Every inch of my body was in constant pain, blades were piercing my flesh from the inside. It hurt so much that I just wanted to lay down and sleep. But just one thought ran through my head, "Ending her nightmare once and for all." So, I took up my sword and prepared to strike it down.

"Kuri Kuri."

"I know Kuriboh. If I don't do this, millions will die, but this way, at least, one will be sacrificed. Head back home and tell her, I'm sorry."

But I bet you're wondering "how did a teenager get involved in this crazy shit?". Well, it all started a while back, and let me tell you this, it was the craziest adventure of a lifetime.

My name is Shirou Emiya, and this is the story of how my life changed forever

There was a huge fire, I think. The town was burning to ashes. A wall of fire reached way over my head. The only one alive was me. I started walking to get away from this place. As I walked aimlessly, the smoke got to me because I started to see images of monsters creeping closer to me. But I understood that no matter what I did, I wasn't going to be saved.

So...

As my stamina's down to nothing, I finally collapse to the ground. The dark clouds above me tell me that it will rain soon. In the place of those who could no longer speak, I sighed deeply and uttered...

"It hurts..."

After that, I was miraculously saved. Waking up in a hospital, covered in bandages. My body kept on living, just like that. But all the others...

My parents, my family...

All the people that had gone up in flames, reduced to nothing but black soot. I thought of them and while my body kept on living, my heart died in its place. But as I thought I had nothing left...

"Kuri Kuri"

"Huh?"

This unfamiliar creature floating in front of me. Not sure what it was, but it was round like a ball, but it had tiny stumps for arms and legs. It was purple with a bit of light blue and it also had a rainbow-colored crest on its head. Since nobody else sees it, it must be a figment of my imagination.

"What are you?"

I asked the weird creature. But it doesn't talk or maybe it can't talk. Since I don't know what it is, I decided to give it a name. Kuriboh.

Then, by chance, that man came along. He was a bit younger than the doctor, and he felt more like an older brother than a father.

"Hello. You're Shirou, aren't you?"

His smile melts in the white sunlight. His voice was suspicious, but kind at the same time.

"I'll ask bluntly. Would you rather be in the care of an orphanage or would you like to be released into the custody of an old man you've just met?"

Wrinkled coat and uncombed hair. He looked like the type of person who would be completely unreliable and has no future. But It would be the same if I choose either him or an orphanage. So, I decided to go with him.

"Oh, great! Let's get you dressed then. You need to get adjusted to your new home as soon as possible."

The guy quickly started to pack my stuff. Even in the eyes of a child, he sucks at that. Then, after making a big mess...

"Oops, I forget to mention something important."

He turns to me says,

"Right, the first thing I have to tell you before we go, I'm a mage."

He says in a serious but exaggerated tone. But I guess I was still a child back then because I believed his words instantly.

"Wow! You're awesome, mister!"

Ever since then, I became Kiritsugu Emiya's son.

I became Shirou Emiya.

I'm proud to have the same last name as Kiritsugu.

This is a story from my childhood.

Eight years ago, I finally convinced my father to make me his apprentice. When I was old enough to stay home by myself, Kiritsugu started leaving the house to travel the world, regularly. It became normal for the Emiya residence, a big Japanese-style house where only me and Kiritsugu live, to be empty for a month, sometimes for half a year. It was perplexing in this house sometimes, but I like my life here. I was indeed always alone, but when Kiritsugu comes home from his trip, he tells me stories that drive the loneliness away.

On top of that...

With my father being as he is, I feel like I should be more reliable...

...I hear the sound of a heavy, old, rusty sound as the shed door opens and light enters the dark shed.

"Senpai?"

I hear a soft, sweet voice...

"Are you awake, Senpai?"

... Hearing the sound of approaching footsteps.

"... Mm. Good morning, Sakura."

"Good morning, Senpai."

Sakura smiles and nods as if she's used to this situation.

"We've still got some time, but if you sleep here, Fujimura-Sensei will get mad."

"Yeah, that's true...

Sorry for the constant trouble."

