Chapter 2

A revised version.

Added some small details here and there.

And the most notable change is near end of the chapter.

"Aiz Wallenstein…"

That doesn't sound Japanese at all. But that'll be for later, right now I better get us out of here before more of that monster come at us.

I looked at the girl who was still staring at me with an abashed look. Her golden eyes glittered a little when they met mine. Her lips were still open as she stared at me.

By the way, she is still holding my hand and hasn't let go.

"Umm, is there something wrong?"

She shook her head and then opened her lips.

"I give you my gratitude for saving me, Shirou-san."

She held my hand with her two hands, appreciating what I did. She was so formal just now.

Is she a princess or someone in a higher position?

"Uhh, you're welcome? I'm not really good with formality, I hope you can forgive me for that. And please, just call me Shirou, there is no need for formality, Wallenstein-san."

"Then, please call me Aiz, there is no need for formality either, Shirou."

She smiles at me at that. She doesn't cry anymore, but I can see her eyes are still puffed because of all the crying that she did just now.

Then I nod at her before I ask the question that has been bugging me.

"If I may ask, what are you doing in a dangerous place like this?"

"Please talk to me normally, Shirou. As for the reason why I'm here…I was chasing a beautiful butterfly in the forest and when it was gone, I realized that I'm already deep inside the dungeon."

Dungeon.

Okay, another thing to note. A dungeon with monsters inside it. Definitely not Japan or anywhere in the world.

But still, to forget about her situation because of a butterfly definitely says that she's still a kid although she can be too formal.

"Do you know which direction where you came from then? I can escort you outside if you want to."

"Yes, please!"

That was almost an immediate answer as she gripped my hand tighter than before.

"I don't remember which direction I came in, but I know there is a stair leading to the next floor over there an hour ago."

Aiz pointed in the direction where I came from.

Huh.

If only I arrived sooner in this dungeon, maybe she wouldn't be chased by that monster.

"Hey, hey, how are you so strong? You seem around my age but you were able to kill the Hell Minotaur with one swing."

As I was busy with my thoughts, she closed in real fast, her face was really close to mine, only several centimeters away.

That was when I remembered that I'm not a 17-years old anymore but roughly a 10-years old kid. I still don't know how I become like this since it was only around a few seconds when I closed my eyes back when the world ended and when I opened them, I was inside this dungeon with a regressed body.

Not that I'm complaining but I prefer my older height returned to me.

Back to my current situation, I took a step back from her sudden aggressiveness. No, by the look in her eyes, it was as if a kid meeting their hero or something similar to that.

"I practice every day?."

I answered her. By the way, the monster's name that she mentioned, Hell Minotaur wasn't it? I know Minotaur from stories or alike, but I've never heard of Hell Minotaur. I wonder if that's why the body was melting and gave out smoke?

"Why are you answering me with a question?"

She tilted her head to the side, confused.

"Sorry, but I do practice every day."

I answered her readily.

"Anyway, let's get you clean up a bit."

I let go of her hands, or to be exact, I asked her to let go of my hand which she reluctantly did.

Then I raised my hand a little with my palm facing upwards.

"Trace On."

As the thing starts to form in my palm, I notice her eyes widen in surprise as she watches the spectacle.

It was just a clean towel for her to wipe her face and hair. At least I want her to stay clean when we get out of here.

"You can use magic!?"

Her voice was a few tones higher when she asked me that with a flushed face.

Oh no.

"C-can't you use it?" I stuttered when I asked her that, fearing that magic was something impossible although they had monsters and dungeons. I handed her the towel as I asked the question.

She shook her head as she took the towel.

"Mama said that humans can't use magic no matter how hard they practice, but..." she stared at me with excitement on her face. "You can use it...amazing..."

Uh-oh. I know that look, the same look that Miyu always gave me if I did something out of her comprehension.

"You must be extremely talented as the elves since only them and some other demi-humans can use magic.

She said giddily.

Wait, elves, demi-human? The one with long ears?

…

Yup, that concludes it. I'm not on earth anymore.

I'm not sent into the reverse side of the world, am I?

But Aiz said that there are humans, which means the highest probability is I'm in another world where demi-humans such as elves exist.

