Chapter 36: The Dual Spearman and the King of Knights

Words : 1113 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Beneath the Fuyuki Bridge. Under the effects of a spell that repelled onlookers, no one noticed the four figures gathered beneath the bridge. A red-haired giant sat with a fine drink in hand, chatting happily with a golden-eyed, white-haired young man. A girl in a kimono intently watched an image projected mid-air, while behind her, a frail-looking young man clutched a sake bottle, seemingly on the verge of passing out. They were the Masters and Servants of the Caster and Rider factions. The floating image displayed a heated battle taking place elsewhere. At the warehouse district adjacent to the seaside park, fierce winds raged as two figures clashed, tearing apart nearby cargo containers. One wielded a spear, the other a sword. The spearman was a striking man with sharp facial features—a high nose bridge, stern brows, and a chiselled face. His lips conveyed strict discipline, almost ascetic restraint, yet the gentle melancholy in his eyes exuded undeniable masculine charm. A single beauty mark beneath his left eye only added to his allure. His weapons stood out as well—he carried a two-meter-long spear in his right hand and a much shorter spear, about one-third the length of the other, in his left. "Servant, Lancer... A dual spearman?" The red-haired giant stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Both weapons are wrapped from hilt to tip in what looks like enchanted cloth, completely obscuring their true form." "There aren't many dual spearmen in history." Sakatsuki mused. He had the advantage of foreknowledge but chose not to reveal everything. "Still, for someone to reveal their presence so boldly, they must be quite confident in their skills." "If that's the case, then the one who answered his challenge must be a formidable warrior as well." Iskandar raised his cup and turned his gaze toward Lancer's opponent—Saber. His expression shifted into one of admiration. The girl facing Lancer was a knight with skin as pale as snow, golden hair, and emerald eyes. She held an invisible sword, and a single unruly strand of hair atop her head curled upward. Her armour gleamed with a mix of silver and deep blue hues. "A beautiful young lady, huh?" "Indeed." Sakatsuki's eyes brightened slightly. He nodded in agreement. "She has the beauty of an elf." "But what is that weapon she's holding? It looks like a sword, judging by her grip, but why can't we see its blade?" "Just as Lancer conceals his spears, Saber must also be hiding her weapon's true form to protect her identity." Sakatsuki replied with a smile, clinking his cup against Iskandar's. "Not knowing your opponent's weapon puts Lancer at a disadvantage." "That's a problem for the warriors to solve. We just need to enjoy the show." "Well said! More drinks!" *** Under the moonlit sky, Saber and Lancer exchanged a few words before launching into battle without hesitation. "Oh, here we go!" Iskandar's eyes widened with excitement, while Sakatsuki held his breath, fully focused. This was a duel of the kind long lost to modern times—a brutal clash only seen in the distant past, in the age when myths still walked the earth. A knight in shining armour, a warrior with twin spears—each struck with a force that sent sparks flying. Though it was a battle of melee weapons, the sheer magical energy surging from their attacks rivalled the destructive force of modern firearms. "Don't let this battle drag on any longer. That Saber is a formidable enemy—finish her quickly. I permit you to use your Noble Phantasm." The hidden magus's words made Saber's expression tense. Noble Phantasm—Lancer's Master had finally urged him to reveal his true weapon. "Understood, my Master." Lancer's previously light and fluid demeanour vanished, replaced by a solemn and low tone. He adjusted his stance, gripping his spear differently. Without hesitation, he tossed the short spear in his left hand to the ground. "So that means... that long spear is Lancer's true weapon...!?" Under Saber's watchful gaze, the bindings around Lancer's right-hand spear loosened and fell away. It was a deep crimson spear. A powerful magical energy, completely different from before, emanated from its tip, forming an ominous mirage. "...You heard him. From here on, I won't hold back." Lancer finally gripped his now-unveiled killing weapon with both hands and spoke in a low voice. Saber, too, lowered her sword, calculating her distance from Lancer even more carefully than before. With the advantage of her invisible sword, she held the upper hand throughout the fight. But every decisive blow had been skillfully deflected by Lancer, proving his incredible skill. This man is no pushover! Lancer, meanwhile, crouched slightly, like a hawk poised to strike, his eyes flashing with excitement. Only he knew how much effort he had put into mastering dual-wielding spears. Yet from the first strike until now, he had been fighting desperately just to keep Saber at bay, unable to seize the offensive. Whether it was that unseen sword or the overwhelming skill of its wielder, Saber was unlike any opponent Lancer had ever faced. This woman... is truly formidable! Both combatants knew that this tense equilibrium would shatter the moment the power of a Noble Phantasm was unleashed. The effects of a Noble Phantasm generally fell into two categories: some required the wielder to chant their true name to unleash a decisive strike, while others possessed inherent properties that made them powerful weapons even without invocation. Lancer's crimson spear— Saber instinctively believed it was the latter. From Lancer's stance, he still seemed intent on engaging her in close combat rather than finishing things in a single blow. There was no overwhelming pressure suggesting an imminent all-out attack. "..." The silence between them only made the atmosphere more suffocating. Slowly, step by step, they closed the distance. Lancer moved first. Unlike his previous fluid, almost supernatural spear techniques, this thrust was a straightforward and rigid attack. It seemed as though Lancer no longer cared about maintaining a safe distance from Saber's sword, which was concealed by the "Invisible Air." No, it was as if he had abandoned all defence altogether. Saber instinctively responded in the most standard way—she easily parried Lancer's spear with her sword. It wasn't a particularly heavy strike, nor was it exceptionally fast. It was just an ordinary thrust. But— A sudden, violent windstorm erupted. Originating from the point where their weapons clashed, a golden whirlwind surged without warning. "What!?" Bathed in the sudden radiance, Saber let out a startled cry—at the same time, Lancer declared triumphantly. "Your hidden sword has been exposed, Saber!"

Chapter 36: The Dual Spearman and the King of Knights

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