"Guardian?" Following Shirou Kotomine's gaze, everyone quickly found the guardian he spoke of. The guardian Shirou Kotomine referred to was none other than Shirou.
"What? Shirou, you're not a Heroic Spirit, but a Guardian?" How could those present not know about Guardians? But unlike Heroic Spirits, Guardians don't have such a good reputation. The Alaya's Cleaner! That's what everyone calls them! Because their sole task is simply to kill.
"Did you also come for me, Mr. Guardian?" Hearing Shirou Kotomine's question, Shirou didn't answer, merely observing him silently with a half-smile. Previously, even in front of Shirou Kotomine, Shirou had maintained his Presence Concealment.
This was why Shirou Kotomine hadn't noticed him before. After all, their privileges also require active activation. And at that time, Shirou Kotomine's attention was drawn to Jeanne before him, thus overlooking Shirou's existence. But now, he could no longer ignore the man before him. Because in some ways, Shirou's existence was more dangerous than Jeanne's.
"Unlike the Ruler, as a Guardian, you should understand the full story, meaning you know exactly what I've done, right?"
"That's right!"
"Then do you approve of my ideas?"
"No!"
"Then why didn't you stop my actions?"
"Because it wasn't necessary, that's all!" Examining Shirou Kotomine before him, Shirou said seriously, "No matter the situation, the outcome of defeating you will not change."
"Is that so? Do you truly believe that?"
"Of course!"
"Hahaha!" Shirou Kotomine chuckled at Shirou's statement and said nothing more. As the saying goes, 'Those with different paths do not conspire together!'
Since the other party was his clear enemy, there was no need to waste more words. And now, he had more important matters to attend to!
"Avicebron, are you willing to join our side?"
"Why me?" Avicebron didn't immediately refuse Shirou Kotomine's invitation; instead, he asked for the reason behind it. After all, this invitation greatly interested him. As one of Darnic's most valued Servants during his lifetime, Avicebron naturally knew the strength of his own faction inside and out. After Siegfried and Vlad III's deaths, although the Black Faction still had Shirou, an irregular-class Servant, Shirou Kotomine's words made him doubt Shirou's true intentions. Would this guy really fight for the Black Faction's victory until the very end?
Otherwise, why didn't he tell Jeanne Shirou Kotomine's identity earlier? And once he doubted Shirou's purpose, the remaining combat strength of the Black Faction was even less impressive. It simply couldn't compare to the Red Faction's strength. But he didn't immediately agree, as bargaining was also very important.
Hearing Avicebron's question, Shirou Kotomine smiled and said, "That's because I believe our goals are not in conflict; in fact, they can complement each other very well."
"If your wish is truly as I suspect, then I imagine it wouldn't matter to you even without the Holy Grail!" After a moment of silence, Avicebron quietly said, "I have one condition."
"Please state it. I will try my best to fulfill it."
"It's fine to take you as my Master, but regarding my former Master, Roche Frain Yggdmillennia, can I handle him?"
"You mean?"
"Meaning, don't harm him."
"I see!" Shirou Kotomine nodded slightly. Semiramis chuckled pleasantly: "Oh, what a loyal Servant. Exchanging himself to ensure his Master's safety?"
"Caster, do you mean to say?" Chiron's voice became as cold as if it were freezing, having guessed the opponent's intention. Achilles knew very well that this was proof of his anger.
"It seems you've chosen to betray us, Avicebron!"
"Mr. Emiya, I truly admire your strength, but this concerns my wish, and for that, I will not hesitate to be scorned by the world!"
"Is that so?" Although Shirou had already anticipated Avicebron's betrayal, he still felt displeased when it
actually happened!
"Then, please extend your hand."
"I'm wearing gloves; please excuse my rudeness."
Avicebron unhesitatingly extended his right hand. Shirou Kotomine grasped his hand and began to recite the oath to form a contract.
"Stop, Caster!" Chiron shot an arrow to stop him, but Karna met it with his spear. He swung his divine spear, accurately deflecting the arrow. Karna looked at Chiron and said seriously, "In the Holy Grail War, although Masters command Servants through magical energy supply and Command Spells, we also have the right to choose our Masters."
"While I don't know what kind of existence his Master is, his choice should still be respected, Great Sage."
Avicebron had always faithfully performed his duty, which was the creation of golems. But conversely, he had never been interested in anything else. Neither the outcome of the war nor whether he obtained the Holy Grail. So, perhaps this outcome was to be expected.
"I acknowledge you as my Master, Lord Shirou Kotomine."
Without hesitation, Avicebron abandoned his contract with Roche Frain Yggdmillennia and thus became Shirou Kotomine's Servant.
"Without further ado, I will immediately give the order: please surround them."
"Understood, my Master." Avicebron maintained his composure, merely flicking the fingers of his right hand.
Instantly, several golems violently kicked open the chapel doors and burst in. Then, with incredibly agile movements, the golems surrounded the three from above, left, right, and behind. With multiple Red Faction Servants concentrated in front, Chiron, Shirou, and
Jeanne could now be said to be caged birds.
"Although this method is indeed despicable, and not entirely my intention. However, Ruler, you are a great obstacle. I must eliminate you, Black Archer, and Black Assassin here." Corresponding with Shirou Kotomine's cold declaration, Avicebron snapped his fingers, and the golems suddenly attacked.
"You don't think you can defeat me like this, do you?!"
Shirou raised his flaming greatsword, directly cleaving through the golems attacking him. Looking at the enemies before him, Shirou gently curved his lips. He had no intention of retreating in shame.
"I am the bone of my sword.
Steel is my body, and fire is my blood.
I have created over a thousand blades.
Unknown to Death, nor known to Life.
Have withstood pain to create many weapons.
Yet, those hands will never hold anything."
"Careful, he's activating his Noble Phantasm!" Following Atalanta's warning, Karna and Achilles simultaneously thrust their spears. But Shirou, who was prepared, blocked them both with twin swords.
"So as I pray, Unlimited Blade Works." Simultaneously dealing with two irregular-class Servants whose spear techniques had reached the divine realm, even Shirou could barely manage. Fortunately, Chiron immediately stepped forward to attack Achilles, greatly relieving Shirou's pressure!
"Unaware of loss, nor aware of gain.
Withstood pain to create many weapons.
Waiting for one's arrival, they are always here."
Meanwhile, Jeanne also blocked Avicebron and Semiramis, preventing them from attacking Shirou.
"This fake body is still made of swords!"
"Unlimited Blade Works!" With a surge of magical energy expanding outwards from Shirou, everyone present was drawn into the Unlimited Blade Works. Standing on an ice field filled with countless weapons, Shirou smiled and said, "Welcome to my world. This is the grave of swords!"
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