The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

Darkness once again settled over the forest of Einzbern.

The night remained pitch-black and silent. Yoru had no intention of going out to cause trouble, and tonight, he planned to rest early once again.

But even if Yoru wasn't looking for trouble, trouble came looking for him.

A thunderous roar echoed through the entire Einzbern estate—lightning-like rumbling from close range, followed by a shockwave of magical energy. This meant that the barrier in the forest outside the castle had come under attack. While the barrier wasn't easy to destroy, its magical framework had already been compromised.

"What's going on… a frontal assault?"

Two strong arms caught Irisviel by the shoulders—it was Yoru, who appeared at her side the moment he sensed the disturbance.

"Are you alright, Irisviel?"

"I'm fine, just startled. I didn't expect such a reckless visitor to show up."

"Ah, yeah. I can already guess who it is."

Yoru gave a wry smile. Thunderous noise and such a direct, head-on approach—who else could it be but the King of Conquerors, Rider?

"Let's go. Since they've come knocking, that makes them guests. Let's go welcome them."

At his words, Irisviel nodded. Accompanying Yoru meant she would face the enemy as well. But to her, the battlefield was the safest place—because her husband was there with her.

"Flan, are you there?"

"Mhm, I'm here. What a waste, such a beautiful night ruined by some brute."

With a pulse of magical energy, Flan appeared from spirit form beside Yoru and Irisviel. The girl's lips were curled into a faint pout—clearly displeased.

Yoru couldn't help but chuckle as he patted the grumpy girl's head. Then, the group made their way through the castle, heading straight for the terrace beyond the main entrance. Since the intruder was making a frontal assault, they figured they'd encounter him there.

"Looks like Flan also knows who our guest is."

"With thunder like that and such brainless tactics… who else could it be but that musclehead Rider?"

"My thoughts exactly."

Irisviel recalled the overwhelming might of the Noble Phantasm she'd witnessed in the warehouse district days earlier—Gordius Wheel, the lightning-wrapped divine bull chariot. That kind of anti-army Noble Phantasm, if unleashed at full power, could easily destroy the magic formations hidden throughout the forest.

"Hey, little girl! I came all this way just to meet you, so get out here already, yeah?!"

The voice came from the main hall. It seemed the intruder had already walked right through the front door. There was no mistaking it—the enemy was the King of Conquerors, Iskandar. And judging from his booming voice, he didn't sound like someone coming for a fight.

Yoru and the others finally reached the terrace... but when the moonlight from the skylight revealed the full figure of the Servant standing tall and proud in the hall, they were all momentarily at a loss for words.

"..."

"Yo, little miss. I heard you took down that rogue Servant, so I figured I'd drop by to meet you. Gotta say, that was a job well done. It really lifted my spirits. Still, you did steal my prey, so I think we've got a small score to settle."

Rider grinned without a hint of shame, flashing his teeth as he rolled his neck theatrically.

"There were too many trees in the yard—made it hard to get in. I nearly got lost before I even reached the gate, so I helped clear a few for you. You're welcome. The view's much better now."

"Rider, calling someone 'little girl' or 'missy' isn't exactly pleasant, you know."

Flan pouted unhappily. Rider just responded with a hearty laugh.

"Well, if that was offensive, my bad. Besides, it doesn't feel right to call you 'Caster' anymore, does it?"

"Whatever. So, did you come here tonight just to fight me?"

"Nah, not at all."

Rider shook his head as he replied. Dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, he somehow looked entirely convincing.

Waver was half-hiding behind Rider's towering frame, sneaking peeks at Irisviel. From his expression, it was hard to tell whether he was wary or just plain terrified. But his face clearly said "I want to go home" and "please hurry up."

Rider didn't seem like he was here to start trouble. It wasn't just his casual clothing—what really confused Yoru and the others was the giant barrel Rider was carrying under his arm.

It was clearly a wooden wine cask. Holding it effortlessly, Rider looked more like a wine merchant delivering stock than a Heroic Spirit.

"So what are you really here for, you big brute?"

"Isn't it obvious? I came to drink with you. Like I said—thanks for taking out that rogue Servant and earning an extra Command Seal. I'm here to celebrate. Hey, don't just stand there—take me somewhere nice. Got a garden fit for a banquet?"

Now it was Yoru and the others who were left speechless. With complicated feelings they couldn't quite explain, they led Rider to the castle courtyard.

"Looking at this… it really does feel like we're entertaining a guest."

Watching Rider sit calmly in the center of the garden, Yoru didn't know what to say. He wore a look of helpless amusement.

Rider brought the wine cask to the courtyard. The two Servants sat across from each other, facing off with a curious sort of ease. Irisviel and Yoru sat beside Waver, quietly observing and trying to read the situation. It was a moment of truce—for now, they only needed to watch.

Rider smashed the barrel's lid with his fist, and the rich aroma of red wine instantly filled the air.

"It may look odd, but this is a traditional drinking vessel in this country."

Rider said proudly, ladling out the wine with a bamboo-handled dipper. Unfortunately, no one there could correct his obvious misunderstanding.

Rider downed a ladle of wine in one gulp, then spoke.

"They say only those who are worthy can obtain the Holy Grail."

His serious tone cast a calm over the courtyard. Hearing him speak like that felt strange—it didn't quite suit him.

"And this war in Fuyuki… that's the ritual to decide who is worthy. But if you're only spectating, there's no need to shed blood. As fellow Heroic Spirits, if we can acknowledge each other's strength, then... well, I think you get the idea."

As he spoke, Rider handed the ladle to Flan, who wrinkled her brow.

"Oi, you big oaf. You're not seriously expecting me to drink from something you've already used, are you?"

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