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...
Fuyuki City.
In the future Emiya residence, after a day of hard work, Artoria was enjoying a hearty dinner.
Watching Artoria's impressive appetite, Irisviel von Einzbern, seated beside her, managed a weak smile.
As a homunculus created by the Einzbern family to house the Lesser Grail, Irisviel's condition deteriorated with the progression of the Holy Grail War and the deaths of Servants.
She would eventually meet her demise as the Lesser Grail, which contained the souls of defeated Servants, continued to grow within her.
"Saber, thank you so much for your help today."
Due to her weakening body, Irisviel could only watch Artoria's movements without offering assistance.
In truth, Irisviel's mobility was severely limited.
The souls of three Servants now resided within her.
"It's nothing, Irisviel," Artoria said earnestly, setting down her bowl. "As your knight, it's my duty to help."
"Thank you."
Irisviel smiled at Artoria's sincerity.
However, her expression quickly turned somber.
"I wonder how Kiritsugu is doing..."
Reflecting on the events of the past few days, both Irisviel and Artoria felt a sense of bewilderment.
Everything had happened so quickly, so unexpectedly.
It was as if they were mere supporting characters in a story, existing solely to highlight the protagonist's actions.
Despite their active participation in the war, they had achieved nothing.
Without their knowledge, Gilgamesh, Hassan-i-Sabbah, and Diarmuid Ua Duibhne had all been eliminated.
Of the remaining three factions, two resided within the heavily fortified Matou residence, while Iskandar spent his days soaring through the skies, making it impossible for Kiritsugu Emiya to pinpoint his location.
This left Kiritsugu feeling powerless and frustrated, unable to find an opening to strike.
Both Irisviel and Artoria had sensed his growing anxiety during their recent conversations.
"Kiritsugu believes the mastermind behind all this is hiding within the Matou residence, but they seem to be extremely wary of him. Any electronic surveillance devices near their home are rendered useless."
"As for magical surveillance, it's even more futile against the wise Merlin."
"Furthermore, Kiritsugu suspects they have a unique method of monitoring their surroundings, as he's always targeted whenever he approaches the Matou residence."
Irisviel sighed, rubbing her forehead in frustration. "This situation has been troubling Kiritsugu deeply."
"Merlin..."
Artoria muttered, her thoughts drawn to the name Irisviel had mentioned.
She harbored complex emotions towards Merlin.
Despite their shared past, they were now adversaries in this Holy Grail War.
"If only Merlin were on our side..." Artoria sighed wistfully.
"Oh my, do you miss me that much, Artoria?"
A familiar voice startled Artoria, causing her to leap to her feet and draw her sword.
Simultaneously, her men's suit vanished, replaced by her battle attire.
Despite the fond memories she held of Merlin, she knew he was now her enemy.
"Merlin, what are you doing here?" Artoria demanded, her gaze fixed warily on the magus who had materialized within their home.
Based on her understanding of Merlin, he wouldn't appear without a specific purpose.
What was his motive?
Had he come to fight her?
Artoria was filled with uncertainty.
Sensing her apprehension, Merlin chuckled softly. "Don't worry, tonight is not the time for our battle."
He then turned his attention to Irisviel, who was shielded protectively behind Artoria, and said with a playful grin, "Besides, this lovely lady isn't your Master, is she?"
"You know?" Artoria asked, surprised.
"Of course. Don't underestimate me, Artoria."
Artoria bit her lip, a wave of frustration washing over her.
"Then what is your purpose here?"
"I'm here to deliver an invitation," Merlin replied, holding up an envelope.
"My Master has decided to conclude the Holy Grail War tonight and welcome the arrival of the Greater Grail."
"Therefore, he extends this invitation to you."
"Invite us?" Artoria's face hardened with anger. "You intend to use us as sacrifices to summon the Greater Grail, don't you?"
"We will not attend!" Artoria declared resolutely.
