Disclaimer: I do not own Fate/Stay Night or Highschool DxD, or any of its character's, and make no money of this.


Looking back at those old days I can't felt but feel nostalgic

When I was still blind to the truth of my powers

Those were the good days

The days when I learned how to fight

The days I spent with those I called friends and family

... I miss them so much


Chapter 9:

Basic steps


''4996…''

About two weeks or so have passed since the whole fiasco with Kurosaiga and my life has been steadily turning to a new direction more or less. After listening to everyone's back stories and my master's motives, I managed to somewhat open up to them, letting my doubts drift away and see them as people I can trust.

My wounds have healed rather quickly, and that was without Kusaka or Hanakai using healing magic on me. Now that I was back in proper shape I started considering what I should do next.

The fact that I won against Kurosaiga had nothing to with talent or brute force. It was all a big mash up of luck and compatible fighting styles. The fact that we were both sword users was what gave me a chance to fight against him.

If I were to fight a different kind of enemy at the moment with my current set of skills and physical prowess, I doubt that I can win. If I were to fight a long range fighter I would be a sitting duck and would be taken out before I even got close enough to use my swords, and I don't even want to imagine what would happen if I fought someone with advance magical skills.

I had to step up my training and find new ways to fight.

''4997…''

No more taking it easy.

But then I asked myself how do I even do that?

Training recklessly can have more bad repercussions than positive ones. If I overwork myself or damage my body by training with more than I am physically capable of enduring I can end up damaging my body to the point where it leaves permanent aftereffects.

The only solution that came to mind was to somehow manage to train my body without causing it any lasting damage regardless of how much I overstep my limits. The answer came when I thought back to the fight I had with Kurosaiga, more specifically about one of the skills that I figured out while fighting him.

Reinforcement.

''4998…''

This skill was the perfect way to train without having to worry about damaging my muscles or bones.

While using reinforcing on my body does indeed increase my overall brute physical strength exponentially, it was only temporary and the weaker my body was the more I had to compensate and reinforce it, consuming more and more prana, putting a bigger strain on my body.

So I thought about it this way. If I can use reinforcement to make my body more durable, I can train beyond my normal limits without having to worry about damaging it.

The trick to this was only to reinforce my muscle fibers and bones to the point where they're only durable, not stronger. This way I can work them while keeping my own natural physical strength, otherwise I'm just cheating my way and don't work them properly.

''4999…''

By our nature we have limits on our bodies, said limits that if we try to overcome can cause irreversible damage to us. Because of this whenever we try to work our muscles beyond their limit the brain will send us signals in the form of pain.

Take the push-ups that I was currently doing. On days that I'm rested and in overall good health I can easily reach one hundred, one hundred and fifty if I really push myself. But it's there that my brain starts sending me signals in the form of muscle pain to tell me to stop, otherwise I would keep on going until the my muscles rip themselves. However, if my muscles are durable enough to handle the strain then the brain won't send me any signals, and I can pretty much work my muscles until the point I reach my new limit with reinforcement, or when I ran out of prana or stamina.

The end result:

''5000...!''

I can do fifty times my natural limit. The only downside is that it drains my stamina quite fast, that and the amount of strain that follows is quite a handfull. Tiresome, yes, painful, most definitely, but overall still manageable.

A dry sigh escaped my lips as I sat on the floor of my room, I think that was about enough of physical training for today. Grabbing a nearby towel I started whipping myself and the puddle of sweat that formed where I worked out.

After thinking about it for a while I realized that I have to be careful what type of physical exercises I'm doing. I'm a swordsman so I'm looking to develop myself for fast and precise movements while still developing a proper amount of brute strength. I can't just go and lift weights like some wannabe bodybuilder with too much free time, I need to carefully make it so it doesn't affect my speed and coordination.

For now I'm doing basic exercises, but I'm elevating them by using reinforcement.

I guess some times basic things are more useful than complicated ones.

Knock, knock.

''It's open.'' I said as I turned towards the door. Raising my hand and greeting my visitor. ''Morning Liz.''

''Gutten morgen.'' She replied in her usual stoic demeanor, but after living with her for so many years I can tell how she feels, now for instance she is in a good mood. The moment she entered the room she stopped dead in her tracks and just stared at me as, her she raised her hand and grabbed her nose. ''It stinks here.''

Huh… now that she mentions it the air in here is a bit nasty, guess keeping the window closed while I was sweating like crazy wasn't such a good idea.

''Were you in the middle of stress relieving?'' she asked flatly, her voice muffled by the way she was holding her nose.

''I guess you can call it that.'' I nodded slightly at her, and I have to admit that working out does have a somewhat nice feeling to it, also helps one get rid of boredom.

Liz seemed to stare for a while at me, appearing to ponder about something. After about a minute or so she spoke again. ''Do you need a hand?''

I was a bit surprised by her offer, but she was a bit late to be honest. ''Nah it's okay, I just finished for today. Maybe some other time.''

''If you say so.'' She commented nonchalantly as she turned and walked out, tilting her head at the door frame before leaving. ''Sella was looking for you, better meet up with her before she starts bragging like a middle-aged housewife.''

I could only stare as she left and couldn't help but wonder how much Liz has changed since the first time I met her. From the person who had so much trouble talking before, now can really let out a sharp tongue. Well it's mostly for Sella… but I guess is fine, siblings tend to bicker back and forth. Not my case since Illya and I get , but Mitsuzuri always complains about all the times she ends up hitting heads with her little brother.

''Are you for real now?'' the sudden remark of Archer waked me out of my thinking.

''Well there goes my peace and quiet... morning Archer. Something wrong?''

''Just trying to avoid a migraine. That little discussion you just had with that woman, did it occur to you for at least one second that she might have been implying something else?''

I couldn't help but tilt my head at that. ''Like what?''

Smack

I blinked confused at what I just heard. ''... Did you just hit yourself in the face?''

''Yeah... extra hard.'' he groaned in pain at me.

''... Why?''

''Nothing... just realizing that the old expression young and foolish was far more accurate than I gave it credit for.''

I narrowed my eyes at this, feeling slightly annoyed for some reason. ''What's that supposed to mean?''

''You'll understand when you grow up...'' And just like that he had the last word in our talk... again.

''Whatever... If you're quite done I'm a bit busy.''

After a few minutes of calming down I went to take a shower, this time carefully knocking on the door a few times. To my relief there wasn't anyone in there and was able to take a shower in peace. It was about time I began making some progress.

As I enjoyed the sensation of the water cleansing my body, I was mentally getting prepared for what will happen after I'm done with my shower.

It was lecture time with Sella.


I rubbed the back of my head as I listened to Sella's little lecture, my eyes drifting for a moment and checking the little 'workshop' we managed to make.

Due to the risk of Illya walking in on us while she was teaching me about magecraft, we decided that we can't do it in the house. Illya aside, Sella told me that when we start practicing magecraft there will be the risk of spells backfiring so it could cause damage to the house.

However, we couldn't just do it outside where the neighbors could see and hear what we were doing. So the solution was to find a place to turn into my workshop. The only place that was close by but also separated from the house was the old shed in the backyard.

I didn't particularly mind using it, but Sella kept nagging that a dusty old place like this shouldn't be used as a workshop, but we didn't really have any other alternative.

It was a bit of hassle to empty, clean and repair it so it can be used as a proper structure but I think I did a good job. I also came up with a good cover story for Illya. Since I ended with Kurosaiga's motorcycle I told her that a friend asked me if I can repair it, and that's why I spend so much time in here. Well that isn't a lie per se since I am actually tinkering with it and trying to repair it.

From what Sella explained to me a workshop is the very heart of a person who is studying magecraft. One can't just leave magically related items and documents in plain sight, so a workshop comes in play, a place to stash those said magically related objects, and generally use it as study and practice room for your craft. Making sure it's safe and secure is a major priority of any respectable magus.

''Very well Shirou, now that we covered all the basic required theories concerning magecraft, it's time we start the practical part.'' Sella explained professionally to me, similar to a teacher holding a seminary to her students, heck she even a small metal pointer.

The past weeks Sella has been drilling in my head the basic foundations to understanding, analizing and utilizing magecraft, and boy it wasn't easy that's for sure.

Magecraft or otherwise known as Thaumaturgy is based on the idea of artificially recreating miracles through the use of prana.

One who practices this form of mystical art is called magus. While there are different names depending on the exact branch of thaumaturgy one practices, such as alchemist, exorcist, necromancer, and so on, they are generally all referred by the term magus.

It was vastly different from what I was told and read concerning how devil magic worked. The devil's side seemed more simple and easier to understand, while magecraft was more akin to a form of science, everything relied on pre established theory and it was all followed by carefully planned logic.

One of the first things that I learned from Sella is the difference for what devils call magic and what we mages call magic.

Magic is a term used by devils and other supernatural beings in general, a difference in wording here and there, but it's the same concept to all of them.

To a mage on the other hand, the concept of using true magic is creating a literal miracle, something that can't be replicated no matter the amount of time, technology or resources. It's something that simply can't be reproduced no matter what, something that can only be explained as magic.

There might have been other forms of true magic in the past, but due to how human technology advanced, they simply lost their status as true magic. In the past some rather mundane things today would have been considered magic.

An example I can think of is surviving under water. It was always humanly impossible to stay under water for more than a few minutes before starting to suffocate. In the past such a feat would have only been possible only with the use of magic, but nowadays it is possible to stay underwater for long periods of time with the help of diving equipment, or by utilizing a submarine. Another one would be flying, humans could never soar in the sky as they physically lacked any wings to take flight. They could have done it with the help of magic in the past, but now after many years of research and trial they can fly higher than any bird it by using airplanes.

It was certainly confusing at first, but Sella told me to forget what I learned about magic from my master and concentrate on what she will teach me and use that as my basis. I was somewhat reluctant to do it, but then she asked me how well I was doing learning to do magic their way.

Point taken, I just shut up and did as she said.

However, what truly got me confused was what Sella asked me to when we started these lessons. She made me swear to keep secret everything that she will teach me.

She didn't give me the exact details to why, but apparently one of the foundation that magecraft functions upon is the power of mystery. The more hidden and obscure a form of magecraft is, the stronger and potent it becomes. As such the more people know of it and how it works its mystery is lost, thus it power is greatly reduced.

To put it in perspective let's say that there is a spell that could generate a flame the size of a tower if it's only known by selected few. If a hundred people knew it then its size and power gets reduced to the size of a house, if a thousand people know of it then it gets reduced to the size of a desk and so on until it becomes a small fire ball.

Things lose their value if everyone can obtain them, thus their very usefulness is lost.

Even if I trust the others enough to tell them what my powers can do, the risk of the information getting spread is very rather high. As such she made me promise that no matter who asks me I won't go into details about my magecraft. While she allowed me to tell if it's necessary what my magecraft can do, she forbid me from explaining the exact process and details about how I'm doing it.

In a more simple way, if for instance someone asked me what my reinforcement does I can tell them, but I can't explain the exact way how I'm doing it. Well it wasn't like I wanted to go around and tell people what I can do, yet I found it very curious to how adamant she was about keeping it a secret.

''But before we do that I need to check your circuits, so turn around take of your shirt off.'' She explained as she sat next to me. Nodding awkwardly I did as she said, normally she would freak out if I walked in the house shirtless and here she was asking me to take off my shirt. Oh, how things keep changing.

Magic Circuits.

It's due to these magic circuits that determine if a human is capable of becoming a magus and performing magecraft or not. Every magus is born with a set number of circuits inside them, acting almost like a circulatory system designed to handle magical energy.

From what I understood, they don't physically exist inside of the body, like a vein or an organ, but rather they exist inside of the very soul of a magus and it's impossible for non-magical enhanced objects to affect them in any way. You could get shot with normal bullets all over your body and circuits would still intact.

… Although I don't think it would matter that much if the bullets kill you.

I took a deep breath as I felt Sella's soft palm tracing on my back. This was beyond awkward for me, not because of circuit checking part, but rather the way Sella's fingers felt on my skin. I pinched my leg and pulled hard. Bad boy Shirou! Don't think anything weird dammit!

''Stay still.'' She demanded quite strongly, I nodded and stood still. After continuing for a few seconds she suddenly stopped. ''Shirou did you by any chance felt any numbness in your body recently?''

This came out of nowhere and surprised me a little. ''Not that I can remember…''

''Even after your little hunt a while ago?'' she asked carefully as she placed her hand at the very center of my spine.

I took a second and thought carefully about it, now that she mentions it my left side felt somewhat 'off' when I woke at my master's home. ''… Well I have been rather sore, but that's to be expected.''

It was weird, I couldn't see her face but I could tell that something wasn't right from the way the heat from her skin dropped. ''So it's as I thought. During that fight with Neculai your circuits were forcefully activated.''

