A soldier known as the "Offensive Program."
An advanced program construct, also referred to as an "Invader", akin to a mid-level boss.
The "Shadow Servants", formed from the lingering Spirit Origins of fallen Servants, exist solely to execute tasks, functioning like low-ranking officers.
Like an immune system, a special offensive program, the "Restrained Body", moves across the battlefield, transporting Shadow Servants.
And finally, the "Replica Servants", created using certain "materials" and vast amounts of mana to copy the Spirit Origin data of actual Servants, possessing abilities equal to their originals and acting as the commanders of each war zone.
Like a system of warfare from another dimension, each element interlinked, it clashed head-on with the King's Army of Conquest, resulting in a battle of Servants against Servants, soldiers against soldiers—the vast desert, covered in golden sands, was transformed into a battlefield of blood and data.
In the end, as expected, it led to a stalemate.
Iskandar would not recklessly deplete all his mana out of anger, nor did those who came to stop the Tyrant have any reason to fight to the death.
After the Lancer in a blue bodysuit was surrounded by the Seven Attendants and ultimately beheaded by Iskandar, the Reality Marble collapsed, the King's Army vanished, and everything around the man was absorbed into his Moonlit Spear, leaving no trace behind.
At midday, within a grove of mixed trees, two figures stood facing each other.
"Why do you stand in my way, mysterious warrior?"
"Just a casual intervention. Even if I hadn't made a move, he wouldn't have lacked the means to deal with you."
"…You were the one who participated in the first half of the Banquet of Kings, weren't you? State your name."
"Just a nameless wanderer, great King of Conquerors."
The white-haired man revealed a self-mocking smile, and if one looked closely, his black pupils shimmered with a deep, blood-like radiance.
"Enjoy the final collapse of this war. I shall take my leave."
Leaving behind these final words, the man who called himself "Nameless" turned and departed, while Iskandar remained, watching his silhouette fade into the distance.
"Rider…"
"I'm fine, kid. Just a sorrowful drifter, nothing more. Let's go."
***
The disturbance caused by the Heroic Spirit Card Servants had come to an end. Although the repercussions were still unfolding, for a certain mastermind behind the scenes, the current results were sufficient.
"The Conqueror didn't chase after us?"
Receiving Assassin's report, Sakatsuki frowned, then quickly ordered.
"Dismantle the large magical ritual array in the forest. If innocent people get dragged into the imaginary space, it could cause some trouble."
Assassin acknowledged the order, and silence followed. Sakatsuki composed himself, putting on a face that mixed just the right amount of panic, conflict, and a sense of duty, then pushed open the door of the police station.
While the other participants were thrown into chaos, Sakatsuki finally managed to escape from the cavern to carry out his initial plan.
"Hello, I'd like to report a crime—I know who bombed the Hyatt Hotel!"
Hyatt Hotel!
The moment those words were spoken, the noise in the police station ceased, replaced by an eerie silence.
For the citizens of Fuyuki City, the bombing of the Hyatt Hotel was as shocking as the destruction of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai. Despite the Holy Church's efforts to suppress the news, further containment would take time.
And now, the person claiming to know the culprit stood before the police officers.
Watching the officers panic, even the police sergeant rushing out of the office towards him, Sakatsuki's lips curled into a faint smile as he held up a self-sealing bag.
"This is the evidence I've collected. Please handle it with care."
A suggestion spell was cast, and everything proceeded as Sakatsuki had anticipated.
"The person I'm accusing is—Kirei Kotomine of the Fuyuki City Church."
Half an hour later, a swarm of police cars rushed out of the new city, heading towards the church under the stunned gazes of pedestrians.
***
Amid the sharp wail of sirens, countless police cars surrounded the Holy Church on the hill in the new city.
"I'm with the police, don't move!"
"Raise your hands and stay where you are!"
A large number of armed police officers stormed in, sealing off the interior of the church. Clearly, to capture the terrorist responsible for the bombing, and under the influence of Sakatsuki's suggestion spell, the police were on high alert.
Father Risei Kotomine, caught off guard, was immediately restrained. After a thorough search, Kirei Kotomine, who had been recuperating in the basement, was discovered and handcuffed under the aim of numerous guns.
"At X hour on X day, suspect Kirei Kotomine has been arrested!"
The operation leader reported via walkie-talkie, then personally escorted Kirei towards a police car.
"Wait... you must be mistaken. My son Kirei is a disciplined man; he would never commit such a heinous act."
The old priest spoke while subtly activating a certain artifact in his pocket.
It was a replica of a holy relic possessed by the Holy Church, capable of producing effects similar to a suggestion spell. With this, he could temporarily resolve the crisis.
However, the operation leader remained unmoved; the old priest's suggestion was deflected.
This is... a bounded field!
So, a magus is indeed targeting the church!
Risei Kotomine immediately realized something was wrong, but at this moment, helpless, he could only watch as his son was taken away in the police car, disappearing from sight.
"...Who is behind this evil deed?"
Muttering in frustration, Risei Kotomine walked back into the church, intending to report the incident to the Eighth Sacrament and request the Church's secular influence to rescue his son.
But as he stepped into the church, a man in a black coat, sitting on a church chair with his legs crossed, came into view.
"Kiritsugu Emiya."
The old priest couldn't help but utter the man's name.
Hearing the voice behind him, the man turned his face, revealing an uncharacteristic smile.
"I'm here to ask just one thing—as Sakatsuki's ally."
***
Holy Church.
The afternoon sunlight filtered through the stained glass, illuminating the dim sanctuary.
The magus from the Einzbern family leaned back in his chair, turning his head to cast a mocking glance at the benevolent-looking priest.
"Father, do you believe your actions are just?"
"What do you mean?"
Risei Kotomine calmly closed the church door and slowly walked towards the man.
"Your alliance with the Tohsaka family. As the overseer of the Holy Grail War, you must remain impartial, yet you've allied with a participant—"
Still sitting without any defense, the words from Kiritsugu Emiya's mouth were as sharp as a blade.
"Those who pursue evil will find death."
"But those who persevere in righteousness will find life."
The old priest responded gently.
"That's from the Book of Job in the Old Testament. I didn't expect the Magus Killer to be familiar with our teachings."
"Just something I picked up along the way."
The man said.
"So, what's your answer?"
"Yes, my alliance with the Tohsaka family is the justice I believe in."
The overseer sent by the Church, Risei Kotomine, answered without hesitation, then with the same resolve, swung his fist towards the magus who had his back turned.
The response to his fist was the flash of a gun muzzle.
Bang!
***
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