Fate/stay night ~French~ プロローグ3日目.ks

Cette page nettoyée de FSN est en cours de traduction, et peut comporter des erreurs à l'heure actuelle. Seul le traducteur assigné est habilité à modifier directement le texte, pour toute remarque d'autre membre du projet, veuillez utiliser la page de discussion.

Equipe de traduction

Traducteur :

Bejarid

Texte original

Anglais

Mémo Technique

Script corrigé : Anglais

Texte à traduire

• page0|&f.scripttitle

 Bien.
 Après le petit déjeuner, j'explique clairement mes plans à court terme.

• page1|

 "Quoi ? Vous comptez aller à l'école ?"
 "Oui. Tu as un problème avec ça, Archer ?"
 "...Non, seulement..."

• page2|

 Archer hésite, mais ne proteste pas.
 Il a dû se rendre compte hier que je n'étais pas du genre à revenir sur mes décisions.
 J'arrive à lire en lui, quelque part. Archer est sarcastique, mais il y a un fond honnête en lui. On dirait donc qu'il ne se plaindra pas d'une chose qu'il a déjà accepté.

• page3|

 Oui, en d'autres mots, il est loyal d'une manière maladroite.
 C'est ma conclusion... basé sur une intuition après avoir observé Archer toute la journée d'hier.

• page4|

 "Rin. Vous êtes un Master maintenant, vous devez toujours être à l'affut des autres Masters. L'école est un endroit où il est difficile de rester paré à une attaque soudaine."

• page5|

 "Ce n'est pas vrai. Ecoute, Archer, même si je suis un Master maintenant, je n'ai pas l'intention de changer mon rythme de vie. De plus, un combat entre Masters est quelque chose qui doit être faite à l'abri des regards, non ? Donc, si nous sommes à l'école, lieu remplit de monde, je ne pense pas que nous ayons à craindre une quelconque attaque surprise."

• page6|

 "...Je vois. Si c'est ce que vous avez décidé, je ne peux qu'obéir.
  Mais je peux vous sous forme spirituel, n'est-ce pas ? Vous n'envisagez pas de me laisser ici pendant que vous allez à l'école ?"

• page7|

 "Evidemment que non. Non seulement à l'école, mais même ailleurs, je te veux à mes côtés dès que je sors. C'est le rôle du Servant de protéger le Master, je compte donc sur toi."
 "Je suis soulagé d'entendre ça. C'est le devoir du chevalier de répondre à la confiance placé en nous. Je me dois de faire le maximum pour honorer vos espérances."

• page8|

 "Mais Rin, imaginons qu'il y ait un ennemi la bas, que ferez-vous ?"
 "Hum ? Quoi, tu suggères qu'il y ait un Master à l'école ?"
 "Oui. C'est certainement difficile pour quiconque de l'extérieur de rentrer, mais ça n'est pas un problème si il y a quelqu'un déjà en place qui est un Master."

• page9|

 "Je ne pense pas que ça soit possible. Dans cette ville, il n'y a qu'une seule famille de magicien en plus des Tohsaka. Cette autre famille a dépérit, et ils n'ont même pas de Master."

• page10|

 "Comment savez-vous qu'ils n'ont pas de Master ?"
 "Hé, c'est naturel d'avoir enquêté sur une autre famille de magicien de sa propre ville.
  Il n'est pas un master, et son successeur n'a pas assez d'énergie magique pour devenir Master, nous pouvons donc les ignorer."

• page11|

 "Je vois. Donc il y a un autre mage dans l'école où vous aller. Mais vous dites que ce mage n'a pas assez d'énergie magique pour devenir un Master, c'est cela ?"

• page12|

 "Exactement. Donc les masters vont probablement venir d'ailleurs. Je ne pense pas que ce genre de personne viendront à l'école."
 "...Pour l'instant du moins.
  Mais Rin, il y a toujours des exceptions. Que ferez-vous si il y a un autre mage que vous ne connaissiez pas à votre école ?"

• page13|

 "Comme je l'ai dit, il n'y en a pas. Les mages sont sensibles aux autres mages. Si nous étions dans la même école pendant une année, je devrais pouvoir sentir un autre mage peu importe combien il le cache.
  Je peux dire avec certitude qu'il n'y a que deux mages à notre école. L'un d'entre eux, c'est moi, et l'autre est seulement un apprenti qui n'a pas assez de pouvoir pour devenir un Master.
  Compris ? Ton inquiétude est inutile. C'est totalement impossible."

• page14|

 "C'est pour ça que c'est un scénario hypothétique. Il y a toujours quelque chose de caché.
  Il est inévitable que des choses inattendues se produisent.
  Ce que je dis, c'est que quand cela arrivera, il ne faudra pas m'en blâmer."

• page15|

 Archer sourit d'un air laconique.
 ...Cette seule action me donne envie de m'en prendre à lui, mais si je le fessais, je serais en retard pour l'école.

• page16|

 "Ça n'arrivera pas. Une hypothèse est hypothétique parce qu'elle ne se réalise pas. Si cela arrive, ça voudra seulement dire que mon analyse était trop superficiel."

• page17|

 "Très bien, je m'en rappellerais. Allons-y, Rin.
  Ça devrait prendre trente minutes pour aller à l'école, nous n'arriverons pas à temps si nous n'y allons pas maintenant."

• page18|

 "Je suis surprise. Les hypothèses se réalisent vraiment."
 "Oui, je suis surpris aussi. Eh bien, ça paye de se disputer sur tout. Ca a eu un résultat inattendue."

• page19|

 Dès que nous passons la porte principale de l'école, nous plaisantons comme ça.
 Autour de nous les étudiants se dirigent vers les classes, et il est presque l'heure pour la vie de classe.
 Dans la foule se pressant dans le bâtiment, nous nous arrêtons, stupéfait.

• page20|

 "Ce n’est pas seulement la stagnation de l’air. N’y a-t-il pas un barrière magique déjà mit en place ?
 "Il n’est pas complet, mais sa préparation est entamé.
  Si il fait ça aussi ouvertement, Il doit être vraiment puissant..."

• page21|

 "Ou un véritable amateur. Un barrière magique que se laisse découvrir par autrui n’est que de troisième classe. Pour être de première classe, il doit rester cache jusqu’à son activation."
 "[line3]Bien. Lequel est-ce d’après vous, Rin?"

• page22|

 "Qui sais ? Je me moque qu’il soit de troisième ou de première classe.
  Je vais me contenter de l’abattre sans merci pour avoir placer une chose aussi indécente sur mon territoire."

• page23|

 Je traverse la cour de l’école d’un pas furieux.
 En tant que mage, je ne vais pas mâcher mes mots, mais je ne pourrais être satisfaite avant d’avoir punis le créateur de ce barrière magique comme il se doit.
 Après le deuxième cours, pendant que je retournais à la salle de musique...
 Je vois une étudiante de première année marcher d’un pas chancelant.
 Elle porte des piles de papiers et on dirait qu’elle est en difficulté. 

• page25|

 "Je vais t’aider, Sakura."
 "Hein[line3]?"
 "Ah, Tohsaka... Sempai[line3]"
 "C’est des polycopiés ? Histoire du Monde... Ça doit être mon professeur principal. Ce Kuzuki, à quoi pense-t-il en confiant ça à une fille ? Aller, donne m’en la moitié.”

• page26|

 "Oh... Oui. Merci, Sempai."	
 "Ce n’est rien voyons. Nous amenons ça à ta classe ?"
 "...Non, nous les apportons à Kuzuki-Sensei. Il a dit qu’il les rappelait parce qu’il y a une faute d’orthographe."

