Rejection

"Good!"

The giant red-armoured man, resembling a titan, clapped his hands loudly, offering a thunderous round of applause for Sakatsuki's performance.

"I didn't expect to witness such heroic spirit right after I returned to the world. Very good! Very good! Caster's Master, speak your intentions!"

After a slight bow, Sakatsuki straightened up and, facing the King of Conquerors, smiled without arrogance or submission, and spoke.

"I am here to propose an alliance."

"An alliance?"

Waver, who was hiding behind his servant, spoke his head out in disbelief.

"Hasn't the Holy Grail War just begun? Are alliances being formed already? And how did you find me? Explain yourself—how can I trust you?"

Despite the intense questioning, Sakatsuki maintained his calm smile.

"Since Alexander the Great, the King of Conqurours, has returned to this world, how could I not come with joy to welcome him?"

"Ah!"

Waver finally understood, giving a resentful glance at the burly man beside him.

"So that's how it is..."

Iskander is the Persian name for Alexander the Great, and his title as 'Dhul-Qarnayn' is well known in the Islamic world. His legendary Eastern conquests are famous, and the mere sound of the phrase, 'King of Conqueror, Iskander, who with this sword shall dominate the world!', is enough to frighten even the enemy's warhorses.

However, in the Holy Grail War, revealing one's true name is like exposing a weakness—once an enemy learns a Servant's true name, they can find strategies to counter them.

Yet, Rider remained unfazed by Waver's complaints and burst into a loud laugh.

"As the King of Conquerors, I disdain such sneaky tricks. Conquering freely is the true way of the king!"

"Exactly!"

Sakatsuki echoed the king's declaration, looking at Waver's evasive gaze with sincerity.

"Although I believe I have greatly benefited from Caster's assistance, the King of Conquerors should know that the three knights summoned in the Holy Grail War—Saber, Lancer, and Archer—each have 'Resistance to Magic.' If I were to face them, it would not bode well."

"Resistance to Magic? Do you mean they have Magic Resistance?"

Waver asked instinctively, checking Rider's profile and seeing [Magic Resistance: D], but his brows furrowed at the low rank of the skill.

Waver, still learning, looked embarrassed, but Sakatsuki simply smiled, and Iskander seemed to realize his Master's naivety, placing Waver behind him protectively and continuing.

"So, you wish to ally with me to deal with the three knights with Magic Resistance, correct?"

"Exactly. While the King of Conquerors has no fear of the three knights, my side is at a disadvantage, so it is only natural to seek a mighty ally."

"Then what can you offer me?"

Iskander stepped forward with a mocking expression.

"If you're trying to take advantage of me, don't blame me for being ruthless."

"Of course not."

Sakatsuki sighed and smiled bitterly.

"At this point, it's impossible to hide things, so I'll be frank. My lovely Servant possesses a special magic to track other Servants."

"What?"

In shock, Waver jumped again, pointing at the quiet Miyu standing behind Sakatsuki.

"She can use such magic? This means you could easily find other Masters' hiding spots! No wonder you found us so quickly!"

In the Holy Grail War, intelligence is crucial. Gaining the upper hand by learning an enemy's information can almost guarantee victory.

"Indeed, you're quite clever, Master of the King of Conquerors."

Sakatsuki complimented without missing a beat, gently holding Miyu's hand.

Waver, flustered by the praise, smiled foolishly.

"Well, it's not that great, really..."

Regardless, if they could have an ally to provide them with intelligence, Waver and Rider could rest and, with Rider's high mobility, strike other teams at any time—this was an enticing proposal for Waver.

Clearing his throat, Waver tried to appear more composed and turned to his Servant.

"Rider, if what he says is true, then we could…"

With a sharp smack, a loud slap echoed through the night sky as Miyu flinched in surprise. Waver clutched his swollen forehead, tears in his eyes as he crouched down in pain.

Apart from his middle finger, Rider acted as if nothing had happened, looking back at Sakatsuki and asking.

"By the way, I haven't asked for your name?"

"Sakatsuki. Just call me Sakatsuki."

"Sakatsuki, huh? Hmm, interesting name."

The red-haired, burly man nodded seriously and then suddenly asked.

"Sakatsuki, I want to ask you something."

"...Go ahead."

Sakatsuki finally laughed bitterly.

Iskander scratched his head, appearing troubled.

"I've encountered many magus who wanted to surrender to me during my conquests, but you're the first one who came to me in person without using a familiar to communicate."

"Unlike those warriors who overestimated their strength and feigned submission only to try and assassinate me, I've often had to deal with such tricksters."

As he spoke, the King of Conquerors couldn't conceal his killing intent.

"Ah, right!"

Waver, reminded by Rider, suddenly remembered, raising his head and looking at Sakatsuki and his Servant standing before them, who claimed to be "weak."

Had he forgotten the true nature of magus because of the unique nature of the Holy Grail War?

Magus are typically reclusive, rarely leaving their workshops unless absolutely necessary—how could they be so defenceless in front of Servants?

Faced with Rider's wary group, Sakatsuki sighed.

"As a king who knows right from wrong, you should sense my sincerity in allying."

"Indeed, you truly want an alliance."

Iskander said, drawing the Sword of the Kupriotes, and pointing it at Sakatsuki.

"To be honest, your offer is tempting, and I nearly accepted."

"Then why—"

"BUT!"

A furious roar startled even Waver, as the King of Conquerors's eyes flared. He shouted.

"From the beginning, you never mentioned giving up the Holy Grail! Since you've chosen to block my path to conquest, then we are enemies!"

"Come, divine chariot!"

The sky darkened, and the mighty bull, long agitated, snorted and charged through the air, releasing purple lightning like the wrath of Zeus descending from the heavens.

Grabbing the feeble Master by the collar, Rider leapt onto the chariot, roaring as they charged at Sakatsuki.

"Feel the power of the King of Conquerors, and hand over your head and mount! I've wanted this cool mount from the start!"

"You're not refusing the alliance just because you want to steal Sakatsuki's motorcycle, are you?"

Waver, crouching on the chariot amidst the rumbling thunder, looked green with fear.

"How could it be? Hahahaha...!"

In a burst of forced laughter, the divine chariot descended, chasing after Sakatsuki!

Boom!