DanMachi: Ultimate Lich King

After his analysis, Arthas decided on his strategy: avoidance.

Stationed at the Einzbern annex, under the guise of a Caster, Arthas could wait for the situation to stabilize, for Servants to be eliminated, before acting.

The Grail War was a war, but not a reckless brawl; the strongest didn't always win.

As Arthas pondered this, a maid entered, delivering a message.

"A message from the Grail War supervisor; cease hostilities; eliminate the rule-breaking Berserker first."

"We… we broke a rule?"

Illya was surprised.

"No, the Berserker,"

Arthas smiled; Illya understood.

"The real Caster?"

"Yes. The Caster's Master is responsible for the recent murders and abductions in Fuyuki. He used his Servant to commit crimes, leaving the scenes untouched, violating Grail War rules."

"All Masters cease fighting; eliminate the Caster. The one who eliminates the Caster and their Master will receive an extra Command Seal.

A single person receives one; multiple participants share them. Once the Caster is eliminated, the Grail War resumes."

More Command Seals were better; they weren't just for forcing Servants' obedience but also for enhancing their abilities.

Command Seals weren't omnipotent, but crucial in critical moments.

"Should we eliminate the Caster?"

Illya asked; Arthas nodded.

"Of course. Command Seals are valuable. But let's wait until nightfall."

At the Matou mansion, Saber glared at the decrepit old man. If her Master weren't present, she might have killed him.

"Demon" was the only word to describe him.

If not for the risk of harming innocents, Saber wouldn't have returned.

After Saber told Kiritsugu about her encounter with the unknown Servant, he decided to return to the Matou mansion.

Despite its decline, the Matou family's legacy was formidable, especially Kariya Matou; Kiritsugu believed the old man wouldn't stand idly by when Servants gathered.

He craved the Grail more than anyone.

Kariya Matou dismissed Saber's hostility, smiling and leaving with his cane.

"Old age prevents late nights; you'll guard the mansion."

With a sickening smile, Kariya left; Saber relaxed.

The Matou mansion was secluded; the recent murders meant few people were out at 10 PM.

Kiritsugu sat silently, lost in thought; Saber wanted to ask him what to do next but hesitated.

She'd had a chance, but why here?

She'd wanted to express loyalty after encountering the Servant, but Kiritsugu returned to the Matou mansion, a place Saber detested.

She understood his concern for innocents, but why not choose a more open space?

"They're here!"

Kiritsugu looked up; the magical barrier around the mansion was breached; the intruders showed no attempt at concealment.

A crystal ball displayed the image of the intruders.

They wore dark robes, emanating an ominous aura; blood-red patterns, like stains, were visible.

"Is this the Berserker?"

Kiritsugu saw the Berserker for the first time; Saber nodded; this was the strange Servant from that morning.

"But what is he doing?"

The Berserker wasn't alone; he led a dozen children, mostly elementary school-aged; they seemed sleepwalking, under the Berserker's control.

"Is this a Berserker, or a Caster?"

Kiritsugu questioned, seeing the mind-control magic.

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