The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

"It's quite lucky… to be able to walk through this city with you before the war starts. Just like a normal married couple."

Irisviel gently tucked a lock of hair behind her ear as she spoke with a faint smile.

But for some reason, when Yoru looked at that smile, all he could feel was a deep sadness.

He had sensed something was wrong for a while now. As the Holy Grail War approached, Irisviel's behavior grew increasingly strange.

If he had to describe it… it was like someone who had already accepted death. Irisviel behaved as if she knew she would die in this war and showed a deep longing for the world around her.

But why?

The war hadn't even started, yet she already seemed prepared to die. Even if they lost the Grail War, Yoru was confident he could escape unharmed. So why was she acting like this?

Just as he was trying to figure it out, Flandre—who had up until now seemed like a curious, well-behaved little girl—suddenly furrowed her brow.

At the same time, both Irisviel and Yoru felt something too.

"An enemy Servant?"

Irisviel asked uncertainly. As a magus, she wasn't particularly skilled, but this magical energy was so bold, so unrestrained, it was impossible to miss.

It felt almost like the person was deliberately drawing attention.

"Yes… there are two signatures. It looks like one Servant released their energy first to lure the other in. Now they're moving toward a location—probably to choose a battleground."

They weren't far, just a few hundred meters away. It seemed a Servant had drawn another into a confrontation.

"What should we do, Master?"

Flandre's demeanor completely changed as she entered combat mode. Gone was the sweet and playful girl from before—her expression turned cold as she looked to Yoru for instructions.

"Let's go take a look. We might learn something."

Yoru said calmly, and Flandre nodded. The three of them moved toward the source of the magical signatures.

Fuyuki City. Night. Port District.

A man and a woman stood facing each other beneath the night sky.

By the time Yoru, Flandre, and Irisviel arrived, following the trail of magic, this was the scene they came upon.

"Finally. I've waited so long, but no one dared show up… except you."

The male Servant with twin spears chuckled. His weapons, from handle to blade, were wrapped in cloth inscribed with talisman-like markings—clearly to conceal their true identities as Noble Phantasms.

Without a doubt, this Servant who had boldly released his energy to draw others in was Lancer.

He spoke in a low yet cheerful tone, his body relaxed, not even in a battle stance, as he addressed the female Servant before him.

"Such fierce fighting spirit… I'm guessing you're Saber. Am I right?"

"Correct. And you are Lancer, I assume."

"Indeed. Ha, imagine that. Trading introductions like this before a life-and-death battle… but I suppose we have no choice."

Saber's expression softened slightly as she nodded.

"It can't be helped. We aren't fighting for our own honor. You're offering your spear for your Master, aren't you?"

"Hah… that's right."

He didn't look like someone about to risk his life in battle—his smile was easy, even a bit self-deprecating.

"Then… let's begin."

Lancer raised the long spear resting on his shoulder. With a twirl, he shifted into a combat stance. His left hand brought up a shorter spear. The two weapons opened like wings, his posture unlike anything seen before.

At the same time, Saber released the fighting spirit she had been suppressing. Her mana surged, kicking up whirlwinds around her.

Magic swirled and solidified around her body, forming silver armor and gauntlets. This was the true appearance of the Knight King.

A clash between two Servants was about to begin. But what drew Yoru's attention even more… was that neither Master was in sight.

"Wait… could that girl be King Arthur? The Servant summoned using the Holy Relic that was stolen from the Einzbern?!"

Irisviel whispered in shock, recognizing Saber's identity.

"Looks like it. But… she's a girl?"

Yoru found it hard to believe. The legendary King Arthur being a girl was a bit much to take in.

As he and Irisviel discussed this, Flandre watched the two Servants with great interest, a curious expression on her face.

"What do you think of their strength, Flandre?"

Yoru asked, noticing how intently she was observing.

"Are they stupid or something? Why are they talking so much instead of just attacking?"

"Because they were once noble heroes. They probably don't want to fight dishonorably. Even in war, they prefer a proper duel, like true knights."

"But that's just foolish."

Irisviel gave her reasoning, and Yoru added:

"This is a Holy Grail War, not some heroic roleplay. Victory is the only thing that matters—everything else is optional."

Flandre nodded approvingly, clearly agreeing with her Master's take.

"The Servant fight isn't the main issue anymore. What I'm more concerned about is Kiritsugu Emiya…"

Yoru's tone turned serious.

"He might be hiding nearby, waiting for a Master to reveal themselves… that man is ruthless. There's nothing he wouldn't do."

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