Sighișoara was a city founded by Saxon settlers in the twelfth century.
Like Trifas, this city still preserved the deep, medieval European atmosphere, giving one the illusion of having stepped back in time.
It wasn't too far from Trifas either.
Almost every inch of Trifas lay under Yggdmillennia surveillance. Even Shirou's chance encounter with Mordred on the street hadn't escaped their watchful eyes.
They saw clearly every subtle shift within the city, from the bustling town center to its quiet outskirts.
Their fortress wasn't limited to the castle where they lived—the entire city of Trifas had effectively become their impregnable stronghold.
Thus, Sighișoara, being close enough yet outside Yggdmillennia's control, naturally became the ideal base of operations for the Mage's Association.
Furthermore, atop one of Sighișoara's hills stood a church, providing an even more suitable foothold for the Association.
"The Holy Church?"
Servants summoned by the Holy Grail were provided with essential modern knowledge upon manifestation, including information about the Holy Church, to prevent unnecessary hostilities.
Typically, the Holy Church acted as neutral supervisors of the Holy Grail War, maintaining balance and providing sanctuary for Masters who had lost their Servants.
What Arthur had never anticipated, however, was that this time, the Church had directly intervened, openly declaring its intent to fight.
Perhaps the irregularities surrounding the Grail itself, or Yggdmillennia's actions, had compelled the Church's involvement.
But for some reason, a deep unease stirred in Arthur's heart about the place they were approaching. His instincts warned him that something was gravely amiss with this Holy Grail War and the church's role in it.
"My King, dozens of familiars are already trailing that Master. Once fighting begins, we'll swiftly learn exactly how powerful the Red faction's Servants are," Fiore reported from her wheelchair to Lancer, whose gaze remained thoughtful.
"And what of the Ruler-class Servant?" Lancer inquired.
It wasn't his idea to send Arthur to test the strength of the Red faction, but neither did he oppose Darnic's decision. Arthur wasn't part of their command structure—neither a subordinate nor a true ally. They were equals. Lancer had no authority to issue orders to Arthur, nor would he disrespect him by commanding his Master directly.
But Darnic was different. As leader of Yggdmillennia, as well as a Master himself, he'd brought Shirou Emiya into their ranks and possessed the leverage to spur him into action.
Thus, Lancer left the matter of handling Arthur's immense combat power entirely to Darnic. Unless the order was exceedingly absurd, Lancer wouldn't intervene.
"Uncle Gordes has already gone to meet with Ruler. They should encounter each other very soon."
"It would be ideal if we can persuade Ruler to join us," Lancer responded calmly. "But even if that's impossible, I hope Ruler will at least uphold impartiality in this war."
Two floating magical projections hovered in the hall—one followed Gordes, the other kept a close eye on Shirou Emiya.
"They've sent only me and my Master directly into enemy territory. It seems they've decided we're expendable," Arthur remarked, understanding exactly the situation they faced. Even he wasn't confident in simultaneously battling seven enemy Servants while ensuring Shirou's safety.
When Arthur initially heard Darnic's plan, his first instinct had been to refuse. But he quickly realized that rejecting the order would immediately mark them as enemies of the Black faction. The instant they declined, they'd be surrounded.
Even worse, Yggdmillennia would cut off his mana supply. With only Shirou's minimal reserves to rely on, Arthur had no hope of overcoming all the Servants of Black.
Still, Arthur was prepared to stand by Shirou's decision. If Shirou chose to refuse, Arthur would find a way to protect him, no matter the cost.
"I know. But we don't really have the right to refuse, do we? Besides, I'm curious to see the Red faction's Servants and Masters for myself."
Shirou gave a resigned smile. Both of them understood clearly their lack of choice. Refusal would leave Arthur reliant on Shirou's meager mana, and Darnic hadn't even activated the rest of Shirou's magic circuits—he clearly had no intention of making Shirou stronger.
Yet Shirou still found some consolation. This dangerous mission provided an opportunity to see firsthand exactly what kind of Servants they'd face.
"Against typical Servants, Saber, how many can you handle at once?" Shirou asked Arthur as they moved closer toward the church. Shirou had never fought in a proper Holy Grail War, nor was he a formally trained magus. He had no clear sense of how strong Servants truly were.
"Typical Servants? It's difficult to say. I can't know until I face them," Arthur replied thoughtfully. He wasn't entirely sure what magi considered "typical" Servant-level strength. Every Heroic Spirit had their own special qualities—even against the weakest Assassin, Arthur wouldn't boast certainty of victory.
...
Under the pristine, silvery moonlight, a young man knelt devoutly in prayer. The moon's rays shimmered like clear water, bathing him in soft brilliance.
The youth had dark skin, stark white hair, and wore the standard attire of a priest. Suddenly, a seductive voice echoed gently through the air beside him:
"Master, we have guests arriving."
Hearing those words, the young priest slowly opened his eyes. His gaze brimmed with profound compassion for all humanity.
"Guests?" he murmured softly, rising gracefully to his feet.
Given the late hour, he knew exactly what kind of visitors his Servant meant. All seven Red faction Servants had been summoned. Therefore, the ones arriving now could only be from the Black faction.
"This is indeed quite unexpected."
He'd dispatched Lancer only a short while ago to intercept Ruler, yet already the Black faction sent Servants knocking at their door.
In his memory, the man he knew wouldn't act so recklessly. He'd endured patiently for sixty years—surely he wouldn't now suddenly rush into battle without caution.
"Let Archer and Rider entertain our guests who've traveled so far."
A faint smile formed upon his lips as he gazed up at the clear, brilliant moon hanging serenely in the night sky.
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T/N: SHIROU THEYRE JUST TRYING TO TALK TO YOU!