Fate: How About a New Savior?

Whether in life or after becoming a Counter Guardian, Archer had faced countless battles of all kinds.

But among human foes, few were as troublesome as Shiomi.

After Shiomi's twin spears sealed off the strike of Archer's dual blades, Archer projected and unleashed several swords. Yet, Shiomi evaded them with the smallest movement, stepped forward, and crossed his spears at Archer's neck.

"That's enough," Shiomi said as he withdrew his weapons.

With the final battle potentially beginning at any moment, Shiomi had finished drafting the operation plan and came out to the courtyard with Archer for some sparring.

"You're even stronger than I expected. Even if I replicate those magic spears, I can't fully reproduce your technique," Archer said, patting dust off his clothes.

Shiomi planted his twin spears into the ground, curious. "You can't?"

According to Morgan, Archer's Projection Magecraft could reproduce not just the Noble Phantasm's shape, but also the techniques of its wielder, replicating them with perfect accuracy.

"It's never a full hundred percent," Archer clarified. "At the very least, it's impossible to surpass the original owner of the Noble Phantasm."

During his battle with Heracles, it was only because Heracles had become a Berserker that Archer's projected skills could barely match the original.

"Such a peculiar Magecraft," Shiomi mused, crossing his arms. "Normally, Projection Magecraft can only produce hollow shells…"

But Archer's projections avoided that limitation entirely. The Noble Phantasms he created were only one rank lower than the originals and blatantly violated the principle of equivalent exchange—essentially conjured from nothing.

"It's probably thanks to his origin," Morgan said as she walked over, offering a quiet assessment. "Archer's origin is tied to weaponry like swords, which is why his Projection Magecraft is so refined. Or more precisely… it's a type specialized in projecting Noble Phantasms."

And the ultimate form of that specialization was a Reality Marble known as "Unlimited Blade Works."

"I'm flattered by the praise," Archer said with a casual smile. "After all, I'm just copying. But you, Your Ladyship the Witch Queen—you create."

Morgan passed by Shiomi, gently running her hand over the thorn-like etchings on the magic spear's shaft.

"It's nothing more than a trivial, limited artifact."

"That's unusually modest of you…" Shiomi said, genuinely surprised.

"What's even stranger is my husband," Morgan replied. "Despite not being fond of combat, he's still throwing himself headfirst into this fight against the King of Magecraft, thinking through possible ways to bring him down."

"What can I do? It's because of Sakura…" Shiomi sighed, exasperated.

"Is that really all?" Morgan asked.

Archer chimed in, "That's right. I also get the feeling that Mr. Shiomi is rather eager for a rematch with the King of Magecraft."

Shiomi blinked, caught off guard. "Is it that obvious?"

He hadn't expected even outsiders to notice.

And then, all the others watching from the courtyard nodded in agreement.

"…Alright, fine."

He had to admit it—part of him did want a proper battle with the King of Magecraft.

Not just because his fellow disciple had been defeated, but because he himself had inherited the power of the Primordial Runes.

Faced with such an opponent, it was impossible not to feel the urge to test himself.

"Alright, everyone, that's enough. Disperse."

As dusk settled over the sky, Shiomi told them all to return and rest. He planned to double-check the protective barriers around the house and see if there was any need to expand their detection range.

But then, a massive surge of magical energy drew everyone's attention.

It was coming from the direction of the Fuyuki Church.

"This feeling..." Shiomi narrowed his eyes.

Morgan's usual calm faded as she spoke softly, "It's the signal of war."

The Magecraft formation expanding slowly above the Fuyuki Church sent a clear message.

From this moment, the area surrounding the church would become a battlefield. The Caster camp was waiting there, ready to face off against the arriving Servants.

"What a surprise. The King of Magecraft, who always seemed so emotionally detached, would actually take the initiative like this." Shiomi holstered his spears. "Is this Marisbury's doing...?"

It was a declaration—and a threat.

Marisbury likely knew by now that Saber's and Archer's Masters had allied, and that both Shiomi and Morgan were involved.

If they didn't accept this challenge today, then the Caster side would surely launch an assault themselves.

"We could dig in and hold this place defensively..." Morgan sighed. "But if they're aiming to end everything in one decisive clash, it'll be hard to limit the scale of destruction."

One misstep, and all of Fuyuki could go up in flames.

It was clear Marisbury had gathered detailed intel in advance and anticipated Shiomi's temperament—he knew Shiomi would never let that happen.

"Our opponent is the King of Magecraft, after all." Shiomi didn't hesitate. "If that's their move, then we have no choice but to answer it head-on."

He turned toward the house.

"Everyone, go rest for a bit and get everything you need for the battle ready," Shiomi called out. "We move out in one hour!"

With that, he stepped through the door leading back inside.

...

"Feels like he's the only one excited about this," Rin said with a nervous bead of sweat trailing down her cheek.

She had given up trying to figure out who or what Shiomi really was. Just thinking about who they were up against was enough to max out her nerves.

A few minutes later, in the room...

"The last time I saw you dressed like this was ten years ago," Morgan said. "Feels like it was just a blink."

Shiomi adjusted his outfit, checking for anything out of place, then shook his head, looking troubled as he heard her words.

"Yeah. I didn't think I'd really keep you stuck in this era for ten years," he said with a rueful smile. "I thought we could live quietly… but in the end, I dragged you back onto the battlefield."

"A Magus can never live peacefully forever," Morgan said without the slightest concern, speaking as if reciting a law of nature. "Especially not you. Even if you don't seek it out, trouble always finds you—and you never turn it away."

"I... can't really argue with that."

Though nothing too major had happened in the past decade, matters within the Magus world had come at them non-stop—sometimes even trickier than real battles.

"Our opponent is the King of Magecraft. That kind of challenge suits me just fine," Morgan smiled. "You're not the only one with a taste for battle, my husband."

Shiomi blinked, then broke into a smile. "Guess we're both a little too competitive."

He walked up to Morgan and held out his hand.

"Let's go—together, to our battlefield."

"As you wish."