Type-Moon: Card Servants Chapter 45

"Did you jump down?" Mikaela pulled Judas from behind her back and blocked Diarmuid's attack. She smiled faintly and said calmly, "This time, you can have your Master use a Command Seal to help you escape."

Diarmuid could not hold on for much longer. His injuries had yet to recover, and in his current condition, even fighting Mikaela for a few minutes was an immense struggle.

But Mikaela had no intention of wasting time with him. Without another word, she crushed a card, and Heavenly Fire Holy Judgment appeared in her hand, its muzzle aimed at Diarmuid. Though she had put away Judas, both Diarmuid and Mikaela were plummeting rapidly through the air.

But they both knew that victory or defeat would be decided in an instant. Diarmuid could not possibly withstand another attack from Heavenly Fire Holy Judgment head-on. If he wanted to survive, he had to have his Master Kirei Kotomine use a Command Seal to teleport him back.

However, even if Kirei Kotomine used a Command Seal to send Diarmuid back, the distance between them would not increase by much. Mikaela could easily catch up and keep harassing the King of Conquerors, slowing him down once again.

That would create a deadly cycle!

"Saber, it seems that one of us must leave the stage tonight."

Even as he fell through the air, Diarmuid fixed Mikaela with an eagle-like stare, a smile of resolve appearing at the corner of his lips.

"...I see. This is troublesome." Hearing those words, Mikaela roughly understood what Diarmuid intended to do. She did not immediately use Heavenly Fire Holy Judgment to launch some ridiculously powerful attack, because she was not Kevin and could not repeatedly use Heavenly Fire Unsheathed to attack.

Although Theresa's recovery ability was formidable, even she could not use Heavenly Fire Unsheathed twice in succession.

She had used Heavenly Fire Unsheathed earlier because she knew full well that Kirei Kotomine, inside the Magic Workshop, possessed combat strength comparable to a Servant. That was why she had needed to destroy his Magic Workshop as quickly as possible.

She had taken out Heavenly Fire Holy Judgment now merely to frighten Diarmuid into making Kirei Kotomine recall his Servant. But judging from his expression... he had no intention of going back.

"Looks like you can't use your second Noble Phantasm continuously." Seeing Mikaela put away Heavenly Fire Holy Judgment and switch to that golden cross, Diarmuid seemed to understand something. Her second Noble Phantasm appeared to be a double-edged sword—while it attacked the enemy, it also inflicted severe damage upon its user.

"That's right. But at this point, your lord has already used up his Command Seals, hasn't he?"

Mikaela and Diarmuid landed on the ground. She drove Oath of Judas into the earth and deployed Judas's barrier, trapping Diarmuid inside.

"That's right."

At this moment, Diarmuid had come to fight with the mindset of stalling for as long as possible. Since he could delay time by talking nonsense, he naturally intended to talk nonsense with Saber.

"Saber, I can tell that you have an immense desire for the Holy Grail." Diarmuid looked at the golden barrier surrounding him and knew that there was no way he could escape. Taking up his stance, he looked coldly at Mikaela. "Though I do not need to obtain the Holy Grail, my lord does. I apologize, but today, you must remain here and fight me, the foremost warrior of Ireland's Knights of Fianna."

"How ridiculous. You're already dead."

Mikaela mocked Diarmuid's intention to launch a desperate counterattack. Did he really think she would obediently engage in some so-called battle between knights with him?!

She had landed with him only to make the King of Conquerors and the others lower their guard. Trapping him with Judas's barrier was merely to prevent him from running around again.

Even without using Heavenly Fire Holy Judgment, Judas's Zeroth Rated Power: Divine Grace Barrier was enough to make Diarmuid withdraw from this Holy Grail War.

"Die! Diarmuid!"

Mikaela threw Oath of Judas into the sky, and the Divine Grace Barrier expanded once more.

"Saber—!!!"

As if he had anticipated it, Diarmuid hurled the twin spears in his hands at Mikaela like javelins.

Gilgamesh

The whole way, Kirei Kotomine remained silent. Although his Command Seals had vanished and his connection with Diarmuid had been completely severed, he could still sense that the Servant he had brought into the Holy Grail War—Diarmuid... had truly left the stage.

This was not some vague premonition. It was because the healing magecraft he had placed on Diarmuid had completely disappeared a few seconds ago.