The sudden mention of Neculai made my chest throb, though I didn't understand what that had to do with anything. ''Is that a bad thing?''

''Very.'' She stated seriously, while Sella has always been a serious person, this was different from her usual self. ''A magus can't activate his circuits for the first time alone, he needs someone with proper training to do it for him and the process is a delicate one, if done wrongly it can cause irreversible damage to them as well as the physical body. Then sudden influx of raw power that took you over that time has forcefully opened them. It didn't help that you got yourself into another life or death battle and was forced to subconsciously utilize your circuits without knowing the proper steps. Using them blindly can be dangerous both for you and the nearby people, I'm honestly surprised that they didn't cause any lingering aftereffects.''

This put me a little on the edge. I thought that I was getting closer to understanding how my powers worked during my fight with Kurosaiga, but it seems I was still not grasping the full picture and literally played Russian roulette when I tried using my powers, it was either win or die at that time. ''Out curiosity, what aftereffects could have occurred?''

''There have been cases of circuit misfiring leading to actual necrosis of the flesh.'' She explained in a neutral tone. ''Luckily for you, the aftershock wasn't too strong so your circuits weren't damaged, also there doesn't seem to be any physical aftereffects. Think of it like getting a strong punch, just a little bruising but nothing serious.''

I swallowed nervously… I could deal with stab wounds and get myself bashed into a wall, but necrosis is something I really don't to want to give a try.

''However, the awakening process wasn't a complete one. '' she continued as she placed her hand on the nape of my neck. ''The initial shock had indeed awakened a part of your circuits, but not all of them.''

''So what are you gonna do?'' I asked curiously, for some reason a tinge of panic began forming in me.

''This.'' She placed her hand in the middle of my back.

''What are- Gahh!'' I gasped for air as pain akin to getting electrocuted surged through my back all over my body, burning stabs throbbing in my muscles. A final heavy gasp escaped my lips as I supported myself on my arms, cold sweat running down my face, the pain was only there for a few seconds but it still stunned me. ''- a little warning next time…''

''Noted, now put your shirt back on.'' She said as she got up and walked in front of me. ''Good, all of your circuits have been opened, and they all seem to functioning properly. The bad part is even though you have an above average number of circuits, their overall quality is rather low due to years of inactivity. You can't increase their number, but in time and proper training you may increase the capacity of prana they can handle.''

Magical energy, otherwise known as prana, is the fuel to enacting magecraft. While the circuits are like pipe lines that carry it, prana is the gasoline required for the engine known as magecraft to run.

It can be found in two sources.

The first source is mana, the prana naturally generated by the world itself, existing in the atmosphere like an invisible gas, one that can be manipulated and used by someone with the proper skills and knowledge. The downside is that it takes time and careful processing in order for one to use it.

The second source is known Od, the prana found within living beings. Unlike the mana which is large in quantity, Od on the other is much smaller in quantity but its far more easy to process as it exists inside of your own body.

To compare them quantity wise is like comparing a swimming pool to an ocean.

While their names may be different, they are in essence the same type of raw state energy that once processed by ones circuits becomes prana.

In order for any type of spell to be used prana must be used as fuel to make it work. It all ties to one of the basic principles of thaumaturgy, the concept of equivalent exchange. In order for something to be obtained something of equal worth must be offered in exchange... something that I don't like the sound off but I'm no position to complain. This is why the quantity and quality of circuits are crucial, because they are the ones that determine the amount of prana one can use. The bigger their quality and number, the more power output the magus is able to produce.

Sella managed to identify the number of circuits I possess the first lesson we had, and she seemed surprised by the number. I have twenty-seven, which is a bit above the normal magus average of about twenty. The problem I'm facing is that their quality is rather low, I will need to constantly train and practice them in order for my capacity to grow.

I got up and stretched my left arm, although what Sella did to me felt a bit painful, my body somehow felt much better than before. ''Now what?''

''We should try something basic that doesn't require elemental alignment or advance knowledge.'' She went to a nearby table and took a tray filled with different kinds of pieces of metal. ''Have you memorized the steps for channeling prana that I thought you?'' I nodded as she placed the tray in front of me and took her seat. ''Good, then I can teach you how to use some basic spells, let's start with Structural Grasping. The first step you need to do is-''

''Ah, I already know how to do that.'' I replied, cutting her off.

''-And if you already know how to do that, all need you to do-'' she stopped talking mid sentence and looked at me confused. ''Come again?''

''Structural grasping, I know how to do it.''

She stared at me for a couple to seconds, her eyes narrowing in an annoyed scowl. ''… Shirou if this is some kind of joke I'm not laughing.''

The stare she was giving me made me instantly put up my hands up in defense. ''No I'm serious, I know how to do it.''

She crossed her arms and stared in my eyes. ''And just how did you learn it?''

''Well you know how I went stray devil hunting a while back?'' I asked her, to which she nodded in response. ''I kinda learned it on the spot admits the fight.''

Judging by her face she wasn't buying it. ''Are you telling me that you learned a spell, regardless of how easy and mundane it is, in the middle of a fight, just like that ?''

This conversation was starting to make me feel really awkward, my left hand starting to rub the back of my neck. ''Well, I did kind of learn it after I figured out how to use reinforcement…''

''Reinforcement?!'' She snapped at me, her sudden shouting almost making me stumble backwards.

I blinked nervously at her. ''… Did I say something wrong?''

''Shirou that spell is one of the most difficult enhancement spells, while I admit it isn't a very important one as research subject and most tend to ignore it, but it's still something that even first-rate mages have difficulty using.'' She explained, although her voice and appearance gave a rather cold impression, I could see the concern in her eyes regarding my safety. ''If you aren't careful with the flow of prana you could end up having the object you are trying to reinforce shatter right in front of you and injure yourself.''

I suddenly felt like a child who was caught playing with matches and was feeling ashamed. ''Well it's not like I tried reinforcing any object, I used it mostly on myself so-''

''You what?!'' and like that the decibels in her voice skyrocketed once again.

''Umm…'' I honestly didn't know what to say since apparently whatever I said was making the situation even worse.

''That's even more reckless Shirou!'' the frustration on her face was all too present as she pressed her palm against her face. ''If you use it without proper training you could cripple yourself, and that's one of the more pleasant results.''

''I didn't really know that…'' I was honest with her, while I did learn how reinforcement works and how to use it, I never knew that misusing can have drastic side effects. ''I just went with the flow.''

''With the flow he says…'' if the way she rubbed her temples was any indication, she was getting tired of this situation. She was silent for about a minute before she decided to talk again.

''Can't believe I'm doing this.'' She took a nearby metal pipe and placed it in front of me. ''Try reinforcing this.''

I simply nodded and took hold of the pipe. My eyes closed as a deep breath escaped my lips, clearing my mind of unnecessary thoughts.

''Trace on.''

I didn't notice it when battling Kurosaiga but in order to use reinforcement I have to keep in mind the required steps, similar to the ones I go through when projecting. Up until now I've been constantly repeating them over and over again every time I reinforced myself. Now they were like a reflex each time I tried to use reinforcement.

Begin synchronization.

I felt as prana circulated in me, making its way to the pipe at my fingertips, making a mental bridge between my living body and the inanimate piece of metal.

Analyzing composite materials.

Corrosion has affected thirty-five percent of the surface and inside of the pipe, unable to be utilized due to risk of rust contaminating the liquid circulating through it, resistance to shock and impact has reduced due to deterioration of the main metallic components.

Reinforcing composite materials.

Filling the void spaces within the metallic bonds of the pipe with prana, further increasing the density of the metal, stabilizing molecular structure of the body. Strengthening the shock absorption properties of the metal, supplementing the corroded zones with extra prana to compensate for the lost properties.

Bypassing the limitation of the original creation.

All processes complete.

I opened my eyes and checked the end result in my hands, satisfied with them. The old rusty pipe that long-lost its usage could now shatter any new pipe with ease. What did surprise however was that Sella wasn't looking at the pipe and instead was staring at me. ''Shirou what was that aria just now?''

''Huh? Aria?'' I took a moment and processed what she asked me.

''Those words you said when you started using reinforcement were obviously a form of aria, where did you hear them?''

Now that she mentions it, I've been using it, yet I don't know where I learned it in the first. ''I… don't know honestly… it just felt like the right thing to say at the moment.''

''Shirou remember when I taught you that for a magus the words in an aria have a deep meaning, they act as a mental trigger in order for the user to properly use their magic circuits. It can either be an established one or a personalized one, but I didn't teach you any form of one… so you just learned one simply like that? ''

I didn't really know what to say, it's just happened on the spot and I didn't give it so much importance at the time and it became something that felt natural to me.

She took a moment and pitched the bridge of her nose. ''… I'm so glad my hair is naturally white, otherwise it would have turned white because of you.''

She seemed to brush all of that aside and took the pipe I reinforced, carefully examined it, her eyes slowly widening with each passing moment, her mouth unhinging and opening. '' Incredible… It's almost a perfect reinforcement. Normally mages avoid reinforcing an object to its utmost limits do to the risk of overloading it with prana and causing a failure, and here you reinforced it near its limits.''

''… Thank you?'' In all honestly I didn't know how I should react.

She didn't react or look at me and instead cupped her chin with her hand and kept starring at the reinforced pipe. ''There's no way you reach this kind level of reinforcement application in such a small amount of time, it would be impossible even if you were a prodigy. Something definitely isn't right here.'' Her eyes kept switching between me and the pipe, widening as if she just realized something crucial. ''Shirou… was there any other spell besides structural grasping and reinforcement that you learned, err, with the flow.''

I lightly nodded my head. ''There was one more, it's called projection.''

''Projection?'' She blinked a couple of times confused at what I just said. ''Oh, you mean Gradation Air.''

She pondered for a moment, while I do know that the spell it's called gradation air I prefer calling it projection. ''Well that certainly is a useless and incomplete spell.''

For a moment I felt a little indignation. Why would she call a spell that allows me to replicate weapon useless? If it weren't for projecting I wouldn't have survived the fight with Kurosaiga.

''So you learned structural grasping, reinforcement and projection.'' She cupped her chin and wondered back and forth in the room, clearly trying to dissect every piece of information she received. ''All of them are mundane and basic in their application, and not remarkable in improvement of magecraft. Yet learning all of them on such short notice and actually having a proper control over them shouldn't be possible, unless… ''

Her reaction really made me worry as she just froze in place, her eyes widening. ''Sella what's wrong?''

''It's something that's bother me since the night we were attacked. About what you turned into in order to save me.'' I felt a twitch in my chest as she told me that, truth be told my memory is still foggy about what happened when I called forth the cards power. Even after so much time has passed and I started to gradually get a better grasping of everything, I still can't get my finger around what truly happened to me. ''That was without a doubt a Heroic spirit presence I sensed in you when you transformed.''

I took a moment and took that in, my hand reaching for face.

Heroic spirits…

There was a lot of complicated stuff and information, but from what I understand in the lectures about spiritual entities, heroic spirits are the souls of heroes who achieved great renown in life, their legends and legacies becoming the foundation to their ascension upon death to the metaphysical plane of existence known as the Throne of Heroes, cutting them off from the concept of space and time, forever protecting them, should time pass and all records of them vanish they will still continue existing within the throne.

The power of a heroic spirit is as far beyond a normal human just as far beyond exploding volcano is above a normal fire. Even if many of them were just regular humans by birth, it's due to the legends that were passed down along the years that had empowered them far beyond the human limits.

Sella told me that once a person has ascended to the throne of heroes and became a heroic spirit, they become far too powerful for a human to call upon their power. She said that besides being impossible to summon the real existence from within the throne, even if one by some miracle did achieve that it would be impossible to establish a contract with the one, because their power will overwhelm the summoner.

She explained that there are some ways to create containers that can house a part of their essence and power. One of which is the creation of a servant familiar, a method of binding a heroic spirit to one by creating a master-servant contract.

Basically one is summoning a weaker copy of the original heroic spirit existing within the throne of heroes. Though I say copy, their powers are still formidable.

There were still many things we didn't discuss about concerning this subject. Sella said that we will go further in detail when she elaborates the Third True Magic, Heaven's feel.

And here I learn that I may or may not have the powers of a heroic spirit within me... well that's a thing.

''I have a theory, it's a bit far-fetched, but it could explain some questions. '' I tensed as I heard this, an answer to what has been happening to me might just be at hand. ''There is a small possibility that those spells were once practiced by the heroic spirit that you transformed into.''

I narrowed my eyes at her, getting cut of before I could ask. ''You mentioned before that a card was what triggered the transformation. I never heard of magecraft that allowed for a human to control the powers of a heroic spirit, and even if they did there should be repercussions of using power of that magnitude. While I don't know the exact way the card you used functions, it clearly created a spiritual link between you and the hero which the card contains.''

