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1It was a thrust like lightning.
2A spearhead thrust to pierce my heart.
3Trying to dodge it would be useless.
4Being lightning, it's invisible to the human eye.
5But...
6The lightning that tries to pierce me...
7...Is repelled by the moonlight that tries to save me.
8
9Clang, a beautiful sound.
10No, the sound before me is heavier than steel.
11The armor she is wearing is not beautiful at all and as unrefined as the cold night.
12The sound wasn't beautiful at all.
13It was actually the sound of steel.
14It's just that the knight is beautiful enough to turn it into a charming sound like a bell.
15
16"―――I ask of you. Are you my Master?"
17She asks in a voice that lights up the darkness.
18
19"I have come forth in response to your summons.
20From this time forward, my sword shall be with you and your fate shall be with me. Now, our contract is complete."
21
22Yes, the contract has been completed.
23When she chose me as her Master...
24I'm sure I swore to help her too.
25
26The moonlight still lights up the darkness.
27As if following the knight's example, the shed again falls silent.
28
29Time has stopped.
30The scene lasts less than a second.
31But...
32I'm sure I'll remember this scene vividly even when I've gone to hell.
33
34The face slightly turned.
35The quiet green eyes.
36The instant becomes an eternity.
37The blue outfit symbolizing her sways in the wind.
38
39――――A faint blue light filters in.
40The golden hair shines in the moonlight.
41
42This is a story from ten years ago.
43
44...I'm watching someone I know very well.
45A tall man with a deep-featured face, who to my knowledge has never told a joke, is patting my head.
46No, that's not quite right.
47I guess he doesn't know how much strength to use. So to be more accurate, he's grabbing my head and mashing it around.
48
49I guess that's only to be expected.
50After all, that's the first time he's ever patted my head.
51
52"I'll have to get going now. You know what to do now, right?"
53I answer the deep voice with a polite "yes".
54The man patting my head nods once, lets go, and stands up.
55...So, that was it.
56If I'd known then that it was our final moment together, I would have made him laugh with my best jokes.
57I had practiced telling jokes a lot, in hope that I could bring a smile to his grave face.
58I guess you could say I was sad that I couldn't tell him any of them.
59"Put the Association in your debt by the time you mature. I'll let you decide what to do after that. You should be able to take care of yourself."
60Even though he said such things, I guess he was still worried.
61He told me about the heirloom jewels, the jewels inherited from the master, and how to manage the basement.
62As he was telling me all the things I didn't yet know, I realized even as a child.
63―――That most likely...
64He wouldn't be coming back.
65...A war had started.
66Not a war between countries, but a war between people.
67But the only ones at war were seven people.
68In a situation like this, the word "war" should be unsuitable, but here it's a different story as the ones in conflict are magi.
69The seven magi, each from a different faction, had started to compete for unknown reasons and killed each other in unknown ways.
70
71The man standing before me was one of them.
72He too was in a position to kill or be killed.
73He must have known more keenly than I did that his time was near.
74
75"Rin, the Holy Grail will appear eventually. It is our duty as the Tohsaka family to win it. More importantly, if you want to be a magus, you can't avoid it."
76
77Once more,
78he patted my head, and left.
79That was the end.
80That was the last time I saw the man, who entered the Holy Grail war as a master and died. The man who was my teacher as well as my father.
81
82"Take care, Father."
83
84I see him off politely.
85I knew I was on the verge of crying, but I shed no tears.
86
87I loved him.
88He was a great father and a great magus.
89Among magi, there are only obstinate people.
90In the whole world, I don't think anyone had a better character than his.
91He taught me as a teacher and loved me as a father.
92
93That's why I decided...
94To choose my path according to what he left me in the end.
95
96'――――Rin, the Holy Grail will appear eventually.
97It is our duty as the Tohsaka family to win it. More importantly, if you want to be a magus, you can't avoid it――――'
98In the end, he left me those words as a magus and not as a father.
99That is why at that moment, my path was determined.
100"――――All right. I'll do my best to be a proper magus―――"
101It's only natural for a student to follow the words of their teacher.
102Since then, through many twists and turns... I, Tohsaka Rin, have matured.
103It has been ten years since the winter day on which my father went to war.
104I haven't exactly been waiting for this moment, but I am excited.
105That's only natural.
106The event I have never forgotten about is about to start――――
107"...Hm."
108Something is ringing.
109Brrring. Brrring.
110"...Shut up. Stop it."
111The sound doesn't stop.
112It rings loudly as if I'm an enemy.
113
114"...What? Come on, I was up late last night, so..."
115It should let me sleep in a bit longer.
116No, it has to let me sleep in.
117I was deciphering my father's will until early this morning, and I've used up too much magical energy.
118In other words, my mind and body are dead tired.
119
120"Ah, geez――――you're really stubborn."
121Brring. Brring. Brring. Brring.
122The alarm clock doesn't speak my language.
123So why does the ringing sound like it's telling me "You're going to be late"?
124
125"...Late... Being late is bad..."
126Though that depends on the situation.
127I'm a good student, but maybe I can get to school at the last moment just for today.
128
129"...That's right... I set the alarm thirty minutes early, so I should be able to sleep for thirty minutes more..."
130――――Huh?
131Isn't that strange?
132
133"...Set it thirty minutes early...?"
134I look at the alarm clock drowsily.
135The clock is pointing exactly at seven.
136I usually get up at six thirty, so the spare thirty minutes have already been used up.
137...Oh, why can't I think when I wake up.
138
139"...Hm."
140I stare at the alarm clock for several seconds.
141Shutting it off, I decide to get out of bed.
142
143Passing through the cold hallway, I enter the cold living room.
144It's seven o'clock on the last day of January.
145Fuyuki City is usually pretty warm in the winter, but this morning it's as cold as any other city.
146I can even see my breath indoors, and on top of that, there's no one else in the house to warm it up.
147
148"Heater, heater..."
149Turning on the heater, I head to the bathroom.
150At times like this, living on your own is inconvenient.
151If there were someone to wake up before me, the living room would be warm by now.
152
153I wash my face at the sink.
154I brush my long hair and get ready.
155A cold morning, a cold sink.
156The only advantage is that the cold water clears your sleepiness completely.
157
158I tie my ribbon and I'm all ready.
159All I have to do is eat breakfast and head out.
160Looking at the clock, it's only a bit past seven, and I'm a bit disappointed.
161
162"Man, I guess I don't have to run after all."
163Then again, I would never do anything as clumsy as running to school anyway.
164It is the custom of the Tohsaka family to act with composure and elegance at all times.
165
166Taking a custom like that seriously must mean that my family originated from a very high-class background indeed.
167Owning this old western-styled mansion is proof of that and on top of it, the Tohsaka family is a bloodline of sorcerers able to use the power of "Magic".
168If you're talking about age, our family has an ancient history.
169
170"...Well, it's not something I can brag about."
171Actually, I can't speak openly about it at all.
172―――Oh, by the way. I, Tohsaka Rin, am a magus―――
173Who on earth can I brag to like that?
174
175Magic is just what it sounds like... magic.
176I don't care if you get ideas like abracadabra or whatever.
177You can just think of us as people who do strange things by casting spells.
178
179―――Oh, though it's not like we fly around on brooms or make stars appear with a wave of a wand.
180...Well, we could do that, but we don't bother as it's kind of meaningless.
181We're basically heretics who hide ourselves from the world.
182We're prohibited from standing out and even if we weren't, we would rather be at home studying magic.
183
184On top of that, the word sorcerer is completely inaccurate.
185To be precise, there are only five sorcerers in the world.
186Things no one can do, things beyond the ability of modern science... The ones who can make such "miracles" are the ones we call sorcerers.
187
188Miracles that can never be achieved, regardless of time or effort... those we call sorcery.
189Those things that are mysterious, but achievable with time and effort... those we call magic.
190That's why what I do is called magic rather than sorcery.
191It's complicated, but that's how it is, so just accept it.
192
193Well, to be honest, the modern world doesn't recognize the existence of magi.
194As we believe, control, and learn things that are immeasurable, our existence is incompatible with the modern world.
195Because it's kind of meaningless.
196Going to a normal school and becoming a normal adult will bring you far more happiness than studying magic.
197
198Human technology is great.
199In the past few hundred years, it has been leading the way ahead of magic.
200Nothing is impossible for humans.
201The miracles once only possible through magic are now "tools" and not miraculous at all.
202
203―――Still, magic has its good points.
204Just as there are things possible only through science,
205there are also things possible only through magic.
206It was the master of the Tohsaka family who said that if science is moving toward the future, magic is moving toward the past.
207Something about the past and the future ending up at the same place, everything always running toward the zero point.
208Let's put off all these difficult discussions. They should wait until we're old.
209
210Finishing breakfast, I grab my bag.
211"―――Oh yeah. I should bring the pendant."
212I don't really want to take the thing to school, but it'd be a waste just to leave it here.
213
214"This thing is a hundred years old after all. It's by far the greatest jewel in the house."
215No, that's an understatement. It's much stronger than that.
216I found this after decoding Father's will last night. It contains the equivalent of ten years of my magical energy.
217There was said to be an heirloom, and this might well be it.
218
219We, the magi of Tohsaka, are skilled at the transformation of power. We put our magical energy into jewels whenever we have free time.
220To put it simply, the jewels are bullets and we are the gun.
221The only other thing I can say I received from my father is the Magic Crest of the Tohsaka family engraved on my left arm.
222In essence, this is the proof of the successor, and it's like a tattoo that condenses all the inherited magic of the Tohsaka family.
223
224"...It hasn't started yet, but I guess it doesn't hurt to be careful."
225I put the pendant, which can now be said to be my father's memento, into my pocket.
226
227"This is the last resort. Pretty much anything is possible with the magical energy contained in this."
228It's seven thirty.
229I should get going or I'll be late for school.
230
231"Schlie[szlig]ung. Verfahren Drei."
232I weave my words with magical energy quickly.
233Being a magus, I can't let my guard down when leaving my house.
234Even though there's never been a single robber, wandering child, nor a stray cat.
235...And I don't think my neighbor has ever come to say hello, either.
236
237"...Well, I don't really care. But not even a stray cat? What's up with that?"
238I look up at the mansion I've grown so accustomed to over the years.
239Fuyuki is certainly a strange city with many Western-styled houses on this side of town and an area full of Japanese-styled houses just beyond the intersection.
240
241I guess it's because many foreign families came to live here a long time ago, but even so, I don't see many foreigners around here now.
242There's a foreigners' cemetery in the new city across the river, but it only has the graves of the first generation of families.
243
244"Maybe the soil of Japan didn't suit them."
245I'll go to the church and ask the priest sometime.
246He knows about lots of boring things.
247
248"―――Huh?"
249Stepping outside, I feel a certain incongruity.
250
251"What's up? It's quieter than usual..."
252It's especially quiet with no sense of the morning's noisiness.
253At seven thirty, the street should be filled with students going to school and people going to work.
254
255"...Well, I guess there are days like this."
256Perhaps everyone slept in today.
257It's unusually cold, so I bet everyone's still wrapped up in their warm beds.
258
259"Hm... But even so..."
260It's strange that I haven't seen even one student so far.
261At seven thirty, you can usually see people in uniform here and there.
262But I'm the only person at the school gates, and it looks like the clubs are just starting their morning practice.
263In other words, the only explanation is...
264
265"Oh, Tohsaka? You're up early today."
266"...As I suspected."
267With a small sigh, I turn to the girl who addressed me.
268"Morning. It really is cold today, huh?"
269This girl, speaking so frankly, is Mitsuzuri Ayako.
270She's my classmate in class 2-A, and there are a lot of stories about her.
271
272"Good morning, Mitsuzuri-san. Please excuse the abrupt question, but do you know what time it is?"
273"Huh? It's almost seven. Are you still asleep?"
274
275She waves her hand in front of me, wondering if I'm alright.
276She is one of the few friends who know I am not a morning person.
277...In other words, she thinks I'm not fully awake yet.
278
279"I guess the clocks at my house were an hour fast. All of them.
280Not just my alarm clock, but the wall clocks as well."
281Really, just what's going on here?
282Did Father arrange for all the clocks to go mad when the pendant was removed from the basement?
283
284"Tohsaka?"
285"Don't worry, it's nothing. Anyways, are you off to morning practice as usual?"
286"Yeah. The archery club has lots of problem students and one good member quit. So I have to get them to look good to attract the new freshmen in April."
287
288"I see. There's always something to worry about, isn't there?"
289"You can say that since it's none of your concern. Oh, do you wanna come? The guys will love it if you come and watch."
290"――――Archery club, huh?"
291
292I have three acquaintances in the archery club.
293One is Ayako, the person before me right now, and the other two are people I barely talk to.
294And for one of those two, the word acquaintance doesn't really suffice.
295I became friends with Ayako because I had been watching the archery club from afar.
296
297"All right. I'll go if all I have to do is watch. I have nothing else to do this early anyways."
298"Great, let's go right now then."
299
300The impressive archery range is one of our school's outstanding aspects.
301Perhaps the director is just interested in archery, but the range is much too fancy for a mere school club.
302
303"Come on, there's still time before practice, so let's go in and have some tea."
304Happy about something, Ayako drags me in by the hand.
305It's a bad habit of hers. She talks like a guy when she's expressing her true feelings.
306
307As Ayako said, there's no one in here.
308While sipping hot tea, we prepare for today's class.
309The tea tastes really good in this open winter environment.
310
311"Well, I'll come straight to the point. How's it going, Tohsaka? Have you found a reliable partner yet?"
312So.
313As there's no one else around, Ayako comes straight out and asks me a ridiculous question.
314
315"...Huh, that's a really direct way of asking.
316Judging from your tone of voice, you've already found yours?"
317"No comment. I'm going to keep it a secret until you tell me. So what's going on? Looking at your tired face, I feel like I'm right."
318
319"Another no comment... but, you'd probably see through my lies. Unfortunately, not yet on my part.
320How about you? I assume you don't have time to take it easy either."
321
322"True, but things aren't looking good for me. I could get one right away, but it's not that kind of matter, you know? Our future depends on this, so I can't just compromise."
323"I see. So you don't want to choose hastily and lose to me?"
324
325"Of course not. The important part is making you lose. What I get comes second."
326She laughs boldly.
327
328"――――Geez. We really are alike."
329"Yeah. When we first met, I warned you we'd have this kind of relationship."
330Yes, she did indeed.
331I was certainly surprised when at our first meeting, she said "We'll probably end up with a 'kill or be killed' relationship".
332
333Or in other words, "Unless we go all out against each other, we'll never really be friends".
334I agreed with her on that, and that's why we've had a friend-or-foe relationship for two years.
335
336"By the way, why are we talking about this?"
337"Why? You're the one who started it, Tohsaka.
338You said there's something wrong with a woman never having a boyfriend, so we decided to see which of us could get a boyfriend before the third year."
339"...Oh yeah. Just tit for tat, I suppose. And did we say the loser would obey the winner for a day?"
340
341"Right. Even kids don't make promises like that nowadays, but it's not like we're sore losers.
342Whatever the result, the loser will obediently follow the winner's orders. Just thinking about it gets me excited."
343
344Ayako laughs.
345Honestly.
346She's so serious about this. Mitsuzuri Ayako is such a difficult person to deal with.
347
348...Though, I can't wait to beat Ayako either, so neither of us are people you want to deal with.
349
350"I see. But, Mitsuzuri-san? It's fine to enjoy yourself, but you should take care not to get your objectives wrong. You know that's not the only point of the contest, don't you?"
351
352"I know. I can't call it a complete victory unless I beat you with a relationship you would really be jealous of.
353Well, that's the biggest problem for us. No matter how good a guy it is, there's no point if we can't bring ourselves to love him."
354
355Ayako sighs heavily.
356To my knowledge, Mitsuzuri Ayako is said to hate men.
357Rumors are never to be trusted, however. As she suggested this match, rather than hating men, I think she just didn't have a chance.
358―――But, that aside.
359
360"Hold it. What do you mean, 'us'?
361I'll say it right now, but I'm not cold-hearted like you. I'd have no problem loving a guy."
362
363"Oh, that's a lie. Or you're fooling yourself. There's no way you'd ever be concerned about a guy.
364You've never given one good response to any of the confessions made to you. If you had even the slightest interest, you'd think of going out with them. But you keep declining, so it must mean you're not interested in men."
365
366"You're not thinking enough. Couldn't we say I'm declining because I already have someone I like?"
367"Wow, that's a good answer. I like that, it's romantic."
368
369Ayako nods seriously, not making fun of me.
370Her sigh says, "wouldn't it be nice if that was the case."
371...Geez.
372I really can't keep anything from her.
373
374"You're right, I think so too."
375Well, it's exactly as she says.
376I know myself how cold I am.
377
378"I admit it. I know nothing when it comes to love and relationships."
379"Exactly. You're the one who said we're alike.
380...Oh, it's almost seven. Let's leave the secret talk there. You never know when someone might walk in on us, and we should act like proper students."
381"Well, I never knew you had social manners like that. It was worth getting up early just to hear that."
382
383"Heh, not so much as you. My social manners are nothing compared to yours. You hide yourself so much it almost seems like you're a different person."
384Ayako gives an exaggerated sigh.
385Both of the teas she made are now empty, and it's my turn to make it.
