Chapter 30. Emiya's Famous Quote? Can You Keep Up?
"Fimbulvetr—!!!"
Accompanied by this incantation, steeped in Norse mythology and sounding impressively high-tier, three blasts of absolute-zero blizzard swept through the stone passage like a dragon's breath.
Crack, crack, crack—
In an instant, the Xenos—who had lost control and were attempting to swarm out of the cave like zombies—were frozen into lifelike ice sculptures. While it wasn't life-threatening (presumably), this forced "AOE Control" was indeed the perfect skill for managing the field.
"Phew... saved..."
Watching this spectacular scene, Shirou Emiya's frayed nerves finally relaxed. The [Otherworld Kanshou] in his hand dissipated into points of light, and he felt as if his bones had been removed as he began to fall backward.
Not only was his Mana (MP) at zero, but even his Health (HP) was flashing red. His vision began to blur, and a buzzing sound, like a system warning, echoed in his ears.
"Emiya!"
A golden flash bridged the dozens of meters in an instant. Before Shirou's head could make intimate contact with the hard rocky floor, a pair of slender yet strong arms caught him.
The touch was soft. It carried a faint scent of lavender and a comforting warmth.
"Ais..." Shirou forced his eyes open, looking at the face inches away—the face that usually lacked expression but was now filled with anxiety.
"Idiot," Ais whispered a scolding, though her tone sounded more like she was pouting (even if she herself was completely unaware of it). "Didn't I tell you... not to run off?"
"Sorry, I got a little lost..." Shirou gave a weak smile. "But the timing of your arrival... was just like a hero showing up at the climax."
"A hero...?" Ais's eyes wavered for a moment before turning firm. She gently lowered Shirou, letting him rest against her knees—the legendary [Lap Pillow] benefit achieved.
"Rest. I'll take it from here."
Ais stood up and drew the [Desperate Sword] from her waist. Her long golden hair fluttered in the remnants of the blizzard, and her golden eyes locked onto the struggling, berserk Xenos ahead.
"Wait... Ais..." Shirou tried to reach out to stop her, but his body wouldn't move. "Don't... don't kill them..."
"Hmm?" Ais looked back, a hint of confusion in her eyes. When monsters riot, killing them is common sense, isn't it?
"They are... victims," Shirou said with the last of his strength. "And... they are Wiene's... companions."
Hearing the name "Wiene," Ais's pupils contracted sharply. She remembered the little girl with silver wings who used to smile and call her "Big Sister." If these monsters were like her...
"I understand." Ais nodded. She flipped the blade in her hand, switching to the blunt side. "I won't kill them. I'll just... let them sleep."
This was likely what one would call "physical anesthesia."
"Attention all units!" At that moment, Riveria's voice rang across the battlefield via amplification magic. "The monsters appear to be in an abnormal state! Prioritize 'suppression' and 'restraint'! Do not use lethal attacks! I repeat, try to take them alive!"
"Eh? Not killing them?" Tiona, who had just arrived, swung her giant double-blade with a look of total confusion. "But they look so fierce!"
"Idiot Tiona! Do as Lady Riveria says!" Tione slapped the back of her younger sister's head. "Besides, look at the state that red-haired brat is in... there's definitely some hidden circumstance (story quest) behind this!"
"Understood! So it's 'knock 'em out and take 'em home,' right!" Bete spat on the ground in annoyance. "Tch, what a pain. Hey, you useless rookie! Don't you dare die! I'm still waiting for dinner!"
Thus, under Riveria's command and the influence of Shirou's "Face-Face Fruit," the elites of the Loki Familia began a special operation titled "Monster Capture Masters."
Though the Xenos' strength had increased greatly due to the frenzy, they were still no match for the strongest Familia in Orario. Especially Ais, who had activated [Ariel]; she was a literal golden hurricane. She wove through the monster swarm, each strike of her scabbard accurately hitting a monster's nape with terrifying efficiency.
"Is this... the strength of a Level 6..." Shirou watched the silhouette dancing across the battlefield until his consciousness finally sank completely into darkness.
"The rest... is in your hands..."
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A dream. Or perhaps the world after death (not really).
Shirou felt himself floating in a warm ocean. Around him were countless flickering shadows of swords. It was his inner landscape, the wasteland of Unlimited Blade Works.
But unlike before, this wasteland seemed to have gained a few things. It was no longer just rusted iron and spinning gears. At the edge of the horizon, a massive tree appeared to have grown. Sitting beneath the tree was a silver-haired girl, smiling at him. On the other side of the tree, a black Minotaur was sharpening an axe, seemingly waiting for him to come over for a fight.
"Honestly... when did my Reality Marble become a 'Monster Park'?" the dream-Shirou muttered helplessly.
"That's because... your heart has grown soft, hasn't it?" a familiar voice replied. A red coat, white hair, and a face that was still incredibly punchable even in a dream. Heroic Spirit EMIYA (Archer).
"Don't be ridiculous." Shirou looked at that back. "I just... did what I wanted to do."
