The establishment of the Time Travelers Alliance began in the first year of Conan

Chapter 363 Four Heroes Battle the Wild Goose at Night (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)

With the idea of ​​being the first to "take the lead," Archer decided to be the first to attack before anyone else could.

Moreover, out of respect for this immense magical power, he used his wisdom to a small extent.

In other words, he did not fully activate the [Omniscient and Omnipotent Star].

After all, even the most dull-witted person could see that everyone in this "Holy Grail War" seemed to possess extraordinary skills.

From Archer's observation, Saber's attack doesn't seem to be underestimated, and Rider's divine lightning is also quite troublesome.

As for Lancer...

All I can say is that having the [All-Knowing and All-Powerful Star] activated is really comfortable; Gilgamesh recognized Diarmuid's real name at a glance.

Let's wait until he gets his hands on his signature weapons—those two demonic swords—and is summoned as Saber.

In that state, Diarmuid had the feat of single-handedly killing thousands of Celestial Warriors sent by the King of Celestial Kingdom to quell his rebellion within a few hours.

Furthermore, it possesses multiple divine treasures, making it undeniably powerful.

But now...

At this moment, Lancer was in such a disheveled state, covered in mercury, that the King of Heroes didn't even bother to glance at him.

Perhaps the only thing worth praising is his agility.

But Lancer is not an Assassin; using him for assassination would be a waste of his talents.

Without even a [Scent Concealment], do you think you can get close to him, who is Archer?
However, when the King of Heroes' gaze shifted to Berserker...

"Can't you see it...?"

No, it's not that we can't see it, but that we can't see the whole picture.

For example, it's as if you're looking at a blurry image, where the real name seems to be hidden behind a black mist, appearing somewhat hazy.

Not for personal glory.

In legend, Lancelot, the Knight of the Lake, disguised himself and concealed his identity on many occasions to go on adventures and win victories and honors.

This treasure is the embodiment of its legend.

"Tsk..."

Some people made a disdainful sound out of impatience.

Archer has no intention of unleashing the full power of [Omniscient and Omnipotent Star].

Putting aside the fact that betting games where the answer can be seen, they would only make people feel bored.

If you have to go all out from the very beginning to hunt even a "beast," wouldn't that be admitting that you are at a disadvantage in front of that monster?
Thinking this, the Noble Phantasms that were still shining in the air disappeared amidst the surprised expressions of Saber and the others.

Immediately afterwards, a familiar golden light appeared beside Archer's hand.

The King of Heroes casually drew the weapon that had been presented to him.

The blade is formed by interlocking fangs, like the fierce fangs of a hunting dog.

The ominous colors of blood, like the blood left behind after a prey has been torn apart, accentuate the power of this demonic sword.

【Red Plains Hound】.

The protagonist of Beowulf, the oldest narrative poem in English literature, is the powerful dragon slayer and the sword of Beowulf.

Even Beowulf's name comes from the word "Berserker".

That sword is a symbol of its ferocity and terror.

A magic sword that can unleash the most suitable slash with just a swing.

With each strike, blood would flow into the blade, emitting a crimson glow.

If used for throwing, it will continue to track the target until it hits, even if it is knocked down or dodged after being thrown. It is a magic sword with the concept of "tracking".

Through the Omniscient Star, Archer can now unleash the true name of this original text.

"The prey should be left for the hounds to tear at first..."

As he spoke, Gilgamesh ran his fingers along the back of the demonic sword as if stroking a hunting dog's fur.

"Go forth, hounds of the Red Plains, and drink your fill of the enemy's blood."

A crimson light flashed across the sword's blade, and as the magic power was depleted, the weapon that originally belonged to Beowulf shone with the same brilliance in the hands of this most ancient king.

The next instant, it went straight for Berserker's eyes, which were staring directly at Archer.

……

"...Did it miss?"

Waver watched enviously as the seemingly valuable Noble Phantasm swept over Berserker's head.

But before he could even ask Rider to take him to pick it up...

The once straight track of the Red Plains Hound suddenly became winding.

The demonic sword moved nimbly through the air like a real hunting dog.

Finally, attack from a position that Berserker could hardly reach, at an angle that would allow the Bloodthirsty Fangs to pierce through the gaps in the armor.

