Welcome once again, fellow readers to the seventh chapter of High school DxD: Chronicles of Lucifer. In the last chapter, Irisviel and Chris sense the approached of Caster and not only that but Kayneth and Lancer as well. Upon making their way to the Einzbern Castle, Chris felt the pure agony and feeling of innocent children being slaughter by Caster using his enhance senses that allows him to not only see but hear but also feels the energy and emotion of his target. And now after arriving with Berserker in assisting Saber in her fights against Caster's seemingly limitless spawns of creature which was once the body of those children. Chris swore upon their death that he will make Caster pay for his monstrous deed. But little did they know that another threat was on their way. Without further delay, enjoy.
Chronicles Seven: Battle of Will
The battle between Chris, Berserker and Saber now commence as Caster now orders his creature to attack simultaneously at them but with a swift move both Berserker and Saber effortlessly cut through them like Swiss cheese while Chris burnt the remaining creature before they could regenerate any further. But even if doing so seems to work however Caster once again called forth more of the creature without much effort.
"There's no end to them!"
"Focus on taking out that grimoire on his hand! That's the only thing keeping those monsters from growing!"
Berserker and Saber then set their eye on the weird looking book that Caster was holding firmly in his arm. As they prepare to dash towards the group of creature that was seemingly protecting Caster when suddenly…Chris felt another presence coming.
"This…mana..."
It was another Master and his not alone. Chris can feel the presence of a Servant with him.
"It's him. Kotomine Kirei and…Assassin. So, there here. They must be looking for the Magus Killer. But what bad timing for them to show up!"
While thinking of the incoming threat, Chris almost got stab by one of the creature's claw when suddenly another presence came to his rescue. As he look at the person. It was none other than Lancer.
"Lancer…"
"We meet again, young boy. It seems you, Berserker and Saber got your hand full here with Caster and these creatures. We may be enemy but right now I don't mind fighting alongside the Master of Berserker."
Chris then just smirk at his remark and said.
"Well, we don't mind the company. Care to join us in our battle?"
Lancer looks at the boy and smiles all the while he prepares his battle stance.
"Gladly."
"Let's go!"
Meanwhile, Kayneth El–Melloi Archibald is really not pleased at the outcome. Making him use his Mystic Code to something as trivial as to protect his fiancé and his Servant from that cowardly tactic as the explosion of a building, will leave a shameful mark upon his title of El–Melloi and will bear the shame of his family's name, Archibald. He has a reputation to take care of after all. In order to redeem himself from that shame, he must defeat that Magus soundly so that he can announce to the whole Magi world that he had overcome what no one ever did. To kill the infamous Magus Killer.
He now indulged himself at his pride in infiltrating a Bounded Field of the Einzberns without them even noticing it, before he released his Mystic Code. Fervor, Mei Sanguis. He now chanted. The mercury liquid came alive, and it is called Volumen Hydragyrum. The pride of the Archibald's now rest in that Mystic Code. Little did he know that the Magus Killer has some other plans. Magi have pride after all when it comes with their craft, and they will kill anybody who will know of their secrets.
The esteemed professor of the Clock Tower has now entered in a grand fashion, announcing his presence in front of the mansion.
"I am Kayneth El – Melloi Archibald, and I wish for the Einzbern Master to appear in front of me. We shall have a duel."
As he walked casually, the camera now follows his every move. He now set off traps that created an explosion of metal balls that bounced around. As he expected, Kayneth's Mystic Code created a shield around himself. Kayneth dispelled his shield, and his face is now marred with impatience. He despised the cowardly tactics of the Einzberns. Although he knew of them as the best alchemists, this is not an excuse to use such tactics in the Grail War.
"This is no longer a duel, but this is now extermination."
At area, as they escaped the Einzbern forest, Irisviel has stopped for a moment. Maiya turned around to see her madam now looking back at the mansion that they left.
"Madame, let us hurry, before someone else catches us."
Maiya told her in a monotonous voice. Irisviel just smiled at her, to which she is curious about it.
"Madame?"
"Ah, you're right, Maiya–san."
Irisviel commented off–handedly as she briefly remembered her joyful times with Kiritsugu when she felt another prana signature within their range.
"There's another one coming…"
She tried to recognize the prana that is left in the Bounded Field, and her eyes widened slightly at the revelation. Her expression is now unreadable, to which Maiya took it as a sign that there will be a big trouble brewing in their midst. She found her assumption horribly right when her lady told her the name of the one who intruded the Bounded Field.
"It's Kotomine Kirei."
"Take this!"
Chris burn off the crowded area fill with the creatures but somehow the longer he and three knight Servants fight the stronger the creatures become.
"Are they getting immune with our attack? This can't be good."
"Young master! Any idea what to do? We can't keep fighting this grunt! We'll only tired ourselves out!"
Caster then let out a maniacal laugh as he said,
"Hahahahaha! My creatures aren't as weak as you thought they are! The longer you take to beat me the stronger and faster they will become! I especially prepared this for my dear Jeanne but likewise you fools are good enough to be killed by them!"
Chris then looks at the Servant with an annoyed look as he thought of a plan.
