A humming…
Even before the blades met, a violent vacuum fluctuation tore through the air, a testament to the sheer power of Rider's strike.
This was an attack launched with the absolute intention to kill; a decisive, lethal blow!
But…
Nothing happened.
Rider's sword never connected; his attack was stopped. Between them, another force had abruptly halted Rider's offensive.
It happened in an instant, leaving Rider completely unprepared. The next moment, with a fierce gust of wind, a wave of death washed over him.
The sound of shattering limbs was oddly melodic in the night, punctuated by a girl's excited laughter. Rider stumbled back, one side of his cloak soaked through with blood.
The enemy Rider was meant to face stood before him—a young girl with a slightly manic smile, spreading her hands before the grim-faced Rider.
"So, Heroic Spirits' blood is red too… though the taste is underwhelming; far inferior to a Master's."
"Tsk… so you're Berserker. That insane energy is definitely palpable."
Rider offered a wry smile, shaking his head but showing no fear.
"Though the night is late, my target was you. Let's finish this delayed battle!"
Brushing off his arm wound, Rider, undeterred, stared at Flandre, his fighting spirit undimmed.
"A fight, in your current state?"
Flandre looked at Rider with disdain. While his courage was admirable, it bordered on reckless stupidity.
At his peak, with King's Army deployed, Rider would have been a formidable opponent, but now, after using King's Army and with his strength diminished, Rider was no match for Flandre.
"So what? A King doesn't retreat on the battlefield! Even if all my soldiers fall before me, I will press forward, continue fighting!"
Rider declared, raising his sword with his undamaged arm and charging at Flandre.
This charge, while courageous, was suicidal, offering no hope of victory.
"Is that so… but don't forget, I am… Berserker!"
Fighting a Berserker head-on was undoubtedly foolish.
In exchange for losing their reason, Berserkers possessed the greatest combat prowess among the seven classes. A Berserker's battle frenzy was unmatched.
In every Grail War, Berserkers were the Servants Masters least wanted to engage. They were madmen; there was nothing to gain from provoking them.
The Grail War was a battle between seven Masters, but mutual use and exploitation were crucial. Alliances formed to target stronger Masters and Servants were common.
But Berserkers were unpredictable; allying with one meant risking a betrayal at any moment.
The moment Flandre declared herself Berserker, her smile twisted. She raised a hand towards Rider and clenched her fist.
Rider's body froze; a large gush of blood erupted from his mouth, sending him sprawling. Only his sword prevented him from falling completely.
"Ha… haha, how embarrassing. A King like me, so ungainly. Good thing my soldiers didn't see that; I'd have lost face."
Even now, Rider spoke with a self-deprecating humor that commanded respect.
Meanwhile, Arthas held the blood-soaked Saber; exhaustion had rendered her unconscious; she lay limp in his arms.
Her wounds and blood were heartbreaking; Arthas felt a surge of pity and guilt.
His doubts and suspicions had vanished; he was certain she'd fought for him, as Artoria, the girl in love.
"Flandre, show no mercy. End Rider tonight."
Holding Saber, Arthas stared impassively at Rider, echoing Rider's earlier words, but directed at Rider himself.
"As you wish… my Master."
A wicked smile touched Flandre's lips as she raised her hand again towards Rider. Her slender hand resembled a harbinger of death, filling Rider with dread.
He didn't understand her fighting style; a simple hand gesture had inflicted such grievous wounds.
From nearly tearing off his arm to damaging his heart, the girl had only moved her hand. This was beyond Rider's comprehension.
A Berserker who should have overwhelmed their opponent with brute force was using baffling, almost magical tactics.
"This is completely unfair! At least let me know what you're using! I'm completely clueless!"
Rider complained, but Flandre ignored him.
She clenched her fist again; Rider leaped aside, trying to evade her attack, but it was futile.
Mid-air, a jet of blood erupted from Rider's chest, sending the hulking man crashing to the ground, unable to rise.
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