Although they had learned Caster's true name and Noble Phantasm, and Shirou and Rin believed that Berserker could easily handle Caster, they decided not to take action tonight.
The reason was simple: Shirou was worried that if they attacked Ryuudou Temple, Caster might lash out and involve the innocent monks there.
"You're right," Rin said, crossing her arms and supporting her chin with one hand. "Even with Berserker on our side, Medea, known as the Witch of Betrayal, might harm the innocent monks in the temple if cornered. There's nothing she wouldn't do..."
"We need to find a way to get those monks out first," Shirou suggested, rubbing his chin in thought. Then, suddenly, an idea struck him. "Shinji might be able to do it!"
"Shinji?" Rin questioned.
"Yes! I heard from Issei that recently Shinji has been gilding the Buddha statues in Ryuudou Temple and renovating some old buildings and statues. The construction teams have been staying at the temple lately!"
"Hmm..."
Rin considered this approach and thought it might work. If the construction team announced that some special paint used might be harmful and required a few days for the toxic fumes to dissipate, it could temporarily get the monks to leave the temple.
Although this method was simple and effective without raising the enemy's suspicion, Rin felt uneasy about involving Shinji in this.
At the same time, Shirou also realized this and scratched his head, saying, "I guess it's not right, is it? Involving a regular person like Shinji..."
Rin pondered for a moment and made a final decision, "Let's look for another way first..."
"What about a suggestion?" Illya suddenly interjected.
Rin frowned, "A suggestion to make so many people leave the temple at once?"
"Oh? Are you saying you can't do it, Rin?" Illya's soft, teasing voice made Rin's anger flare up.
"What nonsense! Of course I can! I just can't sneak into Ryuudou Temple unnoticed!"
That's right! Rin was sure of her words.
"Illya, can you do it?" Shirou asked.
"I can try, but there's a high chance Caster will notice. After all, she is a mage from the Age of Gods. Even though I'm the top mage in Fuyuki, it's hard to guarantee that my actions wouldn't be detected by another mage of her caliber."
(Note: On Fuyuki's land, Illya is a top-tier mage, but if a first-rate mage cuts off her connection to the ley lines, it would be different. Hence, she isn't invincible.)
On Fuyuki's land? Why add this condition?
Rin was puzzled but then thought of a possibility: Could it be related to the ley lines?
Illya, unconcerned about her secret being discovered, smiled at Rin, who was deep in thought.
After all, even though Rin was a good mage, she wasn't capable of severing Illya's connection to the ley lines in Fuyuki. Knowing this didn't matter much!
...
The three decided to discuss further plans to deal with Caster tomorrow and bid each other farewell as the evening sun set.
After Rin left, Illya was about to leave when Shirou called out to her, wanting to ask a question that had been on his mind.
"Illya, do you know... Emiya Kiritsugu?"
Illya, with her hands behind her back, was silent for a few seconds before turning around and smiling.
"That's a secret. I can't tell you yet."
...
Having just finished his third match with Gilgamesh, Shinji stood up and conceded.
The reason was simple: Gilgamesh's luck was extraordinary, drawing whatever cards he needed, which always dealt a critical blow.
Despite setting numerous traps and formulating countless plans based on the cards he drew and his opponent's deck, Shinji couldn't turn the tide.
He fought a war of attrition, guerrilla warfare, but his opponent bombarded him with high-end weapons, giving him no chance to breathe.
However, this time, Shinji did manage to deal some real damage to Gilgamesh. Though his own Life Points (LP) were reduced to zero, Gilgamesh's LP was also nearly depleted by the end.
"It's getting more difficult. How interesting..."
Seeing Gilgamesh's smirk, Shinji felt no anger, only silently cursing in his heart: Goddamn lucky dog!
"Looking forward to more surprises from you, Matou Shinji."
As Gilgamesh walked away, leaving those words behind, Shinji responded silently in his heart:
You're going to be disappointed. I never show that to men! Except when I'm using the bathroom!
