a video for the reward of ur death

No, I feel the same way as Tohsaka. We shouldn't go there yet."

"What... are you saying you will not fight either...!? No way. What was I resting my body for until now!? Now we know where our enemy is, we have to attack!"

"I know that. But we have to wait, Saber. If the Master at Ryudou Temple is that careful, there will certainly be a trap. It would be suicidal to go there without any plans. As Tohsaka says, we should at least wait until Archer is healed."

"Such danger is normal. I have never expected to earn victory without getting hurt. Even if the enemy traps pierce my body, I can fight as long as I do not give them my neck. It is enough if we can beat the Master, no matter what injury I bear!"

"Whadon't say such stupid things. It's never okay to get hurt! It's fine to go knowing the danger, but such a suicidal attack is stupid. ...As your Master, I can't let you do something so dangerous."

That's right. Going to the Ryudou Temple is certainly a suicide attack. There will be some obstacle on the only road heading to the temple. It's fine to accept that and go, but heading there without any plans is suicidal. No matter how strong Saber is, she has me as a handicap. If she pushes herself and fights, and if the result is



Just like what happened at that time, I can't approve of that.

"...What are you saying? Look Master, Servants are meant to get hurt. I will not allow my Master to avoid a fight in fear of that."

"It doesn't matter if you don't allow it. If you're going to push yourself, I'll stop you as many times as necessary. ...If you don't want that, heal yourself quickly. You're not fully healed yet, right?"

"It should not interfere with my fighting ability. There is no need to consider prolonging a battle due to my wound." Saber's will to fight does not change.

"!" Geez, why doesn't she understand even after I tell her this much...!?

"Okay, fine. But I can't agree that easily. You lost to Berserker before! Are you going to push yourself and fight, and get both you and me defeated again!? Don't kid me, I don't want to be killed that miserably ever again...!"

“...” So. I thought she would argue right back, but instead, she takes a breath and... "...Bringing that up is unfair, Shirou." She says as if apologizing.

"...I'm sorry if I'm being unfair. But I won't be attacking anyone yet. I can't just ignore the Master at Ryudou Temple either. But we're in no condition to fight. If we fight like this and lose, who'll stop the Master at Ryudou Temple?"

"Look, we'll be attacking only after your wound is healed and we're in perfect shape. If you have any complaints, go find yourself another Master."

"I understand. If Master says so..." After answering in a quiet voice, Saber falls silent.

...The conversation is over. Tohsaka has returned to her room and Saber returns to her room as well.

Staying alone in the living room, I really regret what I did. No, it's too late already. I could have put it another way, so why... Why could I only convince her using words that make her look like that?

It is a quiet, windless night. The time is past midnight. There is nothing moving, and every living thing is asleep. A settled darkness. The town is like a dark sea that only has moonlight to illuminate it.

The clouds are moving. There is no wind at ground level. But way up in the sky, the air is roaring and letting the overlapping clouds flow. "There is some wind." Maybe she can hear the wind. Looking up at the wind in the sky, she mutters quietly.

The one standing quietly in the yard glaring at the sky is a girl called Saber. Her golden hair is beautiful even in the dark night, and her clear green eyes are watching the appearing and disappearing moon. “...” She casts a glance to the corner of the yard.

There is an old shed, and her master is sleeping inside it. "It does not matter if you say you do not want to fight." A clang. The echo of steel melts into the night without reaching anyone's ears. The moon disappears and appears. In the instant the clouds in the sky float past, the girl's appearance has completely changed.

Heavy, hard silver armor. Her figure covered in blue clothes is not something you can call a girl now. Impregnable defenses made from magical energy overpowering others, and an invisible sword, hidden by magical energy beyond human levels. That figure, said to be invincible on the battlefield, proves their existence to this day.

Even with the invisible sword, her majesty proves that she is an excellent swordsman. That is why she is Saber. The one said to have the greatest power of the seven Servants, the hero of the sword. A knight among knights, true to decorum, and acting on its master's order. Whatever the other heroic spirits may be, she is an ideal swordsman who will not disobey hey master.

“...” But that ends today. She is hereby disobeying her master's order. Noshe is not disobeying her master. She has considered how to make her Master win, and the result of her decision is this.

"He is too easy-going. He will just be killed by another Master like this." But her Master this time will not be able to fix his personality. So it will be her role to devote herself to being heartless. If the Master is not going to fight, his sword will have to fight.

"The wound has not healed yet. I cannot hope for supply of magical energy from my Master." But still, there will be no hindrance in battle. Confirming her own abilities, she returns her gaze to the moon. She has no more interest in the shed her master is sleeping in. As she has taken arms, the only thing in her is the will to defeat her enemy.

The moon glooms. Just as a large cloud covers the sky, Saber jumps over the wall of the house.

She runs through the darkness. The silver knight runs through the sleeping town.

There is only one destination. The sacred mountain on the outskirts of town. The Ryudou Temple located on top of it. Even Saber understands how hard it will be to single-handedly kill the Master at the temple. As Shirou says, it is obvious she will suffer great injury. In the worst case, she will be the one killed.

But what kind of a Servant would she be if she couldn't do something like this? The Servant is supported by their superior abilities and the pride that they have built up. They have pride as heroes and confidence that they are the strongest, who have fought through many battles. She is a heroic spirit passed down and honored from the ancient times, so defeat will not be acceptable no matter who the enemy is. No, even imagining defeat is unforgivable.

Even though some childish parts remain, she is no exception. Because she is crowned with the name Saber, she cannot ignore her pride. Her pride will not allow her just to observe when faced with an enemy.

Therefore, she will not falter no matter what kind of trap is waiting, and all she can do is challenge by herself. If they say there is no chance of victory, she will create one with her own sword. The sword in her hand is a fine sword that has defeated many foes. As she has the Invisible Air, there is nothing for her to fear.

She runs through the mountain pass and up the road to the temple. What awaits her after the mountain pass are great stone stairs.

"...This is certainly..." This is different from the Ryudou Temple she remembers. The air is stagnant. The wind is dead. The ley line of the land is already contaminated. This place is a land of death. Once entered, one will not be able to exit alive.

“...” But there's no hesitation. Saber's speed does not drop one bit as she runs up the steps.

She runs through the scene. The sound of her kicking the stone steps echoes in the air, and the mountain starts to squirm noisily.

They are long stairs. The temple gate is far away even for Saber, who is running like an arrow. To run such a long distance without being detected is impossible. There will certainly be a surprise attack.
The gate should not be easily reached. But no matter what scheme awaits, the only thing to do is defeat it and advance.

Nothing can stop her now. Even if Berserker appears, she will break through it. That is the product of her determination and confidence. Saber feels so complete that she can break through any obstacles.

And at the top. When she is about to reach the temple gates, that obstacle appears.



"!" Saber stops. Even she, determined to beat any enemy, is surprised by this 'enemy'. A natural motion. The gallant figure of the man that appears is far too lacking in enmity and unbelievably free of any openings.

