Words Count: 4633

A/N: Holy crap how fast time passes… It felt like it's just the other day when I started writing False Sovereignty and it's nearly ending. Not sure if I'll continue with the third installment right after or continue my other fics… What do you guys think?

Anyway, here's my usual spiel:

You can start reading up to Episode 48 of the Sequel – Fate: False Sovereignty in advanced. The Tier starts from as low as 1USD, check it out! (C'mon, you know you want to… I'm using Jedi mind trick on you)

P(a)(treon).com(/) LiamThePoor


After the fiesta with Illya, I practically had to beg and plead so Gil wouldn't hunt them- and by them, I meant Ishtar- down. Sadly, it would appear that upset her, and the Golden Queen was not afraid to show it at all. The instance we went back, she ignored me and just marched straight into her room… Yes, Gil-chan had been barricading herself inside since. I did try to talk it out, but she wouldn't listen. Oh-Well, knowing her, I doubted she could stay angry at me for long.

In the meantime, there was something I must do. I had wanted to keep them all to myself, yet tonight's event had shown me I should learn how to share. Not to sound like I was just using them, but Shiro, Rin and Taiga could be way more useful- I wouldn't have to lose sleep over what to assign them if they're more powerful- If they could withstand Servants' attacks and come out unscathed.

Skill Orbs were a nice addition to the Game, though it's not nearly as useful as some might think.

Yes, they could grant people the capability to use and wield otherworldly Techniques and Abilities, but that was it- the capability. It did not make you any better at utilizing the Skills you had gained, nor did it grant you talents which most people were in desperate need of. In layman terms, it's basically trying to do a handstand- technically, everybody could do it with the proper amount of training and at least decent control over their body,

But just because everyone was capable of doing it, did not mean it's any easier for your typical, average Joe and Jane Doe. It's one of the reasons why I had saved up about a dozen of these in preparation for 'rainy days', and I'd say battling Spirits of Heroes in a Death-Game for a corrupted Wish-Granting device nicely fit that description,

Hence after the 'little altercation' with Illya and her entourage, I had decided it's at last time to use them up. "Leonis, these are–?"

"They're [Skill Orbs], use one and you'll receive an ability for free. It could be anything ranging from a completely useless Skill like [Head-Pat] or [Massage]–" Juggling the Orbs in my palm, I smirked. "– Or something so… Unfathomably overpowered it might just break the Grail War."

Take our Heroine for example. I had attempted to teach her [Sword God Style] to little success. She knew the katas, she knew all the principals behind the Style itself, yet hers clearly lacked a sort of mystical element compared to mine. In fact, technique-wise, Shiro had long surpassed me, even the mindset she while practicing was better, much better and still she had not broken through the first Rank: Beginner.

If- and it's a big 'if'- Shiro managed to gain [Sword God Style] as a proper Skill like mine, her combat-prowess would rise dramatically and she wouldn't be as helpless against an enemy Servant. Hell, even if she only gained a Skill that'd allow her to fight at max-capacity without the risk of Mana-Exhaustion, it'd help us immensely… And I had twelve of these Skill Orbs. Split four ways; Shiro, Taiga, Rin and I each would get three randomized Skills.

"Really? Anything?"

I bobbed my head at Taiga's question. "Yup… So let's just pray the RNG Gods are favoring us on this fine day. Hell, might as well make those guys an Altar, maybe it will increase our odds of receiving good stuffs?"

"Nice joke, Leo." Taiga laughed awkwardly, while Rin just sent me a dirty glance which screamed unamused. In response, I gave the girls a serious look. "What joke? You think I'm joking? Illaoi, how ready are the fucking Altar and the offerings?!"

"Everything has been prepared, Milord." The maid replied with a exaggerated bow- she had been doing that a lot in recent times, I noticed- and clicked her fingers. From outside came my subordinates with tons of fruits and an entire turkey cooked to a beautiful golden-brown. "Set everything up the way I told you guys, but don't light the incenses. We have to do it for this to work."

