Words Count: 4565

A/N: Sorry for the short delay. I just felt terrible for some reasons- like super out of it. No idea why.

Anyway, here's my usual spiel:

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How [Reinforcement] worked was actually quite simple.

It's basically the act of filling the gaps within an object- or in the majority of cases- a person's molecular structure with shaped Od, therefore reinforcing the physical shell of said person / object until the Mana was decomposed by the governing Gaia– Consciousness of the World, thus the common misconception that a Magus needed to constantly supply Mana to keep the Spell up and running was in fact a falsity.

Obviously, each object / person had a limit to how much Mana their molecular structure could safely hold up. Hence, when pumped to the absolute brims with too much Mana, the following reaction caused a… Violent break of the molecular bonds- weakening the 'Strong-Force' which in turn made the person / object fall apart at the seams.

It's a simple concept- a simple Spell all Magi must learn in order to embark on their journey. No one was an exception to this rule. Because of this, for centuries Magi had attempted and failed to improve [Reinforcement], not due to a lack of trying, mind you. For the longest time, it was thought to be impossible, until a certain... Queen came along- the then young Heiress of the famed and widely-celebrated Noble House Barthomeloi- and decided to prove everyone wrong.

That was the start of Lorelei's rise to a position of absolute Power and Authority.

But we're not here to talk about her, we're here to talk about the advanced version of the most basic Spell ever- [Strengthening], which Lorelei invented- a Spell that changed Magecraft as it was known forever. "[Strengthening] isn't really that different from its lesser counterpart. All the underlying principals are the same, essentially you're putting more Mana into something- only that something isn't an actual object. It can't be touched, seen, smelled or heard.

But it can be interacted with under the right circumstances. Does anyone have a guess as to what it is?" Having attended several of the Tower's classes, I confidently questioned like an experienced Mentor. "Raise your hand if you know what it is."

Both Shiro and Rin looked at me, and drawled with a deadpanned expression. ""We're not raising our hands. / I think that's unnecessary, Leo-senpai.""

Defeated, I shrunk into myself, muttering underneath my breath as I lashed at the dusts- imaginary though they might be- gathering near my feet. "The theatric is redundant, Leo. Just tell us already."

"Tsk!" Clicking my tongue, I turned to face another direction, refusing to look at them as I started to explain. "It is just math… Conceptual math to be precise. Turns out all those stuck-up mathematicians have a point when they say it is the language of the Universe–"

You know, if someone had told me decades ago that one day, I'd enjoy fucking math of all things, I'd call them insane and probably laugh in their faces. Well, I supposed nothing had truly changed. I still did not enjoy math in any capacity whatsoever, it's merely a necessity for me to learn and be good at math. "– Each of our body is made up of… Codes so to say. The same goes for the very Reality we're living in-"

Before I could finish my lecture, Shiro rudely cut in. "Leo- Leo-senpai? I'm afraid I don't quite understand. How can everything- How can the very Universe we inhabit possibly be quantified in numbers, equations and lines of coding? It just- it doesn't make much sense to me."

By the end, seeing the emotionless look on my face, her voice got lower and lower. If not for my Supernatural Senses, I wouldn't have been able to hear what she was saying through the constant clanking of blades just five feet away from us- the clashing of a certain Tigress and a small, blonde Lioness as they sparred to their heart's content.

On the sideline were the Uruk duo- Lancer and the Golden Queen- who were observing and in the rare occasions where Taiga did manage to break through 'King Arthur's' impossibly iron-tight defense and get a hit in- though I could tell the High King of Britain's still holding back a lot- they'd cheer loudly.

As for Artoria herself, she did not seem at all happy to know Gil was cheering for them, but she had- unfortunately- given me her words to at least try to get along with her 'mortal enemy'. "Well, Shiro… What do you think the Swirl is? What exactly is the 'Root of Existence' to you specifically?"

"… It's the Singularity where everything stemmed from?"

"Close, very close… But not quite." Slowly, I shook my head. "Though Existence itself did indeed stem from the Root, to think of it as just another Singularity is a gross-understatement. It contains all the Laws and Rules governing our Universe, including the very Law that both restricts and empowers Gaia and Alaya. To the Root, everything and everyone can be seen as combinations of: One and zero."

Sometimes, I couldn't help but think I was merely a brain in a jar, hooked to a simulation. I tried to ignore the nagging feeling as best I could since it's not I could do anything about it even if it's true. Shrugging the useless thought away, I refocused on the matter at hands. "It's like a computer. While we do have atoms and molecules, on a metaphysical level, we are all combinations of those two numbers. As such, it is possible for us to temporarily alter our Stats, like a hacker in a videogame."

