Chapter 588: Muddy Road Ahead!
So, this elderly man with white hair yet a vigorous spirit is her opponent in this second round.
After punching the little brat Shinji Matou from kindergarten, is she really going to kick the elderly Dan Blackmore from the nursing home?
Thinking this way, Shirano understands that her opponent is not a frail old man; on the contrary, deep within the old knight's eyes lies a willpower capable of battling lions and tigers.
"You're so young, and your practical experience is almost zero," the old knight laments. "The very fact that you shrink back at the sight of your opponent is the best evidence of that, and your gaze..."
Carefully examining Shirano's face, the old knight Dan Blackmore nods knowingly: "You're lost, girl. In this state, you're even less formidable than a scarecrow. To head into battle like this... truly unfortunate."
After offering a sympathetic nod, Dan Blackmore leaves the corridor. Even within the school building, his solemn demeanor resembles that of a feared principal rather than a student.
—He hit a sore spot; it's impressive how perceptive he is, considering they just met.
Shirano lightly tapped her head, feeling a headache coming on. Undoubtedly, this old knight has qualities far surpassing Shinji Matou. Setting aside the issue of awareness, fighting in such a confused state is akin to suicide, right?
If she wanted to win, she would have to cast aside her inner weakness, but...
"If I could easily discard it, I wouldn't be so troubled," the girl sighed in frustration. Just then, an NPC resembling a female classmate appeared beside her and patted her shoulder.
"Excuse me, are you Master Shirano Shirano?"
"Uh? Yes."
"This is a prop from Mr. Sakatsuki, entrusted to us by the sales department. Please handle it with care."
"Ah... okay."
The NPC arrived quickly and left just as fast. Shirano stood there dazed, accepting the gift box and opening it to reveal a finely crafted talisman.
Ding ding ding ding, you have obtained the item: Sakatsuki's Talisman!
As if a notification sound had rung out, Shirano received the gift but didn't show much joy. Instead, she puffed up her cheeks in mild irritation and tossed the gift box into the trash can.
"The second round just started, and he's already avoiding me? What a self-centered fool..."
Muttering under her breath, the girl appeared dissatisfied yet solemnly tucked the talisman into her bosom before angrily opening the communication interface.
"Rin, are you there..."
As the girl's footsteps gradually faded, a green figure emerged behind her. Watching her solitary figure, he smiled silently, the short bow hidden in his embrace glimmering with a toxic sheen.
[Second Round, Commencement]
[Remaining 064 People]
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It has long been said that the notion of a Master restricting a Servant's abilities is a lie.
Each round that concludes signifies a further acknowledgment from the Moon Spirit, and power will gradually return.
Sitting in his familiar spot in the cafeteria, Sakatsuki squinted his eyes, quietly sensing the changes within him.
Skills: [Magician][Mana Release][Beautiful Boy] have been unlocked.
Noble Phantasm: [Electric Shock] has been unlocked.
As familiar powers returned, Sakatsuki's expression subtly shifted, clearly feeling a new understanding as he tilted his head back to gaze at the sky.
"Is that so? So you're also putting in the effort..."
His voice was soft, not knowing who he was speaking to. Just then, as he leaned back in his chair, preparing to enjoy his afternoon tea, he was oblivious to the fact that after the unlocking of the "Beautiful Boy" skill, many Masters and even Servants began to look at him differently.
By the time Sakatsuki realized something was off, it was too late; his table was already surrounded by people.
"Hello, I'm from the Clock Tower, the Law and Politics Department..."
"I heard you became a Servant of your Master? How did you manage that?"
"This handsome guy, my cat can do backflips; do you want to see?"
Introductions were made, questions were fired, and those with ulterior motives approached Sakatsuki, even glaring at each other as they jostled for position, clearly ready to brawl.
Oh dear, how annoying; he just wanted to be a quiet pretty boy... Sakatsuki held his teacup delicately, the aroma of green tea wafting around him, effectively masking his delighted expression.
If the one managing the Holy Grail War, the old lady, were present, she would surely have many topics to discuss with Sakatsuki.
"Hey, Sakatsuki-kun?"