"Oh, I wouldn't say it's constant. You always have early mornings, Senpai."

Something must have gotten her in a good mood today because Sakura seems more upbeat than usual.

"Not constant, Huh? Though, I'd rather have you waking me up than Fuji-Nee hitting me to wake me up.

... But I'll try harder next time"

"Ok. But I'm happy when you don't try at all."

...Gah, my head must still be dozing since I said something weird.

"... Give me a second to wake up."

I took a deep breath and cleared my head. Thankfully, it's chilly outside. So, the cold air helps beat the sleepiness out of my head.

... The girl in front of me, her name is Sakura Matou. It's currently six o'clock in this shed behind my house.

"...Senpai?"

"Well, sorry Sakura. I guess I'm still half-asleep."

"That's totally fine. You stayed up late last night, right? Just take it slow this morning."

She says so in a happy tone. It's unusual for Sakura to be in such a good mood this morning.

"As if I could, dummy. I'm awake now, so let's head to the kitchen together."

"But Senpai wouldn't it be better if you changed before we head in?"

She's right. I did fall asleep while working, so I'm still in my overalls. Since they're dirty, I can only imagine what Fuji-Nee would say if I went into the house like this.

"Oh yeah, you're right. You go on ahead, I'll take care of this real quick."

"Okay. I'll be waiting, Senpai."

As Sakura left, I changed into my uniform for school and cleaned up the mess. This shed is built on the edge of the house and it acts as my warehouse for putting in our junk. This may seem like a place for junk to most people, but ever since I was a kid, it was a place of treasures for me to enjoy messing around. Dad never wants me in the shed, but I sneak in anyway. Because of that, it became my base. I guess you could call this my real room. The house was too big for me. I prefer a small space full of junk.

Besides, even if it's junk, you can still use it. There are duel monster cards but mostly appliances that can't be used anymore. Since I sneaked in here, fixing things became my hobby. But it's not like I get attached to things. It's just annoying that these things aren't being used when they still can be.

"... guess tomorrow's when I'll finish the repairs for this thing. Can't believe I just fell asleep. It's just proof I haven't been concentrating enough."

After shaking off the disappointment, I gathered the stove parts and put them on the shelf to fix later. There's no more space on the shelves for things that need repairing, like this old VCR for example, and lots of others. But since Fuji-Nee was the one who broke them, I'll just ignore them.

"Alright...

Gotta give it my all today!"

I changed into my uniform, exited the shed, and headed for the house. The Emiya house is a Japanese-style house on the edge of town. Even though he had this huge house, my father wasn't very respected around town. How he got it is a mystery. But he didn't have any other living relatives, so when he died, the house went to me. But, to be honest, I don't know how to manage this huge house. Thankfully, Old Man Fujimura handles complicated things like property taxes and other stuff like that.

Old Man Fujimura is the landlord of this neighborhood. My dad told me about him. He said the old man is like a yakuza boss. Of course, he's a problem itself that I'd rather ignore. He may seem like a scary person, but he's a good guy.

It's been five years since dad died. Time passes by quickly. I've trained every day to be like my dad, but it isn't easy. I never had any talent, to begin with, but even after five years, there was no improvement.

Well, there's no point in rushing. All I can do is what I can do.

Right now, I have to help Sakura. It's not right letting my junior do all the work and for Sakura arriving here so early in the morning. But it's too late. Breakfast has been made. The elegant sent befitting Sakura fills the room. Sakura was done with the cooking. All that is left to do is set the table from the looks of it.

"Sorry, Sakura. I'll take care of the dishes, so you go and sit down."

"Oh Senpai, you're here already?"

"No. Not 'already'. It's ten past six, so I definitely slept in."

"The way I see it since you have no clubs, It's still early for you."

"Clubs don't have anything to do with this. When you bring clubs into it, the problem is that you come here when you have morning practice to go to."

"It's ok. I do this simply because I want to, so don't worry about me."

"You say that all the time and that's why I get up so early, clubs or not. I can't just be sleeping when you're going to be here."

