Unusually, Shirou hadn't entered the dungeon that day. Instead, he stayed behind at the mansion to forge equipment.
With Loki's recent announcement of an imminent expedition, the entire Familia was in a frenzy of preparation.
Previously, Shirou had received a massive order from the Familia itself. But thanks to his relentless work ethic, those commissions were nearly complete.
Now, only the finishing touches remained.
"Done… everything's finished," he murmured quietly.
As he looked at the exquisitely forged sword in his hands, Shirou couldn't help but smile — a small, satisfied smile that reflected both pride and melancholy.
Setting the blade aside, he gazed around the familiar, silent forge, letting the weight of the moment settle over him.
"An expedition… After this, it'll be time to leave. I really don't want to say goodbye…" he whispered to himself.
The warmth of that place, the laughter of his comrades, the bonds he had forged over countless battles — all of it was too precious to simply walk away from.
And yet, deep down, he knew he couldn't stay.
In another world, far from this one, there were still people waiting for him.
"Miyu…" he murmured softly, his sister's name escaping his lips like a prayer. A storm of emotions welled inside him — duty, love, regret, determination.
Leaving the forge behind, Shirou stepped into the courtyard. A wry smile tugged at his lips as he looked around at the nearly empty training grounds.
That was the current state of the Loki Familia ever since Ais had reached Level 6.
Inspired by her accomplishment, every single member had thrown themselves into intense training.
That was especially true for Tiona, Tione, and Bete.
Originally, the Loki Familia had four members at Level 5. But now, with Ais ascending to Level 6, the others had become even more determined not to fall behind.
And then there was Shirou — the rising star. In only a few months, he had reached Level 4.
Who could say when he might surpass them? Being outpaced by someone so new would be… embarrassing, to say the least.
Thus, fueled by Ais's and Shirou's progress, the entire Familia had plunged into a training frenzy.
The usually lively and boisterous Twilight Manor was now enveloped in an almost eerie calm.
"What's this? It's rare to see you just standing around, Shirou."
At the sound of that soft yet firm voice, Shirou turned with a smile.
"It's nothing. I just finished the forging commissions, Riveria," he replied.
As he turned, his eyes met the sight of the elegant elf — her emerald hair flowing gently in the breeze, her expression calm yet radiant. A faint smile crossed his lips. Seeing her always brought a strange, quiet comfort.
"Riveria, are you busy right now?" he asked.
With the expedition drawing near, every officer of the Loki Familia was drowning in preparations. As vice-captain, Riveria's responsibilities were countless.
"Actually, I just finished my own tasks and was about to take a short break in the courtyard," she replied.
"Really? What a coincidence."
Shirou watched her for a moment before suddenly asking,
"If you're free, would you like to go with me into Orario?"
Riveria blinked in surprise, her expression briefly puzzled.
"You want to go into the city? All of a sudden?"
"It's nothing serious," Shirou replied with a distant look. "I just… want to see the city."
His gaze drifted toward the skyline beyond the Familia grounds. "This time, I want to visit places I've never been before. I want to remember every detail of this city."
Riveria's heart sank slightly. Her intuition told her there was something deeper behind those words — something that sounded far too much like a farewell.
Looking at Shirou's back as he gazed at the horizon, she took a deep breath and said softly,
"Then let's go. Let's really explore Orario today."
"Thank you for coming with me, Riveria," Shirou replied, smiling as he turned to her.
---
In the bustling, sun-drenched streets of the Labyrinth City, Shirou and Riveria walked side by side.
Orario's eight grand avenues radiated from the towering Babel, forming the heart of the city's prosperity.
Though Shirou had lived in Orario for quite some time, his usual routes were limited to weapon shops and blacksmith forges.
But today was different. Today, he and Riveria wandered through alleys and districts he'd never seen before — marketplaces filled with color, taverns echoing with laughter, and quiet corners where time seemed to pause.
Shirou took in every detail — the scent of baked bread, the distant ringing of a blacksmith's hammer, the golden light reflecting off the Tower of Babel. He committed each fragment of life to memory.
By dusk, as the sun dipped below the horizon, they returned to Twilight Manor side by side.
After a full day of wandering, Shirou's face carried an expression of peace — calm, yet tinged with something Riveria couldn't quite name.
Watching him, she finally broke the silence.
"Shirou… can you tell me what you're thinking right now?"
It was a question she had held back all day.
During their walk, she hadn't wanted to shatter the tranquility of the moment. But now, as they approached home, she could no longer contain her curiosity.
Shirou didn't answer immediately. Instead, he began to speak — not with explanations, but with a story.
"I'm the adopted son of a man named Kiritsugu Emiya," he began softly. "I was a child he saved… and since then, I've followed in his footsteps. I shared his ideals — and I chased them as if they were my own."
"Later, we met a girl with miraculous powers. To understand and control her gift, my father adopted her too, hoping to use her abilities to realize his dream."
"But before he could, he died. Before his death, he entrusted his mission to me. After that… she and I lived alone."
His voice grew quieter, heavier.
"Over time, I stopped seeing her as a tool for someone's ideals… and came to love her as my own sister."
He paused.
"But one day, she was taken away — by people who shared my father's beliefs. They found a way to use her power, but at the cost of her life."
"I couldn't let that happen. For her sake, I abandoned my ideals and risked everything to save her. I fought against them — and when I finally succeeded, I sent her somewhere safe."
Lifting his eyes toward the fading sunlight, Shirou's expression hardened with resolve.
"But I know they won't stop. They'll keep coming for her. That's why… I need power — enough power to protect her."
"That's why I came to Orario."
He drew a steady breath, his voice calm yet unwavering.
"Now that I've gained the strength I needed, it's time to free Miyu from this endless nightmare."
"Shirou… are you saying…" Riveria whispered, her words trembling slightly.
Turning toward her, Shirou smiled gently.
"Yes. I'm leaving Orario — to continue my journey."
Riveria fell silent, her emerald hair swaying softly in the evening wind as the last light of day disappeared behind them.
(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."