After breaking through the blockade of the three Red Faction Servants, Black Berserker's journey was unexpectedly smooth, so much so that it aroused suspicion.
No defensive spells, no Servant obstructions, and only a single path ahead—it felt like the vampire walking this road was a guest on their way to a banquet.
However, the vampire knew he was not a guest but an enemy, making the Red Faction's behavior highly questionable.
The lack of defensive spells could be attributed to their focus on relocating the Greater Grail, leaving no time to set them up, but the absence of Servant obstructions was inexplicable.
Of the six remaining Red Faction Servants, three were occupied by Black Lancer. That left three others: Saber, Caster, and Assassin. Caster, tasked with relocating the Greater Grail, could be excused, but where were Saber and Assassin? What were they doing? Were they lying in wait, planning a fatal ambush?
Unfortunately, the vampire now had no vital points. Even if an ambush succeeded, he could recover quickly. If he could find an opportunity to kill one or two more Servants, he could forcibly activate the Greater Grail, realizing both his and Darnic's wishes.
Indeed, the Greater Grail could be forcibly activated. This was one of Darnic's research outcomes over sixty years and his hidden trump card. Originally, the Greater Grail required the deaths of six Servants to function as a wish-granting device. With Darnic's modifications, this number was reduced to two. Naturally, the scale of the wish would also diminish due to the lack of Servant essences.
While this method carried significant risks compared to the standard activation procedure, there was no room for hesitation now if they were to achieve their goals.
Darnic's wish was to break the Yggdmillennia clan's fate of decline and ensure its prosperity and longevity.
Vlad III's wish was to cleanse his name, separating the vampire Dracula's image from the Heroic Spirit Vlad III.
The former only affected the Yggdmillennia family members, while the latter merely required adjustments to the spiritual foundation within the Throne of Heroes—both were relatively small-scale wishes.
Currently, with one Servant already fallen, the conditions for activation were nearly met. One more death would suffice, and to fulfill both wishes, at most, a second one was needed. Hence, the vampire aimed to kill one or two more Servants.
As for the final Servant, that was reserved for himself. Since the separation of Dracula and Vlad III, his tainted existence was no longer necessary. He would use his soul as the final offering.
Feeling somewhat apologetic to Black Assassin, who supported him till the end, he resolved to apologize if given the chance.
With these thoughts, a door appeared before the vampire.
The magic emanating from the door told him that the coveted Greater Grail lay beyond.
Without hesitation, he opened the door and found the expected scene. A broad staircase built of sun-dried bricks extended straight downward, leading to an enormous structure piercing through the top floor.
It was the omnipotent wish machine brimming with a destructive glow—the Fuyuki Greater Grail.
"...Ah."
A dreamy murmur escaped his throat. He had finally arrived, and now it was time to deal with the Servant guarding this place.
"Come out, stop hiding."
"I am not hiding," a decadent yet superior voice responded. An enchanting woman in a black evening dress appeared before the Greater Grail.
She had appeared suddenly without any detectable presence, making her class evident.
"Red Assassin," the vampire's red eyes gleamed with understanding.
"It seems both our Assassins are unconventional."
"No," the woman shook her head.
"You're mistaken. There is a fundamental difference between Black Assassin and me. He is inept, whereas I have no need."
"Oh~ That tone, that attitude, you must also be a ruler from somewhere."
"Indeed, my name is Semiramis. Welcome to my garden, Lord of Romania, or should I say, former Lord."
Whether due to the dignity of a fellow monarch or sheer confidence in her abilities, Red Assassin revealed her true name.
"So, the Empress of Assyria. A fitting ruler for the Hanging Gardens—as a burial ground."
"Yes, as your burial ground."
Both monarchs expressed their unwavering resolve through their words. The vampire shifted his gaze in another direction.
"Everyone else, come out. Let me deal with you all at once."
"Please don't."
With an exaggerated, theatrical tone, a flamboyant man peeked out from the side of the staircase.
"I am merely a writer, I won't be joining the battle. I just wanted to pay my respects to the iconic figurehead of vampire literature, Dracula—"
Before he could finish, a blood-soaked stake struck where he stood. If not for someone pulling him aside, he would have been impaled through the chest.
"Ah, that was close, really close. Such impatience, truly befitting a tyrant."
"Caster, hold your tongue."
The one who pulled him to safety was a young man with brown skin, who smiled wryly as he complained.
"The literary figure you revere is a stain that Vlad III must cleanse. Your previous words were an insult to him."
"Is that so? Then it is indeed my fault. I must apologize."
Red Caster Shakespeare placed a hand on his chest and bowed deeply.
The vampire, still retaining Vlad III's will, snorted coldly and impatiently urged:
"Enough idle chatter. I have no time to waste. Both of you come at me together, and you can bring out Saber, who is hiding somewhere as well."
"No, no, you've made three mistakes, Lord of Romania."
Shakespeare raised his fingers as he spoke.
"First, I already mentioned, I won't be fighting."
"Second, Saber is not here."
"Third, your opponent is not me or Her Majesty the Empress, but my Master, Father Shirou."
"Master?"
Even though his killing intent was barely restrained, the vampire was perplexed by the choice of Shakespeare and Semiramis.
A Servant not fighting, but their Master taking the field—what was this? A suicide mission? Or perhaps some kind of scheme? Or did the Red Faction believe they were so assured of victory that they had started internal conflicts?
Sensing the vampire's confusion, the young man named Shirou smiled and said:
"You shouldn't underestimate me. I'm very strong. If I were you, I would turn and run. If you wait any longer, you truly won't be able to escape."
Seemingly angered by Shirou's attitude, a vicious expression appeared on the vampire's face.
Run away?
He had never considered fleeing even when facing the Ottoman army, let alone a mere modern magus.
He decided to use Shirou's blood to wash away this disgrace.
The vampire, now fully revealing his murderous intent, stepped forward to accelerate his attack.