[center][h3]Demon (Terror), Shinto Streets[/h3] 
[@Breo] [@ConstantlyComic][/center] 

A harsh keening noise emanated out from the demon as Siegfried managed to step out of the range of its attacks, though one of them managed to strike against the edge of Balmung and-

Ah, no, that wasn't what happened at all. Rather, the claw that had been warded off by Balmung never even struck it, instead stopping just before touching the blade. Was it because the demon had stopped itself before its attack had connected, or was it because that repulsive field of it worked both ways like two identical magnets, and it was just short of the physical strength needed to overcome its own ability? Regardless, the attack failed to connect with Balmung, though the sheer repulsive force at that proximity was enough to send shudders through the blade. At that distance, even swinging his sword in the direction of the enemy's attack would be nearly impossible.

Nonetheless, in spite of the fact that it possessed four "weapons" with which to attack compared to Siegfried's one, the fact that he had been able to avoid three of those attacks altogether was telling. Its movement speed was certainly appreciable, the descent it had initially made spoke to that much, but it seemed that when it came to fine motor control and dexterity, Siegfried was superior.

Of course, that hardly mattered if he wasn't capable of harming it in the first place. 

A guttural screech leaving it, the demon continued to press forwards, limbs flying out to attack the same points that they had moments earlier. The difference was that this time, the repulsive force was in full swing from the beginning, weighing against any actions the Saber could take to move forwards; if they began at a distance then he could certainly put his full force behind his sword to swing it at the demon, as he had earlier, but at this distance he simply lacked the capability to gain enough momentum to carry the blade forward after his own strength had failed him. 

In other words, unless the tide of battle changed, he would be forced into this defensive role until one side gave out.
[hr]
[center][h3]Ruler, Church Interior[/h3]
[@DrowsyPangolin][/center]
So, he was the Master of that Lancer after all. Well, that was to be expected. If it had been anything else, then Ruler would have had far more cause for alarm. The Servant listened to Ernest's explanation, nodding slightly.

So Lancer had fallen in combat with something besides a Servant, then. Well, that was hardly conclusive; after all, some of those things possessed human forms, and the description of the man meant nothing to Ruler, so in all likelihood it was-

[center][i][color=00aeef]“He was... empty.”[/color][/i][/center]

The expression of Ruler which had gradually been slackening grew tight once more the second the words had left Ernest's mouth. Those things could certainly be described as "wrong", disgusting, impure, something that should not exist in this world. After all, they are born from the distortions and desires of the human mind, they are the materialization of mankind's wishes. 

But it is precisely for that reason that the thought of calling them "empty" was utterly ridiculous. 

Could the magus have been mistaken? It was a cursory glance at the figure, after all, and perhaps his observational prowess wasn't anything special. Yes, it was perfectly reasonable that what had struck Lancer down was just one of those, but between the uneasy feeling in Ruler's stomach and the description that Ernest had provided, it was altogether too troublesome. 

[color=fff79a]"There is...the possibility that it is one of the beings brought to this city by another Servant. If this is the case, there is nothing I can do save to give you safe haven here until you are prepared to return to your homeland."[/color] He explained, seeming to mull the current matter over with himself as he spoke. [color=fff79a]"However, the ability to immediately overwhelm a Knight-class Servant in close quarters, the 'emptiness' that you described, those beings shouldn't be capable of that or appear like that to my knowledge. There is the chance that it could be the Noble Phantasm of another Servant, but that feels off the mark. It may be that what defeated your Lancer was something not involved with a competitor of this Grail War, and if that is the case, then such third-party interference is not something I can allow."
[/color]

Letting out a slight sigh, Ruler shook his head, the now-somber demeanor flowing from him clashing horribly with his attire.[color=fff79a] "If your Servant was defeated by a third-party, then I suppose...magus, do you still desire the Holy Grail? I cannot promise that what defeated your Lancer will not come for you next, and if you reenter the war then I cannot ensure your safety, but if you desire then it may be possible for you to gain a new Servant."[/color]