386
387"So, why don't you join a club, Tohsaka? I won't listen to any lies about not having the athletic ability. I'm still bitter that I lost to you in all aspects in last year's physical testing."
388
389"Oh? But you beat me in lung capacity. And also in weight."
390"Ahahaha! All right, I'm three kilograms heavier than you!
391...Hey, being heavier isn't something to be happy about, you fox!"
392Ayako slams on the table.
393
394"Be careful, you might spill the tea, Mitsuzuri-san. You're the captain, so you should treat this place with care."
395"Shut up. I'm your rival first and captain of this place second.
396Naturally, if there are no members around, I'll go after you."
397
398Ayako looks at me with narrowed eyes.
399This girl has her own sense of beauty and she always says,[r]
400"Beautiful people have to do some kind of martial arts."
401
402She's a bold person experienced in most martial arts.
403She joined the archery club with no experience and is now the captain as if it were only natural.
404She's probably one of the top three people in the school you should never disobey, regardless of gender.
405
406"Oh, isn't it a problem to claim you're not the captain if there are no members around?"
407"Of course not. I'm the captain in name only, so all I can do is keep an eye on the problem members.
408There are people better than me, so it's not a very dignified captaincy."
409
410"Really? But Fujimura-Sensei says that your skills are outstanding."
411"Ugh... Well, if she says so, that gives me some confidence. Yeah, I guess it's no good to think about people who don't come here any more. Yeah, if Fujimura-Sensei said that, I guess I should take being captain more seriously."
412
413"That's right. Speaking of which, it's almost time for the club members to arrive, right? I'll get going but you stay and be a good captain."
414"What, you're not going to stay and watch?"
415"I wouldn't understand. Watching from a distance is fine, but outsiders shouldn't be in the range, should they?"
416
417Just as I rise, someone enters the range.
418
419"Good morning, captain."
420"Ah, morning, Matou. You're alone this morning?"
421"...Yes. I'm sorry I couldn't be of help."
422"Nah, it's okay. If he doesn't want to come, there's no point forcing him to."
423Ayako addresses the club member who just entered.
424
425"Well, I'll be going. See you later, Mitsuzuri-san."
426"Yeah, see you later, Tohsaka."
427"...Thank you for coming, Tohsaka-Senpai."
428"Thanks. You take care too, Sakura."
429
430I leave the range trying not to interrupt them.
431"Ah, Tohsaka, good morning. I'm lucky to see you so early."
432Bad luck. I've run into someone I don't want to see.
433
434"Good morning, Matou-kun. You're early today."
435"Of course. As the captain, I have to come early as an example to others."
436This smiling guy is Matou Shinji, of class 2-C.
437He's the vice-captain of the archery club and owner of the hearts of half the girls in this school.
438
439Kind of an idol, good looking, good grades, sociable, and kind to girls.
440I'm not too well-informed in such areas, so I've only heard all this from my classmates.
441
442"Really? I'm sorry to interrupt your good mood, but you're missing a word, Matou-kun. It's an important word, so I don't think you should forget it."
443"Hm? What do you mean missing a word?"
444"You're missing the 'vice-' part, vice-captain. You should watch out. It makes no difference whether you're the captain or the vice-captain, but if you put a lot of weight on it, people might think you're concerned about it, right?"
445
446"...
447You're right. I'll be careful from now on. Thank you, Tohsaka."
448"I've done nothing to earn your thanks, but I guess it doesn't matter if you think otherwise."
449Bidding him goodbye, I leave the range.
450
451"Hold on. You came to watch, right? Then you should stay and watch. You're very welcome here."
452"I'd rather not. I don't want to interrupt the morning practice."
453"Don't worry about that. If anyone's bothering you, I'll just kick them out, so come in for a while."
454"...I'm saying I don't want to be a bother.
455Besides, it's not like I'm interested in archery.
456I don't like watching people I don't know practicing."
457
458"What? You didn't have any interest in archery?
459...Oh, so that's why you were watching us after school."
460......
461I don't know what he thinks the reason was, but he's undoubtedly making a big misunderstanding.
462
463"―――Oh, so you knew, Matou-kun?"
464"Yeah, our eyes met many times, yours and mine. After I shot, you would always be looking at me, right?
465I wanted to call out to you, but it's the rules, you know? We can't raise our voice on the range."
466
467As if happy about something, Shinji moves in closer to me.
468His smile carries a sense of superiority.
469
470"I guess I misunderstood. I thought you liked archery, but you actually have no interest in it, right? So why were you watching the range?"
471
472"――――――――"
473Oh, I see now.
474Yes, the conversation could certainly have been taken that way.
475
476"Can you move away, Matou-kun? I really don't like people coming so close to me."
477"Uh? Tohsaka, what?"
478
479"Honestly, it seems you still don't understand.
480...It's not my style, but I'll put it in terms even you can understand.
481Matou-kun, I'm saying that I have even less interest in you than in archery. Frankly, I never even knew you were in the range, and I'm not about to start looking out for you now either."
482
483"―――W-What...!"
484As if I've angered him, he reaches out for me violently.
485I easily avoid it and turn my back on him.
486
487"Goodbye, Matou-kun. It's good to have some ego, but you shouldn't let it grow too large."
488"Tohsaka, you...!"
489He sounds like he wants to say more, but it doesn't seem like he's going to scream or come after me.
490
491...Geez, he really is all show.
492If he was just a little bit more mature, he wouldn't be so much trouble for the people around him.
493
494From the back of the school where the archery range is based, I enter the school building.
495It's past seven, but I can't see anyone in the hallway.
496
497"Oh, Tohsaka-san."
498"...Good morning, Fujimura-Sensei."
499"Yes, good morning, Tohsaka-san. I'm so happy you greeted me properly."
500
501The strange woman seems to be crying of happiness.
502...It's hard to believe, but this person of surpassing friendliness and cheerfulness is a teacher at this school.
503
504"Uh, Sensei... is there a way to greet you improperly?"
505"Of course there is. First years always greet me properly, but the older ones never greet me by my last name. You shouldn't copy their rudeness, okay?"
506
507"...I don't really understand, but I won't be rude to you, Sensei."
508"Good girl. Oh, I wish everyone was as good as you, Tohsaka-san."
509
510Fujimura-Sensei waves goodbye and leaves.
511Fortunately, she isn't my homeroom teacher.
512Fujimura-Sensei teaches English.
513She has such a kind face, but she also has a black belt in kendo, and I hear she was respected as the "Tiger of Fuyuki" in her student days.
514
515...Though, that's a bit strange.
516Wouldn't a tiger normally be feared, not respected?
517Apparently in a good mood, Fujimura-Sensei heads for the archery range.
518For some reason, she's in charge of the archery club and not the kendo club.
519
520It's almost seven-thirty.
521I can see a few students doing club activities outside, but there's no sign of anyone in the school building.
522But still...
523"――――Gah, Tohsaka."
524I bump into someone who greets me rudely.
525
526"Oh, Student President. Are you patrolling the school building this early in the morning? Or perhaps taking care of the club rooms? Not that I care, but you're certainly diligent."
527"Huh! What are you planning? What are you doing here? You're not in any clubs."
528"I just felt like it. I don't get up early like your family does, Ryudou-kun."
529
530"......"
531The Student President makes an unhappy face.
532For some reason, I seem to be his enemy.
533I really don't know why.
534...Perhaps it's just because I said "skip the temples, they're boring" in a meeting to plan for the field trip.
535
536"...Let me ask you a question, Tohsaka. Have you been staying at school until late at night recently?"
537"Nope. You should know I always go straight home, Ryudou-kun."
538"Of course. This is my job, so naturally I know about everyone."
539
540"I see. So you don't even have to ask, right? I don't know why you're asking, but isn't it bad to force student council jobs onto outsiders?
541You should collect information on your own. Don't rely on outsiders like me."
542"Idiot, how are you an outsider!?
543Don't think I don't know how you worked your evil deeds on our Treasurer, you fox!"
544
545"Oh, you misunderstand. I was merely working out how much each club should receive because Mitsuzuri-san asked me to.
546I think it's only right for students to take an interest in where their money is going."
547"...H-How can damaging our Treasurer's psyche enough to keep him off school for a week be 'only right' for any student? As always, I'm amazed by your way of thinking."[l]
548
549"The same to you. You should keep a watch on those under you.[l]
550It's not fair to favor the non-sporting clubs."
551"I know that. That's why I had intended to deal with the matter myself――――"
552
553"Issei, the repairs are done."
554――――And then.
555A guy appears who I didn't expect to find here.
556
557"Ah, sorry Emiya. I'm the one who asked for help, but it seems like you're doing all the work. Forgive me."
558"Don't worry about it. So, where next? There's not much time left."
559"Yeah, the AV room is next. It seems it's been working badly for a while, but it finally died."
560"It can't be fixed if it's dead. It would be quicker to just buy a new one."
561
562"...True, but it'd help if you could take a look at it. It might be dead to my eyes, but only faking it to yours."
563"I see. Well, let's take a look."
564
565The Student President leaves with the male student.
566"――――――――"
567My thoughts have stopped at this sudden event.
568
569The guy with wrenches and spanners in hand turns back as if remembering something.
570"You're up early, Tohsaka."
571And with that, he leaves.
572
573...Was that supposed to be a greeting?
574The student whom the president called "Emiya" leaves quickly.
575Emiya... that would be Emiya Shirou, from class 2-C.
576
577"...That's fine, but..."
578How can I put it?
579I just think it's hard to tell whether a guy who looks at home holding a wrench is useful or scary.
580
581It's seven thirty in the morning, and there's no one in class 2-A.
582"Well, I guess I'll study ahead."
583I sit at my desk and work on a few math problems.
584There's thirty minutes until homeroom... I guess I'll just be bored until my classmates arrive.
585
586Fourth period ends and the noisy lunch break begins.
587Our school has a cafeteria, but half the students stay in the classroom.
588
589Actually, most of the ones who stay are girls.
590The cafeteria food is rather roughly made, so girls tend to dislike it and as a result...
591"Ah, um, Tohsaka-san...! W-Would you like to have lunch with us...!?"
592...Girls end up eating lunch together like this.
593
594"Thank you, Saegusa-san, but I'm afraid I'm eating at the cafeteria today. I slept in this morning and didn't have time to make lunch."
595"Oh, I see... I'm sorry to invite you without realizing that. I guess I'm being a bother."
596
597Saegusa-san looks downcast as if apologizing.
598She's one of the calmest in a class full of calm students, and a kind person who cares about me for some reason.
599
600"I don't think so. It just happened that way today, so don't worry about it. Please ask me again tomorrow."
601I smile at her from the bottom of my heart.
602
603"Oh, yes. I guess even you sleep in from time to time."
604My smile must have relaxed her as she returns it with her own.
605
606"――――――――"
607Her smile is cute.
608Saegusa Yukika-san isn't the most beautiful person, but her smile warms the hearts of everyone around her.
609
610"Yes, that's right. I try not to let it show, but I actually sleep in quite often. I'm not in any clubs because I can't get up in the mornings."
611Saegusa-san's expression reveals her surprise.
612Her presence really relaxes me, but I can't just have fun talking.
613If I keep talking to people like this, I'm bound to reveal my true self.
614
615"Well, I'm off to the cafeteria. Enjoy your lunch, Saegusa-san."
616"Yes. You too, Tohsaka-san."
617We exchange a warm goodbye and she returns to her group of girls.
618
619It seems she's eating with Makidera-san and Himuro-san.
620Oh yeah, Saegusa-san is the manager of the track team.
621Makidera and Himuro-san are the track team's hopefuls.
622Makidera is a friend I sometimes go window-shopping with, but I don't know Himuro-san that well.
623
624"Oh, you were rejected, Yukicchi? Didn't I tell you Tohsaka wouldn't bring lunch? If you want to eat with her, you'll have to make her lunch too."
625"...Maki, can't we just go to the cafeteria too, then?"
626
627"No way. There isn't enough room in that place for people who bring their own lunches. And even if we did sit with Tohsaka, the men's glares would be annoying as hell.
628Like last vacation! We went to hang out together, but she's the only one who got any attention. Don't you just hate people who have to show off their beauty like that?"
629
630Makidera speaks without thinking as the girls surround Saegusa-san's desk.
631In contrast to her nasty mouth, she's a Japanese beauty who looks wonderful in a kimono.
632
633"...Um, I think that Tohsaka-sama can hear you."
634In contrast to Makidera's loudness, Himuro is the cool, steady type.
635
636"Ack, crap, Tohsaka heard that? Ugh, she's really glaring at me...!"
637"Uh, I-I don't think she's glaring at you, really..."
638
639"She is. She's scariest when she's smiling. Come on, take it easy Tohsaka. It's us we're talking about, right? I bought you taiyaki, remember?"
640She waves her chopsticks, puffing out her cheeks.
641The knowledge that this girl's hobby is collecting wind chimes just shows that the world is far too complex.
642
643...Anyways, it's not good for Saegusa-san to keep watching this.
644She's panicking, seeing Makidera continually talking bad about me.
645
646"Don't worry, Saegusa-san.[l]
647And Makidera-san? I'm the one who paid, and it was crepes, not taiyaki. You should fix that habit of yours of changing the facts you remember, or I might have to reconsider things next time, okay?"
648"Ugh. That smile is really scary."
649Makidera hides behind the lid of her lunch box.
650Saying goodbye to the three of them, I leave the classroom.
651
652I shut the door behind me.
653...And then,
654"Man, come on! There's no big difference between crepes and taiyaki, they're both just sweets wrapped up!"
655Makidera's words are ones no girl should ever speak.
656
657"...Taiyaki and crepes, the same...!?"
658Is she really a girl? Are all sweets the same to her?
659Perhaps she just has very convenient taste buds that can't tell a 500 yen crepe from an 80 yen taiyaki, but...
660Why you... I could have saved 420 yen if I'd just bought you taiyaki to begin with...!
661
662"...Why am I getting mad about this?"
663I guess I'm still tired from last night.
664The cafeteria would be too much effort, so I'll just get a drink and some bread and eat on the roof.
665
666I buy lunch and head for the empty rooftop.
667It's a convenient location as no student would come near it in the wintertime.
668It's too cold to eat, but that's a small price to pay for being able to eat without worrying about other people.
669
670"Well, lunch comes first."
671I start on my tomato sandwich and hot lemon drink.
672It's a simple lunch, but the taste is much improved in this peace and quiet.
673
674"―――――Phew."
675I finish my sandwich and my hot lemon drink.
676...I'm a bit tired.
677It's a difficult balance, being a good student while trying not to be too social.
678
679It's my vanity... no, my conviction, that I must be number-one both academically and physically.
680If I am to be a student, I want to be the best, and it's unthinkable for me to dishonor the Tohsaka name.
681So that's why I'm a perfect student, flawless in all aspects.
682
683But at the same time, I also have a dangerous job as a magus, so I shouldn't associate with normal people.
684Normally, any magus whose identity is discovered has no choice but to eliminate the witness.
685...I don't want to do that.
686So inevitably, my social life has become a shallow one.
687
688I only hang out with Makidera on weekends, and I try to refuse invitations from friendly people like Saegusa-san.
689Even though I'm the best honor student in the school, I live trying not to become too important to anyone.
690Though, sometimes when I'm tired like this, it makes me think that this life is rather boring.
691
692"Oh, it's time already?"
693I finish my hot lemon drink and stand up.
694I should stop drowning in sentimentality and go back to being the usual Tohsaka Rin once I go down the stairs――――
695
696"Homeroom is at an end. Those of you on day duty, finish the daily report and check the locks.
697Those of you without club activities are to go home quickly."
698
6992-A's homeroom teacher exits after repeating his usual line.
700As far as I know, this line hasn't changed all year.
701
702"Tohsaka, you're going home already?"
703"Yes. There was an event with Matou-kun this morning, so I'm heading home before it becomes a bother."
704"Haha, I thought so. Matou was in a bad mood this morning, so I thought you must've given him a hard time."
705"I see. Did I cause you any trouble, Mitsuzuri-san?"
706"Not at all. It's normal for Matou to torment the younger students, and I think that kind of thing will be good mental training for him."
707
708"I see, that's good. Well, I'll make up for it some other time."
709"All right. Don't be put off and come by again!"
710
711I head straight home.
712It's not like I don't have any business with the archery club or the student council, but I haven't had enough free time for them these past few days.
713Once I leave school, Tohsaka Rin is no longer a student.
714The rest of the day is not for myself as a student.
715Instead, I must become a magus of the Tohsaka family―――
716
717Back at my house, I'm greeted by the blinking light on my answering machine.
718"―――It's unusual for me to get any messages. It was... just as I thought, it's you, Kirei."
719I already know what he's going to say, but he'll be scary later if I don't listen.
720When I press the play button, I hear a familiar voice.
721
722"It's me. I'm sure you know, but tomorrow is the deadline, Rin.
723It's a problem for me if you take it easy. There are only two remaining seats.
724I must ensure all the Masters are arranged quickly."
725This priest shows no mercy as he gets right to the point.
726
727"If you wish to abandon your right to become a Master, contact me today. It takes some time to dispatch a substitute magus."
728Liar. Someone like you would be able to arrange a substitute in no time.
729
730"You already show signs of the Command Spell. Quickly, summon your Servant and open the Command Spell.
731Unless, of course, you're not planning to be a part of this Holy Grail War. If you value your life, you should run to the church quickly."
