The moment the three Curse Users entered Emiya's line of sight, he acted.
"Trace on."
Three Akahara Hounds were nocked onto his bowstring.
As he drew the bow, the Akahara Hounds began to elongate.
Eventually, they transformed into three grotesque arrows.
Whoosh.
The arrows shot forward, and the sudden surge of immense Cursed Energy instantly caught the attention of the three Curse Users.
But it was already too late.
Just as they raised their heads, the three arrows had pierced through their bodies.
Emiya didn't wait for the result. The moment the arrows were released, he launched himself forward, charging toward the Temple.
This was not only a show of confidence in his archery but also a desire to rescue the hostages as quickly as possible.
After analyzing the situation within the Temple, Emiya had realized that the greatest threat to the hostages wasn't the Special Grade Cursed Spirit, Kishimojin, residing inside.
It was the three Curse Users.
According to the Jujutsu Headquarters' records, Kishimojin was a Special Grade Cursed Spirit that had first appeared a hundred years ago.
This particular spirit had the tendency to collect and protect children within its vicinity, killing anyone who attempted to "harm" them.
Even parents trying to retrieve their children were seen as threats.
Strangely, before the Big Three Families could organize an extermination team, this Special Grade Cursed Spirit had already been purified by an unknown individual.
Because of this, Emiya knew that the top priority in ensuring the hostages' safety was eliminating the three Curse Users.
However, due to Kishimojin's Innate Domain, Emiya couldn't observe the interior of the main hall from the outside.
This made it impossible to determine the Curse Users' exact locations.
On top of that, the Innate Domain was saturated with Kishimojin's Cursed Energy.
Without an Assassin's Advanced Presence Concealment, Emiya would stand out like a beacon in the darkness the moment he entered.
So, he did not rush in.
Initially, Emiya had planned to first determine the approximate locations of both the Curse Users and the hostages.
Then, he would isolate them using his Innate Barrier.
That way, he could neutralize the Curse Users and purify the Cursed Spirits while keeping the hostages safe.
However, the arrogance and carelessness of the Curse Users had simplified things for him.
"I am the bone of my sword."
Vaulting over the wall, Emiya entered the Temple grounds.
"Unknown to Death."
"Nor known to Life."
Boom.
He kicked open the main hall doors and charged straight into Kishimojin's Innate Domain, his sharp gaze scanning the area like a hawk.
Kishimojin reacted with intense fury at the sudden intrusion into her Domain.
The eerie yet benevolent smile she wore, reminiscent of a serene Buddha, was instantly replaced by madness and rage.
"Unlimited Blade Works."
Kishimojin's claws stopped just short of striking Emiya.
In the next instant, overwhelming Cursed Energy erupted from Emiya's core, instantly shattering Kishimojin's Innate Domain.
When Kishimojin regained her vision, she found herself standing in a boundless wilderness.
Under a twilight sky, countless swords lay buried across hills of blades.
In this endless wasteland of swords, only one small space was clear of them.
Whoosh.
A dozen children opened their eyes to find that their world had changed.
Gone was the eerie Temple.
In its place was a twilight-stained field.
The terrifying presence of Kishimojin had vanished, replaced by the broad and reassuring back of a white-haired figure.
"You're safe now. Let's play a game with big brother."
The white-haired man turned around and spoke softly to the children.
"Close your eyes and count to 60. If you can do it, there'll be a reward afterward."
His gentle tone made the children subconsciously obey.
One by one, they closed their eyes and began to count silently in their hearts.
1, 2, 3... "Now it's your turn."
Once he confirmed the children had their eyes shut, Emiya turned his attention to Kishimojin, who was now being chased by countless flying swords.
At this moment, Kishimojin's body began to expand. Numerous distorted child-like Cursed Spirits were absorbed into her swollen belly.
It appeared as if Kishimojin was devouring the Cursed Spirits.
But Emiya understood, she was trying to protect them.
"You too... are a pitiful existence."
A black longbow appeared in his hand.
A spiral-shaped weapon flew in from the distance.
"Be at peace."
Emiya nocked the Spiral Sword onto the bowstring.
The Spiral Sword began to transform, finally becoming an arrow.
"Fake Spiral Sword."
The arrow, imbued with terrifying Cursed Energy, struck the now-enlarged Kishimojin.
The spiraling shaft pierced her body completely.
"Broken Phantasm."
Boom.
The shaft of the Fake Spiral Sword shattered upon impact. The massive amount of Cursed Energy stored within the Noble Phantasm detonated all at once.
A violent explosion erupted from within Kishimojin's body, engulfing her entirely.
When the dust settled, Kishimojin had disappeared along with it.
Behind Emiya, the children reopened their eyes after finishing their silent count to 60.
The terrifying monsters and enemies were gone.
All they saw now was a kind-faced big brother.
Emiya helped each child up, then extended his arms to either side, shielding them all within his embrace.
And so, a dozen children were led safely out of the Temple by Emiya.
"The hostages are secure. Begin operations immediately."
The people who had been maintaining the barrier outside the Temple all sprang into action upon seeing the children rescued.
Medical personnel wrapped the children in blankets and moved them to the rear area to rest. Meanwhile, several Jujutsu Sorcerers rushed into the Temple to confirm if any residual threats remained.
Emiya had received food and candy from the Assistant Supervisors and was now handing them out to the children who had gathered around him.
"No need to fight, there's enough for everyone."
Soon, the children, who had been tense and anxious, fell asleep after eating and drinking their fill.
When Emiya quietly exited the tent, he found a group of people waiting outside.
"Thank you very much, Emiya-san."
All the Assistant Supervisors, Windows, and field agents deployed by the Jujutsu Headquarters bowed deeply in gratitude.
They had seen too many incidents where Cursed Spirits caused casualties, filling them with grief and helplessness until they became numb to it.
But even so, knowing a dozen children were in danger, they couldn't help but feel nervous and desperate.
In their moment of helplessness, a hero had descended.
Emiya had rescued every single child, unharmed.
Saved from three Curse Users and a Special Grade Cursed Spirit.
At that moment, their hearts were filled with gratitude and respect.
"No, this was the result of everyone's efforts. I have other tasks, so I'll leave the rest to you."
A faint smile appeared on Emiya's face.
This feeling wasn't so bad.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)