What skill does Ritsuka need to develop most right now?
If you were to ask Naoki, it would undoubtedly be survival ability.
Earlier, when discussing Mystic Codes for ordinary Masters with Da Vinci, he had emphasized prioritizing protection, with the core objective being: "Save the Master at all costs." After all, there were currently only two Masters at Chaldea.
Hinako didn't need much worrying about. Even if she died, she could simply resurrect from her grave. But Ritsuka was different—she absolutely had to survive.
Besides the Mystic Code, Ritsuka also needed to develop escape skills. After all, a Mystic Code wasn't omnipotent. At best, it could only serve as support. The most important thing was Ritsuka's own ability to flee.
But that could wait. What needed to be done now was teaching Ritsuka how to use her Mystic Code.
In Chaldea's training room, on the practice field, Naoki looked at Ritsuka, who was now wearing the prototype Mystic Code, and asked, "How's it fit? Any discomfort?"
"Hmm… my chest feels a bit tight, but otherwise it's fine. These straps on the chest are for adjusting, right?"
"Yes. This is a prototype based on the standard Chaldea uniform. You can adjust it to your preference."
Even so, seeing how Ritsuka's figure was accentuated by the Chaldea uniform, Naoki couldn't help but suspect Marisbury had some hidden motives when designing it—especially given how the cut resembled a straitjacket.
After slightly loosening the chest straps, Ritsuka looked up at Naoki. "I'm ready, Chief. What should I do next?"
"There are currently three aspects you need to train."
Naoki raised three fingers.
"First, basic physical endurance. In the future, when fixing Singularities, long journeys are unavoidable. You'll need to build stamina to remain active for extended periods."
"Second, escape ability. While I can handle combat, and Mash can handle defense, there may be situations where both Mash and I are overwhelmed and unable to protect you. At that moment, you'll have to rely solely on yourself. If you die, it would be an extremely serious situation."
"These two are long-term goals requiring sustained training. We won't start on them today. Your training instructor will set up a proper schedule later. For now, we'll focus on the third task—mastering the use of the Mystic Code within your body."
"Simply put: activating the magecraft circuits inside you."
Ritsuka was a first-generation Magus with magecraft circuits—a conclusion drawn from a physical examination conducted by an external branch before she arrived at Chaldea. Her circuits were also fairly well-developed, quite impressive for a first-generation Magus.
Of course, magical talent wasn't that crucial. Chaldea's Mystic Codes were designed with non-Magus users in mind. Essentially, the magecraft was already pre-programmed; all one needed was to supply Mana to activate the appropriate spells.
Ritsuka had never used magecraft before. Her circuits were still sealed, never activated. So what needed to be done now was to open them and attempt to use the magecraft embedded in the Mystic Code.
"Fujimaru, follow my instructions—first, relax your entire body, and turn your awareness inward. Clearly sense the magecraft circuits inside you, and imagine them opening. This will be the key every time you activate your circuits from now on."
Honestly, guiding Ritsuka like this brought a wave of nostalgia over Naoki. Twenty years ago, during the Fourth Holy Grail War, Kayneth had guided him in opening his own magecraft circuits in exactly the same way. Back then, he never imagined he'd one day be teaching someone else himself.
Following Naoki's instructions, Ritsuka gradually turned her awareness inward. As she did, illusory pathways resembling electrical wires appeared in her perception. A faint tingling sensation spread throughout her body along with their appearance.
A sensation like a switch being flipped flickered in her mind.
"Ugh…"
As the tingling intensified, Ritsuka couldn't help but open her eyes and return to reality. Then she noticed several glowing patterns appearing on her arms.
"These are the magecraft circuits?"
"Yes. Easy, right? Nothing too difficult." Naoki chuckled. "First-generation Magi like us aren't good at much, but at least this part is simple. Not many circuits need to be opened. And you should already be able to feel your Mana, right? Try channeling that Mana into your Mystic Code."
"Channeling? Like this?"
Sensing a thread-like energy within her, Ritsuka gently grasped it and pulled it toward her clothing.
A moment later, after feeling the Mana flow in, a flash of green light briefly appeared and vanished across Ritsuka's body.
"Huh? What was that?"
"That's Healing Magecraft." Naoki explained. "There are three types of magecraft installed in your Mystic Code: Healing Magecraft to treat wounds, basic illusions capable of affecting perception to a certain extent, and Reinforcement Magecraft that boosts physical abilities or enhances equipment performance."
"Today's goal—and your goal going forward—is to become proficient in using this Mystic Code. Not just this one, but also the new Mystic Codes Da Vinci and Touko will create. After all, everything is to ensure you can survive the battles of the future."
"Considering the current pace of events, you probably have about a week of training time left before the first Singularities investigation wraps up. So the training intensity might be a bit high. On top of that, there'll be physical conditioning and combat drills, so your rest time will be…"
"I understand, Chief."
Ritsuka cut Naoki off before he could finish. She had already clenched her fists with determination. "The Chief must be thinking of my best interests, right? I can clearly see the reasoning behind your plans. So no matter what the training is, I'll complete it properly."
"You're so obedient—it really puts my mind at ease. Back when I was a teacher, all my students were troublemakers—some spoiled, some couldn't handle hardship."
"Hehehe, I'm still pretty well-behaved." Ritsuka smiled, slightly proud. "So, about the training… will the Chief personally train me?"
"No, I have my own matters to attend to. It won't be me training you—it'll be her."
As Naoki spoke, colorful flower petals suddenly appeared floating in the training room. Then, a pair of pale white arms emerged from behind him. A beautiful, fairy-like girl suddenly appeared from the swirling blossoms, wrapping her arms around Naoki from behind.
"My beloved King, I've come~~"
The world's number one royal trainer, future Grand Caster, and ultimate troublemaker had finally arrived.
"Fujimaru, let me introduce you—this is Merry. She's my fiancée, and she'll be your training instructor for the time being."
"I'm Merry. Nice to meet you~"