732
733The message ends there.
734...His words are concise.
735He's telling me that if I am to fight, I should get ready by today and if I'm not going to fight, I'm an eyesore and should just retire quickly.
736
737"...Heh, you don't have to tell me that."
738Well, it can't be helped.
739Today is as late as the deadline can be extended.
740Fortunately, I was able to decode Father's will last night.
741My preparations are ready.
742All that remains is―――yes, obtaining the qualification to enter this fight...
743
744"The Holy Grail War... a fight to the death for the one and only Holy Grail. A ritual of the Holy Grail passed down for hundreds of years, huh?"
745The magi who participate in the Holy Grail War are called Masters.
746This is not so much a rank, rather it indicates "one who is in control".
747
748The requirement to enter the Holy Grail War.
749That is to summon a familiar called a Servant, and to form a contract with it.
750No matter how great a magus a person is, one is not considered a Master until he has a Servant under him.
751
752Servants are beings very different from normal familiars.
753The methods of summoning and controlling them are different as well.
754A magus planning to enter the Holy Grail War usually prepares a catalyst to summon a Servant, but....
755
756"...Really, I wish Father could have left me something with a connection to Saber."
757I don't have anything with any "connection".
758I can summon a Servant.
759If I wanted to, I could summon one right now and form a contract with it.
760The town's sacred ground is under our jurisdiction.
761As the daughter of the Tohsaka family which has protected this town through the generations, I will not lose to magi from elsewhere.
762
763But that said... I guess you can't go out to sea without a compass. Or perhaps I should say things are completely unplanned?
764
765"...Servants are attracted to symbols.
766If you want to summon a strong Servant, you need something that has a connection to that Servant."
767In other words, a sword, armor, talisman, bone of that Servant, or something like that... something valuable beyond belief.
768
769"...I was hoping there'd be something like that in Father's will, but... No, this is a great trump card too. But still...."
770The pendant I found last night in the basement is one of the best Artifacts in its class.
771It's great in its own way.
772It's great, but it won't help me to summon my servant.
773
774"...Huh! It's fine. I can do it without help from that sort of thing. After all, there can't exist any Masters capable of handling Saber other than myself."
775
776―――All right, I've decided.
777I don't want to make Kirei complain any more by postponing it any longer, and it's not like me to wait until the last second.
778It'll come down to just trying it.
779I'll face the summoning tonight with full power and obtain Saber by force...!
780
781Late at night.
782The clock is about to strike two.
783This is the best timeframe for my magical energy.
784The peak of my magical energy is at exactly two in the morning.
785Since this will be my first and last chance, I can't afford any mistakes.
786
787"―――Withdrawal within elimination, engrave four areas and surround with the summoning circle... right."
788
789I engrave the circle onto the floor of the basement.
790You don't need a large-scale summoning to summon the Servant.
791Servants are called forth by the Holy Grail.
792As the Master's priority is to keep the Servant in this world and to supply them with enough magical energy to substantiate, the Holy Grail takes care of the summoning.
793
794"Bare and silver and iron. Stone for foundation and the Grand Duke of contracts. My great master Shveinorg for the ancestor.
795A wall for the descending winds. The four gates shall close and come out the crown. Let the three-forked road to the kingdom cycle."
796
797Still, I continue with the greatest concentration.
798I draw the magic circle, normally written in blood, with my melted jewels.
799...I'm using half the jewels I've saved up, so I can't fail for financial reasons too.
800
801"Enclose. Enclose. Enclose. Enclose. Enclose.
802Five times for each repetition.
803Just destroy the enclosed time."[l]
804...It's almost two in the morning.
805Completing the magic circle passed down through the Tohsaka family, I face it with all my power.
806"Anfang."
807I flip the formless switch inside me.
808I feel a sensation as if the contents of my body are being exchanged.
809The usual nerves invert into circuits transmitting magical energy.
810From this point, Tohsaka Rin is not human.
811I shall become a part of the tool to attain mystic power.
812
813...I am melting from my fingertips.
814No, I am being filled from my fingertips.
815The mana I am taking in is so concentrated that the original senses of my body are being repainted.
816So, being filled is the same as being destroyed.
817
818"[line12]"
819The power that fills me is pure magical energy from the air.
820It is absorbed by my body, which has become a circuit, and transformed into a different form of magical energy.
821The body of a magus is nothing more than a circuit.
822A circuit to connect the spiritual and the real.
823We call the result of this, the many mystic occurrences it has made real, magic.
824
825...My body is burning hot.
826An illusion of myself growing horns.
827An illusion of wings growing out of my back.
828An illusion of scales forming on my hands.
829A sensation of being in water.
830...I start to sweat.
831Stab, stab. Swords are driven into my body.
832
833This is the pain caused by my human body rejecting itself as the Magic Circuit.
834No matter how great a magus you are, a human is human.
835This pain will result as long as people use magic in a human body.
836
837But I do not loosen my circulation.
838At the end of this pain, on the verge of elimination, lies the place of "connection".
839"[line12]"
840...A pain running through my left arm.
841The Magic Crest starts up on its own to help me, and as a result, violates my nerves even more.
842
843The harvested mana in my blood.
844If that is burning iron, then the Magic Crest itself is like a nerve made of thorns.
845It runs through my body like a centipede with fangs―――
846
847"[line12]"
848I lose myself within that pain.
849And at the same time, I feel that I have reached my goal.
850My overly sensitive hearing keeps recognizing the sound of the clock in the living room.
851Ten more seconds until two in the morning.
852The power within me is perfect and flawless.
853
854"――――――――I announce."
855Let's start.
856I take the mana I've absorbed and turn it into "fixed" magical energy.
857And now...
858I have only to empty out the mana within me to move the engine called the summoning circle...
859
860"――――I announce.
861Thy body shall be under my command, my fate shall be determined by thy sword.
862Follow the call of the Holy Grail. If thou wouldst obey this mind and this reason, then answer my call."
863
864My vision closes.
865The fifth element, said to be unperceivable by human eyes, is before me.
866So, in fear of being broken by it, vision shuts itself down.
867
868"Make an oath here.
869I am the one who shall become the virtue of all afterworld.
870I am the one who shall lay out the evil of all afterworld.
871Thou art Seven Heavens clad in the Three Great Words.
872Emerge from the ring of control, guardian of balance...!"
873
874"―――Perfect...!"
875It's so perfect, I feel like I'm tugging on a whale with a fishing rod!
876
877I've drawn the strongest card for sure...!
878Geez, I can't wait for my vision to return.
879My vision should recover in a matter of seconds and there will be the summoned Servant right in front of me...
880
881―――Nothing.
882
883"Huh...?"
884Nothing is nothing.
885There is no change.
886I've raged out that much ether and nothing has formed.
887And on top of that...
888I hear an explosion from the living room.
889
890"WHY!!!!?"
891I run.
892I keep running without thinking.
893I run up the basement stairs and into the living room.
894
895"...The door's broken!?"
896The living room door is crooked.
897There's no point in turning the handle.
898The door doesn't open, even as I push and pull it.
899"...Geez, you're in my way...!"
900With a crash, I kick through the door into the living room.
901
902"......"
903And.
904The instant I walk into the living room, I understand everything.
905
906The living room is in a big mess.
907It's full of rubble that must have fallen from the ceiling, and there's one man sitting on it cockily.
908"......"
909Without a doubt, that is the cause of this mess.
910
911"......"
912But there's one thing more important than that.
913The wall clock is still ticking away time, having escaped destruction.
914...That reminds me.
915Yes, that's right. Come to think of it, every clock in my house was an hour early today for some reason.
916In other words, it's one in the morning right now.
917There's actually one more hour until my magical energy is at its peak.
918
919"...I did it again."
920I can do most things just like everyone else, but I have one hereditary curse.
921That is, to make the biggest mistakes at the most important times....
922
923"...Well, what's done is done. I should reflect on my actions."
924I am mad at my own stupidity.
925Still irritated, I glare at the man sitting there like he's important.
926
927"So. What are you?"
928"Those are your first words? I guess I've been called to a terrible Master."
929The man in red gives an exaggerated shrug.
930"Maybe I'm the most unlucky of all," he adds.
931...I do declare.
932This guy has a twisted personality.
933
934"――――――"
935But this would be the Servant?
936Since they call it a familiar, I thought it was something shapeless, but this is human-like.
937
938...No, that's wrong.
939Just standing here, I can tell this thing has outrageous amounts of magical energy.
940Don't be fooled by its appearance.
941This is certainly an existence far beyond human, a "ghost" that has reached the level of spirits as a human.
942
943"――――――"
944I can't be overwhelmed forever.
945That thing is mine.
946So, I'll have to change my thinking from now on.
947
948"―――Just to check, but you are my Servant, right?"
949"That's what I'd like to ask. Are you my Master? This is the first time I've been summoned so roughly, so to be honest, I still can't grasp the situation."
950
951"This is the first time for me as well. I'll have to refuse that kind of a question."
952"I see. But when I was summoned, you were not in front of me. Explain to me what's going on."
953"Really? Don't joke around and tell me you're like a newborn chick who can only determine your Master when you open your eyes."
954
955The unknown Servant frowns.
956It's a rather vague response, and I cannot tell if he's angry at my complaint or impressed at how correct I am.
957
958"Well, anyway, what I'm asking is. You're my servant and not anyone else's, right?
959Until we clarify this, I have no obligations to answer any other questions."
960"...That's what you say after failing your summoning? In this case, I think there are other things you should say."
961
962"There's nothing else. We have to clearly determine who's the master first."
963"―――Hm."
964The Servant raises his brow.
965Perhaps because it was an imperfect summoning, this guy isn't even trying to hide his dissatisfaction with me.
966
967"Hmm. So we have to define who's master, huh? Your actions are full of mistakes, but it seems your mouth is rather better.
968―――Yes, I certainly agree with that opinion. Unless we make it clear who is the stronger and who the weaker, it'll be hard to handle each other."
969The Servant looks at me meaningfully as he lays on the rubble.
970
971"Who's the weaker...?"
972"Yeah. I am a Servant, so I'll accept this Master-Servant relationship. But that's only according to the contract, right?
973Who's superior and if the other is worthy to fight alongside with. That's a different story.
974―――Well? Are you a magus worthy to be my Master, young lady?"
975
976The Servant grins.
977He smashes my house and that attitude like he's king makes me angry enough, but now he asks me if I'm worthy to be a Master...!?
978
979"―――I'm not asking for your opinions.
980All I'm asking is if you are my Servant or not."
981I glare at him.
982I will not lose to someone who looks down on me this frankly.
983
984"Hm, I see, I see. So you're saying such an obvious question isn't even worth answering? How courageous. Your spirit is that of a splendid Master, but...."
985"I s-a-i-d, don't get the order wrong...!
986It's the duty of the summoner to confirm first. Now answer me. You are my Servant, right...!?"
987I step forward, ready to attack depending on his answer.
988
989"―――Geez. You are a stubborn young lady. We're not getting anywhere this way.
990...I guess it can't be helped. Let's say I am your Servant. In that case, would you be my Master? Just hypothetically."
991
992"O-Of course...! If you're my Servant summoned by me, who else but me would be your Master...!?"
993I somehow cool my boiling head and glare at this rude guy.
994
995"Oh, I see. Well, let's suppose that's true.
996Then, where's the proof that you are my Master?"
997The Servant talks nonsense, grinning.
998He must think I'll panic about this proof of Master thing.
999
1000"Here. This is proof that I'm your Master, right?"
1001"Hm?"
1002I show him the Command Spell on the back of my right hand.
1003Heh, don't think I don't know anything.
1004My father talked a lot about Masters, so I know about the Command Spell.
1005
1006"Are you satisfied? Are you still going to complain?"
1007I thrust before him the proof that I'm a Master.
1008The Servant in the rubble looks confused, then...
1009"...Man. Are you serious, young lady?"
1010His face clouds with discontent.
1011
1012"Wha... what do you mean, am I serious?"
1013"I mean, that way of thinking. So you're a Master if you have a Command Spell? A Command Spell is only a tool that governs the Servant.
1014Geez, you act like a Master just because of that?
1015What I wanted to see was, are you worthy for me to pledge my loyalty to?"
1016
1017"Ah... uh."
1018T-That's true, but... you'd normally think of the Command Spell when talking about the proof that one's a Master.
1019
1020"...So, what? I'm not fit to be a Master then?"
1021"I'd like that, but no go. Since you have the Command Spell, it seems you are my summoner. It's unbelievable, but it seems you really are my Master."
1022He gives an exaggerated shrug of his shoulders.
1023
1024"......"
1025―――This is bad.
1026My boiling point is so low, it seems I won't be able to cool down in time.
1027
1028"I'm not happy, but I'll accept it.
1029You're my Master for now. But I have conditions as well. From now on, I will ignore your opinions. I will decide how to fight, and you will follow my plans.
1030This is the best I'll compromise on. You don't mind that, right, young lady?"
1031
1032"――――――――"
1033Uh, I think this is it, Father.
1034I'm almost at my limit.
1035
1036"...I see. You accept unhappily, but what do you mean about ignoring my opinions? You're my Servant, right?"
1037I ask him in a trembling voice, just in case.
1038There's the issue of the Command Spell too, so this is my last warning, the biggest compromise I can make.
1039
1040And to that...
1041"Yeah, in name only. So, formally I'll obey you. But I'm the one doing the fighting. You can hide in the basement here and stay there until the Holy Grail War ends.
1042That way, even an inexperienced person like you should make it out alive."
1043He tells me he has no hope for me with eyes full of disdain.
1044
1045"...!!"
1046"Hm, are you angry? No, I will respect your position, of course. I am called to help my Master win after all.
1047My victory is yours, and I shall give you everything that I earn in this fight. You shouldn't have any complaints about that, right?"
1048"――――――――I..."
1049
1050"You wouldn't be able to use the Command Spell anyway.
1051Well, you can leave the rest to me. You just worry about your own safe...ty...!?"
1052"I'm pissed―――!
1053Fine, if you say that, I'll use it!"
1054
1055"Anfang...!"
1056There's no holding back now. I've no sympathy for a twisted guy like him...!
1057
1058"Wha... you're not...!?"
1059"Exactly what you're thinking, you rude scum!
1060"Vertrag...! Ein neuer Nagel Ein neues Gesetz Ein neues Verbrechen―――!"
1061(I announce to the Command Spell! By the order of the Holy Grail, give the law of obedience to this one, my Servant!)
1062
1063"You idi...! Wait, are you insane, Master!? Who would use the Command Spell for something like this...!"
1064"Shut up!
1065Look, you're my Servant! You have to obey every single one of my orders, okay!?"
1066"W-What...!?"
1067
1068―――The symbol on my right hand throbs.
1069The three Command Spells.
1070The essence of the Holy Grail War, the three claims to the Servant's unconditional obedience, is now used.
1071
1072"A-Are you not even thinking...! Using the Command Spell for such a general thing...!"
1073Huh, it's too late now.
1074...First of all, I wasn't expecting this either.
1075I hate myself so much, I want to die.
1076To go ahead and use the important Command Spell for something like this...!
1077
1078―――So.
1079Leaving the ruined living room behind, we move to my room.
1080In front of me is the Servant who should be "absolutely obedient" from my Command Spell.
1081He's there, but...
1082
1083"...I see. I understand your personality now, Master."
1084How exactly is this "absolutely obedient"?
1085
1086"Just to make sure... do you understand how important the Command Spell is, Master?"
1087"I-I know. It's the right to give your Servant three orders, right? What about it?"
1088
1089"...Geez. Look, the Command Spell forces the Servant to act according to an order.
1090It doesn't merely stop their actions, it strengthens their actions as well.
1091
1092For example, I can't instantly teleport to somewhere far away. But if you command me to 'go' using your Command Spell, then assuming we have enough magical energy, such things become possible.
1093This is what is meant by unconditional obedience. It is the three crystallizations of a great magic that allows a Servant to surpass limits on their ability even they can't control. Well, only two now."
1094
1095"I-I know that. It's fine, we still have two and that order I gave you isn't useless, either."
1096
1097"...Man. This was certainly a miscalculation on my part.
1098The Command Spell works poorly on broad orders.
1099For broad and long-lasting orders like 'protect me through this' or 'win this battle', the power of the Command Spell weakens. The force will last a long time, but since the associated pain is weak, some Servants will be able to disobey.
1100
1101In contrast, a single, simple order like 'deliver the next blow with all your power', or 'don't break that glass' is absolute, and even the most powerful Servants will find it hard to disobey.
1102...So, I think you can guess what I'd like to say next, Master."
1103
1104"...I get the idea. So you're saying a broad, long-lasting order is meaningless, right?
1105If the effect is weak, Servants can act against it. It's better to make a single absolute order than to give weak ones, right?"
1106
1107"Right. Basically, the Command Spell is a way to bring about miracles beyond our abilities. Stupidly using it for orders that can be achieved by other means is unforgivable.
1108The Command Spell you just used is exactly that. Whether or not I'll obey you is something that we could have solved by discussion. Even with the command, something like 'obey my every order completely' is beyond even a hundred Command Spells."
1109
1110"Ugh... so the Command Spell I just used was meaningless...?"
1111"...Normally, the answer would be yes. But it seems that your abilities as a magus are on a completely different level."
1112"...?"
1113Is he happy or unhappy?
