"...Ugh."
He had evaded Sajyou Manaka's detection spell and escaped the notice of everyone present.
The highest level of Divine Era Magic, Space Transfer, combined with the Assassin class's Mystic Eyes of Death Perception—two abilities that were completely opposite in nature.
In this Hanging Gardens of Babylon, there was only one person capable of accomplishing such a feat.
"To stab an ally in the back... As expected, you're an untrustworthy wicked woman, just like the rumors say... If I'd known, I should have killed you first... Cough, cough..."
Hearing Aika say that, the Garden Mistress, who still had a sword wound, revealed an alluring smile.
"As one manifested with an Assassin Spirit Core, I naturally know a thing or two about assassination techniques.
If you wish to place blame—then blame yourself for taking it upon yourself to regard me as one of your kind."
"..."
The girl collapsed onto the ground, and the Holy Grail rolled away from her arms.
The serpent venom that the Empress had originally concocted to torture the "Black" Archer, and which had slain countless Greek Heroes, flowed from her heart throughout her body, instantly burning through the Magic Circuits connecting her to the Root.
It hurts...
The girl, her vision stolen by the deadly poison, murmured to herself.
I'm sorry, Saber...
You worked so hard, yet I still couldn't help you with anything...
I'm sorry. I couldn't change anything...
This world you love most is about to come to an end...
"Aika!!!!"
Volume Five, 244: The Ultimate Arbiter, Metatron Jeanne
"..."
The sudden turn of events left Jeanne and the others stunned and bewildered.
"Aika!!!!"
Shirou rushed over first.
Ignoring the Golden Cup that had rolled aside, he charged over and picked Aika up in his arms.
"Sa...ber...?"
The moment he grasped her hand,