At this precise moment, as the images on the screen froze into a static tableau, the audience found themselves wearing their customary expressions of utter bewilderment.
To them, the revelations presented in this recording were nothing short of staggering. Before witnessing this, they would never have dared to believe that a mere mortal could triumph over a Heroic Spirit.
Though it was evident that Artoria's defeat was precipitated by a confluence of unfortunate circumstances, a loss remained a loss…
A heavy silence descended upon the spectators. Yet, after that brief, contemplative hush, the collective communication channel erupted into a feverish cacophony of voices.
.....
〜Viewer's Chat Room〜
[ Kotomine Kirei: Fascinating. Truly fascinating. Such spectral speed in one's strikes is something I have never before witnessed. Were I to encounter such a foe, even I would find it an absolute headache to manage. ]
[ Gawain (Saber): While my King was defeated, it did not happen without cause. Facing a human opponent, she likely did not afford him the gravity he deserved. Coupled with the fact that the enemy was bolstered by magical enhancements, this "upset" is not entirely beyond the realm of understanding, is it? ]
[ Li Shuwen (Assassin): Regardless of that, I find myself more intrigued by the man's technique. It is a style defined by its ghostly fluidity and sheer velocity. Had I encountered it for the first time, I too might have found it troublesome. However, once one is on guard, such an assault would hold no sway over me. ]
[ Tohsaka Rin: So, what you're saying is it was a "first-encounter kill," right? ]
[ Waver Velvet: Moving past that, I am far more concerned with the fates of Shirou Emiya and Rin Tohsaka on the screen. It is obvious this recording has a second half, yet it cuts off before showing the conclusion. I am dying to know what happened to them! ]
[ Aoko Aozaki: Isn't it obvious? Those two are merely magi. Their opponent is a monster capable of felling even Artoria. I don't see any path to victory for them. ]
〜IN BETWEEN〜
〜In the Worldline of Fifth Holy Grail War〜
Those gathered before the screen fell into a grim silence. Rin Tohsaka had never imagined that, under such conditions, she and Shirou could actually suffer such a disastrous reversal! It was simply beyond the pale.
That man, Soichirou Kuzuki, had actually managed to suppress a Heroic Spirit through sheer physical prowess. But as she reflected, something felt amiss. She was supposed to have her own Servant… So why was he nowhere to be seen on the screen?
"Archer, you're my Servant too, aren't you? Why weren't you in the video?"
Hearing the question, Archer was momentarily taken aback. He let out a weary sigh.
"Give me a break. This is clearly a recording of the future… How am I supposed to know why my future self chose not to join that particular fray?"
Despite his words, Red A could likely guess the reason. It was probably because his intervention would have served little purpose in that moment…
Elsewhere, as Artoria watched the scene unfold, her expression darkened instantly. She had just been mocking the King of Heroes moments ago, and now, she found herself the subject of a similarly embarrassing display. Though she had felt a sense of foreboding, seeing herself truly fall at the hands of a human left her in a state of lingering disbelief.
However, she was the legendary King of Knights! She composed herself and accepted the reality swiftly.
"If that is the case, then I must grow twice as strong… to ensure such an event never comes to pass!"
Simultaneously, she felt a surge of curiosity regarding what the next recording might entail. Within the channel, the various participants continued their spirited debate.
—
[ Olga Marie Animusphere: I didn't expect another video that leaves things so unresolved. I wonder what the next one will be… ]
[ Tohsaka Tokiomi: Rather than the next video, I am more concerned with the conclusion of the previous one—and the fate of Sakura. ]
[ Romani Archaman: I can only say that whether it's the next video or the continuation of the last, the anticipation is killing me. Though, personally, I'm hoping for something regarding the Foundation of Humanity… ]
[ .....]
At that moment, Heroic Spirits and magi across all worlds were deep in discussion. Even as they debated, their eyes remained glued to the massive screen.
Their faces were a mixture of anticipation and nervous tension. Clearly, no matter who they were, they were consumed by a profound curiosity for what was to follow.
As Gu Changsheng began searching for a new short video, the clouds on the screen shifted and swirled. Soon, a line of shimmering, gold-embossed text appeared before everyone's eyes.
〖 THE LADY CRANE VS. THE DEMON MUSCLE QUEEN, RIN! 〗