''There is magecraft that allows transfer, or sharing of knowledge. So it is possible due to link you share you were able to instinctively learn some of his abilities.'' I took a moment and digested this. This could explain how I instinctual knew how to use them, and how I suddenly was able to learn how to wield swords I never saw before. ''However, we must remember that we aren't talking about a human, but a heroic spirit. In theory, it should be possible, but even if you were to receive some of the knowledge possessed by the heroic spirit, it may as well be something you can't even begin to understand, because the times in which most of the heroes lived were far too different from our own, and the concept of magecraft and magic differed very much. Not to mention you barely have basic knowledge in modern magecraft, but in this case you might have learned them because they aren't complicated spells in nature.''

I guess that makes sense in a way. The way to utilize them isn't difficult in theory, but the side effects can be quite noticeable. Reinforcement puts quite the burden on my body the further I try to take it and projecting causes my body to feel like fire and electricity is running through it. Hmm, now that I think about I don't know what side effects structural grasping has, better look into it later.

''I don't know what kind of mage or warrior whose powers you used was, but something tells me he was an unorthodox magecraft user from a magus perspective. Shirou if you learn any other spells this way be sure to tell me, it might give us a lead to who he is and help you understand the real nature of his abilities. All that aside… the fact that you know these spells already gives you a basic understanding on how to control your prana how you utilize it. While I find the whole situation a bit odd and rather concerning, it saves us valuable time.''

I guess that is a good choice. Sella has been drilling in my head the steps and procedures how to handle and process prana before we actually started practicing it.

''You already seem to have a clear understanding on how to channel and control your prana, and the fact that you can use reinforcement to that extent shows that you have a rather good sense of concentration and visualization. I guess we can skip some steps and advance further.'' She nodded and got up from her seat. ''We should try and figure out your elemental alignment and origin to figure out what type of magecraft you will most suited for.''

It took me a moment to nod at her suggestion. ''Okay, I know about elemental alignment, but what's an origin?''

''Think of it as defying trait that is entwined with the very core of a person. Every living being has what's called an origin, an aspect that was derived from Root and took form within them from the day they are born. Origins all carry with them certain traits or defying characteristics often being concepts or ideas. You can consider them an intrinsic feature buried within each living entity, depending on the individual one's origin can greatly influence one behavior or abilities. However, there are many cases when it remains dormant and never manifests.''

I took a moment and processed all of this. Now that she mentioned the Root I still have a hard time getting my head around it.

The Akashic Records, or more commonly known as the Root is a metaphysical plane of existence from where all souls originate from and which where they return to after death. It serves as a record of past, present and future events occurring in the infinite number of possible reality. Calling it the very core of the universe is a fairly accurate, if not an understatement.

From what I understood reaching the Root is the end goal of any traditional magus, as doing so would be the ultimate form of enlightenment for a person, somewhat similar to how Buddhists strive to reach nirvana. By reaching and getting access to all information from beginning to the end of time one would know virtual everything. The origin of all life, the way to undo death, even all cooking recopies ever made. In a sense one would become a God.

That however is impossible since there almost no actual ways to reach it. That's why the traditional magus try to develop their magecraft with whatever research they can use in order to create a stable pathway to the root.

While I could understand how much good one could do with that power, the price that one might have to pay for this could be far too great… I reached this conclusion when Sella told me of some of the things mages did in attempt to reach the Root… it made me disgusted to call myself a magus.

But I should get back to the topic at hand.

''I think I get the basic picture. Then what's your origin Sella?''

She gently shook her head. ''Unfortunately Shirou because I am a homunculus I don't possess an origin. I do possess elemental alignment like any other magus, but I lack an origin.''

There was a slight twitch in my lip, recalling what I discovered about what a homunculus truly is.

''About that, Sella I…'' The words seemed to get entangled in my mouth, perhaps it would have been better to not bring it up.

She noticed this, her eyes softening slightly as she placed her hand over my shoulder. ''Shirou what's the matter?''

''Well…'' I slowly began, trying to find the best way to explain this without causing any misunderstandings. ''I recently read in a book about what being a homunculus means … and I was surprised by what I found out…''

''… I see.'' Her eyes half closed and drifted to the side, the air around appearing to get heavier, a sense of distance building between us even though we are so close to each other.

''Sella…'' God dammit… This kind of reaction was the one I wanted to avoid. Seeing people suffer always has always been a thing I fundamentally couldn't keep a closed eye to… causing someone to suffer with my own hands was even worse… especially if that someone was someone I cared about. I had to correct this somehow. ''It said in it that most homunculus have short life spans. So it made me worry about you and the others.''

She just stared at me for a few moments, blinking continuously before her eyes widen. ''Wait… That's what worried you?''

Something told me that I was consciously emulating her confused blinking. ''Of course it worries me! I'm talking about my family here, there's no way I wouldn't be.''

She was certainly taken-aback by my answer. ''For a moment I thought you were bother by something else.''

''Like what?'' I tilted my head confused, just what could have been the reason to her react that way.

She was silent once again, clearly trying to search for the right words, her hand nervously rubbing her opposite arm. ''The fact that we aren't real humans.''

Oh. Oh!

Man I'm such a knucklehead sometimes. Ever since I met her she has spent every day trying her best to act and think like a regular human in order to give me an Illya a 'normal' life. She was concerned about what I would think about her now that I found out she technically has been lying about what she is all this time, it wouldn't be surprising if one would find this concerning if not feel upset that she has been lying all this time. However, this is me we're talking about.

''I actually was never bothered by that now that I think about it, didn't even gave it any importance and to be honest it doesn't really matter to me.'' I answer with an honest smile, even though I have learned that Sella, Liz and Iri and not human, I can't think of them as something else. ''I mean that doesn't change who you are or how I feel about you, at the end of the day we're still family.''

Her red orbs kept starring into my amber ones, as if trying to search for any trace of doubt or lie, a small chuckled escaping her mouth when she was done.

''I swear Shirou, you really can say some sweet words sometimes.'' A soft smile formed on her lips, putting me to ease, but also reminding me that Sella is actually really pretty when she smiles. ''Also there is no need to worry. While it's true me, Liz and your mother once had to face the weight of a short life span, it has been taken care of. Your father pulled some strings and made it so our life spans got vastly prolonged.''

I took a moment and processed what she said, my head feeling a little light as I crashed in a nearby chair, a heavy sigh escaped my mouth as I placed my hand over my face. ''Thank God, I was really worried about you three.''

''You really should leave the worrying to the adults.'' She got up walked towards me, placing her hand on my chest, bright neon marks appearing on it. ''We should go back to work.''


''I can't believe this…'' Sella muttered in a strained voice.

The process of determining my origin was interesting to say the least. Once Sella figured what it was she didn't seem too eager about the result and checked again, after that she insisted we perform an elemental alignment test, which I didn't really see the need since I already knew from that time when me and Saji got tested.

After we tested my elemental alignment, Sella once again didn't seem to like the result and double-checked, which bring us here.

Scratching the back of my head awkwardly I decided to find out what was going on. ''Do I lack an origin or something?''

''I'm not really sure what to think about this.'' She answered with a sigh. ''Shirou, your elemental alignment and origin are the same, both are 'sword'. You are a physical incarnation of the 'sword' concept.''

I crossed my arm and leaned against a wall. ''Well, I'm a bit lost here, is being an incarnation such a bad thing?''

''No, it's actually very rare and by having both an element and origin of the same nature you can enact new phenomena's of mysteries that were never seen before.''

''Then it's a good thing.''

She gently shook her head. ''It is, but at the same time it isn't Shirou, in this case I think its points more to the latter. The fact that you are an incarnation of a sword makes you at a spiritual level in tune to spells that are related to sword and probably other weapons, and only those spells alone. You won't be able to master elemental spells no matter how hard you try because you have a magical fixation of one type. In fact, you would be lucky if you can even master basic elemental spells.''

Well… that's a bummer. So if I was ever hoping to create and manipulate elemental attacks the way the others in our peerage can, I can kiss those thought's goodbye. While it's not of matter of me personally wanting to do stuff like that, it did look useful and could come in handy in combat, but I digress, I have to make do with what I have. ''… But you can still teach me magecraft, right?''

She seemed to nod a bit reluctantly. ''This drastically cuts down what I can teach you. I will have to focus on spells that don't require certain elemental alignments. Still, I guess this could explain why you didn't have any problems with reinforcement and the other spells you learned, those are spells that doesn't require any form of elemental alignment.''

I started rubbing the back of my neck unsure of what to really feel about this whole situation. ''That's a start I guess…''

''We might as well get over what I can teach you here and now.'' She got up and picked a piece of chalk from a nearby desk, carefully writing on an old blackboard that was on the wall. ''For now we should concentrate on teaching you these forms of magecraft.''

When she was done she turned around and let me see what she wrote down. Carefully indication at the first one with her metal pointer.

Memory Manipulation

''The first rule that a magus must respect no matter what is to maintain the secrecy of the supernatural, so one of the first spell that one should learn is one that can alter the memories of someone.''

I rubbed the back of my head awkwardly. ''I don't know Sella, not sure I'm comfortable with messing with someone's memories.''

She narrowed her eyes, seriousness all present in them. ''It's necessary Shirou. Letting regular humans witness supernatural events and not alter their memories can be dire. In certain situations many go out and completely silence the witness. Altering their memories is more of act of kindness to both them and their loved ones.''

My eyes closed for a few seconds a deep frown throbbing on my face… but I had to let it go, there's wasn't anything I could do… at the moment that is. ''... I understand.''

Alchemy

''The basic principle of alchemy is the manipulation and flow of materials. Considering you're magical specialization, learning alchemy will help you gain a better understanding of materials and how to manipulate and control them. You will have to dive a bit in it theoretically since it heavily relies on chemistry, so understanding the structure of matter, decomposing it, and then reconstructing it is a must.''

While it does sound a bit complicated, it also sounds like it will be helpful. Understanding the materials that forms a weapon will certainly help me get a better image of how they are meant to be used.

Healing Magecraft

''Considering your tendency of getting hurt this one would probably be perfect choice for you.'' Sella remarked with narrowed eyes towards me, clearly struggling not to roll them.

I tried my best not to look like what she said ruffled my feathers, but I'm pretty sure I was failing. ''… I don't get hurt that often.''

''Shirou...''

I sighed and scratched my face. ''… Okay, maybe I do get hurt sometimes.''

''Shirou, you were often getting hurt even before you learned of the supernatural. Things like stepping in the middle of fights trying to protect the victims, confronting bullies from picking on people, even rescuing cats of all things from reckless fools. ''

I ruffled my hair and sighed in defeat. ''Fine, I get hurt a lot. Also, I don't go around saving cats on a basis, it was a onetime thing and those lunatics tried to beat it with a crowbar.''

''You say that but it didn't spare me of the scare I went through when you came back from that field trip with your face in black and blue.'' She sighed with a tired voice, making me feel that perhaps she was right. It all happened when I was on a field trip with the class to a historical temple outside of the city. One thing led to another and I stumbled upon a group of older kids trying to beat a cat with a crowbar shouting that it was possessed. Naturally I stepped in and tried to stop it, the boys on the other hand weren't in such a good mood and decided to take it out on me. As one could expect I ended up in a pretty nasty state, but at least the cat was fine. Thinking back, although Sella was always a strict and cold towards me, she was very panicked and concerned when she saw my bruised face… I must have really given her a scare that time.

My train of thought was cut off when I heard Sella tapping on the blackboard with the chalk. ''Moving on, healing magecraft usually revolves around recovering the flesh of injured and of detoxification, but before you say anything, it's not as simple as it sounds. The technique itself utilizes the magus prana as fuel to drastically accelerate the natural healing rate of the injured. However, that's just the easy part as you, the one performing the healing must have a good understanding about the nature of the injury itself and must guide, control and focus the prana to that exact injury. Also, you must remember that you can't heal something that isn't there, so if a member gets severed you can't use it to grow a new one, but instead you must reattach it and carefully heal it back to its original state.''

''Let's imagine you somehow got laceration wound, you must concentrate the prana into the injured area and carefully reattach the severed blood vessels, muscle fibers and skin cells.'' I slowly nodded, this one is something that I will really need to learn, and that way I can heal people in need and prevent them from dying from injuries. 'If you want to properly utilize healing magecraft you will need to understand the human physiology. For that you must properly study human anatomy.''

Material Transmutation

''This is a side branch of alchemy that you will probably find enjoyable. It involves spells that interfere with the properties of an object. Reinforcement and Projection are part of it so the other subjects it contains will certainly be a good match you, not only help you understand what you already know at a much deeper level, but also other theories and skills that can be applied to them.''

Hmmm… if there are others spells similar to those they will probably come in handy just as well as the others do.

