FATE/EXTRA: CORRUPTED FEATHERS
Chapter 2: An old friend and an impossible enemy
Week: ?
Day: 2
Days Remaining: 1
Objective: Wait for the end of the prelims
"You can't do that!" the boy in front of the silver-haired lady shouts.
What's happening? What happened? Why am i seeing this again? No, this time i'm seeing it from another angle.
"I'm sorry, it's only the way" she answers.
"No. He taugh you there's aways another way. That's why you fought so hard!" He screams.
"Not this time..."
She pushes the boy and he falls. Then she turns around to the obscured figure.
"Hahahaha. To think you, of all of them, would make my job easier" he says. A voice, shrouded by darkness.
"This was unforgivable, but necessary".
"Heh, unforgivable? He would be happier if you just killed him than make him go this way".
"Shut up!"
"Poor Gabriel, to think my enemy will be reduced to an insect".
"It doesn't matter, i'll fulfill his mission. You won't get away alive, Moloch.
The shadowed figure seems to smile. Who is he?
"Alive? Interesting choice of words, my dear. Howerver, that won't happen, this is what will happen: we will fight, i will bring our battle down there, where he will see, helpless, as i kill you and proceed to finish him".
-No!
I try to shout, but i can't.
That's right, this is all a vision, a dream, a memory. I can't change it, i can't change the past. I'm already locked in this future.
Where am i anyway? Did i die from blood loss?
"Mas... Ter..."
A voice seems to call me in my front, but i can only see darkness. I can only feel despair. Not even my body is real.
"Wa... Up..."
-Ugh.
C'mon! Dying after killing the enemy is bad. If i was killed by a girl, i wouldn't mind.
...
No. Erase that.
Better: if i was killed by a CUTE girl, i wouldn't mind.
"Master, are you okay? Wake up, please!"
But that wouldn't happen, i died already. People only live once.
Oh, whatever. My body will warn my friends to the dangers ahead. That's right, i lost but they can proceed with the mission.
"Master?"
I open my eyes.
Centimeters away from me are two red eyes.
"What?"
"Kya!"
The distance grows. I realize that i'm in a bed.
In my side there is this cute red-eyed witch cosplayer. She is wearing a long-sleeved black and purple dress and has a witch's hat.
I realize that she is red. Wait, why is she red?
Think Gabriel, you woke up in a bed with a cute girl staring at you and calling you master.
...
Oh...
Oh no. What have i done?!
I turn to the girl.
"Please, tell me we didn't do it".
She looks at me confused.
"Do what?"
"Oh no, oh no! What have i done?! It's all my fault, why didn't i think straight last night?!"
"Wh-what?!" The girl gets redder. "No, no! I didn't do anything like that! Not until... We can confirm... Anyway, i just cured some of your wounds and brough you here".
...
You mean i didn't do it? Darn it.
I mean, yay! Wait...
"Cured my wounds?"
"Yes. There was something blocking off, must be one of the defensive spells you used, even here it took some time to cure you fully".
I sit in the bed a lift my own shirt. No damage, no scar. As if i never was harmed at all.
"What's going on?" I turn to the girl. "Is this the infirmary? Who are you?"
"Well... That's kind of hard of explain. As you must know, we are in the Holy Grail war".
The Holy Grail War. Memories begin to return to me.
"I remember. This is a battle of magi. Each summoning a heroic spirit to fight each other to death... So, does that mean that you are the heroic spirit i summoned?"
"Yes". Her crimson eyes glare at me. "Saber, archer, lancer, rider, berserker, assassin and caster are the seven normal classes of servants that acts as containers for the summoned heroic spirits".
"Yeah, i remember tha- wait, there are more classes?"
"Maybe".
More than seven classes. That doesn't make part of my original memory, but the one in front of me, she is...
"You are a caster, right?"
"Yes" she looks to the ground. "The worst of the seven classes".
"Worst?"
"I'm sorry, master. Most servants have magic resistance, which makes my class the less favorable. I am just going to hinder you, who proved to be more than capable to fight alone, but i still came. I must have took the place of a true hero worthy of..."
"It doesn't matter" i answer.
"What?"
"I'm not worthy to have a hero by my side to begin with. I failed my purpoise, i lost my memories, i fell into a berserk rage and won a fake victory. If you hadn't come, i would have died anyway".
"Really?!" She seems surprised.
"Yes. It doesn't matter if i were to get a warrior, i would have still died anyway".
"I see" she smiles. "I have been useful. Maybe i can pay my sins now..."
Her voice... I feel blood going to my head. Her eyes were so pure. I almost lost myself in then when she... Wait... Sins?
