In a dark alley, a slender figure stood waiting, unabashedly releasing his magical power. He believed all the heroic spirits in Fuyuki City could sense his show of power, so he couldn't help showing excitement.
"I wonder what kind of enemy I'll meet tonight." Diarmuid looked excitedly at the alley entrance. He wasn't someone who enjoyed fighting, but as a knight, he relished the dignified victory in battle. He hoped to feel the tension and excitement of battling heroic spirits from different eras, aiming to win the Holy Grail War to wash away his shame.
Confidently facing any enemy, finally, his perseverance paid off as two figures approached.
The two were stunningly beautiful, each a top-notch beauty in any other place. However, for some reason, when they saw Diarmuid, their faces showed shock! Diarmuid couldn't understand what caused it.
Of course, he didn't understand. The shock was due to them being Altria and Irisviel, who had just watched the Fate/Zero spear and sword battle! Seeing the main character right after watching the anime was unbelievable. They tried not to show their surprise but it's too late.
"Saber... He... is really Diarmuid! Alexander didn't lie to us!" Irisviel looked at Artoria, shocked, her mouth forming an "O."
"Iris, calm down. Maybe Alexander got the news in advance..." Artoria comforted Irisviel, reminding her that predicting the future wasn't unprecedented, citing Merlin's foresight about Camelot's fate.
Artoria comforted herself, not believing Alexander could predict so accurately. Even Merlin could only foresee the end, not the dialogue, actions, and events. Just as Artoria was reassuring herself, Diarmuid spoke.
"Good timing. I've been walking the streets all day, but everyone is too cowardly to respond to my invitation... You're the only brave one."
As Diarmuid spoke, Saber and Irisviel exchanged looks.
"Iris... are the lines the same?"
"Quite."
"It's true," Irisviel was more convinced that what was shown in the anime was from the future, but what if it was a coincidence? She looked at Diarmuid, wondering,
"Um... next, you should say, 'You can't exchange names with your life-and-death opponents as usual. This kind of restraint is really disappointing.'"
"That's right. That's what I thought." Diarmuid nodded, looking at the two women in confusion.
"Can I ask, does that teardrop-shaped mole of yours have the ability to charm a woman's heart?"
"That's right. I hope you won't be restricted by this curse. I'm sorry," before Diarmuid could finish, Irisviel interrupted.
"...it's like a curse I was born with, and I can't do anything about it. If you want to hate, hate that I was born in this world, or hate yourself as a woman."
Diarmuid: "..."
Damn! Are you parasites in my gut? How do you know what I'm going to say? Can't you read minds?!
Meanwhile, Irisviel, confirming her suspicions, could only helplessly warn Artoria, "It's all true, so, Saber... Be cautious."
"Don't worry, Irisviel. With so much information about the other party, I won't make the low-level mistakes from the anime again." Artoria gave Irisviel a confident look, then approached Diarmuid.
"Would you prefer to settle this in a more suitable location? It's an honor to encounter a heroic spirit who values honour."
After Saber spoke, she offered Diarmuid a steady smile. Her smile was chillingly strong, the kind only those preparing for a life-or-death battle would display. Though unsure why Saber and the woman in front of him knew his thoughts, or what the other party meant by "mistakes in the anime," it seemed he was facing an upright knight, which was commendable.
"Then let's begin."
Diarmuid retrieved the Crimson Rose of Exorcism(Gáe Dearg) from his shoulder and grasped it, then lifted the Yellow Rose of Mortality(Gáe Buidhe) in his left hand. The two spears were raised, left and right, like spread wings, concealing his intentions. But unfortunately, his once-flawless movements were now glaring flaws in Saber's eyes.
At that moment, Artoria unleashed a surge of magical power from her body. The power surged through the street like a tornado, enveloping Artoria's slender figure in a dark suit with a ray of light.
Swish!
In an instant, Artoria donned a suit of knight armour, shining with silver and azure blue light. This magical armor was the true form of the magnificent King Arthur as a heroic spirit.
One, still puzzled, Diarmuid; the other, Artoria, fully aware of the situation.
This unfair battle, with unequal information, had officially begun!