Who is Gilgamesh? It is widely known that she is arrogant and conceited, adhering only to the brand of heroism she dictates, scorning all other people and things—haughty and proud, domineering and tyrannical, believing that everything in the world should be under her control, should belong to her, utterly looking down upon everything, the most idiotic King under the heavens.

Would a person like her ever bow down before Eirin Yagokoro? The answer, naturally, is no!

Even though she had recognized Eirin Yagokoro’s immense power, having never suffered any humiliation from birth until now—daring to defy even the gods—she had not only been slapped twice in succession by Eirin but was also regarded with contemptuous eyes, as if she were nothing more than weeds by the roadside. How could she possibly let this stand!

Such an insult was more unbearable than death itself.

So, when Eirin Yagokoro posed her question, she chose the latter without hesitation: the Gate of Babylon was unleashed, and endless Noble Phantasms shot toward Eirin Yagokoro.

That overwhelming deluge of treasures could drown even ten Heracleses.

Yet, Eirin Yagokoro maintained an expression of serene indifference, looking utterly unenthused... and in truth, she was, for she hailed from Gensokyo!

What is Gensokyo most famous for? It isn't yuri, nor is it young ladies, nor is it strange incidents, nor is it majesty, nor is it a lack of moral restraint—it is danmaku!

Gilgamesh Loli’s Gate of Babylon was indeed fearsome, and the boundless Noble Phantasms were inescapable, but to Eirin Yagokoro, this was merely danmaku, and only a low-level barrage, something far, far inferior to the danmaku battles she had endured.

It lacked variation, possessing only straight trajectories. Other than sheer quantity, it offered nothing commendable. Even the quantity was insufficient... it hadn't reached that realm where you believe the entire world has become danmaku. Danmaku above and below, within and without the human realm—a danmaku battle that achieves a state of nothing but danmaku—and they dare call this danmaku?!

“Let me show you properly. What real danmaku is.”

Eirin Yagokoro stated calmly. The next moment, without any visible movement from her, the entire world seemed to transform. The castle vanished, the Noble Phantasms disappeared, and the three found themselves suspended in a dazzling sea of stars.

“Domain Expansion?” The King of Heroes was startled for a moment. But she did not panic; such a thing could be easily shattered by her Ea.

“Merely a heaven and earth contained within a jar,” Eirin Yagokoro replied, and before the King of Heroes could draw Ea, several ropes flew from her hands, instantly binding the King of Heroes in an ‘X’ shape.

“Damn you, you wretch!” The King of Heroes instinctively struggled, but to her astonishment, these ropes, though appearing ordinary, possessed unparalleled toughness. No matter how fiercely she thrashed, she could not budge them even slightly. Furthermore, the more violently she struggled, the tighter the ropes constricted, eventually crushing the armor she wore. Her nearly bare body was left dangling mid-air in an extremely humiliating posture.

“What do you want to do to me!” In this situation, even the King of Heroes could not maintain her proud demeanor. She roared, her face flushed.

“Didn’t I just say? Those who violate the rules must be punished. Since you wouldn't leave when told, I guess I’ll have to mildly discipline that atrocious personality of yours... Don't worry. The Holy Grail War has only just begun; I won't have you exiting this early.”

As she spoke, Eirin Yagokoro flicked her finger lightly, and suddenly, a shimmering Milky Way appeared in the infinite starry sky, rapidly rushing toward the King of Heroes.

Upon closer inspection, this galaxy was composed of countless droplets of mercury, packed tightly together in a liquid form. As the mercury streaked through the air, it produced a hualahuala sound, like a swarm of locusts invading. Just viewing the dense spectacle sent shivers down the spine.

Just as Ea was the King of Heroes' favorite Noble Phantasm, this was one of Eirin Yagokoro's preferred danmaku attacks... the Mercury Barrage, Medicine Sign – Great Silver River in a Jar.

“Ah! You bastard... how dare you treat me like this... I... this King... ah...” As soon as the mercury touched the King of Heroes' body, she couldn't help but cry out, but as more and more mercury streamed over her, her voice gradually weakened.

It wasn't due to pain. Eirin Yagokoro, as a genius pharmacist, possessed unimaginable skill. And since this technique was called a Medicine Sign, it naturally wouldn't possess significant lethality. Rather than being painful, the mercury attack was more akin to a relaxing balm. Upon contact, the body would go weak and pliant, feeling as if floating on clouds, while body temperature would simultaneously rise, inducing an unexpectedly pleasurable sensation... If this move were used in the dead of winter, it would be excellent for warding off the cold.

If a lonely married woman were fortunate enough to receive this attack, she would likely find it indescribably wonderful.

But for the King of Heroes, it was different. So much liquid sliding over her body felt like being touched by countless hands. Her body instantly became hot and restless. Tingling, itchiness, and weakness—all these sensations surged forth simultaneously, causing her consciousness to blur immediately, her curses gradually turning into faint moans.

To be toyed with in such a manner by the dignified King of the Oldest Age made her wish for death.

