Berserker's ability to transform objects into treasures/phantasms was completely nullified by the magic-breaking Red Rose. Moreover, Berserker's true identity was Lancelot, while Lancer was Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. The tragic love story from Lancer's lifetime was even considered the prototype for the tale of Lancelot and Queen Guinevere!
Thus, due to this affinity, Berserker was already at a severe disadvantage against Lancer. Compounded by the heavy injuries sustained from the King of Conquerors' Noble Phantasm, he was now completely suppressed by Lancer, with almost no ability to fight back! Matou Kariya's mana supply couldn't sustain the free use of his Noble Phantasm either. Judging by the situation, it was only a matter of time before Berserker was slain by Lancer.
"Mr. Matou, why must it come to this? I think it would be better for us to have a proper talk." Ryougi Raku narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at Matou Kariya with a smile that was hard to decipher.
"...What is there for us to talk about?" Seeing the current situation, Matou Kariya smiled bitterly. Unless a miracle occurred, both he and his Servant would likely die here today!
"Dammit! My body... my body... keep moving! You want to devour insects, don't you?! Then devour as much as you want! Give me enough strength—I can't die yet! I haven't saved Sakura! And him, Tōsaka Tokiomi—I haven't defeated him yet!" Matou Kariya roared inwardly, but the reality before him was clear. No matter how determined his heart or how fearless his despair, strength was still strength. He couldn't simply unleash his inner cosmos...
Seeing Matou Kariya's trembling figure—a reaction to his mana being pushed to its limits—Ryougi Raku felt that if this continued, the man would truly die. "Stop, Mr. Matou. Your body won't be able to handle it if this goes on. You have unfulfilled wishes, don't you? For example, a little girl, an immortal old man, or a magus..."
Ryougi Raku's words were like the temptation of a devil from the depths of hell, pushing Matou Kariya's fear to its peak! This wasn't the terror of approaching death, but the fear of the unknown that humans dread most!
Matou Kariya felt as if he had been stripped bare, all his inner thoughts completely exposed. He was so frightened he nearly went mad, even feeling that death would be preferable to this state. But he couldn't die. He vaguely sensed that the other party had more to say, and with a glimmer of hope, he opened his mouth and asked, "You... who are you... and what is your purpose?"
"Tell Berserker to stand down first..."
Hearing Ryougi Raku's words, Matou Kariya simply had Berserker vanish into spirit form. After all, he had no power to resist; killing him would be easier for Ryougi Raku than slaughtering a pig...
Signaling Lancer to stand down with a glance, Ryougi Raku got straight to the point.
"Mr. Matou, let's make a deal!"
"What... what kind of deal?" His voice trembled. It was clear that Berserker's brief manifestation had placed an even greater burden on him.
"I know your intentions. So, I'll help you rescue that little girl, and even help you kill that old man from the Matou family. All you have to do is agree to a few conditions for me..." Ryougi Raku said with a smile, like a demon tempting someone to fall...
But to Matou Kariya, that smile was that of an angel!
"You... you're telling the truth? Whatever you want from me, even my life!" This time, Matou Kariya was so excited he even forgot about his body's impending collapse, his words flowing more smoothly...
Ryougi Raku chuckled, "Why would I want your life? Besides, taking it now would be as easy as reaching into a bag..."
Matou Kariya calmed down. Indeed, if the other party wanted his life, they could take it at any time. There was no need for any so-called transaction...
"Then what do you need? As long as I can do it, I'll spare no effort!" Matou Kariya no longer cared about anything. He was even willing to give up his life—what else couldn't he sacrifice?
"...It's very simple! In this Holy Grail War, you must obey my commands completely. And then... never mind, we'll talk about that later!" Ryougi Raku thought about it but didn't propose any further conditions, as he couldn't think of anything else he needed Matou Kariya to do...
"Just... just that simple?!" Matou Kariya said in disbelief, then quickly replied, "Don't worry, no matter what you ask me to do, I will definitely accomplish it! Even if it costs me my life! As long as you can save Sakura!" He didn't mention killing Matou Zouken. In his heart, saving Sakura was the most important thing...
"Don't worry, Mr. Matou. Although your body is on the verge of collapse, I have a way to make it easier for you to control Berserker. I'll give you enough strength so you can live a few more years without any problems..." Ryougi Raku offered him a very tempting incentive!
"...You... are you telling the truth?" A wave of ecstasy surged in his heart. This miraculous turn of events filled him with gratitude to the heavens. "...Ah, just call me Kariya!" He didn't care whether it was appropriate to address the other so familiarly given their age difference. For him, Ryougi Raku was now his only hope...
"Alright, Kariya." Ryougi Raku nodded. To him, what he was called didn't matter...
Matou Kariya hesitated for a moment, then said, "...I don't know how long that old fiend Matou Zouken has lived. I don't know what tricks he has up his sleeve, and I don't know how to kill him..." After obtaining Berserker, Matou Kariya had never considered killing Matou Zouken. He knew that a magus who had lived for countless years must have his own methods. If he failed, even if he died, it wouldn't matter, but Sakura would surely suffer even more. Thus, he had abandoned this tempting idea...
