Super God: If I punch you, you will die

“Saber, do you know that temple Ryudo-ji? I haven’t taken you there yet.”

"Lin Yan, have you forgotten? I participated in the Holy Grail War last time. So I'm very familiar with this town, and I also know that the temple is a sacred site."

"A spiritual cave! Wait a minute, that should be my house!? Why are there two ley line centers on one piece of land?"

"I don't know either, but in any case, that temple is a place that can be called a shrine to magicians. I heard that it is the place where the life force of this area is concentrated, so it is an excellent place to gather souls. Magicians can collect life force from the town by processing the natural flow."

"This is the first time I've heard of such a thing. But it could indeed take the lives of people in the town."

"Simply put, Ryudong Temple is located on land with excellent spiritual energy, right? Of course. Otherwise, no temple would have been built there."

"I know without you telling me."

"Temples and shrines have always been built near sacred places to protect the town. Monks don't pray to gods and Buddhas for blessings; they seal the gates of evil and drive away calamities."

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"According to this logic, the mountain where Ryudong Temple is located must also be a sacred place."

"I don't think so. But you wouldn't be treating Ryudong-ji Temple as just a decorative temple, would you?"

"Can't it be!? I used to think of that temple as just a facade, because there were no practical sorcerers there!"

"A practical mage? What's that?"

"Those who attain Buddhahood through methods other than chanting scriptures, faith, or prayer. Although enlightened beings can achieve this solely through the power of gods and Buddhas, monks with shallow practice cannot access gods and Buddhas, so they create spells to enhance their own power, just like us. Those people have something like an organization, but in this country, because they are at odds with our Magic Association, we don't know anything about it."

"No, the temple is more important than that. If that temple is a spiritual vein, shouldn't the owners rush to occupy it? Isn't it strange that others let that place go?"

"No, it's because of Ryudong Temple. Ryudong Temple guards the spiritual vein to prevent it from being exploited by bad people."

"The monks of Ryudong Temple are all pure ascetic monks, aren't they? They are not inhuman beings like us. If you were the master, it would be no trouble at all to win them over."

“No, Rin. Indeed, if it were Master, he should be able to easily suppress that temple. However, the mountain is protected by a barrier that is very inconvenient for Master.”

"A barrier that's inconvenient for us?"

"That mountain is protected by a spell that excludes souls other than natural spirits. Although it has no effect on living humans, it's like a gateway to hell for us."

"Excluding spirits other than natural spirits, does that mean Servants can't enter that mountain?!"

"Although it's not impossible to enter, your abilities will be reduced. Because once you step inside, it will be as if you're restricted from approaching by a Command Seal."

"So, how did the master of Ryudouji Temple maintain his followers?"

"No, there is no barrier inside the temple. I heard that the barrier was originally the boundary line protecting the temple. Barriers can only block outsiders; they have no power beyond that."

"So if we can find a way in, there's no spell to bind the servants? But that's strange. Wouldn't sealing off the temple like that block the ley lines? At least a path needs to be built to make it the center of the ley lines?"

"Yes. The temple's rule is that it will not refuse visitors who come through the main gate. Because of this rule, I've heard that only the approach to the temple is not protected by a barrier. That temple only has a main gate, and no power to restrain us Servants."

"If all the doors are closed, the air will become heavy; only one main door will be open."

"That's all I have to say. Now, please state your conclusion. Since we know there's an owner here, I think there's only one way."

“I’m not going. It looks like a trap, and frankly, this information isn’t enough. If we’re going to their base, we should at least wait until we know what Servants they have.”

"It's unexpected. I thought Rin would go to war."

"It's alright to underestimate me. My Archer isn't at its best yet, so I'll just observe for now. Besides, Lin Yan is so strong, it would be a bit unreasonable to send me."

“I understand. Then, Lin Yan, let’s go to that temple,” Saber said, not wanting to waste too much time trying to persuade Rin Tohsaka.

After all, what Rin Tohsaka said was true.

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It's quiet at night.