"You" Stopping, Saber readies her invisible sword. The man with the moon at his back wards off Saber's killing intent as if it were just a light breeze.

"A samurai?" She must be surprised by an opponent she has heard of, but never seen before. Her second Holy Grail War. Even for she who has seen many heroic spirits, this is a first for a Servant like this.

“...” Sweat forms on Saber's brow. Not because of fear, but because it is incomprehensible.

It's not as if there haven't been strange Servants like him before. There should be no Servant more mysterious and suspicious than Archer from last time. In comparison to that, the Servant in front of her has no fearful aspects nor a fearful weapon.

...That is why it is strange. Nothing can be felt from the man. There is no doubt that he is a Servant, but there is no sense of any magical energy nor a hero's Noble Phantasm.

So beating him should be easy. It is true that this match would be over in one blow. But her instincts tell her this: Do not underestimate him. This Servant has a way to seize a certain kill.

“...” She cannot approach. It could be said that the range of the man's weapon, the Japanese katana, is hard to judge... but above it, Saber's location is at a disadvantage.

Above and below the stairs. There is about five meters between them. She would certainly receive that sword before she could run up and rush him.

...But nothing can be felt from that sword. It should be easy to repel it. So she should not hesitate and rush in... but Saber instinctively understands she cannot close in without care.

She adjusts her stance slightly and glares at the enemy in front of her. His identity is unknown, but she should at least determine the class of this samurai. "...I ask of you. Which Servant are you?" Saber asks, not expecting an answer.

With a smile,



"Servant Assassin, Sasaki Kojirou."

The Servant says so as if singing.



"Wha" It is only natural for Saber to be surprised. Servants should hide their identities. Where in the world would you find a Servant that just comes out with it himself!?

"What are you"

"It is rude to ask like that. It is only natural to name oneself before a match, is it not? All the more so if the opponent is a fair one as you are. I would not expect for you to make a face like that." Assassinthe man who called himself Sasaki Kojirou continues, as if enjoying Saber's confusion.

Saber surely does not know. That this Servant is a swordsman who wielded a katana called Monohoshizao, and was often rumored to have no match in this large world. No, what would change even if she knew? His birth is unknown, and even his existence is uncertain. His story was only told through word of mouth. There should only be one who knows the existence of this swordsman. That being the worthy rival of the rare-skilled swordsman, the one being his only enemy who defeated the man called Sasaki Kojirou.

One cannot call this person a hero. The Servant Assassin, Sasaki Kojirou is an existence quite unlike Saber. What Servant would know the skills of a swordsman who is usually not treated as a hero?

"But." There are only two truths in front of her right now. That this man in front of her is her enemy, and that he has given his name. "...You have me. It is the etiquette of a knight for me to introduce myself if I am given your name."

Saber's voice in reply is heavy. For her, it is too risky to state her true name. She cannot reveal her true name no matter what torture she receives, and she has no intention of revealing it. But that is only for the sake of victory. She cannot disgrace the faith of the knight for such a thing.

"You called yourself Kojirou. Servant Assassin, I am-" "Stop. I see, you are the kind that must introduce yourself in return if given my name. No, it was I who was rude." Clank. Assassin descends the stairs elegantly and confronts Saber.

"I do not intend to know my enemy like that. For us, these swords shall be enough to know our enemies. Am I wrong, Servant Saber?" "Wha"

"It should not be that surprising. I do not know what it is you are holding, but the pressure on your body is that of a swordsman. ...Hm, that dazzlingly beautiful aura of swordsmanshipwho else could you be but Saber?" Another step. Assassin descends the stairs and directs the point of his sword at Saber.

"I do not care about your true name. There will only be the fact that Servant Saber suffered defeat by my sword. There is nothing to discuss. From the beginning, Servants are such beings, are they not?" The swordsman smiles happily.

"I see. Certainly, that is true." Answering, she readies her sword close to her.

"That is good. Then let us duel, Saber. I must see your sword skills said to be the best among all Servants"

The silver light jumps. Hardness and softness. The fight between two very different swordsmen begins under the moonlight.

"...!" I wake up with a burning pain in my chest. ...I feel like I've had an ominous dream. My body is sweating even though it's winter and I'm breathing hard.

"...What... my chest, hurts" It feels like my heart is hot. No, it's more like forcibly having heat driven into my heart from outside.

"From outside...?" A small doubt. Before I think what it could be, my body starts to run.

"Saber, you here...!?" I run into the room. I open the shouji and enter the room Saber should be sleeping in.

"She's not here. Don't tell me she..." No, it has to be. If she's not here, shemust have gone to Ryudou Temple by herself...!

"Idiot, why...!? You're not fully healed, so why!?"

I'm so angry it gives me a headache. Why doesn't she obey me? I didn't say I don't want to fight. I just... Didn't want her to be hurt like that...!

"Kuh!" Nothing will happen sitting here. I have to hurry to Ryudou Temple. I can't let Saber fight alone. No, who knows what good I'll be even if I go there, but there should be something I'm able to do...!

"Geez, you're a girl, so be more obedient...!" I run. I run outside without changing, take out the bike I haven't used in a while, and start to pedal with all my might.

I go down the hill with no brakes. About forty minutes to Ryudou Temple even if I hurry. I don't know when Saber left, but I have to catch up to her! And every minute counts!

The points of the swords cross. The swords are swung many times. Numerous blows. The sword and the katana repel each other, scattering sparks.

The session of more than a few dozen blows does not change the positions of the two. Assassin, positioned above, does not retreat even a step, and Saber, trying to ascend the stairs, is unable to draw nearer and uselessly wastes time and spirit.

"Haa!" Saber rushes in again. Assassin swings his longsword without difficulty and defends completely against Saber's charge.

No, it isn't as simple as defending. If Saber's sword is lightning, Assassin's sword is a hurricane. Even though it does not match Saber in speed or power, its elastic tracks parry Saber's every blow. And the counter increases speed and flows toward Saber's neck like a strong wind.

When Saber steps in again after avoiding that attack, the sword she has avoided comes at her again in no time. In contrast to the straight path Saber's sword takes, Assassin's sword takes a curved path. Assassin's blade is graceful, but since it moves in an arc, it does not take the shortest route. So he shouldn't be able to make it in time against Saber's sword moving in a straight line, but there is something about Assassin that reduces that difference to zero.

"Kuh!" The charge stops. Her sword won't make it in time against his sword's counter-attack. She steps back, knowing the only way she can avoid it is to retreat.

Assassin's swordplay is fascinatingly beautiful. But at the same time, it is so fast that it is hard to follow. Is that contradiction because of Assassin's skill or the unfavorable position of attacking someone on higher ground? Without a definite answer, she avoids the sword pursuing her and parries the point trying to pierce her neck.

"!" When she notices, she has retreated a few more steps. It's such a long sword. It should be easy to go inside on him once she has parried it away once, but she somehow cannot manage to do so.

