Heroic Spirit Karna, an immortal hero whose name became legendary in the ancient Indian epic "Mahabharata." Born from the sun god Surya and the human woman Kunti, he received golden armor from his father as proof of his divine lineage, truly a great hero born with exceptional qualities.
"I see, you are indeed the Ruler. You saw through my True Name even before I drew my spear; that's the best proof."
"Hmm, speaking of which, Red Lancer, why are you here?"
"To speak of what's already known is not wise. As for why I'm here, consider it a clear declaration of war." Although she was already certain, Jeanne still felt a bit disheartened when told again. "It's your Master who's foolish. Is there any meaning in eliminating me here and now?"
"Who cares about that much." A concise answer; Karna refused further communication. "My Master ordered me to finish you here. Therefore, I only need to act according to the contract." Then, a pale light seemed to pierce Karna's right hand. But that was merely the
materialization of what he should have held in his hand.
In his hand appeared a gigantic spear. The spear's length far exceeded that of the muscular young man, so large that it was unimaginable as a human weapon, its intricate design an art form. This was a weapon "bestowed by a god"; no other words could describe it.
"I see, is this the immortal blade bestowed by Parashurama?" Looking at the weapon that appeared in Karna's hand, Shirou couldn't help but sigh.
"You are?" Only then did Karna notice that there was another Servant beside Jeanne.
"Assassin?"
"That's right, I am the Black Faction's Assassin." Before Jeanne and Karna met, Shirou had already minimized his presence. Although Presence Concealment wasn't entirely effective against Jeanne, that was because Jeanne could sense Servant information within a ten-kilometer radius.
Therefore, Shirou could still somewhat lower his presence when Jeanne wasn't paying attention.
"I see, is the Black Faction's objective also the Ruler?"
"Not at all. I just happened to meet her on my way to Trifas."
"Is that so? Then there's no big problem. I'll just eliminate both of you here and now!" As the weakest existence among the Seven Classes, the Assassin's presence was arguably the least noticeable. So much so that Karna spoke so casually about fighting two opponents.
"Truly confident!"
"Probably because I heard his True Name!" Shirou thought, looking at Karna, whose magic power was already intensely surging. Previously, due to his Presence Concealment, neither Jeanne nor Karna had noticed his existence. And for Jeanne to prove her identity as Ruler, she had to declare the opponent's True Name. This resulted in Karna's True Name now falling into Shirou's ears. Looking at Karna, who intended to use his Noble Phantasm, and Jeanne, who was a bit flustered, Shirou did not summon his weapon. There was no trace of worry on his face.
"Don't worry, Ruler, Karna can't hurt us. After all, I have a teammate!"
"Now! Saber!" Accompanied by a rough male voice, the iron pillar supporting the sign was cut in two. The spot where Karna had stood as a pivot immediately crumbled.
Of course, Karna would not be fazed by such a thing. He
calmly leaped up, landing steadily on the asphalt road.
"Such clear battle aura, is it the Black Faction's Saber?"
Seeing the drastic change in the situation, Karna also calmed down. After all, there were now three Servants from the other side, and only he was alone. Although he wasn't afraid, it was best to be cautious in this situation.
Meanwhile, Saber's Master stepped forward and respectfully extended his hand to the Ruler. "That was a close call, Ruler." Jeanne, called upon, nodded gently and said, "You are the Black Faction's Saber and Master, aren't you?"
"As you say. My name is Gordes Musik Yggdmillennia. I am the Master of Black Saber in this Holy Grail War.
And now..." Gordes raised his face, pointed at Red Lancer
Karna, and pompously condemned him: "Red Lancer, we have indeed witnessed with our own eyes your attempt to kill the Ruler! To attempt to eradicate a Heroic Spirit who presides over the Holy Grail War is the ultimate violation of rules!"
"This can't be settled with just a penalty! You should honestly accept the judgment delivered by my Saber and by her, the Ruler!" This statement was both a condemnation and a proposition for fighting together.
Even Gordes' eyes possessed the power to not miss Red Lancer's attempt to release his Noble Phantasm. At present, the best course of action was to fight alongside the Ruler, who seemed to possess immensely powerful privileges, and defeat Lancer. Lancer's strike just now was clearly aimed at the Ruler. Therefore, the Ruler should also accept this proposition. Gordes was certain of this.
But he didn't expect that Jeanne, upon hearing this, would cast a sharp glance at Gordes. "Black Saber, and Red Lancer. If you wish to fight here, I have no objection. I will not interfere, rest assured."
"Eh?" Facing the dumbfounded Gordes, Jeanne declared with a cold expression, "Red Lancer trying to take my life is a completely different matter from Red Lancer and Black Saber engaging in battle. As Ruler, I have a duty to uphold the discipline of this battle." Jeanne's words utterly bewildered Gordes. This Ruler's values were completely incomprehensible. Someone was trying to harm her, yet she wanted to wait until the battle ended?
"Hahaha, don't bother, Saber's Master. Our Ruler is Saint Joan of Arc. Do you think she would change her stance as a judge just because she's threatened?"
"So it's the Saint of France?" Hearing the reminder from the side, Gordes instantly understood. But he immediately turned his gaze to where the reminding voice came from. He saw a red-haired boy sitting on the side, watching them with great interest.
"You're Assassin? Why are you here?"
"Coincidence. After coming to Romania from Japan, I met the Ruler at the airport, and we've been heading to Trifas together!"
"I see, but this is perfect! Assassin, quickly act with Saber and eliminate Red Lancer!" Seeing Shirou's figure, Gordes' heart filled with joy. He had heard from Darnic before that Hyouma Sagara seemed to have drawn a good card. The Assassin he summoned was extremely powerful in combat.
"Eliminate Lancer! That's indeed a very good suggestion!"
"That's right, there's no better plan than this!" Gordes
said excitedly.
"But, I refuse!"
"One of my Assassin's favorite things to do is say NO to guys who think they're capable."
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