Cracking my neck, I said dramatically. "That is the basis of [Strengthening]. By using Lorelei's improved [Structural Grasp]- or as that woman often calls it, [Administrator's Sight], we will be able to access our combinations and tweak our physical states any way we want. Like this–"

Paying close attention to the girls- like a particularly harsh teacher would the… Special kids in his class- I nodded approvingly when neither of them seemed to have a hard time comprehending my words. Then, I activated [Administrator's Sight], I started tweaking my combinations to increase my age. In but an instance, my form changed from a young man in his late-teens, to an older, middle-aged man. 'Goddamn, I'm a DILF.'

"Now, obviously, there are limitations to this. The first of which is the combinations. Despite what you might think, it is not easy to alter your Code. It's why you must be proficient- Nay a Master in math to use both [Administrator's Sight] and [Strengthening]. Math is the basis of every operating systems. Thankfully you're both good at it, else–"

"Wait, why is it called [Strengthening] when its effects are more in line with [Alteration]?" That was… A pretty decent question actually- a question I was more than willing to admit I had not a clue how to answer, and seeing no need nor reason to lie, I replied truthfully, pinching my chin. "No idea. But I believe Lorelei named the Spell that deliberately in order to mislead the Clock Tower's Magi. An upgraded version of [Reinforcement]- while rare- isn't something a lot of people will covet, but an improved and Reality-Bending [Alteration]?"

It's merely a guess, though knowing how that crazy woman operated, her severe obsessive-compulsive-disorder wouldn't have allowed her to name the Spell [Strengthening] if not for a specific reason. "… Does she even know you are teaching us her Spells? I would expect the Queen of the Clock Tower to have a policy on that."

"I did sign a Geas stating I won't teach her Spells to anyone, else all knowledge of them will be erased in my mind, but I've gotten her permission to teach you guys yesterday… Speaking of which, do remind me to draw up a Geas for you two." I said calmly, my mind wandering back to the phone-call I had with Lorelei. "How on Earth did you do that? Let alone the Queen herself, even us normal Magi hoard our knowledge and Spells more than cats do their own shits!"

"Well…" I started, beginning to reminisce of yesterday. I hadn't planned on teaching Shiro and Rin the improved Spells, seeing as they had new Skills to learn and just too much on their plates already, but the thoughts wouldn't leave me alone until I ended up asking Lorelei.

("I heard you've joined the Fifth War as an active participant… May I ask why you have chosen to refrain from informing me of such crucial development? I had to find out from a subordinate whom- personally- I don't even like." Listening to the clear resentment in her words, I coughed awkwardly- an attempt to hide my embarrassment. "I didn't think it was important. Our relationship varies between us being colleagues or boss/employee. I'm not going to tell you every event in my life."

The woman sighed, going silence like a disappointed parent, and I couldn't help but shudder. Whoever born to her- male or female- was going to have the toughest childhood ever. Press F to pay respect to them… And Wilson for having the fucking balls to play with Lorelei-fucking-Barthomeloi's feelings. Granted, it's not exactly his fault O'Connor could be a walking, talking and living Embodiment of Denseness.

Having grown admired and loved by all thanks to his special Constitution and Blessing/Curse, the guy's inability to differentiate acts of love and acts of kindness was just sad… "Look, I'm quite busy at the moments, I just wanted to call and check up–"

"Enough of your theatrics, don't make me laugh." Lorelei scoffed, a sneer likely painted over her lips as she drawled. "Speak Leonis, what is it that you want?"

Getting straight to the point, I began the negotiation. "I want to teach [Administrator's Sight] and [Strengthening] to two people."

"You understand Magecraft weakens the more practitioners it has, correct?"

"I know." Even though she could mot see me. I nodded regardless. In the future when video-call rose to prominence, people became a lot less observant, but right now the majority of the population- especially politicians could quite accurately guess someone's body language based on their voice alone. It's similar to how somebody could tell if you're smiling through the phone.

"Who are these two, if I may ask."

"Rin Tohsaka and another friend of mine." I answered truthfully.

"Let me guess, that friend is also a girl?" Aye, she got me there. "Honestly, you would have excelled even more if you aren't such a… What is the term? A horn-dog? Yes, if you aren't a horn-dog half the times, Leonis."

Translation: 'Stop thinking with your dick, Leonis!'

"I know how it sounds, and I'm not even going to bother denying it, but both of these girls are participants of the Fifth War. They're going to need all the helps they can get, which I intend to give them."

"Fine… Just those two, no one else. And I want something for it."

"State your terms." I immediately responded.