"Qiang——!"

The hunting dog let out a mournful whimper.

The white knight standing on the battlefield did not even draw his sword.

What appeared to be a terrifying offensive was, in Berserker's eyes, like a puppy playing with a giant.

However, the "flying disc" that was thrown out and lured the hound away was precisely the result of the giant's immense strength.

And it seems they are about to have a match with Saber from before.

The terrifying magical power unleashed, along with its impact on the atmosphere, seemed poised to shatter the already divided harbor once more.

Fortunately, the sea was right behind Saber.

She realized the possibility of being accidentally injured when the tracking demonic sword attacked Berserker from behind.

Saber swiftly wrapped one arm around Irisviel's waist and pulled her into her arms, then leaped away from the area that might be affected.

But accompanied by another surge of magic, no, at this moment it was more like a typhoon—

It's not just an approximation, but a true imminent natural disaster.

The Red Plains Hound, sent flying, streaked across the sky like a harbinger of disaster.

The slender meteorite that was "thrown" flew straight towards the sea, trailing a series of indistinct sonic boom clouds behind it.

Under such an attack, it seemed as if even the inanimate air itself was bleeding.

An extremely thin beam of light—simply produced by the collision of the demonic sword's blade with dust particles or even molecules in the air.

The spirit of the atmosphere, its throat sealed, let out a final, regretful sigh as blood trickled from its wound.

The broken dust on the ground, small pieces of bricks and stones, and even the lighter containers in the distance were all stirred by the air being drawn away.

At that moment, a tornado appeared in the harbor, lying horizontally!

And the object of this tornado's struggle is the sea at night!

……

Faced with the spectacle created by Berserker.

A stammering voice rang out in the now "cleaned up" harbor.

"What...you must be joking...Rider, an enemy like this..."

Weber could hardly believe his eyes.

For the first time, he even lost confidence in himself and Rider.

This is also natural.

In Waver's view, no matter how powerful a Heroic Spirit is, it cannot fight against true nature.

but--

Berserker emerged victorious in this contest.

A miracle akin to Moses parting the sea occurred with a simple strike from that heroic spirit.

That tracking sword, along with the dust, was buried deep into the earth's crust by [Matou Kariya] after parting the sea.

The weapon, named "The Hound of the Red Plains," can never return to the hunting grounds.

What followed was a tsunami-like surge.

The two separated seas collided violently, like two hundred-meter-high city walls.

The deafening roar echoed through the sky, and the terrifying force even shook the earth.

The once-hard ground now undulates slightly like ocean waves.

The sense of threat brought by the aftershocks made both of the divine bulls of the [Divine Wheel] snort uneasily.

……

"——Berserker kept it."

This is the consensus that arises in the hearts of all the heroic spirits at this moment.

If Berserker had chosen to grab the demonic sword and throw it, none of the Heroic Spirits present would have been able to catch it.

This scene also made Saber worry about Irisviel's safety once again.

Her intuition told her that Berserker seemed to harbor some hidden hostility towards her.

Putting aside the fact that his true Master has not yet appeared.

Saber had some doubts.

Even if Kiritsugu really sent Hisako Maiya, could she withstand Berserker's terrifying attack just now?
This looks like a completely random strike from him!

“Irisviel, what follows is just the aftermath, and it could be fatal to you.”

Faced with Saber's repeated persuasion, Irisviel finally did not refuse again this time.

The feeling of having just brushed with death made her face pale.

The silver-haired girl nodded, then turned and ran back—

"Irisviel!"

Saber's urgent cry rang out, but even faster than her voice came the holy sword held in her hand.

The immense force emanating from the sword forced Saber to grit her teeth and lean forward to meet it.

"Crash-"

His feet sank deep into the concrete as if stepping into mud, and countless pieces of concrete shards collided with the ground as his leg armor retreated.

"Saber!"

Irisviel, who had been pushed aside in that instant, ran over.

A faint green light shone from her hand as she prepared to heal Artoria, who was protecting her.

"Huh? Saber, you—"

To Irisviel's surprise, Saber didn't seem to be injured.

Saber took a breath, and then she began to explain:
"I'm fine, Irisviel. The attack just now didn't involve any magic."

But at this moment, her expression turned unusually unpleasant.

