Cards of Fate: Type-Moon

The golden chains had all been severed by Diarmuid's Red Rose of Purgatory, but it was precisely the obstruction of these chains that prevented Diarmuid from completely dodging the golden spear's attack.

I can't let this continue!

Having fought for many years, Diarmuid clearly understood that the current situation was extremely disadvantageous for him. The monstrous strength Saber had just displayed made her peerless in close combat, and the cross she wielded was even more exceptional!

As the saying goes, a true hero is not only judged by their martial prowess but also by whether their equipment can support them in unleashing their full strength.

If Saber didn't have that golden cross, Diarmuid was confident he could have knocked her to the ground and ended her right there.

However, things weren't as ideal as imagined. Currently, Saber's reliance on this golden barrier, along with the golden chains activated by the cross, were pushing Diarmuid step by step into a disadvantage.

Therefore, he needed to escape this golden energy shield now. Otherwise, no matter how much intelligence he gathered tonight, if he were to fall, his Lord would likely have to withdraw from this Holy Grail War.

Diarmuid gripped the Red Rose of Purgatory tightly, actively retreated, and charged towards the edge of the golden energy shield.

"Bang—!!!"

Several golden spears struck Diarmuid's previous position, causing a violent explosion.

"Are you running away!?" Seeing Diarmuid's movement, Mikaela's lips curved into an enigmatic smile, as if mocking something. She didn't stop her attack, continuing to pressure Diarmuid and accelerate his escape.

She had even revealed her character card today. If she didn't kill either the King of Conquerors or Diarmuid, she wouldn't feel satisfied!!!

"This is not good." In the sky, the King of Conquerors wore a grim expression. Bystanders often see more clearly than those involved. He could clearly see that Mikaela, without even revealing her more powerful abilities, had already sent Diarmuid scrambling for cover.

Her truly powerful techniques were still being reserved for the King of Conquerors in the sky.

If this continued, then besides the intelligence the young Master had obtained, they would only have managed to probe Saber's "true form."

However, his intuition told the King of Conquerors that this was still not Saber's full trump card. Although he didn't know why, the King of Conquerors was certain in his heart! Saber still possessed even more powerful trump cards.

"Screeeech—!!"

A grating sound echoed. Inside the golden energy shield, Diarmuid had reached the edge of the circle. He knew that golden spears and chains were pursuing him, so he raised his hand and thrust his spear into the energy shield.

The Red Rose of Purgatory possessed the power to nullify defenses formed by magic. Using this spear to break through the golden energy shield was obviously the best method.

However, a surprising scene unfolded. While the Red Rose of Purgatory could pierce the golden energy shield, it only created a small hole!!

As Diarmuid moved the Red Rose of Purgatory to create an exit for himself, the small hole that had just been pierced instantly repaired itself the next second!

This meant that unless Diarmuid could use the Red Rose of Purgatory to cut out a hole large enough for him to escape at extremely high speed, he would be unable to leave the energy shield.

Why? It was simple. Diarmuid's hand had brushed against the golden energy shield just now. This energy shield was not as gentle as it appeared on the surface; instead, it was filled with the power of violent lightning.

The golden lightning made one of Diarmuid's fingers tingle. If he forcibly broke through, he would likely end up severely injured and paralyzed. In that case, it would be better to take a gamble and engage Mikaela in close combat.

The former was a sure death, while the latter offered a sliver of hope.

"Not running anymore?"

Seeing Diarmuid standing by the golden energy shield, Mikaela smiled. She knew he wouldn't be able to leave this energy shield.

"You are much stronger than I imagined, Saber." Realizing he couldn't escape, Diarmuid gave up hope. His gaze sharpened, and he decided to fight to the death.

"You are much more insidious than I imagined."

Mikaela retorted without hesitation to Diarmuid's words. In her imagination, Diarmuid wasn't the kind of person who would do such things, yet he had joined forces with the King of Conquerors to deal with her.

