Fate: I Will Eventually Become the Hero of Justice

After leaving Vlad, Shirou reunited with Spartacus and they headed out.

"What were you discussing with that oppressor?" Spartacus asked.

Shirou smiled, "Nothing much. Just that Lancer finds it hard to accept that times have changed."

Spartacus fell silent.

Shirou looked at him in puzzlement and asked, "Why so quiet, Spartacus? That's not like you. If we were talking about a monarch like Vlad, I'd expect you to throw in some taunting words."

Spartacus turned to look at him, "I can actually understand that oppressor's feelings. Because this era no longer needs someone like me either. Someone like me would probably just be a terrorist disrupting the peace in this age."

Shirou smiled gently. "No one is needed forever, but the spiritual legacy we heroes left behind with our brilliant exploits lives on in human history, passed down through the ages," he said. "Are you not the fearless embodiment of that struggle against tyranny and fight for freedom?"

Spartacus lowered his head to meet Shirou's gaze, looking into the gentle flames that danced in his eyes. He couldn't help but say, "Your words hold great wisdom, Assassin. And your eyes...they are truly beautiful."

"You think so? To me they are ordinary eyes, no different than any other."

"Speaking of which, where did Adam and the others go?" Spartacus asked, "Have you seen them?"

"No. They said they were going to save you, but now the situation has changed and I don't know where they have run off too. But judging by this trend, they will definitely still come into conflict with the Yggdmillennia clan."

Spartacus nodded.

Shirou smiled gently. "There's no need to worry about their matters anymore. Adam's affairs and the Yggdmillennias' are their own to settle between themselves. We Servants should focus on what we do best."

Spartacus nodded again.

"You have the makings of a fine leader, Assassin," he said approvingly. "It would have been a great blessing had you ruled in my era."

"You're saying that kind of talk again." Shirou laughed, shaking his head. "Had I taken any throne in your age, who is to say I wouldn't become yet another tyrant you rebelled against?"

"You wouldn't," Spartacus shook his head, "You are fundamentally different from the Black Faction's Lancer and other oppressors. You can sense the goodness in others' hearts, you can sympathize with their suffering, and you can coordinate with others."

"Spartacus, you give me too much credit." he held up a hand. "I am no more or less virtuous than any who came before."

He shook his head and left.

...

Shirou planned to launch a surprise attack on the Red Faction tonight.

The Black Faction was making preparations for this.

Originally, he had not intended to move so urgently since the Red Faction's internal situation was still unclear. However, with Mordred's assistance providing intel on Red Faction forces as well as detailed maps of the terrain, an opportunity had presented itself.

In particular, the maps outlined specific zones and defenses inside Red Assassin Semiramis's Reality Marble - the dangerous Hanging Gardens. Mordred had apparently marked monster placements as well, essentially providing the Black Faction an intricate layout.

This tactical advantage saved Shirou tremendous effort while greatly improving the odds of a successful attack.

Shirou assigned tasks to each Servant of the Black Faction.

And without hesitation, Arjuna claimed the role to subjugate Karna.

No one, not Shirou, Vlad, or any other objected.

After all, Astolfo was still crying after getting shot by three arrows in the butt just for casually speaking out of turn earlier.

Having snatched up the long-awaited chance to best Karna in combat, Arjuna swelled with excitement and fighting spirit.

To defeat his rival in single combat - this had been Arjuna's dearest wish, the desire that brought him to the Holy Grail War.

As the decisive hour approached, Arjuna stood on the plains outside the Millennia Fortress adjusting his divine bow.

This was a god-forged armament, bestowed upon him by Shiva himself. It didn't need adjustment like an ordinary weapon, but facing Karna, Arjuna wanted to be in his peak condition. However, what needed adjusting was not just the divine bow, but his own state and mentality!

When Shirou approached, he found Arjuna seated in meditation, eyes closed tightly in focus.

"Are you nervous now?" he couldn't help asking.

Arjuna didn't open his eyes, just calmly said, "No. Other than calm, there is only fighting spirit within me now."

Shirou smiled, "I can see the fighting spirit, but I cannot see the claimed calmness."

Arjuna's eyes snapped open to glare at him, clearly annoyed.

Shirou just looked at him with a smile, and gradually Arjuna's gaze softened. "You're right, I am a little nervous."

