I'll ask about Tohsaka's Servant, Archer. Saber beat him with one blow, but that was a surprise attack, and his strength is unknown.

"Hey Saber. About Archer... have you noticed anything about him?"

"Archer? ...No, I know no more than you do. It seems I am superior in simple battle, but I have not experienced his abilities nor his Noble Phantasm. He is not one to look lightly upon just because we have defeated him once."

"...I see. Well, it really was only an instant. And, well..." ...Back then. When Saber attacked him, there was something strange about that moment.

I guess you could say it was a surprise attack that wasn't. I think that red knight sensed Saber's presence beforehand. But he froze when he saw Saber and couldn't react to Saber's attack.

"...Hey, Saber. Do you think he knows you? I feel that he took your blow that time because he was surprised by you yourself, and not by the attack."

"I see. That is understandable. As he is an archer, it is only natural for him to be inferior to me in hand-to-hand combat. But still, he was too weak at that time. I was guessing that he was not able to use his power due to some external factor"

"Right? And I've seen him fight Lancer. Archer didn't go on the offensive, but his defense was out of this world. For him to take your first blow, I can only assume there was something wrong with him."

"...Does that mean he went easy on me?" She must be angry at him for going easy on her, rather than at being able to beat him easily, as she glares at an enemy who isn't here.

"Fine. After our collaboration with Rin is over, I will make him regret insulting me." "...! Uh, well, I don't think he went easy on you on purpose, so I don't think there's any reason to hold a grudge..." I find myself defending Archer.

"...? Are you saying you can forgive Archer's act? No, it rather seems like you are protecting him. ...I think it is unlikely, but would you have preferred Archer as your Servant...?"

"N-No way...! Frankly, I dislike him. I've never talked to him, but I could instinctively tell when I saw him from a distance that I wouldn't get along with him."

"That is good. It was needless worry. I am relieved, Shirou." "...Geez. I'm the one that's surprised. But why are you relieved by such a thing? Is it that good for me to dislike Archer?"

"...You are right. It is certainly strange. Oh, it is probably because of our compatibility. I am a Servant that specializes in hand-to-hand combat, and Archer specializes in ranged combat. If you were compatible with Archer, that would mean you were not compatible with me. If that was the case, we could not fully utilize our powers."

Saber nods, concluding that it must be why she is relieved. "...I see. I guess that's how it works..." Anyways, there's no information on Archer. We still don't know which hero he is nor what kind of Noble Phantasm he has.

"I'm home. Well done, you came home early like I asked you to." Tohsaka is holding a grocery bag and.... "Excuse me, Senpai. It's rare for you to be home this early." Sakura comes in, smiling happily.

"All right, preparations are perfect. Then let's begin." Tohsaka shouts and goes into the kitchen. Sakura looks at her worriedly. "Senpai...? Um, about dinner preparation..."

"Oh, it's Tohsaka's turn today, so you don't have to worry about it. You made breakfast today, so leave the dinner to us. We'll make dinner as long as Tohsaka is here." "Oh... y-yes. If you say so, I will do that." Sakura sits on a cushion obediently. There is a flashy, fiery sound coming from the kitchen, but there's nothing dangerous-looking about Tohsaka's appearance from behind.

"...I guess it's okay to trust her..." So there's no point in staying here. There's Saber to think about, so I should go back to my room until dinner is prepared.

"I'm going to go rest in my room. If Fuji-Nee comes, tell her to prepare the bath herself once in a while." "Ah, yes. Please take your time, Senpai. I will come and get you when dinner's ready."

"Yeah. ...Oh, don't forget to knock when you come to my room." It's a little before six o'clock. From the way things are going, it looks like dinner will be at around seven o'clock.

When I get back to the room, Saber is asleep in the room next to mine.

"Man, I thought I could talk to her." I click my tongue and sit on a cushion. "...Hey, what am I saying? I don't even know what I'd talk to her about other than this Holy Grail War stuff." Anyways, didn't I have trouble talking to Saber?

"Oh well. If she's asleep, it's fine." I say that and just stare at the clock. Yesterday's dinner was just me, Saber, and Tohsaka. But today, it'll be five people, including Sakura and Fuji-Nee.

"...Oh, no... Saber can't come." As long as Sakura and Fuji-Nee are there, I can't let Saber out of this room. "I wonder if Saber ate breakfast." Saber was nodding while eating dinner last night. Judging from that, I guess it's not like she doesn't need food.

"...I didn't prepare lunch for her. Of course she'll be hungry." Once Sakura and Fuji-Nee go home, I have to warm up dinner and serve it to her. She'll need to eat alone, but that can't be helped

"......" Hrm. Imagining Saber eating by herself is really annoying me.

"Shirou, are you awake?" Tohsaka knocks on the door and looks inside.

"Tohsaka? What's up?" "Dinnertime. It's ready, so come along." That time already, huh? I get up and leave the room, glancing at the sleeping Saber.

"Oh, there you are. Hey, look at this stuff! Finally, with Tohsaka-san here, we have someone who can cook Chinese food!" Fuji-Nee is looking excitedly at all the food prepared on the table. Now that she mentions it, the food certainly is Chinese.

On the four big plates are crab with eggs, shredded beef with pepper, some stir-fry of an elegant looking meat I've never seen before with vegetables, and a plate full of steamed meat dumplings.

There are salads on the side plates, and various follow-ups are ready. Put simply, it's the kind of gorgeous dinner Fuji-Nee loves.

"...I'm surprised. I was expecting you to make Western-style dishes." "Oh, she was actually thinking of a Western-style dish, but when I told that her no one at our house cooks Chinese, she said she would."

"Why does she have to live her life poking at holes? ...? Hey Sakura, you came home with Tohsaka, so did you actually go shopping with her?" "Yes. Tohsaka-Senpai was waiting for me when the archery club finished, so we went grocery shopping on our way back."

"...I see. Wow, you two are closer than I thought." "Yes, we've talked often at school. I don't know why she likes me, but she has been nice to me ever since I entered the school." Wow. She really is a nice Senpai at school.

"Let's quit talking and eat. I'm hungry already." Fuji-Nee sits down happily. "Like she says. Why don't you two sit down too? Chinese food gets really bad when it gets cold." Saying this coldly, Tohsaka sits down as well.

“...” I sit down silently. Everyone bows and eats the food.

"!" Annoyingly, it's good. I've never cooked Chinese because I thought "it all tastes the same", but this is so good it makes me realize it was just prejudice.

"Wow, this is great! It's been a while since I've had food that makes rice taste this good. Yeah, I'll give you top score on this one!" "Thank you. I am pleased to receive an honest response like that."

"Yes. I have a better opinion of Chinese food now. I'm not good with hot food, but this is really good!" Sakura is happily enjoying the food too.

After watching this with a smile, "Fufu." Tohsaka Rin looks at me with an expression of triumph.

"What? You look like you want to say something." "Noooothing. I'm just glad everyone's enjoying the food. Well, one isn't being honest, but that's fun in its own way, so I'll call it good. I understand what it feels like to lose at something you're good at."

