Super God: If I punch you, you will die

Other tourist attractions include Vlad III's birthplace (now a hotel), the iconic clock tower, and the hilltop church at the highest point of the old town. In any case, it's a perfect destination for foreigners to "experience Europe of the past."

Sigishwara is now shrouded in the terrifying shadow of a serial killer. Tourists are being murdered one after another, their hearts removed in a gruesome manner.

Aside from the corpses, there was no other evidence, and no connection could be found between the victims. However, only a very few people knew the truth. All the victims were magicians—meaning that some kind of "abnormal" phenomenon was currently occurring in Sighishwara.

Lion's Robber and "Red" Saber had been walking for almost an hour on the streets, dimly lit by sodium lamps. Although the clanging of their armor could be heard, thankfully they weren't seen by anyone.

A homeless drunkard, holding a wine bottle in one hand, stared blankly at Shishikatsu and Saber. Shishikatsu felt there was no need for even a hint, so he simply waved his hand—his hand tapped his head a few times—and continued drinking.

Despite encountering police officers multiple times, they were all driven away by the lion's lurking presence. Even those officers probably didn't want to be on guard against a serial killer. No coercion was needed; they were easily driven away.

Compared to that, Saber's situation is actually more serious now. Just a moment ago she was constantly complaining about "boring" and "not here yet," but now she's completely silent.

"Saber, what's wrong?"

"Excuse me, let me concentrate for a moment. I just have a bad feeling about this."

Upon hearing this, Lion's Robbery's expression immediately tensed. Since she had adopted such a high level of alertness, the newcomer was undoubtedly a Servant.

Unconsciously, the two slowed their pace, their minds becoming more cautious than before. Looking around—the dim light of the streetlights only made their vision more blurred. The cold air swept over them like a lick across a lion's neck.

"It's starting to get foggy."

Just as Saber said, a thick fog had appeared around them at some point. This made their vision even more blurred—no, wait a minute.

"fog?"

The weather was perfectly clear just now, so how could there suddenly be such thick fog that it obscures our vision? ...Impossible.

Both Shiki and Saber stopped in their tracks. Saber had already drawn her sword, and Shiki had placed his hand on the holster of his favorite shotgun.

"This fog..."

Just as Lion's Robbery was about to say something, a sharp pain, almost like a spark, suddenly shot through his nasal cavity. He coughed reflexively and quickly covered his mouth.

"Master!?"

"It's poison! Don't inhale it, Saber!"

Lion Robber covered his mouth and nose and crouched down. Even a slight breath caused an explosive pain deep in his nasal cavity, and his vision began to blur.

"Hey, pull yourself together, Master!"

In a split second, Lion's Roar ripped off his coat, tightly covering his mouth and nose. Made from the skinned hide of a magical beast, the coat offered basic protection against single magical attacks. Breathing through it alleviated his pain to some extent. It seemed the poisonous mist was indeed generated by magic.

"Damn it, let's get out of this fog first."

"Ah, if we can escape! I'm going to pull hard! Come with me!"

Saber, sword in her right hand and holding Shiki's hand with her left, ran. Fortunately, due to her high level of anti-magic ability, the poisonous fog caused Saber almost no harm, and her vision seemed largely unaffected. Against her keen "intuition," the poisonous fog posed no obstacle whatsoever.

However, both Saber and Shishigaki were certain of one thing. Since this wasn't ordinary fog, there would certainly be a "next time." The question was when it would happen... While fleeing the dense fog, Saber was also carefully estimating the timing of the next attack.

Perhaps due to the well-chosen escape route, the fog gradually began to thin out.

Humans always seek peace of mind. When caught in a crisis, no matter how calmly one responds to the situation, the mind always relaxes once the crisis is over.

After escaping death, no matter who you are, the relief that comes with it will cause your guard to slip.

Serial killers never miss a brief moment of respite. Holding a blade stained with the blood of countless people, she stealthily approached from behind.

"Good, we escaped...!"

Saber and Shikijaku finally escaped the poisonous fog. In that instant, Shikijaku's only thought was to breathe fresh air. Having just escaped the terror of death, his mind relaxed slightly. Behind him, the killer was silently approaching, intent on slitting his throat—

However, Saber, who was standing in front of Shiki, turned around and swept her sword horizontally with her right hand, while gently nudging Shiki's feet, causing him to fall to the ground.

A flash.

A crisp sound rang out on the stone pavement. Saber's slash had knocked the dagger from Assassin's grasp.

0137 Facts [Please Subscribe]

"what."

