This is pre-Route Shirou like before the Fifth Holy Grail War started.

I walked into my workshop, exhausted after another long training of Magecraft. As I flicked on the light, my eyes were drawn to a mysterious package sitting on my workbench, along with a folded note. Curious, I picked up the note and began to read.

Dear Shirou Emiya,

You may not know me, but I knew your late father, Kiritsugu. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Kiritsugu was an extraordinary man who always strived to do what was right and to protect the innocent. I know that he would be proud to see you following in his footsteps and working to become a Hero of Justice.

I have been watching your progress from afar, and I must say, I am impressed by your dedication and potential. However, I also know that the path you have chosen is not an easy one. That is why I have decided to offer you a gift - one that I believe will aid you in your Magecraft training and in your quest to become a Hero of Justice.

Inside this package is something that will help you improve your Magecraft. Always stay true to your ideals and never lose sight of what truly matters.

I have faith in you, Shirou. Your father would be proud.

Sincerely, Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg

I stared at the note in disbelief, my mind reeling. The name Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg sounded vaguely familiar, like a half-remembered dream. I knew he was a famous mage, but I couldn't recall why. And this well-known figure had known my father? It seemed surreal that he had now reached out to me, offering a gift to help me on my path.

With trembling hands, I carefully unwrapped the package, revealing a sleek, futuristic-looking helmet within. It was a World Connector, a revolutionary gaming device. The helmet was a deep, glossy black with neon blue accents running along its sides. The visor gleamed, promising to transport the wearer into a whole new reality.

As I picked up the World Connector, I could feel a strange energy emanating from it, piquing my curiosity. It was as if the device had been imbued with some sort of magical power. I turned it over in my hands, examining every detail. The more I looked at it, the more I realized that this was no ordinary gaming device.

Suddenly, a memory flashed through my mind. I recalled seeing an advertisement for the World Connector just a few weeks ago. It had been all the rage lately, promising the first true immersive virtual reality experience that would transport users to another world. The ad had featured stunning visuals of the game world, showcasing lush forests, towering castles, and fierce battles against mythical creatures.

The World Connector was part of a product launch alongside the highly anticipated Virtual Reality MMORPG, Ascension Online. It seemed like everyone in my age group was talking about it, as if it were the latest trend that no one wanted to miss out on. The idea of escaping reality and diving into a world of magic and adventure had captured the attention of people from all walks of life, not just hardcore gamers.

Now, as I held the World Connector in my hands, a sense of confusion began to creep in alongside my excitement. How could a virtual reality helmet and a game like Ascension Online possibly help with my Magecraft training? The first rule of Magecraft was to never reveal its existence to non-mages, so the idea of using a publicly available gaming device seemed counterintuitive. I couldn't help but wonder what Zelretch's true intentions were. Was there more to this gift than met the eye? I knew I would have to investigate further to uncover the truth behind this mysterious present and its potential connection to my Magecraft.

Clutching the World Connector and the note, I felt a renewed sense of determination wash over me. I would honor my father's memory and Zelretch's faith in me. I didn't know how a helmet and online game was supposed to help but if it was going to help me become a Hero of Justice I would try it.

~ O ~

I slowly opened my eyes, blinking against the bright sunlight streaming through the window. As my vision cleared, I realized I was lying in an unfamiliar bed, completely naked. Confusion and panic gripped me as I tried to recall how I had ended up in this situation.

My heart nearly stopped when I noticed the equally naked figure of a beautiful woman lying beside me. She had long, golden hair that cascaded over her shoulders and a face that looked like it had been sculpted by the gods themselves. Her body was toned and athletic, with curves in all the right places. I couldn't help but stare in awe, even as my mind raced with questions.

Who was this woman? How did I end up in bed with her? And why couldn't I remember anything about the events leading up to this moment? I had no idea what was going on, but I knew I needed answers fast.

As I lay there, trying to make sense of the situation, the woman beside me began to stir. Her eyes fluttered open, revealing a striking emerald green that seemed to pierce right through me. For a moment, we simply stared at each other, both equally confused and disoriented.