"We got to find an opening. But for that to happened, we need someone to clear a path long enough for us to destroy that book! Wait, just maybe…"
"Berserker! You keep the creatures distracted! I got a plan! Saber! Lancer! Come here! I need you guys for something!"
The two Servants didn't waste any time as they gather at Chris as tell them on how to beat Caster while Berserker did all he could to keep all the creatures long enough for the plan to be executed.
The clicking of the gun has been heard. The trigger is now pulled at a fast rate. The firing pin now propels the bullet head attached to the shell to its freedom, and now the hot and sharp bullet head sings in a shrill tone as it makes its way to freedom outside of the confines of the barrel. Some Magi have opted to put defenses against nine millimeter bullets just in case someone brings a gun in the middle of a Magecraft fight and they thought that their shields will suffice against an onslaught of nine millimeter bullets coming from a machine gun. By this event they will be proven wrong. The Springfield rifle bullet is designed to pierce even tanks. A normal human who will receive it at close range is guaranteed to have his or her inner organs destroyed at the impact itself. Even if there will be a shield to protect or even lessen the impact against it, it will still serve its purpose by damaging the organs from the inside out. In other words, putting up a shield will not help them in the slightest. Volumen Hrdragyrum has lessened its impact, yet the Springfield wins by a landslide as it manages to make its way through the El–Melloi's left shoulder and still have time to make it out. The searing of the hot bullet through his shoulder does very little to coagulate the pierced area. This left the El–Melloi wincing in pain at the strong impact of the bullet.
"Fervor, mei sanguis!"
He angrily chanted as his Mystic Code responded with the same ferocity as that of the user to defend itself once again from the automatic firing of the Calico. Meanwhile the Magus Killer kept him busy as he makes his escape. The El – Melloi's face has now contorted itself in a feral anger. He did not expect for that kind of event to happen and it only served to fuel his rage more for the Magus Killer. He held his left shoulder in pain as he walked professionally through the corridors.
"I never expected this to happen. I let my guard down just because he has a machine gun. Fortunately Volumen Hydragyrum can withstand anti–tank bullets if I focused on my defense. Even so, this is a Holy Grail War, and he desecrated it with him using guns of all things. He is a complete disgrace to every Magus family around the world."
Kayneth grumbled as he let Volumen Hydragyrum loose in its confines and letting it go wild, chanting Scalp as they pass through the corridors.
"I will make sure to make him revisit all of what he has done today by a thousand fold!"
Meanwhile, Kiritsugu is now panting as he hid in one of the walls. He removed the now cold empty shell of the Springfield out of the Contender Custom's chamber as he mused on his next move. Now that he knows how powerful that gun is, he will pour his prana more on his defenses. He pulled out another bullet that is also of a Springfield type, only which it will prove much worse for the Magus who will receive it. He now loaded the mysterious bullet in the chamber as he breathed in deeply. No, that is just what I want him to exactly do.
Meanwhile,
"I am strictly under Kiritsugu's orders to protect you, Madame."
Maiya sternly told her, although her voice is now slightly giving way to what she really wants.
"I know that, but your heart tells you to protect that man, am I right?"
Irisviel replied cheerfully in and I– know – it – all kind of tone. She stood there dumbfounded as her sentence had hit the spot.
"How could a homunculus like her have such a wide range of emotions in a span of just nine years? Is this what the real emotions of a Magus Killer had underneath that cold and ruthless exterior?"
"No need to worry, Maiya–san. We will protect Kiritsugu from that man."
Irisviel replied as she waltzed forward. Maiya tried to regain her focus and her objective, when Irisviel told her this.
"It's curious, isn't it?"
Irisviel chirped. From there, Maiya saw in her eyes that she really loved Kiritsugu too, and so maybe that's the reason why she has emotions like this. Also that little expression explained how her instincts acts like so.
"How the human heart works."
Kirei was deep in his thought. Did he find an answer to the purpose of him living that life as of now? His interest is now piqued by this man, and so he must find out how he has found his answer while he lived in the Einzbern Mansion in Germany. As he jogged onwards, he reminisced about his conversations with the King of Heroes. He rationally thought that out of boredom, the Servant decided to find a talking buddy with him. But what bothered him the most is that he let the Servant play with his thinking and emotions. For goodness' sake, this is a freaking Grail War, not a philosophical enlightenment session. Servants are supposed to serve their Masters, not the other way around. For him, a Servant is a Servant, nothing more, nothing less. But a treacherous thought has entered his mind once again. It drives him to seek that kind of pleasure that Archer is talking about. And by that pleasure, it means seeking answers to the questions that has been bothering him for so long. That man has left him thirsting for answers, and only that man can answer him.
He got distracted by those thoughts for a half-second, which led him to be left slightly unprepared for the nine– millimeter bullet barrage that a certain person gave him. Thankfully, his robes are enforced with Kevlar, just in case things get awfully awry. He now produced a single piece of paper, turned it into a thin saber with a red hilt, then threw it at the one firing the sub–machine gun. More shots came from everywhere, and so concluded that the shots serve as a distraction for an ambush. He now decided to play something on them too. And by that it means faking his own death. As the bullet barrage came once again, he let his body limp and fell down to the ground, to let his attacker know that he is now dead. Maiya unfortunately took the bait and she ceased her firing. She now reloaded her machine gun and approached the dead body closely.
