When Lin Luo arrived in Fuyuki City, the sun had already set westward and night was approaching.

"Feels like a prelude to a storm..." Watching the gradually darkening sky and the streets growing quieter with fewer pedestrians on either side, Lin Luo frowned involuntarily. The atmosphere gave him an uncanny sensation of war imminent. Though the Holy Grail War involved merely seven magi and seven heroes, their destructive power could rival that of actual warfare.

Right before entering Fuyuki City, Lin Luo had already calmed his mind. Whether he'd arrive on time or not, confronting a hero while in panic would be suicidal, so he'd conditioned himself into the most optimal state along the way. Of course, another reason for his composure was that the Contract Book showed no abnormalities regarding Mikoto, Shizune and their status—all normal.

"Grail War...?" Muttering nonsense to himself, Lin Luo strode forward with Lui on his back, ignoring pedestrians passing by indifferently. As he walked, he pondered where he should go first. The Tohsaka estate was definitely out of the question. Whether or not the Grail War had started, Kirei Tohsaka summoning Artoria Pendragon—"King Gilgamesh"—was inevitable. Though the golden hero hadn't betrayed his master yet, Lin Luo had no desire to confront a B-rank hero. He wanted to remain in shadows as the eighth... no, ninth participant.

Initially, Lin Luo believed he'd definitely return before the Grail War began, so to avoid burdening Shizune and others, he told them practically nothing—a miscalculation on his part indeed. At this moment, they were probably driven away by Kirei Tohsaka to a nearby town—Zenaga or Zenos? Lin Luo couldn't quite remember the name.

Still, he had no intention of going there either. From what he knew about Shizune, she'd never remain docile while the war loomed imminent. Moreover, Mikoto, Saegusa and Hououin weren't ordinary people either—they might now be hiding somewhere in Fuyuki City.

"Well then," Lin Luo muttered as he focused most of his attention inward into his consciousness sea. Though mental communication only worked within a 100-meter radius, the special resonance between contract partners could easily locate them if not too far apart.

"Of course..." As expected by his prediction, those girls hadn't waited obediently for him to return—they'd already taken action. About ten miles ahead on his right side, he felt faint connection from one of them... Shizune.

"Then I should meet up with Shizune first." Lin Luo smiled as most of his attention remained in the consciousness sea while only a fraction observed the road before him. Thus when passing by a shop, suddenly collided with someone exiting the store.

"Aiya!" A woman's voice exclaimed.

"Eh, sorry..." Lin Luo immediately snapped out of meditation instinctively apologizing. But upon seeing her face, he instantly froze—could this possibly be...? He was utterly incredulous.

The woman before him had flowing silver hair as pure as snow and crimson eyes sparkling with brilliance. Her white-trimmed luxurious gown obviously cost a fortune, radiating regal grace that made her resemble a princess.

What truly shocked Lin Luo wasn't merely that—this woman bore 70% similarity to Illya! At first glance, he recognized her identity: Alice von Einzbern, the mother of the artificial human Illya and wife of Emiya Kiritsugu, also...

Subconsciously glancing at the side, a male-dressed girl stood beside Alice supporting her. A navy-blue blouse with bowtie and black European-style coat formed perfect masculine attire—yet this was worn by an exceptionally beautiful girl about 150cm tall. Though slender figure and porcelain skin gave her boyish purity, she exuded sharpness like a sword ready to be drawn while maintaining ethereal beauty untouched by worldly filth.

Their duo looked like the perfect princess-and-knight combination. Indeed, their current appearance and identities aligned perfectly. But they also bore another crucial identity:

The strongest warrior of the Round Table—Lancer's original Saber Arthur Pendragon, and her proxy Luvia.

Lin Luo completely lost to fate meeting both of them at such a time! Judging by their attire, they had just arrived in Fuyuki City...

"Sorry, my first outing...I got overexcited," the silver-haired woman apologized hurriedly after regaining balance.

"No need, I should be apologizing instead." Lin Luo immediately put aside doubts and smiled casually while glancing at them as an ordinary person would.