Suddenly, the woman's eyes widened in recognition. She bolted upright, grabbing me by the shoulders and shaking me violently. Her voice was filled with a mixture of anger, fear, and desperation as she screamed...

"Why do you have a Reality Marble, Shirou!?" The woman's voice was unfamiliar, but she seemed to know me. "Tell me how you got it! It is impossible for you, who is barely a novice in magecraft, to have achieved something so advanced. We are talking about a concept that I barely understand myself!"

"Stop!" I struggled to shout with my head whipping around. "I said stop! What's a Reality Marble? And who are you?"

"Don't play dumb with me, Shirou!" She screamed angrily. "If you don't tell me then consider our relationship over, and I will fire you!"

I ignored the pain of my neck being shook violently as I was very confused by this strange woman's words.

The first part of her accusation made no sense to me. I had only recently started learning about magecraft, and the concept of a "Reality Marble" was completely foreign to me. I couldn't understand why she was so worked up about something I had never heard of before.

The second, and most confusing, part was her rambling of several unfamiliar terms. I had no idea what she was referring to. Concepts like the "Mana Gathering stage," "godhood," and the "Age of Gods" were all new to me. I couldn't even begin to comprehend what she was talking about.

"Miss," I said while exerting pressure on her wrists. "I don't understand what you are saying. What's a Reality Marble? And what do you mean by all those other terms? Please, slowly explain to me what the problem is? And who are you?"

My words seemed to have some effect on the woman as she stopped swinging my head around and let go.

"Are you serious, Shirou? Did you hit your head or something?" The woman asked in a baffled tone. I only stared back in response. "Your sudden possession of a Reality Marble must be messing around with your memories. In fact…" Her eyes started to glow with glee. "Of course, your memories might be affected! Reaching the Soul Transformation stage and becoming a Demigod is the most dangerous step for humans pursing godhood…" Suddenly, I started to become very uncomfortable as the woman started to look at me as if she wanted to dissect me. "Tell me every last detail you remember up until I woke you up!"

I didn't know what was going on, but I decided to humor her. The next few minutes resulted in the woman's expression morphing from an avid listener to shifting look of fascination to disbelief. I didn't understand her reaction as what I described was that of my daily life.

I was about to ask what was wrong when I grabbed my head.

"What's happening, Shirou?!" The woman screamed as she caught me from hitting the ground.

"Argh," I groaned. It felt like my head was going to split. "I'm getting memories that don't feel like mine..."

"Hang in there!" The woman shouted as she disappeared from my sight and I started to puke. "I need to grab the anti-possession gear!"

Anti-possession gear? Did she think that someone was trying to possess me? That didn't make any sense to me. I had no idea what was happening, but the pain in my head was unbearable.

I growled as bile rose up my throat. I tried to suppress it, but all that did was make it worse. Bile erupted and I was forced down onto all four while I puked and grasped for air.

The door slammed open and the woman returned with several objects that I didn't recognise.

"Why am I the one serving you when you're my servant?" She grumbled as she put down the objects in her arms and started to set them up. "I'm slashing your pay for this week. Your employer shouldn't be doing things that I had hired you for."

I wanted to respond, but the onset of memories was so painful and disorganizing that was the last thing I worried about. My skull felt as if it was going to break open. I had never experienced anything like this before, and I had no idea what was happening to me.

"Hold on, Shirou. I need a couple more seconds before I can begin the ritual to banish the spirit trying to possess–"

The woman's words started to become fuzzy and my vision started to blur. I was about to respond when everything went black.

~ O ~

"Shirou, you had me panicking for a moment," said Arturia as I helped wash off the bile I had vomited all over her body. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay. The exorcism was a success." I lied as my body went on auto-pilot while I organized my thoughts.

The pain was no longer there, but my mind was a mess. I might not be able to recall every single piece of memory that had been transferred over to me while our souls had resonated, but I was able to understand most of it. These new memories that had caused me to black out were a different case. They might have mixed well with my mind, similar to how hydrogen and oxygen easily combined to form water, but fundamentally, they belonged to someone who was an entirely different person from me.