1114The Servant has a smile on his face as he sighs.
1115
1116"On a completely different level... you mean....
1117Hey, you. Tell me honestly your condition right now."
1118I have a gut feeling, so I ask him boldly.
1119
1120"Yeah, that's what I mean by miscalculation.
1121That Command Spell should have only changed my attitude to 'well, I'll respect Master's opinions slightly'.
1122But right now, I feel a strong bind from your words. If I disagree with you, let's see... it seems like I drop a rank.
1123In other words, it's like my body feels heavy when I go against your will."
1124The Servant shrugs his shoulders as if to say it's a pain.
1125
1126"―――So..."
1127...That means the Command Spell wasn't meaningless, and it worked in my favor?
1128But this guy speaks as sarcastically as always, and it doesn't seem like he's any weaker at all.
1129Though, even if he is weakened when going against me, I doubt even ten of me could take him on...
1130
1131"Let me take back what I said before, Master.
1132You are young, but you are an outstanding magus.
1133It was my mistake to patronize you and try to keep you out of the battle. I apologize for my rudeness."
1134He adjusts his stance and bows his head politely.
1135
1136"Uh―――hey, stop it. We argued a lot, but they say both sides are usually at fault in this sort of thing..."
1137"I see. I'm glad you understand."
1138"...You changed your tune quickly."
1139"Well, it was a miscalculation, but not an unwelcome one. If you're this talented, I have no objections to your involvement in the battle."
1140
1141"Huh...?"
1142Uh... he seems to be saying he's found a powerful Master, so...
1143"So you accept me as Master even without the Command Spell?"
1144
1145"Of course. I wasn't clear back then as I was just summoned, but we are completely connected now. If you're really a magus, you should be able to feel the connection from the contract."
1146
1147"Contract...?"
1148Hm, now that he mentions it, my body does feel strange.
1149It feels like the nerves, once closed within me, are now pointing outwards.
1150...And on top of that, part of my magical energy is flowing into the man in front of me.
1151
1152"I see. Servants are called by the Holy Grail, but what keeps them in this world is..."
1153"Right, the power of the Master. Servants stay in this world by receiving magical energy from their Masters."
1154
1155"The magical energy you supply is sufficient. There might be problems with your experience, but your ability is outstanding.
1156A normal magus would pass out after summoning a Servant, but you're still full of energy.
1157The Command Spell earlier, and this amount of magical energy... you're definitely a first class Master."
1158"...! H-Heh! Praising me now won't do you any good."
1159A bit embarrassed, I avert my gaze.
1160
1161...I wasn't really expecting this.
1162I'm forcing him to obey with the Command Spell, but for a Servant, a being superior to humans, to honestly accept that I am his Master....
1163
1164"...So? Which Servant are you?"
1165I collect myself and finally get to the point.
1166"You can't tell from my appearance, huh? Ah, excellent."
1167......
1168No, I was just mistaken before.
1169This guy is certainly making fun of me.
1170
1171"...All right, this is a question from your Master.
1172You're not Saber, are you?"
1173"I'm sorry, but I don't have a sword."
1174
1175"――――――――"
1176...As I suspected.
1177This is natural, though. I mistook the time, the summoning circle didn't work, and I even summoned the Servant to the wrong place.
1178It was all too clumsy to call Saber, the strongest Servant.
1179
1180"...What a blunder. Using that many jewels and not calling Saber... it's too appalling to face."
1181"...Hmph. Well, I'm sorry I'm not Saber."
1182"Huh? Uh, well, it was a big mistake and I regret it, but it's my fault, so..."
1183"Yeah, Archer isn't too flashy, I know.
1184All right, I'll make you regret your abuse later on. And I won't accept any apologies when that time comes."
1185
1186"...Huh?"
1187...This is unexpected.
1188The unknown Servant seems disappointed by my fixation on Saber.
1189
1190"What, did I get on your nerves, Archer?"
1191"I get it. But keep your eyes open as I will definitely show you how lucky you are."
1192
1193Archer protests with narrow eyes.
1194The air he carries is offensive, but his behavior seems childlike and pure.
1195...You know...
1196He might be a pretty good guy.
1197
1198"All right. Then be sure you make me regret it later on, Archer.
1199If you do, I'll honestly apologize."
1200"Yeah, and don't you forget it, Master. Know how great the one you summoned is and be grateful.
1201Though, even if you do apologize then, I probably won't be satisfied."
1202Archer grins again.
1203Huh, maybe he does have a twisted personality after all.
1204
1205"Well, fine. Leaving that aside, which heroic spirit are you?"
1206"――――"
1207Archer doesn't answer.
1208His sarcastic tone disappears, and he frowns seriously.
1209
1210"Archer? Your Master is asking you a question."
1211"That's... a secret."
1212"Huh...?"
1213"I can't answer the question of who I am, because―――"
1214"Hold on. If it's for a stupid reason, I'll be pissed."
1215
1216"―――――――It's..."
1217Oh, that face again.
1218Archer must be really troubled as he opens his mouth like he'd rather not say anything.
1219"―――It's because I don't know myself."
1220...Wait, what was that..?
1221
1222"Whaaaaaaat!? Are you making fun of me!?"
1223"...I didn't mean to insult you, Master.
1224But this is what you get for your failed summoning. It seems my memory is confused. I know who I am, but things like my name and origin are a bit vague... Well, they're trivial things to be missing, so we shouldn't worry about it."
1225
1226"Don't worry about it? Of course I'm worried about it!
1227If I don't know which heroic spirit you are, I can't tell how strong you are!"
1228"Oh, that's no problem. It's a trivial matter."
1229"Trivial, you say? How can I make a plan when I don't know how strong my partner is!? There's no way we can fight like this!"
1230
1231"What are you saying? I am the servant you summoned. Naturally, I am the strongest."
1232Straightforwardly.
1233The knight in red looks at me with absolute confidence and trust.
1234
1235"Wha..."
1236My thoughts freeze.
1237There's no dishonesty in Archer's words.
1238He thinks more highly of my power than I do, even though we've only just met.
1239
1240"――――――――"
1241...My face is burning.
1242Geez, I'm definitely blushing.
1243Why am I so weak against unexpected things?
1244
1245"...Well, fine. It'll make no difference that no one will know your true identity. They do say that to fool your enemies, you must first fool your allies..."
1246I say this to hide my embarrassment, looking away from Archer.
1247Well, I can find out later how good a Servant he is.
1248For now, I have a higher priority.
1249
1250"All right. I shall not question you about your true identity for now.
1251So Archer, here's your first task."
1252"Already? You are aggressive.
1253So, who's our enemy―――"
1254As he's asking, I throw a dustpan and broom in front of him.
1255
1256"―――Huh?"
1257"Clean the room downstairs, please. You made that mess, so be responsible and clean the place up."
1258"――――――"
1259He stands there blankly for ten seconds.
1260After recovering his thoughts, he grabs the broom ready to make an objection.
1261
1262"Hold on. Just what do you think a Servant is?"
1263"A familiar, right? He's a bit insolent, so he's difficult to control."
1264"――――――――"
1265Archer swallows his words.
1266I don't intend to take back my words, and I do have a trump card.
1267
1268"Objection. I refuse such an ord―――"
1269"Really? This is an order as a Master. Doesn't your body feel heavy when you go against your Master's wishes?"
1270"Ugh."
1271
1272"Well, I'm sure it's nothing to you, but the penalty would continue until you clean up the living room. Won't it be dangerous to fight in such a condition from tomorrow?"
1273"Ugh."
1274He groans for a few seconds, clenching the broom.
1275
1276The Servant in the red coat, Archer, closes his eyes in dismay.
1277"Understood. Damn you, Master."
1278He acknowledges my request gracefully.
1279
1280Well.
1281It's getting late, so I should rest for tonight.
1282I can decide about how to treat him after I wake up.
1283
1284―――The day of fate comes to a close.
1285No, this night is the start of fate.
1286
1287There are six including myself now.
1288Once the last one summons a Servant, the seventh one who is not yet a Master, this Holy Grail War will commence.
1289
1290It's not far ahead.
1291The battle I've waited ten years for is about to commence....
1292
1293―――The Holy Grail War.
1294It is a great ritual, which has been practiced for hundreds of years.
1295If one enters the ritual, one must eliminate the other six, as it is a battle for one's life.
1296
1297I don't know when the Holy Grail War began.
1298It is said that the Holy Grail is in the land of Fuyuki, and that many magi have fought each other here in the past.
1299They had only one purpose... to obtain the Noble Phantasm called the Holy Grail.
1300
1301But the origin of the Holy Grail is unknown.
1302It's certain that it never received the blood of God, but its power matches that of the one in the legend―――
1303Yes.
1304It is said that the Holy Grail can grant any wish.
1305
1306Only one has the right to possess it.
1307The Holy Grail can only grant one wish for one person.
1308But seven magi are needed to summon the Holy Grail in this land.
1309One miracle, seven collaborators.
1310...Well, the point is, it was only a matter of time before a fight broke out over the Holy Grail.
1311
1312It began like an ordinary fight over resources.
1313The seven magi used the power of the Holy Grail equally to each summon a familiar, a "Servant", to battle the other magi.
1314
1315Only one magus will obtain the Holy Grail.
1316And so, each of them treated the other six, once allies, now as enemies, and a gruesome fight began.
1317This is the ritual called the Holy Grail War, a competition between magi for the Holy Grail.
1318
1319The magi chosen by the Holy Grail are called Masters, and each Master receives a powerful familiar called a Servant by the grace of the Holy Grail.
1320―――There are two proofs that one is a Master.
1321Summoning a Servant and making it obey.
1322And obtaining the three Command Spells that can order the Servant.
1323
1324The first goes without saying.
1325Yesterday... no, a few hours ago to be exact... I summoned Archer to be my Servant.
1326That leaves only the second.
1327I must protect to the end this Command Spell that binds the Servant.
1328For a Master, this is probably the most important thing of all.
1329
1330The pattern inscribed on my right hand after summoning Archer... this is the Command Spell.
1331This holy sign, granted by the Holy Grail, is the proof of a Master who has summoned a Servant.
1332
1333This mark with concentrated magical energy is an instantaneous thing, not an eternal one.
1334It is consumed by use, and as the appearance suggests, it has one use for each strike.
1335In other words, only three times.
1336A master who loses all three of their Command Spells will be unable to control their Servant and faces death.
1337
1338...So.
1339The Command Spell must be guarded as closely as one's life.
1340It hurts my head to think that I've used one right at the start, but it wasn't completely meaningless, so I'll call it good.
1341Because it's not unusual for Servants to go against their Masters.
1342I'm fortunate to have been able to chain him using one Command Spell.
1343
1344...Well, that's the gist of it.
1345The Holy Grail War will start when the seven Servants are all summoned.
1346I can't just sleep in.
1347I don't know when the last Master will appear, but it should be soon――――
1348
1349"Mm... morning already...?"
1350...I'm so tired.
1351Looking out of the window dazed, I notice the sun's already way up.
1352
1353"...It's past nine... I don't think it's a question of being late any more..."
1354Glancing at the clock, I confirm to myself that I'll be skipping school today.
1355
1356"...My body's so heavy... It feels like he's taken over half my body."
1357I sit up in bed and take a deep breath.
1358...I'm not tired just because I'm not a morning person.
1359Like Archer said, a Master who has just summoned their Servant cannot function satisfactorily.
1360
1361"――――That's right.
1362I summoned Archer, not Saber."
1363I can remember clearly.
1364Well, it's not something I want to remember... but even if I don't like it, there's no second chance.
1365
1366"About a day until my magical energy returns, huh? Then I guess today will just be a test drive."
1367I slowly climb out of bed.
1368...I fight a bit against the unseasonably warm air and my desire to stay wrapped up in my blanket.
1369I knock out the desire to go back to sleep in the third second of the match and check myself in the mirror.
1370Nothing's obviously wrong. Except for the fact that I have only about half the usual magical energy in my body, everything's up to par.
1371
1372"―――Well, there shouldn't be any problems."
1373For now, I want to check the situation.
1374The Servant I summoned is Archer.
1375He's a rude guy with no manners to spare for his summoner and Master.
1376And on top of that, he doesn't know who he is.
1377...Oh, I'm getting a headache already.
1378
1379"...I'll have to live without his Noble Phantasm until his memory returns. Well, there's no way he can use it if he doesn't remember it."
1380Servants are powerful familiars on their own, but what makes them the most powerful is the fact that they all have one powerful "secret move".
1381The problem is, Archer says he can't remember what it is.
1382
1383"―――Well, it's partly my fault, so we'll have to make do."
1384
1385That's right. As this is how things ended up, we're both on the same boat.
1386I hope he sorts out his memories soon, but with the way he's acting right now... who knows when that'll be.
1387...Honestly.
1388Looks like we've got a load of problems ahead――――
1389
1390"...Wow. Maybe I should have a better opinion of him."
1391The living room is just the way it was.
1392I only expected him to clear up the rubble, so I'm moved that he went this far.
1393
1394He must have felt bad about making such a mess of the living room or he wouldn't have done this.
1395I should call him admirable or maybe just a nice guy――――
1396
1397"The sun's already up. You're pretty loose."
1398"......"
1399I take it back.
1400This shameless attitude... he doesn't deserve any praise at all.
1401
1402"―――Morning. You seem pretty relaxed. I see you've made yourself at home here."
1403"Well, it's the room I spent the night in. I've pretty much figured out where everything is. Oh, since I was cleaning anyway, I cleaned up the kitchen too. I was expecting more mess, but it was rather clean. That's quite impressive considering that you live in a Western-style house by yourself."
1404
1405"......"
1406I'm getting a headache.
1407Why is my Servant checking my cleanliness?
1408They say Servants think only of battles, so maybe this guy's broken somehow...
1409
1410"I see, you're not doing well, are you? You seemed well last night, but sleep must have brought up your fatigue.
1411"―――Hm, I'll get you a drink, if tea's okay."
1412So at home in a stranger's house.
1413Archer stands, takes out a new teacup without a moment's confusion, and pours a fine rose-colored tea.
1414
1415"――――――――"
1416There are all sorts of things I want to say, but I surprisingly don't feel like interrupting him.
1417Every aspect of his motion is refined, and you could even say he is being considerate.
1418
1419"...Oh well. It's true that I'm tired, so I guess I'll have a drink."
1420I take a seat.
1421He hands me the teacup silently, and I take a sip.
1422――――Oh, it's good.
1423
1424Of course, it's an exotic Chinese tea. It's the best part of my favorite leaf, so I'd get mad if it tasted bad.
1425In fact, I get mad when someone uses one of my favorites without permission.
1426...Yes.
1427I would get mad, but when it's brewed so wonderfully, I'm too happy to complain.
1428
1429"Hmm. Hm-Hm."
1430"...Hold on. What are you laughing about?"
1431"Well, I was going to ask what you thought of it, but when you make a face like that, there's no point in asking."
1432"――――!"
1433I slam the cup down onto the table.
1434
1435"Don't waste it. You should enjoy it while it's hot. If I'm distracting you, I'll go."
1436"Thanks but no thanks. I didn't become a Master just so someone could brew me tea. Besides, there's no need for you to do things without orders."
1437
1438"I see. Certainly, I did not form a contract with you to brew tea or clean up after you. If that's how you want it, I'll be careful from now on."
1439"Right. What I need is a powerful familiar.
1440I've never heard of a Servant who does things around the house, and I've no need of one either."
1441
1442"Hm? What do you mean, no need?"
1443"Nothing. Interpret it however you want.
1444More importantly, do you remember who you are now?"
1445
1446Archer shakes his head.
1447...Just as I thought, it's bad.
1448If he can't remember it after one night, it's not going to come back easily. Even if we test various things today, this is still...
1449
1450"All right. I'll work out what to do about your memory.
1451Well, get ready, Archer. Since you were just summoned, you don't know your way around yet, right? I'll show you around town."
1452"Get ready? There's no need. If you want to go, we can go right now."
1453
1454"Hey, you're going to walk around in that? It hardly looks normal, and besides, other Masters would be able to tell you're a Servant right away.
1455I don't intend to go announcing to everyone that I'm a Master, you know."
1456
1457"Oh, so that's what you meant.
1458It's not a problem. Certainly I will need to change, but only when I take form.
1459Servants are spirits after all. We become spirits when not in battle to reduce the burden on our Masters."
1460
1461"Oh yeah. You are still a heroic spirit even if you're summoned already. Since it's the Master's magical energy that gives the spirit form, if I cut off that magical energy..."
1462
1463"Naturally, we would return to spirit form.
1464A Servant in that state is like a guardian spirit. We cannot be observed by anyone except the Master we are connected to by the leyline.
1465We can still talk though, so it's no problem if we're going scouting."
1466
1467"Wow, that's really convenient. In that case, it must be hard to search for other Masters."
1468"Yes. But magi can sense other magi, right? In the same way, Servants can sense other Servants.
1469If a Servant knows powerful magic, they would be able to sense Servants even from a distance."
1470
1471...Just as Archer says.
1472A Master is usually a great magus.
1473A magus with strong magical energy is sensitive to other magical energy.
1474But as far as I know, no one in this town has magical energy that strong.
1475
1476"Hmm... So, what about you? Can you tell where the other Servants are?"
1477"Master, have you forgotten my class? Sensing distant enemies isn't a job for a knight."
