"Um... Russell... Could you tell me what this is?
"This is the operating room.
"Fine... But what are we even doing here?
"Hm? My foolish disciple. Have you forgotten what an operating room is for? Has training damaged your head that badly?
"No! I know perfectly well what it's for!
"Then why the questions, Shirou?..
"I just want to know why your 'operating room' today looks like some horror movie?!"
Right now, I'm with my (tor)mentor Russell, dressed in a white (bloodstained?) doctor's coat, in what he called his personal "operating room." And that's fine, but the multitude of various surgical and not-so-surgical blades in the dark room, with a large futuristic chair in the center equipped with numerous restraining straps and clamps, raised quite justified concerns in me...
Usually, it was much... simpler here. Barely differing from a mundane operating room, if not for the innovations brought by the Mentor in magical and technological progress.
"Shirou, if it calms you, though you're seeing this equipment with your own eyes for the first time, by now you've already experienced it twice..." Russell said calmly, as if reporting the weather.
"Twice?! Why don't I remember any of this?!" I couldn't hold back my exclamation, staring wide-eyed at the Mentor, who blinked his green eyes in surprise a few times.
"The first time was after one of my 'lectures,' when you went through the 'First Formation Stage'...
Formation Stage? As I recall, it allowed the 'System' to better integrate into my body and soul. Plus, that operation happened when I passed out from one of our training sessions...
"Fine, I get it... And-a how did I end up here the second time?..
"When I transplanted Kiritsugu's magus circuits to you."
Ah... Right. Could've guessed... Unfortunately, only four circuits survived the curse, but even that gave me quite a bit. Father wanted to leave me something as a parting gift, since he probably won't be able to help me in the Holy Grail War. But the ability to manipulate time, even a little, could be a serious asset.
"Shirou, I'm going to put you through the second stage, called the 'Second Modification Stage.'
"'Modification'?.. Could you be more specific? What exactly are you going to 'modify'?.." I asked, looking at Russell's almost angelic expression, which in "this" room inspired only healthy distrust.
"That's what I was getting to, my disciple... The modern human body is severely limited in its capabilities. Even with impressive strength, you're still made of the same soft flesh and fragile bones as any ordinary person. As a result, you'll never be tougher than iron or see farther than possible even with all reinforcements. The scientific community of my world concluded this needed fixing, and after immense efforts, seas of research and experiments, they created 'modifications'..." As he explained, Russell paced the room, gesturing emphatically at points he deemed especially noteworthy. His face showed maximum concentration and even some pride. Though I caught the latter only due to our long acquaintance.
"'Modifications' are artificial body parts with, for example, higher parameters than the originals, capable of developing with their owner, becoming a full part of the body without drawbacks. They're not made like prosthetics, at least not all... Most are grown by special methods, becoming perfectly compatible with the modified human, literally part of them. The Second Stage isn't strictly necessary to become someone like me—a frontline warrior fighting devourers—but it offers a unique chance to grow stronger and gain previously inaccessible abilities...
"Russell... Can you just tell me what you want to do to me?" The teacher hesitated for a second, then simply beckoned me over.
When I stood beside Russell, he didn't keep me waiting, and after snapping his fingers (Show-off), the wall that previously held blades, saws, and other horrors slid aside, revealing to my view a multitude of...
"What is this?!" ...A multitude of various limbs and organs arranged on glass shelves, painting a picture in my head of a future Frankenstein named me. Most, as I understood, of those very "modifications" looked like natural human body parts, all in appropriately sized containers, as if from some bio-weapon movie. Only some stood out with unnatural metallic details...
"Shirou, calm down... Even if I wanted to, I couldn't install even half of these 'modifications' in you. And your body simply doesn't need such upgrades thanks to the System's steady work. But even so, after long observation of your training, strengths and weaknesses, I deduced the absolute best modification suited specifically to you, which will be an extremely useful acquisition without any negative consequences.
