That protagonist is trash; I could do better!

Lancer said unhappily, "Caster, are you questioning my judgment?"

"What's the meaning."

Lancer turned his face to the side, his crimson eyes fixed on Shinji Matou: "You are a warrior I acknowledge, and I don't believe you will be easily defeated by Archer."

Is this the latest form of mutual flattery in business? I like it.

Shinji Matou chuckled inwardly, but remained outwardly calm: "The problem is that you can't win, Lancer. Is information about an opponent who can kill you not even worth your time?"

“That depends on who the enemy is. Besides, I’m even more interested in knowing what you’re plotting, Caster.” Lancer’s words were ambiguous, his eyes sharp as a spear piercing Shinji Matou’s heart.

Even though Matou Shinji has traveled through many worlds, his soul age is still no match for Lancer's. She could sense something unusual in Matou Shinji's actions—something she had seen in countless heroes called ambition. She was certain that Matou Shinji was not just trying to deal with Archer; perhaps even the Holy Grail could not fill the abyss reflected in Matou Shinji's eyes.

This old woman...

Shinji Matou knew he couldn't fool her. His mind raced, and he took a deep breath before answering decisively: "The salvation of humanity is impossible without the Holy Grail. Archer and you are my greatest obstacles."

This is the ideal of the Matou family, the obsession of Zouken Matou for five hundred years. Purifying the Holy Grail is only the first step in realizing this plan.

Lancer's red lips parted slightly, and she asked in surprise, "Caster, are you serious?"

Shinji Matou smiled frankly: "Of course."

Lancer looked directly into Shinji Matou's eyes, finding no trace of fear in them. She chuckled with interest, "Heh~ Isn't that an interesting idea? I accept your proposal. Such a fool is a rare sight these days. I can lend you a hand. When do we make our move?"

"It's not certain yet. I'll let you know when the time is right, most likely tonight."

······

Shinji Matou's trip to the hotel was very fruitful. He clearly received Lancer's assistance, which made the plan to eliminate Archer much easier.

"Lancer only agreed to fire one shot. I'll have to take care of Archer myself. Let's make some preparations in advance."

After leaving the hotel, Shinji Matou headed straight to the forest on the outskirts of Fuyuki City, where the Einzbern Castle was located.

Not long after entering the forest, Shinji Matou sensed the presence of a familiar. Looking to his side, he saw a butterfly woven from silver threads fluttering about.

This is the poem of the Einzbern family's magical angel, made by weaving special familiars from hair to monitor unusual activity in the forest.

Shinji Matou had reason to suspect that using this magic too much might turn him into the strongest magician. (Bald head)

Before even reaching the castle, they saw Irisviel come out to greet them. With her silver hair and beauty that was beyond human imagination, she asked in surprise, "Mr. Caster, what brings you here to see us?"

“Yes, it’s very important.” Shinji Matou nodded, looking around at the lush forest.

Irisviel tucked her hair behind her ear, exuding elegance and charm, and chuckled, "Rest assured, this forest has always been under surveillance."

"Assassin won't be fooled by such petty tricks."

"That's true, then please follow me."

Irisviel led Shinji Matou toward the castle, where a magnificent and luxurious retro castle could be seen standing in the forest, like a scene from a fairy tale.

"Irisviel, how was this castle built?"

Irisviel replied casually, "The building materials were airlifted here by plane, and the construction was completed some time before the Holy Grail War began."

Rich women are terrifying~

Shinji Matou felt ashamed, deeply realizing the gap between a traditional magician and an impoverished magician.

Upon entering the castle, in the confined space, Shinji Matou ensured that Assassin's presence would not escape the perception of the wind element spirits.

Inside the lavishly decorated council chamber, after Saber arrived, Shinji Matou solemnly said, "Rider will probably be here tonight."

Irisviel asked in surprise, "Rider... is that the conqueror Iskandar you mentioned?"

"Yes."

Saber pondered for a moment and asked, "The reason is that I haven't directly fought him, and besides, now is not the time for a battle."

She was also wearing a black suit that Irisviel had chosen for her, looking very dashing.