"GuhI see, then you made me cook last night to gauge my potential!" "Fufufufufu. Yes. Today's lesson is, always hide your potential." She says this happily and starts eating her own food.

“...” When I leave the living room, Tohsaka is staring at me silently.

I just couldn't take it. That's the only reason. I don't like it when she's in the same house, but alone.

So, before considering the consequences, I grab her hand.

"S-Shirou!? What are you doing all of a sudden...!?" "Just come with me. I'll introduce you to everyone." "Are you insane!? Hold on, this is..."

"I'm taking you because I am sane. Here, let's go. Whatever happens later can be dealt with." "Hey, Shirou...!?"

I grab Saber's hand and take her to the living room.

"Sorry, Tohsaka. Can I add one more?" Tohsaka doesn't object. But Fuji-Nee and Sakura are looking at Saber with astonishment.

"It's a bit late, but let me introduce her. Her name is Saber, and we're going to be taking care of her for a while. As you can tell, she's a foreigner and not used to living in Japan, so please help her with that."

“...” There's no reaction from the two. That's only natural, but I don't have enough composure to care about them right now.

"Here, sit here, Saber. It's better to eat with everyone." "That is... certainly more efficient, but I..." "Don't be reserved. After all, you're going to be living together with us from now on. Since we're living in the same house, it's natural to eat together."

"...Yes. If Shirou says so, I will obey."

"You can't d" "YOU CAN'T DO THAAAAAAT!" "...!" My ears! My ears are ringing!

"What's wrong with you, Shirou!? You bring in not only Tohsaka-san, but a girl like this too? Since when did this place turn into a hotel!?" "W-What? It'll be fine. It's as big as a hotel, so we can lend a room or two. If Tohsaka staying is fine, Saber should be fine too."

"No way! I approve of Tohsaka-san, but I don't know about this stranger! Who is she anyways!?" "Whoshe's a distant relative of mine. She had some problems so she came here, counting on Father."

"I can't believe such a ridiculous story. Even if it were the case, why did she come to your house? There's no way Kiritsugu-san would have an acquaintance in another countr" She can't really say that. Because Father was a simpleton who went to foreign countries all the time, he would have more acquaintances overseas than in Japan.

"Well, I can't say that, but it's still strange. You, why did you come here?" Fuji-Nee glares at Saber.

"Well, that's..." "You be quiet, Shirou. Um, Saber-san? I'm asking you."

Saber is silent. It's only natural. Saber doesn't have any reason to go along with my lies nor a dexterous enough mind, so "]she "I do not know. I was only doing as Kiritsugu said." Well, I guess she does.

"Hm. Kiritsugu-san entrusted Shirou to you?" "Yes. He told me to defend Shirou from all enemies." Quietly. Saber says this with the greatest purity.

...Who could object to that? Even if it's a lie, it's the ultimate truth for Saber herself.

"......" Even Fuji-Nee can't object to those words. But...

She stands up with a frown, glaring at Saber, "...All right. If you say so, I'll test your skill." Fuji-Nee responds strangely.

So. With a sound of wind, Fuji-Nee takes us outside.

"......" She takes the shinai from the wall and glares at Saber. ...Well. Just what is our Fuji-Nee thinking about?

"You. You said you'd protect Shirou, right? Then you must be confident in your skills." "Are you telling me to take a sword?"

"Yes. I'll approve of you if you're stronger than me. But if you're weaker, I'm sending you back home." "...I do not mind, but what is the purpose of this?"

"I'm the one that's gonna protect Shirou! I'm gonna be by his side until he grows up!" “...” It seems Saber doesn't understand what Fuji-Nee is trying to say. Of course, no one else around here does either.

"Sooooo, I don't need anyone weaker than me! If you're stronger than me, you'll be more dependable, right? If that's the case, I can entrust Shirou to you just for a bit." Fuji-Nee plays with her shinai as if she's sulking.

"I understand. So I must earn your approval?" "Right. But it's not going to be easy!" Just as she says that, Fuji-Nee rushes at Saber and attacks her with the shinai...!

"Man, Fuji-Nee's being ridiculous!" Not only was that a surprise attack, but she didn't even give Saber a shinai. Are you really a teacher, Tiger!?

"...?" Saber must be surprised by Fuji-Nee's surprise attack as she just stands there distractedly. Fuji-Nee's clever attack to the body strikes!

"Huh?" Fuji-Nee tilts her head curiously. ...That's only natural. It's strange even for those of us watching, so it must be as strange as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon for Fuji-Nee.

“...” Saber is still standing. The difference is, she is now holding the shinai Fuji-Nee was wielding until now.

"Uh... is this real?" I don't know what's real, but it's certainly true.

Saber does not even take a stance. Fuji-Nee doesn't move, standing before Saber. Fuji-Nee is a kendo expert, said to be unmatched. That experience must have made her realize that the person in front of her is on a completely different level.

"...If you want me to take a stance, I will. But you should be skilled enough to understand already." "Uhh, hauuuu, hau..." Fuji-Nee backs away unsteadily and drops to her knees.

"The contest is over. Do you approve of me?" "Uh, guh..." Fuji-Nee hangs her head and slumps her shoulders. The very moment I think she'll calm down...

"UWAAAAAAAN! "SOME STRANGER TOOK SHIROU AWAY...!"

She starts to cry so loudly that those around her get dizzy.

...In the end, it took two hours to persuade Fuji-Nee. Fuji-Nee said "I want to talk a bit" and went into Father's room for two hours. When she came out, she nodded and said "I guess I have to approve of her", with an unhappy face.

On the other hand, Sakura is silent. It was getting late, so Fuji-Nee ended up walking Sakura home, but Sakura said nothing and merely bowed and went home.

"Then I'll go back to the outbuilding." ...Oh. Come to think of it, Tohsaka is like this too.

"...Sorry. I bet you think I did something stupid." "Nope. But what you're doing is extra weight on your mind. If you keep doing such things, you'll end up being unable to move."

Saying good night with a wave, Tohsaka leaves. "Sigh." I'm tired. I'll rest early too.

"Hold on, Shirou. I have something to ask you as well." "Hm? What is it?" "Why did you introduce me to everyone? I believe your actions were unnecessary as Rin said." "No reason. I just introduced you because I didn't like it."

"Shirou, that is not an answer. You have to tell me what you didn't like." Saber draws closer. ...Was what happened tonight that strange for Saber?

"I don't know. I was just eating and I just didn't like it when I thought about you being alone. If anything, I just thought there'd be fewer secrets if I let Sakura and Fuji-Nee know about you."

"This is meaningless. Rather, it is a disadvantage to let them know of my existence. I can hide myself in this house, so it would have been better if I was just standing by."

“...” What's better? Is she better off being an outcast while we're all eating?

"That's not true. It couldn't be helped because even if it was good for you, Saber, it wasn't good for me. I don't think it's based on reason." Saying so, I avert my gaze from Saber.

"I'm going out to the shed, so go back to the room first. I'll come back after I'm done." “...” There's no response. Turning my back on Saber who doesn't seem to agree, I head out to the shed.

I go outside. The quiet yard, lit by the pale moonlight. The winter sky is high, and the stars are clear.

