The Church, just like Yggdmillennia's castle, was hidden deep within dense forests, surrounded by layers of towering trees, appearing exceptionally secluded.
Though each faction knew perfectly well where their opponent's stronghold was, they still maintained appearances, stationing themselves deep within the woods as if to preserve the illusion of secrecy.
In the dense forest surrounding the church atop the mountain, two shadows swiftly flitted past.
"To think there's actually someone foolish enough to invade our stronghold all alone."
A voice filled with arrogance echoed from one of the shadows—a handsome young man with vivid green hair, wearing a carefree smile.
He weaved through the tangled branches and dense undergrowth as effortlessly as if they were mere illusions, radiating utter contempt for the Servant who dared invade.
"Don't underestimate him," warned another voice. "To venture alone into enemy territory, he must have absolute confidence in his strength. Except for mindless Berserkers, no Heroic Spirit from any era should be taken lightly."
She glanced at her companion with sharp, beast-like eyes. "Besides, haven't you yourself returned unharmed from a similar mission?"
Beside the green-haired youth was a girl clad in emerald clothing, her hair casually cascading down her back. She exuded an untamed, natural aura. With beast-like ears atop her head and a tail gently swishing behind her, she resembled a graceful, humanoid wild animal, yet her presence was strikingly beautiful.
"You have a point," the young man conceded without argument, eyes gleaming with a fervent desire for battle. "But that only makes me want to fight him even more."
"I'll go ahead and greet this Servant first!"
A surge of terrifying power erupted beneath his feet, and with a brilliant green flash, his figure vanished into the forest.
Only seconds later did the explosive sound barrier-shattering echoes finally catch up.
"Dromeus Komētēs..."
The beast-eared girl murmured softly. This was the Noble Phantasm manifested from the legend of the Servant known as "the swiftest among all heroes in history."
Even she struggled to match such incredible speed, for it wasn't merely speed itself—it was his Noble Phantasm in full effect.
Yet, she had no need to catch up. As an Archer, her task was to support from afar, not engage directly in melee combat.
---
"Master, are you sure you want to come with me?"
Saber—Arthur—looked at his Master, Shirou Emiya, with profound worry. He had intended to infiltrate the church alone, leaving Shirou safely behind at the foot of the mountain.
But Shirou decisively rejected the idea.
"I have no way of knowing what's happening to you. Even if something goes wrong, I won't be able to assist effectively, even with Command Spells."
Arthur couldn't deny this. Shirou, as a magus, only knew Projection and Reinforcement Magecraft—he couldn't even create familiars. Yggdmillennia hadn't provided him with any familiars either, meaning Shirou would remain oblivious during battle.
"But taking you along is too dangerous. I'm not confident I can protect you adequately during combat."
If Arthur had to fight only one Servant, he wouldn't hesitate to bring Shirou. But he had no idea how many enemies they'd face. Arthur wasn't certain if he could protect himself, let alone a Master accompanying him.
If Assassin attacked Shirou while Arthur was engaged with other Servants, there'd be no time to react.
"No, Saber. Staying behind isn't necessarily safer," Shirou countered. "If Yggdmillennia's stronghold is under surveillance, wouldn't the Mage's Association's base be the same?"
Their arrival in Sighișoara might already have been noticed. Leaving the Master alone could prove more dangerous than having him nearby. At least then, Arthur could still potentially intervene if Shirou was attacked. If he was ambushed while separated, they'd have only Command Spells for defense.
Ultimately, both would have to venture into the Red faction's stronghold together.
"Very well."
After much hesitation, Arthur reluctantly agreed. They truly had no other choice.
"[Trace—on]!"
"[Incursio]!"
"[Murasame]!"
"[Cross Tail]!"
Instantly, three weapons materialized before Shirou.
"What are these?" Arthur asked, curious.
"My defenses. I can't go unprepared; if they attack, I don't want to distract you, Saber."
As Shirou spoke, armor rapidly covered his body. Once the thread-like blade of Cross Tail vanished from his grip, he firmly grasped Murasame.
This was currently Shirou's strongest configuration—Incursio for defense, Murasame for lethality, and Cross Tail for enhanced situational awareness.
He'd nearly forgotten—due to Shirou's limited mana reserves, although Darnic had no intention of activating Shirou's additional magic circuits, he'd arranged for homunculi to supply Shirou with mana.
Now, Shirou wasn't lacking mana and could freely project these Teigu.
Enhanced by the Demon Slayer Mark, Shirou easily bore the immense physical strain from the three Imperial Arms.
Unfortunately, he had only one arm now. If his right arm still existed, he would have projected Extase, carrying it on his back for emergency swapping. But with only one usable hand, weapon-swapping was too impractical.
"Let's go, Master. The enemy approaches!"
At the very moment Shirou Emiya and Arthur stepped onto the stairs leading to the church, they felt a powerful hurricane-like force surge towards them from ahead.
---
T/N: SHIROU HAS UNLIMITED MANA BASICALLY? UNLIMITED MANA WORKS! so hes basically uhhh wow
...
"Looks like this is the last day you'll be hearing from me—for now, at least."
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say bye bye and thank you to maomao!!