"Suit yourselves," Merlin said nonchalantly, having devoured the food on Artoria's table while they spoke. He turned and walked towards the exit.
"I'm merely a messenger, after all."
With that, Merlin vanished from sight.
Artoria stood in silence for a long moment, her gaze fixed on the spot where Merlin had disappeared.
Finally, she turned to Irisviel and asked, "What do you think of Merlin's invitation, Irisviel?"
However, Artoria's question was met with silence.
Irisviel was no longer in the room.
"This is... an illusion?!"
"Merlin!"
Artoria instantly grasped the situation.
Merlin had used an illusion to deceive her and had kidnapped Irisviel.
Rage surged through Artoria's veins.
She stormed out of the Emiya residence, heading towards the Matou mansion at full speed.
...
Nightfall.
Fuyuki Bridge.
Mika leaned against the bridge's railing, admiring the tranquil beauty of the Mion River.
The bridge was deserted, and the surrounding area was enveloped in a bounded field that repelled any unwanted visitors.
As Mika enjoyed the night scenery, a thunderous roar shattered the silence.
Moments later, Iskandar, driving his Gordius Wheel, appeared in Mika's view before landing gracefully on the bridge.
"It's good to see you again, King of Conquerors, and Waver."
"We've arrived, Mika!"
It was Waver who responded, his voice filled with newfound confidence compared to their previous encounter.
"Hahaha, Mika, we've come to accept your invitation!" Iskandar boomed, his face beaming with excitement as he observed Mika's attire, which differed from their previous meeting.
"It seems you've prepared quite thoroughly today."
"Of course!"
Mika grinned, understanding that Iskandar was referring to his armor.
This was the first-class armor he had commissioned from the Hephaestus Familia.
It had cost over a hundred million valis.
This single purchase had depleted a significant portion of the Yahweh Familia's savings.
If it weren't for Gabriel's presence, which had enabled them to accumulate wealth far more efficiently than other Familia, they wouldn't have been able to afford such an extravagant piece of equipment.
Mika had named this first-class armor:
*Azure Battle Suit!*
---
Mika had frequently utilized the Azure Battle Suit since its creation.
Initially designed to compensate for the Angel Armament's lack of physical defense, it also served as the foundation for one of Mika's ultimate techniques. It was incredibly durable.
In addition to being crafted from various precious materials, it was imbued with the Unbreakable enchantment.
Moreover, it possessed a unique overall structure, which was crucial for Mika's special technique.
"Victory in this battle is mine. So, Waver, bid farewell to the King of Conquerors," Mika declared, his arms crossed confidently.
Waver's heart ached as he heard Mika's words and looked at Iskandar beside him.
He had long understood that their connection, forged through the Master-Servant bond, would eventually come to an end.
He hadn't dwelled on it then, but now, the realization brought a pang of sadness.
However, even as they faced their final battle, Waver refused to succumb to despair.
Looking at Iskandar, he asked earnestly, "Rider, are you confident in your ability to defeat Mika?"
"I never lack confidence in victory. However, we cannot underestimate the danger he poses."
Iskandar replied solemnly, "You witnessed that massive explosion the other night. It was a clash between two forces of equal magnitude."
"In other words, Mika possesses a technique comparable to that golden Archer's sword. That makes him extremely dangerous."
"Dangerous, indeed..."
Waver contemplated Mika's strength.
In his opinion, Gilgamesh's ability to completely shatter Iskandar's Reality Marble stemmed not only from the sheer power of his sword but also from a type advantage.
Gilgamesh's Noble Phantasm likely possessed an "Anti-World" attribute.
That was why Iskandar's Noble Phantasm had been defeated so swiftly.
However, as long as Mika's ultimate technique didn't possess a specific advantage against Reality Marbles, even if it was powerful, it shouldn't pose a threat to Ionioi Hetairoi.
But currently, Iskandar's Noble Phantasm, Ionioi Hetairoi, hadn't fully recovered.
