Unlimited Ambition

Completely deceived by Iskandar's swaggering appearance, Kirei Kotomine made this judgment.

Immediately afterwards, on Iskandar and Webber's way home, a bunch of guys wearing skull masks and black bodysuits appeared.

"There are so many Assassins?!"

Although these people included men, women, children, tall and short, fat and thin, judging from the spiritual power they exuded and the ability granted by the Holy Grail War—the ability to see through the various abilities of Heroic Spirits—Waver immediately recognized that these dozens of ruthless bandits openly blocking his way were all Assassins.

While Assassins are generally considered the second weakest class in direct combat (the first being Casters), what about multiple Assassins? What about dozens of Assassins attacking together?

The advantage in quantity should be able to make up for the disadvantage in quality in no time.

At least that's what the Assassins, and their Master, Father Kirei Kotomine, thought.

However, the reality is quite cruel.

"Hmph... a despicable scoundrel!"

Iskandar watched as the Assassins pressed closer, but instead of being angry, he was delighted, thinking to himself: Perfect, I'm in a bad mood today, I'll take it out on you guys!

"ri...Rider——"

The weak Master beside Iskandar was terrified and clung tightly to Iskandar's cloak.

"Hey kid, relax, you'll win soon enough."

"...You, you make it sound so easy..."

It seems that Waver doesn't really trust his Master.

"Hahahaha-"

Upon hearing Weber's words, Iskandar burst into laughter—and then, in an instant, the surrounding scenery shifted to a vast desert, with yellow sand swirling in the sky. A blood-red sun shone. Yet, it was a desolate scene…

"What...this is?!"

Although Webber Velvet, known as a third-rate magician, was of low ability, he still had some insight. Even if he hadn't eaten pork, he'd seen pigs run. Seeing this scene, he was extremely horrified.

"Solid, solid, solid, an inherent barrier?!"

Known as the most forbidden of forbidden techniques, the ultimate technique of ultimate techniques, it transcends the level of magic and is truly an incredible "magic"—this Reality Marble is a dimensional space outside the mundane world, formed by projecting the deepest images from the depths of one's heart. In this place, the master of the Reality Marble will possess terrifying power akin to that of a god.

But that wasn't all. What happened next made Weber's heart leap into his throat—right behind Iskandar, the terrifying army had silently assembled. Those incredibly strong men, fully armored and wielding spears, blades, javelins, and shields, formed a battle formation that stretched as far as the eye could see.

"These—these people are all Heroic Spirits?!"

Weber felt as if his tongue was tied in knots, and he couldn't utter a single word.

It was an army composed entirely of Heroic Spirits!?

“That’s right! My subordinates, my friends, my brothers—they are my pride, my greatest treasure, and my strongest weapon!”

Iskandar proudly proclaimed this fact: "They are the King's army!!!"

The bond between a king and his subordinates transcends time and space, leaving the young magician utterly bewildered. These heroic spirits were legendary figures—great heroes, fearsome warriors, even kings who conquered vast territories and ruled alone… Yet, under Iskandar's influence, they all willingly sacrificed their lives for him.

After Iskandar proudly proclaimed "The King's Army," the heroic spirits behind him erupted in cheers that resounded through the sky.

At that moment, Weber suddenly realized—this place, this Realized Boundary, was the very path trodden by Alexander Iskandar and his mighty army. This vast, sandy desert was the very place where men's blood was spilled…

That's absolutely incredible.

Compared to this army composed of heroic spirits, the dozens of Assassins opposite were indeed like clowns, utterly insignificant. And that was precisely the case. The king's army utterly crushed the Assassins, without lifting a finger.

"It's...it's...we've got it in the bag!!!"

After thinking for a long time, Waver still couldn't come up with a suitable adjective. However, this idea quickly took shape in Waver's mind: with such a terrifying killing move, this Holy Grail War should be a piece of cake. Even if he did nothing, he could just let Rider charge in and fight alone.

...However, what's the point of participating in this war then?!

The young magician clenched his fists tightly, feeling an extreme sense of resentment.

I participated in this Holy Grail War to prove my worth. If I do nothing and still win, it will only be thanks to Rider, and will have nothing to do with my own abilities...

Not reconciled.

I'm really not reconciled...

However, there was nothing they could do.

Weber was overwhelmed with complex emotions.

"Alright, kid, stop standing there like an idiot."

Weber felt a sharp pain in his shoulder, and then realized what was happening. Looking around, the vast desert, the setting sun, and the iron army like a forest were all gone. Only the still extremely magnanimous king remained, giving him a hearty smile.

"We're going back."

"Um……"

Weber nodded, but he was still in a bad mood.

"This... such a treasure?! The strength of the Riders participating this time is not to be underestimated!"

At that moment, inside the Tohsaka mansion, Tokiomi Tohsaka realized what had happened and was immediately terrified, breaking out in a cold sweat.

"...What is the rank of that Noble Phantasm, Master?"

However, looking at Kirei Kotomine beside him, he remained completely unmoved. It was as if the dozens of Assassins who had just been crushed like chicks were not his subordinates.

