Tanuki Rise of the Yokai Clan

Further removed to the west than the Miyama town of Fuyuki, the winding state highway stretched westwards with its back towards the city's lights. Meanwhile, an undeveloped piece of forest waited for visitors further up the road. Continuing beyond even the prefectural border, the state highway silently meandered on.

Although there were two lanes on the road, no crossing cars could be seen, even with the sparse street lights. The state highway in the dead of night seemed to fade from memory and into silence.

On such a silent night, a silver beast flew by.

Mercedez-Bens 300SL coupe. The flowing, elegant, streamlined body with a scent of antiquity resembled a noble lady, while the raring of the Straight-6 SOHC engine was like that of a fierce beast. And behind the steering wheel of the classic sedan - recklessly going beyond 100 kilometers per hour—were unexpectedly the slender wrists of a young lady.

"Hey, hey, this goes pretty fast, doesn't it?"

Irisviel, who held the steering wheel and whose face was full of pleased smiles, said. Sitting in the passenger's seat, Saber's face was full of nervousness, and she barely managed to squeeze out a stiff smile and a nod.

"In-Indeed, unexpectedly, this is... some rather... skillful... driving..."

"Right? I had special training, even though it may not look like it."

That being said, based on the unfamiliar way she dealt with the gears, she's far from being a proficient driver.

"Among all the toys Kiritsugu brought to the Einsbern castle, I favor this one the most. I was always just running circles in the castle grounds, and today is the first time for me to drive in such a wide space. It's wonderful."

"A toy, huh..."

There won't be an objection to calling something like a skateboard or bicycle a toy. But for a machine with a speed of over 100 kilometers per hour on a serpentine road, it is a mismatch of classes. People would never call things that can put their lives in danger with the smallest mistakes toys make in ordinary situations.

Although it is a classic sedan made more than forty years ago, it possesses a 2996cc. M198 engine and its maximum speed is 260 kilometers per hour. Irisviel's reckless roaming, compared to the car's potential ability, is merely a beginning prelude.

Apparently, Kiritsugu had specially prepared this car in Einsbern castle earlier on so Irisviel and Saber could have transportation apart from walking once they entered Fuyuki.

For over half a month, this car had been parked in the hotel's underground parkade. Now they are driving their precious car towards the Einsberns' castle residence.

"Hmm. Wait a minute, Irisviel. Haven't you been driving on the right side until just a moment ago?"

"Ah, that's right."

Irisviel nodded casually as if it was a very small mistake, and the car gave a jerk and moved onto the cruising lane.

Irisivel had never been outside of Einsbern castle ever since she was born; for her, it was obviously her first time driving on a highway. Saber had been paying attention to her line of sight since they took off. Obviously, Irisviel didn't know anything about street signs. Although driving on the left side was written in the law, it appeared Irisviel didn't even know this.

At least she could understand a little of what traffic lights mean, but that only went as far as considering slowing down when she saw the red light. Although right now it is midnight with little traffic, it would be a miracle for them to be able to safely arrive at their destination.

"...do we still have a long way to go to reach the Einsbern castle in this land?"

"I heard it will only take one hour to reach by car. When we get close, we should be able to see it..."

Saber didn't stop wishing for this dangerous journey to be over, even if only a second sooner. It was already very fortunate that no cars were coming towards them on the midnight highway, but the fact that the winding road still posed a great danger-filled Saber's blood with adrenaline as if it were right before a battle. As a Servant, she possessed extraordinary reflexes and strength and could immediately carry Irisviel outside the car to escape if danger was present. However, this legendary sports car worth ten million yen would then be reduced to an unrecognizable pile of scrap iron. That didn't fit with Saber's frugal economics.

"...wouldn't it have been better to hire a chauffeur?"

"Of course not. That would be bori—no, that would be too dangerous. After all, once we enter Fuyuki city, we can be attacked by other Masters at any time. You are the one who doesn't want to see innocent people being dragged into this, Saber."

"That is true..."

Just which one was more dangerous on this mountainous road: being attacked by other Masters or Irisviel's driving skills?

Saber was half-seriously considering this question when a cold wave reached her senses like the edge of a blade.

"Stop the car!"

"Aye!"

Not understanding Saber's sudden warning, the unmindful Irisviel asked dumbly.

Saber didn't have time to explain it to her. She forcefully stretched her torse across the driver's seat, took hold of the steering wheel with one hand, and slammed her left foot tip, first on the brakes.

The reason Saber could immediately make decisions, enabling her to control this rampaging machine, was her skill of Riding as a Servant. She could completely understand the control of all ridden equipment, both known and unknown to her.

Fortunately, the car maintained a straight path during the sharp brake and did not spin furiously.

The tires of the Mercedes skidded on the asphalt, emitting clouds of white smoke as the car's uncontrollable slide continued. Saber once again confirmed the feeling that set her nerves on edge.

Without a doubt, it was definitely the scent of a Servant. Speak of the devil, indeed.

Yet at the same time, both Saber and Irisviel thought that they were facing the most handsome man that they had ever seen in their lives. Unlike Lancer's "Beauty Spot," which forcefully made women fall for him, the charm of this figure would make the concept of dislike disappear in their minds and also enhance the concept of favorability in their minds, causing them not to like him immediately.

This feeling... was strange.

It was as if they were facing the world itself, and their minds stopped working for a moment.

However, in that moment of gaffe, Saber felt a palpitation inside her heart, according to her instinct; she could tell that the figure in front of her was dangerous. The best tactic to face this opponent was to retreat, especially with her severed sinews.

However, this figure didn't let them go.

Instantly, Irisviel, who was still in a daze, suddenly felt her surroundings melt like wax before she saw her surroundings had changed.

"Ah? Eh?"

Irisviel, who was in the car, suddenly appeared on the arm of the figure that stopped them. She was confused and unable to comprehend what was happening.

"IRISVIEL!"

Saber hurriedly walked out of the car and released her armor and sword, ready to face the figure in front of her with caution.

"Let her go!"

Even though it was only her instinct, Saber knew she was about to face the most dangerous foe in this war, and before the battle began, she had already fallen to a disadvantage.