Volume 4 - Chapter 65(Battle for the Grail(Part 2))

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Author Note:

[ ] = When Twilight is speaking.

{ } = When talking through Telepathy.

' ' = When thinking in your mind.

<< >> = When talking with your Pokémon or Tamed Beast.

--- --- = When describing a certain period of time.

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****A/N: LONG CHAPTER

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BANG!!!!!!!

The ground exploded as Berserker charged towards the Samurai. Cú Chulainn and Medusa also readied themselves while Hassan used his Presence Concealment to hide himself.

Appearing in front of Samurai, Berserker attacked with his axe.

Even when the Axe was about to hit him, Samurai didn't make any move. Though just when everyone thought Berserker will succeed...

SIU!!!

DING!!!

Katana moved with an extreme speed and deflected the axe.

CRACK!!

Cracks formed on the ground as Berserker took a step back. As he stabilized himself...

SPLURT!!!

…

Wounds appeared on its body and blood spurted out of them. Not only did the Samurai deflected Berserker axe but he also slashed a few times.

Yet, because of Samurai's speed, others only saw blurs of his movements.

Still, without stopping, the Katana moved and arrived near Berserker neck as if preparing to sever it.

But how could it be easy. Even if Berserker was slower than Samurai, the experience and instincts that Servants honed throughout their lives far surpassed these invaders who had the help of the system provided by that God. Hence, bending his head backward and leaning down at the same time, Berserker dodged that.

SLASH!!!

While doing so, he also kicked at Samurai's.

BAM!!!

STEP!!!!

Even when taking the kicking right on the chest, Samurai took only a single step back. His armor didn't take any damage at all.

SWISH!!

CLING!!!

Not only that, but Samurai also moved his katana sideway and blocked Assassin who attacked at this moment.

Hassan: Tsk!!!

Clicking his tongue, Assassin moved back to hide himself again.

Nevertheless, Samurai didn't have any intention of letting him go. Without pausing, he slashed.

Assassin could feel the danger as the katana was approaching him. He can tell that with just a single slash he will die.

Yet, he was not worried. Why? Because he was not fighting alone.

RATTLE!!!!

DING!!!

Rattling sound was heard as chains appeared between the Samurai and Assassin and blocked the Katana.

FWOOSH!!!

CLING!!!

GRIND!!!!

Bring his sword back, Samurai blocked the red spear which attacked from different side

Cú Chulainn: Not bad.

Commented Lancer before he started his onslaught.

THRUST!!!

THRUST!!

STAB!!!

SLASH!!!

...…

...

…

TING!!!

CLING!!!

CLANG!!!!

DING!!!

...

…

Both of them started fighting each other. They moved from one place to another. In between, Assassin and Rider also strike when they saw some opening.

Yet, even when fighting with all three of them, Samurai didn't lose. He was able to compete with all three of them on equal footing.

Not only that, as fight was going on, injuries started to appear on the Servants bodies while Samurai was still without even a scratch.

CLING!!!

One more exchange and both parties maintained some distance.

Still, Samurai didn't get the time to take a breather because......…

Berserker: ROAR!!!!!!!

Berserker attacked at this time. He appeared behind Samurai and attacked.

Samurai who had his guard up all this time, turned and blocked with his katana.

BAM!!!!!

However, to his surprise, he blocked Berserker punch instead of his Axe. He never expected Berserker to use his fist. Because of that he could see the axe coming from different side.

Seeing that he hurriedly tried to move his Katana to stop it because the curse or poison Berserker received at the beginning seemed to have slowed down his speed somewhat. Hence, he had full confidence in himself that he could stop it.

However, there was one thing Samurai forgot. Along with four servants, there was one more person present here.

Illya: Degen!

A small sword made of strings came from behind Berserker at an extreme speed hit Samurai's helmet.

FWOOSH!!!

DANG!!!!!

The helmet didn't receive any damage but still succeeded in delaying him for a moment. And that moment was enough for the Axe to hit him.

SWISH!!!!

CLING!!!

CRACK!!!

