Chapter 30 : Escape

"Archer, just hold him off for five minutes."

Tohsaka's words caused an indescribable emotion to well up within him.

I know that there is no other option. Since the previous surprise attack with the Command Spell had failed, at the very least, I can't think of any way for everyone to escape safely.

Both Tohsaka and I only have one Command Spell left, and Saber is extremely weakened, so it will be difficult to shake off Berserker with all four of us, even with the boost of our Command Spells.

Even if he used his last command spell to launch a suicide attack, Berserker would likely be able to withstand it. It would be the same if he aimed directly at Illyasviel.

In that case, someone would have to stay behind to buy time for the others to escape, but the only person who could do that was Archer.

For a moment, he considered fighting with everyone here, but that would probably only result in annihilation. The phenomenon he saw when he was kidnapped. If it was what he had imagined, then it would be nearly impossible to defeat Berserker without some countermeasure.

In their current state, neither Medea nor Saber would be of much use. From Archer's point of view, they would only be a burden.

Ultimately, this is the best course of action. Calmness, reinforced by media suggestions, tells us so.

Maybe it would work if Emiya had the power of his unique barrier, but the awakening of a hidden power at the last minute is something that only happens in anime and light novels. And there's no guarantee that it would work on Berserker. You can't have high hopes.

"...that was the right decision. It seems I got lucky after all."

As I was thinking about other options, I heard Archer's words.

Does "hit" mean that Tohsaka was an excellent master? ...Hey, why did I think in the past tense?

Without turning around, Archer spoke to me.

"Don't look at me like that, Hikigaya. It's not your fault."

Of course not. You came to help me and now you're fighting a battle you can't win.

Before he knew it, Archer was holding a black and white dagger in each hand. Seeing the twin swords, Illyasviel let out a mocking smile.

"Cute. Fighting Berserker with such a Noble Phantasm."

Archer ignored her and turned to speak to Emiya.

"Boy, don't forget what I said. It's no use trying to fight. You are not a fighter, you are a creator. So create the most powerful power. Imagine and create something that cannot be defeated by anyone."

I don't know what they were talking about, but they must have had some sort of exchange when I wasn't around. Emiya was listening attentively.

Meanwhile, Illyasviel, not amused at being ignored, but interjected with a dissatisfied look on her face.

"a little bit……"

"Also, Rin, I just want to confirm something. You gave the order to hold back 'that thing' a moment ago, but…"

However, Archer continued speaking, ignoring Illyasviel.

He stopped speaking for a moment, turned half his face towards me over his shoulder, raised the corners of his mouth in a smirk, and spoke the line.

"It's fine if I defeat it, right?"

Cool! What is this thing!?

Tohsaka was stunned for a moment before smiling broadly and answering.

"Yes, of course. Show them what you've got."

"I understand. I'll do that."

No, these guys are really cool.

"...M-Make fun of me...!"

In contrast, Illyasviel was furious, as her moment to shine had been snatched from her. She opened her mouth to say something. At the same time,

"GO!"

Archer threw one of his twin swords overhead.

The sword shattered the ceiling, turning it into rubble and creating a wall between us and Berserker.

Maybe there was another way, but now that I'd come this far, there was no way to change to another route.

We had no choice but to sacrifice Archer.

I just ran, ran through the forest at night.

It wasn't until some time had passed that Tohsaka, who had been running in the lead, suddenly stopped, holding her left hand.

"what up?"

"...Archer has disappeared."

"...I see."

Judging from his relaxed attitude, I thought maybe, but it was impossible after all. Damn it.

"Let's go. We can't waste the time Archer has bought."

We nodded and started running again.

"Tohsaka! Saber has reached her limit!"

After a while, Emiya spoke up again.

Emiya and I were running, lending our shoulders to each other, but Saber looked like she was on her last legs.

"...Let's let him rest for a bit. I can't take it anymore."

"...That's right. It looks like there's an abandoned house over there. Please take it there."

"Okay."

Emiya replied briefly. I left Saber in his care and called out to Medea, who was at the back of the group.

