The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

"That Archer's Master doesn't seem half as bold as Archer himself."

After Archer's departure, Rider muttered with a wry smile. But everyone else knew—this wasn't a moment for such relaxed remarks.

Archer was already a troublesome opponent, but the girl who had just stood her ground against him was equally alarming.

However, Rider didn't seem to share that sentiment. After sighing, his gaze once again landed on Flandre.

"Ahh, what a lively evening. I didn't expect five Servants to show up on the very first night."

"That earlier case of mistaken identity was my error. I apologize. That said—Miss Caster over there, are you interested in joining my ranks?"

"Ahhh! You big idiot! How long are you going to keep messing around?!"

Waver's tearful protest rang out again, but was quickly silenced by a casual snap of Rider's fingers.

Flandre didn't respond with words—instead, she acted.

She swung her short wand, and a teasing flame grazed past Rider's bangs, nearly burning off his eyebrows.

"This is in return for you underestimating me just now."

"Ahhh... looks like another little lady with a fierce temper."

Rider laughed wryly, scratching the back of his head.

"Seems like I failed to recruit again… Am I really that unlikable?"

"Rider, I hope you'll show some dignity. As Heroic Spirits summoned to this world, we each have our own wishes and convictions. If you keep speaking so rudely, I'll have no problem making you my first target for elimination."

Saber warned sternly as Rider continued to mutter to himself.

"She's right, Rider. I hope you'll show respect to all Servants. Even if some are young women, they are still mighty heroes."

Lancer added in agreement, and Saber nodded approvingly.

"I just thought I'd try. You never know if it might work."

Rider replied while scratching his head, and Waver could only respond with a weary, half-crying voice.

"There's no way that would work, you idiot!"

"Eh… really?"

Rider laughed as if it didn't matter and gave his Master a hearty slap on the back, which nearly knocked the slender boy over.

"But still, that was quite brave—showing up here in the middle of a battlefield full of Servants. You're as courageous as my own Master!"

Rider said that while looking admiringly at Yoru.

"What do you mean I'm brave?! You're the one who dragged me here against my will!"

Waver shouted back, only to be silenced once again with a snap of Rider's fingers.

"But bringing a woman along… that's not exactly a smart move. This is a battlefield, after all."

"I brought my wife because I believe—by my side—is the safest place she could be. That's all."

Yoru said calmly as he held Irisviel's hand. Rider laughed heartily in admiration.

"Well said. What a pity—it's the Holy Grail War, after all. Since you won't join me, we can only be enemies."

Rider said with regret, though he clearly still hadn't fully given up on recruiting Yoru.

"Still, I suppose I'm lucky. At least my Master is a real man who dares to fight by my side—not like some people who hide in corners, too scared to show their face."

Rider said this while pulling Waver into a rough side-hug. The boy looked like he wanted to cry but didn't even have the strength to argue anymore.

"Withdraw, Lancer. Tonight's battle ends here!"

Though his face wasn't shown, the tone of Lancer's Master made his anger clear.

"Looks like we'll have to continue our duel another day."

Lancer said to Saber, who gave a slight nod in agreement. Their duel would be postponed to another time.

With that confirmed, Lancer turned to spirit form and vanished.

Meanwhile, Kiritsugu Emiya, still hidden on a high platform, watched the situation below with a complex expression.

That man… was the one he had seen back at the Einzbern estate—the man who replaced him as the Einzbern son-in-law, the one fighting in the war on Einzbern's behalf.

And the woman in his arms now… should have been his wife.

"What now, Kiritsugu?"

Maiya asked softly beside him.

"Our only real shot is to take out that woman… but judging by how easily he blocked Archer's Noble Phantasms earlier, even a high-caliber sniper rifle might not work."

Kiritsugu analyzed quietly. Given the current situation, Saber could no longer be relied on. If she couldn't win in direct combat, then any means necessary would be employed—this was Kiritsugu's belief, even if it meant targeting an innocent woman.

If he were certain he could kill Irisviel, he would've pulled the trigger without hesitation. Doing so would have a devastating effect on the opposing Master.

But… he wasn't certain. And so, he hesitated.

"Forget it. The chances of success are too slim. And if we act now, it might seriously upset Saber."

In the end, Kiritsugu chose to abandon the plan. The risk was too high. Better to proceed cautiously and steadily.

"Tell Saber to prepare for retreat. There's no reason to stay any longer."

Maiya nodded in response.

"Since Lancer's gone, I've no reason to remain either. Rider, Caster—we'll meet again if fate wills it."

Feeling her Master's departure, Saber frowned slightly. She gave a polite nod to Rider and the others, then also disappeared into spirit form.

This unsanctioned battle had gained her nothing. Worse, her right hand had been cursed, reducing her combat capability by a quarter. Saber left with a dispirited expression.

Her already-strained relationship with her Master… would no doubt become even worse now.

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