Chapter 78: My Master and I Join Forces—We Are Invincible!

"What the—? I never fought you, did I? Why are you stabbing me!?"

The causal reversal effect of Fragarach was nullified under the rules of the duel. Jiang You received Bazett's duel challenge, and both of their hit detection was blocked by the rules. Naturally, Fragarach's "Thou Shalt Not Suffer a Cheat to Live" effect failed as well.

"This is your Noble Phantasm?!"

This was the first time Bazett had seen her own Noble Phantasm overridden by another effect. This meant Jiang You's Noble Phantasm followed rules that surpassed the causality manipulation of Fragarach. Only now did she notice the newfound knowledge appearing in her mind.

"So your Fragarach's off-the-text effects can counter even my Noble Phantasm?"

Hearing Bazett's words, Jiang You realized Fragarach was responding to his own Noble Phantasm. If he didn't deal with it now, Bazett might activate it whenever she pleased, allowing her to attack him anytime, anywhere.

Even in the bathroom, he'd have to watch out for a knife to the kidneys!

"I originally planned to finish my side quests before dealing with you guys, but it looks like I have no choice but to start a Shadow Game!"

With no other options, Jiang You could only use a Shadow Game to restrict Bazett's ability to activate her Noble Phantasm against him.

"Shadow Game activated—Duel, start!"

Jiang You LP: 4000Bazett LP: 4000

"A Shadow Game!?"

The knowledge that suddenly appeared in her mind startled Bazett. She began to regret acting so rashly. "Are you planning to turn me into another Atrum Galliasta!?"

"Not to that extent. While magi generally have a moral baseline several hundred meters below sea level, I'm not that extreme."

Jiang You didn't know much about Bazett, but based on her portrayal in Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya, she was an exception among magi—one of the few who stood above sea level.

"Though some damage will be involved, my goal is simply to prevent you from using your Noble Phantasm against me."

Come to think of it, most prominent magi in the Fate series were exceptions, each more moral than the last. Meanwhile, the ones who treated human lives as disposable were usually weaklings.

Even the well-known villains often had some tragic, unattainable wish.

"So, Miss Bazett, would you like to raise the stakes?"

The Shadow Game had already begun, and both parties could propose conditions. Jiang You wanted to make the upcoming event more exciting, so he wouldn't let her withdraw so easily. The first playthrough should have some immersion, after all.

Bazett briefly considered forcing Jiang You to quit outright. She had considerable faith in Cú Chulainn's deck, as it contained the legendary Queen of the Land of Shadows—few Servants could stand against her.

But Jiang You's display made her hesitate. A Noble Phantasm that could override causality meant he was far from an unknown figure. Cú Chulainn must have withheld some information.

"No need to raise the stakes. If you lose, you must stop killing ordinary people immediately!"

"You call this guy an 'ordinary person'?"

Jiang You nudged the middle-aged man who had been knocked aside by the battle's aftershock. "He supplies magi with materials—he's part of the underground world. Or are you saying you think it's normal to abduct, dismember, and sell humans as raw materials?"

Only now did Bazett realize why Jiang You had taken action. Though she was a magus, she still retained a relatively normal sense of morality. She understood Jiang You's anger, but as a magus, she was also responsible for preserving the 'Mystery.'

"But if you escalate this situation…"

"'Mystery,' is it?"

Jiang You laughed loudly. "My Master doesn't care about that. So why should I? Enough talk—let's duel!"

"In that case, it's my turn!"

Bazett immediately seized the first move.

"First, I activate [Legacy of the Red Branch Knights]! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a 'Red Branch Knights' Servant from my deck. I summon—[Fergus mac Róich]!"

A brawny, shirtless man appeared on the battlefield, wielding a massive drill-like greatsword. His eyes squinted into thin lines, giving him an honest and straightforward look.

[Fergus mac Róich]Saber / Level 6 / ATK 2400

Fergus looked around in confusion before spotting a familiar figure.

"Oh? Isn't that Cú Chulainn? Fancy meeting you again as Heroic Spirits! This must be my lucky day!"

However, Cú Chulainn, currently locked in fierce combat with Lancelot, was too engrossed to notice his friend and foster father. His face bore the intense focus of a hound tracking its prey.

"Celtic hero Fergus, please help me defeat the disorderly Caster!"

Bazett formally requested Fergus's assistance, even though the duel's rules prevented him from refusing. This gesture, of course, earned her Fergus's favor.

"Oh, with such a lovely Master making the request, how could I say no? Let's end this with my Spiral Sword!"

"Next, I activate [Legacy Keeper]! Once per turn, I can discard a card to add one 'Red Branch Knights' Servant and one Counter Trap card [Fragarach] to my hand. The Servant I'm adding is—[Cú Chulainn]!"

"Then, I Normal Summon—[Bazett]!"

Bazett placed herself onto the battlefield.

[Bazett]Level 4 / ATK 1800

"My own effect allows me to discard a card to Special Summon a 'Red Branch Knights' Servant from my hand! Come forth and recreate the myths of old—[Cú Chulainn]!"

Cú Chulainn, still clashing with Lancelot, was suddenly locked by the duel's rules. The effect disrupted their battle, much to his disappointment. He had already lost all pretense of facial composure, looking like a hound ready to devour its prey.

"Master, I was just getting into it…"

Cú Chulainn had been enjoying himself against a rare worthy opponent. But after reading the details of Jiang You's Noble Phantasm, he knew their duel couldn't be settled here.

"What a troublesome Noble Phantasm… Casters are a real pain."

[Cú Chulainn]Lancer / Level 7 / ATK 2500

"Oh? Fergus is here too? This thing can summon even him?"

Cú Chulainn greeted his old acquaintance, then quickly realized something.

"If he's here… then my mentor must also be in this so-called deck, huh? Well, that's game over for this guy!"

Cú Chulainn knew exactly how ridiculous his mentor was in this world. He turned to Jiang You with a look of pity.

-

Made a discord if anyone is interested

https://discord.gg/BFW77h7XyS