"I heard from a little birdie you have somehow gotten your hands on Google. I want your parts of the stocks… Let's say 20%? I think it's an appropriate price." Ah-Right, I forgot how much of a greedy bitch she could be. "10%. Google is projected to grow into a multi-billions dollar enterprise in the next decade or two. Perhaps more if my plans for it go well."

"15%… We're talking about my Spells here. To Magi, they're worth more than anything you have to offer, Leonis."

"13.5%, last offer. And I'll throw in another 5% from . It's already a multi-millions company with great future ahead and is expected to grow even further. What do you say, Lady Barthomeloi? Do we have ourselves a deal?" That was a lot of money… Like, it's not even a truck-load anymore. That amount could probably fill a house to the brim, but fuck it. It's barely a fraction of my total networth.

Wasting no time, Lorelei instantly agreed. "Done. Remember, teach those two and only those two, understood? Tell them that too, I'll be very crossed if some no-name schmucks pull out my inventions."

Rolling my eyes, I replied sarcastically. "Maybe I'll teach [Strengthening] to a homeless man for kicks and giggles. Who knows?"

"Leonis." Lorelei started threateningly. "Don't."

I hadn't thought it's possible to replicate the death-stares with our voices alone, but as silence descended and both of us stubbornly refused to speak, it became clear to me this conversation- which originally was supposed to have ended way sooner- was not going to end any time soon, not without my input at least…

Thus, "Well, it's been nice talking to you, but I've got to go."

"Very well, be vigilant. I doubt any participating Magi can go toe-to-toe with you, but their Servants will be quite dangerous in spite of your prowess. Don't die."

"Got it." I raised my glass as though she's sitting right in front of me instead of being a continent away, likely still busying herself with works- the fucking workaholic. And Alice dared say I was bad… "And Leonis?"

"Yes?" I replied, confusion audible in my tone.

"Think with your head, not the scrawny, tiny little thing you have in your pants."

'Pffftt! She got you there–' Angra started, but was swiftly silenced by a glare from me. "You know what, Vice-Director?"

"What?"

"I think you'll find it jaws-breakingly big. Hell, it's probably bigger than Wilson's, not that you would know since neither of us wants to put our tools in your dusty box."

"You disrespectful little shit–!"

With that comeback, I hurriedly cut off the call and giggled to myself like a madman. Lorelei's probably gonna want my hide once the Grail War ended, but in this moment, I could enjoy the small victory.)

Putting on a serious expression, I muttered, stressing. "I asked nicely. Like a normal person would."

"Somehow I doubt that." Rin might have become a bit less sassy since our first kiss the other night, but it's nice to know her skepticism was going strong as always. "Anyway, back to [Strengthening]. Besides the weakness I just mentioned, you also can't use it to do anything too… Extreme to your body. For example, I can quite effortlessly change my age by ten or even twenty years–"

The slight wrinkles on my skin gradually faded, my arms shortening by an inch or two and the bulging muscles on my back, shoulders and arms- which were straining my shirt- shrunk to make space for a smaller, leaner build. "– But anything more and Gaia will sense something's wrong. Take gender, it is theoretically possible for someone- for me to alter their gender with the Spell though it will put an extreme strain on both my Mana and health. Leonis Magnum is a male-

I am registered as such in the Akashic Records and unless I use drastic measures to change it to female- taking a sketchy potion somebody is offering or falling in a cursed spring- I'll forever be registered as a male.

Not even [Strengthening] can take that from me. Now, since it's not a permanent change, whatever you do, you must be careful lest the enhancements fade while you are in the midst of battle. Does anyone have a question? Rin, Shiro?" Both girls shook as I excitedly clapped. "Good! I'll now demonstrate every steps, you guys just have to follow my example, alright?"

Again, they bobbed their heads obediently.

"First's your eyes, pour Mana into them in this specific pattern–"

My skin lit up with cyan light- visible for both girls to observe, my pupils glimmering with an ominous shine in their depths.

Almost immediately, my vision… It just changed. Whereas I was seeing people and objects clearly before- down to the atoms even, if I concentrated- now they're but blurry outlines of one and zero- codes that constantly streamed back and forth, up and down- ever moving, shifting in perpetual motion.

"– [ᚨᛞᛗᛁᚾᛁᛋᛏᚱᚨᛏᛟᚱ'ᛋᛋᛁᚷᚺᛏ]."

Everything was a shade of grey, black and white as even colors themselves were mere codes. Believe it or not, I despised this Spell. I hated how… Disabled it made me feel. It's just so fucking confusing. While the Spell's referred to as 'Sight', it's most definitely not just sight. Scent, hearing, even the tingling sensation on my skin- absolutely everything was affected- muted. To call it discomforting was a gross-underestimation.

