Fate: The Holy Grail

[3rd POV]

Rider's Master had fallen victim to a series of assassinations and was now unconscious inside Rider's chariot. 

He wanted to track down the killer hidden in the darkness, but the seriously injured Waver prevented him from taking action.

It was impossible for Rider to search for the enemy with a gun while Waver was severely injured. 

He had no choice but to suppress the anger in his chest and quietly observe the battle between Assassin and Archer.

'That's strange.' 

Rider thought, stroking his chin.

Even though Archer couldn't kill Assassin in a short time, he clearly had the advantage... so why was his master summoning Archer? 

Why resort to using such a precious command seal?

Originally, Rider had planned to step in and help when Assassin could no longer hold on. 

This would allow him to maximize his chances of gaining Assassin's favor.

However, Rider's plan quickly fell apart.

Archer's strength made him click his tongue in surprise, and just as Rider realized that Assassin needed help, Archer was unexpectedly recalled by his Master!

What was worse, the recall was enforced using a command seal, a precious resource. 

Rider had seen the reluctance clearly written across Archer's face.

This completely ruined Rider's plan, and he never expected something like this to happen.

"Even if you're recalling Archer, it should have waited until the situation was clearer." 

Rider frowned with confusion, 'Given the situation, Assassin was the one who should've been recalled... There's something strange going on here.'

He couldn't help but wonder if Archer and Assassin were pretending. However, the moment the thought crossed his mind, he dismissed it.

Assassin was surrounded by the hot, burning air of magical energy, and the ground beneath his feet was destruction. 

This couldn't be faked if even a single Noble Phantasm hit Assassin, he would die instantly!

Luckily, Rider had gotten close to Assassin while riding in his chariot. While protecting Weber, he also planned to recruit Assassin.

"I've seen it in both yesterday and today."

Rider said excitedly. 

"The moonlight of the night is no match for your brightness, Assassin. You're like the star in the sky that outshines the moon. You've shown me the perfection of a warrior, a noble knight."

Finally, Rider added, "Assassin... I'll call you that for now, even though the title of 'assassin' doesn't suit your character."

"What exactly are you trying to say... Rider?" 

Assassin's face turned slightly red. 

Rider's praise had made him feel happy inside but he still tried to keep a composed appearance on the outside.

"Did you figure it out?"

Rider scratched the back of his head, flashing a bright, toothy grin, and laughed heartily. 

"You already guessed my class, huh? You're a smart little girl." 

Rider complimented him.

'Riding such a big chariot, not casting magic or using any weapons—who else could it be but Rider?! Even a fool could guess that!' 

Assassin thought, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"We don't have much in common. You're Rider, and I'm Assassin. We're enemies. One day, we'll have to settle things on the battlefield."

Assassin tried to act cool. He didn't want to get too close to Rider or have any conflict with him.

"Assassin, there's no need for you to view this king with such hostility." 

Rider said, his expression turning serious as he extended a sincere invitation. 

"You're the servant I respect the most in this Holy Grail War. How about joining my army? I would be honored to share the joy of conquering the world with you."

'The most respected servant... what does that mean?'

 Assassin's face was full of confusion.

"Well, what do you think? Are you tempted?" 

Rider asked with a grin.

"I'm sorry, you're a great king, but I must refuse!"

Assassin replied firmly, "I have my own reasons for continuing to fight."

"Ah, you must have a wish you need to fulfill, right?"

Rider asked, "I understand. There are some wishes that must be realized. Life is so short, and that's exactly why we must use that short life to achieve something truly valuable!"

'I just don't want to die...'

Assassin remained silent at the thought.

"I've seen many warriors like you, and they all have a pure heart."

Rider remarked with a sense of admiration.

"Think whatever you like, Rider." 

Assassin replied, his voice tinged with fatigue, "I'm leaving now. I hope we'll have a chance to meet again someday." 

He was exhausted, and all he wanted was to return to Kirei's hideout for a peaceful rest.

Rider didn't try to stop him.

Assassin had expected the night's dance to come to an end there... Suddenly, he spotted a shadow charging toward him from the darkness!

Even though Assassin had extremely sharp eyesight, he couldn't see the shadow clearly. 

The figure was simply too dark, almost perfectly blending into the surrounding darkness…

"Aaaahhhh... Arthur!" 

The voice came before the figure appeared.

He saw a Berserker entirely in black armor!

He emerged from the shadows, casually pulling a pillar from the ground as a weapon, and charged toward Assassin with frightening speed.

Like a wild beast, Berserker howled loudly, his words unclear, completely ignoring Rider's presence.

At that moment, Berserker's only focus was on Assassin!

He had to grip his sword tightly again, mentally and physically worn out. He was getting ready to fight yet another powerful enemy.

'Did Lancelot mistake me for King Arthur?'

He realized instantly what had happened the moment he laid eyes on Berserker.

He had transformed into the appearance of Saber after using his Noble Phantasm, and Berserker Lancelot clearly mistook him for King Arthur, Artoria.

The moment Berserker charged toward him, Assassin suddenly understood.

'What will Caster see me now?'

The thought unexpectedly surfaced in his mind.

Not only was this enraged Berserker charging at him, but Assassin also realized that another Caster was secretly watching him from the shadows!