Chapter 49: Gilgamesh, One Against Three!
There was no escape—that was a rain formed by the overwhelming power of Noble Phantasms.
Even the Dromeus Komētēs, swift as a shooting star, could not emerge unscathed from this torrential downpour.
If they didn't want to lose their lives prematurely, there was only one option left—to defend with all their might!
Berserker was the first to step forward, taking the brunt of the assault head-on. Even if struck directly by Mjölnir, he showed no signs of retreating.
Perhaps Gilgamesh deemed it wasteful to bombard them with prized treasures, or maybe he was simply venting his fury. Though the assault was fierce, the power of the Noble Phantasms had reverted to their initial intensity.
Since that was the case, things became simpler. They only needed to replicate the defensive strategies from before—seizing the first weapon they obtained and using it to strike down the incoming barrage of Noble Phantasms one by one!
However, this strategy relied on Berserker's "Not For One's Own Glory", a Noble Phantasm unique to him. For the other two, it was impossible to replicate.
"So, do you need help, Lancer?"
Sakatsuki's golden eyes darted through the falling rain of weapons, his voice carrying no tension.
"For a pure warrior, an attack like this isn't exactly friendly, is it?"
The warrior of Fianna responded with a fearless smile.
"No need to trouble yourself. I have some confidence in my spear techniques."
"Heh..."
Sakatsuki spread his hands, and Gan Jiang and Mo Ye materialized in his grip.
"Humility is a virtue, but too much humility becomes hypocrisy, Diarmuid. How about a little competition?"
Diarmuid immediately understood Sakatsuki's meaning. His smile widened in excitement as his twin spears slashed through the air, assuming an offensive stance.
"Then allow me to learn from you!"
With that, the handsome warrior let out a sharp cry and thrust his crimson spear forward, sending a battle axe flying. His golden spear followed, sweeping in an arc, clearing everything in his path with the force of a hundred warriors.
"In that case, I won't hold back either!"
The young man, though not a Servant, possessed strength rivalling one. He licked his lips in anticipation, his black-and-white twin blades now layered with countless iron barbs, extending their reach while drastically enhancing their durability and destructive power.
Kanshou and Bakuya Overedge!
Sakatsuki closed his eyes for a moment, tapping into the battle memories of the Guardian Emiya as the transformed twin swords danced in his hands.
His movements were fluid, natural, soft yet unyielding, merging grace with strength.
The black and white blades wove seamlessly through the air, forming an impenetrable sphere amidst the relentless storm of weapons, cutting down one Noble Phantasm after another. Soon, the fallen treasures were piled into a graveyard of swords.
"Well done, Sakatsuki!"
"You too, Lancer!"
"ROOOOAAAR!"
Like the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, each displaying their unique abilities, all present were either Heroic Spirits or warriors who had inherited their powers—how could they be defeated by something as simple as a barrage of Noble Phantasms?
The wind howled. The clash of steel rang endlessly.
Surrounded by golden radiance, the ancient king continued to unleash countless treasures. Opposite him, a black-armoured knight roared, a gallant warrior wielded twin spears, and a white-haired, golden-eyed youth stood tall, his radiant smile defying the tempest of weapons.
Their presence was undeniable, a beacon of defiance amid the dazzling storm.
"So... incredible…"
Irisviel, the only one not caught in the battle, clasped her hands to her chest, watching with shining eyes like a maiden witnessing heroes from the pages of legend.
Beside her, Saber took a deep breath, exhaling her battle lust and restlessness. Yet, her azure gaze never wavered from Sakatsuki and the others.
"You're right, Irisviel. Whether it's Lancer, Berserker, or Sakatsuki, they are all warriors worthy of admiration. Even I feel the urge to wield my sword and fight alongside them."
At last, she shifted her gaze from the three warriors to their golden adversary.
The ancient King of Heroes stood with his arms crossed, his cold, reptilian eyes watching those who dared to stand against him, his lips curling into an amused smile.
Like a VIP in a grand theatre, he leisurely enjoyed the spectacle of warriors giving their all on stage.
Seeing his composed demeanour, Saber instantly understood Gilgamesh's strategy. Her face turned solemn as she murmured.
"Archer… is he trying to wear them down?"
After all, for Gilgamesh, merely keeping the Gate of Babylon open meant an endless supply of weapons fighting in his stead.
On the other hand, for Sakatsuki and the others, each clash cost them stamina, magic, and physical strength—resources that were constantly being depleted.
At this rate, the ceaseless rain of Noble Phantasms would eventually overwhelm them!
Should she warn them? Saber bit her lip, hesitating.
But if even she could see through this strategy, how could Sakatsuki—who knew Gilgamesh better than anyone—be unaware?
No, for him, this was an opportunity for growth—one he would not let slip away!
The radiance of the Gate of Babylon remained dazzling, but the relentless combat had begun taking its toll. A dull ache spread through Sakuya's arms.
Even with a Servant's physique, he was still human.
CLANG!
Another pair of Kanshou and Bakuya shattered. Unfazed, Sakuya conjured another set, gripping the fresh blades as he advanced—
But the pain in his arms caused a slight hesitation.
That momentary lapse led to his blade merely grazing an incoming weapon. A halberd, undeterred, hurtled straight for his right shoulder!
Just as he prepared to use Imaginary Magic, a golden spear tip shot forward, piercing through the halberd, shattering it into fragments before it dissipated into magical energy.
Turning his head, he saw Lancer retracting Yellow Rose of Mortality, his technique as steady as ever. Yet, the smug smile tugging at his lips was impossible to hide.
Realizing he had lost their competition, Sakatsuki snapped his fingers in mock regret. Rho Aias unfolded, shielding them from further attacks.
"284. How about you?"
"299… Including the one I saved you from, exactly 300. Looks like I win, Sakatsuki."
Diarmuid rested his crimson spear on his shoulder, gripping his golden short spear in his left hand. His composure remained unshaken, his stance effortless.
"I concede."
Sakatsuki cupped his hands in good sportsmanship, acknowledging his defeat.
"You honour me."
Though there was no reward, Diarmuid couldn't hide his joy. But soon, his expression turned serious.
"I trust you've noticed—Archer is using his advantage to wear us down."
"Yeah. But since our match is over…"
Sakatsuki let out a whistle. Dark shadows unfurled from beneath his feet, taking form in Imaginary Shadow, while a diamond-shaped Dimensional Shift materialized beside him.
"I won't hold back—I'll return Archer's hospitality in full."
"…Terrifying. Are you sure you're from this era?"
Diarmuid chuckled bitterly, his previous triumph quickly overshadowed.
"Cover me, Sakatsuki. Berserker, I will pierce Archer's heart!"
"ROOOAARRR!"
Even in his maddened state, Lancelot roared in agreement.
The Pink Flower Shield began to dissipate.
As the trio steeled themselves to launch their counterattack against Gilgamesh—
Gate of Babylon's bombardment abruptly ceased.
A brief silence followed.
Then, the King of Heroes' furious roar shook the heavens.
"You think mere words from the likes of you can quell my wrath, Tokiomi?! How dare you?!"
***
Hey readers!
Want to read ahead? 📖 Join my Patreon for early access to 30+ advance chapters! Your support helps me write more and bring the story to you faster.
🔹patreon.com/aarvan🔹
Thanks for being awesome! ❤️