DanMachi: Ultimate Lich King

"Ahem, Mr. Arthas, I understand your feelings, but there's a matter of precedence," Kariya chuckled, interrupting Tohsaka Tokiomi's deliberation.

"Indeed, Mr. Matou, precedence matters. But if I'm not mistaken, the Matou bloodline hasn't died out?"

"Correct… I have three sons and a grandson, but their magical circuits are weak; after my death, it'll be difficult for them to uphold the Matou family," Kariya sighed.

"But the Matou bloodline remains, doesn't it? My family has only me left; now that I've joined the Einzbern family, the Arthas lineage might die out."

Arthas said, feigning regret; Kariya's face darkened; Tohsaka Tokiomi hesitated.

"Let's do this… for magical training, interest is key. Let Tohsaka-san's daughters see our magic and choose."

Arthas said, producing a snowflake in his palm.

"My family's magic isn't special; just ice."

Arthas said humbly, but both Tohsaka Tokiomi and Kariya stiffened.

The snowflake's chilling aura reached them.

Rin and Sakura Tohsaka looked at the snowflake with longing.

Young girls are easily captivated by ice and snow's beauty; Kariya's face darkened further.

The Matou magic was worm magic; Kariya was certain that summoning the grotesque insects would frighten the girls.

Tohsaka Tokiomi was also tempted; ice magic was elegant and noble, surpassing even Tohsaka's gem magic.

He knew Matou magic; though the insects were ugly, he didn't look down on Matou magic. All paths lead to the Root.

But Matou worm magic paled in comparison to Arthas's ice magic. Arthas's point was valid; children should learn what interests them.

"Sakura… which would you choose?"

"I… I want to learn ice magic…"

Sakura preferred Arthas's appearance to Kariya's gaunt, grotesque visage.

"My apologies, but I'll respect the child's wishes."

Tohsaka Tokiomi apologized to Kariya.

Kariya's face was stiff, but he didn't lash out; he sighed.

"Fine. Perhaps it wasn't meant to be. I lack the connection with this child."

Kariya narrowed his eyes at Sakura, who cowered into her mother's arms.

"Farewell, Mr. Arthas. I hope you survive the Grail War and raise your children well."

"Don't worry, Mr. Matou. If my Servant is eliminated, I won't act recklessly. Returning to Einzbern is the best option."

"I hope so."

Kariya left; Tohsaka Tokiomi approached enthusiastically.

"Rest assured, Mr. Arthas. If your Servant is eliminated, you're welcome at Tohsaka; anyone who dares to eliminate you will be my enemy!"

"Thank you, Tohsaka-san."

Arthas nodded at the smiling Tohsaka; Tohsaka brought Sakura to Arthas.

"I entrust my daughter to you, Arthas-san."

"I'll treat her as my own daughter."

Arthas smiled gently at the timid Sakura.

Perhaps she should be called Sakura Arthas.

The Arthas family…

Though a spontaneous name, Arthas felt a strange attachment to it.

Where did I come from? Does the Arthas family truly exist?

Its existence was irrelevant; if he lacked roots, he'd create his own—the Arthas family.

Stroking Sakura's head, seeing her longing, Arthas felt heavy.

Forcing a child to leave her parents and sister—only she knew her feelings.

He couldn't do much; he could only help her escape the Matou's insect-infested home.

Matou magic was Crest Worms magic; it wasn't pleasant.

Leaving a young girl with terrifying insects—was that something a father would do?

Arthas felt no respect for Tohsaka Tokiomi, though he wouldn't say it openly.

This proud man would meet his destruction; his daughters would suffer.

But that wasn't his concern; even if he warned him, the proud Tohsaka Tokiomi wouldn't listen.

His priority was the Holy Grail War; Tohsaka Tokiomi would be his enemy.

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