DanMachi: Ultimate Lich King

Does affection truly fade with time?

Arthas had heard this before; after arriving in this world, he'd wondered if he'd forget Riveria.

Especially since he'd married and had a child here.

Nine years passed quickly; Arthas lived comfortably. Though the Holy Grail War was approaching, Jubstacheit showed no tension; he was rarely seen, mostly staying in his room.

Aside from staying in Einzbern, everything was fine. Illya showed no intention of leaving, and Arthas had no desire to wander.

Arthas wanted to stay with Illya; Jubstacheit had warned that this world was dangerous, filled with powerful mages; Arthas shouldn't reveal himself prematurely.

Except for Kiritsugu Emiya, no one knew of Arthas's existence; Kiritsugu wasn't the type to spread such information.

Kiritsugu likely considered Arthas his greatest enemy, carefully analyzing him without revealing his knowledge to others.

In the Holy Grail War, everyone was both enemy and friend.

Fighting alone was unwise; the strongest participant might be targeted by others and eliminated early.

Time flew; the Holy Grail War was a year away; Arthas should have the Command Seals signifying the Grail's selection.

Strangely, he didn't.

"When a magical crest appears on your right hand, you're chosen by the Grail. It's called a 'Command Seal'; it allows you to command your Servant."

Jubstacheit explained calmly.

Nine years had passed since Arthas arrived; this was the second time Jubstacheit had explained the Holy Grail War.

They were in Jubstacheit's room; Arthas entered for the first time; the atmosphere was oppressive. Bodies preserved in formaldehyde, various unknown specimens.

"Why don't I have the Command Seals?"

Arthas asked; Jubstacheit shook his head.

"The problem lies with you… the Grail's selection is arbitrary. The war is about using summoned Servants; you need basic mage skills. The seven Masters should be mages, but sometimes exceptions occur; a powerless person might be chosen."

"Did someone steal my Master's qualification?"

Jubstacheit shook his head.

"No. The war is a year away; only a few Masters have been chosen. The founding three families—the Makiri (now Matou), Einzbern, and Tohsaka—should be prioritized…"

"But I…"

Arthas murmured, looking at his empty hand, confused.

"The problem is you. Those chosen by the Grail have strong desires and obsessions. Your obsession is insufficient; your life here has made you forget your homeland?"

Jubstacheit's voice held disappointment.

He'd thought he'd made the right choice, but Arthas hadn't been chosen.

Without desire for the Grail, how could he win?

The Holy Grail War wasn't a game; lacking resolve meant early elimination.

Finding a replacement was impossible; they'd have to wait for the next war.

Jubstacheit sighed.

But Arthas had given Einzbern a powerful heir.

It was difficult for Illya, a homunculus, to conceive naturally.

But Jubstacheit, a master alchemist, extracted Arthas's blood and created a child using homunculus techniques.

This "child" was more accurately Illya's clone.

Arthas's blood didn't disappoint; the child's birth almost froze the delivery room; if Arthas hadn't intervened, the frost might have spread through the castle.

Jubstacheit's examination revealed a treasure—forty-nine magical circuits and Arthas's powerful ice magic. With time, he could train this child into a magician!

Because of this child, Jubstacheit treated Arthas respectfully. Even with the low chances of winning the war, he wasn't particularly worried.

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