"Sigh." I sigh without realizing. Tohsaka is right. I'm certainly contradicting myself.

The me that's trying to go to the shed, avoiding the room Saber's sleeping in. On the other hand, the me that doesn't want to leave Saber alone. Even though I find it hard to deal with Saber as a member of the opposite sex, I can't leave her alone as a human. ...It's only natural for Tohsaka to be disgusted with me.

"...Geez. I thought I was only inexperienced at magic, but my mental training is bad as well."

I murmur, looking up into the sky absent-mindedly. The night wears on. Since I'm inexperienced, I can't skip my training. I can only refine myself, believing that I can reach something if I continue my effort.

The next day. After a normal morning, I enter the living room to find a complicated breakfast table.

"Sorry, Sakura. I can't eat butter. Pass me that marmalade over there." "Really? Tohsaka-Senpai, you seemed like you didn't like sweet things." "Nonsense, no such girl exists. It's not that I don't like sugar, but I can't take it. If I let my guard down, I grow where you can't see, so I can only eat sweets once a week."

"...? But you're still eating marmalade, Senpai?" "I eat sugar in the mornings. I have to eat at least a bit, or the backlash later on could get scary." "I see. Even if you eat only twice a day, it will get worse if you eat twice as much." "That's right. ...Hey, I wasn't going to say anything, but you eat a lot, Saber. You have a small frame, but you're eating as much as Sakura."

"Is that so? I think I am average. I believe the bread Sakura is eating is much more substantial than mine." "T-That's not true...! You, Tohsaka-Senpai, and I all have two slices of toast." "But the thickness is different. Ours are one centimeter thick while yours are two, so you are eating a lot. You are in your growing period, so it is good to get energy. How about eating not just one but actually finishing your share, Rin?"

"I'm telling you I can't. It's not like I'm Sakura and all the nutrients go to my chest. If I eat a lot in the morning, it'll increase. I usually don't eat breakfast, so I'm compromising already." "...Tohsaka-Senpai, um, please don't talk about that in front of Senpai."

"...Hmm. You say 'it' will increase, but why do you avoid using specific terms, Rin?" "Well, it's about those things you can't see. Oh well, you can see Sakura's, so you can leave her out of this." "S-So please don't talk about it!"

“...” I take a bite of the well-done toast. Perhaps my brain just doesn't follow what's going in front of me, but I'm eating toast and not joining the conversation. ...Well, the truth is that there's no room for me to cut into the conversation.

"...I guess I didn't need to worry." They seem to have a good relationship for now. Tohsaka is the same as always, and Saber is more open than she was last night. Sakura is... well, she still seems to be a bit resistant to Saber, but it doesn't look like she dislikes her.

"...I'm worried that Fuji-Nee isn't here, but she should be here tonight......" The shock last night must have been a big one. Well, she will probably come and eat dinner, so I'd think she'll have calmed down by then.

Breakfast ends, and I start cleaning up. "Senpai, is it really okay leaving all the cleaning up to you?"

"Yeah, I'll do it. You have a club to go to. There was that incident yesterday, so you should go." "...Yes. Then I'll go on ahead, Senpai."

Sakura bows also to Tohsaka and leaves the living room in a hurry. That leaves the three of us. Which means, once Sakura leaves, the three of us who know the secret remain.

"Then I shall excuse myself as well. Please call for me if you need anything." "See ya, Saber. I'll look after Shirou, so please take care of this place while we're gone."

"Yes. Please take care of Shirou, Rin." Bowing lightly to Tohsaka, Saber returns to her room.

...Well, there's nothing to do here. So she must want to save her energy by sleeping, but......

"...Geez. Does she only think about fighting?" "Of course. You should start to show some willingness or Saber will lose patience with you. Even though her wound isn't healed yet, she's not one to stay quiet forever, right?"

A clicking sound. As she makes a scary comment, Tohsaka turns on the TV.

"Hm? This news again." The morning news streams from the TV. I listen to it while washing the dishes in the kitchen. ...Well. The content is the same as the news I heard a while ago.

"They're saying there was another gas leak incident over in the Shinto area. ...That's stupid. That kind of thing is happening here too." "?" Hold on. Did Tohsaka say something really worrying?

"Tohsaka, what do you mean by that?" "It's that the people are weakening with no obvious cause, right? People that have lost consciousness without an obvious cause, carried off to the hospital in a coma. There must be a lot of them by now. There doesn't seem to be a danger in the victims' lives right now, but what happens in the future will depend on what the instigator decides."

"Wha" Wait. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Not only in the neighboring town, but over here too? Comas with no cause? Numerous victims? No, the problem is

"Tohsaka, are you saying it's the work of another Master?"

"Who else could it be? Please get used to it. You are a Master too, you know." "That'strue. ...But, why didn't you tell me before, Tohsaka?"

"This incident isn't as simple. The Master that put up the boundary field at school is third class, but this Master is first class. He isn't killing anyone. He's just storing power by absorbing half of their lives."

"...Well, it is true that the speed is slower, it doesn't break the rules of magi. And there's also no need to push oneself. This Master is stealing the simplest form of magical energy, 'life force', out of people in the city from a place far away."

"A place far away... can this person collect magical energy from such a distance?" "It must be a really skilled magus. Both Shinto and Miyama City. Only great magi can create an 'absorption' that can cover two towns."

"...Or maybe the Master has secured a superior spiritual ground. My father was saying something about a ley line in Fuyuki City, so if one took up a position there, it would be easy to collect life force..."

"...? Hey, Tohsaka." "There weren't any references to it in Father's study, so if there is one, it'll be in the master's room... Oh man, that place is so weird even now, so I'd like to stay away from it if I can. ...But then, all I can do is ask Kirei... no, I can't. I can't be in debt to him."

"Tohsaka, hey" There's no answer. ...It's no good. Tohsaka is immersed in talking to herself.

I reach the school gate with Tohsaka halfheartedly. The front gate has students arriving at school, and the school is starting another normal day.

“...” But still, there is an odd feel to it. I went through the front gate without noticing it yesterday, but I can certainly sense it if I look for it. ...How can I put this... it's so calm that even my instincts go numb.

"...You're right. The air is different from outside. It's like sweet honey." "Oh, that's the way you feel it, huh? ...You're unskilled at detecting magical energy, but you might be sensitive to disorders in the world." Tohsaka ponders.

"But sweet honey, huh? Speaking figuratively, like an insectivorous plant? Yeah, that's a good way of putting it." "...An insectivorous plant... that image is really bad."

"Really? I don't think your instinct is off. Because in this school, everyone will be eaten alive when the lid of the boundary field closes."

"!" She sees through the aspect I didn't say, and I gasp. "As I thought. You're fun because you're easy to understand." "Whatever. It's not fun for me."

"Don't get mad. Don't worry because I know what you want to say. You're thinking you don't want to involve the students here, and I don't want to use this place as a battlefield. So there's only one thing to do, right?"

"......" These are words to test me. Tohsaka is telling me... The Holy Grail Warthe "enemy" I said I will fight against, the Master who is willing to drag in innocent people in order to win, is at this school.

