Chapter 652: Linkage: Dreams and the Holy Grail (20)

"Saber?" the flashing Furaisi said with interest, "I actually kind of want to see what that woman's true combat looks like, and that Ku Qiu Lin……they might even be stronger than some S‑class heroes."

"Oh? They actually managed to earn Furaisi's approval?" the zombie man remarked, still surprised to see this arrogant guy praising someone.

Furaisi let out a cold snort: "I only approve of those with potential and ability."

"Yuanzǐ Wushi."

Bangu turned his gaze to the other side of the hot spring, seeing Yuanzǐ Wushi soaking with his disciple, and said, "Aren't you able to tell what kind of life someone has lived just by watching the moment they draw their sword? I wonder what you've seen in that saber's swordsman."

"Ha, come on……that woman's sword is completely transparent, she doesn't even have a scabbard—how could I tell?" Yuanzǐ Wushi, chewing on a blade of grass, looked up at the golden‑haired girl on the screen, "But isn't that woman the king of Britain? Since she's a monarch or the like, she surely spends her days governing. Compared to her experiences, I actually prefer her transparent sword……it feels like some kind of legendary treasure."

——

""Acher, listen to my voice—are you the real deal?" Shajin's subtitles floated up from below."

"Acher bluntly refused on the spot: 'Sorry, this is a silent film; in front of me there's only a string of subtitles hanging below the door bearing the name 【Shajin】. To prove yourself, unless you spill ten embarrassing things only my master knows."

""You don't even know who I am?""

"The several people's oblivious conversation completely enraged Assassin; only a sound effect exploded overhead, and the director's cut soundtrack flew into a rage: 'Enough already?! This is a horror film, extras—keep your fear!"

""This place was originally a prison for exiled company criminals, filled with devices to prevent escape. But the inmates have long since vanished, leaving only a crowd of vengeful spirits come to claim lives."

"Shajin cut him off directly: 'I've wanted to ask since you spoke your first sentence—why target company employees?"

""Back when this was still a prison, the company dogs turned it into a hell on earth. And what the audience loves most is watching them suffer. As long as you saw off anyone's leg, the door will open automatically. But if a system when after nothing happens——this room will explode! And as residents, you'll also be blown to bits in the flames."

"Shajin's eyes lit up as if he'd found a kindred spirit: 'I know this! 【A room you can't leave without doing something】! This is a classic element from the early horror films of Pinokangni."

""Your viewing habits are pretty wild……"

""Heaven help us! I never would have guessed you, so young, actually know something about Pinokangni's early dream‑bubble movies—truly impressive for a newcomer." Seeing someone who knew his stuff, Ge Rui Di grew very excited: 'Exactly, it's my own first film shot during Pinokangni's pioneering era that left behind such a precious stroke of genius for posterity.'

——

fate/zero.

Inside the castle of Einzbern, Wei Gong Qie Si stared unblinkingly at everything unfolding on the screen; regarding this assassin's innate barrier, perhaps it could offer some reference for this Holy Grail War.

""Saber, if you were now placed inside this barrier, how would you break it?" The shadowed Wei Gong Qie Si cast his gaze at saber."

""If you release your Noble Phantasm, you might be able to forcefully break this barrier." Saber looked up at the screen, "But as the price, this amusement park could also be destroyed, and if others are present, they would……"

"I know."

"Wei Gong Qie Si is fully aware of just how powerful that castle's Noble Phantasm is. But precisely because its power is so great, it cannot be used casually."

"However, if he and Xing swapped places, both being Saber's masters, he probably wouldn't go to the amusement park at all; instead he'd have Zhigengniao wade through this murky water for him first, and only if Zhigengniao came out unharmed would he proceed with the next step."

"But given Assassin's ability, it's unlikely to even harm Xing and Shajin. After having endured the strike of the Yellow Spring, the so‑called 'room explosion' is nothing to the 【Defense】; even if Saber released his Noble Phantasm, Shajin could probably withstand it head‑on."

""Wei Gong Qie Si, what are you thinking?" Ailishifeier asked softly."

"Wei Gong Qie Si slowly exhaled a puff of smoke: 'No, nothing…… I just don't want the saber on the screen to release his Noble Phantasm; that would be extremely disadvantageous for us in this Holy Grail War.'"

"Upon hearing that, Ailishifeier also looked troubled, because as the saber on the screen revealed his true name, it directly meant that in their Holy Grail War all the masters now knew saber's identity; if his Noble Phantasm were exposed as well…… the other masters would surely devise targeted tactics, possibly even banding together to surround saber."

——

""Archer stroked his chin thoughtfully: 'So the so‑called Noble Phantasm is modeled after this, huh? This guy's started getting full of himself and spouting nonsense… Nice work, master.'"

""However, before Archer even finished speaking, Shajin switched gears: 'No wonder this segment feels so clumsily pasted together—it makes sense now. Slapping together old horror‑film elements at random really isn't fresh at all.'"

""Shajin pointed at his own leg: 'Take the saw‑the‑leg gag, for example—originally the protagonist was locked in by a magnetic‑fluid ankle cuff and had to saw off his own leg. But here it's just a blatant copy‑cat.'"

""Ge Rui Di's tone shifted instantly: 'Young man, I take back my praise—I'll put your screams in the most prominent spot of Ge Rui Di Studios and play them on loop.'"

""Saber looked puzzled: 'Voluntarily revealing your true name—is that also part of your dramatic effect?'"

""Si Ke Te's sharp voice rang out overhead: 'Assassin, you idiot! How did you go and reveal your true name? Didn't we agree that a true name means a weakness for a heroic spirit?'"

""Uh… no need to panic, producer. I'm not some legendary hero—you could ask them what the name Ge Rui Di means in Pinokangni."

""Xing scratched her head, thought it over carefully, and really didn't know."

""I only know Ke Lao Ke Studios……"

""Ge Rui Di snorted displeased: 'Not surprising an answer. But you'll soon find out who truly is Pinokangni's greatest film director, and for now——please allow me to step back behind the scenes.'"