Fuyuki's port, warehouse district.
Cold moonlight spilled like frost, illuminating the desolate area.
This remote spot, surrounded by waves and stacked containers, formed a natural barrier. Unmanned machines stood like blocks, and a magus's spell repelled civilians, creating a separate world from the city.
Soon, this would become a battlefield, a stage for ancient heroes. Tonight's haunting moonlight and rolling waves foretold an unquiet clash.
A golden-haired man, face fair and radiant, eyes sparkling with wisdom, stood holding a peculiar spear.
His slender fingers, unique elegance, and dawn-like visage held a gentle glow, captivating onlookers.
He gazed at the night sky, a smile playing on his lips, releasing his mana freely, like a fisherman casting bait, awaiting a Servant's bite.
And someone had arrived…
"Hoh? The battlefield's heating up."
Under the dark night, a rugged, muscular red-haired man stood atop a massive Fuyuki bridge, overlooking the distant clash, his crimson cloak billowing in the wind.
Crouching, he stroked his bearded chin, intently watching the battle.
Among the steel jungle of containers, a petite knight in silver armor faced the waiting golden spearman.
"Interesting. Heroes are entering the fray. Exciting…"
He mused.
"Argh, Rider! It's too high! Get me down!!"
Waver, ignored by the red-haired man, trembled in the cold night wind. Dozens of meters above ground, with vehicles streaming below, he quaked at the thought of falling.
"Hey, kid, you're the Master of Iskandar, the Conqueror! How can you be so timid? Stand tall and watch this era-defying war with me!"
"Rider! What are you babbling about? I can't see that far—I'm no Servant! And this height… if I slip, I'm done…"
"Can't see? Use magecraft."
Glancing at the shivering Waver clinging to the beam, Iskandar sighed, summoning his Gordius Wheel and tucking him under his arm.
"And stop with the defeatist talk—it's taboo before battle, Master! You may be small, but don't lack spirit. We face heroes from across time—slacking won't do."
"Even if you say that… I don't know what to do…"
Meeting Iskandar's earnest gaze, Waver sighed helplessly.
He'd joined this ritual on a whim, stealing Kayneth's relic and flying here without preparation.
The Grail War was a bewildering, overwhelming enigma…
His initial zeal to steal the relic and win had fizzled after summoning Iskandar and enduring half an hour of chilling wind.
Looking at the towering, proud man, Waver's heart was a tangle of emotions.
His impulsiveness had dragged him into a monumental ritual. Too late to retreat, he had to see it through.
"Don't know what to do? You're lost…"
"…"
Waver sighed, silent.
"No worries, I know how to fix that. Set a goal—like seizing the Grail! Then figure out how to use it."
Iskandar clapped, addressing Waver.
"You joined for the Grail, right? Don't overthink. Aim to win it, be the last standing, and you won't be lost!"
"Win the Grail? Me?"
Swallowing hard at Iskandar's bold words, Waver used reinforcement magecraft on his eyes, watching the fierce clash of two blonde Servants, his heart racing.
"Isn't it obvious? Why join if not for the Grail? Look at those heroes fighting for it!"
"Even if you can't, you have me! With me, land or sea, all will be conquered! The Grail's a trifle! And I'm itching to join."
"Huh?"
"Seeing their fierce clash, witnessing heroes from different eras, my conquering heart can't hold back, haha—"
Laughing, Iskandar leaped onto his Noble Phantasm, Gordius Wheel.
"What? Charging in? Weren't we observing? Won't we get ganged up on?"
Sensing Iskandar's intent, Waver shouted.
"Hahaha!! So what? My conquering heart won't stop. We'll deal with the aftermath later!"
Amid Waver's cries, Iskandar laughed heartily, gripping the reins, shouting, "Go! Let's join the fun, Master! Their fight's too good to miss! Come, join the grand feast with me!"
"Wait! Don't drag me! Go alone!"
"No way. As my Master, you come too!"
With a hearty laugh, Iskandar pulled the reins, the Gordius Wheel sparking blue arcs, lighting the night.
…
…
Fuyuki's port.
Compared to Iskandar and Waver's bickering, the battle here was far fiercer.
Sparks from clashing magic spear and holy sword lit the area, their metallic clashes weaving a grand symphony.
The golden-haired man, bathed in moonlight, spun, his hair flung back, revealing a face to make women swoon.
His odd, wand-like spear unleashed immense power, streams of water gathering at his command, calmly countering the petite knight's fierce assault.
In their exchanges, potent mana spread, water and wind clashing under moonlight.
After hundreds of rounds, the water-wielding man sensed something, smiling faintly at Artoria, shifting stances to disengage.
"Hm?"
Sensing his intent, Artoria, wary of a trap, didn't pursue, coldly questioning the golden-haired man.
"Trying to flee?"
"Flee? A misunderstanding…"
Unfazed by her accusation, he bit his finger lightly, replying courteously.
"I noticed something intriguing and needed to pause to confirm, fair swordswoman."
He gazed at Artoria, a smile in his eyes.
Artoria stiffened, her sharp instincts sensing danger. Meeting his gaze, she saw her reflection, a chilling sensation of being seen through.
***
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