FATE: Target of Grand Master

While Xia Yan was busy sorting out the battle situation and solving various problems on his side, the Masters of the other two sides were not idle either.

Feng Yan stood on the deck of the "Queen Anne's Revenge," pondering what to do next.

Today's battle resulted in the greatest losses for our side. Not only did we lose two Servants, but Euryale also abandoned them in order to escape.

Fortunately, the Holy Grail is still in my hands. If I only need to pass the trial, I can simply hide and wait until the time limit is reached.

However, Feng Yan felt resentful. He was angry and confused by the betrayal of the woman named Caroline Vera.

What angered them was that she actually wanted to take them all, just as the last Master to arrive had said. What puzzled them was why that woman would do such a thing. Was it really for the second Holy Grail in her hands?

If that's the case, wouldn't it be safer for her to deal with herself first and then deal with the last Master?

Even considering the potential losses, she should have waited until she and the last Master were both completely exhausted before appearing. Does that woman not even have the foresight to seize the opportunity?

"Master, Blackbeard is here."

Diarmuid interrupted Feng Yan's train of thought.

Feng Yan turned around and met the eyes of the black-bearded man holding two glasses of wine.

"Hey, want a drink?"

The man with the black beard swirled the glass of wine in his hand.

In the past, Feng Yan would definitely have refused, but today, perhaps because the defeat in battle made him feel very depressed, he naturally accepted the wine glass.

"I'm sorry, my ally, I failed to keep my promise."

Blackbeard was surprised that Feng Yan's first words would be an apology, and immediately burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, I still remember how glib you were when we first met. It seems you're actually quite down-to-earth."

"One thing at a time, I value my promises very much," Feng Yan said earnestly.

"Don't take it so seriously. Learn from us pirates: live for today, worry about tomorrow later. That's what a carefree and unrestrained life is all about."

The black-bearded man tilted his head back and took a big gulp of liquor, much of it dripping down his beard onto his somewhat dirty captain's uniform.

"Besides, you've already kept your promise. My little cutie Euryale has already boarded my ship, and that alone makes me very satisfied. However, as a pirate, one can't be without greed. I'm prepared to get my revenge on that frivolous blond kid for the loss I suffered today. But I also know that going it alone is no different from suicide. If you really feel you owe me something, why don't you come with me and give them a good beating?"

"Hahaha, I didn't expect the infamous Blackbeard to be so eloquent. I've gained another piece of writing material."

Suddenly, a short, blue-haired man wearing glasses appeared beside Feng Yan and the black-bearded man.

"Hey, little writer, want a drink?"

Blackbeard pulled out another glass of wine from somewhere.

"No. Drinking is only appropriate for celebratory parties and after deadlines. Now is not the time."

The man with the black beard shrugged and didn't try to persuade him further.

"So, young writer, what would you like to say?"

"It's nothing, I just wanted to observe what choice my Master would make."

Feng Yan glanced at the short, blue-haired man, who was his second Servant besides Diarmuid—Hans Christian Andersen, one of the world's most famous fairy tale authors.

In stark contrast to his cute boyish appearance, Andersen had an incredibly sharp and sarcastic tongue, often mocking and criticizing his own followers.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Caster. I'm not ready to make a choice yet," Feng Yan said calmly.

"Then think it over and give me an answer before dawn."

The man with the black beard swayed as he went to drink with his men.

Seeing Blackbeard leave, Feng Yan asked, "You must have something to say about why you rushed out to stop me from accepting Blackbeard's invitation."

"Hmph, it seems you're not entirely naive, Master. My advice is, don't get too emotionally involved in what happens during the trial. You don't belong to this world, and you're not responsible to anyone here. Just focus on how to complete the trial. Don't worry about anything else."

After listening, Feng Yan remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, "I'm not acting on emotion, but rather I have some questions I need to investigate."

"Curiosity killed the cat. I sensed a familiar twisted feeling from that woman. Although not as strong as the nun who summoned me before, by human standards, that woman had reached a level that could be called abnormal."

Seeing Feng Yan looking at him with some surprise, Andersen's lips curled up slightly.

"As a writer, insight and inspiration are equally important. Don't forget that I sensed a witch's aura about you the first time I met you."

At this point, Hans Christian Andersen suddenly burst into laughter.

"Speaking of which, it's a joke I haven't heard in a long time that a man like you is a descendant of a witch and possesses exceptional magical talent."

"Well, I'm really sorry," Feng Yan said sarcastically.

He had already been mocked by Andersen for three trials, but the Caster still didn't seem to have had enough.

After laughing, Andersen suddenly said seriously, "Your fairy tale magic can only be so powerful with the blessing of my treasure, but even so, you still did not defeat today's opponent."

This isn't because of your carelessness or mistake, but that's the worst part, because it shows that the opponent's strength is far beyond what we can easily defeat right now. Even so, do you still want to get involved in this mess?

Feng Yan did not answer Andersen's question immediately, but instead asked Diarmuid for his opinion.

"Diarmuid, what do you think?"

The handsome swordsman wielding the red and yellow magic swords dispelled his spirit form and replied, "From a rational point of view, I agree with Mr. Andersen's opinion, but I am your sword, Master. No matter who your enemy is, I, Diarmuid, will charge into battle for you."

Looking at Diarmuid's tall and upright figure, Feng Yan suddenly realized that he had fallen into a trap called setback.

As the number of Master Trials increases, isn't it obvious that the enemies you encounter become stronger and stronger?

If I were to back down just because of this small setback, I would never be able to make it to the end and become one of the seven Grand Masters.

"Thanks."

Feng Yan patted Diarmuid on the shoulder and gave him a bright smile.

"I am unworthy of such praise."

Diarmuid immediately bowed in respect.

Seeing the change in Feng Yan's expression, Andersen realized he couldn't persuade his Master anymore. He pursed his lips and muttered, "Then I have a suggestion."

"Don't mess with that last Master, okay?"

"That's right. Judging from his previous attitude towards you, if the opportunity arises, it wouldn't be a bad idea to become friends."