Two Brats

"Then the only remaining problem is the fortress's defensive structures..."

The Semiramis's ultimate Noble Phantasm, [Hanging Gardens of Babylon of Babylon], allows her to float thousands of meters in the air. Eleven Black Coffins counter-attack techniques, called [TiamtumUmu], are set up around the garden. It can unleash powerful Magecraft capable of surpassing Rider's A-rank Magic Resistance. A simultaneous attack from all eleven coffins possesses power comparable to the A+ Anti-Army Noble Phantasm [Balmung].

Under such powerful bombardment, even a modern technological product like an airplane would be no different from a paper airplane.

"I can attack and destroy 3 or 4 of them first."

"Even so, it wouldn't reach half of the total, and there wouldn't be enough time..."

After some discussion, the group rejected Archer's proposal.

While Acher's long-range sniping can indeed destroy defensive structures, Archer has "Red" Archer as a priority enemy, preventing him from focusing all his efforts on dealing with the fortress.

Just as everyone was struggling with how to break through Assassin's defenses, a weak voice suddenly rang out—

"I have an idea..."

Following the direction of the voice, it was Lily who was standing next to Wang Xiaoming. When she saw everyone's eyes suddenly fall on her, Lily subconsciously shrank behind Wang Xiaoming.

"We're sorry, Caster, but please understand how we feel."

"It's fine."

Lily shook her head, composed herself, and then turned her gaze to Jack the Ripper:

"Jack the Ripper, if you were to use your Noble Phantasm to hide the plane, at that altitude, to what extent could you spread out the smog?"

"Rest assured, our fog is not something that the wind can disperse."

"Caster... you're planning to use Assassin's Noble Phantasm to block those guys' view?"

After hearing this question and answer, Fiore hesitated for a moment before asking Lily.

While it would be ideal to cover the enemy's fortress with fog, that's beyond Jack the Ripper's capabilities. So, simply blocking the enemy's line of sight as they approach will suffice.

"But can this block Assassin's Noble Phantasm? And before the battle even begins, [Red] Archer can also use wide-range attacks to snipe at us."

Upon hearing Archer's question, Ruler, who was standing next to him, also frowned:

"If there are only a few planes, I can use my flag for protection... but for planes outside the defensive range..."

"If the Atalanta uses his Noble Phantasm, I'll intercept him. I'll save enough mana to fight Lancer."

If he cannot enter the enemy ranks, he will naturally be unable to fight Karna. Saber does not want this to happen, so he is willing to use his Noble Phantasm.

The problem lies with the magic.

"If you can defend against it, feel free to use your Noble Phantasm. I've made the necessary preparations for the final battle."

Saber's Master, Gordes, strongly supports his Servant.

Thanks to his efforts, the previously damaged magic supply system has been restored to 70% of its peak level. Moreover, Gordes is Magecraft has barely entered the first-rate realm, so even if Saber uses a certain amount of magic before the final battle, it will be enough to make up for the consumption.

"No, there's no need for that..."

Seeing that the people present were about to start a discussion because of her suggestion, Lily, feeling a little anxious, quickly stepped forward to stop them:

"Because both Jack the Ripper's Noble Phantasm and his means of transportation are only part of the plan."

Chapter 274. Two Mischievous Kids

After much deliberation, everyone decided to adopt Lily's proposed plan. The decisive battle was set for tomorrow evening.

The remaining time from now on is for rest before the decisive battle.

"Wait a moment--"

Archer, who was just about to turn around and push his Master's wheelchair away, suddenly heard a familiar voice behind him. Even without turning around, Archer could recognize it as his father's voice.

"What's wrong?"

Archer stopped, and when Wang Xiaoming walked up to him, his gaze immediately fell on Fiore in the wheelchair.

"Miss Fiore, may I have a word with this brat?"

"At least give me some face in front of others..."

"No problem."

Fiore chuckled softly as she listened to her Servant's complaints, then nodded gently.

After all, he had no reason to stop a father and son from talking.

Thank you so much.

After everyone left, only Wang Xiaoming and Archer remained in the restaurant.

"What's wrong?"

When no one else was around, Archer became much more relaxed, and he no longer displayed that arrogant, cocky expression he used to have.

"What's wrong? You brat, have you been avoiding me?"

"..."

Seeing his father's ambiguous smile, Archer fell into deep thought.

Was it really that obvious?

"Alright, stop making excuses. I haven't seen you anywhere except at mealtimes. What else could it be but avoiding me?"