"Then why so many?.. " My brief shock passed, and I voiced the first question that arose.
"A few guards need new limbs." Came the simple answer. "Some of this will go to them as prosthetics; that's what I prepared it for. As you well remember, the wild magical beasts prowling around Avalon don't scruple to attack people. And, by the way, from this variety, only one 'thing' is prepared for you." Russell approached the "collection" of limbs closely and reached for the only glass container where, floating in nearly transparent liquid... Eyes?
"I initially thought of preparing something like an internal reinforced skeleton for you, but decided it was excessive. Plus, possible consequences could potentially weaken you in the future due to rejection related to your embodiment as a 'sword.' So after much thought, I decided to maximize and expand one of your main advantages—vision!" Taking the flask with the floating "modification," he handed it to me.
"...You know, I-u already have my own... Two... Third and fourth would definitely be extra..." I tried to speak as calmly as possible, but a slight tremor gave me away completely.
What can I say, I perfectly understand where this is going!
"Shirou, no need to worry... You might go gray early..." My... surgeon said with a light smile. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the entrance door silently close, its lock turning.
No escape, but a true Hero can't let himself be defeated...
"Shirou, since you're worried, I can leave you conscious during the operation..."
And Russell's widening smile was the last thing I saw before everything went dark...
...The next morning. Emiya Residence.
"S... ai?..
"...I don't want... a third leg...
"...Se... ven... pro... mise... please...
"...Leave my hands alone...
"Senpai, wake up!
"I don't need a second heart!.. Ah?..
What?!.. Oh! I remember... Russell, horror room, 'modifications'...
"Senpai?" A familiar voice came from the side.
"Sakura? Uh..." What is she doing here..?
Slowly, compared to any other day, my mind awoke. My hands automatically went to my slightly aching temples as memory helpfully provided the answers.
Right, it's Saturday today, and Sakura usually spends her weekends with me. And today, because of Russell, we were supposed to meet to head to the city...
"Senpai... Are you okay? You look very pale..." The girl's face showed genuine concern. Do I look that bad? Though it's not surprising, considering what Russell put me through. But still, it doesn't warrant her worry.
"I'm fine, Sakura... I just slept poorly..." I tried to dispel her worried expression, but it didn't seem to work well.
"Senpai, you're all pale and... Did you have a nightmare?
"I'm fine, really! It was just a bad dream. Nothing to worry about.
"...But you were talking about extra limbs... Like you were on a mad surgeon's table...
Damn, Russell! Why did it have to turn out like this!
"It was... a nightmare. Just a nightmare about things I don't want to remember. Yes." I admitted in a calmer tone, trying to close the topic.
Please, just believe me!
"...Okay, Senpai. If you're fine, I'll go start breakfast, and you should... get dressed." Sakura said, still showing doubt but, to my relief, deciding not to press.
Grateful for the topic change, I finally noticed my appearance: just sleep pants and the boxers hidden beneath.
"Got it, I'll change now." Without delay, I threw off the blanket and headed to the room's only wardrobe.
My room has almost no belongings. A desk with stationery. A wardrobe with clothes and a full-length mirror on the inside of the door, plus a futon where I sleep. A simple room without excess, and it suits me fine. Though once Russell expressed concern about the emptiness here, I still haven't come up with anything to fill it. Any extra furniture always seemed superfluous to me. Unnecessary. Like meaningless filler without value, so my attempts to find something suitable and unrelated to magic haven't succeeded yet.
Who knew furnishing my own room would be so hard?..
Snapping out of my thoughts, I note out of the corner of my eye that Sakura hasn't left and is looking my way? Slight blush, quickened pulse...
"Sakura? You okay? You're all flushed..." I turned and stepped toward her.
"S-Senpai, I'm fine! I'll go make breakfast..." She said quickly and rushed out of the room...