"Like Archer's Gate of Babylon, it is an EX-level item."

Tokiomi Tohsaka shook his head and said with slight unease.

"So that's how it is..."

Despite uttering such astonished words, Kirei Kotomine's tone remained remarkably calm.

“This time, the Assassins died in vain.” Tokiomi Tohsaka shook his head, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"No, at least they discovered beforehand that Rider possesses such a powerful Noble Phantasm. This information will likely be very useful in future wars," Kirei Kotomine reassured Tokiomi Tohsaka, still seemingly unconcerned.

“Indeed. This can be considered good news, I suppose.” Tokiomi Tohsaka nodded and said.

"Shouldn't we bring Archer back next to discuss a plan?" Kirei Kotomine suggested.

"That's what they say, however..."

Tokiomi Tohsaka gave a wry smile, then couldn't continue. Kirei Komine, having been married and had children, naturally knew that such gossip wasn't pleasant to hear, and didn't press the matter further.

"Then, Master, I must leave."

“Yes.” Tokiomi Tohsaka nodded. “Go back to the Holy Church. At least this time, you can truly rest.”

During the previous faked death operation, Kirei Kotomine had pretended to be sheltered in the Church of Christ. This time, the Assassins really messed up, so it was only right for him to go back.

“Well then, Master, I take my leave.” Kirei Kotomine said, “Also, I am, after all, your assistant who will help you achieve victory. Even though the Assassins have fallen, you can still get help from me.”

"Yes." Tokiomi Tohsaka nodded, knowing that his apprentice was no ordinary person. Before learning magic, he was already an agent of the Holy Church. His black keys and Bajiquan were quite impressive. He was certainly a helpful asset.

At this very moment, Gilgamesh, whom Tokiomi Tohsaka had been calling out to, was lying in my arms like a kitten, the wine cup in his hand swaying back and forth, reflecting the clear moonlight.

"Haven't we done this in a long time?"

The queen's clothes were slightly disheveled, and she still exuded the lingering charm of passion. Her usual majesty had faded by about 70-80%, and she looked adorably languid.

When I heard her ask me that, I thought for a moment and said, "About... several thousand years ago, right?"

Come to think of it, I've been in this world for nearly 20,000 years. Seeing humanity evolve from primitive tribes to the skyscrapers of today, I have quite a few feelings about it…

"Will things be like this again in the future?"

Jill then asked this question.

"Perhaps."

"Speaking of which, what exactly do you want the Holy Grail for?"

“That’s not the point,” I said. “The key question is, do you really want to compete with me?”

"All the treasures in the world belong to me!" Gilles insisted, adding, "...However, if you really want them, I can certainly bestow them upon you..."

"—Will you die if you're not proud?"

"—If he's not proud, is he still the King of Heroes?"

Well, anyway, at least we've solved one more problem.

That's what I was thinking, and then my hand wandered off and lightly flicked Jill's breasts, which angered Her Majesty the Queen...

Chapter Twenty-Two: Kirei Kotomine's Desire

It must have been late at night. Her Majesty the Queen was unconvinced and wanted to have another match. In the end, I defeated her until she begged for mercy and surrendered. She lay on the ground, seemingly unable to move at all.

"So, what's next?" I nudged Her Majesty's arm and asked.

"Well, normally I wouldn't do it if I didn't want to. But Tokiomi Tohsaka has a Command Seal that can force me to do it. It's a little troublesome, hmm."

“That’s right.” I nodded, then said, “In other words, the target is Tokiomi Tohsaka’s life. Is that correct?”

“That’s right. And I can’t do it. After all, Tokiomi Tohsaka is my vassal. Since he chose to pledge allegiance to me, I should at least protect his life.”

"Is that really what you think?" I was slightly amused and exasperated, and then said, "Do you really think Tokiomi Tohsaka is loyal to you?"

"Isn't that so?" Her Majesty asked, slightly surprised.

"You knew about that guy's wish and you still said that?" I asked, a little surprised.

"Huh? What he wishes for has nothing to do with me?"

"……you do not know?"

"I really don't know."

"Okay, I'm really fed up with you." I was a little speechless, and I gained a deeper understanding of Jill's arrogance.

"That guy, Tokiomi Tohsaka, wished to use the Holy Grail to break through the portal of this world and reach the Root—which would require an enormous amount of power. The Holy Grail must gather all seven Heroic Spirits before it can fulfill this wish... In other words, all seven Heroic Spirits must die before a winner can be decided."

"what?!"

Jill was indeed getting angry: "So, in the end, that guy will use a Command Spell to order me to commit suicide?"

“That’s right, that’s what I mean.” I nodded, thinking that Jill was just a little arrogant, and there was still hope for her.

"I see." After a brief moment of anger, Jill calmed down, nodded, and said, "Indeed, this guy was a little too respectful to me, and along with that respect, there was a hint of wariness. No wonder..."

No, I think being wary of a Heroic Spirit is a required course for any Master. This applies to everyone. Besides, this kind of belated, hindsight-based wisdom isn't very appealing, really.