It was early morning, and the sky was still painted a deep blue, slowly brightening as the first rays of sunlight touched the tiles of the Twilight Mansion.
Standing by the main gate, Lefiya watched attentively as the last companions of the Loki Family departed toward the dungeon. Her hands were clasped in front of her body, and she bade them farewell with a serene smile, although there was a slight trace of anxiety in her eyes.
"Good luck, everyone!" Lefiya exclaimed, waving.
"See you later, Lefiya!"
As the last adventurers disappeared beyond the street, the elf's smile slowly faded, and she let out a small sigh.
"Why hasn't Mr. Emiya arrived yet...?" she murmured, slightly frowning.
She had already seen at least four groups set off for the dungeon. And yet, Shirou hadn't shown up. While waiting, her thoughts alternated between worry and silent irritation—though she hid the latter well.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Lefiya."
The sudden voice—soft, gentle, and slightly breathless—came from behind her. The girl quickly turned.
"Mr. Emiya!" Her eyes sparkled, but she quickly tried to compose herself. "D-don't worry! I just got here too!"
She forced a shy smile, even though she knew that was a blatant lie. Her feet had been there for more than twenty minutes already.
"You seem to have been waiting for quite a while..." Shirou commented, raising an eyebrow. Despite her response, it was obvious he noticed her extreme punctuality.
"Really, it's nothing!" she insisted, looking away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
But something caught her attention: Shirou was coming from outside the mansion. Which was strange... wasn't he staying inside?
"I was preparing some weapons," he explained, stepping forward with a slight smile. "It took longer than I expected."
Shirou wore his combat outfit, and as he approached, he gave a small nod as if sealing a silent agreement.
"Shall we?"
---
As they walked through the empty streets, the comfortable silence between them was broken by a timid question.
"So... you woke up early just to prepare your weapons?"
"More or less," he answered, glancing sideways at her. "Actually, I had a talk last night with Lady Riveria, and... it gave me an idea."
The young elf frowned, curious.
Gently caressing the object wrapped in a cloth on his back, Shirou couldn't help but recall the conversation he had with Riveria the night before.
---
[Flashback — The night before]
Shirou was coming out of the bath, his hair still damp, dressed in simple clothes and ready to rest. Turning a corridor, he ran into Riveria.
"Shirou." Her voice was firm, as always. "I'd like to ask a favor."
He stopped. From her serious expression, he knew it was important.
"Go ahead."
"Could you help Lefiya?"
"Help her with what, exactly?" Shirou asked, somewhat surprised.
"To become more than just a backline mage. She's very talented, no doubt; her magic power rivals that of a Level 5 adventurer. But... she barely has real combat experience and lacks self-confidence," Riveria said, raising one hand to her forehead.
"You, unlike us, aren't so far above her level. And you know how to handle weapons, direct combat, magic... You're a versatile fighter, and I think you can help her find what she's missing: courage."
Shirou thought for a moment, then nodded.
---
After entering the dungeon, Shirou led Lefiya forward, walking until they reached the tenth floor.
Looking at the foggy terrain, Lefiya felt confused.
"Mr. Emiya, are we starting from the tenth floor?"
They were at levels 2 and 3, respectively. Wouldn't that be overkill for them?
"Yes, we'll start from the tenth floor. But you won't be a mage in this battle—you'll be a lancer."
"What?!" Lefiya's eyes widened. "A lancer...?!"
Shirou took off the thick cloth from his back and carefully untied the knots. Beneath the fabric was a slender, elegant spear—clearly made for real combat.
"Riveria told me about your insecurity. It's not just about power, Lefiya. It's about how you see yourself. When you're in the backline, waiting to finish a spell while others protect you... you feel like a burden, don't you?"
The elf was silent. He was right.
"What you need is confidence. And confidence comes from experience—the direct confrontation with fear."
He tossed the spear toward her. Instinctively, Lefiya tried to catch it but dropped her staff in the process. Her eyes went wide.
"Confidence isn't learned by reading books or memorizing spells," Shirou said calmly. "You need to get dirty, get hurt a little. And you need to feel that you can survive even without magic."
"But... I—"
"You can. I know you can."
Shirou then pulled a light armor piece from his backpack.
"I made this piece with materials from one of my old experiments. It fits well for someone without melee combat experience."
He helped her put on the armor carefully. Lefiya, still speechless, gripped the spear with both hands.
"Thank you, Shirou..."
"No need for formalities, Lefiya," he said, smiling. "Just call me Shirou."
"T-thank you... Shirou-san."
He snorted, amused.
"Still with the '-san'?"
She looked away, blushing.
As a mage in the Type-Moon world, Shirou mastered the essence of a true conjurer. Not to mention, he could fight hand-to-hand thanks to years of training—even Rin Tohsaka knew how to fight.
In the Type-Moon world, self-defense was standard equipment for modern mages.
It's true that beautiful people look good doing anything. She was truly worthy of her renowned race, both for her beauty and her magic.
How adorable.
"Alright, Lefiya, the enemies are coming," Shirou quickly warned, spotting orcs and some imps approaching in the distance.
"Ehhh?!"
Her legs began to tremble. It was different being here alone, without a magic circle ready and no one to protect her. Her hands sweated. The fear was real.
Though she had fought upper- and mid-level monsters before with little difficulty, she was still a mage—usually staying at the back of the team, in a safe position.
But now... she was a lancer.
Lefiya, who had never been so close to a monster, immediately got nervous.
"What should I do?"
Just as she was so nervous she could barely breathe, a flash of white light appeared and cut the orc before her in two.
"Shirou-san!"
The rescued Lefiya shouted, relieved. Then Shirou moved among the monsters, and the once numerous enemies were instantly reduced to only one.
"Raise your spear, Lefiya!"
"The enemy is just a single Level 1 orc, and you're a Level 3 adventurer from the Loki Family! Believe in your abilities! Even without combat experience, your overwhelming stats are undeniable!"
Hearing Shirou's encouragement, Lefiya's determination gradually strengthened.
She squeezed her eyes shut. Then, with a determined yell, she charged with the spear.
"AAAAHHHH!!"
With her eyes closed, she pierced the orc's chest. The monster roared, then turned to ash.
She panted, surprised. Then...
"I... I did it!" Lefiya exclaimed, dropping the spear to the ground and jumping for joy.
"Yes, you did," Shirou said, approaching. He reached out and gently stroked the elf's hair.
She blushed but didn't step back.
"You did a great job, Lefiya."
His gaze was so gentle... so sincere... that Lefiya felt warmth in her chest. She smiled, moved.
Looking at her, Shirou felt as if he were seeing Miyu.
---
(End of this 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."