Artoria was forced into a wholly defensive stance, using her petite, agile frame and exceptional Instinct to contend with her.
This gave Diarmuid a chance to catch his breath.
Because Skadi was almost entirely focused on attacking Artoria, Diarmuid had opportunities to maneuver and strike.
His twin spears shot out like venomous dragons, attacking from every angle in an attempt to restrain and disrupt Skadi.
Both spears were Noble Phantasms; any single hit would have been enough to change the course of the battle.
But Skadi gave him no chance at all.
Using the deflection of the Mind's Eye Blade, Skadi rendered every one of Diarmuid's attacks futile.
Her main focus remained on suppressing Artoria head-on.
Of course, this was not merely to torment Artoria. After all, Artoria was the legitimate Saber. Only by suppressing her could their side keep up the act.
Otherwise, if Artoria got the chance to fire her "Beam Cannon," would that not ruin everything for them?
"—Clang!"
Artoria took another heavy blow head-on, her body sliding uncontrollably backward as her soles carved two trails across the ground.
"This can't go on...!"
She exchanged a glance with Diarmuid.
Though they were only temporary allies, the tacit understanding between top-class Heroic Spirits required no words at this moment.
Then a sharp glint flashed through Diarmuid's eyes.
He suddenly accelerated, charging straight at Skadi's back. Both spears shot out at once, red and yellow lances of light stabbing toward her heart and neck from behind, forcing Skadi to defend.
Skadi drew back her longsword, attempting to counterattack.
"Now!"
Artoria took a deep breath, her magical energy suddenly erupting as she charged toward Skadi.
Yet Skadi seemed utterly unruffled. The trajectory of her greatsword sweeping backward suddenly changed. With terrifying force erupting from her waist and abdomen, it traced