Hope I didn't embarrass her? Recently, I talked with Russell about relationships, and the Mentor called me an idiot... That was rude, but then he explained some things. According to him, I appeal to girls, and I'm very different from peers. Also, at this age, teens start getting interested in the opposite sex, so girls like well-built guys like me... Then came a long explanation of the biological processes causing such behavior. And apparently, it was a form of punishment, since the Mentor knew I already knew all that. That's when I asked how it relates to me, and... got hit on the head.
I came to by morning. Reviewing our talk again, I realized something.
Girls like male bodies just as guys like female ones. Though it should be obvious, I'd never thought of relationships with anyone in that way, because that would mean...
Sakura likes me as a man.
It's... still hard to believe. I don't even know how to feel about this revelation, but everything points to it, and I can't turn away from the obvious.
Still, no time to think about it now. I should focus on other things...
"Sakura! Let me help..." Already dressed, as soon as I entered the living room, I called to the girl in the kitchen and headed her way, greeted by her bright smile.
"Of course, Senpai...
...After breakfast.
Finishing the late breakfast, we prepared to head out, skipping the usual morning run in favor of idle talk about plans for the day, which Sakura met with unusual enthusiasm. Luckily, Fuji-nee was occupied with something, so nothing disrupted the atmosphere with her antics, and soon we left the house walls together with Mark.
Which, for the record, would have been a complete surprise to me yesterday, since everything was planned for me...
As it turned out, Russell had beforehand, while performing his "modifications" on me, sent Sakura a message in my name. It said she should come later than usual so I could sleep off the needed rest after the operation, and we couldn't do the run. With the phone I gave her for her last birthday, it was easy. The hastily made excuse was a joint trip to the city and the noticeably emptier refrigerator.
Naturally, I learned all this only after the "modification," and even then, I couldn't ask what exactly my improvement entailed, as the horrific burning in my eyes made the Mentor put me under again, only telling me last what awaited me upon waking.
The only blessing in all this is that my eyes feel completely normal and don't hurt, even if I don't yet know what the "upgrade" is. Plus, time with Sakura is far from bad.
Every minute the girl spends with me is time she lives safe from the old Worm.
Even if all we're doing now is a mundane shopping trip for groceries...
"Sakura, we do need groceries, of course, but why are we going to the mall? We could shop nearby." I asked, walking the familiar road beside Sakura, who, judging by her relaxed smile, was clearly in a good mood.
"Just we need a really lot of groceries. Lately, you, Fujimura-san, and Mark have been eating a tremendous amount...
"Yeah... Ha-ha..." What can you say? My body really does require a huge amount of 'resources.' And my self-proclaimed 'big sister' isn't falling behind at all. Even the aforementioned Mark demands a significant portion due to his nature and size.
In our little 'family,' there's simply no one who eats poorly...
"By the way, Senpai? This morning you were completely out of sorts. Did something happen?" Sakura asked with visible concern, bringing up the morning topic again.
"Everything's fine, really! I just had a nightmare..." And not a word of a lie, because when I lost consciousness, I definitely dreamed of something I'd prefer never to remember.
"I never thought anything could scare you like that..." the girl said with a slight smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her left ear and smirking faintly, clearly finding the revealed fact amusing.
I sighed inwardly with relief. Sakura somehow always saw through lies well, especially mine. So the only way for me to deceive her is with another truth. And even that doesn't always work. At this point, I can't help but admit that sometimes she is extremely perceptive. Whether it's fatigue or injuries, I've never been able to completely hide them from Sakura. But usually I hold up well, so the excuse about 'training' was sufficient in most cases.
"Honestly, there are a few things I'm afraid of..." I said somewhat thoughtfully, immediately earning a curious look from my companion that forced me to continue: "For example, Father's cooking. I remember looking at his 'curry,' Brr... I swear, that day it looked back at me!" Sakura was a bit surprised that I started talking about my 'deceased' father, but then let out a few chuckles. I must have expressed my horror too vividly on my face...
