Sword Art Online Crossover: They're all close friends, how did I become a player?

"Master, we encountered other Heroic Spirits during the day. I would like to ask you if I may take the initiative and launch a challenge first?" Diarmuid withdrew his gaze from the purple-eyed Tsukumogami and bowed to Yu Bai for instructions.

After meeting King Arthur during the day, Diarmuid did not know the specific identity of the Heroic Spirit, but the warlike nature ingrained in his bones still stirred up a desire to fight within him.

Aside from what Yu Bai had just learned—that Assassin had been stabbed to death by Archer at the Tohsaka residence—the other Masters remained silent, though they harbored strong doubts about whether Assassin had truly been so easily eliminated from the Holy Grail War.

However, judging from the current situation, the various Masters have not yet truly begun the Holy Grail War. Diarmuid's idea is to make himself the catalyst for the entire Holy Grail War.

Therefore, you must consult with your Master before going.

"Hmm? Since Diarmuid really wants to go, let's go together."

Yu Bai unconditionally supported Diarmuid's desire to fight. In his view, since his heroic spirit had the will to fight, he should be allowed to fight and show his prowess.

So what if he wants to fight? It's no big deal. His own citadel's Soza Samonji is constantly on the battlefield, did he say anything?

"Master, thank you so much!" Diarmuid was overjoyed to have received his master's permission.

He was like a puppy that had received its owner's permission to go out and run around, so excited it almost jumped for joy. If he really had a tail, it would wag happily incessantly because of the affirmation and encouragement from its owner.

As expected, his current Master is exactly his ideal type!

Yu Bai understands and respects his personality and wishes, giving him full freedom and trust. How could Diarmuid not be moved by such a Master?

Diarmuid gazed deeply at Yu Bai, his eyes filled with gratitude and respect. He knew how fortunate he was to have such a Master. In the battle to come, he would give it his all, not only for his own glory, but also to live up to his Master's trust and expectations.

"But I have something to do right now. You and Yachi go ahead first, I'll be there shortly."

Hmm, I think I saw a bubble tea shop on my way back. Should I go buy a bubble tea later?

Completely unaware that he was being "smitten," Yu Bai began to recall the location of the milk tea shop he had seen earlier. Realizing it wasn't far from his current residence, he decided to go buy a cup of milk tea first. As for the battle, Diarmuid and Yachi would handle it; he just needed to trust them.

To avoid crowds during the day, Holy Grail Wars are generally considered to begin at night by all Masters and Servants, while the daytime is considered a time for truce or rest. Even if Masters or Servants meet during the day, they will not fight.

Therefore, when Yu Bai and Diarmuid encountered Irisviel and the others during the day, neither side took any other action besides remaining vigilant.

But the night was different. As if it had just begun, all the Masters and Heroic Spirits felt a powerful surge of magical energy.

The aura was especially pronounced in the quiet night, as if it were blatantly telling others: I'm right here, come on over if you dare!

"Irisviel, can you feel it?" King Arthur, dressed in men's clothing and looking dashing, couldn't help but turn his head to look at the gentle and dignified Irisviel beside him when he sensed the undeniable magical fluctuations.

As the King of Knights of Great Britain, she had already been challenged to her face. It would be unreasonable not to accept the challenge, and it would also be against her chivalry.

……

The empty dock seemed especially desolate at night, with only a gentle sea breeze bringing a touch of coolness. Diarmuid held twin pistols, his entire body radiating astonishing magical energy. He gazed at the lake ahead, quietly awaiting his opponent's arrival.

I wonder what Master went off to do? He didn't even have Hisashiki with him, but he should be fine. Master's citadel has many other sword spirits. And even if danger were to arise, Master's strength would make it no problem at all.

While seemingly focused on his waiting, Diarmuid's thoughts were actually all on Yu Bai. He had finally met his first opponent.

Footsteps echoed across the empty dock, clear and powerful. Diarmuid whirled around, and there before him stood the very girl he had encountered on the street earlier that day. She was now clad in a long dress and armor, wielding a greatsword, her eyes gleaming with a fierce fighting spirit.

"Finally, someone has arrived. I've been waiting for you for a long time, Saber."

Although as long as a Heroic Spirit does not reveal his true name, others will not be able to easily guess the Noble Phantasm he possesses based on his name.

However, if you're simply guessing what class the other party is, it's quite easy to tell. After all, some Servants' weapons or fighting styles are easily recognizable at a glance.

Therefore, the Servants do not hide their class at all.

"I am Saber, and I have come to challenge you. I imagine you are a hero who has written glorious chapters in history. Although the rules of the Holy Grail War prevent us from revealing our true names, I am deeply honored to face someone like you and will give my all to achieve victory." King Arthur's words revealed respect for his opponent and his fighting spirit.

“Lancer, I will also give it my all!” Diarmuid’s gaze was firm, his tone filled with the desire for victory. “I will dedicate this victory to my Master as a reward for his trust and support.”

Because of these words, Diarmuid knew that the girl before him was someone like himself, and he felt a sense of kinship with her. Looking at the greatsword in the girl's hand, although the Wind King's barrier made it difficult to discern the sword's exact appearance and length, this did not hinder his attack on the girl.

"Irisviel, I entrust my future to you," the girl said to the white-haired woman standing behind her.

"I understand, Saber. Please bring me victory." Irisviel clenched her fists. She was powerless to intervene in the upcoming battle between Heroic Spirits. Therefore, she could only stand aside and try her best to ensure that she wouldn't be injured and distract Saber during the battle.

The battle is about to break out.

Diarmuid thrust his spear forward with immense force, the sound of it slicing through the air sharp and piercing, as if even space itself trembled. The girl, however, showed no fear. She swung her greatsword, clashing it with the spear, producing a crisp, resounding metallic clang.

At this moment, time seemed to freeze, with only the collision and intertwining of two forces echoing in the air.

……

Diarmuid Ua Ua Duibhne: Come on, let's fight! Whoever backs down is a dog! (Releases his aura to provoke, and also to give everyone his location.)

Artoria Pendragon: Come on! Just wait! (Taking off her suit and changing)

Yu Bai: Let's buy a cup of milk tea first. What's more important than a fight?