By the coastal docks.
Asuka raised his sword vigilantly, sizing up the Berserker who had suddenly ceased all movement before him.
The crimson light in the entity's eyes was rapidly dimming.
The towering figure swayed. The trident in his hand dropped onto the ocean surface with a clang, dissolving into black Reishi and scattering away.
Immediately after, Berserker's body began to turn transparent.
It was the sign of a Servant being forced to dematerialize into their Spiritual Body to retreat after losing their magical energy supply.
In the final moment before he completely vanished.
The Berserker raised his head, his bone-mask-covered face looking toward Asuka.
Perhaps it was just an illusion.
But Asuka actually saw a fleeting trace of clarity within those eyes that had previously been brimming with madness.
A second later.
Berserker's figure completely turned into a wisp of black smoke, dissipating into the night.
Asuka was left standing alone, gripping his sword and staring at the empty sea with a bewildered expression.
'That Berserker Soul Reaper... he must have been dragged into Fuyuki City from the World of the Living, just like me.'
'Is he the Captain who was executing a mission alongside Shinobu? It seems I need to find a way to restore his sanity...'
Asuka looked down at Nugata in his hand.
The blade was still trembling slightly, as if savoring the grand feast it had just consumed.
"Regardless... it looks like I survived," he muttered.
With a casual wave of his hand, Nugata transformed into invisible Reishi and merged into his body.
He had to admit, he quite liked this aspect. It was incredibly convenient to carry around. If only he could bring this ability back to the World of the Living.
However, although the immediate crisis had been resolved, there were still other troublesome individuals present.
Rumble—
The thunderous sound of rolling wheels crushed down from midair.
Iskandar, the King of Conquerors, steered his Gordius Wheel, pulling the reins to halt the chariot pulled by two divine bulls right in front of Asuka.
"Bwahaha! Truly spectacular!" he boomed.
Iskandar's rugged face was filled with undisguised admiration.
He looked down at Asuka from his elevated position, his red cape snapping fiercely in the wind.
"That Berserker's strength was so tyrannical that even I had to avoid its edge! To think that a nameless brat like you could take a blow capable of shattering the sea head-on!"
The King of Conquerors stroked his thick red beard, his eyes gleaming as if he had discovered a hidden treasure. "Avenger! Though your name is unknown, you are undoubtedly a rare and fierce warrior!"
"How about it! Do you want to join my ranks?!"
"Huh?" Asuka raised an eyebrow.
"I shall grant you glory second only to my own! Together, we will conquer this world and witness the end of the endless sea! Rather than seeking vengeance in these dark corners, why not follow me and bask in boundless radiance?!"
If anyone else had said these words, they would likely be treated as a madman.
But coming from the mouth of this historical emperor, it carried an irresistible sense of heroism and sincerity.
Even Artoria, who had been standing guard nearby to protect Irisviel, could not help but cast a sidelong glance.
This King of Conquerors truly tried to recruit troops wherever he went.
Asuka looked at the mountain of a man before him and firmly shook his head. "Sorry, big guy."
"I've already formed a contract. Even though she isn't as strong as you, even though she's still an immature kid, and even though she can't even provide me with magical energy."
"But since I promised to protect her, I won't go back on my word."
Asuka turned his head, his gaze crossing the ruins to look at Sumire Kamado, who was supporting her mother on the outskirts of the dock area.
Iskandar followed Asuka's line of sight and saw the ordinary girl who was trembling violently yet still trying her best to stand tall.
He paused for a moment before bursting into a hearty bout of laughter.
"Hahahaha! I see! A man of loyalty and righteousness! Good! Very good!"
Iskandar slapped his thigh forcefully, the admiration in his eyes growing even deeper. "Since your heart is already pledged, I won't force the issue! Avenger, I will remember this caliber of yours!"
"The next time we meet, it will be on the battlefield! Do not show any mercy when that time comes!"
With that said, he violently snapped the reins.
"Let's go, boy!!"
"Waaah! Slow down!"
Amidst the panicked screams of his frail Master, Waver, the Gordius Wheel transformed into a streak of lightning and roared toward the horizon.
Watching the boisterous giant leave, the atmosphere on the docks eased slightly.
"...Avenger."
A cold, clear voice rang out.
Artoria dispelled her Invisible Air, revealing the holy sword that radiated a sacred aura, still maintaining her vigilant stance.
"Although Rider spoke highly of you, during the battle just now, I sensed an unsettling aura from your blade... It is a power that devours souls and curses the living."
As the King of Knights, she possessed a natural aversion to such sinister power.
"Just what kind of evil spirit are you?"
Asuka turned his head, looking at the young King of Knights who was brimming with righteousness and had clear, unwavering eyes.
He didn't offer much of an explanation, simply replying calmly, "My Nugata is indeed not very clean. After all, it has slain far too many evil demons and been tainted by far too much filth. But as long as it cuts down what deserves to be cut down, I don't care whether it is holy or not."
"As for who I am, just call me Asuka."
'Asuka?'
Artoria searched her mind for the name but came up empty.
It was not the name of any hero she was familiar with.
"King of Knights, let us go."
At that moment, Irisviel, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke up.
She pressed the earpiece communicator by her ear, clearly having received a retreat order from Kiritsugu Emiya.
Today's objective had already been achieved.
Having witnessed the strength of the various classes, especially this enigmatic Avenger, their intelligence-gathering mission was more than complete.
"In that case, we shall part ways here, Avenger."
Artoria gave Asuka a deep look before escorting Irisviel away, their figures blending into the darkness as they swiftly evacuated the docks.
In the blink of an eye, the previously chaotic battlefield became completely empty.
Only the sound of waves crashing against the shore and the occasional wail of police sirens in the distance remained.
"Is it finally over...?"
Asuka stretched his somewhat stiff neck and quickly ran toward the outskirts of the docks.
There, Sumire Kamado was supporting a limping Haruri, her face written with lingering terror.
"Mr. Asuka!"
Seeing Asuka approach, Sumire's eyes immediately lit up, as if she had seen her savior.
But Haruri Kamado's reaction was entirely different.
The tough single mother instinctively shielded her daughter behind her, staring warily at the man before her who was dressed in a strange black kimono and exuded the stench of blood.
Even though this was the very man who had just saved them, as an ordinary citizen, everything that had transpired tonight had long surpassed the limits of her comprehension.
"Are you... a human or a ghost?"
Haruri swallowed hard, her voice tight with tension.