"Everyone, let's head in! No need to panic~"
With Samuel's words, before the Heroic Spirits and Masters could react, the scene shifted.
Space and time twisted, stars turning.
The surroundings became vast, a void with distant stars floating, each birthing countless "civilizations" and "wisdoms." The light of the Human Order shone from them, illuminating past, future, and present.
"Ohhh! A Reality Marble? Incredible! This is the sea of stars I've always dreamed of!"
Iskandar exclaimed, his gaze sweeping the endless starlight weaving an ocean. This was his vision of the stellar sea.
The others scanned their surroundings in awe.
Assassin was the most shocked. Though he saw the stars and Human Order were mere shells, their terrifying potential was clear.
"Welcome, everyone. State your needs, and I, your host, will do my best to fulfill them. Now... let's get to today's main event."
Samuel spread his hands, starlight coalescing into a long table beneath them, seats forming for the guests.
With a scrutinizing gaze, he said, "During this time, have you heard the legend? The Holy Grail is granted only to those worthy, and worthiness is decided through this war in Fuyuki."
Unapologetically, Samuel assumed the role of Ruler, eyeing everyone but his own allies.
"But determining worth doesn't require bloodshed. If you possess a 'caliber' that Heroic Spirits acknowledge—or satisfies me—the answer will emerge."
His tone was bold, yet seeing his power, none refuted him. He spoke truth.
"So, tonight's banquet is a contest of this 'caliber'?"
Iskandar, in simple modern clothes, leaned on the table, smiling boldly.
"Exactly!"
Saber frowned, asking, "We're all renowned heroes. How do we compare this 'caliber'? Not by past deeds, surely!"
"Hahaha, that'd be dull—just comparing achievements. How about... everyone shares the wish they'd entrust to the Grail? Compare through that! What do you think, judge?"
Iskandar radiated kingly authority, addressing Samuel without losing his presence.
"Good idea! The King of Conquerors' suggestion works. Let's decide with that!"
Samuel nodded in approval.
The other Heroic Spirits nodded too.
Seeing no objections, Iskandar laughed, "Hahaha, since I proposed it, I'll start! My wish... is to obtain a physical body."
No one expected that. Even Waver, his Master, gasped, rushing to Iskandar's side. "You—you! Isn't your wish to conquer the wor—ow!!"
A familiar forehead flick silenced him. Iskandar shrugged. "Fool. Why rely on a cup to conquer the world? Conquest is my dream, rooted in myself. The Grail's wish is just the first step."
"Even manifested with mana, we're still Servants, not of this world. Are you satisfied with that?"
"I'm not. I want to be reborn here, as a true living being."
Waver recalled Iskandar's aversion to spirit form, always maintaining a physical body.
Indeed, despite speaking, dressing, and eating like humans, he was little more than a ghost.
"Why crave a body so much?"
"It's the foundation of 'conquest.'"
Clenching his fist, Iskandar stared at it, voice low.
"Standing tall, facing the world—that's the essence of conquest. It's the starting point, pushing forward to achieve goals. That's my hegemony. But without a body, I can't even begin. I fear nothing, but I need a body."
"Hahaha, oops! Sorry, didn't expect to clash wishes!"
"What? You want a body too?"
Waver stared at Roman, incredulous.
He barely grasped Iskandar's reasoning, knowing his Servant's quirky logic. But the mighty, mysterious "King Solomon" sharing that wish? He wondered, "Does Solomon want to restore Israel's glory?"
Roman, with an embarrassed smile, explained, "I just want to live in the human world again, peacefully. Maybe watch some shows and play games."
"What??"
The wish was so shocking—not for its content, but for clashing with "King Solomon's" identity.
As the saying goes, position shapes perspective, and status binds one's life.
When someone acts against their role, they face scrutiny and doubt.
No one escapes their status, merely trading one for another.
But if they don't care, it's no issue... and Roman didn't.
With a sheepish smile, he said, "My past two tales were exhausting. This time, I want a normal life."
"He's lying?"
Most thought so, except those who truly knew him. But his earnest, resolute gaze confirmed it was true.
Hard to believe—the king of magecraft, master of seventy-two demon gods, Israel's greatest king, summoned by the Grail for such a simple, pure wish. Yet it was fact.
In that moment...
Waver was floored.
***
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