"Yes, and one of your old acquaintances has become an adjudicator, maintaining the fair and impartial operation of this Holy Grail War," Wang Chong said.
"Who?"
"Bai Zhen".
"...Hehehe, hahaha, has that boring saintess started doing this stupid thing again? Good, very good, I'll have to give her a good lesson." Jeanne Alter revealed a terrifying smile and said.
“As I just mentioned, because of the time travel, the heroic spirits of this world no longer recognize us. Therefore, Bai Zhen is unaware of our situation,” Wang Chong explained.
"Huh? Hahahaha! That's wonderful. I imagine the saintess's expression would be quite something if she saw me like this." Jeanne Alter let out her signature laugh, then continued, "So, shall we go find that woman now?"
“No rush, I’m with her for now, but things are a bit complicated… and next you need to…” Wang Chong briefly explained his relationship with Jeanne d’Arc, and then began to explain the plans for tonight to Black Jeanne d’Arc.
"I see. That woman is still as stupid as ever. Well then, Master, I'll keep that saintess company with you." A hint of excitement and a touch of madness flashed in Jeanne d'Arc Alter's eyes.
Chapter 58 The First Night of the Holy Grail War
Night began to slowly fall, and Wang Chong had already switched places with his clone. Because Kariya had taken Lancelot away from the magic barrier, Semiramis's magic barrier still needed someone to guard it. This task was perfect for his clone. Wang Chong, after having dinner with Jeanne, then pulled her towards Fuyuki Port.
"That spearman really unleashed his aura without any restraint all day long. I don't know whether to praise his persistence or say he's too arrogant." Wang Chong walked in front, while Jeanne walked behind, and the two of them ran towards Fuyuki Port.
"Are you sure they're going to start a battle of Heroic Spirits over there later?" Jeanne asked.
“Definitely. This guy provoked us all day, and it’s not that others didn’t know, but they didn’t want to take action with so many witnesses during the day. Now that night has fallen, do you think they will still tolerate it?” Wang Chong explained.
"That's true...that time?"
"Don't worry, you just need to pretend to be my Master. I don't need any other support. I know that you, Jeanne, will only intervene in the Holy Grail War because of the anomalies, and will not interfere with the actual competition. I won't make things difficult for you," Wang Chong replied.
“Thank you, Wang Chongjun. Don’t worry, if you are defeated, I will protect your life. This is the promise I made to you.” Joan of Arc smiled and nodded, saying.
"Okay, remember to use the right words later, don't get them wrong. And unless absolutely necessary, don't reveal your identity as the adjudicator."
“Understood, Caster.” Joan of Arc nodded.
Meanwhile, out of Jeanne's sight, Wang Chong began using the power of the black mist to contact Mordred and the three Gorgon sisters, who had been waiting near the port area, as well as Jeanne d'Arc Alter, who had set off from Mount Enzo and was eager to try her luck. As for Kariya Matou, he was only keeping an eye on Tokiomi Tohsaka; as soon as a certain "Streetlight King" appeared, he would shine brightly.
"Hmm? A message from Kirei? Hmph? As expected, the King of Knights has appeared. If we hurry, we won't miss a good show."
“I can sense the presence of many Servants ahead. There are even more Servants rushing towards the port,” Jeanne d'Arc said quickly.
"It looks like the first Holy Grail War is going to be very intense. We can't fall behind! Joan of Arc!" Wang Chong excitedly walked towards the battlefield, eager to collect points from the Heroic Spirits.
……
Meanwhile, in the container area of Fuyuki Port, a classic scene is beginning to unfold.
A blonde woman dressed in formal attire, with a delicate, porcelain-doll-like face and cascading silver hair, arrived at the area where they sensed the presence of the heroic spirit.
The appearance of the two women undoubtedly added a touch of glamour to the scene. The blonde woman was none other than Artoria Pendragon, a famous actress from Type-Moon, known for her many similar-looking characters. She is also Saber's iconic Servant, and has nicknames like "Ahoge-King" and "Silly King." But without a doubt, Ahoge-King's face is endlessly captivating, always exuding a heroic and charming aura.
Behind her stood the famous First Lady of Type-Moon—Irisviel von Eindzbern. Her doll-like, adorable face, combined with her mature charm and graceful figure, was enough to send any man's hormones soaring. She was simply irresistible!
