Fate/Magus Path

52 A Blessing in the Flames

*Clang!* *Clang!*

The continuous sound of swords and spears clashing echoed, creating sparks as two golden figures had already exchanged hundreds of blows without realizing it.

At the entrance of the gymnasium.

Fionn wielded his ornate water-flow spear like a staff, launching fierce attacks at Artoria in front of him.

But as King Arthur, Artoria showed no weakness. The blue wind gathered around her sword, and her precise strikes met Fionn's ferocious onslaught, like a tidal wave.

"King of Knights, you no longer have a reason to fight, do you? I can't see any battle spirit in your eyes anymore."

Amid the clashing of sword and spear, their emotions had already been conveyed to each other.

"Enough talk, Lancer." Artoria merely swung her sword to face her opponent.

"If you want to fight, then fight. If not, then leave. I am simply fulfilling my duty as a Servant."

"Sigh..."

Fionn sighed. "Is it the command spell's compulsion, or is this your own choice? If that's the case, I understand."

"I'm truly envious of you, Saber. Though I don't know what happened, you have a chance to make up for the regrets of your past, which is what we Servants long for."

Raising his hand, Fionn gathered magical energy and streams of water coalesced around him, transforming into sharp blades of water that slashed toward Artoria.

"As a warrior, I must congratulate you first, but I also have a similar wish. My lord is still waiting for me to reach him, so I must clear away all obstacles for him!!"

"King of Knights, I will hold nothing back this time."

"I see. If this is what you desire, then let's settle this once and for all, Lancer." Artoria took a deep breath, raised her sword, and looked at Fionn with unwavering determination.

"Kiritsugu ordered me with a command spell. Unless I'm defeated, I won't let anyone pass through here. This is not only my duty as a Servant, but it's also Irisviel's choice, so I will defend this place with my life."

"Come at me!!"

With her sword raised high, Artoria cut through the incoming water blades. Magical energy surged from her, and despite her small frame, it gathered into a powerful strike.

After exchanging blows, both of them began to channel more energy, preparing to unleash even stronger attacks.

"Enough! If you still want to fight at this point, head to Ryuudou Temple; the floor tiles there are more durable."

A familiar voice suddenly broke the tense atmosphere of the duel, leaving the highly focused Saber and Lancer stunned. Instinctively, they glanced over and saw Roy casually walking into the gymnasium right in front of them.

"..."

The two knights, still in mid-battle, exchanged glances, and the tension in the air immediately dissipated.

Fionn, looking puzzled, glanced at Roy, who had walked in without a care, and then at Artoria, who stood blocking his path, unsure of what to say.

Why the different treatment?

He cautiously asked, "Could it be that my approach was impolite?"

"...Of course not!"

Veins bulged on Artoria's forehead as she was equally baffled. She hadn't even had time to think about how Roy had slipped into the gymnasium right under their noses. Her body, compelled by the command spell, leaped forward in pursuit.