"Is that so?" Archer shrugged. "Saving the lives of monsters for the sake of your so-called 'justice'... you really are irredeemable. However..."
Archer turned around, a very faint curve touching the corner of his mouth. "This time... perhaps it wasn't so bad."
The image shattered.
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"Ngh..."
The familiar smell of disinfectant. The familiar ceiling. And... the familiar sense of being weighed down.
Shirou Emiya slowly opened his eyes, feeling a heavy weight on his chest like a large stone. He looked down.
Zzz... Zzz...
A little silver-haired dragon girl (Wiene) was sprawled on his chest, fast asleep. A puddle of drool had formed, and her wings were draped limply over the blanket; she looked exactly like a dazed kitten.
By the bedside, Lili was sitting in a chair peeling an apple. Seeing Shirou wake up, her hand jerked, and the apple peel snapped.
"Emiya-sama! You're finally awake!" Lili jumped up in joy, her voice loud enough to nearly wake Wiene. "You've been asleep for three whole days! Lili thought you were going to become a vegetable!"
"Three days?" Shirou rubbed his temples. His body felt stiff, but his Mana and physical strength had recovered. In fact... was he stronger than before?
It seemed getting beaten up really does make one stronger; the legendary "Saiyan bloodline" (not actually).
"What's the situation?" Shirou cautiously moved Wiene to the side (with the care of someone defusing a bomb) and sat up. "What about the Xenos? And the Ikelos Familia?"
"Please rest easy." Lili handed him the peeled apple. "After the main force of the Loki Familia arrived that day, things were chaotic for a bit, but under Lady Riveria's command, no 'irreversible' consequences occurred.
Most of the berserk monsters were knocked out and then whisked away by Mr. Fels using teleportation items under the cover of the chaos (the public story is that the monsters escaped). As for the Ikelos Familia..."
Lili's expression turned satisfied. "That bastard Dix managed to escape, but his hideout has been seized by the Guild! And because he attacked a member of the Loki Familia (referring to you), Captain Finn pressured the Guild into issuing a city-wide bounty!"
"I see..." Shirou breathed a sigh of relief and took a bite of the apple. Although it was a pity he couldn't take out Dix himself, at least the crisis at the Hidden Village was temporarily over.
"However, Emiya-sama." Lili suddenly lowered her voice, her expression turning somber. "Captain Finn said that as soon as you wake up, you are to go to the top-floor meeting room immediately. Everyone... is waiting for you."
"A trial?" Shirou smiled wryly. After all, the commotion this time was massive, and it involved the entrance to the "Artificial Labyrinth."
"No." Lili shook her head, a glint of mischief in her eyes.
"I think... it's more like an 'Award Ceremony'."
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Twilight Manor, Top Floor Meeting Room.
When Shirou Emiya pushed open the heavy oak doors, dozens of eyes snapped toward him simultaneously. Not just the core executives, but even some senior elite members were present.
The atmosphere was serious, but not oppressive.
"Yo, our 'Sleeping Beauty' is finally awake?" Sitting at the head of the table, Loki was the first to speak, breaking the silence. She still held her flask, wearing that inscrutable smile.
"Sorry for making everyone worry." Shirou scratched his head and walked to the end of the long table.
"Take a seat." Finn pointed to an empty chair beside him. This seat was usually reserved for the Vice-Captain or high-ranking executives. Letting a rookie who had been in the Familia for less than a month sit there said a lot.
Shirou didn't stand on ceremony and sat down naturally.
"Regarding this incident..." Finn crossed his hands, his thumbs twitching slightly. "While the process was reckless—one might even say a total disaster—we must acknowledge the results."
He looked around the room, his voice growing spirited. "Shirou Emiya, with the strength of a Level 2, saw through the Ikelos Familia's conspiracy, destroyed their base on the 24th floor, and successfully intercepted the wanted criminal Dix Perdix, who possesses Level 5 strength.
Furthermore, he protected the civilians of the 18th floor (even though no civilians were actually present, that's how the report was written) and... certain 'special victims'."
At this, Finn gave Shirou a meaningful look. It was their silent understanding regarding the Xenos.
Whoosh—! A low murmur of shock rippled through the room. Even though they had heard rumors, hearing the Captain confirm a "Level 2 repelling a Level 5" feat still shook their worldviews.
"He's not a rookie at all, is he? He's definitely some god who reincarnated to play on a smurf account!" Tiona couldn't help but complain.
"Not only that." Riveria took over the conversation, picking up a shard of pitch-black metal from the table. It was a fragment left behind after the explosion of the [Pseudo-Spiral Sword] Shirou had projected during the battle.
"Based on the investigation of the scene, the power of that explosion... already reached the level of a Level 5 spell. Emiya, that 'Self-Destructing Demonic Sword' move of yours—while powerful—has far too many side effects."
Riveria looked at Shirou with a hint of reproach but more concern. "The bones in your left arm have mended, but your magic circuits were severely damaged. If it wasn't for Marie's (the Mermaid) blood, you might never have been able to use Projection magecraft again."
"I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking much at the time." Shirou honestly admitted his mistake. After all, in that moment, the only thought in his head was "Nuclear Peace."