"You call that liking? I think you're just lusting after Mrs. Irisviel's body! You're despicable!" the system said bluntly.
"Hmph! So what if I'm lusting after Irisviel? I'm lusting after her, and I'm being honest," Wang Chong retorted without any politeness.
With his current physical abilities, he could see everything happening on the dock from a great distance. At that moment, the follower who was exuding an aura of power slowly emerged from the shadows.
"Holy crap, you're actually wearing it?" Wang Chong rubbed his eyes. He wasn't mistaken; Diarmuid really was dressed in samurai attire, appearing before everyone. In each hand, he held a spear wrapped in red cloth, with only the tip visible. It was fair to say that the weapons he held were completely out of place with his samurai outfit.
"Congratulations, host, for tricking Diarmuid into wearing samurai clothes to start the Holy Grail War and becoming everyone's laughing stock. You are hereby rewarded with 50 villain points~ Current points: 250. We hope you will continue your efforts." The system immediately popped up the reward announcement, leaving Wang Chong completely bewildered.
"No way, bro, you really believe that? It's one thing if you believe it, but Director Kenneth, why did you believe it too?" Wang Chong complained. Jeanne, standing behind him, had obviously witnessed this scene and, knowing the whole story, couldn't help but burst out laughing.
As for Saber and Irisviel, the apparent master and servant, they exchanged a glance at this incongruous scene, equally baffled as to what the other was doing.
However, Diarmuid clearly didn't think that way. Instead, with a hearty smile, he began his prepared lines in a serious tone: "Well done! I've been swaggering around this city all day, but no one was willing to show their face. Fortunately, I figured out why later, and after studying it carefully all afternoon, I finally performed the correct duel preparation ritual, and you have indeed come as invited."
Saber looked at Irisviel, and Irisviel shook her head in slight confusion. At first glance, what the other person said seemed to make no problem, but upon closer inspection, it felt strange and they couldn't understand what the other person was trying to express.
However, this did not prevent Saber from gathering her aura. Her opponent was undoubtedly an enemy Servant, and she had to protect Irisviel. Meanwhile, Diarmuid, dressed in somewhat comical samurai attire, couldn't help but earnestly admire Saber's aura upon sensing it, saying, "This clear fighting spirit... it seems you are Saber, aren't you?"
“Indeed, and you must be Lancer,” Saber replied.
"I can't even exchange names with my opponent whom I'm about to face in a life-or-death struggle. What a disappointing constraint." Diarmuid brandished his two brushes... cough cough, two gun-blade weapons, and assumed a fighting stance.
At that moment, a blue light appeared beneath Saber, and her Spirit Cloth began to transform. Her aura, or rather, the Wind King's Barrier, caused Saber's golden hair to flutter. After the howling wind subsided, Saber had donned her standard Knight King armor and was now wielding her Noble Phantasm, Excalibur, which had been concealed by the Wind King's Barrier. She aimed it at the warrior before her, Diarmuid.
In the shadows, a small figure witnessed this scene, trembling violently, almost rushing out. But she remembered the words a certain man had spoken to her. So, her hands gripped the shipping container tightly, almost tearing it apart, as she endured something. Ultimately, she resisted the urge to rush forward, silently watching everything unfold.
“Saber, be careful! Although I can use healing magic to help, that’s all…” Irisviel said worriedly from behind.
“I’ll take care of Lancer, but it’s worrying that their Master won’t show themselves. They might be up to something, so please be careful.” After saying that, Saber took a breath, got ready, and then said, “Irisviel, I’m entrusting my back to you.”
"I understand, Saber. Please bring me victory!"
"Yes! I will not fail in my mission."
……
When Wang Chong finally sneaked to the scene with Joan of Arc, it was during the fierce battle between Diarmuid and Saber. The two watched secretly while whispering to each other.
"How are things? Are those two Servants alright?" Wang Chong asked.
"They seem quite normal. I already know their stats and true names. If nothing unexpected happens, they are most likely not the Another Servants we are looking for. After all, their identities make it unlikely that they would respond to the summons of Another Masters," Jeanne explained. "Because they are very likely Heroic Spirits who fight normally. I cannot tell you their true names and stats directly, especially the Heroic Spirit who is hiding her Noble Phantasm. It's because her Noble Phantasm is so well-known that you can tell her identity at a glance."
