The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

According to the study of the occult, beyond the boundaries of this world lies the pinnacle of dimensional theory—the "Root."

Defined as the point of origin from which all things spring forth, the "Swirl of the Root" is the ultimate aspiration of all magi. It is both the beginning and the end of all existence—a divine throne that records everything that has ever occurred and gives birth to all that exists in this world.

Two hundred years ago, there were those who dared to attempt reaching this "outside of the world."

Einzbern, Makiri, and Tohsaka—the three founding families—sought to reproduce the legendary artifact mentioned in many myths: the Holy Grail. To summon this wish-granting relic, the three magus lineages pooled their most guarded secrets, eventually manifesting what could only be described as the "Universal Cauldron."

However, the Grail could grant only one wish. The moment this truth was revealed, their alliance descended into a blood-soaked war.

Thus began the Holy Grail War.

Ever since, once every sixty years, the Holy Grail would reappear in the Far East city where it had first been summoned: Fuyuki. The Grail would then select seven magi deemed worthy, bestowing a portion of its vast magical energy upon them, allowing them to summon Servants—heroic spirits of legend—to fight in a deadly battle royale that would determine the true owner of the Grail.

Although it was already late spring and nearing summer, the land here remained blanketed in snow and ice.

This was Einzbern—a snowbound mountain stronghold eternally enshrouded in frost. Its residents were a rare and ancient family that had survived for over a thousand years without splitting into branch houses or forming alliances with other magi. Even their group consciousness, which typically deteriorates over ten-year cycles, remained well-regulated. They were a monstrous lineage that had never once erred, one that had stepped into the domain of gods and demons.

Though they were founders of the Holy Grail War, the Einzbern family had never once claimed victory in any past Grail Wars—a history so dismal it had become a mark of shame.

Time flowed on. The Fourth Holy Grail War was about to begin.

Once again, the Einzberns brought forth their trump card: a perfect homunculus, one designed to be the vessel of the Grail.

Of course, a homunculus alone would not be enough to win the war. They needed a powerful magus as well.

However, a problem arose. Despite their direct bloodline being intact, the magical talent within the Einzbern clan had long since declined. Other than the family head, Jubstacheit von Einzbern, there wasn't a single capable magus in their ranks.

Left with no choice, Jubstacheit decided to seek outside help.

For a thousand-year-old lineage to rely on outsiders to fight for the Grail—it was a bitter reality. But there was no alternative. To obtain the Grail, no price was too high.

Once the right candidate was found, the plan was to marry him to their homunculus "granddaughter," Irisviel, thereby integrating him into the family. That way, no one would see it as a disgrace.

Whether or not the chosen magus agreed to the marriage was irrelevant. After all, Irisviel, the vessel of the Grail, had been created in the image of the fabled Maiden of Winter—her beauty would not disappoint.

And for a wandering magus, being adopted into the prestigious Einzbern family—one with millennia of legacy—would be the opportunity of a lifetime.

Jubstacheit already had someone in mind: a ruthless man known as the Mage Killer. Though his reputation was stained and he was widely despised, this very notoriety made him easier to control—a perfect pawn.

Deep within the Einzbern Forest, two girls moved slowly through the snow, their bodies wrapped tightly in thick cloaks.

Strapped to their backs were massive, exaggerated battle axes—these were clearly no ordinary, fragile girls.

Ahead of them walked a woman with pure white hair like fresh snow and seductive crimson eyes.

Unlike the armored servants behind her, this woman wore a luxurious winter coat made from fine fur. Her expression was lively and animated.

Though she exuded a sense of maturity and intelligence, her actions were childlike—no surprise, as she was barely a few years old. In truth, describing her as a child would not be incorrect.

It was Irisviel's first time leaving her room since her creation, the first chance she had to see the outside world. Even though it was just the forest near the Einzbern castle, she was overjoyed.

She ran through the snow like a gleeful child—until something tripped her, sending her tumbling to the ground.

"Oww... Oww... What was that?"

Rubbing her head in confusion, she sat up and curiously examined the object that had caught her foot.

"Huh? Th-this is... a person?!"

To her shock, lying half-buried in the snow was a young boy, eyes closed as if in deep sleep.

At first, Irisviel thought he had frozen to death. But after checking his breath and pulse, she found he was still alive.

"No good. We need to bring him back to the castle."

She had no idea why he had wandered into Einzbern territory, but if left out here, he would surely freeze to death.

Irisviel struggled to move the boy's limp body. Though she was a homunculus, her physical strength was no match for the two combat-type homunculi who followed her.

"Ugh... So heavy. You two, help me carry him back."

Failing to move him herself, Irisviel waved her hand and gave a command.

Without a word, the two homunculi lifted the boy from the snow.

And so, the group turned back toward the Einzbern castle, carrying with them an unconscious stranger—whose arrival would surely change the course of destiny.

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