• page27|

 "...Je vois. Kuzuki est vraiment têtu. C’est lui qui a annulé un test entier juste à cause d’une faute d’orthographe."
 "...Hu ? Un examen de l’école ?"

• page28|

 "Oui. Je crois que c’était pour le premier semestre de l’année dernière. Il est arrivé pendant que tout le monde inscrivait son nom et dit avec sa voix habituelle que l’examen semestriel contenait une faute d’orthographe. Il disait que la question n’était pas correcte, donc l’examen était annulé et remis à une date ultérieure. Nous étions surpris, mais les professeurs l’étaient encore plus, et ils en parlent encore aujourd’hui."

• page29|

 "Ça ressemble vraiment à Kuzuki-Sensei. Il pense que les professeurs ne devraient pas commettre la moindre erreurs."
 "Oui, mais il va trop loin. Tu le réaliseras bientôt, toi aussi. Kuzuki est aussi obtus qu’un rocher ou une montagne."

• page30|

 "Héhé. Tohsaka-Sempai, vous devez bien aimer Kuzuki-Sensei. C’est rare de vous entendre parler de quelqu’un comme ça."
 "Vraiment ? ...Eh bien, je pense vraiment qu’il devrait être plus souple mais..."
 Je le pense, mais je pense aussi qu’il n’a pas tort dans un sens.

• page31|

 Dans notre école, il y a un professeur aimé par tous les étudiants, et un professeur craint ces mêmes étudiants.
 L’équilibre entre les deux est si efficace que je pense que Kuzuki-Sensei est un parfait responsable de la discipline. Il est le bâton qui fait avancer l’âne.

• page32|

 "Bah, tu auras encore plus l’occasion de le voir quand tu seras en seconde année. Il enseigne la morale aussi.
  ...Plus important, Sakura, est-ce que je peux te poser une question ?
 "Hein ? Qui y-a-t’ il, Sempai ?"
 "C’est à propos d’hier. As-tu parlé à un étranger bizarre ?"

• page33|

 "Oh... vous étiez en train de regarder, Sempai ?"
 "Juste par hasard. Alors, qui étais-ce ? Une connaissance ?"
 "...Non. En fait, c’était une étrange personne et il semblait perdu. Il m’a demandé beaucoup de choses, mais je ne comprenais pas ce qu’il disait, alors, euh..."
 Ah, donc elle a fui.

• page34|

 "Je vois. Désolé, j’étais juste curieuse."
 "Non, ce n’est pas grave... Euh, ici ça suffira, Sempai. Il ne me reste plus qu’à les lui donner maintenant."
 "Okay. A la prochaine alors."
 Je rends les polycopiés à Sakura.
 Alors que je m’apprêtais à retourner dans ma classe, je me retourne vers elle.

• page35|

 "Sakura, comment ça se passe en ce moment ?"
 "Ah... Oui, tout va bien. Aucun problème."
 "...Je vois. Dis-le-moi si Shinji fais encore quelque chose. Il ne sait pas quand s’arrêter, alors ça n’ira que de mal en pis si tu ne dis rien.

• page36|

 "Inutile de s’inquiéter, Sempai. Grand frère est gentil, récemment."
 ...Si elle dit ça avec un tel sourire, je ne peux rien répondre.
 Je lui dis au revoir une nouvelle fois et lui tourne le dos.

• page37|

 La journée s’achève.
 Les élèves quittent la classe et le bâtiment s’assombrit peu à peu.
 Le soleil sera bientôt couché.
 Quand le soleil rougeoyant aura disparu et que la nuit sera tombée, il ne devrait plus y avoir personne dans l’école.

• page38|

 "Allons-y, Archer. Pour commencer, nous devons regarder de près cette barrière magique. Une fois que nous aurons trouvé de quel type est cette barrière, nous déciderons si nous devons la détruire ou la laisser telle quelle."
 Je m’adresse à mon invisible partenaire.
 Archer a du comprendre car je le sens hocher de la tête.

• page39|

 Une barrière magique est quelque chose qui protège son lanceur.
 Vous pouvez appeler ça une magie géographique qui lie à un terrain une ligne de magie pour changer ce qu’il contient.

• page40|

 Une infinité d’effets différents sont possible au sein d’une barrière magique.
 Il y a toutes sortes de barrière magique, de celles qui dissimulent une zone à la vue de gens, à celles qui limite l’utilisation de la magie à l’intérieur celles-ci.
 Les plus agressives sont celles qui oppriment les formes de vie y résidant.

• page41|

 La barrière magique disposée autour de notre école est de ce genre-là.
 Elle n’est pas encore terminée, mais une fois qu’elle le sera, tout le monde dans l’école perdra conscience.

• page42|

 Mais quelque chose comme ça ne m’affectera pas.
 Après tout, une barrière magiques n’est pas quelque chose de dirigé contre moi, mais contre le lieu où je suis.
 Une telle magie indirecte n’a aucun effet sur un mage qui a de l’énergie magique d’un bout à l’autre de son corps.
 Un faible courant flottant dans l’air ne peut qu’être repoussé par un fort courant comme moi.

• page43|

 Donc cette barrière magique doit avoir une autre utilité.
 Je ne sais pas quel genre de personne a déployé cette barrière, mais son intention n’est pas de vaincre un Master.
 C’est difficile à croire, mais sa cible est tout le monde dans cette école.
 ...Il n’y a qu’une raison de faire quelque chose comme ça.
 Incroyable, ce gars veut[line4]

• page44|

 Je cherche dans le bâtiment de l’école, finissant par émerger sur le toit.
 Il fait noir dehors.
 Il est huit heures maintenant, longtemps après la fermeture de l’école qui a lieu à 6 heures.
 Les seules personnes encore dans l’école sont moi et Archer.

• page45|

 "[line3]Voilà qui en fait sept. On dirait qu’il s’agit de l’origine"
 Une marque à sept traits est ouvertement dessinée sur le toit.
 Ce symbole rouge violacé uniquement visible aux mages est quelque chose que je n’avais jamais vu, gravé avec une chose inconnue.

• page46|

 "...Bon sang. Ce n’est pas quelque chose dont je peux m’occuper."
 La personne qui a placé cette barrière magique n’a pensé à rien.
 Elle n’a pensé à rien, mais cette barrière est liée avec une prodigieuse habileté.
 Je peux temporairement drainer de l’énergie magique de cette barrière, mais je ne peux éliminer la barrière elle-même.
 Elle peut être réactivée facilement si le lanceur y remet de l’énergie magique.

• page47|

 "[line8]"
 Archer reste silencieux.
 ...Il n’a pas prononcé un mot depuis que somme arrivé sur le toit, probablement car il a aussi remarqué la puissance de cette barrière magique.
 Celle-ci ne drainera pas seulement la force de sa proie.
 Une fois activé, elle va littéralement ‘dissoudre’ toute personne à l’intérieur.

• page48|

 Il y a des barrières magiques qui volent les forces physique et mental des personnes qui sont dedans.
 Mais cette barrière est d’un tout autre niveau.
 Il s’agit d’une dévoreuse d’âme. C’est un Bloodfort qui dissout les individus à l’intérieur et récupère les âmes qui en suinte.

• page49|

 Depuis les temps anciens, les âmes ont toujours été difficiles à manier.
 Même si on croit en leur existence, forcément magique, un seul mage a su comprendre l’âme.

• page50|

 Les âmes ne sont que des « choses à examiner » ou des « choses à enfermer dans des récipients ».
 Il est inconcevable non seulement de les extraire, mais également de les collecter en un seul endroit.
 C’est parce qu’un mage n’en n’aurait aucune utilité même si il venait à collecter cette énergie inconvertible.
 Donc s’il doit y avoir une raison, ça doit être...

