D' Ultimate Lich King

Night fell once more upon the Einzbern forest.

The night was dark and quiet; Arthas, having no intention of seeking conflict, planned an early rest.

However, trouble found him.

A booming sound reverberated through Einzbern—a nearby thunderclap, followed by a magical surge indicating an attack on the forest's barrier.

While barriers are difficult to destroy, the spell had been broken.

"What… a direct assault?"

Strong arms steadied Illya's shoulders—Arthas, appearing instantly.

"Are you alright, Illya?"

"Yes, just startled. I didn't expect such a forceful visitor."

"Ah, I have a pretty good idea who it is,"

Arthas chuckled wryly; that thunderclap, that brazen frontal assault—only the King of Conquerors, Rider, would be so bold.

"Let's go; they've come calling; let's welcome our guest."

Arthas said, and Illya nodded. Accompanying Arthas meant facing the enemy; but the battlefield was the safest place for Illya, with her husband by her side.

"Flandre, are you there?"

"Yes, here I am. This rare peaceful night is ruined by a brute,"

With a magical surge, Flandre materialized in spirit form beside Arthas and Illya. The girl's lips curled slightly in displeasure.

Arthas chuckled, stroking the unhappy girl's head; then they crossed the castle, heading for the terrace. A frontal assault meant they would meet there.

"Flandre knows who's coming?"

"That thunder, that reckless tactic… only that big oaf Rider."

"I think so too."

Illya recalled the devastating power of the Noble Phantasm "Divine Bull Cart," witnessed a few days prior in Warehouse Street.

That anti-army Noble Phantasm, if unleashed at full power, could easily destroy the magical barriers protecting the forest.

"Hey, little girl! I came to meet you! Come out, will ya?"

The voice boomed from the hall; the enemy had entered the main gate.

Undoubtedly, it was Iskandar, the King of Conquerors; his booming voice, however, lacked the tone of a warrior preparing for battle.

Arthas and the others finally reached the terrace… but when they saw the enemy Servant, standing proudly in the hall, illuminated by moonlight filtering through the skylight, they were speechless.

"…."

"Yo, little girl. I heard you took out that rogue Servant, so I came to see you.

You did something I appreciate, but stealing my prey… we need to settle that."

Rider grinned, stretching his neck without a hint of guilt.

"Too many trees in the yard, made it hard to get through. I almost got lost before the gate, so I did some pruning for you. Consider it a gift. Much better view now."

"Rider, calling me 'little girl' isn't exactly pleasant,"

Flandre retorted with a pout, to which Rider responded with hearty laughter.

"My apologies, if I offended you. Calling you 'Caster' seems inaccurate now."

"Whatever. You here to fight tonight?"

"Not exactly."

Rider shook his head, his jeans and T-shirt lending a surprising air of credibility to his denial.

Waver half-hid behind Rider's massive form, looking up at Illya, his expression a mixture of apprehension and hostility.

His face clearly conveyed a desperate desire to "go home" and "hurry up."

Rider didn't seem to be here for a fight; besides his modern attire, what struck Arthas and the others as odd was the enormous barrel he carried.

It was clearly a large wooden wine cask. Rider carried it easily under his arm, resembling a wine merchant making a delivery.

"So what are you doing here, you big oaf?"

"Don't you get it? I came for a drink. To celebrate your extra Command Seal for eliminating that rogue Servant.

Hey, stop gawking; show me the way. Got a nice courtyard for a feast?"

Now it was Arthas's turn to be speechless. With a mixture of bewilderment and apprehension, they led Rider to the castle courtyard.

"Looks like we're actually hosting a guest,"

Arthas muttered, watching Rider settle calmly in the center of the courtyard, completely dumbfounded.

Rider placed the cask in the courtyard; the two Servants sat facing each other in a relaxed standoff. Illya, Arthas, and Waver sat together, speculating about the situation, realizing this implied a temporary truce; they only needed to observe.

Rider smashed the cask lid with his fist; the rich aroma of wine filled the courtyard.

"Unusual shape, but it's a traditional vessel from my country."

Rider boasted, scooping wine with a bamboo ladle. Unfortunately, no one present was able to correct his factual inaccuracy.

Rider drained the ladle, then spoke seriously.

"I hear only the worthy receive the Holy Grail."

His serious tone calmed the atmosphere. Something about his demeanor felt off.

"And the ritual to determine worthiness is this war in Fuyuki—but there's no need for bloodshed if you're just observing.

As fellow Servants, if we acknowledge each other's abilities, well… you'll understand."

Rider offered the ladle; Flandre frowned.

"Hey, big oaf, you expect me to use your used ladle?"

____________________

for more advance chapters visit my p@treon

[email protected]/kane45

Casual Reader - 20 Advance Chapters

Intermediate Reader - 40 Advance Chapters

Expert Reader - 60 Advance Chapters