"Who are you?"
The infirmary door opens.
"Gabriel, you are awake!"
"What?!"
I turn and see the purple-haired nurse.
"I'm sorry, the system wasn't helping in the cure, so treatment was slower, and... I checked your ID..."
She averts her gaze. This girl takes privact violation way too serious.
"No problem. I think we weren't introduced yet, so... Hello, my name is Gabriel, nice to meet you".
"Oh" she looks in my eyes. "Well... Hello, my name is Sakura Matou, and the pleasure is all mine".
You can bet it ISN'T. I'm the lucky one here, lady.
She continues:
"I'm glad to see you are okay. Your servant brough you here, but the cure wasn't very good. But everything worked out in the end".
"I see" i look to the red-eyed girl she seems sad. "I already told you it wasn't your fault".
"Hum?! You can read minds?"
I wish so much that i could.
Sakura continues:
"Good to see you are already good together. The prelims end tomorrow, so you have a good amount of time to relax".
Good. The prelims work strange:
Aparently, there are about 999 people participating in the war. How we got here, or how this informations is available to public, i don't know.
Anyway, it seems that to narrow down strong candidates, we have our memories supressed and are put in a strange school, that keeps repeating itself as the days passes.
Those who recover their memories will go to the entrance of a battlefield and fight with an effigy in a game-like manner, and if they win, they go to the next round.
If they lose, i guess i already know why those bodies were there then.
...
Wait a moment...
"The prelims haven't ended yet, Sakura?"
She gets red and averts her gaze. Why, i only said her name...
"No, they haven't. You are free to do whatever you wish until then, but you are forbidden to interfere directly with those who are recovering their memories".
"Okay... So, when do i get mine back?"
"You still haven't?" She seems surprise. "Strange... I guess you have been through a lot of stress. I'm sure you will recover them soon. If you don't, come by and visit me, i'll be happy to help".
"Oh..." Darn, i'm losing it. Control yourself dude! Don't get red! "Sure".
I get up of bed and begin to walk away.
"Thanks for everything, Sakura".
"Oh, i almost forgot, here".
She hands me some sort of PDA and i take it.
"What's it?"
"Your personal terminal. It'll hold information about you, your servant, what you know and what you posess. Also, you can use it as a key to your room".
"Cool". It seems like a game! I prefer full fighting or full strategy, not between, but this is getting fun. "Wait, i have a room?"
"Yes. The classroom indicated by your terminal will become your own room, which only you and friends can enter".
"Thanks again, Sakura".
I get out of the infirmary.
Oh yeah! That's right, i have my own room AND a computer. This is a way unorthodox war, but i'm beginning to like it.
Wait, the red-eyed girl is gone! No, wait, i can still sense her. She must be concealing herself, that's good.
"Hey, you are still there, right?"
"Yes, master" she answers from my side.
"Don't call me master. We are equals here".
"No. You are the master, the servant is me. This is more than i deserve, and i am happy this way".
"But i am not. You saved my life, so i own it to you. You are not my servant, we are equals here".
"No. This only proves my point, master. You are a warrior that fights with all without a stop. A hero like the many i met. I am not worthy to be treated as an equal here, so i shall be the servant".
She is one of those people you can't win an argument with. Wait, my memory begins to surface.
That's it, i remember!
No man can win an argument against a woman, that's the cruel law of our world.
"Fine, be it your way. But what should i call you?"
"Well, about my name..."
"No, not here!" I turn to the sides. No one in any side of the corridor. "Look, i know a name is important, but we can't just talk about it here. Let's get to our room, then you tell me".
"As you wish, master. Until then, call me Caster".
I begin to walk. There she goes again, calling me master, wait...
"You want me to call you Caster?"
"You can call me whatever you wish, master. My will is your will".
"No, that's not it. Caster reveals your class right away, since all casters use magic...
"My weakness would be exploited..." Her voice was sad. "Call me servant then".
"No, that's way too much".
I'm already in front of a classroom, my supposed room. Great, i will sleep in a classroom. I sigh and...
A void?! A strange feeling to my left. I've felt it before, when i saw that brown haired plain boy.
I turn to my left and see a brown-haired girl walking away. It's the same feeling: lifeless. She is the one i that i tought was his cousin yesterday, she is the same.
"Master?" Caster calls me, pulling me back to reality. "Are you okay?"
"It's just... I guess we will have bigger enemies now". Can those two be a bigger treat than the Harweys or the Tohsaka? I have to check. "Come".
I follow the path the girl took, but i can't find her.
"Where did she..." a shiver runs down my spine. "What the?!"
