Shinji Matou At Your Service

Chapter 27: Spear and Sword (2)

The battle unfolding in the warehouse district was unusually intense.

It was a brutal duel that had become extinct in the modern era, occurring only at a distant time when myths had not yet faded away.

A knight clad in armor and warrior-wielding twin spears clashed fiercely amidst the sharp edges, creating sparks that filled the air.

Although it was a confrontation with ancient weaponry, the collision of magical power and the accompanying powerful airflow seemed capable of obliterating everything and rivaling modern firearms.

It was as if the weapons held by the two Servants were not mere spears and swords, but explosive charges.

Their feet, pounding the ground, shattered the earth beneath them.

The pressure generated by the weapon swings severed the streetlamps.

Even with magically enhanced visual perception, it was challenging to keep up with their movement. One can only gauge the intensity of the battle from the occasional remnants left in their wake.

The metallic exterior of the warehouse walls cannot withstand the onslaught of intangible and tangible spears. It peeled off and distorted as if it were a mere tin foil torn away by shockwaves.

The wind whispered.

In the face of a space that defied the laws of the world, the surrounding air emitted a nervous lament.

A wild storm raged through a deserted shopping street, leaving destruction and chaos in its wake.

A mere melee battle between the two combatants would be sufficient to demolish the entire street.

This was the grand spectacle of the Holy Grail War–a recreation of the world of myths and legends.

Thunder shattered the sky and powerful waves crashed against the earth, blurring the line between fantasy and reality.

This was the battle between Servants.

Irisviel was shocked, Shinji Matou was enthralled, Scáthach's warrior blood surged higher and higher, and even Justeaze, who had witnessed three Holy Grail Wars, was still in awe.

"Shinji, close your eyes. Your vision has reached its limit," Scáthach suddenly spoke.

"Yes, Sensei."

Without hesitation, Shinji closed his eyes. He could barely perceive the movements of the two Servants thanks to the enhancement of his magecraft. Such a technique placed significant strain on his eyes, and prolonged use would surely damage his vision.

"However... I can't help but feel a bit reluctant to miss out on such a battle."

Upon hearing his disciple's words, Scáthach's eyes showed a clear satisfaction. She extended her index finger and traced a rune on Shinji's forehead.

"Any worthy warrior would not want to miss out on such a battle. Your mindset proves that you are one step closer to becoming a qualified warrior. So, consider this a reward," Scáthach said.

Soon after, the movements of Saber and Lancer became clear in Shinji's mind. Unlike before, when he could only perceive a vague outline, this time it was vivid and precise. Regardless of whether it was their swift footsteps or their fluid motions, everything was crystal clear.

This is how the world appears in Scáthach's eyes.

Servants could be considered special familiars, and theoretically, the magic that could be applied to familiars would also work on Servants, such as sharing senses. However, Servants possessed independent consciousness and personalities, and most resisted such magic. Shinji had never asked Scáthach for such a favor, so he was surprised when she voluntarily offered it today.

Just as the excitement and novelty began to rise, Scáthach interrupted his thoughts.

"Focus your mind."

Currently, these two are in a highly empathetic state. Whatever Shinji was thinking, Scáthach could sense it.

The reverse was also true. Scáthach took this opportunity to provide live commentary on her disciple.

"Observe and do not let the intensity of the battle blind you. The fight is still in the probing stage."

"Saber's attacks may appear fierce, but they are cautious. She is vigilant against both spears because she does not know which one is Lancer's trump card."

"Lancer is a Heroic Spirit known for his skill with spears, so, naturally, his Noble Phantasm would be a spear. Lancers are well aware of this. He has inscribed runes on his dual spears to conceal the true nature of his Noble Phantasm and avoid detection."

"A spear is primarily a long-range weapon, and very few people would wield it with just one hand. Saber believes that one of Lancer's dual spears is a disguise. She aims to determine which is Lancer's true spear based on his fighting style. The techniques he employs with his preferred weapon and those used to deceive opponents will have distinct differences between reality and illusion. Once she unveils this deception, Saber's chances of victory will greatly increase."

"However, she has not yet concluded because Lancer's proficiency with both the long spear and the short spear is profound. The coordination between the two is seamless."

In a swift motion, Lancer brandished a spear in his right hand, charging straight ahead. The sweeping blade of the spear unleashed a wide-range attack, exhibiting no compromise in power and speed compared with wielding it with both hands.

No, precisely because he used only one hand, there were numerous techniques absent in two-handed spear techniques. The spear thrust unexpectedly toward Saber from an unconventional angle.

However, long spears still have limitations. Due to its length, it inevitably revealed openings during attacks.

Seizing this opportunity, Saber planted her left foot firmly on the ground and leaped forward, intending to capitalize on this gap and strike Lancer.

Unfortunately, before Saber's attack could fully unfold, it was thwarted by Lancer's use of a short spear in his left hand.

The opening left by the long spear was swiftly filled by the short spear, leaving no room for defense.

"What's the matter, Saber? Your attack is not impressive enough," Lancer taunted.

Saber had not landed a single effective attack since the beginning of the battle.

"Using two spears simultaneously, without a single feint, his coordination is flawless. This man truly lives up to the name of being a 'dual-wielder, ' in every sense," Scáthach remarked.

"I'm also skilled with dual weapons, so I can see it, but I wonder if Saber has noticed," Scáthach's excitement grew.

In contrast, Shinji remained increasingly calm. "Nevertheless, Lancer is still at a disadvantage."

"You're right. Being able to see that proves that my teachings were not in vain," Scáthach's voice carried a hint of joy. "Lancer may be more focused on offense, but in reality, he is struggling to handle every one of Saber's attacks."

"That's only natural because Saber's sword is an 'invisible sword.'"

"A large amount of air around the sword is gathered and enveloped by magical energy, causing the air around the sword to refract light, making it completely invisible."

"While this doesn't have a significant impact on their Noble Phantasms, its effect is pronounced in close combat. Even if one can deduce Saber's attack trajectory through her movements, the invisible sword's length, width, and style cannot be perceived accurately, leaving one unable to make precise counters and only able to watch as numerous opportunities slip away—because you don't know if it's an opportunity or a trap."

"Despite Lancer's martial skills being on par with Saber's, he is still being suppressed by Saber precisely because of this 'invisible sword.'"

'Invisible Air' the term came subconsciously to Shinji's mind, and with it, a question arose. "If it were you, Sensei, facing Saber, how would you fare?"

Scáthach did not hesitate to respond to this. "Initially, I would also be at a disadvantage due to the 'invisible sword,' but after a few rounds, I would be able to discern the sword's style. However, because of the differences in physical attributes, I might not have gained the upper hand. Most Saber's attributes are at A rank or above, while most mines are only at D rank. In the face of absolute power, the efficacy of skill is weakened."

Shinji fell silent. If he was stronger, Scáthach, who was supposed to be his servant, would not be burdened by low attributes.

+60 Advanced Chapter /AbsoluteCode