"Amakusa Shirou Tokisada, you say...?"
"Black" Archer suppressed the shock in his heart at Ruler Jeanne d'Arc's words.
Brown skin, silver hair, dressed as a priest. He appeared to be in his late teens, but if this was the Amakusa Shirou Tokisada that Archer knew, it made sense. Servants are summoned in the prime of their lives. For a hero who died in his late teens, his physical age would naturally be fixed at that.
However, even if there was a Servant named Amakusa Shirou on the enemy side, it wasn't a big deal.
Amakusa Shirou was a great figure known to all in Japan, allowing him to draw maximum benefit from fame, but this was Romania, a place with almost no Japanese influence. His individual abilities would be significantly diminished, and in combat, he would likely be inferior not only to Archer but even to "Black" Rider. After all, Amakusa Shirou had no tales of martial prowess. If anything, he only had legends of performing minor miracles. His abilities as a commander were also greatly diminished as a threat in a Holy Grail War heavily influenced by an individual's combat power.
However, this was a Great Holy Grail War.
When commanding multiple Servants, it wasn't entirely unreasonable to place a commander-type Servant at the top. The problem was that this Servant had usurped the Master rights of the other Servants. And the fact that this Servant, Amakusa Shirou Tokisada, was the Ruler summoned in the Third Holy Grail War.
Judging from the agitation of the "Red" Servants, Shirou's behind-the-scenes maneuvering was unknown to them. And the fact that the so-called mastermind had now revealed himself meant this Great Holy Grail War had begun moving in a way that could no longer be contained within the simple framework of Yggdmillennia vs. the Mage's Association, "Black" faction vs. "Red" faction.
The two Rulers exchanged glances, staring each other down.
The golden Ruler made no effort to hide her hostility, her lips drawn tight. The silver Ruler responded with a faint, composed smile.
Strictly speaking, he wasn't necessarily in a superior position. Was this composure born from the nerve of one who had been moving in the shadows all along?
"The salvation of all humanity? Such foolish talk, are you serious?"
"My, I'm surprised. For one praised as a saint, to call the salvation of all humanity foolish talk? I believed it to be the heartfelt wish of nearly all saints and virtuous men."
"That is certainly true. However, no one has ever been able to achieve it, and it cannot be realized by mere words. Even if it were the Holy Grail, it should be the same."
The all-powerful wish-granting device, the Holy Grail, was ultimately nothing more than a means to skip the process of realizing a wish. Its ability was to instantly bring about a result by reducing to nothing the various requirements needed to obtain it—years, effort, funds, and so on. Therefore, the wishes it could grant were limited to those where a definite result existed; it did not possess the power to materialize abstract concepts like 'the salvation of humanity.'
It was unclear how much Shirou knew about the Grail's functions, but if he had been summoned as a 'Ruler,' he should have been aware of its limitations. It was hard to believe he would speak of an impossible wish like saving humanity.
Thus, at this point, Ruler did not for a moment believe Shirou's words were sincere.
However, Shirou shook his head, brushing aside Ruler's interrogation.
"It is possible, you know. Ruler."
"Eh...?"
"This Holy Grail possesses sufficient power to save humanity. More than sixty years ago, when I touched the Grail, I became certain of it."
Ruler's eyes widened in astonishment.
Reason could deny such a thing was impossible. Ruler was a special Servant called forth by the Holy Grail—a Servant who stood, so to speak, on the side of the Grail. If a Ruler could deny it as impossible, then the Grail undoubtedly lacked the power to accomplish humanity's salvation. The Ruler Amakusa Shirou Tokisada before her should be no different. And yet, where did this confidence come from? An ominous premonition was unbearable.
"Now then, though inadvertently, most of the Servants have gathered here. As for me, I would recommend that all of you from 'Black' surrender."
"Surrender, you say?"
The first to bite was "Black" Rider.
"Yes. Your side has just lost your key Lancer, and your Assassin is missing. Furthermore, I confronted your Berserker, but he is not a Heroic Spirit who can excel in Servant combat. Additionally, this space is under the control of Assassin Semiramis. Your disadvantage is undeniable."