A moment later, as the silver river dissipated, the heaven and earth in the jar were undone. The King of Heroes’ small frame collapsed onto the ground like a heap of mud, drenched in sweat. Her torn undergarments clung damply to her skin, offering no concealment but rather adding to the allure, while her sweat-slicked body was covered in a vibrant, tender pink hue, looking incomparably lustrous.

She lay on the ground, gasping for breath. As her chest rose and fell violently, hot breaths escaped her mouth. Her delicate face was etched with exhaustion, bearing the expression of someone utterly worn out.

“You... you bastard...” She pressed her hands onto the ground, trembling slightly, laboriously pushing herself up. Her gaze fixed on Eirin Yagokoro, filled with rage.

Eirin Yagokoro watched her with a faint smile and remarked, “It seems the previous discipline hasn't made you understand your situation. Perfect, I just recently developed a new medicine. Testing it out on you would be quite suitable...”

Hearing this, the King of Heroes' expression shifted drastically. No matter how haughty she was, she now grasped the terror of the person before her. The mercury from before had already brought her to the brink of ecstasy; facing another application... she couldn't even imagine.

“I will absolutely not let you go. You remember that!” Thus, without waiting for Eirin Yagokoro to finish, she spat out a final, defiant threat, then urgently veiled her form, vanishing from Eirin Yagokoro’s sight.

“It seems it was quite effective after all,” sensing that the King of Heroes’ aura had completely disappeared, Eirin Yagokoro smiled faintly, then turned, her gaze falling upon Illya, who was crouching on the ground, looking utterly helpless.

Eirin Yagokoro had existed for hundreds of millions of years and had seen as many pitiful people as she had killed; Illya’s helplessness would not stir unwarranted sympathy in her. However, seeing the girl in such a pathetic state, she couldn't help but recall Kaguya of the past.

Back then, Kaguya, banished to Earth and not yet recovered, faced the emissaries descending from the Moon with similar helplessness. Thus, out of guilt and remorse toward Kaguya, and understanding Kaguya’s wish, she slew all the emissaries on the spot, choosing to live in seclusion on Earth with Kaguya.

Really, to dump this unpleasant task on her, that woman... If she cared so much about the situation here, why didn't she come herself?

Eirin Yagokoro grumbled inwardly, then crouched down in front of Illya and said, “You are safe now. If you don't wish to experience such cruelty again, I can offer protection, but I suspect you don't want to end like this... To stand up requires oneself; to move forward requires strength. A Heroic Spirit—I can offer you the strongest Heroic Spirit. Do you need one?”

Illya looked at Eirin Yagokoro. She had seen clearly the scene where the other party toyed with the King of Heroes, but that did not soothe the grief of her loss... Hearing her words now, she shook her head. “No. Illya doesn't need another Heroic Spirit. Illya’s Heroic Spirit is only... one. I won't form a contract with another.”

“Is that so,” Eirin Yagokoro uttered lightly. Although she didn't understand Illya, having observed the entire battle between the King of Heroes and... she could see that the little girl before her and that giant Heroic Spirit were not in a typical Master-Servant relationship, but rather a bond of mutual reliance—or, more accurately, something akin to her relationship with Kaguya.

Protector and protected, depending on and trusting each other.

“However, no one can be protected forever. You should know that when the Holy Grail War ends, no matter what, that Heroic Spirit will leave you. This is merely taking a step earlier. At any time, the only person one can rely on is oneself. What you desire will not fall from the sky; you must fight for it with your own strength. After giving so much, don't you want to reach the end? What you wish to obtain—be it affection or material things—lies only beyond strenuous effort.”

Eirin Yagokoro stood up, smiled slightly at Illya, “I observed briefly. Among the participants in this session, there are many stronger than you, but strictly in terms of Master ability, none surpass you. The Heroic Spirit you summon next might have very poor base stats, perhaps even the weakest among Heroic Spirits, but I believe with your ability, you can absolutely push her power to its limit and make her the strongest. So, striving once more to complete this path has no drawbacks, and besides... someone is waiting for you.”

With that, Eirin Yagokoro lingered no longer and turned, walking out of the castle.

Illya stared blankly at her retreating figure. To be honest, she understood the logic; the key was acceptance. After all, suddenly disappearing after a year of companionship without psychological preparation was not something to be resolved with a few words. However... Eirin Yagokoro’s final sentence confused her.

Someone is waiting for her? Who? Why?

Illya didn't understand. She raised her hand, looking at the Command Seal on the back of it... After a long moment, she finally closed her eyes and recited the incantation she had used before.

Then, as a magic circle rose, a short girl wearing blue clothes with several icy wings sprouting from her back appeared before her.

“Hahahaha, is it finally my turn to appear? This young lady is the strongest!”

The moment she materialized, the girl shouted an astonishing declaration.

Illya stared blankly at the girl before her, not startled by her words or actions, but by the stats... Just as the other person had said, the Heroic Spirit she had summoned had truly appalling attributes. Aside from Luck, which was high at A rank, every other attribute was only E, and the tragedy deepened as she possessed only one Noble Phantasm. Such a Heroic Spirit... there was no weakest, only weaker!

