"Okay, now do what I just did," Luvia instructed her Servant.
They stood together in the backyard. The sun was high, bathing them both in warm light. The grass swayed gently under the breeze, a perfect day for training.
"Alright, Luvia." Rudeus nodded, watching her carefully as he began to mimic her demonstration. Mana formed between his hands, his expression tightening as he shaped it in a way he had never tried before. After a few seconds, a bounded field shimmered faintly into existence.
It wasn't anything elaborate, just a basic alarm-type bounded field with no special triggers.
"So, do you feel it?" Luvia asked, folding her arms.
Rudeus nodded. A strange awareness crept into him, like an invisible thread tugging at his senses. He could feel her presence brushing against the barrier. Even if he closed his eyes, he would still know exactly where she was.
This magic is weird, he thought. Really different from my old world. It's… denser, more layered. The way it intertwines with the surroundings feels far more complex.
If not for his Servant abilities, he knew he might have struggled. Then again, back in his old life, he had always been unnaturally good at casting magic. Still, thinking about all the possibilities of bounded fields made his chest stir with excitement. With a A-rank in Territory Creation, his options stretched wide.
"You look like a caveman who just discovered fire," Luvia teased, a laugh slipping past her lips.
Rudeus deadpanned. "Ha-ha, so funny. Yeah, just laugh it up at my expense." His tone was flat with annoyance.
"No need to be so rigid, Rudeus. Jokes like this keep the mood lively." She gave a mock-wise nod. Her expression softened slightly. "Still… it seems you weren't exaggerating about that ability. I showed you a bounded field once, and you managed to recreate it perfectly."
He felt his cheeks twitch. "Sometimes I don't know how to take you. You insult me, then praise me. I'd rather you just pick one."
He glanced at her, and she was smiling calmly. Something about that smile it almost looked…
Before the thought could wander further, Luvia swiftly raised her fingers and covered his eyes. "Let's stop your pervy thoughts there, shall we? Also if I just picked one it wouldn't be as interesting."
"Tch…" Rudeus muttered, but didn't protest.
"You see," Luvia continued, stepping past him with her usual elegance, "a bounded field can be used in many different ways depending on your needs. They can become increasingly complex in the hands of a talented magus. Even though I am not a master of bounded fields, I expect you to push beyond the basics." She turned, her golden hair catching the sunlight as she faced him again. "Without my guidance, I want you to conceptualize another use for a bounded field. As a Caster, you'll likely rely on them often."
"So, you want me to add different functions to it?" Rudeus asked, raising an eyebrow.
She nodded firmly.
Rudeus sighed, a little exasperated. Usually you'd show someone first, but I guess this way works too. In battle, I might not always have the luxury of instruction. If I can figure it out myself, I'll be better prepared. Like solving a math problem it's always easier when you know the equation, not just the answer.
He stretched out his hands again, letting mana gather. His mind raced. Think backwards. How did the alarm field work? What triggers it? How does it sense intrusion? Break it down… replicate the logic… twist it into something else. Wait I think I understand.
A faint glow spread outward as the field formed.
Luvia's eyes widened slightly, then a pleased smile curved her lips. "So you've grasped it already. Remarkable. To think that after seeing a single demonstration, you could not only reproduce a bounded field but alter it into one that slows intruders." She clapped her hands once, elegant and deliberate. "The more you practice, the more refined they'll become. With your Territory Creation rank, you have vast potential in bounded fields."
Rudeus' excitement bubbled to the surface. "So what else are you going to teach me?"
Luvia tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Well, there's not much I can teach beyond my family's jewel magecraft techniques and more theoretical knowledge. But theory may not serve you as much as instinct does. You're the type who can simply do the magic, rather than bury yourself in formulas." She smirked faintly, though there was admiration in her eyes.
Rudeus grinned. "Guess that means one day I might have to teach you."
Luvia laughed. "Before that, let's focus on winning this war."
With that she left. She had preparations to make so she could teach her Servant properly. Rudeus watched her walk away with a smile.
The magic here is so interesting, he thought. I need to study it more and see what I can do with it. What else can I do with these bounded fields? With my Territory Creation rank the possibilities are endless.
