Suzumiya’s eyes were brimming with tears, looking utterly wronged. Anyone unaware of the situation might have thought Cú Chulainn had been bullying her, but in reality...

given the current state of affairs, Suzumiya was the one putting the pressure on Cú Chulainn; if anything, he was the one being bullied. After all, when a melee-type confronts a ranged-type of roughly equal strength, if the melee-type cannot close the distance sufficiently, they can only be kited to death.

It was Cú Chulainn, possessing explosive burst power and speed second to none among the Servants, who managed to avoid complete humiliation despite being at a disadvantage. Had it been someone weaker, Suzumiya would have toyed with them until they broke long ago.

Looking at Suzumiya’s pitiful expression, Cú Chulainn felt not a shred of sympathy, but rather ground his teeth in fury... He despised people who clearly played the victim while actively tormenting others!

“Since you’re a peddler of medicine, why don’t you go back home and sell your wares!” With a furious roar, Cú Chulainn spun his spear, gripping the shaft with both hands, drawing himself into a bow stance. The spear, which had seemed unremarkable moments before, now appeared to be scorching; not only did it become intensely hot and red, but white mist even began to rise from it.

“Be careful!” Seeing this sight, Matou Shiki’s face abruptly changed. Though she was a novice Magus, even among novices, she had the formidable presence of Touko Aozaki by her side.

Although Touko Aozaki was also participating in the Holy Grail War for the first time, her insight and understanding of the conflict might rival that of the Three Founding Families. Knowing this Grail War was a conspiracy, she certainly wouldn't have entered unprepared.

Bringing Shiki Ryougi was one preparation, and having Black Kirika act independently served a similar purpose as bait. Touko Aozaki had told Black Kirika everything she knew, precisely so Kirika could protect herself in case of an unforeseen incident.

The most detailed explanations concerned the Servants’ Noble Phantasms. Black Kirika understood the danger of this war and kept everything Touko had said firmly in mind.

Thus, at this moment, upon noticing the distinct anomaly occurring with the spear in Cú Chulainn’s hand, she immediately guessed the opponent was about to use a Noble Phantasm—and the fear generated in that instant signaled an extremely terrifying one, which is why she couldn't help but warn Suzumiya. But it was too late!

As the demigod hero of Celtic mythology, Cú Chulainn held no inherent interest in the Holy Grail; he simply sought the thrill of battle as a warrior. And a true warrior like him would never let an opportunity pass by.

When Suzumiya’s sudden act of cuteness caused a brief lull in her barrage, Cú Chulainn seized the chance without hesitation, unleashing his Noble Phantasm before Suzumiya could react. “Your heart, I claim it!

Gae Bolg Piercing... Gae Bolg!” Swish!

It was a speed beyond description. The instant Cú Chulainn leaped, his form materialized behind Suzumiya.

The burst of speed gave Suzumiya no time to react, and then the spear stabbed forward, instantly sending a piercing crimson light straight toward her. As for Suzumiya, despite occasionally drifting into playful antics, she was still a veteran of many battles.

The moment Cú Chulainn moved, she finally snapped to attention. Relying on the speed granted by the Lancer class, she narrowly dodged the direct path of the red light, but!

In the very instant she evaded, the red light abruptly refracted at an impossible angle. To Suzumiya’s stunned gaze, with a szzzt, it struck her heart with perfect accuracy, the force of the impact blasting her away.

“Suzumiya?!” Black Kirika cried out. Crouching on the ground, Suzumiya clutched her chest.

Crimson blood seeped between her fingers, her brow furrowed slightly, revealing a hint of pain. “How is this possible...

I definitely dodged it?” “Dodging it is useless, because Gae Bolg Piercing cannot be avoided!” Lancer grinned, planting his spear and standing firm. “Cannot be avoided?” Suzumiya seemed somewhat bewildered.

“What! It’s Gae Bolg Piercing!” On the other side, Black Kirika’s face changed drastically upon hearing the name, and she exclaimed, “I recall the legend states Gae Bolg Piercing is the demonic spear that pierces all defenses, reversing causality, setting the result of piercing the heart from the very beginning.

The spear’s trajectory changes to align with that outcome—this is the legendary cursed javelin... You are the Child of Light from Ireland!” “Oh, this young lady knows quite a lot,” Cú Chulainn said with a light laugh, looking at her.

“I am a top student at Reien Girls’ Academy; how could I not know such a universally known legend!” Black Kirika declared loudly, but she quickly realized this was not the time to flaunt her knowledge, turning to Suzumiya with deep worry: Damn it! I didn't realize his Noble Phantasm was this terrifying.

Suzumiya, is she... “I see, an attack that alters causality.

No wonder I couldn’t dodge it,” however, at that moment, Suzumiya slowly stood up from the ground, even her expression softening considerably. “You bastard...” Cú Chulainn’s expression twisted instantly, looking at Suzumiya in disbelief.