"Unfortunately, that person is my Master. I should be the one fighting you."

Lion Robber turned around and saw someone standing directly behind him. He hadn't noticed at all, even though he was already this close—he felt absolutely nothing.

And that's not the only amazing fact.

Standing behind Shishio was a young girl. She looked two or three years younger than his Servant, "Red" Saber. She had short, messy silver hair tied up, and her icy blue eyes showed a hint of surprise. Several sword sheaths hung at her waist, but she wasn't wearing a skirt. Combined with the leather clothing she wore on her upper body, she exuded a seductive aura, almost like a prostitute, despite her young appearance.

"I got slashed, that's really too much."

She muttered something under her breath, while looking directly at Saber.

"What do you mean by 'excessive'? You're a Servant, yet you're engaged in this soul-devouring scheme—do you even have the right to say such things?!"

Making no attempt to hide her displeasure, Saber thrust her sword forward. Facing Saber's attack, Assassin showed no fear, casually tilting his head and replying:

"That doesn't really matter... right?"

In the next instant, Saber deflected the blade aimed at her face with her glove. Assassin, without moving his wrist or fingers at all while speaking, threw the blade with an extremely natural motion.

Saber's ability to handle such a sudden attack was largely due to her intuition and exceptional skills. However, in the time it took for her to deflect the blades with her glove, Assassin had already leaped backward. The area was still shrouded in thick fog, instantly concealing her figure.

"You wait for me here, Master!"

With that, Saber plunged back into the thick fog. After inhaling the mist, her body felt a little heavy, but she judged that it shouldn't pose any obstacle.

Concentrating on every subtle sound, Saber instinctively swung her sword to attack. Instantly, the same sound rang out again—the projected scalpel was knocked down by Saber.

"Wow, that's really amazing."

Upon hearing the girl's voice, Saber couldn't help but click her tongue in amazement. The voice came from all directions, making it impossible to pinpoint its source.

"What a joke! You're not even a Heroic Spirit, yet you're spouting nonsense like an 'Assassin.' No, you're not even a 'Assassin.' You're just a murderer, a mere serial killer!"

"Huh? How did you know?"

"What--?"

Saber's mind froze for a moment in astonishment.

"Our real name is Jack the Ripper. Um, um, um, tell me your name too, okay?"

A voice rang in her ears. Although Saber swung her sword in that direction, she only struck mist, feeling nothing at all. More important now was knowing the other's true name.

That happened 120 years ago. The people of London, the foggy city of England, lived in constant fear. All of "his" prey were prostitutes living on the east side of the city. Only five people were identified as killed by "him," yet "he" became the world's first serial killer, leaving behind numerous legends before disappearing without a trace.

Based on the byline he used when submitting his articles to the newspaper, people called him Jack the Ripper.

Only a mere 120 years ago. Considering the idea that the older a mysterious phenomenon is, the stronger it is, this Servant was probably one of the most vulnerable in this Holy Grail War.

King Arthur, through numerous expeditions, achieved brilliant feats. Mordred herself, as a rebellious knight, etched her name into history. Other Servants are likely in similar circumstances. Despite living in different eras and worlds, they have all likely triumphed in battles where honor was at stake, thus leaving their mark on history.

Compared to her, she was not a hero, but merely a filthy murderer who killed several prostitutes.

However—Saber gripped the hilt of her sword again, concentrating her thoughts.

Why would a serial killer of that caliber be summoned as a Servant?

That's because the killer's life is shrouded in too many mysteries and instilled excessive fear in people. People might feel exhilarated by a hero's battle, or they might be inspired to raise their fists in courage. But she was different.

She is infamous for her one-sided, utter, and desperate killings. Anyone who idolizes her is surely a serial killer.

Indeed, she was perfectly suited as an assassin. Without a sound or a breath, she silently killed her target. Perhaps no one was more adept at assassinating a Master than her.

For Saber, the fog wasn't a major obstacle. However, due to Assassin's "Presence Concealment" skill, she couldn't pinpoint his location. Since the sound was coming from nearby, the opponent was undoubtedly close, but—

"Ah, I knew it! You're a woman."

Upon hearing this, Saber couldn't help but grit her teeth slightly.

"In this case……"

"Well, in that case..."

"Just do it."

It sounded like someone was consulting with someone. A slug-like, disgusting feeling, something Saber hadn't felt in a long time, swept through her mind.

That is fear. A mysterious, unidentified killer lurking in the darkness. It's not a standoff, but a constant threat of being ambushed, of being outmaneuvered at any moment. A misjudgment of the situation means death.