Samurai: Kuh!

A painful grunt came from Samurai's mouth as cracks appeared on the left shoulder of his armor. Not only that, but he was also thrown to the temple with a great force.

FWOOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!

BANG!!!

The center of the temple got destroyed when Samurai collided with it.

Still before the dust could even settle, Berserker charged towards the Samurai's location.

SWOOSH!!!

Illya: Wait! Berserker.

Illya tried to call him, but Berserker had almost reached the Samurai's location by now. Just when he was about to hit him, Samurai murmured.

Samurai: How dare you break my armor!

SHINK!

With a swift movement, Samurai put the Katana back into its scabbard, took the stance of quick draw, let out frost breath and......…

SHIN!!!

Drew it.

THUCH!!

SPLURT!!!

In the next moment, Berserker body was split into two and those parts flew past Samurai.

PHEW!!!

Letting out the breath, Samurai glanced back at the now dead Berserker.

Illya: Argh!!!

SPLAT!!!

Illya letting out a painful scream fell on one of her knees. Her attention was at her severed left arm on the ground.

The quick draw of the Samurai not only killed Berserker but also split the area behind him.

And since Illya was also somewhat in that area, that move severed her arm.

SPLASH!!!

Blood was gushing out of her shoulder, so she hurriedly ordered her familiars to tie around her wound and stop the blood from losing.

Medusa: Illya!

Medusa hurriedly reached Illya and spoke in worried tone.

If it was before then she won't mind what happened to Illya. However, now that she knew how much Primis cared for Illya, she also started to feel the same.

Showing a weak smile, Illya spoke.

Illya: I-I am...fine.

Medusa: ...

Saying this Illya looked at the Samurai who was coming out of the temple and showed a determined expression.

Illya: I now know what is path he took and what his equipment are for.

Hassan: Oh. You do.

Assassin also appeared behind Illya at this moment.

From the side Lancer was also walked over.

Illya: Mn. His main stat is speed or should I Agility.

Cú Chulainn: I also have the same thought. Which also solve how he was able to keep with me and Rider since our main direction is also speed.

Illya: Yes. Even at the beginning, he used his speed to deflect Berserker attack and wounded him.

Medusa: Why do think its Agility but not dexterity?

Illya: Dexterity increase the movements of reflexes. If he has high dexterity then he would have been able to dodge my "Degen" easily and don't get hit by it.

Hassan: Hmmm.

Illya: As for his armor, it must have increased his defense to Dimensional-God level. Otherwise, he won't have survived with just a light injury and cracked armor.

Medusa: So, his Katana is for strength.

Illya: No, it's not.

Cú Chulainn: Why?

Illya: I thought about what Big Brother said. If the katana really has strength, then big brother don't have specifically said the word "Sharpness". But now I understand what Big Brother means.

Narrowing her eyes, Illya continued.

Illya: If you will combine the speed along with the sharpness, you could cut through anything.

Hassan: So, that's why it is. The sharpness of that sword and the person speed complement each other.

Illya: Mn.

GLOW!!!!

Suddenly, red glow of light appeared in the temple.

The Samurai who was about to walk out of the temple stopped and looked back. There he saw the parts of Berserkers that were glowing and fusing together.

He looked back, held his katana with his both hands and raised it over his head. Letting out a breath, he gathered all his power and waited.

Berserker: ROAR!!!!!!!!!

The fully resurrected Berserker let out a terrifying roar and jumped at the Samurai.

The Samurai raised his katana a little more before slashing downward.

SHIN!!!

BANG!!!

THUCH!!!

SPLURT!!!

This time along with Berserker, the entire temple was cut in two.

SPLASH!!!

The blood dyed the ground red.

Shaking his head, Samurai turned his head towards the direction of Illya. But then......

Cú Chulainn: Gáe Bolg!!!

Samurai: Wha----

THRUST!!!!!!!

This came unexpected to the Samurai. He never expected to be hit by a Noble Phantasm all of sudden.

Gáe Bolg penetrated threw the chest of his armor and dragged him with itself towards the edge of the area and...…...

BOOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A huge explosion occurred.

Hassan: He let his guard down.

Cú Chulainn: Yes. He must have thought we will attack him like before. But he never expected that I will use my Noble Phantasm.

Medusa: Yes. Since Noble Phantasm are our main power, he must have thought we won't use them till the end.

Illya: Mn.

Some time later, the dust settled down and Samurai could be seen on one of his knees. The armor at his chest was somewhat broken by now.

Putting the strength on his legs, he stood up.

DRIP!!

A drop of his blood fell on the ground.

GLOW!!!

Berserker had been revived again by now and was looking Menacingly at the Samurai.

Cú Chulainn: Tch. That armor of his took most of the damage.

Hassan: But for how long.

Cú Chulainn: Heh. Agreed. For how long.

Medusa: Illya, hearing you I also understand why Master wants me to join instead of Saber and others.

Illya: Huh?

TING!!!

Saying this, Medusa removed her Breaker Gorgon.

Medusa: Since speed is his forte then I can restraint him.

DUNG!!

Medusa's Mystic eyes shone as she looked at Samurai who also tensed up looking at it. He also knew that Medusa's Mystic eyes really were like a nemesis to almost all agility-based members of his guild.

'Samurai: I must eliminate her first.'

Nodding her head, Illya used her remaining hand and created more of her familiars, and they attacked the Samurai with their bullets.

TIU!!

TIU!!!

...

…

With this high agility, Samurai dodged all those bullets with hardly any efforts.

SWOOSH!!!

Berserker appeared in front of him and attacked.

SWISH!!!

CLING!!!

The Samurai used his katana to parry Berserker's axe to the side before attacking.

THRUST!!

But he had to take a step back when he saw the red spear coming from different direction.

RATTLE!!

The sound of chains resounded Medusa threw her dagger towards the broken left shoulder of the armor.

Samurai tried to dodge but then he saw Medusa's eyes.

B-DUMP!!

He could feel that the speed of his blood flowing had decrease and his movements have slowed down. That delay was enough for the dagger to stabbed into his left shoulder.

THRUST!!

TING!!

Next, Medusa grabbed the chains and pulled the Samurai in the air.

TIU!!!

...

…

The bird of Illya shoots bullets at him in the sky.

Still, the Samurai used his katana to shatter all of them.

SLASH!!

SHATTER!!!!

...

…

Suddenly, he raised one of his brows under his helmet when he saw many black daggers were coming for him from different different directions.

'Samurai: It's the Assassin throwing daggers move.'

DUNCH!!

Using the back of his Katana handle, the Samurai pushed Medusa dagger out and took a whole spin in the air.

SPIN!!

DING!!!

...

…

With this, he deflected all the daggers.

However, that was not the end.

SWOOSH!!!

A shadow covered him, and he saw Berserker who had appeared over him.

Without waiting, Berserker smashed his Axe at him.

BANG!!!!!!!!!!

FWOOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BOOM!!!

A loud noise of weapons colliding was heard before the Samurai was smashed hard on the ground below.

FWOOSH!!!

...

…

Illya order her familiars and launched "Degen" at the Samurai's position.

SLASH!!

SHATTER!!!

But with a single slash Samurai shattered them.

Once he did so, Berserker appeared in front of him and started attacking again.

THUD!!!

CLING!!

CLANG!!!

...

…

Both of them started fighting each other.

The Samurai who could fought on equal footing with three servants namely Lancer, Rider, and Assassin couldn't gain any advantage against Berserker.

If Samurai had speed and his equipment, then Berserker had strength and his high experience. That's why it was said that Berserker was the strongest servant in the Fifth Holy Grail war who could take on all other servants.

The fight raged on.

Neither party was getting any advantage.

TIU!!!

...

…

FWOOSH!!

FWOOSH!!!

...

…

Bullets and daggers were thrown at him when Illya and Hassan found the timing.

The Samurai had no choice but to pulled away from Berserker and dodge them. Though, how could Berserker let him be that easily.