Seeing Archer remain silent, Wang Xiaoming chuckled and teased, "Are you planning to give me a surprise all of a sudden?"

"No, it's not that bad..."

Seeing Archer's conflicted expression, Wang Xiaoming pondered, "Is he afraid that I'll know the future and then change it?"

"Huh?"

"Oh--"

Seeing his son, who practically had "How did you know?" written all over his face, Wang Xiaoming laughed.

On their own timeline, Emiya Kiritsugu, Irisviel, Kayneth, and others who were supposed to die had their tragic endings altered because of his interference.

Perhaps it didn't cause much of a stir in the world's future, but the [future] he knew had already changed. Wang Xiaoming had no idea what would happen to Fuyuki "ten years later."

If I were to learn about "what will happen in the future" from Archer now, then even unintentionally, this butterfly could still flap its wings and change the predetermined future.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't do something so low, but..."

Wang Xiaoming held up one finger at Archer: "I have two questions."

"What?"

"First, the Servant I summoned during the Fifth Holy Grail War..."

"It's Teacher Medea!"

"So, the second question—"

Archer's immediate and decisive answer gave Wang Xiaoming the answer he wanted, and at the same time, he extended his second finger:

"How did you become Heroic Spirit, kid?"

"Um..."

Upon hearing this question, Archer's expression became even more conflicted. He scratched his head and muttered under his breath, "You might not believe it..."

I just happened to save the world.

"..."

"..."

"Hehe--"

"Oh--"

In the awkward silence that followed, another voice suddenly broke into their conversation—

"Oh, everyone's here."

Turning around, they found a blonde girl, reminiscent of a lion, standing in the doorway of the room, casually greeting them.

"I just wanted to see if there was anything to eat."

Wang Xiaoming glanced at the clock. It didn't seem like long after breakfast ended, and he was already hungry?

She truly is worthy of being King Arthur's daughter.

"Well, I was so busy watching what was going on between those androids and that fat guy... Hey, Archer, is there any food left?!"

Rubbing her stomach, Saber walked into the restaurant and asked Archer.

"... Wait a moment."

Archer glanced helplessly at Saber, then put his apron back on and went back into the kitchen to get busy.

What were you talking about before?

After finding a seat at random, Saber cast a curious glance at Wang Xiaoming. Wang Xiaoming didn't hide anything, shrugging as he replied:

"It's just some topics about [the future] and such."

"Is that so... Ah, speaking of which!"

Saber seemed to suddenly remember something, turned her head and shouted towards Archer in the direction of the kitchen, "Since you were my Master in life, was my wish ultimately fulfilled through the Holy Grail?"

"You mean the one who's going to draw the sword?"

Archer's voice came from the clanging of pots and pans.

"Can't you show some respect for other people's wishes?!"

Saber said somewhat angrily. Her wish was to obtain a chance to pull out the "Sword of the Chosen" through the omnipotent Holy Grail, and then follow in the footsteps of her father, King Arthur, to rule all of Britain, demonstrate her strength, and etch her name in history as the King of Britain.

Now, hearing Archer simply describe it with the abbreviated word "drawing the sword," it's understandable that Saber would be angry.

So, is it that wish?

Archer emerged from the kitchen carrying a plate of fried rice. Time was short, so he could only make this convenient dish, but its color, aroma, and taste were still impeccable.

"Who else could it be?"

Saber pursed her lips to express her concern about Archer's intelligence, but her gaze remained fixed on the fragrant fried rice in Archer's hand.

Oh--

You've told me so many wishes before...

As Archer placed the fried rice in front of Saber, he answered her question:

No, that's not the case.

"Well, you really are weak. You couldn't even win after drawing such a strong Servant as me."

"I'm really sorry we couldn't win."

"Hey, tell me what happened back then?"

"Ha, I won't tell."

Sitting to the side, listening to Archer and Saber's conversation, Wang Xiaoming, who had been subconsciously ignoring it, suddenly realized—

"Are these two brats... flirting?"

My control over the plot has been far below par lately... I haven't written some things that should have been written, while I've written a lot of trivial things. This is my fault.

Now, I'm preparing to speed up the plot and finish the Fate/Apocrypha volume as soon as possible, while also adjusting my writing style. At least I need to present what everyone wants to see. (Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Fate/Apocrypha should be finished by the end of the month.)

Thank you again to all my readers for your support! _(:з"∠)_

(Above)