"A final wish, then?"
Recalling Iskandar's response when he learned of their impending battle against Mika, Waver's resolve solidified.
"By the power of this Command Spell, return to your peak condition, Rider!"
"By the power of this Command Spell, surpass your previous limits, Rider!"
"By the power of this Command Spell!"
Waver looked up at Iskandar, who had been watching him intently since he began using his Command Spells. Memories of their time together flooded his mind, and tears welled up in his eyes.
With unwavering determination, he shouted, "Iskandar, King of Conquerors, you must conquer the world! Failure is not an option!"
Fueled by Waver's Command Spells, Iskandar's power surged.
As the last Command Spell on his hand vanished, Waver knew that his connection with Iskandar had come to an end.
"It's all up to you now, Rider," Waver said, his voice choked with emotion.
"What are you talking about?!"
Iskandar reached down, grabbed Waver by the collar, and lifted him onto the chariot.
"Wait, why are you taking me? I'm no longer your Master."
Waver struggled in vain.
"You may no longer be my Master, but you are my friend!"
Iskandar placed Waver beside him and smiled warmly. "As my friend, you will fight alongside me!"
"Friend!"
Tears streamed down Waver's face as he heard Iskandar's heartfelt words.
"Can I truly stand by your side and fight alongside you?"
"Don't be silly. You've been fighting alongside me all this time!"
Iskandar ruffled Waver's hair with a chuckle.
"Yes!"
Waver nodded vigorously, his heart overflowing with gratitude.
Iskandar smiled and turned his gaze towards Mika.
"We're ready, Mika!"
"Excellent!"
Mika smiled at the sight of Waver and Iskandar standing united. "Then let's begin!"
"But if you lose, you have to leave your chariot with me, King of Conquerors!"
"Hahaha! You dare to covet the treasures of the King of Conquerors?!"
Iskandar roared with laughter, brandishing his sword. "Then come and try to seize them!"
"Come, my comrades! Tonight, let us etch our valiant figures into the grandest of legends!"
"Ionioi Hetairoi!"
As Iskandar's voice thundered across the battlefield, an immense surge of magical energy erupted, enveloping all four of them within Ionioi Hetairoi, the Reality Marble of the King.
...
From atop a tall building overlooking the Matou residence, Kiritsugu Emiya observed the mansion through his binoculars.
In Kiritsugu's mind, the only remaining threat capable of contending for the Holy Grail was the pair of twisted Master and Servant residing within the Matou residence.
Last night, he had received a call from Irisviel, informing him that Saber's injuries had fully healed.
"It's eerily quiet, almost too quiet. Something feels amiss," Kiritsugu muttered, his gaze fixed on the darkened Matou mansion.
"What do you think, Maiya?"
"Indeed. While the Matou residence is usually quiet, there's usually at least some light at this hour."
"But tonight, there's nothing."
His partner, Maiya Hisau, replied with a serious expression.
"Could it be that no one is at the Matou residence tonight?"
Kiritsugu suddenly realized the possibility.
"Did they all leave? But for what purpose?"
"To hunt down the other Masters?"
"Is it Rider? Or perhaps Saber?"
Kiritsugu quickly rose to his feet and pulled out his phone, attempting to contact Irisviel.
However, all he heard was the monotonous "beep, beep, beep" of the unanswered call.
"Let's withdraw, Maiya," Kiritsugu said urgently, retrieving his equipment box.
"Understood."
Maiya, also grasping the situation, began to gather her weapons.
Suddenly, she spotted a familiar figure speeding through the distance.
"Kiritsugu, I think that's Saber!"
"Where?"
"Near the Matou residence!"
Kiritsugu quickly retrieved his binoculars and focused on the Matou mansion.
And then, he saw it.
Artoria Pendragon, the King of Knights, crashing through the gates of the Matou residence on a motorcycle.
...
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