For me, waking up early is waking up before Sakura gets here, and sleeping in is making Sakura prepare breakfast on her own. Just like today.

Though, this has only been a habit for a year and a half or so.

"Anyway, you go sit down and rest. I'll set up the table."

From time to time, Sakura is so stubborn and she won't rest unless you get her to.

"Well, in that case, I'll help too."

"No Sakura. I just said I will do It myself. So, you just..."

"That won't do, Senpai. You're the host here. At least allow me to take care of things in the morning!"

"...Someone who puts his feet up and have you do all the work is not someone meant to be called a host."

"Well then, feel free to disqualify yourself. Consider this repayment for always feeding me delicious food."

"Well, we split the grocery bill. So, it's all thanks to you that we can enjoy our meals."

"Of course,...

You don't understand, do you Senpai? That's not what I mean when I say your food is delicious."

"Huh?

Then what...

"Never mind. Just make sure you take responsibility."

"What do you mean responsibility?"

"Because I can't enjoy eating meals except when I eat them with you, here in your home."

Sakura smiles while blushing.

"You dummy, don't say anything weird. What would we do If Fuji-nee overheard?"

"Yeah, that would be a problem. she's not the sort of person who can take a joke, so...

Now would It be ok If I helped you Senpai?"

Sakura looks up at me so calmly

"'So...' my ass. You've honestly gotten really stubborn lately, Sakura."

"HmHm, right? Maybe I'm starting to take after Fujimura-sensei."

Speaking softly, Sakura reaches up for the cupboard. Her silky hair and smooth skin catch my eye. She seemed really feminine these days. Her movements and her figure are so beautiful that I look away instinctively.

"Senpai? What's wrong?"

"…It's nothing. Don't worry, it's nothing."

...Honestly.

The reason I feel tense around her, I don't know. After all, Sakura's not like that. She's a good underclassman, and a kouhai I need to take care of. The relationship between me and Sakura Matou is that of Senpai and Kouhai. She's my close friends' sister, but she was a grade below me so we weren't that close. But around a year and a half ago, our relationship changed. My arm got injured and Sakura came to help me with cooking and cleaning. But even after my arm healed, those times didn't change. I can't remember if Sakura insisted on keep coming over or was I the one who wished for it. Either way, It's a trivial detail now. Having her help around the house in the morning has been a big help, but it's been a little bit of a problem lately. The problem isn't Sakura, it's me.

"..."

I'll be honest, Sakura is very beautiful. She's by far the cutest first years, and It would be crazy if there weren't any guys wanting to date her. And on top of that, she's definitely grown in certain places and some of her gestures have caught my eyes.

...This is what I meant by a small problem. maybe it's just guilt I'm feeling for being attracted to my friend's sister. I'm usually fine, but just like now, when I'm caught off guard, I blush... does this make me an unsuitable Senpai...?

Today's breakfast consists of chicken salad, cooked salmon, radish, spinach, carrot miso soup, and yam soup.

"Itadakimasu."

"Itadakimasu."

Sakura and I quietly bow and start our meal. The only sounds that echo are our chopsticks. Sakura's not a talkative person and I don't talk while eating. Normally, mealtimes here are loud, but not today. The loud person sitting across from us, eyeing us from behind a newspaper.

"Fujimura-Sensei, you shouldn't read the newspaper during meals."

"You're oddly quiet this morning, Fuji-Nee."

Fuji-Nee ignores Sakura's question. Fuji-Nee always acts suspicious during breakfast, but, she's acting much weirder today. Sakura must be used to it, as she continues to eat with no care. Sakura prefers to make western foods, but Fuji-Nee and I preferred Japanese, so Sakura learned to cook Japanese food after she started coming here to help. Now she's almost as good as me. As her teacher, I'm proud of her.

"Sakura, can you pass me the soy sauce?"

"Sure. There you go."

"Thanks."

I poured the soy sauce on the rice and then taking a bite...

"ACK?!

What the hell? It's oyster sauce! But why..."

I almost puked it back up. And then...

"HAHAHAHA!"

Fuji-Nee throws her newspaper away.

