The magic circle before Ryougi Raku blazed with light, and the power within him surged forth. However, magical energy and his own Origin Power were fundamentally different; the drain was negligible to him. As the light bloomed, a figure knelt on one knee within it—precisely the Servant Ryougi Raku had desired.
…
In the distant Einzbern Castle, the figure that appeared within the light was like the noblest and most sacred flower in full bloom, solemn and cold, breathtakingly beautiful. Yet, what filled Emiya Kiritsugu's heart was not admiration or joy, but fury rushing to his head!
"Answer me! Are you the Master who summoned me?"
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Within the vacant mansion, the clashing of weapons echoed. Each strike was accompanied by intense wind pressure, though both parties strove to minimize the collateral damage.
The figures separated and stood facing each other. Diarmuid Ua Duibhne spoke with admiration, "Lord Ryougi is truly formidable. I never expected to encounter a warrior of your caliber in the modern era. Be it strength, agility, or martial skill, you are the equal of us Heroic Spirits, perhaps even our superior."
Ryougi Raku accepted Lancer's praise without humility. Given his pride, he deemed the compliments well-deserved.
"My only interest in the Holy Grail War is the opportunity to battle these Heroic Spirits! So, Lancer, what is your wish?" Ryougi Raku asked, though he already knew the answer.
"My wish has already been fulfilled. Swearing loyalty to you is the greatest wish realized since my summoning. All I hope for now is to win this war for you and present the Holy Grail to you with my own hands!" Lancer bowed respectfully. Even though the one before him was a twelve-year-old child who barely reached his shoulders, this was his Master in this world.
"However… I deeply admire your bravery, but the frontlines are my duty as your knight. You need only await my presentation of the Grail…" Lancer chose his words carefully.
"—Are you questioning me, Lancer?" Ryougi Raku's tone was serious.
"I would not dare! But your safety is of utmost importance."
"Do not worry, Lancer. You have witnessed my strength. Besides, there are few Servants who truly interest me. Battling them and honing my skills is my primary goal!" Ryougi Raku's tone softened slightly.
"As you command!" Seeing that he could not dissuade his Master, Lancer acquiesced. Even if his lord's orders seemed reckless, as a loyal knight, he would not question his lord's authority and could only strive to fulfill his duties to the best of his ability.
'Should danger arise, I will sacrifice my life to protect my Master!' Lancer resolved.
Yet, in his heart, Lancer secretly admired his Master's decisiveness and praised the bravery of the young lord before him.
'In ancient times, he would surely have been a great monarch!'
Unaware of Lancer's high opinion, Ryougi Raku was somewhat surprised he had persuaded him so easily. It seemed that for such a loyal Servant, as long as his commands did not violate his chivalric code, orders issued in the proper form would be readily accepted.
This was precisely why Ryougi Raku had chosen Lancer. He had little interest in the Holy Grail itself; his true goal was to test his skills against ancient heroes. Had he lacked a catalyst, he would have summoned a Servant based on compatibility. According to the principle that a Servant reflects the Master, the Heroic Spirit summoned would likely be one equally steadfast in their own path, unconcerned with others' opinions.
Moreover, only those with a wish would answer the Grail's call. If an unknown Heroic Spirit lacked Lancer's loyalty and saw his Master's disregard for personal safety, they might resort to any means to obtain the Grail for their own wish. In such a case, Ryougi Raku would not hesitate to use a Command Seal to force them to suicide.
Thus, for someone as stubborn and unwavering as himself, it was best not to summon a Servant too similar in nature!
"Since you are resolved, I shall not stop you. However, you must beware the Servants' Noble Phantasms… Even if you are their equal in martial prowess, those Noble Phantasms are the foundations of their legends, their true power." Having given up on persuasion, Lancer focused on advising his Master on the dangers.
Ryougi Raku nodded. He listened attentively to advice that did not hinder his goals. "I understand, Lancer. I will be cautious."
He glanced at Lancer's status. Perhaps due to his own capabilities as the Master, Lancer's parameters had adjusted: Strength B+, Endurance C+, Agility remained A+. It seemed even his power could not easily overcome the inherent limitations of the Lancer class. Most glaring, however, was that infamous Luck E.
"It seems even the noble nature of my Origin Power cannot alter the curse of Lancer's Luck E," Ryougi Raku sighed inwardly, looking at Lancer with a trace of pity.
Lancer was puzzled by his Master's gaze but remained silent out of prudence.
"Fortunately, this Lancer of the Fourth War isn't overly reliant on luck in combat. Were it the Lancer of the Fifth War, despite his powerful causality-reversing Noble Phantasm, it would be useless against an opponent with high luck."
Ryougi Raku had his own theories about the corruption of the Holy Grail in this world, but confirmation would have to wait until he witnessed it firsthand.
"Lancer, find a suitable location today. We will gather these so-called Servants tonight. Since they are Heroic Spirits, ancient heroes, let them come and fight!" Ryougi Raku ordered.
"As you command, Lord Ryougi. And what of you?"
"I will simply stroll around Fuyuki City…" He waved a hand, cutting off Lancer's protest. "It is still daytime. The Holy Grail War has not fully commenced. Even if attacked, my strength is sufficient to avoid instant defeat. Should the need arise, I will summon you with a Command Seal."
Seeing that Ryougi Raku had arranged everything, Lancer bowed and vanished into spiritual form.
Ryougi Raku was well aware of the situations of the other Masters, so there was no need for familiars or surveillance. With Lancer gone to prepare the battlefield, he had nothing else to do and decided to explore this pivotal city of the Type-Moon world.
…
"So this is the land where Kiritsugu was born!"
The plane landed smoothly. As the cabin door opened, Irisviel spoke cheerfully.
Irisviel had changed out of the dress she wore in Einzbern Castle into what she considered ordinary attire. However, even her "ordinary" clothes were exceptionally luxurious by common standards. Coupled with her stunning silver hair and jewel-like features, she became the center of attention.
"Saber, how did you find air travel?"
"Rather uneventful, more tedious than I imagined." Saber's sacred blue eyes were unusually calm.
"Ah, really? Saber, I thought you'd be happier, more grateful." Irisviel smiled.
Saber frowned slightly. "...Iri, you don't think of me as a primitive, do you?"
"When summoned as a Servant, I was imbued with considerable modern knowledge. And as a knight, I believe I could pilot this 'airplane' if necessary!"
Irisviel was taken aback. "You... can fly a plane?"
"I believe so. I possess the Riding skill, applicable to all mounts. So, as long as I take the reins, I can quickly adapt to operating it."
Hearing this, Irisviel couldn't help but laugh brightly.
"What is it, Iri?"
"Ah, nothing, it's nothing!" Irisviel quickly waved her hands.
"But, Saber, this is really wonderful, isn't it?"
"Hmm? What is?" Saber was confused by Irisviel's sudden remark.
"That you cannot turn into a spirit! This way... I can help you choose more clothes!"
"…"
Saber was at a loss for words. She looked down at her own attire.
A well-fitted navy blue dress shirt and tie, paired with a European-style black jacket—a perfect example of men's formal wear.
Combined with her imposing demeanor, slender figure, fair skin, and the purity she radiated, she was the picture of perfection at first glance.
Noticing Saber examining her clothes, Irisviel asked quickly, "This outfit is based on my own clothes. Do you not like it, Saber?"
"Not at all. It is excellent! It allows for great freedom of movement. I often wore men's clothing in the past."
…
The two continued chatting and laughing as they went through immigration. All along the way, people turned to look and whisper.
"Perhaps my attire is indeed somewhat peculiar?" Saber murmured, noticing the stares.