Transference of Consciousness

''This one allows to transmit one's consciousness into another object to acquire information from a different perspective. Widely used by magi on their familiars or dolls to remotely control them at a distance as well as to perform spiritual possession of inanimate objects. You will probably get a familiar of some kind one day, and this type of spell will perfect for controlling and gather information using its body as if were your own, think of it like perceiving the world through the of eyes and ears of a different creature.''

I tilted my head at this, slightly confused. ''So kinda like a pet?''

''Not exactly, but many mages chose animals that are fast and do not gather too much attention from non-magic aware people.'' She stopped as she seemed to realize something important. ''If it isn't too much to ask, when you get a familiar please try and get one without fur, it's a real pain to vacuum out of the rugs.''

Well I guess we won't be getting a cat or a dog anytime soon… a bird perhaps? Maybe a parrot?

Runecraft

''Personally I think that runecraft would be a good choice for you as the runes themselves enact the spells and could allow you to use elemental spell even though you lack the normally required elemental alignment. However, there's a small problem, while I do know the theory and concept of utilizing runes, I don't know any of the runes themselves to teach them to you.''

Well I guess that explains some stuff... If I recall Kurosaiga did use some runes on his blade in order to create a barrier around us. I was so pumped on adrenaline that time that I didn't bother memorizing the symbols he inscribed on it, a shame really, it would have been useful.

''So I will teach you the basics about them, but you will have to find books that contains runes on your own.''

Formalcraft

''This one is a form of magecraft that many mages rely on. The principle characteristic of this branch is that it revolves around on mana instead of Od. It requires establishing contact with mysteries through the help of various forms of rituals, allowing for the user to perform a spell that requires large amounts of prana by utilizing the world's mana instead of ones Od. It's quite popular among mages who lack power due to weak or small number circuits, but it requires the user to possess vast knowledge about the subject as it's a delicate and meticulous process.''

Hmm… while she does say it isn't easy to use, it does sound like a good skill to have in case I'm running low on prana.

Bounded field creation

''One the basic spells that a magus needs to master is the creation and deployment of a bounded field. Their use is very versatile as they can be for detection of intruders and protection of certain locations. Depending on the level of work and configuration put in one, they can also create certain defense mechanism to react to unwanted trespassers.''

Interesting… so it's like a magical alarm system going on when the wrong people step into the marked location. Wait… something seems amiss in what she said. ''Do we have a bounded field around the house?''

''We do in fact, and it immediately notifies us if a non-human or a magical related presence steps within its perimeters.''

This doesn't make sense… if we did have a bounded field, how did we end up like this? ''Then how come we didn't know about Neculai when he attacked us?''

The air around her seemed to grow cold, her eyes drifting to the side in shame. ''I did know Shirou…''

It took me a moment to realize that I indeed heard that right. ''… You did? Then why didn't you do anything?''

She didn't answer immediately, rubbing her arm until she let out an exhausted sigh. ''I panicked Shirou, in all the ten years that I lived in this house that was the one and only time I had to deal with an incoming enemy. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do at the moment.''

Well… I guess I can understand… the moment when one realizes dangers he often freezes in places as he doesn't know what to do… while others such as myself react on the spot without thinking and end up getting hurt.

''You see Shirou, the magecraft that I excel in isn't made for combat, and even if I knew how apply to battle the same way your mother does, I didn't have any wires on me at the moment. I could have quickly gone and take them from my room, but there was a problem that I couldn't ignore.''

''What was it?'' I carefully asked, just what could have been her reason of risking herself the way she did.

''It was you Shirou.'' She told me softly, her red orbs locked onto my amber ones. ''I could've left to get all of the materials I required to confront him, but that meant you would've been left unguarded. And by how fast he made his way in the house, by the time I would have gone to my room and take them out from their hidden compartment he would've killed you by the time I returned.''

It was me…

She took such a risk and ended up getting hurt all for my sake… I… I honestly don't know what to say… risking herself for my sake… it just didn't seem worth the pain she had to endure.

''All these years of peace and stagnation has made leave my guard down.'' Her eyes stared at the empty air, a sadness present in them. ''… It's because of me that you're now under devil influence.''

I didn't like seeing her like this... not one bit.

I place my hand on her shoulder, gently rubbing it as I looked her in the eyes. ''… Sella, we've had this talk before, I'm not blaming you for what happened.''

''I know, but it doesn't change what happened.'' She placed her hand over mine, holding it for a few seconds before separating them, the warmth and softness of her skin still lingering on my own. Surprisingly a resolute flare was present in her eyes. ''I will not allow something like that to occur ever again. As such, I started imitating the style of combat alchemy that your mother developed. Should another situation like that appear once again, I will be ready. I won't allow for any other member of this house to get hurt under my watch.''

This was it… the same strong willed Sella I grew up with it, the woman who you don't mess with. But I will have to correct her there, she isn't the only one who will protect this family. ''That may be right… but perhaps what happened to me for the best.''

She noticed what I unconsciously muttered and narrowed her eyes at me. ''How can you say that Shirou?''

''I'm not sure myself.'' I admit as I stared at the old shed roof. ''There are still many complicated things that I don't understand and frankly I sometimes feel like once I take a step forward I realize that I also took two backwards.''

My hand reached towards the roof, starring at it as it tightened in a fist. ''Yet, I feel like I'm slowly learning to understand people more than I did before. Maybe it is because I get to see the real side of you and the others, or maybe it is because of my master and the others in the peerage, who knows?'' I tiled my head and smiled at her, scratching the back of my head. ''It's an odd sensation… I can't really get my head around it, but it doesn't feel too bad.''

Sella just stared silently at me for a couple of seconds before covering her mouth with her hand and started chuckling. To be honest her reaction took me by surprise. ''What's so funny?''

She continued her giggle fest for about a minute before she finally stopped, whipping a tear from her right eye. ''Sorry, it's just amusing how you are having fun and don't notice it.''

Fun… is this really what I'm feeling about all the things that happened?... while I can't claim to find any amusement in the battles and supernatural related stuff per se, the time I spend with my master and the others in the peerage is rather unique and I do find it somewhat pleasant. Also, being able to spend time with this side of Sella feels more natural… and I quite like it.

I couldn't help but chuckle at this. ''… Guess it is.''

Sella nodded with a smile, her eyes locking on the old clock on the wall. ''I think this is enough for today. We will start going further in detail tomorrow.''

''Another productive day.'' I commented as I got up from my seat, getting rid of the dust on my rear. ''I think I will go and make dinner.''

I wasn't able to take even one step forward as I found myself looked in place by a vice-like grip. ''Oh no you don't mister, in case that you forgotten you are grounded.''

Of course… how could I forget?

Apparently the reason why Iri was angry at me after the whole Kurosaiga fiasco wasn't the fact that I got involved in a death battle and got myself hurt really bad, but instead by the fact that I didn't give any call at home to tell them that I'm not in any danger and that I will spend the night somewhere else. Because I didn't do that Iri and the others actually stood up all night and kept calling me over and over again to see if I'm still alive.

Blood related or not, Iri is still my mom so it's normal for her to be worried about me.

Needless to say when I got back home she wasn't going to brush it off and decided to punish me. As any parent would do she decided to hit me where it hurts the most and made a 'persona non grata' upon the sacred territory that is the kitchen.

None characteristically I snapped back at Sella. ''But it isn't fair! I can't go for a month without cooking anything!''

''If you have any complaints take them to your mother.'' Sella told me with a shrug, I tried making a comeback but failed to find the right reply. I sadly had shrunk in defeat. ''I thought so.''

Sella stared at me for a few moments before getting closer and started whispering to my ear. ''… I'll let you know when she is gone. You can use the kitchen then, but be sure to cover your tracks.''

I blinked a couple of times as I watched her walk away. Perhaps my relationship with Sella has indeed gotten better.


The rest of the day has gone on quite well, managed to cook something after what felt like an eternity of waiting, like a prisoner finally breathing the air of freedom after many years of incarceration. Liz and Illya were also happy to be eating my food again. I continued reading through the magecraft materials and theories that Sella wrote down for me, all while practicing my structural grasping on different objects to see its exact limits. Turns out that overusing it can give me the mother of all headaches.

It was getting late so I hit the sack after helping Illya with her homework.

I glanced over to the alarm clock next to my bed. It was already half past midnight and I still wasn't asleep. Somehow I wasn't feeling sleepy at all, and I didn't have a clue why. Eventually I got bored with starring at my ceiling and went out for a run around the house, which turned into one around the block… then into one around neighborhood… then into one around the town… and so on until it turned into one that led to the forests a few miles outside of the city.

Reinforced muscles take a while before they start to feel the burn afterall.

That being said, I ended up jogging more than I initially planned and ended up in this empty area. While I should probably be annoyed that I took such a long detour, I actually took it as an advantage. I was in the middle of nowhere, with no people around to see what I was doing, this meant only one thing.

''Trace on.''

How odd. A while after sorting things through, I noticed something rather interesting. When I demonstrated to Sella how I can use reinforcement, I did it without using Include. I found it very odd since it was a skill I received from the card, but after thinking about it for a while it wasn't something impossible. Since Sella explained that the skills I learned are actual magecraft spells that can be taught, there shouldn't be a reason why I can't use them without performing Include.

However, I noticed a difference between when I'm using in include state and when I'm using them by myself. When I use them without using include they seem to be more difficult to utilize and the end result is slightly inferior to the one I would get in I were in include state. Yet, if I use them while in include state the consumption of prana is much larger, in fact simply staying in include state consumes prana from me.

It is quite the dilemma I'm facing. It's either slightly inferior results while preserving my prana or stronger ones with the risk of burning through all of my reserves.

Normally one would choose the latter as many prefer overall efficiency, but the risk of suddenly running out of prana during battle is too high. The best solution would be to not using the include state and gauge the exact skill and abilities of the enemy, resolving to use include state as a power-up if the situation calls for it. At the moment there's not much I can do in this case, the only solution I can think of is practicing my skills over and over again to the point where they have the same efficiency like in include state, while maintaining a stable prana consumption.

Kanshou and Bakuya shined in the pale moon light as I stared at them. Another interesting thing I noticed is that my mentality has an important factor in maintaining their existence. The moment I perceive them as not being a real existence they will fade away. I let that thought go through my mind, on the double the swords vanished in thin air. Now it was time I focused on something that's been bugging me for a while.

Extending my hand forward I projected the object of my dilemma.

''A bow without arrows…'' I commented as I stared at the black bow that the card gave me the first time I used include.

I can tell just by looking at it that this piece of weaponry doesn't utilize normal arrows. The overall size, the density and durability of the material it's made of, the elasticity and unbelievable recoil of the string are simply too strong to fire regular arrows. It all made me wonder if this bow was somehow made to launch a different kind of arrows, larger and longer.

… Maybe I was looking it the wrong way. What if it isn't meant to use normal arrows?

This made me wonder… whenever I tried tapping into my powers there were never any bows or arrows that I saw.

Only swords.

''… Could this bow use swords are projectiles instead?'' Okay… If someone heard me say that out loud they would probably look at me as if I had two heads. Even I admit that it sounds ridiculous, but what it works?

''Trace on.''

I stared at my hand at the projected Yawaraki-Te. No matter how much I looked at it I couldn't see how it was possible to use it as a projectile. Its form, size and details were not meant for a bow. If I try to shot with it the way it is, it wouldn't matter how precise my aiming was, I can't pull the bow string properly due to the shape of the sword's handle, and even if I did manage to release it, the form of the blade will hinder the trajectory.

This wasn't a problem that only Yawaraki-Te suffered of, any sword in general would have some form of design part that hinders it from being used as a projectile. True, there may be weapons that can be thrown towards and enemy, like a spear or a throwing knife, even Kanshou and Bakuya can be used as boomerangs to strike the enemy, but that's all, they can only be thrown, not shot like an arrow.

In theory alone if I could make a sword into a projectile it could be very strong ability. Regular arrows can be very dangerous due to the speed they fly by, but also the fact that one can shot them from a distance. Another strong point is their piercing power, which can even penetrate armor if used correctly.

If I were to aim and shot a sword with the same precision of an arrow, they could instantly take down enemies with vast defensive skills as the strength and durability of a sword far exceeds that of an arrow. In fact, with the exception of the metallic part, the rest of the arrow is actually rather fragile.

But then comes the million dollar question... how do I even do that?

If only I could change its form a little, stretch it, make the handle more similar to bows end, and reshape the blade to a more circular form with a pointy edge. That sounds all nice and all, but is there even a way to modify a weapon like this?

Wait… Modify…

''That's it!'' I jumped from my seat and walked to the clear side of the forest, getting enough space to try out my little experiment.

Lets' see… If I concentrate the flow of prana inside of the sword, manipulate the materials, bend, flatten, straighten, sharpen, and stretch so that I can make the sword similar to a long arrow.

Good, it's working.

