บท 26: Chapter 26: Spear and Sword (1)

The area adjacent to the eastern part of the seaside park was a street lined with warehouses. This area also functions as a harbor facility, separating Fuyuki City from an industrial zone further east. By nightfall, there are hardly any people here, and dim streetlights only enhance the sense of emptiness. Unmanned cranes are neatly arranged along the seaside, resembling giant dinosaur fossils, which makes people feel somewhat uneasy.

"It's a suitable place for a duel," said Shinji, who was the first to enter the warehouse street, securing a prime spot to observe the battle.

Justeaze faintly sensed the magical aura around her and made judgments. "Someone has erected a barrier. It should be the Master of the opposing Servant. They've concealed the true battleground to separate ordinary people from the Holy Grail War."

"That's the conventional approach. Magus must adhere to the rule of not exposing their actions to the public. Only the two lunatics from the Caster group disregarded it. However, these barriers have different functions. If they have also employed reconnaissance techniques within, it could become troublesome, just in case..."

As Shinji spoke, he adjusted his cloak, and his body became engulfed by black mist. When the mist dissipated, the purple-haired, purple-eyed child vanished and was replaced by a handsome young man with black hair and black eyes, bearing a faint resemblance to Shinji.

This was Shinji's appearance in his previous life, and perhaps it was one of the reasons why he could seamlessly enter this world without experiencing rejection from a new body.

From the shadows, a graceful figure emerges silently. It was Scáthach who had hurried over upon receiving the message.

Scáthach, who could perceive causalities, cast a contemplative gaze at Shinji, who had altered his appearance, and murmured, "Cunee (Hades' cloak)."

Shinji received a gift from his ancestor, Perseus, over a year ago, granting him the ability to wield Perseus' Noble Phantasm.

Perseus was a renowned hero in Greek mythology and the origin of the constellation Perseus. It is said that he obtained blessings from the Olympian gods and possessed several Noble Phantasms throughout his life, one of which was a cloak borrowed from Hades, King of the Underworld.

The cloak's primary effect is disguised. By consuming magical energy, the wearer's appearance can be altered. By expending a significant amount of magical energy simultaneously, it can even achieve temporary invisibility, completely erasing sound and scent. In mythology, Perseus used this treasure to stealthily approach Medusa and while she slept, decapitated her. Shinji dares to venture out and closely observe the battle between servants by relying on the magical properties of the cloak.

"They're here," Justeaze's voice interrupted Scáthach's thoughts as she looked downwards.

Saber and Irisviel walked confidently along the wide four-lane road, akin to duelists bravely accepting a challenge.

The enemy stood boldly in the middle of the road, with their distinctive attire and strong magical presence, indicating their extraordinary nature.

It was a man with well-defined features: a prominent nose, stern eyebrows, and rugged facial contour. His delicate lips gave the impression of strictness and self-restraint, while his gentle and melancholic eyes exuded a strong masculine charm. In particular, a captivating teardrop-shaped mole beneath his left eye enhanced his gaze.

His choice of weapons was eye-catching. He held a long spear of approximately two meters in his right hand and a shorter spear of about one-third of its length in his left hand.

"A rare selection of weapons," remarked the seasoned master of weaponry, Scáthach, her eyes lighting up as she focused on the dual spears.

Shinji asked, "What do you mean?"

Scáthach explained that" when utilizing the length of a spear to its fullest potential in various battle situations, it is common to employ a combination of detachable short spears. By wielding one long spear and one short spear simultaneously, it serves not only as a disguise to confuse the opponent but..."

"...as a true master who wields two spears," Shinji interjected, eagerly anticipating this line.

The two spears were wrapped from the hilt to the blade in a cloth resembling charm, concealing their true appearance. Undoubtedly, this measure was taken to hide the true names of the Noble Phantasms. Noble Phantasms were the trump cards of servants and were not revealed until the decisive moment.

"Finally, someone has arrived. Throughout the entire day, everyone who passed through this city chose to hide like turtles, but you were the only one who succumbed to my temptation—a fierce warrior," praised the Servant wielding the dual spears in a deep yet clear voice. He did not assume a combat stance, but calmly addressed Saber.

"With such a strong fighting spirit, you must be Saber, correct?"

"Indeed," Saber replied with a cold and resolute expression. "You must be Lancer."

