Fate, Alliance, and Preparation

At the Emiya Residence, Shiki and Saber struck a deal.

He promised to save Irisviel's life, and in exchange, Saber would temporarily grant him the use of the conceptual armament Avalon.

Meanwhile, in a hidden workshop connected to the Emiya Residence in the new city, the lights were dim, and the air was filled with a faint scent of machine oil.

Kiritsugu was meticulously loading bullets, his movements skilled as he precisely pressed each round into the magazine before inserting the filled magazines into the weapons one by one. He then neatly placed them into a prepared case.

Without looking up, he spoke coldly, "I know you're there, Kirei Kotomine. We're at this point, so don't do anything unnecessary."

Not far behind him, Kirei Kotomine was wrapped in layers of bandages, looking like a mummy. Hearing Kiritsugu's words, he put down the screwdriver he was holding, leaned against the cold wall, and said in a low voice, "Kiritsugu Emiya, you saved me?"

He tried to recall, his last memory being of him consuming a Command Spell, but the Holy Grail had not responded. Then, after his contract with Archer ended and Archer was eliminated, he had fallen into darkness and passed out.

Kirei had expected the Berserker's Master to kill him, especially since he had fallen into enemy hands.

But upon waking, he found himself in this unfamiliar room, and he saw Kiritsugu Emiya, whom he had longed to see. Instinctively, he grabbed a nearby screwdriver, but the other party noticed him with ease.

He hadn't intended to attack Kiritsugu; it was just a subconscious reaction to pick up a weapon and defend himself in this perilous world.

After finishing his inspection of all the firearms, Kiritsugu finally turned around to face Kirei Kotomine.

They stared at each other, and for a moment, the workshop was so quiet that only their breathing could be heard. A minute passed, the atmosphere so oppressive it was suffocating.

Finally, Kirei broke. His injuries were too severe, and his physical weakness made it impossible for him to maintain this mental standoff any longer.

Kirei's eyes were filled with confusion, his voice hoarse, "Kiritsugu Emiya, I really want to know, why did you save me? We've always been enemies, haven't we?"

Kiritsugu nodded without hesitation, "That's right. From before the Holy Grail War began, I identified you as the greatest obstacle on the path to realizing my ideals."

"Heh, just as I thought. I, Kirei Kotomine, am considered your greatest enemy, and you, Kiritsugu Emiya, are also the target I have always pursued."

"...I know."

Kiritsugu replied calmly, knowing clearly that while Kirei Kotomine's actions, though their purpose was unclear, had one certainty: they were directed at him.

"It's pointless to talk about this now. I didn't save you to chat about these things. Do you remember Berserker's Master?"

Kiritsugu didn't want to waste any more time; reality didn't allow him and Kirei to cautiously probe each other. He just wanted to obtain information about that young Magus from Kirei. If he could get Kirei's help, that would be even better.

So, he got straight to the point, his gaze fixed on Kirei, "I want his information, all of it."

Upon hearing this, Kirei chuckled a few times, but the movement caused his wound to pull, and his mouth twitched violently. A hint of mockery flickered in his eyes as he looked at Kiritsugu, "Why should I help you, Kiritsugu Emiya? Give me a good reason, otherwise, I'll just cheer for that boy from the sidelines, whether it's here or in hell."

"Heh, with your character, even hell wouldn't take you in, Kirei Kotomine," Kiritsugu sneered.

"Then will hell take you, Kiritsugu Emiya?" Kirei retorted.

Silence fell between them once more.

The lights in the workshop seemed to dim, as if even the dim yellow light was contemplating whether hell would truly accept people like them, whose hands were stained with blood.

They both knew that with what they had done, they might not even be worthy of going to hell. More likely, they would become wandering spirits after death, with nowhere to go.

"Then, considering I saved your life, how about we exchange it for information?"

"Agreed. I can even help you more."

