With half of the thirteen seals released, the holy sword in Alvin's hand transformed into the Radiant Sword that saves the stars.
Sensing the commotion from the rooftop direction, the Servants from all sides instinctively looked towards where the rooftop was.
A golden pillar of light pierced through heaven and earth. Feeling this magical energy, Morgan le Fay couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "Has he gone mad?"
Magical energy output surpassing that of a Servant, she understood all too well what this meant.
Even though Alvin possessed the magical energy granted by the Root, he wasn't truly connected to the Root in the fundamental sense.
If one were to say that Sajyou Manaka was directly connected to the Root, then Alvin was indirectly receiving magical energy from the Root, to put it simply, it was like Wi-Fi.
A Servant's magical energy has an upper limit. If the Noble Phantasm Alvin unleashed exceeded this limit, there was a risk he might disappear.
Just what kind of enemy had he encountered, to make him resort to wielding the Sword of Promised Victory?
"So, this is Saber's true Noble Phantasm?"
Gilgamesh's crimson eyes stared intently at the distant rooftop, seemingly suddenly filled with interest.
He could sense that the Noble Phantasm Alvin was unleashing at this moment possessed power that might far surpass the limits a Servant could reach.
However, after using this Noble Phantasm, his magical energy would probably be just about at its limit.
Thinking this, Gilgamesh was just about to move, intending to go see for himself the battle on Saber's side.
But at that moment, a figure blocked his path.
Gilgamesh's eyes narrowed slightly, a trace of coldness in his scarlet pupils, "Caster, is it? The courage to stand before the King is worthy of praise, but do you know the consequences?"
"Right now, no Servant can approach him. That's the only thing I know."
Artoria's tone was calm, but the 'Staff of Selection' in her hand seemed to be suppressing terrifying magical energy.
She didn't know if there was any enmity between Gilgamesh and Alvin, but one thing was certain now: every Servant in the Holy Grail War had their own agenda.
Even if there was no hatred between the two, there was no guarantee the other wouldn't secretly attack Alvin when he got close.
"Is that so? You're worried about Saber and don't want anyone to disturb his battle? It seems my initial guess was correct, you really are someone Saber knows?"
As Gilgamesh speculated, he observed Artoria for a few moments and said, "A hierarchical relationship... or perhaps, lovers?"
"Enough, I'm not interested in your affairs. But since you dare to block my path—"
As he spoke, Gilgamesh slowly raised his right hand.
The golden light rings behind him shimmered like ripples on water, suddenly flaring to life.
A pleased smile spread across his face, "As appreciation for this courage, I shall grant you a fitting reward."
In an instant, from the Gate of Babylon, countless Noble Phantasms launched abruptly.
Seeing this, Mordred was about to step forward, but at that moment, a thunderous radiance suddenly burst forth from the distant 'chariot'.
Iskandar stood atop his chariot, staring intently at Mordred, and said in a deep voice, "Lancer, if you were just watching from the side, I wouldn't interfere. But if you plan on making it two against one. Then I'll have no choice but to help this glittering guy."
Although Iskandar appeared rough, he was actually quite perceptive. From the moment Caster appeared, he had already sensed something amiss.
Judging from Saber's reaction earlier, it seemed he and Caster were acquainted. And just as Archer said, their relationship was far from ordinary.
If they were to form an alliance afterwards, the whole dynamic of the Holy Grail War would be completely different.
Mordred snorted coldly, "Even without Archer's matter, our own fight from earlier hasn't been decided yet, Rider."
If Alvin hadn't appeared earlier, the battle between Mordred and Iskandar might have already been decided.
Now, sensing a hint of 'provocation' from Iskandar, Mordred's competitive spirit was reignited.
"Fall back for now, Lancer."
But before she could make a move, Kayneth, who had been hiding in the shadows all along, finally spoke.
"Too many parties are involved in tonight's battle, there's no need for us to wade into this muddy water."
Mordred was stunned for a moment, seeming a bit unwilling, "But—"
"Lancer, don't forget this is the Holy Grail War now. Everything should be aimed at achieving victory in the Holy Grail War."