I turn and see this strange guy. He is dressed with a normal uniform, has medium lenght red hair and... Those black eyes without light, they seem like... No way, have i met him before?
"Gabriel, it has been a long time, no?
That's not good, i'm trying to supress my emotions, but the fear and surprise can't be held!
"Well, i did expect you would come here. You would do anything to get your desires done, right?" His voice is mocking me. "You know, it's too bad that you lost your memories even after you got your servant. Almost like... Destiny" he smiles.
How did he know i got a servant? How does he knows that i lost my memory?!
He continues:
"Surprised? I am not. If you remembered who i am, i'm sure you would try to kill me again. Not even i would know my fate after you humiliated me in the real world".
"I... Humiliated you?" I manage to ask this.
"Yes. It was your choice how to kill me, but with bullets? Really? One in my left knee, one in my spine and... One in my throat".
I froze. Did he just say that i killed him? He continues:
"But don't worry, Gabriel. My revenge will be sweet. For now, entertain me while you are lost in this fake world".
He begins to walk away. I have no will to follow him, i sense danger, but i manage to ask:
"What is your name?"
"You can call me Adam" he turns in the corridor and disappears from my sight.
I have no will to follow him. The difference between both of us is clear: not only he has his memories, he must know how to control his powers. I, on the other hand, have nothing but battle experience, useless in a fight of magi.
"Master, are you okay?"
Caster's voice pulls me back to reality.
"Yeah, i guess".
"I know i shouldn't ask, but who was he?"
I begin to return to the classroom entrance.
"I don't know... Caster, you said you cured me, right?"
"I tried, but i couldn't get the results. Just... This... Again..."
"Not a problem. Come, we have to talk alone".
"Yes, master".
Yes master. Aww come on, stop it! This is way too unfair, i look like a bad guy here. I have my life saved and i turn my hot savior into a servant.
I open the classroom door and i realize: i've never been here before.
The inside is completely different from the inside, with some decorations, lights, a bed, air conditioner and a bathroom. Who in sane mind makes a bathroom in a classroom?!
Caster appears in front of me and i close the door with her out. Wait, what have i done?!
"Master?"
Don't panic, i won't panic! I've won bigger battles before.
I open the door.
"Just... Just kidding, come in".
She seems happy after i let her in. Good, i almost made a very disrespectful gesture.
I close the door, and think a bit before asking:
"Is it possible for someone to hear us outside?"
"No" she answers. "The system doesn't let noise go out".
-I'll hack it...
Was at my friend said. Well, security never is too much.
"The system can be hacked, right? Can you, i dunno, do some sort of magic about it? Verify anything?"
"Oh, of course. Wait a moment, master".
A torch appears flutuating. It's about the same size as Caster herself and she takes it. The fire liberates a blue wave once and then a green one, both hitting every corner of the room, but one returning to the torch.
The torch disappears and Caster says:
"No abnormalities detected".
"What did you just do?" I ask, curious.
"The first surge was to destroy any spells, the second acted as a radar to detect any abnormality".
"Cool. Thank you, Caster".
"N-no, it was my duty. You don't have to thank me".
"No, you helped me. The least i can do is show gratitude".
"I-i see... Gratitude..." She seems to be in deep thoughts.
I sit in the bed and remember why we came here.
"Caster".
"Y-yes?!" Seems like i pulled her back to reality. She is really cute, especially those blood-red eyes of her.
"So, you were going to tell me your name".
"No".
"What?"
She averts her gaze.
"About that... I am sorry, master. I can't remember my name. I remember just some of my deeds. I know about the war due to the system filling servants about this generation. But can't recall my name..."
I sigh.
"Then both of us are in the same boat..."
She looks at me, as if wanting to help, but seemingly knowing she can't.
"You too, master?"
"Yes. I have pieces of my memory before coming to the war, but i don't have all. I don't know my reasons exactly, just that it is to save the world or something".
"So... Master really is a hero. Master, i will do anything in my power to help you in your quest for your wish!"
Woah woah. What?!
"Why would you want so much to do that".
"Because... In my life, i remember somethings. I remember that i had power. Power enough to help others, but i barely did anything with it. The only time i got the chance to help someone, i failed... I won't let that happen again".
"But you have a wish too, right?"
"If i can help someone as benevolent as you in your quest, my wish is already granted, master".
Control yourself dude! You are some sort of hero mage warrior, you can't get red. I won't ger red!
...
I got red. Oh man. Wait, something feels off.
"Wait, but the winner of the war really gets a wish?"
I'm sure he does. If i was willing to sacrifice my life, is because the possibility exists. But again, i lost my memory, which means i may have been wrong.
