Campione: Strongest Godslayer!

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In the magical workshop beneath the Tohsaka mansion, Tokiomi sat alone, tapping his finger against the armrest of his chair, his face creased in thought.

"Kirei, how is the banquet progressing?"

"It's nearing its end. The Einzbern's True Magic user is currently speaking. I expect it will conclude within five minutes," Kirei Kotomine's voice, a bit stiff, echoed from the gramophone-like communication device.

Tokiomi's brow furrowed. He'd been formulating a plan, hoping to use Gilgamesh's hatred of Haru to launch a surprise attack, eliminating the greatest threat.

But Haru was a True Magic user, a master of spatial manipulation. If the attack failed, there would be—consequences. The thought of a True Magic user targeting him sent a shiver down his spine.

But His desire for the Root outweighed his fear. He sighed. "Kirei, what do you think? What are the chances of a successful surprise attack?"

"Uncertain, Master. While Gilgamesh holds that youth in contempt, a hero's banquet—it's not the place for such dishonorable tactics," Kirei replied. He watched Gilgamesh through Hassan-i Sabbah's eyes, observing the Queen of Heroes' barely contained annoyance with the younger Servants.

"I see. A miscalculation. I hadn't anticipated such noble sentiments. It seems I'll have to use a Command Spell," Tokiomi muttered, unaware of Kirei's betrayal.

"Master, I must advise against it. Forcing her hand will only antagonize the King of Heroes, which could complicate matters later in the war."

Tokiomi nodded, acknowledging Kirei's concern. But a confident smile spread across his face. "I'm aware of that. With all seven Masters and Servants present, antagonizing Gilgamesh is unwise."

"But," he continued, his voice hardening, "With so many gathered in one place, a surprise attack with Ea, an EX-ranked Noble Phantasm—it could eliminate them all."

"Indeed," Kirei replied, his voice flat.

"But first, we need to secure the Grail's vessel. Kirei, can Hassan retrieve her?"

Kirei, watching the Loli Hassan through his Assassin's eyes, saw her quietly eating, her face impassive, and his lips twitched. "It's possible. Though it will expose Hassan's presence. But Master—what about Kiritsugu Emiya? He isn't at the banquet."

"That Magus Killer? Without his Servant, he's easy prey. Have Hassan target him. And—retrieve Kayneth. We need to control Diarmuid." Tokiomi's voice was filled with confidence. Thanks to Kirei's reports, he believed he had a firm grasp on the situation.

"Kirei, we've already won!"

Hearing Tokiomi's confident declaration, Kirei knew his Master had made his decision. He contacted Hassan, instructing her to relay Tokiomi's plan to the others at the banquet.

A smile, a cruel, predatory smile, spread across Kirei's face. He was eager to see the look on Tokiomi's face when his plans crumbled, especially when he learned who was responsible.

"By my Command Spell, I order you, Gilgamesh: unleash Ea upon everyone present. No survivors."

Tokiomi shifted in his chair, pouring himself a cup of tea. He inhaled the fragrant steam, a serene smile on his face as he waited for the results of his command.

....

Gilgamesh's face darkened, her hands trembling, her crimson eyes blazing with fury.

"You dare to command me, your king? You have some nerve, Tokiomi!"

Rider, who'd been enjoying the festivities, the unfolding drama, noticed Gilgamesh's sudden shift in demeanor. "What's wrong, King of Heroes?" he asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

Haru's eyes narrowed. He reached out, his hand covering Kiyohime's mouth just as she was about to unleash her [Dragon's Breath]. "Something's happening. We can play later."

"Mmmppph!" Kiyohime pointed at Haru's arm, which was now wrapped around Saber's waist, her muffled protests clear.

"Fine, fine." Haru released them both.

Saber, freed from his grasp, quickly moved to stand before Illyasviel, glaring at Haru before turning her attention to Gilgamesh, who was now openly defying her Command Spell.

Compared to avenging Haru's impropriety, Illyasviel's safety was her priority. She'd deal with Haru later.

Haru, relieved, turned to Hassan. "What's going on?"

"Tokiomi Tohsaka has used a Command Spell to order Gilgamesh to unleash Ea upon everyone present," Hassan replied, her voice cold.

"Rider, we have to go!" Waver's voice was filled with panic. A Master's Command Spell was an absolute command. He wasn't about to face Ea's power head-on.

"Hmph. That thing has no power over me. He'd need three Command Spells to control me." Gilgamesh's voice was laced with disdain, her brow furrowed as she fought against the command, her veins bulging.

Waver, seeing Gilgamesh's struggle, though she hadn't drawn Ea, looked at her, confused. "But—I thought Command Spells were absolute?"

"They are—for Servants. But not for those who have manifested in their true forms," Haru explained.

"True forms?" Waver turned to Rider, his eyes wide.

"That's right, boy. But the Counter Force forbids us from revealing that little secret. They don't want humans to—pry into our affairs. But since their—son—has already spilled the beans, I suppose it doesn't matter now," Rider replied with a shrug.

"Though, for the King of Heroes, who has no resistance to magical energy, to disobey a Command Spell, a product of the Third Magic—that's impressive. Here, have a drink." Rider, his voice filled with admiration, raised his goblet.

Gilgamesh scoffed, but she took a drink, clinking her goblet against Rider's.

"So, the drinks are finished, the wishes have been stated. Time to announce the winner, Judge," Rider said, turning to Haru, his expression serious.

"Indeed."

Haru nodded, lifting his hand.

A golden wine goblet, as if crafted from pure gold, materialized in his grasp.

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