Fate/Magus Path

51 Waiting and Hoping

After being given a heap of worldview-shattering news by the Zelretch, Kayneth stared blankly at the Jeweled Sword in his hand. He then cast several spells to dispel illusions and clear his mind.

In the end, after spending a long time confirming that none of this was a hallucination or some hypnotic spell, Kayneth quickly sprang into action, even pushing thoughts of his fiancée to the back of his mind.

He would deal with that after returning alive. For his own safety, Kayneth didn't hesitate or pause; he followed the Zelretch's instructions and used a Command Seal right there, summoning Fionn, who had been searching for him from afar, to his side. He then ordered Fionn to take him to the place where the Greater Grail was about to descend.

Fionn accepted the command without question as if he already knew what was going to happen.

Then, with incredible speed, Fionn carried Kayneth through the streets of Fuyuki City. In this situation, Kayneth no longer cared about the rules of concealing the mystery or maintaining his dignity as a noble magus.

After all, a figure as grand as the Zelretch had no reason to lie to him.

This meant their fate and future were truly imprisoned in this absurd Holy Grail War. They were trapped in a strange loop of repetition, much like the fabled Ouroboros. If this wasn't resolved quickly, Kayneth couldn't even imagine the consequences.

Thus, he decisively gave the command.

"Lancer, prepare for battle. This time, fight with all your strength. No holding back."

"As you command."

Kayneth rubbed the Jeweled Sword in his pocket, looking at the figure standing in their way with a resolute gaze.

They had arrived.

The powerful knight, Fionn, set Kayneth down, and he could feel the increasingly intense aura of battle approaching from ahead.

There was no mistaking this familiar feeling ... the person approaching was...

The two looked ahead, and standing there was the blonde King of Knights, who had already decided to withdraw from the battle. Her fierce battle aura spread out as her sword was pointed directly at them.

"Damn it... Kiritsugu, you dare use a Command Seal to control me..."

Feeling her body no longer under her control, Artoria gritted her teeth, but due to the mandatory effect of the Command Seal, she had no choice but to stand guard.

The death command Kiritsugu had given her was, Guard the entrance, Saber. Defeat any and all enemies who attempt to intrude.

At the entrance to the Fuyuki City sports stadium, Fionn stared at the King of Knights standing at the front gate, unsure of what to say.

He could sense the change in Artoria, and he could also sense the awkwardness she felt in her current state.

"I see... It's the effect of the Command Seal. You probably no longer wish to fight, do you, King of Knights?"

He shook his head, as water began to form into a long spear in his hand, the tip aimed at her.

"..."

Artoria turned her head away and didn't respond.

"But... no matter what has changed within you, or whether or not you want to fight, it doesn't matter to me. Any enemy that stands in my master's way, I will defeat!"

"Enough talk, Lancer. If it's a fight you want, then fight. Although I've let go of my obsession with the Grail, as a Servant, I am still bound by my contract to the Throne."