"Caster, where are you?"

"It's just an improvised trick, so it's not perfect… It may buy us some time, though."

"That's enough."

He had asked Medea to erase and disguise traces in order to delay Illyasviel's pursuit. There was probably no one who could do this better than Medea.

I silently urged him towards the abandoned house.

Inside, Saber was lying down, and Tohsaka and Emiya were sitting a short distance away, taking a rest. We joined them.

"Let's defeat Berserker."

Suddenly, Tohsaka announced.

No one objects, because in a sense it is a natural decision.

Even if we were to successfully escape from this forest, Illyasviel would pursue us relentlessly. As such, we would have no peace unless we defeated Berserker. Although, it's likely that many of us were influenced by Archer.

The problem is,

"Do you have a concrete plan? I'm sure we'll need to get Saber healthy."

"Yes. I have some thoughts about it. Including about Saber."

"I see. I've got a few ideas of my own. Let's consider them as well. Medea."

It was the first time I called him by his real name in front of Emiya and the others. Emiya and the others had probably expected it, but I guess it was a sign of some kind of resolve.

"I'm sure Heracles was from the same Greek myth as you, right? I'd like to know all the information you know, and what you can predict about Berserker's abilities from that. And also..."

I hesitated to say this, but this was no time to be stingy.

"The cards in our hands. And also about Emiya's abilities, and your Noble Phantasm."

"This is the worst..."

I couldn't help but groan.

Media knowledge. The properties of the Holy Grail. The phenomenon I witnessed.

After taking all these factors into consideration and comparing their respective military strengths, they came to the conclusion that victory was impossible.

My prediction of Berserker's abilities had gone awry. The ability I'd thought of was a bit of a cheat, but this one seemed even more vicious.

Of course, this is still just a guess, but with Medea and Tohsaka as the brains behind it, the accuracy is likely to be extremely high.

And if this new prediction was correct, then even if they rebuilt their forces, there would be no way to completely defeat Berserker.

"What do you want me to do...?"

Tohsaka said with a frustrated look on her face. It was only natural, as her plan had already gone awry at this stage. ...No, perhaps it was more that she couldn't avenge Archer.

Medea and Emiya remained silent. They couldn't think of a way to break through Berserker's defenses.

"..."

Just in case, I had one idea.

This is a combination of the information released by the media and some of the ideas I've had up until now. If it works, it might be possible to break through seemingly invincible defenses.

However, this is a combination technique I came up with on my own, with no knowledge of magic. In other words, it's on the same level as Zaimokuza's fantasy. In other words, it's very doubtful whether it's even possible to put it into practice.

"...Can I have a moment?"

But anyway, the strategy meeting is at a dead end. If it doesn't work out, I'll just be embarrassed. I guess I'll just listen.

"...That's about it, but what do you think?"

No reaction. No one said anything. Hmm, I guess this is what they mean when they say they're left speechless. No good after all.

"...Sorry, forget it."

Saying that, I thought of another way. But I couldn't think of anything in the first place, so I blurted out this desperate measure. Damn, I'm really screwed, right?

I looked over to see if the others had any ideas and noticed something was off.

"……what up?"

I called out to them but there was no response. No, Emiya turned towards me as usual, but Medea and Tohsaka had their hands on their chins and were muttering to themselves.

"...But..."

"...No...No...No, how about this...?"

Tohsaka suddenly raised her head. Her eyes met mine as I was observing the situation.

"Maybe it will work."

"...What?"

"That's your idea. Technically it's probably possible."

Seriously? You can say whatever you want.

Tohsaka continued speaking with enthusiasm.

"There are a few problems. First, your Command Spell. Second, we simply don't have enough time. How long will it take, Caster?"

"If we simplify it as much as possible, it will take about two hours. If we include Saber's recovery, we'll need a few more hours."

Tohsaka clicked her tongue softly, so I interjected.

"I'll buy myself some time. I intend to use my Command Spells for that purpose."

"Is that so? Then I'll take care of it. And also..."

Tohsaka looked at Emiya uncomfortably.