Though Alice appeared mature and charming, her artificial nature still showed childishness in her frantic expression. The girl beside—Lancer—remained silent but occasionally cast sharp glances toward Lin Luo with evident wariness. After all, it was wartime duty to protect the proxy. Had he not carried a girl seemingly harmless, she'd probably have already attacked him.

"By the way," after resolving misunderstanding, Lin Luo instantly feigned ignorance and asked casually, "are you newcomers to Fuyuki?"

"Yes, for some trivial matters..." Alice replied vaguely before glancing at Lui on his back with curiosity, "is that your sister? You two look very close."

"Haha, something like that," Lin Luo chuckled without denial while dodging their slightly suspicious gazes. "Well then, I have other things to do—enjoy your visit!"

"Thank you for good wishes, goodbye," Alice nodded politely as he departed.

Watching his back disappearing into distance, the knight girl suddenly frowned: "Alice, I sensed strange energy from that man."

"Hmm?" Alice immediately looked over.

"No," she shook her head dismissively, "it's not an enemy—just somewhat suspicious."

"Indeed," Alice agreed thoughtfully, "I felt it too."

"Oh? You noticed as well?" the girl brightened instantly.

"Yes," Alice smiled wistfully, "they're such a lovely sibling pair...how enviable! If Illya could have such siblings..."

The girl fell into silence at once.

"All right Lancer," Alice suddenly suggested with childish tone, "why don't I carry you too?"

"Lady Alice are you serious?!" the knight clasped her forehead in agony.

"Kidding of course!" Alice winked mischievously.

...After parting from the original Saber and Alice, within ten minutes Lin Luo spotted Shizune's tiny figure at an open-air restaurant.

Sitting alone at a corner seat, she wore a windbreaker way too big for her petite frame, wearing oversized sunglasses and hat to completely hide her twin black pigtails. From afar, it would be impossible to recognize her without contract resonance.

Currently, half her body slouched over the table while sipping through a straw and scanning surroundings warily—like an armed robber checking out a bank location. This furtive behavior made Lin Luo equally speechless. Just as he moved to greet her, a wicked idea suddenly popped into his mind.

"Hehe..." Smirking sinisterly, Lin Luo sneaked around the table behind Shizune's blind spot using "teleportation"—despite carrying Lui, his current strength easily concealed him from her perception. When within 30cm distance of her back, she remained completely oblivious.

This was due to late evening hours and sparse crowd in the restaurant. Only scattered couples were present, whispering intimately while paying no attention here. Otherwise even if Shizune didn't notice, someone else would have.

As the little girl still remained clueless, Lin Luo slowly extended his hand. Seizing the moment she raised her head to look ahead, he snatched away her soda in lightning speed—then...

"Wait!" As she turned back down to sip normally, Shizune suddenly found empty table instead of warm drink and a straw touching hard surface. Lowering her sunglasses revealed only empty space where both can and cup had vanished.

After half-second confusion, Shizune tilted her head quizzically: "Why is this happening?"

"Hahahaha..." Lin Luo finally burst into laughter uncontrollably.

Hearing it, Shizune instantly jumped like startled rabbit to the side with defensive posture.

"Shizune, long time no see," Lin Luo stopped laughing and waved at her.

"Eh?" The little girl who'd just prepared for battle immediately looked up in surprise. Her initially alert expression instantly transformed into joy, "Lin..."

But this joy didn't last even half a second—the name died halfway as she noticed the blue-haired girl on his back. Shizune's face darkened instantly:

"Who is that?"

"Eh, well..." Lin Luo groaned mentally. How to explain? Definitely complicated...

Yet under her aggressively probing gaze, within three seconds of hesitation he decided to confess truthfully. First, hiding was pointless anyway since everyone knew about the World Core matter now. Second, better admit early and get it over with quickly—after all, this "jail" had to be served eventually!

So Lin Luo set Lui aside before explaining: after escaping from the White Knight, she'd insisted searching for him without rest until passing out from exhaustion across Germany to Japan. Hence her unconsciousness hadn't even woken up yet. In a way, she was indeed formidable.