I won't be surprised if I see a Dragon running around on the surface if it's the case.

"Well, my father considered magic a very important thing to have in our lives to survive, therefore he decided to train me at an early age."

Calling magecraft magic is a bit weird for me, but I don't want to explain something so difficult to a kid.

"Oh? Your papa can use magic too? But still, even if your papa can use magic, my papa is the strongest because everyone calls him a Hero!"

I gave the blonde girl a light chuckle at that. It seems like she really loves her father.

But a hero huh?

"Then I can't wait to meet your father. Let's go then, Aiz. The sooner we get out of here, the sooner you'll see your papa."

Aiz nodded readily before she started to walk beside me. The towel that she used had been long dismissed after she was done with it. It was kind of funny to see her trying to catch the motes of light.

Right, before that I took off my coat and had Aiz to wear it since her one-piece dress was a sleeveless one. She must be quite cold because I could see her bare shoulders shuddering. She didn't say anything about it but I can't just let a girl, probably younger than Miyu to suffer like that.

"Thank you..." she murmured.

I nodded at her.

My coat was too big for her since it was the same for me, I had to roll up the sleeves and the hem of my coat to ease her to walk. With that done, she took my hand again before we finally began to walk.

*GRRRWLL*

I turned at the now blushing girl.

"Are you hungry?" I asked and she shyly nodded. "All that running from the monster must have tired you."

I took out the protein bars which were in my coat's pocket before giving them to Aiz.

"I don't have any water though... so you must eat them slowly, okay?"

She didn't do anything but stared at them for a few good seconds.

Don't tell me.

"You don't know to open it?"

She shook her head.

Well, it seems this kind of wrapper hasn't existed yet, I have to make sure to dispose of them properly after Aiz finished them.

I took the protein bars from Aiz and tore the wrapper before giving returning them to the girl.

"You just need to bite onto it, and after you're done, don't litter, okay? just give the wrappers back and I'll dispose of them later."

She nodded and began to eat the food.

In roughly a minute, the protein bars were gone.

I underestimated her appetite.

-Aiz's POV-

Shirou Emiya, that's what he said his name was.

It's not a name that I'm familiar with, but he must be not from around our place since I had never seen someone my age with his features before.

Some parts of his face and neck are tanned and the left hand I'm holding right now is the same. There are some white tufts in his auburn hair, I wonder if it's passed down from his parents.

I can't see his eyes clearly but I think I saw some golden in his eyes similar to mine albeit a bit darker. He is able to use magic although he looks older than me by a little.

He is wearing unusual clothing that I've never seen before. From the coat itself, I know that it's a high-quality one since the fabric is really smooth on my fingers and it's really warm! He put it on me even though I didn't say anything about being cold. He's really attentive even though he's still a kid like me.

Oh, and the foods he gave me too were really good! They're the kind of foods that I'd never eaten before, but the complex combination of different flavors just gave the perfect taste. I wonder if it's his homemade? and if he can cook, I hope that he will do it for me sometime later.

Anyway.

We've been walking for quite a while in the stairs' opposite direction but we haven't found the exit yet. There are monsters, like those Hell Minotaurs and Hell Ants that keep coming at us but Shirou kept me safe by keeping me behind him and killing those monsters quickly.

Each time before monsters showed up, I could feel the black sword in his hand thrumming a little as if warning us that monsters were approaching.

Is it alive? Like the Sword of Thunder wielded by The Clown who became a Hero, Argonaut?

Mama told me a story that the Sword offered himself to Argonaut to use when he was in peril, I wonder if Shirou's sword is the same as the Hero's?

Then doesn't that mean he too is a Hero?

I shook my head slowly.

That is not important right now. One thing that I know is I'm safe when I'm near him.

"We're surrounded."

I turned pale before looking around after I heard Shirou says that. True enough, there were groups of Hell Ants surrounding us. They were not quite near, but slowly they were closing in on us.

"Trace On."

There it is again, his chant to summon things on his whim, but this time it is not a towel.

I see swords.

There are so many floating swords circling us as if held by invisible hands. Their numbers seem to surpass the groups of ants.

Not only that.

From each sword, I can feel power thrumming from them. They are not new weapons freshly forged or bought, but swords that had been used for their lifetime.