Fuykui Shopping Center (one month till the war)
"Rudeus, do you think these clothes look good on me?" the blonde, drill-haired woman asked. She posed in front of a mirror. Rudeus felt like he might faint. "Yes, Master. You look amazing," he said in his sweetest, most upbeat voice. Luvia just scoffed.
"This is the first time you've ever called me 'Master.' What's the matter, Rudeus? Do you not like shopping?" she asked. Rudeus stared at her with a flat expression. He glanced down at the many bags weighing his arms. They were so heavy his arms ached.
"We've been here since noon and it's eight now. Even with my C endurance I can't take it anymore. I'm basically your personal bag holder. You haven't taught me anything in a month and you keep dragging me out just to shop. Seriously, how many clothes do you need?" His voice came out more strained than he meant.
Luvia pouted. "I bought you clothes too, but you never wear them, even though you look cute in them," she added, winking.
Rudeus remembered trying on all those silly outfits. He blushed. "Nope. I'm never wearing a single one of them," he said, shaking his head.
She looked him up and down, disappointed. "It's a shame. Such a cute man, wasted on such… clothing." She sniffed. "Someone important to me gave me those. I'll wear them everywhere. They're not that bad. You're just too plain for them."
He thought: she's like Ariel and Eris mixed into one, minus the obsession part. I really want to get out of here. One month until the war and all we've done is shop. I need to prepare. I need that wish.
Luvia sighed. "Rudeus, I don't get it. You're so caught up in the war; I am too. But overthinking it will only hinder you. No matter how many times I tell you, you still don't get it." She flicked her hand dismissively. The mood dulled. They said little on the way home.
Finally home. I can study, he thought. I need to get stronger. From what I've read, Sabers, Berserkers, and Riders are usually the strongest. Casters and Assassins need special strategies. As a Caster I must learn spells that counter those roles. My biggest weakness is Saber. She has the highest resistance to magic. Facing her head on would be foolish.
I should avoid Saber at all costs. If I must fight her, it will be from a distance. Targets that leverage the Servants' weaknesses are better. Masters are easier to take out. Call it dishonorable if you like. I don't have a strong code of honor. If I kill a Master, their Servant dies without a mana source. I could do that.
He shivered at the thought of Noble Phantasms. Some are godlike. My own Noble Phantasm is nothing special. Facing someone like King Arthur and Excalibur would make me pray for mercy.
His thoughts drifted to his Master. He forced himself to stop. Ever since they began training, she had been on his mind, too much. He needed focus.
"Caster, I have a mission for you." Luvia stepped into view with a smile. Rudeus stayed put and didn't turn.
"I had an idea I should have thought of a month ago," she said. "I did my research. I found the school Rin attends. We will enroll."
Rudeus turned slowly to face her. "Are you joking? What sense does that make? Why not keep preparing for the war? I have so much to study." He tried to keep his face serious.
Luvia rolled her eyes. "Jeez, were you a shut-in in your past life or something?" The jab made him tense, but his expression did not change. Will I really go to school for the third time?
"We need to match our enemy, get intel on her, and see how she acts. I need to know how she works so I can crush her when the war starts." She pushed a fist forward for emphasis.
Rudeus shook his head. This sounds like a yuri ship, he thought. "Is there no way to get out of this?" he asked.
Luvia shook her head. "I already enrolled us and got our uniforms. We start tomorrow." She walked away murmuring a list of things to prepare.
Rudeus watched her go and muttered under his breath, "Gosh, this woman is annoying. Does she not want to win?"
I had to get out of that house. I don't get her sometimes we could be fully preparing for the war. And she decides to be so lax. I've been busting my ass to research hundreds of historical figures and trying to learn new mate craft I deemed could be useful for me. All she does is obsess over this Rin girl.
It's mildly infuriating. I need my wish to be fulfilled. She has a wish but glory that's all you're given an omnipotent wishing device and all you wish for is glory that's so stupid. Tch this woman sh-
He felt the cold weather against his skin, though he wasn't cold. It felt nice. Around him, people bundled up in puffy coats and scarves. The chill in the air reminded him of his old home.