What Arturia believed to have "exorcised" in fact belonged to someone that might share the same name and appearance, but was an entirely different person from me. The memories I had recently received came from someone completely different. He had not gone through the same defining event that had created me: the Fuyuki Fire.

"Shirou!" Arturia shouted in alarm. "You're not supposed to wash that area like th–"

When I heard her moan out, I snapped out of my thoughts and blushed when I realized what part I had been washing. If someone was seeing or listening right now, they could easily misunderstand the situation. I tried to maintain a straight face and changed how I cleaned a certain part of Arturia.

"Get out! I will clean the rest of my body alone!" shouted a blushing Arturia as she snatched the shower head and cloth from my hands.

My body, still on auto-pilot, demanded that I should apologize and clean her naked body in the correct way, but I suppressed that urge and enforced my will. I quickly nodded and rushed out of the bathroom.

I quickly left the bathroom and activated the lock's security program that ensured only Arturia could open the door before I started taking deep breaths.

Bringing up my hands, I inspected them, then looked down at my body. What I saw confirmed that this wasn't my body. It lacked the lean and solid muscle that I had developed through years of rigorous exercising. This body was too soft. It belonged to someone that had barely worked out.

"Trace On."

I detected multiple signs that joined the growing list of suspicions. The time to vocalize my personal incantation took twice as long. The mana flowing through my Magic Circuits took longer to gather at my hands. As I focused on my Magic Circuits, I realized how foolish and ignorant I had been all this time. I had been using my nerves as makeshift Magic Circuits, enduring excruciating pain and risking permanent damage, when I had 27 perfectly functioning Magic Circuits that I had never known about. The revelation was both shocking and humbling, making me question everything I thought I knew about my own abilities and potential as a mage.

As I delved deeper into my self-examination, I discovered something even more astonishing. In addition to my own 27 Magic Circuits, there was another set of 27 Magic Circuits that seemed to have merged with mine. These additional circuits likely belonged to the soul I had somehow resonated with during the incident. What struck me was the stark difference between the two sets of circuits. While my original 27 Magic Circuits felt like atrophied muscles, weak from years of neglect and misuse, the other set of 27 were strong and well-developed, like properly trained muscles. The contrast was a testament to the other soul's dedication and expertise in magecraft, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of envy and admiration for their skill.

What I discovered was the final nail in the coffin.

This body didn't belong to me.

I was also likely not in the world I had been born in and lived my entire life.

"Shirou, I finished. Help me get dressed," Arturia's voice echoed through the door I was leaning against.

"Sorry, Arturia but I can't help you get dressed right now!" I shouted as I recalled some of the memories of the soul I had merged with.

I needed time to process everything that had happened and figure out my next steps. The memories from the other soul were still fresh in my mind, and I couldn't ignore the implications of what I had discovered.

"What do you mean you can't help me get dressed?" Arturia's voice was filled with confusion and a hint of annoyance. "Shirou, this isn't the time for games. We have a lot to discuss about what just happened."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. "I understand, Arturia, but I need a moment to myself. Please, just give me a few minutes to gather my thoughts."

There was a pause, and then Arturia's voice softened. "Alright, Shirou. I'll give you some time. But we can't avoid this conversation forever. Whatever is going on with you, we need to face it together."

I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "I know. I promise we'll talk soon. I just need to sort some things out first."

With that, I pushed myself away from the door and began to pace the room, my mind whirling with the implications of my newfound knowledge. I had to come to terms with the fact that I was no longer in the world I knew, and that the memories and experiences of another soul had become a part of me.

As I walked, I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror and stopped short. The reflection staring back at me was both familiar and foreign. It was my face, but not quite the one I was used to seeing. The differences were subtle, but they were there - a slightly different haircut, a softer jawline, and eyes that held a different kind of determination.

I reached out and touched the mirror, as if trying to confirm that the reflection was real.

As I stared at my reflection, I couldn't help but be amazed by how realistic everything seemed. The memories I had gained from the soul I merged with felt so vivid and genuine, as if I had truly lived through those experiences myself. Even Arturia's behavior and reactions to me were incredibly lifelike, making it hard to believe that this was all just a virtual world.

