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Chapter - 11: I hate people who do not confront their enemies head-on...

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Berserker emerged from the dissipating smoke, appearing completely restored as if he were a phoenix reborn from his own ashes. His wounds were gone, and he stood before them as if the fierce battle had never even taken place.

Yet, before the two could resume their confrontation and Otakemaru could conjure his second celestial blade, a voice interrupted them at the most unexpected moment.

"Enough, Berserker. Let's go home..." Illya's shout reverberated through the tense atmosphere, and all eyes turned towards her in surprise.

In that instant, Illya realized the precariousness of her situation. Avenger had proven to be a formidable threat, capable of taking two lives from Berserker and displaying no signs of fatigue whatsoever.

She harbored no doubt that Berserker could ultimately triumph, but the events had taken an unforeseen turn. Illya's plan needed to be adapted – the extra-class Servant posed a greater danger than she had initially calculated.

As Illya exchanged a resentful glance with Manaka, the latter sported a knowing smile, a subtle sense of satisfaction emanating from her expression. "Are you collaborating with Onii-chan?" Illya questioned, suspicion lacing her words.

"Me? Oh no, not at all. In fact, I was planning to have my king engage Saber and Emiya-san once they returned home..." Manaka responded nonchalantly, her smile unwavering, yet a hint of mischievousness glinted in her eyes. "But then you showed up and launched an attack right in front of us..." She continued, her tone calm as she explained her actions, a seemingly innocent demeanor masking her underlying intentions.

Illya maintained a stern gaze on Manaka for a brief moment before huffing and turning away with a small, dismissive snort.

Berserker appeared before Illya, and she climbed onto his shoulder. "Next time, my Berserker will emerge victorious! We'll finish him off in the next battle..." she declared with grim determination, addressing Manaka.

"I'll be looking forward to it, Illyasviel," Manaka responded with a gentle and courteous tone, a smile adorning her features. Her words carried an air of playful camaraderie, as if Illya's declaration were akin to children boasting about their favorite players.

Illya's frustration was palpable. She couldn't help but feel an intense dislike for Manaka in that moment.

"Hmph! You got lucky this time, Onii-chan, but don't expect the same next time!" Illya started with a defiant tone before turning away, accompanied by Berserker. However, just before leaving, she cast one last glance at Rin. "And Rin, remember, next time we meet, I won't hold back..." she added almost as an afterthought, a veiled threat in her words.

Manaka couldn't help but chuckle as she watched Illya's departure. It seemed like she had quite the strong rivalry with her. She held her chin high, appearing victorious in her own way. Ah, how she expected nothing less from her King of Monster.

Then, as if materializing out of thin air, a whirlwind appeared next to Manaka. Otakemaru emerged from it, his Hermit mode deactivated. Rin and Shirou tensed up, and Saber immediately positioned herself beside them, ready to protect.

"Avenger!" Manaka called out to him in a dreamy tone.

"Hey, Little-Hime. How did you like the show?" Otakemaru asked, a sense of amusement in his voice.

"It was incredible! I know you're strong, but the opponent you faced earlier was on a different level!" Manaka squealed with genuine excitement, her admiration for his prowess evident in her words.

Otakemaru's expression remained relatively indifferent, but a slight amused smile graced his features as he observed Manaka's excitement.

There was something about her that reminded him of a little crab friend from the past, and her Master's behavior was already quite reminiscent of that as well. "We can discuss that later," he agreed before shifting his attention to Shirou, Rin, and the tense Saber. "Now, what shall we do with them?"

Saber, upon hearing Otakemaru's words, immediately tightened her grip on her sword and took a step forward, adopting a defensive stance. "Stand back, Shirou," she warned, her tone resolute.

The situation was uncertain, and even though she possessed ample prana, she had reservations about her ability to overcome this challenge. The man before her displayed immense strength, reminding her of Archer, though his demeanor was notably distinct.

Manaka turned her attention towards Otakemaru and then back to the group. Her innocent smile persisted, and she hummed thoughtfully. "Can you defeat them?" she inquired, curious yet confident.

"I can," Otakemaru affirmed in a pragmatic tone. There was no hesitation in his response, as if the thought of facing these opponents was as insignificant as a trivial calculation.

"The only considerable threat in close combat would be Berserker. I could engage Saber if I so chose, although her Noble Phantasm is indeed formidable. Nonetheless, I doubt she could pose any significant harm to me..." His words held no arrogance, merely a matter-of-fact declaration, as though he were answering a basic equation with undeniable logic.

Saber's patience waned, and she growled in response to Otakemaru's words. "Do not underestimate me, arrogant Avenger! If you're so eager for a fight, I'm more than willing to oblige!" Her tone carried a mixture of challenge and frustration, her pride as a knight prompting her to stand her ground against this powerful foe

Otakemaru's gaze remained fixed on Saber as he crossed his arms, a faint sense of amusement evident in his expression. "Do not deny it, Saber. Deep down, you know that you cannot defeat me in your current state," he stated matter-of-factly.

Saber was taken aback, her surprise evident as she stammered, "H-how did you...?"

"Don't be too surprised," Otakemaru replied calmly. "I can recognize the signs because we are two similar beings." He explained, his demeanor remaining composed. "Though I must admit, I am surprised to find you in such a weakened state. Your adherence to your knightly code has limited your potential, and yet, that same restraint might give you a chance against me," he added, a small, almost appreciative smile playing on his lips.

Saber's grip on her sword tightened. This man was far more perceptive and insightful than she had initially assumed. Not only was he formidable in strength and skill, but he also exuded a charismatic aura that was difficult to ignore. The more she learned about him, the clearer it became that he posed a significant threat.

Turning his attention back to Manaka, Otakemaru inquired, "So, what would you like me to do with them, Little-Hime?"

Manaka pondered the question for a moment, her expression thoughtful before she broke into a cheerful smile. "I think I've had my fill of excitement for tonight. Let them go," she declared, her tone light and content. The unexpected response left Rin and the others surprised and confused.

"You're just going to let us go like that?" Rin asked incredulously, her confusion evident in her tone.

"If you wish to fight, Tohsaka-san, I am more than willing to accommodate," Manaka's words had a decisive effect on Rin, leaving her momentarily speechless.

She turned her attention to Otakemaru as Manaka called upon him, her dreamy tone guiding his movements. The demon king nodded in response and gently took Manaka's shoulder.

"Restoring your mana would be wise, Saber," Otakemaru advised with a tone of practicality. His gaze held a certain anticipation for the battles that lay ahead. "Before confronting either me or Berserker again, you should ensure your power is at its peak. Keep in mind that Lancer is likely holding back significantly during your previous clashes. But in the next encounter, it won't be the same," he warned, his eyes reflecting his expectations for the future.

Saber was about to interject with her questions, but Otakemaru's response simply ignored her as he transformed back into his human form. The battle had concluded, and for now, they were left to ponder the implications of the encounter.

However, before they could fully process everything, Otakemaru's sword swung in a swift, fiery arc, eliminating a group of insects that had been observing the battle.

"Do you really think that I have not welcomed your presence? I am simply ignoring you since you are completely insignificant to me." With those words, he and Manaka vanished from their sight, leaving behind an eerie stillness.

As the quiet settled over Shirou, Rin, and Saber, the tense atmosphere finally found its release when Shirou spoke up, his voice a mix of awe and uncertainty, "Did...did that really just happen?"

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A/N: With this chapter, the first arc of this story ends.

The next one will be an interlude, in the pov of different characters to give an idea of how this Grail War is going.

I think by now you have been able to get an idea of this story, and tell me what you think with a review and also what I could add to make it much more interesting.

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