Though she was clearly the strongest Saber-class Servant among the seven, she was unbelievably weak.
Although Shimo Yukino possessed exceptional magical aptitude, she had never formed circuits with her Servant, leaving the mighty King of Knights unable to even unleash her trump card Noble Phantasm—A++-rank Excalibur.
Even so, Artoria had no complaints.
Having descended into the Holy Grail War, she would naturally do everything in her power to protect her Master and claim the Holy Grail!
Outside the warehouse, Shimo Yukino was still somewhat dazed, but she gave her name nonetheless.
"My name is Shimo Yukino. Just call me Yukino."
"Shimo... Master, you may call me Artoria."
Saber spoke in a low voice. Upon hearing the name Shimo, a faint daze appeared in her clear eyes as well.
Damn it, I ended up in this family's hands again...
Have I become a family heirloom?
After her brief astonishment, Artoria came back to her senses and took a deep breath to calm herself.
She would probably have nightmares tonight.
Hopefully, by the final moment of the Holy Grail War, Yukino would not imitate Haruno.
And say something like, "By the power of my Command Spells, destroy the Holy Grail..."
But soon, sensing two unfamiliar presences rapidly approaching, Saber's gaze turned sharp.
Had the commotion been too great and drawn the attention of Servants lurking in the shadows?
In an instant, the King of Knights turned to face her Master, her expression grave. "Yukino, stay here. I'll deal with the enemy."
"Ah?!"
Watching the blonde girl vanish into the distance in an instant, Yukino was utterly bewildered.
Yet her stubborn sense of justice would not allow her to stand idly by, and she quickly followed after her.
"That's quite a lot to take in."
In the Heavenly Curtain World, Yukino Yukino turned her head in surprise.
That version of her from the Parallel World had not only participated in the previous Holy Grail War.
She even seemed to have become its sole victor.
But according to Saber, she had actually destroyed the Holy Grail that was already within her grasp?
That was the all-powerful grail capable of granting any wish!
Could there be some hidden truth behind this Holy Grail War?
Still, when she thought of how her Parallel World self had actually partnered with King Arthur.
Haruno could not help smiling, the corners of her lips curling upward.
What an honor...
"This Holy Grail War's King Arthur isn't even in her prime. What a pity."
The petite girl in a dress with a blue bow sighed.
As a Japanese girl with foreign blood, Meiko Honma naturally held a fondness for King Arthur.
She had been looking forward to Artoria putting on a splendid performance and blasting through the Holy Grail War with her holy sword!
"Agreed!"
Beside her, the world-class singer Luo Tianyi nodded, looking somewhat regretful.
"Agreed plus one."
Her close friend Hatsune Miku, with her green twin-tails, sighed as well.
The Heavenly Curtain's image shifted again, changing perspectives as countless sparks burst forth.
A fierce battle suddenly erupted in a dark alley!
"Rumble...!!"
The white-clad nobleman smiled helplessly, tossing out countless magical gemstones while using magecraft to reinforce his body and frantically dodging toward the street.
However, the imposing holy king refused to let up after gaining the advantage.
Her gaze was sharp as she wielded an invisible sword wrapped in the Wind King Barrier. In an instant, she unleashed thousands of attacks, yet he narrowly evaded every one of them.
"I surrender, I surrender~."
Luo Shu casually raised both hands, his smile somewhat carefree.
However, everyone knew that the King of Knights was never softhearted.
Artoria gripped her sword hilt tightly, considering whether to withdraw her attack.
Her expression was serious. "You have Command Spells on your hand, so you must be a participant in the Holy Grail War. If you willingly withdraw, I can naturally spare you."
"Clang—!!"
Suddenly, two blades of light struck toward her. The King of Knights' pupils contracted as she raised her sword to block.
In an instant, the white-haired female Heroic Spirit was already standing before Luo Shu.
The black-clad Archer observed the battle. Upon seeing the petite figure behind Saber, she suddenly sneered and mocked, "Shimo Yukino, is this how you treat the person who saved your life?"
At those words, Saber was immediately confused.
She turned to Yukino, awaiting instructions.
