Sister Rescue Plan

He still remembers that when five Servants died, their souls entered the Holy Grail buried deep within Irisviel's body, and her human functions began to collapse, transforming her into the omnipotent cauldron, the Holy Grail.

In the final lesson, as life was about to fade, she sensed Arthur's innermost thoughts and spoke in a gentle yet firm voice:

"Saber, please help Kiritsugu win this victory."

She extinguished Arthur's hopes, but also upheld his dignity as the King of Knights.

Arthur understood that even if that woman were to reappear before him, he would only ever be a knight.

That's it.

As darkness dissipated, Arthur returned to the battlefield with Angra Mainyu. The chains binding him had disappeared, and dozens of golden, gleaming artifacts descended from the sky, blasting the enormous, twisted tentacle monster into pieces. Then, a golden torrent swept away all the smaller tentacles that had split off.

Whether Angolan Manuel is dead or not is unknown, but he certainly hasn't reappeared.

“It’s you, Archer.” Arthur looked up at his old rival from the last Holy Grail War. “Why did you deliberately bind me and trap me in illusions? What is your purpose?”

“Of course, I was testing the qualifications of the person I had my eye on.” Gilgamesh, atop the aerial chariot, downed his drink and lowered his altitude slightly. “However, it turns out my judgment was quite accurate.”

He leaned back in his chair, tilting his head slightly to one side, and extended an invitation to Arthur: "Submit to me, Saber, and you will be the most dazzling piece in my collection."

"I'm sorry, but I'm already someone's knight, and as the King of Knights, I have no habit of being subservient to others."

"Is it because of that woman again? This is the second time you've rejected me, Saber." Gilgamesh crushed the wine glass in his hand, and a cold aura spread out. Behind him, dozens of golden ripples spread in the air, and a fierce aura spread out.

Those are all Noble Phantasms of rank C or higher.

"Then, go die."

The treasures rained down.

Arthur gripped his sword tightly, while Izayoi Mirai, not far away, looked relieved.

Since then, Arthur has not been contaminated by the black mud, and has come to—

Medea's venue has been prepared.

A giant pentagram appeared on the ground, and a dazzling light shot into the sky. Countless lines were drawn in the air, forming a semicircle that enveloped Mirai and the others.

Without revealing its true name or self-destructing, the Noble Phantasm, which was only used by throwing, could not exert its true power. After struggling to penetrate the barrier, it lost its power and fell to the ground like dumplings.

These are all good things.

Looking at the treasures scattered on the ground, Izayoi Mirai felt a surge of excitement.

Even a C-rank Noble Phantasm is better than the spear he made from the tools in his hand!

Gilgamesh in the sky was enraged by this scene.

"Very well, you bunch of scoundrels!"

The golden ripples behind him expanded rapidly, obscuring most of the sky, and then, stars fell—

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

This old sword X lady's inspiration comes from The Iron Throne, that book is really good, a tribute to Feng Yue Niang!

Unfortunately, his new book has yet to be released.

While writing, I thought of the scene in Fate/Zero where Kiritsugu, in his fantasy amidst the black mud, shoots Illya dead, and then his wife, dragging her body, embraces Illya before also being shot dead. It's heartbreaking...

Chapter Twenty-Four: How shameful! Take off your skirt!

As if the ground had been bombarded by missiles, the booming sound was like rolling thunder, and the earth began to tremble, the shockwaves carrying far and wide.

The residents of Fuyuki City huddled under their blankets, shivering. There had been natural gas explosions everywhere these past two days. This time, the volume was so huge, it seemed like a large factory had gone up into the sky.

Many people took leave to go to other places for a couple of days to avoid the ravages of Fuyuki City before returning. Some long-time residents who have lived here for more than ten years recalled the Fuyuki City fire ten years ago, when explosions were happening everywhere just days before the fire, causing widespread panic.