"The wind is picking up. It's past midnight, and Saber seems to be gazing at the night sky with a thoughtful expression, as if she suddenly hears the sound of the wind. She stands quietly in the courtyard, like a still painting, her long golden hair exceptionally beautiful."

"Is it because of me? Is that why you're reacting so negatively?" The armored girl sighed softly. She soared towards the sky, her silhouette silhouetted against the bright moon.

Saber moved quickly and arrived at Ryudoji Temple in no time. She only wanted to gather information and wasn't overly focused on quick gains.

“This is indeed the place.” Saber gazed at Ryudouji Temple in the distance, noticing that it seemed somewhat different from usual, the air unusually heavy.

The thick, sticky feeling made the air feel incredibly heavy. There wasn't a breath of wind, which only amplified the oppressive atmosphere. The lifeblood of the land had long been polluted. The land was alive, but now it bore no trace of life; it was a dead land. This desolate place seemed to offer no hope of ever returning once you stepped inside.

Suddenly, a figure appeared not far away. It was a dashing man, and I didn't sense much hostility from him.

"You are a samurai. What kind of servant are you?"

"Servant. Assassin, Sasaki Kojiro." Sasaki Kojiro answered Saber's question. So the person before her was indeed Sasaki Kojiro. Sasaki Kojiro had a long, dark blue ponytail tied with a light purple ribbon, his temples reaching his collarbone. He was handsome, wearing a dark purple sleeveless vest over a purple kimono, purple wristbands, and straw sandals. He often had a twig dangling from his mouth, and stood with his arms crossed. He carried a five-foot-long wooden pole with a purple scabbard.

Sasaki Kojiro was forcibly summoned by Medea, who was a Servant, making him an extremely unique being. Although Kojiro's class is Assassin, he is not Hassan-i-Sabah, nor is he an Assassin.

Sasaki Kojiro was originally a nameless Heroic Spirit. But when the non-existent Heroic Spirit "Sasaki Kojiro" was summoned, the only one who fit Kojiro's existence was "him" who had mastered the Swallow Return technique.

Therefore, they were summoned to the present world.

The catalyst that summoned him was the gate of Ryudong Temple. Because he was bound by the gate and could not leave the gate of Ryudong Temple, he could only serve as a guard at the gate of Ryudong Temple.

"What.

What are you hitting?

"How utterly clueless you are. Isn't it natural to reveal your identity to your opponent? Especially if your opponent is as beautiful as you. However, I was quite surprised to see that expression on your face."

Sasaki Kojiro considers himself merely an unnamed swordsman buried in the old era, a "lone ghost." He prefers to think alone and is often taciturn, but when he does speak, he is quite old-fashioned and witty, especially when talking to Caster, where he refers to Caster as a "female fox."

He was a man of refined tastes, always composed and unhurried, even when his skin was torn and he was severely wounded. He thoroughly enjoyed the art of swordsmanship, the battle with Artoria where they exhausted each other's skills. He appreciated elegant figures who admired flowers, birds, and the moon, and who wore refined feathered kimonos.

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Despite his unrestrained and enigmatic personality, Sasaki Kojiro remained a samurai who preferred fair and square duels. Perhaps because death was commonplace in his time, his view on life and death might seem somewhat cold to modern eyes.

"I understand. Since they've given their name, I should also give mine as a knight's courtesy. You're Kojiro, right? Assassin, I am..."

"No need. Are you the kind of person who has to respond just because you know someone's name? Oh dear, I'm the one who's so clueless. I never intended to learn about my enemy through this. For someone like me, knowing the enemy is enough with this sword. Isn't that right, swordsman? No need for such surprise? Even if I don't know what you're holding, the killing intent emanating from you is that of a swordsman. Hmph, with that dazzlingly beautiful sword aura, who else could you be but a swordsman?"

Assassin pointed his long sword at Saber, his tone arrogant, seemingly confident that he would defeat her.

"There's no need to know her true name. Just use this long sword to defeat the Servant named Saber. No need to speak. Isn't that what Servants are all about?"

"I see. That's right. Saber was also prepared for battle. She didn't intend to have a direct confrontation, but since the other party has made their stance clear, as a swordsman, she will absolutely not back down."

