"I didn't expect things to become like this..." Kirei Kotomine clutched his bleeding right arm, glanced at Kiritsugu Emiya who was gradually fading away in front, and spoke.
The Servants gathering together... this was something none of the Masters had expected. Even Caster and Lancer, who were originally fighting on the other side, had transferred here. The once-hidden Berserker and Rider also appeared. This was a turn of events completely outside their plans.
Magical energy was constantly being drawn, a phenomenon resulting from the intense battles between Servants. 'I cannot stay long,' Kiritsugu Emiya thought as he hid. Although he had injured Kirei Kotomine's right hand, he was far from unharmed; the bruises covering his body were beginning to take their toll.
'What on earth happened over there...' He could only vaguely sense the Servants gathering, but the exact details of the scene remained a mystery.
"Oh my, this is truly a surprising scene," a strange voice called out, causing both Kirei and Kiritsugu to frown. A figure appeared on the street ahead.
Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald! The name flashed through both of their minds simultaneously. A Lord of the Clock Tower and the partner of Lancer's Master in this war.
"Originally, I just wanted Lancer to pursue Caster to lift the magecraft, but I happened upon two Masters fighting here." As he stepped forward, a slime-like creature followed at his side.
"By eliminating you both now, I can put Sola's mind at ease." Kayneth, ever the opportunist, would not let such a chance pass. If he killed them, their Servants would lose their anchors and be forced to exit the war.
"Oh? You wish to test the gap between us? You are but a countryside Magus, completely lacking in foresight."
Kayneth spoke coldly as he watched Kirei Kotomine draw Black Keys, clamping them between his fingers. If he were facing the heads of the Tohsaka or Matou families, he might be interested. But Kirei was just a disciple, and Kiritsugu was nothing more than scum among Magi. They were no match for him.
With such arrogant thoughts, he issued instructions to "Volumen Hydrargyrum."
Seeing the tentacle-like mercury attacking, both men reacted instantly. 'Retreat first,' Kiritsugu thought. He had no intention of staying; it was already difficult enough to kill Kirei, and he needed to check on Irisviel and Maiya.
Bang! After using his time magecraft to dodge the attack, Kiritsugu took the opportunity to head toward his hidden vehicle.
Vroom vroom!! He floored the accelerator, driving away immediately.
"That magecraft... he is quite fast. Hmph, a pity, but you cannot escape." Surprised by the time-based magecraft, Kayneth pondered for a moment before letting him go. He didn't come here to do nothing.
"Let's start with you first, the watchdog of the Tohsaka family." Kayneth sneered as he watched Kirei Kotomine block the incoming mercury.
...
Vroom!! The vehicle sped down the road, but Kiritsugu soon realized something was wrong. There were no people. Despite the area, it shouldn't be this desolate.
"Roar!" Pitch-black shadows moved quickly across the ground, and the forms of wolves emerged. Familiars! Kiritsugu raised his gun and fired without hesitation.
Bang!! The powerful shot exploded the familiar. Kiritsugu realized Kayneth's handiwork.
"Did he set up magecraft across this entire area? Even wraiths, familiars, and labyrinths..." It was a grand display fitting for a Lord of the Clock Tower. Without a Servant, this was a major problem.
"I must find the anchor points first..." He was trapped in a looping labyrinth; if he didn't solve it, escape was impossible.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!!! He fired continuously to clear the incoming wraiths. The idea of using a Command Spell crossed his mind, but perhaps this was also an opportunity.
...
Clang!! Bang!! While the Masters clashed, the Servants were acting on their own. Lancer and Caster. Berserker and Assassin. Rider and Saber. All but Archer, who remained perched on the street lamp, had clear targets.
"You bastard! Unlock this strange magic circle for me quickly!" Kyoko Sakura shouted, chasing Jonouchi with her magical chains.
"With your attitude, why would I ever unlock it?" Jonouchi retorted, summoning monsters to resist her. He was impressed by her persistence; her clones were particularly effective at baiting his traps.
Clang!! The tachi and long sword clashed. 'He is even proficient in swordsmanship... what exactly is he?' Kenshin looked at Berserker, growing more curious. The other party was proficient in almost every weapon, but his swordsmanship was remarkably powerful—and Japanese in style, though the school was unfamiliar.
A flash of sword energy forced Kenshin to block. Tenka Goken (Five Swords of Under Heaven)! Blue sword energy swept forward, gouging the ground.
Compared to the others, Lelouch as Rider and Artoria as Saber were much calmer. Lelouch was surprised that Saber had stopped her erratic behavior. He couldn't quite fathom the "King of Knights," or perhaps women in general. But as long as she didn't interfere, he didn't mind.
"Can you tell me? Your wish?" Saber asked softly.
"What does that have to do with you?"
"I simply wish to know... if you are truly the King of Britannia, then what is the wish you hope to realize?"
"What if I say it is for world peace?"
Saber was stunned. She had heard similar words from Kiritsugu, but hearing them from a Heroic Spirit like Rider felt different.