Berserker moved like a storm given flesh, a relentless force of destruction that neither Shirō nor Archer could contain. Before Shirō could even lift Excalibur, the giant was already upon her.
His fist crashed into her midsection with the force of a wrecking ball. The impact caved in her armor, sent her flying like a ragdoll. She smashed through two trees before hitting the ground in a violent tumble, rolling until she finally skidded to a stop. The world blurred, her lungs screamed for air, and for a moment, she couldn't tell up from down.
Archer tried to take advantage of Berserker's focus on Shirō. He dashed in from the side, twin swords flashing. Kanshou and Bakuya struck Berserker's ribs, sparks flying from the impact—
—and did absolutely nothing.
Berserker barely acknowledged the attack before backhanding Archer away like an annoying fly. The red-clad servant was launched through the air, his body breaking through thick branches before landing hard on the rocky ground below.
Shirō coughed, forcing herself to move despite the pain screaming in her ribs. Damn it, he's too strong! Even with Excalibur, even with Archer fighting alongside her, Berserker was on a completely different level.
Illya giggled in the distance, watching the carnage like a child enjoying her favorite show. "Wow! That was a good hit! Come on, Big Sister! Don't tell me that's all you've got!"
Shirō groaned, dragging herself up. Her entire torso throbbed from where Berserker had hit her, and her vision swam, but she couldn't afford to stop. She gritted her teeth, mana surging through her battered body. "I swear to God, stop calling me that!"
But Berserker wasn't interested in their banter. He charged toward her again, shaking the ground with every step.
Shirō barely managed to dodge the first strike, rolling to the side as his fist shattered the earth where she had stood. Dust and rocks exploded in all directions. She swung Excalibur, aiming for his exposed flank, pouring all her strength into the slash.
The blade connected—
—and bounced off his skin like a toy sword.
Before she could react, Berserker grabbed her by the throat.
Her feet left the ground as he lifted her effortlessly, fingers tightening around her windpipe. She gagged, struggling, her gauntlets clawing at his grip, but it was like trying to pry open an iron vise.
Then he slammed her into the ground.
Her vision whited out from the pain. The impact sent shockwaves through the clearing, cracks spreading from where her body had struck. Berserker didn't let go—he lifted her again, and slammed her down again.
And again.
And again.
Holy shit—
Somewhere in the distance, Archer was shouting her name, but she couldn't make out the words. Her body felt like it was breaking apart, the pain a constant symphony of agony ringing through her bones.
She barely had time to register when Berserker threw her, sending her crashing through another tree before her broken body skidded across the dirt. She coughed violently, trying and failing to get up.
Archer finally managed to get back into the fight, appearing on the opposite side of Berserker. His eyes narrowed, and without hesitation, he fired a barrage of arrows, each infused with mana, each aimed for Berserker's head and heart.
Berserker didn't dodge. He didn't need to.
The arrows struck true—only for him to walk through them like they were nothing.
Archer cursed. "Tch. Of course."
Illya clapped her hands in mock delight. "That was a nice try, Archer~! But Berserker doesn't die that easily!"
Archer's expression darkened. "Yeah, I noticed."
Berserker rushed at him.
Archer teleported away in a flash of red light, appearing behind Berserker with Kanshou and Bakuya in hand. He lunged, aiming for the back of Berserker's neck—
—only for Berserker to spin around and kick him midair.
The impact was devastating. Archer was launched across the clearing, his body smashing against the mountainside with an explosion of dust and debris. He didn't move.
Shirō screamed. "Archer!"
Berserker turned back to her, his glowing red eyes boring into her.
She knew what was coming next.
But her body refused to move.
Shit, shit, shit—
Berserker grabbed a boulder the size of a car and hurled it at her.
Shirō could barely raise her sword before the rock crashed into her, the sheer weight burying her into the dirt.
Silence.
Illya giggled again, skipping toward the wreckage. "Aww, is Big Sister dead already?" She pouted. "That's so boring."