This Is My Holy Grail War [133]

The sun hadn’t fully set when the floating fortress in the sky loomed over the Yggdmillennia stronghold, casting its ominous shadow.

The Black Faction’s warriors had gathered, and under Vlad III’s command, Saber stood atop the castle gate. The fading light of dusk illuminated her as she listened to Lancer’s orders.

Vlad III, the infamous Vlad the Impaler, was also a revered hero who had defended Christianity against the Ottoman Empire. Saber, however, had little personal impression of him beyond his title as the king of this land. Their interactions were minimal.

Saber kept to herself, a trait Vlad never questioned. She understood his perspective—he treated every Black Faction Servant as his subordinate but refrained from interfering in their personal matters. His orders were limited strictly to combat.

Vlad’s approach was practical. Caster functioned as the rear support, while Saber was his sharpest weapon, wielded with precision only when necessary.

Before the battle began, Vlad issued commands to each Servant, assigning roles and responsibilities. When his gaze finally fell on Saber, he paused briefly before speaking.

“Saber, as our strongest trump card, can you hold off the Red Faction’s Lancer?” His question was calm, but his eyes focused on the advancing dragon-tooth soldiers, their numbers seemingly endless. Their objective was clear: to seize the Greater Grail hidden within the castle.

He was referring to Karna, the legendary hero armed with [Vasavi Shakti], a divine spear capable of slaying gods. None of the Black Faction’s Servants could withstand such a weapon.

Saber understood Vlad’s intention. His glance toward the battlefield also hinted at his concern about their lack of information on the enemy.

“Yes, I can,” Saber replied simply.

“That’s a weapon meant for gods,” Vlad said gravely. “I trust Archer’s judgment and your abilities, but be truthful. On the battlefield, there’s no room for falsehoods. Once the order is given, there’s no turning back.”

He raised his lance, pointing toward the enemy forces. “The invaders have entered my domain. We have no choice but to fight to the death. Do you understand, Saber?”

“When he unleashes his Noble Phantasm, it will mark his end,” Saber replied confidently. “It doesn’t matter whether his weapon targets castles, gods, or even the world itself. With me here, there’s no cause for fear.”

Her confidence stemmed from [Avalon]. However, she had never revealed its existence to Vlad or even Chiron. If anyone among the enemy recognized its presence, it would likely be Mordred. She should know this scabbard, Saber thought as she glanced at [Avalon] and [Durandal] in her hands.

“A specialized defensive Noble Phantasm?” Darnic Prestone Yggdmillennia stepped out from the inner chamber, picking up on her words. “From your tone, it sounds like it can block anything.”

Saber hesitated. Her eyes darted around, instinctively scanning the area. Trusted allies and unknown Servants alike surrounded her.

“Speak freely, Saber,” Darnic said with a fiery tone. “Everyone here is a trusted comrade. We’ve entrusted our backs to one another—there’s no reason to fear.”

Under the weight of their collective gaze, Saber realized she couldn’t afford to remain silent.

“It doesn’t block everything,” she admitted carefully. “It only ensures my survival. If Lancer loses his armor after using his Noble Phantasm, I will be able to strike a fatal blow.” Her confidence lay in her superior mana.

Her clarification, however, caused Vlad to frown slightly. He had hoped Saber could outright withstand Karna’s divine spear.

“In a duel, there’s little difference between your Noble Phantasm and completely blocking it,” Vlad said after a moment of thought. “But in a battle between armies, that distinction is critical.”

“I’m sorry, but I can only ensure my own survival,” Saber said with a shrug.

“Then you and Caster will remain in reserve,” Vlad decided, mounting his black warhorse with the poise of a Rider. “Rest and be ready. If any part of the battlefield falters, you must fill the gap immediately.”

Saber’s skillset was that of a lone wolf—her [Mystic Eyes] ignored allies and enemies alike, targeting all without distinction. Avalon only protected her, not her teammates. For Saber to be effective, Vlad assigned her to the reserve force, where she could act without restraint.

“Forward! Let us meet the enemy head-on!”

With a thunderous cry and the pounding of hooves, Lancer led the Black Faction Servants and the homunculus army into battle.

Saber stood silently atop the castle’s battlements, watching her comrades charge into the fray.

“Let’s go, Saber,” Caster said, already turning to leave as he opened a magical door.

“I’m afraid I can’t,” Saber replied, her gaze fixed on a speeding chariot descending from the sky.

The Red Faction’s Rider had used his aerial advantage to bypass the frontline entirely and now bore down on the Yggdmillennia castle.

“Servants of the Black Faction, I have returned!” Rider Achilles declared as his chariot landed with a dramatic flourish.

He’s here for me, Saber realized immediately.

“Come out, you imitation of Heracles!” Achilles shouted, reining in his horses in front of the castle gates. “Face me in battle!”

The homunculi surrounded him, but Achilles ignored them entirely, his eyes locked on the castle. “I know you’re in there, Saber of Black!”

“Refusing to fight?” Achilles sneered before charging forward with his chariot, cutting through everything in his path like a typhoon. Trees, stones, and homunculi were reduced to rubble in his wake.

But just as Achilles reached full stride, one of Caster’s homunculi exploded, releasing a dense cloud of magical energy. The resulting fog coalesced into an aether crystal, jamming the wheels of Achilles’ chariot and bringing it to an abrupt halt.

Emerging from the wreckage, Achilles was furious. Planting his foot firmly on the ground, he radiated a vibrant green aura.

Without his chariot, Rider transformed himself into one. With astonishing speed, he charged directly into the castle’s magical barriers, shattering them like glass.

So fast… Saber marveled at his inhuman velocity. Achilles, the legendary fastest hero of myth, lived up to his reputation.

Caster’s dolls had destroyed the chariot, but even that couldn’t slow Achilles.

“It’s your turn now, Saber,” Caster said, stepping aside. “I’ve done all I can.”

“No problem,” Saber replied with a smirk. “He’s chosen the worst battlefield possible.” Within the castle, her workshop lay waiting—her domain.

—

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!