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...
"So, what exactly is it that you wanted?"
Leaning back on the living room sofa, Merlin asked with a sigh.
Mika had pulled him aside on their way to the underground library.
But even after arriving in the living room and spending over ten minutes there, Mika had only been silently sipping tea, without uttering a word about his intentions.
This left Merlin feeling puzzled.
After all, Mika's intervention had disrupted his and Mellie's agreement. As the magic teacher of another version of himself, Merlin was keen on maintaining a respectable image.
"Don't worry, we already called out to Mellie in the underground library before we left, and she responded. So, this has nothing to do with you," Mika said with a placating smile.
Meanwhile, he thought to himself, "Mellie should be done tidying up by now, right? Then it should be fine to let Merlin go down there."
"But what excuse should I use?"
"Ah, I've got it!"
Suddenly recalling a previous idea, Mika declared to Merlin, "Actually, I plan to take Diarmuid's head tonight."
The previous night, while Iskandar had gone to find Artoria for a "drinking and philosophical discussion," Mika had learned from the damage to the Einzbern Castle and Waver's account that the situation with Artoria was unfolding as it had in the original storyline.
Two nights prior, during Mika's decisive battle with Gilgamesh, Kayneth had launched an attack on the Einzbern Castle with Diarmuid, Kiritsugu Emiya, and Artoria.
During that battle, Kiritsugu had severely injured Kayneth, the Clock Tower's prodigy.
This battle not only resulted in the failure of Kayneth's operation but also cost him his identity as a magus.
The Mystic Code Kiritsugu used to cripple Kayneth was called the Origin Bullet.
It was an anti-magus weapon crafted by Kiritsugu using the powdered remains of his own ribs.
In the Type-Moon universe, the concept of "Origin" existed.
Origin represented a person's essence and inherent nature.
Kiritsugu's Origin was "Severing and Binding."
Therefore, any weapon created using his body, such as the Origin Bullet made from his rib bone powder, would tear apart the blood vessels and other structures near the target's Origin upon entering their body and then randomly reassemble them.
If it were fired into a magus, their Magic Circuits would suffer the same fate as ordinary blood vessels – first torn apart and then haphazardly reconnected.
As everyone knew, Magic Circuits were incredibly delicate and intricate virtual organs.
Therefore, when a magus's Magic Circuits were severed and randomly reconnected, they would short-circuit.
And they could not be repaired.
According to the original plot, Kayneth's Command Spells would soon be stolen by his fiancée.
He would endure considerable hardship as a result.
Ultimately, Diarmuid would not fulfill his promise to Artoria, unable to conclude their unfinished duel.
He would die by his Master's Command Spell.
The cause of death: suicide.
This filled Mika with a sense of melancholy.
As the saying went, "Lancer is a true man, always serving the wrong Master."
Whether it was Diarmuid in the Fourth Holy Grail War or Cu Chulainn in the Fifth, neither met a favorable end.
"In that case, allow me to send you on your way, Diarmuid."
"You and Artoria have no future together."
"Your obsession with your knightly duel will only lead to a tragic end."
Mika understood that as long as Diarmuid remained, Artoria's arm would not heal, making them a constant target for Kiritsugu Emiya.
In the original storyline, to combat the sea monster, Diarmuid had broken Gae Buidhe, the spear that had cursed Artoria's arm, to lift the curse.
Afterward, with both Master and Servant significantly weakened, they became easy prey for Kiritsugu Emiya.
After all, one should always pick the easiest target.
"Diarmuid..."
After a moment of contemplation, Merlin grasped Mika's intentions.
He was, after all, a top-tier magus capable of deducing the future based on the information gathered through his Clairvoyance.
"However, once Diarmuid is eliminated, the final battle will be upon us."
Merlin looked at Mika and offered a serious reminder.
With Diarmuid gone, only Merlin, Lancelot, Iskandar, and Artoria would remain.
