Marvel's master of cosmic magic-Chapter 611

"That technique... it isn’t just a curse," the armored girl said quietly.

"It reverses cause and effect. A spear that guarantees the strike before it’s even thrown."

Her gaze sharpened on Lancer.

"So you’re the Child of Light from Irish legend."

Lancer clicked his tongue.

"Tch. So much for staying anonymous."

Servants usually concealed their origins as long as possible. Once a hero’s legend was identified, their abilities became predictable. Predictable meant exploitable.

But Lancer didn’t look worried. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"Doesn’t matter," he said. "Nobody dodges that strike. I already dropped your mage. I’ll send you along with him and cut down the competition."

"Mr. Maple—are you okay?!"

Shirou grabbed a reinforced branch and ran in front of Rowan, even though his legs were shaking.

He knew he couldn’t win.

But he also couldn’t abandon the one who had saved him.

Before Rowan could answer, the armored girl stepped forward.

"Take him aside and treat his wounds," she said calmly.

"I’ll handle Lancer."

A sword of invisible light formed in her hands.

Two Servants faced each other.

Then a relaxed voice drifted in between them.

"Let’s not rush."

Rowan dusted off his chest.

"If I lose, you can jump in.

Otherwise, it kind of feels like bullying."

Shirou stared.

The hole in Rowan’s chest was closing.

Skin knitting.

Flesh reforming.

In seconds, nothing remained.

"You’re... not dead?" Shirou whispered.

Lancer’s eyes widened.

"That’s impossible. I hit your heart."

Rowan smiled.

"I’m a tree. Trees don’t have hearts."

He took a step forward and crooked a finger.

"Come on. Show me something new."

Lancer’s expression darkened.

Then he exhaled sharply.

"My Master ordered me to retreat if that strike failed."

He leapt onto the roof.

"Consider yourselves lucky."

"Running away?" the armored girl demanded.

Lancer glanced back coldly.

"Temporary withdrawal. Follow me if you want to die."

He jumped.

Thud.

Lancer slammed into something invisible and bounced back into the yard.

"What?"

Rowan chuckled.

"I put up a barrier around the property earlier. No one leaves without my permission."

Lancer’s composure shattered.

"Then I’ll erase you."

Mana erupted from his body.

He hurled himself into the air, drawing back his spear like a siege weapon.

"If you have no weak point, I’ll wipe out your entire body!"

The spear blazed.

This time, it wasn’t a guaranteed-hit technique.

It was raw annihilation.

Enough power to level city blocks.

Shirou couldn’t breathe.

The armored girl tightened her grip on her sword.

Rowan sighed.

"This version is boring."

The crimson spear screamed downward.

"Stop."

The word was soft.

The spear froze inches from Rowan’s forehead.

The raging energy vanished as if swallowed by nothing.

Rowan stepped forward, grabbed the shaft, and vanished.

He reappeared in front of Lancer.

"Looks like that’s all you’ve got."

Rowan tapped Lancer’s forehead.

"Sleep."

Lancer collapsed.

Rowan flicked his wrist.

The unconscious Servant vanished into a sealed space.

Silence returned to the yard.

The armored girl stared at Rowan.

"So... this is what a monster disguised as a magus looks like."