The enemy's excellent skill and the definitely disadvantageous ground. Saber bites her lips, thinking she would not have this much trouble with that longsword on flat ground.

"It is indeed hard to fight against. I did not imagine an invisible sword would be this troublesome." Assassin does not move. For him, this is only a battle of defense. He has no need to chase the retreating Saber without reason nor forsake his advantage of higher ground.

"...Hmm. I believe this is the first time you've even seen a katana, is it not? My sword is a heresy, and it will slice the head of one of average skill. I am happy you have blocked this much, Saber."

"And on top of that, your drive is marvelous. You are able to do so much with that small body of yours. Your body must indeed be well-trained." As he has no need to keep attacking, Assassin observes Saber calmly.

His sword wavers, losing strength. She cannot charge as if that is an opening. There are no stances for that man. He can only use that long a sword if he can swing it from any position.

"What? It cannot be that this is the end. That invisible sword is not just mere show, is it not?" "Hah, quit your impudent talk!"

The sword and the katana crash. "All right, I am correct...!" The longsword stops in empty space. Assassin smiles and looks at his sword blocking the invisible sword, parries her sword, "]and Saber defends herself from the blow to her neck.

"......!" Even Saber knows. That it is because of her invisible sword that she is able to block Assassin's unfamiliar techniques. The invisible sword confuses the opponent's senses in both offense and defense.

That is why Assassin does not follow through too much. As he does not know how long Saber's sword is, it is too dangerous for Assassin to close in on Saber. If Assassin ever goes to attack Saber, that will be when

"Hah...!" Saber tries to smash Assassin's head. That blow.... ...Is perfectly dodged by Assassin, who merely retreats a bit.

"...All right, I see it now. The blade is roughly three Shaku (ninety centimeters) long and four sun (twelve centimeters) wide. The shape is... hmmm... like your name, Saber, it is a typical western sword." He talks calmly but it does not even need to be said how good his judgment is. Saber's blows are too fast to perceive even if the sword can be seen. But not only does he defend against the invisible sword, but he has figured out its shape

"I cannot believe it. You have measured my sword without using any magic nor exchanging blows with me."

"Oh, are you surprised? But this is just a street performance. As I am an unorthodox sword-user, I only improve on such techniques."

"I see. It was your way of fighting not to meet any of my blows, but parry them. I see the term unorthodox comes from how much of a coward you are."

"HaNo, no. Forgive my rudeness in not locking blades with you. I have this longsword. It will break if I fight off your sword. It must be your style to compete in power, but I cannot do so. I cannot lock blades with you and compete strength with you."

"" "The Katana is always such a sword. Western swords cut with their weight and power. But our blades cut with speed and technique. It is no wonder our fighting styles are mismatched, is it not?"

"But well... this is somewhat unentertaining. Now is a good time, Saber. Stop hiding your true powers." "...Assassin, are you saying I am going easy on you?" "Are you saying you are not? I do not know your intentions, but you are taking me lightly fighting with your sheath on. Are you telling me that I am not worthy to fight seriously?"

"" "Hm. It still seems as if you will not comply with my request. Fine, then this is it. If you are unwilling to do so, I will show you my secret technique first." Saying so... The swordsman with the longsword comes down next to Saber.

"What?" To relinquish his advantage of being overhead is the same as losing for Assassin. Assassin is certainly a skilled swordsman, but that is only with the conditions of these geographical features.

If they are to fight on the same level, it is possible for Saber to repel Assassin's attack and slash his neck. But Assassin would know this as well. So why?

"Be ready. Or you will die, Saber." Saber's instincts react to that voice. He's telling the truth. It is not advantageous at all for Saber that Assassin has come down. The instincts that have got her through numerous battles warn her of her misunderstanding.

"Ku!" She readies her sword at once. There is no time to hesitate. She only has to attack with her sword before Assassin swings his longsword!

"Fu" There's about three meters of distance between them. With Saber trying to charge in, Assassin stands ready. That... ...Is a stance that the swordsman has not yet shown in this battle.



"Secret technique" Saber charges in. The longsword is useless now. As long as she's inside its range, its length will backfire. But. "Tsubame-Gaeshi" Such logic does not exist with this swordsman.

The lightning strikes. An evil strike that attacks with speed overwhelming Saber!

"!" But it is not as if Saber cannot block such an attack. She moves her attacking sword into defense, and she repels Assassin's full-power attack...!

"Got it...!" Even Assassin will have an opening if that attack is repelled. In the small instant where she tries to slice Assassin's stomach... "Ah" In that instant, Saber trusts her instincts and rolls down the stone steps.



She rolls down as if fleeing. She doesn't even soften her landing. Saber spins her body frantically and rolls down the stairs without killing her speed.

"Ku!" Saber stops rolling and stands back up. She stares at the swordsman standing calmly.

"Oh. You have dodged my secret technique. As expected of Saber, you are unlike the swallow."

"I do not believe it. That cannot be..." "No, it is nothing much. It is just something I thought of when considering how to hit swallows." He raises his longsword a little. As ifto trace the movement of the technique that inspired fear in Saber.

"Can you see it, Saber? Swallows avoid the sword by feeling the wind. It does not matter how fast your sword is. You cannot swing a sword without shaking the air, correct? The swallows feel this shaking and change their direction of flight. So no one could kill the swallows with one blow, no matter what kind of blow it was. A sword is only a straight line after all. It is only natural for it to be unable to apprehend the swallow, which can move vertically and horizontally."

"Thus you only have to surround its escape route. Use one blow to attack the swallow and use your second blow to catch the escaping swallow as it reads the wind. But they are fast. The second blow cannot come in time with this longsword. If I wanted to get the swallows, I would have to do both attacks at about the same time. But such a thing is beyond human abilities. I accepted such a thing was impossible, but

"Unfortunately, I had nothing else to do. They say determination is key to success, but when I noticed, it was like this. A worthless idea to kill a swallow became a secret technique that creates a prison with many slashes."

In her mind, Saber disagrees with Assassin's words. It's wrong. That technique is not as simple as that. About the same time? No. The two blows came at exactly the same time. Assassin'sSasaki Kojirou's longsword doubled its existence for just that instant.

"Multi-dimensional refraction phenomenon... Kishua Zelretch... A Servant that has reached the level of a Noble Phantasm with mere skill" That fact is what should be admired. That one blow made it clear. Sasaki Kojirou does not have a Noble Phantasm like heroic spirits have. He has only his demonic technique, made possible by his god-like skill. It is impossiblebut this mere human is equal to heroic spirits armed with Noble Phantasms!

"But the foothold was bad. The Tsubame-Gaeshi originally has three slashes. If this place were a bit wider, I could have added the vertical slash as well." "...I would assume so. It would not be effective without that. If everything is to happen at the same time, the second blow has to be slower. To compensate for that, there should be a third vertical attack, to prevent the opponent from dodging sideways."