"Rider doesn't want to fight you; he's here to hold a banquet."

Irisviel's eyes widened: "A banquet?"

Shinji Matou spread his hands, both amused and exasperated: "A banquet is a gathering to entertain heroes from different eras, to discuss their ideals, and to determine who is most qualified to win the Holy Grail War."

Saber frowned and exclaimed, "Absurd!"

"He is this type of Servant. Although you have not met him directly, his Master's familiar must have been wandering around Fuyuki City and must know of your existence. This castle is not a hidden place either."

Since Saber didn't participate in the beach battle, Rider could only learn about Saber through his Master's familiars, which naturally meant he didn't appreciate Saber as much as he did in the original work.

The reason why Shinji Matou was certain that Rider would come to Saber was simple: it wasn't that he wanted to find this place, but that it was the only place he could find.

Waver's magical skills were not high, making it difficult for him to detect the other Masters. Only the Einzbern family stood out and was the most suitable.

This is the location; the guests attending the banquet were personally invited by Rider.

There's no need to worry about Archer, who has clashed with Rider before, participating. Given the Conqueror King's straightforward personality, inviting Archer to the banquet would be seen as a provocation by outsiders.

Archer, who considers himself the hero among heroes and the starting point of all heroes, has no chance of refusing.

With only two Command Seals left, Tokiomi Tohsaka was even less likely to waste another Command Seal to restrain Archer's actions.

After hearing Shinji Matou's purpose, Saber seemed to become interested in the banquet and fell into deep thought.

"I'm going to set up a barrier here, and when Lancer launches a surprise attack on Archer, I'll activate my Noble Phantasm to eliminate Archer. Saber, are you sure you don't mind?" Shinji Matou looked at Saber and asked deliberately.

Saber asked curiously, "You don't need my help?"

"Don't you think this violates the code of chivalry?"

"This is a war, and chivalry cannot help me win. We cannot afford to lose this war."

It seems this Saber King isn't the original one; it doesn't uphold the outdated chivalrous spirit.

"Ahem, setting up the barrier base requires some materials." Shinji Matou used a cough to cover up his embarrassment.

I have no money. What can I do if I have no money? I can only ask a rich woman to support me so I can live a comfortable life.

Irisviel, understanding and kind, smiled gently: "There are plenty of materials here for performing magic. Please don't be shy, I'll help you prepare them."

"Eight high-quality gems, corresponding to the four attributes of wind, water, earth, and fire, and two magic crystals of extremely high purity."

Irisviel nodded readily: "Absolutely no problem."

A moment later, an artificial maid from Einzbern came over with a tray filled with the high-quality gems that Shinji Matou had requested.

Shinji Matou wiped the sweat from his forehead. As expected of the Einzbern family, they were incredibly wealthy. The value of these materials was almost equivalent to Zouken Matou's savings over five hundred years.

After obtaining the gem materials, Shinji Matou buried the gems around the Einzbern family's residence and summoned the Earth Spirit to open up connecting channels underground, forming a transmutation circle.

Chapter 54 The King's Feast (4K Long Chapter)

"Boom! Boom!"

At night, the sound of thunder shattered the tranquility of the forest on the outskirts of Fuyuki City. Countless lightning bolts danced wildly in the night sky, and the dark clouds seemed to herald the end of the world as the tank broke through the clouds.

"It really is a remote and dull place, but it's not bad as a venue for this banquet. No one will disturb us." Rider stood on the chariot, looking down at the forest outside the city and laughed heartily. Beside him, Weber, who suffered from acrophobia, gripped the chariot's handrail tightly, looking miserable, and didn't even glance at the forest below.

"Oh! Have we arrived?"

The divine chariot descended, destroying all the magical traps along its path, and landed at the main gate of the magnificent castle.

At the door, Saber, dressed in a black suit, had been waiting for a long time, her hands resting on the invisible sword. The moment she saw Iskandar, the King of Conquerors, she understood Matou Shinji's assessment of him: "This is the Iskandar, the King of Conquerors that Caster mentioned. I understand the origin of the title now. This aura is not to be underestimated. He must be an extraordinary hero!"