"In other words," Shizune's face twisted with rage instantly upon hearing explanation, "you bastard intentionally sent us away to look for this girl!"

"No no no, absolutely not!" Lin Luo hurriedly raised hands defensively, "Shizune I swear it! I encountered her purely by chance—completely unexpected!"

"Mmmh. Lies!" Shizune glared skeptically before realizing she was thirsty and scanning the table only to remember the soda was still in his hand. She immediately reached out, "Give it back!"

"Oh this?" Lin Luo shook the can slightly with slight embarrassment, "Sorry, I already drank it."

"Har? That—that was mine! I had drunk from that..." Shizune froze instantly. Now she'd removed her sunglasses to reveal a flushed face radiating heat like boiling water, steam practically coming out as speech became slurred:

"You...you pervert...I had just drank from that..."

Lin Luo sensed her energy reserves depleting while embarrassment increased. Paired with her tomato-red cheeks, the cute little girl was undeniably adorable.

"Wanna have some more?" Lin Luo mockingly extended empty can toward her face.

"Who wants it!" Shizune flung the can away furiously—perfectly aiming to toss it straight into trash bin.

Lin Luo gave a thumbs-up.

"You're getting on my nerves coming here and picking fights right off bat," she pouted angrily, "are you trying to bully me?"

"No, just teasing slightly." Lin Luo scratched head awkwardly. Indeed, it had been ages since he'd seen such adorable Shizune and couldn't resist poking fun at her.

"Hmph!" Shizune turned away sullenly.

"By the way," Lin Luo changed topic, "what's with the disguise?"

Shizune glared back over shoulder, "Of course I'm scouting information! Unlike you who wastes time daily chasing girls."

Classic sharp-tongued Shizune—every word had hidden barbs... Lin Luo sighed in exasperation. When did he ever chase girls? It was pure coincidence this time too!

Fate's fault! Not his wrongdoing, it's all fate's doing!

Though he understood from her words she harbored jealousy—a normal and healthy reaction. If instead she showed no jealousy upon seeing him bring home a random girl, that would be truly suspicious.

These days, fangirl harem groups were boring. Only those with sharp personalities and distinct traits made for valuable teams.

"Scouting information—about the Grail War?"

"Of course," Shizune became serious immediately. From her explanation, Lin Luo learned though all seven proxies seemed to have gathered, direct confrontations hadn't begun yet. But she sensed strange energy enveloping entire Fuyuki City.

Undoubtedly effects from heroes appearing in this world—a subtle presence imperceptible to ordinary people but intensely clear to magi like Shizune who'd summoned heroes before.

"By the way, where are Mikoto and others?" Lin Luo continued asking. Though reassured they were safe, indifference was impossible anyway.

"They're staying at a hotel in town," Shizune answered. "Since I'm more familiar with magic than them, it's easier for me to gather information. Of course we contact every thirty minutes for safety—hn! We won't be careless like you!" She shot him a condescending look.

Lin Luo groaned inwardly—he'd never been careless! Every plan had detailed preparation except this time when circumstances changed too quickly... Well, scratch that—sharp-tempered girls were indeed difficult to handle.

"Let's go back to the hotel," he decided after brief conversation. The hotel wasn't far away. After ten minutes of walking with Lui on his back, they arrived at a regular-looking hotel. Opening door and entering, Mikoto, Saegusa and Hououin were present.

"Lin Luo!"

The three showed initial surprise but like Shizune this disappeared instantly upon seeing Lui. Again Lin Luo groaned as he faced another round of explanations and condemnation with sidelong glances.

After enduring several dozen daggers from eyes, the issue over Lui was finally settled—relieved Lin Luo had prepared for super-electromagnetic blasts! Though their personalities seemed to have improved during his absence...

"By the way," soon after putting Lui in bedroom and chatting briefly, Shizune suddenly leaned closer to whisper secretly.

"What's up?"

"Hmm hmm, come out Saber!" Shizune grinned smugly. As she spoke, a white figure appeared beside her immediately.

