Attacking the Tohsaka Residence

After all, there were plenty of Magi in this world more talented than him, yet hadn't he surpassed them one by one through hard work and perseverance, achieving what he had today? Even within the Clock Tower, where strength reigned supreme, he was qualified to teach in certain classrooms or participate in high-level academic exchanges, producing results that even Magi more gifted than himself struggled to attain.

But all of that had come from responsibility and his love for magecraft. In pursuit of the path of magecraft, he was even willing to offer up everything he had.

And what was he, Matou Kariya—a traitor who had abandoned magecraft out of cowardice and absurdity—worthy of? Why did someone who had already run away come back to participate in the Holy Grail War? And now he even wanted to stand on the same stage as him...

Did someone like that really deserve it? Did he have the right? He was nothing but a traitor, yet he still dared to return. That was something Tokiomi Tohsaka could not tolerate.

"Matou Kariya..."

Feeling that the situation was about right, Tokiomi Tohsaka raised a finger and severed his connection with the familiar. He muttered the name under his breath, his expression turning even colder than before.

Attacking the Tohsaka Family

Just as Rovey had expected, Scáthach and Lancelot soon broke out into another fairly intense battle.

The symphony of spear against sword rang out once more. Yet unlike Artoria, the King Arthur whom Scáthach had completely suppressed with skill throughout their fight, Lancelot was actually just barely able to withstand Scáthach's offensive in a contest of martial prowess.

The legendary knight Lancelot...

In the legends of King Arthur, he was also a mighty knight described in countless tales. He was the child of King Ban and a fairy, the foremost of the Knights of the Round Table, and likewise their strongest knight in martial skill.

Even King Arthur could not defeat Lancelot, the Knight of the Lake, in terms of skill alone without Noble Phantasms. Even Sir Gawain, the Knight of the Sun strengthened threefold at noon, found it difficult to overcome Lancelot. He could only be forcibly dragged on until sunset, then thoroughly defeated.

The destructive power he possessed was evident from the fact that he had destroyed most of the Round Table. His peerless martial skill had echoed across all the land of Camelot.

Therefore, without question, among the Servants in this Holy Grail War, apart from Fionn mac Cumhaill, another godslayer, the only one capable of competing with the Queen of the Land of Shadows in martial skill was the Knight of the Lake before her, Lancelot—the strongest warrior of the Round Table.

"Truly remarkable skill. Even in madness, you can display such ability... Lancelot, I would truly like to fight you at the peak of your Saber-class strength."

Scáthach swung her spear and drove Lancelot back, speaking with a hint of regret.

Honestly, her martial skill had been tempered through endless years and slaughter. It had long surpassed the ultimate limits of humanity and entered the realm of gods. Thus, even among Heroic Spirits, there were few who could defeat her purely in skill, and even fewer who could contend with her.

Even Lancelot, who bore the title of possessing the greatest martial skill in myth, found it difficult to comprehend or reach her level.

Still, his Eternal Arms Mastership had indeed reached a level where he could fight her. But that was as a Saber. As for this Berserker... forget it.

"Arrrr...!!!"

Lancelot could not respond to Scáthach's words. He could only let out a low roar from his throat.

After seeing that Artoria had vanished from sight, he no longer retained his former berserk fury. His emotions had also been vented considerably through his recent clash with Scáthach, gradually returning to calm.

Thus, he did not launch another attack. Instead, he stood there blankly, slowly losing his killing intent.

"Tch... just as I thought?"

Seeing that Lancelot had lost his will to fight, Scáthach could not help finding it dull. Her curiosity about Britannia's grand stage only grew stronger.

First there was the great sage Merlin, who had not hesitated to act across the Starry Sky to save Saber from her hands. Then there was Lancelot, the Knight of the Lake, whose love ran deep and whose hatred ran deep as well; even after becoming this maddened, he had still protected his king and lord at the final moment.

Yet King Arthur herself, the protagonist of it all, remained completely unaware despite receiving so much help. Before leaving, she had even thanked her knight.

Scáthach truly wondered how Saber would feel if she learned that Lancelot had been the one who saved her just now.

She became increasingly curious about the moment when the truth would be revealed in the future.

She felt that Britannia was far more entertaining than the continent on her side. At the very least, there were certainly no shortage of distinctive characters here.

At that moment, Matou Kariya, seeing that the two had finally stopped, hurriedly stepped between them to prevent another fight. He raised his hand and shouted, "Stop! Both of you, stop fighting!"

"Especially you, Berserker. I don't know what kind of madness came over you this time, letting Saber go, but stop obediently now. If you insist on being so stubborn, then I'll use a Command Seal!"

Clearly furious over Berserker letting Artoria escape, Matou Kariya's face was slightly twisted as he raised his palm toward the black knight before him.

His tone was cold and unquestionable. If Lancelot truly intended to fight Scáthach to the death today, then he would really have no choice but to use this Command Seal.