"Then Joan of Arc, in your judgment, who do you think is more likely to win?" Wang Chong suddenly asked.
Chapter Fifty-Nine: A Bet with Joan of Arc
"Huh? Who wins and who loses?" Joan of Arc was taken aback, not expecting Wang Chong to ask this question. After thinking for a while, she carefully considered it and said, "If we look at the data on paper, Saber has a better chance of winning."
“As expected, Saber’s class is already excellent. Coupled with her invisible weapon, she is virtually impossible to defend against. Her combat skills are also superb. Furthermore, Jeanne d'Arc was able to see through both of their true names and Noble Phantasms… which means Saber must be extremely famous, which is why you were able to make such a judgment,” Wang Chong said.
"So... Wang Chongjun, are you deliberately asking me this in order to deduce the other party's real name?" Jeanne asked.
"No, I want to make a bet with you, Joan of Arc."
"Shall we make a bet?"
“Well, I bet that spearman will win,” Wang Chong said with a smile. “How about it? Want to place a bet? You bet on Saber, and I bet on Lancer. The loser agrees to a small condition for the winner, how about it? Of course, the condition for fulfilling this condition will absolutely not be based on anything immoral or unethical, nor will it require you, Jeanne, to break the rules.”
“Even if Wang Chongjun hadn’t said that last part, I would still have agreed to the bet. I still have great faith in your character, Wang Chongjun, and I wouldn’t make you do anything too difficult. However, Wang Chongjun’s confidence, could it be that you’ve seen something?” Joan of Arc asked curiously.
"Maybe so, or maybe I just think that Dill is pretty good. Don't let his flamboyant manner in the mall and his ridiculous samurai outfit fool you; he might seem a bit foolish and naive. But after spending some time talking to him, you'll realize he's far more complex than he appears. And after witnessing his battle firsthand, I now have reason to suspect that he deliberately wore this outfit to wait for us," Wang Chong said calmly.
"Huh? You mean, he was faking it all? And he's already discovered we're participants in the Holy Grail War?" Jeanne asked in surprise.
“Yes, in my hometown, battles often reveal a person’s true nature. This is especially true in life-or-death battles. Because in order to survive, people usually reveal their strengths completely and no longer hide themselves.” Wang Chong pointed to Lancer, who was engaged in fierce combat, and said, “His fighting style is very disciplined. Even in such a fierce battle, he still has reserves of strength, plans his moves carefully, and strikes after the opponent has made his move. At least this fighting style proves that his opponent is definitely not a mindless person.”
"His provocative behavior during the day was probably the result of careful consideration. He wanted others to mistake him for a reckless madman and thus look down on him. In that light, we've become the naive fools who have jumped out on his own initiative in his eyes," Wang Chong said with a smile.
“…Indeed.” Joan of Arc nodded after hearing this. As a former commander, she had the insight to judge such matters. After hearing Wang Chong’s explanation, she began to re-evaluate this Celtic hero. Indeed, how could the most elite warrior of the renowned Knights of Fiona of Ireland be a fool?
“If that’s the case, the key to victory lies in who uses their Noble Phantasm first,” Jeanne said after some further thought.
"Oh? Why is that?" Wang Chong's understanding of the turning point in this battle stemmed largely from prior knowledge of the plot, but he was surprised that Joan of Arc could make such a keen judgment based on intelligence from both sides and her own insights. After all, Joan of Arc, the saint who saved France, possessed a level of sensitivity to battle that far exceeded his expectations.
"I cannot explain the specific reasons, but if Lancer uses her Noble Phantasm first and uses some tactical deception to lure Saber into a trap, then Lancer will win. Conversely, if Saber releases her Noble Phantasm without any hesitation, then Lancer will definitely lose," Jeanne said slowly.
"That's something to look forward to," Wang Chong said, watching the two locked in fierce combat.
Unexpectedly, Joan of Arc foreshadowed Saber's defeat, which explains why she was chosen as the arbiter.
However, someone in the shadows couldn't hold back any longer. Clutching the container, they muttered to themselves, "What is Father doing?! Can't she even handle someone like this? What a joke!"
After a fierce battle, both sides temporarily stopped fighting and exchanged some pleasantries. Then, the voice of Kenneth, the Master of Diarmuid, came from the sky: "Let's end the game here, Lancer."
