DanMachi: Ultimate Lich King

Only two Servants remained unidentified: the girl, possibly a Caster, from the previous night, and the erratic man Saber encountered that morning.

Their classes seemed obvious, but Kiritsugu sensed something was amiss.

The girl hadn't revealed her class; she'd used magic, but that didn't confirm her as a Caster.

Berserkers were usually frenzied Servants; this preconception led everyone to assume Flandre wasn't a Berserker; her use of magic further solidified this assumption.

These Servants' identities were crucial.

Mistaking the girl for a Caster would lower one's guard, leading to a devastating defeat.

"Master, decide quickly!"

Saber knew the Servant before her was the murderer; his intentions were clear.

The children were hostages.

Saber's rage boiled over; these heroes, summoned by the Grail, committed such despicable acts!

Kiritsugu nodded; only Servants could fight Servants; he needed Saber's strength.

After Kiritsugu's nod, Saber left the Matou mansion; she was incredibly fast, appearing before the crazed Servant within a minute.

But she was met with a horrific scene: blood and children's remains scattered around the self-proclaimed Gilles.

"You've come, Jeanne. I've been waiting,"

Gilles greeted the motionless silver figure with a cheerful smile, pleased with his "feast." Standing amidst the carnage, his dark robe stained with blood, his smile was terrifying.

"What do you feel? Heartbroken? Can you imagine the children's suffering? But this isn't the true tragedy. Compared to my loss of you, my quest for our reunion…"

A child's cry stopped Saber; the sole survivor; Gilles held the child's head, threatening to crush it.

"Oh, Jeanne d'Arc, your burning eyes are captivating,"

Gilles smiled serenely at Saber.

"You hate me? Yes, you should. I betrayed God's love; you won't forgive me. You're devout."

"Release the child,"

Saber's command was icy.

"This Grail War selects the most worthy Servant. Using such tactics will cause the Grail to reject you."

"Since you've returned, the Grail is useless… Jeanne, if you want to save this child…"

Gilles laughed, then sadly released the child.

"Don't cry, child. Be happy. God's devout follower saved you. God has answered your prayers. Your friends didn't receive God's help, only you."

The child, understanding the golden-haired girl was her savior, cried, running to Saber.

The child's hand touched Saber's armor; Saber gently touched the child's hand. Only the surrounding mountains could comfort her; she was trapped.

She couldn't protect the child and prepare for battle.

"It's dangerous here. Run! Away from this street; the farther, the better!"

A crack; the child cried out in pain.

Saber stared as the child's body split in two.

Not blood, but a mass of black snakes—no, creatures with large suckers, not snakes. Octopuses?

Their tentacles, as thick as Saber's wrists, wrapped around her silver armor, binding her.

These creatures, surrounded by the remains of the hostages, weren't natural; they were from another world, defying natural laws.

"I should have told you earlier; be prepared next time,"

Gilles chuckled, holding a thick, wet book; human skin adorned the cover. It seemed ordinary, but Saber sensed immense magical energy emanating from it.

This was Gilles's Noble Phantasm.

Meanwhile, at the Matou mansion, Kiritsugu, watching through the crystal ball, understood.

The suspected Berserker wasn't a Berserker; he was a Caster!

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