Fate: Hero of Justice Takeover-Chapter 98: The Will of a Heroic Spirit

"Your body entrusted to me, my fate entrusted to your sword. If you are willing to follow the will of the Holy Grail, obey this truth and this meaning, then answer!"

For Servants, these were familiar words—they were the very incantation that summoned them from the Throne of Heroes, independent of time, to once again wield their weapons in battle.

"Sakatsuki..."

Saber's green eyes widened slightly, and even Diarmuid, consumed by endless resentment, realized the possibility of his survival.

Was it because Sakatsuki's overwhelming strength made them unconsciously see him as a Servant?

Why hadn't they considered that Sakatsuki himself was also a Master?

"Lancer, hurry!"

Before Diarmuid could speak, Saber urged him anxiously.

Logically, as competitors, Saber should have watched or even prevented Lancer from forming a new contract with a Master.

But looking into those unwavering green eyes, anyone could easily read the will of this knightly girl.

Please survive, Lancer.

Regardless of their positions, regardless of right or wrong, it was simply one knight's unwillingness to see another meet such a tragic end.

The incantation continued.

"Submit to me, and my fate shall be entrusted to your sword!"

Finally, Lancer stepped forward, pulling the dagger from his chest. Ignoring the blood flowing from the wound, he responded.

"In the name of Lancer, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, I accept this contract!"

The moment he responded, the golden particles surrounding Diarmuid coalesced, reforming his body.

Saber, who had been watching this unfold, finally relaxed and sheathed her sword.

Kiritsugu's command had only been to "stop Lancer's pursuit." Now that Lancer had found a new Master and no longer had a reason to fight, retreating was the best option.

But a golden spear blocked her path.

"...Lancer?"

"We still have a battle to finish, Saber."

After a final, longing glance at the dead Kayneth, Diarmuid turned to Sakatsuki with an apologetic expression.

"I understand. I will ensure they are properly laid to rest afterwards."

Sakatsuki nodded.

"Thank you, Lord Sakatsuki, and... I'm sorry."

The spearman, forever pursued by tragedy, stood with his spear and uttered words that shocked everyone.

"After my battle with Saber, regardless of the outcome, I will not leave this factory."

He would not leave the factory.

This meant that Diarmuid Ua Duibhne had already resolved to die.

"Ah..."

Saber's expression faltered for a moment, and Sakatsuki, after a brief pause, closed his eyes in resignation, his voice low.

"You know why I formed a contract with you."

"I'm sorry. From the moment I was summoned, I swore that my spear would only be wielded for my Master."

"Won't you pursue your enemy?"

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"Killing a Master while their Servant is engaged in battle is the most effective strategy, isn't it?"

The spearman smiled bitterly.

"Perhaps this is no longer an era where knights can roam freely."

"Aren't you afraid I'll order you to commit suicide in anger?"

"No, Lord Sakatsuki, I believe you would never do such a thing."

"I see... Then do as you wish."

—Heroic Spirits have their own will.

He had declared this back in the warehouse district, so when a Heroic Spirit's resistance fell upon him, Sakatsuki could only swallow the bitter pill.

He had meticulously orchestrated this play to obtain Diarmuid, even using the seasoned Kiritsugu as a pawn, but even the wisest can make mistakes.

Sakatsuki had never anticipated that Diarmuid's loyalty would be so unshakable, to the point where even the desire for revenge couldn't compel him to serve a second Master.

In the original story, Sola-Ui had managed to earn Lancer's acknowledgement, but now it seemed that was only because of her relationship with Kayneth...

The young man's golden eyes flickered as he walked back to the spectator seats.

Failing to obtain Lancer... this was indeed a significant loss, but not a decisive one.

It just meant he would have to expend more of his limited lifespan—perhaps even risking not making it to the end.

But it was too late for regrets. All he could do was accept the defeat with grace and witness the final moments of a hero.

Sakatsuki steeled himself and turned his gaze back to the battlefield.

The battlefield was once again filled with smoke as the golden-haired swordsman and the handsome spearman took their stances, ready to begin their third and final duel—

"This time, no one will disturb your battle."

The young man's golden eyes shone brightly as he tapped his fingers, sending ripples of magical energy outward.

"I promise!"

***

"Sakatsuki seems disappointed."

Saber said, holding her sword and watching the young man's retreating figure.

"I know."

Lancer replied, his expression unwavering as he gripped his twin spears.

"But I have already sworn that I will never pledge loyalty to anyone other than my Master, Kayneth."

"...I'm sorry, Lancer."

"Apologies are unnecessary, Saber. Your noble spirit has always inspired me."

Lancer understood Saber's meaning. As the final battle approached, he smiled with a sense of relief.

"I am now a Masterless knight, burdened with an unforgivable sin, and should return to eternal slumber. The only reason I still stand here is because of the promise I made to you."

Gripping his spears, Lancer spread his arms like wings, adopting his most skilled fighting stance.

Having lost everything and abandoned everything, all Diarmuid Ua Duibhne had left was his near-divine spearmanship and the knightly dignity he had upheld to this day.

"Come, King of Knights, grant me the end befitting a knight!"

Facing Lancer, who had resolved to die, Saber closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them with determination, raising her radiant holy sword.

As the King of Knights, it was her duty to grant this loyal warrior his release.

"Then let my sword answer you, Lancer!"

The wind howled, and the light of the sword split the heavens and the earth.

***

Kiritsugu realized he couldn't leave.

Electronic communications were jammed, and the factory's entrance was marked with traces of magical interference.

Every time he took a step outside, he found himself back inside the factory.

Destroying the barrier was impossible. He had come in a hurry, carrying only a few guns, and the sound of gunfire might alert the enraged Lancer.

After wandering aimlessly for a while, Kiritsugu hid in a secluded spot and summoned a familiar to act as his eyes and ears.

A bat equipped with a camera flapped its wings, but it hadn't flown far before someone crushed it in their hand.

A young man in a kimono, who looked harmless, tossed the corpse aside and wiped his hands. His golden eyes held no warmth.

"Hello, Kiritsugu."

He said.

"I've come for you."

***

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