"Lancer, did you see Berserker's attack? Can you dodge it?"

Diarmuid's response to his lord's question carried a hint of bitterness.

"My lord, with my agility, dodging such an attack is indeed not difficult."

"But Berserker is just..."

"Just what?"

"He just threw a pebble."

If Berserker's defense against Archer had just occurred, the group could still have held onto a sliver of hope that "it might just be the effect of the enemy's Noble Phantasm."

Now, that unbelievable truth is beyond question.

Such a terrifying attack was actually just a casual strike from Berserker.

……

After Rider told Webber what had just happened, Webber was still in a daze.

"Could this guy be Hercules, the god of strength?"

Weber thought about it for a long time.

If there truly is a heroic spirit capable of effortlessly splitting mountains and parting seas, it could only be the greatest hero of Greek mythology, the embodiment of strength, courage, and wisdom.

"Furthermore, since Saber says he is a fallen Heroic Spirit."

He began by telling Rider his analysis.

"According to legend, Hercules killed his teacher, as well as his first wife and children, in a fit of rage."

"So, it's possible that he was summoned by the ominous Berserker class, right?"

Rider stroked his beard, looking thoughtful.

He didn't think Weber's analysis was correct.

As far as the Conqueror knew, Hercules's invulnerability to weapons was likely due to lion skin rather than armor.

Moreover, Hercules shouldn't have any particular attachment to the color white.

"However, it is indeed possible that there are heroic spirits similar to those in the legends."

With that, Rider raised his voice and addressed Saber, who had stood up again.

“Hey, Saber, it seems we might have to team up to deal with him.”

"After all, you've seen it yourself, haven't you? It seems like we can't leave at all, given that we have Masters with us."

"Can't you leave?"

Rider's words puzzled Webber.

"Rider, we can't just ride your [Divine Wheel] here—"

"Kid, can you leave safely with only half your body left?" Iskandar interrupted Waver, and under Waver's even more puzzled gaze, he quickly explained:
"That Servant just aimed at Saber's Master's leg. If it had hit, although she might not have died, she would probably have lost the ability to retreat."

"My chariot is swift, but it is better suited for charging into battle than for evading enemy lines."

"But I still have—"

Webber was about to say that he also had a magic book to help him.

But the words that were about to be uttered stopped in his tracks by Rider's stern gaze.

Webber immediately understood Rider's meaning: he wanted to make Berserker leave the stage right there.

Yes, unlike Webber, whose mind was still somewhat intimidated by Berserker's power.

Rider, possessing the ability of [Military Strategy], thought even more clearly—

Let's not even talk about how escaping is not the way to conquer.

Even if you can use [RSI Mimicry] to dodge attacks and escape, what do you do after that?

This is now the only chance to defeat Berserker.

Lancer's Master still vividly remembers Saber's sneak attack. Judging from her previous despicable behavior, it's clear that the opponent has no intention of confronting her head-on.

Moreover, even if Saber is perhaps equally powerful, would she really choose to gnaw on the "toughest bone" first?

If even one person chooses to flee at this moment, the already loose alliance will immediately collapse.

Then, everyone will wait for the moment when the other Servants are entangled with Berserker, and take the opportunity to escape.

If that were the case, the scattered individuals would never have the idea of ​​cooperating again.

“We will be defeated one by one, and this irrational guy will take the Holy Grail.”

Rider spreads his cape and makes a gesture as if embracing someone.

"At this moment, all the Heroic Spirits capable of directly confronting Berserker are here! What do you say? Shall we try to unite and free the Heroic Spirits before us?"

Everyone present had to admit that Rider's words made a lot of sense.

Casters need a base to fight, but what kind of base can survive a Berserker's attack?
As for Assassin, let's not even mention that he had already "died" at Archer's hands.

Even those few who knew he still existed didn't believe that the heroic spirit could play the slightest role.

……

Saber glanced back at Irisviel, then nodded in agreement.

"If it can protect my Master's safety, I have no objection."

"Great!" Rider clapped his hands excitedly, then looked to the other side.

"Since Saber is already willing to join, what about Lancer?"

Dirumdo gave a bitter smile.

“Of course I have no objection, and even my Master has ordered me to cooperate with you.”