• page51|

 "Archer. Vous autres Servants... vous êtes ce genre de créature ?"
 Je lui demande froidement.

• page52|

 "...Effectivement. Je vous ai dit que nous sommes fondamentalement des esprits. Ainsi, notre nourriture consiste en des âmes et des constituants psychiques.
  De même que vous vous sustentez de viande, nous nous sustentons d’âmes et d’esprits.
  Nos compétences basique ne changeront pas avec une telle nourriture, mais serons plus résistant. En d’autre mots, notre énergie magique augmentera."

• page53|

 ...Oui.
 Pour renforcer votre Servant, vous devez attaquer les gens sans discrimination.

• page54|

 "Alors l’énergie magique fourni par le Master n’est pas suffisante ?"
 "Ce n’est pas ça, mais en avoir plus ne fait pas de mal. Dans une guerre, si vous manquez de force, vous compensez ça par du ravitaillement, non ?
  Voler l’énergie des gens l’entourant est une tactique de base pour un Master. De ce point de vue, cette barrière magique est très efficace."

• page55|

 "[line8]"
 Archer est en train de me dire que si je veux gagner, je devrais tuer des gens et leur voler leur force.
 Tout simplement.
 Je savais déjà ça.
 C’est pourquoi je pense que je sais quel chemin je dois choisir.

• page56|

 "Cela m’insupporte. Ne répète jamais ça, Archer."
 Je dis ça en regardant la marque sur le sol.
 Apparemment, Archer semble heureux lorsqu’il répond avec confiance,[r]
 "Je partage ce sentiment. Je n’ai pas non plus l’intention de faire ce genre de chose."

• page57|

 "...Bien, alors effaçons ça. Ca ne les arrêtera pas, mais ça devrait les ralentir un peu."
 J’approche de la marque gravé dans le sol et tend mon bras gauche.
 Le Symbole Magique sur mon bras gauche est le « livre de magie » transmit dans la famille Tohsaka.

• page58|

 J’éveille mon pouvoir.
 J’envoie de l’énergie magique dans mon Symbole Magique, lis la partie expliquant l’élimination d’une barrière magique, et maintenant je n’ai plus qu’à l’activer. 

• page59|

 "Abzug. Bedienung Mittelstand."
 Elimination. Extraction chirurgical, deuxième section.
 Je touche le sol de ma main droite et laisse mon énergie magique s’écouler. 
 Cela va au moins ternir la couleur de cette marque mais[line3]
 "Quoi, tu vas l’effacer ? Quel gâchis."
 Soudainement.
 Comme si c’était pour arrêter l’effacement de cette barrière magique, une voix retenti. 

• page60|

 "[line4]!"
 Je me lève rapidement et me retourne. 
 Au sommet du château d’eau. 
 Dans le ciel, à 10 mètres d’ici, un gars me toise. 

• page61|

 Un bleu outremer profond qui se confond avec la nuit. 
 Son sourire est farouche et son odeur bestiale est portée par le vent. 
 ...Le regard d’une bête sauvage est calme. 
 Cet homme en bleu me regarde comme un vieil ami, même dans cette situation[line3]

• page62|

 "[line3]C’est toi qui a fait ça ?"

• page63|

 "Non. Ces petits tours sont le boulot des mages. Nous combattons uniquement comme on nous le commande. N’est-ce pas, toi là-bas ?"

• page64|

 "[line4]!"
 Désinvolte, sa voix est néanmoins chargée d’intentions meurtrières.
 Il peut voir Archer...!

• page65|

 "Comme je le pensais, un Servant...!"
 "Exactement. Puisque tu l’a remarqué, je peux te considérer comme mon ennemi, non ?"
 "[line5]"
 Mon échine se glace.
 D’un ton normal, léger.
 Et plus froid que tout ce que j’ai pu entendre, me terrifiant au point de me soulever le coeur...

• page66|

 "[line8]"
 Je ne peux décider quel mouvement je devrais faire ou quel est mon meilleur choix. 
 Mais ma raison me dit de ne surtout pas combattre cette homme ici[line4]!

• page67|

 "...Wow. C’est très bien. Il semble que tu ne sache pas grand-chose, mais tu as saisis l’essentiel.
  Ah, j’ai tout gâché. Je n’aurais pas dû t’interpeller juste pour m’amuser."
 L’homme lève son bras.
 "[line8]"
 Cela se passé en un instant.
 Ce bras qui tenait rien jusqu’à maintenant...
 Porte maintenant une arme rouge, longue de deux mètres.

• page68|

 "Hah[line8]!"
 Je sauté sur le côté sens même y réfléchir.
 Je n’ai pas de temps à perdre à prendre en compte que je ne peux pas sauter très loin sur un toit.
 Je saute juste aussi loin que je peux sur le côté, comme si j’aillais traverser la clôture...!

• page69|

 Une tornade me frôle les cheveux derrière moi.
 [line3]Ce n’est pas passé loin.
 Il s’est rué sur moi en un clin d’œil, balayant impitoyablement de son arme l’espace que j’occupais peu avant. 

• page70|

 "Ah, tu as de bonnes jambes, jeune fille...!"
 [line3]La tornade bleue me poursuit.
 Il n’y a pas d’issue.
 La clôture est derrière moi. Sur mes côtés... Non, ça ne marchera pas...!

• page71|

 "Es ist groß, es ist klein...!"
 Ma réponse est rapide.
 J’enclenche mon Symbole Magique sur mon bras gauche et assemble la magie en un point unique.
 Cela allège mon corps et ajuste la gravité.
 A cet instant, mon corps dévient léger comme une plume, et je bondis[line4]

• page72|

 "Rin...!"
 "Je sais, laisse-moi m’occuper de ça...!"
 Je saute par-dessus la clôture et chute depuis le toit.

• page73|

 "[line4]"
 Le vent et l’air repousse mon corps.
 Cinquante mètres pour atteindre le sol, 1.7 secondes avant de toucher terre...[r]
 Non, c’est trop lent. Il va me rattraper...!

• page74|

 "Vox, Gott es Atlas[line4]!
  Archer, occupe-toi de mon atterrissage...!"

• page75|

 "[line4]Hah[line4]!"
 Je laisse Archer prendre en charge l’impact de l’atterrissage et commence à courir dès que mes pieds touchent le sol.
 [line3]En premier, je dois changer de lieu.
 Nous devons aller quelque part où nous pouvons bouger librement, pas un endroit étriqué comme un toit.
 Nous devons aller dans un endroit large sans obstacles, pour jouer avec les forces d’Archer et moi...!

• page76|

 "Hah, hah...!"
 Je cours depuis le toit jusqu’à la cour de l’école en moins de sept secondes.
 Cela fait plus de cent mètres. Ma vitesse est si élevé que les gens normaux ne verrait que mon sillage.

• page77|

 Mais c’est...
 "Ah, ce sont vraiment de bonnes jambes. Quel gâchis de te tuer ici."
 ...inutile contre un Servant.

• page78|

 "Archer[line4]!"
 A ce moment je recule, Archer lui avançant et prenant forme.
 Une nuit nuageuse.
 Dans la main d’Archer se trouve une épée courte qui reflète le faible clair de lune.

• page79|

 "[line3]Wow."
 L’homme se tord la bouche.
 "...Bien, je préfère ça. J’aime bien les personnes qui comprennent vite."
 Une large bourrasque.
 ...C’est l’arme avec laquelle il a tenté de me frapper sur le toit... La lance rouge sang qui a essayé de m’abattre sans pitié[line3]

• page80|

 "Servant... Lancer[line4]"
 "Exactement. Et ton Servant est Saber
  ...Ou peut-être pas. Mais qui es-tu donc ?"
 Il n’y a plus trace de son précèdent comportement décontracté.
 En réponse à Lancer, plein d’intentions meurtrières, Archer demeure silencieux.

