After a lively dinner in the main hall of Loki's mansion, Shirou let out a soft sigh of contentment. Having indulged in dishes prepared by some of the Familia's finest chefs, he was more than ready for a quick shower and, finally, a well-deserved night of rest.
With a towel draped over his shoulders and his hair still damp, he walked peacefully through the quiet hallways of the mansion, heading toward his room. His only thought was how inviting his bed seemed at that moment.
But just as he rounded the final corner before reaching his destination, the sound of quick footsteps echoed behind him. Before he could react, someone—or rather, someones—blocked his path.
"This can't be good…" Shirou muttered, frowning as three female figures appeared before him with not-so-innocent smiles.
"You're all my seniors… Shouldn't you be, I don't know, updating your own skills first?" he protested with an uneasy smile.
Standing before him like a living, impenetrable wall were Tiona, Tione, and Ais.
"It's the generosity of us veterans, Shirou. Just accept it gratefully," said Tione, her expression serious and tone non-negotiable.
"Exactly!" added Tiona, hands on her hips and a wide grin on her face. "Besides, it's usually Ais's privilege to be the first to have her status updated!"
Beside them, Ais silently watched Shirou, her curiosity evident even to someone who didn't know her well. Her eyes were locked on him, as if trying to see something still hidden beneath the surface.
(They're really not going to let this go, are they?) Shirou thought, resigned.
"Alright, alright…" he sighed, surrendering to the inevitable. "Got it. Let's get this over with."
Turning slowly, he walked toward his room—now turned into a makeshift stage for the spectacle that was about to unfold.
(I'm just a regular high school student… Why the hell is everyone so interested in me?)
But as the door closed behind the group, another scene was quietly unfolding in the shadows of the corridor.
From a nearby corner, four more figures emerged silently, like ghosts witnessing a secret ritual.
It was the rest of Loki Familia's elite: Finn, Riveria, Gareth, and Bete.
"Those girls aren't the only ones curious tonight," Finn remarked, adjusting the collar of his coat.
"I have a feeling this will be interesting," Riveria murmured in her usual calm tone.
"Did we make it in time?" Gareth asked, stroking his beard with interest.
"Ugh, what's so special about that damn kid anyway?" Bete grumbled, crossing his arms.
And soon after, a fifth presence made herself known: Loki herself, barging into the room with her usual lack of ceremony.
"Eh? Shirou?! Where's my Ais?!"
The goddess looked around, disappointed to find only the boy there.
"Sorry, Lady Loki," Shirou replied, sitting in a chair with a tired expression. "This wasn't my idea. They dragged me in here."
"I was planning to do my update tomorrow… But as you can see, I got intercepted on the way."
"Hahahaha! That just proves how much attention you're getting!"
Loki, who had initially looked frustrated, quickly regained her enthusiasm. After all, only beautiful girls could truly shake her, and while Shirou was talented, he was far from fitting that category.
"Advancing from Level 1 to Level 2 in just a month… That's unheard of! You're a walking miracle!"
Shirou averted his gaze, visibly uncomfortable with so much praise.
Moments later, Loki pricked her finger and let a drop of blood fall onto Shirou's back, activating the ritual of the Falna update. His skin shimmered faintly as the letters and symbols of divine grace revealed themselves in real time.
Loki's jaw dropped.
"What the…?! Two skills gained upon leveling up?! That's… ridiculous!"
Her eyes, usually half-closed from laziness or boredom, were now wide open as if she had just witnessed something impossible.
---
[Name]: Shirou Emiya
[Level]: LV.2
[Stats]:
Strength: I0
Endurance: I0
Dexterity: I0
Agility: I0
Magic: I0
[Magic]:
Unlimited Blade Works
• Projection Magic
• Reality Marble
• Structural Analysis
Chant: (Omitted)
[Skills]:
-Anima Ignis
(Omitted)
-Clairvoyance:
Ability to inspect entire cities from elevated points.
Drastically enhances accuracy with long-range weapons thanks to enhanced visual perception and dynamic occipital tracking.
At higher levels, it can evolve into precognitive perception and extrasensory awareness.
-Mind's Eye:
Analytical ability based on experience and logical calculation, used to predict enemy movements and change the course of unfavorable battles.
As long as there is even a 1% chance of victory, this skill significantly increases the odds of success.
---
"Clairvoyance and... Mind's Eye... That's it?" Shirou muttered, eyes fixed on the paper displaying his new status.
He knew these skills. Very well, in fact.
Archer EMIYA possessed both.
Even after using the Class Card, traces of the Heroic Spirit still lingered within his body. Faint, but real. And now, under the light of the Falna, they were beginning to manifest more clearly.
(If these abilities surfaced... Does that mean... one day I'll be able to use other powers too?)
Just the thought made a small smile creep onto Shirou's lips.
Loki, watching him closely, puffed out her cheeks like an annoyed child.
"That's it?! TWO skills, Shirou! TWO! At least pretend to be excited!"
"But I am excited…"
His face, however, said otherwise: calm, neutral, and slightly resigned.
"AHHH! You're going to drive me crazy!" Loki screamed, reaching out and tugging at his cheeks. "Smile more, kid! I'm here bursting with excitement, and you... you look like someone stole your bread!"
"I am smiling! Just... internally!" Shirou protested, trying to push her hands away.
The door burst open with a loud slam.
"Loki! Let go of him right now!"
It was Riveria, sharp gaze fixed on the goddess, followed by Tiona, Tione, Ais—and even Finn.
"What do you think you're doing to our rookie?"
"I didn't do anything!" Loki defended herself, pointing at Shirou. "He provoked me! He looked at me like he was saying 'just two skills, big deal'. I'M FURIOUS!"
"But... it's not a big deal," Shirou said, as if stating the most obvious fact in the world.
After all, what he really wanted was the Noble Phantasm of his ancestor: the Originless Creation of Swords (Tsumukari Muramasa), more than those two skills.
After all, he carried traces of Senji Muramasa in his body.
The room fell silent.
Riveria and Finn exchanged discreet glances.
Bete choked on his own saliva.
Even Loki froze for a moment, the paper trembling in her hands.
"...Are you serious?" she asked, almost sounding scared.
"Of course. I never joke about these things."
Everyone looked at Shirou. There was admiration, surprise... and a hint of frustration.
Because, for some reason, this boy with a calm and indifferent expression had achieved something most people couldn't even dream of.
And yet...
They were very annoyed.
(End of Chapter.)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."