Under such circumstances, Iskandar, who sought victory above all else, would no longer uphold their alliance.
The final confrontation would be inevitable.
"I know," Mika replied calmly, finishing his tea.
"Although it's been less than a week, I'll never forget the memories we've made."
"Therefore, it's time for the Holy Grail War to come to an end."
"So, how are your preparations coming along?"
Hearing Mika's inquiry, Merlin responded with a chuckle, "Of course, everything is complete."
"Good!" Mika nodded firmly.
Mika hadn't initially planned much for this Holy Grail War.
After all, they didn't have much time.
Even the limited time they had was spent learning about this world.
Therefore, all plans regarding the Holy Grail were postponed until after the war's conclusion.
Mika had only one objective in this Holy Grail War.
To engage in as many battles as possible with the other Servants and seize their Noble Phantasms.
This was his path to self-improvement.
Therefore, Mika had instructed Merlin to prepare various bounded fields and defensive positions on Mount Enzou to safeguard against the black mud that would emerge from the Holy Grail upon its arrival.
Fuyuki City would become Mika and his companions' permanent residence in the future.
Mika had no desire to see it destroyed again.
After confirming the details with Merlin, Mika headed to the underground workshop, where he found Gabriel engrossed in her research.
"How's the research progressing?" Mika asked with concern, observing Gabriel from behind.
"Not well, I'm afraid. Progress has been slow," Gabriel replied with a sigh, turning to face him.
Gabriel was referring to her research on the Third Magic, Heaven's Feel.
This magic contained a near-infinite amount of knowledge.
It was a mystery on par with, or even surpassing, the gods.
Even for Gabriel, unraveling its secrets was a slow and arduous process.
However, despite the slow pace, research on Heaven's Feel was steadily progressing.
"Take your time. We have plenty of time," Mika reassured her.
"By the way, Gabriel, how's the creation of the Mystic Code I requested coming along?"
"You mean that cup?" Gabriel asked with a smile, understanding Mika's question.
"It's finished."
---
"Is this the place?"
Mika asked Gabriel, his gaze fixed on the abandoned factory before them.
"Yes, this is it!"
Gabriel's voice was filled with certainty as she consulted the tracking compass in her hand.
On the compass, two blue dots were steadily closing in on the red dot that represented their target. The blue dots represented Kayneth and Diarmuid.
During the chaotic battle at the harbor, Gabriel had seized the opportunity to collect the scent of everyone present and marked them with tracking compasses.
Therefore, aside from Tokiomi Tohsaka and Kirei Kotomine, the whereabouts of all the other Masters were under Mika's constant surveillance.
Tracking down any of them was a simple task.
Mika nodded slightly.
Just as he was about to enter the abandoned factory to search for Diarmuid, the Lancer suddenly appeared before him.
"Caster and his Master. Have you come seeking me?"
Diarmuid held his two spears at the ready, his gaze fixed intently on Mika and Merlin, who stood behind him.
He was already in battle-ready mode.
Although he had never faced Mika or Merlin in combat, the massive explosion from two nights prior was still fresh in his memory.
Later, through his Master Kayneth's familiars, Diarmuid learned that the explosion had been caused by a battle between Archer and Caster.
In that battle, Gilgamesh, the King of Heroes, who had left a lasting impression on Diarmuid, had perished. This significantly elevated Merlin's threat level in his eyes.
Therefore, even though neither Mika nor Merlin showed any signs of hostility, Diarmuid remained vigilant.
After all, his Master, Kayneth, was currently incapacitated.
"Indeed, Lancer! You are our target," Mika replied calmly, meeting Diarmuid's wary gaze.
"This Holy Grail War has been raging for three or four days now. The damage it has inflicted upon Fuyuki City surpasses decades of natural wear and tear."
"Therefore, I believe it's time to bring this Holy Grail War to an end."
"And I will personally send you back to the Throne of Heroes."