"Maiya-san, be careful, he might…"
But her warning was cut short when suddenly a similar blade pierces Maiya by the shoulder and another once pierce her by the thigh. Not giving her enough moment to think what was happening, the priest suddenly got up. Maiya pulled out her Calico but Kirei bashed her Calico aside with only his bare fists as Maiya took out a combat knife. He then took out six pieces of paper, filled them with prana, then turned them into thin sabers, three on each hand, as she tried to fight the man off. But the priest is much stronger and faster than her, as he waved off her attacks as though it was nothing. Even with the injury she just sustain from both her shoulder and thigh, Maiya wasn't going to let herself get beaten like this. Not when she knows what's at stake. Finally, Maiya took the opening that the priest gave as an opportunity as she smashed the Black Keys with one swing of her knife. But he has something else up his sleeves, and she did not like it even one bit.
She retrieved the knife and is about to stab him, when he purposely evaded that stab for his Ba Ji Quan move. He held her forearm that held the knife really tightly, and with a stomp of his left foot on the ground, he simultaneously redirected the energy of the stomp to the force that he will apply to his elbow, and he aimed its powerful force precisely on the solar plexus of the attacker, leading to the attacker's shortness of breath. Maiya now fell almost unconscious, but she is not given a chance to fight back as the priest saw it fit to drive his sole of the foot down upon her diaphragm hard enough to almost kill her. Fortunately, Irisviel cannot contain herself to be protected anymore and decided to stand up for herself. She now appeared from the shadows, to which Maiya is now more concerned about Irisviel's safety. After all, Irisviel is the wife of her superior, so if anything happens to her, she will not forgive herself for it. Failing to protect her also means failing to follow her superior's orders.
But stepping out from the shadow beside Kirei was none other than Assassin, who just pulled out Black Keys from his sleeve and was looking at the woman with a cold stare.
"Should I rid of her, Master?"
"No, you did enough to help me injured this woman. Besides, I need to ask her a few question."
Kirei then walks toward the direction where Irisviel was standing while Assassin kept a close watch on the injured Maiya.
"Madame…please get away! Run while you still can!"
But Maiya pleads were futile as Irisviel prepares herself to face the Executioner.
Meanwhile at the Einzbern Castle
The battle between Kiritsugu and Kayneth still rages on.
"I have found you, worthless rat."
He gloated once again as he now found his prey. Emiya Kiritsugu only stared at him with dead but calculating obsidian eyes as he now prepared his guns.
"I will let you live, but I will tear out your heart apart piece by piece, healing it again and again with my healing spells to make you suffer!"
He now exclaimed in a prideful voice, to which Emiya Kiritsugu is now tired of the same theatrics used by Magi again and again to show their superiority, but still he kept his business – like demeanor.
"And as you suffer, you will curse the names of the ones that hired you, the Einzberns, for letting you face a Magus as great as I am!"
Kiritsugu wasted no time for such babble, so he aimed his Calico that is set to automatic once again and he pulled the trigger to attempt to bring him down in a continuous fire. Kayneth's top is now blown off as he saw that the assassin did not even care one bit. He is about to face death, yet his expression only fueled his anger even more.
"Fervor, mei Sanguis!"
He chanted crazily as he held his left arm tightly to keep the bleeding to a minimum. He now heard the clicking of his antiquated gun once again and he anticipated him to fire it.
"You are going to use that trick on me once again, will you?"
He now prepared himself, and sure enough, he fired another shot of it on him.
"You are too naïve to think that this trick will work on me once again!"
He then put up his defenses in a spiked formation, each spike as hard as titanium, and Volumen Hydragyrum aimed to catch that bullet approaching him. Unknown to him, the Magus Killer now smiled as he went right through his own trap. The next thing that he heard is now an anguished scream that only the one who feels it can actually feel what kind of pain coursed through their body just now.
His former mentor, Natalia Kaminsky, a half–succubus and also a hunter of heretic Magi, found Kiritsugu's Dual Origin a very valuable asset when used with the right weapon. In order to maximize the efficiency, she had a custom guns maker from the black market modify the Thompson Contender that is normally used for game practices in order to shoot rifle bullets with a little amount of recoil. The result is a partial success. The recoil is still strong, but not strong enough to fracture the arm of the holder of this weapon. The guns maker told her that it can even shoot Springfield rifle bullets, a type of bullet that has been shelved long ago after the Civil War of the Americans. From there, she also inquired about the whereabouts of the Springfield rifle bullets.
When she found what she is looking for, she is now overjoyed at the prospect. She paid for the shipping and the actual bullets. Of course, she cannot give this to Kiritsugu without a price, to which Kiritsugu reluctantly agreed despite his meager pay as opposed to his mentor. Origin Bullets. Sixty six of these bullets contain the Dual Origin of Kiritsugu, which is Tearing and Binding. Ordinarily, they look just like any other Springfield rifle bullets, but the color of the bullet heads gave the difference away to the Magus Killer, at least.