1478...Well, I guess not.
1479Archer's magical energy isn't that strong.
1480I expect only the Servant Caster would have enough magical energy to locate enemies from a distance.
1481
1482"All right. Then, follow me, Archer. I'll show you the world you've been summoned into."
1483"I don't think it will be that new for me.
1484―――But, Master, aren't you forgetting something important?"
1485"Hm? What do you mean by something important?"
1486"...Geez. You're really not up to par yet. We have yet to exchange the most important part of our contract."
1487
1488"The most important exchange――――?"
1489Equivalent exchange?
1490No, fundamentally, the reward for the Servant is to participate in the Holy Grail War.
1491There shouldn't be any more exchanges necessary―――
1492
1493"...You're really not a morning person, are you?"
1494Archer says so in surprise.
1495Listening to his sarcastic comment, I realize something.
1496Come to think of it...
1497He hasn't addressed me by name yet.
1498
1499"―――Ah. Crap... names."
1500"I guess you've realized. Well, it's not too late. So Master, what is your name? How should I address you from now on?"
1501Archer asks sulkily.
1502
1503――――Dammit. He is a good person.
1504Yes, there's no mistake.
1505After all, there's no meaning to exchanging names.
1506Servant and Master have a relationship forced upon them by the Command Spell.
1507For a contract with a normal familiar, the exchange of names has a great deal of meaning, but no such bond is needed between the Master and the Servant.
1508
1509But still, Archer calls it important.
1510It's a proof of trust that we shall be fighting alongside each other, even without the Command Spell.
1511
1512"...I'm Tohsaka Rin. You can call me whatever you like."
1513I answer bluntly, unable to be true to my feelings.
1514
1515...Well, actually, it would probably be easier for me to be addressed in a reserved manner like "you" or "Master", and he'll probably call me that.
1516But that said...
1517Archer mutters my name to himself.
1518"I shall call you Rin. ...Yes, the name suits you well,"
1519He says something outrageous.
1520
1521"――――――――"
1522"Rin? What's wrong? You don't look normal."
1523"――――S-Shut up! Let's just go! W-We don't have time to relax...!"
1524
1525I turn away and start walking.
1526I'm vexed. I don't know why, but I am.
1527Did Archer say that just to make me feel this way?
1528
1529"...It's possible. He'll certainly do that sort of a thing..."
1530Yes, that must be it.
1531So my face getting hot and my heart pounding, they're all part of his plan.
1532Be careful, Rin.
1533You're going to have to work with this crooked guy from now on.
1534
1535I go out with Archer.
1536The city we live in, Fuyuki City, can be basically divided into two towns.
1537Here, the place with old houses and traditional buildings, is Miyama City.
1538On the other side of the river is Shinto, where modern development is happening.
1539My house is in the older section, Miyama City.
1540
1541Miyama City is broadly separated into two sections as well.
1542This is one of the sections, the Western-style houses, where immigrants from foreign countries live.
1543And on the other side is the area of old Japanese-style houses, with a mountain behind it.
1544Both sections are on top of hills, so you could say both are suburbs.
1545The houses in between these two sections are relatively ordinary.
1546As a demonstration...
1547
1548They're this ordinary.
1549This is the crossroads of Miyama City and the hill leading up to the Western-style houses like mine.
1550On the opposite side, a hill leads up to the Japanese-style houses.
1551A bridge leads to the neighboring town of Shinto, and the other way leads to the school, shopping district, and even Ryudou Temple up on the mountain.
1552
1553And this is the large bridge connecting Shinto and Miyama City.
1554A few years ago, a big station was built over that side and it has grown rapidly since then.
1555Even though Miyama City and Shinto are in the same city, you can think of them as totally different places.
1556
1557The city's name "Fuyuki", or "Winter Tree", supposedly comes from the fact that winters are long here.
1558Thinking about it, this place certainly has a long winter.
1559In contrast though, it's quite warm here and February here is about as warm as December everywhere else.
1560I bet a few hot springs would turn up if you went digging around.
1561
1562Then again, this half-hearted cold would make the city a poor hot springs resort.
1563Fuyuki City has a friendly winter and a strange climate that enters spring in April with no changes.
1564
1565Shinto is all like this.
1566The rapidly developing town started to build tall buildings as if rushed by something, and as a result, it looks very artificial.
1567Though, that's only in the last ten years.
1568From what I hear, the big fire here ten years ago pretty much burned down the whole residential district.
1569These buildings were constructed on the land no one lived on any more.
1570
1571――――And.
1572This is the center of it.
1573
1574"This is Shinto's park. Now that we've seen all the important locations, what are your thoughts?"
1575I ask Archer who is standing next to me.
1576I can't see him, of course.
1577
1578"It's a big park. But is there some reason there's no one here?"
1579"So it shows, huh? Well, that's because there's a history to this place."
1580
1581I look around the park.
1582A park this big and organized should be a playground for kids, even on weekdays.
1583But there are only a few people here and a desolate feeling runs though the place.
1584
1585"It was about ten years ago. They say there was a huge fire in this area. It burned for a day until it went out just as it began to rain.
1586Afterwards, the town was rebuilt, but this place was left as it was.
1587It was burned to ashes, so they made it into a park."
1588
1589"――――――――"
1590Archer says nothing.
1591But even though I can't see him, I can tell that he is feeling something special.
1592
1593"...You seem to have noticed. That's right, this is where the last Holy Grail War ended. I don't know the details, but the last war ended here, and the place has been like this ever since."
1594"―――I see. That must be why this place is full of so many grudges."
1595
1596"Hmm. You can sense those kinds of things?"
1597"Servants are spirits. We are beings similar to grudges and formed obsessions. Therefore, we are sensitive to such 'remnants' like us. There were places in town with strong regrets, but this place is on a completely different level. To us, this place is more like a Reality Marble."
1598Archer brings up an unusual term in a motionless voice.
1599
1600――――Reality Marble.
1601One of the magics considered the pinnacle of magi, said to be infinitely close to sorcery.
1602For hundreds of years, a "boundary field" has been the defensive field that protects a magus.
1603Put simply, it's a vicious version of a security system on a house.
1604
1605A boundary field is something applied to an existing area or building to protect oneself from outside enemies.
1606But it is merely a transformation applied to what already exists.
1607
1608But a Reality Marble is different.
1609A Reality Marble is an image that erodes reality.
1610The imagined world of a magus―――a boundary field that paints over reality by letting a magus's heart take form―――That is what we call a Reality Marble.
1611In other words, it's a large-ranged magic that distorts, no, remakes the world as the magus wishes――――
1612
1613"Rin? What, are you thinking?"
1614"Eh...? No, I was just surprised.
1615I just thought that 'Reality Marble' seemed an uncommon term for an Archer."
1616"What, is it strange for me to know it?"
1617
1618"Of course. Reality Marble is the taboo of taboos, the secret principle's secret principle. It doesn't make any sense for an Archer to know about it."
1619"Isn't that right", I ask with my expression.
1620And then, I sense him sighing heavily next to me.
1621
1622"Rin, a hero is someone who excels with both magic and weaponry.
1623It's fine if you want to think that an Archer can only use bows, but please don't take such an optimistic view of the other Servants."
1624...Ugh.
1625Come to think of it, he's right.
1626
1627"I-I understand. That was a careless thing to say. I'll be careful from now on, so it's okay, right?"
1628"...Rin, I'm going to be honest. You are excellent, but because of that, you have a habit of underestimating others. You should reform that habit before you grow up."
1629
1630"...! Y-You're being rather rude...!"
1631R-Reform, that's like training bad habits out of a horse...!
1632
1633"Oh, excuse me. I didn't mean to make it sound like you're a disobedient horse, I just used the word because it suited your image."
1634"Hey, that's even worse――――ouch!?"
1635My right arm suddenly hurts.
1636
1637"――――Rin?"
1638"...Be quiet for a second, Archer."
1639The Command Spell engraved on my right hand is hurting.
1640A small warning as if to get my attention.
1641"――――Someone's watching us."
1642"Hm."
1643
1644...I extend my consciousness to the surroundings.
1645I roll out the threads of my consciousness and search through the park.
1646"...I can't find him.
1647What about you, Archer?"
1648
1649"―――It's difficult. I can't even feel the stare."
1650"...Then, it must be a Master watching."
1651
1652[wrap texʹ="I"]I don't know who it is, but if Archer can't sense it, it has to be a Master.
1653There aren't seven of us yet, but if we wanted to, we could start the fight at any time.
1654It seems the one watching us wants to battle, but...
1655
1656"...The Command Spell reacts to other Command Spells. So that must mean that if you are a Master, you should be able to recognize other Masters when you see them. Then wouldn't that mean you should be able to identify the other Master too?"
1657
1658"Yes. But a superior magus can conceal their magical energy. Even though Command Spells react to each other, they operate on magical energy. If the Master has closed his Magic Circuit, it will be hard to find him."
1659
1660"...That's troubling. That means we are showing them our location."
1661"That's right. Well, if I search around my house, I should be able to find something that kills my magical energy, but..."
1662"You don't need it?"
1663"Right. Because if I don't hide it, they'll come to us, right? It saves us the trouble of going to find them."
1664"――――"
1665Archer takes a deep breath and goes quiet as if he's shocked.
1666
1667"...What? You want to say I shouldn't be overconfident?"
1668I ask, remembering our previous conversation.
1669But Archer just says, "That's impossible".
1670"You're strongest like this.
1671Yeah, you can let those weaklings follow us about."
1672He says, trying to hold back his laughter.
1673
1674...Well, it's not like I like his response, but we decide to continue walking around town.
1675
1676We tour the important places, really dragging our observer around, have dinner along the way, and bring things to a conclusion.
1677We've been walking a lot, and it's now seven.
1678At this time of the night, our destination should give us the best view.
1679
1680A strong wind.
1681The tallest building in Shinto.
1682The view from the rooftop of this building is a fitting end for this day.
1683
1684"What do you think? This place has a great view, Archer."
1685"...Geez. I pity whoever you go out with someday. You dragged me around all day."
1686"Hm? Did you say something, Archer?"
1687"Just an honest opinion. ...Oh, this is certainly a nice place. If we had came here to begin with, we wouldn't have had to walk around like we have been."
1688
1689"What are you talking about? Certainly it's a nice view, but all you can tell from here is the overview of the town. You have to go to the places themselves to know the layout."
1690"―――That's not true. My class isn't Archer for nothing. You can't be an archer unless you have good eyesight."
1691
1692"Is that so? So can you see my house from here, Archer?"
1693"No, I can't see the neighboring town from here. At most, I can see as far as the bridge. At that range, I can count the number of tiles."
1694
1695"No way, the tiles on the bridge...!?"
1696That's not just good. His eyesight could match the telescopes you find on these rooftops.
1697
1698"I'm surprised. You really are Archer."
1699"...Rin. I don't like to think so, but, are you making fun of me?"
1700"Of course not. I just misunderstood because even though you're called Archer, you don't seem like one."
1701"That's a troubling claim. I shall question you further on this matter when we get home."
1702
1703It seems Archer has taken a liking to the view as he falls silent.
1704He's probably working out the town's layout.
1705...I can't interrupt while he's surveying the battlefield.
1706I leave Archer's side and move to the edge of the building.
1707
1708"―――――"
1709All I can see with my eyesight is the lights below this building.
1710Like the headlights of the cars in the street, and the people going home after work.
1711I can't tell what kinds of cars or what kinds of people they are.
1712
1713I can see them, but still not see them.
1714Just like noticing someone is watching me before, but not being able to see the watcher.
1715
1716"―――At the very least, there's one person that has his base in Shinto."
1717I strain my eyes and stare below me.
1718...There are seven Masters in all.
1719I still don't know who the Masters are nor which Servants they command.
1720Right now, I assume all the Masters are walking around town collecting information on other Masters.
1721
1722"―――?"
1723Suddenly, I feel someone's eyes on me.
1724There's no reaction from my Command Spell.
1725I just feel someone's eyes on me.
1726
1727"From below...?"
1728I look down.
1729...There are many people walking around on the road.
1730Among them is a person.
1731One person is looking up at me as if looking up at the moon.
1732
1733"......"
1734I can't tell for sure who it is.
1735I can't tell for sure, but I still know who it is.
1736...It's surprising.
1737What's he doing at this kind of a time?
1738
1739"Rin. Have you found an enemy?"
1740Archer calls out to me as if sensing my excitement.
1741
1742"―――Nothing. I just saw someone I knew. Just an ordinary person, nothing to do with us."
1743I answer, unable to hide my irritation, and leave the place where I was standing.
1744There's no way he could have seen me from the ground.
1745He must have been looking up at the building by coincidence.
1746So it doesn't mean I was noticed.
1747
1748...But still.
1749I'm angry that I let him see me acting as a magus.
1750
1751By the time we get back to Miyama City, it's already past nine o'clock.
1752Unlike Shinto, Miyama City is an old residential district.
1753No one walks around after nine, and the town grows as quiet as midnight.
1754
1755"So that's pretty much it. Do you have a good idea of the town?"
1756"...Hm? Yeah, I get it. I'll figure out the rest as we go along."
1757"Then we're done for the day. I'm not up to par either, so let's go home and rest."
1758
1759We climb the road up the gentle hill.
1760...And,
1761There's someone walking in front of us.
1762"Huh? Sakura...?"
1763This is bad.
1764I don't want to see her right now.
1765
1766"Rin? Why are we hiding?"
1767"Shut up! Oh, that person is someone I know. I skipped school today, so I don't want to see her."
1768As I speak, I look at the figure ahead of us.
1769
1770On the road...
1771There's the well-known first year student,[r]
1772and a foreigner I don't know.
1773
1774They are talking about something.
1775...No, it seems the foreigner is talking to Sakura against her wishes.
1776
1777"Rin? Is the person you know the foreigner?"
1778"No, I don't know him. There are lots of Western-style houses around here, so he might be visiting one of them."
1779I say that much, then scold myself for being too soft where that girl is involved.
1780
1781"...Archer, is he human?"
1782"I don't know. He has form, so he should be human. At the very least, he is not a Servant."
1783"Right. He's not a Master either, so I guess it's just a minor quarrel."
1784...Still, I know she's not the kind of girl to get into trouble with a guy....
1785
1786"They're going. The girl is walking up the hill.
1787The man is..."
1788The blond guy goes down the road we came up.
1789
1790"Well then, you can use this place. I'm going to bed unless you have any questions first."
1791"I don't have any important questions. Your decision not to rush into a battle is the correct one. You should use tonight to recover your magical energy."
1792"Yes. I will see you tomorrow then. Please make me tea tomorrow morning."
1793
1794Fatigue hits me hard once I walk into my room.
1795"―――Oh yeah, I have to contact Kirei before I go to bed."
1796That annoying priest.
1797He'll already be getting ready to call in the substitute magus.
1798I don't really care about that, but he is my guardian, so I should at least do the right thing.
1799
1800"Phone, phone..."
1801I dial the number.
1802And soon, the fake priest picks up.
1803
1804"Kirei? It's me. I formed a contract with a Servant just yesterday, so register me officially as a Master."
1805"......"
1806A brief silence.
1807Kirei's silence has enough pressure to stress you out even over the phone.
1808
1809"...Understood. Now what? You should come and see me at least once. I have something to give you that I received from your parents. They said to give it to you only if you become a Master before you become an adult."
1810
1811"Oh, you mean Father's will? I already deciphered it and got the item, so it's fine. I'll come and see you if I feel like it. Goodbye."
1812"Wait, Rin. If you are a Master now――――"
1813I hang up, not hearing him out.
1814Listening to Kirei's lecture while I'm tired won't help me recover my magical energy.
1815
1816"―――Right, all preparations are done now..."
1817All that's left is to sleep.
1818When I wake up next, it should be a completely different morning.
1819...Ten years ago.
1820The Holy Grail War, in which my father competed as a Master and was defeated.
1821Now, I'm entering that same battle... 
1822
1823So.
1824After breakfast, I clearly explain my immediate plans.
1825
1826"What? You're going to school?"
1827"Yes. Do you have a problem with that, Archer?"
1828"...No problems, it's just..."
1829
1830Archer hesitates, but does not object.
1831He must have realized yesterday that I'm not the type to take back my decisions.
1832I can kind of tell without him saying so. Archer is sarcastic, but he has an honest side to him. So it seems he won't complain about something he's accepted.
1833
1834Yes, in other words, he's faithful in an awkward way.
1835This is my conclusion... no, more of an intuition after watching Archer for all of yesterday.
1836
1837"Rin. As you are a Master now, you must always be cautious of other Masters. School is a place where it's hard to remain prepared against sudden attacks."
1838
1839"That's not true. Look, Archer, even though I am a Master now, I don't intend to change my lifestyle. Besides, a battle between Masters is something that should be done out of public view, right? So, if we are at school where there are lots of people, I don't think we'll see any kind of surprise attacks."
1840
1841"...I see. If that's what you've decided, I can only obey.
1842But I can guard you in spirit form, right? You don't intend for me to stay here while you go to school?"
1843
1844"Of course not. Not just at school, but I will want you by my side whenever I go outside. It is the Servant's role to protect the Master, so I'll be counting on you."
1845"I'm relieved to hear that. It is the duty of a knight to answer trust placed on us. I shall do my best to meet your expectations."
