Chapter 611

Most people who see it would probably think it's a copy or Projection, a fake.

But ironically, these holy swords are indeed among the few genuine ones that Shirou possesses, inherited from Morgan.

"Although he's an annoying guy, he has pretty good taste."

Unfortunately, that sword is a treasure bestowed upon me by my beloved witch, and it is not something a mortal like you can touch.

"Hmph, since you like the Holy Sword so much, as a reward, I'll use it to build you a magnificent tombstone."

As Shirou said this, the lake behind him shone even brighter, surpassing even the azure sky of daytime.

Hundreds of holy swords shot out from the ripples once more, pouring down upon Richard I, who was wielding a dual-wielding stance, holding both the new sword and his own.

Moreover, the offensive was much faster than the previous wave.

The blond Saber with mixed red hair rushed through the gaps between the holy swords—stepping onto the rubble kicked up by the projectiles, using it as a stepping stone to run towards Shirou.

"... She's really skilled, "Shirou thought to himself without showing any emotion.

Although his speed was extraordinary, his skill in dodging attacks was also excellent.

If this is the first time facing a similar attack, there should be at least a period of confusion and disarray.

Has he already fought Gil?

No, not the King of Heroes...

"You fought against the spearmen?"

Upon hearing his question, Richard I immediately gave a shy smile.

"As expected of King Arthur, you are truly insightful! Yes, I fought that Heroic Spirit in the forest yesterday, but his attack style was the reverse of yours."

"How is that guy?"

"We're getting along well; we've already formed an alliance."

"I see. That spearman is one of the targets I must eliminate... Now that you've become his ally, I can't let you live."

As the boy spoke, the lake of Island of Fairies and Land of Twilight was Projection in its entirety onto the illusory sky.

"Ah, you've come to play! Jester!"

While Shirou and Richard I were battling in the distant streets, the Kuruoka family welcomed a new guest.

The boy, who appeared to be only about ten years old and called himself "Jester Katore," was the first "human friend" that Tsubaki Kuruoka encountered shortly after waking up in the barrier world.

But is he really human?

Even his name is the same as the vampire who summoned the Assassin.

The boy's Spirit Origin differs from that of an adult used in combat; it lacks the immense power of an adult spirit, but it grants him a greater ability to disguise himself as a human.

Even the most perceptive Executor would find it difficult to detect his identity, let alone a naive little girl and an ignorant "shadow."

As Dead Apostle walking on the edge of life and death, Jester Katoré was the first to notice this barrier world (the Underworld), and thus entered it and became Tsubaki Kuruoka's first friend.

Now, he is methodically carrying out his conspiracy.

"Hey, Tsubaki."

"What is it, Jester?"

"My dad told me that. I heard your parents are amazing Magecraft?"

"!"

Tsubaki Kuruoka looked uneasy.

What should I do? How should I answer him?

So, Mom and Dad clearly told me that the Magecraft's affair was a secret.

"Don't worry, I know this is a secret I can't tell anyone else. Yes, it's a secret between me and Xiaochun!"

"... Really?"

"Yes, it's true. Not only me, but Brother Shirou and Assassin-neechan also know about Magecraft."

"Oh, I see! No wonder he seemed to have a good relationship with Dad!"

Tsubaki Kuruoka showed a look of surprise.

When the older brothers and sisters come back, I can talk to them about Magecraft!

However, Jester is indeed very gentle.

Willing to be my first friend since birth? Could it be that Jester is Magecraft?

"Hey, Tsubaki."

"What's up?"

"You really want to help your parents, don't you?"

"Um!"

"So, Xiaochun, what do you think you should do to make your parents happiest?"

"!"

"Your parents are so kind to you, so you must be a good child too."

That's right.

I should be helping my parents.

Is it really okay to just keep sleeping like this?

My parents always read storybooks to me and bake delicious cakes for me.

I must help my parents properly. I must help them properly. I absolutely must.

"Let's think about it together, Xiaochun. What does your dad usually say?"