"Professor..." Waver looked at Kirei Kotomine's back, his feelings complicated for a moment. He did not know how to comfort people, but he could sense that his professor seemed especially "angry." That anger was directed at himself.

He had been powerless to help Diarmuid. He had been powerless to defeat that so-called "familiar." He had been even more powerless to defeat that Saber, who had already attained an invincible momentum.

One of the Clock Tower's Twelve Lords, participating in some backwater magecraft war, had ended up so powerless that he could not even protect the familiar he had summoned himself.

Though it was strange to put it that way, in Waver's understanding, his professor—Kirei Kotomine—was exactly that sort of person.

Even if his "familiar" was a Servant from history, since the other party had been summoned by him, he would stake the El-Melloi name on not letting him die so easily.

"Enough nonsense. Though I have lost my Servant, I have not withdrawn from the Holy Grail War." Kirei Kotomine quickly composed himself. With his hands behind his back, he looked at Waver and the King of Conquerors coldly. "Diarmuid's death is not the end. Our war has only just begun."

"That's right." The King of Conquerors revealed a hearty smile and continued driving his ox-cart toward a safe location. Though Diarmuid was gone, he was still alive, and Kirei Kotomine, that magecraft prodigy, was alive as well.

Then this Holy Grail War still held opportunities! They still had a chance to win.

"Whoosh—!!!"

The next second, several weapons trailing golden light came hurtling toward the King of Conquerors' ox-cart!

"Not good!"

The King of Conquerors' eyes widened in fury. Driving the ox-cart, he barely managed to evade the attacks wreathed in golden light.

"Not bad, not bad. Though you are merely a mongrel, your judgment is worthy of a little praise from this King." An arrogant voice rang out from the air.

(③④②⑨⑥⑦④⑥⑤)

Just from hearing that voice, Waver knew! That guy was probably even more arrogant than his professor.

"Judgment? It seems you are mistaken about something, King of Heroes." After dodging several Noble Phantasm attacks, the King of Conquerors' expression turned exceedingly grim. He had not expected that... after he and Diarmuid had gone to Saber's side last night to gather information, just one day later, Saber had actually recruited that King of Heroes—Gilgamesh. Though he did not know what method she had used, judging from how casually the other party had launched an attack... he clearly did not regard them at all.

"That is... the King of Heroes?! How is that possible?!" Waver and Kirei Kotomine cried out in shock at the same time, for the reason was simple! At this moment, the King of Heroes was riding something that should not have belonged to him.

Though Waver's studies were poor, because of Mikaela, he had recently made a point of investigating famous historical heroes and well-known weapons.

In Waver's own words, though he might not be very capable in magecraft, as a Master, he had to put effort into gathering intelligence!

Kayneth went without saying. He himself was a being full of wisdom—otherwise, he could never have become a first-class lecturer at the Clock Tower.

In the sky, Gilgamesh rode upon something known as Vimana, a radiant vessel formed from gold and emeralds that could soar through the heavens.

A solar crystal fueled by mercury generated the solar energy that powered it, allowing it to fly at high speed while ignoring the laws of physics. It also possessed tremendous offensive capabilities; in theory, it was no weaker than any modern fighter jet.

But... this thing came from ancient India!!! How could the King of Heroes possibly have obtained something like this?!

"...Deeds elevated." The King of Conquerors seemed to understand something. In a low voice, he said, "If I'm not mistaken, this Noble Phantasm was acquired by the King of Heroes only after the deeds of his life had been elevated."

"Legend says that the King of Heroes—Gilgamesh—gathered all the treasures in the world and placed them within his treasury. That included the crystallized wisdom of ancient people, such as 'airplanes' that soared through the sky like birds, or 'submarines' that swam through the water like fish."

At this point, the King of Conquerors seemed somewhat envious. Why had he never thought of doing that back then?!

"Th-This is way too unreasonable!!" Kayneth had something he really wanted to say but couldn't. Going by the King of Conquerors' words, did that mean the Gilgamesh before them possessed the original forms of every Noble Phantasm in the world???

And if this Gate of Babylon could continue to grow, then didn't that mean he possessed that terrifying Saber Noble Phantasm as well?!

