"After this Holy Grail War, I reviewed a lot of records. Because of the Third Holy Grail War, where the Einzbern family illegally summoned an Avenger-class Servant, the Grail became tainted. Now, it maliciously twists wishes. For example, if you, King of Conquerors, wished for a physical body to conquer the world, the Grail would likely turn you into a mindless monster bent on destruction. To it, that would be fulfilling your desire."
"That's quite a headache. Is there no way to restore the Grail to its original form?" Iskandar asked.
"Sorry, but no. Because this 'Holy Grail' isn't truly a sacred artifact in the proper sense. It's actually just a massive mana container, its core formed by the incomplete Third Magic circuits of the 'Maiden of Winter,' Justeaze. Now, All the World's Evil has fused with her completely. Eliminating its influence would be no different from destroying the Grail itself."
Lord El-Melloi lit another cigarette. His original plan was to participate in the Fifth Holy Grail War to prove Iskandar's strength and prevent others from obtaining the Grail, but due to certain circumstances, he was delayed. "I'm also working on researching ways to dismantle the Grail, but I have a lot on my plate, so who knows when I'll finish."
"Making a magus close to the Third Magic into a Grail... Such a costly ritual, and they still managed to pollute it by cheating? The Einzberns sure are willing to throw everything away!" Kayneth suddenly lost much of his enthusiasm for the Holy Grail War. The prize had turned out to be defective—he grumbled about how the Einzberns had squandered such an opportunity.
"Should we inform the other Masters and tell them to stop fighting?" Waver tugged at Iskandar's sleeve, feeling that this Grail War was no longer worth it.
"Naïve!" ×3
Lord El-Melloi, Kayneth, and Iskandar all rebuked him at the same time.
Kayneth shook his head in disappointment. "Do you think your opponents will believe you just like that? They'll only assume it's a scheme to secure victory for yourself."
"Besides, the Grail won't reveal its true form until it has gathered enough mana," El-Melloi added. "Just because we see it this way doesn't mean others will. If we can obtain information from the future, so can others. Especially that Caster—he can definitely see the future too. Yet he hasn't made a move, meaning the war must continue as usual."
"That suits me just fine! Whether or not the Grail is the prize, I, Iskandar, King of Conquerors, still wish to compete with the heroes of history! Boy, let's begin from here!"
"I agree with Rider," Kayneth nodded. "Whether you wish to prove yourself or waste your excessive sense of justice, you must first get past me. Waver Velvet, it's time for your magecraft test!"
"Yes! Then, I activate my effect—reveal three cards from my deck, add one to my hand, and send the rest to the graveyard. I choose to add this card—[Iskandar]!"
"Well done, my Master!" Iskandar responded.
"[Iskandar]'s effect activates! I tribute one Servant on my field to Special Summon it in Attack Position from my hand. Come forth, King of Conquerors! Let your subjects witness your charge once more!"
Iskandar, mounted on his beloved steed, surged into the battle zone amidst a storm of lightning.
[Iskandar] ★7, Rider, ATK 2800
"The King of Conquerors' effect—"
"A king cannot ride without his chariot, Master!" Impatient, Iskandar urged Waver to continue.
"You're too hasty. I activate the Equip Spell Card [Gordius Wheel], increasing the King of Conquerors' ATK by 500! King, take your seat!"
Thundering hooves heralded the arrival of a war chariot drawn by divine bulls, stopping in front of Iskandar, who was now fully prepared to charge.
[Iskandar] ATK: 2800 → 3300
"A Conqueror does not fight alone," Waver, growing more confident, continued. "I activate [The Conqueror's Shadow]! I Special Summon [Hephaestion] from my deck!"
A female Servant, clad in attire reminiscent of Iskandar's, stepped onto the battlefield.
[Hephaestion] ★7, Pretender, ATK 2800
"King of Conquerors... to think we would meet like this... I have no right to..." Hephaestion initially seemed delighted to see Iskandar, but she quickly suppressed her emotions and knelt.
"You're using your brother's name, huh? As for the rest, I never once thought that way. To meet my comrades again, even after death—it's something to laugh about, not to mourn." Iskandar pulled Hephaestion up and pointed his sword forward. "Now, fight by my side once more!"
"It is my honor, my King!"
"[Hephaestion]'s effect activates! While she is on the field, opponents cannot target other Rider-class Servants with effects. Lastly, I set a Trap Card and end my turn. Professor, it's your move!"
"My turn—Draw!" Kayneth glanced at his hand and smirked in satisfaction. "As expected of my Servant."
"With this setup, Lancer can break through effortlessly! I activate—" He raised his hand, but an invisible force held him back. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't proceed—his entire body's mana seemed frozen.
Kayneth glanced at Romulus, then continued. "Never mind. My own power is enough. I activate the Spell Card [Rank Ascension]! I tribute one Servant from my hand or field to Special Summon a higher-ranked Servant from my deck!"
"I summon—[Kayneth El-Melloi (Brand)]!"
[Kayneth El-Melloi (Brand)] ★4, Master, ATK 2000
"Not much different from my usual self, but if I had a Grand-class version of me, I'd love to see what that's like."
After stretching and feeling the flow of mana within him, Kayneth activated his effect. "My effect—From my deck, I activate the Continuous Spell Card [Volumen Hydrargyrum]. Boil, my blood!"
A silver sphere of liquid mercury floated beside him, obediently awaiting his command.
"My ace, [Volumen Hydrargyrum], cannot be destroyed by effects. It serves as offense, defense, and tracking all in one. Of course, it consumes a considerable amount of mana. Here, I can discard a card from my hand to activate its effect multiple times. Waver Velvet, let me show you the true strength of a Lord from the Mineralogy Department!"