Watching the Worm steadily approach him vanish without warning, Nishiki understood that it had entered Clockup.
However, the Rider armor's visual system could track Tachyon's movements and activate Clockup in time. So there was no such thing as one side activating Clockup first and completely crushing the slower side.
With his senses enhanced by magecraft, Shirou could barely make out the details of their battle.
It was clear that Nishiki still could not bring himself to strike. His movements lacked a sharp, fierce edge. But since he had become a Rider, he surely did not lack resolve. So, at a certain moment, he suddenly burst into action and unleashed Hercus's finishing move.
"Riderbeat!"
The extending blade of light sent the tailless scorpion-type Worm flying, and in that final instant, Mayuko's face vaguely appeared on its body.
"Big brother, thank you... and I'm sorry!"
Nishiki's breathing suddenly became rapid, his throat feeling as though something had clogged it shut. The Worm that had mimicked his younger sister caused his already unstable mind to collapse instantly.
"Aaaaaaaaaah!!!!!"
His transformation was undone. Nishiki fell to his knees and wailed loudly, breaking down just like Kiritsugu had when he personally shot down Natalia's plane.
Within mere seconds, the pouring rain had soaked him through. It was impossible to tell whether the streams running down his face were tears or rainwater.
Shirou came to Nishiki's side beneath an umbrella, holding a ball of light in his hand.
"Take a look at this. I promised you." Shirou lowered his eyes, his face revealing neither joy nor sorrow. But anyone who could smile after seeing something like this would truly be a bastard.
Mayuko Nishiki's remnant thoughts had ultimately remained. After all, as long as memories and obsessions endured, such things would exist. Like humanity itself, they