"You catch on quickly. That must be why you were able to avoid my secret technique. Hah, you are wonderful, Saber. I have cursed myself for being summoned in this world, but that will end tonight. If I am able to battle someone I can fully use my secret attacks on, it is well worth being summoned"

Assassin readies his sword once again and comes down the stairs. He must be after Saber's neck. Saber is not confident if she will be able to avoid that secret technique again. Like Lancer's Gae Bolg, Assassin's Tsubame-Gaeshi is something that cannot be allowed to begin.

No, unlike Gae Bolg, that allows you to find a countermeasure once you find out it will go for the heart, there are no possible counters for Assassin's secret technique even when you know about it. If there is a countermeasure, it is only not to let him use it. To beat it, she must attack him with her strongest blow before Assassin uses that technique

"...I see. Certainly, you are not someone I can go easy on." She lowers her arms. She lowers her sword as if to stick it into the ground. She glares at Assassin, who is approaching her. "Hm...? So you are finally ready to do so?"

Assassin stops descending the steps and readies himself for a certain kill. Saber looks at him bravely. "I too have no complaints. Will you be able to take my attack, Servant Assassin...!?" Saber releases her own restraints.



The air shakes. As if acting in response to her will, the sword erupts with a massive amount of wind.

"Mm!" Assassin retreats a bit. It is only natural as the wind pressure released from Saber is extraordinary. Not only Assassin, but even the large firm trees of the forest are shaking and creaking.

It is a flow of wind like an explosion. The trapped air is released and explodes outward. This raging wind that would easily blow away a normal person is coming out from Saber's sword.

That is the power of her sword. "Invisible Air" is a sword that has wind sealed in it. The sword that covers itself in compressed wind changes the refraction of light to make it look invisible. So this phenomenon occurs once the wind is released. The released wind seeks escape and emits itself chaotically into the surroundings.

In that instant. It is the commanding magic of the sword that allows her to freely manipulate the raging wind. With Saber possessing incredible amounts of magical energy, she should be able to hold this boundary field for a few minutes. As proof, her sword is still invisible even though she has already released this much wind.

"...Hm. It is like a typhoon, but" The power of the raging wind does not abate. The wind emitting from Saber's sword is about to engulf Assassin.

"It cannot be just this. I will find out what is behind all this, Saber...!" Assassin closes in against the blinding raging wind. "" Saber's arms move. To attack Assassin who is calmly advancing in the strong wind that allows no approach, the sword clad in wind roars and

"What the hell is that!?" What greets me at the Ryudou Temple is a typhoon-like sound of wind.

"That'sSaber there, right?" At the top of the steps, in front of the temple gates is an armored figure like Saber confronting a figure in a kimono. The wind must be surrounding Saber as the trees on the mountain are creaking as if being pushed by her.

"Guh... Damn, is it even possible to get near her like this...!?" I can't even open my eyes because of the strong wind. I manage to get to the steps looking down, but the wind gets stronger.

"No, I can't" ...Get near Saber. I can see Saber fighting someone way up there, but I can't do anything.

No, first of all, even if I do make it up there in all this wind, I'll only be a burden to "]her "...!" My left hand aches again.

The Command Spell on my hand is throbbing. ...I don't know what it means. But I can't help it because.. ...That image flashes in my head every time it throbs!

"...Damn, I'm getting desperate here...!" I reach out to the steps with my eyes closed. I lie down, trying not to be blown by the wind, and start to move upwards.

"...!" The wind just gets stronger. Something must be happening above as even I, an amateur magus, can feel that an enormous amount of magical energy is about to be released.

My Command Spell throbs. It is as if it is warning me about the wind, and about something that is going to happen above me.

"...Wait. Could this be..." Saber's magical energy? But then

"Why is she doing something like this with that wounded body of hers!?" No, should she even be doing this at all? Saber cannot replenish her magical energy. So she shouldn't be using her magical energy readily. She has to leave the fighting to me and stay as my backup, or her magical energy will run out and

“...” I get up and run up the stairs. This is no time to be crawling. I don't know what Saber is planning to do, but I have to stop her!

"!?" It must be luck that I avoided it. Something like a dagger flies across right in front of me as I try to run up to the temple gate.

"Who's there!?" I look toward the trees in the mountain off to the side of the stairs. ...There's no mistake about it. I didn't notice because of the strong wind before, but someone else is hiding near here...!

"Don't play arounddon't hide like a coward and come out...!" I raise my voice. That voice that should have been drowned out by the wind... ...Echoes through the area, surprising even me.

"The wind... stopped?" I look up at the temple gate. There...[r] ...is a man in a kimono holding a longsword, and Saber's back.



"Stop right there, Saber. Someone is trying to steal a glance at your technique." The man in the kimono says with a faint smile. He is staring into the forest like I am.

"If we continue, this match will not be between just us. I do not know if the shameless one hiding there is going to attack the winner or if it is only here to watch. ...But either way, this is less interesting now."

The man says so with disinterest and starts to go up the stairs. "Stop...! Are you not going to settle this match, Assassin...!?"

"I will settle this match if you come through this gate. I will not allow anyone to step through this gate. Butthat is unfortunately my only role. I have no intention of stopping you if you are to retreat. Well, that idiot hiding in the trees is a different story. If it is someone I do not take a liking to, I would not let them through on my life nor would I let them retreat alive." The man called Assassin goes up the stairs.

"You were manipulated, Saber. Well, the same goes for me as I did not notice the presence of this person. I could have shown you my full secret technique if we continued, but we were interrupted at a bad time. It must be fortuitous for you."

"!" Saber is hanging her head in regret. ...The killing intent fades away. Not because of Assassin's words, but Saber herself must know it is disadvantageous to fight now.

"See, your pick-up is here as well. That boy must be your Master. Leave before the idiot sneaking a look at us changes its target to him." And Assassin disappears. He must have become a spirit, and it must be his demonstration that he will not attack us unless we advance.

“...” Saber does not say anything. She just has her back to me as she quietly stands there.

"...Hey, Saber...?" There's no answer even when I call out to her. "...?" I think it's strange, so I start to go up the stairs...

"What...?" The armor Saber had on suddenly disappears. The girl in her defenseless blue clothes sways without turning around.

"!" I stop Saber with my arms as she falls back down the stairs. Saber does not move at all. She is unconscious with her eyes closed in pain.

"...Haa... haa... haa... haa...." ...I'm finally home. It has taken two hours to carry Saber back from Ryudou Temple. There were lots of problems, but we managed to get home safely.

"...Haa... haa... ah." I lay Saber down in the hallway. Saber was really light. She only weighed about forty kilograms, so I wouldn't normally have been this tired.

But that's only if the weight isn't moving. I didn't know that it was such a hard task to carry a sleeping humana girl too. The fatigue is great not physically, but mentally. It's because my attention was disrupted by things like her body's softness and by having her breathing softly right by me.

