"So, can you tell us who we're up against?" Diarmuid Ua Duibhne asked with a gentle smile.
Ever the gentleman, despite the Holy Grail's guidance, he wanted clarity.
"Yeah, tell us who we're fighting. Intelligence is key in war!" Saber Gilles de Rais declared.
At that, Caster Gilles de Rais, now distinct in appearance, interjected, "But not as important as Jeanne!"
"I agree, nothing's as important as Jeanne!" Saber Gilles nodded fervently.
In a way, the two were the same person, just from different eras.
Rider Astolfo blinked, radiating cuteness, and spoke softly, "Do we really have to fight? It seems tough for the Grail, but shouldn't we talk to them first?"
"Talking's useless sometimes. Better to strike first. The Grail summoned all of us, so the enemy must be tough, right?" Archer Robin Hood said, stroking his weapon.
"If needed, I can scout. I've got experience in stealth."
As a ranger, Robin Hood excelled at covert operations, but Kirei Kotomine shook his head. "No need. We have someone more specialized for scouting."
He turned to the silent figure.
Wearing a skull-like mask and black garb, the figure had an almost nonexistent presence, easily forgotten in a crowd.
Assassin, Hassan of the Hundred Faces!
"Go investigate," Kotomine said. "As for locations…" He smiled faintly. "My dear friends, the Tohsaka family, the Matou family, and the Emiya household. I'll provide the addresses.
"Be cautious with the Matou family. Their head, Zouken Matou, is no simple figure. He's not in this Holy Grail War, but don't underestimate him... he might pull something.
"The Tohsaka family isn't much concern. As for the Emiya household, their boy isn't a proper magus and likely knows little.
"But stay vigilant. Even a novice can fell a veteran through their mistakes."
Kotomine didn't send Hassan out immediately, instead sharing his known intelligence.
"Shirou Emiya summoned a Saber. Rin Tohsaka likely summoned an Archer. These are based on class appearances. The Matou family… probably a Rider.
"I know one Master, a wealthy magus quite pleased with his Servant. He contacted me initially but stopped.
"I don't know who summoned the Assassin. The Lancer is dead, and his Master is out of the War."
Hearing Kotomine, the Servants exchanged glances. Diarmuid scoffed, "Why do I smell a conspiracy in your words?"
Robin Hood shook his head. "The Holy Grail War is about hiding your info while seeking the enemy's. But his role is too convenient... like a referee joining the game. Cheating."
He grinned. "But if it's to set the War right, I don't mind."
Astolfo hesitated. "Eh? Shouldn't we talk first? They don't seem weak. The Grail summoned all of us and offered hefty rewards. This enemy won't be easy."
The others ignored the adorable Rider's suggestion.
Clearly, no one wanted to negotiate before fighting, as it would expose their side's info.
Saber Gilles spoke up. "Master, you mentioned all but one Servant's class."
"True, I forgot Berserker," Kotomine said, his lips curling. "The Einzbern family summoned it early. Be wary of that one. Though a child, don't treat her as human.
"Think of her as a humanoid monster with a girl's mindset.
"And a child's thinking can be more terrifying and cruel than an adult's."
After sharing his intel, Kotomine dismissed Hassan of the Hundred Faces. The expert assassin vanished into the night.
Kotomine continued waiting for the arrogant king's return.
But that night, the most ancient king didn't reappear, as if lost in revelry.
Kotomine wasn't too concerned. The king loved indulgence, frequenting high-end venues, generously spending on fleeting pleasures.
In some ways, Gilgamesh was quite popular in those circles for his lavishness.
"What if he doesn't return? Do we keep waiting, Master?" Diarmuid asked, drawing everyone's attention... a shared concern.
"Not long," Kotomine replied. "If he doesn't come, we'll act on our intel. Seven Servants, all allied... our advantage is massive.
"The other side can't fully unite. Each has their own plans and thoughts, unlike us. We're one!"
Seeing their expressions shift, Kotomine felt satisfied with his persuasion.
Now, they'd wait for Hassan's intel, launch a surprise attack, take out one enemy with numbers, and slowly crush the rest.
In the Holy Grail War, numerical and informational advantages were key.
And he held both!
***
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