The moment Samurai was done dodging bullets and daggers, Berserker smashed his Axe hard on him. And since Samurai didn't prepare himself, even though he blocked it with his Katana, the force still pushed him back and more cracks on his left shoulder armor.

DANG!!!

CRACK!!!

While he was pushed back, he saw Medusa who appeared in his line of sight and was looking intensely at him.

B-DUMP!!

The curse of Mystic eyes was activated again as the speed of his blood flow decreased again. Some part of his armor also started showing the sign of petrification.

As if it was not enough, he heard another voice which made him opened his eyes wide in shock.

Cú Chulainn: Gáe Bolg!!!

FWOOSH!!!!!!!!!!

The Samurai saw as the red spear coming towards him the moment he looked at that direction.

'Samurai: How! Didn't he used his Noble Phantasm a minute ago?'

Those were his last thoughts as the spear hit him.

THRUST!!!

SPLASH!!!

The blood spilled as the spear dragged him to another end of the temple before an explosion occurred.

BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone was looking at the explosion while waiting for the Samurai to come out.

After fighting for all this time, they knew it was not enough to put him down.

A minute later, dust started to settle down.

As they were thinking that the Samurai will charge out......

SHINE!!!!!!

A golden light burst out, blowing away everything around it.

Everyone tensed up as they saw Samurai whose armor was radiating golden light.

Lancer held his spear tightly and said in grave tone.

Cú Chulainn: Looks like just like him, we also underestimate him.

Pausing for a second, he continued.

Cú Chulainn: I can tell that even my Noble Phantasm won't be able to penetrate through his armor now.

Hassan: A blunder from our end.

Medusa: Yes. Agility based users often has weak defense. That armor is here to get rid of that weakness.

Illya: ......…I also don't think that Berserker would be able to break it easily.

Hassan: ............I have a way. But it won't be easy.

Lancer, Rider, and Illya looked at the Assassin waiting for his reply. The Assassin also didn't keep them waiting and spoke.

Hassan: No matter how stronger it is, I don't think we can't break it if it's hit by Noble Phantasms over and over again.

Narrowing his eyes, Lancer spoke.

Cú Chulainn: It could work. But I think now he knows that we can use our Noble Phantasms without much delay. In other words......

Medusa: He won't let us our Noble Phantasm this easily now. Even if we do, with his speed he could also dodge them.

Hassan: In other words, someone must be bait and delay him so that others could hit him with their Noble Phantasm.

Illya: This could work but he only needs to use a single slash to end us. Means even if bait might succeed, he/she will die in the end.

Medusa: There's more to it. With this strategy, he might only get a single chance to hit him with our Noble Phantasms. And just like Lancer said, there is no guarantee that we would be able to do any damage to his armor.

Cú Chulainn: .........…I have a solution for that.

Looking at them, he continued.

Cú Chulainn: What if we burnout our Spirit Origin while using Noble Phantasm?

Illya: Spirit Origin! Doesn't this mean you all will----

Medusa: We will disappear.

Hassan: But the strength of our Noble Phantasm will reach a whole different level.

Cú Chulainn: Yes. After all, we are releasing it at the cost of our lives......…Any objection.

Hassan: ......

Medusa: ......

Cú Chulainn: None. Huh. Let's do it then.

Hassan: Who will be bait?

Illya: I and Berserker will do that.

Medusa: Illya?

Showing a smile Illya spoke.

Illya: Along with you all, Big Brother also entrusted me to handle this. And...

Looking at the servants, she continued.

Illya: The reason you all hurriedly agreed to use your life is not only because to end it fast but also if you all disappear then Big Brother don't have to keep providing his magic to all of you, right.

Cú Chulainn: ......

Hassan: ......…

Medusa: ......…

All three Servants became silent. That's also one of their main intentions.

Even if Primis told them that they can use their Noble Phantasm as much as they desired. They still didn't wish to draw too much magic since the enemies were extremely strong. In case Primis face problem because of lack of magic then they won't be able to forgive themselves for dragging him down.