I concentrated the flow of prana towards the end, modifying the blade tip, giving it a conical shape. Slowly I let the new tip sharpen and extend until it was thin. Next was the handle, I let the prana flow and gather into one spot expanding at the end of the hilt, making it larger and much easier for my hand to grip on it while taking aim. A dry breath escaped my mouth as I lifted my new 'arrow' up and inspected it. Truly it wasn't something that can be called a sword anymore, but at the same time it can barely be called an arrow by its shape and overall appearance.

This took me about a minute make. Considering it was the very first time I did something like this I don't think it's bad at all. In time as I get better at controlling my prana and further master my craft I might be able to do it in a matter of seconds. For now, I should be careful if I try something like this in battle, during the time that in concentrating on changing a sword into an arrow I will be open for attacks.

However, before I go and make long term plans, there is still one thing I need to test out.

I summoned the black bow and took stance, a nostalgic feeling from the days I spent with the archery club rushing through me, like an old habit, I took aim at sky and pulled the bow string. If this were a regular bow the strain would have caused it to snap, but this one can take it. It was never meant to be used for normal arrows, it's made to handle much powerful rounds.

''Let's see how you fly.'' Just like a bullet, the arrow shot with an explosive power towards the midnight sky.

However, it seemed like the projectile was in the mood to surprise me.

Exploding right before it was fully released.

Well this experimenting certainly took a different turn on events from what I expected. Apparently the first arrow I created had too much prana inside it.

Normally when an object is injected with too much prana they overload and break on the spot, but for some reason it didn't break instantly but rather entered a so called fragile state. While it didn't break from sudden movements, it certainly didn't react well to the sudden force of the bow.

I was grateful, and I mean really grateful that I had my arm reinforced when the arrow suddenly detonated otherwise I'm pretty sure I would be busy right now with my cover story for my master and my mother to why most of the bones in my arm are broken.

Still, in piece as it might be, my arm still hurts like hell.

All that aside I couldn't just stop when I felt like I was making a breakthrough so I tried creating a new arrow… this time taking more proper precautions... After another three failures I managed to figure out what the problem was. The amount of prana I was pouring in it was too big so I had to keep a steady track of every bit of energy that circulated from my circuits to the weapon.

This time I kept careful eye on each of my movements, not risking any more explosions. I placed the arrow in the bow, aiming for the endless night sky, at the lone cloud that was covering the moon.

Taking a deep breath, I let go.

One moment I was staring at a cloud in the sky, the next moment a large hole was formed in the cloud from the force generated by the piercing force of the arrow.

Gone.

It happened so fast I couldn't keep track of it. All that is left is a train of clouds from where it passed.

Not enough.

I did the same, projecting another sword and repeating the modifying process. Another target in my sight, this time I took a ground one to see its exact destructive capabilities. There were some trees nearby so I chose a large tree as my target. Once again I took aim, a lone breath escaping my lips as I let my arrow fly. Again, it was too fast for me to keep track.

I reinforced my eyes and took notice of the devastation it left in its path. It forced its way through five trees, stopping only when it hit a stone cliff, but not after piercing its way half through.

I was at loss of words. The sheer amount of power one of my arrows has is simply breathtaking, but it also raises some problems.

The overall power they generate can become a danger for any nearby allies. Should I use them in battle while there are allies or innocents nearby I could end hurting them in the process if they are too close to my target. If I ever use them in battle, the best solution would be to use them for a distance when the enemy is alone.

This way of using the bow still needs tinkering. Yet, a single though crossed my mind as I kept looking at the destruction made by my arrow.

''Can't wait to show this to Sella.''

Guess my time in the archery team wasn't a waste of time after all.

Sniff

The muscles in my body went rigid and the hairs on the back of my neck stood straight as a foul smell invaded my nose. This scent wasn't just a smell that lingered in the air, no, it felt like something that had an actual shape and form, completely different from something everyone can sense with their nose.

It felt familiar for some reason, something fleshy that went rotten, making me think about spiders for some reasons. Somehow I felt like I knew something similar to it, reminding me of the members of our peerage, but the weirdest part was that it strongly reminded me of Kurosaiga.

It was getting stronger by the second, thicker and intense as if I was getting closer to the source. No… it wasn't me getting closer to the source… the source was getting closer to me. By instinct, I turned around and covered my vitals with the bow, just in time to block a black tendril that was about to penetrate my back. Although I managed to block the surprise attack the force behind it was enough to send me rolling a few meters.

I quickly reinforced my body and got back on my feet, just in time to see the face of my assailant.

A few meters in front of me, crawling around the trunk of an old tree was a woman... or at least what I though was a woman.

The upper half of the body had the appearance of a well-endowed woman in her late twenties, chin length black hair and what appeared to be three sets of pupil less eyes, only purple sclera filling in her orbs. Her mouth was morphed into a large predatory grin, revealing an impossible number of long sharp teeth. The thing that really put me on the edge was her lower half, which was that of a spider, and if the color and mark on the back was any indication it appeared to be that of a black widow.

For a moment I was considering what kind of creatures was standing in front of me, but I connected the dots in my mind the moment I recalled that this creature had the same sent as Kurosaiga. There was only one answer.

Stray devil.

''My, my.'' A large grin formed on stray's face, voice sweet as honey but dangerous as venom. ''I was wondering who was making such a ruckus out here in my forest, and it was young man.''

The tone of her voice made shivers run down my spine. While may sound sweet and sultry to a third party I could feel a beastly hunger in it, telling me that this creature isn't here for a small chat.

The grip on my bow tightened.

A predator just chose its new pray.

I didn't respond to her and carefully watcher her every move as she slowly squirmed around the tree, her spider half doing all the work while her human half was keeping all six eyes on me. I raised my empty hand to the side and prepared to project a copy of Kanshou. That was my initial plan, yet I stopped as a burning pain surged through my arm and cut off my projecting.

A quick glance to my arm gave an answer, some kind of thread or silk was covering it, causing me unbelievable pain each passing second. I yanked the tip of the bow underneath it and forcefully ripped it off. I checked the area where it was previously tied around, the skin was red and covered in blisters, still throbbing and sizzling violently even though I got rid of the source.

Now that I took a better look at them, I realized that those weren't just threads, those were spider webs. Not only that, but they were also coated in some kind of poison or acid. There was only one explanation.

I snapped back to the predator that tried to ensnare me, only to find that she was gone. I scanned the area with her nowhere to be found. It was because of a single leaf that fell in front of me that I realized where she was. I looked above and saw he hang in the air by the threads tied around the trees.

This is bad… I'm in her territory and she has the home field advantage here.

I have to get away in a more open area.

She took notice that I was about to do something and leaped towards a tree trunk, using it as footing to leap towards me. One moment she was on the tree, the next moment she was right in front of me. My blood ran cold as I stared her in the eyes. It wasn't running speed that she covered such a distance in less than a second, it was leaping strength. With six legs for her to use and the number of tree surrounding us I was a territorial disadvantage. Not only that, but she did mention that this was her forest so she must know the area very well.

Although I was ready for battle at any moment, she on the other hand seemed rather amused by my reactions, her eyes scanning me from head to toe, smiling almost gently towards me but I could see the malice and hunger in her purple orbs.

''Oh my, aren't you a handsome one.'' Her smile spread all the way to her ears, quite literally. The corner of her mouth seemed to split her cheeks apart until it reached her ears, revealing a frightening number of sharp teeth, the stench of decay lingered in her mouth, a sadistic disfigured smile beaming towards me. ''Makes me want to suck you dry real bad!''

My instincts instantly kicked in and I jumped backwards using my bow as a makeshift shield just in time to block her hand strike. Sparks flew the moment her fingers clashed against the black metal of my bow. I didn't notice it before because she was further away on a tree and the darkness of night, but now that she was closer I took a better look at her arms. What I thought was long gloves of some kind turned out to be a type of black exoskeleton covering her arms, acting as both a natural armor but also as a weapon as her fingers were sharp and edgy like talons.

''So you want to play?'' her voice was mixture of childish glee and sadism as she licked her black talon. ''This makes me all the more excited.''

If her lower half is any indication she definitely has the physical and mental traits of a literal spider. She must have been some kind of arachnid creatures before becoming a devil and now she's a stray. If I remember correctly the times I studied spiders in my biology class, I think there was a certain thing they did with their pray. The stray leaped towards me, mouth opened and aimed towards my neck. I instantly jumped towards a nearby tree, reinforcing my legs and using it to jump backwards in the air, carefully landing on a large tree branch.

Oh right… Now I remember. They use webs to capture their pray, and when they are tied up nice and tight so they can't move away, the spider then starts drinking their body fluids until nothing remains except a dry husk.

Yep, no way I'm ending up as someone's meal.

I dispersed my bow and projected Kanshou and Bakuya, trying to ignore the pain on my right arm as I prepared to face the stray. Peeking behind the tree I searched for it, spotting her sitting on top of her webs in the air. I pulled my arms back and threw my weapons at her, the target locked on her neck.

She was looking around the area, her eyes widening as she heard the sound of the two swords cutting through the air. She was surprised judging by her reaction, yrt not scared or panicked. The swords were about to reach her but she didn't make any attempt to block or dodge, instead she raised her hand and made a few gestures with her fingers.

They stopped.

The twin swords were sitting in place right in front of her, mere inches from her skin. It didn't make sense, something must have happened. I reinforced my eyes and got a better look at them, gritting my teeth as I understood what just happened. The threads of her webs were tied tightly around the handles, keeping them in place.

Damn… she isn't stupid. By tying the threads around the handles she managed stop them, should she had tried to tied them around the blades of the swords they would have cut through them and reached her.

Her six eyes narrowed towards me, an annoyed scowl present on her face. ''Ugh, attacking from back there... Are you a man or not!?''

She made a gesture with her hand and the threads threw the swords back at. Not wasting any time I projected another pair and used them to deflect the incoming pair. Sparks flew when the swords made contact, deflecting and stabbing themselves in some nearby trees.

I didn't have time to relax and slashed forward with a new pair, just in time to cut the surprise attack made of webs.

Dammit, these webs aren't the kind you find in dusty only places or somewhere in the garden. Not only are they tough like iron, their also coated in some kind of poison or acid that burns through my skin. If I wasn't reinforcing my flesh it would have reached my bones by now.

My eyes narrowed at my opponent, her amused chuckle staring to get under my skin. ''A man that struggles, just my favorite type.''

I can feel her intent all over my skin, she is dead serious about everything she said. I don't know what she did or how she ended up a stray but it's clear as night and day that she isn't the same breed of stray as Kurosaiga who still retained most of his mentality. As the two of us fought I could tell that he wasn't serious truly serious about killing me, but this isn't the same case. She is a real stray devil, the kind that turned into a monster that you can't hope to reason.

I have to stop her, otherwise she may kill innocents.

Running was the only solution that came to my mind. Not running from her, just from this area since her webs are a bit troubling. I jumped down from the tree and began running in zigzag. Using the trees as shield for any back strike. Taking notice of the forest exist I stepped up my reinforcement to increase my speed, I could almost see the open fields… but next thing I saw was ground.

A pained growl escaped my mouth as held my head, throbbing pain running throw it from the fall I suffered. This didn't make any sense, I was sure that I avoided the roots of the trees when I passed by them, just how did I fell down-

My answer came as I felt the burning pain run through my leg. Threads were tied around it, dissolving through my clothes and skin. I projected a copy of Bakuya and cut them off, snarling as the pain kept going on even though I got rid of the webs. I glanced upwards and saw her looking down on me, arms wrapped her waist, a blissful smile beaming on her face. ''Nothing beats hearing a kid scream! It gives me tingles... C'mon, cry some more for me!''

Her fingers started dancing, dozens of threads rushing towards me. I rolled down on the ground like a rug, continuing until I hit a tree trunk. Ignoring the rough impact I got up only spin behind the trunk to avoid the incoming webs. I projected a new pair of swords, turning around and cutting webs, the dance of blades began.

It was relentless, not even one moment to relax and catch my breath. One thread was cut, another three followed in its track. I had to make my way out of here before I ran out of stamina, or in the worst case, ran out of prana. I threw my blades forward, the two acting like shredders towards the webs. After leaping forward I tried running again… only to find unable to move.

Shit.

Threads were tied around my arms and legs… damn I walked right into a web trap. I tried ripping them apart with my reinforced body, but there were far too many. Even if I could easily get rid of a few dozen without any problem, a few hundred of them was a different story, quantity over quality it seems. I projected a new set of the twin blades but couldn't move my wrists at all to cut the threads.

My struggling stopped when that revolting smell was right behind me.

''Why must you be so hasty?'' her sultry voice made my hair stand, her cold shell clad fingers running down against my face… slowly slicing through my skin, letting the blood flow on her talons. I tried to break free but failed, my movements making the predator on my back chuckle. ''Why not put that energy of yours to a more… pleasant activity?''

