Shinji Matou At Your Service

Chapter 39: Conclusion of the Second Battle (Part 2)

After the destructive storm disrupted the battlefield, silence descended.

The sound of waves crashing against the cliffs and the distant noise from the streets began to secretly adorn the night sky. It seemed that with the departure of Lancer's Master, the isolated barrier was lifted.

Saber looked at Rider with a complex gaze, the one who had interrupted her decisive battle with Lancer.

"Why did you come here, King of Conquerors?"

"I don't know. I didn't think too much about it."

Facing Saber's question, the burly servant seemed indifferent and casually shrugged his shoulder.

"All those reasons, plans, and troublesome things can be left for future historians to ponder. We heroes just need to follow our hearts, embrace our burning passion, and gallop on the battlefield."

"That is not something a true king would say."

Saber responded with disappointment, her attitude firm. The King of Knights adhered to the principles of chivalry, a far cry from the unrestrained nature of the King of Conquerors.

Rider sniffes and ignores Saber's provocative gaze.

"The kingship of every king is unique. As for the king that I am, the king that you are, and the Queen of Shadows, we are all different. Or are you insisting on making a distinction between right and wrong?"

"That is exactly what I expect. I want to—"

Saber swung her invisible sword with stubbornness and determination.

"Don't be so stubborn, little girl."

Scáthach casually extended her right hand and accurately caught Saber's unseen blade. With a sudden force on her wrist, Saber's sword veered to the side.

"A qualified warrior does not fear strong enemies but also should not provoke them when in an unfavorable state."

While lecturing her junior, Scáthach had the opportunity to grab Saber's left wrist.

In battle, even if Saber were injured, Scáthach would not be able to grab her wrist because Saber possessed a rather OP skill called "Instinct," ranked A.

Instinct is the ability to instantly discern the "most suitable action for oneself" in battle. Instinct ranked A has entered the realm of "predicting the future," allowing the user to predict trajectories through sound and intuition, evade attacks from firearms, and, to some extent, overcome visual and auditory obstacles.

With this skill, Saber was able to gain the upper hand in her close-quarters battle with Lancer, and even Lancer's carefully calculated decisive strike did not completely succeed.

However, they were not currently in battle and Scáthach's actions were not hostile. Therefore, Saber's reaction was slightly delayed and Scáthach caught her left hand.

"Assassin!" Saber furrowed her eyebrows, her noble face cold as ice.

"Don't speak for now, and don't move recklessly."

Scáthach pulled Saber's left hand away, her eyes overflowing with magical radiance, looking through the magical armor at the wound on Saber's forearm.

"The curse of the Sea God... Authority level... If I were manifesting as Caster, there would be a solution, but for now, I can only provide some relief."

Amid Saber's uncertain gaze, Scáthach's left hand swiftly moved over the magical armor on Saber's arm, depicting the primal runes one by one.

The special effect of the Lance of Ozymandias, which obliterates the Yellow Rose, comes from the rune inscriptions bestowed by the Sea God Manannán mac Lir. Scáthach's primal runes corresponded precisely to the ailment, but because of her class, she could not utilize the authority-level primal runes that would break the curse of the Yellow Rose.

The primal runes took effect quickly, gradually alleviating the pain that had been plaguing Saber. Although her left thumb did not respond, it was in a much better state than when her left hand was almost completely disabled a moment ago.

Saber moved her left hand and solemnly performed a knight's salute to Scáthach:

"Thank you very much, Assassin."

"It's nothing. It is a reward for your battle with Lancer. Didn't I say that before? I like exceptional warriors." True strong individuals act at their own pace—Archer, Rider, and Scáthach are no exception. She gave Rider an apologetic glance.

"No, I object," Waver said weakly. "Are there any other options?"

"Then let's go for a milder one—Hmm, the mountains remain unchanged, and the green waters flow long. I look forward to having an exciting duel with you next time." Japanese and Chinese expressions differ slightly, but Shinji still conveys meaning. He always felt that such words, accompanied by respectful gestures, were very elegant (showing off).

However, Waver was still unsatisfied. "Is there something even milder?"

Shinji also became dissatisfied. His face sank, and he pulled his mouth to the side. "Listen, kid, the Holy Grail War is still a war. How can there be no grandeurs in the battle? The person on your side has conquered a vast empire spanning three continents. Don't diminish his presence."

"Okay, fine, let's go with that line."

Perhaps the Conqueror King gave Waver courage or perhaps the humor of the young version of Shinji eased his tension. Waver took a deep breath and shouted.

"The mountains remain unchanged, and the green waters flow long. I look forward to having an exciting duel with several of you the next time. Uh, why does it feel a bit strange? Is it the grammar or something else?"

"Don't worry about those details." Shinji waved his hand casually and gave a thumbs-up to Waver. "Next time, it will be Servants fighting Servants and Masters fighting Masters. I look forward to facing you, Waver Velvet."

"..."

"Yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!!!"

Waver's miserable scream echoed in the night, clearly audible.

Rider laughed loudly and pressed his Master back into his seat. Then he tightened the reins of the two divine bulls, and with a roar symbolizing Zeus's thunder, the bulls emitted lightning from their hooves and galloped into the sky.

"Farewell!"

Accompanied by the thunderous roar of lightning, Rider's chariot headed towards the southern sky.

Scáthach nodded to the two ladies, her body blending with the shadow of the container.

"Master, let's retreat as well."

"Yes, it's also time. Saber and Irisviel, we will meet again soon."

Shinji pulled his cloak, and his form became increasingly faint until he suddenly disappeared into thin air, leaving only one remark.

"Hey, you two up there, could you please stop pointing your guns at me? I have no ill intentions."

--*--

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