The crowd parted as if by magic, and under the radiant protection of a knight, the youthful King Saint strolled by, nibbling on whole grain bread, curiously glancing at Sakatsuki and the "swarm of admirers" around him.
The one who survived the first round is you? No, it should be said that it's you after all; you haven't disappointed me... But why are there so many people surrounding you? How nice; I rarely get to experience this feeling...
Perhaps due to the overwhelming influence of the Western European financial magnates, any Master would avoid Leo like the plague. Aside from the NPCs in the preliminaries and the servants of the magnates, he had never experienced this feeling of being the center of attention, making him a bit envious.
With a mischievous glint in his eyes, the boy clapped his hands and casually remarked:
"Speaking of which, according to my brother... according to Julius's report, you weren't originally Shirano's Servant, were you?"
Under the sudden rush of breath and heated gazes, Leo smiled, delivering the explosive conclusion that ignited the room.
"So, despite being a temporary contract Servant without a Master, you managed to defeat the Asian champion and his Servant. That's impressive."
Boom!
Leo's unfiltered words fell like a nuclear bomb in the cafeteria, the shockwaves radiating through the minds of the people. Before their rationality could recover, the Masters instinctively surged forward, eager to get closer to the coveted Sakatsuki... just a little closer!
Not forcibly bound to a Master by the Moon Spirit crystal, but a Servant with autonomy!
And possessing the formidable strength to defeat the Asian champion!
If only they could invite him to join and fight alongside their summoned Servants...
Few Masters could resist such temptation!
Damn it, Leo, you sold me out... Sakatsuki turned his head, his expression stiff as he looked at Leo, who merely returned a radiant smile of "no need to thank me" before departing with a sense of schadenfreude, leaving behind a tense atmosphere on the verge of explosion.
Only the weak, pitiful, and helpless Sakatsuki remained, overwhelmed by the tide of approaching Masters, much like a single man returning home for the New Year, besieged by eager relatives trying to set him up, each presenting conditions that were simply extravagant, leaving many Servants feeling uneasy and protesting on their own.
However, Sakatsuki only found them noisy.
While appropriate enthusiasm and adoration can be enviable, once it crosses the line, it becomes excessive, and that truly makes it hard to find joy.
I really am a disaster for beautiful boys... In front of the covetous Masters, Sakatsuki experienced the same feelings as the Masters themselves.
————
"Hmm-hmm-hmm, hmm-hmm-hmm, hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm~~"
To the "beautiful" melody, passersby turned their heads, and they saw a girl in a red dress.
The girl was stunningly beautiful, with an oval face adorned with bright peach blossom eyes, her red lips vibrant. Every smile and frown exuded a charming allure, yet her bright green eyes were pure and clear, like the dazzling sunlight on a midsummer beach.
This blend of purity and allure was most captivating. Especially in that red dance outfit that subtly revealed her springtime beauty, it was the aspect this young Empress understood best about human hearts.
"Oh dear, fighting without magical support is really exhausting. Thankfully, I managed to defeat the enemy before my mana reserves ran out."
Nero Claudius had long grown accustomed to the astonished and envious gazes of others. She chatted to herself as she danced her way into the cafeteria, planning to treat herself after the intense battle.
However, upon entering the cafeteria, the suddenly heightened atmosphere startled her. Looking around, it seemed as if she had a telepathic connection; Nero's slightly bewildered gaze met that of the white-haired, golden-eyed youth.
That is... Sakatsuki?
What happened?
While she was puzzled, Nero noticed the youth's eyes brighten, and he stood up, forcefully pushing through the crowd, heading straight for her.
"Sorry, my awaited person has arrived, everyone, see you later!"
"Eh?"
Nero's mouth fell open slightly as she watched this youth, whom she had only met once, take her small hand and sprint away: "Wait... wait!"
"No time to explain, get in the car quickly!"
"But I haven't eaten yet—"
Just as she was halfway through her sentence, seeing the horde of Masters with green eyes rushing out of the cafeteria, Nero swallowed hard, wisely tightening her grip on Sakatsuki's hand, her long legs moving as they began their escape.
Muddy road ahead!