"I know. We have to find the Master who constructed this boundary field and do something about it. And if he isn't willing to remove the boundary field, we'll just beat him." "That's right. I'm glad you understand."

"Well then, I'll look for whoever constructed the boundary field, so you go and check suspicious areas. I already looked around, but there might have been something I missed. You seem to be good at finding these points, so I'll let you do it." Tohsaka waves her hand and runs into the school building.

"HeyEven if you say that, I have no idea...! What kind of places are suspicious ones, Tohsaka!?" "To put it in your words, somewhere where the air is sweet! Just look for a place where the honey is really sweet!" She yells back, running.

And Tohsaka disappears into the school building. "...What is she? Running away suddenly like that, I don't get what she's thinkin"

"Oh." The bell for homeroom rings.

"I-I seehey, why didn't she tell me that if she knew...!?" I hold my bag and run full speed. After that incident yesterday, who knows what Fuji-Nee will say if I'm late.

I finish lunch in a few minutes and go out into the hallway. This is no time to complain that I've never done anything like this before. The battle has already begun. So I have to find the "suspicious places" Tohsaka was talking about in my own way.

"...I guess I should start with places where there aren't many people." Well. An hour until lunch break ends... I hope I can get good results out of this

After checking through the school building, I go outside just in case. There's nothing wrong with the ground or behind the school building, but this area is too different.

"Could it be here too?" ...There were several strange places inside the school building as well. Unpopular places like behind the stairs or within empty classrooms. But this place is different. Far from nobody coming here, this is a place people come every day.

"...Why didn't I notice? Talking about strangeness, this place is the strangest" I mutter, grasping my chest. ...This place is somehow suffocating. The thick wind and moist air aren't just strange. No, once I notice this smell, I actually feel like throwing up.

"Tohsaka was saying that there's a basis point for a boundary field. I don't know how many there are, but this must mean the first basis point is around here..." Then there should be some sign of it.

... ...... ......... ...It's no good. As I have no skill in detecting magical energy, there's no way I can see the sign that's constructing the boundary field.

"...Phew." I guess it can't be helped. I'll go and tell Tohsaka about this place "]and "What, are you looking for something, Emiya?" "!" I turn around at the sudden voice. Standing in front of the deserted archery dojo is

"Shinji." "Hey. What a coincidence. I came because I had business in that area too... did you happen to see it?" With a grin, Matou Shinji asks this happily.

"...See... what? There's nothing here." "Oh, so you did see it. ...I see, so that's why you were with Tohsaka. That's right, it's more efficient to join up with other Masters." "! Shinji, you..."

"Don't guard yourself too much Emiya. It's you and me, let's not hide anything from each other. I don't know who you have. But you were forced into this ugly role of Master too, right?"

Shinji states it clearly without holding anything back. That he, Matou Shinji, is also a Master.

"...Could it be? You're a Master, Shinji?" "That's what I'm telling you. Oh, but don't get it wrong. I don't intend to fight with anyone. Well, I'll certainly retaliate with deadly force if I'm attacked, but I won't do anything when nothing's done to me. See, I'm like you in that regard, right?"

Shinji laughs. From his words, there seems to be no doubt that Shinji's a Master, but

"Well, I'm also surprised to find out that you're a Master. Let's call us equal in that regard. So, do you want to discuss something?" "Discuss... I don't mind, but discuss what?"

"About what we do now. Like I said earlier, I have no intention of fighting. But others aren't the same, right? So I feel uneasy unless I prepare for future misfortunes. It's troubling alone, but don't you think something would be possible with the two of us?"

... So in other words, Shinji is asking me to cooperate with him?

"Well, let's not talk here. We don't know if someone might overhear us, so let's go somewhere else. Hmm... yeah, my place would be good. Tohsaka won't be able to notice and it's safe even if we're attacked."

"What are you talking about? Lunch break is almost over, so if you have" "Are you stupid? We can skip classes. Let's go, Emiya. I'm happy to know that you're a Master, so don't alienate me too much."

"I can't do that. People would be suspicious if we skipped classes." "Damn, you're really stubborn... oh, I see! You're right, people would normally stay safe!"

"But don't worry, I won't attack you no matter what. See, do I look like someone who would attack you from behind?"

"...? OhI see. You're right, I certainly can't just follow you."

".... Well, it's all right. You have a Servant with you too. I won't pick a fight against such a dangerous opponent."

...? Does Shinji think I have Saber with me? No, that's wrongShinji couldn't see a Servant in spirit form. That's why he's wrongly guessing that I have Saber with me right now.

"Let's just go. It'll be no good if Tohsaka finds us." Saying that, Shinji starts to walk away. “...” ...I guess I have to follow him. I'm interested in what Shinji has to say, so I'll skip the afternoon classes.

We go up the hill road. The Western-style houses, on the opposite side to my house. I guess Tohsaka's house is at the top, but I recall that Matou's house is on the back, as if avoiding public eyes.

“...” It's an amazing building as always. I came here to play a few times during middle school, but I haven't even been near it recently. I haven't been invited since I became estranged from Shinji, and most of all, Sakura didn't like me coming to this house.

...Even though it's daytime, it's dim inside the house. This building is made so that sunlight cannot enter it, and there aren't many lights in here. I'm exaggerating, but you'd walk into the wall if you're not used to this place.

"Emiya, this way. I'm in the living room." I don't know when he went in, but I can hear Shinji's voice from the inner room. Even though it's been a year, my body still remembers this place and I make my way to the living room without getting lost.

There's no kind of light in the living room either. The curtains are closed, and the sunlight is blocked off. There are no artificial lights and the living room is in the dark.

"Emiya, over here." I look over in the direction of the voice. There is Shinji sitting in a chair, "]and A figure of a woman like crystallized darkness.



"Let me introduce her. This is my Servant, Rider." “...” I feel a chill. It's so bad that the back of my neck hurts like it's been slashed.

"...Weren't we going to talk with just the two of us, Shinji?" I back up a bit and manage to say that.

"Oh no, it's just a precaution. I'd be scared if you just came and attacked me, so I have to have Rider by my side." Stretching his hand out, Shinji touches his black ServantRider. He caresses from her waist down to her thighs, as if tasting them.

“...” Rider does not move at all. She stands there like a statue, and keeps watch on me with her covered eyes. ...It can't just be an illusion that it feels like she sees even my fingertips shivering.

"You're like this even when you've invited someone? Aren't you being a little too wary, Shinji?" "Come on, it was just a joke. I know you can't do anything like that. But your Servant is a different story. Even I had trouble training mine. It's not unusual for a Servant not to obey its Master, so think of this as just keeping a small check on things."

...A Servant that doesn't obey its Master? Certainly, Rider in front of me is different from Saber. Saber is quiet, but not coldhearted. But I can only feel coldness from Rider.

A human lacking humanity. A black figure like discolored blood. She doesn't seem like a Servant or a heroic spirit. She's so inorganic with no sense of lightness.

"...Rider's a way to keep a check on my Servant? I don't feel too good about that." "Sorry. I'm just a novice, so I'm not experienced like you are. Forgive me for that." "...Heh. It's not like I'm experienced either."