"Reasonable? I am the source of all reason." Gilgamesh seemed to have heard Kayneth's words. Seated upon Vimana's throne, he looked down at the King of Conquerors' bull chariot, a deeply delighted smile curling across his lips. Though he had not wanted to come out and deal with the King of Conquerors.

In Gilgamesh's eyes, he alone could handle these clownish fools.

As a spectator, all he needed to do was quietly watch the clown finish his performance. There was no need for him to take the stage himself.

However, Tohno Shiro had said that clowns were not perfect beings. If he were allowed to finish his act, it would mean he could make his exit. And a king would not want a clown to leave the stage so quickly, would he?

Although Gilgamesh knew Tohno Shiro wanted him to personally kill the King of Conquerors, the man's words made sense. With only two Servants, they likely could not force that clown's true nature out. Letting him leave the stage with his perfect facade intact was indeed rather unpleasant.

"Mongrel, it seems you cannot die by that clown's hand. I shall personally descend royal punishment upon you. Consider it an honor, mongrel."

Gilgamesh very much wanted to see whether, after two more Servants exited the stage tonight, that clown would tear off all pretense with Tohno Shiro—or reveal his true purpose.

Delighted, he waited to see how the next act would unfold!

"Royal punishment? How ridiculous! I am the King of Conquerors, King of Heroes! You have no right to speak of royal punishment to me." The King of Conquerors gave a cold smile and glanced at his Little Master beside him, as well as Kayneth.

If they fought in the air, he clearly would not be able to protect his Master and Kayneth...

"Go. Leave the rest to me."

Kayneth grabbed Waver with one hand and, without another word, leaped off the bull chariot.

"Ah?! Huh?!!!" Waver went from completely bewildered to utterly panicked!! What was his teacher thinking?! Jumping from hundreds of meters in the air?!!

"Trying to run? Though I generally ignore those who flee, you lot are far too bold. You cannot even perform the most basic courtesy."

Golden ripples appeared around Gilgamesh. Several Noble Phantasms gleaming with golden light aimed at Waver and Kayneth as they fell. He sneered, "In that case, I shall show you what etiquette is!"

"Hey, hey, hey, etiquette isn't threatening others with weapons, King of Heroes!"

The King of Conquerors drove his bull chariot straight toward Gilgamesh. Drawing the sword at his waist, he flashed a bold smile. "A king should guide others with a smile! Not be a tyrant like you, who kills at the slightest disagreement."

"Hmph, mongrel. Above and below heaven, only I may call myself king. You mongrel." Watching the King of Conquerors charge toward him, Gilgamesh snorted. Perhaps because the King of Conquerors had drawn more of his hatred, he did not attack the descending Kayneth and Waver. Instead, he fired those golden Noble Phantasms toward the King of Conquerors.

"Mongrel? Who exactly is the mongrel? King of Heroes, are you talking about yourself?!" The King of Conquerors... had seen his own "history." In preparation for fighting the other Servants, he had specifically memorized the notable figures from other histories.

Waver thought he had been slacking off, but in truth, the King of Conquerors had taken this Holy Grail War more seriously than anyone.

Gilgamesh's delighted smile vanished. His wine-red eyes now burned with raging fury. He said coldly, "I had originally intended to play around a little and see how that clown reacted, but now... mongrel! You have thoroughly enraged me! If I do not make you atone with your death, how can the fury in my heart be extinguished?"

Come, Gilgamesh. I only hope my Little Master is fast enough. Otherwise, I may not be able to hold on for long.

Faced with Gilgamesh's full firepower, the King of Conquerors felt a deep sense of foreboding. He immediately activated his Inherent Domain, trapping Gilgamesh inside. He had to buy time for his Master and Kayneth to escape.

The King of Conquerors now truly understood what it meant to be attacked from both sides.

All he could hope was that his Master and Kayneth would not encounter Saber. After Saber finished off Diarmuid, he would surely catch up. If their escape route happened to collide with Saber's... then everything would be over.

"AAAAAAAAAH!!!"

Waver, plummeting freely from the sky, let out a shriek like a little girl. Beside him, Kayneth looked at his student with utter disdain. He sighed and silently released the liquid mercury from its container.

Moon Cell Liquid—this Magic Crest was Kayneth's favorite Magic Crest.

In terms of destructive power and defense, it might not have been the strongest Magic Crest in Kayneth's possession. But in terms of all-around versatility, it was unquestionably number one!