Kirei's answer was surprisingly swift, so much so that Kiritsugu couldn't help but look at him with a hint of surprise.

This guy's thoughts were always unpredictable. He had just adamantly refused, saying he'd watch from the sidelines, and now he agreed?

Although saving a life was a great debt, for people like them who had struggled in the darkness and long ago detached themselves from the value of life and death, saving someone shouldn't so easily change their attitude.

In reality, Kirei Kotomine's reason was simple: he wanted to see Kiritsugu Emiya's conflicted expression, but alas, reality didn't allow him to do so, so it was dropped.

Regarding that mysterious young powerhouse, he, Kirei Kotomine, wanted to face him head-on again. This time, he would never lose so miserably again.

Being prepared and unprepared were two entirely different concepts.

He himself wasn't sure why he was so fixated on facing that boy again. Perhaps it was curiosity about how far that boy could go, or perhaps he wanted to see what wish that boy would make upon obtaining the Holy Grail.

Kirei Kotomine came for the Holy Grail, and he wanted to end it all because of the Holy Grail; this was his inner thought.

And so, in this secret workshop, two former arch-rivals formed a secret alliance. Their target was singular: the boy Shiki, who had suddenly been drawn into the Holy Grail War.

However, they were not the only ones who wanted to deal with Shiki.

On the other side, in Waver's room, the atmosphere was equally heavy.

Rider, a burly and imposing figure, was not, as usual, studying world maps, playing his favorite strategy games, or watching his preferred military programs. He stood quietly by the window, the curtains partially drawn, the silhouette of the Fuyuki Bridge faintly visible in the hazy air outside.

His expression was serious, a faint glint in his eyes, as if he were deep in thought.

Just then, the sound of a door opening came from behind him. His Master, the nineteen-year-old novice Magus, Waver, entered carrying a large pile of items, complaining, "Rider, I've called you several times, why aren't you responding? I thought you weren't home."

Rider turned around, his signature hearty smile returning to his face. He laughed heartily, strode forward to help Waver put down the items, and then slapped Waver's shoulder forcefully, his voice booming, "This little weight, Master, you need to train more! Only with a strong body can you be considered a true man!"

As he spoke, he deliberately flexed his muscles, his bulging biceps straining his vest, exuding a powerful aura that was awe-inspiring.

But Waver was used to it. He sighed helplessly, "Rider!!"

"Hahaha, alright, alright, kid, you'll definitely grow strong in the future. Eat more meat, haha!"

Rider continued to smile, trying to ease the oppressive atmosphere in the room with a lighthearted tone.

"In the future..."

Hearing the word "future," Waver froze for a moment, his expression turning serious. He looked up at the tall Rider, "Rider, do I have a future? I've decided to go to the battlefield with you. I'm afraid there's no future for me."

Yes, Waver had already decided he would fight alongside Rider, no matter the outcome.

Whether it was an impulsive decision or courage born from the depths of his heart, he had no regrets. He had even exchanged his last bit of plane ticket money for various items useful in battle.

This was Waver's resolve.

The tall Rider looked at Waver's face, his heart filled with emotion.

The timid, weak child he once knew had finally grown. He now possessed courage, a sense of responsibility, and most importantly, the spirit befitting a Master.

Rider let out a few hearty laughs and clapped Waver on the shoulder again, this time without calling him "kid." "Well done, Waver."

This change in address signified his complete acceptance of Waver, his Master who had summoned him to this world.

How could Rider bear to let such a Waver die in this cruel Holy Grail War?

"Don't worry, Waver, we will definitely achieve ultimate victory!"

Rider said with full confidence, yet a sliver of unease lingered in his heart. He had a premonition that Berserker's next target would likely be him.

"Then bring it on! Let this King witness your strength!"

Rider's gaze was firm as he looked out the window, his eyes revealing an unyielding fighting spirit. Facing the impending challenge, he, the King of Conquerors, Iskandar, would never falter.