Just as he finished his inner monologue, Shinji saw a familiar figure walking towards him—Rin.
Surprisingly, this time Rin didn't say a word as she passed by, only huffing heavily.
...
Tohsaka Residence, Living Room.
"Is the information from Rider?" Rin asked, surprised, taking the tea offered by Archer.
"Yes. It seems their Master also intends to deal with Caster and shared this information with us."
Rin took a sip of tea and nodded, "Hmm... Though we don't know their motives, with Berserker involved, they can't possibly pull off a mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind strategy."
Mentioning Berserker, Rin couldn't help but recall how Illya had openly revealed Berserker's true name and Noble Phantasm today.
Thinking about that nearly unsolvable Noble Phantasm and Berserker's stats, Rin felt a headache coming on.
Seeing Rin put down her tea cup, rub her temples, and sigh, Archer asked, "Illyasviel, that little girl..."
"Yes, we're temporarily united, but after dealing with Caster..."
"Seems we'll need to cooperate with others..."
"Though I hate to admit it, it's impossible to fight her alone." Rin sighed, then glanced at Archer, "What about the idea with Rider?"
"They said it's something to discuss after dealing with Caster."
"And Rider's Master? Any clues?"
"No, I searched all over Shinto today and couldn't find the woman I saw last night."
"Rider's Master must be very cautious, only appearing once so far."
Archer shook his head, "I don't think it's about being cautious, but being prudent. Their actions suggest they're very careful and confident. They only send Rider out to gather information while they plan and wait for the right moment. When the chance to strike arises, they'll act decisively!"
"Is that so..." Rin thought, then nodded, but quickly realized something, "Wait, Archer, if that's true, Rider's Master shouldn't have been at Ryuudou Temple last night, right?"
"Maybe Saber and I accidentally disrupted their plan. Since they had Caster's information first, they might have felt confident enough to strike last night. Our appearance probably forced them to retreat."
"Seems like they're a very formidable mage."
"Judging by their magic power, that seems likely. And..."
Seeing Archer's hesitant expression, Rin asked, "What is it?"
"The opponent might not just be a skilled mage but also an experienced warrior."
"A warrior?" Rin was puzzled.
"Yes, from their attire and stance when facing Saber and Assassin, and the cold aura they emitted, it's hard not to think so."
"Listening to you, it seems the Holy Grail War is much tougher than I imagined, with so many formidable opponents. Sigh..."
"Don't worry. I believe in you, Rin. Someday you'll be an even better mage than Rider's Master."
Seeing Archer's slight smile, Rin waved her hand nonchalantly.
"Flattering me won't get you anything, Archer. After all, you're just stating the truth."
Hearing this, Archer's expression froze for a moment but quickly returned to normal. Even if an unusual emotion grew in his heart, he didn't show it.
...
Emiya Residence, Dojo.
Sitting formally, Shirou recounted his day's events to Saber, including forming a temporary team with Rin and Illya to deal with Caster.
Although she knew her emotions might fluctuate around Illya, Saber said that since Illya had extended a friendly gesture, she had no objections.
Of course, she reminded Shirou to be cautious and not to be deceived during the cooperation.
Shirou smiled, "Don't worry, Saber. After understanding the connection between Kiritsugu and the Einzbern, I get why she was hostile at first. But now, I've come to see that Illya is a good kid."
Saber couldn't bring herself to mention that Illya was a year older than Shirou and Kiritsugu's daughter. Saber didn't want to bring up anything related to the last Holy Grail War, as it was all shadowed by darkness.
"Shirou, shouldn't we prepare dinner?"
"Right." Shirou nodded and stood up, saying helplessly, "Any later, and Fuji-nee might throw a fit again..."
"What's on the menu today?"
"Fried chicken, potato stew, tempura, and grilled salmon. How does that sound, Saber Knight?" Shirou asked, half-jokingly.
"Very satisfying! But just call me Saber, no need for the knight title."
"Uh..."
Shirou awkwardly scratched his head and muttered quietly, "It seems Saber still doesn't understand this kind of joke..."