At this moment, on the trembling, collapsing ruins of Fuyuki Port, Rin and Lancelot, Saber and Irisviel, Rider and Waver, and Lancer—these four parties with completely different stances—faced each other at the closest distance. Everyone's hearts held a degree of doubt and contradiction.
"It's late, and there are plenty of people here. Everyone's swords and weapons have already been revealed. I don't think anyone wants to fight to the death here so soon. So, can this initial battle be over now? Anyway, those cowardly rats won't be coming out." Rin glanced at everyone, then smiled, her shining gaze sweeping over several spots in the Fuyuki Port ruins, where Kiritsugu Emiya, Maiya Hisau, and Director Kayneth were each hiding.
Hearing this, Lancer's face showed a hint of shame, as he thought Rin was referring to his Master as the cowardly rat. Irisviel's face also showed a touch of embarrassment, because she knew her husband, Kiritsugu, must be here, though she didn't know where he was, but she believed Kiritsugu had come.
"Lancer, retreat. That's enough for today." Whether it was because he was shamed by Rin's words or satisfied after confirming Rin's identity, Director Kayneth, who remained hidden, immediately spoke up. One could tell he was suppressing immense anger.
Lancer gave a wry smile, bowed apologetically to everyone again, then nodded to Saber, who, after collecting herself, nodded back. There was no need for words; they mutually confirmed their vow, indicating that their unfinished duel would take place at another time.
Upon receiving a satisfactory response, Lancer did not hesitate and dematerialized.
"Well then, it's time for us to go too." Next, Rider scooped up his young Master, snapped the reins, and urged the Chariot of Divine Might to depart.
"Why exactly have you come here, King of Conquerors?" At this moment, Saber looked up at the burly man on the chariot and asked loudly.
"Oh, that? I haven't given it much thought." Facing Saber's question, Rider shrugged indifferently, as if it didn't concern him, "Reasons, plans, all those troublesome things, let the historians of later generations find a reason for me. We heroes only need to follow our hearts, gallop on the battlefield with surging passion."
"Those are words only a king can say." Saber replied with disappointment, her attitude firm. She believed in the pure chivalric code, which was vastly different from Rider's unrestrained principles of action.
"Oh? Is my kingship an anomaly? Hmph! Well, that's to be expected." Rider scoffed, ignoring Saber's questioning gaze, "All kingships are unique. I, as a king, and you, as a king, are fundamentally incompatible. Do you intend to completely divide this world into black and white, king of knights?"
"That is what I desire. Today, here, I also for..." Saber's attitude was resolute. Rider's violent rule as the King of Conquerors was something she could never accept, just as water and fire are irreconcilable.
"Alright, alright, don't be so overbearing, Saber." Rider chuckled softly, pointing to the girl's already injured left hand, "I, Iskandar, would never take advantage of someone's weakness. Saber, you should first settle things with Lancer. Afterward, I will duel either Lancer or you, the victor among you two. If you win then, then we will naturally have our time to prove our respective paths of kingship, and furthermore..."
Rider actively turned his gaze towards Rin and Lancelot, "Berserker's Master, your and Berserker's martial arts and passion impress me. I roughly understand what you meant by wanting me to guess your identity earlier. The next time we meet, bring out your and Berserker's full strength and fight me!"
To the King of Conquerors' straightforward and bold challenge, Rin smiled brightly and gave a thumbs-up with her right hand.
"Hahahahahahaha! Good! I look forward to meeting you again, little girl." Amidst hearty laughter, Rider steered the Chariot of Divine Might into the sky, heading into the distance.
The ground's tilt became increasingly pronounced, showing a clear curve. Debris of earth, wood, mud, stone, and steel on the ruins began to slowly slide.
"Ah—whew, it's already late night. It really is late. If there's nothing else, I'm going back to sleep. Good luck with tomorrow's Holy Grail War, Saber, and Irisviel, Auntie~" Yawning, Rin bid farewell like high school students parting after school, showing no trace of the tension from having just experienced a life-and-death battle.
"Wait, Rin, I still have some questions." At this moment, Irisviel called out to Rin, who was about to leave. Rin did not turn around; her figure was obscured by Lancelot's wide cloak, with only a glimpse of Rin's half-turned profile visible through the gap over Lancelot's shoulder.
"Rin, I want to ask, are you and your father working together?"
"That question is truly meaningless. Haven't you all seen it? The Servant who just wanted my head was summoned by my father. Do you think we were just acting?"
"Then, was it you who attacked the Matou Family last night?"
"That's right. The command spells in my hand and Berserker's relic were both taken from the Matou Family. As for why I did it, I naturally have my reasons."
"But why didn't you join forces with your father? With the strength of your Berserker and your father's Archer, the Holy Grail should be a plaything in the Tohsaka Family's hands."
"Hmph! My reason for needing the Holy Grail is different from my father's. I'm participating in the Holy Grail War not for the Tohsaka Family to obtain the Holy Grail, but for me to obtain the Holy Grail! I couldn't care less about the Tohsaka Family's wishes. For me, bringing my father, who is madly obsessed with the Holy Grail, back safely to my mother is far more important."
"Then..."
"Irisviel." Rin interrupted Irisviel's question, her gaze unfocused as she looked sideways at Irisviel behind her.
"If it's your question, I'd be happy to answer it for you. But, please take off that thing on your ear. It doesn't suit you. Also, if I don't leave soon, I'm afraid some people will be taking a sea bath in the winter ocean along with Fuyuki Port. Getting a cold or fever would make it impossible to participate in the Holy Grail War."
After speaking, she no longer looked at Irisviel's awkward expression. The broken Fuyuki Port was already noticeably tilting, and the shattered containers and building ruins had begun to slide into the sea.
With no time for further chatter upon meeting, Rin and Lancelot leaped a hundred meters, disappearing from Irisviel and Saber's sight in a few bounds, melting into the vast night.
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