"but……"

That helpless head-shaking gesture silenced everyone.

Indeed, given Lancer's Master's behavior, who can trust him?
"Don't worry, I won't launch a sneak attack on you." Kenneth's voice rang out from all directions.

Immediately afterwards——

"By Command Spell, I command Lancer to cooperate with Saber and Rider and not to harm their Masters' lives today."

"very good!"

Rider pumped his fist in excitement.

After Saber nodded to indicate that she had no further questions, everyone's attention finally fell on Archer, who was standing on the lamppost.

"Hahahaha! I, the King, will enjoy watching you bastards struggle from heaven!"

Gilgamesh looked disdainful and burst into laughter with a contemptuous air.

"Hmph, such insignificant beings dare to stand shoulder to shoulder with me? The only friends who can fight alongside me are—"

As a result, that arrogant and audacious attitude suddenly stopped halfway through.

Archer's gaze, which had been fixed on the area below, suddenly shifted, and he looked towards the direction of Fukayama Town.

"Damn it! Do you think your suggestion can quell my anger? You are incredibly audacious, Tokiomi..."

……

Yes, just like Kenneth used a Command Spell.

Tokiomi Tohsaka, far away at the Tohsaka mansion, had just used a Command Seal at Kirei Kotomine's suggestion.

He commanded Archer and the other three Heroic Spirits present to fight side by side.

Although the Berserker's loss of control was entirely the Matou family's fault, when it comes to compensation, the Mage's Association doesn't care about the specific recipients—

The Tohsaka family are the managers of the spiritual veins of Fuyuki City, therefore they have a responsibility to bear.

More importantly, this is based on Kirei's report on the Assassin's observations.

Berserker's attack reached directly from the surface of the sea to the seabed!

If a few shots were fired at the city, or even if a battle were to break out within the city, the Holy Grail War would be impossible to hold again.

……

then--

Although Archer's expression still carried a strong sense of displeasure.

But he spoke with the tolerant attitude of a monarch towards his subjects:
"Rejoice, you mongrels! Standing on my side is the greatest honor of your lives."

"Make sure this scene is imprinted firmly in your minds."

None of the other Heroic Spirits present responded to Archer's arrogant words, but they all undoubtedly breathed a sigh of relief.

In any case, Archer is an exceptionally powerful asset.

Moreover, if he shows an uncooperative attitude, the others present will obviously be unable to fully devote themselves to the battle.

“Alright, then Saber and I will take charge of the main attack.”

As the party that initiated the joint proposal, Rider naturally took over command of the battlefield.

"Lancer will hold the line, while your dual pistols have a wider range and are just the right size to break through the magic attached to Berserker and protect your Master."

Rider's gaze shifted to Archer.

Then he was immediately met with the King of Heroes' merciless rebuttal.

"You bastard, do you really think you can command me?!"

"Even setting aside your shallow wisdom before me, know that you can only share in my glory—"

Iskandar completely ignored Archer's rebuttal.

"Alright, Archer, you'll have to improvise and support us."

……

With that, Rider turned the car around and prepared to charge at Berserker.

Saber turned around and instructed Irisviel to run to a sheltered spot the moment they made their move.

Such exchanges were not concealed in front of Berserker at all.

Everyone present already knew that he was no longer a being of any mind.

"I don't know why you're blocking my way here, but you unknown hero, it's time to leave the stage!"

Rider launched the first attack.

Faced with the inhuman power displayed by Berserker, he, with his abundant magic, held nothing back and unleashed the full potential of the chariot in his very first strike.

"Go forth, Gordias Wheel!"

The divine power that conquered most of Europe, the magnificent royal way that could roam to the ends of the world, to the Sea of ​​Oceanus, would be revealed at this moment.

The sword of Cyprus was raised high, its gleaming surface reflecting the burning fighting spirit of its crimson pupils.

The blinding flash of light once again turned night into day.

The roar, as if it wanted to encompass the entire world within its chest, even drowned out the thunder of the chariots.

"Distant Devastation and Domination (Via Expugnatio)!"

Lightning makes it easy to traverse the earth.

Enveloped in divine might and domineering power capable of crushing everything, its horns flashing with lightning and its forehooves stomping out purple lightning charged toward the white knight with the might of a single man breaking through an army.