"Alright, alright, the lecture portion ends here," Loki waved her hand. "The important thing is he's alive. And... we made a huge profit this time."
She pulled a ring of ancient-looking keys from her cloak that radiated an eerie aura. They were recovered from the Ikelos Familia's base.
"Those are..." Shirou's eyes narrowed.
"Correct, these are the keys to the rumored 'Artificial Labyrinth (Knossos)'," Loki's eyes flashed with a cold light. "Thanks to you crippling Dix's group, we were able to follow the trail and find these. With these, our Loki Familia can take the initiative and thoroughly wipe out those rats hiding in the sewers!"
So that was it. The "war between the snipe and the clam" resulting in the fisherman's gain. Although he had fought with his life on the line, the biggest trophy ended up in the Familia's hands. However, this suited Shirou just fine; he didn't have the capability to explore the Artificial Labyrinth yet anyway.
"So, Emiya," Finn looked at him, "as the MVP of this operation, what reward do you want?"
"A reward?" Shirou blinked. He honestly felt that surviving was the greatest reward.
"For instance... a genuine First-Class armament?" Tsubaki from the Hephaestus Familia appeared in a corner of the room (evidently invited). "I can forge it for you personally! As long as you provide the materials."
"Or... how about private tutoring from Riveria?" Loki suggested with a mischievous grin.
"I'll pass on that!" Shirou waved his hands frantically. "I've had enough of extra lessons!"
He thought for a moment, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. Finally, it landed on the golden-haired girl who had been sitting in the corner, head down and silent.
Ais Wallenstein. Since he had woken up, she hadn't said a single word.
"If it's possible..." Shirou started, "I'd like Miss Ais to continue teaching me swordsmanship. And... could you help me build a small kitchen in the backyard of Twilight Manor? A private one."
The room went quiet for a second. Then, it erupted into a burst of good-natured laughter.
"Hahahaha! Still with the kitchen? Just how much do you love cooking!"
"Swordsmanship? You just want an excuse to go on a date with Ais!"
"Granted! Granted!"
Amidst the laughter, Ais looked up. In her golden eyes, the reflection of Shirou's slightly embarrassed, smiling face appeared.
"Okay." She nodded gently, her voice small but clear. "I will teach you. Until... you become stronger than me."
What was this? Was this what they called "offering oneself (swordsmanship version)"?
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After the meeting, Shirou went to the backyard alone. Though his body hadn't fully recovered, he wanted some fresh air.
"Sigh..." Looking up at the massive artificial moon in the sky, Shirou felt as if a lifetime had passed. It had been nearly a month since he arrived in this world. He had faced death, gained power, and made companions. He was no longer a lost traveler; he was a "Member" truly belonging to this world.
"What are you thinking about?"
A dark shadow appeared soundlessly behind him. It was Ryuu Lion. She still wore her green cloak, her face carrying a faint trace of worry.
"Miss Ryuu?" Shirou was surprised. "How did you get in?"
"I climbed the wall," Ryuu replied matter-of-factly (as expected of a stealth master). "I heard you were heavily injured and nearly died... so I came to check."
She handed him a small cloth bundle. "This is a special bento from the 'Hostess of Fertility'. It wasn't made by Syr (she emphasized), but the taste should be decent."
"Thank you." Shirou took the bento, a warmth spreading through him. It seemed his social standing in this world wasn't too bad.
"Emiya." Ryuu looked at him, her gaze turning complex. "You... touched it, didn't you? The 'dark side' of this world."
"Yeah," Shirou nodded. "The Xenos, the Artificial Labyrinth, and... contradictions that can't coexist."
"So, what do you plan to do?" Ryuu asked. "Continue being your Ally of Justice? Even if it means making an enemy of the entire world's common sense?"
"I don't know." Shirou looked at the bento, then at the brightly lit Twilight Manor in the distance.
"But I do know one thing." He looked up, a firm light shining in his amber eyes.
"If common sense is wrong, then break it. If the world has no room for those kind souls, then... change the world."
"That's what 'Senji Muramasa' should do, isn't it?"
Ryuu froze. Looking at the boy before her, she seemed to see the version of herself who had once sworn to uphold justice. No—he was even more radiant than she was back then, and even more... unshakable.
"...You really are an irredeemable idiot." Ryuu looked down, a beautiful smile playing on her lips.
"However... I don't hate idiots like that.
If there ever comes a day when you need a hand..." Ryuu turned around and waved her hand behind her as her figure merged into the darkness.
"The winds of 'Gale' will always blow for you."
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New Fanfiction!
Hachiman please tone down your Inner Thoughts
While waiting for Yukinoshita in the clubroom, he unexpectedly travels to the world of Classroom of the Elite and becomes the representative of Class B.
Initially, he only intended to keep a low profile while helping Class B escape its tragic fate from the original story, and incidentally saving Ichinose Honami.
However, why these girls seems to know what am I Thinking?
Read ahead (40 chapters) by supporting me on buymeacoffee com/varietl or ko-fi edwriting