At the same time, on the Fuyuki Bridge not far away...
"...This is bad!"
Rider stood on the bridge, watching the battle unfold.
"W-What's wrong, Rider?"
Seeing Rider's anxious expression, Waver felt a surge of panic. He grabbed the nearby iron railing and asked nervously.
"Lancer has used his Noble Phantasm. It seems he wants to decide the outcome quickly!"
"This won't do. If this continues, Saber will be at a disadvantage. It will be too late if we don't act now!"
"Idiot, idiot! What are you saying? Too late? — Didn't you plan to wait until they were exhausted before attacking?"
"My little Master, I think you may have misunderstood me." Rider frowned, looking down at Waver.
"Instead of hunting down opponents one by one, Lancer's approach is quite admirable. Why not gather everyone together for a grand battle?"
"…"
Waver was completely dumbfounded. Perhaps he had never truly understood Rider's way of thinking.
"A grand... grand battle?"
"Exactly! Opportunities for such outstanding figures from different eras to gather and clash are rare! Now, I admire the courage of both Saber and Lancer. It would be a pity to let them perish like this!"
These heroic words emanated from Rider's sturdy frame.
"If we don't kill them, then what should we do?" Waver shouted hysterically.
"To conquer without destroying, to dominate without humiliating—that is true conquest!"
Amidst hearty laughter, Rider drew the accessory from his waist, and a chariot surged forth from the void!
"Let's go, little Master!" Amidst the roaring wind and thunder, Rider reached out and pulled Waver over as if handling a chick. The divine bull-drawn chariot charged forward, trailing lightning!
"Ahhh, you idiot, you idiot! This is utterly insane!" Only Waver's screams echoed through the air...
…
"A cursed spear? The foremost warrior of the Knights of Fianna, the gallant Diarmuid—I never imagined the Holy Grail would grant you the honor of participation!"
"Nor did I expect my opponent to be the renowned King of Knights!" Lancer replied with a satisfied smile and awe-inspiring fighting spirit!
"Master, I request your permission, as a knight, to decide the outcome of this battle!" Suddenly, Lancer turned, bowed to Kayneth, and made his plea as a loyal retainer.
Kayneth did not speak much, merely nodding slightly in assent.
Seeing his lord's consent, Lancer turned back to Saber with a relieved expression. "Then, Saber, this is a duel of knights. Do you dare accept the challenge? Even though I have wounded your arm!"
"What are you saying, Lancer? To worry over such a minor injury—are you looking down on me?" Saber gritted her teeth in response to Lancer's provocation!
"A mere stab is nothing..."
The hurricane surged once more as Saber's armor materialized upon her. That yellow spear was far too dangerous...
Yet Saber was deeply satisfied with this opponent. He was a true knight, adhering to the code of chivalry and unwavering loyalty. In his Master's presence, he did not act presumptuously but sought permission respectfully...
At the same time, her impression of Kayneth also improved, for he had granted Lancer the respect he deserved and honored the chivalric ideals he upheld!
No matter what, both the Master and Servant on this occasion were, in Saber's eyes, impeccable!
Glancing back at Irisviel, she received a firm nod, as if understanding Saber's resolve. Irisviel was not Emiya Kiritsugu, after all, and she held Saber's decisions in high regard. Had Emiya Kiritsugu been present, he certainly would not have permitted such an open duel...
Seeing Saber's response, Lancer smiled with satisfaction.
"Be prepared, Saber! The Holy Grail shall be mine, and I will personally present it to my lord in this world!" Lancer declared resolutely, as though making a solemn vow.
"Hmph, save such words for after you've obtained the Holy Grail!" Saber retorted without backing down, their mutual provocation continuing.
The tension mounted as both sides reassumed their combat stances. What was to come would likely be even more intense than before—a life-or-death duel...
Just as the fighting spirit of both parties peaked, a sudden clap of thunder roared!
"!!!?"
The unexpected thunderclap did not serve as the starting whistle for the battle. Instead, it drew the simultaneous attention of Saber and Lancer toward the source of the sound. They knew—another had arrived!
To continue fighting now, allowing a third party to capitalize on the situation and expose their Masters to danger, would be the greatest insult to both knights!
A chariot, crackling with purple lightning, charged through the sky toward them—a truly astonishing sight!
It was an ancient chariot, pulled by two muscular, powerfully built bulls. Their hooves trod upon the void, lightning dancing beneath their feet as they galloped, drawing the chariot with a thunderous rumble!
Such a spectacular entrance completely extinguished any desire in Saber and Lancer to continue their fight...
"Both of you, lay down your arms! In the presence of this king!"
A bull-like, burly man stood majestically in the chariot that had halted between Saber and Lancer, blocking any potential further confrontation as he roared in his rough, booming voice.
Seeing that no one moved, Rider nodded in satisfaction and continued, "I am Iskandar, the King of Conquerors, participating in this Holy Grail War as Rider!"
"…"
This time, everyone was truly stunned—whether Saber, Lancer, or the others observing from the shadows! To so casually reveal his true name...
"What are you thinking, you idiot!!" Of course, this was accompanied by the exasperated roar of the unfortunate Waver...
"I, I'm such a fool to have trusted him so much..." Waver was on the verge of despair, nearly dying of frustration. In a fit of rage, he reached out and grabbed Rider's cloak.
The bull pulling the chariot snorted loudly and glanced back at Waver. Already intimidated, Waver immediately released his grip, his tone softening.
"Before the battle begins, I have a question for you! Do you possess a wish worthy of the Holy Grail? Do you harbor a grand ambition that encompasses heaven and earth?"
"What exactly are you trying to say?"
"Huh? I've made myself quite clear." Rider seemed slightly surprised but still spoke earnestly, "I have arrived. Do you intend to offer me the Holy Grail? If you yield it to me, I shall regard you as my friends and allow you to share in the joy of conquering the world with me!!"
"…"
For a moment, everyone was stunned once more. It had to be said that since Rider's appearance, he had consistently evoked either shock or bewilderment. He was truly remarkable...
"Your courage in revealing your name is indeed commendable, but I find it difficult to accept your proposal," Lancer shrugged. "I will claim the Holy Grail, for that is the oath I have sworn to my one and only lord in this world. Therefore, Rider, it is impossible for you to be the one to obtain it!"
"…Did you interrupt the duel between knights merely to jest?" Saber looked at Rider with dissatisfaction.
"Moreover, I am the ruler of the Kingdom of Britain. How could I possibly bow to another?" Saber declared sternly, her sacred blue eyes filled with determination.
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(TL : More Chapters @)[1]
[1] https://www.patreon.com/c/Gooberilla