Chapter 687: Crossover: Sweet Dreams and the Holy Grail (55)

"I issue the command with the Command Spell... release the Noble Phantasm, destroy the Holy Grail!"

Star acted decisively, the glow of the Command Spell on the left hand flared up, Saber stepped forward, raising the blade steadily, the tip pointing at the massive shadow writhing in the smoke and the Holy Grail behind it that kept leaking fluid.

"Obeying the Master's command."

The overwhelming light began to surge around her, golden radiance continuously condensing and compressing, rushing toward the sword edge.

"'Excalibur——!'"

Accompanied by Saber's shout that poured all her belief into it, the Noble Phantasm was fully released!

A massive golden pillar of light, as thick as a tower, seemed to tear the heavens, causing the entire Grand Theater to quake violently; every swarm of insects turned to ash the instant they touched the light, while the King Insect thrashed wildly amid Kukulkan's Noble Phantasm and Archer's countless spears, until Saber's decisive strike utterly annihilated it.

The pillar of light kept flowing, piercing the sky, drawing countless passersby to stop and watch this rare spectacle.

——

fate/zero.

"This light... can't be wrong..."

Somewhere in the underground tunnel, Caster stared intently at the beautiful holy light in the firmament. On the twisted face, fanaticism and a kind of pathological devotion intertwined.

"Ah...! So beautiful..." He staggered forward a step, reaching both hands toward the sky in an almost embracing posture, as if trying to touch the illusory light.

"It can't be wrong, this is exactly the light we saw that day... when Jeanne and I were blessed..." Two streams of murky tears slid down his eyes; he stared blankly at the golden light reaching the heavens in the firmament, undeniably another miracle straight to paradise.

……

And on the other side.

"They actually... destroyed the Holy Grail..." Saber's voice trembled faintly, "That was the only hope... the only way to grant a wish... I, I... no, that wasn't me!"

She could understand that the "self" in the firmament acted to end the present disaster, but destroying the Holy Grail meant completely cutting off any chance to save Britannia... she could never accept it.

Silence spread throughout the room.

AiLiSiFeiEr watched Saber's tense profile with worry, then glanced at the silent Qie Si beside her.

The Master ordering the Servant to personally destroy the Holy Grail… is utterly incomprehensible.

"Master, if… if you also judge that the Holy Grail cannot grant your wish..." Saber hesitated, her gaze piercing like a sword toward Qie Si, "Would you use the Command Spell, forcing me… like her, to destroy the Holy Grail?"

Facing this somewhat sharp question, WeiGong Qie Si's expression did not change; he seemed to have contemplated it long ago. He exhaled a faint smoke ring, not even glancing at Saber.

"No."

That answer made Saber and AiLiSiFeiEr pause slightly.

"The Command Spell is merely a means to an end; unless the Holy Grail is proven harmful, I'll handle it my own way. Your Noble Phantasm will only face enemies," Qie Si said calmly.

"That's fine, master." Since Qie Si promised, Saber felt a bit relieved; the biggest worry now was that her city‑targeting Noble Phantasm had been exposed, and other Servants might now target her more specifically.

——

"Finally, it's all over..." Saber murmured, gazing into the distance from the street side.

"The disaster‑ridden Grand Theater even makes me feel sorry for Pinokangni's hounds and Dream Builders."

"No need to worry about an ancient building insured by hundreds of policies… Old Odi never lets himself lose money on financial matters."

In response, Lancer still harbored some lingering anger: "Hmph, dragging everyone into this Holy Grail War while he hides behind the scenes, does nobody plan to confront him for an explanation?"

"Make him pay for emotional damages!"

Facing Star's proposal, Shajin spread his hands: "Unfortunately, no Master was injured in this incident, so even holding him accountable would likely be brushed aside with his two favorite tactics—the top‑tier lawyer team and sky‑high compensation. Moreover, the Holy Grail War has already yielded him profits far exceeding those costs."

"However, in negotiations, this farce will serve as a useful pretext to pry a larger opening for Lady Jade in Pinokangni."

"Does Si Ke Te have no human rights?"

Shajin's smile deepened: "Mr. Si Ke Te's troubles should, of course, be handled by his corporate colleagues."

BoTiOu: "Hmph, the copper‑stink rules of Pinokangni can't bind me. Lancer, let's go tidy up that old cutie."

Lancer shook his head regretfully: "Master, although I wholeheartedly agree with your view, time seems insufficient. After the Holy Grail disintegrates, we should return to where we came from."

——

fate/WeiGong family's meal.

Upon learning that several could return safely, YuanSa Lin also let out a long sigh of relief.

"Huh... finally over. Those three caused such a ruckus over there, almost tearing the Grand Theater apart."

"The process was thrilling, but thankfully everyone made it back safely—that's the best outcome," Rider lifted a teacup, gently blowing away the lingering steam, "But if they could bring back some specialties from Pinokangni, that drink called 'Su Le Da'… I'd love to try it."

"Unfortunately our voices didn't reach the firmament at all. Come to think of it, this is the first time we've interacted with the world inside the firmament," YuanSa Lin said.

Caster nodded: "Exactly, and do you remember what Miss Himeko said in the dream? That Mr. Walter was also an Earthling, though we don't know exactly which nation he's from, it's evident that the link between our world and the cosmos remains very close."

"Alright, alright, let's pause the serious talk!" YuanSa Lin waved her hand, cutting off the idle chatter, "To celebrate their triumph—of course, more importantly their safe return—we'll prepare a grand welcome banquet for them!"

"Food again… it won't be me cooking, will it?" ShiLang awkwardly scratched his face.

"Of course not! For the main course… let's prepare a hundred chicken burgers for Saber and the others!"

"One—one hundred!" ShiLang was so shocked he nearly bit his tongue.

"Wow! One hundred!" YiLiYa clapped excitedly.

"They burned so much over there, they definitely need proper replenishment," YuanSa Lin pursed her lips, quickly moving closer, forcing ShiLang to step back repeatedly, "What? You disagree?"

"Uh… fine, but ordering from a restaurant is too pricey… I'll just make it myself."