At least thirty of these bullets are used for different Magi who he thought he can't fight with normal guns and knives at all. For a human, it will only cause serious damage just like a rifle shot. But to a seasoned Magus who foolishly pours his or her prana on all their Magic Circuits, its effect is more devastating as the effect is akin to short–circuiting an electrical wire. Used at the right timing, the Magus that will be shot by it will fall dead, the first factor being the overload of the circuits, and the second factor being the Origin Bullet that cuts and poorly repair the said Circuits
Kayneth is in so much anguish that he can't maintain the shield properly, leading the shield to burst by itself, and showing the suffering of the supposedly esteemed Clock Tower professor. Kayneth cannot describe how tortuous that condition is to his body. Like any other foreign body part, his body now rejects the Circuits that are now impaired, leading to the El–Melloi now passing out of fatigue.
Irisviel now released a thread, which shone in the moonlight as the priest looked on.
"Kiritsugu not only taught me about driving cars."
Many more threads appear as she now stretched her left hand.
"He also showed me…how to live!"
The threads are now all around Irisviel, and her one single chant left Maiya amazed at the one who is supposed to be a homunculus.
"Shape ist lieben!"
Irisviel chanted as her threads formed an eagle that flew around Kirei. Although Jubstacheit disapproves of this kind of usage of Magecraft, Irisviel found it relieving that their superior alchemy has its uses after all thanks to her husband, Emiya Kiritsugu's tutelage. Although Kiritsugu's field of Magecraft is not of that kind, he knew that every Magecraft can be amplified with physical effort and mundane utilities, which led to the production of this kind of technique.
It will now be Irisviel's victory as she now saw that her Magecraft has bound Kirei to a tree. Although the alchemy is only applied to threads, those threads are guaranteed to be as strong as titanium, not enabling the one bound by it to escape. Those kinds of threads can buy them time for up to an hour before its effects will break completely. Even though his Master was bounded by the tree, Assassin made no effort to help him which was strange to Irisviel but nonetheless she will use whatever chance she had now to escape with the injured Maiya. She quickly when to Maiya and then helped Maiya up to her feet.
"Maiya, it's now our chance to…" Sadly, that victory will be short lived.
Meanwhile,
Chris was running through the forest after giving the plan needed to beat Caster to Saber and Lancer.
Flashback of moment ago,
"Remember. Once you got the opening, the two of you only have one shot at this. I've already telepathically told Berserker of the plan. So, he should know what to do."
"This is a very risky plan but I believe it will work. Good job, young man."
Chris then stood up and started rushing through the mobs of monster. The three Servant was dumbfounded of what he was doing but he manage to pass through them and disappears from sight.
"Where is that child going? Is he trying to kill himself?!"
Berserker tried to follow but his path was block by the creature thus preventing him to go with his Master.
"Young master!"
"I don't know what the young man is planning but whatever his doing…he knows something is up. Either way, we have to go to with the plan and get this over with!"
Berserker and Saber just nod their head in agreement and prepare to execute the secret plan that they all will use against Caster to counter him and his seemingly infinite creature.
Back to the present to the present,
"I know those three can do it. With their combine teamwork, the plan will work but for now I got to them. I keep sensing another person's life force weakening just now! It might be Kirei and Assassin's doing! Better hurry!"
And with that Chris increase the speed in his leg and dash through the thick forest to find out what was causing his senses to hurt badly.
"Arghhh!"
Maiya was thrown mercilessly hard at the ground and lay face down seemingly knocks out from Kirei's attack. And now Kirei was choking Irisviel and lifting her without effort.
"Woman, I have a question. It appears that both of you are fighting me to protect Emiya Kiritsugu…Whose will was that?"
Even at the mercy of Kirei, Irisviel refuse to tell him anything which promptly made Kirei to choke her even harder.
"I find it strange. Since you lack the Command Seals, you are not a Master that represents the Einzbern family. You are most likely a homunculus; charge with protecting the Grail vessel. Someone like that could never be stupid enough to risk one's life and fight in the front line."
And once again, Kirei tighten his grip making Irisviel to choke for air. But then, Kirei lessen his grip on her and said to her.
"So I ask you once more, woman… On whose will did the both of you fight?"
Then suddenly, Kirei felt a hand grab him by the leg. He looks down to see Maiya struggling to get herself up. This event truly surprises him. What drives both this woman to risk their live that much? He then step on the back of Maiya and continues to set his gaze at the struggling Irisviel. She gave him a defiant look telling him she will never tell him what he wants even if it kills her. Noticing her message, Kirei then releases his grip on her and then grab her by the mouth and without hesitation he plunge three of his Black Keys that penetrated deep through her abdomen.
Irisviel scream in pain at the sudden stab that she felt at her abdomen and now she vomits a lot of blood which covers Kirei's hand.
"Hmm…It's red after all."
But just as he said that, Kirei felt a sudden punch on one side of his face which sends him flying to a nearby tree. Irisviel almost fell hard at the ground when the figure manage to grab her and gently place her at the ground next to Maiya. Assassin who saw what happened tossed three of his Black Keys at the mysterious newcomer which he deflected using only his bare fist. The newcomer tossed a ball of giant red flame at him which he easily avoided. The flame hits the ground and causes it to melt like lava.