"I snuck in and swapped the labels on the sauce bottles earlier."

The spy throws up her arms to show her happiness.

"Who pulls a stunt like that first thing in the morning? hard to believe you're going to be 25. But I guess you'll always be the same old Fuji-Nee."

"You deserve It! Consider It payback from yesterday."

"I thought you seemed a little too quiet. Turns out you were plotting this prank."

"Damn straight, I was. And thanks to you, I don't have nearly enough time to score some tests this morning. So, I gotta run or I will never get it done."

Fuji-Nee sat back down and finishes her breakfast quickly.

"Thanks for the meal. Bye. I'm heading out and make sure you're not late. And Sakura, your food is delicious as always!"

"Uh...

Your welcome. I guess."

And she runs off.

...There's something wrong with that teacher of ours.

"Senpai, did you do something yesterday to make her want to pull that prank?"

"I may have accidentally called her by her nickname."

"If that's the case then you deserved it. You should be careful. She hates her nickname and she especially hates it when it comes out of your mouth."

Fuji-Nee is one of my dad's acquaintances from way back when. When my dad passed away five years ago, she started bumping around here. Even now she shows up and mooches breakfast and dinner. A year ago, Sakura started showing up to help with the house-work, and steadily Fuji-Nee began idling in the big sis position. For now, Sakura, Fuji-Nee, and I are the three residents of the Emiya household. Like one big happy family. Although I was the only one who knows that Kiritsugu was a mage. He once told me that a mage's identity must be kept a secret. After finishing breakfast, I helped Sakura with cleaning the dishes while listening to the news on the TV. Seems they're still talking about a gas leak incident. It's small, but something I can't ignore. Gas leaks can happen anywhere and on top of that, to think it hurts hundreds of people.

"Another gas leak in Shinto...

This is disturbing news. We should be careful too."

"You don't need to worry about that. I double-check the gas knobs every day, so we're safe."

Sakura boasts with pride.

"Uhh...

I think you miss the point."

After finishing the dishes we finally head out for school. After a long walk, we finally made it to school only to find that some of the students were dueling. Looks like its almost finished

Student 1 - 700LP

Student 2 - 2000LP

"Now, Gearfried the iron knight, attack him directly!"

"AAAAAHHHHH!"

Student 1 - 0LP

Sometimes when students aren't in class, they spend their time with lunch or activities like clubs and duels like just now.

"Well, I better get going then."

"Yeah same here. Issei needs me for some help."

As I wave to her, I head to the student council room where Issei needed me to fix a heater.

"Thanks again for doing this. I know you probably have a lot of other things to do and yet I asked you to do this."

"It's ok. I'm not too busy so I'm happy to help."

The guy organizing the papers he was reading is Issei Ryudou. He's the big boss of the student council and a friend of mine since first year. He's also the successor of the Ryudou temple, up in the mountains. He was fine with that idea, so he will likely have a shaved head when he graduates.

"By the way, I've been meaning to ask, are you currently dating matou's sister?"

He caught me off guard with that kind of question.

"Huh?"

"Well, I saw the two of you walking to school together as if you were a happy couple."

"She's my friend's little sister, man. Of course, we're not dating. By the way, if you saw us you could've said hi or something."

"I'm sure your well aware that I'm still in training. I don't have the courage for such a thing just yet."

"Of course you don't.

Ok, I'm finished with this one."

After I finished with the thing Issei wanted me to look at, we made our way to class. On our way, we ran into a familiar person.

"Hey, Shinji."

"Morning to you too Emiya. Still butting in like always."

This guy is Shinji Matou. We knew each other since middle school. As you can tell from his last name, he's Sakura's older brother.

"Yeah. Hey, if you need any help, I can come by the archery club later on. You've never been good at mending bows and I can help with..."

"You do remember you not with the archery team or are you that forgetful? I think it would be best for all involved parties if you simply minded your own business."

Shinji walks away as if he was angry about something. I can never figure out what's inside his head.

"Jeez, what an asshole. Talking to you like that when he was the one who got you thrown out."