Although Mikaela had secretly manipulated everyone in the Holy Grail War, she was still a 'good person' in public. Therefore, she was qualified to reprimand Diarmuid for his 'cowardice.'

"It's all for victory." Diarmuid admitted with a smile. He was indeed insidious; otherwise, Mikaela would have already killed the King of Conquerors.

"Heh." Mikaela sneered. She didn't say anything more, continuing to control the Oath of Judas and sending golden chains charging towards Diarmuid.

Above Diarmuid's head, countless thick golden spears also emerged.

"Bang—!!!"

Accompanied by the sound of air exploding, Diarmuid moved. He was like a ferocious leopard, his eyes fixed straight ahead. Disregarding the golden spears above his head, he charged directly towards Mikaela.

Chapter Ninety-Seven: I'm Not Afraid!

The battle didn't even last a minute.

Diarmuid, who had been confident of killing Mikaela earlier, now appeared exceptionally disheveled. His speed was incredible, and his spear skills were second to none.

But... his opponent had no intention of engaging in close combat. The light spears generated by that golden energy circle, along with the golden chains flying from the cross, were already making Diarmuid flustered.

"You're in trouble again, Lancer." Kayneth's voice echoed in Diarmuid's mind. His tone was neither hurried nor slow, as if Diarmuid wasn't facing a great crisis at the moment.

"Lord, I apologize."

A hint of gloom flickered in Diarmuid's eyes. He had communicated with Kayneth before coming here.

Although Kayneth had agreed with the plan, he had also warned Diarmuid not to underestimate Saber, as the power she possessed was enough to kill him.

Initially, Kayneth had been indifferent to the Holy Grail War. But after the battle with the Great Sea Demon tonight, he suddenly realized that this Holy Grail War was completely different from what he had imagined.

He had thought it was an ordinary magical battle, but after witnessing the terrifying monster from another world, Kayneth felt that this so-called Holy Grail War had surpassed the realm of "child's play."

Currently, Kayneth was in a hotel, conversing with members of his family. He had sent his family members to investigate the records of past Holy Grail Wars and the origins of his own existence.

However, he was also paying close attention to Diarmuid's battle situation, so he was now observing the battle through Diarmuid's eyes.

"There's no need to apologize. It seems that due to the King of Conquerors, Saber hasn't used the true power of that cross. But that nun's habit..." Kayneth fell into thought. Using Diarmuid's eyes, he could clearly see the nun's habit on Mikaela's body. A flicker of confusion crossed his eyes.

Because this nun's habit was different from what he had seen. Most nun's habits were adorned with emblems of crosses, but the one on her body bore a pattern that resembled a 'family crest.'

"Is family greater than the Master?" For some reason, this thought suddenly arose in Kayneth's mind.

For a fleeting moment, Kayneth finally understood why his family couldn't uncover Saber's true identity. It turned out she was someone forgotten.

The fact that she dared to emblazon his family's crest on a nun's habit was undoubtedly a declaration to the world that his family was a greater existence than the Master.

If the current Church were to witness such a wicked act, they would likely dispatch the Burial Agency without hesitation to hunt down Mikaela, even if she were a legendary Heroic Spirit.

As for the true historical truth, the Church wouldn't bother with it, or rather... they disdained to concern themselves with a buried family.

"First, you should come out," Kayneth said, shaking his head slightly. Now wasn't the time to focus on Saber's issue. He wanted Diarmuid to emerge from that golden energy shield and then they could make further plans.

"Lord, I've tried. While I desperately want to escape, Saber is staring me down. Her defensive barrier possesses immense power. In terms of practical application, it's likely no weaker than a magic workshop that's been in operation for years," Diarmuid thought, dodging a golden spear that exploded mid-air. He continued internally, "Right now, the only way I might be able to escape is to fight Saber to the death."

"Ridiculous," Kayneth sneered, a hint of pride in his voice. "A magic workshop that's been in operation for years? I don't even spare a glance at such a thing. Just follow my orders, and I have a way to get you out of here."

"...Understood."

Diarmuid naturally trusted his Lord. Although, in the current situation, he couldn't think of a better solution either.