"Senpai, I don't think your father was that bad..."
"Trust me, he was even worse." I began, conveying the trauma in my voice. "He's one of those people who can burn a pot of water and start a fire while doing the dishes. When Kiritsugu adopted me, just a few days into living together, I decided to unconditionally seize the kitchen territory. Otherwise, I'd have to live on takeout food for the rest of my days... or die..." I finished and shuddered theatrically, which elicited another laugh from Sakura, motivating me to continue in turn.
Before we knew it, time flew by in such conversations, and we arrived at the shopping center, where we immediately headed for groceries, leaving Mark to wait for us at the entrance.
By that point, any lingering resentment from Russell's actions had passed, and the only thoughts swirling in my head were the long grocery list and Sakura's smiling face.
In general, despite the bad start, the rest of the day was definitely to my liking...
Tohsaka Residence. The same morning...
My name is Rin Tohsaka. Heiress of the Tohsaka magus family, future owner of Fuyuki, and...
"...How I hate mornings..." slipped from my lips in a quiet hiss as soon as I opened my eyes, peeking out from under the soft blanket.
As long as I can remember, I've never been able to wake up properly in the morning. Fortunately, a cup of hot coffee has never let me down and always revives my mind softened overnight, giving me the much-needed energy to wake up.
At least, that's how it would be on any other day...
"How could I forget to buy coffee?!.." I groaned in shock, staring at the empty coffee jar on the shelf.
Great, Rin. Just great... I thought, pulling out the base for another, less preferable drink before slamming the door to at least vent some irritation.
In any case, no one will scold me for the noise and improper behavior. There's long been no one in this house to take on that role...
Sighing, I mentally noted to be a bit more restrained. Yesterday I overdid it a little with infusing prana into the jewels and, obviously, got much more tired than usual, forgetting to restock coffee even though I knew it was out.
Good thing it's Saturday today, and there's no need to 'keep up appearances' at school. But unfortunately, I still had to replace coffee with green tea, which tastes nice but lacks the awakening effect I need in the mornings.
"No... Even though I woke up after a cup of tea, I can't allow myself sloppiness. I am the Heiress of the Tohsaka family, after all..." the girl said, looking at her reflection in the bathroom mirror after finishing her morning routine.
Dressing in my white blouse with a short skirt, long dark socks, and throwing on a red coat, I headed to the place where I could buy suitable coffee beans.
Straight to the shopping center, where by a twist of fate, I spotted a couple of familiar faces even on the approach...
"Oh? Isn't that...? Sakura? And... Emiya? What are they doing together here?
Wait, Rin. If I recall, I've already seen them together near school. Yeah... Anyway, it shouldn't concern me. Right now, Sakura is a Matou. She has another family of her own.
Yes, it's better for her to stay away from all magical affairs. They haven't done her any good anyway. Fortunately, the Matou no longer have any chance of becoming what they once were due to the degeneration of their magical circuits. So once the already quite old Zoken Matou passes on, Sakura will remain the only heir capable of Thaumaturgy, leaving the decision to become a magus up to her alone. There's even a possibility that after so many years, due to age, Zoken has simply accepted his family's decline and isn't putting proper effort into training a suitable Heir. Especially since Sakura isn't his blood relative, and Shinji is utterly useless.
That said, I wouldn't bet on it. Even Kirei said that Zoken Matou is repulsive to him, calling him an old 'Worm.' And that's probably the only time I've heard anger in the Fake Priest's tone. Most likely, Sakura's training is happening in secret, which isn't uncommon among magus families. Especially here in Japan, far from the Clock Tower, where the Matou have no one to compete with for power and resources. From what I know, they have enough patents and other income sources not to worry about their finances.
In any case, nothing to worry about. Our father was an extremely calculating magus, even passing me the Magic Crest in advance in case of his death in the previous Holy Grail War. I strongly doubt such a man would give his daughter to another family without ensuring they were worthy of the trust.