Lancer spoke with a hint of regret, "It's disappointing that we cannot exchange names with the opponent we are about to engage in a fight to the death. It feels confining."

Saber agreed with this sentiment, and her icy expression softened slightly. "It is an unavoidable situation. We are not fighting for personal glory. I assume you have also pledged your spear for the sake of your Master."

"Exactly," Lancer didn't appear as someone about to risk their life in battle. Instead, he wore a relaxed wry smile. This slightly melancholic expression only added to his charm, elevating his appeal to women at an indescribable level. Both Irisviel, with her natural beauty, and Justeaze, with her aloofness, were captivated momentarily.

"Enchanting magic?"

Two artificial beings from the Einzbern family spoke simultaneously. Justeaze seemed puzzled, whereas Irisviel displayed anger.

"It's incredibly disrespectful to married women, Lancer!"

Due to special adjustments, artificial beings from the Einzbern family possessed twice the resistance against enchantments compared to ordinary people. This allowed them to regain their sense quickly. If it were any other woman, they might have already fallen into his spell.

In response to Irisviel's protest, Lancer can only offer a wry smile and shrug his shoulders.

"I'm truly sorry. It is an innate ability, almost like a curse, that I cannot escape from no matter what. Blame it on my birth, or perhaps blame it on your being a woman."

"Such narcissism," Shinji sneered, partly jealous and partly disdainful, as he pursed his lips. "My Sensei has much greater charm than you. Why didn't she say anything like that?"

"Quiet down," Scáthach flicked Shinji's head with her finger, her mouth slightly upturned, betraying her true feelings.

Saber snorts and stares coldly at Lancer. "You're not hoping that I'll show mercy because of your looks, are you, Lancer?"

"If that's the case, it's truly disappointing," Lancer shook his head. "So, Saber's resistance against magic as a Knight-class Servant is truly exceptional. Well then, if I were asked to kill a woman enchanted by my appearance, I could not bear shame. I'm glad that the first person I encountered has courage."

"Oh? So, do you prefer a fair and honorable duel? It is fortunate to meet a Heroic Spirit who possesses the spirit of a knight," Saber replied with a smile, exaggerating her expression. It was a transparent and fierce smile that only warriors destined for death could comprehend.

"Then let's begin," Lancer lifted the long spear resting on his shoulder, twirled it in his hand, and assumed a fighting stance. He raised his left hand while holding a short spear. The two spears, like wings, spread out and swung in a posture that had never been witnessed in battle.

Saber also unleashed her surging fighting spirit. The intense magical power stirred up a whirlwind-like airflow in the surroundings, enveloping the body of the petite girl.

In an instant, her entire form was clad in silver armor, and magical power transformed into her armor and gauntlets. This was her true appearance and battle form.

"Saber."

Irisviel nervously swallowed a mouthful of saliva and called her name.

Influenced by the intense fighting spirit emanating from the two warriors, she keenly perceived that she had no place to interfere with this battle.

Not only Irisviel, but Shinji, Justeaze, Scáthach, and anyone else watching knew that there was no room for anyone other than the Servants to intervene in this battle.

However, Irisviel did not want to become a bystander.

"Be careful. While I can assist you with healing magecraft, I should not get involved in anything else.".

Saber nodded before she could finish her sentence.

"I'll take care of Lancer. However, I'm concerned about his Master refusing to reveal himself. There may also be a scheme at play. Stay vigilant."

The storm of the fighting spirit intensified, even affecting Shinji and his group, who were positioned at a higher vantage point.

Saber's emerald eyes emitted a fearless radiance.

"Irisviel, I trust you to watch my back."

Feeling Saber's determination and trust, Irisviel's fighting spirit soared.

"Understood. Saber, bring me victory."

"Yes, I will."

Saber took a firm step forward, the sound of her footplate hitting the ground mirroring her resolute gaze.

Toward Lancer, toward his twin spears.

PS: Special Skill for Scáthach in Swimwear:

Coastal Crisis: A+

Depends on how much attention she "accidentally" attracts at the seaside.

Unlike a beach flower, it even draws attention far beyond mere infatuation. Just by taking a stroll, Scáthach can create chaotic situations at the beach.

+1 Bonus Chapter if this work received every 100 Power Stone.

+20 Advanced Chapter in:

patreon.com/AbsoluteCode