"This entire world, master, do you feel it? Is it real to you?"
No. Is what i wanted to say.
"It's very realistic, but i can sense some disturbances".
"I see... I am sorry to think you wouldn't notice...
"No, you see..."
"... But still, in order for this world to exist, it needs a very advanced magecraft. If i were to guess, if all magic directed into making this world were to be redirected, that alone would be enough to change reality itself in order to fufill an wish".
"So it is real..."
"Yes".
Should i be feeling happy? I am not. This is way too strange, way too senseless. The Holy Grail War shouldn't exist. Not because of some strange common sense, but because i know it shouldn't. Something happened, something big. A hidden truth i knew that would refute everything here.
"Master?"
Way to go destiny. It's like i get only information about me, but not the important ones. I need to know what happened. I need to find them.
"Are you okay, master?"
Wait, thats it!
"Caster!"
"Y-yes?!"
"Is there anyway for me to check on the remaining participarts?"
"Yes, by your terminal".
Good. The terminal materializes in my hand.
Blah blah blah Gabriel.
Blah blah blah Servant: Caster.
Blah blah blah. Wait, here! I click in a button.
The terminal explodes. What have i done?!
A game-like hologram window appears in front of me.
"Is this..."
"Yes, the remaining participants".
I indicate to Caster for her to sit besides me. She clumsly obeys and i put the window in a way both of us can see.
"Weren't there about 999 participants?"
"Yes, why?" Caster asks on my side, almost whispering.
"Well, i can't find a close number..."
"No, here" she points at a number.
Wait, what?!
I tought there would be about 800 remaining, but the number is way too low: 563.
This can't be right!
Just as i tought that, the number drops again: 547! Sixteen people are gone from the list in mere seconds!
"Caster, what happens to disqualified people?" I already know the answer, but i must ask. "Are they sent back to the real world?"
"No... Do you really want to know?"
"It's not about what i want to know, it's about what i must know."
"I see..." Caster seems sad. "There is no helping to it then. The participants disqualified have the data of their souls destroyed".
"So they die?"
No, i already know their fate... And Caster answers me.
"Yes, but it is worse. In the process, their very souls are destroyed. With their souls destroyed, there's no afterlife for then, no hope to be reincarnated, no way to reach the Throne of Heroes..."
"I see, sorry for asking this, Caster. You helped me a lot".
"No, you don't need to be sorry. I'm happy that i helped you".
...
She is looking in my eyes...
...
She is close...
...
"Y-yes..." Change the subject! Change the subject! "Hey, Caster, you got a lot of informations about the ages, right?"
"Yes".
"Then... Do you know anything about someone named Moloch?"
"Yes. Moloch was treated as an Ammonite god, but, in truth, he was a demon, known for influenciating on sacrifices. But there's not much about him in religion or myths.
Wait, what did she just say? Moloch was a demon?
-Poor Gabriel, to think my enemy will be reduced to an insect.
Those were his worlds. This guy was my enemy, a demon worshipped as a god called me his enemy. Who have i been in the real world? I killed someone, i must have died, i am USED to situations like these and i became an enemy of a demon.
Not only that, the one i hated the most wasn't Moloch or Adam. My mission is barely anything compared to this hatred. Hatred of him, the purple-eyed angel that put me through all i hate.
"Caster. Do you know anything about an angel? One with purple eyes. That probably destroyed an entire city?"
"No, i don't have any knowledge about him. Normally, the appearence of someone is wrong by the means they were seen in history. That angel may be known, but through another appearence".
Great. The only piece of information about my biggest enemy is useless.
Well, talking about appearence...
"Hey Caster, do you know where i can get some new clothes here? I don't like using this uniform".
"You must have some clothes acording to your choice stored in the system. Otherwise there must be a way to get then in the shops or the arena".
"I see... Thank you".
Caster seems to react strange, but i pay no attention to it. My PDA thing reappears and i click it. Hum, it seems i got some clothes.
"Caster, wait here, i'm going to change myself" i go to the bathroom.
What to chose? I don't even need to think. Those are exactly the clothes i liked the most: a jacket full of pockets, black as darkness itself, but with lines red like blood running through it, making a red right wing on the back, the wing that i'll tear off the angel.
As for the rest, black pants, red shirt. I don't like my appearence here, my blond hair conflicts with my taste, but this is as far as i can go here.
I get out of the bathroom and see Caster still sitting in the bed.
"So, how do i look?"
"Handsome".
System failure. Didn't expect that... Wait.
"What about you, Caster?"
"What?"
"Well, if i need to summon you, you have a witch's hat, a witch's dress and a witch's scepter".
