The parallel chanting technique was extremely important for Shirou.
When facing a powerful enemy, he would usually have no opportunity to successfully activate Unlimited Blade Works. More often than not, he had to rely on his opponent either waiting or being distracted enough for him to do it in secret.
Examples of this situation included Angelica and Gilgamesh.
If he were facing any Servant who specialized in close combat, he might not even be able to activate UBW at all.
Therefore, mastering the parallel chanting technique was a necessity.
When Riveria agreed so readily to his request, Shirou's heart was filled with gratitude.
It was pure trust.
Just as he was about to continue thanking Riveria, a voice suddenly called out from outside the door, interrupting his thoughts.
"Riveria, I'm back!"
"Where's Shirou? I've chosen a title he'll be satisfied with."
The voice reached him before the speaker even entered the room.
Curious about his title, Shirou quickly asked, excitedly, "Loki-sama, what is it?"
"Please, just don't give me an especially weird one. Even if it's a little childish, I can live with it."
"Hehe! How could I let them give you a bad title? I think you'll find this one very familiar."
"Familiar?"
Shirou looked at the smiling Loki, puzzled, when a sudden thought struck him.
"Could it be… Archer?"
"That's right!"
Seeing Shirou guess correctly, Loki didn't hide it any longer. Instead, she proudly placed her hands on her hips and announced her achievement.
"I remember you seemed quite satisfied with that title before, right? So after a heated debate, I finally decided this would be your title."
"So? Satisfied?"
"Of course."
(Although it's strange for me to be called that… How exactly did they settle on it?) Shirou thought, confused.
Still, even if he hadn't been satisfied, he wouldn't have said so — and in truth, despite the oddness, he was satisfied.
"I'll never allow any member of our Familia to be stuck with some ridiculous title."
Hearing Loki's words, Shirou felt a bit touched.
Although she was a strange woman who loved groping pretty girls and usually seemed to laze around all day, when it really mattered, she was incredibly reliable.
Indeed, joining the Loki Familia had been the right choice.
---
Shirou's life became remarkably routine afterward.
Every day, he explored the dungeon with Lefiya, taking part in battles and training sessions.
Upon returning to the Loki Familia, he would study parallel chanting under Riveria.
A crucial skill for any mage, parallel chanting focused on maintaining composure and calm in any situation.
For Shirou, that part came easily.
The rest was simply a matter of meticulous effort, requiring only careful study and, eventually, mastery.
As a result, Shirou became an unquestioned master of parallel chanting.
Even Lefiya, under Shirou's guidance, gradually mastered the technique.
This led to a significant increase in the strength of them both.
At the same time, confirming Shirou's earlier theory, the leaders of the Loki Familia also began exploring the dungeon while deliberately limiting their own power.
Shirou took part in similar meetings, discussing various suitable training methods.
Through these methods, the strength of the Loki Familia's top-tier adventurers also rose rapidly.
Meanwhile, after more than a month of rest, the proposal for the next expedition was presented at a meeting.
---
[Name]: Shirou Emiya
[Level]: LV.2
[Basic Abilities]:
Strength: SSS1199
Endurance: SSS1199
Dexterity: SSS1199
Agility: SSS1199
Magic Power: SSS1199
[Development Ability]:
• Smithing: H
[Magic]:
[Unlimited Blade Works]
· Projection Magic
· Reality Marble
· Structural Analysis
· Chanting: (Omitted)
[Skills]:
• Anima Ignis
• Clairvoyance
• Mind's Eye
---
"You've hit your limit again? Your progress is insane, no matter how you look at it."
Loki clicked her tongue, glancing at Shirou's newly updated stats. She then handed him the paper with the translated status panel.
Shirou looked at it without much expression.
He had already guessed what his stats would be before even coming here.
After all, the last time he had updated his falna, his basic abilities had already been close to maxed out.
Looking at Shirou's calm face as he read the paper, Loki's eyes narrowed.
Why didn't this kid look even a little excited?
It was as if her own excitement had been an illusion.
"Since your basic abilities have reached the limit, your next step is to level up. Do you have any goals for the next expedition?"
Loki had to ask about his plans — after all, this was the same guy who had once quietly advanced through the dungeon all the way to the 18th floor on his own. She wouldn't be surprised if he tried to take on a floor boss solo this time.
"Yes, I have a goal."
After his last falna update, knowing he was nearing his limit, Shirou had begun thinking about his next target and had finally decided on one.
"My goal is to defeat the 17th Floor Boss, Goliath," Shirou said seriously as he put his shirt back on.
Loki's eyes almost popped out of her head when she heard this.
No way — soloing a Floor Boss? That had to be a joke.
"Shirou, you're a Level 2 adventurer, and Goliath is a Level 4 Floor Boss. Do you not understand the difference?" Loki roared instinctively.
(This idiot really has no fear, does he?) she raged inwardly.
Despite her scolding, Shirou could sense the deep concern behind Loki's words.
But his goal would not change. Defeating a Floor Boss was an obstacle he had to overcome at all costs.
If he couldn't even defeat Goliath on his own, how could he ever save Miyu?
"Please don't worry, Goddess Loki. I'm not acting on impulse. I've been considering and preparing for the battle with Goliath for quite some time — this is by no means a rash decision."
"Besides, I'm not going alone this time. I plan to ask a few veterans to help me. That way, nothing will happen to me."
Looking at Loki's expression gradually relaxing, Shirou smiled and said, "Please believe in me, Goddess Loki."
"I won't die so easily — not until my goal is achieved."
---
(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."