"Sword Barrel: Full Open."

With those words, the swords launched all at the same time towards the group of ants, killing them instantly.

I had to cover my eyes from the dust flying because of the wind pressure the sword gave. If I could describe it, it felt like when Papa and his friends trained and moved at an incredible speed.

Then I opened my eyes after I felt the wind had settled down. The swords pierced through all the Hell Ants' hard carapaces as if made of butter and lodged themselves deep into the walls, rocks, and pillars.

I look at Shirou in awe.

Then, he turned to me, noticing my stare.

"I cannot become your Hero, Aiz, because I'm your Mama's."

The memories of the past played in my mind. It was at the time when I asked Papa to become my hero.

"It will be great if one day you encounter a hero that solely belongs to you."

As the memory fades away, I look at the boy who is slightly older than me in his eyes which somehow glow a little. His eyes are full of confidence and determination yet they are so kind.

"Don't worry, I'll keep you safe, I promise."

I could feel a smile creeping onto my face when I heard him say that.

"Yes!"

-Shirou's POV-

It was then after the two of us had that brief exchange, I could hear footsteps from several people approaching our spot which was in the middle of the groups of ants. Luckily my projections were already gone when they arrived here.

"Aiz!?"

Both of us looked in the direction of the alarmed voice. There were 3 people, 1 man, and 2 women. The man had black hair and a silver longsword in his right hand. He wore a light brown shirt and pants under his white light armor.

The 2 women, the one on his left had long ears instead of normal ones, indicating her elf lineage. She had jade-colored hair and wore a green outfit with yellow borders and a light green cloak over it, she had a staff made of steel which also served as a polearm in her hands. The woman on his right had tanned skin with long black hair covering her left eye and wore a revealing outfit like a dancer's covered with a thin veil... I would mistake her for wearing only underwear if we were still in Japan.

But what surprised me more after that was when the latter moved toward me at a speed that I almost missed.

'I-is she serious!?'

I reflexively raise Hrunting to block her greatsword which she swings at me. I can hear Aiz made a little yelp at the pressure the woman gives.

*CLANG!*

'Damn! I have to say, this woman's strength is almost at the same level as Sakura with the Berserker Class Card installed! My arm would've been blown off if my strength is still the same as before!"

The woman didn't stop immediately. While she did pause for a second and scrutinized me, she continued to swing her greatsword again at me, this time at a speed and strength a level or two higher than before. I decided to reinforce my body a bit to keep up with the woman.

There was no anger or anything like that behind her weapon this time, unlike the first time I blocked her.

She was testing me, curiosity got her instantly the moment we crossed swords the first time.

I planned to hold back as much as I could, but it seemed the woman realized it and decided to force me to keep up with her. She was the one in control of the flow right now until I had no choice but to give her a large swing when our swords met each other again, pushing her back a few meters behind her group.

My act seemed to surprise our three new guests since maybe they didn't expect a kid to be able to fight like that. But really? They attacked a kid with no hesitation!? Or is it just limited to this tanned woman who looked like a battle-crazed warrior!?

Well, I suppose I can't blame her for that since looking from my position just now, they may have thought that I'm planning to kidnap Aiz or something since I'm holding a sword after all.

"Evelda-nee-san, please stop!"

Aiz came up from behind me soon after that with her arms wide open as if to protect me. Before, I could see that she was about to call the black-haired man as soon as she heard her name being called, but I guess the tanned woman or Evelda's speed was much faster than her reaction.

I raised my hands at the new group.

"Um, I don't have any bad intention toward Miss Wallenstein here… I saved her from a monster before…"

I said all that in a manner of a kid would, hopefully, they would buy it.

Please don't pinch me, Aiz. I know you asked me to speak normally, but I can't help it this time.

The tanned woman called Evelda was still observing me with a small grin on her face until the other woman decided to step in front of her, probably to not scare me more than this or not to start another 'dance'.

But I'll note to myself in case, Evelda – dangerous, especially that grin of hers reminded me of a certain Lancer from EMIYA's memories.

The black-haired man or Aiz's Papa sheathed his sword before he kneeled and welcomed Aiz with his arms wide. Aiz too then ran at her father.

"Papa!"

