For this sudden attack, Fang Zheng had calculated about ninety percent of it, but frustratingly, the remaining ten percent exceeded his expectations.
Of course, Fang Zheng knew that Red ARCHER—Atalanta possessed an Inherent Skill called "Crossing Arcadia," which was described as "the ability to move across the battlefield, including over all obstacles, including enemies."
At that ti, Fang Zheng rely subconsciously assud that "all obstacles" referred to physical barriers, but he hadn’t expected his own magic to be considered an "obstacle" as well!
Fortunately, although Atalanta had fled, she was also seriously injured—her ability to cross all obstacles did not an she could evade attacks. Fang Zheng could see that not long after her escape, Red ARCHER was caught up by the Ultimate Magic Missile Storm he had released and was heavily bombarded, leaving her half-dead. However, she was tough, dragging herself away with her battered body.
"Little Hei, don’t chase after her, she’s faster than you."
Fang Zheng halted Little Hei’s intention to pursue, knowing that Atalanta’s agility was A-ranked, while Little Hei’s was only B. Not to ntion, the enemy was now fleeing for her life. Fang Zheng’s assault was a surprise ant to catch the enemy off guard, and now that the enemy was aware of an ambush, it wouldn’t be so easy to succeed again.
Although he hadn’t managed to kill Red ARCHER according to the original plan, the death of Black SABER had achieved his goal. So, Fang Zheng was ready to pack up and head back to wash up and sleep... at least that was his original plan.
But upon seeing another uninvited guest on the screen, Fang Zheng changed his mind.
"Little Hei, you go back first."
"What’s wrong, Big Brother?"
Hearing Fang Zheng’s order, Little Hei paused for a mont, then quickly realized the situation and conjured her Dual Swords in her hands again.
"An enemy?"
"There’s a troubleso person approaching us. Although I don’t know what she’s up to, she’s definitely coming for us. You’re a Servant, not her match. To be safe, you head back first, and I will go and et her."
As he spoke, Fang Zheng looked at the screen in front of him—there, a girl with golden hair dressed in a Servant’s attire was running swiftly toward their location. Her direction was clear, and with no one else on this road, it was certain that she was headed towards them.
"Got it, Big Brother, be careful."
Little Hei nodded decisively, then walked over to Kurumi’s clone. Soon, the dark Shadow rapidly erged, engulfing both of them and disappearing into the ground. Although the little one was usually mischievous, she was far more decisive in combat than Illya, which is why Fang Zheng had chosen to bring Little Hei instead of Illya for this battle. If Illya was here, that overly cautious little one would likely not be able to cooperate with Fang Zheng to this extent.
Comparing the two Illyas, Fang Zheng saw that each had their strengths and weaknesses. Illya’s advantage was that she was well-behaved, adorable, obedient, and sensible—simply put, she was the perfect "neighbor’s kid" for her age. Little Hei, on the other hand, was more mischievous, always liked to tease others, and was... well, Fang Zheng was sowhat afraid she would lead Yoshino astray.
However, if you’re talking about combat cooperation, Little Hei would be an ideal partner, while Illya would tend to be hesitant unless she was resolutely determined to confront an enemy. It was difficult for Illya to bring out her true abilities against an adversary.
In this sense, Illya and Yoshino had so similarities, which is probably why the two little ones stuck together all the ti.
With these thoughts in mind, Fang Zheng shook his head with a smile, then turned and looked behind him.
"So, Lady Saintess, what brings you here?"
Accompanied by Fang Zheng’s voice, a girl with golden hair braided into a Long Whip walked out from behind the trees, wearing a deep purple battle suit and holding a flag. This was the girl Fang Zheng had seen before, the most special Servant in the Holy Grail War, RULER—Jeanne d’Arc.
"You’re the Master from the Black Side, aren’t you?"
Jeanne d’Arc watched Fang Zheng quietly, her face devoid of expression.
"That’s right."