"That's good. Let's duel, Saber. You must let me see your swordsmanship, which is second to none among Servants."

The battle officially begins.

In the distance, Lin Yan suddenly woke up from his dream. He glanced at the sky outside the window and seemed to have a bad feeling.

"Saber, are you there?" Lin Yan saw Saber's empty room and instantly seemed to understand something. Could it be that that guy ignored all advice and went to find Assassin? But it seemed to be expected; Saber was just like that, everything was for the Holy Grail War.

"Seriously, that girl should be more obedient since she's a girl!" Lin Yan was still a little worried about Saber. After all, Assassin's strength was still unclear, and if she acted rashly, the consequences would be unimaginable.

—Interlude—

The battle between Saber and Assassin was fierce, with flashing blades and sparks flying as they attacked each other. They had already exchanged dozens of blows, neither gaining the upper hand, and it was impossible to determine a victor.

“As expected, you’re still difficult to deal with. I didn’t expect an invisible sword to be so troublesome. This is probably the first time you’ve even seen a tangible sword, isn’t it? My swordsmanship is unorthodox; if it were an ordinary person, they would die on the first strike. But you’ve managed to defend for so long, I’m very pleased, Saber. In addition, your attacks are also superb. To be able to wield a longsword so skillfully with such a petite body, you must have undergone full-body training.” Assassin said, observing Saber’s attacks.

"What's wrong? It can't end like this. Before I see that invisible sword and defeat you."

"When are you going to shut your mouth?!"

"Okay, I got it!"

Assassin suddenly chuckled, blocking Sbaer's attack; it was still impossible to determine who was better.

"Alright, that gives me a visual estimate. The blade is over three feet long and about four inches wide. The shape, like the swordsman's name, is a typical Western sword." Saber seemed to understand in an instant that this was the opponent's weapon, and that Assassin had blocked his invisible sword.

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"Unbelievable. No magic tricks were used, and there wasn't even a real clash, yet you were able to deduce my sword's movements."

"Surprised? But this is just a street performance. Because I am an evil swordsman, I am only good at this kind of technique."

"I see. Your fighting style is to avoid taking my attacks head-on, but simply slash from the side. Is the name 'Evil Swordsman' derived from that attitude of avoidance?"

"Forgive my rudeness in not engaging you in direct combat. After all, this longsword would surely break in a direct clash. Although for you, victory is based on brute force, I cannot do that. I cannot contend with your sword in terms of strength."

"That's what a knife is all about. Western swords cut through objects with their weight and power. But our knives slice through objects with speed and skill. It's understandable that our fighting styles don't mesh well, isn't it?"

"However, I've become somewhat interested. Is this a good opportunity, Saber? You should also stop hiding your strength."

"Assassin. I wasn't talking to you."

"So you're saying you weren't holding back your strength? I don't know what you're planning, but fighting with your sword sheathed is a sign of disrespect. You mean, my level isn't enough to make you take me seriously? Your expression still says you're not convinced. Very well, then let's stop here. Since you're reluctant to use your sword, I'll show you my secret sword first."

"What? Assassin actually gave up his advantageous position and came to a position on equal footing with Saber. This is something Saber really didn't expect."

Actually, if you understand Assassin's personality, it's not hard to understand.

Hassan al-Sabah, though not a good man, was absolutely loyal to his master’s orders. He would never betray his master, the man he trusted, no matter how disadvantaged he was in. He would silently obey any unreasonable order and regarded killing as nothing more than a duty and obligation, without feeling any joy or sorrow from it.

Hassan al-Sabah has left assassination missions. Acting on his own free will, Hassan can form cooperative relationships as long as their interests align. For example, in the magician's labyrinth, his high physical abilities, skill in using traps, and ability to silently lurk in the shadows behind his prey would make him a very reliable ally.

Hassan-i-Sabah regrets losing his face and name, becoming one of the characters named "Hassan-i-Sabah," and his wish, entrusted to the Holy Grail, is to regain his face and remain simply as a human being with his name. Therefore, he is highly likely to respond to the summons of magicians who harbor an eternal desire for "immortality."

