[Simulation on.]

[In the darkness ripples bloomed, the sounds, touches, lights, and smells came one after another, dispelling the chaos of nothingness.]

[Concept of Flawless gradually formed into a tangible reality.]

[She felt the world, and the world felt her presence.]

[You came to her side, welcoming the arrival of this young life.]

Under the noon sun, Emiya Shirou, stepping on the wet soil, surveyed the scene. The dense green leaves turned the dazzling sunlight into mottled spots of light, gently dancing on his youthful face smeared with messy colors. The breeze carried the fragrance of the forest, the clear and sweet sounds of a nearby spring, and the crisp chorus of birdsong.

It was a beautiful and invigorating natural scene

'Is it really the time to enjoy the scenery?! Why was he suddenly transported to this strange forest in the blink of an eye?! Wasn't it stated that the simulation game would not transfer players between different worlds without their consent?'

'What in the world is this place?'

Emiya Shirou's blood pressure surged, and his breath became rapid. He suddenly longed to return to that pure white space and smash the damn virtual panel into pieces.

But, having said that, it was indeed very irresponsible of him to trust the "Mother Simulator" despite its suspicious atmosphere from the beginning to end.

After calming down a bit, Emiya Shirou rubbed his forehead, which was beginning to ache, and couldn't help but deeply reflect on his own recklessness.

...the lesson of the day.

It is highly impulsive to believe the words of strangers without careful judgment and caution before taking action.

"...Woo..."

Suddenly, a weak voice interrupted Emiya Shirou's self-reflection.

"...Woo... um..."

"...?"

What was that sound?

Listening attentively, he could hear a feeble, and utterly pure sound, as if a newborn animal cub had just entered the world.

Simultaneously, the wet and soft ground covered in weeds trembled slightly.

Emiya Shirou instinctively turned his gaze towards the grass beside him and was momentarily taken aback, his whole body freezing.

A small baby poked her pink-haired head out from the soft grass, peeping at him with a pair of beautiful eyes that shone like precious gems.

"...Woo...ah..."

The baby emitted a faint sound that gradually grew louder, while slowly and with great effort stretched her immature, slender arms towards Emiya Shirou.

What emotions did this little life, newly arrived in the world, feel upon seeing him?

Was it instinctive trust upon first sight or hopeful anticipation of gaining his trust?

Emiya Shirou couldn't comprehend it. Instead, his mind was in complete disarray, and he had lost all capacity for rational thought. Faced with the baby's innocent babbling and what seemed to be an exhausted state, Emiya Shirou could only rely on his body's instinct. He squatted down, extending his immature hands—arms that were not yet fully developed—and, at an excruciatingly slow pace, as if cradling a fragile porcelain that could shatter at any moment, he carefully held the baby in his arms.

"...Woo...ah..."

The baby rested her arms on the boy's chest, burying her little head between them, then gently bent her knees, seeking the most comfortable position.

Feeling the trembling and frail weight in his arms, Emiya Shirou's body grew increasingly rigid. Physically, he was seven years old, and mentally, he was only twelve. He had never fathomed that there could be such a fragile and delicate period in a human's life, akin to a slender flower that would wither at the slightest touch.

—What followed was an intense sense of bewilderment.

'Wait a minute! What's happening here?! Is something wrong?!'

He did promise the so-called "Mother Simulator" to take care of others, that's true. But, but, but—no one ever mentioned this kind of care to him!!!

There are limits to jokes, okay?! He's used to cooking and doing household chores by himself, but even he can't take care of a newborn baby!

And what about the child's parents?! How could such irresponsible parents abandon such an adorable child in this desolate forest?!

Just as Emiya Shirou's mind began to bombard him with thoughts as if a million wild horses were running rampant, the baby, who had settled in his arms, suddenly coughed lightly.

Then, as Emiya Shirou felt a wetness on his chest, an uncontrollable, indulgent crying burst forth.

"Wuuuuuuuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahtah..."

"What happened??"

Why did the baby suddenly start crying?!

Did he accidentally hurt her? Or is she uncomfortable in his arms? Or...is she simply hungry?

What does one do when a baby is hungry? She doesn't even seem to be weaned yet! Even if it were him, it would be impossible to prepare milk without any ingredients, right?!

Emiya Shirou, on the verge of collapsing, angrily roared within the depths of his heart.

'Simulator! Mother Simulator! Where are you?! Or someone else! Come out immediately and help me figure something out!'

Poor Emiya Shirou had never encountered such a situation in his life. Even though he appeared more composed and mature than his peers after learning some magic knowledge and common sense from his father, in the end, he was just a twelve-year-old boy.

Even adults would feel fear and panic when faced with something they've never experienced before. Suddenly encountering a newborn baby without any preparation, it's understandable that Emiya Shirou would feel completely lost.

Fortunately, that damned "Mother Simulator" wasn't so negligent as to leave him all alone. Just as Emiya Shirou was in a state of utter confusion due to his lack of knowledge and experience in caring for babies, the assistant's artificial voice resounded unexpectedly in the depths of his mind.

[The player's basic competence has been confirmed, and newcomer gift packs are being distributed.]

["Newborn Baby Care Encyclopedia," "Old Mommy Simulator Player Manual," "Duplicate Identity Instructions," and "Infant Care Gift Pack" have been added to the player's inventory.]

[Player's abnormal state is detected, the simulator will automatically provide explanatory items, and the knowledge will be integrated into the player's consciousness after ten seconds. Please prepare yourself mentally.]