• page81|

 ...La distance entre les deux est d’à peu près cinq mètres.
 L’arme dans les mains de Lancer fait environ deux mètres.
 Pour cet homme a l’odeur bestiale, j’ai l’impression que ces trois mètres restant ne signifient rien.

• page82|

 "...Heh. Tu n’es pas le genre à engager un combat en un contre un. Tu dois donc être Archer."
 Archer ne répond pas non plus à cette voix ricanant.
 S’affrontant l’un l’autre, nous retrouvons étrangement le rouge et le bleu.
 Ces deux chevaliers colorés contrefait sont déjà en train de surveiller le prochain coup de l’adversaire.

• page83|

 "...Très bien. Je n’aime pas ça, mais maintenant que nous nous sommes rencontré, nous n’avons qu’à combattre. Aller, sors ton arc, Archer.
  J’ai quelques manières tout de même, je vais donc au moins patienter pour ça. »
 "[line8]"
 Archer ne répond pas.
 Il n’y a rien à dire à un ennemi qu’il doit vaincre.
 That steel back of his seems to declare so.

• page84|

 "[line4]"
 Ça me fait penser...
 ...Que suis-je bête. Archer attend seulement mon ordre, mon commandement.

• page85|

 "Archer."
 Je parle à son dos, sans m’approcher de lui.
 "Je ne t’aiderais pas. Montre-moi ta force ici."
 "[line4]Heh."
 Etait-ce un rire ?
 Il sourit comme pour répondre à mon ordre, et le chevalier rouge se précipite en avant.

• page86|

 Virevoltant comme un coup de vent.
 Épée à la main, la balle rouge est tirée.
 "[line4]Imbécile!"
 Ce qu’il rencontre est un coup de lance bleu.
 If the dashing Archer is a raging wind, the responding spearhead is a divine wind.

• page87|

 The sword is swung, a swing to deflect the thrust.
 Archer parries the thrust of the high speed lance with his shortsword.

• page88|

 "......!"
 The one in red stops.
 The enemy did not permit Archer's rush.
 The enemy doesn't even let him get within two meters, the range of the spear.
 For a long weapon, distance is always preferred.
 As Lancer has a weapon almost two meters long, he only needs to attack when the enemy comes into his range.
 Thrusting at an approaching enemy is easier than moving out yourself.

• page89|

 But even so.
 Lancer closes the distance himself and doesn't even allow Archer to move forward.

• page90|

 "Idiot, a mere bowman challenging a close-range fight[line4]!"
 His temper is like a burning fire.
 Lancer closes in with each blow, with no thought of stopping.

• page91|

 With a long weapon, it's suicidal to close in to an enemy.
 The spearman's tactic is to use their long range to defeat the enemy and win the battle.
 So, as Lancer is just advancing unchecked, he doesn't have a chance of winning.

• page92|

 "[line4]No way."
 But that's just by the book.
 Lancer's lance shows no vulnerabilities as it strikes for the throat, shoulders, forehead, and heart.

• page93|

 Thrusts so fast even the afterimages are blurred.
 As each strike of his lance repels, rebuffs, and pushes back Archer, any one of his thrusts could be called a final blow.
 But even as a bowman, Archer is a Servant.
 No ordinary attack can be a final blow...!

• page94|

 "Ha[line4]!"
 Having repelled the lance aimed at his forehead, Archer closes in with speed superior to Lancer's lance.

• page95|

 [line3]Based on its shape, you might think that the main attack of a lance is a thrust, but the basic strength of a lance is in swings.
 This is because a wide swing using its long range does not allow the enemy to dodge it by stepping back.

• page96|

 A partial retreat does not allow escape, and an attempt to counterattack will only result in a slashed stomach.
 But simply going forward will end up in a smashed rib from the long shaft of the lance.
 Archer and Lancer are similarly built.
 On top of that, it's hard for Archer with no heavy armor to step into range of a lance swung like a whirlwind.

• page97|

 [line3]But, thrusts are a different story.
 A blazing fast thrust certain to strike you is certainly scary.
 But as long as the attack targets a point, there are many ways to avoid it once you see it.
 As Archer did just then, hitting the shaft of the approaching lance to redirect it slightly creates an opening.

• page98|

 It must be because he underestimated a bowman.
 The advantage of a long weapon is in the length and freedom of its range. Once Lancer has discarded these advantages himself, his defeat is[line4]

• page99|

 "[line4]"
 "Huh[line4]!?"
 The one in red stops.
 [line3]A nightmare like time is reversing.
 The thrust is faster than the previous ones...!

• page100|

 "Guh[line3]!"
 Archer tries to parry the blow, but he gets flicked away along with his weapon.
 There are no openings in Lancer's attack.
 No, not just that. The thrusts increase in speed and power without limit and it becomes a final blow even for a Servant...!

• page101|

 "[line4]"
 We were the ones that underestimated him.
 For that Servant[line3]for Lancer's weapon, there are no general rules about lances.

• page102|

 Who could ever parry continuous attacks without even space to breathe between them?
 Archer manages to retreat a bit and parries. And as a result, the distance between them opens a little.
 That distance.
 Lancer uses that distance as a runway to launch an even more powerful attack.

• page103|

 The raging continuous attack is only a repetition of that.
 But the blows themselves are godlike.
 Ten blows already.
 No, it must actually be many times more than that.
 The heavy rain of lance pours with yet more strength, trying to skewer Archer to death.

• page104|

 ...It's not fast, but it's just skill.
 It thrusts like a waterfall, with no change in speed.
 What can Archer do as he's now on the defensive?
 With such a short sword, he can only parry the lance.
 He has no way to close on Lancer, and he continues to retreat.

• page105|

 "[line7]"
 A vacuum of steel unfolds.
 Support... I have to back Archer up, but my throat won't respond.
 My magic has poor aim.
 Unless Archer gets far away from Lancer, I will hit him with my magic as well.
 Such an opening would only increase Lancer's advantage.

• page106|

 ...And besides.
 Frankly, I'm captivated.
 This is a battle between Servants.
 This is the Holy Grail War itself, where we use heroic spirits[line3][r]
 The highest rank of familiar, whom we would never otherwise obtain.

• page107|

 Servants.
 Familiars of different classes that obey the seven Masters.
 These are the highest-ranked familiars, called heroic spirits, that the Holy Grail summons.

• page108|

 [line3]So, it's misleading to call them familiars.
 Originally, familiars were just beings that ran errands for the magus.
 Imagine, perhaps, a cat in boots.
 Or a cute white bird.
 Or a black dog that doesn't obey its master, or something like that.

• page109|

 Familiars that a mere magus can summon are of that level.
 Familiars are just familiars.
 They are only mascots that run errands for their masters, so they cannot be beings stronger than their masters.
 But Servants are different.
 They are the most powerful beings.
 Even for sorcerers, of which there are only five in this world, it would probably be impossible to form a contract with them.

• page110|

 It's not that the summoning is hard or even that the ability of the Servant surpasses that of the magus.
 Servants themselves are beings above magic.

• page111|

 I'll make it clear.
 Servants are heroes from the past.
 Myth, legend, fable, history...
 Fiction or not, the "superhuman beings" who gained concrete existence in folklore are what we call heroes.

• page112|

 A hero that becomes eternal in people's minds is no longer human after their death, and is promoted to another form of existence.
 Humans who bring about miracles, save people, and achieve great deeds, are called heroes even after their death.
 After being so called, they are promoted to heroic spirits after their death and become guardians of humanity.

