Fate/Magus Path

38 Innocent Like the Sun

"How is this possible?"

Witnessing Roy easily dodge the bullet and firmly grasp his gun barrel with one hand, Emiya Kiritsugu's face displayed an expression of shock.

This unbelievable sight sparked a whirlwind of thoughts in his mind.

How could Roy possibly do this? Dodging a bullet at such close range and approaching to control his gun without Kiritsugu reacting... it was something no human should be capable of. This overwhelming sense of powerlessness felt as if he were facing a Servant.

Just as Kiritsugu struggled to make sense of it, Roy casually released his gun.

"Surprised? Unexpected, isn't it? Are you shocked that I'm still alive, or by what just happened?"

"Since you're so surprised and have witnessed my speed, it's best not to try any tricks at such a close distance, Mr. Emiya. Otherwise, I can't guarantee your life."

Hearing these words, Kiritsugu felt a chill down his neck, his pupils contracting sharply.

Roy casually glanced at the Command Seals on Kiritsugu's hand, dispelling any thoughts Kiritsugu had about forcibly summoning Saber. This was because the standard sword issued by Merlin, which Roy held, was now pressed against his neck.

If Kiritsugu made any rash movements, his head would be severed in an instant.

"..."

Seeing the situation reversed, with the enemy now stronger and himself weaker, Kiritsugu calmly dropped his gun and slowly raised his hands, signaling to Roy that he had given up resisting.

At this distance, there was no way to pull off any tricks. Although Roy hadn't killed him, the unmistakable killing intent was real.

His life was now in Roy's hands, and there was no chance to play any more tricks.

With his years of experience living on the edge of life and death, Kiritsugu could clearly assess the current situation. The speed Roy had just displayed and the obvious Noble Phantasm pressed against his neck had already placed him with one foot in the grave.

However, he remained composed. Having long been accustomed to death, he did not panic in the face of such a situation.

Since Roy hadn't killed him immediately, it meant he still had some value or use that could be leveraged, giving Kiritsugu the opportunity to find a way out.

"It seems you're quite cooperative, Mr. Emiya, but please relax. Although you've done some rather extreme things before, I won't kill you right now. In fact, I've come to discuss a collaboration with you."

Just as he had expected.

He hadn't been killed right away because he still had some value to offer.

"A collaboration?"

Kiritsugu paused for a moment before replying instinctively, "Discussing collaboration with a sword at someone's neck?"

Roy treated Kiritsugu's words like a joke and responded with a calm smile.

"It may seem rude, but Mr. Emiya, don't forget that you've done something even more disrespectful to me before. The fact that the C4 you planted didn't send me away must have surprised you, right?"

Roy had nearly been killed by a custom-made C4 bomb set by Kiritsugu. Now, having the chance to talk instead of killing him was already a great mercy.

If not for the fact that he still had use for Kiritsugu, Roy wouldn't care whether he considered himself an ally of justice or not... he'd have simply slit his throat. Talking about respect? The fact that he was still breathing was already enough respect.