In the [Botanical Garden], the middle-aged man who called himself Lancer seemed to have seen an unbelievable presence. Before he could even finish his introduction, he fell to one knee in terror and guilt. He set down the long spear and greatshield in his hands and closed his eyes as if even looking was a form of blasphemy. Tears welled up, making the cross-shaped scar on his left cheek appear even more twisted as he repented.
"Lord, please forgive my sins. Though You had already forgiven me then, You now allow this miracle to manifest before my eyes again."
"However, I am an unforgivable 'sinner.' What right do I have to stand before that great personage again? Please, allow me to return to the Throne, to offer this body to that person, to repay even a fraction of my sins."
Before Aozaki Rin or Sajou Manaka could react, Lancer raised the crimson spear with both hands.
Immediately after, as if something vital sustaining his existence had shattered itself, Lancer's form dissolved into spiritual particles and scattered into the air. The proof of his Saint Graph, left behind, instantly merged with the spiritual particles and flowed into the young man's legs. At the same time, the crimson spear, as if summoned, spun through the air and flew into the young man's hands.
The moment the spear shaft touched the young man's hand, it unconsciously began to glow with a faint golden light.
—[Although I know you may not need it, please allow me to offer what little strength I have.]
—[Also, while I do not understand the situation, I ask that you be wary of that person, my ho...]
Lancer's words echoed in his mind before fading away. At the same time, a strange power flowed from Aozaki Rin's legs and back, allowing him to clearly feel as if sensation had returned to his legs.
In that instant, countless combat techniques were converted into experience and integrated into his being. Apart from feeling a new, special power within him called a [Saint Graph], Aozaki Rin felt no discomfort or abnormalities. After a brief moment of shock, he felt that his own magical energy had formed an invisible link with Sajou Manaka, who stood beside him.
"I... became a Servant?"
Aozaki Rin blinked, completely blindsided by this turn of events.
Furthermore, the words Lancer had spoken upon being summoned were extremely strange. Besides knowing that the man was likely the legendary "Longinus," Rin couldn't understand why he had destroyed his own Spiritual Core immediately upon arrival and left his power to him.
Of course, he wasn't the only one stunned by this situation.
When she had first summoned a Saint-type Servant, Manaka had also been slightly troubled. According to her original plan, trying to execute her schemes with this type of Servant would likely cause friction between Master and Servant.
But before she could even consider using brainwashing magecraft to alter the Servant's mental state for easier control, Lancer had directly "exited the stage."
Why did this happen? Where's my Lancer? How did he turn into Rei?
If this is the case, even if I get the Holy Grail in the end, there won't be any surprise!
Although she was constantly seeking "surprises" and "novelty," the current situation was completely outside of Manaka's expectations.
This was because her original plan to ambush the other Masters with her Servant was now undoubtedly ruined. Now, it was even possible that her adoptive brother would have to act as the main combatant, assisting her on the battlefield to slowly win this Holy Grail War.
But if that happened, wouldn't it just mean that she was taking the "prize" the young man fought so hard for, only to turn around and give it back to him?
—That's completely meaningless!
Feeling that her "Prince Charming Development Plan" had been running into accidents ever since it started, Manaka couldn't help but glare at the young man with a pouting, resentful look. She wanted to give his calf a light kick but subconsciously found herself reluctant to do so.
Maybe I should just withdraw from the war. At least if his eyes aren't healed, Rei will have to stay by my side forever...
The thought flashed through her mind, but after a glance at Aozaki Rin's body, Manaka decided the idea wasn't feasible.
A part of the young man's body was now fused with the Saint Graph of Lancer Longinus. Although Longinus's will was gone, in this Holy Grail War, the young man would likely be considered "Lancer" by the rules.
In other words, even if they did nothing, other Servants might still come looking for them.
Furthermore, even if they wanted to separate the Saint Graph, a fusion formed by this kind of "self-contribution" was not something that could be undone in a short time.
In the end, why did that guy do that...
Unable to comprehend Lancer's line of thinking, Manaka frowned in slight annoyance. Though she had more or less grasped the situation, she still put on a panicked and worried expression, rushing to Aozaki Rin's side. She touched his body as if checking him over and asked with concern.
"Rei, are you feeling unwell anywhere? Why did Lancer suddenly disappear? Why did he leave his spear? And... why does it feel like my magical energy is connected to yours?"
"I'm fine, Sister. Also, it seems Mr. Lancer healed my legs and left his power to me, letting me take his place as Lancer in this Holy Grail War."
Although he didn't understand Longinus's reasons, it wasn't an unacceptable outcome for Aozaki Rin.
In the past, because of his flawed legs, he couldn't walk or run normally. Even with the aid of Mystic Codes, there was still a slight unnaturalness to his movements.