Lin Luo was both shocked and elated—completely unexpected that Shizune had already re-summoned the white Saber so quickly! Now their side's chances improved significantly: White Saber vs Red Saber, two powerful heroes plus himself with three Level 5 abilities, along with genius magician Shizune... Um, not to mention an adorable little Saber.

"Long time no see Lin Luo," White Saber greeted cordially.

Lin Luo stared in amazement, sensing she had changed slightly from before though he couldn't pinpoint exactly how.

"By the way," he asked casually, "when did you summon Saber?"

"Last night," Shizune answered.

"Last night..." Lin Luo blinked suddenly realizing something, "so she's been nearby this entire time?"

"Of course...er," Shizune nodded then abruptly turned to glare at Saber, "wait Saber! You were right here with me—why didn't you warn me about him showing up? Don't tell me you didn't sense him!"

"I did notice obviously," White Saber shrugged helplessly.

"Are you deliberately doing this?" Lin Ran ground his teeth, fuming.

"This... let me think." White ABER propped her chin in her hand, feigning contemplation.

"You need to think about something like this?!" Lin felt himself on the verge of explosion.

White ABER nodded casually, "Yes, because I hesitated for three seconds whether to tell you or not at that time. In the end, I decided to see your startled expression first before telling you."

Lin was already furious beyond words.

Ignoring her outburst entirely, White ABER excitedly turned to Lin Luo instead, "By the way, Lin Luo - my new name is Lily. What do you think?"

"Lily... nice choice," Lin Luo nodded as he observed her expectant expression. He had no choice but to approve, though he couldn't help asking, "Why did you choose this particular name?"

Was it truly because of ABER Lily? The will from another dimension?

"To distinguish myself from the prototype, obviously," White ABER explained with a slightly reluctant tone. "If I ever encounter my original self - whether that's ABER or Artoria - we'd have duplicate names." Despite her words, there was an undeniable note of resignation in her voice after all, she was also Artoria.

"So you see... What should your real name be when it comes into existence?"

"Artoria, naturally," White ABER stated as if it were the most obvious thing.

"And is your current Noble Phantasm..." Lin Luo asked curiously before his expression suddenly changed dramatically, "What in..."

He sensed several powerful auras clashing at a distance - clearly some battle was underway... The location required him to sprint full speed for several minutes to reach, yet even from this far away he could distinctly feel the collision of two opposing forces. Normally such distant high-level magus duels would be imperceptible to him, but now it was as clear as day.

In Fuyuki City, there was only one kind of being that could provoke such a reaction in him without question - Servants.

Considering the recent encounters with Irisviel and the genuine ABER, Lin Luo immediately understood the situation. The Fourth Holy Grail War had begun its first skirmishes among the Masters.

"Such powerful presence," Lin Ran muttered gravely.

"The Servants are engaging in fierce combat." For the King of Knights to notice them was inevitable.

"We should go," Lin Luo stood up decisively. This was a scene he absolutely couldn't miss, and it would allow him to gather crucial intelligence about their enemies... After all, experiencing events firsthand was completely different from merely recalling narrative information.

However Lin Luo didn't bring everyone along - only Lin Ran and White ABER accompanied him. Originally he hadn't even wanted to bring Lin Ran at all, as being discovered here could be extremely dangerous. But Lin Ran had insisted on accompanying them regardless.

With no choice but to allow her to come along, there were two reasons: first, having an Archer-class Servant present allowed White ABER to fight unrestrained; second, with White ABER's protection, Lin Ran wasn't excessively concerned anymore.

After giving Mei Ling and the others some instructions to stay put for now while they waited before moving out if necessary (which could serve as a surprise force in case of emergencies), the three left in haste.

...

This was an industrial warehouse district connected to the eastern part of the beach park. Due to its geographic location and integration with industrial areas, it became completely deserted at night. The dim streetlights cast eerie shadows across the empty thoroughfares.

Unmanned cranes stood neatly aligned along the seashore, resembling dinosaur fossils in scale and appearance, creating an unsettling atmosphere. Although these structures appeared ominous, they posed no real threat. Currently in this area, even if a true dinosaur were to appear, it would be far less dangerous than the few figures now gathered here.