Seeing this, Scáthach wore a rather strange expression and gave Matou Kariya a thoughtful look.

Fortunately, Lancelot did not continue disobeying orders and gradually calmed down. He stood obediently in place, silently staring at Matou Kariya as if he were a knightly statue without consciousness.

So long as Arthur was not mentioned, the Knight of the Lake remained quite calm. This let Matou Kariya secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

Good, he had calmed down. There was no need to use the second Command Seal...

The value of Command Seals in a Holy Grail War went without saying. He still needed them for his assault on Tokiomi Tohsaka. Unless absolutely necessary, he truly did not want to waste one on such a meaningless matter.

"Phew... you've finally calmed down?"

Looking at Lancelot, who stood as still as a statue, Matou Kariya secretly let out a breath of relief. Then he gave the Queen of the Land of Shadows before him a deeply apologetic bow.

"My apologies, Queen Scáthach! Because of Berserker and me, Saber, whom you had been certain to kill, managed to escape."

Then, with a solemn expression, he said, "To make it up to you, Berserker and I will work even harder to assist you from now on."

Oh? Work even harder...

Scáthach did not say much in response. After all, she had intended to let Artoria go in the first place. Rather, Berserker's actions had conveniently given her an excuse. If Lancelot had tried to attack the injured Saber just now, he would have had to ask whether she agreed first.

Of course, there was no need to say such things aloud. It was enough for everyone to understand.

Just as Scáthach was preparing to return and report to her Master, a familiar voice suddenly came from afar...

"Hahahaha! This king smells the scent of battle and conquest over here! Surely a thrilling battle must have taken place here not long ago!"

A rough and wild voice echoed over the ruins. Then Rider, Iskandar, who had swiftly dealt with all the Assassins, came running over from the edge of the ruins with his Master tucked under his arm.

"Idiot, keep your voice down. Don't be so conspicuous. We can't let ordinary people see us. We need to leave."

Elsewhere, Fionn mac Cumhaill had grown worried when Scáthach did not return for so long, so he hurried over as well with Kenneth.

Then they saw Scáthach and the black knight standing amid the ruins, along with the gaunt young man beside them.

"Berserker?!"

Recognizing the black knight, Iskandar could not help being surprised. He slapped his palm and exclaimed, "So the other side sent more than just two Servants? They even had this Berserker. What a formidable gathering of forces. Unexpectedly, they assembled four Servants in a single night. This king is impressed..."

"What are you marveling at now? Why are you talking nonsense with him? Assassin has been eliminated, and Saber has disappeared, so Scáthach most likely dealt with her. Only Berserker remains. Why talk to him? Lancer, Rider, there's no need to speak of honor with such despicable people. Attack together and take him out!"

His workshop had been reduced to only thirty percent, and he had just walked the edge between life and death beneath Assassin's blade. Kenneth was now furious beyond measure. With a wave of his hand, he directly ordered Fionn mac Cumhaill and Iskandar to cooperate and take down Berserker.

Although he did not particularly wish to commit such a despicable act as ganging up on a weaker opponent, recalling that the other side had first launched a dishonorable sneak attack, Fionn mac Cumhaill said nothing more. He drew his Double-Headed Spear, prepared to join the battle, and leaped forward as he shouted at Scáthach, "I'll help you!!"

"Hm?"

Hearing Fionn mac Cumhaill's shout, Scáthach turned back in surprise.

Then the other figures rapidly closed in from all directions as well.

But when he saw the other side's full lineup gathering around them, Matou Kariya immediately stopped Berserker from counterattacking. He raised both hands high and shouted toward the people in the distance.

"Friendly forces! We're friendly forces!! I'm one of you!!"

"Hm? This is..."

This sudden turn of events left Fionn mac Cumhaill, who had been about to rush in and strike first, momentarily stunned. He immediately slowed down, finally stopping in front of Scáthach and looking at the queen with questioning eyes.

Scáthach merely nodded lightly and replied, "They're friendly forces. Our Master recruited them as allies."

"Oh."

Fionn mac Cumhaill suddenly understood.

"You are Berserker's Master?"

With Scáthach's assurance, Matou Kariya was cleared of suspicion, and the lives of both him and Berserker beside him could be considered safe.

Kenneth frowned, then stepped forward and asked Matou Kariya, "You are also an ally recruited by my student?"

"Yes, honored Lord El-Melloi. I am also one of the Masters allied with Rovey. I came here after receiving the battle intelligence he sent, so I hurried over."

Following Matou Zouken's instructions, Matou Kariya gave a proper reply.

"Hmm... I see. Then thank you for your assistance."

Hearing this answer, Kenneth nodded slightly and asked, "By the way, I have not yet asked your name."

"Matou Kariya."

Matou Kariya answered truthfully.

"Matou? So you are one of the Three Families after all..."

Hearing this unexpected answer, Kenneth's brows rose slightly, and a trace of surprise appeared in his eyes.