Irisviel was startled and looked around, trying to find the other person's Master.
"Don't let the battle drag on any longer. That Saber is a formidable enemy; finish her off quickly. You are permitted to reveal your Noble Phantasm," the voice said again.
"Director Ken, you're standing so high up, there's no cover at all. Be careful your head gets blown off," Wang Chong complained, looking at Kenneth on the top of the warehouse.
He already knew that Kiritsugu was there, lurking somewhere waiting to snipe them. So, he and Jeanne d'Arc deliberately hid in places like the shipping containers, which offered various perspectives, to observe the battle between Diarmuid and Saber.
Although he will definitely have to come out soon, that doesn't stop him from hiding for now.
"Understood, my lord." After hearing the words, Diarmuid tossed the short spear in her left hand to the ground, then began to unwrap the bandages from the long spear in her right hand, revealing a red spear to everyone. While Saber and Irisviel were both drawn to the red spear Noble Phantasm that Diarmuid had displayed, Wang Chong and Jeanne d'Arc simultaneously looked at the short spear that Diarmuid had inadvertently discarded.
“I knew it… Hmm? Did Wang Chong also notice that weapon?” Joan of Arc looked at Wang Chong and said.
“Well, even if one of the weapons isn’t a Noble Phantasm, there’s no reason to just throw it on the ground. That guy’s fighting style clearly indicates he’s a master of dual-wielding… I’m afraid he’s deliberately trying to make others think that his only Noble Phantasm is that red spear,” Wang Chong said. “If that Saber really thinks that way, she’s probably going to suffer a great loss.”
"Hmm...it's not just a matter of suffering a great loss. However...if that Saber can also unleash her Noble Phantasm, then the outcome is hard to predict." Jeanne d'Arc frowned and said.
"Saber, are you going to continue using the gathered wind magic to hide your sword?" Diarmuid stared at Saber, and after noticing a slight change in her expression, he smiled and said, "I see. So you have a reason to hide your sword? It seems your true name can be discerned through your sword."
"Unfortunately, Lancer, you will never know the true nature of my sword. I will settle this before it is revealed!" Saber said, raising her sword.
"That's not necessarily true. I'll go and unveil the true nature of this invisible sword, Saber!" Diarmuid stepped forward, and as he entered the attack range, he swiftly attacked, the tip of his spear flashing red as it thrust straight at Saber. Saber also swiftly countered, catching Diarmuid's spear with her own sword. But what happened next was beyond Saber's expectations. The air currents covering the sword were swept away, revealing a glimmer of golden light; the veil of Excalibur was lifted in an instant.
"I see. I now know their real names." Wang Chong said this deliberately in front of Joan of Arc, since he already knew who these two were. However, at this moment, he could reasonably deduce their identities.
"The beauty mark of love, the red lance that can dispel magic, the Irishman, who also calls himself Dear... Heh, he's quite honest, only revealing half of his name. He is Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, a famous warrior of the Irish Knights of Fiona. And his red lance is the magic-dispelling Gae Dearg, while the one lying on the ground must be the yellow, the inescapable Gae Buidhe. Am I right?" Wang Chong said.
"And the wind magic that was just broken by the red rose—although the sword was only broken for a moment, I still recognized the origin of that sword—Excalibur. That woman is the legendary King of Knights. No wonder she hid her sword. Her Noble Phantasm is quite famous."
"As expected of Wang Chongjun, his insight and knowledge are truly admirable." Jeanne had not expected that after Diarmuid used her Noble Phantasm to exchange blows, she would immediately be able to determine the true names of the two Heroic Spirits.
“If that’s the case, then Joan of Arc, you may have to honor our bet,” Wang Chong said with a smile. “I guarantee that it won’t be long before the Knight King is defeated.”
Chapter Sixty: Victory and Defeat
"Perhaps not. If that Knight King were to unleash his Noble Phantasm..." Jeanne said, then suddenly fell silent.
“Hmm, it seems you’ve noticed it too, Jeanne,” Wang Chong said. “For some reason, neither the Knight King herself nor her Master intends to reveal their own Noble Phantasms in a duel, even knowing that the other has already revealed theirs. If it were any other Servant, it would be one thing, but Diarmuid’s Yellow Rose… underestimating her is fatal. If she doesn’t use her Noble Phantasm immediately, when she really wants to use it later, it might be… too late.”
