Impressions After Watching?!

"Hmph, this is truly ridiculous."

This was Leonidas's assessment when the movie theater lights came on, illuminating the cast and crew list on the screen.

This evaluation might have been a bit harsh for those who enjoyed the film, as both the actors' dedication and the plot structure were incredibly moving, making one wish they could grab a sword and shield and charge into battle alongside the Three Hundred.

As a result, the passionate youths who had just watched the movie, their blood still pumping, mimicked the warriors from the film, glaring fiercely with their heated gazes, only to instantly lower their heads like docile sheep.

They couldn't win...

That strongman's biceps were practically bigger than his own head. Surely no one would be foolish enough to compare the hardness of their own head against the impact of the other's fist. Although both had the word "head" in them, the latter was clearly much more formidable.

"Xerxes wasn't a giant, and he had a long beard."

Then, Leonidas continued with his absurd observations.

One had to say, he truly lived up to his name, Leonidas, a man who had experienced Thermopylae. His focus was entirely different from everyone else's. Abner couldn't help but chuckle, his heart filled with joy.

What? Is this man's opinion really just that?

The youths, who had been fired up moments before, immediately found a convenient excuse in their hearts: See, if you argue with him about such trivial matters, it's not worth it if it comes to a fight! That's artistic interpretation, not history. If you want to know history, go to history class. Why watch a movie?

With this thought, a sense of superiority washed over them, as if they were brilliant strategists who could win battles from afar. Filled with the pride of a victor, they strode out of the cinema. It was clear that Lu Xun had indeed contributed significantly to the spiritual development of the Chinese people; the spirit of Ah Q was truly deeply ingrained.

Abner glanced at his Servant. Leonidas appeared to be in his early twenties, with a clean-shaven chin and a sturdy build that gave his face a masculine aura.

However, the portraits of Leonidas that Abner had seen depicted him with a thick, bushy beard. While it might be a preconceived notion, it was a very Greek style of beard.

A Servant's state could be significantly influenced by the summoner's magic. Even with the same catalyst, different magical energy could summon Servants of different "ages."

For instance, a mage with abundant magic might summon a Servant in their prime. Perhaps in their early twenties, a period of peak physical condition, or in their thirties or forties, a time of unparalleled strength and experience. For mages, it could even be an elderly period with vast experience.

But for mages with insufficient magic, they might end up like Karl, summoning a Servant who was incredibly old and completely powerless.

Spartans received rigorous training from childhood. It seemed the Holy Grail's judgment was that a youthful, physically fit Leonidas was more suitable.

However, wanting to exchange a few more words with Leonidas, he smiled and tried to inject a playful and teasing tone into his words: "But Leonidas doesn't have a beard either?"

"He grew one later," Leonidas quickly interjected, as if offended. The muscles in his jaw twitched clearly on his rugged face, indicating he was quite concerned about his lack of a beard. His booming voice echoed in the semi-enclosed space of the theater, sounding like thunder. Abner could already faintly hear the soft clicking of camera shutters.

To prevent unauthorized photography, current mobile phone camera functions are required to emit a sound. It was easy to imagine that such a robust man would quickly become a sensational topic.

Perhaps the strategy of attracting attacks on his Magic Workshop was a bit reckless, but Abner's goal wasn't to win, so it didn't matter.

His objective was to thoroughly investigate the origins of the Holy Grail War's resurgence, to understand why the Sixth Holy Grail War had begun, who initiated it, for what purpose, and by what means.

Of course, winning would be ideal, a bonus, but if he couldn't win, it wouldn't matter, as it wouldn't affect his objective.

This was precisely why Abner had chosen a Shield Servant, to ensure his survival even in defeat during future battles.

In this regard, Abner and any Servant should have been compatible. Generally, Servants summoned by the Holy Grail also had wishes they entrusted to it. Abner could generously let the Servant have the Holy Grail's wish; he only needed the fact that the "Holy Grail" had descended.

Unfortunately, Leonidas happened to be of this particular temperament.

"So, what did you think of Leonidas's portrayal in the movie?"

"Heh? Leonidas?"

Leonidas's mouth was filled with mocking scorn. The corners of his proud lips curled upwards, and he laughed defiantly, "Are you talking about that bearded, short, and skinny fellow as Leonidas? Are you joking? Should I laugh?"

Admittedly, the actor playing Leonidas was a rare muscular specimen among humans, but compared to the real Leonidas, he was still too frail. This strongman was the perfect embodiment of the word "muscle"; every muscle fiber had a steel-like texture, veins bulged, and every muscle contraction seemed to emit a ferocious roar. It wasn't flesh and blood, but a breathing steel machine, accompanied by the rhythm of the heart, steel pipes and oil lines emitting a powerful roar, squeezing out terrifying strength.

Furthermore, unlike the "rage" depicted in the movie, Leonidas did not have a habit of shouting impulsively. On the contrary, he consistently displayed the calm demeanor expected of a military strategist and a king. Perhaps arrogant, even stubborn, but never letting anger cloud his judgment.

This point overturned the common perception of "Spartans = brainless muscle men." At the very least, the "brainless" part should be removed.

The two walked out while discussing the movie. For example, regarding the scene where Spartan warriors pushed the Persian war elephants off a cliff, Leonidas laughed heartily, "Xerxes didn't use such giant beasts, perhaps their ships couldn't transport them? And even if they could transport them..."

Then, the burly strongman smiled cruelly, "Ten Spartans could take down one war elephant like that."

Abner recognized that confident expression. He was also a confident person himself, so he was very familiar with the demeanor of the self-assured.

Perhaps it was because they were discussing topics related to him, but Leonidas became surprisingly talkative. The two, fueled by the excitement from the re-release of "300," walked through the streets, freely discussing the plot, and then headed towards their base.

Only when they had nothing more to say did Abner reveal his objective. Leonidas readily agreed, stating he didn't dislike the tactic of waiting for the enemy. Although he preferred offense, he was confident he wouldn't lose any defensive battle.

"At that time, I'll let you witness the shield that Spartans are proud of."

He concluded with such a bold statement.

"Yes, then I shall await your good news."

It was around this time that Tsukahara Meiji and Archer Loxia found them. Loxia secretly followed them towards what was called the "Magic Workshop."

It was a river, unusually wide for a city.

In fact, it was an artificial river, serving as a scenic attraction for tourists. Abner and his Servant—Archer didn't know what kind of Servant he was, vaguely sensing that so much muscle suggested either Saber or Lancer, and that a Greek hero was more likely, given the Greek appreciation for muscle and strength—in short, master and servant arrived at the lakeside. As Abner channeled his magic, the thin layer of lake water transformed into an ice plain, and the two strode confidently towards the center of the artificial river...

Archer Loxia quietly observed from a distance. She neither chose a high vantage point nor a secluded alley. Such "optimal" ambush spots were too easily discovered by Servants of the Assassin class. Archer chose a milk tea shop at an intersection, where through the clear window, she could clearly and unobstructed view Abner and his companion's actions.

And she could also grab a cup of milk tea...

Then... Archer witnessed a scene that made her eyes widen in astonishment.