"But weren't the attackers this time Magi from the Tohsaka Family and the Einzbern Family? Why is the Matou Family, also one of the Three Families, allied with us?"

Kenneth was extremely curious about this question. He had originally thought that the Three Families of Fuyuki City's Holy Grail War had organized this joint operation against outside enemies to prevent the Holy Grail from falling into outsiders' hands, much like their El-Melloi alliance.

Thus, he had naturally included the Matou Family among the participants in this assault. He had even naively assumed that the Assassin who had just been eliminated was the Matou Family's Servant, only to discover that was not the case.

The Matou Family had not participated in the Three Families' alliance for this attack. Instead, they had connections with his student. Kenneth found that highly unexpected.

"I know you have many questions, but please don't be in such a hurry. The matter is like this..."

Looking at the puzzled Kenneth, Matou Kariya recalled what had happened. Then, relying on the outstanding ability he had once possessed as a novelist, he quickly summarized it all.

It was a deeply tragic and sorrowful story, one that stirred sympathy in all who heard it. It was the story of childhood sweethearts who loved each other, a story with a less-than-happy ending...

A boy and a girl had met during childhood. They grew up together slowly, innocent and carefree, forging an extraordinarily deep bond from an early age.

Following the usual development of a romance novel, the boy and girl should have grown up together, confessed their love one day after reaching adulthood, formed a happy family, and lived fulfilled lives from then on.

According to the conventions of novels, things should indeed have gone that way, but, but...

Unfortunately, stories in books developed beautifully, while reality was cruel. This was not a world filled with love and happiness. The unknown was its true melody.

Then one day, after the boy and girl had both grown up, an unfamiliar young man entered their world. Everything in the boy's life changed because of that young man.

That young man was tall, handsome, and wealthy. He had an elegant temperament and belonged to the most prestigious family in the city. He launched a fierce pursuit of the boy's childhood sweetheart, utterly ruining the boy's peaceful life.

Although the boy had long seen through the man's true nature and knew that he was absolutely no good and would never bring the girl happiness.

The innocent girl was nevertheless moved by his pursuit. She truly fell in love with that man. In other words... Matou Kariya—cough, cough, the boy—had his love stolen by another. The childhood sweetheart lost to the newcomer.

Although, although the boy knew that he had actually had a chance, that the girl had not been completely won over by that man.

Because of various reasons, especially matters concerning his family, the boy had no choice but to withdraw.

This was not the sort of plot found in feel-good movies, where the man used his family's power to drive the boy away. It was because of the boy's own family. His family was no good at all, and could even be called dark and vile. If, if the girl truly married him, could she really find happiness?

At the final moment when victory and defeat were to be decided, Matou Kariya hesitated...

He thought of that damned Old Worm, then of the woman he loved. Unconsciously, an image arose in his mind of her marrying into the Matou Family and being unable to find happiness.

Thus, even though he was unwilling and could not let go of that love, he yielded for her happiness. One night, he quietly left the city, declaring his withdrawal. Only after she married, had children, and started a family did he dare to return in such a pathetic state to look upon her once more.

However...

That damned scumbag had failed to cherish the happiness he had sought so desperately. He had personally sent his own daughter to another family as an adopted child, all to obtain that family's Magic Crest.

That was right, that man was a Magus through and through. He was a bastard.

What was more, the Mage Family that man had initially set his sights on was the boy's home—the home the boy had abandoned and despised.

One night, the number on the boy's phone rang. It was a number that had not rung for many years, a name he could never forget...

The boy tremblingly answered the call and learned what had happened. Filled with righteous indignation, he cursed that man's depravity and rushed back to his family home in a panic, hoping it was not too late.

Fortunately, whether because heaven took pity on him or for some other reason...

The girl he cared about had not been sent into the den of demons that was his family home. Matou Kariya could not help breathing a sigh of relief.

But that did not mean everything ended happily, because the girl had been sent to another family instead.

Still unable to let go, the boy actually used his abilities to find the family in Fuyuki City that had taken the girl in. Then he secretly followed them, wanting to do everything he could to quietly take her away and keep her from suffering at the hands of a Mage Family.

Magi were all terrible people.

Born into a Mage Family and having witnessed Tokiomi Tohsaka's actions, Matou Kariya could no longer trust so-called Magi.

He had given up his own happiness and no longer had dreams, but at that moment, he still wanted to do his best to protect that girl's dreams and happiness.

Then Rovey caught him on the spot.

That day, when Rovey returned and saw that the person following him was actually that loser Matou Kariya, he was stunned. He could not imagine why this guy had appeared here.

After interrogating him and learning the reason, Rovey could not help feeling speechless over the man from this melodramatic tragedy. For a while, he did not know how to deal with him.

After some consideration, he decided to make a little use of this waste and put the man to work in the Holy Grail War.

Thus, the two of them formed an alliance that very night.