"Are you serious?" The tsundere- twin-tails flipping around left and right- said in disbelief. I couldn't fault her, my behavior was completely insane, but this was an ancient Ritual dated all the way back to my past life- a Ritual I had paid in blood, sweats and a sea of tears to pry from my/his friend's mouth. Ironic wasn't it? I could barely remember the general shapes of the faces of my/his family,

Yet I could recall a stupid fucking ritualistic dance he used to get 5-Stars Servants while playing Grand Order perfectly.

"Deadly." I replied, uncharacteristically serious as I helped my minions- Ehem, I meant my lovely subordinates prepare the Altar. "Mister Lawrence should bring the clothes to us soon- approximately seven minutes, Milord. He said procuring the… Outfits had been rather difficult due to their questionable nature, but our agent has managed to locate them in an old antique shop."

"Good, tell him to move as quickly as possible. Time's of the essence." For this specific Ritual, it's said it should be performed at precisely two in the evening. Don't ask me why, I don't know. Ask the people who came up with it, all I knew was it was pretty effective from what little of his memory remained. "Clothes? What clothes?! What the Hell is going on, Leon?!"

Rin shouted in indignation, pausing only after I hushed her into silence.

"Shh! Don't be disrespectful. They can hear you, just keep quiet and follow my instructions." Looking confused as ever, the tsundere huffed and threw her hands up. "Fine! I guess we can indulge in your superstitions as long as there's no harm done… No harm no foul, right?"

"I still believe this is completely ridiculous." Artoria quipped in on the sideline, though she still helped in any way she could by setting up the table, putting on the plates,…etc. She was not good at it by any means, but as the saying went, 'It's not the gift that matters, the feelings and intentions of the person giving it away do.'

She might not be the best at it,

Hell, she's even visibly reluctant to help us,

But at least she's trying, I supposed? It's better than standing around and doing nothing. Yes Taiga, I was looking at you, woman. Either help us or beat it! Seeming to sense my gaze, the Tigress of Fuyuki smiled shyly and exited the room- a wise choice on her part. This ritualistic dance was quite embarrassing after all. "I've returned, Milord! And I bring with me clothes!"

The door to the once empty room smashed open as one of my subordinates entered- you guessed that right, it's Lawrence- and in his hands were two huge bags of clothes, each more colorful than the next. "Are those regalia? Just so we're clear, I am NOT putting that on me. In fact, keep them five feet away from me before I set those abominations on fire."

"Rin, you know the rules. It's too late to back out now."

"I'm not wearing that! Back me up everyone?" She glared, eyes burning holes in my head.

"I see, I see. So you need a little convincing." Cracking my neck and knuckles, I smiled lightly as she responded. "No amount of convincing will make me agree to wear that."

"Perhaps you're right–" I agreed, still plopping up the incenses. "– But I must warn you, I can be very persuasive when I want to."

Poor girl stood no chance, she just didn't know it yet. "Ha-Ha… I tell you, it won't work."

My smirk never wavered as I licked my lips, tongue lashing at my teeth to warm up and as my mouth cracked open to convince them, I could see a growing sense of horror taking over the tsundere's expression. "Rin–"

.

.

.

"… How'd he do that?!" Dressed in the regalia, the tsundere asked with widened eyes, shock and disbelief coloring her every actions and face. The Tigress had escaped before the time so she's safe, unfortunately Rin and Shiro had not been so lucky. Though the one who had it worst must be Sakura, since she was not an active combatant of our group, I hadn't invited her, but the poor young woman walked right as the Ritual started and was captured by me. "I told you, I can be very persuasive."

I shrugged nonchalantly, waving my hands to open a portal leading to my Skill Orbs stash. Obviously, out came the Orbs- reddish brown and shiny like the precious gems they were. "Alright, who wants to take their pick first? Rin, Shiro? And Sakura, can you please call Taiga here? She is to take three of these too."