"Don't worry. When you know him long enough you tend to get used to it."

After shaking off what Shinji said, Issei and I continued to make our way to class.

School finally ended. I'm back home after a long day. The light is on, Sakura and Fuji-Nee must be home already. The moment I enter the living room, I can smell dinner. Sakura and Fuji-Nee are at the table, enjoying dinner.

"I'm home."

"Welcome home, Senpai."

"Yeah. Sorry I'm late, Sakura."

"It's ok. I'll bring out your dinner right now."

"Yes, please."

As I took a bite...

I've got no complaint. The juiciness of the chicken and the utter miraculousness of this white sauce...

I'll be honest, being outdone by my pupil makes me kinda lonesome, but mostly, I'm proud of her.

"You should really come home early at times like this. It's dangerous out there. Weren't you listening to me in homeroom?"

She scolds me viciously.

"Well... um...

I had to do some errands."

"Don't tell me you were helping someone again. You are a lot like Kiritsugu, trying so hard for others. it makes me worry about you."

I have no clue how she can be worried when she's energetically munching down her dinner.

"Excuse me, Fujimura-Sensei? I've been wondering if Senpai has always been this way?

"Yeah, for as long as I have known him. As you can see, Shirou can't turn away anyone who's in trouble. I guess that's his personality. "To help the weak and crush the strong" he used to say."

I glare at them and Sakura is taking the lesson seriously.

"When he was younger, Shirou wrote, "My dream is to become a hero of justice when I grow up". It was quite the essay."

...She talking about things from long ago. But I didn't interrupt since it's all true. Even now, becoming a hero of justice is a goal I mustn't stray from.

"Wow. Sounds like he was amazing when he was young."

"Well, you can chalk all that up to Fuji-Nee. When kids are around immature adults, they try not to follow them too close. Now if you don't agree with me, cook your own damn meal for once."

"Wha...?!"

Fuji-Nee crumbles like a dry cookie. I thought she might drop and repent, but instead...

"You bring me to the brink of tears...!

Sakura dear, refill please."

Fuji-Nee asks for a third bowl.

Relaxing after dinner, it's almost nine o'clock. Since I still have time, I should walk Sakura home. But, I know Shinji wouldn't like that. But with what's happening in the city, I'm more worried about Sakura walking home alone and something bad happening to her than Shinji being angry.

As we head to her house, the sun drops lower in the sky.

"Thanks again for walking me home."

"No problem, Sakura."

"Senpai, I need to ask you something... are you planning on quitting the archery club for good?"

"It's complicated. Think Shinji would blow a gasket If I did?"

"No, not at all. I think he finds it hard to deal with you. I'm confident he likes you more than other people. He just has a hard time expressing his emotions, so he's mean to the people he likes."

"That's quite the troublesome personality."

As soon as the sun went down and the sky became dark, we made It to our destination.

"Well then, thanks again for walking me home. Good night."

"Good night."

As Sakura went inside, I noticed someone was watching me through the window. The blinds were covering the window, so I couldn't see who It was. I also Noticed The Sound Of Insects In The Garden.

"Insects? But It's Winter."

As I Went To Get A Closer Look….

"Might you have some business with this house?"

A Voice Spooked Me. I looked around and in the darkness, a figure is standing. He's an old man I never met before. He might look old but he has sharp eyes and an ominous presence unfitting for his small body. Maybe it's just the difference in years, but this old guy has a dignity the puts pressure on me.

"What's wrong? Young one. Why don't you answer? If you won't answer, shall I decide for you?

Hmm...

Then you must be the suspicious stranger that Sakura spoke of. Can I assume that to be the case?"

Sakura...?

Is this man...

"Good grief...

But It is a request from my grand-daughter. I apologize, since I don't know you, but I must make you suffer a bit..."

A sudden chill ran up my spine. He may be old, but this man is terrifying.

"Just to be sure, wouldn't you rather submit yourself to the public authorities instead?"

The unfamiliar old man asks me such a serious question. There's no mistake. This is the first time I've met him, but he must be...

"Ah...

