Solomon didn't stay to watch the battle between Scáthach and Artoria.
Though it was expected to be a thrilling fight, for him, rather than enjoying another Servant's battle, he preferred to attend to his own matters.
At the edge of the Fuyuki River, far from Fuyuki Bridge, Marisbury smiled as Solomon approached. "That was truly a legendary battle, King. In the mystic world, many fools treat Servants like ordinary familiars, severely underestimating their existence. If they had witnessed that fight, they'd surely realize their folly."
"Too much praise. But calling it a battle—midway through, after we reached an agreement, he and I were no longer fighting seriously. If anything, it was more like a competition."
That fierce battle wasn't their full strength? Setting Solomon aside, Naoki's power once again reshaped Marisbury's impression of him. Based on available information, ten years ago, Naoki was just an ordinary person ignorant of Magecraft, yet in a mere decade, he had grown to this extent.
Rather than saying Naoki was exceptionally talented, it was more accurate to say he kept seizing opportunities, reaching the pinnacle directly.
"Then, about the agreement you reached during the fight…"
"That's what I wanted to discuss with you, Master. In this Holy Grail War, we've openly lost, but in terms of actual outcomes, we can still achieve our goals."
"Whether you want vast wealth through the Holy Grail or I want to become human, we can still fulfill our wishes through the Grail."
Solomon's words made Marisbury frown. "You mean… no matter who wins, we can still obtain the Holy Grail in the end?"
"The final victor will undoubtedly be the Fairy Magus, no mistake. He has a reason to win, and for him, all he desires is the fact of victory itself. The Holy Grail isn't what he covets."
"So, Lord Natsukawa will allow us to use the Holy Grail after he wins?"
"He didn't say it explicitly, but I believe he will. It's part of the agreement we reached. Of course, I also think he'll accept your request to join Chaldea, though in a slightly different form."
Marisbury paused. "You're very confident. Is this also part of your agreement?"
"Just a mutual understanding."
"What if there's a mistake?"
"There won't be. Even if there is, there's a backup plan." In Solomon's mind, the figure who had repeatedly thwarted him appeared.
Though the Holy Grail in this Holy Grail War couldn't be used by him, that was fine.
There wasn't just one Holy Grail.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
At the same time, on the battlefield.
*CLANG!* *CLING!* *CLANG!* *CLING!*
The Holy Sword and magical spear clashed fiercely in the air countless times. Thousands of sparks flew, the spear's tip and the sword's blade tearing through the ground and everything around them.
Compared to Naoki and Solomon's battle, Artoria and Scáthach's fight lacked excessive special effects or blinding light pollution. If Naoki's battle was a grand fantasy film, what these two women presented was a pure, no-special-effects action movie.
Scáthach didn't use Primordial Runes, and Artoria didn't unleash her Holy Sword or Avalon. Both relied solely on their martial skills for the purest close-combat duel.
This was also the most visually captivating.
And in this fight, what was surprising and delightful was—
"Lia's dominating the fight." Morgan analyzed the battle's flow. "Should we say it's thanks to a great Master, or does Avalon's return give her boundless confidence? Or is it the pent-up anger resulting in this exceptional performance?"
Perhaps all three.
The abundant Mana provided by Naoki boosted Artoria's stats. Avalon's presence allowed her to ignore minor injuries and employ bolder tactics. Meanwhile, the accumulated frustrations and guilt from the past few days fueled an unprecedented surge in her fighting spirit.
The combination of these factors made Artoria nearly dominate the fight.
*KLANG—!*
The magical spear and Holy Sword crossed again, the spear's blade swiftly grazing Artoria's cheek, cutting a few strands of golden hair and leaving a wound on her face. Likewise, the Holy Sword passed by Scáthach's waist, tearing her black bodysuit and the flesh beneath.
Still just scratches. In the past few minutes of fighting, such mutual injuries had occurred over a dozen times.
But this time, the situation was slightly different.
"The wound Scáthach caused is shallower than Lia's."
With full awareness of the surrounding situation, Naoki understood the fight's flow more deeply than the combatants. He could sense that the wound on Scáthach's waist was about half a fingertip deeper than the one she left on Artoria's face.
A minor difference, but a difference nonetheless.
Seeing Artoria unscathed, Scáthach, who had stepped back to reposition, showed a satisfied smile. "Truly worthy of the renowned King of Knights. This is the first time I've been at a disadvantage in a fight. What a novel experience."
"Likewise, Lancer. Among those I know, in terms of spear technique alone, you're undoubtedly the strongest. Even if you claimed your spear skills could rival a god's, I wouldn't doubt it. Fighting an opponent as strong as you is an honor for me as a knight."
After truly fighting, Artoria felt a slight relief. Relief because she had Avalon. Without its continuous healing, she would have far more wounds than Scáthach by now.
To maintain dominance, her attacks somewhat neglected defense, leaving many openings.
(But without Avalon, I wouldn't have this style either.)
When she had Avalon, this was indeed how she fought. It was like returning to her roots.
"Well, though continuing to fight like this is fine, since it's a battle, it can't end without determining a winner."
Scáthach raised her magical spear, a bright red vortex suddenly swirling around its shaft, and a chilling sensation instantly pierced Artoria's heart.
This attack was—
(Lia, this is Lancer's Noble Phantasm. Its specific effect is to first use a close-range strike with the first magical spear to pin the enemy in space, stripping their freedom, then throw the second magical spear with full force to end their life. Note that this Noble Phantasm is a causality-based one—if it's lethal, it will manifest by piercing the heart.)
Naoki's voice sounded in her mind.
(Thank you for the information, Master.)
Artoria once again felt how fortunate she was. In the next Holy Grail War, she might not encounter a Master as great as Naoki.
Returning Avalon, reconciling her with Mordred, reuniting and mending her bond with Morgan, providing comprehensive combat support… such immense kindness, Artoria felt she couldn't repay equally.
Thus, at least once, she would bring him victory.
Scáthach was already attacking with her spear. The first thrust would pin her in space. If so, facing it would be simple.
"Manifest…"
A faint glow emanated from Artoria's chest.
"Avalon!"