The atmosphere grew heavily with killing intent, but there was a missing target in the lock-on against Shinji.
It is not difficult to understand the reason for this. Kenneth had used a Command Spell, which meant that unless Saber died or Kenneth gave the command to stop, Lancer would not cease his attacks. In this situation, whether Shinji lived or died would not affect the fact that Saber was surrounded. Killing Kenneth and severing Lancers' sources of magical power became the top priority.
To prevent Shinji, this unpredictable element, from interfering, it was reasonable to have someone assigned to restrain him.
Kiritsugu's judgment was undoubtedly correct in that regard. However, from Shinji's perspective, it was all in vain because—
"Assassin, assist Saber."
Just before Kiritsugu and Maya left their hiding places and launched their attacks, Shinji's voice echoed throughout the battlefield.
"As you wish, my Master."
A streak of red light was cut through the night sky. It was the tip of a lance-like weapon that flashed like lightning, leaving behind a beautiful trail.
The path of the lightning was precisely calculated, slicing through a flat arc and simultaneously passing through Lancer and Berserker's bodies if they continued along their original route.
Both Lancer and Berserker were top-class Heroic Spirits. Although red lightning was swift, they were already on guard because of Shinji's words. At the critical moment, they halted their steps, narrowly evading Scáthach's attacks.
The red lightning streaked past them, piercing straight into a shipping container beside the street with a piercing wail.
It was a red spear, with half of its shaft buried inside the container, leaving only its rear end exposed. Illuminated by the streetlights, it reflected a soft glow, capturing the attention of every Servant.
The owner of the red spear moved almost as quickly as that of the spear. Before Lancer and Berserker could react, Scáthach had reached the edge of the container and smoothly drew out her own Noble Phantasm, showcasing her speed that surpassed most other Servants—despite being hindered by Shinji, an inexperienced Master. Her agility still reached A+, a speed at which even top-class sports cars would struggle to match.
"Are you out of your mind, Assassin's Master?"
Kenneth's voice turned sharp with anger and incomprehension.
"This is a perfect opportunity to defeat Saber, the strongest Servant."
"Yes, you're right."
Shinji's disguised voice remained steady, devoid of any fluctuations that could reveal his emotions.
"If we're lucky, we might even be able to take care of Berserker at the same time."
"Since you know that, why not join me now—"
Kenneth's anger subsided, and his words took on a persuasive tone.
"I refuse."
Shinji interrupted without hesitation, fueling Kenneth's anger.
"Why?"
"Because my Master is not someone like you, driven by selfish motives."
It was not Shinji who answered Kenneth but Scáthach. She aimed her crimson spear, resembling the fangs of some ancient behemoth, at Lancer.
"He possesses the heart of a warrior, and you have disgraced this knightly battle with your dishonorable methods, Lancer's Master."
"Unreasonable."
His voice trembling and the sound of clenched teeth could be heard.
"If you can, then try it. A mere Assassin, Lancer, what are you waiting for? Attack—"
Kenneth's voice was interrupted once again, this time by Rider.
"What about me? Assassin's words are exactly what I want to say."
The front hooves of the two oxen pulling the chariot relentlessly struck the ground, and their hooves were enveloped in rolling purple lightning. Amidst the flashes of lightning and thunder, a brawny man with a fiercely intimidating smile intimidated an unseen Master.
This was Iskandar's Noble Phantasm and the origin of his Rider class - "Gordius Wheel (Conqueror's Supremacy) that Tramples the Far Distant."
The Noble Phantasm consisted of two components: the chariot Gordius Wheel, dedicated to Zeus, and the oxen "Bucephalus" that pulled the chariot.
The Gordius Wheel was originally a sacred object used for Zeus' worship. It appeared in the famous scene of the "Gordius Knot' in the legend of the Conqueror King. When the wheel rotates, it produces thunderous sounds and emits lightning attacks.
The "Flying Hoof Thunderous Ox," on the other hand, served as the chariot's motive force. It is said that Zeus, the supreme god who governs lightning, transformed into a mighty bull in the past to seduce Europa; hence, the ox became a divine beast connected to Zeus.
The thunderous roars and shouts heralded the decision of the King of Conquerors.
"Lancer's Master, have Lancer retreat. If you continue to disgrace him, I will assist Saber in completely crushing Lancer."
If anger could materialize, Kenneth's anger could envelop the battlefield. However, this anger was completely extinguished by the following scene.
Berserker, who was relentlessly pursuing Saber like a mad dog, unexpectedly dropped the pseudo-Noble Phantasm from his hand and disappeared into spiritual form.
Yes, he ran away.
He ran away without any warning.
Kenneth was dumbfounded, and so was Lancer.
Saber, Irisviel, Kiritsugu, Maya, Waver, Kirei, and Tohsaka Tokiomi were all dumbfounded.
Only Scathach and Shinji looked thoughtfully toward the warehouse. It seemed that with the help of Justeaze, Kariya successfully regained control over Berserker and took advantage of the opportunity created by the confrontation between various parties to quickly retreat.
"Uh, well."
Shinji coughed deliberately twice to ease an awkward atmosphere.
"Now it's just Lancer left. Should we continue? Lancer's Master."
"Retreat, Lancer. Tonight, we stop here."
With a three-to-one advantage, Lancer had no chance of winning, so Kenneth promptly issued a retreat order.
Upon hearing the command, Lancer breathed a sigh of relief and put down his spear.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, the Queen, and the King of Conquerors."
Upon hearing the words of a beautiful spearman, Scathach and Rider were satisfied.
The former put away her spear, saying, "It's nothing. I just don't want a first-class warrior to leave the stage too soon."
The latter waved his hand boldly, saying, "Existences like you are what make the battlefield beautiful."
Lancer once again expressed his gratitude to Assassin and Rider with his gaze, then nodded to Saber.
Saber also nodded in return.
There was no need for words, and they mutually confirmed their duel.
—The duel would take place at another time.
After confirming this, Lancer disappeared into spiritual form.
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