Chapter 996

【"The only ones I know who wouldn't use the Holy Grail for personal desire are Rin and you. Therefore, we must win so that the disaster doesn't continue to expand."】

【"So—the only way is to sacrifice the residents of this small town to help us. The result is the same as suppressing the expansion of the damage, so it is the same as your policy."】

【The former self didn't want to do this and denied such methods, but what was the use? Cruel reality would force him to do such things.】

【Denying Kiritsugu, understanding Kiritsugu, becoming Kiritsugu—this is reality; this is the experience and lesson Archer gained after working for countless years.】

【The Archer of today is long past being that hot-blooded young man; sympathy, anger, and lamentation have all vanished, leaving only absolute rational logical thinking.】

【Now, he is just a numb and ruthless working machine for the Counter Force.】

【And his words naturally could not gain Emiya Shirou's approval, while at the same time, he felt a bit strange inside.】

【Because the words Archer said before were also often on the lips of his deceased father, Emiya Kiritsugu.】

【He would never forget the disappointed expression on Emiya Kiritsugu's face when he said those words.】

Waver: "... Heh, it really is exactly the same."

Second: "Yeah, it feels like watching another version of myself."

Emiya Kiritsugu: "Sigh—"

Watching Emiya Shirou become another version of himself, he couldn't be happy at all.

He actually didn't want anyone else to become an existence like himself from the bottom of his heart, but fate is a cruel prankster.

Archer's experience is simply like a carbon copy of himself, perhaps even more miserable.

However, he could also see that Archer actually still retained a part of his original heart and hadn't become as extreme as he was in his youth.

If Archer had completely become him, he should have become like the Emiya (Alter) that appeared before, and wouldn't have so much nonsense with Emiya Shirou.

【Archer: "You said it, didn't you? That you didn't want to involve unrelated people. Then admit it: this method of not killing anyone, this result—it means you can't save anyone!"】

【The words, which seemed to be stating reality, successfully angered Emiya Shirou.】

【He didn't want to talk nonsense with Archer anymore and intended to continue chasing Caster.】

【Can he succeed? What should he do after catching up? Can he defeat the other party, or will he end up getting himself and Saber killed?】

【Emiya Shirou, dominated by anger, indicated that he didn't want to think about these things now.】

【"You aren't planning to chase Caster, are you?"】

【Archer looked speechless; did this guy treat his words as wind in one ear and out the other?】

【Or was it that he over-stimulated him, causing a counter-effect?】

Tiger of Fuyuki: "Shirou, although this guy's words are indeed infuriating, you can't just give up on yourself!"

Househusband: "..."

Zabiko: "This is a typical look of someone whose brain has been clouded by anger."

Li the Gun Saint: "His cultivation of composure is still not enough."

Li the Gun Saint: "Haha, I don't seem to have the qualifications to talk about others either."

Karna: "Anger, huh..."

At this moment, he thought of the figure of his good friend Ashwatthama.

Karna: "No matter when, one must never be dominated by anger in their actions."

【Archer: "It's truly unbelievable; it's impossible for you alone to beat Caster. If you value your life, you'd better not go."】

【Emiya Shirou ignored him completely and continued walking into the depths of Ryudou Temple.】

【Archer followed him helplessly, muttering incessantly.】

【"Seriously, are you going to waste the life you barely managed to pick back up?"】

【"I don't really care, but you should at least say thank you, right? I came to rescue you out of good intentions just now, you know."】

【"Although it doesn't count as being a life-saver, we are at least friends who survived a brush with death together; please at least feel some gratitude."】

【Although he could have just knocked the other party out, Archer thought better of it.】

【If he doesn't correct this kid's suicidal mindset, it's useless to take him away now; he'll just run back to throw his life away later.】

Zabiko: "I feel like Archer is a bit like a nagging mother at this moment."

Jinako: "I have the same sense of déjà vu; Mr. Karna also often nags me."

Karna: "That's because your lifestyle is too decadent."

Archer: "..."

The me in the video is really patient.

However, it should be reaching its limit.

【"Shut up, who has a friendship with you! Hurry back to Tohsaka's side! Even if you offer your help on a silver platter, I don't want it!"】

【Emiya Shirou walked forward angrily, not noticing that Archer's eyes had already changed.】

【"Is that so? You have no good feelings for me—that's perfect."】

【I originally thought you were useful, so I came to save you and even patiently tried to persuade you, but since you are so ungrateful...】