"Clang clang clang—"
The sounds of weapons clashing rang out continuously. Under Diarmuid's fierce offensive, the Wind King's barrier was weakened more and more, and Saber was actually suppressed by her opponent and continued to retreat.
After a brief exchange, the two retreated simultaneously. Diarmuid chuckled and said, "I know the length of my sword perfectly well, so I won't be misled by its invisible attack range!" With that, Diarmuid launched another attack, but Saber's impenetrable defense parried all his thrusts. However, Diarmuid was not in a hurry; he could feel the rhythm of the battle gradually slipping under his control.
Then, Diarmuid charged forward again, unleashing a fierce attack on Saber. Saber, sword raised high and eyes slightly closed, activated her (hereditary) intuition, preparing to use her magical armor to withstand Diarmuid's attack, and then seize the momentary opening Diarmuid made to kill her.
When Saber opened her eyes again, she moved, trusting her intuition, and followed the original plan.
"Pfft—" Red blood spurted out, but Saber's face showed no joy of victory. Instead, she stepped back in surprise. A bloody wound had been mercilessly stabbed into Saber's waist.
"Father!!" A certain twisted father-father fan almost ran out, but panting heavily, he gritted his teeth and didn't go out. This surprised Wang Chong, who was monitoring his servant's situation. He thought that Mo Zai would run out, and then he could simply enter the scene in a reasonable way.
"Mordred has really changed quite a bit lately," Wang Chong thought to himself.
As the story continues, Saber is successfully healed by Irisviel's healing magic. Saber also sees through the secret of the red spear, realizing that her magical armor cannot withstand the opponent's magic-resistant red spear. She then simply abandons the armor, sacrificing defense for ultimate offense.
"Father and son are really alike..." Wang Chong thought of a guy who liked to fight with armor-piercing weapons.
“We lost…sigh.” Joan of Arc shook her head and sighed, “The armor made of magic could not stop the red rose that breaks magic, but it could at least stop the sudden attack of the yellow rose that is sure to destroy. But now, the Knight King actually chose to give up the armor in exchange for an ultimate offensive to break the deadlock…she was too arrogant.”
"Don't give up so easily, there might be a turning point," Wang Chong joked.
"No, their resolve is completely different. To win this battle, Diarmuid is willing to expose all her trump cards and seize the initiative completely. But that Knight King seems to be bound by something, unable to truly fight freely. She hasn't used her Noble Phantasm yet, instead resorting to this method of fighting... She underestimates Diarmuid." Jeanne said earnestly, watching Diarmui retreat step by step towards the yellow rose she had thrown to the ground.
The moment of truth arrived as expected. Diarmuid feigned a slip and fell, and Saber, who had been closely watching Diarmuid's condition, naturally seized the opportunity. The Wind King's Barrier disappeared, and Saber began to unleash her magic. At this moment, Excalibur revealed its true form, emitting a dazzling golden light.
Without a second thought, Saber charged straight at the unbalanced Diarmuid. Seeing Saber charging, Diarmuid grinned with triumph, forcefully kicking up the fallen Rose of Destruction, grasping it in her left hand, and then revealing its true form. Saber realized she had fallen into a trap. Assisted by her intuition, she twisted her body with all her might, engaging Saber in combat while minimizing contact with her opponent's vulnerable side.
"Thorn-"
"sudden!"
"Well--!"
Diarmuid's deadly yellow rose pierced Saber's left arm, severing a tendon and crippling her left thumb. Saber's curry stick similarly grazed Diarmuid's left wrist. Saber rolled awkwardly on the ground before finally getting to her feet.
“It’s over.” Jeanne said, looking at the two women. “It looks like they both had cuts on their hands, but… the nature of the injuries is completely different. Diarmuid’s wound can be healed, but Saber’s wound from the yellow rose cannot. Although Saber dodged the fatal blow and only injured her hand, she will no longer be able to unleash her Noble Phantasm to attack. At this rate, Saber’s defeat is only a matter of time.”
If Wang Chong remembers correctly, in the original work, Istendal also saw the situation of both sides and believed that Saber would only be defeated and eliminated if she continued. In order to allow more Servants to appear, Istendal entered the scene midway and interrupted the competition.
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