"Don't worry, I know all of Matou Zouken's secrets. Since I promised you I'd kill him, I'm certain of success..." Ryougi Raku reassured Matou Kariya, then walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. Suddenly, a burst of flames erupted, engulfing his entire body...
Matou Kariya offered no resistance, nor was he afraid of the crimson flames burning within him. After a moment, he discovered that many of the insects inside his body seemed to have vanished, and his body, once devoured by the insects, slowly regenerated as if growing new flesh. His mana, replaced by the flames, strengthened his control over Berserker and significantly lightened his burden...
Matou Kariya no longer looked like a dying man and could finally stand normally...
"Thank you... thank you!" With a heart full of gratitude, Matou Kariya spoke sincerely. No matter who it was, if they could live a few more years, they wouldn't want to die...
"Alright, now. Take me to the Matou residence..." Ryougi Raku had no interest in his thanks.
Matou Kariya bowed respectfully and led the way.
"...Even if he can't completely kill Matou Zouken, with his power, we should be able to escape safely. Even if I sacrifice my own life, as long as he takes Sakura away..." Matou Kariya had his own plans...
Ryougi Raku didn't know what he was thinking, and even if he did, it wouldn't matter. The moment he decided to kill Matou Zouken, the old man's fate was sealed...
In truth, from Ryougi Raku's current perspective, even if Matou Sakura was pitiable, he wouldn't save her without reason. Everyone has their own sorrows, and there are many people more pitiable than her. Saving everyone was just the fantasy of a saint, and Ryougi Raku only saved her selflessly because she was a familiar face from his past...
Besides, that guy Matou Zouken was truly disgusting. Since it was only a minor inconvenience for him, he might as well take care of it...
Soon, Matou Kariya brought Ryougi Raku to the Matou residence...
"...This is it!" Matou Kariya said respectfully, secretly clenching his fists. He desperately hoped to save Sakura completely and kill that old man...
"Lancer, listen to my orders later. When the time comes, you kill that old man. I believe once you see him, you won't be able to resist taking action..." Lancer nodded silently. Since his lord said so, there must be a reason.
Facing the Matou family mansion, Ryougi Raku was the first to step forward, with Matou Kariya quickly following. Confronted with the door, Ryougi Raku kicked it without a second thought. Bang! The door flew off its hinges with a loud crash. Since they were here to kill, there was no need for courtesy...
The mansion was spacious, but Ryougi Raku could sense that disgusting old man. Following his intuition, he walked toward that location...
At that moment, Sakura emerged after hearing the noise...
"Sakura!" Matou Kariya shouted, quickly walking over and hugging her...
"Uncle Kariya... you seem... better now..." Sakura said softly, looking at Ryougi Raku with curiosity and fear...
"...Well, Sakura, uncle is much better now... Don't worry, Sakura won't have to suffer anymore." As he spoke, he unconsciously shed tears...
Seeing the look Sakura gave Ryougi Raku, Matou Kariya quickly said, "Ah! It's this big brother who helped me. Big brother will save you too, Sakura..."
"Sakura?" Ryougi Raku gave Matou Sakura a gentle smile.
"Yeah, big brother..." As if encouraged, Matou Sakura whispered...
Ryougi Raku reached out and rubbed her head, "So well-behaved..."
Matou Sakura was like a kitten, narrowing her eyes comfortably, her face slightly flushed...
"It seems Sakura really likes you..." Matou Kariya said happily. He could see that Ryougi Raku quite liked Sakura. This increased the chances of saving her even more...
"We'll talk about that later. First, come with me to find that old immortal..."
"By the way, bring Sakura along..." Ryougi Raku's eyes gleamed as he glanced at Matou Sakura.
Hearing that Sakura was to be brought along, Matou Kariya quickly said, "Let Sakura stay here. I'll go with you!" He was afraid Sakura would be affected by the possible battle.
"We must bring her! You'll understand when the time comes. Don't worry, there won't be any major battle..." Ryougi Raku looked coldly at Matou Kariya and ordered.
Under Ryougi Raku's gaze, Matou Kariya felt a chill, as if stared down by a venomous snake. He realized that to the other, he was nothing more than prey. Though still reluctant to bring Sakura, he ultimately agreed...
Sakura was very sensible. After hearing their conversation, she mustered her courage and said, "...I'll go with you, big brother..."
Ryougi Raku certainly couldn't maintain a stern face with a little girl. He smiled gently and said, "Little Sakura is so sensible. Don't worry, little Sakura won't have to deal with those bugs anymore..." Ryougi Raku made a promise.
When she heard the word "bugs," Matou Sakura shuddered. It was clear how terrified she was of them. Seeing Ryougi Raku turn and leave, she hurriedly followed.
Following his senses, Ryougi Raku arrived at the basement.
As soon as he entered, he frowned. The place was truly disgusting. Twisted, repulsive insects crawled in every corner of the floor. Matou Kariya and Sakura, who followed him in, instinctively stepped back at the sight of these insects...
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(TL : More Chapters @)[1]
[1] https://www.patreon.com/c/Gooberilla