Calming my thoughts and nodding, I turned my attention back to the objects of my observation.
"Still, it's interesting why she's with Emiya..." Shirou Emiya is probably the most desirable guy in our school and beyond. There were rumors he has a girlfriend, but I didn't expect it to be Sakura... He is undoubtedly a model teenager from what I've seen personally and heard from others. A perfectly built body, altruism expressed in all sorts of help around school, and first place in all graded tests, indicating his outstanding intellect and diligence.
All of that's great. I'm even glad Sakura isn't tied to some idiot like Shinji. But for some reason, the thought of his school achievements makes me grit my teeth in irritation...
I have nothing against healthy rivalry, but no matter how hard I try, I still can't surpass him! No matter how much I strive, he's always first—not just first! All his tests have perfect scores. If I didn't know there are no other magi in Fuyuki, I'd think Emiya is doing something to his brain to improve memory and thinking speed. Though Kirei is a repulsive guardian who squandered most of my family's wealth (Damn him!), he does perform his duties as temporary land owner Kotomine properly.
Or hides the opposite well. You can never be sure what that Fake Priest is thinking...
"Alright, coffee won't buy itself..." I said quietly and headed toward the shopping center entrance.
I certainly don't need tomorrow morning to go without the life-giving drink too...
Some time later...
"Sakura, do we really need this much?" I weighed our purchases and realized that six full bags could more than fill my not-small refrigerator. Plus, it came to a decent sum, but fortunately, I still have funds left from selling the jewels. Raiga also pays me extra for repairing his motorcycle.
"Senpai, if we buy a lot now, we won't have to go to the store every time later. And I wasn't joking at all when I said someone eats a tremendous amount." The girl with lilac hair said and smiled, slyly glancing at me with her left eye.
"Well, Fuji-nee really loves to eat delicious food. And at her age. Isn't she supposed to watch her figure better?..
"Senpai, I wasn't talking only about her..." Sakura gave me a pointed look, but pretending not to understand, I looked toward our four-legged 'guardian.'
"Ah... So you're talking about Mark? Hear that, you apparently eat a lot. Maybe someone else should go on a diet too?
"Woof..?" The big gray 'dog' tilted his head to the side, as if not knowing how to respond to such an accusation.
"Senpai! Actually, I'm talking about you too!" Sakura huffed at my words, forcing me to surrender immediately.
"Fine! I get it!.." I began, lifting my hands with the bags. "But what can I do? I eat as much as I need to maintain my strength. In fact, you've started eating a lot more too since you began jogging." I parried with feigned indignation but immediately regretted my words.
"That's not true!.." Sakura said and promptly pinched my arm. And since my limbs were occupied with groceries, I couldn't even resist as she finished her 'attack' and turned away, crossing her arms over her chest in mock offense.
Naturally, for the final 'move,' I had no choice but to admit my unconditional 'defeat.'
"Got it-got it! Sorry, I was wrong!" I quickly backpedaled and decided to apologize, even though I know she's not really offended.
After all, we're just fooling around, fully aware it's all a joke. And soon enough, as expected, my gaze caught the upturned corner of Sakura's lips, which swiftly turned into a smile from the outwardly carefree girl facing me.
"Mm... Fine, I forgive you, Senpai." Sakura nodded and fell into step with me as her hands habitually ran over the soft gray fur of Mark plodding along on the other side.
Naturally, I was glad to see her unburdened face. I remember how much time it took me to uncover this side of Sakura. In the early days of our acquaintance, she hardly smiled at all, as if she didn't know what that was. Only in the last year and a half did the girl start showing her emotions and even joking. It took significant effort to achieve that result, no small part due to me being an outright terrible 'comic.'
God, I still feel awkward about my first attempts. I'm sure Russell still keeps those recordings for personal amusement. Sometimes he reminds me less of a mentor from another world and more of a stereotypical quirky parent or uncle...
