The cold night air carried the scent of salt from the distant sea as Souta leaned against the railing of Fuyuki Bridge. Below, the dark waters of the Mion River flowed silently, their surface shimmering with reflected moonlight. His breath formed pale clouds in the chilly air as he waited, fingers drumming rhythmically against cold steel.
Then - the air changed.
A surge of prana prickled across Souta's skin like static electricity moments before two figures materialized at opposite ends of the bridge. To the west stood Saber, her blue battle dress fluttering in the night breeze, golden hair tied back with a simple ribbon. To the east, Lancer - Diarmuid Ua Duibhne - emerged from spirit form, his twin spears catching the moonlight as he spun them in an effortless flourish.
The battle began without ceremony.
Lancer moved first, his body becoming a crimson blur as he closed the distance in three bounding steps. His yellow spear, Gáe Dearg, lashed out in a horizontal arc aimed at Saber's midsection. The air screamed as it split around the weapon's edge.
Saber didn't flinch. Her invisible sword met the strike with perfect timing, the collision sending a shockwave that cracked the bridge's concrete surface. Sparks erupted where their weapons met, illuminating Saber's emerald eyes narrowed in concentration.
Lancer didn't relent. His red spear, Gáe Buidhe, came whipping around in a vicious uppercut even as his yellow spear maintained pressure. Saber pivoted on her back foot, her blade tracing a shimmering arc through the air as it deflected both attacks in one fluid motion.
"The first exchange goes to Saber," Souta's Servant murmured beside him.
Lancer seemed to take this as a challenge. He shifted stance, his spears crossing before him in an X-formation. Then he exploded forward, becoming a whirlwind of crimson and gold. Each thrust came from impossible angles - high then low, left then right - his footwork turning the bridge into his personal dance floor.
Saber matched him move for move. Her invisible sword wove an impenetrable defense, each parry perfectly timed, each counterattack forcing Lancer to momentarily retreat. The concrete beneath their feet spiderwebbed with cracks as their battle intensified.
Then Lancer feinted.
A deliberate stumble in his footwork left his right side momentarily exposed. Saber took the bait, her blade lancing forward in a lightning thrust.
Lancer's lips curled in triumph as he twisted his body at the last possible instant. His yellow spear came whipping around in a brutal backhand swing aimed at Saber's exposed flank.
Steel met steel with a deafening clang as Saber somehow twisted her blade to intercept. The force of the impact sent both combatants skidding backward, their shoes carving grooves in the pavement.
"She's holding back," Souta observed.
His Servant nodded. "Excalibur's true power would end this quickly - but reveal her identity."
Lancer seemed to sense this advantage. He twirled both spears before settling into a new stance - yellow spear held low, red spear raised high. "You honor me with your restraint, fair knight," he called across the distance, his voice carrying the lilt of ancient Ireland. "But I must insist you take me seriously!"
He lunged again, this time activating Gáe Dearg's true power. The yellow spear's anti-magic properties shimmered along its length as it thrust toward Saber's chest.
Saber barely managed to twist aside, the spear's tip grazing her shoulder. A thin line of crimson appeared on her blue dress as the first blood was drawn.
The moment hung suspended - the wound minor but symbolic.
Then the sky tore open.
A bolt of lightning split the night, followed by the deafening roar of divine bulls. The bridge trembled as Rider's chariot came crashing down between the combatants, its massive wheels carving furrows in the pavement.
"Hahahaha!" Rider's booming laughter echoed across the river. "What a splendid display! Truly worthy of heroes!"
Waver Velvet clung white-knuckled to the chariot's railing, his face pale as milk. His mouth worked soundlessly as he took in the scene.
Souta chose that moment to step forward from the shadows. "Mind if I join the party?"
Waver's head snapped around so fast his neck audibly popped. "You! How did you—"
Souta grinned. "Where's the fun in spoiling the mystery?"
Rider's laughter redoubled as he took in the newcomers. "A man after my own heart! And this must be your Servant?"
Caster materialized beside Souta in a shimmer of blue light, arms crossed. "Observant as ever, King of Conquerors."
The massive man studied Caster with sudden intensity. "That presence... you've known true battle, haven't you? Fought alongside kings?"
"Something like that," Caster replied dryly.
"Then join me!" Rider spread his arms wide, his crimson cloak billowing dramatically. "Together, we could conquer this war and beyond!"
Caster shook his head. "I've served under others enough for several lifetimes. My contract is with him." A nod toward Souta.
Rider's expression turned thoughtful before he addressed Souta directly. "And you, Master of Caster? What do you seek from this war?"
"Nothing from the Grail," Souta said plainly, meeting Rider's gaze without flinching. "I'm here to stop the bloodshed before it consumes the city."
The declaration hung heavy in the air. Saber's eyes narrowed in appraisal, while Lancer let out a low whistle. Even Rider seemed momentarily taken aback.
"Bold words," the King of Conquerors rumbled. "And you propose?"
"A temporary alliance. We share information, agree not to attack each other unless provoked." Souta kept his voice steady. "No strings attached."
For three heartbeats, silence reigned on the bridge. Then Rider's booming laughter returned.
"I like you, boy. Very well—we'll consider it!"
Waver sputtered. "We will?!"
Lightning crackled as Rider seized the reins. "Until we meet again, fellow warriors!"
As the chariot vanished into the night, Souta exhaled slowly. Phase one was complete.
Now the real game began.