"Thank you, Saber."
Diarmuid's body trembled slightly. It looked as though he wanted to resist Kenneth's Command Spell—yet he simply could not. A Command Spell was a Master's greatest means of restraining a Servant, an irresistible measure meant to ensure that, at the most critical moments, a Servant would obey their Master's orders.
"No need to thank me."
Anno straightened and nodded to Diarmuid. He could tell that Diarmuid seemed to want to bow to him, but Kenneth's command kept his body locked in a guarded stance.
"What you stand by has meaning. It's just..."
As he spoke, Anno closed his eyes and shook his head slightly.
On the other side, Alexander's short sword had already been suppressed by Ibaraki Douji.
Compared to the other classes, Rider's greatest advantages lay in the number of Noble Phantasms they possessed and their superior mobility. In close combat, however, they held no advantage over classes specialized in melee combat like Saber and Lancer, nor over Berserker, who received additional strength bonuses. This was especially true against Ibaraki Douji, whose Strength was already greater due to her nature as an oni-demon, further amplified by the various bonuses she received while in Japan.
"Whoa! Such strength—looks like even if you're not human, you're still not an opponent to be underestimated!"
Yet despite saying that, Alexander showed no sign of panic even as he was suppressed in terms of strength.
"Eek—so hot!!!"
Enraged, Ibaraki Douji had been constantly surrounded by the blazing Flames of the Thicket. Now that she was locked in close combat with Alexander, Waver, sitting inside the chariot basket, naturally suffered for it.
"Hah—"
BOOM!!!
Lightning struck Ibaraki Douji squarely in the back.
The Divine Bull roared, carrying Alexander and Waver charging forward.
"As a Rider, relying a little on my mount's abilities