This is precisely the true power of an A+ rank [Anti-Army Noble Phantasm].

No matter how large the army or how mighty the soldiers, they all crumbled under Zeus's thunderbolts.

Unfortunately--

Berserkers were not an opponent that could be defeated simply by the sheer force of their armies.

At this moment, Waver, who was sitting to the side and had already activated the defense of the [Basic Mystic Code], ready to support Rider with [RSI Concealment Mimicry] at any time, had a strange feeling.

The overwhelming sense of confidence and assurance of victory that had just made me feel so excited was now fading away.

Although everything happens in the blink of an eye.

But the closer they got to the Berserker, the slower the chariot seemed to move, and the surrounding spacetime seemed to stretch out.

The bull that wielded Zeus's thunderbolt was transformed into a poor horse, and the chariot beneath it was replaced by a cheap saddle.

At this moment, Berserker is like a windmill that doesn't care about the outside world...

Don Quixote then rode his pony and charged toward the monster.

—The churning paint didn't make any ripples.

—The earth beneath our feet has the power to protect us with magic.

Everyone was wrong.

After demonstrating his divine power, Berserker surprisingly displayed martial arts skills commensurate with it.

The two outstretched hands grasped the horns of the two divine oxen.

Then--

Berserker would then begin to swing it.

No, it was not a brute force swinging, but a martial art so exquisite that it could wrestle with the ground!
The divine ox let out a labored moo, and the thunderous energy crackled all over its body, even in every muscle. It strained its four hooves, trying to resist the force that would overturn the lightning from the sky into the earth.

Even Archer couldn't help but glance at this scene to admire it.

What kind of martial arts skill could make one seem to stand on air, reach out and grasp the sky, yet turn it into dust?

“Saber—!” Rider couldn’t help but shout.

Fortunately, unlike Archer who was just admiring her, Artoria's attack followed immediately.

The magnificent skirt armor displayed a graceful posture as the knight king leaped.

Unlike the Rider's rough and domineering style.

At this moment, Saber displays a dazzling brilliance, radiating from upright courage and knightly glory.

That invisible sword seemed to draw upon the radiance of the bright moon, or perhaps it was a sacred weapon about to be unleashed, shining with the most powerful and noble holy sword brilliance.

The raging storm, bound by magic, will transform into wind blades and pulverize the enemy.

Although it was a downward swing, it displayed a penetrating power at the end.

The sword tip points forward, compressing the air to its maximum.

Then--

Released all at once.

"Wind King - Strike Air!"

Sensing the threat that the attack might blow away the paint on her body, [Matou Kariya] immediately took action.

The body, encased in armor, displayed both immense strength and an equal degree of agility.

At this moment, the divine ox was used as a springboard to charge towards the sky.

Taking advantage of the momentum of the chariot charge—

Without dodging or avoiding, Berserker actually leaped into the air!

Like a meteor, terrifying madness gathered on one arm, and then, carrying that dazzling omen of death, it was about to strike at the petite figure in the air!

……

Seeing that the situation seemed to have turned unfavorable again in an instant, Gilgamesh snorted coldly.

"Hmph, as expected, it still takes me, the king, to make the move."

Before anyone knew it, Archer had acquired a strangely shaped sword.

That was the prototype for the demonic or holy swords that were said to have been obtained by many heroes in later eras—

Its blade is not a sword edge, but a spiral like a drill bit, shimmering with a power that seems to pierce through heaven and earth.

The sword light, stretching like a rainbow, will now appear upon it.

The instant the rabid dog leaped into the air, Archer revealed its true name—

【Rainbow Sword】(Caladbolg).

"Let me see how this sword, which is said to be able to 'cut off three hills,' compares to my sword."

And so, the neon lights from heaven and earth, which could shatter even the earth without a word, burst forth upon Berserker.

At that moment, Zeus's thunderbolts, the winds of the wind king, and the dazzling neon lights intersected with the figure in mid-air.

In such a situation, even a Berserker would feel the pressure of not being able to protect the paint on their body.

And so, the scene that horrified the surrounding heroes was about to unfold.

The outstretched fist was suddenly retracted in mid-air.

Then--

The Demon Swordsman, Kalia, gripped his sword.

(End of this chapter)