At that moment under the dim glow of streetlights stood two silhouettes. One was a young man holding twin guns - not handsome so much as pretty, with an undeniably alluring aura about him. The weapons in his hands weren't modern pistols but ancient long spears used by warriors from old. Slightly different were these two weapons - one longer and the other shorter, creating somewhat of an odd imbalance.

He was none other than Lancer, the seven-classed spearman for this Grail War. His true identity was Cú Chulainn, a heroic knight from Celtic mythology.

Opposite him stood a beautiful girl in blue armor wielding an intangible sword, her expression serious and commanding a formidable yet chilling presence. This was Saber - Arthur Pendragon ABER.

It seemed they had already engaged in intense combat, as evidenced by the spear wound on ABER's right hand and the chaotic battlefield around them.

At some distance away stood a silver-haired woman - Irisviel, acting as ABER's proxy.

Not long after parting from Lin Luo, they were challenged by Lancer. Unfamiliar with their enemy, ABER was clearly at a disadvantage, her right arm pierced by his strike.

But for the King of Knights even such an injury wasn't serious. Even if it limited her ability to fight at full strength, she would still resolutely continue until victory or death... Originally that's exactly how things should have played out.

However just as these two Servants were about to reach a decisive moment, an unexpected arrival abruptly interrupted them.

That was the towering figure in the sky above them, standing atop a thunderous chariot over two meters tall. Upon his entrance he boldly announced himself with great confidence: "Put your weapons away! My name is Iskandar the Conqueror and I've taken the Rider class for this Holy Grail War."

At these words not only those present but even observers watching discreetly from afar all froze in shock. In a Grail battle, Servants never reveal their true names - such knowledge was strategic intelligence that could expose vulnerabilities if discovered by enemies. Thus they always referred to each other using class designations instead of real names, precisely to conceal their identities.

But the Conqueror completely shattered this norm, not only making an imposing entrance but immediately announcing his genuine identity. Worse still, he followed up with arrogant boasts about recruiting Lancer and ABER under his command as part of his world-conquest ambitions - truly...

"How utterly foolish."

This was practically what every observer silently muttered.

"This guy is really stupid."

From a very secluded corner nearby, White ABER Lily wrinkled her cute nose in disgust. Beside her, Lin Ran looked exasperated while Lin Luo chuckled dryly.

They had arrived at this battlefield only moments before the Conqueror did. Naturally they hadn't revealed themselves - after all they weren't participants in this Grail War and there were other reasons that made remaining hidden absolutely crucial for them.

"There are more people here, come out! No need to lurk secretly anymore,"

But just as Lin Luo was about to advise Lily to remain patient, the Conqueror suddenly declared a challenge toward all sides. He first gave thumbs-ups to ABER and Lancer before bellowing toward everyone: "Pitiful! Truly pitiful are these heroes gathered in Fuyuki City who witness the valor of ABER and LANCER here but feel no emotion at all? To have a proud true name yet cower silently from shadows - what cowardly Servants. Just hearing this must make even the bravest warriors flinch, yes?"

"Lily, don't move yet," Lin Luo quickly grabbed her when he saw she was already preparing to spring into action.

Joking aside, this was precisely when Gilgamesh and Black Knight would arrive next. If White ABER went charging in at that moment it would put them all in a disastrous position that could ruin their entire plan.

"When will I get my chance? Are we just going to let that idiot look down on us?" Lily frowned, clearly disturbed by the Conqueror's words.

"Be patient - soon you'll have your grand entrance," Lin Luo assured her. With some persuasion from both him and Lin Ran, White ABER finally calmed down enough. In those few minutes back at the battlefield a massive transformation had already taken place.

"Not respecting me? Thinking yourself a king when you barely grasp heaven and earth... there are even two of you now!" A golden figure emerged atop an electric streetlight ten meters high, his entire being radiating shimmering light.

This golden Servant looked down on all present with arrogant disdain. Unlike the Conqueror's overconfidence, this pride was far colder and more ruthless.

