FATE: Target of Grand Master

Nothing more happened after that, and it was time for the second round of the competition.

Under Kirei Kotomine's watchful gaze, Xia Yan and Nero entered the elevator leading to the arena. Just like in the original work, Xia Yan and Nero stood on one side of the elevator, while Lanlu and Vlad III stood on the other side.

A semi-transparent blue wall separates the two groups of leaders to prevent them from fighting inside the elevator.

The elevator descended at a considerable speed, but the arena seemed to be located very, very deep. It wouldn't do for the two groups of master and servant to just stare at each other, so Lanlu-kun, who had been swaying his body but was still bored, spoke up first.

"Saber's Master, what do you think is the most delicious food in the world?"

"Of course, it's food made by my loved one."

Although the life-or-death situation was about to be decided, Xia Yan had already overcome many trials and was able to effectively control his emotions such as tension. Instead, he was more composed and calm.

"Hahaha. You know so well! That's right, that's right, it's love. Only food filled with love is truly palatable. Looks like we get along really well."

Lanlu's laughter came from behind the clown mask.

"However, the ingredients are also very important. Only high-quality ingredients combined with plenty of love can create the most delicious food."

Xia Yan didn't know how to continue the conversation, so he simply shut his mouth and responded with silence.

Seeing Xia Yan remain silent, Lan Lu Jun asked in a slightly aggrieved tone, "Saber's Master, do you dislike Lan Lu Jun?"

Xia Yan was somewhat puzzled by Lan Lujun's question, but out of politeness, he replied, "I don't even know you, so how can I talk about liking or disliking you?"

"I see. But, Lanlu-kun thinks he's about to fall for you. Your shiny face and round butt, what do they taste like? I really want to take a bite. If I beat you, can I eat you?"

"Huh? Do you think I'm invisible?"

Nero could not bear to hear anyone say that someone wanted to eat his musician.

"Hahahaha. I knew I wasn't wrong, Saber. You are also a warrior who would dedicate your love to your Master. You are a target worthy of being pierced by my spear. I will bathe in your blood and enjoy the most delicious food with my wife. Ah... Just thinking about what is about to happen makes my whole body hot. Even this unsettling elevator seems much more pleasing to the eye."

Nero ignored the mad Vlad III and instead said to Xia Yan beside him, "Player, is this guy really not Berserker?"

"He does have a Berserker Spirit Origin, but I think this Lancer-class Vlad III is even crazier."

Boom!

Before we knew it, the elevator had reached its destination.

"Let's go."

The two groups of masters and servants stepped out of the elevator and faced off in an arena simulating a deep-sea environment.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, my wife. Dinner is finally about to begin, and this meal is sure to be incredibly delicious!"

Vlad III spoke in a loud voice.

"Yeah, Lanlu-kun is starving. He's been holding back, holding back, and now his appetite is almost at its peak. They look so delicious, I really want to eat them!"

Lan Lujun plopped down on the ground, seemingly too hungry to even stand.

"That's right. She suffers from a severe and twisted form of anorexia, yet still craves food. Unable to swallow anything but her beloved possessions—this sorrow deserves pity, and it's worthy of my fight! Watch closely, my wife, this desire of yours will be affirmed by my gun!"

"Nero, he's here!"

Just as Vlad III finished uttering his extremely poetic remarks, Xia Yan telepathically alerted Nero.

clang!

The spear and the greatsword clashed, sparks flying.

"Hmph, beautiful Saber, your power seems to be less than mine."

Vlad III swung his sword forcefully, sending Nero flying several meters away, sword and all.

After adjusting his posture in mid-air and landing steadily, Nero immediately covered the "Primordial Flame" with flames, and then slashed out a flaming blade as a counterattack.

"That's right. The harder the ingredients are to obtain, the more they whet the appetite."

Vlad III leaped high, dodging the blade, and hurled his golden spear at Nero.

Nero unleashed another fiery slash, deflecting the golden spear. Little did he know that Vlad III's attack was merely a feint; his true target was Xia Yan behind him.

Fortunately, Xia Yan was very focused and immediately dodged Vlad III's claw attack by sidestepping.

"Saber's Master, you have a wealth of combat experience."

Vlad III was surprisingly calm during the battle, and his actions were decisive and efficient.

"Piercing Duke! Your opponent is Yu!"

Nero immediately rode to the scene and stopped Vlad III from taking any further action against Xia Yan.

Originally, Vlad III, who was not armed, was expected to be suppressed by him. However, Vlad III, who was fighting with his gauntlets, did not back down at all, and the two fought to a standstill.

Xia Yan, who had moved slightly away from the two combat positions, looked at Lan Lu Jun, who was still sitting on the ground in the distance. Xia Yan's side had a huge advantage in this battle, which was the difference in strength between the Masters.

Since the start of the trial, Xia Yan has made significant progress in magical power and combat skills. He also has a reserve of Mystic Codes, items, and magical artifacts. Although his combat power is certainly not comparable to that of a Servant, he is still among the top Masters participating in the trial, not to mention that his opponent is just a pitiful woman with serious mental problems.

Although the goal was to kill the other party anyway, Xia Yan still hoped to make Lan Lujun die in the simplest and most straightforward way with less pain. Therefore, Xia Yan activated the petrifying magic eye.

"Blue Road Guy!"

Xia Yan called out the woman's name.

Although Lanlu was wearing a clown mask, the eye area of ​​the mask was hollowed out. Upon hearing his name, Lanlu subconsciously looked at Xia Yan. Just as the "Petrifying Eye" was about to take effect, Vlad III sensed the danger, kicked away Nero who was entangled with him, and then raised his other leg to kick the golden spear that Nero had previously knocked down towards Xia Yan.

At this moment, Xia Yan had two choices: 1. Ignore the attack of the golden spear and continue to use the Demon Eye to attack Lan Lu Jun; 2. Immediately withdraw his gaze and dodge the golden spear.

Without a doubt, if he chose option 1, he and Lan Lujun would perish together, which was something Xia Yan could not accept.

If Morgan were by his side, Xia Yan would likely continue his attack with unwavering resolve, as he believed Morgan would be able to neutralize the enemy Servant's attack. However, Xia Yan's companion at this moment was Nero, whom he had only recently formed a contract with, and who had just been kicked away by Vlad III. It was uncertain whether she would be able to block the attack in time.

In a flash, Xia Yan chose to dodge. The golden spear grazed his head and even left a bloody mark on his face.

In the next instant, Nero arrived at Xia Yan's side.

"I apologize, performer, I was unable to suppress him."