"Disadvantage, you say? I wonder about that. Your side isn't exactly unified either, are you? I may not be much as a fighting force, but we still have plenty of combat power on our side. And given the situation, Ruler is on our side too. I don't think we meet the conditions for surrender, do you?"
Here, four of "Black's" Servants were present, excluding Berserker. "Black" Saber, "Black" Archer, "Black" Caster, "Black" Rider—the majority of their combat force was still intact, and they had penetrated the enemy's central stronghold. As for the "Red" faction, their Servants had not agreed to the transfer of Master rights, and lacking unified command, while they surpassed "Black" in individual quality, they could hardly be said to function as an army. Numbers were equal. At this moment, engaging in battle, seizing the Greater Grail, and annihilating the enemy, while not high, was not an impossibility.
"I see... There is some merit to Astolfo's words. Then, what about you, Avicebron? Do you share Rider's opinion?"
Considering the Ruler's privilege skill, 'Revelation of True Names,' there was no oddity in Shirou speaking the Servants' true names. Revealing them deliberately likely also served as a warning to the "Black" faction.
Having his true name revealed held no particular sway over "Black" Caster, who had no legendary weaknesses to speak of. Unsurprised, he posed a question to Shirou.
"Why do you single me out like that?"
"Because you are a mage who seeks truth, not a knight. I thought you would choose the advantageous side, regardless of organizational interests."
"Hmm, may I ask one question then?"
"By all means."
"Assuming you bring me to your side, do you have enough Servants to defeat? To activate the Holy Grail, you must defeat a certain number of Servants, correct? At this point, only your Berserker and our Lancer have been eliminated."
The Holy Grail grants wishes using colorless magical energy, but the energy used for that includes not only the magical energy absorbed from the ley lines but also the souls of the defeated Servants. Or rather, considering the aspect of the ritual that relies on sacrificing Servants, the latter carries greater weight. Unless Servants fall, the Grail will not activate, and even if it does, some wishes might not be granted.
"There is no problem."
Shirou said confidently.
"This Greater Grail has stored the unused magical energy of the six Servants from the Third Holy Grail War, excluding myself, who was defeated. Some was lost when Darnic transported it to Romania, and we performed the audacious feat of summoning fourteen this time. Nevertheless, it is sufficient to distribute the granting of wishes. Your wish can be achieved without overlapping with mine."
"I see."
Muttering in a voice devoid of emotion, Caster turned his back on the "Black" faction and stepped forward towards Shirou.
"Caster! What are you doing?!"
Rider shouted with a voice that seemed to tear his throat.
Ignoring Rider's cry, Caster formed a contract with Shirou.
"Forgive me for keeping my gloves on."
"Yes, I look forward to working with you."
They shook hands, and Shirou wove the incantation for the re-contract.
A stunned Rider glared at Caster with an expression that seemed ready to pounce at any moment.
Saber and Archer said nothing, keeping a watchful eye on the movements of "Red" Lancer and Rider in their peripheral vision.
Even so, Archer wore a pained expression at Caster's betrayal.
Each Servant was an irreplaceable asset.
Their chance of victory had lain in numerical parity with the enemy. With Caster's defection, they would fall into numerical disadvantage at once.
If one simply fell, it left one hole. But if one defected, the numerical difference effectively swelled to two. This difference would greatly impact an all-out battle. This gathering place had become an even more disadvantageous space for the "Black" faction.
Even if the enemy Servants remained silent, with the Command Spells in Shirou's hands, he could force them to kill regardless of their will. The notion that the enemy was not unified was nothing but wishful thinking.
"Now then, the scales have already tipped. As a formality, I shall ask you two as well. Siegfried, Emiya Shirou. Do either of you have any intention to surrender?"
A stir ran through the Servants. With the revelation of their true names, curious gazes fell upon "Black" Saber and "Black" Archer.
The looks directed at the two were entirely different.
The true name Siegfried belonged to an all-too-famous Heroic Spirit. If one were to summon under the 'Saber' class, his name would be among the first mentioned—a great hero of such renown, spoken of along with his dragon-slaying legend, invincible body, and beloved holy sword.
There was plenty of material for speculation.
With his high-level parameters and abnormally robust physique, it was somewhat possible to narrow it down. Most Servants were warriors who had raced across battlefields. Upon hearing Siegfried's name, one couldn't help but feel interest. On the other hand, a different kind of gaze was directed at Archer.