"Finally being honest huh?" Shirou said, still smiling. "When facing an opponent like Karna, I'd think no one could avoid being nervous. What's more, he's your destined enemy."

"I will defeat him with my own hands!" Arjuna said intensely. "Not because he is my fated enemy, but because he is my opponent, and I am a warrior!"

Shirou nodded in understanding.

"What about you, Assassin?" Arjuna asked. "How is your condition? If the Beasts really exist, you would be the true main force."

"Me?" Shirou glanced at [Mortal Awakening] and smiled. "My condition is excellent."

"That Mordred is coming for you, isn't she?"

Hearing this, he smiled wryly and nodded.

"Watch yourself then."

Having said that, Arjuna closed his eyes again, seemingly not wanting to converse more with Shirou.

Shirou shrugged and stood up straight, turning around to leave. But just as he took a step, he suddenly turned his head back to Arjuna. "Actually I've been wanting to ask - during that battle against the invader, you cooperated very well with Karna. What do you really think of him in your heart?"

Shirou left the question hanging in the air, departing before getting an answer. It seemed he only wanted to leave the question rather than seek an actual response.

But Arjuna already had the answer in his heart. What did he really think of Karna? Needless to say, his determination to kill Karna stemmed from his own hostility rather than any preordained fate painted by the gods.

Because when he saw Karna, he saw another him.

He and Karna were fated half-brothers, connected by karma, and destined to be mortal enemies.

Just...perhaps there had been a fleeting thought in his heart before -

It would be good if other words could describe their relationship one day.

Arjuna closed his eyes tightly to settle the disturbance stirred up by Shirou within.

...

Roche Frain Yggdmillennia was a boy of just thirteen years old, but he was already a magus of the Yggdmillennia clan and the Master of Black Caster, Avicebron.

Although only thirteen, he was already a famed puppeteer in the magus world. Hence, he deeply admired his Caster Avicebron.

He also knew Avicebron had created the strongest golem. And this was Avicebron's Noble Phantasm [Royal Crown - the Light of Wisdom]. It was said to have been created by mimicking the primordial human, Adam.

And Avicebron had answered the Holy Grail's summons in order to complete this original human construct. But ever since A-11072 had escaped, Avicebron had given up on completing [Royal Crown - the Light of Wisdom].

"Teacher, have you really given up completing the Light of Wisdom?" Roche asked while following Avicebron.

Hearing this, Avicebron shook his head and said, "Without the core, it can no longer be completed."

"Why? Just because A-11072 ran away? If there's no core, can't you use another homunculus? If nothing else works, you can even use me! I'd be delighted to become the core of Light of Wisdom!" Roche said excitedly.

"No, Roche. He was special," Avicebron said, shaking his head again.

Avicebron shook Roche off and walked forward, leaving the boy standing there blankly in confusion.

Beneath that mask, Avicebron's lips were tightly pursed.

It wasn't that he didn't want to complete [Royal Crown - the Light of Wisdom], it was just that without that special core it would only be an inferior product even if finished.

And now, with Beasts likely having descended, he could no longer be willful either.

As Avicebron walked towards his workshop, he crossed paths with Shirou who had just returned from seeing Arjuna.

He glanced at Shirou but said nothing, simply leaving.

And Shirou didn't say anything either.

To this Servant, Avicebron, who dearly wished to complete [Crown Undertaking: Light of Wisdom], Shirou truly had nothing more to discuss with him.

Perhaps one day he might meet an Avicebron who was no longer obsessed with the Light of Wisdom. Then they could have a proper conversation.

But right now that was impossible.

And also...

Glancing back at Saber following behind, holding a notebook and pen, he sighed, "You've been following me this whole time. What did you want to find me for?"

"I just wanted to ask, what exactly does it mean to understand the human heart?" Saber asked earnestly.

"This is..." Shirou hesitated, opening his mouth to speak only to see Saber had tightened her grip on the pen, ready to take notes.

Shirou's mouth twitched as he said with exasperation, "How could I have any standard answer for that? You'll have to think about it and understand it yourself!"

"Oh, I see..." Saber carefully noted, "No standard answer, need to figure it out for yourself..."

Shirou was silent, struck by the familiarity of the scene. This was a repeat of the past! Just like what Artoria had asked before.

Oh no.

She is Artoria...!