"It will be quite disorientating for a while after you use [Administrator's Sight] and it won't ever go away. You'll be dizzy and nauseous every time you activate the Spell, so better get used to it." Explaining, I cracked my neck and said. "Now you guys try. I'll walk you through each Spell separately. And do not alter the Aria. In fact, don't alter anything at all about the process. You mess up, you... Probably won't die- probably, but I sincerely doubt either of you will do well without your sight."

"We're not a crazy, suicidal idiot like you–" The tsundere started, then paused, eyes glancing thoughtfully at a certain Heroine and corrected. "– Well, I am not a suicidal and reckless idiot like you were. I'm not going to do something out of turn until I'm at the very least a Master at the Spells. Not sure about Shiro though."

The last part was whispered, though I could still hear it clearly, which meant Shiro could too and she showed it by throwing the tsundere the stink-eye. "Please, focus on the topic at hands, girls. It's quite the dangerous process, I don't want either of you hurt. Once you have gotten the [Administrator's Sight] down, the next part is pretty simple- it's similar to [Alteration]. You guys do know to use [Alteration] right?"

This time, not only Rin but Shiro also sent me the now oh-so familiar deadpanned look. "We get it already, you're some bigshot Lord in the Tower, but we aren't that clueless… [Alteration] is literally the most basic and well-known Spell ever besides [Reinforcement] and [Structural Grasp]!"

"Alright, alright–" I raised my hands in defeat. "– You two clearly are in a bad mood today, got it. Your turn, try the Spell out and please- I can not stress this enough- be careful. I think we will stop here for now. [Strengthening] can wait until after you two have grown more proficient at using [Administrator's Sight]."

I very much doubted they'd get it on the first try- even I hadn't managed to succeed at that- but the flow of Mana could potentially make them go blind if they're careless. About ten- maybe fifteen- minutes later, Rin was making good progress, while our Heroine of Justice- due to her inaptitude regarding Magecraft- was still struggling with the initial steps of the Spell. Worse, I could not help her. I had already done and taught everything I knew, now it's up to her to learn it.

I could only safeguard her in case something bad happened. "Rin, can you help Shiro? I'll go take a look at Artoria and Taiga. Holler if you need help, understood?"

Concentrated, the tsundere did not respond verbally, instead giving me a nod and once I was certain things were going well- well-ish in Shiro's case- I left, walking towards the raging battle behind us. The Tigress- embarrassed by the revealing outfit [Life-Fiber Infusion] put on her- still stubbornly refused to wear it. Not that I could blame her, that thing could barely be called an outfit.

It's not even a proper leotard, just a skimpy skirt and two stretched strings to cover her nipples.

On a screen, it looked quite good, but in practice? The clothes were offensive to the eyes. Still, "Although I know you dislike it, you won't get anywhere without Senketsu giving you a physical boost, Taiga-nee."

"Don't give it name, Leonis!" The Tigress shouted- face colored bright crimson.

Unfortunately, her brief lapse in attention was more than enough of an opening for Artoria to capitalize upon.

With a mighty heave, 'King Arthur' leaped forth, lifting her legendary Excalibur- Well, a wooden replica of it at least- and swung.

The attack- which frankly should have demolished the entire Facility, shattered every bone in Taiga's neck and simultaneously crushed her throat, plus vocal cords to a paste- stopped just in time to avoid killing the Tigress. "Do not be distracted in a clash of steels, Lady Fujimura! If you wish to join us in battle, I will not allow you to be distracted on the battlefield. Too many men and women have lost their lives for that same mistake!"

"Take it slow, Artoria. Taiga-nee's new to this, she will learn one way or another. And Taiga-nee… Just put Senketsu on please… A little indecency is worth less than your life."

"Are you sure you don't want to ogle your poor nee-chan?"

Hearing her words and seeing the over-exaggerated actions of hers- raising her hands protectively over her chest- I smiled coldly. "Artoria, please beat some senses into her."

"Wha- Wait–! NOOOOOO!"

In the first place, I never intended to turn Taiga into a field agent anyway. This training was merely so she could better protect herself. Speaking of which, where was Sakura? Usually she would stand nearby- always on the sideline to observe and thus was able to get glimpses into new Spells. Even though she wasn't interested in gaining power, she should still learn some things about Magecraft, no? I get that she disliked Magecraft on principals, but was it worth worrying everyone?

"Does anyone have an idea where Sakura might be?" I didn't know why, though I had this foreboding feeling just constantly tugging at my heartstrings- like something bad was going to happen and the worst part was: 'I don't know why!'