Kayneth said slowly, "Besides, I have a feeling. Saber's Master's death probably isn't that simple."
How could a magus connected to the Root be killed so easily by a single bullet?
Although a magus's body is indeed fragile, Sajyou Manaka's performance tonight had already etched an indelible impression in Kayneth's mind.
He had a premonition. Perhaps, there was more to Sajyou Manaka's death than met the eye.
"If Saber truly runs into trouble, I can make an exception and let you help him once," Kayneth continued.
Not knowing that Saber was Alvin, this could already be considered a huge concession.
Although she felt somewhat unconvinced, upon hearing Kayneth's final words, Mordred ultimately accepted his opinion reluctantly.
"In that case, I'll follow your lead for now, Master."
———
The blazing light of the holy sword had now completely engulfed Vortigern.
At this moment, Vortigern finally dared not hold back any longer. He suddenly spread his arms wide.
Eye of a Dream Falling Yonder(Lie Like Vortigern)!
This was the EX-rank Anti-World Noble Phantasm possessed by Vortigern.
The moment the Noble Phantasm was released, his body rapidly expanded until, finally, it transformed into a massive white dragon.
Its entire body was covered in hard, cold white scales, which shimmered with an unsettling luster in the light of the Sword of Promised Victory.
The White Dragon Vortigern. This was his true Noble Phantasm, transforming himself directly into the white dragon of myth to counter the scorching magical energy of the Sword of Promised Victory.
Vortigern spread his wings, massive like those of a whale, and roared up at the sky. His body glowed red-hot as if seared within the golden holy sword, dazzling sparks erupting from the scales on his body.
Facing the terrifying magical energy of the holy sword, he chanted ancient prayers in his mouth, and a black sun silently rose behind him.
The appearance of the black sun seemed so eerie under the night sky. As it emerged, it began to devour the space around it and the magical energy within the holy sword at an astonishing speed.
In the past, Vortigern had used this method to devour the light of holy swords, not just Excalibur, but even the Solar Sword in Gawain's hand had been devoured by Vortigern.
Now, facing the Sword of Promised Victory, he actually used the same tactic, and truly succeeded in devouring the holy sword's radiance.
Vortigern's golden draconic eyes gazed at the young man on the rooftop, a terrifying smile soon spreading across his face.
"You've indeed surprised me a bit, Alvin."
"But, although I don't know how you obtained the Sword of Promised Victory. with your Servant vessel, no matter how powerful the Noble Phantasm, you cannot break the limits a Servant can achieve."
Under normal circumstances, being a Servant in the Holy Grail War was indeed a hindrance for Alvin. Vortigern was right; Alvin couldn't unleash the Sword of Promised Victory's strongest power right now.
Only, while Vortigern was speaking, the Sword of Promised Victory's Noble Phantasm had already been unleashed once more.
Vortigern's pupils contracted slightly. He quickly opened his mouth, magical energy gathering within.
But his reaction was still a beat too slow. The golden magical energy of the Sword of Promised Victory erupted as it condensed. It kicked up a fierce gale, carrying scorching magical energy that seemed to distort the air, slamming brutally into Vortigern.
The demonic dragon's bones emitted a series of explosive cracks. The searing heat caused Vortigern to let out a deafening roar as he plummeted rapidly from the sky, his broken, charred scales covered in bloodstains.
"This... is this really something a Servant can do?", Hisau Maiya could hardly believe her eyes.
Assassin, hidden in the shadows, was equally incredulous. He knew that a Servant's magical power would be greatly diminished without a Master's supply, especially since Alvin had already used the Holy Lance once before.
On the other side, Vortigern plummeted straight to the ground. His body was already scorched and mangled by the holy sword's light, his breath coming in heavy gasps. The look he gave Alvin was filled with hatred, and a deep-seated wariness hidden in the depths of his eyes.
Initially, he only thought Alvin was bluffing. After all, without a Master supplying magical energy, unleashing Noble Phantasms consecutively like Alvin might lead to him being eliminated from this Holy Grail War due to magical energy depletion.