He had been hit squarely by his ultimate spear; logically, she shouldn’t be alive, so why could she stand up? Cú Chulainn was filled with questions...

Theoretically, there were only four ways to counter his demonic spear: first, stop him from using it; second, possess a body capable of resurrection; third, create a defensive barrier exceeding the spear’s magic power; or fourth, alter causality and reverse fate. The first method was clearly off the table, and the instant the strike landed, his senses told him it connected perfectly, meaning the third and fourth methods could also be eliminated.

In other words... the only reason Suzumiya could still be alive had to be the second method, but...

by all appearances, she possessed no resurrection ability? “Hm?” Suddenly, Cú Chulainn noticed the wound on Suzumiya’s chest had miraculously vanished, and even the blood that had dripped onto the ground was gone...

When had that happened?! Cú Chulainn was greatly shocked; he hadn't noticed when the injuries and blood disappeared.

Even with resurrection abilities, the blood already on the ground shouldn’t vanish! “This is my Noble Phantasm,” Suzumiya said, looking at Cú Chulainn’s complicated expression.

“I stand no chance against Gae Bolg’s causality manipulation; it did hit me just now. But before that, I deployed my Noble Phantasm...

the Clairvoyant Eye.” “Clairvoyant Eye?” “Correct.” Suzumiya pointed to her crimson eyes. “These eyes of mine are the Mad Eyes of Malice.

Just looking into them can drive a person insane and induce hallucinations. When you saw me, you couldn’t hear what I was saying.

When you could hear me, you couldn’t see where the real me was. What your Gae Bolg Piercing struck just now...

was the illusory me.” “That’s truly...” Cú Chulainn was momentarily speechless. If Suzumiya wasn't lying, this enemy was far more troublesome than he had imagined.

Nearby, Black Kirika was filled with relief. Seeing Suzumiya completely unharmed, the heavy weight on her heart finally lifted...

Though she often lost focus, she was reliable after all. “It seems that to defeat you, I must be willing to fight to the death,” Cú Chulainn said with a smile after momentarily calming his shock.

Fighting the strong was his desire; the stronger the opponent, the more excited he became. Suzumiya’s power was enough for a thrilling fight, even if her abilities were annoying.

Indeed, weren't all the girls from Gensokyo equipped with abilities that were headache-inducing and disgusting? This was a proper army of cheats!

“Perfect. I also want to test if I can change causality without relying on my illusions.” As Cú Chulainn aimed his spear at Suzumiya, Suzumiya locked onto Cú Chulainn.

Their gazes met, undercurrents surging, battle on the brink! “Haha, my luck is truly excellent.

I never expected to run into two opponents at once! Who dares say my luck is low now!” Just as Suzumiya and Cú Chulainn were about to clash again, a voice completely incongruous with the atmosphere suddenly interrupted them.

Instantly, the gazes of Suzumiya, Cú Chulainn, and Black Kirika all turned toward the source of the sound. Under the moonlight not far away, a girl clad in wings, holding a scarlet spear, walked over languidly.

Beside her was a dark-haired girl... Both carried an air of elegance and dignified bearing, looking exactly like young ladies of high society...

Cú Chulainn’s pupils constricted upon seeing the spear-wielding girl; there was no doubt she possessed the aura of a Servant, and what’s more... another Lancer?!

“Remi!” At the same time, Suzumiya’s gaze fixed on the girl, and she exclaimed. “Yo, long time no see, Suzumiya,” the girl grinned, revealing a pair of sharp fangs.

Indeed, she was the third Lancer in this Holy Grail War—Remilia Scarlet. Naturally, the dark-haired girl beside her was Tohno Akiha.

As the three Servants stared down the others, the eyes of Tohno Akiha and Black Kirika also met, sparking an intense friction. Looking at each other, they felt an overwhelming sense of displeasure...

that person’s style was too similar to their own; what was this meant to be?! “Remi, what are you doing here?” Suzumiya asked Remilia.

“Oh my, that’s a silly question,” Remilia replied with a knowing, faint smile. “As a Servant, isn’t it perfectly normal to appear on a Servant’s battlefield?

Or perhaps you aren't prepared to fight me?” Suzumiya was momentarily stunned, about to speak. “Gungnir, pierce her!” However, Remilia showed no hesitation.

With a command, the scarlet spear Gungnir instantly flew from her hand, piercing directly toward Suzumiya. Swish!

Suzumiya flashed aside, and Gungnir narrowly grazed past her. Suzumiya glared angrily, “Remi, you bastard...” “Gungnir, pierce him!” Before Suzumiya could finish speaking, Remi issued another command.

The Gungnir, which had been pursuing Suzumiya, abruptly changed direction and shot toward Cú Chulainn at even greater speed. Clang!

Cú Chulainn raised his demonic spear, deflecting Gungnir amid a violent collision, and roared with a frown, “Targeting two Servants simultaneously, what kind of hero are you!” The phrase "what kind of hero" seemed to have become his catchphrase; he had said it twice already today, and likely would say it more in the future. But Remilia merely smiled proudly, soaring upward, looking down as she declared, “I am the hero of the Scarlet Devil Mansion.

