Chapter 116: [116] The Servants' Race [1]
Thunder roared, engines growled, and green-gold arcs streaked across the sky.
"All racers (spaceships) start simultaneously, with each group of competitors refusing to give an inch, staying tightly packed!"
"Archer's Vimana takes the lead! This aircraft, powered by solar energy generated from mercury-fueled solar crystals, can fly at high speeds, defying the laws of physics!"
"Hahahaha! Despair at your failure beneath my radiance!"
The surrounding scenery stretched into a straight line as the golden king, seated amidst a storm-like airflow, let out a maniacal laugh. He raised a wine glass toward the competitors trailing behind him, his demeanour as arrogant as could be.
Though he hadn't unleashed Vimana's full power, the speed of the King's chariot was not something mere ants could hope to match!
"Oh, that wine glass seems to hold some fine liquor!"
Riding his chariot closely behind Vimana, Rider stared intently at the wine glass in the Hero King's hand, his eyes gleaming.
"Rider, what are you focusing on?!"
Crouched in the chariot, Waver was once again shocked by Rider's lack of focus.
"If what Sakatsuki said is true, Vimana, flying through the air like us, can maintain its top speed all the way to the finish line!"
"Don't worry, kid. I already knew that."
Iskandar summoned as Rider, narrowed his eyes. For Servants like them, the roaring winds that would blind ordinary people were nothing more than a refreshing breeze. He was thoroughly enjoying the sensation.
Ah, it felt as if he were still galloping across the battlefield, leading his troops like a storm sweeping across the continent, heading toward the endless sea.
Even now, the resounding war songs of his soldiers echoed in his dreams, much like the sound of the endless sea reverberating in his heart.
"Roar, my bulls! Sing of my dominance to the world! Nothing under heaven can stop my charge—ALaLaLaLaLaie!!"
With a shout louder than thunder, the divine bulls proudly kicked through the air, suddenly increasing their speed!
"What?!"
Archer, who had been sitting comfortably in his lead, was visibly shocked. The King of Conquerors, who had been trailing behind, suddenly burst forth with even greater speed. The chariot, wreathed in lightning, was like a sudden thunderbolt striking the battlefield, its blinding flash turning night into day!
"Hahahaha, King of Heroes, if I reach the finish line first, you'll have to obediently offer the fine wine from your treasury for me to enjoy!"
The shining path of lightning quickly overtook Archer's Vimana, even mischievously releasing a few bolts that sent Vimana swaying. Archer swiftly retracted his nearly spilled wine glass, his reptilian crimson eyes not showing anger but rather a gleam of amusement at the challenge.
"Interesting mongrel. You dare to consider my treasures as spoils of your 'conquest'?"
Vimana's speed was set based on the initial "Gordius Wheel" as a reference—perhaps Rider knew this all along, which is why he had suppressed the Gordius Wheel's power at the start, only to unleash it now and surpass the King of Heroes.
If the solar crystal's combustion rate were increased, Vimana's speed could also be boosted, quickly overtaking Rider.
But Archer would never do such a thing. As the King of Heroes, his word was law—even he would not break the rules he set, for that would be an insult to his kingship.
With no obstacles in the air, speed was everything. At this rate, Rider would surely win.
However, the King's adherence to his rules did not mean he would not exploit the race's regulations.
For example... Sakatsuki had never said that using Noble Phantasms was forbidden in this race.
"Daring to challenge me with mere mortal lightning, Rider? Are you prepared to pay the price?"
Golden ripples shimmered as a hammer engraved with a Celtic triquetra emerged, landing in Gilgamesh's hand.
"Hey, hey, that's not fair!"
Sensing the threat from behind, Iskandar's triumphant expression quickly turned bitter.
"Who told you to provoke Archer like that, you big idiot!"
Waver, being the weak and helpless Master, could tell that the weapon in Archer's hand was Mjölnir, the hammer of Thor. Even the residual shockwaves from such a divine weapon could vaporize him on the spot.
"Can't help it, I got carried away."
Rider said, flicking the reins. The lightning surrounding the chariot gathered and clashed head-on with the incoming Mjölnir.
But Archer's assault didn't end there. Once he decided to use his Noble Phantasm, Gilgamesh unleashed his entire treasury without restraint, hurling countless treasures as disposable projectiles toward the fleeing chariot.
"Hold on tight, kid! Oooohhhh!"
"Waaaaahhh—!"
Amidst excited roars and terrified screams, Iskandar's A+ rank Riding skill was on full display as he deftly manoeuvred through the rain of Noble Phantasms. Occasionally, bolts of lightning broke through the barrage, striking directly at Vimana.
With the Gate of Babylon wide open, the Gordius Wheel's speed inevitably slowed, allowing Vimana to catch up. However, with the threat of the Gordius Wheel's lightning, Gilgamesh couldn't push further. The two Servants engaged in a back-and-forth struggle, putting on a spectacular aerial chase.
Now, let's turn to the Saber and Caster groups racing on the ground.
The ground track was far more complex than the open skies. The national highway, built along the mountains far from the city centre, was winding and treacherous. Simply pursuing speed could easily lead to disaster, especially since both groups were using modern vehicles that weren't as durable as Noble Phantasms. A minor collision could result in serious damage or even total destruction.
But this also meant that the chase between them would be more intense and thrilling, like dancing on the edge of a blade.
At the start of the race, Saber's sports car shot ahead, overtaking the more powerful Kawasaki Ninja H2R.
"Brother, aren't we going to catch up?"
Miyu, sensing that Sakatsuki still had more to give, asked curiously.
"Not yet, Miyu."
Sakatsuki replied leisurely, watching as Saber charged into the battle between Archer and Rider in the sky. A sly smile crept onto his face.
"Miyu, do you know why I had the Masters join this race?"
Why? Isn't it because you wanted to see Kiritsugu struggle? Miyu's eyes clearly conveyed this thought.
"Ahaha, that's part of it, of course."
Sakatsuki chuckled as his silver-green motorcycle weaved through the streets.
"But it's also to keep the Servants in check. If they get too carried away, they might end up destroying Fuyuki City. Plus, with their Masters at risk, the Servants will surely put on a more spectacular show, don't you think?"
"In the end, it's all just to satisfy your own twisted sense of fun, isn't it, Onii-chan?"
***
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