A sudden realization struck me. The World Connector and Ascension Online - could they be responsible for this incredible level of realism? The timing of Zelretch's gift and my sudden immersion in this stunningly detailed world seemed too coincidental to ignore. Perhaps the helmet and the game were more than just advanced entertainment technology. What if they were designed to create a virtual reality indistinguishable from the real world, allowing players to experience alternate lives in a way never before possible?

The thought both excited and terrified me. If this virtual world was so realistic, then my actions here could have consequences that felt just as real as those in the physical world. I needed to find out more about Ascension Online and the true capabilities of the World Connector. The answers I sought might lie within the game itself, waiting for me to uncover them as I explored this amazingly lifelike virtual universe.

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard a very distinct, and strangely familiar, voice.

A tall, imposing figure burst into the room, his golden hair shimmering like the sun and his piercing green eyes filled with a fury that could strike fear into the hearts of even the bravest warriors. His chiseled features were contorted in anger as he stormed towards me, his regal bearing and powerful aura leaving no doubt that he was a man of great importance and authority.

Arturia quickly stepped between us, her arms outstretched as she tried to shield me from her brother's wrath. "Stop it right there!" she commanded, her voice firm and unyielding. "I've had enough of your meddling in my personal life. I am a grown woman, and I have the right to choose who I want to be with, without your constant interference."

The blond man's eyes narrowed as he glared at his sister. "You don't understand, Arturia. This man is not worthy of you. I've seen how he looks at you, and I won't allow him to take advantage of your kindness and innocence."

Arturia's eyes flashed with indignation. "How dare you! Shirou has been nothing but respectful and honorable towards me. It is you who has been scaring away every man who has ever shown an interest in me. I've heard the rumors, you know - whispers of brave suitors who mysteriously disappeared after crossing paths with you. Is it true? Have you actually gone so far as to kill those who dared to seek my affection?"

The room fell silent as the weight of Arturia's accusation hung in the air. Her brother's face remained impassive, but I could see a flicker of something in his eyes - guilt, perhaps, or a hint of remorse. In that moment, I realized the depths of his devotion to his sister, and the lengths he would go to protect her, even if it meant resorting to violence and murder.

As the tense standoff continued, I found myself caught in the middle of a complex web of emotions and loyalties. On one hand, I understood Arturia's desire for independence and her frustration with her brother's overbearing nature. She deserved the freedom to make her own choices and pursue her own happiness, without the constant interference of an overprotective sibling.

Yet, at the same time, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sympathy for the blond man. His actions, while extreme and misguided, seemed to stem from a deep-seated love for his sister and a genuine desire to keep her safe from harm. In a world where power and ambition often led to treachery and betrayal, perhaps his vigilance was not entirely unwarranted.

As I watched the two siblings face off, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills, I knew that I had to tread carefully. My next words could either diffuse the situation or escalate it further, and the last thing I wanted was to cause more strife between Arturia and her brother.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Arturia's shoulder. "Please, both of you, let's try to resolve this calmly," I said, my voice steady and even. "I understand your concerns," I added, turning to face the blond man, "but I assure you, my intentions towards your sister are pure. I care for her deeply, and I would never do anything to harm or disrespect her."

The blond man's eyes bore into mine, his gaze unwavering as he spoke. "I am Arthur Pendragon, and I challenge you, Shirou, to a duel. Until you prove yourself worthy of my sister's affection, I will not rest. I will hound you relentlessly, testing your strength and resolve at every turn." He took a step closer, his presence imposing and intimidating. "I have seen countless men seek Arturia's hand for their own selfish gains - political power, social status, and financial wealth. They cared nothing for her heart, only what she could offer them. But you, Shirou... you claim to be different. Prove it to me on the battlefield, and show me that your intentions are as pure as you say."

Arturia's eyes widened in shock at her brother's declaration. "Arthur, this is madness! You can't just challenge Shirou to a duel like this. It's not fair, and it's not right!"

But Arthur remained unmoved by his sister's protests. "It is the only way, Arturia. If he truly loves you, he will fight for you. And if he emerges victorious, I will know that his feelings are genuine and his strength is worthy of standing by your side."