The reason was that upon hearing the name Emiya Shirou, no one had the slightest inkling who he was.
"Emiya Shirou?"
"Black" Rider tilted his head.
Upon being summoned, Servants are given information about the legends of heroes and great figures passed down to the modern era. Therefore, once a true name is revealed, one should immediately understand who that Servant is. Yet, none of the Servants present had any recollection of a hero named Emiya Shirou.
"To have your true name read and yet remain unidentified. Truly, you are a troublesome Servant."
"Red" Assassin, standing beside Shirou, smiled with a bewitching expression.
"It's not irregular, I suppose. As Heroic Spirits are beings not bound by the time axis, such a possibility always exists. However, since the present is built upon the accumulation of the past, summoning a Heroic Spirit from the future with no connection to the past is not something easily done. Yggdmillennia has indeed done something troublesome."
"You speak quite confidently."
"Nothing else fits. A Heroic Spirit from the future, or from a parallel world where you left no name in this world's history. That must be you. For me as well, this is the first time meeting a Servant from my homeland, so I am somewhat excited."
"It's an honor to hear that from the famous Amakusa Shirou-dono."
Archer shrugged as he spoke.
"In my country of origin, anyone who received a proper education would know your name. In life, I learned the name Amakusa Shirou in school. I never thought we would meet face to face in this form, though."
"Oh my. That is... somewhat embarrassing."
Shirou made an awkward face. Beside him, "Red" Assassin wore an oddly pleased expression. Perhaps she was happy her Master was being praised. Archer inwardly smiled wryly at the unexpected side of the empress.
"Amakusa Shirou. You said you would save all humanity."
"Yes, that's right. That is my wish. I swear it's no lie."
The salvation of all humanity.
It closely resembled the dream Emiya Shirou once pursued. Boasting of becoming a champion of justice, foolishly roaming the world, only to end up losing sight of what he truly wanted to save, continuing to fight throughout his life. If the Holy Grail could accomplish that, it was indeed a tempting proposal.
"Archer. What is your wish to entrust to the Holy Grail? Depending on what it is, it might be possible to grant it alongside my wish."
"My wish? I have nothing to entrust to the Grail... Though it resembles yours, something like the permanent peace of the world, perhaps."
"I see. Then this is simple. You must understand which side it is wise to join, without even needing to think."
Archer fell silent at Shirou's words.
In response, Rider shouted.
"Archer! Don't think foolish thoughts! I won't allow betrayal!"
"Betrayal, you say? The salvation of humanity is not only my wish but the world's fervent desire. To do everything possible to achieve it is by no means evil, Rider."
"I'm talking to Archer!"
Bitten back, Shirou showed no sign of displeasure, merely withdrawing with a "Is that so?" Negotiation was meaningless with "Black" Rider. Astolfo, said to have had his reason evaporated, was not the type of Servant to act based on rational thought. What he disliked, he disliked, he acted based on self-contained reasoning. Therefore, Rider would never switch sides.
Ignoring such a Rider, Archer asked Shirou.
"The salvation of humanity is indeed humanity's dream, and I understand the intent to entrust it to a wish-granting device. However, as Ruler there said, a dream without concreteness is just a dream. You said it can be granted, but how do you intend to concretize humanity's salvation?"
"Th-that's right. For the Holy Grail to grant a wish, it needs to know the procedure to achieve the objective. With a vague wish like 'salvation of humanity,' the Grail would simply stop midway."
Ruler hurriedly followed Archer's words.
"Black" Rider also nodded vigorously, glaring at Shirou as if to say "See?!"
"The salvation of humanity I envision is extremely simple. The fulfillment of humanity's common, fundamental desire. Namely, removing the fear of death."
No one could immediately understand Shirou's words. Only "Red" Assassin, who was privy to the situation, smirked knowingly. However, the content itself was as simple as Shirou stated. Understanding Shirou's words as if water soaking into sand, Archer looked at him with an astonished expression.
"Don't tell me, you... The Third Magic!?"
"Precisely. I will exercise the ultimate secret art for the universal salvation of humanity, the Heavenly Cup 'Heaven's Feel,' upon all of mankind."