They had already disappointed him in their 'real' lives before and didn't wish to do that again.

Hassan: But how will you do it? Just like you said, even Berserker won't be able to do much now.

STEP!!

Stepping forward, Illya looked at the Samurai and then Berserker who was ready and spoke.

Illya: Since you all are willing to sacrifice themselves, why can't I do the same.

Said Illya as command seal appeared on all over her body.

Illya: Go Berserker!

She then used her first command seal to power up Berserker. The Berserker started glowing red and let out a terrifying roar before charging at the Samurai.

Berserker: ROAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

BANG!!!!!

The Samurai who had gained confidence because of his armor turned serious.

SWOOSH!!!

Appearing in front of him, Berserker attacked.

SWISH!!!

CLING!!!

BOOM!!!!!!!!

Shockwaves were being released and destroying the area around.

SLASH!!

SWISH!!!

TING!!

BOOM!!!

...

…

Without stopping they kept on fighting each other.

Even if the Samurai's armor could increase his defense, the blunt force could still affect and damage him inside. Giving him internal injuries.

Both kept on clashing with each other. Even though Berserker was attacking and defending, with time injuries still appeared on his body. And because of the curse his movements were becoming dull.

DRIP!!

DRIP!!!

He was not the only one. Many wounds had opened in Illya's body and blood was leaking out.

It's true that she used the command seal to provide her magic to Berserker, this boost was only temporary. Hence, she was forcing her magic circuits to keep on providing magic without stop. And since it was too much for her body, it started to break down.

BOOM!!!

...

…

The battle between the Samurai and Berserker raged on.

But with time, Berserker was being pushed back.

Yet, the Samurai was not happy. Why? Because he didn't know why he was having a very bad premonition. And as time went by, that premonition was increasing.

'Samurai: Why am I sensing life-threatening danger?'

CLING!!!

Blocking another one of Berserker attack, Samurai turned his eyes towards the direction of Illya.

Samurai: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the next moment, he felt a chill down his spine as his face turned pale under the helmet.

Behind the blood covered Illya, he saw what the remaining Servants were doing.

Medusa was in a stance and in front of her was a magic circle which was releasing tremendous magic.

At the side, Cú Chulainn had also taken a stance and huge amount of magic was gathering at the tip of his spear.

As for the Hassan, he was holding the clothing that was being tied to his right hand. Yet, from the gap, huge amount curse power was leaking.

'Samurai: I MUST STOP THEM!!!'

He didn't know why but even with armor, his senses were screaming danger to him.

Samurai: I WON'T LET YOU!!!!!!!!!!

SLASH!!!

SPLURT!!!

Gathering his strength, Samurai severed the Berserker arm which was holding the axe.

PLAT!!

THUCH!!!

The arm and the axe fell as Berserker got pushed to the side.

THINCH!!

Samurai then hurriedly put his Katana into its scabbard and concentrated. Few moments later, he let out frost breath, took a quick draw stance and drew it.

SHIN!!!

Illya: Berserker!!!

SNAP!!!

Samurai: You!!!

But the moment Samurai was about to draw his katana, Berserker bit at handle and turned the direction of the Katana slightly upward.

As a result, the attacked missed the Illya and the Servants. Though it still cut Berserker head, killing him the third time.

THUD!!!

Berserker lifeless body. Samurai hurriedly tried to put the katana back into the scabbard to release his strongest move again.

But, too bad. It's too late.

Medusa: Bellerophon!!!!

RUMBLE!!!

Thunder released the from magic circle that Medusa made with her blood before it disappeared, and she appeared while sitting on a Pegasus.

NEIGH!!!!!!!!!

Letting out a neigh, Pegasus spread his wings and charged at the Samurai with breathtaking speed.

SWOOSH!!!!!!!!!!!

The Samurai didn't get much time to react before he got hit.

BANG!!!!!!!!!!

Samurai: Gah!!!

Even with his armor, he could feel that some of his internal organs had been destroyed.

CRACK!!!

...

…

Some cracks started to appear on his entire armor.

