The two Noble Phantasms struck the figure in the middle at the same time. But in that instant, a powerful surge of magical energy erupted from Arthur, and a flash of golden light burst out, repelling both attackers with overwhelming force.
Seeing this, Artoria was stunned. She was fully aware of the power behind her strike. And for the opposing Heroic Spirit to respond with such intensity—using that kind of Noble Phantasm as an offensive tool—the attack had to be devastating. Yet... it was completely blocked.
Arthur's defense remained unbroken. At the very least, nothing so far had been able to pierce through Avalon.
As Artoria was knocked back through the air, she braced for impact with the cold, unforgiving ground. But instead of hitting it, she found herself caught in a warm embrace.
"Are you alright?" Arthur's gentle voice echoed in her ears.
Artoria looked up at Arthur, then immediately pulled away and stood to the side. "Thank you for the help. But until we can determine whether we are allies or enemies, it's best we keep some distance."
She wasn't some naive girl easily swayed by emotions—her personality would never allow such wandering thoughts.
Arthur saw the guarded look in Artoria's eyes and could only shrug helplessly.
In an effort to hide his slight embarrassment, he turned and faced Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. The Lancer-class Servant was already recovering and voiced his displeasure.
"It is unbefitting of a knight to interrupt a duel between warriors."
"If you'd continued, both sides would've been seriously injured," Arthur responded coolly. "I merely acted on instinct."
But it was clear from Diarmuid's expression that he wasn't convinced.
Arthur casually picked up the pistol that had fallen to the side and tossed it to Diarmuid, who caught it without issue.
"Do you know who she is?" Arthur gestured toward Artoria.
Artoria walked forward, now speaking directly to Diarmuid.
"That spears of yours… it's a Noble Phantasm, isn't it?"
"Correct," Diarmuid confirmed. "As you saw, Gáe Dearg—the crimson spear—can disrupt the flow of magical energy, neutralizing magecraft and Noble Phantasms alike."
Since Artoria had already deduced the effect, Diarmuid had no reason to conceal its nature.
"But you've yet to see my other Noble Phantasm."
He raised his second weapon and gently brushed off the dust that had settled on it.
"This is Gáe Buidhe, the yellow spear. Its wounds are cursed—they do not heal. Even the most potent healing magecraft is powerless against it."
Artoria listened carefully. Two spears—one to dispel magical defenses and the other to inflict incurable wounds. Coupled with his striking appearance and reputation for charming women… she had no doubt about his identity.
"The chief warrior of the Fianna, the peerless lancer from Celtic legend... Diarmuid Ua Duibhne."
She narrowed her eyes. "I didn't expect to meet you here in this Holy Grail War."
Diarmuid smiled. "The Grail works in mysterious ways. And I must say, I recognize your golden blade."
His identity revealed, Diarmuid wasn't bothered in the least.
"To face the legendary King of Knights is an honor in itself."
"Then you should know King Arthur possesses a skill called Instinct—essentially precognition in battle," Arthur said with a grin. "I could tell your attack wasn't fatal."
"No," Artoria interjected firmly. "If I'd kept going, I would've been wounded for sure."
"A minor injury is hardly worth mentioning…"
Even if Saber lost an arm, she could still fight with one. She might not be able to unleash Excalibur, but her combat prowess was still formidable. That was the spirit of a knight.
Yet, Artoria couldn't help but admire Diarmuid's strength—and his chivalry.
The feeling was mutual between Diarmuid and Arthur. The two were evenly matched. Worthy rivals.
"The Holy Grail will be mine."
"No, it belongs to me."
Arthur stood between them with a pained smile. Can you two stop being so intense? I just saved both your lives…
---
Meanwhile, on a distant bridge—
"How fascinating. I didn't expect anyone to interfere," Iskandar—the Rider-class Servant—grinned as he watched the events unfold from afar.
"What is it?" asked Waver Velvet, his Master, noticing the amused expression on the King of Conquerors' face.
"Just as Lancer and Saber were about to go all out, another Heroic Spirit stepped in."
"Who would be foolish enough to do that?"
Smack!
Waver yelped as Iskandar slapped him lightly on the head.
"I was planning to wait until all the Heroic Spirits revealed themselves before charging in, but that might not be possible anymore."
"Why not? Isn't the plan to wait until everyone's weakened and then swoop in to collect the kills?"
"Oh? What are you thinking, Master?" Iskandar raised an eyebrow, amused.
"I mean, if we wait for all of them to tire each other out, we can clean up! Isn't that the best strategy? Ahahahaha!"
"..."
Iskandar stared at him blankly.
"Wait until everyone gathers… then take them all out?"
"Exactly! We'll take out every legendary Heroic Spirit at once! How exciting would that be?!"
"You truly are my Master," Iskandar said, bursting into hearty laughter. "But we cannot let such brave warriors pass us by."
"There are three Heroic Spirits out there, daring to reveal themselves so boldly. That takes courage."
"You want to fight them now?! I thought you were going to wait!"
"This is the Holy Grail War, Waver. Watching from the sidelines is meaningless. A true king fights with honor!"
With that, Iskandar raised his sword, magical energy crackling around him. A surge of mana signaled the activation of his Noble Phantasm.
"Let's go, Master! It's our turn to appear!"
He leapt onto his massive ox-chariot—Gordius Wheel—ready for battle.
"Hey! Get back here, idiot! You're going to ruin everything!"
"Oh? If you're not coming, that's fine. I'll go alone."
"Wait—NO! I'm coming! Wait for me!"
"Haha! That's the spirit! You're truly my Master!"
Iskandar laughed loudly, hoisted Waver into the chariot, and with a shout—
"Let's ride!"
Thunder cracked as the chariot blazed forward, lightning trailing behind them, illuminating the night sky.
---------
Need More Chapters?
Give this fic more Power stones!!!!!
Every 250 Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter
------------