When the smoke and dust cleared, not even a piece of cloth remained on the ravaged ground. It wasn't that Yoshimi and the others had been blasted to pieces; rather, they had escaped.

Gilgamesh landed on the ground, where there was nothing but sand and gravel.

I've been tricked.

He was fully aware of this, his face darkened, and he vented all his anger on the only person who knew his identity:

"Saber!!!"

Just then, the ground suddenly cracked open, and a blazing red lotus burst forth from beneath his feet, encompassing the entire field of vision, soaring straight into the sky, and slowly blooming in mid-air.

Inside Ryudong Temple, Yoshou Mirai, who had escaped at the last minute, watched the distant fireworks with great delight.

That was a gift Medea left for Gilgamesh. It was worth all the time she spent arranging the venue. In this way, even if Gilgamesh hadn't died, he wouldn't have the energy to come and settle scores with her now. He could finally get some rest tonight.

"Good evening, Master. You seem to have been through a fierce battle."

Beneath the tree, the elegant swordsman, holding a wine jug, greeted Yoruichi Mirai.

Because he was summoned using the gate of Ryudouji Temple, Sasaki Kojiro couldn't stray too far from the gate. He couldn't even go into a room inside the temple to rest, let alone follow Izayoi Mirai to fight other Servants.

It's a bit of a shame that Izayoi Mirai could be taken out with him. With Sasaki Kojiro's swordsmanship, she would be a considerable fighting force.

"Good evening, Assassin." Izayoi Mirai waved. "Isn't it boring being here all alone?"

“No.” Sasaki Kojiro said calmly, “When I was alive, I practiced swordsmanship alone in the mountains. My only companions were the pine trees, the morning dew, the mountain wind, and the grass. Occasionally, I would see a rabbit and eat it. Now that I can see the human world again, it is a long-lost lively scene.”

Yu Xiaolai was impressed. If he had stayed alone in the mountains for the rest of his life, even if he hadn't gone mad, he would probably have become a wild man who couldn't even speak. How could he be as calm and collected as the swordsman in front of him, with the air of a hermit?

"I suppose many so-called eminent monks today cannot reach your level of attainment?"

“A monk?” Sasaki Kojiro smiled. “How could someone as insignificant as me possibly have access to Buddhist teachings? My meager skills are unlikely to meet the standards of a true high monk.”

“If you’re interested, I can teach you,” said Yushou Mirai. He didn’t understand any profound Buddhist teachings, but the incomplete copy of the “Five Contemplations on Ceasing the Mind” in his hand was an introductory method of the Śrāvakayāna school of Buddhism, which he could teach to Sasaki Kojiro.

Immediately, Yoshimi taught Sasaki Kojiro the breathing meditation and impurity meditation recorded in the incomplete manuscript, without omitting even the preface above.

Sasaki Kojiro listened intently.

After Izayoi Mirai finished speaking, he pondered for a moment and then sat down cross-legged.

Before long, his breathing changed from heavy to light, almost imperceptible. His skin was radiant, revealing a faint golden hue, and a very faint smile graced his face.

Izayoi Mirai was stunned.

When the mind is pure and free from all defilements, and one abandons the five obstacles of greed, ignorance, anger, regret, and doubt, joy arises in the mind; this is called the first dhyana.

Watching the swordsman who had mastered the basics in less than a few minutes, Izayoi Mirai collapsed to the ground, clutching her aching heart. She had spent an entire afternoon discussing it with Medea before finally getting a grasp of it. Moreover, this kind of East Asian magic foundation, which leans towards martial arts and immortality, was really not compatible with Medea, so she eventually gave up on researching it.

"I guess I'm not suited to be the lead."

"What's wrong, Master?"

After taking a brief sip, Sasaki Kojiro awoke from his meditation, looking at Izayoi Mirai with a hint of a smile in his eyes.

"It's nothing." Izayoi Mirai sat down opposite the swordsman, brushing the grass clippings off her clothes. "Kojiro, you're really quick to understand."

