The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

After thorough analysis, Yoru (叶御) finalized his strategy. To put it simply—it was to avoid combat entirely.

By staying in the Einzbern's detached manor, and under the cover of being a Caster-class Servant, Yoru could easily bide his time. He planned to wait until the chaos of the war calmed down—until a few Servants were eliminated—before making any further moves.

Although the Holy Grail War was called a "war," it wasn't just a contest of strength or bravery. The strongest participant didn't always have the last laugh.

While Yoru was thinking through his plans, one of the maids responsible for maintaining the manor entered and passed on a message to him.

"Oh… A message from the Overseer of the Holy Grail War: all combat is to be temporarily suspended. The Berserker who has violated the rules is to be hunted down first."

"We… us? What rule did we break?"

Hearing this, Irisviel looked confused.

"Don't get it twisted. Not us," Yoru replied with a smile. "Berserker did."

Realization dawned on Irisviel.

"You mean the real Caster?"

"Exactly. Caster's Master is behind the recent string of murders and abductions in Fuyuki. He's been committing crimes using his Servant, and has left the scenes of the crimes fully exposed without trying to hide them. That's a serious violation of the rules of the Holy Grail War."

"All Masters are ordered to cease hostilities and join forces to eliminate Caster. The one who successfully eliminates both Caster and their Master will be awarded a Command Seal as a special exception."

"If it's done solo, the individual gets the reward. If done cooperatively, everyone who contributed gets one. Once Caster is confirmed eliminated, the Holy Grail War will resume."

For Masters, Command Seals were immensely valuable—not only did they serve as absolute orders to their Servants, but they could also be used to enhance their Servant's power during battle.

While not omnipotent, a Command Seal could make a decisive difference at a critical moment.

"Should we go deal with Caster too?"

Irisviel asked curiously.

"Of course we will," Yoru nodded. "Command Seals don't grow on trees. But we'll wait and observe for now—let's move when night falls."

At the Matou family's old residence, Saber sat, clearly disgusted by the decrepit old man before her. If her Master hadn't been nearby, she might've already cut down the vile creature.

Saber could think of no better word than "demon" to describe this old man.

If it weren't for the possibility that an incoming attack could harm innocent civilians, Saber would never have agreed to return here.

After reporting her encounter with the unknown Servant that morning, Kiritsugu Emiya decided they should return to the Matou residence to prepare for defense.

Despite its decline, the ancient Matou family still possessed considerable hidden power, especially the head of the house—Zouken Matou. Kiritsugu believed that when the Servants began to gather, this old man wouldn't stay idle.

After all, this man—clinging to life like an insect—was more desperate than anyone to obtain the Holy Grail.

Zouken seemed entirely unfazed by Saber's open hostility. He chuckled, then stood up with the help of his cane.

"I'm too old to stay up like you young folks. I'll leave guarding the Matou household to you."

With a sickening grin, he shuffled out of the hall. Only after he was gone did Saber finally relax her furrowed brow.

The Matou residence was located in a remote part of town, and with the recent serial murders in Fuyuki, the streets were deserted. Though it was only ten at night, aside from the dim glow of streetlights, not a soul was in sight.

Kiritsugu sat silently, deep in thought. Saber wanted to ask him about their next move—but each time the words rose to her lips, she hesitated.

She had wanted to use the earlier Servant encounter as a chance to show her loyalty—but instead, Kiritsugu had chosen to return to this disgusting place she loathed the most.

She knew her Master meant well and wished to avoid collateral damage—but why return here of all places? Why not go somewhere open and deserted?

"They're here."

Kiritsugu suddenly looked up. One of the magical barriers he had set up around the mansion had been breached—rudely, with no attempt at concealment.

On the crystal ball in front of him, the image of the intruder appeared.

The attacker wore pitch-black robes that emanated a sinister, cursed aura. Blood-red patterns stained his clothing, like dried blood, faintly visible in the forest shadows.

"Is that Berserker?"

It was Kiritsugu's first time seeing him. Saber nodded.

The figure on the crystal ball was the same bizarre Servant who had appeared that morning.

"But… what is he doing?"

What puzzled them was that Berserker hadn't come alone.

He was leading a group of people—around a dozen figures walking behind him along the dark streets. All of them were children, the oldest looking no more than elementary school age.

The children were clearly under some kind of mental control, shuffling along like sleepwalkers, eyes blank. Berserker marched at the front, guiding them forward.

"Is this guy really Berserker… and not Caster?"

Watching what was clearly a mental manipulation spell, Kiritsugu murmured doubtfully.

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