"Yes... I suppose i am a witch of sorts... Maybe i belong to the wicca culture?"
"No. If i summon you, your class is given right away. Do you have any spare clothes?"
"Oh... I guess i may have some".
With a flash, the entire appearence of Caster changes. She isn't anymore wearing witch clothes, but normal ones.
Or that's what i wanted to say...
She is now wearing white clothes with purple details. A skirt, a full-sleeved shirt and a black jacket... She is hot... Man, this system sure knows how to attack me...
"How do i look, master?"
Not ready for that question. Applying battle tatics. System failure. Imput brain. Brain doesn't respond. Control heart rate. Control heart rate. Control heart rate. Danger! Danger! Sys... Tem fai... Lure...
"You... Are... Beautiful" i did it!
"Really?" She is getting red, don't do it! "Thanks, master. I feel better now".
She did it. She is ten times cuter. Control yourself dude, you. Are. At. A. War!
Wait, i really am at a war right now! I make the game window appear again.
"Oh my..."
482 people remaining. They are being eliminated quickly. Outside that, i have two friends between those people and my enemies must have already passed the test.
"Master, you look tense".
"I am, right now".
"Well, maybe going out for fresh air would help you".
"Yeah..." But i can't go alone. "You come too, Caster".
"Yes, master. Do you have any place in your mind?"
"The chapel".
Aaaand i am in the rooftop again. Fine, i will get the bizarre view again.
"Master, i don't think this is your desired destination".
"I guess you are right... Well, since we are here anyway..."
I open the door. In my view is a girl with black hair and amber eyes... Wait, i know this girl! Yeah, she is different, i guess that she used to be blonde, but my memory indicates the truth: i knew her personally in the real world.
"You!" She says.
"Hello..."
Darn it, i don't know her name. If she discovers it, i die!
"I don't suppose you forgot your mission. Or am i wrong?" She is suspiciously staring at me.
Well, we are alone here, so i think i can talk.
"Of course not. We have to get Holy Grail to save the world".
She smiles.
"Good. I tought you had forgotten..." Well, there's a limit to what i can forget. "But, you didn't call me by my name..." Danger! Danger! "What's my name?"
"It's... It's..."
I turn my back and begin to run away. But she is fast too! She grabs my arm and trows me away from the exit.
"Waaah!" I crash. "Ouch. Judo wasn't your style..."
"No, fighting was your. Now back to the point: you. Forgot. My. Name!"
"Wait, wait, i'm sorry!" She is walking torwards me. "I think it's the fault of our other friend, your boyfriend".
"What?" She grabs me again and imobilizes me in the ground. "Grr. He is not my boyfriend!"
"Sorry, sorry! I shouldn't have forgotten my girlfriend's name!"
"Girlfriend?" Caster asks.
"I'm not your girlfriend!" She is bending my arm. It's gonna break!
"I was kidding! I would never think of dating you anyway!"
Bad. I didn't just say it. I feel it, my bones getting dislocated, my life on the line.
"Wait, wait! I was kidding. Anyway, do you know my full name?"
She releases my arm.
"I... Don't know".
You. Forgot. Too?! And tried to break me? What's wrong with you?!
"So... I suppose you haven't recovered your memories fully. Great".
She gets off me.
"What was your name?"
"Gabriel. But i don't seem to have a surname. What's yours?"
"Sasha V. Law. You don't have a surname?"
"No" i take out my ID and show it to her. "It must be an error or something".
"I don't think so" she says as she takes out something from her pocket.
"Why?"
"Because of this". She hands me out her ID, which shows her full name and takes it back. "Maybe you don't have a proper surname in real life. Do you remember anything?"
"I remember a ruin, destroyed by an angel with purple eyes. Maybe i was a survivor, what do you think?"
"I don't know about this angel you say, but he seems familiar. About the rest of your theory, it's impossible".
"Why?"
"Because i am the descendant of the sole survivor of that destroyed city".
"What?!"
"If you went to it, then it makes sense, but our ages don't seem to differ much. You can't be an unknown survivor if i'm the descendant of another survivor".
"Yeah... It makes sense..."
"For now, we have to focus in this strange war. I didn't get much info, what about you?"
"Me? I already summoned a heroic spirit".
"I see... You did what?! You summoned a heroic spirit? Are you some sort of super powerful magus?!"
What? This seems too strange, does this mean that...
"Wait, you haven't? Didn't you pass in the prelims?"
"What are the prelims again?"
"YOU DON'T KNOW?!"
... Dejá vu. I guess it matters not if i explain what i know...
"This is gonna take a while".
