The meteor crater, with a cold expression, Red Archer looked at Shirou who was lying on the ground, struggling to get up. For some reason, he chose not to finish him off immediately.
Meanwhile, Saber kept an eye on several battlefields, ready to assist at any moment, while also closely watching the confrontation between Shirou and Red Archer.
"You betrayed justice, didn't you?"
"No… I didn't!"
Struggling to get up, Shirou vehemently denied the accusation, even though he faced the embodiment of his own ideals. He stood his ground without backing down!
"Then, what are you doing now? Admit it, you imposter who betrayed his ideals!"
Red Archer's strategy was indeed impressive, pushing his past self to the brink, aiming to break his spirit before destroying him physically.
However, Shirou did not yield, defending his stance firmly. He declared that he would not be swayed by someone like Red Archer, insisting he had not betrayed his ideals and that he would become a champion of justice!
But not someone like you!
In short, this was the showdown between Red Archer and Shirou in the Unlimited Blade Works (UBW) route, with the difference being Red Archer firmly accusing Shirou of abandoning his ideals.
Shirou, in turn, staunchly denied this, accusing Red Archer of being the one who betrayed their ideals. This mutual stubbornness led to a fierce confrontation.
The outcome was that Red Archer, unable to hold back, seriously injured Shirou, leaving him lying on the ground, losing a lot of blood…
Watching this, Shinji couldn't help but be speechless. Red Archer's display was astonishing. Even though he could have easily killed Shirou, he deliberately held back.
Knowing that Shirou's resolve to be a champion of justice was far stronger than his own regret-filled one, Red Archer chose to break Shirou's spirit first before eliminating him.
In the UBW route, this premise meant that Red Archer was destined to lose. However, this time, Red Archer was slightly smarter or luckier, with the roles somewhat reversed, giving him a slightly better chance.
Of course, this depended on executing his plan perfectly, causing Shirou to doubt himself even a little.
If Shirou began to wonder if he had truly betrayed his ideals, that would mark Red Archer's victory.
"Um… Can Emiya still get up? It looks like it's over…"
Rin, now part of the onlookers, pointed to the screen showing Shirou lying in a pool of blood and asked Shinji.
Shinji, still indifferent, propped his head on one hand, staring at the screen. "He can get up, especially with Saber, who recently received magical replenishment from Illya, nearby."
With the help of Avalon, Shirou would soon be fully healed, ready to fight Red Archer again.
Now, it was a matter of time. Red Archer needed to make Shirou doubt himself as quickly as possible while keeping his true intentions hidden.
If Shirou discovered his real motives, it would mean defeat in a sense. He had to break Shirou's spirit or at least make him waver.
Red Archer knew that the longer it dragged on, the more likely he would be exposed. He needed to end it swiftly! But did he go a bit too hard just now?
"Archer…"
Struggling up, with his wounds slowly healing, Shirou stared directly at Red Archer.
"I will never betray justice! But I will also never become someone like you! I want to be… a champion of justice!"
"So, what are you doing now? To save the world, you should understand that sacrificing that girl is necessary! Why do you hesitate now?"
"Because… because there might be a way to save both Miyu and the world!"
Hearing this, Red Archer wanted to kill his past self right then and there.
This naive notion, contrary to justice, was the root of all tragedies and his own regret!
"Such an option doesn't exist! How long will you cling to your naivety? You accepted Kiritsugu's ideals of justice but still harbor such naive thoughts. This is a betrayal of justice!"
"I already said, I didn't betray justice!"
"Shut up! You hypocrite who betrayed justice! Die now!"
I must eliminate this traitor in the name of justice!
This was what Red Archer conveyed to everyone.
"Eh? He got up already? What's going on? Why are Emiya's wounds healing so fast?"
Rin, now more curious, asked Shinji again.
Shinji felt a bit choked, unable to respond immediately. "Isn't it because of Saber?"
"Saber can heal her Master's wounds? Ugh, I regret not summoning Saber myself!"
Seeing Rin's regretful expression, Shinji remained silent.
"But still, his acting is impressive. That older brother almost convinced him. It looks like this battle of wills is about to reach a conclusion."
Gilgamesh, watching the screen, commented on Red Archer's acting skills, praising him generously.
"No, maybe not."
Shinji shook his head, aware that Shirou was gradually gleaning fragments of Red Archer's memories through their clashes.
It wouldn't take long for Shirou to understand Red Archer's true intentions and feelings of regret.
Moreover, Shirou had already used the same Unlimited Blade Works. If he could hold on a bit longer, he would realize Red Archer's regret.
In short, time was running out for Red Archer!
"Archer, you…"
After being kicked away again, Shirou finally realized something. As he got up, he stared into Red Archer's eyes and asked.
"… Do you regret it?"
Red Archer's heart skipped a beat. He had considered this possibility but thought it was too soon. He hadn't exposed anything!
So, Red Archer immediately responded harshly.
"Don't joke! As a Heroic Spirit, Emiya, I am a guardian of humanity, truly on the side of justice! Everything I do is for the world and humanity!
And you? Betraying justice for an unrealistic dream where everyone can be happy, you'll end up with nothing!"
Shirou, swayed by these convincing words, momentarily wavered.
He felt a pang of admiration for this "future self" who, despite suffering, never regretted and upheld justice.
"Emiya Shirou, you who betrayed justice have no reason to live! I am…"
As Red Archer began to chant, Shirou's frown deepened, realizing the strength of his opponent's resolve. He might actually lose.
"Unlimited blade works!!"
Seeing the barren, desolate wasteland, Shirou was once again moved.
Even if justice led to such an end, this person still upheld it without betrayal.
"I acknowledge you! But I will never become you! I will be a champion of justice, not a slave to it!"
Hearing Shirou's firm declaration, Red Archer felt a bit frustrated.
Who would have thought that while his image of a champion of justice was so convincing, Shirou would refuse to admit he betrayed justice?
What should he do next? Shirou seemed determined not to admit abandoning justice. Could reasoning work?
Red Archer decided to fight him into submission first, then try reasoning again.
Ten minutes later.
Watching Shirou on the ground, barely alive, Red Archer felt a surge of frustration.
Ten minutes! Why couldn't he make Shirou believe he had betrayed justice?
They were fighting for justice!
"Archer, I said… I will become a champion of justice."
This declaration made Red Archer almost lose grip on his sword.
Couldn't he use some logic here?
I am… no, I am playing the role of a champion of justice, and you're opposing me. How can you shamelessly say you'll be a champion of justice?
"Even if this ideal stands in my way, I will be a champion of justice. I won't give up!"
Red Archer admitted defeat, realizing that Shirou's stubbornness was just like his own, unchangeable!
There was no choice but to explain what it truly meant to be a champion of justice!