The deep bass and distinctive square-wave electronic music of an old video game filled the quiet room. The march titled 'Pax Germana' (Great Strategy: German Blitzkrieg) echoed loudly. If not for the soundproofing barrier, the entire Ryudou Temple would have been awakened by the blaring music.
"...I lost."
After his final troops were crushed by the NAZI army, Waver put down his SEGA game controller and buried his face in his hands, utterly defeated.
The challenge he had ultimately chosen was something completely unrelated to a magus's career: the video game 'Great Strategy.'
Great Strategy is a war-themed strategy game set during World War II. Because Rider enjoyed playing it and often dragged Waver into joining him, Waver had gradually developed some skill at the game.
Waver had assumed that since Sakatsuki was so strong in magecraft, he must have been studying it since childhood and had no interest in modern life (evidenced by his unconventional attire of suits and kimonos).
However, to his surprise, even though Sakatsuki had never played 'Great Strategy' before, he had an extraordinary talent for games. By the second round, Sakatsuki had already matched Waver's skill and narrowly won. By the third round, it was a complete rout, with Sakatsuki employing blitzkrieg and flanking tactics to crush Waver's forces, even with Rider's coaching from the sidelines.
"It's fine, you won the first round, didn't you?"
Sakatsuki hummed a tune as he completely annihilated Waver's cities. When the victory screen popped up, he finally felt satisfied.
"A bet's a bet. What do you want for dinner tonight?"
"The first round was just because you weren't familiar with the game, right? And then you beat me in the second round. I've been playing this with Rider for a while now..."
Waver let out a defeated sigh but still managed to order.
"I want steak. Japan is such an expensive place. I'll be grateful for beef once I'm back in London."
"I want meatball risotto! Don't forget the fish sauce and wine. They make excellent accompaniments!"
Iskandar raised his hand like an eager schoolboy, then fell into deep thought.
"If I had given up the pursuit and intercepted the reconnaissance planes instead, maybe the frontlines wouldn't have collapsed... Ah, I guess I'm still not used to high-tech stuff like reconnaissance planes."
"Don't overthink it, King of Conquerors. Strategies in games are just theoretical. Also, no alcohol."
Sakatsuki said mercilessly.
"There's a minor here tonight. You can drink as much as you want tomorrow after the final battle."
"Hmph, understood."
Even the King of Conquerors had to bow before the chef who controlled the meals.
[Fate Compendium Updated.]
[011: Iskandar (Rider)]
[Character Information: A famous military strategist and politician in ancient history...]
[Hidden Information: That guy started shouting something about Zeus's protection and then turned into a bear. The cute appearance from back then is long gone—Faker, self-proclaimed as Iskandar's most trusted confidant, Hephaestion.]
[Record Conditions (4/4)]:
[•Gain the approval of the King of Conquerors. (Completed)]
[•Defeat/Kill Iskandar. (Completed)]
[•Defeat the Noble Phantasm 'Ionioi Hetairoi' without using an Anti-World Noble Phantasm. (Completed)]*
[•Defeat Iskandar in the game Great Strategy. (Completed)]*
[Hidden Condition 2 Reward: Adaptability to the 'Tactics' Skill!]
Tactics, the B-rank class skill held by Iskandar, the King of Conquerors, is not for one-on-one combat but rather for keen tactical insight in group battles. It provides additional effects when using anti-army Noble Phantasms or defending against them.
Although the reward was great, was this hidden information for real? Satsuki's eyelids twitched. However, recalling the young Alexander and the now burly Iskandar, whose "Rosy-cheeked Youth" skill had long since disappeared, he suddenly understood the complicated meaning behind Faker's words.
Shaking off his thoughts, Sakatsuki returned to preparing dinner, which was soon ready.
"Food's ready—"
As the saying goes, if you're not enthusiastic about eating, there's something wrong with your brain. Saber, who had been waiting eagerly by the table, was the first to dig in. Following the sound of footsteps, Rider and Waver took their seats, while Maiya helped Irisviel to the table. Finally, Miyu rushed into Sakatsuki's arms, was secretly fed a piece of chocolate cake, then sat down contentedly with her brother and clasped her hands together in prayer.
"Let's eat~"
On the last night before the final battle, there was no arguing, no vigilance against each other. The participants from all three groups gathered together, enjoying the beauty of this encounter.
And all of this was the result of a certain young man's efforts.
"...?"
Sensing Iskandar's gaze, Sakatsuki looked up in confusion.
"Is something wrong, King of Conquerors?"
"Yes, there's something I need to tell you all."
Iskandar put down his utensils, his expression turning serious.
"In tomorrow's battle, I will face Archer first—I want to fight the King of Heroes at his full strength, without the need to hold back."
The atmosphere at the table grew slightly tense, and everyone looked at Rider with respect.
To choose to face the demigod Archer in solo combat first—such boldness was precisely what made this king so admirable.
"Then, may fortune favor you in battle."
***
Archer opened his eyes.
In the lightless darkness, his eyes glowed like blood.
Having lost his contract, he had no choice but to reside within the leyline to maintain his peak condition.
"Challenging that chef's Ryudou Temple without a Master... Hmph, to test me with such a trivial trial. Fine, though it displeases me, I shall accept it."
No matter how annoyed he felt, since it was a trial from fate, he could not escape. The destiny of being the King of Heroes brought a smile to Gilgamesh's face.
"Then, prepare yourselves, those who dare stand in my way."
***
Golden eyes reflected the silver moon.
The white-haired Nameless tilted his head to gaze at the moon, as if the radiant moonlight itself hid his past, his life.
"Has the moment finally come..."
A dual-toned murmur echoed through the night sky. Beside him, a Lance shimmered faintly under the moonlight, radiating a blend of warmth and coldness.
Gently caressing the gem at the lance's tip, Nameless blinked, his eyes returning to their original color, his voice cool once more.
"Can you keep up, the one and only chosen one... No, you must catch up."
The Nameless man glanced at the people laughing inside the room. A flicker of emotion ran through his dazed eyes, before finally settling his gaze on Miyu.
A light not of this world, but from a distant star, suddenly emanated from his body.
"Accept my ideals, and with your own will, become my subordinate, Miyu Edelfelt..."
***
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