“Truly, so weak,” Illya observed for a while, noticing the girl showed no self-awareness, sporting an air of supreme arrogance that permeated heaven and earth. She couldn't help but find it hilarious, her brow relaxing as she let out a burst of laughter.

“Hey, are you mocking me?”

“You are very interesting.”

“Hmph! Even if you say that, I won’t forgive you!”

“What is your name?”

“My name is The Strongest!”

“Hehehehe... Is that so? She’s already given Cirno to her, huh.” On the other side, Lin Luo sat alone atop the tallest skyscraper in Fuyuki City, speaking with Eirin Yagokoro on the phone while gazing over the entire city. Upon learning about Illya’s situation, he let out a deep sigh and chuckled, “With this arrangement, they might become the genuine strongest pair.”

“Why didn’t you go yourself?” Eirin Yagokoro’s voice echoed in Lin Luo’s ears. “Although your capabilities are currently restricted by the plan, for today's matter, you had ample time. So, why have me act on your behalf?”

“Heh, a question that hits the nail on the head,” Lin Luo let out a dry laugh, showing little emotion. “Eirin, although you possess great wisdom and know many things—in fact, your knowledge far exceeds mine—the human heart is the most complex. Even you have things you don't understand.”

“Oh?”

“Don’t judge me by my demeanor, as if I can face everything easily. I actually have vulnerable points. Take Illya, for example... Perhaps to many, this is a small matter, but for me, this is the first time I have broken a promise to someone. I feel guilty and conflicted. Also, Lin Xiaoke and Artoria... I'm a bit hesitant to face them.”

“What does this have to do with Lin Xiaoke and Artoria?” Eirin Yagokoro asked, confused.

“Heh, you probably don’t know yet. A long time ago, I spent a period in the Middle Ages of this world, and I left behind a child. That child, perhaps due to growing up without parents, began searching for them when he grew up, even becoming a Heroic Spirit because of it. And his descendants, perhaps inheriting his will, also walked this path...”

“You mean Lin Xiaoke and Artoria... When did you find out?”

“Around the time I first arrived in this world. Although Gaia and Alaya intentionally concealed it from me, they were ultimately too inexperienced. When reconfiguring this Holy Grail War, I found out by subtle probing... After all, for Lin Xiaoke, the King of her world, to specifically tell me she was coming to this world, there had to be a special reason. As for Artoria, since his lineage exists here, it's obvious: Lin Xiaoke and Artoria were born and raised in this world, and they are descendants of King Arthur... With so much evidence, wouldn't I be able to figure it out?”

“I see. So what are your plans?”

“What else can I do? Naturally, stall for time. After all, a thousand-year pursuit is heavy baggage. I’m not mentally prepared yet, and... it will also be rather awkward.”

“So you can feel awkward?” Eirin Yagokoro expressed surprise.

“Anyone can feel awkward, it’s only human nature.”

“I don’t think you would have said you wanted me to serve you if you felt that way last time.”

“Is that so? I find that perfectly normal,” Lin Luo asserted matter-of-factly.

“...” Eirin Yagokoro was momentarily speechless. She finally realized that her thought process and Lin Luo’s were not on the same wavelength, so she decisively skipped the topic. “Is that little girl, Cirno, alright?”

“Of course she is. What she desires most right now isn't comfort from someone, but something that can make her laugh. No one is more suitable than Cirno, after all, Cirno is a blockhead; the saying ‘simple-minded children are happier’ isn't just for show.”

“That’s not what I meant. I meant that blockhead’s power. If she slips up, that girl might experience the pain of loss again.”

“That’s no need to worry about either. Although Cirno’s initial attributes are weak, having once been possessed by Mikoto’s potential allowed her to turn the impossible into the possible. Her gate of potential has been thoroughly opened. Although she only has one Noble Phantasm—the Three-Stage Transformation—with Illya’s ability, there is a high probability of maximizing this Phantasm’s power. Once Cirno completes the Three-Stage Transformation, even you will find things troublesome.”

“...Since you say so, I shall look forward to it as well, then.”

“Yes, I won't disappoint you. By the way, when will you come to serve?”

Beep!

Eirin Yagokoro cut the call without hesitation.

“Tsk, hung up fast,” Lin Luo shrugged with a touch of annoyance. Just then, he received a communication from Aya Shameimaru.

“Any news?” Lin Luo connected immediately, asking... “The Saber team has appeared,” Aya Shameimaru stated succinctly.

Lin Luo paused for a moment.

A moment later, Lin Luo stood up, summoned a black cloak that descended from the sky, enveloping him entirely, and said, “Let’s go. We should go meet this Saber team.”

“Yes.”

A crisp voice sounded, and a girl with short, light purple hair dressed in a beautiful gown instantly appeared by Lin Luo’s side. An eye hung upon her chest, and tapping her small slippers, she nestled into Lin Luo’s arms.

Koishi Komeiji, now transformed into Lin Luo’s dedicated Heroic Spirit.

Subsequently, as deep night completely enveloped the city, Lin Luo, holding the girl in his embrace, leapt into the void. (To be continued) RQ