"This mana. So, it is you."
Said Assassin as he quickly when to his Master side who was still stuck at the tree. The newcomer then quickly place both his arm at the injures Maiya. She weakly look at the newcomer and weakly said.
"Who…are you?"
"Lay still. I need to heal you. I never thought that I have to save you a second time in just two days and already you're badly beaten like this."
It didn't take long and soon Maiya was able to get up again. The newcomer then set his gaze at the severely injured Irisviel but as he tried to close up the wound, it heals by itself.
"This is…how come she can heal herself?"
It didn't take long and now Irisviel's wound close up fully. She then slowly opens her eyes to see a young looking boy staring at her compassionately in the eyes like a child looking at her mother who is ill. She then whisper.
"It's you…the boy we met…at the harbor that night… but your eyes seems different...it shows deep regret and sadness…why is that?"
Chris and Maiya gently get her up her feet and then Chris ask her.
"Are you alright. Miss. Irisviel?"
"Yes. You manage to save me and Maiya-san from that man. I don't know how you manage to know my name but I truly thank you for what you did."
Chris then shakes his head sideway and said.
"Think nothing of it. Beside, you two better make a break for it. His not done yet…"
At that word both woman now see that what Chris said and reveals that Kirei was unharmed from that attack just now. He stood a bit farther from Chris and said,
"Boy, I did not appreciate you for hitting me just now. If you were any other I might have killed you but I'll make an exception. But in any case, my concern does not involve you. My only business is with Emiya Kiritsugu and for that I need those two women to tell me once again…"
Chris just took a step and stood in front of Irisviel and Maiya. He then said,
"Go while I hold him off. Saber and the other should be at the other side from this forest. It's not that far. You two should be at a safe distance by then."
"But what about you?! You can't beat this man all by yourself! We'll work together an-!"
Before Irisviel could finish her sentences, Chris yelled at her.
"I TOLD YOU TO RUN! Go and find the others and tell them what happened here! We can't risk getting caught here and you know that, Miss. Irisviel!"
Chris then set his gaze at Maiya and said,
"Maiya-san! Get her to safety and now! He's after the two of you! I'll hold him here while you two look for help!"
Maiya was not certain why but she could tell this was the same person that save her that night, if it was only her she could have help him in this fight but seeing the situation her... first priority was to get her Madame away from danger.
"Let's go, Madame! We have to go now!"
"But…but!"
Irisviel could not bring herself to leave the young boy that have safe her and Maiya's life but eventually Maiya mange to pulled her out of there and both woman was out of sight. Seeing this, Chris simply smiles and then set his gaze at the enemy standing before him. Kirei then prepares his Black Keys on both of his arm as he looks coldly at the boy.
"Boy, I will not kill you…but I will make you regret for letting those two escaped my side…Assassin, do not interfere."
"As you wish, Master."
Assassin then step out of the way as the he is about to witness the two Master clash each other. He knows the boy was stronger in mana output but his Master was more experience than him. He can already see how this fight ends but that can only be determine when both fighter dealt the first blow to the other.
Meanwhile,
Berserker was still slashing through the many number of creatures and it would seem such effort remains futile but little did Caster know was the trio knight was buying time until he lower his guard and that moment is almost there.
"Lancer, you ready?"
"Although it annoys me to appear outlasted, playing with his minions like this will accomplish nothing. Fine. I accept, Saber."
After Lancer's ready consent, Saber stared at the repulsive wall of flesh which stretched back to Caster, carefully calculating its thickness and density.
"Berserker has manage to cut through enough of those monster I think I can now properly use it. Even if a child, he's still a Master and a Master to Berserker. I really owe it to them this time and Lancer."
"Hm? – Hehe, so that's what it is. Simply done."
Despite Saber's puzzling words, Berserker and Lancer nodded.
"What are you quietly mumbling about? Your dying prayers, perhaps?"
Caster mocked the three Servants calmly and evenly. Right now it wasn't him who was fighting Saber, Berserker and Lancer, but his Noble Phantasm, Prelati's Spellbook. Caster was like the audience observing the battle from outside the ring. For him to elegantly and composedly taunt his opponents and get on their nerves is enough to be considered an 'attack'.
"Feel the terror. Feel the despair! There is a limit to the 'difference in numbers' that brute force can overcome. Hahaha, it's humiliating, isn't it? To be crushed and suffocated by these ignoble, nameless evils! For heroes, there is nothing more humiliating than this!"
Even awashed by her opponent's joyful scorn, Saber, emotionless and unfaltering, merely wielded the sword in her right hand with a decisive and calm expression.
Those unwavering eyes were only staring at – the victory that must be obtained.
"Haha, that beautiful face... now twist in agony for me, Jeanne!"
The horde of demonic monsters roared together. They surged towards the center of their ring for the kill as they made alien strange sounds, indistinguishable as joy or hatred.
Now it would be – the time to decide who will become the victor.
With a loud voice, the King of Knights commanded.
"Now, Berserker!"
Berserker then when to Saber's side. Even if Saber doesn't know who he is right now…Berserker could feel their attack synchronize as both knights were once friend and trusted comrade. And so, attack like this would never be something that Berserker could ever forget and now both knight swing their weapon to call out each of their attack.