“Draw your sword. Otherwise you will die, Saber.”

Saber reacted swiftly, wielding her invisible sword, and in an instant, the distance between the two was less than three meters.

"Secret Sword".

"Returning Swallow." Saber struck with lightning speed, her Demon Strike landing in a straight line! Hassan-i-Sabah quickly launched an attack and counterattack, while Saber swiftly defended, deflecting Hassan-i-Sabah's attack. The two remained locked in a fierce battle.

"Success!"

At that moment, Saber seemed to have found an opening. Just as she swung her sword at Assassin's abdomen, the situation suddenly reversed, and Saber fell down the steps. Hassan-i-Sabah attacked again, but Saber dodged this fatal blow once more.

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"Did you dodge my secret sword? As expected of Saber, you're on a different level from Yanzi."

"I can't believe it. Just now, could it be..."

"What, it's not such a remarkable skill. It's just something I naturally learned when I occasionally wanted to cut down a swallow. Hassan Sabah's movements remained elegant throughout, and his sword-like movements would send chills down the spines of most people."

"See that, Saber? Swallows can withstand the wind and dodge blades. It has nothing to do with speed. No matter what kind of blade it is, it can't be swung without vibrating the air, right? They sense that vibration and change their flight direction. So, no matter what kind of strike it is, it can't cut down a swallow. A blade is just a line. It makes sense that you can't catch a swallow that's darting through the air."

"Then, all we need to do is block its escape route. One slash attacks the swallow, while the other blocks its retreat as it tries to dodge with the wind. But they're very agile. This longsword can't catch up with the second slash. To succeed, both slashes must be executed almost simultaneously in an instant, but that's beyond human capabilities. Although I knew it was impossible, unfortunately, I had nothing else to do. This is what it means to achieve enlightenment in an instant; by the time I realized it, it was already like this. The pointless thought of cutting down the swallow became the secret sword technique of creating a prison with multiple slashes." Sasaki Kojiro's tone was very calm, but Saber didn't quite agree, deep down.

Sasaki Kojiro's swordsmanship seemed to have slowed down, but the two attacks were almost simultaneous. For a fleeting moment, it truly appeared as if two swords were wielding Sasaki Kojiro's longsword.

"The multidimensional distortion phenomenon renders magic useless; a Servant who has reached the realm of Noble Phantasms solely through swordsmanship. Suddenly, Saber realized something: Sasaki Kojiro doesn't actually possess a Noble Phantasm as a Heroic Spirit. What's terrifying about him is his exquisite swordsmanship—a divine swordsmanship that has reached the realm of demonic swords."

Fighting against heroic spirits with a human body.

This man is indeed extraordinary.

"But this foothold isn't good. The returning swallows originally had three possible trajectories. If this area were a bit wider, we could also add a flank attack."

"That's true. Otherwise, we'd be at a disadvantage. If everything were done simultaneously, two strikes would be too slow no matter what. Therefore, we should also have a third strike to block the escape route from the side."

"Such keen insight. So that's why you were able to dodge my secret sword. Excellent, Saber! I had cursed myself for being summoned to this mortal world, but that curse ends tonight. If I can achieve the duel I couldn't in my previous life and wield my secret sword to my heart's content, then my summoning was worthwhile."

Assassin thought about walking down the steps.

In an instant, Saber felt an overwhelming sense of pressure, and this time she didn't even have the confidence to dodge his attack again.

"I see. It seems he is indeed not an opponent who can hide his strength."

"So, you're finally going to get serious, Saber?"

"I have no complaints either. Can you withstand one blow from me, assassin..." Assassin charged forward like a gust of wind, as swift as lightning. Saber, not to be outdone, launched her own attack. Assassin retreated slightly, seemingly showing a hint of satisfaction at Saber's fighting prowess. Was he finally getting serious?

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"It was like a typhoon, but... it can't be that bad. Let me see what lies deep within that raging storm, Saber!"

Saber's invisible sword stirred up a sudden gust of wind like a whirlwind.

"That's Saber over there, isn't it?" Lin Yan, who had already arrived from afar, could see the color of the sky; it was Saber fighting.