Golden Fleece King!

The moment Lin Luo heard that brazen declaration he instantly recognized who had arrived - no one else could be anyone but the Hero-king Gilgamesh... But as he looked closer something felt off about him. Compared to his memories this Golden Fleece seemed much smaller in stature, and his voice sounded somewhat youthful. Odd?

The distance between them was too great and the golden shimmering light further obscured Lin Luo's view of details - all he could make out was a rough silhouette filled with bewilderment.

Meanwhile the Conqueror apparently hadn't expected another figure more arrogant than himself to appear here either, leaving him momentarily stunned and scratching his chin in confusion before finally declaring: "Even if you speak disrespectfully, I Iskander am still this world-renowned Conqueror."

"Truly worthy of being called a King? There is only me among all heaven and earth. The rest are merely... mere brats, yes - literally brats!"

This was an insult that went beyond words. Not only did those present in the battle change expressions dramatically, even White ABER hiding nearby almost jumped up with rage over this outrageous remark.

"Lily wait a little longer..."

To pacify her outburst Lin Luo had no choice but to physically drag her along with Lin Ran away from where they could see the battlefield. It took him an eternity just to calm down the furious girl, during which time he hadn't even seen what was happening on the battlefield - only hearing the loud sounds of battle.

This Golden Fleece King truly caused trouble...

Finally after calming White ABER down and returning to their position, they found the Golden Fleece had mysteriously disappeared. Most likely he had been recalled by Tokishiro Matou. In his place now stood a towering black figure.

No ornate decorations adorned it, nor was there any polished sheen - instead its entire body was covered in pitch-black armor reminiscent of hell itself. Dark and extreme, not only did it cover the body but also obscured even his face with a helmet. Through narrow slits in the visor only twin eyes burned like raging fire.

Berserker Lancer!

Lin Luo immediately recognized this dark figure's true identity, yet... he couldn't believe it. Originally the Berserker-class ATER was Kischur Jisatsu, but Sakura had already been rescued and the Kishin family annihilated. At that time Jisatsu should have been away from town. So who exactly was the current Berserker's Master?

On the battlefield this black knight radiated nothing but pure killing intent. His magic-generated whirlwinds carried mournful moans, making one's hairs stand on end. Those blazing eyes filled with hatred locked onto the true Knight King standing in battle, causing a chill to crawl down the girl's spine.

"Aaaaaaah!"

It was as if an unearthly voice erupted from underground - like demons cursing or people full of hate groaning, without any coherent meaning at all.

This black knight seemed like a living curse itself, expanding with lethal aura toward the blue-and-white armored Knight King girl.

Though the petite Knight Queen immediately went into defensive stance... she had already been wounded in her duel with Lancer and couldn't fight to her full potential. However this black knight's attacks were absolutely ferocious - anything he touched would become his own Noble Phantasm. With such an overwhelming power disparity, within half a minute she was cornered beyond hope of counterattack, barely managing defense without any chance for retaliation...

"Let me join the battle," Lily suddenly requested of Lin Ran at that moment.

Lin Ran looked surprised - unlike her earlier furious state where she called him "Lin," now she sounded completely calm. But... there was something different about her.

"We need to stay hidden..." Lin Ran hesitated, but before he could finish speaking Lily reiterated with an unwavering tone, "Let me join the battle!"

She had no intention of backing down in any way.

"But..." Lin Ran still wanted to protest when a hand stopped him - it was Lin Luo himself.

Looking at Lin Ran's puzzled expression, Lin Luo spoke solemnly: "Lin, even though I told you we should remain concealed first in order to maintain our initiative for greater strategic advantage..."

"That's why I said..."

"But victory isn't everything. Some battles aren't fought solely for winning - sometimes it doesn't matter if one dies or loses - sometimes one must fight regardless of the dangers involved just because... because of honor."

Then he turned toward Lily, "If you truly care about her, then let her go. No matter what happens we cannot defile the dignity of a King of Knights."

Lin Luo understood precisely why White A

```