"Is that so? Then you should summon yours too. We would understand each other better that way, and it's more fair too. Yeah, that'll be great! Hey Emiya, I showed you mine, so you show me yours."

...So Shinji is wrongly guessing that Saber is with me. But there's no need to correct him on that.

"I refuse. If you're going to keep me in check, that's fine. This should be enough if we're here just to talk." "...What's with that? Hey, I'm saying I want to see it. I don't know what you're being a snob about, but shouldn't you listen to me?"

"Then our conversation's over. I didn't come here to show you my Servant. If that was your plan, I'm going home now." "Damnall right. You're useless as always." Shinji comments discontentedly and leans back in his chair.

"All right, let's get to it. Well, there's only one thing I want to talk about. ...Like I said before, do you want to collaborate with me, Emiya? I became a Master, but I don't know about this Holy Grail War thing. I want to cooperate with someone I know rather than staying on my own."

"Hold on. I want to ask you something too before that. I'll answer your question after that." "What, you want to know why I became a Master?" I nod. As far as I know, Shinji isn't a magus. I have to know how someone like that became a Master, or I can't cooperate at all.

"I heard Masters have to be magi as a basic prerequisite. Even though I'm inexperienced, I know a bit of magic. I summoned my Servant by accident and became a Master after forming a contract, but... did you summon your Servant by accident and get dragged into this Holy Grail War too?"

If that's the case, we're the same. I won't easily be able to refuse his proposal of cooperation if that's the case

"I see. You became a Master by accident, huh? ...I see, I see. Good, that makes it more understandable." Shinji smiles delightedly.

"Well, I guess it's similar in my case. The fact that I became a Master against my will is the same. But don't get me wrong. I knew what a Master was, and I've known about the Holy Grail War for a long time. The Matou family isn't like your family. We're a respected lineage of magi."

"!?" The Matou is a lineage of magi...!? "What, I never heard about that...!? Hold on. Then, you and" His sister Sakura knows magic too...!?

"Calm down, Emiya. The Matou family is a family of magi, but we're already dead. I guess the ancestors of the Matou family came to this land with Tohsaka's family, but didn't adapt to the land here. Down the generations, what's that thing, the Magic Circuit? That thing faded, and by the time I was born, the Matou blood had returned to that of an ordinary person's. So members of the Matou family aren't magi. We're just a family that used to be magi."

"You guys were magi... then, only the knowledge remains?" "Yeah, unfortunately. But even if we don't have Magic Circuits, that doesn't change the fact that we're studying magic. It was easy to find out about the Masters and the Holy Grail War with a bit of research. I'm able to relax even after suddenly being chosen as a Master, because of the teachings of the previous generations."

“...” ...I see. I became a Master and understood the Holy Grail War because of Tohsaka. Similarly, Shinji understood his situation because of the literature passed down his family.

"So in other words, you were taught just the knowledge of magic. ...Then, did Sakura learn magic as well?"

"Huh? Geez, you really don't know anything, do you? Look, it probably doesn't matter to you since your family is a hybrid,[l] but a magus of an old lineage only teaches his secret arts to one. If there are two children, you only make the eldest son the successor.

"You get less power if you separate something into two, right? Magi place ten magics into one crystal and leave them behind to create a stronger blood. We don't make exceptions just because someone is from our family.

"So a family of magi doesn't teach magic to anyone other than their successors. It's common for the children who aren't chosen as the successor to be raised without knowing that their family studies magic, or they are to be given out for adoption.

"I seethank God, then." I'm glad. Sakura is a girl who should stay in a peaceful world without magic. I can't let her get involved in a battle that forces you to kill others without reason.

"Well, now you know, Emiya. Even though I became a Master, I'm not experienced with magic. You're... let's see, you say you can use a bit, but your knowledge is that of an amateur. See, don't you think we're a good combination? Let's cooperate since both of us became Masters against our will."

"...I don't mind that. But just to make sure, it's just to protect yourself, right Shinji?" "No. There's that, but we have to attack the enemy right in front of us first. It seems she considers me her enemy."

"...Considers you an enemy...? You mean, Tohsaka?"

"Of course! She wouldn't be so unkind to me if that weren't the case...! ...Look, she's the type that won't forgive other Masters. You should know that by now if you've been with her. I don't know what the reason is, but she lets her guard down when she's with you. I don't know why, but that perfect girl has her guard down! Don't you see that it's a great opportunity to defeat her?"

Saying that, Shinji puts out his hand as if asking for a handshake.

Surprisingly, Shinji seems to have given up. He doesn't try to stop me from going home, and he doesn't try to make Rider attack me.

...He's a really difficult person. He acts like this, but he seems to try to be fair in his own way.

"...Hey Shinji. I might be persistent, but does Sakura know about you?"

"She doesn't, and I have no intention of telling her. I'm the successor of the Matou family. I'll let her be my sister and not know anything."

"That'll help. I want Sakura to stay like that."

"Huh. I see. If you're worried about Sakura that much, I should thank you as her brother. ...All right then, I'll tell you something good, Emiya. I don't know who it is, but one of the Masters is nesting at the temple."

"!? Temple... you mean Ryudou Temple!?" "Yeah. As my Servant puts it, there's a witch up there. She is supposedly collecting souls on a large scale, so it'll be a problem if we don't do something about it fast."

"Wha" If that's true, that is the fifth one. And if that one is collecting souls on a large scale, there's a high probability that it is the cause of the story on this morning's news.

"That's all. Well Rider, see him off. Emiya is on our side, so don't hurt him." So ordered by Shinji, Rider approaches me.

"Uh... no, that's..."

"Don't be so reserved. You're my responsibility until you leave the house, so it'll be troublesome if you got hurt. Oh Rider, you only have to see him to the front door. He has nothing to do with me once he exits, so treat him well until then." Shinji retreats into the back room.

"......" I look silently at Rider.

"......" Rider, covered in black clothes, doesn't say anything. But surprisinglylooking at her closely, I notice that she has clean features.

The long purple hair reaching to the ground only reminds me of the smell of blood, but at the same time, I understand it's really beautiful. ...She's wearing this outfit, so it's embarrassing to directly stare at her, but can it be that her outfit doesn't match her face?

To put it into a phrase, she's a shrine maiden covered in blood. That contradictory appearance of one who is both holy and evil is this Servant called Rider.

"...But..." Are all heroic spirits beautiful? I think so while looking up at Rider's face out of curiosithey, Rider's tall for a girl. Rider must be at least 170 centimeters tall.

"...Hmm" This is no time to calmly observe Rider. It's a problem to be alone with Rider, so I should get out of this place quickly.

Rider really follows me out to the entrance. ...I wonder. She doesn't feel alive, but she might answer me if I talk to her.

1. Talk to Rider.
2. Keep away from dangerous things.

I descend the hill and return to the intersection. If I head up to the residential district on the other side, I will be heading home, but

"...There's a Master at Ryudou Temple, huh?" An hour's walk to the mountain. Taking the mountainside road, one can reach the mountain gate that leads to the Ryudou Temple.