And perhaps that's all for the best. After so many years, it's hard to imagine anyone else in his place. The thought flashed through my head as Sakura and I exited the shopping center.
Then a smile formed on my face on its own. According to plan, we were to take the groceries home, quickly snack on the remains of breakfast to save time, and head back into town, coming up with activities on the fly. My thoughts were entirely occupied with that, and I tried not to think about extraneous things, but as soon as we approached the crosswalk, my entire being howled in danger, and a strong 'scent' hit my 'nose'...
"Sakura! Hide behind me!" Without delay, I dropped the purchases on the ground and sharply pulled the girl, startled by the sudden call, behind my back.
"Wh-what?! Senpai, what's happening?!.." All her further questions stopped when she saw my brief glance toward her, causing Sakura to freeze in place speechless.
The sharp, cold, and fully battle-ready expression on my face surely scared her, but there was no time for any explanations right now.
Someone is watching me. Not just looking, but 'watching'! 'Gazing' as if his eyes can pierce me through, despite any protection, turning my insides out...
After an incredibly long second, I finally spotted the source of the sensation in a man standing about ten meters away. There, across the street, stood out a young man whose predatory arrogant gaze of crimson eyes instantly made my back break out in cold sweat.
He stood out sharply from the passersby in appearance. A blond in black pants and jacket with a white shirt underneath. For some reason, just looking at the man gave the impression that comparing him to the gray mass of passersby was a true insult punishable by agonizing death. He also emanated an seemingly impossible scent of gold and arrogance. Wealth and wine. It was a scent impossible to forget or mistake after sensing it just once.
He inspired fear. Made one submit. Tremble in terror and awe...
And this very man began slowly crossing the street, ignoring the passing cars. His gut-piercing gaze met my own. It took significant willpower to meet it without visible hesitation. But that seemed only to amuse the slightly smirking blond.
The man slowly approached us. Meanwhile, out of the corner of my eye, I confirmed that Sakura's figure was reliably hidden behind me and Mark, who directed his own predatory gaze at the approaching threat.
I was fully ready for possible combat. In my mind, all necessary gear had already appeared, ready to manifest on me the moment I wished. Maximum possible body reinforcement and a couple dozen swords were prepared for deployment to aid in a potential clash.
First, ensure Sakura's safety, then worry about the surrounding people. The best option would be to force the fight away from the eyes of civilians. Even he wouldn't want to start a battle in broad daylight in the center of a populated city...
"I see you recognized me. Commendable for an inhabitant of this rotten age... Who are you?" The blond's demanding and authoritative voice rang out. Up close, his crimson eyes looked even more terrifying, but by then I was ready. Fear receded to the background, leaving only determination to do everything possible to survive and prevent harm to innocent people.
"Do you desire death? I asked you a question and expect an answer. Don't make me wait any longer..." the 'man' before me said, not hiding his irritation.
"I'm Shirou... Shirou Emiya..." Suppressing the tremor in my voice, I still answered the one rightfully called the Hero King.
"Glad your tongue didn't wither. Otherwise, I'd have to punish you for rudeness." His voice was full of contempt, and his gaze clearly conveyed that killing me here and now would be nothing to him.
The Hero King—Gilgamesh... What is he doing here? How is this possible?! Father told me much about the Servants' capabilities, but nothing about them being able to live on after the war ends...
"Well, I'm in a good mood today, so I'll forgive you. Though you're full of fakes, surprisingly, there's something valuable in you, unlike the rest of this era's useless worms. Don't get cocky, though. Right now, you've barely outgrown a stray mutt!" His words weren't spoken as mockery or insult. He said it to my face as if it were an immutable law of the universe. And strangest of all, some part of me wasn't quick to reject his words even in thought.
I suppose this is the effect of his charisma? What else could one expect from Gilgamesh himself...