Diarmuid's lips parted slightly as if he wanted to say something, but he ultimately remained silent.
Then, a determined glint appeared in his eyes.
"Send me back to the Throne of Heroes? Defeating me won't be that easy!"
Diarmuid declared confidently.
His confidence stemmed from his pride as the strongest knight of the Fianna.
Even though he knew his opponent was a monster far beyond his level, it did not shake his confidence, his pride, or his fighting spirit.
"Is this your knightly spirit?"
Mika drew his greatsword, his gaze sharpening.
"Merlin!"
"Understood!"
As Diarmuid watched warily, Merlin's enhancements and blessings enveloped Mika.
"Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, the strongest knight of the Fianna, the 'Shining One'! Your opponent is me!"
"Caster's Master?"
Diarmuid's eyes held no trace of contempt.
He had learned from his Master that it was Mika and Berserker who had suppressed the King of Heroes within Iskandar's Reality Marble, ultimately provoking Gilgamesh into unleashing Ea, the Sword of Rupture.
"Mika, is it? I won't hesitate simply because you are a Master. For my Master's victory, I must defeat you."
Unlike other Servants who sought the Holy Grail to fulfill their wishes, Diarmuid's wish had been granted the moment he was summoned.
To serve his Master faithfully until the very end.
This was the regret he carried from his previous life.
"For your Master? Such loyalty, Diarmuid!"
Mika expressed admiration for Diarmuid's unwavering devotion.
"Rest assured, Diarmuid. I am aware of your Master's condition. He can no longer be considered a magus. I will protect him after your defeat."
"However, as compensation, I will claim your twin spears if you lose."
Mika made a solemn promise.
"I am eternally grateful for your consideration!"
With that, Diarmuid lunged forward, his spear thrusting towards Mika.
Mika raised Yahweh's Shield in his left hand, effortlessly deflecting the attack.
In truth, Mika was even more wary of Diarmuid than he was of Artoria.
Diarmuid's Noble Phantasms, Gae Dearg (Crimson Rose of Exorcism) and Gae Buidhe (Yellow Rose of Mortality), gave him a significant advantage in one-on-one combat.
Gae Dearg, in particular, was Mika's natural enemy.
After all, Mika's ability to fight on par with Servants relied heavily on Merlin's enhancements and blessings.
If he were to be struck by Gae Dearg, those enhancements and blessings would likely vanish instantly.
Furthermore, a wound inflicted by Gae Buidhe would be impossible for Mika to heal, just like Artoria's injury.
Of course, Airmid's healing magic, "Dia Fratel," could heal such wounds.
After all, Airmid's magic possessed both healing and purification properties.
However, Mika had not brought Airmid to this battle.
Therefore, he had already formulated a strategy against Diarmuid.
Absolute defense.
He could not afford to be injured.
Undeterred by Mika's successful block, Diarmuid continued his assault.
As a master of dual-wielding spears, his skill with the weapons was exceptional.
With a swift twirl, he hurled his other spear towards Mika.
At that moment, Diarmuid wielded the spear like a sword, his grip at the base of the shaft.
This marked the beginning of Diarmuid's relentless spear attacks.
His assault was a continuous barrage of thrusts and slashes.
Each strike aimed for Mika's vital points.
However, despite the ferocity of Diarmuid's attacks, he couldn't land a single blow.
Whether it was Mika's shield deflections or his offensive counter-attacks with his greatsword, Diarmuid's efforts were futile.
Under Mika's "Eyes" Diarmuid's every move was within his grasp, rendering his attacks ineffective.
In a way, Mika was Diarmuid's natural counter.
Against a pure warrior like Diarmuid, who lacked wide-range attacks or special abilities, Mika's "Eyes" allowed him to completely dominate the fight.
"What is this?!"
As the attacker, Diarmuid also sensed the strange shift in the battle.
He felt like prey caught in a spiderweb, unable to escape.
...
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