Tenkei Shiomi's car sped through the streets, heading straight for the banks of the Mion River.
The two members of Saber's camp buckled their seatbelts, joining Shiomi and Morgan in action.
They hadn't chosen to ride with the King of Conquerors again—clearly, Irisviel's body couldn't handle any more jolting. A smoother, more stable ride was the only option.
Still, they hadn't expected Shiomi's driving to be so aggressive.
Then again, with massive magical energy equivalent to dozens of people being unleashed by the river, there was no time to waste—whether they were there to take down Caster or to stop the Holy Grail War from spilling over into the civilian world.
The roads of Miyama Town were old and tangled, but after over two years living there, Shiomi knew them like the back of his hand.
His home was his workshop—his stronghold. Knowing the terrain around it was a necessity.
What would normally be a thirty-minute drive took just a few minutes. The four of them arrived at the embankment of the Mion River.
Though a thick fog blanketed the river tonight, it didn't affect the Servants' vision. And for Magi like Shiomi and Irisviel, reinforcing their sight with magical energy allowed them to pierce through the mist and clearly perceive the source of the magical surge at the river's center.
Caster stood alone in the middle of the river, his feet resting atop a mass of grotesque black shadows gathered beneath the water—creatures that made it possible for him to stand on the surface.
"It looks like this spell has been in preparation for over two hours. Otherwise, even with Caster's abilities, and a Noble Phantasm that serves as both a magical reactor and a scriptorium for complex rites, he couldn't possibly have completed this in mere minutes," Morgan observed coolly.
Just as she said, Caster wasn't chanting. He simply stood there, waiting patiently for the grimoire in his hand to finish the spell on its own.
Strangely enough, although he had noticed the figures on the riverbank, he showed no interest in them at all. After acknowledging their presence, he simply returned to focusing on the ritual.
"Fiend! What are you plotting tonight?" Artoria shouted in fury.
"Deeply sorry, Holy Maiden, but I don't have time to receive you right now." Caster's tone was unusually serious, devoid of any emotion. "At this moment, I'm conducting an unprecedented, blasphemous banquet in honor of my Master. Should you choose to attend, it would be my greatest delight, hehehehehe..."
Caster burst into laughter as the dark waters around his feet began to churn. Countless abominations lurking beneath the surface stretched out their hands and gradually pulled the black-robed magus under.
"This isn't good."
Morgan instantly recognized the threat. She raised a hand, swiftly constructing a spell above Caster's head and launching an immediate strike.
But the magical bombardment was blocked by the tentacles of the sea demons. Though a small breach opened, it was instantly healed, fully engulfing Caster once more.
"Now let us raise the banner of salvation once more! Gather, all you who were abandoned! Gather, all you who were oppressed! I shall lead you! I shall reign over you! The resentment in our hearts shall ascend to the heavens! Oh Lord above! I shall praise you through this act of accusation!"
Caster's piercing voice tore through the fog, echoing down the length of the river.
The roiling water lifted him higher. The number of sea monsters beneath him continued to swell—and given the river's depth, imagining just how many there were sent chills down the spine.
"It's too late. I was hoping to take out Caster before those sea beasts surrounded him." Morgan lowered her hand with a soft sigh. "But now, I'm afraid there's no way to stop him from completing that abhorrent summoning ritual."
Shiomi turned his gaze toward both banks of the river. The chaos Caster had stirred up had already woken the nearby residents—lights flickered on in house after house. At this rate, it wouldn't be long before uninvolved civilians noticed what was happening.
"Morgan!" Shiomi called out loudly—a rare thing for him. Realizing his tone was too sharp, he quickly lowered his voice. "Can I ask you to—"
"As you wish, my husband." Morgan's voice was gentle, ethereal, almost mechanical in its clarity.
Before Shiomi could even finish, the fog over the Mion River thickened dramatically. Even Artoria could no longer see where Caster was.
Yet, the massive shadow slowly rising from the water—seemingly reaching for the heavens—remained clearly visible.
This was exactly what Shiomi had wanted: to contain the situation before it escalated or drew attention, keeping it hidden from those who had no part in this war.
For Morgan, conjuring a mist that blocked perception was as simple as lifting a hand.
"Thank you," Shiomi said, solemn and sincere.
"That's just the kind of man you are," Morgan murmured, suddenly placing a hand against Shiomi's cheek, oblivious to anyone watching.
"You act like you only care about the people and things right in front of you, but your ambition… it's vast. Maybe even more than this world can hold."
After gently stroking his cheek, she pulled her hand back, summoned her weapon, and shifted into her battle-ready form once again.
This time, Shiomi extended his hand. "Let me borrow it."
"Oh?" Morgan didn't hand it over immediately.
"Aren't you a queen? Then stay in the rear where you belong—no need to rush to the front lines." Shiomi said plainly. "Leave that to me."
"In that case, I'll look forward to your results." Morgan handed him the weapon. "If the situation changes, we'll reassess then."
Shiomi gripped the magic spear. "Caster mentioned his Master... If that was an order, the Master might be nearby."
"As always—you handle the Servant, I'll take care of the Master," Morgan nodded knowingly.
Just as the two finished their exchange, Artoria, fully armored, stepped forward.
"Our alliance still stands. If so, allow me to join you on the battlefield, Shiomi."
"You're not the only one heading there," Shiomi replied, just as Iskandar's ox cart touched down by the riverbank.
Iskandar looked around, baffled. "What's going on here? Why's the river suddenly so foggy? Is this another one of Caster's tricks?"
"Just a measure to shield the public," Shiomi explained. "King of Conquerors, will you fight alongside me and the King of Knights to bring down Caster?"
Iskandar grinned, clearly thrilled. "Hahaha! To charge into battle with warriors like you—splendid! Let me witness your strength for myself on the battlefield!"
Then he glanced between them. "But if the two of you ride my Noble Phantasm, you won't be able to fight at full power, will you?"
"That won't be necessary. I was blessed by the spirits of the lake. I can walk freely upon the water," Artoria answered calmly, her smile composed.
Shiomi traced a rune in the air. "Same here. With runes for flight and water resistance, I'll manage just fine."
"Perfect! Hey, kid—stay on the shore," Iskandar said as he set Waver down from the cart. "If anything happens, contact me."
"Understood," Waver replied.
Shiomi gave Morgan one last deep look before turning away, leaping into the air and vanishing into the dense fog above the river—joined by the King of Knights and the King of Conquerors.