Wait, you got the wrong idea!

My name is Shirou Emiya. I'm a classmate of Shinji and a friend of Sakura...

With everything happening in town, I thought I walk her home to make sure she was safe."

"Oh, I see, well, In that case, thank you very much. It's nice to know my grandchildren have such good friends. We were just about to start dinner. Care to join us?"

"Thanks but no thanks, sir. I best better be off n..."

"Zouken."

"Huh?"

The old man said an unfamiliar word.

"Zouken Matou. Since you've named yourself, It would be rude of me not to do the same."

Zouken says so and walks towards the entrance. It seems like he doesn't care about me anymore.

...And then.

"Before you go, Is the Einzbern girl in good health these days?"

"Huh? Eniz... What's that?"

"Don't play the fool with me. It's only logical for the daughter of the Einzbern to call upon an Emiya. I'm asking about the quality of the vessel this time around."

"?"

Sakura...

Your grandpa is really hard to deal with. I guess It's true of what they say 'when you get old, the mind is the first thing to go'.

"...Hmph. It seems like you really don't know."

He looked shocked like he didn't get anything he wanted.

"Huh...

Sorry, I'm afraid I don't understand."

No, No...

Don't worry yourself over It. It was my misunderstanding. Then I will take my leave here, Shirou Emiya. I do hope you continue to get along with my grandchildren."

Until a year ago, I came countless times to this house. But I had no idea they lived with their grandfather. As soon as he went inside the house, the bug noises suddenly stopped. As I was on my way back home, a little girl dressed In purple winter clothes walks past me but suddenly says…

"If you don't summon your's soon... You are going to die, Big Brother."

Those words spooked me good and as I turned around, she was gone. I wasn't sure what's going on, so I just continued on home as nothing happened.

As I fell asleep, the first thing I saw was the fire. Every time, I get this same dream over and over, although it seems more like an old memory being licked clean by the color of flames. What I remembered was the fire, the sound of people screaming, and a black sun looming over my head. It almost seems like; I was in hell.

The next morning, I woke up and there was a blank card in my hand. I wondered why it was blank or why I have it, but it probably didn't matter. In the kitchen, Sakura and I were busy making breakfast and Fujimura was sitting in front of the TV.

"Ok. Sakura, grab a plate."

A second later, as If remembering something important, Sakura stops dead.

"Sakura, what's wrong?"

"…..."

There's no answer. She just blankly stares at my hand like she's still In a daze, then...

"Senpai…. what's that bruise on your hand?"

"Huh?"

She asked me a strange question but as I looked at my hand, I notice what she was talking about.

"Huh…? You're right, there Is a bruise. Maybe I hit my hand somewhere."

There's a big bruise on the back of my left hand. It's quite an impressive welt, and It looks like It came from some cut. Even on my hand, It looks bad. Perhaps Sakura's not feeling well as she's silent.

"Sorry, can you handle the rest? I'll go put something on It."

I let Sakura take care of the kitchen and head for the dojo. I didn't know If I did this during my sleep, but I must treat It. But I'm worried about Sakura, who looked awkward and downcast.

"I'll go ahead, then."

"Sakura, are you sure you're all right? You didn't eat much of the breakfast we made."

"It's all right to skip clubs now and then."

"You heard your faculty advisor."

"No, I'm fine. It's just a light headache, so you two shouldn't worry about It. I only look bad because you imagine It. I'm doing well today."

She says with a smile. But anyone can tell she's bluffing.

"Hey Senpai, can I ask you something? If possible, can you come straight back after school?"

"Uh… Yeah".

I hope she's ok. Just as I finished the dishes, I grabbed my stuff and headed off to school. As I make my way towards the gate, I felt like something was odd. Maybe It was just my imagination but I just couldn't shake this feeling. As I took a couple of steps from the gate...

"Hey, morning Emiya."

I bumped into a familiar Female student.

"What, you've not changed yet, Mitsuzuri? Homeroom Is about to start, So you shouldn't have time to say hello."

"Ahahaha! As cold as always, Emiya!"

