"Is this the true form of that weapon?" Archer (Red A) stared at Yuuji, who was now surrounded by multiple muzzles, recalling the destructive power of the laser mode he had unleashed just moments ago.
"However, this time you're in my domain, and you've brought that demon-breaking weapon in so carelessly." Archer smirked as he projected multiple demon-breaking weapons around himself and fired them at Yuuji.
Seeing the incoming attack, Yuuji didn't hesitate. He pulled the trigger, launching a missile that intercepted the projected weapons mid-air.
"So, that's how it is. Once you enter this mode, you don't need to readjust between attacks." Archer's expression tightened as he realized the danger.
"But the continuous firepower means your magic consumption is multiplied. Let's see who runs out first."
Archer projected weapon after weapon, sending them hurtling toward Yuuji. Yuuji remained in Pandora's Reincarnation Mode, retaliating without pause.
For a time, the two were locked in a furious exchange of missiles and weapons. Explosions ripped through the barren landscape, neither combatant holding anything back.
"This has turned into a war of attrition. But since my opponent also needs to maintain this Reality Marble, his mana consumption must be greater than mine," Yuuji thought. His plan was simple—bleed Archer dry of magic, then capture him alive.
"Are you thinking my magic will drain faster and that you'll win this war of endurance, Yuuji Emiya?" Archer sneered, seeing through his thoughts.
"You're right—my magic might run out first. But… look behind you."
"What—?" Yuuji barely turned when a sudden flash of light struck from behind. The blow was powerful enough to shatter Pandora's Reincarnation and sent him crashing into the ground, blood rising in his throat.
Through the dissipating smoke, a woman appeared—her eyes covered by a black blindfold, her long hair trailing over a flowing violet dress.
"Another Servant… I let my guard down," Yuuji muttered, feeling a headache coming on.
"Yes. My Master and another Master have formed an alliance," Archer said coldly. "Rider, let's finish him together. Don't blame us for being dirty, Yuuji Emiya. Victory is all that matters."
The blindfolded Rider swung her chains with lethal speed, attacking Yuuji from the flank. Archer didn't hold back either, projecting and firing more weapons at him.
"This is bad… really bad." Yuuji gritted his teeth, projecting the Crimson Empress to block Rider's chains while dodging Archer's relentless shots. The pressure was overwhelming.
The tables had completely turned.
"There's no other choice… I have to project that." Yuuji purposely left an opening, taking a hit from Rider's chain to buy distance. He raised his hand and began his projection.
The moment the process started, a chilling force surrounded him, trying to seep into his body and take control. Yuuji clenched his teeth, focusing all his will to guard his soul. He wouldn't let this thing control him.
"What is that?" Rider muttered, halting her attack as frost began to swirl around Yuuji. Even Archer stopped firing, warily watching the transformation unfold.
"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Yuuji roared, his body engulfed in a torrent of icy energy. When the frost finally settled, he stood transformed—encased in shining silver armor, a faceless helm hiding his expression. His hair had grown long and white, and his entire presence radiated a frigid, otherworldly chill.
In his hand, he now wielded a fearsome white-and-blue double-edged sword, its hilt engraved with a sinister skull.
"So, this weapon still tries to control me. Even my projection is affecting my mind… If this were the real one, it would be terrifying." Yuuji glanced down at the sword he had projected—Frostmourne—and sighed.
What he didn't know was that, because his body had been altered by God and could perfectly adapt to any world, the weapons he projected were virtually indistinguishable from the originals.
"Let's end this quickly."
Yuuji swung Frostmourne, unleashing a surge of freezing energy that exploded outward.
"What—!?" Archer's eyes widened as the wave of ice froze his projected weapons mid-flight, shattering them into useless shards. Rider reacted instantly, grabbing Archer and leaping back, just barely avoiding the frost's deadly reach.
The battlefield was transformed—what was once barren ground now glistened with a white, icy sheen.
"The difference in power is too great," Archer muttered. "Rider, we retreat."
Yuuji moved to intercept them, but a voice suddenly rang in his head.
"Give me the body. I'll stop them."
"No! I won't hand it over to you."
"You can't control this power. Give it to me—or I'll take it back myself."
"This is my weapon. I decide what to do with it!"
As Yuuji struggled with the malicious voice in his head, his body froze mid-motion. Archer and Rider exchanged glances, recognizing what was happening.
"Just as I thought. The sword's power is too strong. It's trying to devour him," Archer observed grimly.
Though they were enemies, even Archer had no intention of letting the sword's dark spirit consume Yuuji. Walking over, he knocked Frostmourne from Yuuji's hand. The moment the weapon hit the ground, it vanished, and Yuuji collapsed, unconscious from the overwhelming mana drain.
Rider looked down at Yuuji, unsure. "Should we finish him?"
"No. His Master is our ally's friend," Archer replied. "Bind his magic circuits and take him back to your Master."
"Fine," Rider agreed, restraining Yuuji with enchanted chains and carrying him away.
When the dust settled, the only sign of battle left was a massive crater where the ice and explosions had struck.
Back at Rin's house, Jack and the Nursery Rhyme girl suddenly grew restless. They could sense their Master was in danger.
Ignoring Yuuji's prior orders, Jack slipped out of the house, quietly making her way toward the direction of the Matou residence.
Meanwhile, at the church, Priest Mapo had already decided to move forward with his own plan. He sent Berserker to test Rin Tohsaka's strength and make the first move in his deadly game.
Tonight's war was far from over.