Shinji Matou At Your Service

Chapter 30: Spear and Sword (5)

Saber showed no sign of weakness.

"Well then, let's give it a try. See if you can block my next attack," she replied.

Both were experts, capable of predicting each other's movements through changes in magical energy and muscle tension. Despite declaring their determination to win, they maintained a standoff and were unwilling to move too easily.

Until... Lancer's right foot stepped into a patch of sand. The intense battle between the two caused the asphalt on the road to ripple, revealing the soft layer of sand beneath.

Lancer's leg sank into the sand, momentarily immobilizing him.

Saber had no intention of giving Lancer a chance to regain his footing. An explosion shook the air, and the once-invisible golden sword was now gleamed in the night sky.

This was the second function of the Wind King's Barrier. When the barrier was released, the restrained atmosphere was unleashed like a weapon, a one-time attack.

However, Saber did not treat it as a weapon, but as a propulsion device.

The air liberated from the golden sword propelled Saber. By using her entire body's strength to release magical energy, her body is transformed into a supersonic projectile.

This was Saber's plan—to break Lancer's predictions with triple the speed and unleash a decisive victory with a single swing of her sword.

In this state, Saber does not intend to hold back. Even if Lancer's counterattack inflicted heavy damage on her, she was prepared to take his life at that instant.

Facing Saber's high-speed charge, Lancer seems to give up on intercepting her. His red spear remained motionless, while the only thing moving was his right leg trapped in the sand.

The small opening that Saber caught was intentional, and it led her to her current position—the spot where Lancer discarded his short spear earlier.

"This is your mistake," Lancer revealed a triumphant smile as he kicked the sand beneath his feet.

However, what flew into the air was not just sand, but also the short spear Lancer had thrown away moments ago.

The blade of the spear was aimed directly at Saber's direction, and the runes on the short spear were undone, revealing its golden body emanating a chilling magical aura.

Yes, indeed, a spear is typically a two-handed weapon, but this does not mean that it can only be wielded with both hands. Though rare, history has witnessed heroes renowned for their dual-wielding of spears, such as Dong Ping, the "Dual Spear General" among the famous 108 outlaws of Liangshan, as well as Scáthach, who stood by Shennong's side, and the one standing before Saber.

More importantly, the Heroic Spirit's Noble Phantasm is not limited to just one.

Saber's biggest mistake in this battle was her preconceived notions and conclusions about Lancer before the fight even began. With such assumptions, she disregarded Lancer's exquisite dual spear technique, only to step into the trap that he had set.

Unfortunately, this realization was too late.

Saber's body couldn't stop, and Lancer's spear wouldn't stop either.

Both could only await the decisive moment when victory or defeat would become clear, perhaps a moment that would determine not just the outcome, but also life and death.

The fierce wind raged.

Life and death are intertwined.

In the fleeting moment, as Saber and Lancer brushed past each other, crimson blood blossomed in the air, vibrated, and then dissipated in an instant.

Saber, who had charged forward, came to a halt, and at the same time, both individuals turned around.

They stood upright, unwavering in their will to confront each other, the two Servants still standing.

In the second split, before the outcome was determined, Saber's trajectory for the assault deviated slightly.

As a result, the short yellow spear that appeared poised to pierce Saber's chest ended up stabbing her left arm.

Similarly, Saber's golden sword gently veered away from Lancer's vital spot and the blade pierced Lancer's left arm.

Coincidentally, both of them were injured in the same area.

"So, you're unwilling to surrender victory to me like this? Very well, your indomitable spirit is commendable."

Lancer wore a wistful smile as he stared intently at Saber, seemingly making an effort to ignore the wounds on his elbow.

And true to form, Lancer's wound healed as if replaying the film, without anyone touching it, and even the trace vanished. Kenneth's voice resonated as the wound disappeared.

"Why waste time talking there? Fool, you didn't manage to deliver a fatal blow."

"I deeply regret it as well, my Master," Lancer moved his fully restored left hand, and his gaze at Saber became even more piercing.

In contrast to Lancer, Saber's dignified beauty does not hide her pain and restlessness.

"Irisviel, please heal me."

The floating spear in mid-air and the sword gripped tightly by Saber in both hands naturally differ in power. Judging by appearance, the wound on Saber's forearm from the pierced short spear could be considered a minor injury compared with Lancer's wound.

However...

"I've already done it. I used magic, so why..." Irisviel's expression was more distressed than Saber's. "The healing should have taken effect by now, Saber. You should be fully recovered."