"If there's anything I can do, I'll take it on."

Emiya said this bravely, but there was no way to just take his word for it.

"...Think carefully before you answer. You might end up being the one in the wrong."

"It's better than doing nothing and being killed. Besides, Archer risked his life, after all."

"...I see. Sorry."

"That's fine. Are you sure Hikigaya is the one doing it? Buying time against a Berserker is a life-risking move you know?"

"I'm the only one left. There's no good or bad about that."

Even though I had thought up the plan myself, there was no role for me to play. Naturally, the remaining role fell to me. It was a simple process of elimination.

"First, we need to get Saber recovered. Tohsaka and Medea, please continue with the preparations for the ritual. I'll keep watch outside so as not to get in the way. Once Medea has been treated to a certain extent, I'll leave it to you."

He gives instructions to each member and tries to leave the abandoned house himself.

"hang on"

At that moment, Tohsaka's voice came from behind me.

"No normal magician could come up with such a spell. Who exactly are you?"

No matter who you are...

"...I'm just a loner. Have you ever played trading cards?"

"Trading cards?"

"It's a trading card game. Each card has a different effect and ability, and combining multiple abilities to create a bigger effect is called a combo."

Tohsaka and the others looked confused when I suddenly started talking about games. Well, that's understandable.

"Generally, combos with fewer moves are easier to use and more powerful because there's less room for intervention. But when there's no opponent to play against, I just end up thinking up complicated, flashy combos."

I remember it from the upper grades of elementary school to the beginning of junior high school. It was really popular back then.

I remember how I made multiple original decks and sat alone outside the excited group, wondering if someone would challenge me to a match, only to end up not being able to play against anyone.

"Well, I'm good at thinking about things like that. I'm a loner after all."

I sat down on a suitable rock outside the abandoned house and looked in the direction where Einzbern castle used to be.

How long has it been since I went outside?

The malfunction with the Command Spell should have been resolved quickly, so they are probably "healing" Saber right now.

Medea is preparing for the upcoming ceremony, and Tohsaka is providing support while explaining the process.

There's nothing I can do so I go outside so as not to get in the way and at the very least I keep watch, but to be honest it's not really that effective.

If Illyasviel came to kill me without question, I would have no choice but to die without any room for resistance. It would be the same whether I was cautious or not.

If that happens, the only strategy is to fight head-on with Paa from the roots. That's why I put Saber's recovery first. Well, it's nice not to have to be on edge, though.

"..."

In the forest, where not even the sound of insects can be heard, I simply waited for time to pass. During that time, I continued to search for an alternative, but in the end, I couldn't come up with anything.

Kassatt

The footsteps came from behind me, not in front of me.

I turned around and saw the media standing there.

"Is that okay?"

"Yes. I have explained everything to Rin-sama. She is still making preparations."

"I see. In that case, I'll leave it to you while I can."

Saying this, I stood in front of Medea. Medea spun magic as per my request.

Even if it was just to buy time, as Emiya said, it was a matter of risking one's life. No matter how much preparation one makes, it won't be enough.

First, there's the usual physical strengthening. With or without it, your survival rate is on a whole different level.

Next is hypnotic suggestion to keep the mind calm. All things considered, this may be the most useful thing I've ever done. Without it, I would have peed my pants a long time ago.

These were the last times I had called, before I was kidnapped, so I asked them to call back.

And this time, I'll have some more magic done.

"And... here you go."

"Yeah, I'll borrow it."

I accept it, having fulfilled its purpose for now. I don't know if I'll ever have a chance to use it, but Medea and the others don't have any more use for it. So I'll let you have it just in case.

"That's it. Well then, you go back and help Tohsaka."

With that, he turned back towards the depths of the forest. However, no matter how much time passed, there was no sign of Medea leaving. His heightened and sharpened senses told him that she was still there.

"...What's wrong?"

I ask over his shoulder, but Medea doesn't answer. He just stands there.

A little bit of time passed like this.

Just as I was getting impatient and was about to call out to her again, Medea spoke up.

"...Hachiman-sama, should we run away?"