DanMachi: Ultimate Lich King

As the situation at the docks reached an impasse, with Gilgamesh's Master crying and shouting, a chilling voice cut through the air.

"Why did you steal my relic? Perhaps you wanted to participate in the Holy Grail War yourself, Mr. Waver Velvet."

The boy, hearing his name called out with such venom, knew he was the target. He also guessed the speaker's identity.

"Th… that…"

"Such a pity. I wanted this dear student to be happy. Waver, a mere mortal, should have a peaceful life."

The speaker, sharp-eyed, saw the frozen terror on Waver's face. In a chillingly playful tone, he continued:

"I can't help it, Waver-kun. Let me give you extra tutoring—the true meaning of mages slaughtering each other—the terror and pain of slaughter. I'll teach you everything. Aren't you honored?"

Waver had no time for the venomous sarcasm; terror gripped him; this wasn't a game; he was truly embroiled in the Holy Grail War.

This was a bloody battle between mages!

A strong yet gentle hand rested on the boy's trembling shoulders.

Waver was startled by the rough but gentle touch.

The large Servant's hand—thick fingers—were terrifying to the small Master.

"Hey, mage, you seem to want to replace my Master and become mine," Gilgamesh addressed Lancer's unseen Master, a malicious smile twisting his face.

"That's laughable. My Master should be a warrior who fights alongside me, not a coward who hides."

Silence descended; only the unseen Master's rage filled the night air.

Gilgamesh suddenly laughed uproariously, addressing the empty night sky. "Come out! There must be others watching!"

Saber and Lancer were surprised.

"What is it, Rider?" Gilgamesh, smiling, gave Saber a thumbs-up.

"Saber and Lancer, your duel is impressive. The clash of steel attracted more than one Servant."

Raising his hands, Gilgamesh bellowed to the surroundings.

"Pathetic! The heroes gathered in Fuyuki! You're unmoved by Saber and Lancer's courage? You have glorious names, yet you hide! Cowards! Even the Servants would be ashamed!"

After a hearty laugh, Gilgamesh tilted his head, fearless, challenging the surroundings.

"Servants summoned by the Grail, gather here! Cowards too afraid to show themselves, spare yourselves my scorn, Gilgamesh, King of Conquerors!"

"This Conqueror King… is interesting…"

Arthas smiled, watching with Illya; he knew some of these Servants' histories.

He was blunt, but not unpleasant. It was a miracle he ruled half the world; his reckless personality was better suited for a general, not a king.

"What do we do? They've issued a challenge," Arthas asked Flandre.

Rushing in wasn't wise, but Gilgamesh's provocation needed consideration.

"Such idiots… I was hoping for some action," Flandre said, sucking her finger, seemingly unenthusiastic.

Before she could decide, another Servant appeared.

Golden light flashed below, like a majestic king's arrival.

"Another one. They're almost all here," Arthas commented, watching the light.

It was the first day of the Grail War, and four Servants were already present.

A figure in golden armor appeared atop a streetlight. Waver gasped at the dazzling figure.

"That's…"

He couldn't mistake the figure he'd seen briefly; atop the streetlight stood the Servant who'd eliminated the assassins who attacked Tohsaka—Archer.

"Arrogant 'kings' appear overnight," Archer scoffed, disdaining the three Servants.

Archer's pride was similar to Gilgamesh's, but fundamentally different; Gilgamesh wasn't as cold and ruthless.

Gilgamesh, surprised by this even more assertive individual, scratched his chin, perplexed.

"Even if you're rude… I am Gilgamesh, the renowned Conqueror King."

"Only I am a true king. The rest are mongrels."

Archer's declaration was even more insulting than Gilgamesh's; even Saber was speechless, but Gilgamesh, surprised, sighed.

"Since you're so bold, state your name! If you're a king, you wouldn't fear your own name?"

Gilgamesh's banter enraged Archer; his red eyes burned with pride as he glared at Gilgamesh.

"You ask me? A mongrel dares ask me, the King?"

Gilgamesh's question was reasonable, but Archer saw it as disrespectful. Like a Berserker, he revealed terrifying killing intent.

"Another unstable one," Arthas shrugged. Flandre nodded, analyzing the situation.

"A naive British King, Saber; a Lancer who preaches chivalry but uses underhanded tactics; a foolish Conqueror King, Rider; and a mad dog of a king."

Flandre shrugged, having assessed the four Servants.

"These are our Grail War opponents? I'm not motivated."

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