The evening sun cast a warm golden light on the city streets as Eric Weathers walked with heavy steps, feeling the weight of his curse upon his frail body. He knew that time was running out for him, his days numbered by the constant pain and degradation of his once-healthy form. Desperation had become his constant companion, and it gnawed at him relentlessly. Hs vision was stained by the blood that ever leaked into his fogged eyes, his skin writhed as the inoperable malady that ravaged his form sullied his complexion in equal regard. His legs dragged with every step, yet, carried him onwards, for such was his will to survive and continue, hope still burning within him that he may yet find some means of saving himself.

A means that was soon to reveal itself.

As he turned a corner, he noticed a figure waiting for him at the end of the street – a well-dressed white haired man with a confident posture and an air of mystery. His crimson eyes twinkling with a depth of knowledge that belied his relatively youthful form.

"Eric Weathers," the man spoke, his voice calm and authoritative. "I am Lysander Euryale, the Supervisor of the newest upcoming Holy Grail War. I have come to offer you a chance to participate in a battle that may grant your deepest desire – the restoration of your health."

Eric's eyes widened as he listened to Lysander's words. He had heard whispers of the Holy Grail War, a conflict between magi and their summoned Heroic Spirits, but he never imagined he would be given a chance to participate. His heart raced as the reality of the situation sunk in.

"You have been chosen as a Master," Lysander continued, "and if you accept this invitation, you will be granted a powerful Servant to aid you in your struggle. Should you win, the Holy Grail will grant your wish, restoring your body to its former state."

Eric hesitated, knowing that his chances of survival in such a deadly contest were slim. But with his life already slipping away, he couldn't afford to let this opportunity pass him by. With a deep breath, he nodded.

"I accept," he replied, determination burning in his eyes.

Lysander smiled, extending his hand. As Eric reached out to grasp it, a sudden, searing pain erupted on the back of his hand. When the pain subsided, he saw three intricate, glowing symbols – his Command Seals, proof of his status as a Master in the Holy Grail War.

With the Command Seals emblazoned on the back of his hand, Eric felt the weight of responsibility settle upon his shoulders. Lysander, sensing the gravity of the moment, spoke reassuringly, "This is just the beginning, Eric. Your journey as a Master will be filled with trials and tribulations, but with the right Servant by your side, you can overcome them."

Taking a deep breath, Eric steeled himself for the next step – summoning his Servant. He knew that without a catalyst, the Servant he would summon would be based on compatibility with his personality and circumstances. He could only hope that whoever answered his call would be someone he could rely on in the battles to come.

Under Lysander's guidance, Eric prepared the summoning circle, his hands trembling slightly as he drew the intricate lines and symbols. As he completed the final stroke, Lysander nodded in approval, and Eric took his position at the center of the circle.

"Are you ready?" Lysander asked, his voice steady and calm.

Eric nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. He took a deep breath, recited the incantation, and poured his magical energy into the circle. In an instant, the room was filled with a blinding light, and the air crackled with power.

As the light began to fade, a figure materialized within the circle. The Servant stood tall, clad in dark, weathered clothing, with a wide-brimmed hat casting shadows over his face. Eric could sense the aura of power and experience that radiated from him. The Servant looked at Eric and spoke, his voice carrying an air of authority and wisdom.

"I am Caster, though, you may call me... Marlowe... I have answered your call, Master."

Eric stared at the enigmatic figure before him, feeling a strange sense of compatibility and understanding. As they locked eyes, he could sense Marlowe's determination to fight and win the Holy Grail War, and he knew that they shared a common goal – to leave their mark upon the world, no matter the cost.

Eric gazed at the figure standing before him, still trying to process the fact that he had successfully summoned a Servant for the Holy Grail War. Marlowe, the Caster-class Servant, looked back at his new Master, sizing him up and assessing their compatibility. Despite their brief acquaintance, a mutual understanding seemed to flow between them.

"Marlowe... Caster... I must admit, I didn't expect to summon a Servant like you," Eric said, his voice wavering slightly. "But I can sense that we share a similar determination. I'm grateful to have you by my side in this battle."

Marlowe inclined his head, acknowledging Eric's words. "The Holy Grail War is a contest filled with uncertainty and danger, Master. We must rely on each other if we are to emerge victorious."

As they conversed, Lysander watched the interaction between the new Master and Servant, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

"I'll leave you two to get to know each other. Grow your bond, quickly and deeply. I'll return when the time comes to guide you to the Grail War's battleground..."