The Ryudou Temple is a large temple up on the mountain, as big as our school. Its cemetery is large, but more than that, it's a small world made up of fifty practicing monks. The people of the town are helped by the people of Ryudou Temple, but they also honor it as a sacred place that is not to be visited lightly.

"...Come to think of it, I haven't been to Ryudou Temple recently." Ever since I went there last summer to stay there as mental training. The temple's life gets really hard during the winter, so I was thinking about returning there during the winter

"Hm? What is someone who boycotted afternoon classes doing here?" Speaking of the devil, or whatever... I run into Ryudou Temple's successor, Ryudou Issei.

"Yo. Is school over already?" "Of course it's over. I'm heading home since I don't have anything to do for the student council, but is something wrong? You seemed to be staring at the mountain."

"No, there wasn't anything wrong. I just felt like going home." "Heh. The teachers would be out of business if people skipped class just because they feel like it. So, I'm asking why you were looking at the mountain."

"...Well. Issei, it's a small thing, but has there been anything strange going on recently?" "Well. Change is common, but nothing has drastically changed. The mountain is always peaceful, and peace makes up ordinary days."

"Sorry Issei, I'm being serious here." "H-How rude! I'm serious too!"

"It looks like it. Then it's good, I guess it was just overanxiety." "Fine, if you understand. I wouldn't joke with you." With a cough, Issei calms down.

"...But, hmm... There has been a change, but I wonder..." "Huh...? A change? In the temple...!?"

"Yeah. Not the mountain, but the air at our temple is restless. She's apparently an acquaintance of my father, but we've taken in a bothersome guest. It's a problem because she is beautiful. Geez, why is everyone making so much commotion over one woman?"

"Womandoes Ryudou Temple have nuns?"

"No. This is a special circumstance, and we're letting her use a room until the wedding celebrationno, but this person is so beautiful that it even captivates me when she's getting water from the well." "What do you mean 'a special circumstance'... hey Issei? Hey, are you listening to me?"

"Mm, sorry. That is why women are bad. Reject lust, be calm Issei." The student council president starts to recite Buddhist scriptures. ...Geez, he's so serious, so he's hard to deal with when he gets like this.

"Heeeey, are you all right Issei?" "No problem. My training is insufficient, so I wish to purify myself more."

I guess he still didn't hear me as he disappears into the back of the town.

The sun is already setting by the time I reach my house. I'm home first just like yesterday. Sakura and Fuji-Nee will be here soon, and Tohsaka should be back too.

"...I'll talk to her about what I heard from Shinji after Sakura and Fuji-Nee go home..." There's no point in talking about it when those two are here. That decided, I have to go and prepare dinner.

Tohsaka got me yesterday, and I have to try to put Fuji-Nee in a better mood. Cooking takes time and effort before love. If I am to go for a sure win, I will have to spend twice as much time.

So. After all that, what happened is...

"Huumph! What, I didn't lose! Stupid Tohsaka-san! Bully!" "I'm talking about the taste of the food. Um, it's the best dinner so far according to Fujimura-Sensei, so I'm saying we should share it among everyone."

"... Hmmm... I think she's saying something else. Tohsaka-san said she didn't want to eat the food Shirou cooked."

"That's only in the mornings. I eat dinner like normal and we take turns cooking dinner, so it is my right to eat. If you don't like that, please take my place tomorrow."

"Ughthat personality that strikes precisely at my weak point. Man, I didn't think you were such a terrible student." Fuji-Nee reluctantly returns the pot to the table. And so, the specially prepared rice returns to the table safely.

"...Hold on, Fuji-Nee, I cooked a lot so you don't need to hurry. I made enough for everyone." Munch, munch.

"T-That's right... but Senpai, isn't this a bit too much?" Munch, munch.

"Yes. Two casks for four people is obviously too much." Munch, munch.

"It's not a cask, it's a pot. And it's fine. The rice is today's main dish, so there can be lots of it. If there's any left over, I'll make some riceballs and it'll be lunch for tomorrow." Munch, munch.

"Oh, can I have some too? I usually don't like fried rice, but this is exceptional. There are lots of things in it. What exactly did you use?" Munch, munch.

"It's basically rice mixed with mushrooms, right? There are lots of details, like the way it's using citrus instead of fried things for its aroma." Munch, munch.

"...Fine! I'll eat it all myself then! You watch!"

Fuji-Nee must have given up taking the pot for herself, as she starts to eat really fast. She empties her bowl quickly and asks for more in no time.

"...Fine, but it won't run out even if you take it slow, Fuji-Nee." "That's fine! I'm going to eat Shirou's food, so I won't give it to some stranger!" She snatches away the bowl.

"?" I don't get it. Sakura is smiling awkwardly, Tohsaka is ignoring Fuji-Nee, and Saber is eating her food. ...I put in a lot of effort to make this, but it might have had the opposite of the desired effect. The dinner that was supposed to have Tohsaka admit defeat ends loudly because of Fuji-Nee's strange actions.

"Then, see you Senpai." "Yeah. Fuji-Nee, please take Sakura home safely." "Yeah, yeah, I know. Don't worry." Stepping lightly, Fuji-Nee holds Sakura's hand.

"What? Shirou, you look like you're wondering about something." "Of course I'm wondering. Usually, people can't move after eating that much."

"Really? It was tough, but it's fine once you swallow it." So you should realize the problem is that there's no limit to that, Tiger. Just as one would expect from a wild tiger. If possible, I don't want it accidentally trespassing into human society.

"Then see you tomorrow. Don't stay up late, you two." "Yes, good night Senpai." "Yeah, night Shirou."

"Do not get mad!? No, I am not mad. I am only stunned by your actions." "...Me too. Well, it's no use arguing over what's done. So, what's going on Shirou?"

Tohsaka and Saber glare at me with obvious anger in their eyes. ...Geez. I thought they would say something about me being thoughtless, but I didn't think they would get this mad.

"...I met him this afternoon. I only went because he wanted to talk to me, and it's not like we fought." "I can tell by looking. So, what kind of a guy was Rider's Master?"

"What kind of guy... well, it's Shinji. He called out to me when I was searching for the boundary field. He said he wanted to talk to me and asked me to follow him, so I went to Matou's house."

"WhaShinji? You mean, that Shinji!?" "Yeah. Rider was obeying him, and he knew about the Holy Grail War. According to him, the Matou family is a lineage of magi with a history."

"Huhyeah, well, that's true, but... it can't be true. The Matou family was exhausted in the last generation. No matter what they do, their children won't have a Magic Circuit. That's for certain."

Tohsaka declares so. If so, Shinji and Sakura really should be normal people without Magic Circuits.

"Yeah, Shinji said that too. But he said they still had the knowledge. Something about it being taught only to Shinji, the eldest son, so Sakura didn't know about it. ...In short, he's a Master rather like me. He said he doesn't have any magical energy, so he wouldn't be detected by your perceptions."

"...I see. I messed up. There certainly could be such cases... If they have grimoires remaining, he would be able to become a Master. Then geez, my actions were totally obvious to him! I'm an idiot."

Tohsaka is mumbling, reflecting on her actions. ...Hm. Tohsaka is close to perfect, but I think there are a few things missing. Unfortunately, they're the most crucial ones.