Rider stepped down from the chariot, curiously examining Saber. He stroked his chin and commented, "I never expected that Saber, the strongest of all Servant classes, would be a little girl. No, there's no mistake. This awe-inspiring fighting spirit and powerful Servant aura... I see."

Faced with Saber's wariness, Rider suddenly opened his arms and shouted: "My name is Iskandar, the Conqueror! Swordsman from a different era, I formally invite you to join my ranks and help me win the Holy Grail War. In that case, I will share the joy of victory with you!"

"..."

A brief silence fell, the atmosphere became awkward, and Weber looked utterly ashamed.

Saber raised an eyebrow slightly, her mood becoming subtle.

"I retract my statement. Caster is absolutely right. As a guest, he acted recklessly, destroying the magical barrier that Irisviel had worked so hard to set up, and then made such frivolous remarks."

Thinking to herself, Saber replied decisively, "Rider, the Holy Grail War currently forbids fighting each other. What is your purpose in coming here? I will decide whether to punish you based on your answer. As for your invitation, a king will never submit to anyone else."

Rider looked Saber up and down curiously: "Oh? Little girl, you're also a king?"

"Since you have given your name, as a knight I should also give my name. King Arthur, or King of Knights, choose whichever you prefer."

Upon hearing Saber introduce herself, Waver exclaimed incredulously, "Impossible! How could King Arthur be a woman!"

"Snap!" Rider flicked his finger at the astonished Master, knocking him to the ground, and nodded knowingly: "King of Knights, that is the famous British monarch, I see! Another remarkable hero. Although it is a pity that those two were not invited to this banquet, with the King of Knights and that Gold Pikachu, it would still be an exciting banquet."

"banquet?"

Rider patted the wooden barrels filled with fine wine on the chariot: "Yes, we can't fight each other before we deal with Berserker. In that case, it would be too boring to do nothing during this time. It is an unprecedented miracle that heroes from different eras have gathered here, and it can also determine the ownership of the Holy Grail."

Saber's pretty face darkened: "Nonsense! What do you think the Holy Grail is? Is the Holy Grail War just a game of drinking and feasting?"

"It is said that the Holy Grail will choose the most suitable person, and the ritual to decide that person is the Fuyuki Holy Grail War. However, if we can decide who that person is in advance, there is no need to shed unnecessary blood. Let the heroes of different eras understand each other's level of understanding, and the answer will naturally come out."

Sbaer pondered for a moment and said, "Victory is determined by strategy."

Rider hoisted the barrel of wine and said boldly, "Exactly! This isn't the Holy Grail War, it's the Holy Grail Questioning. Don't you have a suitable place to drink here? Although this place is quite suitable, it's not quite enough as a venue for a heroes' feast."

"Come with me. Although it's a bit cramped for a banquet, it's still a spacious place."

Rider lectured the Master who was lying on the ground behind her, "Look, kid! Just like I said, even though she's a little girl, her vision is much bigger than yours."

"I'm not a heroic spirit," Wei muttered.

Saber, who was about to enter the castle, turned around and glared at Rider with a cold look: "Rider, I respect your character, but I also hope you can put away your habit of speaking without thinking."

Weber got up, tears welling up in his eyes as if he had found a kindred spirit, and exclaimed, "I knew it! Rider, you really are the weirdest one!"

"Shut up, kid. This is the way to conquer."

Weber didn't dare to refute, and muttered dejectedly, "What is this? All you talk about is conquering... Ugh."

······

"Crack!"

In the courtyard, Rider smashed the wooden lid of the wine barrel with his fist, scooped up a mouthful of wine with a wooden spoon, and drank it down in a big gulp. He exclaimed, "As expected of modern winemaking technology, it tastes so much better than the wine of the past. It's just a little bland. The stronger the wine, the better. It suits the identity of a hero, and the banquet atmosphere will be more lively."

He looked around; this was the castle courtyard, surrounded by blue roses, their petals glistening and exquisite in the moonlight.

Rider was not satisfied with the scene and shook his head, saying, "What's wrong with this place? Although it's quiet, it's too dull."