"My lifesaver... Could it be...?!"
Shimo Yukino was shocked. She swiftly pulled the Ruby Necklace from around her fair neck. This was precisely the main reason she had survived Medusa's attack.
The girl bit her lower lip and carefully examined Luo Shu, soon spotting that familiar moon-white hem of clothing.
"Senior Luo, I'm sorry..."
Yukino lowered her head in shame.
She had actually failed to stop Artoria just now and had nearly caused a terrible mistake.
Luo Shu did not mind. He smiled faintly. "It's fine. This isn't a place to talk. My church is quite spacious. You can come take a look, and I can explain the Holy Grail War to you while we're at it."
"Really?!"
The girl was stunned.
"Yukino!"
The King of Knights frowned. If this person harbored ill intentions toward her Master, he might very well lure Yukino into a magical stronghold.
Based on her experience in the previous Holy Grail War, such a thing was entirely possible.
By then, no matter how valiantly she fought, it would be difficult to protect Yukino's life.
"...I trust Senior Luo. Since he saved me, he probably won't kill me."
The girl looked up at her Servant and spoke with a serious, resolute expression.
"Very well. I'll do my best to protect you."
The King of Knights sighed.
This Master was really difficult to handle...
If it had been that shameless Haruno, she would already be blowing up buildings by now.
"Hm?"
Outside the Heavenly Curtain, upon hearing Artoria's inner thoughts, Haruno scratched her head in confusion.
Just what had she done in the previous Holy Grail War to make King Arthur remember her like this?
"Come on. I'll take you to meet my senior sister."
A trace of nostalgia appeared in Luo Shu's eyes as he spoke lightly.
She was the adjudicator of this Holy Grail War. With an entire arm covered in Command Spells, there was no one more suitable to explain the rules of the Holy Grail War to Yukino.
Yukino nodded, while Artoria guarded her side with a wary expression.
Under Archer's displeased gaze, their figures gradually disappeared into the distance.
Her resentful complaint still drifted through the air: "Drown in your ideals, idiot."
It seemed that the white-haired female Heroic Spirit was very unhappy with Shimo Yukino.
Several minutes later.
This devastated patch of ground welcomed two more uninvited guests.
The first wore a tight blue bodysuit that showed off his solid muscles, while the second was a Mustache Detective with a grave expression, clearly taking things seriously.
They were none other than the Celtic Mythology hero Cú Chulainn and his Master.
"We came too late..."
Kogoro Mori lit a cigarette and sighed.
Cú Chulainn crouched down and lightly sniffed the air after using Rune Magic to enhance his five senses.
He quickly noticed a few clues.
He stood up, looking rather regretful. "Multiple Servants fought here. If we'd arrived a little earlier, we could've had a good, satisfying fight."
Kogoro Mori looked helpless. "You really are a battle maniac."
Cú Chulainn grinned boldly. "Haha, after all, it's the only thing that makes me happy..."
"Who's there?!!"
His words abruptly stopped. His gaze turned razor-sharp as he looked up toward the sky.
There was clearly nothing there, yet Cú Chulainn inexplicably felt as though he was being watched. With some anger, he hurled his Magic Spear.
A bloody streak of light tore across the sky.
"Crack—."
It was as if something had shattered.
That nauseating sense of being watched vanished along with it.
"Child's play."
Cú Chulainn sneered coldly.
Faced with the sudden situation, the Mustache Detective asked in surprise, "Lancer, did you find something?"
"This method should belong to a Caster-class Servant."
Cú Chulainn nodded and gave his analysis.
"...The dangerous Holy Grail War has already begun."
Kogoro Mori sounded somewhat emotional. "Let's go. This place has already become the center of a vortex."
"I thought you'd have me follow the trail and pursue them."
Cú Chulainn smiled.
For his Master's safety, he still restrained his desire to fight.
Their figures gradually vanished beneath the moonlight as well.
"Dog Bro is so cool!"
Countless people praised him, while others began wondering about Caster's identity.
Ryudō Temple, underground magical stronghold.
Countless torches were embedded in the statues lining both sides, casting a faint glow.
Before you continue