Kirei Kotomine raised his right hand, and three Command Spells glowed red.
The first Hassan had yet to appear. He was not sure whether he would come to his aid... but at a time like this, he could only try a desperate remedy.
"By my Command Spell, Assassin, save me!"
The Evening Bell suddenly rang through the air, and a figure emerged from the shadows.
A black cloak, a skull mask, dim light flickering in his eye sockets. He stood before Kirei Kotomine, his greatsword held across his body, blocking Messmer's spear.
Flame and darkness collided, sending a ring of ripples bursting through the air.
Horace said, "...Well, damn. Even King Hassan is here." Now Horace was practically certain that Dove was cooking up something big.
The Old Man of the Mountain, King Hassan.
The sole "Grand" Assassin. Even without his full Grand Spirit Origin, his very existence was enough to make any Servant wary.
King Hassan declared, "For now, I place myself in this man's service. Thou shalt not take his life."
Messmer's spear remained pressed against his sword. Flame and darkness stood opposed, neither willing to yield.
"Messmer, stop. Whether he brought his Grand Spirit Origin down with him or not, he's an extremely powerful Servant. Continuing this fight won't do us any good."
Messmer obediently withdrew his spear and leaped back.
King Hassan also put away his greatsword and told Kirei Kotomine, "The Evening Bell hath tolled for thee, but thine hour hath not yet come."
Then the Old Man of the Mountain vanished into the shadows.
Kirei Kotomine stood up, clutching his shoulder. His wound still bled, the burns clearly visible, yet that strange smile remained on his face.
"Thank you... for showing mercy?"
Kirei Kotomine staggered toward the church's back door, passing Caren, who had