While remaining vigilant against Lancer and not daring to relax, Saber continued to look at the wound on her left arm. The wound did not bleed much and appeared to be a minor injury; however, the tendons had been severed. Among the five fingers, the most crucial thumb could not move; thus, Saber could not grasp the sword handle with sufficient grip strength.

Everyone can sense the fluctuations of Irisviel's magical power, undoubtedly a high-level healing magic. However, Saber's forearm remained unhealed, and her left thumb appeared motionless, similar to a congenital disability.

Lancer paid no attention to Saber nor did he launch an attack. He confidently bent down and picked up a yellow short spear that had fallen to the ground with his left hand.

"It's impressive that you understand that armor is useless against my Gae Dearg (Rose of Piercing Crimson)," Lancer said without hesitation as if he had determined that there was no need to hide it anymore, revealing the true name of his Noble Phantasm.

"But abandoning your armor was too impulsive. Otherwise, you could have withstood Gae Buidhe (Yellow Rose of Mortality)."

As Lancer explained, he raised the red long spear in his right hand and the yellow short spear in his left hand, spreading them like wings.

This posture was the same as when the battle began. It was not a deceptive stance but a unique killing technique mastered by the warrior after intense training.

"I see, it's a cursed spear that inflicts wounds that cannot be healed. I should have realized it earlier," Saber said with a hint of regret. "The Spear of Striking Crimson, the Spear of Cursing Yellow, and the tear mole in the right eye that can bewitch maidens—the renowned 'Radiant Visage' of the Fianna Knights, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. I never expected to have the honor of facing you."

Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, also known as Diarmid O'Dyna, is an important figure in Celtic mythology and ancient Irish Gaelic stories, particularly in the Fenian Cycle. His legends were passed down to this day in the Irish region.

"That's the wonder of the Holy Grail War. However, I am the one who is more honored. If there is someone who can sit on the Throne of Heroes across time and space, they would never mistake that golden sword."

Having revealed his true name, Lancer showed no signs of regret. Instead, he narrowed his eyes with refreshing expressions.

"To have a showdown with the famous King of Knights and even gain the upper hand. It seems that the heavens have not abandoned me yet."

The King of Knights refers to King Arthur, the most famous figure in Celtic legends. In full, his name is Arthur Pendragon. In Romanized form, Arthur is expressed as "Artorius," and in its feminine form, it is "Artoria." Considering Artoria Pendragon's female identity, her story, along with the Knights of the Round Table under her command, is renowned worldwide.

King Arthur and the Radiant Visage Diarmuid Ua Duibhne both belong to the Celtic tradition. Diarmuid predates King Arthur slightly in time, but when summoned as Servants, they are granted knowledge of modern times by the Holy Grail. Therefore, Diarmuid knows of King Arthur's legends, who later brought honor to his homeland.

"So now that we know each other's names, we can finally have a proper knightly battle. Or perhaps you'd prefer to find out after I've injured your hand, Saber?"

"Don't jest. It would be an insult to me to be concerned about such a minor injury." Saber decisively asserted, and once again, she enveloped herself in her magical energy, donning her silver-white armor. Although it would only waste her magical energy against the Lancer's Rose of Piercing Crimson, it would still be useful against the Yellow Rose of Mortality.

At the same time, the "Invisible Air" gathered, and the golden sword disappeared.

Despite being overwhelmingly disadvantageous, Saber's face showed no signs of despair. By contrast, she grew even more resolute.

Both Lancer and Saber wore expressions of delight, encountering a worthy opponent.

One of them cleverly used the Noble Phantasm to catch the opponent off guard, displaying astonishing battle wisdom.

The other person blocked the surprise attack of the Yellow Rose of Mortality, sacrificing their left arm. Their exceptional adaptability was commendable.

Their shared adherence to the code of chivalry adds a sense of mutual respect between them.

"Prepare yourself, Saber. This time, I will emerge victorious."

"That's something you can only say if I haven't already won, Lancer."

As they boldly and provocatively exchanged words, they predicted each other's deadly techniques, cautiously probing each other step by step. The warrior's smiles, unique to fighters, elicited a sigh from Scáthach:

"It's a pity that such exceptional warriors will fall here. If only I had arrived a little earlier."

"It's not too late to join now," Shinji proposed. "The Holy Grail War has just begun. There's no need to eliminate someone so early."

"Shinji!" His partner, Justeaze, glared at him disapprovingly. They had agreed that they would obtain the Holy Grail and evolve further. Wasting the opportunity to defeat their enemies without reason was unacceptable to her.

"Calm down, Lady Justeaze," Shinji waved his hand and looked up at the sky. "Even if I don't intervene, others will."

In the sky, thunder rumbled, and lightning flashed.

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+60 Advanced Chapter /AbsoluteCode