"Aiz! I'm sorry for not noticing that you were gone! I-if only I did, you wouldn't be here right now!"

The man said with a hoarse voice. I guess he is really worried about Aiz.

Then I glanced at the jade-haired elf who was still staring at me.

"Who are you and what are you doing here? This dungeon is sealed by my magic and I noticed only Aiz went past the seal while I was re-casting it." Before I opened my lips, the elf narrowed her eyes dangerously at me." I'll remind you that I can be much scarier than the Amazon woman here, therefore you better answer honestly or suffer the consequences."

I take my words back, this elf is a lot scarier than that Evelda. She doesn't waste any breath and cut to the point instantly. Hell! Angelica pales compared to this elf!

But, seriously though? Can't you see that I'm just a kid? Well, physically.

I had to keep the urge to roll my eyes at her questioning.

"I'm Shirou Emiya and I was sleeping somewhere nearby the stairs heading down to the next floor before I saved Miss Wallenstein here from a Hell Minotaur."

I stole a glance at Aiz who had a discontent look on her face.

Sorry, but I better act formally for now since I don't want to deal with a troublesome matter in case you are really a princess or someone related. Your Papa seems normal, but the elf in front of me is definitely royalty, her presence alone screams 'kneel, you peasant'. A queen or princess perhaps.

The elf woman is still glaring at me as if trying to probe any lies coming out of my mouth.

"As for why I'm here, I can't tell you the reason because I don't even know how I got here."

The elf raised a brow at my answer. "Then, what was the last thing you remember before you got into the dungeon."

I closed my eyes and breathe a little before opening them. I gave them a pained smile as I answered.

"I...was at my home, laying down with the bodies of my two dead friends, waiting for my own inevitable death."

I can hear the group gasping for breath after they heard my answer but that soon is disturbed by Aiz.

"Celdia-onee-sama!"

Aiz hissed at the elf woman called Celdia, perhaps unhappy with how the elf forced an answer from me. However, now Aiz is being targeted by the elf's glare. I can see Aiz flinching at it, but she still has a determined look on her face.

"Shirou saved my life, even now he killed all the Hell Ants by himself. I owe my life to him. You shouldn't ask something personal until he tells us by his own volition!"

The two women only gave her a look without saying anything but there was a tint of surprise on their expressions. Then I glanced at Aiz's father who was still dumbfounded by how Aiz confronted the elf. I guess she had never been brave up until now huh?

After several seconds of staring contest between Aiz and Celdia, the stunned Papa finally made a sound.

*cough*

"Celdia, Evelda, I agree with Aiz on this matter." Aiz Papa finally stood up and said with a wry smile. "Can't you overlook this matter once? I mean he saved Aiz and I think it's enough for us to at least not interrogate him further for that."

Albert-san then looks at me with a smile before those kind eyes turn into a small glare as he sees Aiz taking my hand.

…...he's one of those dads, isn't he? Great.

"Fine." The elf replied with a small sigh. "He's in your hand to settle then."

Albert-san nodded to the elf woman gratefully, but that smile of his is becoming more strained since Aiz here is linking her hand with mine. Even one of his eyes is twitching!

"You're strong, boy! Tell me, were those friends of yours also as strong as you?"

I turned to the Amazon woman. Gone were the pressures she gave when she charged at me, replaced by an easygoing one. However, her questions were a bit... uncomfortable.

"Evelda-nee-san!"

"It's alright, Aiz." I smiled at her before turning to the Amazon.

"For the answer that you're looking for, Yes, those two women are probably stronger or at least at the same level as you."

'Sakura with Berserker Class and Angelica with Gilgamesh card installed surely would be too strong to handle, especially with Angelica spamming Noble Phantasms combined with her own magecraft.'

"I see." the woman closed her eyes, and her tone filled with empathy. "To hear that there were other women out there that can keep up with me was such a delight to hear... My deep condolences for your loss." Evelda bowed at me.

"And please forgive me for asking," She apologized as her tone got a bit cheery before she continued. "I was curious since you are strong enough to keep up with me other than Al over there."

I blinked until I realized what I had done.

Oh, shit.

Perhaps noticing the small frown that I made, she started to grin at me again.