• page113|

 It doesn't matter whether these people existed in reality or only in stories.
 It is people's minds that create a hero.
 People's wishes that "this is how things should be" give them form and set them up as real.
 Authenticity does not matter.
 They can have form as long as they have fame as a legend and people have faith.

• page114|

 The ultimate ideal humans have created, the greatest human people have created.
 These are the heroes, the heroic spirits.
 And of course, since they are beyond human, they cannot be controlled by humans.
 A magus usually borrows their power only to mimic them.
 They can't summon the heroic spirits themselves.

• page115|

 But the Holy Grail made that impossibility into reality.
 It summons the heroic spirit, beyond human control, and turns it into a familiar obedient to the Master.
 That nonsense is proof that the Holy Grail is almighty.

• page116|

 And with the passing of years ignored, the heroic spirits are summoned. The most recent from a hundred years ago, the oldest from the ancient days.
 The seven heroic spirits obey each of the seven Masters, protect them, and eliminate the Masters of the enemy.
 Heroes from every age and country are revived into the present day, to kill one another for supremacy.
 That is why this ritual is called the Holy Grail War.

• page117|

 ...But it seems the Holy Grail has its limits too.
 Even the Holy Grail cannot indiscriminately call unto the spirit-like beings.
 Just as a form invented by humans is required for the imaginary sixth element, known as the devil, to take form, the heroic spirits also need a form to live in this world.

• page118|

 That form is their temporary name, and the way the exist in this world.
 The Holy Grail has furnished "classes" so that the heroic spirits may take form more easily, and it only summons the heroic spirits that match these classes.
 It's like a passport to the present as it sets up a role as a familiar in advance. By allowing the summoned heroic spirit to take on that role, it helps the spirit to take form.

• page119|

 If there are seven Masters chosen by the Holy Grail, there are also seven Servants obeying those Masters.

• page120|

 There are seven furnished classes.
 Knight of the sword, Saber.
 Knight of the lance, Lancer.
 Knight of the bow, Archer.
 Mounted soldier, Rider.
 Magus, Caster.
 Silent killer, Assassin.
 Mad warrior, Berserker.
 Only the heroic spirits with attributes of these classes are summoned to the present to obey the Master[line3]and become a Servant.

• page121|

 That is the Servant System[line3]
 A summoning and contract with a heroic spirit beyond human control, to win the "miracle" beyond human grasp.
 The ultimate competition, held only on this ground, the one and the only Holy Grail War[line4]!

• page122|

 "[line4]!"
 A loud crash.
 The shortsword that deflected Lancer's lance flies from Archer's hand.
 This is Lancer's technique.
 A straight thrust that turns into a sweep at Archer's wrist.
 It was a blow Archer could not avoid even had he seen it coming.

• page123|

 There is no effective way of parrying a lance with a sword.
 A strong rebuff only results in a stronger counterattack, and a weak rebuff does not create any openings.
 The important aspect of the battle between a sword and a lance lies in defeating the enemy when he is at the wrong range[line4]

• page124|

 "[line3]Idiot."
 There's no hesitation in Lancer.
 His movement to push Archer back stops.
 [line3]He must intend to end the match in a single instant.
 The stares of the firmly placed Lancer and the swordless Archer clash.

• page125|

 In that instant.
 The lance is thrust just like a flash of light.
 It can't even be seen.
 Forehead, neck, and heart.
 Three shots are launched, any one a fatal blow[line4]!!

• page126|

 But.
 The flash too fast to see is repelled by a shining blade...!

• page127|

 "[line4]!?"
 In Archer's hand is the shortsword again.
 A sword like before, a Chinese sword like a hatchet.
 But the biggest difference is[line3]
 "Crap, two swords...!"
 A pair of swords.
 In his hands are matched swords, mirror images of each other.

• page128|

 "Heh, a bowman trying to be a swordsman[line3]!"
 Lancer's lance flies.
 As if to finish Archer off, the lance moves faster and faster.
 "[line7]"

• page129|

 Archer defends with a burning spirit.
 His hawk-like eyes say that he will not retreat anymore[line3]no, that he will only advance from now on.

• page130|

 The clashing sounds are like a well orchestrated music.
 Two steels clanging against each other.
 The sparking clashes increase in rhythm without pause.

• page131|

 The battle of the two is like a vacuum.
 It sucks in the air around them, and it seems like anything approaching them would be cut to pieces.
 "[line8]"
 In reality, it only lasts an instant.
 But for me looking on, it seems to take an infinitely long time.

• page132|

 Lancer tries not to let Archer near him, while Archer advances using his swords as a shield.
 Over a hundred blows have been thrown, and Archer loses a sword every time.

• page133|

 But it's only for a moment as Archer has a sword in his hand in the next instant, forcing Lancer back a little each time.
 Lancer finally admits his carelessness.
 That even though he doesn't know who is before him, he will be the loser if he dismisses him as a mere bowman.

• page134|

 The distance widens.
 Probably to recover, Lancer puts a large distance between them.
 ...His speed is extraordinary.
 Archer's charge was out of this world, but it was still slow compared to Lancer.
 The movement of his retreat had panther-like speed and agility.

• page135|

 "...Twenty-seven. I've disarmed you that many times, yet you still have more."
 Lancer mutters in irritation.
 No, it's more like confusion.

• page136|

 ...I feel the same way.
 According to Father, a Servant carries only one weapon.
 Their weapon is filled with magical energy, so it's not something that can be created one after another, like Archer was just doing.

• page137|

 Servants are heroes that sublimate their spirits after death, equaling the holy spirits.
 To put it another way, they are like devils or angels.
 They are powerful familiars on their own, but their most powerful weapon is their "proof of heroism", a magical item called their "Noble Phantasm".

• page138|

 A Noble Phantasm is a weapon or armor the Servant used when they were a hero, and it's treated as a last resort.
 The Noble Phantasm is the one and only weapon for a Servant.
 This is because the Noble Phantasm is an ultimate weapon without equal.

• page139|

 ...The lance that Lancer is using will show its power as a Noble Phantasm when Lancer deems it necessary.
 A Noble Phantasm is an impressive weapon by itself, but its true ability is to release all its power using its "true name".

• page140|

 Heroes' weapons which rule over all others, and which have killed dragons and gods.
 Servants activate their Noble Phantasms using their magical energy.
 It's much like magic.
 Servants recreate the destructions in legend using their weapon as a catalyst.

• page141|

 Those weapons are never disposable.
 The swords that Archer brought out must be excellent, but they cannot be his Noble Phantasm.
 He is the Servant Archer.
 So the Noble Phantasm he conceals must be a bow.

• page142|

 "What's wrong, Lancer? It's not like you to just stand there and watch. Where's the energy you had just now?"
 "...You're talking crap, you cheater."

• page143|

 Lancer's irritation is understandable.
 Even though Lancer fought as a spearman, Archer fended him off as a swordsman.
 Which means, Archer hasn't shown any of his abilities yet.
 So it's natural for Lancer to feel ghastly.

• page144|

 "...All right then, I'll ask you. What hero are you?
  I've never heard of a bowman using two swords."
 "On the other hand, it's easy to tell who you are. It's said that only the fastest heroes are chosen as the lancer, but you surpass even that.
  There aren't three lancers in this world at your level. And on top of that, there's only one with such beast-like agility."

• page145|

 "[line3]Oh. Well said, Archer."
 At that instant.
 His vast murderous intent makes me forget to breathe.

• page146|

 Lancer's arm moves.
 This is different from before. A stance free from contempt.
 The spearhead is lowered as if to strike the ground, and only his stare pierces Archer[line3]
 "[line3]In that case, you shall face my finishing blow."
 "I won't stop you. You're an enemy I will have to defeat sooner or later."