It was an exceedingly outlandish, grandiose delusion, and yet, it was a miracle that could certainly be realized with the Holy Grail.
After all, the Holy Grail of Fuyuki was originally a means to reach that end. 'All-powerful wish-granting device' was merely a catchy phrase. Its original purpose was to use the power generated when the souls of seven Servants returned to the 'Throne' to bore a hole in the world and reach the Swirl of the Root. In particular, one of the Three Founding Families, the Einzberns, positioned the Grail as a means to reclaim the Third Magic, lost to their lineage.
In other words, it would be stranger to think one could not reach the Third Magic using the Fuyuki Holy Grail.
"For a single person to reach a Magic is an extremely difficult feat. However, with adjustments and continuously drawing vast amounts of magical energy from a superior ley line, we can certainly elevate the souls of all humanity to a higher state of existence. A body that does not decay will diminish people's survival instincts, and as a result, meaningless conflict will be eradicated."
The Third Magic is the materialization of the soul. It discards the physical body, achieving true immortality where one can act as a soul alone. If all humanity correctly attained immortality, there would be no need to consider an afterlife. They would be free from the hunger existing in the real world, and if they could continue living without doing anything, there would be no meaning in engaging in a survival race where one risks their life to win survival.
The human species would be liberated from the inescapable karma of fighting for survival, inherent to all living beings.
"Is that your salvation?"
"There is no other means to save all of humanity."
To Archer's question, Shirou stated definitively.
There was an absolute will there. An iron-strong, utterly uncompromising, steadfast spirit supported Shirou's argument.
If they attained immortality, indeed all humans would no longer fear death. Sublimating into a higher existence would solve at once the difficult problems humanity faced, starting with energy issues. As if mocking all the time and sweat humanity had poured into effort, it would be over in less than a day and night.
"The humanity you intend to save surely doesn't include people from the past, does it?"
"What are you saying? I told you. To save all of humanity. Past or future, good or evil, it doesn't matter. The human species must be saved."
Shirou's was a challenge to human history itself.
It would erase all tragedies inscribed in human history. In the new world, there could be no heroes who excelled in war. There would be no lives left behind from the start, and no lost futures. On the other hand, the new future of humanity would also be closed off. The completed world would cease, slowly falling into slumber. What awaited beyond that, no one could predict.
"Lament and sorrow are indeed inseparable karma from humanity. But isn't humanity about facing them anew, overcoming them, and moving forward? Where does the effort of those who mourned the dead and tried to build a future for those left behind go?"
"It is precisely those left behind that I wish to save. To eradicate the root of sorrow and complete the world. Realizing that miracle is the purpose of the Holy Grail, is it not?"
Archer understood Shirou's feelings and obsession.
He genuinely, from the bottom of his heart, wanted to save people. There was not a shred of hesitation, and he would never change his mind through words. And within his dream of humanity's salvation, there was indeed something that attracted Archer himself. That was an undeniable fact. His own life had been spent for that purpose. Even after death, he had dedicated himself to helping people. In that process, there had inevitably been people that Archer, Emiya Shirou, could not save, yet he had lived his life racing forward, hoping for as many people as possible to smile. Therefore, he felt considerable empathy with Amakusa Shirou's feelings.
However, he could not bring himself to accept Shirou's salvation.
"It seems you and I are incompatible."
Archer had seen countless sorrows. A miracle that removed the root cause of sorrow certainly had value comparable to gold. However, the lives of those who earnestly accepted that sorrow, lived through each day, and fulfilled their lives must have value surpassing gold. Human history was woven from the introspection and ingenuity of such people. Over an immense span of time and generations, humanity had taken step after step forward.
Shirou's salvation would discard that value into the gutter, belittle effort, and attempt to impose his own unilateral sense of values.
At least, that was how "Black" Archer felt.
"Sorrow and lament should not be affirmed, of course. But that is precisely why they must not be forgotten. Therefore, to treat human history as if it never happened is an impermissible act of barbarism, is it not? If you desire a miracle for humanity's sake, the Grail's miracle should be exercised not for the past, but for the future."
If the future is built upon the accumulation of the past, then to deny and erase the past is akin to losing the future. Even if sorrow is removed, the process itself should not be lost—Archer told Shirou so.