1846
1847"But Rin, just hypothetically, what would you do if there were an enemy in that safe place?"
1848"Hm? What, are you suggesting there might be a Master at school?"
1849"That's right. It's certainly hard for anyone who isn't a teacher or student to get in, but wouldn't it be a problem if someone already there is a Master?"
1850
1851"I don't think that's possible. In this town, there's only one family of magi other than the Tohsaka. That other family has declined, and they don't even have a Master."
1852
1853"How do you know there isn't a Master?"
1854"Hey, it's only natural to investigate another family of magi in the same town.
1855He isn't a Master and his successor doesn't have enough magical energy to become a Master, so we can just ignore them."
1856
1857"I see. So, there is another magus at the school you go to. But you say that magus doesn't have sufficient magical energy to become a Master, is that correct?"
1858
1859"Exactly. So most Masters will probably be coming from elsewhere. I don't think such people would come to the school."
1860"...Well, for now, at least.
1861But Rin, there are always exceptions. What if there is a magus at your school that you don't know about?"
1862
1863"Like I said, there aren't any. Magi are sensitive to other magi. If we were at the same school for a year, I should be able to sense other magi no matter how well they hide it.
1864I will state with confidence that there are only two magi at our school. One of them is me, and the other is only an apprentice who doesn't have enough power to become a Master.
1865Do you understand? Your caution is just needless worrying. It's completely impossible."
1866
1867"That's why this is only a hypothetical scenario. There's always another side to things.
1868It's only natural for unexpected things to occur.
1869I'm saying that when it does happen, do not blame me."
1870
1871Archer smiles dryly.
1872...Just that action makes me want to take it out on him, but if I did, I would be late for school.
1873
1874"That won't happen. A hypothetical is a hypothetical because it won't happen. If it does, it just means my analysis was too shallow."
1875
1876"All right, I'll remember that. Let's go then, Rin.
1877It should take thirty minutes to get to the school, so we won't make it unless we leave soon."
1878
1879"I'm surprised. Hypotheticals do happen."
1880"Yes, I am surprised as well. Wow, it pays to argue over everything. It had an unexpected payoff."
1881
1882As soon as we pass the school's main gate, we joke around like that.
1883Around us are students heading to classrooms and it's almost time for homeroom.
1884In the crowd of people rushing into the school building, we stand dumbfounded.
1885
1886"This isn't just the air stagnating. Isn't there a boundary field set up already?"
1887"It's not complete, but the preparation seems to have already started.
1888If he's doing this so openly, he must be a real big shot...."
1889
1890"Or a complete amateur. A boundary field that lets others notice the abnormality is only third class. To be first class, it has to be hidden until it's activated."
1891"―――So. Which do you think it is, Rin?"
1892
1893"Who knows? I don't care if he's third class or first class.
1894I'm just going to beat him mercilessly for setting up such an indecent thing in my territory."
1895
1896I walk angrily through the schoolyard.
1897As a magus, I'm not about to mince words, but I can't be satisfied until I properly punish the creator of this boundary field.
1898
1899After second period, while walking back from the music room...
1900I see a first year student walking unsteadily.
1901The student is carrying some stack of papers and it looks like she 's having trouble.
1902
1903"I'll help, Sakura."
1904"Huh―――?"
1905"Ah, Tohsaka...Senpai―――"
1906"What, handouts? World history... that'll be my homeroom teacher. That Kuzuki, what's he thinking making a girl do this? Here, give me half of it."
1907
1908"Oh... Yes. Thank you, Senpai."
1909"It's fine. So, we're taking these to your classroom?"
1910"...No, we're taking them to Kuzuki-Sensei. He said he's recalling them because there was a misspelling."
1911
1912"...I understand. Kuzuki's really stubborn. He's the guy who cancelled a whole test just because there was one misspelling in it."
1913"...Huh? You mean the school's exam?"
1914
1915"Right. I think it was last year's midterm. He came in while everyone was filling in their names and said in his usual tone that the midterm has a misspelling in it. He said that the question was not correct, so the midterm was to be cancelled and retaken at a later date. We were surprised, but so were the teachers, and they still talk about it today."
1916
1917"That's just like Kuzuki-Sensei. He doesn't think teachers should make any mistakes."
1918"He goes too far, though. You'll realize soon, too. Kuzuki is as stubborn as a rock or a mountain."
1919
1920"Heehee. Tohsaka-Senpai, you must like Kuzuki-Sensei. It's rare for you to talk about someone like that."
1921"Really? ...Well, I do think he should be more flexible, but..."
1922I think that, but I also think he's not bad this way.
1923
1924At our school, there's a teacher liked by all students and a teacher feared by all students.
1925The balance between the two works so well that I think Kuzuki-Sensei is a good disciplinarian. He's the stick in the carrot and stick approach.
1926
1927"Well, you'll get to see more of him once you reach second year. He teaches ethics too.
1928...More importantly, Sakura, is it all right if I ask you something?"
1929"Huh? What is it, Senpai?"
1930"It's about yesterday. Were you talking to a strange foreigner?"
1931
1932"Oh... y-you were watching, Senpai?"
1933"Just by chance. So, what was it? Do you know him?"
1934"...No. Well, he was a strange person and he seemed to be lost. He asked me lots of things, but I couldn't make out what he was saying, so, um..."
1935Ah, so she ran away.
1936
1937"I see. Sorry, I was just a bit curious."
1938"No, it's all right... Um, here is fine, Senpai. I only have to hand these to him now."
1939"Okay. See you later then."
1940I pass the handouts back to Sakura.
1941As I start to head back to my classroom, I pause.
1942
1943"Sakura, how are things?"
1944"Ah... yes, it's okay. I'm doing fine."
1945"...I see. Well, if Shinji does something again, tell me. He doesn't know when to stop, so it will only get worse if you don't say anything."
1946
1947"It's fine. You don't need to worry, Senpai. Nii-san has been kind recently."
1948...If she says that with such a smile, I can't say anything else.
1949I bid her goodbye once more and turn my back on the familiar junior.
1950
1951The day ends.
1952Students leave the classroom and the building gets darker by the second.
1953The sun will set soon.
1954When the red sun sets and night falls, there should be no one left in the school.
1955
1956"Let's begin, Archer. First, we need to check out the boundary field. Once we figure out what kind of boundary field it is, we'll decide whether to eliminate it or leave it."
1957I address my invisible partner.
1958Archer must understand as I sense him nodding.
1959
1960A boundary field is something that protects its caster.
1961You could call it a geographical magic in which one knits a line of magic across a land to change the interior.
1962
1963Infinite different effects are possible within a boundary field.
1964There are all sorts of boundary field, from ones that conceal the area from people's eyes, to ones that limit the use of magic within them.
1965The most aggressive of all are those that oppress life forms within them.
1966
1967The boundary field laid out over our school is of that kind.
1968It is not yet complete, but once it is, everyone in the school should fall unconscious.
1969
1970But something like this won't affect me.
1971After all, a boundary field is something targeted not at me, but at the place I am in.
1972Such an indirect magical energy intervention has no effect on magi, who have magical energy throughout their bodies.
1973A weak current floating through the air will only be repelled by a strong current like myself.
1974
1975So this boundary field has a different intention.
1976I don't know what kind of person set up this boundary field, but his intention is not to defeat a Master.
1977It's hard to believe, but his target is everyone in this school.
1978...There's only one reason to do something like that.
1979Unbelievably, this guy is――――
1980
1981I search the school building and emerge onto the rooftop to finish.
1982It's dark outside.
1983It's eight o'clock now, way past the school closing time which is six.
1984The only people still in the school are me and Archer.
1985
1986"―――So, this makes seven. Well, it looks like this is the origin."
1987A seven-stroke mark is openly drawn on the rooftop.
1988This purplish-red character only visible to magi is something I have never seen before, engraved with something unknown.
1989
1990"...Dammit. This isn't something I can handle."
1991The person who set up this boundary field didn't think about anything.
1992He didn't think, but the boundary field is bound with amazing skill.
1993I can temporarily drain magical energy from this boundary field, but I cannot eliminate the boundary field itself.
1994The boundary field can be reactivated just by having the caster put more magical energy into it again.
1995
1996"――――――――"
1997Archer says nothing.
1998...He's been quiet ever since we came out onto the rooftop, probably because he too recognizes the power of this boundary field.
1999This boundary field doesn't just drain one's strength.
2000Once activated, it will literally "dissolve" all the people within it.
2001
2002There are boundary fields that drain physical and mental strength from people within them.
2003But the boundary field laid out over this school is on a completely different level.
2004This is a soul-eater. It is a Bloodfort that dissolves people within it and claims the souls that seep out.
2005
2006Since ancient times, souls have been hard to handle.
2007Even though they're believed to exist and are necessary for magic, only one magus has ever understood the soul.
2008
2009Souls are only "things to be investigated", or "things to be moved into containers".
2010It's incomprehensible not merely to suck them out but also to collect them in a single place.
2011It's because a magus has no use for them even if one were to collect this unconvertible energy.
2012So if there's a reason, it must be...
2013
2014"Archer. Are you Servants... this kind of creature?"
2015I ask coldly.
2016
2017"...It is as you suspect. I told you we are basically spirits. Therefore, our meals consist of souls and mental constituents.
2018As you subsist on meat, we subsist on souls and minds.
2019Our basic abilities do not change from such nourishment, but we do become tougher. In other words, our magical energy capacity increases."
2020
2021...Yes.
2022To strengthen your Servant, you must attack people indiscriminately.
2023
2024"So the magical energy the Master provides isn't enough?"
2025"It's not that, but it doesn't hurt to have more. In war, if you lack strength, you make up for it with supplies, right?
2026It's a basic tactic for a Master to steal energy from the people around them. In that regard, this boundary field is very efficient."
2027
2028"――――――――"
2029Archer is saying that if I want to win, I should kill people and steal their strength.
2030How simple.
2031I already knew that.
2032That's why I think I know which path I am going to choose.
2033
2034"That annoys me. Don't ever mention it again, Archer."
2035I say so while staring at the mark on the ground.
2036For some reason, Archer sounds happy as he confidently answers,[r]
2037"I feel the same way. I do not intend to do so either."
2038
2039"...Well, let's erase this. It's meaningless, but it should hinder them a bit."
2040I approach the mark engraved on the ground and extend my left arm.
2041The Magic Crest on my left arm is the "book of magic" passed down the Tohsaka family.
2042
2043I switch on my sense.
2044I push magical energy into my Magic Crest, read the part that explains the elimination of boundary fields, and now all I have to do is activate it.
2045
2046"Abzug. Bedienung Mittelstand."
2047Eliminate. Surgical extraction, second section.
2048I touch the ground with my left hand and let my magical energy flow out.
2049This will at least wash the color off this mark, but―――
2050"What, you're going to erase it? What a waste."
2051Suddenly.
2052As if to stop the erasure of the boundary field, a voice echoes over.
2053
2054"――――!"
2055I quickly stand up and turn around.
2056On top of the water tower.
2057In the sky ten meters away, a guy is looking down at me.
2058
2059Deep ultramarine that melts into the night.
2060His grin is wild and a bestial smell carries on the wind.
2061...The stare of the beast is a cool one.
2062The man in blue looks at me like an old friend, even in this situation―――
2063
2064"―――Is this your doing?"
2065
2066"No. Petty tricks are the magi's job. We only fight as we are commanded to. Isn't that right, you over there?"
2067
2068"――――!"
2069Casual, but his voice is filled with murderous intent.
2070This guy can see Archer...!
2071
2072"As I thought, a Servant...!"
2073"That's right. Since you can tell, I can consider you as my enemy, right?"
2074"―――――"
2075My spine freezes.
2076A normal, light tone of voice.
2077And it's colder than anything I've ever heard, scary enough to make me vomit....
2078
2079"――――――――"
2080I can't tell how I should move or what my best course is.
2081But my reason is telling me absolutely not to fight this man right here――――!
2082
2083"...Wow. That's pretty good. You seem like you don't know anything, but you grasp the important points.
2084Man, I messed up. I shouldn't have called out to you just for fun."
2085The man raises his arm.
2086"――――――――"
2087It happens in an instant.
2088The arm that held nothing until now...
2089Now holds a red weapon, two meters long.
2090
2091"Hah――――――――!"
2092I jump to the side without thinking.
2093I can't spare the time to consider that I can't jump full force while on a rooftop.
2094I just jump with full force to the side as if trying to smash the fence...!
2095
2096A whirlwind brushes past my hair.
2097―――Barely made it.
2098He rushed me in an eyeblink and mercilessly slashed at the space I just occupied.
2099
2100"Hah, you've got some good legs, young lady...!"
2101―――The blue whirlwind pursues me.
2102There are no escapes.
2103The fence is behind me. To my sides... no, I won't make it...!
2104
2105"Es ist gros, es ist klein....!!"
2106My response is fast.
2107I run the Magic Crest on my left arm and assemble the magic in a single measure.
2108It lightens my body and adjusts gravity.
2109In this instant, my body becomes light as a feather, and I leap――――
2110
2111"Rin...!"
2112"I know, let me handle it...!"
2113I jump over the fence and fall from the rooftop.
2114
2115"――――"
2116The wind and pressure push against my body.
2117Fifteen meters to the ground, 1.7 seconds until landing...[r]
2118No, that's too slow. He'll catch up...!
2119
2120"Vox, gott es Atlas――――!
2121Archer, take care of the landing...!"
2122
2123"――――Hah――――!"
2124I let Archer take the impact of the landing and start to run as soon as my feet touch the ground.
2125―――First, I have to change the location.
2126We have to go somewhere we can move around freely, not a small place like a rooftop.
2127We have to move to a large field with no obstacles, to play to Archer's and my strengths...!
2128
2129"Hah, hah...!"
2130I run from the rooftop to the schoolground in less than seven seconds.
2131It's more than a hundred meters. My speed is so fast that normal people would see only a blur.
2132
2133But that's...
2134"Man, those are really good legs. It'll be a waste to kill you here."
2135...Meaningless against a Servant.
2136
2137"Archer――――!"
2138At the moment I step back, Archer steps in front, taking form.
2139A cloudy night.
2140In Archer's hand is a shortsword that reflects the weak moonlight.
2141
2142"―――Wow."
2143The man crooks his mouth.
2144"...That's good. That's the way to go. I don't mind people who are quick on the uptake."
2145A large whirlwind.
2146...That's the weapon swung at me on the rooftop... the blood red crimson lance that tried to mercilessly slaughter me―――
2147
2148"Servant... Lancer――――"
2149"That's right. And your Servant is Saber
2150...Or maybe not. Who the hell are you?"
2151There's no sign of his previous casual demeanor.
2152In response to Lancer, full of murderous intent, Archer remains silent.
2153
2154...The distance between the two is about five meters.
2155The weapon in Lancer's hand is about two meters.
2156For that man with the bestial smell, I feel like the remaining three meters are meaningless.
2157
2158"...Heh. You're not the type to engage in one-on-one combat. So you must be Archer."
2159Archer doesn't respond to the sneering voice either.
2160Confronting each other, strangely, are red and blue.
2161The two counterfeit colored knights are already watching for the other's clinching blow.
2162
2163"...All right. I don't like it, but now we've met, we'll just have to fight. Come on, take out your bow, Archer.
2164I have some manners, so I'll at least wait for that."
2165"――――――――"
2166Archer does not respond.
2167There's nothing to say to an enemy he ͭust defeat.
2168That steel back of his seems to declare so.
2169
2170"――――"
2171That makes me realize.
2172...I'm being stupid. Archer is just waiting for my word, my command.
2173
2174"Archer."
2175I talk to his back without approaching him.
2176"I won't help you. Show me your powers here."
2177"――――Heh."
2178Was that a laugh?
2179He grins as if to answer my words, and the red knight dashes forward.
2180
2181Twirling gusts of wind.
2182Shortsword in hand, the red bullet launches.
2183"――――You fool!"
2184What meets him is a blue spear-thrust.
2185If the dashing Archer is a raging wind, the responding spearhead is a divine wind.
2186
2187The sword is swung, a swing to deflect the thrust.
2188Archer parries the thrust of the high speed lance with his shortsword.
2189
2190"......!"
2191The one in red stops.
2192The enemy did not permit Archer's rush.
2193The enemy doesn't even let him get within two meters, the range of the spear.
2194For a long weapon, distance is always preferred.
2195As Lancer has a weapon almost two meters long, he only needs to attack when the enemy comes into his range.
2196Thrusting at an approaching enemy is easier than moving out yourself.
2197
2198But even so.
2199Lancer closes the distance himself and doesn't even allow Archer to move forward.
2200
2201"Idiot, a mere bowman challenging a close-range fight――――!"
2202His temper is like a burning fire.
2203Lancer closes in with each blow, with no thought of stopping.
2204
2205With a long weapon, it's suicidal to close in to an enemy.
2206The spearman's tactic is to use their long range to defeat the enemy and win the battle.
2207So, as Lancer is just advancing unchecked, he doesn't have a chance of winning.
2208
2209"――――No way."
2210But that's just by the book.
2211Lancer's lance shows no vulnerabilities as it strikes for the throat, shoulders, forehead, and heart.
2212
2213Thrusts so fast even the afterimages are blurred.
2214As each strike of his lance repels, rebuffs, and pushes back Archer, any one of his thrusts could be called a final blow.
