Chapter 46: Mordred's Excitement

"...Ha, you really are the strangest person I've ever met. Using battle and swords to confirm wills and understand each other? Hmph, now I know just what kind of reckless, self-indulgent master I've got." Mordred planted her sword in the ground as she spoke.

"I was born this way—no great risks, no great rewards. So then, let's get along well, Mordred," said Takashi Kuroda, extending his hand.

"Hmph, let's get along, Master." Mordred didn't shake his hand but instead enthusiastically high-fived him.

"But Mordred, as your Master, there's something I must tell you. The reason I provoked you earlier was also because of this. I had to confirm your feelings toward your father, the Knight King."

At the mention of her father, Mordred's expression instinctively hardened. But now, after their battle, the distance between her and Takashi Kuroda had clearly lessened, so this time she could patiently listen. "Go on, what exactly is this about?"

"I may love risks, but I never fight unprepared. So before the Holy Grail War began, I gathered intel on the other Masters. Among them, I discovered one whose catalyst was... unusual."

"A catalyst?" Mordred seemed to recall something, glancing back at the collapsed house.

"Mm, the medium used to summon a Servant. Catalysts often attract Heroic Spirits related to them—just like that fragment called you forth, Mordred."

"Then... the catalyst you found, does it have something to do with the Round Table?" Mordred frowned.

"No, that catalyst is tied to only one person." Takashi Kuroda paused before continuing, "Its name is: Avalon—The Ever-Distant Utopia. You understand what I mean now, don't you?"

"Father!" In an instant, Mordred realized what he was implying. She never expected that her opponent in this Holy Grail War would be that existence. Her body trembled uncontrollably.

"Oh? What's this? Are you... no, should I say, you're actually excited, aren't you, Mordred? That grin of yours is downright radiant." Takashi Kuroda chuckled.

"Hey... Master, are you sure about this intel?" Mordred asked, her voice shaking slightly.

"Absolutely. Not just that—I'll give you a chance. A chance to stand before your father once again." Takashi Kuroda lowered his voice. "Mordred, from the moment you answered my summon, your wish was already halfway fulfilled. No need to rely on something like the Holy Grail. Go and achieve it properly, with your own hands. And I, as your Master, will help you make it happen."

"...Fine. Then tell me, Master, what's your wish?" Mordred wasn't stupid. If Takashi Kuroda was going this far, it'd be too strange if she didn't have to give anything in return.

"Simple. I only need one thing—obey my commands and bring me victory. That's all."

Clang—

Mordred performed a flawless knight's salute before Takashi Kuroda, then raised her head with a slightly manic grin.

"Hey, Master, you said earlier that I'm a knight loyal to my own convictions, right? Then, by the code and name of knighthood, I pledge my loyalty to you. With this sword, I'll cut down every enemy in our path and bring you true victory."

Ding— System Notification: Through your strength and words, you've made Mordred sincerely submit. Affection has surpassed 60 points. Mordred has sworn to become your blade! Even the Rebel Knight kneels before you—as expected of a host with the makings of a supreme villain. Reward: 500 Villain Points, 3 Command Spells.

"This is the first time the host hasn't used the Ruination's corruption to force a Servant's submission, making them yield willingly. Truly impressive progress." The system couldn't help but marvel at Takashi Kuroda's rapid growth.

"Of course. Who do you think I am? Sure, Mordred's personality can be troublesome, but she's still one of my favorite Servants. I know her well."

"Master, a Servant has breached the bounded field—it's Jeanne. My barrier can't stop her." Semiramis's report suddenly echoed in Takashi Kuroda's mind.

"Mordred, perfect timing. There's something I need you to do for me. I want you to put on a little act."

"Huh? An act?" Mordred gave him a puzzled look.

......

"Is this... a bounded field? I never expected to sense something like this here." Jeanne, detecting the presence, strode in without hesitation. With her Magic Resistance at EX rank, no magecraft barrier could hold her back.

But the moment she entered, the field's presence vanished unnaturally. Jeanne frowned. If they were trying to hide something, why withdraw it now? Had they already accomplished their goal?

"Wait—that direction! Takashi and an unknown Servant... they're fighting?! The Holy Grail War hasn't even started, and daytime battles are forbidden!" Remembering the mysterious Servant from before, Jeanne immediately rushed toward the source of the disturbance.

"Another Servant... feels like a Caster. The one who set up the bounded field? But they're already retreating, almost out of range... Hm? The black mist ring is vibrating?" As she ran, Jeanne noticed the ring on her hand pulling her wrist toward her ear. She obliged, lifting it to listen.

"Shirou." Takashi Kuroda's voice transmitted through the ring.

"Eh? Takashi? What's happening over there?"

"Engaging a Servant. Don't worry, I've got it under control. But I’m concerned about drawing too much attention, so I need your help."

"With what?"

"When you arrive, don’t come in your Spiritron Dress. Switch back to Laeticia’s normal clothes."

"Why?"

"I need you to pretend to be my Master."

"...Eh???" Jeanne was visibly stunned.

"No time to explain. If you want to lure out the mastermind, the best move is to hide your Ruler identity for now. Trust me—I’ll explain everything afterward."

......

Reluctantly, Jeanne complied, reverting to Laeticia’s civilian attire before hurrying toward Takashi. She could sense him fighting while retreating, nearing the coastal outskirts. The Emiya residence was already far behind.

"They’ve stopped?" Jeanne felt Takashi halt, followed by a surge of immense energy—a Noble Phantasm was about to be unleashed.

She sprinted faster, bursting into the open field—and froze at the sight before her.

Takashi Kuroda stood shrouded in swirling black mist, spectral wraiths writhing around him. Opposite him, an armored Servant with bull-like horns brandished a radiant, dazzling sword, poised for battle.

"Revelation!" Instantly, the opponent’s data flooded Jeanne’s mind—yet to her shock, only basic parameters and class skills appeared. Their True Name, Noble Phantasm, and personal skills were completely obscured.

"A concealment-type Noble Phantasm? Why can’t I see anything?!" Before she could intervene, Takashi’s voice rang out:

"Stay back, Master! I’ll handle this!"

"M-Master?" Jeanne remembered their agreement—but with a Noble Phantasm about to be fired, could she really just watch?

As if sensing her hesitation, Takashi called again: "Don’t worry, Master! Victory will be yours!"

"Come, nameless Servant! Let’s settle this in one strike!" Raising the Blade of the Ruined King high, Takashi Kuroda roared his challenge.