"Your assistant is a human with great experience in using firearms, but facing a Magus, I'm afraid she never expected I would use something as 'unorthodox' as a bomb, right?"
Combining magecraft and technology... Kiritsugu Emiya was an expert in this regard, while most other magi had never done so. What would happen if one occasionally used so-called technological products?
With such an idea of trying it out, Kirei Kotomine set this trap using "Irisviel" as bait.
"You really are a guy who must be solved."
Suppressing the pain in his heart, Kiritsugu Emiya's eyes stabilized, and his tone was heavy. He temporarily put aside thoughts about the fate of Maiya and Iri.
And now he must overcome the situation before him.
Saber's sheath was taken away and its whereabouts were temporarily unknown, but it was extremely likely being used by Kirei Kotomine himself. In that case, receiving "minor" fatal injuries wouldn't kill the opponent.
Thinking of this, he felt more and more that Kirei Kotomine was a terrifying enemy. A Magus with careful thoughts and means not sticking to conventions... A guy extremely close to himself... If he couldn't solve him here, it would inevitably be a big trouble.
'Assassin has fallen into a disadvantage and cannot come to provide help. Utilizing the moment he uses magecraft, the Origin Bullet has a chance to inflict heavy damage on him...'
Considering the magical effect of the sheath, Kiritsugu fell into a deadlock. Just wounding or crippling him... such battle results were meaningless to him.
He wasn't sure if Kirei Kotomine really buried the sheath in his own body. This intelligence was very important and would affect subsequent plans and arrangements.
'Can only test first.'
Holding this idea, Kiritsugu decided to use ordinary bullets to wound Kirei first. If the opponent's injury recovered on its own, then it would prove the sheath was in his body.
Bang!
...
"Hahaha!!"
"Interesting. Having such a quick transformation... did you comprehend something from Assassin?"
As Archer, Gilgamesh witnessed the whole process and felt interested in Kirei Kotomine's actions. A priest who claimed to be free of desires was now beginning to touch the things he usually restrained.
That was the beginning of moral collapse... Kirei Kotomine, this mongrel, could bring quite a lot of amusement.
"There are also reckless guys planning to intervene in this battle."
"Just right. It's also time for this King to appear."
"With a supreme posture, it's time to open these mongrels' eyes."
With absolutely no intention of discussing with Tokiomi Tohsaka, his Master, he just disappeared from the spot wearing golden armor.
"Ugh..."
Sitting in the basement, Tokiomi Tohsaka's face stiffened. He looked at the Command Spells on the back of his hand and hesitated. That King's unauthorized action wasn't just once or twice.
But his attempts to communicate with him all ended in failure. That King's description of him was... A disappointing and boring subject!
No matter how low his EQ was, Tokiomi Tohsaka also knew he left a very embarrassing impression on that King.
"Forget about it..."
"As long as there are no outrageous actions, letting him run wild has no harm."
Three Command Spells hadn't been used once; he had to be on guard at any time. Considering Risei Kotomine's support for him, perhaps he should prepare seriously.
"On the contrary, the Master of the Matou family has been slow to move..."
The letter sent received no response. Tokiomi Tohsaka frowned, not knowing what the other party's attitude was.
The report brought by Kirei was "The Servant commanded is Berserker, but the identity cannot be distinguished." Based on this intelligence, he sent a letter via familiar.
The intention was to propose an "alliance" to probe, but the result was the other party simply ignored him? Given the relationship between the Matou family and the Tohsaka family before...
This "arrogant" attitude of shutting him out wasn't like something Zouken Matou would do at all.
"Is there any special reason?"
Holding such a question, he could only send a familiar to investigate personally.
...
Carrying a bag, Kariya Matou watched Berserker, who had just finished being busy on the street, and had gotten used to it. Changing into modern clothes, Berserker was simply an enthusiastic "Good Youth."
He would help people push carts, find lost things, and play with children and the elderly... This Servant clearly wore such evil and ominous armor before, but his interior was completely different.
Clearly having never spoken, he was unexpectedly popular. In the pile of children and elderly, a red-haired boy looked at him, his eyes flashing with bright light.
"By the way, Mister, can this book be lent to me temporarily?"
"I haven't finished reading the story inside... I'll finish it after going back today and return it to you later."
Holding the thick bound book in his hand, the red-haired boy asked excitedly. [Heavensward Memoirs] That was a story detailing a certain hero. He read it with great interest.
"..."
"Great!"
Seeing the other party nod in response, the child was happy.
"Berserker, Sakura will be angry if we go back too late."
Looking at the tall figure leaving, the boy's heart was full of longing. An adult keen on helping others and omnipotent... in his opinion, was simply too cool.
"Is it really okay to lend that book to others?"
"I remember Sakura seems to be very keen on it too..."
Witnessing Berserker's action, Kariya still mentioned it. But under the other party's attitude of shaking his head, he didn't continue to tangle. Until the two returned to the Matou house, they happened to meet the purple-haired girl waiting at the door with puffed cheeks.
Smiling bitterly, Kariya could already imagine the scene of being complained about. But in the next moment, he saw Sakura take out a big bead from her skirt pocket, with stars inside shining.
Kariya knew that was the item the Masters and Servants competed for in this war. But what did it mean for Sakura to take it out at this time?
"Berserker..."
"I've decided. I want to participate in this war."
"Wh-why? Sakura?"
Hearing the other party's serious words, Kariya was stunned for a moment. He didn't understand why Sakura, who had no intention of intervening before, would change her attitude.
"The war will end sooner or later. At that time..."
"You will disappear, right?"
"So, I have to grab other Dragon Balls..."
Young age but hiding bottomless desire... she was that straightforward. Even Kariya could detect the thoughts of this girl.
"You will help me, right? Berserker?"
A shallow smile appeared on her face; Sakura Matou said softly.
"..."
Making a sighing motion, yet seemingly seeing someone's shadow, Berserker didn't refuse anything. Originally, he answered the summons because he heard Sakura Matou's call for help.
As for whether to use the Dragon Balls to make a wish, that wasn't important. For him, if he really wanted to realize a wish, perhaps it would just be to revive the lives lost in the world-destroying calamity.
"Go fight! Berserker!"
The Master had ordered. Pitch-black armor was already draped over his body. The huge figure disappeared.