"Let me think about it..."

We will become -- sooner or later

"That's right, Tsubaki. That's our grand ambition."

"That's right, to become like that Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg —..."

"That kind of goal is too unrealistic. After all, everyone agrees that there's no room left in that field, right?"

"Don't worry, words can become strength. Even if it's impossible, just keep striving towards that goal."

"Like an implication, right?"

"Yes, that's right. Tsubaki, that was the first hint given to you."

"Dad and Mom have always hoped that one day the Kuruoka family will produce a [...]."

What was said at that time?

My dad and the others kept speaking in a language that was very difficult to understand.

But...

That's right! I remember now!

Someone even more amazing than Magecraft!

He's the one who turned Cinderella into a princess in the fairy tale!

"I see! I understand now!"

"Oh? You already knew? Chun is so amazing~"

"Hmm, listen to me, Jester... For my mom and dad, I want to become True Magic User!"

"Oh, that's great! Everyone will be very happy."

Seeing her friend's happy smile, the girl thought that her wish would surely come true.

"I will work hard and strive to become a True Magic!"

"Well said! You'll definitely get it, Tsubaki. And 'Mr. Black' will help too, right?"

It was once a system devoid of will.

It has no desires of its own, and is merely a device that uses its abilities solely for its Master.

Viewing it as a tool is the correct way for it to exist; viewing it as a familiar will lead to differing opinions, and this Heroic Spirit is such an existence.

However, precisely because it lacks self-awareness and merely embodies a portion of the world's principles, "that" is able to wield immense power, and at that moment, it formally promised the Master's wish.

I want to become True Magic User.

The "shadow" that protects Tsubaki truly understands this wish.

She realized that the idea, the thought, was precisely the long-held wish of her Master, Tsubaki Kuruoka.

I hope to be loved by both my parents.

I hope to live with small animals.

Hopefully, the residents will not leave the city.

It is hoped that everyone affected by the fire can take refuge.

These brief "wishes" she prayed for could all be fulfilled by the spirit of the Heroic Spirit on her own.

However, the goal of "becoming True Magic User" is a grand desire that far exceeds the capabilities of his own system.

If it can be done at the level of Magecraft, then it is beyond the reach of True Magic.

If it were an ordinary familiar, even the most intelligent one would answer "absolutely impossible."

However, "Shadow," who is Tsubaki's Servant and also the Heroic Spirit she protects, is different.

The knowledge gained as Heroic Spirit revealed a possibility called the "Holy Grail".

With the creation of the Greater Grail, the Third Magic disappeared from the world.

Since True Magic exists outside the laws of the world, it cannot be reproduced even using Wish Machine that exists within those laws.

However, only the Third Magic, which is inherently connected to the Holy Grail, possesses this potential.

He weaves the Holy Grail into the existence of Tsubaki Kuruoka through himself, thus allowing reason to flow.

If the Magic Circuits that will become the blueprint for the Greater Grail can be successfully recreated, it might be possible.

The probability was so low it was like a pipe dream, but the "shadow" still understood it, interpreting it as Master Tsubaki Kuruoka's dream.

Then, starting from this moment—

The Pale Rider made the most of his resources, using the "Tsubaki's Dream" that he had merged with as the foundation to rebuild the world.

As a means to achieve an end.

To win the Holy Grail War and obtain the Greater Grail.

The first heroic Heroic Spirit to descend upon Snowfield, the "Pale Rider," has officially joined the battle.

The battle between Shirou and Richard I has reached its climax.

The red-haired boy hasn't moved an inch so far, nor has he unleashed any abilities other than the "Lake of Holy Swords".

Even so, he still easily suppressed the Sword Heroic Spirit, who was known for his superior stats and Magic Resistance.

Although one side is gaining the upper hand, the tide of battle is turning.

Perhaps different people will have different opinions.

For example, from the perspective of True Assassin who hides his figure in the Shadow of the city's skyscrapers, Saber might be the ones attacking.