"That was a mistake on my part. I should have kept an eye on Shinji. If I'd known, I wouldn't have let him construct that boundary field." "Oh, Shinji said the boundary field at school wasn't his. He said there's another Master at school."

"Yes, that's true. It's obvious that there's another Master at school who we don't know about. But Shirou... don't tell me you're just trusting Shinji's word that he's not the one who constructed the boundary field?"

"...No, I'm not that good-natured. As long as Shinji goes to our school, I think there's an even chance it's his doing. The alternative being the unknown Master."

"Even, huh? ...I think you're still being very good-natured. Well, that's fine. That good nature is just the way you are, and that must be why Shinji told you his true identity." "...?"

"Oh well. So what did you talk with Shinji about?" "He asked me if I wanted to cooperate with him. It seems Shinji has no intention of fighting, so he seemed to want to ally with someone he knew."

"EhShirou, then you..." "No, isn't it natural to refuse? I've already joined up with you. Even if I were to agree, I'd have to ask you first."

"Oh... yeah. That... is true. But didn't you say you refused?" "Yeah. Like I said, I answered Shinji on my own. It wasn't something to debate. ...Oh, was I too hasty?"

"...Not particularly. I think your decision was correct. Well, if you were the one asked, it's not something I can complain about." The way she mumbles so isn't like Tohsaka at all.

"That was it from Shinji. From what I saw, Rider isn't a strong Servant. Even putting Berserker outside of the picture, I don't think she had the same presence as Lancer. And Rider herself was more normal than I expected."

"...If you think so, it must be true. But a Servant's true power is determined by their Noble Phantasm. Please do not underestimate her until we find out Rider's true identity."

"...Yeah. I couldn't tell at all which heroine she was. See, Lancer and Berserker feel like heroes, right? But Rider didn't have that feeling. I felt like she was different from a normal Servant."

"Different from a normal Servant? I do not understand. Rin, can you explain Shirou's strange feeling?"

"Huh...? Uh... yeah, I think I understand. Well, it's because the Master influences which heroic spirit is summoned as the Servant. The Master and Servant end up being similar people.

"So if the Master is a noble person, a heroic spirit similar to them will be summoned. And if a person with a huge scar in their mind summons a heroic spirit, a heroic spirit with a scar in their mind appears as well. The strange feeling Shirou had towards Rider must be that. A Master with a crooked mind sometimes summons vengeful ghosts almost like heroic spirits instead of a hero."

"Vengeful ghost almost like heroic spirits... could that be what you were talking about before" "Yes. A mass murderer that loves the sight of blood and thinks nothing of killing people. Actually, there are heroes with only massacres to their legend, so it's not strange for something like that to become a Servant."

“...” Is that so? Certainly, I could only smell blood on Rider, but she didn't seem like a blood-thirsty killer....

"...Well, that's all there is to say about Rider. There's one more thing, but it might be the most important. According to Rider, there seems to be another Master at the Ryudou Temple. I guess this Master is collecting magical energy from everyone in this town. What do you two make of this?"

"Ryudou Temple...? You mean that temple at the top of the mountain?" "Yeah. What, does it mean something to you, Tohsaka?"

"Of course not. It's just the opposite. I've never been to the Ryudou Temple. I don't know what kind of a Master this person is, but normally, you wouldn't choose to position yourself in such a remote place."

"Right. I was also surprised when I heard that a Master's at the Ryudou Temple. Even though it won't draw people's attention, there are many monks living there. If they act strangely, I think there'd be an quick uproar."

"Hmmm... I can't quite trust that story. Even if it was the case, the Ryudou Temple is on the outskirts of the suburbs, right? To reach out to Miyama City and Shinto is more like a waste of magical energy than a great magic. Such large scale magic is impossible even with the magical energy collected from it."

Then, Tohsaka starts to think with a troubled face. I'm relying on Tohsaka's opinion, so there's nothing I can do until she talks again.

"No, that story is very plausible. If one takes that temple, such magic would be naturally possible." "...? Saber by 'that temple'you know of Ryudou Temple? I haven't taken you there yet."

"Did you forget, Shirou? I have participated in the Holy Grail War previously as well. I am well-informed about the city, and I know that the temple is a fallen ley line."

"Fallen ley line!? Hold on, that's what my house is! Why are there two foci of ley lines in one area!?"

"I do not know, but that temple is a place magi can call sacred. I hear it is where the life of the region flows to, so it would be a perfect base to collect souls from. A magus need only to intervene in the natural flow to collect life forces from the whole city."

"...I've never heard of that. But if that's the case, then it would certainly be possible for someone to steal life forces from all the people in the city..."

"In other words, it's just an area that's spiritually superior, right? That's only natural. You don't build a temple anywhere else."

"Ugho-of course. You don't need to tell me that." "I thought so. Temples and shrines have been built in sacred places to protect the town since ancient times. It's not that the monks pray to grant happiness. They remove evil by sealing the ill-omened. On that basis, it's only natural that the mountain Ryudou Temple is on would be a sacred place."

"!" "HeyI don't want to consider this, but did you think that Ryudou Temple was just for show?" "Yeah, I did, is there something wrong with that!? Until now, I thought that temple was just for show because it didn't have any practicing healers!" "Practicing healers...? What is that?"

"People who let ghosts go to heaven without using chants, faith, or prayers. Enlightened people try to do so with just Buddhist powers, but monks without enough training haven't reached that level yet, so they add their own power to create spells like ours. There's some kind of organization of those kinds of people in this country. But they're incompatible with the Magic Association, so I don't know too much about them.

"No, more importantly, the temple. If that temple is a ley line, Masters should try to take it immediately. That's strange... why are others ignoring that place?"

"Because the Ryudou Temple is there, right? They keep watch so it doesn't get misused." "The monks at the Ryudou Temple are all pure monks in training. They aren't like us, so it'd be easy for a Master to control them."

"No, Rin, that is wrong. It would certainly be easy for a Master to gain control of that temple. But that mountain has a boundary field that is inconvenient for Masters."

"...? A boundary field that's inconvenient for us?" "Yes. There is a spell on that mountain that tries to eliminate anything other than natural spirits. It has no effect on normal humans, but it is a dreadful place for us Servants."

"Eliminates anything other than natural spiritsthen that means Servants can't enter the mountain!"

"It is possible, but our abilities would degrade. It is much like receiving a Command Spell telling us not to go near that place." "Then how is the Master at the Ryudou Temple maintaining its Servant?"

"There is no boundary field once you enter the temple. I hear that the boundary field was originally a border to protect the temple. The boundary field is only something that rejects people from outside, so it has no other powers."

"...Then if we make it inside, there's nothing that affects the Servant? "...But that's strange. If you close the temple off like that, the ley line itself would stop. You would have to at least keep one way open or it couldn't be the center of the ley line, right?"

"Yes. If you think in terms of the temple, it cannot refuse those visiting through the proper entrance. It may be following on this idea, but I heard that the road leading to the temple does not have the boundary field. At that temple, only the main gate does not have the power to command us Servants."