"Seriously, where the fuck is Sakura?!"

— [Fate: FS] —

"Thank you for accompanying me, Ms. Tohsaka." Illaoi said gently, hands clutching six to eight bags of groceries. The younger Tohsaka was the same, carrying three bags in each hand as they jogged and talked. "Don't sweat it, I like doing grocery anyway. It's… Calming, I suppose? Better than worrying about things I can't change- like nee-san's and senpai's involvement with this death-trap."

"… You really do care for them, don't you?" Illaoi laughed, her maid outfit shaking slightly due to her enormous breasts bouncing.

Together, the two women gathered quite a lot of attention from the passersby, sadly not all of it was positive. Some were glaring lecherously at them like they're little more than pieces of meat.

"And you're in love with Leo-senpai." Sakura said in response. Contrary to her expectations, the maid didn't even bother denying, asking. "Was I that obvious?"

"Kind of? You kept hovering over him and when nee-san and Leo-senpai are close, you tend to clench your fists." There was not a hint of hostility in the younger girl's tone, just calmness. "Have you tried making a move?"

"Have you?" Illaoi replied with a raised eyebrow. "The way you look at Ms. Emiya, you definitely have feelings for her."

"What's the point?"

Try as she might, bitterness still seeped into Sakura's tone as she quickened her steps. "Senpai is in love with Leo-senpai. She doesn't even swing that way."

"Same goes for me. I don't think Lord Magnum will ever see me in that light… To him, I'm just another servant, the person who cooks his meals, cleans his room and does his laundry, nothing more- nothing less. I'm not even useful as a combatant." Though the emotions conveyed in Illaoi's voice was of sadness and heartbreak, she couldn't help but laugh. "Look at us. Two people who're shit at romance, at least we get to witness the people we love get with others, right?"

They continued on the busy road, each having thoughts of their own. Despite the streams of people- talking, playing and overall just having a good time around them, they had never felt more alone. "Does it get better? Will it- this hurt less in the future?"

The younger Tohsaka questioned, her grip on the bags tightening ever-so slightly.

"Don't you already know the answer to that?"

Chewing on her lips, Sakura suddenly let out a choked sob. Thankfully she's able to restrain her feelings in time before she started bawling in the middle of the street. "I don't think I can do this anymore… I thought it'd be fine, that I'd be happy just being near her, watching her grow into the amazing person I know she is… But it hurts. Gods, it hurts so much. Every time she glances at Leo-senpai, I feel this tightening in my chest- like I'm gasping for air but while drowning and it–"

Taking a deep breath, the younger woman schooled her face in the same expressionless look she often wore prior to grandfather's– Nay, prior to Zouken's demise. She thought it'd help, yet all it did was bottle up her emotions, internalizing it- like a cancer, the sensation kept on growing more and more and more, every day, every hour, every minute and second it- Sakura got closer to the breaking-point… And she was infinitely close, she could tell.

"I don't want to feel this anymore."

Illaoi, seeing the pit of self-pity and sadness the girl was falling into, wanted to help but how could she when she too was dealing with the pain of heartbreak? Where'd she even begin? Hence, she remained silent, listening- giving the younger Tohsaka a place of solace nobody ever offered her.

"I was a slave- still am actually. I just changed ownership to Milord's. He saved me, you know? My old Master was a sociopath who loved to torture his slaves both physically and mentally. I still have the marks of his abuse on my body… Sometimes I wonder if that's the reason Lord Magnum refuses to see me as a possible romantic partner. Because I'm used and tainted."

"For what it's worth, I don't think he cares, Illaoi-nee-san." Finally, Sakura understood the odd kinship she felt towards the older maid. They're both victims of others and their twisted minds- both had been subjected to horrors that shouldn't have befallen them. In a sense, she's more kin to Illaoi than she was Rin. Her nee-san- bless her heart- was a good and kind sister. Always had and always would be, but there were things about Sakura even she didn't understand-

There were nights when she woke up sweating, gasping for air, ready to arm herself for fear of Zouken coming back from the death.

She could tell Illaoi had had those too.

Perhaps that's why they both clung to their saviors so tightly, because Shiro's as much Sakura's anchor to Reality as Leo was to Illaoi. "Hey… After this, do you want to get a drink, Illaoi-nee-san? It will be just the two of us drinking our sorrows away."

"I'd be honored to." The maid answered, and that was the end of that.

Together, they walked aimlessly in no particular direction. They simply wanted to stay out, breath in some fresh air and think… For once, it felt like the weights on their chests had been dropped and they desperately wanted- needed this.

Sadly, good things never lasted.

Neither of the women knew it at the time, but someone- something was already stalking them.