Emiya was wearing a black, wide-sleeved haori, entirely as dark as crow feathers, like black jade. The cuffs and front lining were embroidered with patterns of gentian flowers and drifting clouds in white thread.
After receiving the blessing of the gods, Emiya's body had developed rapidly. In just a few months, he had caught up to and even surpassed Ryuu, who had previously been taller than him. His shoulders had broadened, and with his current physique and aura, he could easily pull off this dignified haori.
Haru was indeed a former noble lady, her taste and eye for fashion were impeccable. Not only did she dress Shirou well, but she also helped Syr into a beautiful kimono.
Emiya: "I didn't expect Orario to have shops selling these kinds of clothes."
Syr: "Orario is the center of the world, after all. No matter which culture, you can find it here."
She continued, "It just so happens that I know a clothing shop owner who was willing to sell these to us at a discount."
After speaking, Syr lightly rose onto her tiptoes and spun around in place.
Chloe: "So cute... The cat wants to wear cute clothes too. The cat wants to go to the festival, nya..."
The catgirl, dressed in a waitress uniform, slumped over the table, looking utterly dejected.
Anya: "Well, can't be helped. You cats skipped work too many times before, so Mama Mia got mad~"
Aside from the only 'good girl,' Syr, Anya and the others had often sneaked out. Today was no different. They had been caught skipping work and were dragged back by Mia.
Syr: "I'll enjoy it on your behalf, too."
She beamed, "Shirou, Haru, let's go~"
Under Anya and the others' resentful gazes, they left the tavern.
Emiya: "Ryuu isn't here today?"
Not seeing the familiar girl in the tavern, he asked.
Syr: "Mm, this afternoon, someone called her out."
Emiya: "Who was it? Did something happen?"
Syr: "Seemed like someone from Freya Familia. I don't know the details."
She answered vaguely.
Emiya: "Freya Familia?"
Syr: "Probably a Guild matter. I saw Miss Eina from the Guild with them."
Eina was a half-elf, a hybrid of human and elf, and somewhat well-known among adventurers for her outstanding appearance.
However, Emiya had only heard of her name and had never met her. Since Hephaestus Familia had dedicated members handling dealings with the Guild, he himself had little direct contact with them.
Syr: "Ryuu should also be attending the festival."
Emiya: "Mm."
He nodded, "Speaking of which, what exactly is this 'New Moon Festival'?"
Haru: "'The New Moon Festival' has existed since before the gods descended to the lower world..."
She softly explained, "People pray to the moon for blessings, for safety, and to be protected from monsters..."
Emiya: "So, it's a festival for the Moon Goddess?"
Syr: "No, no."
She corrected him, "It's for the moon, not a Moon Goddess."
"Though there is a Goddess Artemis in the lower world, the New Moon Festival actually has nothing to do with her."
She turned to Haru, "Haru-chan, does the Far Eastern country celebrate the New Moon Festival too?"
Haru: "Mm..."
She shyly avoided Syr's kind gaze, "We do have this festival, but we don't hold such large celebrations. Over there, 'Divine Sakura Festival' is more important..."
Talking about her homeland, Haru rarely opened up, and during their conversation, her relationship with Syr deepened.
Syr: "Shirou, I see Ryuu~"
She grabbed Emiya's wrist and led him into the crowd.
Syr: "Ryuu!"
She waved, and the elf girl turned toward her voice.
Ryuu: "Syr...?"
She spoke, but her tone seemed somewhat confused.
Seeing Syr in a cute kimono and Emiya in his black haori, Ryuu swallowed slightly.
Syr was as adorable as ever, and today, Shirou looked particularly handsome.
Syr: "Ryuu-chan, what's wrong?"
Ryuu: "N-nothing."
She replied.
Syr: "By the way, isn't this year's New Moon Festival earlier than usual?"
Ryuu: "Seems like it. But the New Moon Festival never has a fixed date. Every year, they pick a night with a visible moon..."
Emiya: "Ryuu, about Freya Familia calling you earlier. What happened?"
Ryuu thought for a moment before answering, "I'm not entirely sure either. They just had me go to Babel Tower... to try pulling out a spear."
Ryuu: "That one over there."
She pointed toward a high platform surrounded by people.
Syr looked in that direction, tilting her head slightly, "The god standing up there looks like Hermes?"
Emiya: "Hermes..."
He also turned to look. At this moment, Syr took both his and Haru's hands.
