Since the concept of "humanity" Emerged in this world, the concept of "war" has existed alongside it.
Over thousands of years, the methods of warfare have evolved dramatically... from cold steel to firearms, from skirmishes of dozens to campaigns of tens of thousands…
"But no matter how it changes, the fundamental principles of war remain constant."
"First, achieve your objective."
"Second, prevent the enemy from achieving theirs."
"Third, even if you can't achieve your ultimate goal, ensure the enemy doesn't complete their plan!"
These three points are practically the ironclad laws of all "wars."
As the king bestowed the title of [Conqueror] by this world, Iskandar was well aware of this.
... But knowing is one thing; achieving it is another.
"Though the war has been turned into a competition, its core remains unchanged. And in any contest, my Gordius Wheel holds an absolute speed advantage… So, a strategy to weaken the enemy first?"
"Unknown king and that blue-black dragon, I admire your courage... give it a try if you dare!"
Iskandar shouted boldly.
Facing two Heroic Spirits at once was indeed pressure... but if he couldn't overcome such obstacles, how could he reach the boundless ocean of stars?
As for the competition?
Leave that to the clever "strategist"!
…
The contestants each chose their targets.
This made the already chaotic Roman city even more tumultuous.
The "cats" Employed endless tactics to find their targets, while the "mice" used every ounce of cunning to stay hidden.
"This plan is called fire attack... "
A roaring blaze suddenly erupted from the northeast of the Roman city, its glow illuminating half the district.
Everyone knew it was Caster's doing.
But searching for Caster now was pointless.
The fire had thrown the city's crowds into utter chaos... people fleeing, fighting the flames, or gawking, all packed tightly together, faces indistinguishable in the dense throng.
"Create chaos to cover your tracks?"
"Hmph, petty tricks."
Gilgamesh stood atop a towering marble pillar, looking down at the chaotic crowd, his crimson eyes gleaming with disdain.
"Buzz... "
Golden ripples unfurled beside him, but this time, not for attack. The First King reached into the vortex and pulled out a golden chalice.
[Holy Grail].
Not the "Cup of Heaven" That grants all wishes... but its power surpassed even that.
This was the true Holy Grail.
In terms of value, even the chalice that once held the Savior's blood paled in comparison to this "authentic" golden cup.
... For this was the prototype of all "Holy Grails." The true "manifestation of miracles."
Gilgamesh casually tossed the cup into the air.
In the next instant, as a silver-white figure leaped from the ground toward the airborne "Holy Grail"...
"Got you!"
The king lightly flicked his fingers, directing golden chains toward the figure, a mocking smile on his face.
... But that smile vanished in an instant.
"Clatter... "
Visibly, the moment the golden chains touched the silver-white figure, it dissolved into liquid, splashing onto the ground, then reforming into a human shape.
[Volumen Hydrargyrum].
The supreme Mystic Code of the El-Melloi family, enhanced by Waver Velvet to possess a pseudo-personality... appearing as a homunculus but essentially an "autonomous golem."
"What a… revolting thing."
Gazing at the [Mercury Maid], Gilgamesh's face twisted in clear disgust.
... He despised nothing more than things that didn't even qualify as "mongrels."
…
The competition grew fiercer.
Yet one pair still hadn't joined the fray.
Caren Ortensia... this silver-haired little nun was less an Assassin Master and more Jeanne Lily's mouthpiece.
Or rather, she wholly revered this "Big Sister Jeanne." barely older than her, as a divine figure, serving her with utmost devotion.
"Not going to join the fun, Caren?"
"It's a bit silly… but it looks entertaining, doesn't it?"
"No, Saintess."
"I'm fine staying here."
The silver-haired nun stood obediently by Jeanne Lily's side, like a loyal little guard.
…
At the referee's table, Jeanne Lily stretched wearily.
Truth be told, she was exhausted... utterly exhausted.
For this Holy Grail War, she hadn't rested properly in nearly a month.
This intense workload was torture for a Santa Claus who only worked one day a year.
... But there was no choice.
"The outcome matters, but the process is just as important."
"And no matter what, starting a brutal war for some vague wish… even the Lord wouldn't want to see that, right?"
That was Jeanne Lily's wish.
She wasn't a naive child; she knew the world's cruelty. But precisely because of that, she wanted to bring more "love and peace" And less "despair and slaughter" within her power.
This was why she ultimately agreed to indulge in this chaos alongside Saber.
... Regardless of the Holy Grail War's outcome, at this moment, she wanted the participants to feel "joy" rather than negativity.
"Attention, everyone, three hours remain in the competition."
"And a new rule: the team with the lowest score this round must treat everyone to a feast tomorrow noon!"
"!!!"
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