariot's advance.

The divine bulls dug into the ground, hooves pounding, but made only sluggish progress.

"You're Saber all right... No strength-type abilities? If that's true, then your endurance is downright monstrous! King of Britain, your might exceeds even your legends!"

Even amidst the struggle, Iskandar's admiration rang out, genuine and impressed.

Saber didn't speak. Instead, he pushed harder, sensing the swelling thunder magic building around the chariot. Purple lightning flared like coiled serpents, threatening to erupt at any moment.

Though Rider's personal attributes were comparatively weaker, the magic he channeled into his chariot gave it the momentum of a charging behemoth. In response, Saber's eyes sharpened.

If that was a beast, he would treat it as one.

He roared—

"Invisible Air, release—!"

The hurricane howled as the sheath of air exploded from around the holy sword, revealing its blinding radiance.

"Excalibur!"

The Wind King's Hammer surged with full might, a tempest lifting the chariot from the earth and sending it hurtling into the air.

Iskandar didn't panic. With an earthshaking growl, he steadied himself, muscles bulging as he wrestled the reins. The divine bulls bucked and flailed mid-air, but Iskandar yanked them back under control, guiding the spiraling chariot into a wild but stable arc.

He righted it just before they could crash.

Back on the sidelines, Irisviel and Waver were frozen, completely overwhelmed by the ferocity of the battle. Even Kenneth's expression turned grim.

This wasn't a show of magic tricks, it was a battlefield of heroes, legends inscribed in the history of humanity.

This...was the strength of those who have secured their place on the Throne of Heroes

---

From the roof of the Hyatt Hotel, Roland silently observed the clash between Saber and Rider. The howling wind tousled his coat, but he stood still, sharp crimson gold eyes catching every frame.

"So in close-quarters, Rider is no match for Saber. Is this the difference a new Master different from original story makes? Or… is the summoned saber himself special?"

He narrowed his gaze.

Even movements too fast for the human eye were clear to Roland, as if he were watching slowed-down video footage.

"It must be the compatibility bonus from Irisviel. Saber's class is the strongest, and with a proper Master, this kind of dominance isn't surprising. Kayneth is excellent, but for general Rider class servants, unless you're Achilles, close combat is a disadvantage. Their strength lies in Noble Phantasms."

He closed his eyes briefly, connecting with the fragmented knowledge buried deep within him, wisdom he didn't acquire naturally, but inherited.

"If Rider doesn't go all in now, release his full charge or his Noble Phantasm, Saber will blow the chariot apart with his sword. This clash is already tipping."

Despite his relatively limited battlefield experience, Roland's instincts, sharpened by residual knowledge from 'Worn a thousand Wisdom', let him read the tides of battle with terrifying clarity.

---

Caster, standing behind Roland with a composed air, finally spoke.

"Master. Your servant, returns."

A ripple of shadow stirred behind Roland as a ninja-like figure emerged from the dark, kneeling silently.

"We've located Darnic. He's finally moved after staying hidden since the war began."

A glint of crimson flashed in Roland's eyes.

"Let's go, Caster."

The blood-hued vision of the Black Shadow Corps filled his sight, mapping out their discovery.

"If the rat's ready to move, let's see what this old ghost has up his sleeve."