"Strike Air!"
"Longinus Strike!"
The attack from both Servants were incredibly powerful as it created a vortex of whirlwind which thoughtlessly packed together, the demonic beasts took the blow all the harder. The super-high pressure tempest, compacted like a solid force, smashed the demonic monsters to smithereens, mixing the minced flesh together with gravel and broken wood.
It was as if an invisible giant hand swept across the entire earth and opened up a dead straight path. The instant they were blown apart by the air pressure, a perfect hole appeared in the demonic monsters' ranks. The destructive power of Strike Air and the Longinus Strike was countered by the many layers of demonic monsters, reduced to a strong gust of wind that merely blew at the ends of Caster's robe when it reached him.
The penetrated gap would serve as a path. However, against the density of the demonic monsters summoned, it could only count as a temporary opening that could be sealed off immediately.
"What - ?!"
Even so, Caster still made a sound of shock. It wasn't just the blow of wind which penetrated the ranks. Then, the one who sprang into this converging surge without hesitation was the one who was waiting for this one strike – Lancer.
"Come - prepare yourself!"
It was an ultimate skill that not only demanded superhuman physique, but complete synchronization with their partner. However, Lancer achieved this miraculous combination with watching his enemy Saber using the secret sword of wind for just once. And seeing Berserker use it in the fight against Archer.
With one leap Lancer passed through the passage twirling with gales of blood and flesh, like a swallow that tucked in its feathered wings by its side as it chased the wind. When his feet once again touched earth he was barely ten strides away from Caster, with no obstructing barriers between them.
"I have you, Caster!"
"Ahhh!?"
The demonic monsters that turned around due to their master's crisis stretched their tentacles together towards Lancer's back. But Lancer didn't turn back. He brandished the short spear in his left hand behind him like a windmill to cut down the pursuing attacks, while he turned half his body and approached Caster with the long spear in his right hand extended.
He was just short of the killing blow. The long spear's strike only resulted in the tip cutting slightly into the surface, and didn't make a serious tear.
But the Noble Phantasm in the enchanting spearman's hand was such a weapon that would decide the victor on the battlefield even with such a slight touch.
"Gouge, Gáe Dearg!"
His growl was followed by a crimson stab. The tip of the spear did not touch Caster's fragile body – but the cover of the grimoire in his hand.
"Boom"
A sound akin to waves breaking against rocks beside the sea echoed in the forest. The countless demonic monsters on the ground all liquefied in the blink of an eye. The demonic monsters, which were originally created from the flesh and blood of the sacrifices, changed back into blood and scattered away. They lost the power to materialize into being the moment the prana supply from Prelati's Spellbook was terminated. Within the rapidly retreating Caster's hands, the grimoire immediately activated its ability as a prana furnace and quickly regenerated the damaged cover. The prana was only cut off during the brief moment when Gáe Dearg's blade was in contact with the grimoire; the spear had no power to damage the Noble Phantasm itself. However, once canceled, the magecraft can't be salvaged. Even if he wanted to repeat the summoning spell, Saber, Berserker and Lancer's holy sword, holy spear and twin spears wouldn't give him the time either.
"You bastard! Bastard! Bastard!BASTARRDDDD!"
Faced with such a desperate situation, Caster's expression twisted until his eyes were rolled to the back of his head and he raged while foaming around the mouth. Lancer nonchalantly gave the smile of a rascal that he was born with.
"How was that? Now that Saber's taken back her 'left hand', this is something that can be done with just lifting her little finger."
But Saber wasn't in the mood to joke like Lancer.
Until the moment victory is decided, the only thing that echoed in her mind were the final screams and tears that the children gave out as they were torn apart and cruelly slaughtered. Berserker remains quite but know what had occur earlier due to the telepathic bond he share with his Master as he too experience what had happened to those innocent children. That very thought and feeling thought makes Berserker sick to the core. But then Saber said,
"...You had better prepare yourself, heretic."
The King of Knights muttered in a quiet sound of anger as she lifted the golden holy sword with her right hand. The sword tip was pointed straight towards Caster.
"What – !?"
Lancer suddenly turned to gaze at the direction of the Einsbern castle straight after he destroyed Caster's army of demonic monsters, just when he was prepared to finish off their nemesis with Saber. For the first time, Lancer realized the fact that his Master, whom he thought was observing his battle behind the frontline, had already entered the enemy formation and undertook another battle.
Lancer's momentary wavering was a god-sent opening for the desperate Caster.
Within Caster's hand, having already finished regenerating, Prelati's Spellbook throbbed with torrents of prana. Of course, Saber wouldn't stand aside and leave the magus's spells alone.
"Futile struggles!"
Saber wielded her holy sword with her right hand and rush forward, trying to defeat the enemy before he could complete his incantation.
But Caster wasn't foolish enough to pronounce incantations in front of a blade. He didn't speak even one syllable of incantations, just chaotically let out the surge of prana that the Noble Phantasm produced. Although the previous summoning magecraft was nullified, the pools of blood that stained the ground were still connected to the prana. The uncontrollable prana that spurt out flowed into that mesh of blood, but finally scattered apart without forming any shapes. It eventually turn into steam which gave the King of Knights a hard time seeing her intended target
"Ku..."
