A soft giggle echoed through the hall. It came from the girl standing in front of him, Matou Sakura. Her voice was quiet, almost melodic, carrying just enough warmth to break the still air of the corridor. She turned slightly, a small smile on her face.
"We better hurry and get to class, Rudeus."
He nodded, meeting her eyes. "You're right. Can't be late on my first day of that class." he said, the words coming out more serious than he intended.
They walked together down the long corridor, the faint echo of their footsteps mixing with the low hum of other students' conversations from every classroom they passed. The smell of polished wood filled the air. Sakura talked lightly about the school, about how peaceful the school days usually were. Rudeus listened, nodding occasionally.
When they reached the classroom door, he paused for a moment before pushing it open. The room buzzed with quiet chatter, sunlight streaming through tall windows and scattering across desks. He scanned the room carefully.
Luvia sat near the window, her posture perfect, composed like a porcelain doll. Every movement of hers felt deliberate, practiced, and precise. She looked every bit the noble she was, yet he noticed the subtle flicker in her gaze, a fleeting glance toward the girl nearby Rin Tohsaka.
A few rows over, Rin Tohsaka sat quietly with her arms crossed, her expression sharp but unreadable. She didn't say a word, but Rudeus could sense the coldness radiating from her.
He chose the nearest open seat, setting his bag down with a quiet thud. Sakura took one a few rows ahead, her attention already shifting toward the teacher preparing at the front. From where he sat, Rudeus could see all three of them Sakura, Rin, and Luvia. Three magi women in one place.
His mind began to wander. Could this turn into a problem later? Sakura could summon a Servant. Rin definitely would. And Luvia she wouldn't hesitate if things went south. He didn't want to think about it, but he had to be ready. If the war pushed him into a corner, he might have to kill them both.
He didn't want to linger on that thought.
After all, Roxy had taught him that.
Her voice echoed faintly in his mind, calm and steady. Killing someone is never something you should take lightly. However, sometimes in this world, killing is unavoidable for survival or to protect others. What matters is that you understand the weight of it and don't use it as an excuse or take pride in it. If you ever have to kill, you should do so knowing it's a burden you'll carry, not a choice made easily.
He remembered the night he killed Geese. The body was lifeless sitting at the tree burning. There had been no regret, but no satisfaction either, just an empty acceptance. It was something that had to be done. The Grail War was no different.
When class finally ended, the bell's sharp ring pulled him from his thoughts. Students began shuffling out, chatting and laughing. Rudeus stood, stretching lightly before glancing toward Luvia. "So," he asked as he walked up to her, "are we heading straight home or somewhere else?"
Luvia didn't look up right away. She was neatly stacking her papers, her movements composed. "After today? I'm exhausted," she said, sighing quietly. "Let's just go home."
He waited beside her, his bag already slung over his shoulder, watching her in silence. There was something oddly nostalgic about these little mundane moments.
Then he felt a light poke on his back.
"Hey, senpai. Remember earlier when you asked about the clubs?"
He turned around. Sakura stood there, her hands clasped behind her back, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
"Yeah, I remember," he said. "But that was just something I said to make conversation."
She nodded quickly. "I know, but I'm in the archery club, and I wanted to show you around. You should try joining one since you're new." Her tone was soft but eager, her small hands tightening slightly as if bracing for rejection.
He glanced at Luvia. She didn't speak, but her eyes met his briefly. "You need to act normal. Go with her." her voice echoed faintly through their link.
Rudeus sighed inwardly. "Sure," he said at last, offering a small smile. "I'd love to check it out."
Sakura's eyes brightened immediately. "Okay, senpai! Follow me."
They stepped out into the courtyard, the late afternoon light painting the world in warm tones. The air smelled faintly of grass and sakura petals carried by the breeze.
The archery building was larger than he expected, tucked neatly behind the main school. As they entered, the faint scent of polished wood and varnish filled his nose.
He paused, taking in the sight. "Wow. It's really clean here. Looks nice too."
Sakura smiled proudly. "Thank you! I was actually the last one to clean it." Her tone carried a hint of pride, small but genuine.
They removed their shoes and changed into indoor slippers. The floor gleamed beneath their feet. Sakura walked to a rack of bows and handed him one.
"Do you know how to hold it?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
Rudeus studied the weapon for a second. "No. Never used one before."
"Then I'll teach you." She clapped her hands once, cheerful and confident.
"Okay, watch closely," she said, raising the bow.
Her posture shifted, movements smooth and precise. Her purple hair brushed her shoulder as she drew the string back. Her arms looked delicate, but her form was strong for a grown man they would probably have some struggle pulling that back. The mix of her purple long hair and her pale delicate smooth skin contrasted so well it made her look like a beautiful lavender ready to bloom at any time.
The string snapped forward with a crisp sound. The arrow hit the target, slightly off-center.
Sakura frowned for only a second before smiling again. "Okay, senpai. Your turn. Don't worry if you don't hit the bullseye right away."
Rudeus nodded. "I'll do my best."
He took the bow, mimicking her stance carefully. The grip felt strange, the tension uneven, but manageable. He pulled the string back, channeling just a little more strength than necessary and released.
The arrow shot forward in a blur, piercing straight through the target.
The sound echoed in the hall. Silence followed.
Sakura blinked, staring. Then she stepped closer, inspecting the hole. It was perfectly centered, clean, and deep.
"Maybe I put a bit too much strength in that," Rudeus said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I forget to hold back sometimes."
He looked away, avoiding her gaze. "I can fix it later. Don't worry." He could easily repair it with magic, but that would raise too many questions. Better to wait.
Sakura's voice broke the quiet. "Senpai… how?" She looked amazed, eyes wide, her tone almost reverent. For someone who had never shot a bow before to shoot such an accurate and fast shot seemed to be impossible for a moment. She began to think if he had lied to her but remembering his expression she doubted it. "That was amazing. You're a prodigy."
Rudeus froze, unsure what to say. He'd expected frustration, not admiration.
She stepped closer, eyes bright with awe. "Senpai, teach me how to be that good."
He looked away quickly, forcing himself to stay calm. But his gaze slipped for just a second, and his mind betrayed him as he saw the measurements of her body.
He sighed inwardly. Yeah… she'd definitely make a good mom someday.
Every 10 power stones there will be an extra chapter