"...Geez... why did she have to suddenly lose consciousness?" I look at the sleeping Saber. ...She must not be completely unconscious. She looks like she'll open her eyes if I call out her name, even though she's sleeping like a corpse.

"......" ...Damn. There were so many things I wanted to say when I left the house, but I can't say anything when she makes a sleeping face like that.

"...Oh well. I'll bring it up when you wake up, Saber." I murmur. And the instant I reach out to carry Saber again-

"...Well, I don't care. It doesn't concern me what your taste is or what you're doing." For some reason. Tohsaka is in the hallway even though it is past two in the morning.

"T-T-T-T-T-T-Tohsaka...!?" "Why are you looking at me if you've seen a ghost? I don't have any complaints, so you can continue. I only got up to take a drink."

"Ehuh, you're wrong! Wrong, completely wrong! Um, it's a long story, but I'm only trying to take Saber to her room... do you understand...!?"

"Yes, so it seems." "D-Don't lie to me! It sounds like you don't understand!"

"I'm saying I do. Saber went to fight by herself and you went and stopped her, right? And there was some sort of trouble, so Saber came back unconscious. How about that?"

"Uh... y-yeah. Amazing, you're perfectly right. But how do you know?"

"Of course I can tell. There was a likelihood that Saber would go off to battle by herself, and the Master will be informed of that once the battle starts. That's why this development is within the scope of my deduction."

"I see. That's fine, but..." ...Um, so Tohsaka predicted that Saber would go out to fight by herself?

"So what are you going to do? Aren't you going to take Saber to her room? If you let her sleep here, I'm sure even a Servant will catch a cold."

"So I was about to take her to her room" I was going to carry her, but... ...Um. It's hard to do so when she's watching.

"...Tohsaka. Sorry, but can you carry Saber?" "Me? Well, that's fine. Then can you prepare some tea? I'm curious to hear what happened."

Tohsaka picks up Saber. ...I'm uneasy about her being so understanding, but as long as I've asked her to do so, I have to go prepare some tea.

Tohsaka takes Saber to my room. I am preparing tea in the kitchen.

"By tea, she must not mean Japanese tea. ...This place only has English tea in teabags though." Well, it can't be helped if we don't have it. I decide she can complain if she wants and I make the tea with a teabag.

"Shirou, can I talk to you?" Oh, Tohsaka's back. "Yeah, hold on a moment. I'll be there right away." I put the two teacups on a tray and head to the living room. There. Next to Tohsaka is Saber, changed into her normal clothes.

"S-Saber...!? Why? Weren't you asleep...!?"

"She was. But it's not a long-lasting sleep, and she just woke up. It seems she tried to use a large amount of magical energy at once and her body shut off. It's like an electrical breaker. The kind that forces the power to be turned off before it shorts out, you know?"

"......" Saber is quiet as Tohsaka explains. "Y-You" Seeing her usual attitude, my complaints return.

"Saber, you...! Do you know what you did!?"

"There is no reason I would not know. I proceeded to Ryudou Temple and battled the Servant Assassin. We noticed the presence of a third Servant during our battle, so we suspended it."

"...! No, I'm not talking about that! What I'm asking is why you fought!" "That again? It is only natural for a Servant to fight. How about you, Shirou? Why are you, a Master, telling me not to fight?"

"Well, that's" I unconsciously hesitate to reply. ...Well, battles are inevitable as long as I've decided to fight as a Master. I know I'm contradicting myself by telling Saber not to fight. But still... I can't let something like that happen again.

"Then I would like to ask you instead. It seems that you dislike battles, but do you really expect to survive the Holy Grail War like that? It seems that we will only be defeated by other Masters if we follow your policy."

Of course not. I will repel dangers that come at me, and I don't intend to get killed helplessly. But completely aside from that, I don't want Saber fighting.

"No. I don't hate the fighting. I just, um" It must be much simpler than that. In short, I...

"Um, girls can't get hurt. As a guy, I can't let that happen. So if I'm going to let you fight, I'm going to fight myself." "Whayou are saying you will not let me fight because I am a woman...!?

"Are you insane!? Servants are beings that protect their Master. It is natural for us to get hurt as we are beings summoned only to fulfill that task...! The sex of the Servant is of no concern, and beyond that, you are treating me, a warrior, as a woman!? Please take those words back, Shirou...!"

Saber comes at me with a glare. But I won't be pushed back by her pressure. What is she sayingthat she is a knight before she is a woman? Saying such unreasonable things with that small body of hers that even I can carry...!

"I would never take my words back! It may be true that you're strong, but you're still a girl! Don't get worked up over such an insignificant thing, you idiot!"

"...! Are you not the one getting worked up over insignificant things...!? Are you saying you do not want to be protected by a woman!? My body is that of a heroic spirit. Forget about such trivial aspects!"

"It's not trivial at all! Geez, it's not okay for me even if it's okay for you! It was a mistake from the beginning to have someone fight in my place. I can't"

I can't allow someone to get hurt, In place of saving me. I should be the one doing the saving. I have been working hard to become a person who can help others like my father, so

"...Damn. Listen, just don't fight, Saber. It's the guy's role to fight, so I'll be doing the fighting. You shouldn't have any complaints about that, because I'm saying we'll fight as you wish."

"Whatyou are absurd...! Do you think a human can match a Servant!? You should already know you are no match for the Servants! Please recall what happened when you were attacked by Lancer. You would have certainly been killed if I had not appeared. It will be the same against any Servant!"

"Y-You won't know unless we try! I was just unprepared that time. Now, we can prepare as much as possible, so I might at least be able to sneak an attack on them!"

"Ridiculous. A shield prepared by you would be no better than paper." "Whoa, that's a horrible thing to say, Saber!"

"You are the one insulting the Servants. You are conceited, thinking that you can defeat a heroic spirit as a mere human." "!"

Saber and I glare at each other. It's no use. It looks this conversation is going nowhere with no compromise in sight.

"You're wrong, Saber. Shirou isn't insulting the Servants. I'm interrupting because the conversation won't go anywhere if you misunderstand that." "Rin...? What do you mean by that...?"

"Well, in short, he just doesn't want to get you hurt. I don't know why, but Shirou is full of devotion to others. Right? Saber is more important to you than you are, right?" Tohsaka looks at me.

"...T-That's not true...! I didn't say Saber was important to me."

"That's a lie. You couldn't say you'd fight yourself unless you thought so. Because you already know you can't beat a Servant yourself, right? But saying you'll fight in spite of that means that Saber is more important than you."

"Huh?" Ah... um? Well, it's like that if she says so, but

"That's why you fight even though it's absurd to do so. You try to win even when you realize you have no chance of winning. You don't care if you die in the process. Because for you, though I don't know why, other people are more important than yourself."

“...” No. I didn't mean that at all...

"That's why. You should understand, Saber. He's an idiot who will protect you against that Berserker. That's why he's saying seriously that he'll fight."

I don't know how much of Tohsaka's explanation Saber understood. But Saber takes a deep breath and looks at me.