"...I see. That must be it. If you close off all the gates, the air inside will stagnate. Hmm, only the main gate, huh...?"

"That is all that I can tell you. So, please come up with a plan. We have proven that there is a Master, so I believe there is only one action to take."

“...” I know what Saber wants to say. Her eyes tell me that since the location of the enemy is known, all that's left is to attack. But

"I'm going to pass on this. It seems like a trap, and honestly, I can't take any action with this little information. If you're going to go to their homeground, you should at least wait until you find out what kind of Servant they have."

"...That is unexpected. I thought that you would go and fight." "Go ahead and insult me. Archer isn't fully healed yet, so I'll remain a spectator for a while."

"I understand. Then Shirou, let us go to the temple by ourselves." “...” Saber says this as if it is the natural thing to do. But that's...

1. Fight
2. Don't fight

"Then let us go, Shirou. I am glad you are being proactive." "...I see. If that's your decision, there's nothing for me to say. Just be careful."

"Tohsaka?" "I'm going to rest. I'm not interested in a fight we've no chance of winning. If you don't come back tomorrow, I'll go and collect your remains since we're cooperating."

"What's with her? Saying such ominous things." "That must be Rin's way of warning us. There will be defenses against outside enemies at Ryudou Temple. We will have to pass through enemy traps and beat the Master." "...Mm. Well, that's true, but..."

It's true that I'm not enthusiastic about beating this Master. I only want to know who the Master at Ryudou Temple is and what their motives are. Battle might be avoidable, and we'll retreat if things get dangerous.

...That's right. I won't let her look like that again. If I judge that it's dangerous, we'll retreat immediately. Even if Saber doesn't want to, I'll have to forcefully pull her back and bring her home

The clouds are moving fast. There is a strong wind way up in the sky.

"Master, it is almost midnight." "...Yeah. The town's fallen asleep. It's a good time to head out."

I nod, picking up my shinai bag. Inside is a wooden sword I found in the shed. It's not promising equipment for fighting against a Servant, but it should withstand at least one blow if strengthened successfully.

"Saber. We're just going to the Ryudou Temple to check things out. It's enough if we can find out what kind of person the Master is and which class of Servant it has. There's no need to start a fight ourselves."

"...I understand. But if the enemy desires a battle and if I judge that you are in danger, that will not be the case. As long as we are proceeding into enemy territory, I want you to be prepared for the death on either side."

The death on one side. The scale of fate is divided between the Master at the Ryudou Temple and us, the intruders. The scale is balanced now, but it might tilt towards one side or the other in a few hours

We go west from the intersection and run through the empty road. Ryudou Temple is in the opposite direction from the developed Shinto, at the end of the winding mountain path.

“...” A long set of stairs. The road leading up to the remarkably tall mountain in Fuyuki City is engulfed in ominous darkness.

"...Saber. Can you feel the presence of the Servant...?" "Yes. I cannot perceive it precisely, but I can certainly feel a Servant's presence." It may be the effect of the boundary field on the Ryudou Temple, but it seems Saber's perceptive abilities have deteriorated.

"This is not a good wind. This place was an ominous place last time, but it is worse now. ...Shirou, please do not leave my side even for a moment." "......" I answer with a nod and start up the stone steps.

The air is tense. The forest submerged in the black of night is trembling with sounds. “...” With every step, a bad premonition settles into my back.

...The temple gates can be seen now. Nothing has happened yet. There's no sign of the enemy, and the temple gates are open as if inviting us in.

"Shirou, please stop." "...! An enemy, Saber?" "Yes. But it is not a Servant. The presence is too weak. It probably is a familiar for surveillance. We can ignore it, but"

There must be something wrong about it. Saber makes a troubled expression and glares at the temple gates a few steps away.

"...Saber? Is something wrong...?" "...I do not know. I cannot tell if this chill is because of the familiar or if it is the presence of the one protecting this temple gate. There was some kind of a watcher at the gate, but it seems to be absent now. ...I do not want to admit it, but I consider that fact fortunate. It would be good not to confront the one protecting this gate."

"There was a watcher here, but it's not here now...?" "Yes. They already know we are here. There are two reasons the watcher would depart in spite of that. Which do you think it is, Shirou?"

“...” ...To hide from us, or to let us inside so we won't be able to get away. ...Either way, there will be no more progress unless we go in.

"...I definitely think it's a trap. Saber, can you tell what's going on inside from here?" "No. I can only determine that there is some sign of a Servant in there."

"...I see. I guess we won't know anything until we go inside." Saber nods.

"Let's go. No matter what they do to us, nothing will happen until we see their faces." I approach the temple gate with Saber.

For a moment, the moon is covered by clouds. My vision is engulfed in darkness. "...Huh?" In it, I thinkI see a beautiful snake within the trees.

"Hold on, Saber-" I stop Saber who is trying to go through the temple gate. "Shirou?" Her golden hair turns around. But that's-

"Enforced transference...!? Impossible! Transference magic in this ageI see, Caster...!" Saber's figure is distorted. What kind of magic is this? Saber is distorted like a mirage and like that

"This is bad! Pull back, Saber...! Your body is fading away...!" "No, Shirou...! It is you that is being transported...! Please take my hand quickly...!" "...!?" Transportation...!?

"Shirou, please give me your hand...! You will be pulled" Saber charges forward to grab my hand. At that moment.... "Kuh, uh!?" ...The figure of a Servant knocks her away from the side.

"You have let your guard down, Saber. Your powerful magic resistance was harmful. If you weren't so powerful, you would have been able to protect him."

"What? A Servant...!"

Silver armor and black cloth collide. Saber and Rider. The two confront each other on top of the stone paving and... "WhaSaber, Saber...!" My existence is pulled out of the third dimension, goes through many dimensions, and is dropped back into my original dimension.

"AhUgu...!" The blood in my body runs backwards. For an instant, my organs go inside out and the sickness is as if I'm another living thing

"Oh. I tried to hook a dragon, but I only caught a small fish in my net." "...!" I turn to face the presence behind me.

"Guh...!" There's no time to check who it is. I swing my wooden sword, still in the bag, behind me.

"[aero]" "Oh" I'm blown away. I'm struck on the right side of my chest, and I fall into the water.

"Huh?" ...The water surface is dyed red. My bodythe right side of my chest is gone as if engulfed by a huge electrical fan.

"Stupid boy. To come to my temple with such rubbish magic resistance. It seems Saber too wasn't fortunate with her Master."

“...” ...The purple robe sneers. I feel dizzyI have to stand up quickly and take Saber's hand, but I feel dizzy, and my body...

"Are you worried about Saber...? Don't worry, I'll take her. I need her Noble Phantasm to beat Berserker. You will die here, but she will continue her life as my slave."

"...Ah." I can't find strength anywhere. Blood. There's no blood left in my body, and I can't keep my consciousness

"Goodbye, boy. With such weak abilities, you have no value even as a slavebut I shall use your Command Spells effectively."

The bent dagger cuts my left arm off. ...In the black water... Only the movement of the clouds swallowing the moon is burned into my motionless eyeballs

DEAD END

Take advice?

1. Yes
2. No