Fate: I Will Eventually Become the Hero of Justice

Chapter 53

The forest that borders the main road in Fuyuki City is a place shrouded in mystery and legend.

The dense, untamed wilderness is rumored to be the site of a fantastical castle, with stories circulating of children who venture into the woods in search of it, only to find themselves with no memory of their experience upon returning.

The existence of the castle remains a mystery, but it is a topic of frequent discussion among the citizens of Fuyuki City. Some believe that it is a real place, hidden away in the forest, while others think it is nothing more than an urban legend. Perhaps one day, as the land is developed, the truth of the castle's existence will be revealed.

In fact, deep within the heart of the forest lies an ancient castle, built by the Einzbern family as a strategic fortress for the Holy Grail War. It was completed long before the Meiji Restoration, shrouded in secrecy and hidden from the eyes of the outside world.

The ancient castle is fortified with many powerful Bounded Fields, designed to protect it from intruders. The one that confuses local residents is just a small aspect of the castle's defenses.

At this moment, the castle serves as the base for Artoria and Irisviel, two powerful individuals who play an important role in the ongoing Holy Grail War. With its strategic location, advanced defenses, and hidden nature, the ancient castle is the perfect stronghold for them to plan their next moves and protect themselves from their enemies.

The sound of galloping horses echoed through the forest, growing louder as they approached the ancient castle.

Artoria, her hand gripping the hilt of her holy sword, stepped out of the castle gates and gazed towards the forest. The visitor had made no effort to conceal their approach and was now emerging from the trees, riding towards her with purpose.

It was none other than Iskandar, astride his beloved horse.

"Conqueror King, what is the purpose of this uninvited visit? Is this an attack on us?" Artoria asked, her tone laced with suspicion.

"Haha, that's not it. I've come to invite you to join me for a drink." Iskandar laughed in response, his demeanor light and friendly.

Artoria's gaze shifted to Iskandar's horse, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she asked, "Where is your chariot? I don't see it with you."

Iskandar scratched his head, a hint of distress in his voice. "My chariot got destroyed by a hero. I thought I'd come and see if you could just give me the Holy Grail directly."

"Do you really think that's possible?" Artoria looked at Iskandar incredulously. The idea seemed even more naive than her own.

"Why not? War isn't just about physical weapons," Iskandar said, with a chuckle. "If you could just give me the Holy Grail, we could avoid all the fighting and the heroes wouldn't have to get hurt. We could conquer the world together!"

"We?" Artoria's brows furrowed tighter.

Iskandar nodded, "On the way here, I saw that shiny king and brought him along."

"Insolent mongrel! A king should not be insulted in such a manner!" Gilgamesh appeared, his eyebrows raised in anger as he glared at Iskandar. "If you ever refer to me as a 'shiny king' again, I will see to it that you are punished."

"Why are all of you so narrow-minded?" Iskandar laughed. "But it doesn't matter what you call me, as long as you have great ambitions and an open mind, anyone can be a hero."

He then looked at Artoria and asked, "Knight King, my companion and I have come a long way. Won't you invite us in for a seat?"

Artoria looked at the two of them, then turned and said, "Come in."