"Saber."
In the dimness, within an empty forest, Diarmuid stared solemnly at the Servant standing before him, who held Chalk in his hand.
"I never expected you to be the one to invite this battle."
"I am not the sort of knight who lacks ambition. Perhaps you do not know, but in Britain's foreign campaigns, I was basically always the one who delivered the declaration of war."
Diarmuid's cold expression was reflected in Anno's blue eyes as he tightened his grip on Holy Sword Chalk.
Diarmuid held the red spear and yellow short spear in his hands, his mood sinking slightly.
This battle might prove far more dangerous than promising.
Yet Anno did not seem eager to begin fighting Lancer.
"Your aura seems somewhat different now."
"You also seem exceptionally gloomy."
"Looks like this Holy Grail War has not been a pleasant journey for you."
Hearing Anno's words, Diarmuid frowned. He seemed about to grow angry, but then he deflated as though all the air had left him.
Gritting his teeth, he spoke rather forcefully.
"At the very least, I can still guarantee my loyalty."
At any other time, he might already have angrily rebuked the other man, but...
"And besides, Saber."
Clang—
Pointing the red spear at Anno, Diarmuid said with a faint smile.
"The exhaustion and helplessness in your eyes are no less than mine."
Jian An smiled.
"Yes."
He merely smiled and admitted it.
The cold evening wind blew against Anno's back, split in two by his broad frame before brushing past Diarmuid's fingertips.
—Whoosh!
In an instant, both men moved.
—Boom!!!
Sword and spear collided in an instant, and a tremendous roar of magical power erupted. Neither Irisviel nor the hidden Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri had time to react.
Diarmuid's abilities as a Servant were by no