Ayaka Sajyou, the descendant of a second-rate magus family, possessed no outstanding talent in sorcery; in fact, her aptitude could be described as utterly mediocre. This likely stemmed in part from her self-deprecating, timid, and weak personality. Torn between diligently practicing magic due to familial obligation and harboring an underlying resentment toward it, she remained perpetually anxious. This internal contradiction stalled any significant progress on her path as a mage.

To be frank, Ayaka Sajyou was rather a gloomy individual… Though this "gloom" carried no negative judgment, it simply described the nature of her disposition.

In stark contrast to the bright, lively existence most girls her age enjoyed basking in the sun, she existed solitarily in the "shade of the trees," refusing kindness and rebuffing any attempt at closeness, always alone, ill-suited for the clamor of youth.

Even the magic she studied leaned toward the more Yin-aligned arts of witchcraft and cursing. In a way, calling her a sorceress would be more accurate than calling her a mage.

But then again, witches in this world are exceptionally rare beings; one cannot simply declare themselves one. The requirements are almost as stringent as those for a Magus. A legitimate witch, like Elizbeth Báthory, is as rare as a phoenix feather… As for half-baked witches, they don't even merit the title.

Thus, despite Ayaka Sajyou’s unwavering commitment to this path, she lacked the talent to become a true witch. Her attempts to master Yin-aligned magic repeatedly failed, causing her distress and earning frequent, sharp-tongued ridicule from her Servant.

Perhaps realizing her own mediocre aptitude for witchcraft, or perhaps weary of enduring that man’s mockery, Ayaka Sajyou, though deeply reluctant, eventually settled for the transmutation magic she derisively called "the most utterly idiotic sorcery."

Predictably, since it was magic even a fool could learn, her success was assured.

Yet, this success brought her no sense of accomplishment; instead, it fostered an intense sense of defeat.

After all this struggle, was she truly just a fool?

Donning light attire, pushing her spectacles up the bridge of her nose, and sliding black leather gloves onto her hands, Ayaka Sajyou muttered her complaints inwardly.

Just then, with a crash, her door was thrown open, and a languid voice drifted in: "It’s always so tedious with novice mages. Such a long time spent preparing. If you don't hurry, the sun will rise."

Ayaka Sajyou spun around abruptly, spotting the detestable man leaning casually against the doorframe, instantly igniting her fury. She snapped, "You! Haven't I told you countless times? Don't barge into my room without permission! Don't think you can act as you please just because you're my Servant!"

The young man shrugged, dismissive. "What are you worried about? Do you think I’d be interested in a little girl like you? Relax. Even if I were watching your body, I wouldn't feel the slightest desire."

"..." Ayaka Sajyou lowered her head, clenching her fists so tightly her body trembled violently.

"Besides, look again. I haven't actually entered your room." The young man pointed downward. Indeed, both his feet remained planted outside the threshold, his very posture keeping him separated from Ayaka Sajyou's room by the distance of the doorway.

Ayaka Sajyou glared at him hatefully, forcibly suppressing the rage boiling inside. She struck back, "If you were truly that self-aware, you wouldn't have opened my door so casually."

"I only came to notify you. They've already started fighting over there."

"It’s not urgent anyway, hmph!" Ayaka Sajyou snorted, then walked past him without a second glance. "Hurry up, stop dawdling."

"Yes, yes, you are the Master, whatever you say goes," the young man chuckled lightly and followed her out.

He was the Servant summoned by Ayaka Sajyou, and the finest Saber among the Servants. Though Ayaka Sajyou’s abilities as both a mage and a Master were low, he held no dissatisfaction about this. Truthfully, he rather liked the girl.

Unlike most mages obsessed with the Grail or the path of magic, she lacked the inherent cruelty of the mage. Perhaps she was a failure as a mage, but as a partner, being with her was incredibly relaxing.

He enjoyed that feeling.

Through their interactions, he gradually understood that this girl, timid outside but slightly more assertive at home, appeared honest and obscure, yet she possessed an inner irritability and aggression... Essentially, she was a simple child, easily provoked, lacking guile.

So, whenever the opportunity arose, he would toss out a taunt. It wasn't that he genuinely looked down on Ayaka Sajyou; he just found watching her get angry highly amusing.

If possible, he wished this everyday normalcy could continue forever, but… as an Heroic Spirit, he had no such luxury. Once the Holy Grail War fully erupted, regardless of the outcome, he would vanish from this world.

And today was the day the fighting began!

Looking at the girl walking ahead, the young man’s habitually lazy gaze slowly sharpened. He had been summoned because he shared a desire with this girl—a longing for a lost home. This was also the reason he became a Heroic Spirit.

Initially, this was his only objective, but now, alongside the thirst for victory, he desired more—to protect this girl from harm in the Holy Grail War.