Anxiety wracked my mind, but with a breath, I steeled my heart… There was no going back, not now. 'It's time to distribute the Orbs.'

The first to come near was Shiro, though Rin did look a tad hesitant. "It's not going to blow or something, right?"

Rolling my eyes, I pushed the pile towards her, stating. "Rin, I've tested these out- they're perfectly safe. You merely have to smash an Orb open and BOOM! New Superpower. There are literally no risks involved, no pains. Just instant gains. Now, are you taking them or can I have six new Superpowers?"

Hastily, the tsundere grabbed three and hugged the Orbs in her bosom protectively. Once they're done, I picked mine and left the rest for Taiga, "Who wants to go first?"

"It's your Orbs, I think you should, Leo-senpai." Shiro made a good argument. No point being a pussy now. "Alrighty."

Clenching the Orbs, I extended my hands towards the two girls and asked, "Mind blowing into them for the extra good luck?"

After getting that blow from both girls- God, that did not come out right- I smiled and flexed my biceps. In moments, the Orbs were crushed to fine dust particles- particles which magically floated and were absorbed into my spores. The sensation was… Odd to say the least. It's like I was suddenly being aware of new limbs- limbs which were once nothing more than a feeling- a metaphysical sensation loitering around the back of my mind.

It's like… Like that first time I truly felt Mana coursing through my Circuits.

[Skill Obtained: BGM(Semi-Active) – Lv: Null]

Everyone knows a great videogame is much more than just fun but ultimately pointless fighting, amazing storyline and well-designed levels. No, it's about the atmosphere and how well the moods are being set up! Such is the use of- drum please- MUSIC!

Are you a villain? Are you a Hero?! Have you grown tired of the cricket sounds every time you say or do something cool?! Say no more! We have the perfect thing you need! Introducing: Background Music! So you can feel every bit as badass as you probably think you are.

'You know what? I'm not even angry. This will be my own version of Spidey-Senses.'

I swiped the screen away to check on my two other Skills. The second was a [Rasengan]- Yes, it's Naruto's you weebs.

If this had been a decade ago, I might have been excited about the prospect of spinning an energy ball in my hands so fast it could grind through solid steels and practically every object I could find, but as it stood, it was pretty 'meh' for my taste. While I had incorporated hands-to-hands in my Style, it's not exactly a major part.

[Rasengan] itself required the user to be in an extremely close distance of their opponents to inflict noticeable damages unless I managed to upgrade it to [Rasen-Shuriken], and I already had plenty of those Skills- both close and long range. Plus, the training seemed to be a pain in the ass for a Skill which was unsuitable for my Style. 'Alright, it has been decent thus far. Here goes the third Skill... Please be good, please!Bless this lowly mortal RNG Gods!'

The muscles of my hands flexed again as I pleaded, and the Orb shattered in my palm. "Damn, that's pretty fucking cool."

[Skill Obtained: Precision Rune Tree(Semi-Active) – Lv: Null]

Belonging to a toxic game with an extremely toxic community, the Precision Rune Page is most often utilized by ADCs- Or Marksmen so to say. It's a powerful addition to your cause and there are many ways/paths to build a Page to your liking. Keep in mind, you can only alter your Rune Page once every twelve hours.

In an instance, the Game morphed to fit a Rune Page, similar to what I- Well, he used to play on his monitor until two to three in the morning. "Holy Shit… Holy Shit! This is fucking amazing!"

"What- What's wrong, Leo?"

Face desperately schooling itself in a calm stoicism, I couldn't help but let slip a tiny hint of excitement from bleeding through. This would change everything! League of Legends Rune Pages operated based purely on percentage, take [Lethal Tempo] for example, it increased your Attack Speed up to 60%-90%.

Can you even fathom how useful it'd be once fully stacked? It was a broken Primary Rune in-game, and now that it applied to real life, it had only become more overpowered, not less. "No, it's nothing."