• page147|

 Lancer's body sinks down.
 At the same time.
 A chill like thorns fills the schoolyard.

• page148|

 ...The air freezes.
 Not a metaphor, it literally freezes.
 All the mana in the air is frozen.
 The only person allowed to breathe here is the warrior called Lancer.
 The lance in Lancer's hands is unmistakably a demonic one.
 And now, it is waiting to take its true form in the moment it strikes[line3]

• page149|

 "[line4]Crap."
 He'll be beaten.
 I don't know what kind of Noble Phantasm that is, but Archer will be beaten.
 It's implausible since this is the first time I've felt such an intuition, but there's no doubt about it.

• page150|

 Archer will die when that lance is thrust.
 It is determined.
 Literally, Lancer's lance is the embodiment of inescapable death[line4]

• page151|

 "[line3]Oh."
 Archer will be defeated.
 Archer will die when Lancer pierces his heart.

• page152|

 [line3]And yet.
 Even though I know what's going to happen, I can't even help him.
 Because if I move even a finger, that will trigger the attack.

• page153|

 ...So, if anything can stop this battle and stop Archer's defeat, it would be[line3]
 "[line6]Who's there...!!?"
 It would be the chance appearance of a stranger we have all overlooked.

• page154|

 "...Huh?"
 The ghastly air coming from Lancer disappears.
 The sound of fleeing footsteps.
 ...That figure is definitely wearing a school uniform.

• page155|

 "A student...!? Someone was still here!?"
 "It seems so. He did save our lives, though."
 Archer says calmly.
 Well we were certainly saved, but....

• page156|

 "...My mistake. I didn't notice my surroundings because I was preoccupied with Lancer... Hey, Archer, what are you doing?"
 "Can't you see? I'm resting since I'm free now."
 "You can't do that. What about Lancer?"
 "He went after that guy. He saw us, so Lancer probably went to eliminate him."
 "[line8]"
 For an instant.
 My thoughts stop.

• page157|

 "...Follow him, Archer! I'll catch up right away...!"
 "[line4]"
 Archer goes after Lancer immediately.

• page158|

 "...Damn, how stupid of me...!"
 I curse my carelessness.
 It's the rule of magi to eliminate any witnesses.
 ...Which is why, if one didn't want to do that, one just had to allow no witnesses. I've done that until now, so why do I have to make a mistake today of all days...!?

• page159|

 A night where even the moonlight is obscured.
 A student is lying on the cold hallway floor and Archer is standing still.

• page160|

 "......"
 He is staring blankly at the student.
 ...A smell hits my nose.
 The blood on the floor makes clear that it's the smell of death.

• page161|

 "...Follow him, Archer. Lancer will probably go back to his Master. This won't be worth it unless we at least find out what his Master looks like."
 "[line4]"
 Archer goes after Lancer.
 I'm left alone with the student lying on the floor.

• page162|

 "......"
 I can't look straight at him.
 But I must.
 This is my fault.
 This is my fault.
 This is my fault.

• page163|

 [line3]Ever since I was a child.
 Ever since I became the successor of Tohsaka, I've been preparing for something like this.
 There's no good or evil for magi.
 I've always told myself that this road has only my blood and the blood of others, so...!

• page164|

 "...One shot from Lancer's lance, huh? You can't be saved with your heart pierced."
 I don't know how long it's been since Lancer killed him.
 Was he lucky or unlucky to be pierced through the heart?
 I guess Lancer's attack isn't a simple external wound as the flow of blood from the rupture isn't too severe.

• page165|

 It's not too severe, but it's all over when the brain doesn't get any more blood.
 No, basically, if his heart were pierced, he should have died instantly.

• page166|

 "...But it's amazing he isn't dead yet."
 ...Yes.
 He's still breathing faintly as if to give his last scream.
 But that will only last a few more seconds.
 He can't heal his own wounds, and I don't have enough power to save him either.

• page167|

 "I have to look at his face. I should at least do that."
 I try to touch the head, facing the ground, and realize my fingertips won't move.
 ...They're trembling.
 I wonder why.
 I'm used to such things.
 I've had to make these kinds of choices many times before.

• page168|

 I've lost many things due to my mistakes and my selfishness.
 That's why... I'm ready for a day like this.
 So why... why am I so angry at myself?

• page169|

 "...Sorry. I'll see you off, at least."
 I control my trembling fingers and my failing knees with my will, and look at the face of the student.
 "[line8]"
 A huge smacking sound.
 It really feels like I've been hit on the head with a hammer.

• page170|

 "...Stop it. Why does it have to be you?"
 I grit my teeth.
 Not to suppress my trembling.
 I'm really pissed off.
 Why is it him?
 Why did it have to be him?
 I'm not mad at Lancer for killing a witness quickly and perfectly, just as a Servant should do.
 I'm just angry at him for staying late at this place, on this day...!

• page171|

 "[line8]"
 Sakura's face flashes in my mind.
 She will definitely cry.
 And I recall one red-tinted day after school, a long time ago.
 ...A distant sunset.
 Someone always running alone.
 And a boring girl, staring at that from far away.
 [line3]And before me, the corpse of someone who happened to get involved.

• page172|

 "[line8]"
 ...There is a way.
 I might fail and lose my last resort in the process, but there is still a way.
 No, I'll lose my last resort whether I succeed or fail, so the result for me won't change.

• page173|

 "[line8]"
 It's a mistake.
 The fact of his death is already determined.
 It's my fault for not noticing the things around me.
 It's his fault for unluckily staying late.

• page174|

 So I don't need to go that far.
 Yes, because this is what my father, who gave me nothing else, left just for me.
 A powerful chunk of magical energy, a reliable last resort to win through this battle.
 A precious, precious thing just for me[line3]

• page175|

 "[line3]So what, idiot?"
 I shake the feeling off and kneel in front of the one who will become a corpse in another second.

• page176|

 "...Man, I've done it."
 The pendant in my hand becomes lighter.
 My father's memento is drained almost to emptiness,
and falls onto what used to be a dying body.

• page177|

 "[line4]Well, it can't be helped."
 Yes, it can't be helped.
 I didn't have the power or skills to revive someone with a damaged heart, damaged blood vessels, and on the verge of brain death on top of that.
 That's why I had to make up for my lack of skill with this powerful object.

• page178|

 "It's lucky he was still breathing. If he was completely dead, no amount of magical energy could have revived him."
 But since he was still alive...
 I just did what I could, and ended up saving his life.

• page179|

 "...It would have been awful if I failed, but since I succeeded, I guess it's all right. Yeah, I feel fulfilled to be honest, so this wasn't such a bad experience."
 I'm just bluffing.

• page180|

 "...Let's go. What's done is done. I have to head back before he wakes up."
 Yeah, there's no need for me to stay here any longer.
 Archer should be following Lancer, so I should go home by myself.

• page181|

 [line4]On my way back, I remember.
 I left the pendant at school, just a pendant now that the magical energy has been drained out of it.

• page182|

 "Oh well."
 I've no more use for that pendant.
 Sure, it might have a bit of magical energy left in it, but surely less than the ten jewels I have.
 What my father intended to leave for me was enough magical energy to win the Holy Grail War.
 So now, without magical energy, that thing is meaningless.

• page183|

 I enter the house without saying anything and sit on the sofa.
 Archer isn't back yet.
 I sigh and listen to the clock for a few minutes.

• page184|

 "[line3]Huh, I have to switch gears.
  What am I doing, daydreaming after a battle like that?"

• page185|

 I jump up and brew some tea.
 There are so many things to think about.
 Most importantly, the Servants.
 I have just witnessed a battle between Servants I had previously only understood intellectually.