2215But even as a bowman, Archer is a Servant.
2216No ordinary attack can be a final blow...!
2217
2218"Ha――――!"
2219Having repelled the lance aimed at his forehead, Archer closes in with speed superior to Lancer's lance.
2220
2221―――Based on its shape, you might think that the main attack of a lance is a thrust, but the basic strength of a lance is in swings.
2222This is because a wide swing using its long range does not allow the enemy to dodge it by stepping back.
2223
2224A partial retreat does not allow escape, and an attempt to counterattack will only result in a slashed stomach.
2225But simply going forward will end up in a smashed rib from the long shaft of the lance.
2226Archer and Lancer are similarly built.
2227On top of that, it's hard for Archer with no heavy armor to step into range of a lance swung like a whirlwind.
2228
2229―――But, thrusts are a different story.
2230A blazing fast thrust certain to strike you is certainly scary.
2231But as long as the attack targets a point, there are many ways to avoid it once you see it.
2232As Archer did just then, hitting the shaft of the approaching lance to redirect it slightly creates an opening.
2233
2234It must be because he underestimated a bowman.
2235The advantage of a long weapon is in the length and freedom of its range. Once Lancer has discarded these advantages himself, his defeat is――――
2236
2237"――――"
2238"Huh――――!?"
2239The one in red stops.
2240―――A nightmare like time is reversing.
2241The thrust is faster than the previous ones...!
2242
2243"Guh―――!"
2244Archer tries to parry the blow, but he gets flicked away along with his weapon.
2245There are no openings in Lancer's attack.
2246No, not just that. The thrusts increase in speed and power without limit and it becomes a final blow even for a Servant...!
2247
2248"――――"
2249We were the ones that underestimated him.
2250For that Servant―――for Lancer's weapon, there are no general rules about lances.
2251
2252Who could ever parry continuous attacks without even space to breathe between them?
2253Archer manages to retreat a bit and parries. And as a result, the distance between them opens a little.
2254That distance.
2255Lancer uses that distance as a runway to launch an even more powerful attack.
2256
2257The raging continuous attack is only a repetition of that.
2258But the blows themselves are godlike.
2259Ten blows already.
2260No, it must actually be many times more than that.
2261The heavy rain of lance pours with yet more strength, trying to skewer Archer to death.
2262
2263...It's not fast, but it's just skill.
2264It thrusts like a waterfall, with no change in speed.
2265What can Archer do as he's now on the defensive?
2266With such a short sword, he can only parry the lance.
2267He has no way to close on Lancer, and he continues to retreat.
2268
2269"―――――――"
2270A vacuum of steel unfolds.
2271Support... I have to back Archer up, but my throat won't respond.
2272My magic has poor aim.
2273Unless Archer gets far away from Lancer, I will hit him with my magic as well.
2274Such an opening would only increase Lancer's advantage.
2275
2276...And besides.
2277Frankly, I'm captivated.
2278This is a battle between Servants.
2279This is the Holy Grail War itself, where we use heroic spirits―――[r]
2280The highest rank of familiar, whom we would never otherwise obtain.
2281
2282Servants.
2283Familiars of different classes that obey the seven Masters.
2284These are the highest-ranked familiars, called heroic spirits, that the Holy Grail summons.
2285
2286―――So, it's misleading to call them familiars.
2287Originally, familiars were just beings that ran errands for the magus.
2288Imagine, perhaps, a cat in boots.
2289Or a cute white bird.
2290Or a black dog that doesn't obey its master, or something like that.
2291
2292Familiars that a mere magus can summon are of that level.
2293Familiars are just familiars.
2294They are only mascots that run errands for their masters, so they cannot be beings stronger than their masters.
2295But Servants are different.
2296They are the most powerful beings.
2297Even for sorcerers, of which there are only five in this world, it would probably be impossible to form a contract with them.
2298
2299It's not that the summoning is hard or even that the ability of the Servant surpasses that of the magus.
2300Servants themselves are beings above magic.
2301
2302I'll make it clear.
2303Servants are heroes from the past.
2304Myth, legend, fable, history...
2305Fiction or not, the "superhuman beings" who gained concrete existence in folklore are what we call heroes.
2306
2307A hero that becomes eternal in people's minds is no longer human after their death, and is promoted to another form of existence.
2308Humans who bring about miracles, save people, and achieve great deeds, are called heroes even after their death.
2309After being so called, they are promoted to heroic spirits after their death and become guardians of humanity.
2310
2311It doesn't matter whether these people existed in reality or only in stories.
2312It is people's minds that create a hero.
2313People's wishes that "this is how things should be" give them form and set them up as real.
2314Authenticity does not matter.
2315They can have form as long as they have fame as a legend and people have faith.
2316
2317The ultimate ideal humans have created, the greatest human people have created.
2318These are the heroes, the heroic spirits.
2319And of course, since they are beyond human, they cannot be controlled by humans.
2320A magus usually borrows their power only to mimic them.
2321They can't summon the heroic spirits themselves.
2322
2323But the Holy Grail made that impossibility into reality.
2324It summons the heroic spirit, beyond human control, and turns it into a familiar obedient to the Master.
2325That nonsense is proof that the Holy Grail is almighty.
2326
2327And with the passing of years ignored, the heroic spirits are summoned. The most recent from a hundred years ago, the oldest from the ancient days.
2328The seven heroic spirits obey each of the seven Masters, protect them, and eliminate the Masters of the enemy.
2329Heroes from every age and country are revived into the present day, to kill one another for supremacy.
2330That is why this ritual is called the Holy Grail War.
2331
2332...But it seems the Holy Grail has its limits too.
2333Even the Holy Grail cannot indiscriminately call unto the spirit-like beings.
2334Just as a form invented by humans is required for the imaginary sixth element, known as the devil, to take form, the heroic spirits also need a form to live in this world.
2335
2336That form is their temporary name, and the way the exist in this world.
2337The Holy Grail has furnished "classes" so that the heroic spirits may take form more easily, and it only summons the heroic spirits that match these classes.
2338It's like a passport to the present as it sets up a role as a familiar in advance. By allowing the summoned heroic spirit to take on that role, it helps the spirit to take form.
2339
2340If there are seven Masters chosen by the Holy Grail, there are also seven Servants obeying those Masters.
2341
2342There are seven furnished classes.
2343Knight of the sword, Saber.
2344Knight of the lance, Lancer.
2345Knight of the bow, Archer.
2346Mounted soldier, Rider.
2347Magus, Caster.
2348Silent killer, Assassin.
2349Mad warrior, Berserker.
2350Only the heroic spirits with attributes of these classes are summoned to the present to obey the Master―――and become a Servant.
2351
2352That is the Servant System―――
2353A summoning and contract with a heroic spirit beyond human control, to win the "miracle" beyond human grasp.
2354The ultimate competition, held only on this ground, the one and the only Holy Grail War――――!
2355
2356"――――!"
2357A loud crash.
2358The shortsword that deflected Lancer's lance flies from Archer's hand.
2359This is Lancer's technique.
2360A straight thrust that turns into a sweep at Archer's wrist.
2361It was a blow Archer could not avoid even had he seen it coming.
2362
2363There is no effective way of parrying a lance with a sword.
2364A strong rebuff only results in a stronger counterattack, and a weak rebuff does not create any openings.
2365The important aspect of the battle between a sword and a lance lies in defeating the enemy when he is at the wrong range――――
2366
2367"―――Idiot."
2368There's no hesitation in Lancer.
2369His movement to push Archer back stops.
2370―――He must intend to end the match in a single instant.
2371The stares of the firmly placed Lancer and the swordless Archer clash.
2372
2373In that instant.
2374The lance is thrust just like a flash of light.
2375It can't even be seen.
2376Forehead, neck, and heart.
2377Three shots are launched, any one a fatal blow――――!!
2378
2379But.
2380The flash too fast to see is repelled by a shining blade...!
2381
2382"――――!?"
2383In Archer's hand is the shortsword again.
2384A sword like before, a Chinese sword like a hatchet.
2385But the biggest difference is―――
2386"Crap, two swords...!"
2387A pair of swords.
2388In his hands are matched swords, mirror images of each other.
2389
2390"Heh, a bowman trying to be a swordsman―――!"
2391Lancer's lance flies.
2392As if to finish Archer off, the lance moves faster and faster.
2393"―――――――"
2394
2395Archer defends with a burning spirit.
2396His hawk-like eyes say that he will not retreat anymore―――no, that he will only advance from now on.
2397
2398The clashing sounds are like a well orchestrated music.
2399Two steels clanging against each other.
2400The sparking clashes increase in rhythm without pause.
2401
2402The battle of the two is like a vacuum.
2403It sucks in the air around them, and it seems like anything approaching them would be cut to pieces.
2404"――――――――"
2405In reality, it only lasts an instant.
2406But for me looking on, it seems to take an infinitely long time.
2407
2408Lancer tries not to let Archer near him, while Archer advances using his swords as a shield.
2409Over a hundred blows have been thrown, and Archer loses a sword every time.
2410
2411But it's only for a moment as Archer has a sword in his hand in the next instant, forcing Lancer back a little each time.
2412Lancer finally admits his carelessness.
2413That even though he doesn't know who is before him, he will be the loser if he dismisses him as a mere bowman.
2414
2415The distance widens.
2416Probably to recover, Lancer puts a large distance between them.
2417...His speed is extraordinary.
2418Archer's charge was out of this world, but it was still slow compared to Lancer.
2419The movement of his retreat had panther-like speed and agility.
2420
2421"...Twenty-seven. I've disarmed you that many times, yet you still have more."
2422Lancer mutters in irritation.
2423No, it's more like confusion.
2424
2425...I feel the same way.
2426According to Father, a Servant carries only one weapon.
2427Their weapon is filled with magical energy, so it's not something that can be created one after another, like Archer was just doing.
2428
2429Servants are heroes that sublimate their spirits after death, equaling the holy spirits.
2430To put it another way, they are like devils or angels.
2431They are powerful familiars on their own, but their most powerful weapon is their "proof of heroism", a magical item called their "Noble Phantasm".
2432
2433A Noble Phantasm is a weapon or armor the Servant used when they were a hero, and it's treated as a last resort.
2434The Noble Phantasm is the one and only weapon for a Servant.
2435This is because the Noble Phantasm is an ultimate weapon without equal.
2436
2437...The lance that Lancer is using will show its power as a Noble Phantasm when Lancer deems it necessary.
2438A Noble Phantasm is an impressive weapon by itself, but its true ability is to release all its power using its "true name".
2439
2440Heroes' weapons which rule over all others, and which have killed dragons and gods.
2441Servants activate their Noble Phantasms using their magical energy.
2442It's much like magic.
2443Servants recreate the destructions in legend using their weapon as a catalyst.
2444
2445Those weapons are never disposable.
2446The swords that Archer brought out must be excellent, but they cannot be his Noble Phantasm.
2447He is the Servant Archer.
2448So the Noble Phantasm he conceals must be a bow.
2449
2450"What's wrong, Lancer? It's not like you to just stand there and watch. Where's the energy you had just now?"
2451"...You're talking crap, you cheater."
2452
2453Lancer's irritation is understandable.
2454Even though Lancer fought as a spearman, Archer fended him off as a swordsman.
2455Which means, Archer hasn't shown any of his abilities yet.
2456So it's natural for Lancer to feel ghastly.
2457
2458"...All right then, I'll ask you. What hero are you?
2459I've never heard of a bowman using two swords."
2460"On the other hand, it's easy to tell who you are. It's said that only the fastest heroes are chosen as the lancer, but you surpass even that.
2461There aren't three lancers in this world at your level. And on top of that, there's only one with such beast-like agility."
2462
2463"―――Oh. Well said, Archer."
2464At that instant.
2465His vast murderous intent makes me forget to breathe.
2466
2467Lancer's arm moves.
2468This is different from before. A stance free from contempt.
2469The spearhead is lowered as if to strike the ground, and only his stare pierces Archer―――
2470"―――In that case, you shall face my finishing blow."
2471"I won't stop you. You're an enemy I will have to defeat sooner or later."
2472
2473Lancer's body sinks down.
2474At the same time.
2475A chill like thorns fills the schoolyard.
2476
2477...The air freezes.
2478Not a metaphor, it literally freezes.
2479All the mana in the air is frozen.
2480The only person allowed to breathe here is the warrior called Lancer.
2481The lance in Lancer's hands is unmistakably a demonic one.
2482And now, it is waiting to take its true form in the moment it strikes―――
2483
2484"――――Crap."
2485He'll be beaten.
2486I don't know what kind of Noble Phantasm that is, but Archer will be beaten.
2487It's implausible since this is the first time I've felt such an intuition, but there's no doubt about it.
2488
2489Archer will die when that lance is thrust.
2490It is determined.
2491Literally, Lancer's lance is the embodiment of inescapable death――――
2492
2493"―――Oh."
2494Archer will be defeated.
2495Archer will die when Lancer pierces his heart.
2496
2497―――And yet.
2498Even though I know what's going to happen, I can't even help him.
2499Because if I move even a finger, that will trigger the attack.
2500
2501...So, if anything can stop this battle and stop Archer's defeat, it would be―――
2502"――――――Who's there...!!?"
2503It would be the chance appearance of a stranger we have all overlooked.
2504
2505"...Huh?"
2506The ghastly air coming from Lancer disappears.
2507The sound of fleeing footsteps.
2508...That figure is definitely wearing a school uniform.
2509
2510"A student...!? Someone was still here!?"
2511"It seems so. He did save our lives, though."
2512Archer says calmly.
2513Well we were certainly saved, but....
2514
2515"...My mistake. I didn't notice my surroundings because I was preoccupied with Lancer... Hey, Archer, what are you doing?"
2516"Can't you see? I'm resting since I'm free now."
2517"You can't do that. What about Lancer?"
2518"He went after that guy. He saw us, so Lancer probably went to eliminate him."
2519"――――――――"
2520For an instant.
2521My thoughts stop.
2522
2523"...Follow him, Archer! I'll catch up right away...!"
2524"――――"
2525Archer goes after Lancer immediately.
2526
2527"...Damn, how stupid of me...!"
2528I curse my carelessness.
2529It's the rule of magi to eliminate any witnesses.
2530...Which is why, if one didn't want to do that, one just had to allow no witnesses. I've done that until now, so why do I have to make a mistake today of all days...!?
2531
2532A night where even the moonlight is obscured.
2533A student is lying on the cold hallway floor and Archer is standing still.
2534
2535"......"
2536He is staring blankly at the student.
2537...A smell hits my nose.
2538The blood on the floor makes clear that it's the smell of death.
2539
2540"...Follow him, Archer. Lancer will probably go back to his Master. This won't be worth it unless we at least find out what his Master looks like."
2541"――――"
2542Archer goes after Lancer.
2543I'm left alone with the student lying on the floor.
2544
2545"......"
2546I can't look straight at him.
2547But I must.
2548This is my fault.
2549This is my fault.
2550This is my fault.
2551
2552―――Ever since I was a child.
2553Ever since I became the successor of Tohsaka, I've been preparing for something like this.
2554There's no good or evil for magi.
2555I've always told myself that this road has only my blood and the blood of others, so...!
2556
2557"...One shot from Lancer's lance, huh? You can't be saved with your heart pierced."
2558I don't know how long it's been since Lancer killed him.
2559Was he lucky or unlucky to be pierced through the heart?
2560I guess Lancer's attack isn't a simple external wound as the flow of blood from the rupture isn't too severe.
2561
2562It's not too severe, but it's all over when the brain doesn't get any more blood.
2563No, basically, if his heart were pierced, he should have died instantly.
2564
2565"...But it's amazing he isn't dead yet."
2566...Yes.
2567He's still breathing faintly as if to give his last scream.
2568But that will only last a few more seconds.
2569He can't heal his own wounds, and I don't have enough power to save him either.
2570
2571"I have to look at his face. I should at least do that."
2572I try to touch the head, facing the ground, and realize my fingertips won't move.
2573...They're trembling.
2574I wonder why.
2575I'm used to such things.
2576I've had to make these kinds of choices many times before.
2577
2578I've lost many things due to my mistakes and my selfishness.
2579That's why... I'm ready for a day like this.
2580So why... why am I so angry at myself?
2581
2582"...Sorry. I'll see you off, at least."
2583I control my trembling fingers and my failing knees with my will, and look at the face of the student.
2584"――――――――"
2585A huge smacking sound.
2586It really feels like I've been hit on the head with a hammer.
2587
2588"...Stop it. Why does it have to be you?"
2589I grit my teeth.
2590Not to suppress my trembling.
2591I'm really pissed off.
2592Why is it him?
2593Why did it have to be him?
2594I'm not mad at Lancer for killing a witness quickly and perfectly, just as a Servant should do.
2595I'm just angry at him for staying late at this place, on this day...!
2596
2597"――――――――"
2598Sakura's face flashes in my mind.
2599She will definitely cry.
2600And I recall one red-tinted day after school, a long time ago.
2601...A distant sunset.
2602Someone always running alone.
2603And a boring girl, staring at that from far away.
2604―――And before me, the corpse of someone who happened to get involved.
2605
2606"――――――――"
2607...There is a way.
2608I might fail and lose my last resort in the process, but there is still a way.
2609No, I'll lose my last resort whether I succeed or fail, so the result for me won't change.
2610
2611"――――――――"
2612It's a mistake.
