DanMachi: Ultimate Lich King

"Finding a new relic is impossible?"

Arthas frowned at Jubstacheit's words; he understood the implications of the theft—bad news.

"Finding relics isn't easy. I spent decades preparing that one, only for someone else to take it!"

Jubstacheit sighed; this setback at a crucial moment was devastating.

Would they miss the Grail War again?

"We have no choice; we'll summon without a relic."

"Right… but that's incredibly risky."

Jubstacheit sighed, looking at Arthas.

"Our chances of winning are low. That damned thief who stole our relic! Arthas, even if we lose, we'll kill that thief!"

"What relic was it?"

Arthas frowned; Jubstacheit sighed.

"A 1500-year-old artifact, a conceptual treasure—King Arthur's scabbard."

"Legend says wearing it heals wounds and stops aging… provided its 'original owner' provides mana."

"Sounds amazing, but it's gone."

Arthas shrugged.

"Who took it? Any clues?"

"The thief was ruthless; if I'm not mistaken… the mage killer."

Jubstacheit narrowed his eyes; Arthas pondered.

Kiritsugu Emiya… perhaps he's my greatest enemy. This single act puts Einzbern in a disastrous position.

"He seems to have joined the Matou family, participating as Kariya's adopted son. He stole our relic; let's make him our first target, even if it benefits Tohsaka. That despicable man must pay!"

"I understand."

Arthas said; Jubstacheit sighed again, looking much older and more despondent, then left.

Arthas and Illya returned to their room.

"No relic… what do we do?"

Illya was also worried; losing the relic meant little chance of winning.

"Relics aren't limited to items used by heroes, right?"

Arthas said, remembering something.

"Correct, but the closer the item's connection to the hero, the higher the chance of summoning them. For example, Arthur's scabbard would almost certainly summon Arthur."

"What if we use a relic from another world?"

Arthas asked, producing an unremarkable staff.

He'd almost forgotten it since arriving in this world. His arrival might be connected to it; the flames that could have killed him were absorbed by the staff.

He awoke in this world, and the staff had changed.

It was still unremarkable—a triangular arrowhead on one end, a twisted heart on the other.

It resembled a clock tower's hands.

"Wh… what is that?"

Illya looked curiously at the staff.

"I don't know, but it's a divine artifact; maybe it can summon a god. Let's use it as a relic."

Arthas joked; Illya nodded; they had to hope for a miracle.

Perhaps… this will bring a surprise? Arthas thought, looking at the small object.

He wouldn't give up like Jubstacheit; if the summoned Servant was weak, he'd fight himself.

Servants were still Servants; could they match gods?

All mages shared the same desire.

They fought each other for a miracle. Their summons to heroes from another time and space echoed across the land.

Only one was different; he didn't belong here; he was a visitor.

Arthas checked the magic circle on the chapel floor.

The despondent Jubstacheit hadn't returned; he'd left Arthas to it; he saw no hope of winning.

"What Servant will we summon?"

Illya murmured, looking at the relic on the altar.

The unremarkable staff emanated magic, like a pointer of fate.

Illya's eyes glazed over; she saw a demonic smile.

What… is this?

What… will it summon?

"Alright… everything's ready."

Arthas clapped, stepping back; his expression turned serious.

"Then… the summoning!"

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