"Hey, Saber, why does this Holy Grail War feel so strange to me?" Ayaka Sajyou suddenly asked as they traversed the dimly lit streets.

"You have sharp senses."

"Don't treat me like an idiot!"

"Heh heh." Saber gave a slight smile, then grew serious. "Indeed, this is the fourth night since the war began, yet no true battle has erupted. For a Holy Grail War, this is far too peaceful. But the city’s atmosphere is chaotic, as if many fierce beasts lurk... If the calm before the storm is deeper, the storm itself will be more terrifying when it breaks. Regardless, caution is paramount."

"Mm," Ayaka Sajyou nodded firmly. While she couldn't dispute Saber's personality, she had absolute faith in his capability.

"Watch out!" At that moment, Saber’s expression shifted drastically. He yanked Ayaka Sajyou’s hand in a flash of lightning and pulled her aside. Then, with a loud boom, a shallow crater appeared precisely where Ayaka Sajyou had been standing moments before.

"An attack?!" Ayaka Sajyou broke out in a cold sweat.

"Oh, you dodge quickly. What a pity." A girl’s calm voice echoed in the air.

They both whipped their heads toward the sound. Standing down the street not far away was a young girl. Though she looked quite cute, the single eye hanging on her chest instinctively made them shudder… as if, before this eye, nothing could be hidden. Saber murmured grimly, realizing the seven standard Servant classes were clearly defined, and with a single glance, he discerned the girl's identity.

"That’s right. I am Caster." The girl showed a faint smile. "Since we’ve met, a fight is inevitable, isn't it? ...Oh, you think so too? Caster is a mage; with class abilities like 'Territory Creation' and 'Item Construction,' they excel in home-field advantage and are the weakest in close combat. Therefore, a frontal assault gives you a higher chance of winning... That’s quite a thought process."

What? She could see through my thoughts entirely!

Hearing this, Saber was genuinely startled. His impulse to strike first, relying on his class advantage, stalled. Yet, he betrayed no change in expression, stating seriously, "It seems your eye is quite unique."

"You’re impressive too, noticing my ability so quickly," the girl laughed. "My name is Komeiji Satori. This eye is my Noble Phantasm right now. It allows me to see into anyone’s heart. Everything you two are thinking cannot escape my gaze."

"Mind-reading?!" Ayaka Sajyou’s face contorted in shock, and she instinctively clutched her chest. "This... this kind of Noble Phantasm... is totally unfair!"

Komeiji Satori smiled without speaking.

Saber, however, remained outwardly composed, gripping the golden longsword in his hands tightly. "Mind-reading, a troublesome ability. But as long as my speed surpasses yours, it doesn't matter if my heart is seen through!"

As he spoke, he lunged forward, his speed like a flash of lightning.

Komeiji Satori seemed unable to react, standing still as Saber’s attack descended. As she wasn't a physical fighter, this was expected. But just as Saber's blade was about to strike her, a golden longsword suddenly appeared in her hand. With a sharp clang, the two swords met, sparks flying as both combatants were violently thrown back.

What was that… Looking at the sword in Komeiji Satori’s hand, Saber could no longer hide his shock, for her sword was identical to his own!

To possess close-combat capability nearly equal to his own, and furthermore wield his unique Holy Sword—this opponent… are you thinking I am Saber or Caster, correct?" As she landed, Komeiji Satori laughed. "Of course, I cannot be Saber, nor do I possess any swordsmanship. However, my second Noble Phantasm is... Replication. I can copy any Noble Phantasm, save those of EX rank, and even retain skills."

"Whoa, this is absolutely absurd!" Ayaka Sajyou could no longer remain calm. Mind-reading alone was already god-defying; now add replication? How was anyone supposed to compete?

Not just Ayaka Sajyou, even Saber felt nauseated... Mind-reading and Replication—either ability was considered monstrous, yet this girl possessed both simultaneously. Such an opponent was overwhelmingly difficult!

Damn it! Komeiji Satori… He had never heard of such a Heroic Spirit!

At this moment, Saber finally realized this opponent could not be fought with conventional logic. Using ordinary methods, he had no chance of victory. Yet, even so, he would not surrender easily… because in this world, every person and every ability had a weakness!

"Hyaa!" Saber's eyes sharpened, and with a loud shout, he charged forward once more.

"Strong spirit. In that case, I shall use my true skills to fight you," Komeiji Satori said softly, instantly vanishing the longsword from her hand. She ascended into the sky in an instant, countless points of light flickering like stars around her, blasting down toward Saber with roaring thunder.

"An Area of Effect barrage. Truly fearsome, but… now you look like a Caster," Saber muttered with a chilling smile. Facing the rain of projectiles, he chose not to retreat but instead swung his longsword, charging forward with even greater speed.

