Fate: Edmund

The air vibrated with energy as Lancer's golden spear streaked across the sky like lightning, splitting the space with overwhelming intensity. Saber and Rider, who had been immersed in their fierce battle just moments ago, felt a disturbance in the magical flow around them.

It was a fraction of a second. There were no words, no time to think; only the instinctive certainty that if they didn't move at that precise moment, their existence would be erased.

Saber reacted first. With her sharp battle instincts, she sensed the danger and swiftly retreated. The energy emanating from Lancer's spear was monstrous; it wasn't a mere attack, it was a Noble Phantasm of Anti-Army caliber. Without hesitation, she infused prana into her feet and propelled herself out of the impact radius.

Rider, on the other hand, took a fraction of a second longer to grasp the threat. With his keen combat perception, he knew that attempting to block the spear was madness. His body moved on pure instinct as, with tremendous strength, he grabbed Waver and Edmund, hurling them to safety. But he wasn't as fortunate.

The spear struck the ground with a deafening explosion. A shockwave devastated the surroundings, leveling trees and sending up a cloud of dust and debris. Saber felt the heat of the impact on her back as she fled, but she managed to escape unscathed.

Rider, on the other hand, couldn't avoid the damage. Though he managed to evade most of the explosion, fragments of the shockwave struck him violently, tearing his skin and shattering part of his armor. He landed roughly, tumbling across the ground as his body emitted a faint trail of steam from the heat of the impact.

Waver, who had fallen heavily into a nearby bush, stood up shakily. "Rider!"

The Servant, wincing in pain, pushed himself up. His body was covered in cuts and burns, but the smile on his face didn't fade.

"Heh... seems I was a bit slower than Saber" he remarked, wiping some blood from his face.

Saber, who had also stopped to assess the situation, looked at him seriously. "It wasn't a matter of speed or skill. It was the best option for survival"

Rider let out a soft chuckle. "Maybe, but it doesn't change the fact that I hesitated for a moment. It won't happen again"

Edmund, who had also managed to avoid the blow thanks to Rider, observed the devastation with an expression of interest. "That guy... isn't someone to mess with" he murmured, referring to Lancer.

The forest had been completely obliterated in a wide radius. If they had been a second slower, the outcome would have been different.

The air still vibrated with the remnants of energy from the explosion. The echoes of Lancer's spear impact resonated through the devastated forest, where now only rubble and scorched earth remained. Saber and Rider, still standing after their miraculous escape, cautiously assessed the situation.

Waver approached Rider with a racing heart. "Are you okay?" he asked, his brow furrowed as he noticed the blood on his Servant's face.

Rider nodded with a tired smile. "I've had worse days. But I'll admit, that old Trojan knows how to throw a spear."

Edmund, who had remained silent while observing the aftermath of the attack, exhaled deeply.

"That was a warning, or perhaps an attempt to eliminate both of you indiscriminately. It's not something someone does without being confident of victory."

Saber, with her serious expression, scanned their surroundings.

"We can't stay here. Lancer might attack again if he discovers we survived."

From his position, Lancer, Hector, was also watching the scene from the shadows. His spear still glowed faintly with remnants of prana, and though his attack had been powerful, he couldn't confirm the elimination of his targets. He clenched his teeth in frustration and quickly retreated to report to his Master, Kayneth.

Meanwhile, Kiritsugu, who had managed to retreat along with Irisviel and Maiya, coldly checked his equipment. His original plan had been thwarted, and now he had to rethink his strategy.

"I didn't anticipate Lancer's intervention" he thought, his eyes still reflecting meticulous calculation.

After regrouping and attempting another attack, Lancer appeared and unleashed his Noble Phantasm toward the two Servants who were fighting.

His attempt to salvage the situation by at least eliminating Rider's Master was interrupted once again by yet another participant.

The dawn began to paint the sky with a faint orange hue, signaling the end of the chaotic night. Saber glanced at Rider and then at Edmund.

"We must retreat before we draw more attention"

Rider let out a soft laugh. "Good idea! I wouldn't want another giant spear flying at me so early in the morning"

Aware that the best course of action was to regroup and plan their next move, the group began their retreat. Despite their injuries and exhaustion, the war was far from over.

Saber watched as Rider walked away with his Master and Edmund. Despite everything that had happened, she didn't raise her sword to pursue him. Her code of honor dictated that a retreat was not an action worthy of punishment in a fair fight. For now, she would let him go. However, that didn't mean she would let her guard down the next time they faced each other.

Meanwhile, at the Hyatt Hotel, Lancer returned to the suite where his Master, Kayneth Archibald El-Melloi, was staying. The room was illuminated only by the light of elegant lamps, casting a faint glow on the bottles of wine arranged on the nearby table.

Kayneth, with a glass of liquor in his hand, turned upon noticing his Servant's arrival.

"You're back," Kayneth said with a raised eyebrow. "What information do you have for me?"

Lancer gave a slight bow as a sign of respect before speaking. "The confrontation between Saber and Rider was interrupted by my attack, but both managed to escape alive. However, during the fight, I saw your student, Edmund, in the midst of the battle alongside Rider's Master."

Kayneth paused for a moment, bringing the glass to his lips before gently setting it down on the table. "Edmund?" His gaze hardened.

"Are you saying my student has gotten involved in this war?"

"That's how it appeared, though he showed no signs of having command seals on his hands" Lancer replied firmly.

Kayneth furrowed his brow. His mind quickly analyzed the situation, trying to find a reason for Edmund's involvement.

"So, if he's not a Master, why was he there?"

Lancer crossed his arms and replied confidently. "I believe he was assisting Rider's Master. He seemed to be a young man around the same age."

Kayneth straightened up upon hearing this. "Describe him."

Lancer, with his sharp memory, detailed Waver's clothing, face, and hair. Kayneth immediately recognized the description. His fingers tightened on the arm of his chair, suppressing the irritation the discovery stirred in him.

"Waver Velvet..." he muttered with disdain. His annoyance was evident for a moment, but he quickly composed himself. His expression shifted to one of cold determination.

"If he thinks he can make a name for himself in the Clock Tower this way, he's sorely mistaken."

He picked up the glass again and took a slow sip, a disdainful smile forming on his lips.

"I'll make him understand his place. If he seeks recognition, I'll show it to him with my own hands."

Lancer gave a slight nod, saying nothing more. He knew his Master had already made a decision. The hunt for Waver Velvet had begun.