Fate Grand Order: Broadcasting Master Love — Chapter 46

Chapter 46: The Archer Duo is Gone in a Flash

【Da Vinci straightened her spine, a brilliant spark reigniting in her emerald eyes. Lifting her chin, she projected the absolute, unyielding stubbornness of a true artist. “Although it is a tragedy that my work has been buried… it simply cannot be helped!”】

【”After all, humanity is currently facing incineration. If there is no one left to appreciate art, then its existence loses its meaning.”】

【”Beauty truly only needs to exist to be enough—that is the fundamental truth of this globalized era.”】

【”I live by this principle; it is the very core of my existence, and I fully understand that I was born for this exact purpose.” Her voice pitched higher, dripping with flamboyant, theatrical confidence. “Looking at it from an extreme perspective, as long as it doesn’t interfere with my artistic creation, anything goes!”】

【”Because no matter who in this world opposes me or attempts to impeach my character, I will stand tall and declare with absolute certainty!”】

【”This masterpiece was created by me!” She slammed her fist into her open palm, her eyes burning with manic, creative fervor.】

In the world of the Fifth Holy Grail War, within the quiet living room of the Emiya residence, warm yellow light spilled over the wooden tables and chairs. Emiya Shirou frowned, scratching the back of his head as he stared at the mysterious broadcast. “…Can someone translate what all that meant? I’m completely lost…”

Silence answered him. Saber was slumped against the sofa, her breathing light and rhythmic. Lacking magical energy, the King of Knights had long since fallen into a deep, peaceful slumber, entirely oblivious to the eccentric Caster on the screen.

【Dr. Roman stared at the high-spirited Da Vinci on the light screen, his hand dragging down his face in fond exasperation. “Da Vinci-chan…” Mash and Emiya exchanged silent, helpless glances, momentarily unsure of how to rein her in.】

【Da Vinci coughed lightly, a rare flush of embarrassment dusting her cheeks. “Romanie, I apologize for my selfishness. Please prepare the Rayshift sequence. We are pulling out.”】

【Roman smiled, shaking his head as his fingers danced across the console keys. “Understood. That conclusion is very much your style, Leonardo.”】

【”Wait a moment!” Fujimaru Ritsuka’s voice cut through the comms, sharp and urgent. His hand shot up, halting the retreat.】

【Da Vinci blinked, tilting her head in utter confusion. “…Hm?”】

【Catching the determined set of Ritsuka’s jaw, a fond, almost proud smirk tugged at the corner of Emiya’s mouth. The red-clad Archer let out a low chuckle, his eyes gleaming with approval.】

【Mash gripped her shield tighter, her eyes shining as she looked at her Master. “Master…”】

【Ritsuka took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders. His gaze locked onto the genius Caster, burning with unquestionable resolve. “Rayshift cancelled!”】

【Da Vinci’s eyes went wide. She stared at the boy in disbelief. “Wh… what!? Why?! I told you I don’t mind anymore! I can always just paint a new masterpiece.”】

【Ritsuka didn’t waver. His tone was dead serious. “I want to see Da Vinci-chan’s authentic work!”】

【Da Vinci’s jaw went slack. The words died in her throat. She could only stare blankly at the young Master, the brilliant light in her eyes trembling as she processed his stubborn loyalty.】

【Emiya chuckled aloud, clapping a heavy hand onto Ritsuka’s shoulder. “The Master has spoken. Da Vinci, our Master really is quite reckless.”】

【Mash nodded vigorously, a bright, prideful smile blooming on her face. “But that’s exactly Senpai’s style!”】

【Emiya’s gaze shifted across the battlefield, locking onto the two opposing Servants. His tone dropped, turning as sharp and heavy as a forged blade. “Regardless, we haven’t fallen so low as to need the enemy to go easy on us. Arash. Arjuna. Draw your bows.”】

【Arash threw his head back, his hearty laughter vibrating through the tense air. He slapped the riser of his crimson bow, his eyes curving into amused crescents. “Hahaha! Your Master is truly brave! I really wish our Master could share a bit of his sensitivity with you!”】

【The laughter vanished in a heartbeat. A terrifying, razor-sharp fighting spirit ignited in Arash’s eyes, and the atmospheric pressure plummeted. He drew the bowstring back to his cheek, the arrow tip gleaming with lethal intent. “—But a contest is a contest. I won’t be showing any mercy, okay?”】

【Beside him, Arjuna lowered his gaze, watching the sea breeze kick up charred debris around his boots. His dark fingers slowly brushed over the cold fletching of his arrow. His golden-brown eyes were utterly devoid of warmth—only a frigid, divine sharpness remained. He looked up at the Chaldea group, his voice laced with casual mockery. “There is no need for mercy. Although I do not dislike this kind of foolishness… you have still made a fatal mistake.”】

【He raised his massive bow. The string hummed a deadly note. The overwhelming pressure of the Age of Gods cascaded over the coast. “My name is Arjuna. With this arrow, I shall make you scatter like flower petals!”】

【The scene on the light screen glitched and shifted abruptly. The deafening roar of slaughter and the violent clash of Noble Phantasms vanished in an instant.】

【A blood-red sunset now splashed across the heavily scarred coastline. Arash was half-kneeling, his knee grinding into the scorched earth. His knuckles were bone-white as he gripped his bow, letting out a frustrated growl. “Aah, damn it. This is troublesome… I didn’t hold back at all.”】

【Arjuna stood nearby, his form already fracturing. Golden strands of spirit core data leaked from the cracks in his spiritual body, drifting upward. He stared at the Chaldea group, his expression eerily calm. “To use all our strength and still be no match for the original… No… this has nothing to do with Counterfeits or originals.”】

【”We simply lost to you, nothing more…” His voice thinned out, crushed by the sea breeze and scattered into the dying twilight.】

【Da Vinci raised a hand, brushing her wind-tousled hair behind her ear. Her fingertips danced across a holographic terminal, dense streams of data reflecting in her eager eyes. “Alright, this little journey across the world should be coming to an end. She’s at the museum, right?”】

【Arash’s head snapped up. Even as his spirit core dissolved, a fierce, vigilant fire burned in his eyes. He leaned heavily on his bow to force himself upright. “No spoilers! I’m not saying a word!”】

【Arjuna shook his head slowly. He met Da Vinci’s gaze with a complex, solemn weight. “Correct. This is something you must confirm for yourself, Leonardo da Vinci.”】

【He paused. A faint, almost imperceptible melancholy softened his rigid posture. “…Hm. Although I do not wish for you to meet her, if you truly do cross paths, I hope you will examine her well with your own eyes.”】

【The moment the words left his lips, both his and Arash’s figures shattered into a cloud of brilliant golden particles. They scattered into the wind, leaving only the mournful wail of the sea breeze sweeping across the empty coast.】