"Shirou" "W-What, Saber?" "I will approve of you fighting. But if that is the case, I have something else in mind as well." "S-So, what?"

"Sword training. I will teach you as much swordsmanship as is possible in the time allowed. If you will accept that, I will accept your opinion as well."

"Wha" Does that mean she will train me in swordsmanship...? Um, because she allows me to fight from now on...?

"Hold on. That's excess weight on your mind, Saber. Teaching Shirou swordsmanship? Cut it out. There's no way you can match a Servant with something like that."

"That is true. But it would be better than not knowing. It should at least reduce hesitation in battle. I can only gamble on Shirou's determination after that, but that is how real battles are anyway. There is nothing one can obtain if they are not fit for it."

"...Hmm... well, you're right when you put it like that. Readiness to fight won't come unless you do so at least once."

"Yes, so once... no, not once, but as many times as time allows, I would like for Shirou to experience 'death in battle' and become familiar with fighting." The two talk dangerously.

"Hold on. I didn't say I would"

"Then I guess I'll teach him about magic. If Saber's going to train his body, I'll train his knowledge. ...Well, that was the initial promise anyway, so I guess I'll start proper training for him tomorrow."

"Please. If you do that, I can concentrate on the sword myself."

"It's fine. Then since we're decided, let's break up for tonight. It looks like we're going to be busy tomorrow." Tohsaka waves goodbye and disappears into the outbuilding.

"I will be resting as well. You should rest also, Shirou. I will have you train in the dojo tomorrow." She gives a small bow and goes back to her room.

“...” In the living room are the untouched teas and myself standing there dumbfounded. "So I never said I would..." The words I murmur are ignored.

Well. The already confusing situation looks like it will get even stranger. I can't even guess what will happen tomorrow.

"...I'll sleep. I have to save my energy at the least." Everything starts from my body. ...Well, um. You could say that I can only rely on the hope that if my body is well-prepared, I can overcome any hardships.

If I can, I'd prefer nobody to be sad. If I can make people around me happy just by helping them myself, I think that would make the world a pleasant place to live in.

That was Kiritsugu's favorite phrase. The man who was a superhero to me was saying that he thought he was a failure.

He didn't even need to explain it to me. The world of the young me was so different from the world of the adult Kiritsugu that the passing grade to be a superhero was different. For me as a child, the house was my only world. So it was enough for me if I could keep protecting my father, Fuji-Nee, myself, and the shed that I loved.

I only tried to protect the ones I could see. But maybe Kiritsugu wanted to do something about even the ones he couldn't see.

I was reckless when I was young. I educated myself by cursing the heartlessness of the world. The world was cruelso I made myself even more heartless and used that as a weapon, trying to follow through on my ideals.

There will always be some that cannot be saved. It is impossible to save everyone. If I have to lose five hundred to earn one thousand, I will abandon one hundred and save the lives of nine hundred. That is the most efficient method. That is the idealKiritsugu once said that.

Of course, I got mad. I really got mad. Because I knew that without being told. Because I myself was saved like that.

I don't even need to be told something as obvious as that. But stillI believed that someone would be a superhero if they saved everyone even though they think like that. It may be an idealistic thought or an impossible pipe dream, but a superhero is someone who tries to save everyone in spite of that.

You're right, Shirou. The result is the most important thing. But with that aside, your heart trying to do so is

Oh yeah, Kiritsugu said something about the heart. ...I can't remember too well. After all, it's rare for me to remember something from such a long time ago. I must be in a deep sleep. That must be true, as it's rare for me to dream at all.

Shirou, please wake up. It is almost time for breakfast.

See. As proof, I am in the shameful situation of Saber having to wake me up

"What?" I raise myself from the futon. It's six thirty. Bright sunlight shines in from outside. "It is morning, Shirou. Are you not going to be preparing breakfast?" In front of me is Saber's discontented face.

"I slept in. I'll get up right away." "...I do not think there is any need to apologize to me, but it is true that you do not have time to take it easy. It seems Sakura and Rin were arguing earlier." "Sakura and Tohsaka arguing...?"

What's that about? Hold on, don't get me cornered into an incomprehensible situation right when I get up.

"Is that in Tohsaka's room?" "No, it is in the living room. I only passed by, so I do not know the details." "All right. I'll hurry."

Oh. I have something I need to do before that. "...? What is it Shirou?" "Good morning, Saber. Thanks for waking me up." I greet her, then I really make my way to the hallway. ...But arguing with Sakura, what's Tohsaka doing!?

"Tohsaka!" I run into the living room. ...There. There's no sign of Sakura in the living room, and Tohsaka is watching the weather forecast by herself.

"Morning. You seem agitated, calling my name first thing in the morning." She turns around as if asking me what's going on.

"...?" That's weird. It doesn't seem like she's been arguing with Sakura....

"Yeah, morning. ...Hey, Tohsaka. I heard you were arguing with Sakura, is that true?"

"Huh? ...I see, you must have heard it from Saber. Yes, you could say that looking at it objectively, but it wasn't really anything. I just told her not to come here for a while."

"!" Is that something you can say easily!? She means she made Sakura stop coming here, right!?

"That's ridiculous. Sakura refused before already. There's no way Sakura would agree, even if you asked her again"

"It might not be possible, but she went home once I offered her terms. I said I'd go back home if she doesn't come here for a week. That established a negotiation between us. She reluctantly went home. Oh yeah, she gave her best regards to you."

"Best regards... you" She did something so selfish without telling "]me “...” ...No, I'm wrong. Tohsaka was just doing something I should have done already.

"I see. I'm sorry that I made you do something so troubling this early in the morning. You must be feeling bad, Tohsaka." "...? No, it wasn't hard nor unpleasant. Why do you say that?"

"Well, you were friends with Sakura. So you probably didn't want to tell Sakura head on to get out of here. That's why I'm apologizing. I should've been firm, but I caused you trouble again."

"T-That's fine. I just drove out Sakura for my own safety. There's no reason for you to apologize to me." "...? Your safety?"

"Shinji is a Master, right? Knowing him, he would be angry at you if he found out Sakura was at your house. So it's best not to have Sakura here until we settle things with Shinji."

"Oh" ...I see. She's right now that she mentions it. I don't think Shinji was lying when he said he wouldn't tell Sakura anything. But having his sister Sakura here might give him the wrong idea.

"...Right. It looks like we were holding Sakura hostage against Shinji."

"Exactly. And that aside, it's true that this place is dangerous. We can't let her walk around at night, so it's best to have her stay calm for a while. It's for Sakura's sake and our sake."

"...Yeah, you're right. I feel sorry for Sakura, but I'll apologize later and have her forgive me." But I won't be able to tell her why even when that time comes.

"Man." It's really getting to me. It's depressing that I've rejected Sakura, who comes to help me all the time, like this.

"Oh, you're so dispirited. What happened to the power that made you scream at me? Is Emiya-kun so lonely without Sakura?"