So—what should we do?

"Hmph! Don't underestimate me, you damned brat!!"

Saber made a swift decision. As if peeling away the fear clinging to her skin, she tucked her helmet into her armor. As her dignified features were revealed, the sword in her hand roared.

"Red Thunder!"

"——!?"

Faced with the gloomy, disgusting darkness, all she needed to do was blow it away with her own light. She concentrated all her magic on her sword and unleashed crimson lightning in all directions.

It was as if everything had vanished into thin air—Assassin simply stared blankly at Saber.

"That's enough, Assassin. If you want to scream your heart out, now's your chance. If your neck is chopped off, you won't even be able to utter a sound."

"Ugh, I'm still hungry."

She spoke in a childlike tone, while gripping two kitchen knives in both hands. Better than letting her escape—Saber thought to herself with a fearless smile, while calculating the timing of "releasing magic."

Now that the fog has dissipated, the heaviness in her body has also disappeared. Therefore, Saber, possessing superior combat power, could not possibly lose to a mere killer who cannot lurk in the shadows.

0138 The Lion's Robbery [Please Subscribe]

Watching the battle between the two from behind, Shishio placed complete trust in Saber in this respect. However, there was one unsettling element. Having just escaped from the mist, he pulled a ritual implement from the inner pocket of his coat.

That was the hand of the demon monkey, already in a state of adipolysis.

When forced into a situation where he cannot leave his current location, he uses this hand to quickly construct a barrier to drive away crowds. And the area it covers is considerable. As the self-moving hand crawls around like a mouse, it seems to be carving out a closed space, creating a barrier.

Although he hadn't tried it before, he was confident he could completely drive people away this way, even at night in New York City or at a Shibuya intersection in Tokyo. Of course, those busy streets were teeming with countless mechanical eyes like surveillance cameras, so he certainly wouldn't do that.

The so-called elements of unease.

In other words, if anyone other than themselves and the others were to invade this exorcism space, it would be very bad.

Feeling a needle-like pain in his palm, Lion Robber instantly sensed the presence of the barrier intruder.

"Saber!"

His shout instantly ignited the already tense atmosphere. "Red" Saber and "Black" Assassin—both charged forward at each other.

Saber's goal is to cleave her opponent in two with a powerful, sweeping strike from above. Meanwhile, Assassin employs equally unpredictable and fluid close-quarters combat, targeting the opponent's neck. If Saber represents a superhuman assault that transcends human capabilities, then Assassin embodies a monstrous, inhuman ferocity that completely abandons humanity.

I can beat her.

In the instant she charged forward, Saber had this certainty. This attack would undoubtedly inflict a fatal wound on Assassin. Timing, speed, and power—everything was perfectly coordinated.

however.

Saber, however, was simultaneously bothered by Lion's call. That call must have held some meaning. Otherwise, he wouldn't have called her name. As she thought this, a chill ran down her spine, and she snapped back to reality.

Although I don't know where the attack will come from, I am definitely being targeted by someone.

A long-range throw or shot. The opponent could be Lancer or Archer. Either way, this will lead to my death…!

Before her theoretical thoughts could even form, her body reacted. She applied a slight braking force to the sudden surge, forcibly twisting her body around. That was all she could do now. In that instant of twisting, she saw the city's landmark—the clock tower.

In an instant, she was speechless with astonishment. At the tip of the clock tower stood two figures. In the soft moonlight, the one aiming a bow in her direction was none other than the Servant—!

Instantly, a blast of wind and a deafening roar enveloped Saber's entire body.

The arrow struck almost exactly where it was expected, but the target's movements were different from what was anticipated. Archer did not lower his bow but continued to reload the next arrow.

"Did you make it?"

In response to Master Fiore's question, Archer shook his head and said:

"No, it's a great pity, Saber dodged that attack. As expected of someone recognized as the best class."

"So, Assassin..."

"Assassin couldn't solve it either, although it did cause some damage."

The clock tower, a landmark of Sighisoara, stands 64 meters tall, making it the tallest building in the city. It offers panoramic views of the entire city and is visible from anywhere within it.

The central spire was surrounded by four smaller towers. The two stood in a place higher than the uppermost cloister—a place so small it was almost impossible to find a foothold.

The reason they could stand so effortlessly in positions that ordinary people couldn't even maintain for a few seconds was, of course, due to Archer's natural sense of balance. Considering his abilities, this wasn't surprising at all.