The silver liquid wrapped around Kayneth and Waver, forming a sphere that slammed heavily into the ground.

Yet it did not cause much damage. Instead, it bounced up like a basketball. After bouncing several times and dispersing the impact of their landing, Kayneth and Waver inside suffered no injury at all aside from feeling somewhat shaken.

"Looks like we landed safely. You really are far too fragile. It was merely a bit of height. As a Magus, you must remain calm at all times." Kayneth recalled Moon Cell Liquid. Seeing Waver's pale little face, he instinctively mocked, "And you dared to say you would challenge the Holy Grail War looking like that? What wishful thinking."

"You were the reckless one!! You didn't say anything and just jumped off!!" After being mocked by his teacher, Waver's previously pale face instantly turned bright red. Anyone who did not know better might have thought they were watching Peking opera.

To be honest, Waver had truly been terrified just now. For a moment, he had thought his teacher intended to settle a personal grudge and kill him!!!

"The situation was urgent. If we had not descended immediately, we would have become burdens to the King of Conquerors. You cannot even see something so obvious, yet you claim you can win the Holy Grail War?" Kayneth sneered. Although he no longer had a Servant, that did not mean one could not win the Holy Grail War without a Servant.

He was a Master, though one who had lost both his Command Seals and his Servant.

But that did not mean he could not attain victory, nor did it mean he could not unravel the secrets of this Holy Grail War. So long as he remained alive, he could uncover the secret concerning the "law" of this Holy Grail War!

"Enough. Let's go."

Seeing Waver get back to his feet, Kayneth scanned the surroundings as well. Hearing footsteps in the distance, he frowned and prepared to head into the darkness.

Their main task now was to get away from the battlefield, then have Waver use a Command Seal to bring the King of Conquerors back.

"Yes." Waver knew this was no time to lose his temper either, and obediently followed behind his teacher.

"Rustle, rustle, rustle..."

The evening breeze stirred faintly, swaying the branches. On this quiet, late-night street, Kayneth and Waver moved with utmost caution. They had nowhere left to go, but Fuyuki City still had plenty of abandoned unfinished buildings, warehouses, and similar places.

Kayneth and Waver were now searching for somewhere they could use as a temporary base.

"Even with an Inherent Domain, the King of Conquerors won't be able to hold off Gilgamesh for long." Kayneth looked at Waver's slightly pale face, frowned, and tossed several Magic Crests that replenished magical energy to him.

They allowed him to recover some magical energy for the moment, enough to sustain the King of Conquerors's massive expenditure.

"If it's only Noble Phantasms, then it's not a problem. There's a high chance the King of Conquerors can defeat him." Waver analyzed the situation with remarkable calm. "When the King of Conquerors fought Saber, the only thing he feared was Saber's Noble Phantasm—the boundary that could erase all mystery."

If Gilgamesh did not possess Saber's Noble Phantasm, or a Noble Phantasm capable of breaking an Inherent Domain, then the King of Conquerors could very likely wear him down to death through sheer numbers!

The original Waver might not have been able to withstand such enormous magical energy consumption, but things were different now. He could endure it, and he had his teacher beside him to thank for that.

Those Magic Crests Kayneth carried had truly been a tremendous help.

"...Is that so?" Kayneth was not so naive. He did not believe that Gilgamesh had no means of dealing with an Inherent Domain. Perhaps he was still playing around... or perhaps the King of Conquerors had not pushed him to the point where he needed to use a powerful Noble Phantasm.

Either possibility bought Kayneth and Waver considerable time.

"Found one." Waver seemed to spot something. He stopped and looked toward an abandoned factory in the distance, a relieved smile appearing on his face. Once they set up a Magic Barrier, they could rest for the time being.

'!'

Suddenly, from the dark shadows, a hand gripping a dagger silently appeared behind Waver. Clutching the dagger tightly, it stabbed toward him with lightning speed.

"Whoosh—!!!"

A silver tentacle shot out and seized the dark hand holding the dagger.

"How laughable. Did you really think I wouldn't keep an eye on that foolish student?!" Kayneth sneered. He had been watching their surroundings the entire time. Ever since learning that Assassin had not died, he had remained wary that an Assassin might suddenly leap out and attack them along the way.