It is said that humans cannot defeat Heroic Spirits—a belief that has persisted for an unknown time.
Heroic Spirits are the embodiment of humanity's dreams and beliefs, summoned to this world by the Grail's power.
They possess not only incredible, almost miraculous power, but also extraordinarily potent Noble Phantasms.
These Noble Phantasms, capable of devastating cities or even entire nations, are beyond ordinary comprehension.
Rider's Bounded Field, for instance, is a Noble Phantasm that surpasses even many other Servants'.
Arthas didn't know his chances of winning, but he knew he couldn't afford to retreat.
If he couldn't protect his wife, how could he face Illya? How could he return to Orario and face Hestia and Ryu Lion?
He wasn't a king, lacking Rider's strong bond and unwavering resolve with his subjects, but he possessed something even more important: the love for his family.
"Whoever or whatever you are, grant me the power… the power to defeat all who stand before me."
Walking towards the Einzbern castle gates, Arthas placed a hand over his beating heart, whispering softly.
This shouldn't be happening; this heart shouldn't be beating; something has changed; I shouldn't be like this.
His former self—cold, merciless, a killing machine.
With each step, a chill spread, unknowingly frosting the corridors and walls with a thin layer of ice.
Emotion and power balanced on a scale; to gain one, he needed only to lighten the other side.
Perhaps Arthas hadn't wanted to use this forbidden power, but now he understood its importance.
Without power, how could he protect his loved ones? How could he obtain the Grail?
It no longer mattered; let him become a demon, unseen by them. Just give him power.
I need power.
As you… wish.
A mocking voice echoed in Arthas's mind; his black eyes slowly turned ice blue, finally becoming the color of glacial frost.
In the Einzbern castle courtyard, the visitor awaited.
Rider, as usual with his Master, in his chariot, saw Arthas emerge alone and spoke casually.
"Why are you here alone? Where's your Servant, the vampire? I'm not here for drinks tonight; I'm here to crash the party."
"Unnecessary; you face me."
Head slightly bowed, Arthas spoke emotionlessly. Rider frowned slightly; Waver visibly cringed.
A cold aura slowly spread through the silent night. The playful expression on Rider's face faded, replaced by seriousness.
He felt the man before him had changed completely, exuding an aura of pressure and danger, even to a Servant.
"Interesting… it seems facing you won't be boring."
"Ah… are we… fighting?"
Hearing Rider, Waver looked surprised. Facing a Master in battle seemed wrong.
The Grail War was a fight for survival, but Waver clearly didn't want to take a life.
"Yes, don't underestimate him. He's not far weaker than the remaining Servants; he's extremely dangerous."
Rider said this as Waver dismounted, retreating to a safer place. What followed was beyond his involvement.
Even fighting alongside his Servant, he could only watch.
Waver sighed softly, his gaze firm on his Servant's back, speaking resolutely.
"Rider, by the Command Seal, you shall not lose tonight! Bring me victory!"
Waver didn't know why he'd used the Command Seal this way. Servant vs. Master—the outcome was obvious, wasn't it?
Humans can't defeat Heroic Spirits; it's a given.
But Waver felt a deep unease. Looking at the Command Seals on his arm—one was fading, the other two still glowed crimson—he felt an urge to use all three. But he suppressed it, stepping back to watch the confrontation.
"Haha, now that's a Master! Command Seals are excellent; I feel power surging through me. Don't worry; I won't lose. Before I plunder that Hero-King's treasure, I won't fall here!"
Praising his Master, Rider turned to Arthas. Unlike his relaxed demeanor with Waver, a deep seriousness and apprehension were etched on the Servant's face.
"The flowers are frozen."
Shaking his head regretfully, Rider looked at the frozen flowers in the flowerbed beside Arthas.
"Do you crave power, Rider?"
Arthas asked, without looking at him.
"Naturally. Everyone craves power. Only with absolute power can I achieve my ambition, conquer without restraint!"
Raising his sword, Rider declared proudly.
"Is that so… then what are you willing to sacrifice for power?"
Arthas asked, slowly raising his head. His lifeless, ice-blue eyes met Rider's, causing the battle-hardened Servant to tremble.
Clearly, the one with such emotionless eyes was no longer human.
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