In response to the Saintess’s inquiry, Fang Zheng nodded. Jeanne d’Arc frowned, staring at Fang Zheng.
"I’m sorry, but you have violated the rules of the Holy Grail War."
"Oh?"
At this, Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow.
"Which rule would that be?"
"You violated the rules by summoning more than the additional number of Servants and overlapping existing Class Levels, which is against the rules of the Holy Grail War..."
Facing the accusation from Jeanne d’Arc, Fang Zheng wasn’t surprised. He had already investigated Jeanne d’Arc’s skills through the Ratziel and had ntally prepared for the possibility of his own tricks being exposed. Therefore, even with Jeanne d’Arc confronting him in person and declaring his violation of the rules, it was of little concern to Fang Zheng.
"So, what now, Lady Saintess? Do you intend to give a red card and send off the field?"
"Yes."
Jeanne d’Arc nodded and looked at Fang Zheng once more before speaking.
"By using rule-breaking thods, you have caused an unknown impact on the Holy Grail War. As the RULER of this Holy Grail War, I cannot turn a blind eye, so I request that you hand over your Command Seal and renounce your qualification as a MASTER. I can assure your safety."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then I will have to enforce it."
As she spoke, Jeanne d’Arc raised the weapon in her hand toward Fang Zheng.
"I must uphold the fairness and justice of this Holy Grail War. It is my duty!"
No sooner had she finished speaking than Jeanne d’Arc charged forward, rushing toward Fang Zheng.
"Boom!!"
Just as Jeanne d’Arc reached Fang Zheng’s side, suddenly, a burst of flas erupted from his body, scattering in all directions. Jeanne d’Arc swiftly retracted her banner, cautiously backing away. She looked at the flas before her with uncertainty, not knowing what had just happened.
In theory, as a RULER, Jeanne d’Arc should not fear ordinary flas, and even flas condensed from magic power would hardly harm her. However, for so unknown reason, upon seeing the flas burst from Fang Zheng’s body, her instinct warned her that she had to avoid them imdiately, or else she would suffer a catastrophic disaster.
It was for this reason that Jeanne d’Arc chose to retreat. But what exactly was going on?
"I really didn’t want to cause any trouble."
Fang Zheng’s voice ca from within the flas again, and in the next mont, he stepped out, dual swords in hand. At this mont, Fang Zheng had once again donned the armor of the Farron Undead Legion. Lifting his head, a glint of cold light flashed in his eyes. Seeing Fang Zheng in this form surprised Jeanne d’Arc.
"It’s you!?"
"Yes, Lady Saintess."
Fang Zheng twirled the greatsword in his hand and then raised it, pointing it at Jeanne d’Arc.
"To speak honestly, I had no intention of opposing you. Wouldn’t it be better for each of us to mind our own business? But now it seems that only one of us can leave this place alive. This is truly unfortunate. Although I admit that I have violated the rules, that doesn’t an I am willing to accept punishnt. The Holy Grail is sothing I must obtain, and you..."
As he spoke, Fang Zheng’s lips curled slightly, revealing a cold smile.
"If the Suppression Power wants to stop , then let’s see how capable you are... Ah, I’m sorry, but it seems I must add you to the firewood list."
"———!"
Jeanne d’Arc didn’t comprehend what Fang Zheng was saying, but at that mont, she beca very serious, as if she was facing a formidable enemy. If previously Jeanne d’Arc simply regarded Fang Zheng as a MASTER who exploited a loophole in the Holy Grail War, now she saw him as her most powerful adversary. Jeanne d’Arc had seen the entire battle between Fang Zheng and Karna and was acutely aware that although the knight before her was not a Servant, he possessed power comparable to that of top-level Servants...
"Then, here I co...!"
As Fang Zheng finished speaking, the burning flas suddenly erupted from the pitch black greatsword. In the next instant, Fang Zheng, wielding dual swords, slashed down at Jeanne d’Arc!
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