Her hand began making her way under my shirt, her cold tongue licking the blood off my face. In my desperate attempt to break free I kept struggling, my wrists bleeding as the threats kept cutting and burning in my flesh. I couldn't move my body… so I had to improvise.

Using the strength that I could muster in my fingers I threw Bakuya upwards. Shoving my face forward I grabbed it with my teeth and rotated my head to its limits. Not enough to cut her head, but enough to give her a deep cut.

''Gahh!'' she screamed in pain, letting go of me to grab her bleeding side.

This gave me a chance to escape as the threads around me loosened. I quickly cut them and put some distance between us. The stray on the other hand was sitting silently in place, her arms trembling violently as she starred at the blood on them. Her head tiled mechanically to the side, eyes wide and gaping, and a shell shocked expression present on her bloodstained face. ''M-My face… my beautiful face… you ruined it! You bastard!''

Her scream could be heard throughout the forest, blood lust and demonic energy surging from her body as it started changing. Her skin started to get covered in black fur, her mouth glowing larger and splitting its cheeks, two large pincers erupting from it, talons growing longer and sharper.

A beastly roar was heard as she leaped towards me. I barely managed to dodge to her monstrous mouth and instead it buried itself in the tree that was behind me. She ripped the chunk of the tree and crushed it in her mouth, spitting it to the side. I project two pairs of the twin blades and threw them at her as a distraction, this time she didn't use her threads and instead used her spider legs to kick them aside. Throwing a new pair at her, I used this opportunity and jumped my way up on the tree branches, stopping at the base of a large oak tree.

I took this few seconds to catch my breath, ignoring the pain of my wounds and started considering my options. Sweat was running all over me as I was burning up on the inside. The heat from my circuits was all present in me overshadowing the pain I was feeling from the web burns.

Dammit… I'm running low of prana.

I already consumed quite the amount of it while trying to perfect the arrows for my bow, which combined with the reinforcement and the blades that I projected up until now has left with barely enough to project one or two weapons.

My reinforcement will run out as well... I'm quite in a tight spot.

Although she is in that beast like form there's no guarantee she will keep fighting reckless so I need to consider all possible scenarios. Kanshou and Bakuya won't help, she keeps catching them with her threads and I can't get close to her without getting caught in the thread myself. I need to strike her from the distance, something either too fast for her to catch or strong enough to decimate through them all the way to her.

I had only one option.

Arm extended to the side, I called forth the black bow. I had to use my arrow sword, it was the only chance I had. But I had a problem… I didn't have enough prana. I can project it, but I don't have enough prana to change its form into an arrow. There has to be a way to draw more prana from my circuits. I have a basic control over my circuits, but there's still a number of output that I'm not fully using. I need to think of a way to draw more power… there has to be.

Wait…

What was it that Sella told me about words and mages?

Meaning… to a magus the words he chants when he uses an incantation have a deep meaning, the more personal importance those words have to a person the stronger the self-hypnosis is and a magus can bring out a better control of their circuits. If I could come up with an incantation that represents me I should gain enough control of my circuits to project one last blade and turn it in an arrow.

Well... Easier said than done.

It can't be something random, it must be something that represents me at both a physical and spiritual level, something that defies me and only me alone.

The scent of the stray was slowly getting more and more closer to me, I was running out of time, I had to come up with a stronger incantation and I had to do it now. I had to examine myself to my core in order to find something that would make gain a better control.

For a moment my heart slowed down from the sudden realization that hit me.

My core… my origin… a Sword.

Yes… it was there all along… I am a living incarnation of a sword. If I want to take advantage of that status I have to think of myself as nothing else but a sword.

A body, mind and soul of true steel.

My hand was stretched forward, the heat of the circuits ragging once again in my body, sweat running down my face as I opened my mouth and let my mind become a sword. Words coming out by themselves.

''I am… the bone of my sword.''

The new spark further ignited the burning sensation, increasing twenty fold as I was going beyond my limits, all twenty-seven of my circuits flaring. My fingers were trembling as hard as they were struggling to grip on the handle of the sword. Once again I climbed over the imaginary wall and fought the pain in me as I poured all my remaining prana in the sword, morphing it into an arrow.

The tingling in my nose informed me that the predator was close… right above me, slowly crawling down on the tree trunk.

It's now or never.

I used my leg as a pivot and turned around to face her, glaring the predator in the eyes. She seemed surprised for a moment, probably by the strange sword that was now in my hand or by the fact that I managed to notice her presence… or maybe both?

She didn't seem to share the amount of patience that I had to try and contemplate what the new weapon that I had could do and simply leaped down towards me, legs sharp and ready to impale me on the spot. In all honesty I didn't blame her, the weapon in my hand looked like failed attempt of a sword or some kind of thin lance or spear. It didn't occur to her to draw the connection between it and the bow I had in my other hand.

That was her mistake.

I clenched my teeth and fought against all the throbbing pain that took place each time that I made the most minuscule of moves and took position. Arrow in place, string pulled to the limit, eyes locked on the targets head. The very last remains of my prana used to reinforce my body for one single second.

''Broken phantasm.'' I let go of the sting, the arrow rushed to the target.

There was a moment of confusion present on the strays face as the sword was released. The said confusion instantly morphed into pure, unadulterated fear and despair as she understood what was going it to happen shortly.

''… Oh… FUUUC-!'' she didn't get to finish the sentence.

The arrow was so fast that she probably didn't even feel when it penetrated through her head and destroyed a large portion of it in its path towards the sky. I took a few steps backwards to avoid the now dead body from falling on top of me. The ground cracked and broke on the impact, the body contorting and shaking violently for about a minute before it finally went silent, legs curled up upwards like a real dead spider. A strained sigh escaped my mouth as my legs gave up on me, landing on my butt. My body was sore and aching as I stared at the moonlight sky.

Is this for real now?

I originally went for an enthusiastic walk through the woods and ended up fighting some demonic abomination.

Me and my E-rank luck.

Heavy breaths followed after the sigh as I let my heart rate go back to regular parameters. Although this whole spider in heat/blood-lust problem caused me quite a number of burns and lacerations, it also bore some interesting results concerning my projecting.

The sword arrows that I dubbed 'Broken Phantasm' is certainly a big leap in my battle repertoire. Before I was limited to close quarter combat, and perhaps in the mid zone if I properly threw my twin falchions at my enemy, but that was it. Now I can act both as vanguard and support. I may lack the skill and ability to use magical blasts like Kusaka and Hanakai, but now I can easily join them acting as support. In fact I think that while it may lack some magical aspects compared to regular magical blasts, it's far faster and the piercing power makes them pale in comparison, and if I factor in my aiming precision I may just become the team sniper.

Yet... I still think that there's more to it. Why did I call it 'Broken Phantasm' in the first place?

For one thing it obviously isn't broken, what could I do with a broken weapon? And how would I even break it, I mean the only way that could happen would he if I overloaded it-

… With prana… and turned it into a literal bomb… just like what I did during the fight with Kurosaiga.

Is that why it the first arrows that I tested out ended up the way they did? I've been subconsciously turning them into broken phantasms? That could explain some things, but it also raises new questions. Can I even use a broken phantasm as an arrow without it exploding when I shot it?

There has to be a way… I need to think this through.

There seemed to be a time frame to how long it can stay stable in the broken form, and any form of sudden movement cuts through that time even further. If I manage to find a way to use it in its broke form, the arrow will explode on contact with the target, causing even more damage that it would if were to use it without overloading it with prana. I need to find a way to use the arrow without causing it to explode before it hit the target.

Should I try and move quickly?... No that wouldn't work.

What if I move at a snail pace?... Nah, by the time I shot it the target would be already home watching the news.

Overload it with prana just before letting go?... Too risky, if I'm off with the amount it may explode in my face.

No, no, no! Calm down and think things properly! I have to make up for time in a way that doesn't affect my overall shooting time. If only I could modify and shot at the same time.

Wait…

Not at the same time, but while I am aiming.

That's it! Instead of modifying the sword, placing it in the bow and shooting it, I have to place it in the bow as it normally is and modify it while taking aim, letting it morph into an arrow as I pull it against the string. If I do that I will spare time and avoid any unnecessary movements that can hinder delicate of the arrow.

Guess I'll be practicing firing 'Broken Phantasms' for a while.

For a moment something felt off about that little thought. Ever since I came up with the term 'broken phantasm' it seemed to keep nagging me for a reason… yet I can't seem to figure it out. During my lessons with Sella there wasn't anything remotely close to the concept of a 'broken phantasm'. The only thing that was remotely similar in any was-

My eyes went wide as realization hit me like a hammer. I raised my hand and made a fist, which I promptly used to hit myself in the face. How can I be so God damn ignorant at times like these?!

… Noble phantasms.

What I've been projecting aren't normal weapons, they are noble phantasms. This explains why they don't instantly break apart like any other object when I overload them with prana, it's due to their mystic properties that they are able to maintain form for a little while when overloaded with prana. Well Sella will sure have a field day when I tell her that I can project noble phantasms. She will either think I'm trying to make fun of her or that I hit my head really hard.

Who could blame her when you consider what noble phantasms are.

If a heroic spirit is the spirit of a hero who has achieved great fame due to his legend and achievements, a noble phantasm is a weapon, a special ability or skill that the said heroic spirit possessed during his life, something of deep connection to the hero have just as much fame and renown as the hero itself, symbols that got recorded together with the legend of its wielders.

The most obvious example of a noble phantasm that comes to my mind would probably be King Arthur's Excalibur.

However there are some exceptions to this rule. Kanshou and Bakuya are such an example, they're not noble phantasms that were wielded by any hero in myth or history, but rather they reached this status by their own story, that of weapons forged just for the sake of forging, never to be wielded in battle and yet their creation brought pain and death to its creators.

Comparing a weapon noble phantasm to a normal weapon would be insulting. Everything about the noble phantasm is superior, the forging process, the materials, the magical enchantments and even the people who wielded them. No wonder they don't instantly shatter when I overload them with prana. Their spiritual qualities allows them to keep form even if they should by all means just break apart. Now that I know what the weapons that I keep projecting really are I will need to be careful with them. If word gets out that I can somehow replicate noble phantasms it will get me a lot of unwanted attention.

But I guess that's something for tomorrow.

I got up slowly and cracked my neck, my hand going for my phone. I tapped my foot as I waited for the person I dialed to answer. ''Evening master.''

''[Oh my Maou! It's three in the morning! What do you want, Shirou?!]'' If the rather uncharacteristic lash out was any indication, she was probably enjoying the pleasant feeling of her warm bed before I went and woke her up so late.

I took a small glance to the mutilated corpse of the stray, particularly the pieces of bone, blood and brain scattered all over the ground. Sighing was the only thing I could do as I never got to learn any spell that could help me in this kind of situation. ''… I might need help with some cleaning. ''


Omake: Halloween Special

''Is this really necessary Meguri?'' I sighed tiredly as I kept resisting the tingling sensation of the make-up brush she was using all over my face.

''Of course it is! Halloween is only once a year so it's fine to cut loose and get all suited up for the night. Now sit still so I can finish your make-up.''

Although I found her excitement somewhat pleasant it didn't spare me of the two hours I have spent in the chair so that she can turn me into, and I quote 'the most badass swordsman'. ''Can't you use some devil magic to change how I look?''

''Nope! It's more fun this way!'' she chirped happy at me.

''If you say so…'' I sighed and stretched my legs a little, I honestly have no idea how movie actors can deal with kind of thing.

''There we're done!'' She beamed cheerfully as she took turned the chair around for me to get up. ''Time for everyone to say hi to the world's most badass swordsman.''

When I got up I stretched myself first and then took a look in the mirror.

I honestly was a bit shocked how much some make up and the right clothes can change how one looks. Apparently in the two hours that I spent on the chair Meguri went all out and dyed my hair green, drew a scar over my left eye and one over my chest, and she also put three golden earrings on my left ear

The clothes she made me wear are bit different from what I'm used to wear, but they don't feel too bad. They consist of a long, open dark-green coat closed on my waist that is held by a red sash, in which three katana's are tucked into, a black bandanna is tied around my left forearm, and a green haramaki underneath the coat.

''It looks… interesting.'' Was pretty much what I could say, I didn't particularly like it, but I also didn't hate it. I overall had the image of a samurai of some kind, who knows, while I do look familiar I can't remember from where, so I pretty much didn't have any idea who I was dressed as.

''Oh come on! Be more excited! Me and the girls had to do a lot of begging to make Kaichou throw a Halloween party, the least you can do is try and be more fire up.''

How could I forget… I was basically sitting at home on the couch watching a new episode of Hell's Kitchen and out of nowhere Meguri, Hanakai and Kusaka all teleported in my house and pretty much abducted me without telling me what's going on.

It didn't help that they told me to strip the first thing after we got here... that was beyond awkward.