While Rudeus wasn't paying attention, he bumped into someone. A girl. She fell to the ground, holding her head. He froze for a second, then remembered sometimes he forgot that even with D-rank Strength, he was much stronger than a normal human.
"I'm sorry, I didn't see you," Rudeus said, extending a hand toward her.
Her face was hidden at first, but he noticed black twin tails swaying with her scarf. She smacked his hand away and got up on her own. "Yeah, clearly. Next time, watch where you're going." Her tone was sharp, irritated.
She looked a little angry, but the more he looked at her, the cuter she became. She was petite, around 159 cm, with striking teal eyes. Her hair framed her forehead and spilled past her shoulders.
"No need to be rude. I said I was sorry." Rudeus's voice carried a faint edge.
She scoffed. "Someone like you doesn't deserve an apology from me." Her tone was condescending, her gaze judging.
Rudeus rolled his eyes. She reminds me of my Master. "I don't like dealing with tsunderes like you. So, if you'll excuse me, I'll leave." He tried to sidestep her, but she moved in front of him, planting her hands on her hips.
"You're going to leave without even telling me your name?" she demanded.
He frowned. "Maybe you should start by telling me yours. What's up with arrogant girls always demanding names?" He waved his hand in annoyance, but thensuddenlyinformation flashed into his mind. Even though she's petite, she has… wait, why am I analyzing her like that?
"My name is Tohsaka Rin. Now tell me yours." Her voice was flat, serious.
Hearing the name, Rudeus's body tensed. Rin noticed and narrowed her eyes slightly.
This is the girl my Master's been obsessing over, he thought. I should try to get some intel. I was never good at this kind of thing, but maybe I can manage.
"My name's Rudeus Greyrat. I'm enrolling at Homurahara Academy." He pulled out a sweet smile, switching his demeanor instantly.
Rin blinked, surprised. "That's the same school I go to. How did you know I was there?" Her tone was suspicious.
"I didn't, until you just told me." He chuckled lightly. "Seems like we'll be classmates, then. Would you mind showing me around Fuyuki? I haven't been here longI came with a friend." He slid closer to walk beside her.
Rin stared at him, wide-eyed. "What? I never agreed to that. Why are you acting like we're walking together?" His sudden shift from cold to friendly caught her off guard.
"Come on, just a quick tour. Since we'll be in the same school, it makes sense to get to know each other. And seeing a beautiful girl like you, you must be pretty popular." Flattery always works on women, he thought. It's the best way to get on their good side.
Rin sighed, shaking her head, but eventually started walking. Rudeus quickly matched her pace.
"So, how's school life?" Rudeus asked casually.
Rin thought for a moment. She didn't have many friendsmost of her energy had gone into preparing for the Holy Grail War. She was close to summoning her Servant soon. "It's… what you make of it. If you're popular, it's good. If not, it's miserable. Just join a club or something."
Rudeus nodded. He already knew schools often worked that way. Thinking back to his first life, his own school years… well, they were proof enough. "I might join a club. What about you, Rin? What club are you in?" He turned toward her.
Rin shot him a glare. "Who said you could call me by my first name? Don't get too familiar. I barely know you." Her words were sharp. "And I'm not in any clubs. I usually go straight home after class."
"Fair enough." Rudeus nodded, but pressed a little further. "You look busy right now, though. Like something's weighing on your mind."
Rin's steps faltered slightly. She glanced at him. He was handsome, sure, but she hadn't looked closely at him until now. His presence seemed normal. But still… "What do you mean?" she asked, guarded.
Rudeus shrugged. "Nothing. Just looked like you were thinking hard about something. Thought I'd ask."
She frowned, then turned her gaze forward again. "To think we just met and you're already trying to pry into my life. What a troublesome person you are." She quickened her pace, stepping in front of him.
Rudeus didn't chase after her. He let her walk ahead. "Remember to say hi when you see me, Rin," he called out.
Rin turned, ready to scold him again for calling her by her first name. But when she looked, he was already gone.
She paused, irritated, yet strangely unsettled. "…That guy," she muttered, tightening her scarf before walking away.
A/N: every 10 power stones I'll release a bonus chapter