431 people remaining by the time i began to explain. By the time i finished, only 346 were remaining.
"So..." She says. "If i don't go through that strange corridor by the end of this day and manage to defeat the final effigy..."
"I guess the number will drop again. Keep your cool during the fight. I didn't and it cost me dearly".
"Well, it should. Can you show me your servant?"
"Well, i guess. Caster, can you appear for her?"
"Yes, master".
She appears and surprises Sasha.
"I didn't expect her to look so... Normal".
"No, those clothes are the ones i asked her to chose. Her normal clothes give off her class right away".
"And you just go on calling her by her class? Call her... I dunno, S.C. Short for servant caster. This way you will hide her identity".
"How about just S while in public? Is that ok, Caster?"
"Yes, master".
Well, everything went better than expected. Sasha pulls me.
"But didn't you say you couldn't interfere with participants?"
"Yes... But a nurse said my condition is unusual. I guess we can help each other to some extent".
"I see... Gabriel, take me to that corridor".
"What?!"
"I want to pass as soon as possible. Take me to it".
I sigh.
"Okay".
And we are back to the front of my room.
"Sorry, Sasha, i'm bad with directions".
"Give me that!" She takes my terminal thing. "Come, i know the way now" and throws me back my terminal.
Good, just one more turn and...
I feel it again. The void from before.
I warn Sasha to stay careful and we look at the corridor. In it, the Harwey girl, i mean boy, disappears in the wall. And then, the boy with brown hair goes and touch the wall, disappearing too.
"A Harwey?" Sash seems to be thinking about very important stuff. "Thanks for helping me, Gabriel. Now i'm going in".
"Wait, let's see if i can enter too. This way it'll be less dangerous".
"No, i don't think we can exploit of fails in the system like that so much. And..." She looks at my eyes. "This is a battle with my pride as a magus. Go get a hobby and pass some time, or try discovering more about that Adam guy you talked about".
She begins to walk toward the wall. I already know i can't talk her out of that. In the end, she turns and smiles.
"See you later, Gabriel. Once i get back, i will show you my servant".
"Yes, Sasha".
"Oh, one more thing" she touchs the wall and begins to disappear. "Don't die again..."
And it's over. Sasha disappears and i make the game window appear again.
323 participants remaining. Don't lose, Sasha.
"I know i shouldn't be asking" Caster talks to me invisible. "But is she your ex-girlfriend, master?"
Lol! Like that would be real!
"I don't think so. I'm sure at least that i taugh her hand-to-hand combat. Maybe she is some sort of sister to me in the real world".
"I see..."
"So... S" i don't like calling her by a letter. "Can you lead me to the chapel?"
"Yes, master".
Yes, master. This will be a looong war.
The minutes passes as Caster guides me through the corridors. The number of remaining participants still decreases, but at a slower rate. By the time we exit the school, 298 are still in.
As i get out of the school and see the sky, i notice it's changed. It has way too many clouds, but the sunlight is normal. This world is well made, but isn't perfect.
I see there's this strange indian girl with glasses in front of me. Seems like i'm blocking the entrance.
"Sorry" i get out of the way and let her in.
She doesn't say anything. By the time she passes by me, feel something strange. No emotions. Not only that, i can barely feel her life. This barely happened in the real world, it's true that what i sense is different for supernatural beings, but she seems so... Abnormal...
"Master?" Caster's voice wakes me.
"Cas... I mean, S, Did you detect a servant with that girl?"
"Yes, master. Did you know her in real life?"
"Atlas" i whisper.
"The greek..."
"No" i cut Caster off. "I mean the organization. I think it has something related with alchemy. I think she has some relation with them".
"So, is she a master sent by them?"
"No. She has some relation, that i can feel. But I don't think she was sent. If she were known, she would be like Rin, i would have recognized her".
"But what if she wasn't known? Like a student with desires, or maybe a secret weapon?"
That's a good guess. But even so...
"Even so, i could still sense something on Rin. This girl, if she was sent as a secret weapon, she must have been altered in ways i can't describe... That's bad. I tought the Harweys would be our biggest problem, but i had some knowledge on then. This girl is a big mystery".
Yeah. Reputation helps someone a lot, but the same way reputation can help someone, the lack of it also can.
"We will think about it later, with Sasha and my other friend. For now, can you take me to the chapel?"
"Yes, master".
Dodododo... We are walking through the campus... There are many studentes who still think they are students even though this is their last day... And finally we get to the chapel's entrance.
"Fancy meeting you here, Gabriel" him again. Right in front of the entrance of the chapel.
"Adam" i managed to say, looking in his eyes.