Tohsaka makes an evil face. ...Crap. I knew she would make fun of me if I showed weakness, and now I've done it.

"...Leave me alone. Anyways, Sakura was a symbol of peace at my house. She supplied something that was missing with just Fuji-Nee and me. But I sent her away for my convenience, so yes, it's depressing."

"Oh, you do understand. You pass if you can say that. It seems you're getting more determined to win." "...? W-What are you trying to say, Tohsaka?"

"Don't you get it? I'm saying that Sakura will return once the fight is over. You say you don't need the Holy Grail, but you could fight to keep the peace you have now. See, it's good to have a clear goal." Tohsaka says so with a big smile.

“...” If she puts it like that, I can only agree. ...Geez, how should I say this? Once again, I realize that this person is both infinitely ill-natured and really great.

"Whaaat? Then Sakura-chan won't be coming here for a while?" "Yeah, so why don't you go back home and give your parents a treat? Your father was complaining that his daughter didn't care about him."

"I can leave my dad alone. He won't die even if I'm not there. And I have to be firm if Sakura-chan isn't here. You're a boy, so if something happens, you'll get a disciplinary dismissal. Can you take responsibility in that case?"

"That won" Unfortunately, man's nature does not let me declare that it "won't happen".

"...Emiya-kun? What was that pause?" She glares. Tohsaka's stare is painful. "I don't think that's going to happen. This isn't a normal stay. I know that."

"I see. Good, Emiya-kun is indeed trustworthy, Sensei." "Of course. Shirou is so calm that it makes me think I've gone too far with my tastes." Tohsaka smiles while Fuji-Nee puffs with pride.

"......" Saber silently watches them while eating. ...This is only the second day, but I don't think I'll ever get used to this atmosphere.

"Oh yeah, Shirou. It's about the archery club, but did you know that Mitsuzuri-san got injured?" "Mitsuzuri? What? Did she get in a fight with someone again? Geez, she's almost a third year, so she should calm down a little. ...So, how's the injury? Is it bad?"

"It's fine. It was a light sprain. It seems she was attacked by a molester on her way home. She's fast, right? She ran away quickly, but injured herself when she fell over at the end."

"...I see. Thank God it was nothing serious. But a molester attacking her... he must be reckless or have discerning tastes. Either way, he was a stupid molester. I thought..." "You thought she knocked him out instead of running away, right?" Fuji-Nee smiles. Indeed, she knows Mitsuzuri Ayako well.

"Yeah. It's rare for her to run away. But... I see, even Mitsuzuri is weak against molesters. I guess that's good. It's impossible to teach her femininity unless something like this happens." Approving, I eat the well-cooked rice.

"Hey, Emiya-kun." Then. Tohsaka Rin pats my shoulder with a smile.

"Should I tell you something interesting too?" "...? What? There isn't much that's more interesting than what I just heard."

"Yeah. I haven't mentioned it, but Ayako and I are good friends. Did you know we're friends who hang out together on weekends?" Hold on. Why... are she... and Ayako... good friends?

"Huh?" "Don't worry, I will tell her the exact words of this conversation. If I tell her you're happy, I bet she'll be so happy that she'll break about ten roof tiles."

"I would like to correct myself. I just used the wrong words. It's not something to tell other people about, so it would really help me out if you kept quiet about it."

"Is that so? I can keep it a secret, but it might be hard unless there are some conditions on that. You see, it could just slip out, you know?" "...Hey now. It's not good to smile when you're saying something modest."

"Oh, I'm sorry. It's not like I'm having fun, so don't misunderstand." Oh no, I understand. You really are having fun.

"...I get it. I'll make the breakfasts Western-style from now on. ...I now feel like accepting your request that breakfast should be toast."

"Good. I'll be happy if you remember to use strawberry jam and not just marmalade." "...Sigh. What do you think a Japanese morning is? You're a tyrant, changing breakfast to suit your own selfish tastes."

"No, that is incorrect. I too am happy for breakfast to be bread. It would be perfect if soft-boiled eggs are prepared as well." ...And Saber adds her opinion.

"Fine. All right, I'll make Western-style breakfast, okay? You guys are on a roll just because Sakura makes Western-style food. I'll start making Western-style breakfasts starting tomorrow, so you guys will have no complaints, right? And that conversation's a secret. Don't tell Mitsuzuri about it."

I look away from the two with a humph and start eating. ...And then. "Why are you doing something so pointless?" Fuji-Nee, who has watched our conversation with wonder, murmurs.

"...What? What do you mean pointless, Fuji-Nee?" "Cause I'll tell Mitsuzuri-san even if Tohsaka-san doesn't. I can't keep quiet about something like that." Fuji-Nee eats after nodding that it's a problem. "......" ...No. I have to come up with some countermeasure real soon or I'll really lose my position....

Breakfast ends and it's now seven-thirty. It's rare, but Fuji-Nee is still at the house and suggests with a smile that we should go to school together.

“...” ...But I can't do that. The decision last night. As long as I said I would fight without relying on Saber, I can't be so easygoing. If I have to put any extra time into fighting, I don't have time for school.

"Then let's go. Is the house locked up, Shirou?" "No, that's fine. I'm going to skip school today." I raise my hand in goodbye and see Tohsaka and Fuji-Nee off.

Fuji-Nee freezes for a few seconds and... "Hey, what do you mean you're skipping school!?" "Huh, what?" It seems Tohsaka said something Fuji-Nee wanted to say.

"T-That's right, Shirou. There's nothing wrong with you to make you skip school, right?" "No, my wound hurts. Old wounds hurt when the temperature goes down, right? It's kind of like that."

"Hm... That's a lie, right Shirou?" "It's a lie, but let me go with it. It's not that I don't want to go to school. I have something I have to do, and it's just that it's more important right now. So please let me go."

"...Geez. I lose if you have to put it like that. You're always like this when you can't tell me about things. You were like that as a child." It seems Fuji-Nee understands, even though she's complaining.

"So that's that. I'll leave the school to you. Is that okay, Tohsaka?" "...I see. Well, it doesn't matter for me if Emiya-kun comes or not. This isn't a bad choice."

"Yeah, leave the house to me. I'll skip work for a while too, so I won't leave the house much." "...All right, Then I'll be off, Shirou. You're absent from school because of an injury, so don't leave the house much." "See you. ...It's fine this time, but ask me about things like this beforehand next time."

Well. I put the rag I was using into the bucket and take two shinais down from the wall.

"Well. So what kind of training should we be doing? I'll let you decide, so you can give me anything." I toss a shinai to Saber.

Saber catches the shinai as if she's distracted, and looks at me.

"...? What? We can't use shinai? D-Don't tell me to use solid wood swordsno, real swords!" What a Spartan! That's well beyond what I expected.

"Ahno, there's no need for that. Since these are excellent imitation swords for matches, let us use them." Saber takes a deep breath quietly. And she's back to her usual self.