I replied patiently, yet it's like my fingers had a mind of their own, incessantly trying to tap at the screen to select the Runes. "The Skill I just gained is essentially thirteen Skills combined together. But, I can only use four every twelve hours though."

"Is that good?" Shiro- ever the adorable girl she was- asked.

"I feel like I've said this one too many times today, but are you serious?!"

"Deathly." Winking, I immediately made to assign the Slots. For the Primary Rune, I chose [Lethal Tempo], it's either that or [Press the Attack] and I- or he disliked the latter, having mained Nocturne once upon a time.

[Conqueror] simply did not fit my style, while [Fleet Footwork]- despite being a decent Rune- was just too similar to [Godspeed], and thus far I had seen no reason to focus even more on my AGI. It only took me but a glance to choose [Presence of Mind] for the second Rune, since both [Overheal] and [Triumph] were unsuitable for me as a person.

I had no Healing-Type Spells, meaning the first could only be activated when I was either using potions or Healing-Items. Meanwhile, [Triumph] was just less effective than my two extra-lives, which might I remind you, could be refilled after a certain amount of time. Compared to that, the Rune was just a tad lackluster.

Yes, after nearly an entire decade living in the bizarre Universe known as the Nasuverse, I had never encountered a situation where I was caught lacking Mana, and if I was, it's never a fatal mistake, but considering all the Servants waiting to dismember and disembowel me on the horizon, having a Skill to help me conserve Mana besides [Energy Storage] sounded like a good idea.

Soon came the third Slot: [Legend], needless to say I picked [Tenacity]. I was fast enough that a bonus 18% Attack Speed wouldn't make too much of a difference, and while a 6% Life Steal from [Bloodline] did look amazing at first, it's only 6% at max stacks- not nearly enough to tempt me from the ability to recover quicker. Lastly, was the fourth Slot: Combat. This was the hardest to choose out of all the Runes,

[Coup de Grace] was best against Mages and squishies, [Cut Down] was basically a David vs. Goliath kind of deal, allowing me an easier time facing enemies whose VIT exceeded me. There was also [Last Stand], though it's mostly used by champions who had a large amount of Life Steal already in their kits such as Warwick, Olaf,…etc. Unfortunately, I couldn't just charge in the middle of combat recklessly and expect to come out of it safe-and-sound, unlike them,

Hence why I did not consider it an option.

It's simply not practical.

I explained to Rin and Shiro the two options, and both believed [Cut Down] would be best. "[Coup de Grace] sounds nice, but you'd be forced to target the Masters specifically… The only Servant squishy enough for the Rune to be effective is Caster and maybe Rider?"

"Shiro is right. Besides, there is Berserker to worry about. I know you said Illya will turn to our cause soon, but it's better to be prepared than not, right? After all, nobody has ever died for being overly cautious before." Oh-Let us spare her sweet, innocent soul. Still, Rin made a good point. I had plenty of things to deal with squishy Mages, a blade to the throat and it's done, but against a behemoth like Herakles?

Yeah… I did kind of need [Cut Down], didn't I? "Okay. So [Lethal Tempo], [Presence of Mind], [Tenacity] and [Cut Down]. Just give me a sec–"

Swiping at the screen, I changed the name of the Rune Page to, 'Leo's Slice'n'Dice Page.'

"– Alright, all set." Looking up at the girls, I smirked. "It's your turn now. Taiga can have hers when she returns."

"You don't want to try it out first, Leo-senpai?" Shrugging in response, I chuckled and said 'No'. He had played League of Legends for the majority of teens and up to his twenties before unaliving himself, these Runes had practically been carved into my mind by the most talented of sculptor. [Rasengan] was too destructive and unpredictable to use near the girls and in an enclosed space, while [BGM] was simple enough.

Grabbing her Orbs, Rin asked with a suspicious look. "From how you spoke of them, I get the feeling you've had these…"

"Skill Orbs." I helpfully added.

