The Einzbern family, one of the "original three founding families" of the Holy Grail War, among the three, had the longest history of pursuing the Grail.
They sealed themselves off in the frozen deep mountains, cutting off all ties with the outside world. From about a thousand years ago, the Einzbern family had tirelessly pursued the miracle of the Holy Grail. However, their path of pursuit was filled with constant setbacks, humiliation, and pain.
Until two hundred years ago, the Einzbern family finally realized the limits of exploring on their own, and had no choice but to change strategy, beginning to cooperate with external families such as the Tohsaka and Makiri.
Yet, in the subsequent Holy Grail Wars, the Einzbern family, due to insufficient combat strength of their Masters, had never been able to claim the crown of victory. Because of this, nine years ago, they made a major decision: to recruit fierce and battle-hardened magi from the outside world.
Originally, the "Magus Killer" Emiya Kiritsugu should have been the trump card that the Einzbern family painstakingly prepared, even at the cost of violating their pride in pure bloodline.
Barthomeloi Lorelei strolled through the corridor, her eyes unintentionally drawn to a slightly new stained-glass window.
On the window was depicted the Einzbern family's [Holy Maiden of Winter] Justeaze Lizrich von Einzbern, and standing at her sides were two magi. The three extended their hands devoutly toward a Holy Grail in the sky.
If one carefully observed the composition and design balance of this painting, one could clearly feel the Einzbern family's disdain two hundred years ago toward the Tohsaka and Makiri families. The saintess stood at the center, noble and sacred in posture, while the two magi appeared small and humble, mere side ornaments.
'If the Einzbern had not sunk into the pursuit of the Grail ritual, they should also have had a seat among the Lords of the Clock Tower,' Barthomeloi thought.
Nine years ago, Emiya Kiritsugu, under the name of "Magus Killer," resounded through the magical world. His cold and efficient style made countless people tremble in fear.
Eager to seize victory in the Holy Grail War, the Einzbern family took note of his talents, decisively drew him into their family, and regarded him as the key to reversing the situation.
However, nine years later, representing the Einzbern family in battle was not Emiya Kiritsugu.
Barthomeloi Lorelei, one of the three great nobles of the Clock Tower, head of the Barthomeloi, current Lord of the Clock Tower, the peak of modern magi.
She had in the past defeated two of the Dead Apostle Ancestors, and was considered to possess Servant-level combat power.
When this legendary figure, because of the "Descent of the Gods" incident, turned her gaze to Fuyuki and extended an olive branch to the Einzbern family, the Einzbern did not hesitate in the slightest. They decisively abandoned Emiya Kiritsugu, turning instead to cooperate with Barthomeloi.
Though it was somewhat unfair to that [Magus Killer], the truth was that to hesitate even a second between Emiya Kiritsugu and Barthomeloi was already disrespectful to the latter.
Barthomeloi smoothly obtained the Einzbern family's Command Seals, and using a treasured holy relic from her own treasury as catalyst, successfully summoned Assassin, the Old Man of the Mountain.
The Old Man of the Mountain, the first Hassan-i-Sabbah, the origin of the very concept of Assassin, a top Heroic Spirit qualified for the Grand rank.
In an ordinary Holy Grail War, summoning such a Servant would almost mean the victory was already secured.
But perhaps it should be said, as expected of the place of divine descent, this Fuyuki Grail War was far too abnormal.
Just the already-manifested Lancer and Berserker were both troublesome existences.
Assassin had successfully dealt with Rider, but not because of the King of Conquerors, it was because those two were simply too difficult to handle.
Achilles' Noble Phantasm [Andreias Amarantos: Amaranth of the Brave] was still active, while Gorgon's divine-class Saint Graph was even harder to shake. As Assassin had said, their final bells had yet to toll.
At this moment, a low voice sounded in Barthomeloi's ear.
"The bell has tolled."
Barthomeloi slightly frowned, asking coldly, "Whose bell?"
"Lancer, Berserker… and me," Assassin's voice was indifferent, more mechanical than human.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
No sooner had Assassin's words fallen than steady footsteps sounded from the depths of the corridor, growing clearer.
A handsome man walked slowly forward, eventually stopping at Barthomeloi's side.
This was the Einzbern castle, also Barthomeloi's temporary workshop and base. Inside and out, the castle was packed with layer upon layer of barriers, traps, and defenses.
Yet none of it had any effect. The man simply strolled in at leisure, as though returning to his own home.
His gaze swept past Assassin, then fell on Barthomeloi.
"Good evening, Mr. Hassan, and… Assassin's Master."
A thunderclap split the heavens, tearing the black night sky into a brief white. The blinding lightning illuminated the man's face, sketching his outline.
Short crimson hair swayed like flame in the wind, molten-gold eyes flickered with cold light in the storm.
His aura was so restrained, so deeply compressed, like a sword sheathed to the limit. Yet even so, when their eyes met, Barthomeloi felt an illusion as though being cut.
"Saber…", The female magus subconsciously stepped back half a step, her voice somewhat hoarse.