The Pegasus then dragged the samurai with it, destroying the temple and land around before taking him to the sky.

Samurai: HRRGH!!!

Blood came out of Samurai's mouth as the Medusa and Pegasus who were taking him to the sky slowly and slowly turned into light particles and dispersed.

Before disappearing, Medusa had a smile on her face as she muttered to no one.

Medusa: Master, please take care of Sakura and ......…yourself.

With this, she disappeared.

With her disappearance, the force dragging Samurai dispersed. But this was not the end.

Cú Chulainn: Gáe Bolg!!!!

FWOOSH!!

From the ground came the red spear which was carrying boundless power with itself.

Since, he just got hit by Medusa's Noble Phantasm and need time to stabilize himself, Samurai could only see in horror as the red spear penetrated into his armor before exploding.

THRUST!!!

KA-BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A gaint explosion occurred in the sky.

Lancer was looking at the explosion as his body was dispersing.

Cú Chulainn: Rest is up to you guys.

Those were his last words as he also disappeared.

FWOOSH!!!

Before the smoke and dust could disperse, the Samurai fell from the sky.

His armor had been destroyed a lot and it was no longer releasing the golden light like before.

Yet, he was still alive. And others know that too.

SWOOSH!!!

An extreme long arm full of curse power came out of nowhere and reached the Samurai.

Hassan: Zabaniya!!!!

The arm touched the Samurai at the chest and remained like that. Why? Because instead of destroying delusional heart, Hassan used the true power of his cursed arm and that was to transfer the death curse.

WOOBLE!!!

...

…

Masses of the curses appeared on the entire Samurai's body as he could feel his life passing by.

Hassan: I have done my part too. Farewell and may we meet again, Master.

With those last words, Hassan also disappeared.

THUD!!!

The body of the Samurai fell on the ground. He started struggling to move but with each passing second, the mass was increasing.

DRIP!!!

DRIP!!!!

...

…

Blood was dripping on the ground as Illya looked at the Samurai before turning her gaze at now revived Berserker.

Illya: *cough* *cough* Guess, its our turn now *cough* *cough* Berserker.

Berserker: ......

Smiling, she said.

Illya: Thank you for protecting me all this time, Berserker. Really, thank you.

Berserker: ......…

SHINE!!!

Illya command seals started shining before she spoke with determination.

Illya: In the name of Illyasviel von Einzbern, by my remaining Command Seals, I order you Berserker, use all of your remaining lives and unleashed your second Noble Phantasm. Release "Nine Lives".

Berserker: GROWL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Boundless power entered Berserker as he charged at the Samurai.

SWOOSH!!!!!!!!

Appearing in front of him, he swing his Axe.

SLASH!!!

SPLURT!!!

And again.

SLASH!!!

SPLURT!!!

And again.

SLASH!!!

SPLURT!!!

And again.

SLASH!!!

SPLURT!!!

...

…

After attacking with his full power, he finally stabbed his Axe through the Samurai's chest and impaled him in the ground.

THRUST!!!!

BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That was Berserker last attack and he also disappeared in the end with only his Axe which remained behind inside Samurai dead body.

BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Illya: Uh!!!

ROLL!!!!!!!

Since Illya barely had any strength left, she couldn't control herself as her body rolled on the ground after being hit by the shockwave.

Once she stopped, she found herself laying on the back on the ground.

Currently, she didn't have any strength left to move. She kept on looking at the sky as she could tell her death was approaching.

Yet, she smiled.

Illya: I did it, Big Brother. I completed what you entrusted me with.

Many memories started flashing through her eyes as she saw the illusion of her mother smiling at her. And then in the end, the illusion of Primis appeared in her mind.

Tears flowed out from the corner of her eyes as she looked at Primis's illusion.

'Illya: I really wanted to spend a lot of time with you, Big Brother. Want to go and see many different with you. How wonderful it would...… have... bee..n.......'

And finally, she closed her eyes in content and accepted her death.

With this, the first battel came to an end.

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*A/N: Please throw some power stones.

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