A sharp clang rang out, tal on tal, followed by a burst of sparks.
Lancer had just barely raised his spear in ti to block Shichen's strike.
"Whoa… impressive." Shichen raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised Lancer managed to block that.
He used the montum to flip back, landing a short distance away.
"How'd you pull that off?" Lancer turned to face him, eyes locked onto the silver longsword in Shichen's hand.
It didn't look any weaker than Saber's legendary blade—yet he'd never seen or heard of it before.
"I just did," Shichen replied with a casual smirk.
Honestly, he wasn't that shocked Lancer managed to react. The guy had seen countless battles; soone like him had honed instincts that kicked in way before the mind caught up.
That's what made these heroes terrifying. Born from war, myth, and history, they weren't just legends—they were symbols of faith.
And that Holy Grail? Even more insane. Too bad it had already been corrupted.
"You're seriously a Master?" Lancer's tone sharpened, both spears now raised. The threat Shichen gave off… felt even more intense than Saber.
"Haven't you already confird it?" Shichen raised his left hand, showing off the Command Seals etched into his skin.
"…Looks like I picked the wrong guy to fight," Lancer sighed, shaking his head.
"Nope. I should be thanking you," Shichen said. "You gave Saber a good hit. Otherwise, she might've gotten even more full of herself."
Saber pursed her lips, nearly snapping back.
"Hehe~" Irisviel just giggled, gently hugging Saber's arm.
"You're awfully considerate for a Master," Lancer chuckled. "Then again, Saber has every right to be confident, doesn't she?"
King Arthur, after all, was way more famous than he was.
"She doesn't need you to tell her that," Shichen said. "But you? You'd better be ready to pay the price."
And with that, he vanished on the spot.
Lancer imdiately focused, trying to track his presence.
This teleporting trick again…
Still, he thought he had a read on him. Shichen's swordplay was basic at best—purely relying on raw strength and agility.
As long as he could catch the mont he reappeared, he could counter it.
Or so he thought.
Suddenly—pain.
Lancer winced. A fresh cut opened on his waist, blood quickly soaking through his clothes.
"What the—?!" He turned quickly, only to see Shichen standing a few ters away, smiling like this was all a ga.
"How the hell did you do that?" Lancer gritted his teeth.
"I just did," Shichen said again, that sa smug grin on his face.
Truth was, it wasn't even complicated. With his stealth skills, he completely erased his presence. Lancer couldn't sense a thing.
If he'd wanted, he could've ended it right then and there. But… he had a theory to test.
Lancer stared him down, breathing hard. Was this… checkmate?
"…He actually got through Lancer?" Saber looked shocked.
She'd been fighting Lancer for ages and barely scratched him. Shichen? Two hits in and he already had blood on his blade.
"I told you, didn't I? Shichen's a monster," Irisviel said proudly.
"That sword of his…" Saber narrowed her eyes. The silver blade shimred brilliantly—no less stunning than her own.
She could feel it… that sa mystical aura. Elf-like. Just like her own holy sword.
"You know what that sword is?" she asked.
"Not a clue. First ti I've seen it myself," Irisviel said with a shrug.
"He didn't tell you?"
"Probably didn't think it was important. Honestly, the stuff he's really capable of… makes that sword seem average."
"He has stronger powers?" Saber blinked, shocked.
"Oh yeah." Irisviel nodded. "Sotis I wonder if he's actually so ancient hero just pretending to be a Master."
"Lancer," Shichen's voice pulled their attention back to the fight, "I'm done holding back."
Lancer said nothing. He just locked in and braced himself.
If he couldn't crack Shichen's vanishing trick, he was toast.
Too bad there was no way to crack it.
Shichen gripped his blade—Est—and disappeared again.
This ti, he wasn't pulling punches. This was payback—for Saber.
"Grrgh—!"
Lancer suddenly let out a groan, staggering backward.
Both Saber and Irisviel turned in shock—there was now a massive diagonal gash across Lancer's chest, blood soaking through his clothes.
But right after, a green glow surrounded him—healing magic from his Master.
Still, Lancer was too busy scanning the area, jaw clenched. He hadn't even seen the attack coming.
"Where is he?" Saber asked.
"I didn't catch it either," Irisviel said, eyes wide.
"Ugh—!"
Another wound. More blood. Another flash of green light.
And then—silver flickers.
That was all they could see—streaks of silver light slicing through the air around Lancer. Each flicker left a new wound.
In just seconds, his body was covered in cuts, blood dripping everywhere.
He couldn't fight back.
"…Damn," Lancer chuckled bitterly. "Guess this is the end for ."
But honestly? He wasn't mad. He got to fight King Arthur. He got to witness this. He had no regrets.
Shichen didn't go for the kill. His final slash cut Lancer's arm, leaving it soaked in red.
"Saber, we good now?" Shichen reappeared at her side.
She flinched—she hadn't even noticed him approach.
She stared at him, dazed. Just this power alone was enough to outmatch most Servants. And he had even more in reserve?
Was she even needed in this war?
"You're seriously insane…" she muttered.
"Don't go praising all of a sudden." Shichen smirked and flicked her forehead.
"C'mon, tell —was that enough?" he asked again.
"…Enough for what?"
"For punishing Lancer—for hurting you."
"I…" Saber blinked. He did all that… for her?
"You're not satisfied? Want to take his arm off?" Shichen turned like he was actually going to do it.
"Wait—no!" Saber grabbed his arm. "It's enough. Really."
"Sure?" he asked, smiling gently.
"…Yeah. Besides, I don't need revenge or anything…"
"That's not the point. It's not about what you need. It's about what I want," Shichen said firmly.
"You're my Servant. No way I'm letting anyone hurt you." His gaze softened as he looked at her—then reached out and ruffled her hair, especially the ahoge.
"Stop treating like a kid." Saber batted his hand away, frowning.
She'd seen him do this to Ilya and Sakura too—so clearly, he was lumping her in.
"You're pretty much the sa," Shichen replied, unfazed.
"I am not a kid!"
"Relax~" Irisviel laughed. "Isn't it obvious he just adores you?"
"I don't need to be adored," Saber muttered.
"Haha~ Maybe you don't, but Shichen clearly disagrees~"
"…So, you're not gonna finish him off?" Saber asked, changing the subject.
"I want to try sothing first," Shichen said, looking at Lancer—now kneeling in his own blood.
"Try sothing?"
"Give a quick death, Master of Saber," Lancer said calmly, like he wasn't even hurt.
"You really are a Celtic warrior," Shichen said, genuinely impressed. "That willpower... mad respect."
"Heh, you're the impressive one," Lancer replied. "Didn't expect to et a Master like you. I'm satisfied."
"…That so? Sorry, but what I'm about to do next… might piss you off."
"Huh?" Lancer frowned. "What do you an?"
"Try not to hate for it." Shichen raised his hand—golden light flared in his palm.
"Shichen, what are you doing?" Saber asked, confused.
"Just watch."
He could feel it—the connection he needed.
Then, with a shout:
"Steal!"
~~~
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