"...What do you want?" My voice didn't waver. If he wanted, he'd just attack. Maybe there won't be a fight, and my reaction to him was simply excessive. Still, better to be prepared for anything. I just hope he really doesn't want a battle...
"From you..?" The blond smirked. "Nothing! What could you possibly give me? Your life? A treasure I don't have? This whole world already belongs to me! You're just a mutt allowed to live until I decide otherwise. So don't test my patience by offering anything."
Just as Father said. Extremely domineering and immensely arrogant—that's all the Hero King Gilgamesh. Fortunately, he doesn't seem to see me as an enemy or even worth attention...
"Thank you for such a high opinion of me..." I couldn't hold back a response to the disparaging address from the 'possessor of the world's treasures,' but he seemed not to notice the irritation in my tone.
"No need for thanks. Though, perhaps you're not so bad for a stray dog... You can be proud of that." The blond 'praised' me in his own peculiar way as his gaze found Sakura and Mark.
"A loyal dog and a woman. You should watch them better. That mutt risks offending me with those eyes, and the woman... Ha, total failure!" Sakura recoiled, trying to hide further behind me, while Mark tensed even more, wary of the Hero King's attention. But contrary to their fears, Gilgamesh just snorted and, turning, strode away, throwing his signature arrogant glance our way as a parting shot.
"As I said earlier, I'm in a good mood today, so you can go... But next time, try to be more polite, or I'll personally punish you for the disrespect shown..." The blond said casually before departing and vanishing from our sight, dissolving into the crowd, finally allowing me to exhale in relief.
But then another hand gripped my wrist, reminding me I wasn't alone here...
"Sh-Shirou... Wh-what's happening? Wh-who was that and why?.." Sakura began asking questions, clearly stunned by what happened, when I stopped her with a hand gesture.
"I'll explain everything... At home..." And waiting for her faint nod, I quickly picked up the dropped bags, and we headed back home in complete silence as the next thought flashed through my head:
Who would've thought I'd meet Gilgamesh himself today? This day just can't get any worse...
The same time. From Rin Tohsaka's perspective...
"What the..?
Cursing and profanity aren't in my habits at all... But right now, I was ready to unleash a whole tirade in anger. And if not for the self-control instilled by magus training, I strongly doubt I'd have restrained the impulse.
I take back everything I said about Kirei's reliability as land owner! He performs his duties disgustingly if he couldn't detect an outsider magus on the land entrusted to him for so many years! MY land!
I watched the pair that had already left the street for a bit longer before turning and heading to my own home, gripping the shopping bag tightly.
Shirou Emiya. The very Shirou Emiya who always helps repair school equipment turned out to be a magus! Unbelievable! And on top of that, he literally walks under my nose at school almost every day!
Cursing under my breath, I quickened my pace and pondered the situation with the red-haired magus, recalling how I even became a witness to that outburst.
And no, I wasn't following that pair while they shopped, and I wasn't wondering why they needed a whole six full bags. I just lingered a bit since I needed to restock too... But I didn't expect to see something like that!
Emiya clearly activated his magical circuits and, judging by my own sensations, prepared some spell. What provoked it? No idea, and I had no clues about the reasons for his actions.
Hmm... Given that he's successfully hidden for so long, it was extremely strange that he revealed himself so easily. Was he in danger? Doesn't seem like it. Only Sakura and his gray dog were nearby (How did he grow to such a size anyway?!). In that case, what made him react that way? Aftereffects of some research? Or something else?..
...
Anyway, no point building theories on baseless assumptions for now. What's important is that there's an unregistered magus on my territory, and I need to come up with suitable 'punishment' measures if he refuses to cooperate.
Can't act too rashly. First, gather all necessary info on him before deciding. And if it turns out he poses a threat to me or Sakura, then I'll have to take appropriate measures.
After all, you can't live on land belonging to my family without paying!
***
Read the story months ahead of the public release — early chapters are available on my Patreon: Granulan