Boom! Boom… Watching this scene, Ayaka Sajyou unconsciously clenched her fists, her face etched with worry. Though she desperately wanted to help, she was powerless to interfere in a battle between Heroic Spirits.

The terrifying barrage ravaged the ground, and the dust and smoke completely obscured Saber’s figure, leaving Ayaka Sajyou unable to see the situation clearly, only hearing the explosions where sword met ordnance.

He should be fine, right?

Ayaka Sajyou thought to herself. While she trusted Saber's strength, the Caster fighting him was no ordinary foe. Having secured aerial superiority, she was nearly invincible. Perhaps, relying on his battle instinct, Saber could hold out temporarily. But in a prolonged fight… aside from the drain on magical energy, the pressure of her mind-reading ability alone might break Saber.

No prolonged combat!

Saber shared Ayaka Sajyou’s thought, but beyond that, he devised no counter-strategy. Not because he couldn't think of one, but because of Komeiji Satori’s mind-reading. Any perfect tactic he conceived would be rendered useless before her ability. Therefore, the best course was to think of nothing and react spontaneously!

And so, amidst the torrential downpour of projectiles, Saber closed his eyes, entering a state of perfect tranquility, relying solely on his combat instinct to fend off the bombardment… While he couldn't completely deflect the barrage, and his armor began to shatter, his excellent battle intuition prevented any mortal injury.

He could win!

Yes, Saber did have a chance. Because once transformed into Heroic Spirits, everyone's magical energy reserves were finite. Lin Luo had not supplied Komeiji Satori with an exceptional magical supply; her map-clearing barrage could not last forever. And precisely at the instant the attack faltered due to insufficient power...

Saber’s eyes snapped open!

"Aerial superiority grants you an unassailable position? Perhaps against others, but not against me. Standing in such a conspicuous spot was your greatest mistake! This way… I don't have to worry about devastating the earth!"

From the billowing smoke and dust, a golden light erupted, so blinding it hurt the eyes. Then, Saber, grasping the golden longsword with both hands, swung it forward violently.

"Victory... Sword of Samsara!"

CRASH!!!

Brilliant light, like a rising sun, shot toward Komeiji Satori with lightning speed.

"An EX-rank Noble Phantasm?!" Komeiji Satori’s expression wavered slightly. She hadn't anticipated him using such a powerful artifact at this juncture… Naturally, Saber hadn't planned it either; he simply seized the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the strongest possible counterattack. Such instantaneous change was beyond the reach of mind-reading… or rather, even if she had read his intention, she lacked the mana reserves to react.

"Heh heh, I lost," Komeiji Satori murmured with a wry smile, closing her eyes in resignation. The next instant, her entire form was engulfed by the sword light.

Seconds later, the sword light that pierced the heavens dimmed, and Komeiji Satori’s figure vanished. Feeling no trace of her aura, Saber finally let out a sigh of relief, yet...

"Remarkable, you actually defeated Kogo. However... focusing only on what's in front of you and neglecting your back is checkmate."

Just then, a calm voice sounded. Saber whipped around, his face instantly draining of color… because he saw a figure completely shrouded in black robes standing behind Ayaka Sajyou, a cold blade held to the girl's throat. And Komeiji Satori, who he thought he had eliminated, stood unharmed beside the robed figure.

...

Almost simultaneously, a fierce battle was unfolding elsewhere. One participant was the Heroic Spirit endowed with the Lancer class—Cú Chulainn, the Child of Light—while the others were Shiki Kiritsugu and Reines.

Their meeting was pure coincidence, but as Heroic Spirits in the Holy Grail War, a fight was inevitable, especially against a warrior like Cú Chulainn who could never refuse a challenge.

However, Cú Chulainn was utterly astonished to find a second Lancer in this Holy Grail War—it was unbelievable!

Furthermore, this other Lancer fought in a particularly bizarre manner.

"Frenzied Red Eyes—Finger Pistol Kill!"

Reines stood her ground, her blood-red eyes locking onto Cú Chulainn. Her right hand, shaped like a gun barrel, pointed forward, and immediately, countless bullets erupted from her index finger, swish-swish-swish, hurtling toward Cú Chulainn.

Clang! Clang! Clang…

Cú Chulainn wielded his long spear, sprinting rapidly across the ground while batting away the incoming projectiles, desperately trying to close the distance to Reines. But the density of the bullets gave him no opening.

"Damn it! A Lancer fighting with projectile attacks like an Archer—who the hell are you as a Hero!" After being driven back repeatedly by Reines's barrage, Cú Chulainn finally couldn't hold back his complaints, roaring at Reines in exasperation.

Perhaps Cú Chulainn’s roar was too majestic and sudden, but Reines flinched violently, her attack faltering. She instinctively took a step back, looking on with teary, aggrieved eyes, and whimpered, "I... I'm just a traveling rabbit who sells medicine." (To be continued)RQ