"The Holy Church informed me that the final Servant, Caster, has manifested."
Kirei Kotomine stood atop a hill, gazing at Fuyuki's illuminated cityscape below, lost in thought.
"So, the last Servant has been summoned? Finally…"
From the darkness behind Kirei emerged a fearsome figure—ancient armor, a heavy Western greatsword. Unbelievably, this was… Assassin.
Assassin's identity was never a mystery to other Masters. Curiously, nearly every Holy Grail War's Assassin bore the name "Hassan," derived either from "Hassan" itself or the hashish used for indoctrination.
The Assassin class itself served as a catalyst to summon Hassan-i-Sabbah. Thus, a proper summoning invariably called forth a Hassan.
Yet, not every Assassin was the same person. The title of Hassan-i-Sabbah, leader of the assassin cult known as the Old Man of the Mountain, passed through generations, each with distinct strengths and abilities. This was one such Hassan.
"Very well. I want you to head to the Tohsaka residence immediately."
Kirei spoke calmly.
"Betraying a contract isn't a good habit, my Master. But given this is a life-or-death war, I'll reserve judgment."
A voice like evening bells resonated from beneath the armor.
"No need for concern. Even if you encounter their Servant, fear nothing."
Kirei issued the command with composure.
"I recall their Servant is one of the Three Knights, yes? Such confidence! Very well, I'll make the trip."
Assassin's form dissolved into black mist.
"I leave it to you. Eliminate Tokiomi Tohsaka swiftly."
…
The black mist coalesced outside the Tohsaka estate's courtyard. As the war had begun, the ancient mansion's magecraft defenses were fully active, fortified by centuries of Tohsaka stewardship, a veritable fortress.
Tonight, an Assassin infiltrated this stronghold.
Boom!
The gate shattered as the heavily armored Assassin, greatsword in hand, strode boldly into the courtyard.
With each step, defensive spells triggered in a chain reaction, barraging him from all directions.
Boom!
A single swing of his sword unleashed terrifying force, its pressure crushing everything—active and dormant spells alike—into ruins.
Clang!
A chain shot from a mansion window, gleaming with golden light, inscribed with ancient runes radiating mystery.
Clash!
The greatsword met the chain midair, their immense forces colliding, rupturing the air and sending gusts outward.
"King Hassan? You?!"
A figure leapt from the window into the courtyard, green hair symbolizing earthly life flowing in the wind, golden-inscribed chains orbiting them.
A white cloak shrouded their form, golden eyes piercing through all.
Disdain for Assassin filled their gaze. Their address suggested familiarity.
"Child of the Mother of Genesis? Didn't expect to meet you here!"
Assassin's reply confirmed their acquaintance.
Swish!
The Servant, enraged by Assassin's words, frowned. Chains danced, shooting toward him like arrows, intent on piercing all.
Clang!
With a deft upward swing, Assassin's greatsword deflected the chains.
"How rude, Child of the Mother of Genesis!"
Assassin chided.
"Rude? You, vile assassin, are the rude one! I am Kingu, Child of the Mother of Genesis and Pure Human! Why omit my father's name, base killer?"
To Kingu, his parents were the mightiest, most revered. Being called only "Child of the Mother of Genesis" was an insult.
He demanded to be addressed as "Kingu" or with both parents' titles.
"…"
Kingu's words stirred memories in Assassin—battles between two "beings."
"Pure Human, you say? My apologies for my earlier discourtesy! Now, Kingu, surrender your head!"
Blue flames flared in the eye sockets of Assassin's bone-white skull mask. He stepped forward, gripping his greatsword with both hands, swinging with devastating force, a massive sword pressure bearing down on Kingu.
"I'm not the same as before, King Hassan. I won't lose again!"
Chains wove around, forming a vast "spider web," slicing the sword pressure into mere gusts.
"Then come! Facing the Child of the Mother of Genesis and Pure Human, I must declare my name! From the shadowed valley of death, I rush forth… I am the Old Man of the Mountain, Hassan among Hassans… Hassan-i-Sabbah!"
Assassin proclaimed his identity loudly.
"I am the heir of heaven, earth, and underworld, god and man, child of the supreme Mother of Genesis and purest Human! I shall uphold my parents' glory once more!"
Chains blazed with radiant golden light. An unforeseen battle erupted—the Holy Grail War's first clash, ignited unexpectedly. Unstoppable now, perhaps because these two cared little for Command Spells.
Amid countless watching "eyes"…
"King Hassan?! Kingu?! Impossible!"
A self-proclaimed doctor—once a savior organization's leader, a Solomon wielding demons, a mere worker—Romani Archaman let out a stunned cry.
Samuel, meanwhile, gazed oddly at Roman and the battling duo in the mirror. Stroking Tiamat's head on his lap, he felt an inexplicable sensation.
Samuel knew Roman held secrets, but that mattered little. What mattered was… things were getting interesting.
He'd cultivated a villain's optimistic outlook.
This bizarre Holy Grail War, meddled by monstrous entities, was spiraling toward a strange apex—but that only made it more thrilling.
Who would claim victory? It was already decided~
***
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