After a brief silence, Shirou murmured.
"Is that your conclusion?"
"Yeah. It seems I cannot align my sword with yours."
Archer declared. Once spoken, there was no turning back. He would stake his life to overturn this overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation. There was nothing else to consider.
"I see————"
Shirou changed from his previous nonchalant attitude, directing hostility towards Archer.
"Then you are my enemy, Archer."
"There's no need to confirm that now."
Archer was "Black," Shirou was "Red." Their positions had not changed since the Great Holy Grail War began.
"Alright! Well said, Archer! I believed in you. I believed in you!"
"I recall you being furious at one point?"
"You're imagining things!"
"Black" Rider swung his spear, resting it on his shoulder. He appeared to be an innocent, lovely girl of a Servant, but he was a Heroic Spirit counted among Charlemagne's Twelve Paladins.
"Sorry, Saber. Looks like we don't have time for further discussion."
"It's fine. I am one who swore to wield my sword for my Master. I have no reason to surrender to the enemy."
"Black" Saber had also already shifted into a combat stance alongside Rider. They had heard what they needed from Amakusa Shirou. Now, it was time to cross blades.
The first to move was "Black" Saber. With a heavy step, he tried to close in on the leader, Shirou. Blocking him was a golden warrior clad in scorching heat.
"You would aim for him before me, Saber?"
"I merely assumed you would stand in my way."
Sparks flew as sword and spear parted.
Lightning dancing down from the sky was "Red" Assassin's high-level magecraft. A direct hit would likely end even a Servant with low 'Magic Resistance' like Archer, but Ruler dispersed it by waving her flag. Impromptu magecraft, no matter how high-level, could not penetrate the EX-ranked 'Magic Resistance' of a Ruler.
At that moment, "Black" Archer sniped with projected Noble Phantasms. Ten blades targeted "Red" Assassin and Amakusa Shirou. "Red" Assassin, having just attacked, was slow to respond.
"Gh...!"
No blood flowed; what vanished ephemerally were flashes of lightning and sparks. A divine-speed spear technique interposed itself, deflecting the rain of Noble Phantasms elsewhere.
"My thanks, Rider."
"Hmph."
"Red" Rider turned his back on Shirou with a distinctly unwilling expression. His gaze was already fixed on "Black" Archer.
"Oh? So you'll step in. What happened to that hero's pride of yours?"
"I haven't acknowledged this guy as my Master, but I can't let him die either."
That said, fighting obediently felt like dancing on Shirou's palm and grated on him.
Unlike "Red" Lancer, who desired to fight "Black" Saber and likely didn't consider such perspectives, this "Red" Rider, Achilles, was a strong-willed man who, even in life, would defiantly oppose his own army's commander if he disliked him and readily boycott the war before him. Unless he was convinced, he wouldn't fall in step with Shirou without the use of a Command Spell.
"Red" Archer also remained silent, merely observing the situation. Having been the first to bare his fangs at Shirou's Master switch, even after listening to the exchange between Shirou and "Black" Archer, he seemed to still have unresolved feelings.
"It cannot be helped. I leave this to you, Caster."
"Understood."
With "Red" Servants lacking initiative, there might be no defeat, but there would be no victory either. Persuasion could wait until the situation calmed; first, they had to remove the immediate threat.
"Black" Caster, now under new Master's orders, surrounded his former comrades with his specialty, golems.
The golems Caster manipulated personally differed in degree of threat from autonomous ones. Their massive bodies moving with agile speed possessed performance that would trouble even Servants specialized in close combat.
Numbers were Caster's true worth. He deployed one golem per finger, attempting to crush them all at once.
Their sturdy, massive frames couldn't be broken in one or two strikes. In the chaotic battle, the "Black" faction would be worn down and crushed.
"Take thiiiis!"
At that moment, a particularly small Servant foolishly leapt at a giant body. With pink hair trailing, his valiant and daring challenge was worthy of a hero. However, it was reckless courage. He was a weak Servant. Could he win a brawl against a golem? Even if he defeated one, another would come. "Black" Rider alone could not turn the tide of battle no matter how he struggled.
To assert so would be to misunderstand the hero Astolfo.