This person laughing is Ayako Mitsuzuri. She was my classmate in first year, and she now the captain of the archery club. She's very insightful. Everyone expected her to be captain since the first year. Despite her age, she's mentally older so, To everyone, she's kind of the older sister type.

"...By the way, how's the club going?"

"Well, that's odd. When it comes to a topic of the club, you always shut down. To be honest, not good."

"Eh...?

Mitsuzuri sighs seriously. She rarely makes a face like this, but now that she said that, I can't ignore it.

"Yesterday, one of the first-year boys quit. Seems Shinji made fun of the kid after he just picked up a bow for the first time."

"What? And you just let that slide?"

"As if I would! But I'm busy with club captain stuff so, what was I suppose to do?"

"Well, that's true.

...What was he thinking? He may be a strict teacher, but It's not like him to do something like this. Do you know why he did that?"

"From what I heard, Tohsaka shot him down hard."

"Tohsaka?"

"Yeah, miss perfect in class 2-A. Rin Tohsaka."

"She has a nickname like that?"

This is the first time I've heard of that nickname, but I'd probably agree with it. With her involved, I get even Shinji would get turned down, and most of all...

If it was Tohsaska, I can see her being merciless to the poor guy.

"Yeah. Because of that, I've been in the dojo the whole time just to make sure nothing goes wrong."

"Shinji does have a bad temper...

I guess things will be tough for a while. Good luck."

"Sure, sure. But Shinji never learns, you know. If he calls out Tohsaka again and gets rejected once more, he might lay a hand on her."

"Even Shinji wouldn't go that far..."

"But It would happen, right? You don't know since you quit the club, but Tohsaka often comes by and watch us practice."

That's oddly suspicious...

Rin Tohsaka doesn't do any club activities. Since she also didn't join the student council, I thought she just went straight home.

"Oh! I need to get going! Bye Emiya!"

Mitsuzuri hurries off. She always sees everything through to the end. Feeling calmer now, I head for class.

After class, it's lunchtime. Our school's cafeteria is splendid and most students eat there. But some old-fashioned students bring their lunches. two of them being me and Issei in front of me. As we eat, he shared with me a chilling rumor.

"Oh, by the way, Emiya. Did you know something was going on around 2nd Avenue? It's right around the Intersection where we part."

"Intersection...?"

The Intersection this morning...

He must mean that clamor with all the police cars.

"I heard there was a murder. I don't know the details, but of the family of four, only the child survived. They say the older sister and the parents were stabbed to death. But what's strange is that they think the weapon was a long one, not like a knife or something."

"――――――――"

A long weapon? He must mean something like a sword. It was a murder...

So that must mean the sister and the parents were killed. I picture It, someone barges In during the night. Unjust violence. One-sided pillage like an accident. Slashed parents. The sister was killed without even knowing what's going on. To the side, the child covered In their blood.

"Issei, have they caught the murderer?"

"It doesn't seem like It. Accidents from faulty construction In Shinto, and murder here. It's no wonder they're making the curfew here at school ears... What's wrong, Emiya? Did you choke on something?"

"Hm? Nothing, what's wrong?"

"No... I was just surprised since you had a nasty expression. Sorry, this wasn't something I should have talked about during lunch."

School finally ends, but I was still worried about Sakura, who hasn't been acting right since breakfast. I hope she's ok. I went to her class to see If she was there but only to find that It was empty. When I turned around Shinji was right behind me.

"Oh, you're still here, Emiya? My my, a first-year classroom. What can you be up to?"

"Shinji? What are you doing here? I thought clubs were canceled."

"Clubs or not, I keep myself busy with a variety of other activities. If you want, I could..."

"Don't be such a pain to Mittsuzuri."

"Watch your tone. An outsider has no right to say that."

He says like I said something that annoyed him.

"I just remembered something that I need your help with."

"Ok."

"I need you to handle a stupid cleaning task for the stupid archery club."

"Well, I don't mind, but Isn't that your assignment?"

"Didn't you hear me? I got more important things to do. So I can count on you, right?"