———
Meanwhile, at the hotel, Artoria, in the middle of a midnight snack, paused her movement, tilted her head, and blinked in puzzlement, "Eh? Did someone call me?"
———
At the same time, a towering figure like a mountain silently appeared behind Emiya.
"An 'Immortal' god…", The Old Man of the Mountain spoke slowly, his voice low.
He had no skills like [Clairvoyance], [True Name Discernment], or [All-Knowing Star], unable to parse Emiya's true identity.
But as a herald of "Death," he still sensed the man's essence, or rather, perceived that opposite to the concept of "death," there was "immortality."
Among different kinds of immortality, there were also differences in rank. Like Lancer Achilles, who possessed high-grade "immortality" granted by the River Styx. Compared to that, the immortality of Dead Apostles and vampires was far inferior.
But in this man before him, he sensed the highest level of "immortality."
Emiya had once used Heracles' [Twelve Labors] to resurrect, but now, without loading any Saint Graph, his immortality came from Tiamat, the same kind as Hers. As long as life existed in the world, the concept of death itself would not apply.
The Old Man of the Mountain rarely encountered this grade of "immortality." A pity that in this manifestation he used an ordinary Saint Graph. If he had his Grand Assassin Saint Graph, perhaps he might have been interested in putting on a "big firework show" to see.
In Assassin's hand gleamed a chilling longsword, silently swung down, its edge stopping steady across Emiya's throat, cold steel nearly kissing his skin.
"Hero of the End, Demon King of Salvation… What do you seek here?", Emiya raised his left arm, a finger blocking the blade at his throat.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Hassan," he said.
"There are matters I need your assistance with… But before that, I must return you to the Throne."
"My apologies."
———
"What's going on, Lancer?", Kayneth asked in confusion, seeing Achilles suddenly rise, conjure armor with mana, and enter battle stance.
Achilles answered briefly, "Look outside the window."
Kayneth's face tightened; he waved, and the curtains of the floor-to-ceiling windows automatically spread open.
There, a golden meteor was circling the Hyatt Hotel.
The Noble Phantasm [Vimanas], a sailing vessel of gold and emerald, the radiant throne of the sky, the king's aerial seat. This flying craft came from the epics of Vedic mythology, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
"Archer's true form is Rama? No… not right…", Achilles murmured.
In the night sky, [Vimanas] shone like a dazzling star, emitting radiant golden light. Around it, space seemed torn open, and one by one golden gates slowly unfolded.
Behind each gate appeared a Noble Phantasm of different forms, swords, spears, arrows, axes… their sharp points all aimed at Achilles and Kayneth's position.
The air was thick with killing intent; even time itself seemed to freeze. The glow of golden gates and Noble Phantasms painted the night like daylight.
Before such firepower, the defenses of Kayneth's workshop were like paper, utterly meaningless.
And the fact the opponent had not directly attacked yet made the meaning all too clear.
"Golden Gates, inexhaustible treasures… I see, not Rama, but Gilgamesh…", Achilles muttered softly, eyes locked on the glittering gates and countless Noble Phantasms, a flicker of realization passing through.
He slightly turned his head toward Kayneth, "Heh, such a high-divinity Archer is about the worst matchup for me."
[Andréias Amarantos: Amaranth of the Brave]
All of Achilles' body except his heel bore the goddess Thetis's blessing of immortality, nullifying all attacks.
But this had two flaws: if his Achilles' heel were struck, the effect would be lost; and when facing someone with [Divinity] at a certain level or higher, the effect would be canceled.
And Archer Gilgamesh possessed the highest divinity among Heroic Spirits.
Yet even as he said this, Achilles' lips curved in a fierce smile of fighting spirit.
Achilles rose, gazing forward, "Master, wait here a moment. I'll be right back."
"Lancer," Kayneth called softly.
"Mm."
"Win."
Achilles did not look back, only raised his right hand, giving a thumbs-up.
Lancer's form vanished like a mirage. In the next moment, thunder roared across the heavens, and a shining divine chariot tore through the clouds, descending proudly.
Three divine steeds reared and neighed, their cries shaking the skies. At the front were two pure white horses, manes flowing silver, hooves rippling waves with each step. Xanthos and Balios, immortal steeds granted by Poseidon. Behind them, Pedasos, red as fire, once fought like a thousand under Eetion's city.
The chariot was forged entirely of bronze, its yoke engraved with ancient runes, its spinning wheels sparking lightning. Achilles stood proud atop it, reins in hand, majestic in bearing.
[Troias Tragoidia: Tempestuous Immortal Chariot]
Normally, as a Lancer, Achilles would not have access to his chariot Noble Phantasm. But Kayneth as Master was simply too outstanding. Not only possessing the highest-grade quantity and quality of magic circuits among magi, but as Lord of the Mineral Department, also controlling the top-tier "mana furnace."
With his full support, Achilles' parameters were greatly boosted. Combined with the extra mana from the Counter Force in Heroic Spirit summoning, even as Lancer, Achilles could still use the chariot.