You trash, allow me to eliminate you all at once, so you can know who the true King of the Night is!” As her words fell, a massive red magic circle materialized behind Remilia, and then, countless red projectiles rained down upon the two figures on the ground. Seeing that Remilia intended no mercy, Suzumiya also grew angry.

“Remi, you bastard! Fine.

If you want a fight, I’ll give you a good one... I’ll show you, a rich kid who only knows how to sit around enjoying life, the might of the working people!” In an instant, Suzumiya’s fingers flew, sending hundreds, perhaps thousands, of bullets toward the airborne Remilia.

“Damn it! Are all Lancers nowadays fond of bullet hell games?

Enough of this nonsense, you bastards! Let me show you the resolve of a true Lancer!” At the same time, Cú Chulainn’s wild nature was stoked.

Roaring, he also launched an attack toward Remilia. The two who had been hostile moments before now stood together to fight Remilia.

So it goes; the Holy Grail War is always the most chaotic. Meanwhile, just as the three Lancers began their battle, Tohno Akiha and Black Kirika had grown tired of their mere glaring contest.

Fierce fighting spirit ignited deep within their hearts, making them yearn to immediately erase the rival imitator from their sight. “I find you extremely irritating,” Tohno Akiha stated gravely.

Black Kirika sneered, “The feeling is mutual; I find you irritating too.” “Then what are we waiting for? Attack me head-on!” “That’s precisely what I intend!” And so, the next moment, both rushed toward the other simultaneously.

Speaking of which, Akiha, you are clearly bullying her! You shouldn't play like that.

... Watching his Master fall into the enemy’s hands, Saber was filled with both anger and regret, but at this moment, he dared not make a move...

Though he didn't know who this cloaked figure was, they clearly meant trouble. Under these circumstances, it was difficult to guarantee whether the figure would execute Ayaka Sajyou.

For now, he could only wait, patiently watching what happened next. He believed that since the figure had such a good opportunity earlier and didn't kill Ayaka Sajyou, they must want to negotiate.

As long as he didn't act rashly, Ayaka Sajyou’s life wouldn't be in immediate danger. Like Saber, Ayaka Sajyou dared not move at all.

Feeling the ice-cold blade against her neck, she couldn’t help but feel fear, yet looking at Saber standing opposite her, she also felt an ineffable sense of peace... Even in this dire situation, she dimly felt that as long as Saber was there, she would be fine.

However, she felt overwhelming shame for having been so focused only on Saber’s fight that she failed to sense someone approaching from behind, ultimately being taken hostage to threaten Saber. In the end, not only did she fail to help, but she truly became a burden.

“I’m sorry...” Ayaka Sajyou murmured. Saber shook his head, looking directly at the cloaked figure, and said grimly, “What do you want?” “Very calm,” the cloaked figure spoke placidly.

“As expected of Saber; even in this situation, you remain unruffled. And your previous battle too; despite being in a disadvantageous position, you managed to turn the tables and defeat little Gojo.

Both your strength and mentality are quite formidable... Silence.

He has no idea what his opponent is planning, so hearing this won't make him arrogant.” “However, you are still a bit too green,” the cloaked figure immediately shifted tone. “Before you launched that City-Busting Noble Phantasm, I was already behind this girl.

Yet you noticed nothing. While being fully dedicated to the fight is good, you must also pay a little attention behind you, otherwise...

while you are celebrating your victory, what you wish to protect might already be destroyed.” “You...” Saber’s eyes sharpened. “In fact, if the person you met hadn't been me, you would have already lost the person most important to you.” As he spoke, the cloaked figure retracted the blade in his hand and gently pushed forward, sending Ayaka Sajyou toward Saber.

“Ah!” Amid Ayaka Sajyou’s startled cry, Saber instinctively grabbed the girl’s hand, pulling her behind him, looking at the cloaked figure in confusion. “What is the meaning of this?” He couldn't understand at all; why did the opponent just let Ayaka Sajyou go?

What was the point of his actions just now? Merely to say those words?

The cloaked figure chuckled lightly and said, “Nothing. Just came to give you a reminder.

Pay attention to your surroundings from now on; I can only help you this much.” With that, he waved his hand, turned, and walked into the darkness. Simultaneously, Komeiji Satori bowed slightly to the pair, a smile on her face, and followed him away.

Saber and Ayaka Sajyou watched their retreating figures, their minds filled with question marks. What in the world was that performance?

Walking down the deserted street, the cloaked figure removed his hood, revealing a clean-cut and youthful face—it was Lin Luo. “I say, you went easy on them earlier, didn't you?” Lin Luo asked Komeiji Satori.

“Not at all, I genuinely lost,” Komeiji Satori said, linking her arm with Lin Luo’s, her face smiling, showing no trace of resentment or dejection over the defeat. (To be continued) RQ