Whether it was a coincidence or intuition, Achilles' move indeed blocked all of Shinji's various tricks.
Shinji's greatest strength lay in his numerous and diverse Noble Phantasms, which were all related to the gods. In the space created by the "Diatrekhōn Astēr Lonkhē," all of Shinji's Noble Phantasms would have their abilities reduced or even rendered unusable.
Without the Noble Phantasms, which had immense power and could determine the outcome of the battle, Shinji was left with no choice but to compete with Achilles using pure strength.
Although most of Achilles' Noble Phantasms were also sealed, he could still use the sturdy Spear itself and the Comet form, which was refined and elevated from his lifetime training and legendary stories. With Achilles' pride, since he had proposed a wrestling match, he definitely wouldn't use the spear and would rely solely on his physical strength and skills to determine the winner. However, Shinji wasn't as skilled in this area as Achilles. To abandon his advantages for a so-called fair duel was impossible for him, so his response was—
"I refuse!"
Shinji knew that this duel space would only become effective if both parties agreed. If one party refused, the space would naturally dissolve.
"So, you intend to resort to tricks and schemes?"
Achilles wasn't surprised but instinctively frowned.
Shinji did not deny it, merely stating, "I'm not as strong as you, so I have to find other ways. More importantly, this Holy Grail War is different from the previous ones; it's a team battle. I might need to withdraw from our fight at any moment to support my teammates, and they might also come to support me. Engaging in a closed one-on-one duel with you would disrupt our plans. To be honest, besides stalling you, I have other missions in this war—so I must refuse your invitation both publicly and privately."
"I see. Considering the bigger picture, you do resemble that old man more and more."
Hearing this explanation, Achilles' frown gradually relaxed, and the space constructed by the "Diatrekhōn Astēr Lonkhē" dissolved.
"Then, like before, I'll break your strategies with my strength."
"If you can manage it."
"I will. Because although you resemble that old man, there is one huge difference between you that will lead to your defeat."
"A huge difference? That you're a demigod and I'm not?"
"No, it has nothing to do with lineage," Achilles shook his head.
"You lack decisive glory."
"Sorry, I'm not a hero, just an ordinary person trained as a warrior and a magus," Shinji calmly stated the facts.
The rationality of a magus and the thinking style of a modern person made his combat style very flexible, and he didn't mind using various strategies and schemes. However, the warrior teachings of Scathach and his developed sense of morality set a bottom line for him.
He wouldn't force Diarmuid to withdraw in a humiliating manner like Kiritsugu Emiya in "Fate/Zero," nor would he allow Jack the Ripper to constantly kill and devour souls for magical energy as in "Fate/Apocrypha."
He never sought to be a hero or a champion of justice. He only wanted himself and those around him to live happily. If he could achieve his goals and make further progress, that would be even better—this mindset was common among most modern people.
"Is that so?"
Achilles sighed regretfully, "Then let's continue our battle."
Seeing Achilles assume the same "Pankration" stance, Shinji felt a bit puzzled: "Knowing my intentions are impure, you still want to wrestle with me?"
"Of course, because a hero does not fear challenges. No matter what schemes you use, I will achieve the ultimate victory."
Achilles flashed a brilliant smile, radiating an aura of fearlessness and astonishing presence, as if he were the focal point of the entire world.
"Come, let me show you, an ordinary person, what a true hero is!"
"Red Rider, true name Achilles, the son of the hero Peleus."
"Black Assassin, an ordinary person without a hero's name."
"Let's settle this once and for all!" x2
As the final ritual of Pankration, the two lightly touched fists.
Then, the fist-to-flesh battle began.
◇◇◇
After issuing the order for the charge, Black Berserker Vlad III did not engage directly; he merely spurred his horse forward.
Sensing the enemy's approach, the Dragon Tooth Warriors began to stir. Their number was not just a few hundred; more than five hundred Dragon Tooth Warriors surged towards him.
Of course, to a Servant like him, such a horde of minions posed no obstacle. However, charging directly would be a foolish act of bravado.
Vlad III had his iron horse kick the ground powerfully, leaping high into the air. Spreading his arms wide, he loudly proclaimed to the surroundings:
"Come, barbarians who trample my homeland! Now is the time for punishment! Mercy and wrath will transform into scorching iron stakes that will pierce every one of you! These iron stakes are limitless; let the endless stakes drive you to despair—quench your throats with your blood! 'Kazikli Bey'!"
The ground trembled slightly.
The Dragon Tooth Warriors instinctively looked down at their feet—instantly, countless slender iron stakes were summoned around them, shooting up and piercing through their bodies one after another. The sound was like the rustling of trees growing on the plains. The iron stakes were the thin trunks, and the bones formed the leaves and branches.
Within just three seconds of the Noble Phantasm's activation, the five hundred Dragon Tooth Warriors were annihilated in an instant.
The Servant known as "the Impaler" ignored all of this and advanced steadily towards the Hanging Gardens.
Soon, those who noticed him rushed to intercept.
"He's coming."
Vlad III gazed at the Servant speeding towards him with fierce velocity—Red Lancer, true name Karna.
On the battlefield-turned-plain, stakes continued to grow like clusters of black-thorn bushes or like a formation of spears set by an army. This dense array, stretching for hundreds of meters, was enough to hinder most Servants.
But not Karna. Faced with the continuously emerging black stakes, Karna either dodged or shattered them with his divine spear. Finally, he leaped up, landing on a stake whose tip had been cut off by his spear, and locked eyes with the mounted Vlad III.