Achilles fixed his eyes on Archer. Outside Greek ground, Gilgamesh's power was above his, and with high divinity, Gilgamesh countered Achilles.
But he was not without chance.
[Diatrekhon Aster Lonkhe: Spear-tip of the Star Traversing the Skies]
If he could land this Noble Phantasm, even Gilgamesh would be pierced.
Achilles would give his all. All he needed was a little luck, or a tiny distraction from that proud king.
Meanwhile, aboard [Vimanas], Gilgamesh drew a sword.
Its hilt gleamed gold, the blade not flat but cylindrical, inscribed with ancient runes.
Though called a sword, its form resembled more a staff. Three stone plates, representing Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld, rotated in different directions, displaying the world's true form.
A Mesopotamian Divine-class Noble Phantasm, one of the greatest among his countless treasures, the Sword of Rending Worlds.
[Enuma Elish: The Star of Creation that Split Heaven and Earth], EX-rank Anti-World Noble Phantasm.
The strongest weapon among all Gilgamesh's Noble Phantasms.
Behind him, [Gate of Babylon] fully expanded, countless golden portals covering the sky.
With its blessing, the sword's power grew even further.
Though as Caster his Strength was reduced and the sword could not unleash full power, even so, its might was more than enough for the Grail War.
As he drew [Enuma Elish], Gilgamesh also activated [Enkidu], the silver chains that restrained divinity sealing the skies ahead.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Before him, Achilles, on his chariot, launched a desperate charge.
———
[Fuyuki City, the former Matou Residence]
The Clock Tower's Chief of the Department of Astromancy, Marisbury Animusphere, and Chief of the Department of Spiritual Evocation, Luvia's ancestor, Luvruois Nazelai Yggdmillennia, two Lords of the Clock Tower, played a game of shogi in the tatami room.
Luvruois pushed a black knight forward, saying, "King of Mages Solomon, this Heroic Spirit you summoned is truly something."
Marisbury moved his queen, "Summoning 'Medusa' in her 'Gorgon' form, your method is also quite impressive."
Before coming to Fuyuki, the Chief of Spiritual Evocation had first gone to Tokyo. From Sato Tsuruno, heir of the former Matou family, he purchased the Matou estate.
This transaction included the house, already remodeled into a workshop, Matou's magical texts, and several mystic items.
The relic Luvruois used for summoning was also bought from Sato Tsuruno. Originally, that catalyst should have guaranteed summoning the Servant Medusa.
But he had not performed the summoning in the ordinary way.
He added specific incantations to grant the Servant [Mad Enhancement]; he shifted the Servant's mana supply from magus to leyline; he additionally used a goddess-related relic.
Through these, Luvruois successfully summoned Gorgon, raising her Saint Graph far beyond that of ordinary Heroic Spirits.
But even so, Gorgon could not be the opponent of that other Servant.
Marisbury's Servant: Caster Solomon.
Using a family heirloom, one of Solomon's Ten Rings, as catalyst, Marisbury summoned this Heroic Spirit.
At the end of the match, Marisbury checkmated Luvruois with his queen. At that moment, Luvruois also clearly sensed that Berserker Gorgon was no longer in this world.
"Thank you for the match," Marisbury stood, bowed politely, and left the residence.
———
Einzbern Castle. Emiya stood in the courtyard, patiently waiting.
The second to arrive was King Solomon. He said nothing, only stood quietly to the side, presence fading.
"I've waited a long time, King of Heroes," Emiya looked ahead and spoke.
Clad in golden armor, Gilgamesh finally appeared, ruby-red eyes coldly locking on Solomon and Emiya.
His expression was not pleasant.
Gilgamesh's "eyes" could not see Solomon or Emiya's movements. Yet that man had accurately predicted his arrival.
Even among EX-rank [Clairvoyance], there were differences.
Archer's gaze pierced at Emiya. The moment their eyes met, his Noble Phantasm capable of perceiving all things, [Sha Nagba Imuru: The Omniscient Omnipotent Star], finally activated.
[Sha Nagba Imuru: The Omniscient Omnipotent Star] An EX-rank Anti-Person Noble Phantasm.
Like starlight illuminating every corner of the earth, perceiving all things, the mental essence of King Gilgamesh sublimated into a Noble Phantasm.
Not only true names and Noble Phantasms, but even hidden realities could be seen at a glance.
When released, it guided the most suitable tactics as "instructions," boosting the entire party's attack and defense.
It was a constantly active Noble Phantasm, though Gilgamesh usually restrained its use due to pride.
This time, Archer used it without hesitation.
Yet as he saw the true name revealed by [Sha Nagba Imuru], Gilgamesh was stunned.
"…Apsu?"
'A Saber with Clairvoyance EX shouldn't that be Merlin? Wait, he isn't even Saber…'
Solomon's expression also shifted slightly. Through his [Revelation], he heard the same result.
'Apsu, the Mesopotamian god of creation…'
'Is this still the Holy Grail War?'
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