DanMachi: Ultimate Lich King

"Lancer's Master seems less courageous than Lancer," Gilgamesh chuckled ruefully after Archer's departure; but this wasn't a time for leisure.

Archer was a formidable opponent, but the girl who matched him was equally troublesome.

Gilgamesh seemed unconcerned; his gaze returned to Flandre.

"What a lively night! Five Servants on the first night!"

"My mistake in misidentifying you; my apologies. Caster, interested in joining me?"

"AAAAH, you idiot! When will you stop this?!"

Waver's tearful protest was silenced by another flick from Gilgamesh.

Flandre didn't speak, responding with action. She swung her staff; a fiery tongue grazed Gilgamesh's hair, nearly singeing his eyebrows.

"A small repayment for your earlier contempt."

"AAAAH… another ill-tempered girl,"

Gilgamesh, slightly singed, smiled wryly, touching his head.

"Another failed recruitment… am I that unlikeable?"

"Rider, show some respect. Servants have wishes and obsessions; if you continue this rudeness, I'll target you first!"

Saber warned Gilgamesh sternly.

"Indeed, Rider. Respect each Servant; even young women are great heroes,"

Lancer added; Saber nodded in agreement.

"I was just trying… what if it worked?"

Gilgamesh scratched his head sheepishly; Waver sighed.

"It would never work, you idiot!"

"Oh… really?"

Gilgamesh laughed, slapping Waver, who struggled to breathe.

"But she's brave, charging into battle with her Master; like my Master!"

Gilgamesh said admiringly, looking at Arthas.

"I'm not brave! You forced me!"

Waver's protest was cut short by another flick from Gilgamesh.

"Bringing a companion isn't wise; this is a battlefield."

"I brought my wife because she's safest with me,"

Arthas said calmly, holding Illya's hand; Gilgamesh laughed admiringly.

"A shame; this is the Grail War; you won't join me; we're enemies."

Gilgamesh seemed genuinely disappointed.

"Fortunately, my Master is a man who fights alongside me, unlike some who hide in the shadows."

Gilgamesh said, embracing the struggling Waver.

"Retreat, Lancer. Tonight's battle is over!"

Lancer's Master's angry tone was clear, though unspoken.

"Our duel will continue another time,"

Lancer said to Saber, who nodded; their duel would resume later.

Lancer vanished.

Kiritsugu, hidden on a high platform, watched with a complex expression.

This was the man he'd seen at Einzbern—the man who'd replaced him as Einzbern's son-in-law and representative.

And the woman in his arms should have been his wife.

"What do we do now, Kiritsugu?"

Maiya asked.

"Our only chance is to eliminate that woman… but judging by her easy defense against Archer's Noble Phantasms, large-caliber rifles might be ineffective,"

Kiritsugu analyzed; they couldn't rely on Saber; if direct confrontation was impossible, they'd use other means; this was Kiritsugu's creed, even against an innocent woman.

If he could kill Illya, he would; it would severely impact Einzbern.

But Kiritsugu wasn't sure, so he hesitated.

"The chances are too slim; it might also alienate Saber."

Kiritsugu abandoned the idea; it was too risky.

"Tell Saber to retreat; there's no point staying."

Kiritsugu said; Maiya nodded.

"Since Lancer left, I'm leaving too, Rider and Caster, we'll meet again."

Feeling her Master's departure, Saber frowned, curtsied to Gilgamesh, and vanished.

Her impulsive attack yielded nothing; her right arm was cursed, reducing her combat power; Saber retreated dejectedly.

Their already strained relationship would worsen…

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