2613The fact of his death is already determined.
2614It's my fault for not noticing the things around me.
2615It's his fault for unluckily staying late.
2616
2617So I don't need to go that far.
2618Yes, because this is what my father, who gave me nothing else, left just for me.
2619A powerful chunk of magical energy, a reliable last resort to win through this battle.
2620A precious, precious thing just for me―――
2621
2622"―――So what, idiot?"
2623I shake the feeling off and kneel in front of the one who will become a corpse in another second.
2624
2625"...Man, I've done it."
2626The pendant in my hand becomes lighter.
2627My father's memento is drained almost to emptiness,
2628and falls onto what used to be a dying body.
2629
2630"――――Well, it can't be helped."
2631Yes, it can't be helped.
2632I didn't have the power or skills to revive someone with a damaged heart, damaged blood vessels, and on the verge of brain death on top of that.
2633That's why I had to make up for my lack of skill with this powerful object.
2634
2635"It's lucky he was still breathing. If he was completely dead, no amount of magical energy could have revived him."
2636But since he was still alive...
2637I just did what I could, and ended up saving his life.
2638
2639"...It would have been awful if I failed, but since I succeeded, I guess it's all right. Yeah, I feel fulfilled to be honest, so this wasn't such a bad experience."
2640I'm just bluffing.
2641
2642"...Let's go. What's done is done. I have to head back before he wakes up."
2643Yeah, there's no need for me to stay here any longer.
2644Archer should be following Lancer, so I should go home by myself.
2645
2646――――On my way back, I remember.
2647I left the pendant at school, just a pendant now that the magical energy has been drained out of it.
2648
2649"Oh well."
2650I've no more use for that pendant.
2651Sure, it might have a bit of magical energy left in it, but surely less than the ten jewels I have.
2652What my father intended to leave for me was enough magical energy to win the Holy Grail War.
2653So now, without magical energy, that thing is meaningless.
2654
2655I enter the house without saying anything and sit on the sofa.
2656Archer isn't back yet.
2657I sigh and listen to the clock for a few minutes.
2658
2659"―――Huh, I have to switch gears.
2660What am I doing, daydreaming after a battle like that?"
2661
2662I jump up and brew some tea.
2663There are so many things to think about.
2664Most importantly, the Servants.
2665I have just witnessed a battle between Servants I had previously only understood intellectually.
2666
2667"Lancer, huh...? I panicked when he almost used his Noble Phantasm, but I would have found out his identity if he had used it..."
2668
2669The easiest way to beat an enemy Servant is to learn their identity.
2670Ignoring for the moment the idiot who doesn't even know his own identity, the biggest weak point of a Servant is their "true name".
2671Discovering the Servant's true name... in other words, figuring out their identity... should let you take a guess at what kind of Noble Phantasm they might have.
2672
2673It goes without saying, but since Servants are heroic spirits, they have a legend associated with them.
2674If you figure out their legend, you should be able to find out most of their abilities.
2675Servants are called by their class names because they want to hide their true names.
2676Because the more famous a hero is, the more people know about their weapons and their weaknesses.
2677
2678A heroic spirit that becomes a Servant never gives out their true identity.
2679The only ones that know the Servants' identities are the Masters.
2680There's even a tacit understanding that the Masters hide their Servants' identities while trying to discover the identities of the others.
2681
2682...This is the fifth Holy Grail War.
2683The qualities of the Servants are determined by the ranks of the summoned heroic spirits.
2684It goes without saying that the more famous heroes and the heroes with better weapons are stronger.
2685
2686But it's difficult to summon such heroic spirits.
2687To summon a heroic spirit, one must have a connection with them such as a weapon they used during their lives.
2688Even the Magic Association has a few of such things.
2689So generally, one will summon a heroic spirit that suits them, like I did.
2690
2691A Servant's strength is determined by the rank of the heroic spirit.
2692But it's not that simple as even the most powerful heroic spirits may have a hard time depending on the class they are assigned to.
2693That is because of the special abilities assigned to each class, the possibility of the weak defeating the strong.
2694
2695The seven classes each have a different additional ability, and one even has a chance of defeating an opponent of higher rank depending on the ability's affinity.
2696To take an example, an infamous hero has defeated a great hero four times in the past.
2697As far as I know, the most powerful Servant is Saber.
2698
2699In all the previous four wars, Saber has made it to the final fight.
2700It is said that the three classes Saber, Lancer and Archer have strong magic resistance.
2701To put it simply, magic is pretty much useless against them.
2702
2703It's because they are fighters who fought through the age of myths, when magics were used widely.
2704Magics that magi use now would probably dissipate just by touching them.
2705...Anyways, that's why these three classes are considered the basics and the best.
2706
2707Another that's worthy of mention is the Servant Berserker.
2708The heroic spirit summoned into this class loses their sanity.
2709Just as the name implies, they become a mad warrior puppet of their Master. The benefit from this is a "strengthening" of their power, far exceeding the powers they had when alive.
2710
2711However, the more powerful a Servant becomes, the greater the burden it imposes on the Master.
2712In the past, Masters who summoned Berserker couldn't control their rampaging Servants, and destroyed themselves by running out of magical energy.
2713No exceptions.
2714
2715―――The winners and losers of the Holy Grail War are largely determined by the abilities of the Servants.
2716Well, I expect there are ways to win it by the Master's efforts, but it is basically a fight between the Servants.
2717That is why a Master should be very careful when summoning a Servant....
2718
2719"――――――――"
2720I silently consider the plans we should make from now on.
2721The clock, fixed already, strikes eleven while I do so... and Archer comes home.
2722
2723"Welcome back. How did it go?"
2724"...I'm sorry. I failed. It must be one cautious Master. At the very least, Lancer's Master is not on this side of town."
2725
2726As I expected.
2727Lancer was alone and it seems his Master isn't the type to show up for battles personally.
2728
2729"I see. Well, I guess it won't be that easy."
2730Yes, there's no way everything will go as I might hope.
2731So it can't be helped.
2732Let's consider what happened tonight as a tuition fee for the lessons learned.
2733
2734"You seem down, Master. Where are your high spirits? Don't tell me you got scared by that one fight. If you so order, I am ready to go battle Lancer again right now."
2735
2736Archer protests silently that we should do so.
2737...I see.
2738I guess I look depressed.
2739
2740"Of course not. I'm staying in only because I don't want to do anything pointless."
2741"Hm? Anything pointless...?"
2742"Well, all the Masters aren't present yet, right? Tonight couldn't be helped, but I wouldn't start fighting before we get the signal. My father told me this is one of the rules of the Holy Grail War."
2743
2744"...I see, so your father was also a Master."
2745Archer nods, understanding.
2746―――Then.
2747Archer makes a troubled face and starts to ponder something.
2748
2749"What? Do you have something you want to say?"
2750"Yeah, there's something I forgot to ask.
2751Rin, you've been raised since you were small to be a Master and you've accepted that, right? So you've expected to be a Master since the beginning."
2752
2753"Of course. Well, there certainly are Masters that are suddenly appointed, but I'm different. For the Tohsaka family, the Holy Grail has been our earnest desire for many generations."
2754
2755"I thought so. So having been raised to become a Master, you must have a purpose.
2756I forgot to ask about that. I cannot swear my sword to you unless I know my Master's wish.
2757―――So Rin, what is your wish?"
2758"Wish? I don't really have one."
2759"―――What?"
2760Oh, Archer's making a funny face.
2761
2762"T-That can't be true! The Holy Grail is an almighty grail that grants wishes. Becoming a Master means obtaining the Holy Grail, so how can you say you have no wish to grant...!?"
2763"―――――"
2764Archer is asking with a serious expression.
2765
2766...Oh, I see.
2767The Master's wish after obtaining the Holy Grail isn't irrelevant to the Servant.
2768But it's strange. Father said that Servants have wishes as well, but that is only their wish.
2769I don't think Archer should be concerned because I don't have any wishes.
2770
2771"All right, if you don't have a specific wish, why not wish for something ambiguous? Like ruling the world?"
2772"Why? The world is already mine."
2773
2774"――――――――"
2775"Hey now, Archer. The world is just another word for the things you value around you, right? That's something I've had since I was born. If you tell me to rule such a world, I already rule it."
2776
2777"――――"
2778Archer looks at me with a troubled expression.
2779I'm amazed. The guy really is hard-headed.
2780
2781"Ridiculous. The Holy Grail is a power to grant wishes, a power to obtain the world. Are you saying you're seeking it, yet you have no wish?"
2782"But ruling the world would be so troublesome and there's no point in wishing for something so pointless. You seem to lack imagination."
2783"...I don't understand. For what then, do you fight?"
2784
2785"I fight because there's a battle, Archer. And I'll take whatever I can get. I don't know about this Holy Grail thing, but I can just use it when I find something I want, right? As a human, there are infinite things I might want in life."
2786"―――So, you're saying..."
2787"Yes. I'm fighting to win, Archer."
2788
2789"――――――――"
2790Archer's shoulders slump.
2791Maybe he's disappointed in my opinions, but it seems he's finally relaxed.
2792
2793"...I give up. You're certainly a worthy Master for me."
2794―――Ugh.
2795...I find it hard to deal with that kind of comment, so I wish he'd stop saying such things....
2796
2797"...Huh. A Servant has no right to choose their Master, but I'll ask for the heck of it. Why am I a worthy Master for you?"
2798"It goes without saying. You're unmistakably the strongest Master.
2799No one would be a better Master to serve than you."
2800"Oh, thanks. It doesn't sound like flattery when you say it."
2801...I look away because I'm embarrassed.
2802
2803I find it hard to deal with Archer because he speaks frankly like this even though he's so cynical.
2804...But, well, I'm honestly happy that he trusts me.
2805I trust Archer and he trusts me.
2806I don't think this sense of solidarity is a bad thing.
2807
2808"Well then, let's take a break. Even if the seventh Master is going to appear, it won't be right now―――wait a minute, Rin. What happened to that jewelry of yours?"
2809"You mean my pendant? Oh, I forgot it. It's out of power, so there's no use for it, right?"
2810
2811"That's true, but... well, if you say so."
2812"Yes, it's a memento of my father, but it's not like it's my only memory of him――――"
2813"―――That's no good. You don't have to be that strong, Rin."
2814So saying,
2815Archer takes out the pendant I left at school.
2816
2817"Oh... you went and picked it up for me."
2818"...Don't forget it again. It only looks right on you, Rin."
2819As if he's embarrassed, Archer looks away as he hands me the pendant.
2820
2821"―――I see. Thanks."
2822I accept it.
2823To be honest, I don't know if I should be embarrassed or cool about it.
2824
2825The pendant is as it was.
2826...As expected, there's no magical energy left in it.
2827Empty of magical energy, it's just an expensive but ordinary jewel, and it doesn't hold any power.
2828But, as Archer would put it.
2829Even if there's no power left in this pendant, it still has meaning as something my father specifically left for me.
2830Then... maybe I can just laugh off the fact that I helped that guy by sacrificing my trump card.
2831
2832"―――Hey, wait a sec."
2833Something clicks in my head.
2834I wasn't thinking straight back then because of my regret, but thinking about it calmly, I missed something.
2835
2836He saw us, so it'll be dangerous unless we adjust his memory.
2837Basically, Lancer prioritized eliminating the witness over his battle with us.
2838Lancer's thinking probably matches his Master's.
2839So... if such a Master finds out the guy they killed didn't die, what would he do?
2840
2841"―――He wouldn't let the guy keep on living―――"
2842I get up from my sofa.
2843...It's been three hours since then.
2844I might not make it, but...
2845After all I did, I have to make it on time―――!
2846
2847I run through the night.
2848Fortunately, I know where his house is.
2849No, I didn't look it up, but it just happens that an acquaintance of mine goes there a lot... though I've never been there myself.
2850
2851"...Honestly, you're just taking on unwanted troubles."
2852Archer has no interest in cooperating.
2853He was against saving the guy when he was dying, and he's against me going to help him right now.
2854
2855――――It's midnight.
2856Under the cloudy night sky, we reach the Japanese-styled house.
2857
2858There's no sight of anyone in this house on the edge of the residential district.
2859There aren't many houses around it, and there's no one to come and help if something happens here.
2860
2861"――――"
2862My breath is white.
2863A wind starts to pick up.
2864It must be quite strong as the clouds start to drift fast.
2865The supposedly warm wind of Fuyuki sends chills down my spine, making me tremble.
2866
2867Even if Fuyuki City is considered warm, it's still cold on the hill.
2868
2869The air around here is frozen.
2870I strain my ears in the cold atmosphere.
2871In the frozen feeling, I feel a small sense of an enemy.
2872
2873"...He's here. The Servant from before...!"
2874I bite my lip.
2875His presence is perceptible on the other side of this wall.
2876Lancer is in the house already and about to kill the same guy again, who has just come home without a clue as to what happened.
2877
2878"...I'll just have to jump in and beat him. I'll worry about what comes next when it happens―――!"
2879Just as I'm about to command Archer to go in.
2880A bright white light, like a fallen sun, comes from within the house.
2881
2882"――――"
2883The presence is eclipsed by another presence.
2884The wave of power of the Servant Lancer is consumed by an even larger wave.
2885...The instantaneous explosion of ether gives the spiritual being a body, summoned to overpower Lancer.
2886
2887"No way..."
2888I can only mutter.
2889But it's true.
2890To prove it―――Lancer jumps over the wall and leaps away as if fleeing from this place.
2891
2892"...Hey, Archer. Is this another one of your hypothetical scenarios?"
2893"I don't know. But this makes seven. All the Masters are here now, Rin."
2894Archer answers calmly.
2895I've lost my normal judgment.
2896That's why I didn't even consider the obvious event that would follow.
2897
2898The wind blows strongly.
2899Clouds cover the sky like an umbrella.
2900The unlit suburbs are enclosed by darkness.
2901And the Servant jumps over the wall, coming down like a demonic bird―――
2902
2903"――――!"
2904Archer has reacted already.
2905But I couldn't react.
2906That was my mistake.
2907The battle ended with that small opening, not lasting even a second.
2908It might have been only a second for me, but for that Servant, it was an opening that couldn't be ignored.
2909
2910A sword rushes for me.
2911"Huh, Archer...?"
2912Archer pushes me aside and the Servant slashes him.
2913It happens in an instant.
2914Archer, who handled Lancer's fury of attacks beautifully, has been taken down with one blow―――
2915
2916"Archer, disappear...!"
2917But I make it in time this time.
2918Just as the enemy Servant is about to cut off Archer's head with her blade, I forcibly remove him.
2919A pain in my right hand.
2920It must have been an excessive command, so a Command Spell has disappeared from my hand.
2921
2922...Now there's only one remaining.
2923But this is for the best.
2924Rather than having Archer die, I would prefer to lose one or two Command Spells...
2925
2926"――――"
2927Giving no consideration to Archer's disappearance, the Servant attacks me.
2928"―――Don't underestimate me!"
2929I take from my pocket a topaz with a wind spell stored in it. Then, I launch all the magical energy it contains at her without processing it...!
2930
2931This thing, which can blow away a house without a trace, is a bundle of wind spells I've stocked up over time.
2932It's one of the ten jewels I've been putting my magical energy into for seventeen years without rest.
2933I'm using all the magical energy stored in it, so even if I can't defeat her, it should at least slow her down a bit――――
2934...No, not even that.
2935It did nothing.
2936The swirl of wind that instantly tears apart anything caught within it disappears like a magic trick the instant it touches the Servant.
2937...Such strong magic resistance.
2938Mere magical energy from a magus cannot hurt this Servant...!
2939
2940―――So, this is it.
2941She can't be hurt by magic, and I've lost the protection of Archer, so I can't stop this Servant.
2942I barely managed to avoid one blow, but that's all.
2943I look up at the night sky.
2944In it is the figure of cold-hearted Death who is looking down at me as I lay miserably on the ground―――
2945
2946"―――Wha..."
2947The wind blows.
2948In between the dark clouds in the spiral sky, the moon shines.
2949The falling moonlight and the beautiful face...
2950This is the Servant that drove off Lancer,
2951defeated my Archer in one strike,
2952and annulled my magic with no trouble.
2953
2954"That magic was splendid, magus."
2955
2956The girl's voice is like a bell.
2957Yes, this voice is like a nightmare right now.
2958It's only natural.
2959The more beautiful my enemy is, the more of a nightmare it is as I cannot believe the difference in our strength.
2960
2961"But this is your end, Master of Archer."
2962
2963The point of the sword shines brilliantly.
2964
2965―――On the verge of death, I understand.
2966With just one look, without proof...
2967
2968This is the card I wanted.
2969The one said to be the strongest of all Servants, the hero of the sword.
2970
2971"――――――――"
2972I look up at the moon, accepting my death.
2973There's no time for me to flee or plead for my life.
2974I will die here and Tohsaka Rin's Holy Grail War will end on the third day.
2975There is only disgrace and regret, and I will probably vanish bearing a grudge against my enemy.
2976
2977―――But still, I don't feel anything.
2978Something must really be wrong with me.
2979Even though I'm going to be killed in an instant, I adore her again.
2980That's right.
2981If you ask for regrets, that's it.
2982
2983But I guess it can't be helped.
2984―――Because she's the most powerful Servant.
2985Because her figure is just so heartless, so infinitely valiant, and so beautiful――――