"Skill Orbs–" Rin repeated. "– For some time, so why didn't you give them to us sooner? You didn't think it might have helped for us to get accustomed with potentially new Abilities?"

"I wanted to keep them all to myself actually." I admitted casually, prickling at my nails. "You two seem shocked… Why?"

"We- Well, we just thought–"

"You thought I purposefully procured these to help you, is that correct?" They nodded shyly, faces all red as I popped, "Nope. I can give you a lot- money, resources, even my subordinates but not Skill Orbs, not unless I feel comfortable with my current prowess."

It might be surprising, but after battling two Servants in a row, I was confident I could put up a fight and defeat most of the Servants that had been summoned with the sole exception being that crazed mountain of muscles of Illya. "Not to sound arrogant, but I'm pretty much the most important person in our Faction. Half the personnel here are mine, most of the money and resources keeping us afloat are mine. This Castle is under my name and… Ehem. Sorry, didn't mean to brag."

Seeing the looks on their faces, I hastily corrected. "Point is, a lot of this operation is based around the idea of me being alive, and I'm confident I can save you guys if you're ever in danger so I planned to keep the Orbs for my own use. Fortunately, the Servants we have encountered thus far have yet to display any ability to hard-counter me,

But they're still dangerous for you guys so I want you to have the Orbs. It'll be more helpful in your hands than it will be in mine." Shiro and Rin looked embarrassed at that, yet I did not relent and kept going. "I'll keep it straight and honest, you guys are weak- pathetically so in fact… Sure, you have potential, but as it stands that's all it is- unrealized potential."

"You're being mean, Leo-senpai."

"But fair." I interrupted. "I- Well, I think after the War, I'll have to take a short trip outside our Universe, which is why I need you guys to be strong enough to protect yourself. Don't think of this as an insult, instead look at it like an… Observation? Yes, an observation. I am not going to be there to protect you forever, so I need to know you can handle any threat that might come your way after."

Shiro was contemplative, which was to be expected, yet Rin didn't react the way I had anticipated at all… Actually, that frustrated look and reddish complexion were expected, but not for the reason I thought. "You're leaving again? After abandoning us for YEARS?!"

"Really? That's what you focused on?" Chuckling, I reached out to pat her hair- it had always calmed her down, I saw no reason to suspect that'd change this time- I was wrong. Angrily, the tsundere slapped my hand away. "Obviously! What reasons do you possible have for going away this time? Why, just tell me why?!"

"Rin, I'm sure Leo-senpai has a reason to–"

"You shut up! You're blinded by your love for him, even when all he gives you are scraps!" Rin's eyes were brimming with unshed and frustrated tears as she hit my chest- it's more of a love-tap thanks to my Stats, yet I could feel all the anger she had put into it, and for an instance, I couldn't help thinking I had failed her… Yet, parts of me were angry too. Though I knew I hadn't been around much, it's not my fault.

It's not my fault the Magi of the Tower were comprised mostly of unreasonable assholes,

It's not my fault Lorelei decided to isolate me by quite literally burying in a mountain of works for her entertainment,

And it sure as shit wasn't my fault for planning to go off to another Universe- what else could I have done? What else could I do now?!

I had found no method which'd allow me to stay sane once I took on the Curses, the only way I'd be able to keep the World's Evils contained was to leave to an Universe where the Laws differed so much, the Curses would not be able to take over my mind.

Still, I tried to keep calm. "Rin, I am sorry you feel that way, believe it or not, I don't like this anymore than you do. But it's necessary."

"Then why can't you just tell us the truths instead of the vague, half-truth bullshits you keep spouting? Huh?!" Fists clenching, I 'tried' to keep the irritation off my face. Keyword, 'tried'. "Because you would blame or worry yourself to death and I don't want that for you. Because I want you to be happy instead of concerning yourself with things you can't possibly change. Now will you just open your Orbs? I am through with this conversation."