"I also want to thank Master for imparting the Dharma. I have a premonition that if I can integrate Buddhist teachings into my sword, my swordsmanship will be able to advance further."

Sasaki Kojiro bowed deeply to Izayoi Mirai, a pure joy appearing on his usually calm face—the joy of a seeker seeing the path ahead.

"Congratulations, Kojiro." Izayoi Mirai offered her blessings to the swordsman. She was not a narrow-minded person. She was willing to help Sasaki Kojiro, who had given her guidance. Besides, with Kojiro's strength improved, her chances of winning increased, didn't they?

“It’s late, I should go back and rest. I need to think about the next move tomorrow.” Izayoi Mirai stood up and looked at him. “It’s very likely that a powerful enemy will come knocking on our door tomorrow, Kojiro. When that happens, enjoy the clash with the strong.”

"I will certainly achieve victory for Master." Sasaki Kojiro rarely showed his sharpness, making a promise to Izayoi Mirai.

Izayoi waved to him: "Well then, see you tomorrow."

The elegant swordsman watched as Yuuyo Mirai entered the room, then sat down cross-legged on the steps once more.

Medea leaned against the doorway, waiting for Izayoi Mirai. When she saw him return, she reached out to straighten his clothes and handed him a plate of snacks: "Lady Mirai, I made some late-night snacks. Would you like to try some?"

Yoyo Mirai was already used to her intimate gestures. She casually picked up a piece and put it in her mouth. The soft, fluffy texture and sweet taste spread in her mouth, comparable to the pastries she had ordered from high-end cake shops.

"It's delicious, Medea. Your cooking is getting better and better," Mirai Yoshou praised.

"This is a new way of cooking I learned. I'm glad you like it." Medea's eyes sparkled with joy, and even her pointed ears twitched.

He followed Izayoi Mirai into the bedroom, feeding her pastries as they walked. Their bodies were very close, and Medea murmured two syllables, an invisible barrier enveloping them. She whispered in Izayoi Mirai's ear:

"Future Lord, should we really take them in?"

She was referring to Arthur and Shiori Emiya, whom she had transferred with her. It was far too dangerous to leave a top-tier Servant inside the barrier. She couldn't possibly keep an eye on him every moment, not to mention that Saber's magic resistance was still very high, posing a great threat to Izayoi's future safety.

Yoyo Mirai raised an eyebrow: "It's fine to stay for one more night. Let's go check on our guests first."

He and Medea walked to a guest room and knocked on the door.

Chapter Twenty-Five: I Have an Idea

dong dong dong.

Arthur opened the door.

"May I come in?" Mirai Izayoi stood at the door with a smile, Medea behind her.

"Please come in." Arthur stepped aside, and Shiori Emiya was also inside, leaning against the wall, looking very nervous.

That's understandable. In the middle of the night, being alone in a room with a man you don't know well would be unsettling for even the most oblivious woman, right? Not to mention she even witnessed her classmate being killed by him.

However, from a Master's perspective, going to another Master's lair and being separated from one's own Servant is a path to death, and Arthur would never agree to it.

Unfortunately, in Shiori Emiya's eyes, Izayoi was much safer than Arthur. The pity she felt for Arthur's past from her dreams and the goodwill she felt for his handsome appearance could not outweigh the nightmare she witnessed with her own eyes.

Ultimately, Emiya Shiori was just an ordinary girl.

Izayoi Mirai looked at Arthur: "You don't seem to be in very good shape right now."

“Yes.” Arthur nodded. “My magic power is almost depleted, and my Master’s magic power is not sufficient.”

Arthur was frank, saying there was no point in hiding it; he had already made it clear in the previous battle that he was short of magic.

As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed a malicious gaze coming from Caster, who was standing behind Izayoi Mirai. When his gaze shifted to her, Medea looked away.

Arthur frowned almost imperceptibly. Being in Caster's home turf, yet she harbored ill will towards him, couldn't be worse.