This Is My Holy Grail War [118]

The sky gradually darkened, but the air remained calm and mild. Chiron knocked on Saber’s door in the fading twilight. He knew this Servant had just quarreled with her Master and was likely in a sour mood.

The argument stemmed from Saber’s lackluster performance, as perceived by her Master. Rather than achieving a decisive victory, her actions in battle had been deemed unimpressive. Truthfully, Chiron sympathized with Saber but was powerless to help.

Achilles and Karna—both top-tier Servants—were formidable enough that no one from the Black Faction could likely hold their own against them if Saber were swapped out.

Yet Saber had faced them both without falling behind, not even revealing her trump card. To Chiron, that was an achievement to be proud of. However, her Master saw it differently, choosing instead to criticize her. Chiron silently sided with Saber, but as an ally rather than a confidant, he knew his opinions didn’t hold much weight.

What lingered most in his mind, though, was Saber’s form during her duel with Achilles. If his memory served, she had transformed into none other than his most cherished student—Heracles.

The familiar figure remained etched in his mind, as vivid as the day he’d first laid eyes on him. Even now, he could feel a faint echo of the pain from the Hydra’s venom coursing through his veins when he saw that image of Heracles. This fleeting memory had momentarily delayed his first volley of support during the battle, for which Chiron felt deeply apologetic.

Curiosity gnawed at him: how had Saber achieved such a perfect imitation of Heracles? Even as a Faceless Spirit capable of copying the forms of others, how could she so flawlessly replicate the greatest hero of Greece?

If she had never met him, how could she emulate him with such precision?

Chiron knew Heracles better than anyone and was certain he wasn’t mistaken. He’d also heard from Saber’s Master that her attributes had undergone an immense transformation—high enough to be considered mythical.

If those attributes truly belonged to Heracles, Chiron could accept it. This led him to suspect a deep connection between Saber and his former pupil. Otherwise, there was no way she could assume Heracles’ form and manifest divinity during her fight against Achilles.

After the battle concluded, Chiron requested permission from Saber’s Master to speak with her privately.

“Who is it?”

From within the room came a voice—strong, resolute, and unmistakably feminine. It matched the face Chiron had glimpsed during the battle, one that he believed was Saber’s true form.

“It’s me, Archer,” Chiron replied softly, careful not to agitate the already-displeased Saber.

“What do you want?”

The door opened slightly at Saber’s questioning tone, but Chiron’s sharp eyes caught everything within. Saber had concealed her magic well, but not well enough to escape Chiron’s notice.

The room was surrounded by a boundary field—a magical barrier rooted in the age of Greek gods and directly tied to Hades. Few mages could replicate such a feat, and Chiron happened to be one of them.

The setup was crude but masterful in its intricacy. Even Chiron, with his own expertise, doubted he could improve on this improvised workshop. He discerned the faint, nearly imperceptible traces of magical energy diffusing from the space. If not for his familiarity with such techniques, even he might have overlooked them.

She’s setting up her own workshop, and she’s doing it alone! Chiron thought in shock. It seems her conflict with her Master has reached the point of no return.

A chill ran down his spine as he considered the possibility of Saber turning against her Master.

“It’s about your fight with the Rider of Red,” Chiron said, skipping pleasantries. “How did you transform into Heracles? Have you met him before?”

The petite Servant hesitated, her expression tinged with unease. Chiron could sense her apprehension and felt a twinge of sympathy. She seemed to be assessing him, weighing whether he could be trusted.

“If it’s too personal, you don’t have to answer,” Chiron offered gently. “I apologize for disturbing you.” His reluctance was clear, but his respect for personal boundaries outweighed his curiosity. He turned to leave, but Saber’s voice stopped him.

“Yes,” she said, nodding. “I met Heracles once in battle. We became allies to face two near-invincible enemies—gods and kings.”

“Gods and kings?” Chiron echoed, puzzled. He had never heard such a tale in mythology. “Could you tell me what happened? Heracles was my most cherished student. It would ease my mind to know of his trials.”

Saber hesitated, deliberating her words. After glancing at Chiron’s face, she slowly began to speak.

“At a monastery, we encountered enemies we couldn’t hope to defeat. Victory required sacrifice. The situation was dire—humanity’s survival was at stake. Not even Heracles could overcome them alone.”

Chiron listened intently, his heart pounding at the revelations. Such a secret, buried within history…

“Heracles would never back down from such a challenge,” Chiron murmured. “Even if it meant sacrificing himself. So, what happened?”

“To give Heracles and the others a chance to save the world, I faced one of the enemies alone. Fortunately, I succeeded.” Saber paused, her tone steady but somber. “I bought them the opportunity they needed. But the crisis was far from over. Humanity doesn’t fall so easily, but I doubt I’ll ever know the outcome.”

“What do you mean?” Chiron pressed, his curiosity overriding his usual composure.

“I died,” Saber said simply. “I succeeded, but I never saw the end. Some opportunities only come once.”

“A chance bought with your life?” Chiron was stunned. Even his gentle temperament couldn’t suppress his amazement. His view of Saber shifted dramatically. Here was someone who had sacrificed everything for humanity’s survival, only to be forgotten by history.

Chiron’s gaze softened as he regarded the small-framed girl. A faint sorrow flickered in his heart, mingled with admiration.

“They must have succeeded,” Saber said with quiet conviction. “I don’t believe humanity would be destroyed so easily.”

“They did,” Chiron affirmed, after a brief pause. Saber’s sacrifice, her unwavering dedication, stirred something within him. He reflected on her tireless efforts—the sword training, her restless expansions to the workshop.

“You’ve been practicing your swordsmanship, haven’t you?” Chiron asked. “I can tell. Your technique is deadly, but it lacks polish. It’s clear you’ve had little formal training.”

“I’ve barely scratched the surface,” Saber admitted. “My teacher, though unparalleled, lived in seclusion. He could wield swordsmanship that verged on sorcery, yet he humbly claimed to be inferior to another. I learned only the barest fragments from him.”

“Modesty aside, your teacher must be extraordinary,” Chiron remarked. Magic-like swordsmanship? Even I couldn’t achieve that.

Saber’s abilities, even as fragments, were remarkable—enough to challenge Karna and frustrate Achilles. To Chiron, they were far more than fragments; they were legendary.

“I’ve been granted the ability to teach others during this Holy Grail War,” Chiron said. “Would you let me be your teacher, Saber? I can help you improve, though my knowledge is limited to Greek techniques.”

“I would be honored,” Saber answered without hesitation. Her eager expression betrayed her excitement, her resolve evident in her words.

“Then, Saber, what would you like to learn?” Chiron asked. “As your teacher, I believe it’s important for students to choose their own path.”

Saber hesitated briefly before pulling out a black-covered grimoire, its design radiating divine origin.

“[High-Speed Divine Words],” she said.

—

T/N: goddamnit gordes he literally has one of the best servants in the war, with only Enkidu and perhaps Karna able to defeat her

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!