• page186|

 "Lancer, huh...? I panicked when he almost used his Noble Phantasm, but I would have found out his identity if he had used it..."

• page187|

 The easiest way to beat an enemy Servant is to learn their identity.
 Ignoring for the moment the idiot who doesn't even know his own identity, the biggest weak point of a Servant is their "true name".
 Discovering the Servant's true name... in other words, figuring out their identity... should let you take a guess at what kind of Noble Phantasm they might have.

• page188|

 It goes without saying, but since Servants are heroic spirits, they have a legend associated with them.
 If you figure out their legend, you should be able to find out most of their abilities.
 Servants are called by their class names because they want to hide their true names.
 Because the more famous a hero is, the more people know about their weapons and their weaknesses.

• page189|

 A heroic spirit that becomes a Servant never gives out their true identity.
 The only ones that know the Servants' identities are the Masters.
 There's even a tacit understanding that the Masters hide their Servants' identities while trying to discover the identities of the others.

• page190|

 ...This is the fifth Holy Grail War.
 The qualities of the Servants are determined by the ranks of the summoned heroic spirits.
 It goes without saying that the more famous heroes and the heroes with better weapons are stronger.

• page191|

 But it's difficult to summon such heroic spirits.
 To summon a heroic spirit, one must have a connection with them such as a weapon they used during their lives.
 Even the Magic Association has a few of such things.
 So generally, one will summon a heroic spirit that suits them, like I did.

• page192|

 A Servant's strength is determined by the rank of the heroic spirit.
 But it's not that simple as even the most powerful heroic spirits may have a hard time depending on the class they are assigned to.
 That is because of the special abilities assigned to each class, the possibility of the weak defeating the strong.

• page193|

 The seven classes each have a different additional ability, and one even has a chance of defeating an opponent of higher rank depending on the ability's affinity.
 To take an example, an infamous hero has defeated a great hero four times in the past.
 As far as I know, the most powerful Servant is Saber.

• page194|

 In all the previous four wars, Saber has made it to the final fight.
 It is said that the three classes Saber, Lancer and Archer have strong magic resistance.
 To put it simply, magic is pretty much useless against them.

• page195|

 It's because they are fighters who fought through the age of myths, when magics were used widely.
 Magics that magi use now would probably dissipate just by touching them.
 ...Anyways, that's why these three classes are considered the basics and the best.

• page196|

 Another that's worthy of mention is the Servant Berserker.
 The heroic spirit summoned into this class loses their sanity.
 Just as the name implies, they become a mad warrior puppet of their Master. The benefit from this is a "strengthening" of their power, far exceeding the powers they had when alive.

• page197|

 However, the more powerful a Servant becomes, the greater the burden it imposes on the Master.
 In the past, Masters who summoned Berserker couldn't control their rampaging Servants, and destroyed themselves by running out of magical energy.
 No exceptions.

• page198|

 [line3]The winners and losers of the Holy Grail War are largely determined by the abilities of the Servants.
 Well, I expect there are ways to win it by the Master's efforts, but it is basically a fight between the Servants.
 That is why a Master should be very careful when summoning a Servant....

• page199|

 "[line8]"
 I silently consider the plans we should make from now on.
 The clock, fixed already, strikes eleven while I do so... and Archer comes home.

• page200|

 "Welcome back. How did it go?"
 "...I'm sorry. I failed. It must be one cautious Master. At the very least, Lancer's Master is not on this side of town."

• page201|

 As I expected.
 Lancer was alone and it seems his Master isn't the type to show up for battles personally.

• page202|

 "I see. Well, I guess it won't be that easy."
 Yes, there's no way everything will go as I might hope.
 So it can't be helped.
 Let's consider what happened tonight as a tuition fee for the lessons learned.

• page203|

 "You seem down, Master. Where are your high spirits? Don't tell me you got scared by that one fight. If you so order, I am ready to go battle Lancer again right now."

• page204|

 Archer protests silently that we should do so.
 ...I see.
 I guess I look depressed.

• page205|

 "Of course not. I'm staying in only because I don't want to do anything pointless."
 "Hm? Anything pointless...?"
 "Well, all the Masters aren't present yet, right? Tonight couldn't be helped, but I wouldn't start fighting before we get the signal. My father told me this is one of the rules of the Holy Grail War."

• page206|

 "...I see, so your father was also a Master."
 Archer nods, understanding.
 [line3]Then.
 Archer makes a troubled face and starts to ponder something.

• page207|

 "What? Do you have something you want to say?"
 "Yeah, there's something I forgot to ask.
  Rin, you've been raised since you were small to be a Master and you've accepted that, right? So you've expected to be a Master since the beginning."

• page208|

 "Of course. Well, there certainly are Masters that are suddenly appointed, but I'm different. For the Tohsaka family, the Holy Grail has been our earnest desire for many generations."

• page209|

 "I thought so. So having been raised to become a Master, you must have a purpose.
  I forgot to ask about that. I cannot swear my sword to you unless I know my Master's wish.
  [line3]So Rin, what is your wish?"
 "Wish? I don't really have one."
 "[line3]What?"
 Oh, Archer's making a funny face.

• page210|

 "T-That can't be true! The Holy Grail is an almighty grail that grants wishes. Becoming a Master means obtaining the Holy Grail, so how can you say you have no wish to grant...!?"
 "[line5]"
 Archer is asking with a serious expression.

• page211|

 ...Oh, I see.
 The Master's wish after obtaining the Holy Grail isn't irrelevant to the Servant.
 But it's strange. Father said that Servants have wishes as well, but that is only their wish.
 I don't think Archer should be concerned because I don't have any wishes.

• page212|

 "All right, if you don't have a specific wish, why not wish for something ambiguous? Like ruling the world?"
 "Why? The world is already mine."

• page213|

 "[line8]"
 "Hey now, Archer. The world is just another word for the things you value around you, right? That's something I've had since I was born. If you tell me to rule such a world, I already rule it."

• page214|

 "[line4]"
 Archer looks at me with a troubled expression.
 I'm amazed. The guy really is hard-headed.

• page215|

 "Ridiculous. The Holy Grail is a power to grant wishes, a power to obtain the world. Are you saying you're seeking it, yet you have no wish?"
 "But ruling the world would be so troublesome and there's no point in wishing for something so pointless. You seem to lack imagination."
 "...I don't understand. For what then, do you fight?"

• page216|

 "I fight because there's a battle, Archer. And I'll take whatever I can get. I don't know about this Holy Grail thing, but I can just use it when I find something I want, right? As a human, there are infinite things I might want in life."
 "[line3]So, you're saying..."
 "Yes. I'm fighting to win, Archer."

• page217|

 "[line8]"
 Archer's shoulders slump.
 Maybe he's disappointed in my opinions, but it seems he's finally relaxed.

• page218|

 "...I give up. You're certainly a worthy Master for me."
 [line3]Ugh.
 ...I find it hard to deal with that kind of comment, so I wish he'd stop saying such things....

• page219|

 "...Huh. A Servant has no right to choose their Master, but I'll ask for the heck of it. Why am I a worthy Master for you?"
 "It goes without saying. You're unmistakably the strongest Master.
  No one would be a better Master to serve than you."
 "Oh, thanks. It doesn't sound like flattery when you say it."
 ...I look away because I'm embarrassed.

• page220|

 I find it hard to deal with Archer because he speaks frankly like this even though he's so cynical.
 ...But, well, I'm honestly happy that he trusts me.
 I trust Archer and he trusts me.
 I don't think this sense of solidarity is a bad thing.