"Thank God. It's too dangerous to fight with solid wood swords. ...So, what should I do? Will we start with strength building exercises like swinging the sword five hundred times or running?"

"I do not think there is any need for that. Even from what I've seen, your strength is up to standards. If you wish to train your body even more, that would not be possible in a day or two.

"You are unskilled as a magus, but I do not think you are that bad as a warrior. You must have trained hard from a young age." "Uhwell, it was the only thing I was good at. You can train your body even if you don't have talent as a magus."

"That must be good fortune. The result of your effort was not dying when Lancer attacked you."

"But it is not something that you can rely on. Humans have limits. Your body is a long way from those limits and it would be difficult to overcome them anyway. So the only thing I will be teaching you is fighting."

"...? What do you mean 'just fighting'? From the way you said it, it doesn't sound like you'll be teaching me how to fight."

"Of course not. Battle techniques cannot be acquired overnight. The only thing I can do is have my Master experience as many battles as possible. In the first place, I am not good at teaching, so it would only be troubling if you asked for my guidance."

"Uh, hello?" When she says that so proudly, as a student, I don't know how to reply.

"...Um, so. In short, we're just going to fight?" "Yes. That is it, Master. No stopping our hits, and let us fight as if trying to kill each other. ...Let me see... I believe you will understand what it is like in about an hour."

Saber lightly grips the shinai, ready to start. "...?" Still not understanding, I follow Saber's example and grab the shinai. As soon as I do so. The world turns upside down.

In short, Saber is only trying to teach me one thing. The truth, that no matter what I do, no matter what scheme I come up with, I cannot ever beat someone I have no chance against.

"AHaa, haa, haa... owouch, ouch, this is broken, I'm sure...!"

"It would be more swollen if it were broken. It is a bad bruise, but it should heal quickly for you." "...Uh, I see. All right, then let's continue a bit more."

"Eh... are we going to continue, Shirou? It is indeed only a bruise, but it is not something you can move immediately."

"What are you saying when you're the one beating my arm mercilessly? All right, if you're not up to it, I'll take this" Opening! ...It doesn't work, of course.

"Please listen to me. You are definitely fatigued. Training will be useless in such a state, so we should take a rest."

"But... it's shameful to be beaten so badly when you're going easy on me. I have to at least make you raise a brow or something, or I'll be too vexed to collapse."

"If you ask for surprise, I am already more than surprised. I thought you were stubborn, but I did not believe that it was to this extent." "Sorry. I just hate losing."

"Yes, I understand well enough now. Anyways, we will take a break, so please put down your shinai. The floor is slippery with sweat. We are not imitating a fight in an extreme situation. And it is meaningless to fight in such a fatigued condition."

"...Why? Battle practice usually assumes the worst situation, right? Then..."

"That is even more meaningless. Listen, Shirou. If you say you are going to fight a Servant, it will be meaningless unless you have full power, the best ground, and an escape route prepared. You cannot even be a match to a Servant unless everything is perfect. You have already made a mistake when you decide to fight a Servant in a poor condition."

"...Ugh. So you mean never fight in this kind of a situation no matter what?" "That is correct. If that happens, no miracle will be able to save you, Shirou. Your battle starts with perfecting your condition and finding the perfect situation."

"...I understand. Then I'm sorry, but let me take a rest." I lean against the wall and slide down.

"Phew" I let out the air collected in my lungs. It should be air, but it's burning hot.

"...Ow." While my body is burning with pain, I glance at the clock. It's past eleven. We started around nine, so that means we've been doing this for about two hours.

The first hour was just me getting beat up. Saber's blows would suddenly strike me and I'd faint slightly. I'd wake up, and just when I thought I'd be careful next time, I'd be knocked out again. Anyways, I was beaten up repeatedly. It may be because my body got used to it or my power came out from anger, but I can now manage to block the first blow.

And the problem was after that. Well, after being shown such a skill difference, can a human readily attack back?

"...You demon." The answer is, I get knocked out the instant I shrink back. After that it is like a mouse cornered by a cat.

If I am to be knocked out no matter how I block a blow, all I can do is get desperate and attack. But of course, it's easily deflected and I'm knocked out. But when I get used to that as well... "Oh dammit." I start to gain the composure to think something like that, and the instincts that let me understand I'll be dead the next second become keener. People usually call this being in the zone.

So then, I frantically went into defense. The instincts that tell me "I'll be knocked out if that blow hits" come at me in numbers. So as a living being, it's only natural for me to avoid it.

I would manage to elude Saber's barrage of attacks, but I would take a fatal blow while I'm waiting for an opening to counter. And I'd stand up and think that I can manage longer this time. From time to time, I would attack thinking it'd be best to attack if I'm doomed anyway.

The two hours were just spent repeating that process over and over. ...I don't know if I can get any stronger doing this. I think this is just a match to help me get used to fighting.

So that I won't panic or get too relaxed in front of my enemy. I'm just teaching my body that it is always one mistake away from death.

But stillif you ask me if this is meaningless, it is not. As I have no weapons, I believe this tension is the thing I have to value the most.

"Well done. Are you hurt anywhere, Shirou?"

Before I realize it, Saber is right beside me. I'm so sweaty that I'm dripping onto the floor, but Saber is not even sweating.

"It's harder to find a part that's not hurting. ...You were really merciless, Saber. If things are this one-sided, it's actually more refreshing." I'll be honest here. 100 percent of this is me being a poor loser.

"Yes. I adjusted to your level, but tried to show you no mercy. It would not be a battle if I allowed myself the luxury of consideration."

"Right. Thanks to that, I can now calmly deal with an unchained Doberman. ...Though, it's not good enough if it's just a Doberman. I guess I still need more training."

I review my actions. I thought I trained my body to be above average, but it's pitiful for me to give up after only two hours of fighting with Saber.

"No, that is not true. Your attacks were made with all your heart and they were powerful. Sometimes, I forgot to deal with them because you were so enthusiastic." She's admiring needless things with gentle eyes.

"!" My embarrassment suddenly returns. Until now, we were just people fighting without any notion of boy or girl, butisn't this kind of a surprise attack?

"Hold on. I'm going to go get some water." "Water? Then I will go get some for you, so please rest here." Saber goes to get me some water.

"Phew, I'm saved." ...So. Just what am I saved from...?

I drink the water Saber has brought me. It must still be rest time as Saber is sitting in a polite Japanese-style.



...I think Saber is really beautiful like that. I'm not thinking she's beautiful from a man's perspective, but I feel she is beautiful in everyone's eyes.

She has melted into the dignified atmosphere of the dojo, and has a quietness free of any conflicts. There is an incongruity when such a girl is a Servant and showing such willingness to fight.

“...” Right now, only Saber and I are here. This is a good time to ask her something, so

1. Her reason for fighting.I want to know why she seeks the Holy Grail.
2. I want to know about Saber before she became a Servant.
3. I want a secret attack. A super move would be great.