It was after a couple minutes of silence after they realized what they just asked me to do that Kusaka explained everything to me. Apparently they managed to convince our master at the last minute to hold a Halloween party and they were so busy preparing everything that they forgot to tell me about it and that I need a costume. So they had to hurry up and get me ready.

It would have much more simple to just give me a call, but I digress.

I turned around a looked at Meguri, getting another look at her so called costume. She changed her hair from her usual twin bushy tails to a single thick pony tail and drew a cross shaped scar on her right cheek. Her clothes were somewhat traditional, a simple male burgundy kimono and a white hakama tied around her waist with a white sash. Hanging in the said sash was a simple katana.

It seemed simple, but it also seemed appropriate for some reason, I wasn't sure why.

''You guys ready yet?!'' Yura… or at least who I think its Yura, barged in the room, sporting her very own costume.

Her hair color and face was overall the same, except her hair seemed a bit more spiky than usual. What really got me looking at her were the exaggerated big, orange triangular sunglasses that covered her eyes. I probably wouldn't have minded it if not for the fact that they seem to be able to sit on her face despite the fact that they lack any temples.

The rest of her costume somehow seemed to inspire a sense of masculinity in me even though they were currently being worn by a girl. Long, dark-brown pants with two red rings on the bottom, a double-grommet belt tied around his waist, a traditional Japanese sarashi, sandals, and a red and orange cape with the motif of a flaming skull on the back. Curiously the skull seemed to wear the same glasses.

Her chest was tied with a white sash, which I thanked... whoever we devils thank, for being there since most of her upper torso was bare to show tattoos along both of his arms which extend to her shoulders and her upper back.

She was carrying a nodachi katana in her right hand, which made me wonder if the costume theme for the party was swords. ''How long are you going to keep us waiting? JUST WHO-''

''Yeah, yeah, everyone knows who the hell you are.'' Meguri waved her hand as she passed by her. ''Come on, we don't want to be late.''

I simply passed by Yura in silence, hearing her pout sadly as I did. ''My one liner….''

My hand ran through my hair, something tells me it was gonna be a long night.

When we arrived downstairs I took a moment and admired the decoration in the living room. Apparently it was decided that the party will be held at our master's home. Which I honestly felt grateful for, something in the back of my head was nagging me that if we held it at my house it would have ended in a disaster of epic proportions. I can only shake in fear when thinking about what kind of costumes Iri would have made the others wear.

All that aside, I liked how they decorated the room. Many carved pumpkins with candles were placed in various parts of the room, small cut-outs with ghosts, vampires, werewolf's and zombies were hanged on the ceiling, gently waving back and forth, the tables were covered in vast variety of sweets and desserts. Very 'Halloween' so to say.

''Hey guys! What took you so long to get here?'' a voice from behind me got my attention, I instantly recognized it.

''Sorry, it a while to get ready HanaKAI!?'' I almost screamed my lungs out the moment I turned around and saw just what kind of costume the white haired bishop of the team was wearing.

I honestly had no idea what to name what she was wearing. It was a skin tight full body black leather suit that left nothing to the imagination, covering the entirety of her body with the exception of her mouth area, the part from left should to her elbow, and the area starting from her left ankle all the way up to her thigh. There were chains wrapped around her right arm that seemed to be attached to her right thigh, a pair of tatter lather wings hanging on her back, and multiple patches all over her body. Curiously her left arm had a somewhat deformed shape, much longer than its left counterpart, the hand itself several times larger, equipped with metal cuffs and long sharp red claws.

The leather mask appeared to have some kind of red lenses built in it, giving her eyes an evil appearance. Her normally wavy hair was straightened and was flowing on her back through the back of the mask. I couldn't help but notice a white skull right on her right breast.

If I were to describe it simpler, its overall image gave the impression of some kind of evil undead dominatrix.

''Like what you see?'' she purred at me as an almost evil smile took her face, striking a pose that further accentuated her curves which were barely hidden away by the skin like suit she was wearing.

I turned around in silence… I couldn't look at her… not like this. My mind just couldn't process it… it didn't help that my teenage hormones were on standby and could hit any moment if I keep looking at such a display of clothing that wouldn't be out of place at a sex shop.

''I think I need to start appreciating the wonders of leather.'' I glanced to the source of the remark, and it appeared to be Saji.

The costume he wore consisted of what appeared to be an open lab coat that revealed his shirtless chest, a majority of his abdominal and chest area were colored in a greyish blue, resembling the skin tone of a deceased person. The pants he wore were simple black ones, the interesting parts were the blue metallic plates that were attached to his thighs.

Around his neck he wore a black choker that would get a person's attention and make them ignore the purple colored lips and the very accentuated dark circles under his eyes that made you think he hasn't seen a bed in months. In his right hand he carried an old looking halberd, easily topping over him while on his left arm there are chains wrapped that held a skeleton tied to it.

If someone would met Saji dressed like this in the middle of the night they would without a doubt ran away believing he is some kind of mad serial killer... or at least that would have been the case if not the blood dripping out of his nose and the perverted smile on his face.

''Who would have thought you were hiding a body like that under your uniform Hanakai.'' He commented with a nod as he checked Hanakai's from head to toe.

The white haired bishop on the other hand didn't appear to enjoy it that much, the deformed arm stretched forwards and ball of dark energy forming at the palm of her hand ''Saji you have five seconds to stop grinning at me like a dog in heat before I make those black marks under your eyes the real deal.''

The perverted grin vanished in thin air, and his hands shot up in a defensive position, Hanaki noticing that he stopped ogling her and dispersed her magic. ''Tsk, when Emiya was looking you didn't seem to mind.''

The lenses in her mask seemed to glow maliciously the moment she heard Saji's comment. ''What was that?!''

I instinctively took a step backwards, the costume she was wearing was somehow making her look very scary if she was angry. I was so taken aback that I failed to notice the person that got behind Hanakai and placed a hand over her shoulder. ''Calm down Momo, you should have expected this when you chose that costume.''

She seemed to calm down and turn around, letting out a tired sigh as she stared at the new person to arrive. ''Easy for you to say Reya, although we are both wearing skin tight leather your costume is still concealing.''

I took a moment and analyzed the costume of our second bishop. Just as Hanakai remarked, her costume was also within the tight leather department white, a form-fitting black bodysuit with cut-outs on its back and the shoulders. The design of it was a masculine one, meant to emphasize the abdomen and chest muscles, but in her case it was clearly emphasizing her chest more than it should. Her usually brown braided hair was now covered by a short haired white wig, while her nails were all painted black. However the most striking part of her costume was the mask she was wearing, resembling a leather gimp mask with an eye patch covering her right eye. It bears a lip-less mouth with large, gnashing teeth, much like a restrained asylum monster. Her uncovered eye was different from her usual brown ones, this one had a blood red iris, surrounded by pitch black sclera.

''You're talking like I was the one who picked the costume you're wearing.'' Kusaka remarked to her fellow bishop, her voice sounding deeper due to the mask.

Hanakai clicked her teeth and turned around. ''Well excuse me if I didn't have enough time to get a costume on Halloween night. It's kind of hard to get one at the last minute, and this was all i could find that was my size, anything else was rather to small or too big.''

''Now you see why I told you that you should get a costume ahead of time, it's best to be prepared.'' She elaborated with a smile... or at least what I think was a smile, the only indicator was the way her eye softened considering that the rest of her face was masked.

''Yeah, yeah, keep rubbing it in.'' Hanakai crossed her arms at her, checking her costume more carefully. ''Wait, I think I saw that costume before... didn't someone from that manga you been recently really into wear the same costume?''

Her question seemed to bring a level of excitement in the normally braided bishop. ''Yep, I decided to dress as the main character of my favorite manga.''

Yura, who munching down on some candy apples stepped in with a rather panicked face, pieces of the apple were stuck to the said face. ''Hold on! Reya you're reading stuff like that?!'' she asked with a half full mouth.

She tilted her slightly to the side, normally that would have been a cute reaction, but her mask was adding a layer of dread to it. ''Yes?''

Yura took a second and swallowed the remaining food in her mouth, whipping her mouth with her arm. ''No offence girl but I once picked a volume of the manga from a book store and shuffle through the pages out of curiosity, there was some stuff in it that give me the chills and I can't really imagine you liking stuff like that.''

Kusaka took her pointer fingers and pressed each other while fidgeting awkwardly. ''I had to admit that the blood, violence and gore moments aren't something I enjoy much, but I love how the author explores the psychological aspect of his characters, something that many authors don't really do these days. Also the trauma, suffering and hardships that the characters go through help them develop as people, making you look back at how they were when they were first introduced and how they are now. ''

Yura took a moment and pondered at Kusaka reply, crossing her arms under her chest and giving a firm nod. ''When you put it like that it kinda makes one to try and give it read. Come to think about it I think it recently got a second anime season.''

''No, it didn't.'' She stated firmly, her voice dead serious.

Yura tilted her head confused. ''You sure, I'm sure I saw some commercial with the second-''

''I said it didn't.'' Kusaka repeated herself, I wasn't sure if it was because of the mask, but for some reason her voice sounded a bit scary when she said that. ''I could accept the anime studios dropping certain plot points and details of the story, but the moment they decided to do an anime original with the second season, it stopped existing for me.''

Huh... who would've have thought that the usually sweet and warm Kusaka can exude such a cold and scary aura around her. It seemed that I wasn't the only one who felt it, Yura in particular seemed a bit affected by it as her skin went slightly pale. ''... Noted.''

''Wow... who would've thought Kusaka-senpai can be scary like that.'' a new person stepped in, gathering my attention which I honestly was thankful for, I really didn't have a clue to how to deal with this situation.

''I agree.'' I nodded as I glanced to my left side, noticing her sitting against the wall. She was wearing a long-sleeved, high-collared white blouse with maroon edges, black finger-less gloves, low-heeled sandals and a black forehead protector with a metal plate that sported a mark reminiscent to a leaf. She wears maroon, puffy hakama-styled pants with the exposed parts covered in bandages. A very large scroll was tied behind her back. Her usual twin-tailed hair was now styled in a pair of Chinese-style buns. ''Oh, Nimura done with your costume?''

''Pretty much.'' She nodded as she walked towards us.

The moment Kusaka noticed her, she got near her and brought her face very close to Nimura's face, close enough for the only feminine pawn of the group to admire the pearly white teeth of Kusaka's mask. ''How do I look, am I scary enough?''

She clearly was a bit spooked out by the fiendish looking mask regardless of how cute and innocent Kusaka's voice was. ''...Yeah sure.''

Although her reaction didn't appear so positive Kusaka seemed to find it otherwise and pulled the tiny pawn into a hug and started rubbing her face against hers. ''Oh you're so cute i could just eat you up.''

''I think you really shouldn't say that something like while dressed like that.'' she commented with a dry smile, awkwardness present on her face. Her answer seemed to register too well with Kusaka as she began pouting, a single puppy dog eye present through her mask... I don't know if one should find this image cute or something extremely creepy. Nimura noticed the reaction her answer caused and tried to repair that damage she done. ''All that aside you look great Kusaka-senpai.''

The innocent smile of Nimura was all that was needed to make revert back to her usually cheery self. ''You also look very cute too Ruruko.''

She sighed tired and she got out of the hug and checked her costume. ''I was a bit reluctant to wear this actually. I'm rather small so I didn't think it's a good choice.''

Kusaka took her hand gently patted her on the head. ''Don't worry about small details like matching the character you're dressed as, it's all about having fun.''

Her affection seemed to do the trick, a bright smile beaming on Nimura's face. ''Yes!''

''It's nice to see them get along isn't it?''

''Shinra-senpai…'' I turned around as I recognized her voice, getting a full view of her costume. She was wearing a dark sleeveless mini dress with a white collar and a red tie, tied around her waist was a red belt that has a red side skirt cover. She was also wears red gauntlets and black gloves that reach to her elbows. Curiously she was also carrying a katana, one with a deep red handle and scabbard. ''Yeah it is.''

We both we're silent and watched as the group started to dig in the buffet of Halloween treats. I opened my mouth to speak but closed it back as I didn't know what to say, Personally I didn't really know what to talk with Shinra-senpai since out of all the people of the groups, she is the one i know the least.

As I was nagging my brain trying to think of anything interesting to talk about I glanced over to her only to find her staring at me. She immediately moved her head, trying to act like I didn't caught her staring at me. The silence and awkwardness between us was now even heavier than before. It wasn't until I heard a heavy sigh from her that I turned my head back to her. ''What do you think of my costume?''

I took a moment and checked her from head to toe, my eyes mostly focusing on the weapon in her hand. ''It's nice… though I was expecting a naginata rather than a katana.''

She glanced at it, giving it a dry stare as she tucked it under her belt. ''Comes with the costume, plus its nice when you go against expectations.''