• page221|

 "Well then, let's take a break. Even if the seventh Master is going to appear, it won't be right now[line3]wait a minute, Rin. What happened to that jewelry of yours?"
 "You mean my pendant? Oh, I forgot it. It's out of power, so there's no use for it, right?"

• page222|

 "That's true, but... well, if you say so."
 "Yes, it's a memento of my father, but it's not like it's my only memory of him[line4]"
 "[line3]That's no good. You don't have to be that strong, Rin."
 So saying,
 Archer takes out the pendant I left at school.

• page223|

 "Oh... you went and picked it up for me."
 "...Don't forget it again. It only looks right on you, Rin."
 As if he's embarrassed, Archer looks away as he hands me the pendant.

• page224|

 "[line3]I see. Thanks."
 I accept it.
 To be honest, I don't know if I should be embarrassed or cool about it.

• page225|

 The pendant is as it was.
 ...As expected, there's no magical energy left in it.
 Empty of magical energy, it's just an expensive but ordinary jewel, and it doesn't hold any power.
 But, as Archer would put it.
 Even if there's no power left in this pendant, it still has meaning as something my father specifically left for me.
 Then... maybe I can just laugh off the fact that I helped that guy by sacrificing my trump card.

• page226|

 "[line3]Hey, wait a sec."
 Something clicks in my head.
 I wasn't thinking straight back then because of my regret, but thinking about it calmly, I missed something.

• page227|

 He saw us, so it'll be dangerous unless we adjust his memory.
 Basically, Lancer prioritized eliminating the witness over his battle with us.
 Lancer's thinking probably matches his Master's.
 So... if such a Master finds out the guy they killed didn't die, what would he do?

• page228|

 "[line3]He wouldn't let the guy keep on living[line3]"
 I get up from my sofa.
 ...It's been three hours since then.
 I might not make it, but...
 After all I did, I have to make it on time[line3]!

• page229|

 I run through the night.
 Fortunately, I know where his house is.
 No, I didn't look it up, but it just happens that an acquaintance of mine goes there a lot... though I've never been there myself.

• page230|

 "...Honestly, you're just taking on unwanted troubles."
 Archer has no interest in cooperating.
 He was against saving the guy when he was dying, and he's against me going to help him right now.

• page231|

 [line4]It's midnight.
 Under the cloudy night sky, we reach the Japanese-styled house.

• page232|

 There's no sight of anyone in this house on the edge of the residential district.
 There aren't many houses around it, and there's no one to come and help if something happens here.

• page233|

 "[line4]"
 My breath is white.
 A wind starts to pick up.
 It must be quite strong as the clouds start to drift fast.
 The supposedly warm wind of Fuyuki sends chills down my spine, making me tremble.

• page234|

 Even if Fuyuki City is considered warm, it's still cold on the hill.

• page235|

 The air around here is frozen.
 I strain my ears in the cold atmosphere.
 In the frozen feeling, I feel a small sense of an enemy.

• page236|

 "...He's here. The Servant from before...!"
 I bite my lip.
 His presence is perceptible on the other side of this wall.
 Lancer is in the house already and about to kill the same guy again, who has just come home without a clue as to what happened.

• page237|

 "...I'll just have to jump in and beat him. I'll worry about what comes next when it happens[line3]!"
 Just as I'm about to command Archer to go in.
 A bright white light, like a fallen sun, comes from within the house.

• page238|

 "[line4]"
 The presence is eclipsed by another presence.
 The wave of power of the Servant Lancer is consumed by an even larger wave.
 ...The instantaneous explosion of ether gives the spiritual being a body, summoned to overpower Lancer.

• page239|

 "No way..."
 I can only mutter.
 But it's true.
 To prove it[line3]Lancer jumps over the wall and leaps away as if fleeing from this place.

• page240|

 "...Hey, Archer. Is this another one of your hypothetical scenarios?"
 "I don't know. But this makes seven. All the Masters are here now, Rin."
 Archer answers calmly.
 I've lost my normal judgment.
 That's why I didn't even consider the obvious event that would follow.

• page241|

 The wind blows strongly.
 Clouds cover the sky like an umbrella.
 The unlit suburbs are enclosed by darkness.
 And the Servant jumps over the wall, coming down like a demonic bird[line3]

• page242|

 "[line4]!"
 Archer has reacted already.
 But I couldn't react.
 That was my mistake.
 The battle ended with that small opening, not lasting even a second.
 It might have been only a second for me, but for that Servant, it was an opening that couldn't be ignored.

• page243|

 A sword rushes for me.
 "Huh, Archer...?"
 Archer pushes me aside and the Servant slashes him.
 It happens in an instant.
 Archer, who handled Lancer's fury of attacks beautifully, has been taken down with one blow[line3]

• page244|

 "Archer, disappear...!"
 But I make it in time this time.
 Just as the enemy Servant is about to cut off Archer's head with her blade, I forcibly remove him.
 A pain in my right hand.
 It must have been an excessive command, so a Command Spell has disappeared from my hand.

• page245|

 ...Now there's only one remaining.
 But this is for the best.
 Rather than having Archer die, I would prefer to lose one or two Command Spells...

• page246|

 "[line4]"
 Giving no consideration to Archer's disappearance, the Servant attacks me.
 "[line3]Don't underestimate me!"
 I take from my pocket a topaz with a wind spell stored in it. Then, I launch all the magical energy it contains at her without processing it...!

• page247|

 This thing, which can blow away a house without a trace, is a bundle of wind spells I've stocked up over time.
 It's one of the ten jewels I've been putting my magical energy into for seventeen years without rest.
 I'm using all the magical energy stored in it, so even if I can't defeat her, it should at least slow her down a bit[line4]
 ...No, not even that.
 It did nothing.
 The swirl of wind that instantly tears apart anything caught within it disappears like a magic trick the instant it touches the Servant.
 ...Such strong magic resistance.
 Mere magical energy from a magus cannot hurt this Servant...!

• page248|

 [line3]So, this is it.
 She can't be hurt by magic, and I've lost the protection of Archer, so I can't stop this Servant.
 I barely managed to avoid one blow, but that's all.
 I look up at the night sky.
 In it is the figure of cold-hearted Death who is looking down at me as I lay miserably on the ground[line3]

• page249|

 "[line3]Wha..."
 The wind blows.
 In between the dark clouds in the spiral sky, the moon shines.
 The falling moonlight and the beautiful face...
 This is the Servant that drove off Lancer,
 defeated my Archer in one strike,
 and annulled my magic with no trouble.

• page250|

      "That magic was splendid, magus."

• page251|

 The girl's voice is like a bell.
 Yes, this voice is like a nightmare right now.
 It's only natural.
 The more beautiful my enemy is, the more of a nightmare it is as I cannot believe the difference in our strength.

• page252|

   "But this is your end, Master of Archer."

• page253|

 The point of the sword shines brilliantly.

• page254|

 [line3]On the verge of death, I understand.
       With just one look, without proof...

• page255|

 This is the card I wanted.
 The one said to be the strongest of all Servants, the hero of the sword.

• page256|

 "[line8]"
 I look up at the moon, accepting my death.
 There's no time for me to flee or plead for my life.
 I will die here and Tohsaka Rin's Holy Grail War will end on the third day.
 There is only disgrace and regret, and I will probably vanish bearing a grudge against my enemy.

• page257|

 [line3]But still, I don't feel anything.
 Something must really be wrong with me.
 Even though I'm going to be killed in an instant, I adore her again.
 That's right.
 If you ask for regrets, that's it.

• page258|

 But I guess it can't be helped.
 [line3]Because she's the most powerful Servant.
 Because her figure is just so heartless, so infinitely valiant, and so beautiful[line4]

• page259|