Chapter 61: Kiritsugu's Killing Trap
Words : 863
Updated : Sep 17th, 2025
A few minutes before the explosion.
"Dilectus Incursio!"
"The night is silent, my shadow shall engulf the world!"
"Shadow of the Imaginary Numbers!"
Dark emotions surged as the shadow of a giant, returning from the void, descended upon the battlefield. Devouring all lingering phantoms, it clashed with the toxic mercury blades before each force rushed toward their intended targets.
However, strikes as powerful as the chaotic space disrupted the laser beams. The imaginary giant lost its target, causing its attacks to miss entirely.
After a brief pause, the two magi unleashed their next moves.
"Anfang!"
"Trace on!"
A tempest of wind and fire erupted as the clash of gemstones and reckless sword strikes led to mutual destruction. Twin yin-yang swords shot out from the explosion, embedding themselves into the cylindrical mercury defence, unable to move further.
"No need for defence, automatic attacks—what an advantageous tactic. As expected of the supreme mystic code of the El-Melloi family, 'Volumen Hydrargyrum.'"
"The same could be said for you. A magus who can summon giants from imaginary space—perhaps you've already reached the rank of Brand or even Grand?"
"Hah, I'm just good at combat, that's all."
Exchanging casual remarks, Sakatsuki and Kayneth met each other's gaze, their eyes filled with unwavering confidence and murderous intent.
For magi, whose lives were often long and dedicated to the pursuit of the Root, at least there was the occasional opportunity for secret technique exchanges—something to add a bit of colour to their otherwise predictable existence.
But don't expect these people, who have never experienced nine years of compulsory education, to think like normal humans.
A "secret technique exchange" was nothing like a noble socialite's salon, with soothing music and exquisite cuisine.
Want to exchange mystic arts? Fine!
Then wager your life and use your own body to experience the power of magecraft. Survive the exchange, and surely, you'll be one step closer to your lifelong goal!
Call it sick, call it a survival game—it was all just a means to approach the Root. To orthodox magi, both the mysteries of magecraft and their own lives were mere chips to be traded at any time.
That is what it means to be a magus.
In reality, Sakatsuki wasn't truly a magus. He had no interest in the Root, treating magecraft simply as a useful tool—just like a certain Kiritsugu. People like him were merely "magic users," a term the self-proclaimed noble magi would use to belittle them.
Regardless, even though magic user Sakatsuki and magus Kayneth had different ideologies, at this moment, they were both enjoying the thrill and beauty of their clashing magecraft.@@@@
Then, suddenly—an explosion shattered everything.
As if the very earth had abandoned them, the intense tremors of the building shook them to their core, spreading from their feet to every part of their bodies before shattering like fragile glass.
Rumble...
The magically reinforced floors collapsed instantly. The glow of mystery paled under the sheer destructive force of the explosion. Caught off guard, Sakatsuki and Kayneth faced a world crumbling around them.
Clenching his injured right hand, Sakatsuki's golden eyes sharpened as he rapidly calculated Kiritsugu's next move.
Due to his unique constitution, he couldn't confirm whether this bullet was truly an Origin Bullet. That meant he had to consider both possibilities.
If it was an Origin Bullet, then Kiritsugu's goal was to cripple Miyu and weaken my combat strength. Even I would struggle to survive this Holy Grail War without a Servant... In that case, he must be retreating by now. Kiritsugu knows how dangerous I am when enraged.
But if it wasn't an Origin Bullet...
I know Origin Bullets threaten magi. Even a Caster-class Servant couldn't completely negate their effects. Miyu's Mystic Code, Sapphire, is crucial—it must not be damaged. There's no way Kiritsugu would take that risk...
Which means his target was never Miyu.
It was me all along!
That man knew I would take the bullet for her!
Since he had anticipated this, Kiritsugu's attack couldn't be simple. There had to be a deeper purpose... But what?
Sakatsuki recalled his own actions—blocking the shot with an enchanted hand, shielding Miyu, and establishing a defence against further sniping. Every movement had been seamless, with no apparent flaws.
A night breeze blew, slipping past Sakatsuki's barrier from the sides.
His defence wasn't airtight.
And Kiritsugu Emiya wasn't alone. There was one more person who would definitely be here—
"Damn it, Maiya Hisau!"
Sakatsuki turned in haste, but it was too late.
As if sensing Sakatsuki's panic, Kiritsugu allowed himself a faint smirk.
Still too green, kid.
For an assassin, even a revealed trump card could become a new killing move.
He issued the order into his earpiece.
"Maiya, do it."
In an instant, a barrage of gunfire erupted from the other end of the communication line.
***
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