Accident

"Lancer, what do you mean the Holy Grail has been contaminated?"

Irisviel couldn't help but furrow her brow. She knew all too well the passion her husband had for the Holy Grail. But after hearing Lancer's words, she found it hard to sit still.

In the previous battle, she had already noticed that Lancer, like Saber, possessed some kind of precognitive ability. So, every word he spoke required her careful consideration, especially when it came to matters involving the Holy Grail.

After a moment of contemplation, Arkhan decided to reveal the truth about the Holy Grail.

"This goes back to the previous Holy Grail War. The Einzbern family summoned the eighth Servant, Avenger, Angra Mainyu, beyond the seven standard classes..."

Listening to his account, a layer of shock gradually covered Irisviel's face. The Einzbern family naturally had records related to the previous Holy Grail War, so she knew that he wasn't making things up.

And that meant, what he said was likely the harsh truth!

"I never expected such a seemingly weak Servant to have such a significant impact on the Holy Grail..."

Irisviel sighed and then looked at Arkhan with a serious expression.

"Thank you, Lancer. The information you provided is important. I must return immediately and inform Kiritsugu about this."

Arkhan nodded. If possible, he wanted to avoid a confrontation with Artoria as well.

"Ugh—!!!"

Suddenly, Sakura, who had been sitting quietly on Irisviel's lap, clutched her chest tightly with a look of intense pain on her face.

Arkhan, Irisviel, and Artoria were startled.

"Sakura-chan! What's happening?!" Irisviel exclaimed in panic and hurriedly checked Sakura's condition.

At the same time, Arkhan glanced aside and saw thick black fog spreading out from halfway up Miyama's residential area. It billowed out like a pack of crazed wolves, quickly shrouding the surrounding area.

'That is... the Matou residence, right?'

Almost at the moment when the black fog rose from the Matou residence, Arkhan realized that there was an absolute connection between the abnormality of Sakura and what was happening over there.

He quickly hugged her, using the power of Abyss Flower to examine the inside of her body carefully.

As expected, he discovered that the worm, which had been quietly lurking around her heart, was suddenly agitated for some unknown reason.

However, it wasn't an act of invasion or control of her body. It seemed more like an unconscious chaotic movement as if a robot had lost control.

'Did something happen to Zouken?' Arkhan couldn't help but furrow his brow.

The worm inside Sakura was one of the vessels that held the fragments of Zouken's soul. There must have been a problem on his side that caused this worm to go haywire. Moreover, judging by the state of the worm, his mind at this moment was clearly chaotic.

'Dammit! Isn't he always worried about his own life? What happened to him at a time like this?!' Arkhan silently clenched his teeth.

He wasn't concerned about Zouken's well-being, but the rampaging worm inside Sakura posed a significant threat to her life.

Crest Worms were naturally evil familiars. Now, without the control of their main body, these ugly creatures were only driven by instinct. At this rate, it wouldn't take long before this creature devoured all of Sakura's organs.

"Onii-san... my body... hurts so much..."

Noticeable blood slid from Sakura's mouth, her tender face showing an unmistakable expression of pain, making it particularly distressing to witness.

"It's okay, Sakura. With me here, nothing will happen to you."

Arkhan gestured with his hand, and a white lance instantly appeared in his hand.

The lily pattern on the lance emitted a bright light, and the constant regenerative power flowed into Sakura's body, restoring the internal organs that were being devoured by the worm.

He immediately used Fenghuang Down, and a crimson feather soon emerged, integrating into Sakura's consciousness. This caused her to fall into a deep coma, no longer enduring the gnawing agony.

Since the worm itself had no intelligence or consciousness, only the instinct of a familiar, Fenghuang Down couldn't affect it, and there was no way to stop it.

Noticing the surprised glances from people around, Irisviel furrowed her brows slightly and immediately cast a suggestion magecraft, diverting everyone's attention away.

She immediately looked at Sakura's pale face with concern. Though they hadn't spent much time together, she genuinely liked the little girl.

"What's going on with Sakura-chan?" Irisviel asked worriedly.

"I have to go back immediately. My Master needs to prepare surgery for her." Arkhan, holding the unconscious Sakura, began to explain the complicated situation.

Sakura's body was in a critical state, with the worm destroying her organs while he tried to restore them. The situation was unsustainable due to the immense magical energy needed for Abyss Flower.

"No need for all that trouble." Artoria suddenly chimed in.

In a swift motion, her hand plunged into Sakura's abdomen, releasing a burst of crimson blood like a sinister flower.

"You!" Arkhan stared wide-eyed.

"Argh!" The sudden pain caused Sakura, still in a deep coma, to furrow her brow and groan.

"Got it." Artoria said calmly as a slight curve appeared on her lips.

She pulled her hand out, revealing a grotesque worm wriggling on her bloody palm, emitting a soul-piercing scream.

Irisviel covered her mouth in horror. She hadn't expected such a disgusting creature inside Sakura.

"Hmph, dirtier than sewer rats." Artoria sneered, tossing the creature to the ground and crushing it underfoot.

Irisviel, uncomfortable with the bloodstains on Artoria's boots, decided to buy her a new pair later.

In the instant Artoria pulled out the worm, Arkhan increased the power output of Abyss Flower. The overwhelming life energy instantly surged into Sakura's body like a mighty river.

After about five minutes, her damaged organs and the gaping hole in her abdomen were restored by themselves. Her breathing became steady, and her complexion regained its rosy hue.

Arkhan dismissed Abyss Flower and exhaustion was evident in his eyes. Sweat covered his forehead, and his breathing became slightly labored.

It had been a long time since he felt such magical energy depletion, maybe since the birth of Hyden. Despite the high cost, seeing Sakura's peaceful face brought a relieved smile to his lips.

Though Artoria's methods were violent and savage, they were undeniably effective.