Meanwhile, Mikaela, seeing Diarmuid suddenly calm down and not charge forward, felt a sudden sense of foreboding.

Although Diarmuid had been calm before, his movements indicated an urgent desire to reach Mikaela and pierce them with his spear.

However, due to the interference of Oath of Judas and the golden energy shield, every step he took cost him mana and stamina. By the time he reached Mikaela, he would be exhausted.

But now, Diarmuid had shifted his offensive. Although it appeared to be an 'attack,' it had actually turned into a defense.

"Shing—!!"

Seeing this turn of events, Mikaela felt a sense of unease. Without a word, they grabbed Oath of Judas from the ground and charged at Diarmuid.

"Hold him off, but don't take your eyes off that golden barrier. I'm analyzing it from here," Kayneth said from within the hotel, looking towards Diarmuid. He held a piece of paper and a pen, seemingly calculating something.

As a genius from the Clock Tower, he had delved into various fields, including how to break through others' magic workshops or barriers... He had naturally done some research.

"Understood, my Lord."

Diarmuid looked at the suddenly anxious Mikaela and a handsome smile graced his lips. He stopped thinking about how to escape and focused solely on fighting Saber.

"Bang—!!"

Red Rose of Purgatory and Oath of Judas clashed. Diarmuid's arms sank slightly, and the ground beneath him cracked as he took Mikaela's attack head-on.

"..." Mikaela narrowed their eyes. Without wasting words, dozens of golden spears launched at Diarmuid. Simultaneously, they swung Oath of Judas, continuing to smash it towards him.

"Yo, Saber, why the rush?" Diarmuid's tension vanished, replaced by a relaxed expression. He wielded his long and short spears, deflecting the falling golden spears while fully focused on attacking Mikaela.

"I'm not rushing. I'm just wary of your Lord," Mikaela stated directly, admitting they weren't afraid of Diarmuid but rather of Kayneth.

In the original story, Kayneth was blinded by love. Later, from Waver's and others' perspectives, Kayneth was a truly great existence. If only his troublesome fiancée hadn't held him back...

He probably wouldn't have met such a tragic end.

"Is that so? That is my honor," Diarmuid said. Immediately after, he seized an opening in Mikaela's defense. Red Rose of Purgatory struck decisively, 'ignoring' the protection of Oath of Judas's chain, and the spear tip fiercely pierced Mikaela's tender shoulder.

"However, in close combat, you are no match for me."

The long-range battle had taken its toll on Diarmuid. Now that Mikaela had closed the distance, he could fully utilize his exquisite spear techniques.

"I'm not afraid," Mikaela declared, unfazed. They possessed incredibly potent regenerative abilities. As long as they weren't struck by Yellow Rose of Mortality, even if Red Rose of Purgatory pierced their heart, they would still survive.

Chapter Ninety-Eight: The Method of Cracking

Time was running out. Mikaela had a rough idea of Diarmuid's backing: his Master, Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald, had noticed their situation.

While Mikaela wasn't sure if Kayneth would use a Command Seal to retrieve Diarmuid, they were determined not to let Diarmuid leave so easily.

"The tide of battle has shifted," the King of Conquerors mused from above, looking down. He stroked his chin, a strange smile playing on his lips as he watched Mikaela and Diarmuid's fierce exchange. "It seems we can leave for now tonight."

"Shouldn't we help him?" Waver asked, pointing at Diarmuid, a flicker of confusion in his eyes. Based on the current situation, Diarmuid seemed to be at a disadvantage.

Mikaela was fighting with a 'reckless' style, exchanging blows and injuries.

In just a few dozen seconds of combat, Mikaela had sustained several wounds. However, thanks to their strong regenerative abilities and Irisviel's healing magic from the side, they were unfazed by Diarmuid's attacks.

Diarmuid, on the other hand, was in a sorry state. He had taken several direct hits from Oath of Judas, and the explosions from the golden spears had left him battered and injured in multiple places.