"G- Guys, let's both calm down?" Like a scared child watching her parents fight, Shiro tried to smooth things out to little success. "No, no… I am not doing it until you've explained yourself in details what you meant!"

"FINE!" Nostrils puffing up, I telekinetically grabbed the Orbs out of her hands and looked at Shiro. "Don't fucking use the Orbs then. You go second, Shiro."

"Uhmmm… I- I-" Stuttering, the Redhead looked at me, at Rin, at the Orbs she's holding and sweated nervously. "Just do it in the confines of your room. I have better things to do."

I stormed off to the door, cracking it open to find Sakura and Taiga pressing their ears against the thin piece of wood. "What are you two doing?"

"Uh… Eavesdropping?" The Tigress smiled awkwardly, offering me the tray of cupcakes and refreshments she was hiding behind her back. "Cup- Cupcake?"

I glared at the foods like they're mortal enemy as a shudder wracked my body. I must go- I knew not where, but anywhere was better than here and now- I must leave quickly before I could say anything I'd undoubtedly regret later. "I'll pass. Your portion of the Orbs are inside, use them."

With that said, I was about to storm off when a voice called out to me, "Don't walk away from this Leonis! You're telling me why you've been so standoffish ever since you returned!"

"Try and stop me." I replied, marching off for some peace and quiet… And Rin followed me. She followed all the way up to the roof where I just took a seat near the edge, refusing to say anything while she sat next to me. By this point we had both calmed down, our anger which's once a raging fire turning to smoldering ember. We did not speak, just stay in the presence of each other, watching the Stars above.

Without the severe air-pollution of the early 21st Century, the sight truly was to die for,

It's unfortunate the circumstances leading us here weren't romantic nor fun.

"Leo…"

"Yes?"

Arms slinging over her shins, Rin rested her chin on her knees and continued. "Do you resent me?"

Letting loose a tired sigh, I replied. "No… No I don't."

"Then why do I feel like you're always upset at me?" I didn't believe it's possible, but Rin seemed to shrink further into herself. "You've been back for a week at this point, and we barely even talk and even when we do, you just keep this air of professionalism like we are no more than strangers and it- it hurts. I just- I miss how things were between us."

"Things haven't changed. I did." Palming my face, I snuck my arm over her shoulders and pulled her closer. "Everything has been rather hectic these past few years, and sometimes what I need are peace and quiet, not banters."

Silence reigned once again, before it's broken by Rin. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound or look unappreciative. I know you've done a lot for me, I just want to do something for you in return, but it always feel like you're looking for an excuse to discourage me and it's frustrating. It's beyond frustrating in fact."

There were things I could have said- excuses I could have made, but ultimately I chose not to. "Just avoid nagging me, alright? I don't hate or resent you, and I am trying my best. It is just hard to express myself after being gone for so long. You and I are the same in many ways, yet it's undeniable we're different people than when we met."

Pausing, I licked my lips in search of the correct words. "I know I have been distant, but I just need time to get re-accustomed to… Well, everything. I've spent the better parts of the last seven years fighting for my life in both political and financial wars. It's hard not to see hostility and potential enemy everywhere I look."

"I'm sorry." She apologized.

Summoning the Orbs I had stored, I offered them to Rin. "Do you want to open these with me?"

"New Superpowers can wait." To my surprise, the tsundere slung her arms over my neck and leaned in. "Rin, what–?!"

It wasn't a kiss, more like a… Chaste peck on my lips. Compared to what Gil, Triss, Ciri and basically every other woman I had been with, it was pathetic- it didn't even make the top 20 Kisses of mine. Yet seeing the bright blush coloring her face, knowing the tsundere must have mustered all the courage in her to actually attempt this made the kiss all the more sweeter.

"Welcome home, Leo."

I smiled, pushing strands of hair falling over her eyes and responded. "It's good to be back, Rin."