I hummed as I rested my back against the wall. ''Maybe.''

''You say that and yet you are dressed in a swordsman yourself.'' she commented with a sly smile, to which I couldn't but stare at my clothes and agree with her.

A small snort escaped my lips. ''Guess I'm a bit of a hypocrite sometimes.''

''Your words not mine, but try not to be so hard on yourself.'' She commented as she leaned against the wall right next to me.

''I'll try, but no promises.'' I nodded slightly. Once again silence was surrounding us, well except for the rucks made by Meguri and Yura who wanted to decide which of the characters they were dressed as was the better swordsman.

I sighed tiredly as something in the back of my head was warning me that the situation might get a little too wild if I'm not careful. Moving my eyes to the side I took a better look at our team's queen, curiosity taking me over as I got a better look at her face, an action which she noticed. ''Do I have something on my face?''

I rubbed the back of my head awkwardly. ''No... the exact opposite. You don't have your glasses on.''

Her eyes widened slightly as she gave me a small nod. ''The character I'm dressed as doesn't wear any from what I'm told. So I'm wearing contacts to make my eyes red.''

''... I see.''

''Do I look that weird without them?'' she asked after a few moments of silence.

I wondered for a moment what I should say, taking another look at her face. I closed my eyes and gave her a reassuring smile. ''Not at all, you look great with or without them.''

Perhaps I said something wrong as she just stared at me without saying a word, her cheeks starting to get just red as her eyes. She took a step forward and walked away, moving somewhat sluggish from her usual self. ''W-Well I'm off to try some of sweets before they happen to mysteriously vanish.''

Ok... what was that all about?

''It seems the party already started hasn't it?''

And the woman who we can all thank for this wonderful evening has finally arrived. ''Apparently it did maste-''

My mouth seemed to have stopped moving when I saw the costume my master was wearing. It wasn't something around the lines of obscene like Hanakai's or creepy like Kusaka's, but it was something I personally wouldn't have expected Sona Sitri of all people to wear.

She was wearing what I can assume is a tight fitting black short dress, which although covered her to her neck it had a cut out over her chest revealing a generous amount of cleavage. The lower part of the dress is split apart over her right hip, revealing that she has a white leotard under the dress. On her hands she wears elegant white gloves with black fingers. Her footwear consists of black stockings reaching to her thighs, covered by a pair of polished high heeled boots that reach just above her knees.

The dress aside, the most notable change was from neck usual black hair was now white in color, a small mole was present under her lower lip, but the most curious part was the black blindfold tied around her eyes.

''Something wrong?'' she asked me as she tilted her head.

I took a deep breath and tried to think of what to say. ''I'm surprised in your costume choice…''

She walked in front of me, barely any space between us, because I was taller than her even though she was wearing high-heels I tried my best not to look down at her considering the lack of material in the chest area. ''Is it that weird for a girl to be into video games?''

''No, not really, I'm kinda used to it since Mitsuzuri always calls me over to play with her…'' I replied honestly... huh now that I think about it, I recall her showing me recently a poster of game she really wanted to get, said poster had a woman who looked just like my master looked now... except she was more, ahem, gifted in certain areas. ''I'm just shocked that you of all people are into video games.''

She leaned over and gave me a mischievous smile, feeling somewhat taken back by her uncharacteristic behaviour. ''There are many things you don't know about me Emiya.''

''… Obviously.'' I muttered as I took a step backward, feeling really awkward so close to her, only to find her staring at me, which was weird considering her eyes are covered. ''Something on my face?... Except the ton of makeup that is.''

She pointed to my pointed. ''Be sure to wash that hair dye. Green isn't your color.''

''Already planned it.'' I commented somewhat reassured of the feeling of her strictness bringing back the normality between us. ''… That dress looks good on you by the way.''

She didn't move or say anything, her face appearing unmoved, though more redder.

''… T-Thank you.'' she stuttered as she walked in front me. ''We should go, the others are waiting.''

I shrugged my shoulder and started walking behind her, a curious thought wondering through my mind. ''Say, how can you see with that blindfold?''

''The fabric is see through.''

''…I see.''

She turned her head and smiled gently at me. ''I hope you know what will happen if I catch you starring at my back?''

I wanted to ask what she was talking about, but after taking a quick look to how her dress looked from the back I instantly understood what she was referring to. ''I'd rather not imagine.''

''Good choice.'' she chuckled.

''Emi-chan!'' The war cry like scream of Meguri made me almost draw a katana out of reflex. I looked towards her and saw her sitting victorious over the defeated body of Yura, her sword drawn and a battle hungry smile radiated on her face.

I swallowed nervously, something telling me she wasn't going to invite me over for a cookie. ''Y-Yes?''

She took a heavy step forward and walked in front of me, sword prepared for time, a burning flame ragging in her eyes. ''It's time to decide who world's best swordsmen is! Is it the user of the Flying Heaven Govern Sword-Style or the user of the Three-Swords Style?! Let's find out!''

In this kind of situation there was only one logical thing to ask. ''...What?''

I looked over to the others hopping I might get some help. Nimura and Shinra-senpai shrugged their shoulders in defeat, Saji was busy licking a lollipop and just gave me a thumbs up. Yura just got up from the floor and looked at me with a tired expression. ''Sorry Emiya once she gets started like that there's no stopping her.''

''Five candy apples on Tomoe.'' Kusaka told Hanakai.

''Yeah right, seven on Emiya!'' Hanakai added her own two cents.

Despair began filling me as this situation was getting out of control, so I decided to put my faith into the most competent and serious member of our team. ''Master?''

She simply shrugged her shoulders and gave me a sly smile. ''I'm sorry, but I can't see what's going on because of the blindfold.''

Traitor!

Meguri took a battle stance I never saw before and was getting anxious to jump at me and begin her so little destined battle. It seemed that there was no way that this whole sugar rush induced fiasco can be solved with a peaceful talk. I let out a sigh in defeat... If you can't beat them, join them.

I unwrapped the bandanna around my arm and tied it tightly around my head, drawing all three katana's and assuming a battle stance. One in my left hand, one in my right hand, and the last one held firmly in place with my teeth. A single muffled sentence escaping my katana filled mouth as I jumped into battle. ''...Definitely dressing as Goku next year.''


Omake: It's A Real Thing! Taiga Dojo Preview!

''Instructor it lives!'' Illya beamed.

''About time we had an update and we even got a battle at the end of.'' Taiga commented as she picked her nose. ''Well I guess it fine.''

''Was I the only who was praying that the spider woman won't sexually abuse our main character?'' Miyu asked stoically while looking to the camera.

''You don't know how hard it was to keep this snow flake from breaking out of this segment and go save Shirou.'' Taiga commented with a sigh.

''I couldn't help it! Onii-chan was about to get raped by some crazy spider woman!'' Illya defended herself.

''While I can agree on the whole rape part, the other one shouldn't really be a bother. This is a DxD crossover so inter-species relationships aren't such a big deal. You shouldn't be surprised if your bro comes home someday with some obscene cat girl or some sexy angel.'' Taiga remarked dryly.

''There's no way that could happen!'' Illya shouted.

''I wouldn't be so sure Illya… It seems like Ray-san has developed strong taste for trolling people.'' Miyu stated with a solemn expression.

''…We're royally screwed aren't we?'' Illya asked with void eyes.

''We were from the beginning… it just took us a while to realize it.'' Miyu hugged Illya in a sisterly fashion.

''Earth to the two emo-loli's. Come over here and check this site I found.'' Taiga nagged at them.

''T.V. Tropes?'' Miyu tilted her head confused as she read the title of the site.

''Yep, now kook at this title over here!'' Taiga smirked as she clicked on a certain page.

Illya's eyes widened as she read the title of the new page. ''Is that our story?''

''Yep, we officially have our own page on TV Tropes, so if any tropers or trope experts out there are reading this, please feel free to drop at our page 'A fake hero' and add any trope you feel like is missing from it.''

''Wow, it even has its own story cover.'' Miyu commented with sparks in her eyes.

Illya on the other hand was blushing and starring intensely. ''Onii-chan looks so serious.''

Taiga slapped her shinai over the laptop and shouted. ''Stop drooling over your big bro and do your thing!''

''Stay tuned for the next chapter.'' Illya and Miyu said in synch.

''Check it out!'' Taiga yelled


Author notes:

Ok so I managed to finish this. Took me a little more because I keep researching the Typemoon wiki so that the things I state this chapter wasn't just me bullshiting but real solid stuff.

Anyone remember in the early chapters how Sella said she will teach Shirou magecraft? Well I didn't forget that and dedicated a chapter to it.

Before you go and say that Shirou shouldn't learn anything else besides his original repertoire of skills, isn't it that just boring? Why not give him some basic magecraft to make him more versatile. Now I won't go and invent different forms of magecraft, so I used already existing one from the wikia, all while picking up the ones that sound like Shirou can use in spite of his specialization.

It also helps that I'm specifying what Shirou can and cannot do. I'm not sure about you guys, but I keep reading stories in which Shirou learned new spells and stuff during his travels or early life and how he just pulls out certain spells or moves at that exact time when he needs them and I'm like 'where the hell did that come from?'

It's one thing with weapons since we kinda know that Archer and Shirou have pretty much any weapon they ever need so you can expect them to pull out some never mentioned before weapon.

So I will avoid the old 'Shirou learned that off-screen and is using it at the right moment' and instead mention what he is capable of doing. This is what a big part of this chapter is about, increasing Shirou's options, while also limiting them. I mean you read a chapter of a story, MC is in a pinch, he uses a never before seen technique or skill and when people around him ask about it he is just i learned it a while ago, or I just came up with it on the spot. Doesn't that make you cringe a little.

If I made any mistakes in my magecraft statements this chapter please inform me.

So I originally wanted to end this chapter with Shirou discovering how to use his bow, but then I thought about it and realized many will think this chapter was rather bland and boring so included a stray fight at the end.

Not as intense and meaningful as the one with Kurosaiga, but hey who doesn't like a fight where Shirou actually kicks ass.

Before anyone goes and bites my head of for including the whole sword incarnation part, hear me out. I'm well aware that its not a canon concept, but i find quite unfair that Rin's condition has a name, Average one, while shirou who is the MC doesn't have one. So here I am using this one.

One thing i would like to point out. A reader asked me privately how far i'm going to go with this story. So to avoid having to answer this question again in the future, I will give an answer now. On a personal level I don't think i want to go past volume 23 (May God give me strength to reach volume 23 in the first place), i might change my mind if the final volumes creates an event or final boss that deserves to write about.

Also I merged the Halloween special with this new chapter since it would look kinda bad when taking each chapter one by one.

So... about next chapter... not sure if i will be able to finish it before the years over... So this is probably the last chapter of the year, so I will see you guys in 2018, and hope that I can make myself write faster.

Oh, one last thing, is any of you guys good with phone software? Someone showed me a way to get Fate/grand order despite being unavailable in my country and i did get it, problem is i can't seem to make it work on my phone. Anybody here that could help me? I have a THL 5000 Android 4.4, 5 Inch Smartphone. For requirements i think its ok, but how do i configure it to allow fgo to work?


Let's answer some reviews: ... Not too many things I can answer though. Most of them are either 'thumbs up' reviews or long complaints letters nailed to my door.

98kazer: Is interesting when you say that, i do admire both them and their writing styles, but i can't go around imitating them, so I'm trying to develop my own style.

Kuroshinobi 13: Let's just say when the two of them confront each other about the truth it will go in a different way from what you may expect. About Gremory group pairings... a bit of a sensitive topic. I'm not sure at the moment, but I might change my mind depending how the story goes.

Kratos1989: They are hiding underneath the floor. As i mention in the early chapters, this story will have a big focus on mentality aspect of Shirou. The drama and terror of losing sight of who you really are, Shirou will be facing this. And yeah he's a troll, he's Archer duh, everyone's favorite sarcastic servant.

Daemon of Wrath: It would have been a dick move to make this story revolve around the sitri team and not give them development. Technically the subject of the discussion wasn't to talk about their past but rather why they joined, while the others had long running reason that led to them becoming devils, Shirou was kinda dragged in it, so he really didn't have to tell his background.

EternalKing: Huh... I'm surprised someone actually gets what I was trying to showcase with that simple scene.

Dragon-XZero: ... It depends how the story progresses in certain aspects, it might happen but I can't say for sure when.

xbox432: ...I think I might just use that idea, sounds like it will give a lot of laughs.

Ultimate-Zelda-fan: ...Ok seriously WTF? I wrote that myslef and didn't notice it?

Dareth: With the exception of Tsubaki and Meguri who had partially revealed backgrounds by the time I started thinking of ideas, everyone else is original base of real life troubled people I met.

Galeiam: You will see in the future chapters why i'm not changing that tag, there's reason to it.

Don't forget to review... no seriously review, i could use some constructive criticism.