"You know that there is a sadistic priest in this school? Religious people are true hypocrites, don't you think?"
"Why are you here, Adam?"
"Shouldn't i be the one asking you this? Do you really feel you can enter a chapel or a church? Or do you think you can atone for your sins here?"
Each word he says slices my being. Is that why i came here? I try to refuse to believe, but i feel some dark truth in his words. He continues:
"As for the reason i came, i had to get some facts straight and a confirmation".
"Of what?"
"What do you think? Archer, now".
Archer?! He called his servant?
"S, quick!"
His servant appears by his right side and Caster appears by my left. Adam, says:
"I see you still remain careful, Gabriel. Hiding even your servant's class, i agree that it's better this way.
His servant is a woman not much older than us. With clear blue hair and eyes, so clear, that they are almost white. She is dressed in a mix of dress and light armor, protecting her and allowing good flexibility.
Archer, huh?
"While you say that's the best way, you gave me your servant class right off". Yeah, he isn't dumb, so why?
"True, but there is no need for me to conceal that. And you already gave me what i wanted. Wasn't i right, Archer?"
"True, you weren't wrong, master. We have to settle somethings..."
"No"Adam cuts his servant off. "It's better if they don't know her name".
Say what? He figured out Caster's name?! But i hid everything! Did he hack the system, or...
"It can't be... You knew her in real life?!"
Adam grins.
"Of course. Enough to know she must have been summoned under the caster class".
I look at Caster. She is paralyzed with fear, but not because of Adam, it's his Archer that is the reason. This is bad. Both Adam and Archer knew Caster in real life!
"Now, Archer, let us show then a taste of our power, shall we? Only one, don't put more energy than you need, ok?"
A bow similar to a white crescent moon appears at hies archer's hand. She matearilizes a silver arrow and it begins to glow.
"Yes, master".
Yes, master. I'm beginning to hate those words. Archer readies the arrow and shoots it faster than i can react!
An impact is heard. The arrow that came aimed at my heart is being blocked, but still coming. In front of me, Caster is again dressed in witch clothes.
"Ugh..."
With twin torchs and her scepter, it seems like a fire barrier is blocking the arrow, but i can hear the sound of the air itself being scratched.
"Ah... Huh... Guh..."
Caster is struggling with everything she got to block that arrow, but it's still pushing her.
"Good job, Caster! I will join this fight now, hold Archer!
"Ah... Ah..." She nods.
I begin to run. With everything i got, i ignore my friend's battle and join my own. Servant battles should be forbidden by the system, but since we are in the prelims, the system must be busy. This means that, to save Caster, i'll have to kill him again.
"Adam!"
I am in front of him and launch my punch, with Adam quickly dodging it.
"Is this all you got, Gabriel? Heh heh heh".
"Grr".
I turn my body, doing a kick. Then a turn it again and spin, a reverse punch with the left elbow and a normal one with my right hand, but Adam dodge those two by centimeters.
I do a roundhouse kick, but he punchs the kick skillfully, sending me back in the air and forcing me to turn myself to fall standing. Damm! He's playing with me!
I dare to glance to the left.
"What the..."
There's a system message. Some guy named .PH is putting a stop to the fight, but the arrow is still piercing Caster's flame barrier. Worse than that, his servant is standing away quietly, doing nothing to the arrow, just staring at Caster's struggle.
No way! Can Adam hack the system this far?!
He grins. He knows what i am thinking. For him, victory is granted.
I abanddom most of my skill and release a serie of punches, feeling my movements faster and energy being released.
"How silly, haven't you realized that magic in this world is different than the one you know?"
He dodged! He dodged seven punches straight without blocking any! And now a punch is coming for me while i make my next one.
Time seems slower. Yes, i can hit him!
My punch is going, but he bends his arm. My punch will get deflected by his elbow and i will take his punch.
No!
I bend my arm, successfully deflecting his and aiming at his jaw.
Statics appear in the air. Our arms positions are switched. My blow is deflected and his knuckle comes, punching me in my jaw and throwing me in the ground.
An explosion occurs by the side. Caster has dust all over her clothes, but she comes to my aid while i'm trying to sit.
Adam retreats and Archer comes. Her stare is violent, i get it now: Caster wasn't supposed to block that arrow.
She readies three more, aims at us and i already know the directions: one in Caster's head and the two others at our hearts.
"Caster, run away".
"But, Master!"
I look at my right hand. Supposedly, i should have three command spells, but i only have two, making pair of wings. That's right, there's no hope for me, so this has to be done: one command for her to escape, another for her to survive without a master.
"Stop it, Archer" Adam says.
"What? I am about to..."
"Any more interference with the system will be problematic for my plans".
