"Mongrel, you dare discuss heroism with me while drinking this… swill?" Gilgamesh sneered.
Iskandar, puzzled, retrieved the ladle. "This is the finest wine in this city's market. It's far superior to anything from my era."
"Typical mongrel. To consider this swill 'fine wine'… your palate is clearly unrefined." Gilgamesh's hand flickered, a golden ripple appearing above it. A golden wine vessel materialized, slowly descending to the ground.
The vessel's lid open and released a rich, intoxicating aroma. Even Ailin, a seasoned drinker, paused, intrigued.
In the Soul Society, he had frequented the taverns, initially hoping to encounter Shunsui Kyōraku and acquire a captain-class Zanpakutō. That encounter had led him to Haruko Kuchiki, which, in turn, had allowed him to easily record the Zanpakutō of numerous captains and lieutenants, significantly boosting his power.
Later, drinking with Shunsui had become a regular pastime. But even the finest sake in the Seireitei couldn't compare to this.
"Observe and learn. This is what true wine tastes like." Gilgamesh summoned four golden goblets from another ripple and poured the wine.
Iskandar's eyes widened after a single sip. "Exquisite!"
Even Artoria, savoring the wine, seemed captivated.
"Naturally. The treasures in my vault are the finest in existence," Gilgamesh said haughtily.
Ailin, too, had to admit the wine was exceptional. "Indeed, Archer, this is the finest wine I've ever tasted. I'll gladly accept this treasure." He reached for the golden vessel.
"Synchronization—begin!"
Blackish-red lines of spiritual energy flowed from his hand, spreading across the vessel.
"Mongrel, what are you doing?" Gilgamesh's amusement vanished. Had he not sensed the fundamental difference in their abilities, he might have suspected Ailin had stolen the key to his Gate of Babylon.
"I'm recording the design of this vessel, so I can recreate it and brew this exquisite wine myself."
The vessel, included in Gilgamesh's treasury, was undoubtedly recognized by the world as a source of the finest wine. But it was only a D-rank Noble Phantasm. Within seconds, Ailin had completely analyzed it, storing its blueprint within Unlimited Blade Works. He would recreate it later.
Gilgamesh scoffed. The wine in his treasury was inexhaustible not because the vessel brewed it, but because it collected every vintage of that particular wine ever created.
Ailin, seeing his skepticism, didn't bother explaining. While he lacked the world-altering power of Gate of Babylon, he could forge both the vessel and the wine into Zanpakutō.
"Now that we're all here, let's begin the Holy Grail Q&A." Iskandar, setting his goblet aside, explained the purpose of this gathering. "First, we will share our ambitions, our visions for the Grail's power. Then, we will decide who is most worthy."
"How about it, 'Goldy'? Would you like to go first?"
"You have no right to command me, mongrel!" Gilgamesh snapped, but he didn't refuse. "First of all, mongrels, this 'Holy Grail selection' of yours is fundamentally flawed. The Grail is mine. I'm merely retrieving what belongs to me."
"Impossible!" Artoria instantly retorted. "Archer, even if you desire the Grail, you cannot deceive us with such blatant lies."
"Deceive you?" Gilgamesh sneered. "What makes you think you're worth deceiving? Mongrels, all treasures in this world originated in my vault. The Grail, being a treasure, is undoubtedly mine. To discuss stealing it in my presence… it's an insult."
Artoria remained unconvinced. Iskandar, however, seemed to believe him. "So, 'Goldy,' you've possessed the Grail before? Do you know what it is? How it grants wishes?"
"No." To Iskandar's surprise, Gilgamesh shook his head. "Don't judge me by your mongrel standards. The treasures in my vault are beyond my comprehension. But the Grail, being a treasure, is mine. That is indisputable."
Iskandar sighed. Artoria, however, felt a surge of anger. She had agreed to Iskandar's proposal, confident her wish surpassed all others in scope and vision. But Gilgamesh's claim, and Iskandar's apparent acceptance of it, was infuriating. She didn't believe Iskandar was so naive. They were working together, mocking her!
"Archer, it seems your mind has deteriorated. You're rambling like a madman."
Iskandar chuckled. "Saber, it's too early to draw conclusions. But your words have given me a clue about your true name. What do you think, Berserker?"
Artoria, ignoring Iskandar's mockery, turned to Ailin. With Iskandar and Gilgamesh seemingly allied, she needed an ally of her own. Berserker's power and demeanor made him a potential candidate.
Ailin, who had been enjoying the wine, paused. He knew this was a "Feast of Kings," a clash of ideals. He wasn't a king, nor did he desire to be. He'd come prepared to observe, not participate. But now that Artoria had asked, he felt obliged to respond.
He looked at Gilgamesh. "Archer, don't judge me by your own standards. While I lack your ability to automatically collect all the world's treasures, I possess a similar power. In my world, my origin is 'sword.' All swords, past, present, and future, belong to me. I may not know their names yet, but as long as they embody the concept of 'sword,' they are mine to wield. So, I understand the feeling of having treasures beyond your comprehension."
Gilgamesh snorted, a hint of amusement touched his lips. "I retract my earlier statement. You are not like these other mongrels. Your insight is… commendable."
Artoria was speechless. She didn't think Berserker would lie. His clash with Gilgamesh, his ability to unleash the true names of his weapons… he clearly possessed a similar power. Did that mean… Gilgamesh was telling the truth? The thought made her head spin. Such a power… existed? And if Gilgamesh truly owned the Grail… what could they do?
Iskandar's suspicions were confirmed. He was also surprised by Berserker's power. No wonder he could match Gilgamesh.
"So, 'Goldy,' if we want the Grail, we need your permission?"
"Precisely!"
Artoria, about to speak, was interrupted by Gilgamesh. "But I have no reason to bestow my treasures upon you mongrels."
Iskandar's face fell. "Are you… stingy, 'Goldy'?"
Gilgamesh scoffed. "Mongrel, my benevolence is reserved for my subjects. If you pledge your loyalty, I might consider granting you a goblet or two."
Iskandar chuckled. "I can't accept that. But 'Goldy,' it seems you're not opposed to parting with the Grail. Why not make an exception for me?"
"Impossible." Gilgamesh swirled his wine. "My treasures are for my subjects. That is the law. I will not violate it by bestowing them upon you mongrels."
"A pity…" Iskandar sighed, but he was pleased. "A true king upholds his laws. But I desire the Grail. And what I desire, I take. After all, I am Iskandar, the King of Conquerors!" He looked at Gilgamesh with predatory intent.
Gilgamesh, setting his goblet down, closed his eyes. "You have violated my law. I will punish you. Perfect."
Iskandar sighed. "I had hoped to avoid bloodshed, but it seems unavoidable."
Artoria clutched her goblet and watched them keenly.