Over the next few hours, Eric and Marlowe began to discuss their strategies and plans for the Holy Grail War. They were aware of the formidable opponents they would face and the high stakes of the contest. Yet, as they conversed, they discovered a shared determination to succeed and a willingness to do whatever it took to claim victory.

Eric, driven by his desire to restore his health and live a normal life once more, found solace in Marlowe's presence. The Caster-class Servant, with his vast experience and powerful magecraft, provided Eric with a sense of hope and reassurance.

As the evening wore on and their conversation deepened, the bond between Eric and Marlowe grew stronger. They knew that they would face many challenges and heartache in the days to come, but together, they were prepared to confront the trials of the Holy Grail War and fight for their wishes.

With each passing moment, the bond between Eric and Marlowe continued to strengthen. They spent countless hours discussing strategy, their respective abilities, and the potential threats they would face during the Holy Grail War. Lysander, who remotely observed their interactions, was pleased with the growing rapport between the two.

With any luck, they would prove to be a worthy pair for the conflict that was soon to come.

One day, as they continued their preparations, Marlowe decided to share some of his past experiences with Eric. He recounted tales of his time as a mage in life, the challenges he faced, and the knowledge he had amassed. His stories were filled with adventure, danger, and intrigue, capturing Eric's imagination and providing valuable insights into the mind of his Servant.

As Marlowe narrated his tales, Eric couldn't help but listen intently to the famous playwright's masterful narrations. Of how Marlowe had struggled to inherit his family's magical crest as a youth, of how he became a playwright as a young man to escape from the politics of Clocktower life, of how he faked his death to pursue his own secretive studies with the help of his friend William, and the tragic day he finally did die, staring down a monstrous beast of darkest shadow his own successors-in-training had foolishly conjured forth.

Eric couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for the Caster-class Servant. He had faced insurmountable odds in life, and yet he had managed to overcome them through sheer willpower and determination. It was a testament to the kind of ally he had by his side, and it filled him with renewed confidence.

In turn, Eric opened up about his own struggles, the disease that had ravaged his body, and the hopelessness that had consumed him. He spoke of his desire to regain his health and his willingness to fight for the chance to live a normal life once more. Marlowe listened intently, understanding the pain and determination that drove his Master forward.

As they shared their stories, a deeper connection formed between Eric and Marlowe. They began to see each other not just as Master and Servant, but as trusted comrades with a shared goal.

The trust and understanding between them would be the foundation upon which they would face the trials of the Holy Grail War.

As the final hour before the war's start passed them by, Eric and Marlowe stood side by side, resolute in their determination to overcome the odds and claim victory. They knew that the path ahead would be fraught with danger and loss, but together, they were prepared to face whatever challenges the Holy Grail War had in store for them.

It was then that Lysander Euryale returned, and they knew the beginning of something unfathomable was upon them at last.

"I see you've lived up to my expectations. So far. We'll see how long that lasts, and how far you manage to get. Now come, follow me, the hour grows short, and I will not have this war suffer the slightest delay..."

Addendum: Character Profile

Name: Eric Weathers

Appearance: A man in his mid-twenties with short blond hair and dark green bloodshot eyes. Due to his disease he perpetually looks like shit, with patchy, discolored skin and eyes that have been stained red from internal bleeding.

His Command Seals have an organic, asymmetric design.

About: Eric Weathers was inflicted with a debilitating curse/disease a few years back, which has slowly been killing his body. It hasn't affected his mind or magic, but it makes him feel like someone four times his age. In his current state, especially with the extra exertion that comes with fighting in the Grail War, he will most likely die in a matter of days. His disease has made him bitter, and occasionally reckless. He does not expect to reach the end of the Grail War, and his main motivation is to leave a mark. If he does somehow manage to win, he will of course wish for his health.

Abilities: While his physical skills are lacking, Eric is still a brilliant mage. His specialty is sympathetic magic, affecting a part to affect the whole.

Origin: Resonance

The concept of resonance refers to the ability to amplify and synchronize with external forces or energies. In Eric's case, this Origin represents his innate ability to connect and manipulate the world around him through sympathetic magic, affecting parts to influence the whole. The resonance is not limited to his Magecraft but also echoes in his personal struggles and desire to leave a mark on the world, despite his debilitating disease.

This Origin allows Eric to excel in his Magecraft, as it inherently aligns with his principles and his approach to magic. The concept of resonance reinforces his ability to create powerful connections between objects and energies, potentially leading to more effective and potent spells. Furthermore, it reflects Eric's deep-seated desire to make an impact and resonates with his struggle against the curse that has been slowly killing him.