"This is my revenge!" Archer protests.
"What is more important: your small revenge, or your greater wish?"
Adam stares at me, his smile is gone. He is only emotionless.
"We shall meet again Gabriel, for now you have won the entrance to the chapel, goodbye".
Archer disappears and Adam begins to walk away. He is wrong, i won nothing. I lost a battle and almost lost my life and Caster's
My jaw feels as if it's going to drop. My teeth as if they were hit by a hammer, Adam's punch was no joke.
"Master, are you okay? Just wait a bit, i will..."
"No" i manage to say, my mouth is being slashed by the words. "Cure yourself first. This pain will be my punishment for a while".
"But..."
"That's an order, Caster!"
Don't humiliate me more. I beg you.
"I understand..." Caster looks sad. "Do you still want go to the chapel?"
I look at it. The image of the purple-eyed angel appears on my mind.
"No. Let's go back to our room. We have to rest ourselves for a while. Retreat to your invisible form".
Caster nods and disappears. I get up and begin to walk back to school. My jaw is hurt, but my pride even more now.
I somehow get back to the private room without losing myself in the way.
"You can cure me now, Caster".
"Yes, could you please lay down?"
I do as she says and lay down in bed. Caster comes closer and puts her hand on my mouth. I close my eyes. I can't look directly at her after what happened today.
"I am sorry, master".
Caster has sadness in her voice. As she is curing me, i can't answer.
"I was right all along. I am not worthy to help you, it's my fault that we lost miserably today. You put your hope on me and i failed, again. Maybe it's better if we cancel or contract, there's a chance that you may get a better servant and even maybe get out of this war. After today, i am sure i am not capable of defeating Archer".
Yeah, you are right. Caster could barely block one arrow, yet Archer could fire three more. Besides, Adam was better than me. We are dealing with enemies that knows more about us than ourselves.
Caster let's go of my mouth. My jaw feels good as new.
"Maybe you are right, Caster. Or rather, it's true, we can't defeat Adam and Archer. However, you are the servant i summoned, you have saved my life three times now: by curing me, blocking the arrow and coming to rescue me after Adam punched me. Besides, our relation is clear: Adam knew both of us, which means our fate is linked from the start".
"But, master..."
"All i know is that you are my servant and i would never trade you. If Adam is stronger now, we just need to get stronger than him. Now come, we have to sleep now".
Yeah, there is nothing more we can do today. We have to wait for tomorrow, with the prelims end and hope that Sasha passed.
I take off my jacket and my shirt. I don't know why, but i prefer to sleep this way.
"Uhm, master?"
"Yes, Caster?"
Caster doesn't look into my eyes as she speaks.
"Well... There is... Only one bed..."
"I know, you will sleep in it".
"Wh-what?!" Caster gets red. "Bu-but, won't it be unconfortable? I-i mean... It's... Us... We... Together..."
"That's not a problem" i get off of the bed with my answer. " I will sleep on the ground".
"What?!" Caster isn't red anymore, just surprised. "No, i can't let you. I shall sleep on the ground, you are the master, you don't deserve this".
No, Caster, i deserve more than you think. And i feel better this way.
"You will sleep on the bed, this is an order and this discussion is over" i lay down on the ground.
"But..."
"If i didn't make myself clear, do i need to use a command spell?"
"What?! Master, this is reckless! You van't use a command spell just to give me confort!"
"So don't make me use it. Go to sleep on the bed, we talk again tomorrow".
I don't look into Caster's stare. I close my eyes, today was a double-edged sword: i've found a friend and i have discovered an enemy.
I'm tired. I don't care that i'm sleeping on the solid ground. I am not feeling well. My sleep comes quickly and again i have past dreams.
On my dream, i am alone in the rain. In front of me, there's someone shrouded by darkness. In my hand, there's a silver sword.
I somehow know that it isn't good for the sword to be silver right now. The enemy speaks:
"I'm sorry, Gabriel, it seems i have bigger issues to treat now".
"You are running away?" I manage to ask. "Stop!" i shout.
"Hehehe. You still want to fight? Too bad, i really want to kill you, but it would take time that's not at my disposal".
"Wait!" I know him. This guy, he is Adam!
"See you later, Gabriel. You really did well in your conditions, maybe that form isn't so useless".
"Stay here!"
"I can't. I have issues to solve with Adremelech now. Enjoy you life, Gabriel. Next time, you won't be so lucky".
No, next time, i will kill you by any means necessary. You yourself told me that.
This dream breaks down and changes, if i'll get a new dream, i only hope it explains a bit about the purple-eyed angel i hate so much...
