This Is My Holy Grail War [103]

All strategies had been laid out. Alone, Assassin ascended the stone steps leading to Ryuudou Temple. Her footsteps were light, her body cloaked in shadow, concealed by her spiritual form.

The once-vibrant trees that lined the path had shed all their leaves, leaving only barren, skeletal branches.

The shattered stone steps led toward the temple’s grand gates, their emptiness as still as death. It wouldn’t take much imagination to mistake this desolate trail for the road to the underworld.

No, this was indeed the path to the underworld. Assassin understood this would be a journey of no return.

She recalled that once, a devoted swordsman had stood here. He had imparted the essence of his swordsmanship to her without reservation. Yet those memories felt like fleeting dreams. Even the residual magical energy of Sasaki Kojirō had long since vanished.

In just two short days, everything had changed. The once-clear skies now hung heavy with murkiness. The earth itself seemed drained of life, leaving behind only decay and sorrow.

Stepping beyond the temple gate, Assassin saw a familiar face once more.

The entire temple was enclosed in a barrier, leaving Servants with no choice but to enter through the front. There was no other way.

“Oh, you’ve arrived.” Standing leisurely at the entrance, as though he had long anticipated this meeting, Gilgamesh greeted the seemingly empty gate. “Show yourself, Assassin.”

Her [Presence Concealment], limited to a mere C rank, was insufficient to evade Gilgamesh’s detection without a diversion. Besides, there was only one path to take.

“Interesting. Very interesting.” Gilgamesh’s gaze sharpened as Assassin emerged from the shadows. Her form coalesced into that of the King of Knights. With curiosity in his golden eyes, he asked, “How long do you intend to wear that woman’s appearance, you fool?”

“Until I win,” Assassin replied flatly.

“She was the first Servant you saw, so you’ve grown attached to her form? Hmph.” Gilgamesh sneered, casting a derisive glance at Saber’s visage. “That mongrel’s body holds such fascination for you?”

“Because for combat, there’s no form better suited than this,” Assassin explained. “No other Servant surpasses Saber.”

“Then why does my own flawless form not meet your standards?” Gilgamesh demanded, a mix of curiosity and disdain in his tone. “Here I stand, yet you choose to mimic that mongrel. Why?”

“It’s not suitable,” Assassin replied honestly, shaking her head.

To adopt Gilgamesh’s form would offer no meaningful combat advantage. Aside from [Golden Rule] and [Divinity], none of his traits would aid her. Gilgamesh was a Servant who relied on his treasury of Noble Phantasms, not his physical prowess.

Moreover, Assassin needed the protection of [Avalon] to remain standing on this battlefield. Without it, she wouldn’t even survive, let alone fight.

“Then, mongrel, what brings you here?” Gilgamesh asked with mild amusement. “If not to admire my perfect body, what is your purpose?”

“My purpose,” Assassin said, gripping her sword tightly, “is to kill you!” Her voice was bold, an act to steady her own trembling resolve. She felt nervous—terrified, even—but fear wouldn’t help her now.

“To kill me? Kuhahaha!” Gilgamesh threw his head back in laughter. “What gave you such courage, fool?” His tone shifted, sharp as a blade.

“Was it the orders of those pitiful magi? Those who think they can manipulate the fates of heroes? They’re no better than the gods of old who disgusted me so. Those arrogant mongrels, imagining themselves masters of destiny, without understanding their own worth. Wretched fools—all of them deserve death.”

His eyes turned cold, emanating an icy killing intent.

“No,” Assassin replied, her answer causing Gilgamesh to pause in mild surprise.

“Oh?”

“It’s my decision to be here.”

“Your decision? Then what of your allies? The magi, and the other Servants?” Gilgamesh’s tone turned mocking. “Among those Servants, there are a few who pique my interest. So why have you chosen to face me alone? Or is it that the others care so little for the world’s destruction?”

“I’m the only one here,” Assassin replied evenly. “The others have their own tasks to handle. So I came first.”

“You fool, do you so eagerly rush to your death?” Gilgamesh asked, his voice dripping with disdain.

“No,” Assassin said. “This world is on the brink of destruction, and the Holy Grail War is nearing its conclusion. Someone needs to step forward, to create a stage for the true heroes. This is all I can do—follow behind them and witness their glory.”

“‘Heroes,’ you say?! Hahahahaha!” Gilgamesh laughed uproariously before his voice turned harsh.

“Fool! Do you not understand? To stand against death, to sacrifice yourself for the world—this is the act of a hero! No matter what created you, your deeds make you a hero. How can you still not realize this, idiot?”

Behind Gilgamesh, countless golden portals materialized, his treasury of Noble Phantasms opening as if to underline his words. The array of weapons loomed like the snarling heads of beasts, glowing menacingly as they emerged.

“But, I shall honor your courage. Take my praise with you, and rest in peace.”

Golden swords, spears, and halberds glinted with lethal intent, roaring as they hurtled toward Assassin like savage predators.

They’re coming… Assassin’s vision was filled with an overwhelming wave of Noble Phantasms, but she knew the truth: these weapons weren’t deployed with precision.

Until he got serious, Gilgamesh wouldn’t bother to fully control his arsenal. He was merely throwing these weapons like discarded toys, carelessly flung from his treasury.

Though terrifying in appearance, they lacked the deadly focus of a carefully executed attack.

“I’m going in,” Assassin murmured to herself.

The Servant who had once been considered the weakest of the Holy Grail War charged headlong at the strongest, fully aware that the road ahead led only to death.

And yet, Assassin charged without hesitation.

—

T/N: I really like how Gilgamesh is written I feel like it truly captures him, specially his reaction and thoughts about certain things

This is a fan translation of 这是我的圣杯之战 by 向希望祈祷. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!