Syr: "Let's go, Shirou, let's take a look."
Ryuu quickly followed, "Syr, Shirou, wait for me..."
Emiya: "So, if you pull out that spear, you get the goddess's blessing and a free luxury world tour?"
He asked.
Male Adventurer: "Y-yes... Sir... Sword King..."
The adventurer in front of Emiya lowered his head, sweat forming at the back of his neck.
Emiya: "I see. Thanks."
Male Adventurer: "N-no, it's an honor to serve you..."
The man swallowed air. "May I leave now...?"
Emiya: "Mm, sorry for bothering you."
As soon as Emiya spoke, the man looked relieved, answering "Yes" before turning and running away.
This man, whom Emiya had randomly questioned, was actually a member of Orario's underworld. His heart pounded in terror.
'So this is the terrifying aura of the Demon King of the Sword. who stands alongside the brutal 'Black Fist,' the cold-blooded 'Black Cat,' and the infamous 'Gale'...'
Emiya: "Strange... do I look that scary?"
Syr: "Maybe he was just nervous in front of a high-ranking adventurer?"
Ryuu: "I couldn't pull out the spear."
She said. "Shirou, want to try?"
Emiya: "Not really. I'm not interested in world tours."
Syr: "It's just a try, no harm in it~"
She gently pushed him from behind, "Doesn't 'Goddess's Blessing' sound amazing?"
Ryuu: "Shirou, I believe you can do it."
She spoke seriously.
Haru: "I-I also believe... Master is capable of anything..."
Urged by the girls, Emiya stepped onto the platform. Before him, several adventurers had attempted but failed. The spear never budged.
Hermes: "Come, young man, give it a try. Perhaps you are the destined hero."
Hermes flashed him a dazzling smile.
'Looks just like the legendary 'sword in the stone'...'
Emiya thought as he stepped forward, grabbed the spear with both hands, and pulled with all his strength—
The dark silver spear remained completely still.
A flicker of disappointment crossed Hermes's eyes. "So, you are not the chosen one either..."
Emiya: "Looks like fate didn't choose me."
He smiled calmly and released the spear, preparing to turn away—
Then a thought crossed his mind, 'This spear is definitely no ordinary weapon. Could it be a divine spear? In that case, I wonder if that skill would work...'
He reached out again, gripping the spear's midsection.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
[Knight if Owner]
—The ability to dominate and empower any weapon in his grasp.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Emiya's right hand gripped the midsection of the spear's shaft. Seeing him return, Hermes cast a questioning glance at him.
'This boy… what is he planning to do—?'
Hermes's curiosity was piqued, and at the same time, he subconsciously felt a faint sense of excitement.
The intuition of a god told him that this man was about to do something incredible.
Emiya no longer held the spear with both hands in a solemn posture, as if grasping something sacred. Instead, his arm pressed close to the spear, gripping it single-handedly.
It was as if he were simply drawing an ordinary battle spear from a weapon rack, ready to enter combat at any moment.
As though this was not some divine relic, but merely a simple weapon—a tool meant to be wielded, nothing more.
Emiya's magical energy surged forth, red-black waves of mana coursing across the spear's shaft.
[A Knight Does Not Die with Empty Hands(Knight of Owner)].
For all the weapons Emiya had ever wielded, this skill had always activated passively. With his projection abilities, he had never found himself in a situation where he lacked a weapon to use. Thus, [Knight of Owner] simply made his projected weapons even more seamless to wield.
But until now, this was the first time [Knight of Owner] had not activated on its own. This dull silver spear seemed to harbor something within it, resisting Emiya's control.
And now, his choice was to push forward with his own magical energy.
The silver spear began to tremble. From the point where Emiya grasped it, deep crimson mana spread upward and downward along its length. A faint radiance flickered along the spear, struggling desperately against Emiya's magic.
The trembling of the spear grew more intense. Emiya seemed to sense a will of resistance within it, causing him to hesitate for a brief moment—
But in that instant, something overwhelming descended upon him.
It was as wild as the wind, as scorching as flames, as torrential as a flood, and as heavy as mountains. It was the vast sky, the eternal light of the stars, the convergence of all truths, the beginning and end of all things, the ceaseless journey of eternity, the grand symphony echoing from the depths of the galaxy…
It could not be precisely described in any language, or perhaps, it could be summed up with the simplest of words—
[Divine Authority]
"DO NOT STOP, BOY—keep going!!!"
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