"It's fortunate… to stroll through this city with you before the war, like a normal couple," Illya said, gently touching her hair, a faint smile on her face.
Yet, Arthas felt only profound sadness at her smile.
He'd sensed something was wrong; as the war approached, Illya's demeanor changed.
She seemed resigned to death, showing immense attachment to this world, as if she knew she would die in this war.
But why… the war hadn't even begun; why did she seem so resigned to death?
Even if they lost, Arthas was confident he could escape unscathed; why was Illya like this?
As Arthas pondered this, Flandre, who'd been curiously observing everything, frowned.
Illya and Arthas sensed something too.
"An enemy Servant?"
Illya said uncertainly; her magical abilities were limited, but this blatant magical energy was too conspicuous.
It felt like a deliberate attempt to attract attention.
"Yes… two presences; they seem to have reached an agreement and are moving towards a location."
They were only a few hundred meters away; one Servant had released their presence, attracting another; they were choosing a battleground.
"What do we do, Master?"
Flandre, now in battle mode, was a stark contrast to her earlier playful demeanor; she asked coldly.
"Let's follow; we might learn something."
Arthas said; Flandre nodded; they headed towards the two presences.
Fuyuki City, night, harbor.
A man and a woman stood facing each other in the darkness.
Arthas, Flandre, and Illya arrived to witness this scene.
"Finally. I've been waiting; no one dared come here… only you responded," the male Servant, wielding two guns wrapped in talismanic cloth, chuckled. This likely concealed the true name of his Noble Phantasm.
This Servant, who'd boldly revealed his presence to attract attention, was undoubtedly Lancer.
Lancer, in a low but clear voice, praised his opponent's fighting spirit. He didn't assume a battle stance, calmly asking the woman:
"Impressive fighting spirit… you're Saber, correct?"
"Yes. You're Lancer."
"Indeed. I didn't expect such a casual introduction before a deathmatch. But we're bound by fate." Saber agreed, her cold expression softening slightly.
"It can't be helped. We don't fight for glory. You fight for your Master."
"Yes…" He didn't seem like someone about to fight to the death; he smiled wryly.
"Then… let's begin."
Lancer raised his spear, spinning it before assuming a fighting stance. He also raised his short gun. The two weapons, like wings, were spread wide; this was an unprecedented fighting style.
Saber unleashed her magical energy; the released power created a whirlwind; it enveloped her small body, forming silver armor and gauntlets. This was the true form of the King of Knights.
The battle between the two Servants was imminent; Arthas noticed the absence of their Masters.
"This… is that girl King Arthur? The Servant summoned using our stolen relic?!"
Illya whispered, confirming Saber's identity.
"It seems so, but why a girl?"
Arthas found it hard to believe that the famous King Arthur was female.
He spoke with Illya; Flandre watched the Servants with interest.
"What do you think of their strength, Flandre?"
Arthas asked, curious.
"Are they idiots? Why so much talk before fighting? Just attack!"
"They were great heroes; they wouldn't resort to such tactics; they fight honorably, like knights."
"But that's foolish."
Illya finished; Arthas added:
"This is the Holy Grail War, not a children's game; victory is paramount."
Flandre nodded in agreement.
"The Servant battle is less important; I'm worried about Kiritsugu Emiya… what he'll do."
Arthas said seriously.
"He might be lurking nearby, waiting for other Servants' Masters… that man is ruthless and capable of anything."
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