Compared to him, Alvin seemed more like a Berserker. He hadn't considered the consequences at all and was already preparing for a third unleashing of the Sword of Promised Victory's Noble Phantasm!
"Mad... this guy is absolutely mad!"
At this moment, thoughts of retreat had already arisen in Vortigern's heart.
But just then, he suddenly saw, for a split second, a hint of fatigue seem to appear in the eyes behind Alvin's mask.
Clearly, even for Alvin, unleashing Noble Phantasms back-to-back placed an immense burden on him.
If he wanted to kill him, this was probably the best chance.
Vortigern's eyes flickered. As if suddenly struck by an idea, he turned and, dragging his heavily wounded body, rapidly sped towards the rooftop where Emiya Kiritsugu was located.
On the rooftop at that moment, a man in a black trench coat wore a rather grim expression.
Looking at Sajyou Manaka's hung-up phone, Emiya Kiritsugu soon turned his head against the cold wind, gazing towards the direction of the Einzbern Castle.
Soon, Emiya Kiritsugu's eyes darkened considerably.
This Holy Grail War, he was fighting for his ideal. For this ideal, he had already sacrificed too much along the way. And now, absolutely no mistakes could be allowed.
If Irisviel had truly met with an accident, that meant Berserker, having lost his magical energy supply, would also be eliminated from this Holy Grail War.
Whether he was more worried about Irisviel, or more worried about being 'eliminated' from the Holy Grail War, Emiya Kiritsugu himself couldn't say. He didn't have the presence of mind to think about these issues now.
'I have to find Iris as soon as possible.'
'But if I run into Saber's Master, can I really win?'
Recalling the combat prowess Sajyou Manaka had displayed earlier against Matou Zouken, Emiya Kiritsugu couldn't help but take a deep breath, forcing himself to stay as calm as possible.
For now, he could only hope Berserker would end his battle quickly.
As the White Dragon of Britain, the Einzbern Castle had expended a great deal of time and resources to summon Him this time.
With His extraordinary, rule-breaking power, even if the opponent was Saber, ending the battle quickly shouldn't be too difficult.
Just as this thought flashed through his mind, he suddenly heard a deafening explosion sound by his ear.
Two Servant figures collided rapidly like meteors, then rebounded off each other and landed on the ground.
———
Before they even touched the ground, the floor beneath them had already shattered rapidly. The thin magical energy of the present age was completely drained by Alvin, while on the other side, the scales on Vortigern's body surface were already broken and mangled.
They were both White Dragons, but Alvin was the new king who had absorbed Vortigern's power. Even without a Master's magical energy supply, the Sword of Promised Victory was enough to make Vortigern wary.
"Why must you persist like this, Alvin?"
Vortigern forcibly supported his body, staring intently at Alvin, "Do you know what the biggest difference between you and me is?"
He gazed into Alvin's eyes and said slowly, "A Master."
"With a Master supplying magical energy and the enhancement of Command Spells... the final victor will surely be me."
Like a victor looking down upon the defeated, Vortigern revealed a smile, "If you keep fighting, you will definitely lose, Alvin."
Unlike Alvin, having Irisviel as his Master at least guaranteed he wouldn't be defeated due to lack of magical energy supply.
Moreover, he still had three 'Command Spells' that could enhance his power.
Vortigern landed beside Emiya Kiritsugu and said in a tone that brooked no argument, "Have my Master use a strengthening Command Spell on me."
"..."
After his words fell, Emiya Kiritsugu remained silent for a long while.
After an unknown period of stillness, he said in a low voice, "Iris... she's missing."
'Missing?'
The smile on Vortigern's face gradually froze.
But before he could figure out what exactly was happening, he suddenly felt the power of a Command Spell quietly descend upon his body.
At the same time, a clear, pleasant voice reached his ears.
["Kill yourself... Berserker."]
The Command Spell, carrying its forceful power, quietly descended upon Vortigern's body.
For an instant, this former king of Britain suddenly felt an impulse to 'commit su!cide'
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