"No, not yet. We need to ascend a bit higher, or Saber will shift her attention back to us. Boy, do you think we should run?" The King of Conquerors was already contemplating a tactical retreat.

Diarmuid's actions indicated that he clearly had a way to escape the golden barrier, so they needed to withdraw quickly as well.

The King of Conquerors hadn't forgotten that Mikaela's primary target was him and Waver. The killing intent they had displayed earlier had made their stance clear.

Mikaela's current desperate attack on Diarmuid was merely a result of his interference, causing the prey they had almost caught to slip away. This had enraged Mikaela, leading them to vent their fury on the closest target.

But if Diarmuid truly escaped the golden energy shield and left without looking back, the King of Conquerors was certain that Mikaela would not stop him. Instead, they would focus all their attention on the King of Conquerors and Waver, then decisively activate the barrier they had used against the Sea Demon to kill them both.

"Eh?!!" Waver looked at the King of Conquerors, who was earnestly planning to flee, with great surprise. "Just leave?!! What about him?"

Waver pointed at Diarmuid below. He was well aware that if it weren't for Diarmuid just now, both he and the King of Conquerors would have been killed by Mikaela.

It had been a close call. If Diarmuid hadn't appeared and directly attacked Saber's Master, Saber's Master wouldn't have immediately summoned Saber back with a Command Seal.

If Saber's Master hadn't summoned Saber back, the King of Conquerors and Waver would have truly been killed by Mikaela!

Waver's legs trembled uncontrollably, still shaken by the fear of being killed.

Perhaps it was because of this that Waver felt it was necessary to help Diarmuid, rather than decisively abandoning him and fleeing.

"He has his own way of getting back," the King of Conquerors said calmly, as if seeing something. "Kid, don't feel guilty, because this isn't a farewell for good. Lancer's Master is already finding a way to save him."

"Judging by Lancer's expression, he's full of confidence. If that weren't the case, he wouldn't have taken Saber's attack head-on."

The King of Conquerors watched the battle below and said seriously to Waver, "Don't underestimate the heroes of history. They are far wiser and more powerful than you imagine."

Waver opened his mouth, seeming to want to refute the King of Conquerors' words. After all, they were indeed heroes in the past, but now they were just familiars manifesting through magical power.

But he ultimately closed his mouth, because the Saber he had just called a 'familiar' had left too deep an impression on him.

That gaze, which felt like looking at someone on the verge of death, made Waver, who only knew how to kill chickens, feel for the first time what 'death' truly was. It wasn't the joking 'I'll kill you' from school.

It was 'death' in its truest sense!

The King of Conquerors steered the carriage higher. He knew why his young Master had suddenly become 'dejected,' but this was something that couldn't be persuaded. He had to overcome it himself.

If one participated in the Holy Grail War solely for recognition but couldn't bear the price of 'recognition,' then even if his young Master had the potential to become a wise man, That would merely be potential.

Geniuses are not necessarily strong because they have the potential to become strong. Whether that potential can be ignited is another matter entirely.

"Oh! Lancer is counterattacking!" The King of Conquerors was ready to flee with his young Master at any moment, but he still needed to observe the situation.

"Bang—!!"

The cross and the spear clashed again. Diarmuid seemed to be running out of stamina; his breathing was irregular. He had repeatedly taken Mikaela's attacks head-on, and also had to trade blows with the opponent. Although Servants could generally recover from injuries as long as their Spirit Core wasn't destroyed, Mikaela's attacks were too fierce, and Diarmuid was struggling to hold on, waiting for his Master to provide a solution.

"Lancer, I've found a way to break this barrier," Kayneth's arrogant voice suddenly echoed in Diarmuid's mind. He said unhurriedly, "You told me earlier that even the Red Rose of Purgatory couldn't completely break this barrier. That's because this barrier has no so-called 'core.' Saber, using the magic from that artificial human, created a field similar to a mage's workshop."

"!!!!"

Hearing this, Diarmuid quickly retreated, using his A+ Agility to dodge Mikaela's next attack.