Rider and Berserker.
Obviously, Berserker's Master had no intention of joining forces with him against Archer. When Rider took the initiative to bid farewell, Berserker's Master made no move to stop him and simply let him leave.
On the battlefield, there were only enemies and friends. On the battlefield for the Holy Grail, there were only present enemies and future enemies.
The Army of the King clearly countered Berserker, whose individual strength was outstanding. That was why Berserker's Master would rather face Archer alone than join forces with him.
Was he foolish, or arrogant? Berserker's Master did not seem like either a fool or an arrogant madman.
Then he could only have believed that he possessed a means to deal with Archer. He did not fear Archer; his sudden appearance before the public was because he had already done everything he could and no longer needed to hide.
Once all impossibilities were eliminated, whatever remained, however unbelievable, had to be the truth. The famous words of a certain British detective were undoubtedly correct.
Combined with that man's ability resembling Future Sight, that possibility was magnified infinitely.
If every event connected to victory was a piece of a complete puzzle, then how many pieces did Berserker's Master hold? What were those pieces? And when had he obtained them?
There was too little information—far too little to lift the veil from this mystery. Rider was somewhat troubled. Looking at it this way, his side was in the worst position in this battle.
"Rider, are we just going to wander around?" Waver asked.
His voice was full of unease. Rider could understand that unease, because even he felt the situation was overwhelmingly unfavorable.
"Then, Master, do you have some question?" Rider asked calmly.
"Rider, you used your own mana when you activated your Noble Phantasm, didn't you?" Waver took a deep breath and voiced his question.
"What is it? Is there a problem?" Rider keenly noticed that Waver's state of mind was seriously off, which gave him a bad feeling. He grinned, trying to brush the matter aside. "What is it? Isn't it common knowledge that Servants provide part of the mana themselves when releasing Noble Phantasms?"
"Don't lie to me, Rider!" Waver roared with all his strength, his eyes red. "I'm a mage. You don't need to tell me that kind of lie!"
Waver slumped into his seat, as though his earlier words had drained all the strength from the boy. "You've remained in spirit form ever since releasing your Noble Phantasm."
Rider hated taking spirit form. He preferred materializing; it made him feel as though he were alive, even if it brought him quite a bit of trouble. As long as he had enough mana to maintain a physical body, he would never choose spirit form.
Rider looked at the outbursting Waver and fell silent. What was he supposed to say?
Master, you're too weak. You can't even provide mana.
It was simply a joke—to reproach his partner for an inborn disadvantage. To ignore his partner's every effort, his sleepless thought, and the courage he had shown by surpassing himself.
What kind of worthless mutt is that?! Even his father would regret not shooting that scrap onto the wall!
Rider's expression darkened terribly. His fists clenched, as if he wanted to punch someone.
So he really was dissatisfied with me. Waver smiled bitterly. Indeed, if not for his burden, how could Rider have fallen to this state?
This was all because he had held him back. It was time to make a decision. Waver clenched his fists tightly, determination filling his eyes. He steadied his somewhat disordered breathing, then said softly, "Though this would violate the rules, the Fuyuki Church has already lost its ability to supervise matters. Breaking the rules doesn't matter."
"I'll hand my Command Spells over to Li Zihan. He's a far better mage than I am." Waver's gaze dimmed. If possible, he wished he could be the one fighting alongside Rider on the battlefield. "You've seen it too. He's a Grand Mage who can provide you with enough mana, and Archer has declared war on him as well. He urgently needs fighting strength."
"Archer really is unimaginably powerful, but if Berserker joins you, and you have the support of the five Command Spells between Li Zihan and me, it will be different. Even the King of Heroes would be defeated by your hands."
"After that, you can touch the Holy Grail and obtain a body." Waver's voice choked at this point. "You... you can live again as a human."
Waver did not dare raise his head. He did not want Rider to look at him with disgust, even if this act was merely a futile escape.
Running away was shameful, but useful.
Before you continue