This Is My Holy Grail War [130]

The artificial being had grown accustomed to the forest’s climate. Thanks to Berserker’s careful attention, he no longer feared the piercing sunlight.

It was as if the forest itself shielded him, every living thing singing of his existence. He knew this was Berserker’s doing.

Enkidu.

That was Berserker’s true name.

This Servant not only refrained from draining his Master’s mana but even replenished it using the magical energy of the earth. While the homunculus had an abundant mana pool, Berserker’s efforts to shield him had been exhausting.

Thank you, Saber.

The homunculus silently expressed his gratitude as he watched the goddess-like figure before him remove her hood.

He had asked Saber a question, but instead of answering, she knelt and began sifting through the dirt. Her actions puzzled him.

Saber’s sharp gaze quickly pinpointed an ant buried in the soil. She plucked it out carefully between her fingers and held it up.

The homunculus remained silent out of courtesy, though he was more confused than ever. Only when Saber displayed the struggling ant to him did she finally speak.

“Tell me—what do you think this ant desires?”

He observed the tiny insect writhing in her grasp, its mandibles snapping furiously. It was so small, so helpless. How could it pierce the flesh of a Servant or escape Saber’s palm? The answer was clear—it couldn’t.

But then a thought struck him. This ant wants to survive.
In that instant, the homunculus saw a reflection of himself in the tiny creature, and a wave of unease washed over him. For the first time, he felt a rising fear—of Saber, who now held the power to end the ant’s life.

“It’s…” He began to speak, but Saber cut him off.

“With just a little pressure, I could crush it,” Saber said suddenly, her voice startling him.

“Don’t!” The homunculus cried out, terror plain in his voice.

“But I haven’t.” Saber’s tone softened. “It’s still alive. Now, can you tell me what this ant wishes for?”

“Let it go…” he pleaded. “Please, don’t kill it.”

“Then you understand, don’t you? It wishes to live.” Saber’s voice was calm as she displayed the ant in her palm.

“Do you see? This ant’s life or death is no longer in its control. No matter how much it struggles, it cannot escape my grasp. Its fate depends entirely on my will. Yet, it still fights desperately to survive. To live. That is the most fundamental desire of all life.” She paused before posing another question.

“Have you realized something?”

“What?” The homunculus was bewildered, shaken by her words and demeanor.

“You’ve never truly thought about how to survive.”

Saber’s declaration struck like a hammer. He suddenly understood that beyond the desperate scramble to avoid death in moments of crisis, he had no real desire to live. His acceptance of his short lifespan stemmed from a lack of purpose.

“The will to live may seem insignificant, but in truth, it’s as heavy as a mountain. No one can deny it.” Saber crouched once more and gently released the ant.

He watched as it scurried away, fleeing with frantic determination. The homunculus glanced at Berserker, who nodded solemnly. At that moment, he fully grasped Saber’s lesson.

“Survive… but my lifespan…” He faltered, anxiety creeping into his voice. “I only have three years. How can I survive when I don’t even know the purpose of my existence?”

“Finding meaning can come after surviving!” Saber’s commanding voice rang out, carrying an undeniable authority. Her very presence exuded a regal aura that demanded respect. “If you don’t know why you’re alive or what you’re fighting for, then live first and figure it out later.”

“But I only have three years,” he replied weakly.

“Do you know what the Holy Grail can do?” Saber asked abruptly.

“It’s… a device that grants wishes. Like an omnipotent wishing machine,” the homunculus answered after some thought.

“Exactly. An omnipotent wishing machine.” Saber’s voice brimmed with conviction. “Suppose you claim the Grail and wish to live. Then what?”

“I think…”

“You will,” Saber interrupted before he could finish. “I’ve seen the Greater Grail. Its pure mana makes it a true wish-granting device for any magus. This time, it’s untainted—untainted by Angra Mainyu. It’s a tool capable of fulfilling any desire.”

“To live… that’s my wish, too,” Saber admitted. “So let’s do this together. Fight to the end, claim the Holy Grail, and live. If you wish to find your purpose, you can do that after you’ve survived.”

“…Heath,” the homunculus whispered. “I finally know my purpose… and my name.”

“What?” Saber’s expression shifted to one of surprise. “You’ve found your name?”

“Yes.” His voice was steady as he explained, “Saber—the sword that saved me, that gave me a reason to live. And Heath—the sheath. I hope to survive this Holy Grail War alongside you. May I?” His tone carried not love but the earnest dependence of a child seeking guidance from a parent.

“I see…” Saber’s features softened in understanding. “Remember this, Heath: the wishes of Heroic Spirits are sacred. They would give their lives to see them fulfilled. No one has the right to desecrate or scorn those wishes.” Her tone hardened, carrying a clear edge of fury. “Any magus who dares treat Heroic Spirits as mere tools deserves death.”

“I understand. A wish is sacred, inviolable,” Heath replied solemnly.

“Exactly. No matter who it is, no matter their so-called justice or faith. A Heroic Spirit’s wish is their own, one they’d stake their very existence to achieve.”

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T/N: THATS THAT GILGAMESH INFLUENCE COMING THROUGH

This is a fan translation of 这是我的圣杯之战 by 向希望祈祷. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!