This Is My Holy Grail War [116]

As Saber attacked, he transitioned from the "Ever-Victorious King" state to the guise of Heracles. The blade of Durandal slashed through Achilles' defense, and the scent of blood permeated the air.

[You have acquired A-Rank Battle Continuation]

[You have acquired A+-Rank Bravery.]

[You have acquired A-Rank Divinity.]

In that moment, Saber's skills transformed. He discarded [Mana Burst] and [Instinct], instead opting for the divine body required to pierce Achilles' defenses.

Truthfully, this was Saber’s first time assuming the form of Heracles, as he knew their compatibility was not ideal. Saber could not replicate Heracles’ attributes, only the physical skills of the body.

Though he now appeared as a towering, mountain-like figure, his physical stats remained limited—Strength capped at B, and his Agility and other attributes were unchanged. Fortunately, Heracles' [Madness Enhancement] was tied to his class and not copied, sparing Saber from the curse of insanity.

However, when Saber first transformed into Heracles, he discovered that the latent [Bravery] within this body had been awakened.

For the first time, Saber experienced a fearlessness unlike any other. His eyes glimmered with an intense light, his entire body brimming with boundless power. Skills that would ordinarily be suppressed by the Berserker class were now fully unleashed under Saber's Noble Phantasm.

"Ah, the scent of a comrade," Rider of Red sniffed deeply, even as a blood-red gash marred his shoulder. Yet instead of wincing in pain, he grinned, his excitement unmistakable.

"Heracles, huh? I’ll admit, even if it’s just a counterfeit, it’s enough to get my blood boiling." A faint blush appeared on Rider's face. "Honestly, I’d love to face the real one in a duel!"

What intrigued Rider wasn’t just the broken defense—it was Saber’s current state. The guise of the mightiest hero in Greek mythology, Heracles!

From Rider of Red’s tone, it seemed he had seen through Saber’s disguise. Typically, a Servant could maintain a perfect facade as long as they didn’t act for personal glory, with neither their class nor attributes betraying the truth. However, there was a catch: Servants could not view their own stats.

This information was granted by the Holy Grail and belonged solely to Masters. Perhaps this was why Rider of Red remained unimpressed by Saber’s appearance.

Another battle fanatic, just like Cu Chulainn, Saber thought with a sigh. Except this one talks more and is annoyingly vain.

Cold and silent, Saber calmly analyzed every aspect of his opponent, calculating the best way to win. In Heracles’ powerful body, he raised [Durandal]—a blade long and sleek, its surface polished to a mirror shine.

Its reflection revealed Saber’s current face: Heracles, a visage brimming with muscle yet unnervingly stiff, as though every sinew was lifeless. Only his eyes shimmered with an eerie brilliance.

"A warrior must be devoid of emotion," Saber said as he lifted his gaze to Rider. "The battlefield is a ruthless place. Smiling in its midst dishonors your enemy."

Under Heracles’ hulking physique, Durandal no longer resembled a longsword; it was more akin to a dagger or a slender spike.

"Hidden Sword—!"

Even in another body, Saber could wield his swordsmanship, for he was, at his core, a Faceless Spirit.

In the shadowy forest, a sudden, blinding flash cut through the gloom like a meteor streaking across the night sky.

Saber aimed directly at Rider of Red’s spiritual core. At this critical moment, Heracles’ [Bravery] made all the difference, granting the imitation swordsman an aura of overwhelming menace—like an impending avalanche.

His foot struck the ground, causing it to fracture. His blade pointed forward, and the air split like a whirlwind.

Clang—!

The first strike was predictably blocked by Achilles. Just as the Rider began to scoff at the apparent harmlessness of the attack, Saber revealed his true killing intent.

A thunderous impact sent a gust of wind howling through the forest. Fallen leaves swirled in all directions, accompanied by the dry soil scattered by the shockwave.

As the dust obscured vision, Saber unleashed a second strike. He could barely make out Achilles' silhouette, but his [Mind’s Eye (Fake)] honed his sight, granting him the clarity of an eagle.

Unlike Saber, Rider of Red had not forged a [Mind’s Eye (Fake)] through countless battles. He was forced to react defensively, yet Saber’s blows came mercilessly. Though losing Artoria’s [Instinct] reduced his reaction speed, his offensive power was undiminished!

Through countless simulations in his mind, Saber understood precisely how to avoid attacks and how to land his own. He predicted Rider’s every move as if he were a serpent coiled in the shadows, ready to strike.

As the dust cloud dispersed, Saber’s [Bravery] scattered it further with a surge of force. [Durandal]’s blade cut through the air with precision. Using feints, Saber kept Rider constantly off balance while his [Mind’s Eye (Fake)] pinpointed his enemy’s location, seeking to pierce through the shrouded battlefield.

"Damn you, you—!" Rider of Red’s frustration boiled over at Saber’s unrelenting assault, but he had no opportunity to catch his breath.

"This is war, not a game!" Saber shouted, delivering his third and fourth strikes. Each one aimed for Rider’s core with unyielding ferocity.

Under normal circumstances, Achilles’ extraordinary attributes would have allowed him to weather such a storm. But against another master of close combat, even the smallest disadvantage could tip the scales.

The forest’s swirling mist obscured Achilles’ view, hampering his counterattacks. Forced to rely on his raw power and skill, he could only retreat step by step. But prolonged defense inevitably invited failure.

When Saber unleashed his eighth strike, he finally found an opening in Rider of Red’s movements. Achilles faltered under the relentless assault, his defenses collapsing. The ninth strike was already poised above Saber's head, ready to deliver the finishing blow.

But Saber abruptly halted his attack.

A glint of cold light flashed through the forest—the unmistakable arrow of the Archer of Red!

In an instant, Saber's [Mind’s Eye (Fake)] evaluated his options.

One: ignore the arrow and exchange blows with Rider, risking mutual destruction.
Two: retreat and abandon the offensive.

A true Heracles would have swung his blade without hesitation, slicing Achilles in two, no matter the cost. But Saber had no such luxury. He only had one life—there was no room for reckless gambles. Moreover, he doubted that strike would secure victory.

Victory above all else. For Saber, there was no need to risk his life so prematurely. Although he had probed Achilles’ abilities and confirmed him as the Greek hero of legend, more testing was needed.

The nature of Achilles’ Noble Phantasm remained unknown to Saber. After all, who could have guessed the function of the [God Hand] at first glance?

“Phew… my gratitude, big sis. That muscle-bound brute nearly killed me,” Achilles muttered, his tone casual despite his narrow escape from death.

"Honestly, I thought you were a Berserker at first. Every strike aimed to end me. But who would’ve guessed—you’re so cautious. That’s a surprise," Rider added before meeting Saber’s gaze head-on.

"Saber of Black, fighting someone who can kill me—now that is fate!"

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T/N: ...say that again fantastic four meme

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!