Saber then wave her sword to blow away the thick mist but before she could strike down Caster he finally disappears from sight.
"Bastard... what unbelievable cowardice."
Saber muttered in anger as she recalled Invisible Air from the surrounding atmosphere. The refreshing wind immediately blew in from all direction and scattered the filth of the blood mist. When the three Servants regained their field of sight and Invisible Air was recalled to once again conceal the holy sword's form, even Caster's spiritual aura had disappeared, not to mention his physical figure.
"Lancer, what's wrong?"
Regarding the fact that Lancer could easily have chased their enemy but instead let Caster escape, Saber didn't heckle him but just questioned calmly. It was obvious that something happened based on his changed expression. Even Berserker under his helmet could tell something was wrong with him if a knight like him gave that trouble look. He knows that kind of expression before because he too have experience what Lancer was feeling right now.
"My lord is in trouble... Looks like he left me and attacked your headquarters."
Lancer explained hesitantly. Saber also figured what have probably happened, and displayed a dejected expression.
"Then... everything did happen according to Kiritsugu's plans…"
It wasn't what she wanted. It wasn't that she wanted to completely deny the tactic of deception, but the cruel trap that Kiritsugu set is an existence that cannot co-exist with the King of Knights' belief of standing stoically in the battlefield no matter what happens.
"It must be my Master's work... Lancer, you should hurry. Go save your lord."
The spearman was at first dumbfolded at Saber's unhesitating urging, but then bowed his head deeply in thanks. For Saber, this decision was the same as going against her own lord. Retain Lancer here so his Master can be killed would be the reasonable choice made to win the Holy Grail War. But nonetheless the noble spearman bows his head and said.
"I am in your debt, King of Knights."
"It's all right. We swore to have a duel between knights. Let's hold on to that glory till the end."
Lancer nodded briefly, then disappeared into spirit form. Just like that, he galloped towards the castle in the depth of the forest as a whirl of wind. Berserker then when by her side and said.
"What you did was a noble choice, Saber. No doubt Lancer will do the same for your Master. Though it troubles me how my Masters remark the way Kiritsugu's fight but my Master acknowledge that you of all people should deserve a noble battle with Lancer."
"Thank you, Berserker. It comforts me to know at least there is still a noble warrior like you aside from Lancer that is fighting this war. But I notice, your attack…it takes great synchronization to unleash that attack just now. Maybe…just maybe… we used to know each other in the past. This may sound rude but I hope we can battle each once I have done battling Lancer. Is that okay with you?"
Berserker's eye went wide with surprise as those were the very word he had yearn since the day he betray his king who was now standing in front of him. He then slightly bows his head and said,
"It will be my greatest honor, King of Knight."
Just then, both Servant heard movement coming from the tree and was ready for another attack when they notice it was none other than Irisviel and Maiya.
"Irisviel...what are you doing here?"
Irisviel almost collapse at her feet when Maiya and Saber quickly supported her.
"Irisviel, are you okay? What happened?"
"Saber…please…please saves that child! I beg you! He's going to kill him!"
Upon hearing this, Berserker immediately dash towards the tree not caring if he hits any of it.
"Young master…young master…CHRIS!"
After Kayneth passed out from the severe pain his body was experiencing, Emiya Kiritsugu is now preparing his submachine gun, as he sets the firing settings to manual. He is about to finish him off when something felt wrong. He backed away by a few calculated inches and fired two shots at the intruder. The intruder shook the bullets off thanks to his Agility stat and his spears. It turns out that the one who intruded is a Servant. Yep, someone had the nerve to reveal his Master's and his whereabouts. If he has no professional control over himself, he would have berated that someone over and over for her actions. Moreover, the one who intruded is of a class of a Knight, Lancer. He then took time to study his stats while Lancer gave his warning.
"So, I take it that you are Saber's Master?"
Lancer quipped, his orange golden eyes staring at the man's form. He cannot believe that an honorable knight such as Saber will be paired off with a shady assassin. He now carried the professor in his shoulder.
"I would have killed you right at this moment, but be thankful that I am moved by Saber's chivalry."
Lancer ominously warned.
"I will not kill you like this, and neither will Saber do likewise."
He then jumped out of the window of the mansion, leaving the man to his thoughts. At least I got his stats. He thought as he now came up with a brilliant plan. Although Lancers are enjoying the privilege to be of the class of a Knight, every Lancer in the history of the Grail War has an E – rank in the stat of Luck, no matter how fast they are. So he will wait for the appropriate situation to pop up where he can kill both Master and Servant.
Meanwhile,
"Huhh…huhh…huhh…"
Chris was panting heavily as his whole body was now suffering from severe damage from the inside and then he cough up some blood. Kirei then walk slowly towards his direction while raising one of his Black Keys.
"I'm truly impressed, child. Even a standard magus would have pass out or if worse died from the amount of injury your body is experiencing right now. Now be a good boy and I might spare you from this agony."
Chris then smirk at him and said.
"If you think this is the limit my body could take then you're wrong, Kirei. Cough!?"
