Chapter 93: First Battle, Victory!
The heavy blow to his chest caused Lancer's mind to waver for a moment.
The scent in his nostrils was no longer the metallic tang of blood, but the fresh fragrance of forest trees and the decaying smell of falling leaves.
The clash of spear and sword rang clear, just like... back in those days.
In the next moment, the handsome spearman roared in anger, his spear technique becoming even more fierce, sweeping away the advancing Sakatsuki and the dozens of blades following him!
But no matter the situation, he remained the top knight of the Knights of Fianna, the unparalleled spearman, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne!
Flesh and blood could not withstand the edge of weapons. To advance further, Sakatsuki had no choice but to project black and white twin blades, blocking the crimson spear, his knees trembling, almost buckling.
As one of the three knight classes, Diarmuid's stats far surpassed his. Moreover, although Lancer was injured, his momentum only increased. If this continued, Sakatsuki would only be torn apart by the twin spears.
Though his skills were inferior... Sakatsuki's lips curled into a smile as he charged forward with his sword.
I have many tricks up my sleeve!
The spear and twin blades collided, sparking intense flames once more. But then, Diarmuid's expression turned to surprise as his tightly gripped spear was sent flying high as if struck by a powerful force!
Upon closer inspection, Sakatsuki was holding a heavy hammer with both hands.
After grinning at Diarmuid, he spun around and smashed it down!
Boom!
Amid the powerful shockwave, Diarmuid, who had hastily raised the Yellow Rose of Mortality, was sent flying. The moment he landed, he pushed off with his legs, darting back like lightning.
Whether at close or long range, the battlefield belonged to the young man—Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. The victory was his sealed within the reach of his spears!
Sakatsuki clearly realized this too. While materializing two Uzi submachine guns and pulling the triggers, he quickly retreated, trying to create distance.
"It's useless!"
The twin spears spun, deflecting most of the bullets. Even if a stray bullet hit him, it would bounce off under the suppression of mystery. With his A+ agility, Lancer closed the distance to Sakatsuki in the blink of an eye, thrusting his magic spear without mercy.
"You lose, Sakatsuki!"
"No—"
Sakatsuki stopped, his smile as refreshing as ever, and confident of victory.
"It is my victory, Lancer."
The anti-magic red spear and the sure-kill yellow spear slashed open two bloody wounds on Diarmuid's body.
"What!"
Watching from the sidelines, Kayneth's eyes widened, coughing violently from the intense emotions.
"How could this be..."
Even Saber was left speechless, her mouth slightly agape.
How is this possible?
This shouldn't have happened!
The same shock lingered in Lancer's heart. His warrior instincts made him quickly retreat, creating distance, but the overwhelming surprise made him touch the two wounds on his arm and side, speechless.
"Gáe Dearg, the anti-magic red spear" and "Gáe Buidhe, the sure-kill yellow spear" had indeed taken effect, causing significant damage to the enemy.
But that enemy wasn't Sakatsuki; it was him, the master of these two magic spears!
"When an archer doesn't use his bow, it's not because he's panicking, Lancer."
Across from him, the unharmed youth smiled, holding the crimson and golden magic spears that were so captivating.
Crimson against crimson.
Golden against golden.
Using projection magic to replicate the twin spears, Sakatsuki had already severely wounded Diarmuid. He released the spears, letting them dissipate into spirit particles, and grasped a nameless black iron bow.
"It's because he's worried his arrows are too fierce, leaving the enemy no chance to step into the trap!"
The light of dusk fell, and the youth's confident and proud voice echoed through the abandoned factory, declaring victory in this clash.
After the initial shock, the two spectators regained their composure.
Saber placed a hand on her chest, exhaling deeply.
"I never expected Sakatsuki to have such a move. Lancer's loss is not unjust."
However, the other spectator was not as calm. Kayneth's face darkened, his entire body trembling with anger and fear.
No one understood the effects of these two Noble Phantasms better than he did—when Saber was merely grazed on the wrist, her strength was greatly reduced, and her Noble Phantasm was sealed. Diarmuid had an entire arm slashed open; with such injuries, his defeat was inevitable!
Suddenly, the fire in Kayneth's eyes extinguished, replaced by a deep, unfathomable sea, calm on the surface but with raging waves beneath.
No, there was still a way to turn the tide.
He lowered his head, mustering his last strength to communicate with a certain miracle he still possessed.
***
[014: Diarmuid Ua Duibhne (Lancer)]
[Character Information: A famous hero from Celtic mythology...]
[Hidden Information: Known as "Diarmuid of the Love Spot" and "Diarmuid of the Shining Face." His beauty earned him the title "the best lover of women and maidens in all of the land of Ireland," though he seemed troubled by it.]
[Record Conditions (2/2)]:
[•Gain Diarmuid's approval. (Completed)]
[•Defeat/Kill Diarmuid. (Completed)]
[Condition 2 Reward: Heroic Spirit Diarmuid's Spear Techniques!]
A flood of knowledge poured into Sakatsuki's mind. He shook his head, and the close-combat spear techniques that could rival Saber's and even gain the upper hand became his nourishment.
If Sakatsuki now possessed Noble Phantasms not inferior to Diarmuid's, he could surely engage in a thrilling duel of spears, not just relying on the combat memories brought by projected weapons.
"The wounds have similar curses but are not irreparable..."
Lancer, after a brief moment of distraction, also noticed the peculiarity of his injuries.
"I see, they're... fakes."
"Can't be helped. If my raw strength isn't enough, I can only rely on these replicas to win."
Sakatsuki shrugged.
"You're too modest."
Even though the wound on his arm wouldn't heal anytime soon, the spearman still showed an appreciative smile. The yellow magic spear dissipated into spirit particles, and he raised the red magic spear with one arm.
"Luring the enemy in... your tactics are truly brilliant."
"But even so, will you continue to fight?"
Sakatsuki could already sense Lancer's fighting spirit, quietly drawing his bow and nocking an arrow.
"Indeed."
Diarmuid, still bleeding from his wounds, lunged forward, charging at Sakatsuki once more.
"Though I lost the battle, this 'war' for my master is not over yet."
But this time, the bow-wielding youth showed no mercy. The iron bow vibrated continuously, each shot filled with magical energy, comparable to a bomb's explosion!@@novelbin@@
Yet, even so, the crimson spear's light broke through the blockade—because outside the battlefield, Kayneth raised his arm, shouting hoarsely.
"By the power of my Command Spell! Lancer, you must bring me victory!"
"As you command, my master!"
For the first time since being summoned, Lancer fully accepted the Command Spell of his own will.
In the blink of an eye, Lancer, now burning with magical flames, closed the distance. A single spear effortlessly broke through the blockade of twin blades, resting against Sakatsuki's vulnerable neck.
"At least in terms of Command Spell, my master has never been stingy!"
With his left arm hanging limp, the handsome spearman's face shone with joy as he declared.
"Is that so?"
Sakatsuki neither confirmed nor denied, stepping aside from the motionless Gáe Dearg and returning to Saber's side.
He had already obtained what he wanted; honour and victory were of little importance.
Moreover, he was looking forward to the battle between Saber and Lancer.
"It is your victory, Lancer."
"Thank you for your generosity, Sakatsuki."
Diarmuid slightly bowed his head, showing respect to this powerful and humble opponent.
But when he raised his head, his gaze inevitably fell upon Sola-Ui, who had awakened at some point behind Saber.
Though unable to speak, this woman, the fiancée of his second master, was fervently gazing at the hero with her sincere, sorrowful, and desperate eyes.
***
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