"Sure. Happy to help."

"Fine. Then go do It, Mr. Nice Guy."

It took a while since the Place was big, but, the cleaning ended easily for someone who knows the place well. I picked up a bow thinking It might be okay to shoot just once, but since It wasn't mine, I decided not to. If I ever want to, I can just bring my bow and come here.

"...But there are so many more carbon bows now. There was only one when I was In my first year."

Carbon-based bows are good, unlike what a waste. You can change a wooden bow a lot more. Well, I guess that's personal taste right there. When I look at the clock, It's way past curfew. It's a little after seven o'clock. The gates should be closed by now, so there's no reason to rush now.

…But still.

Was this dojo always this dirty? There are loads of places that look unkempt.

"…Well, another hour or two won't matter now that I've done this much."

I've started this, so I'll finish the job. The winds are blowing. It's so cold, my cheeks are getting numb. My breath hangs around like a white cloud. I wrap up my body to hold off the cold.

"It's so dark, I should probably head Home Now.

It seems this place Is filled only with a chill, as It's all silent. But just now…

I think I hear something. It sounded like metal clanking which means someone Is fighting with weapons so I went out to see what was going on, and that's when I saw them.

"What the hell..."

Two Men were Fighting, One In Red And The Other In Blue. They were fighting with inhuman strength and intending to kill each other. It shocked me to my core, so I knew I had to get away from here but as I took a deep breath...

"Who's there!?"

The guy in blue stares at me, who's hiding. The blue guy knows where I am. Just knowing that tells me that I'm his target now.

"Ahhh…!"

My legs start running automatically. I finally realize that it is an action to escape death, and I put all the energy in my body into running away. Before I knew it, I was in the school building. I turned around to see if anyone was behind me but there wasn't. I think might have lost them but just when I thought that...

"Well kid, game over"

By the time I turned around, the man's Lance had pierced my heart. I was struggling to breathe; it was like his weapon had destroyed my heart. Am I going to die?

"Sorry kid. You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time so you have to die. You know the saying; dead men tell no tales. Damn, you make me do some messed up shit. Not fitting for a Hero. No, I'm not bitching, I saw the girl's servant so I'll be a good boy and come back."

And at an instant all was black. My sight was gone and I could barely hear a thing. But as quick as that; I got my strength back and I got back up. I checked the wound and it seems to have healed. There was so much blood everywhere so I grabbed a mop and a bucket and cleaned until it was spotless and went home.

I finally got back. After everything that happened, I'll be having nightmares for a while. I still feel sick from the injury but the fact is I would have been dead if that person didn't save me.

"…!?"

The bells on the roof rang. They were put there as a boundary field to alert me if a stranger enters the house. I looked around for a weapon to use. But all that there were was the posters fuji-nee left behind so I made do with these.

"Trace on"

With those words, I channel magical energy into the poster. Turning it into a sturdy weapon to protect me with. I stayed alert for the intruder, but then out of nowhere...

"Man, you are tough to kill."

He descends from the ceiling about to kill me but he missed. I stayed feet away from him ready to defend myself.

"Hhmm. I think I know how you survived my attack before, it's faint but I'm sensing mana. So get ready cause I'll make sure you stay dead."

After those words, we fought like my life depends on it because it does. Trashing the house and ending up in the shed.

"Sorry kid end of the line. Although it could be possible that you were the seventh."

Is this it? I'm really going to die? No way, not when I just got a second chance at life. There is still something that I must do. So I can't die here, not by a bastard like him. No matter What It Cost Me.

At that moment a blinding flash of light appeared at my left, and another in my deck, and out from the first light a figure appeared.

"The seventh servant is here?!"

In an instant, a blond girl in silver armor appeared and repealed the spearman. I also looked in my deck and see the black card from this morning was glowing until an image appeared and its name was shown. It was 'Number 39: Utopia' but what does that mean?

"Are you the one who summoned me?"

I looked up to her as she asked me that.

"Tell me, are you worthy to be my master?"

At that moment I realized that my life had turned upside down but, for the better or the worst?