Indeed, he was a Servant acknowledged by himself and others as weak. Looking at his status, there was nothing noteworthy; he was frail enough to be taken down by a single hit. But even so, he was a hero.
The tip of his spear scratched the golem's arm.
Heaven and earth instantly reversed. The golem was flipped over, falling to the ground back-first.
To defeat a golem, strength was unnecessary. Technique was also unnecessary. "Black" Rider's spear made any enemy it touched trip and fall.
Moreover, it inflicted a bad status of "Prone" on the tripped foe.
Unless blessed with high luck, they couldn't stand up for a while.
"Heheh, big targets!"
Using that momentum, Rider swiftly incapacitated up to three golems and laughed triumphantly.
But they were outnumbered. If it were only Caster's golems, Rider alone might have had ways to cope. However, with "Red" Assassin capable of long-range magical attacks and others launching varied assaults, the "Black" faction was being gradually worn down.
For now, balance was maintained only because "Red" Rider and "Red" Archer lacked motivation. But if these two changed their minds, the battle situation would worsen rapidly. To regroup, they had to escape from the Hanging Gardens.
They needed one more move.
At that moment, what plunged into the chaotic battle was a flash of red lightning.
"You bastard!"
"Red" Assassin's face twisted, revealing anger. At the end of her gaze was "Red" Saber, bisecting golems.
"Saber, do you intend to betray us?!"
"Betrayal?! Don't make me laugh!"
Using 'Mana Burst' for a jet-propulsion blast, "Red" Saber blew golem wreckage towards "Red" Assassin and spat out with disgust.
"You're the one who betrayed us first! Trying to poison our Master! From that moment, you were my enemy!"
With golden hair disheveled like a lion's mane and jade-green eyes containing a beast-like glare, Saber stared down his former "Red" comrades. His charge had created a complete gap in the golem encirclement.
"We're retreating!"
At Ruler's shout, the "Black" Servants began to disengage all at once.
"Red" Lancer, who desired an all-out fight with "Black" Saber, also withdrew his spear for the time being.
"Right now, worrying about what's behind prevents a proper fight. Leaving it for later is somewhat unsatisfactory, but next time we will settle this, 'Black' Saber."
"Yeah. I swear upon my sword."
The distance between them remained unchanged from their initial exchange, their battle consisting of feints and minor technique counters—an unsatisfying fight. Given the situation, even "Red" Lancer couldn't fight with all his might. He was an opponent who stimulated his warrior's instincts. Both wished they could engage in a one-on-one duel without interference or concern for their surroundings.
"Wait, you think I'll let you escape?!"
"Red" Assassin gathered magical energy in her right hand, preparing to unleash a powerful blow at the retreating "Black" Servants. To that Assassin, "Red" Lancer offered a warning.
"You should divert that energy to defense, Assyrian Empress."
"What,————Gh!?"
Instantly, her vision turned white.
The space was enveloped in an explosive blast of immense magical energy.
Had she not instantly deployed a barrier to protect herself and her Master, she might not have been defeated, but she would have sustained considerable injury.
"That was..."
"That Archer over there, I'd say."
The one who answered was "Red" Rider. That Archer not only launched numerous Noble Phantasms but also performed area suppression by detonating them, unleashing their contained mystery.
This time, what exploded were the ten Noble Phantasms "Red" Rider had deflected earlier, along with various others launched during the chaotic battle.
Perhaps he had been launching Noble Phantasms from the start with the purpose of creating a smokescreen for retreat.
"I'd like you to leave the pursuit to me."
Although the "Red" faction had lost the chance to pursue due to the brilliant retreat, they weren't about to let them escape without action. Particularly, "Red" Assassin looked furious and prepared to give chase, but it was the freshly defected "Black" Caster who stopped her.
Before the surprised-looking "Red" members could speak, Caster mounted a golem's shoulder and left the place.
"Then, shall we leave it to him?"
Shirou respected Caster's words, making the judgment to entrust the pursuit to Caster.
"Black" Caster's purpose was predictable. His siding with the "Red" faction wasn't solely because "Black" was at a disadvantage.
He was simply acting according to his own purpose. For that, if he judged siding with "Red" was convenient, betraying "Black" was possible. It was likely an unforeseen situation for "Black" Masters, but in reality, it was a danger that had always been present since the moment he was summoned.