Chris continues to cough out more blood as his chest feels heavy and he was losing air. He was now feeling dizzy from the loss of blood. But, he still has one more trick of his sleeve that could help him turn the tide of this battle. Chris then focuses the energy on the palm of his hand but they were only visible to those that knows the nature of his mana. In the eyes of other, it was no more than just a mere hand gesture. Kirei then just smirk.
"Whatever you're doing is mere futile, child. Now, it's time for me to put you to sleep."
He was just moment from hitting Chris with his palm but Chris manages to avoid it and place his palm into Kirei's chest, stomach and thigh. Kirei considered in a light pat to the body and just swap Chris like and insect. Even though he rolled hard on the ground, Chris manage to get himself compose and once again move his palm in a confusing movement. Making it like he has multiple hands. Kirei was now more concern as to what the child is doing and what that light attack did to him just now but he knows that he have to take Chris out fast before he could do anymore of that mysterious attack. Meanwhile, Assassin who has been watching the battle from the side know that moment ago, his Master was winning this fight regardless what Chris throws at him but now he can't push the feeling that Kirei is in a tight pinch even more so than the injured Chris.
Kirei continues his assault as Chris was still targeting his body but nothing seems to be happening which made Kirei more concern than ever. He was seriously trouble by him. In fact, not many can do that to him and yet this child was more intimidating in their battle. Finally, Kirei plunge a strong enough Bajiquan that he never intended to use on a child. A very powerful shockwave passes through Chris and blood not only came out of his mouth but even in his nose and eye. But Chris made a final attempt and place his palm at Kirei in the forehead. Chris was then sent flying until he hits hard on the ground. Kirei then calm his composure and made no effort to confirm if Chris was finally down. Assassin just closes his eye and said.
"It's over then…"
But suddenly, he heard groan. He then looks at the direction of the sound and to his shock, Chris was still getting up. Even Kirei froze from where he stands.
"No. It can't be. That strike just now should have already damage your all your ribs, lungs and even your blood vessels…how is it that you're still surviving and standing?!"
"Heh…cough! What's wrong, Kirei? Kid got you scared? Cough!"
Chris almost collapses on his feet but he continues to stand up and just look at Kirei with defiant eyes. Kirei was getting annoyed. This kid has finally declared his death wish. He took out all of his Black Keys and just said.
"As much as I hate to admit it, you are one of the few person aside from Kiritsugu who have really pique my interest…unfortunately…this is where it all end for you…"
But before he could move a step, his body suddenly froze and he felt he was being tied up by an invisible rope. He then looks at Chris who suddenly chuckle and was in fact raising one of his palm at him.
"Child! What did you do?!"
Even Assassin couldn't believe it. His Master was being bind by something. He moves to assist his Master by trying to kill Chris but Chris manages to said.
"I won't move if I was you…you see... not only did I bind Kirei's movement but I…also place my mana inside his nerves, bone, organ and even his brain… even in my current condition… if I think of it even by the slightest, his whole body would be burnt to a crisp from the inside and I don't think you would want that…. So, you have only two choices now…leave or die…your choice…"
Kirei and Assassin could not believe it. They were beaten by this child. He merely uses a simple hand and palm technique and already he made Kirei a hostage. Kirei then laugh out loud and said.
"Interesting, child! You truly have caught my interest! For now, I will do as you ask but the next time we meet…I expect to see you grow by then. Let's go, Assassin."
Assassin went to his Master side and teleported them out of the area. After they finally left, Chris could no longer support himself and he collapse hard on the ground.
Moments later,
Berserker arrives at the battle ground to see it severely burnt to ashes but he found no sight of Kirei or his Master.
"YOUNG MASTER! Where are you?! Answer me, young master! CHRIS!"
Berserker was in severe distress. Is history repeating itself? Will he once again fail to save those dear to him like what happened to his king? The very though almost made his Mad Enhancement go out out of control as dark mist starting to covered him but then he remembers how Chris word deeply affected him about how he sees Berserker as a friend and comrade. He doesn't want Berserker to lose himself no matter what.
Reminiscing about such memories, Berserker quickly came back to his senses.
"If I'm still feeling his mana that means he's still alive at least but it's too faint. Severely faint! I need to find him and quick!"
"Berserker! You found him yet?!"
Saber had arrived with Irisviel and Maiya. But when they witness the whole place burnt down to ashes, they couldn't believe this was a battle between Masters. But they didn't waste any time. They help Berserker search for his Master and deep down they were hoping he was still alright. Then,
"Madame! I found him! Come here quick!"
They quickly rush to the direction where Maiya found Chris and to their shock he was severely injured.
"CHRIS!"
Berserker almost lost his mind when he saw how severely battered his Master condition was.
"Let me handle the rest! Berserker, please give me some space!"
Berserker gently laid Chris on the ground and then Irisviel quickly attempt a healing procedure on him. But, then she notices…
"His…heart…it's not beating…
Author's Note:
Hello there once again, fellow readers. I hope you enjoy this chapter and honestly I think I rush it a little bit but I hope you don't mind about that. Anyway, thank you once again for all the wonderful support and I will see you again in the next chapter. Bye bye.