But now, aside from his eyes being the same as ever, he could feel his body moving freely, and he had even gained proficiency in using a spear.
Combined with his past combat experience and the inexplicably familiar weapon now in his hands, he was confident he could hold his own even against a Servant.
"How could this happen... Does that mean you'll have to fight as a Servant, Rei?"
Anxiety filled her lovely face. Manaka was about to dissuade the young man from such a dangerous idea so they could reconsider their options, but Aozaki Rin simply smiled.
"It's fine. In fact, this makes me feel more at ease. Please don't worry, Sister. Even if someone like King Arthur shows up, I have a way to defeat them."
"I will win the Holy Grail War and give the Grail to you, Sister."
Now that the main risk factor had shifted from the girl to himself, and knowing that she had an important wish she desperately wanted to fulfill, Aozaki Rin abandoned his original conservative approach. He realized this was his chance to repay Sajou Manaka for all her years of care.
Of course, his words weren't born of blind arrogance. Since this was, after all, another strange dream, then just as in his other dreams, if he could defeat King Arthur there, it didn't mean he couldn't do it here.
Rather than hesitate, it was better to try.
Even if it proved impossible, he would pull the girl out of the war.
"I-Is that so..."
Although she didn't know where the young man before her got his confidence, his sudden shift to the offensive, wanting to offer the Holy Grail to her with such a pure expression, made a trace of guilt flash through Manaka's heart.
Because at this point, she couldn't possibly just come out and say that the whole reason for getting the Holy Grail was just to heal his eyes. That would likely make him think she was a troublesome woman who had to go through so many twists and turns to do something so simple.
Ugh, now what should I...
A sense of helplessness and anxiety began to rise in her heart. Manaka's gaze flickered, completely unable to meet the young man's face.
But undeniably, a trace of anticipation also bloomed in her heart.
—She wanted to see just how far he would go for her, to see if he could, like a "Prince Charming" from a story, overcome all obstacles for her sake.
However, this despicable thought was snuffed out as soon as it appeared. After all, she didn't want to become someone he would hate.
So what do I do next? The plan has to be completely revised... and how do I tell him that he doesn't have to try so hard...
The girl's worries and the young man's determination were polar opposites, yet strangely, neither of them was acting for themselves, but entirely for the other...
-------
Enjoying the story? Support the author and get access to early chapters by joining my Patreon!
Find me at My : pat*eon*com/RuneA
I, Herta's Fiancé, the Universe's Number One Male Fist (114 Chapter (Simulpub-Full) )
Zenless Zone Zero: I'm a Succubus in Sixth Street (290 Chapter)
Reborn in Type-Moon, My Sister is Aoko Aozaki (240 Chapter)
MyGO!! A Story Voiced by Me (110 Chapter)
BLEACH: Blade of Purification (120 Chapter)
Konoha: Starting the Game as Yoriichi (310 Chapter)
My Real Job is Spying on Konoha, but I'm Also its Hokage (120 Chapter)
The Pinnacle of the Navy! Starting from Being Captured by Garp (140 Chapter)
Watching Yu-Gi-Oh! short videos is making the veteran players lose...(70 Chapter)
Uma Musume : The Trainer Who Just Wants to Live (193 Chapter)
Zenless Zone Zero The Random Kamen Rider (140 Chapter)
Genshin Impact: It All Began With Me Being Stepped On by Arlecchino (100 Chapter)
Naruto: I Can Synthesize Summoning Beasts (70 Chapter)
Demon Slayer: The Great Swordsman's System, Disciple of Yoriichi (100 Chapter)
My Wife is a General, but I'm an Emanator of Abundance! (120 Chapter)
Type-Moon: My Nine-Fold Path (120 Chapter)
Uma Musume: They're Peeking at My Diary, and All of Tracen is Panickin (85 Chapter)
The Wild History of Type-Moon world (60 Chapter)
Reborn in Conan, But I Refuse to Be the Bad Guy (70 Chapter)
Ruan Mei is begging me to go back? But there's no going back anymore (120 Chapter)
Just a Slacker at Tracen Academy (120 Chapter)
Survival in Blue Archive (60 Chapter)
Kimetsu no Yaiba: Doma Wasn't Hated Today, Either (90 Chapter)
The Vibe of This Chat Group is a Little Off (90 Chapter)
Heartbreak Simulator: I Broke Them and Made Them Cry (70 Chapter)
The Talentless Trainer Doesn't Want to Restart (70 Chapter)
A Journey Starting as a Quincy (70 Chapter)
Uma Musume: The Master of Romance Obstruction (70 Chapter)
If there's a particular novel you're enjoying on Patron, please give it a 'like' so I know to focus on it.