Tonight, Rob a...

With no projected Noble Phantasms left to block it, the torrent of nothingness shot straight into the sky, vanishing into the unseen depths of the night.

Archer's face darkened until it looked ready to drip water. He had dodged at the last moment. The Gate of Babylon's barrage was not his greatest output—the Sword of Rupture was. He did not want to lose before using his full strength, so he had chosen... a strategic retreat.

But no matter how he dressed it up, retreat was still a form of fleeing. A king's dignity disdained making excuses for itself, and especially Duke's disappointed gaze made him feel as though thorns were pressing into his back.

"What a humiliation!" Archer nearly crushed his teeth.

After hearing of Duke's glorious feat of slaughtering a god, Archer had greatly acknowledged him. Likewise, he wanted Duke's recognition. Yet Archer himself found that evasive maneuver unbearably shameful. Forget earning any recognition—it would be fortunate if Duke did not laugh his teeth out.

Golden light appeared once more. Unlike the vast, boundless display before, this time there was only a single golden key, quietly floating before Archer.

Archer finally made up his mind. Setting his dignity aside for the moment, he would be the first to use the Sword of Rupture!

Though the spectators still did not understand the significance of that key, one thing was certain: it had to be an even more powerful Noble Phantasm. The Gate of Babylon's barrage had just been shattered. There would be no need to bring it out unless it was stronger.

Tohsaka Tokiomi, who had been watching the battle, finally snapped out of it. The tremendous drain on his mana told him Archer was about to unleash his ultimate move. He knew very well what Archer's trump card represented: