Otakemaru's sudden appearance sent shockwaves through everyone present. Who would have anticipated that someone would dare interrupt the clash between Saber and Berserker, let alone challenge two Servants simultaneously?
"Who is he?" Rin mumbled in disbelief.
"My Demon King..."
The Masters, observing from a distance, turned their attention to a new voice. It was soft, gentle, with a touch of maturity compared to Illya's voice.
"Good evening, Shirou Emiya, Rin Tohsaka, and Illyasviel von Einzbern... My name is Manaka Sajyou. Pleasure to make your acquaintance," Manaka introduced herself with a graceful bow, her skirt lifted in a manner reminiscent of Illya's earlier gesture.
"Manaka Sajyou?" Rin exclaimed, taken aback. "The current heir of the Sajyou family and a specialist in Formalcraft?!" Her tone was almost incredulous. It was evident that Rin was well aware of Manaka's reputation. While the Magus Association might not hold Formalcraft in high regard, Manaka's considerable talent in her family's art had not gone unnoticed.
"Yes... I am honored that you recognize me, Rin Tohsaka," Manaka replied, her innocent smile radiating a sense of genuine flattery.
Illya's gaze upon Manaka was sharp and calculating. She had certainly heard of Manaka's reputation, which, while not overly exceptional, was still noteworthy. This woman could potentially prove more formidable than Rin.
As for her Servant... There was something different about him. As the Grail vessel, Illya could sense the uniqueness of this Servant. It hinted at the presence of an extra class, the enigmatic Avenger.
A mysterious new class... But that didn't faze her. Berserker was invincible! No one could surpass his might, after all, he was the strongest hero in Greek mythology
"Hmph! So, I assume that's your Servant?" Illya inquired, her tone holding a trace of superiority.
"Well, now that I see you up close, you're one of those, aren't you?" Manaka retorted, sidestepping Illya's question with a pointed remark. The white-haired girl's eyes twitched slightly. There was no doubt that Manaka was referring to her status as a Homunculus. "Just as the Einzbern family planned—to create a fine weapon in the form of a Master," Manaka added with a slight chuckle. "As for the man over there, yes, he's mine. He's my King..."
Rin, wisely avoiding any missteps that might worsen the situation, shifted her attention to Manaka. "Is your Servant and Avenger?" she asked with an appraising look
"Hmmm... Maybe..." Manaka's response was shrouded in mystery. Otakemaru had never explicitly forbidden her from revealing the truth; he just relished in toying with people and creating confusion. Ultimately, though, he didn't mind if they found out. "Yes, he is an Avenger-class Servant," she confirmed after a brief contemplation.
"An Avenger-class Servant... How enigmatic," Rin mused. This turn of events was undeniably unexpected. An extra class had manifested right after they had learned of its existence.
"But extra class or not, it doesn't matter! My Berserker is invincible! No one can defeat him!" Illya boasted with a strong sense of pride.
Manaka's response was a simple smile, completely unfazed by Illya's assertion. "You might want to be cautious about being too certain," she observed with that same serene smile.
"Oh, really?" Illya retorted. "Well, let me tell you then! My Servant is Heracles! The greatest warrior of Greece!" She declared with unwavering confidence. Shirou and Rin exchanged shocked glances, while Manaka merely blinked in response. "I doubt a nameless hero like yours stands a chance against him!" Illya added defiantly.
Instead of showing any signs of panic, Manaka simply narrowed her eyes slightly and cast an amused glance toward Illya. "My Demon King once reigned over the stronger beings of his era. There were many heroes like Heracles in his time, and he instead stood at the pinnacle... Leading them all. I believe this will highlight the vast disparity between my king and your Heracles," she responded calmly, her words laced with evident disdain.
Illya caught onto the tone and focus of Manaka's words, shooting her a sharp look. Then, she turned her attention back to the battlefield, urgently shouting, "BERSERKER! CRUSH THAT SERVANT!" When she looked back at Manaka, her glare was met with nothing but a serene smile, almost angelic in nature.
A spark seemed to flicker between Shirou and Rin for a moment as they observed the interaction. Rather than the deadly tension they might have expected, it was almost as if two mischievous children were playfully bantering. The thought was enough to make them break into a nervous sweat.
[Interlude]
Otakemaru descended strongly between Saber and Berserker, his countenance bearing an air of indifference, almost as if he saw their confrontation as mere child's play rather than a battle to the death.
"Who are you?!" Saber demanded, preparing to engage him in combat. However, a nagging familiarity emanated from the figure before her. While she couldn't quite put a finger on what it was, her instincts warned her that this Servant might be the most formidable opponent she had encountered thus far.
Otakemaru stood in silence for a fleeting moment, his attention focused solely on the hero standing opposite him. He seemed to completely disregard the presence of the valiant knight beside him.
Saber blinked, her grip tightening on her sword as she pointed it toward him. "Are you going to pretend that you're ignoring me? Are you an enemy who's interrupting our duel?" she muttered, her gaze fixed on Otakemaru. His expression was far from interested or concerned; it was as if her presence held no significance to him.
The knight's form appeared fragile and weak in Otakemaru's eyes, posing not even the faintest threat. He doubted whether her Noble Phantasm could even pierce his skin.
"BERSERKER! CRUSH THAT SERVANT!"
For the first time since his arrival on the battlefield, a change swept across Otakemaru's visage. A predatory grin stretched across his face, revealing his fangs. The words seemed to ignite a spark of anticipation within him. "Come, Hero..." he stated simply, his tone carrying a flat certainty.
"⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️!"
Berserker unleashed a furious roar, causing the very ground beneath him to quake as it shattered from the sheer force he exerted. His sword-axe was hoisted high as he lunged towards Otakemaru, the impact of his movements echoing the storm of his rage. With a powerful swing, he aimed to deliver a devastating blow upon his adversary.
Swift and agile, Otakemaru evaded the colossal weapon's trajectory by bending his body with a dexterity of an animal. He gracefully sidestepped another mighty strike, his movements fluid and seemingly effortless.
Utilizing his tail as both a pivot and a weapon, he entwined it around the shaft of the massive sword-axe, deftly leveraging it to disarm Berserker. Simultaneously, he executed a precision punch to the giant's visage.
Astonishingly, the punch inflicted visible damage upon Berserker. The warrior's countenance contorted in response, and a resounding crack reverberated through the air. Despite the injury, it was a minor wound for Berserker – an inconvenience rather than a true hindrance.
In the same instant, the Servant of madness unleashed his other hand, attempting to swipe Otakemaru away like an insignificant insect.
Exploiting the small window of opportunity, Otakemaru delivered a forceful punch to Berserker's abdomen, striving to maintain his ground. Nevertheless, the attack managed to propel him several meters back, the strain on his body evident in the beads of blood that formed at his clenched teeth. His eyes burned with a more menacing fervor, their intensity akin to a predator scenting its prey.
Even in his berserk state, the massive giant recognized Otakemaru as a substantial threat. The palpable sensation of impending doom hung heavy in the air, inching closer with every passing second.
"⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️!" Berserker roared, his voice a thunderous declaration of his determination to overcome the formidable adversary before him.
Berserker's roar reverberated once more, heralding his renewed charge as he surged towards Otakemaru with astonishing speed for a being of his immense stature. Otakemaru's demeanor remained unchanged, his expression unmoved by the raw strength displayed by his adversary.
With a calculated precision, Otakemaru evaded the charging assault. His movements were efficient as he skillfully shifted his body, narrowly avoiding the incoming attack. As Berserker's massive weapon struck the ground with titanic force, it bore down with enough weight to carve a vast crater, consuming everything in its vicinity.
Seizing the moment, Otakemaru capitalized on his nimbleness. He planted his foot upon the lodged weapon, transforming it into a solid foothold that propelled him towards the charging giant. Berserker reacted swiftly, relinquishing his grip on the weapon and lashing out with a punch aimed at his agile foe. Otakemaru displayed an almost preternatural anticipation of the counterattack, as though he had foreseen such a response.
Slightly tilting his head, Otakemaru deftly evaded the incoming punch. The strike, however, grazed his skin, did not do even the slightest bit of damage, as if it were a mere light breeze.
He executed a precise heel kick aimed at Berserker, yet the giant exhibited an uncanny agility, sidestepping the attack with surprising grace. Swift as a shadow, Berserker then attempted a retaliatory kick, but Otakemaru was prepared.
With a casual ease that belied his diminutive form, Otakemaru intercepted the kick, his grip unyielding as he halted the giant's motion. His strength, concealed within his small body, manifested with a startling intensity.
With an effort, he exerted his formidable force, propelling Berserker with astonishing ease. The towering warrior hurtled through the air, crashing against a distant wall several kilometers away, the impact a testament to the sheer power at Otakemaru's disposal – a power that was nothing short of chilling.
"Daitoren!" Otakemaru mumbled, his voice carrying a weight of power and divine authority.
Suddenly, before his very eyes, a rift in reality tore open above his head. From the heart of the swirling vortex emerged a sword of awe-inspiring magnificence, its hilt adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to writhe like flames in response to the sword's fiery nature.
The blade itself was a masterwork of craftsmanship, forged from an otherworldly metal that glowed like molten lava, its edges dancing with tongues of crimson fire.
The flames that licked along the blade were not mere decoration; they were a manifestation of the sword's innate elemental power. With each flicker and leap of the fiery patterns, the air around the blade shimmered with a searing heat that seemed to challenge even the sun.
As the sword began to materialize fully, its descent was swift and forceful. It landed abruptly on the ground with both feet, its impact causing the very earth beneath to tremble and crack. The ground fractured as if unable to contain the sheer power radiating from the sword.
With a deep breath, Otakemaru strode toward the sword, his footsteps measured and purposeful. He reached down and grasped the hilt, feeling the cool metal warm under his touch as if responding to his presence. The blade's fiery patterns intensified, as if acknowledging his command.
In a display of power that defied comprehension, the surroundings around Otakemaru began to warp and distort. The very air shimmered and wavered, as if unable to withstand the intensity of the sword's fiery aura.
Trees and rocks began to warp and melt like wax in a fierce inferno, their forms contorting and bending as if bowing to the might of the weapon. The ground itself seemed to liquefy, flowing like molten metal under the influence of the sword's overwhelming power.
Amidst this cataclysmic display, Otakemaru stood at the epicenter, his expression utterly indifferent. His gaze was fixed solely on the blade he held, a calm and unyielding determination emanating from his very being.
It was a look that sent a shiver down the spines of any who witnessed it—a chill that cut through the scorching heat of the spectacle he had conjured.
"And all this your power, hero?" Otakemaru taunted in a tone that dripped with boredom, his actions punctuated by calculated strikes with his weapon, intentionally provoking Berserker to unleash his full might.
"⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️" Berserker responded with a ferocious roar, his frenzy evident as he hurtled towards Otakemaru with blinding speed. His crimson eyes blazed with an untamed fire as he closed the distance, his colossal weapon descending with a force that left its mark upon the surroundings.
In response, Otakemaru gracefully contorted his body, a symphony of sparks of electricity dancing around him as his form seemed to transform.
Daitoren, embodying the essence of flames, surged forth in a fiery display. The small, darting sparks of electricity cascaded from Otakemaru's body as he effortlessly wielded his sword with finesse.
*BOOOM!*
The cataclysmic impact of the clash reverberated, a resounding testament to the collision of their immense powers. Otakemaru's visage remained cold and composed, an embodiment of chilling resolve. As the aftermath of the impact settled, the two figures remained locked in a tense standoff, a scene that had undoubtedly caught everyone present by surprise.
In a swift motion, Otakemaru roared, a sound that echoed with defiance and strength. He propelled Berserker away, creating a temporary distance before initiating a powerful swing. The arc of his blade carved through the air, unleashing a torrent of flames in its wake.
Berserker's own roar resounded in answer. His weapon swung with astonishing might, intercepting the fiery onslaught with a fierce parry. The clash of their opposing forces created a radiant spectacle, yet beneath the surface, it was a test of shear strength.
As Berserker's axe descended once more, Otakemaru held his ground. The blade he wielded emanated an intense heat, a silent testament to its potency. With unyielding determination, he interlocked his weapon with the descending force of Berserker's axe, the clash reverberating with a volatile energy that held the audience in awe.
*CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!*
A symphony of impact and destruction unfolded as Otakemaru and Berserker engaged in a deadly dance with their formidable weapons.
The expression on Berserker's face was one of pure fury, his thunderous roars harmonizing with the force of his strikes. In stark contrast, a twisted smile played on Otakemaru's lips, his eyes gleaming with excitement and anticipation.
Among the spectators, even Saber's countenance mirrored surprise. The scene before them was beyond expectations. This monstrous figure, with its calculated movements and unhinged grin, wasn't merely equaling Berserker's strength—it seemed to tower above him in strength.
"See, I told you my Demon King is the strongest," Manaka affirmed, her gaze fixed in awe upon Otakemaru's display of power.
"D-Don't count him out just yet! Berserker isn't giving his all!" Illya retorted to Manaka's declaration, her determination unyielding. She turned her attention to Berserker, who was locked in combat with Otakemaru. "Berserker! Show them your true strength!" Illya's shout resonated, a plea to push her Servant beyond his limits and avoid defeat.
In response, Berserker emitted a primal roar reminiscent of a lion's mighty howl. Fueled by his Master's call, he intensified his assault, striking with greater ferocity and unparalleled force.
His weapon cleaved through the air with newfound determination, clashing with Otakemaru's defenses. This time, the impact exerted more pressure, gradually pushing Otakemaru back.
Sensing his opponent's increase in power, Otakemaru's smile widened, showing a mixture of excitement and frenzy. The intensification of the battle only increased his satisfaction, reflecting the excitement he derived from facing a formidable foe.
Berserker lowered his weapon, and with a casual grace, Otakemaru sidestepped the turbulent gale stirred by the giant's earth-shattering strike. The storm of force he unleashed was but a gentle breeze compared to the tempests he had tamed in his storied past.
He swung Daitoren towards Berserker's cranium, yet the giant deftly retracted his head, evading the impending impact. In a fluid motion, Berserker lunged forward, his axe cleaving through the air towards Otakemaru.
The Oni King, however, leapt with the dexterity of a warrior who had overcome thousands of battlefields, effortlessly avoiding the colossal weapon's deadly arc.
"Show me your true strength... Otherwise, you'll perish and turn to ashes" Otakemaru declared with a gaze so terrifying it could fray the resolve of even the most valiant of heroes.
With a surge of power, he pushed aside Berserker's weapon, the force unyielding as if he were shoving aside a mere twig. Swift as the wind, he then raised his sword aloft, a whirlwind of flames spiraling around him, before descending upon the giant.
*SLASH!*
The onlookers stood aghast as a fountain of crimson erupted from the gaping wound rent across Berserker's chest, a testament to the brutality of Otakemaru's assault.
And then, in a stunning twist, the spectators witnessed Otakemaru's sword blazing with a conflagration so intense it consumed not only blood but even flesh. As expected, the Berserker's body was drenched in a gruesome tableau of blood and searing burns, his form a testament to the relentless onslaught unleashed by Otakemaru.
The battlefield was a canvas of violence and fire, and it was clear to all that the tide of the battle had shifted dramatically. It was Otakemaru who now stood as the victor in this deadly dance.
Yet, the giant remained unyielding. He was impervious to pain and driven only by an insatiable fury. With a roar that echoed the depths of madness, he swung his weapon in a desperate bid to swat Otakemaru away like an insect.
But the Oni King evaded each strike with an almost disdainful ease, his lithe movements a testament to his mastery of combat.
As Berserker lowered his massive sword-axe, Otakemaru steeled himself, his gaze unwavering. With unshakable focus, he brought Daitoren down upon the flat side of the axe blade with a resounding clash.
The impact sent a tremor through the battlefield, causing even the most stalwart observers to feel a chill down their spines. Berserker stumbled under the force of the blow, a split second that Otakemaru seized upon. Around Daitoren, a swirling vortex of flames emerged, growing in intensity with each passing moment, as if the very essence of inferno had converged upon the blade.
Otakemaru's voice was a low murmur, almost like an incantation, as he uttered, "Kagayaki, azayakana asa no yoake." And then, with a thunderous roar that seemed to shake the heavens themselves, he thrust the blazing sword toward the Berserker's body.
*BOOOM!*
The collision was akin to a detonation of a hydrogen bomb, the very air quivering with the force of the impact. The sword of flame, a burning lighthouse in the abyss, pierced through the Berserker's form with devastating precision.
As the blade cleaved through flesh and bone, it obliterated the giant's head and hands, a symphony of destruction that sent cascades of blood and flesh evaporating into nothingness.
The surrounding landscape suffered a similar fate, the once verdant terrain transforming into a desolate wasteland under the influence of the flame sword's destructive power.
In an instant, a blazing conflagration engulfed the colossal Berserker, an all-consuming inferno that left no room for resistance. As the crimson flames danced and consumed his body, the giant was left defenseless against Otakemaru's overwhelming might.
With a single thrust of the flame-engulfed sword, Berserker was propelled backwards, his massive form tumbling through the air before crashing into the ground. In his wake, only the skeletal remnants of his once- existence remained.
Otakemaru's expression remained unchanged as he observed the aftermath of his devastating strike. The victory was his, but he couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment.
While Berserker had proven to be a opponent quite strong, the lack of technique and the absence of coherent strategy had left Otakemaru yearning for a more challenging engagement.
He mused that perhaps, if Berserker had regained his sanity, the outcome might have been different—a battle both harder and more fulfilling.
In the end, his long years of dispatching mindless monstrosities had conditioned Otakemaru for swift, efficient victories. This skirmish was no different.
[Interlude]
"He defeated Berserker..." Rin murmured, her astonishment evident in her voice. The final attack had carried an immense danger, a condensed torrent of Mana that seemed to defy the laws of reality. It was as if a colossal hurricane of magical energy had been compressed into those flames, a sun's worth of brilliance igniting in the heart of this tainted world.
'Berserker is defeated... and by him. This man... he's the most dangerous presence here. He could even eliminate Berserker... He wields the strength of Mad Enhancement, yet maintains his sanity. I doubt I stand a chance against him...' Saber's thoughts spiraled into a gloomy abyss as she observed Otakemaru's leisurely retreat, his steps measured and unhurried, as though he were strolling through a garden rather than the aftermath of a battle that should have been a fight for life and death.
This man, this creature of overwhelming might, had surpassed mere strength. He emanated an aura of regality, a presence that resonated with the essence of a king—a monarch whose dominion extended beyond physical prowess alone.
'This man, or rather this monster, possesses unmatched power...' Saber's realization dawned upon her with a weighty gravity. She chastised herself for underestimating him, for failing to take the threat seriously from the outset.
Her body tensed involuntarily as he drew nearer, his approach accompanied by a faint smile that revealed his sharp fangs. The sight sent an icy shiver down her spine, as if she were facing not a mere human, but a dragon cloaked in human guise.
"It appears your servant has outperformed himself, Illyasviel," Manaka remarked with a sly smile, her tone dripping with mischief. "My servant has clearly demonstrated his superiority," she continued, her gaze locked onto Otakemaru with an entranced and unsettling expression.
Illya, upon hearing Manaka's words, clenched her teeth in frustration. She shot a glare in Manaka's direction and pointed her finger childishly. "Don't think you've won!" she retorted, her voice defiant. "You've only taken two lives from Berserker! He still has ten more!" she added smugly, surprising everyone with her audacity.
"Wait, you mean we have to defeat that thing twelve times?" Rin let out a cute sound. Just vanquishing it once was an incredibly daunting task. The thought of doing so twelve times over was a nightmarish proposition she refused to entertain.
Illya, who had been so focused on her newfound rivalry with Manaka, finally realized that both Rin and her brother were still present. A blush crept onto her face as she realized she had strayed from her original goal. 'Damn it! I was supposed to target Saber, not Avenger! Ugh, now my entire plan has been thrown into disarray!'
Meanwhile, Otakemaru, who had drawn closer to Saber, blinked as he sensed that Berserker's aura still lingered. It indicated that the giant was still alive.
'Perhaps I underestimated him too much? Can I even utilize my second sword against him? Show me the full extent of your power, hero, and I shall do my best to crush you,' he contemplated, a hint of curiosity seeping into his thoughts.
Otakemaru stared intently at the billowing smoke that had arisen from his attack, his expression a mix of confusion and intense intrigue. It was as if he had stumbled upon something that piqued his interest, something that promised a departure from the usual battles.
As if his Master knew what he was thinking, he heard her voice echo in his mind, her words cutting through his contemplation. "Otakemaru, you must take that man's life ten times. He seems to have a total of twelve lives, and your recent attack claimed two of them..."
Upon hearing her words, Otakemaru blinked, a mixture of surprise and realization playing across his features. 'An immortal, huh?' he mused inwardly, a strange and eerie grin tugging at the corners of his lips. His tail, too, began to twitch with a sense of anticipation, betraying his growing amusement.
Berserker emerged from the dissipating smoke, appearing completely restored as if he were a phoenix reborn from his own ashes. His wounds were gone, and he stood before them as if the fierce battle had never even taken place.
Yet, before the two could resume their confrontation and Otakemaru could conjure his second celestial blade, a voice interrupted them at the most unexpected moment.
"Enough, Berserker. Let's go home..." Illya's shout reverberated through the tense atmosphere, and all eyes turned towards her in surprise.
In that instant, Illya realized the precariousness of her situation. Avenger had proven to be a formidable threat, capable of taking two lives from Berserker and displaying no signs of fatigue whatsoever.
She harbored no doubt that Berserker could ultimately triumph, but the events had taken an unforeseen turn. Illya's plan needed to be adapted – the extra-class Servant posed a greater danger than she had initially calculated.
As Illya exchanged a resentful glance with Manaka, the latter sported a knowing smile, a subtle sense of satisfaction emanating from her expression. "Are you collaborating with Onii-chan?" Illya questioned, suspicion lacing her words.
"Me? Oh no, not at all. In fact, I was planning to have my king engage Saber and Emiya-san once they returned home..." Manaka responded nonchalantly, her smile unwavering, yet a hint of mischievousness glinted in her eyes. "But then you showed up and launched an attack right in front of us..." She continued, her tone calm as she explained her actions, a seemingly innocent demeanor masking her underlying intentions.
Illya maintained a stern gaze on Manaka for a brief moment before huffing and turning away with a small, dismissive snort.
Berserker appeared before Illya, and she climbed onto his shoulder. "Next time, my Berserker will emerge victorious! We'll finish him off in the next battle..." she declared with grim determination, addressing Manaka.
"I'll be looking forward to it, Illyasviel," Manaka responded with a gentle and courteous tone, a smile adorning her features. Her words carried an air of playful camaraderie, as if Illya's declaration were akin to children boasting about their favorite players.
Illya's frustration was palpable. She couldn't help but feel an intense dislike for Manaka in that moment.
"Hmph! You got lucky this time, Onii-chan, but don't expect the same next time!" Illya started with a defiant tone before turning away, accompanied by Berserker. However, just before leaving, she cast one last glance at Rin. "And Rin, remember, next time we meet, I won't hold back..." she added almost as an afterthought, a veiled threat in her words.
Manaka couldn't help but chuckle as she watched Illya's departure. It seemed like she had quite the strong rivalry with her. She held her chin high, appearing victorious in her own way. Ah, how she expected nothing less from her King of Monster.
Then, as if materializing out of thin air, a whirlwind appeared next to Manaka. Otakemaru emerged from it, his Hermit mode deactivated. Rin and Shirou tensed up, and Saber immediately positioned herself beside them, ready to protect.
"Avenger!" Manaka called out to him in a dreamy tone.
"Hey, Little-Hime. How did you like the show?" Otakemaru asked, a sense of amusement in his voice.
"It was incredible! I know you're strong, but the opponent you faced earlier was on a different level!" Manaka squealed with genuine excitement, her admiration for his prowess evident in her words.
Otakemaru's expression remained relatively indifferent, but a slight amused smile graced his features as he observed Manaka's excitement.
There was something about her that reminded him of a little crab friend from the past, and her Master's behavior was already quite reminiscent of that as well. "We can discuss that later," he agreed before shifting his attention to Shirou, Rin, and the tense Saber. "Now, what shall we do with them?"
Saber, upon hearing Otakemaru's words, immediately tightened her grip on her sword and took a step forward, adopting a defensive stance. "Stand back, Shirou," she warned, her tone resolute.
The situation was uncertain, and even though she possessed ample prana, she had reservations about her ability to overcome this challenge. The man before her displayed immense strength, reminding her of Archer, though his demeanor was notably distinct.
Manaka turned her attention towards Otakemaru and then back to the group. Her innocent smile persisted, and she hummed thoughtfully. "Can you defeat them?" she inquired, curious yet confident.
"I can," Otakemaru affirmed in a pragmatic tone. There was no hesitation in his response, as if the thought of facing these opponents was as insignificant as a trivial calculation.
"The only considerable threat in close combat would be Berserker. I could engage Saber if I so chose, although her Noble Phantasm is indeed formidable. Nonetheless, I doubt she could pose any significant harm to me..." His words held no arrogance, merely a matter-of-fact declaration, as though he were answering a basic equation with undeniable logic.
Saber's patience waned, and she growled in response to Otakemaru's words. "Do not underestimate me, arrogant Avenger! If you're so eager for a fight, I'm more than willing to oblige!" Her tone carried a mixture of challenge and frustration, her pride as a knight prompting her to stand her ground against this powerful foe
Otakemaru's gaze remained fixed on Saber as he crossed his arms, a faint sense of amusement evident in his expression. "Do not deny it, Saber. Deep down, you know that you cannot defeat me in your current state," he stated matter-of-factly.
Saber was taken aback, her surprise evident as she stammered, "H-how did you...?"
"Don't be too surprised," Otakemaru replied calmly. "I can recognize the signs because we are two similar beings." He explained, his demeanor remaining composed. "Though I must admit, I am surprised to find you in such a weakened state. Your adherence to your knightly code has limited your potential, and yet, that same restraint might give you a chance against me," he added, a small, almost appreciative smile playing on his lips.
Saber's grip on her sword tightened. This man was far more perceptive and insightful than she had initially assumed. Not only was he formidable in strength and skill, but he also exuded a charismatic aura that was difficult to ignore. The more she learned about him, the clearer it became that he posed a significant threat.
Turning his attention back to Manaka, Otakemaru inquired, "So, what would you like me to do with them, Little-Hime?"
Manaka pondered the question for a moment, her expression thoughtful before she broke into a cheerful smile. "I think I've had my fill of excitement for tonight. Let them go," she declared, her tone light and content. The unexpected response left Rin and the others surprised and confused.
"You're just going to let us go like that?" Rin asked incredulously, her confusion evident in her tone.
"If you wish to fight, Tohsaka-san, I am more than willing to accommodate," Manaka's words had a decisive effect on Rin, leaving her momentarily speechless.
She turned her attention to Otakemaru as Manaka called upon him, her dreamy tone guiding his movements. The demon king nodded in response and gently took Manaka's shoulder.
"Restoring your mana would be wise, Saber," Otakemaru advised with a tone of practicality. His gaze held a certain anticipation for the battles that lay ahead. "Before confronting either me or Berserker again, you should ensure your power is at its peak. Keep in mind that Lancer is likely holding back significantly during your previous clashes. But in the next encounter, it won't be the same," he warned, his eyes reflecting his expectations for the future.
Saber was about to interject with her questions, but Otakemaru's response simply ignored her as he transformed back into his human form. The battle had concluded, and for now, they were left to ponder the implications of the encounter.
However, before they could fully process everything, Otakemaru's sword swung in a swift, fiery arc, eliminating a group of insects that had been observing the battle.
"Do you really think that I have not welcomed your presence? I am simply ignoring you since you are completely insignificant to me." With those words, he and Manaka vanished from their sight, leaving behind an eerie stillness.
As the quiet settled over Shirou, Rin, and Saber, the tense atmosphere finally found its release when Shirou spoke up, his voice a mix of awe and uncertainty, "Did...did that really just happen?"
A/N: With this chapter, the first arc of this story ends.
Leave a review if you like the story 3
The next one will be an interlude, in the pov of different characters to give an idea of how this Grail War is going. I think by now you have been able to get an idea of this story, and tell me what you think with a review and also what I could add to make it much more interesting.