"You didn't even struggle when my sword met yours after that dance we had! You must be a powerhouse yourselves eh?!"

I can only let out an awkward laugh before Aiz answers in my stead.

"Shirou is really strong and talented! He killed Hell Minotaurs with one swing, used magic, and summoned swords to kill groups of ants just now!"

I almost facepalmed myself if I didn't remember that Hrunting is still in my grip.

I forget to ask her to keep quiet about what I'm capable of. Most of them come from Hrunting itself though since it was very effective against monsters.

Now the three are staring at me with interest as if I'm a unique specimen. I didn't show anything flashy other than projecting swords, so I guess that's that—

"His sword also thrummed when a monster approaches us!"

Wait, what? How can she know that!? I didn't tell him about that matter!

"Oh? I'm liking you more and more boy!"

"A human child barely 10 can use magic and somehow keep up with Evelda?"

I-is that a glint in their eyes?

"Enough you two." Albert-san decided to interrupt them which almost made me feel grateful to him if not for the small glare he constantly gave me.

"We can question him more at a later time after we get out of here, Aria is worried." The two women agreed reluctantly with Albert-san's suggestion before he offered his hand for Aiz to come with him.

"Let's go, Aiz."

"I'll go with Shirou."

I deadpanned at the blonde girl beside me who tightened her arm around mine before I heard stifled laughter and giggle from the Amazon and the Elf. Albert-san also had a face like a dead man when he heard her daughter say that.

"I-I-I see…then…let's go…"

He turned around before throwing another glare at me. The two women followed him with amused expressions before the Amazon smacked my back with her crazy strength.

If I were a normal kid, I might be dead from that smack alone.

I sighed inwardly.

"Let's go, Shirou!"

Aiz pulled my hand as we followed the group and I did so.

Oh, right.

I forgot, that when I saw the silver longsword in Albert-san's hand, its information and history flowed to me as usual. It was a normal sword made by a very skilled Smith, but what was more surprising than that is, that this man, Albert Waldstein, is probably the strongest human I ever met. Way, way stronger than the amazon and the elf.

For the first time after I arrived in this world, I'm glad that it was not him who charged at me.

AN.

Chapter 2!

23/8: small changes here and there, especially the part when Celdia interrogates Shirou and so on.

You can imagine Celdia in Riveria's look and Evelda in Aisha's look.

Albert = Adult Bell with black hair as seen in Aiz's memories. While in the manga it seems he has lighter hair color.

For your information, Albert's friends, especially those in his group when they challenged the Black Dragon were as powerful as Alfia who is a Level 7 Adventurer from Hera Familia while Albert himself had been declared by Omori sensei that he is the strongest character in the whole franchise. Omori sensei just destroyed the power scale with that. Albert and the others didn't have Falna 1000 years ago yet they are as strong as L7 adventurer and Albert is even stronger than that.

As for why Shirou is a bit OOC here, I guess that's normal since he knew he fulfilled everything he could for Miyu. Ainsworth is finished, Miyu already has loving family and friends, therefore there is nothing that worries Shirou anymore. He will start his own story in this world as he won't try to become a hero of justice anymore. He will help others as much as he can but not like his other counterparts.

as for Harem, right now I'll focus only on Aiz. By the way, she's not in love with Shirou or anything at this point since she's just a kid. More like a kid admiring their hero, not love.

I have no comment about two of my favorites, Sakura and Angelica. :D

If you have some suggestions or anything you'd like me to add, please do not hesitate, I might overlook some details especially since the story is currently set in a thousand years in the past.

If I recall correctly, there are only a few who can use magic, even in Argonaut's story in Danmemo anniversary, I can only remember Feena the half-elf who can use magic. not sure about Yuri but I think it's only her.

There are two types of magic in danmemo: congenital magic based on each race and acquired magic based on falna given by the gods. Since the gods haven't come down yet, there's no way humans can use magic.

For the gods, it's said that Ouranos came down to the lower realm around 1000 years ago, whether it's after Albert's group lost against the Black Dragon or before it.

For my other stories, I took them down for some reason, but I'll put them up again later with their respective updates.

Enjoy and Review! feedbacks and inputs are very welcome!

23/8: small changes here and there, especially the part when Celdia interrogates Shirou.