As I stood there, caught between the two siblings, a nagging thought began to creep into my mind. The way Arturia and Arthur interacted, the depth of their emotions, and the complexity of their relationship - it all seemed too authentic, too genuine to be the product of mere computer programming and coding. Could it be possible that they were more than just non-player characters in a virtual reality game?

I scratched my head, trying to make sense of the situation. If this was indeed Ascension Online, then the level of realism was beyond anything I had ever experienced or even imagined. The NPCs I had encountered so far exhibited a level of autonomy and self-awareness that challenged my understanding of artificial intelligence. It was as if they had their own thoughts, feelings, and motivations, independent of any predetermined script or algorithm.

The more I pondered this possibility, the more unsettled I became. If Arturia and Arthur were not simply NPCs, then what were they? Were they somehow connected to real people in the outside world, their consciousnesses uploaded into the game? Or were they something else entirely, beings that existed solely within the confines of this virtual universe?

As these questions raced through my mind, I realized that I was treading on dangerous ground. The implications of a virtual reality so advanced that it blurred the lines between the real and the artificial were both thrilling and terrifying. If I was to navigate this new world successfully, I would need to keep an open mind and be prepared for the unexpected.

Suddenly, a glowing textbox appeared in my field of vision, interrupting my thoughts and drawing my attention to its contents. The message within read:

[New Quest: Defeat Arthur, protect your status as boyfriend?]
[Reward: Arturia's continued affection]
[Failure: Disappointing Arturia and potentially lowering your relationship from lovers to friends]

I blinked in surprise, taken aback by the sudden appearance of what seemed to be a game-like interface element. The quest description was clear and concise, outlining the stakes of the challenge before me. If I emerged victorious against Arthur, I would secure Arturia's affection and maintain our romantic relationship. However, if I were to fail, I risked not only disappointing her but also potentially damaging the bond we shared, relegating us to mere friends.

The presence of this textbox only further solidified my suspicions that I was indeed within the world of Ascension Online. The game-like mechanics and systems were becoming more apparent, intertwining with the incredibly realistic and emotionally charged interactions I had experienced thus far. It was a stark reminder that, despite the depth and complexity of this virtual universe, it was still ultimately governed by the rules and structures of a game.

As I contemplated the implications of this quest, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The idea that my actions and decisions within this world could have such tangible consequences on my relationships was both exhilarating and daunting. I knew that I would have to choose my path carefully, weighing the risks and rewards of each step I took.

Yet, as I pondered the quest alert, a nagging thought crept into my mind. If this truly was a game, as the interface elements suggested, should I really be investing so much emotional energy into these relationships and challenges? The quest seemed to confirm that, despite my earlier suspicions of being in another world, I was indeed within a virtual reality.

Before I could fully process this revelation, another textbox materialized before me, interrupting my introspection. The message read:

[Save current progress and log out?]
[Yes/No]

The sudden appearance of this new prompt caught me off guard, forcing me to confront the reality of my situation head-on. The option to save my progress and log out served as a stark reminder that, no matter how immersive and emotionally engaging this world might be, it was ultimately a construct, a digital realm separate from my true existence.

As I reached out to select the "Yes" option, the world around me began to dissolve, the vibrant colors and intricate details of Arturia's room fading away into a swirling vortex of pixels and light. I felt a strange sensation, as if my consciousness was being pulled from one reality to another, the boundaries between the virtual and the physical blurring and merging in a dizzying dance.

Moments later, I found myself back in my workshop, the familiar scent of oil and metal filling my nostrils as I blinked away the lingering disorientation. I reached up to remove the World Connector helmet, my mind still reeling from the incredible experience I had just undergone.

"It must have been a virtual reality," I muttered to myself, trying to make sense of the vivid memories and emotions that now swirled within me. "There's no way it could have been real."

But as I set the helmet aside and took a deep breath, I suddenly became aware of a strange sensation coursing through my body. It was a tingling, almost electric feeling, as if a current of energy was flowing just beneath my skin. My eyes widened in shock as I realized what it was - my Magic Circuits, active and thrumming with power.

This was not the temporary magic circuits I had created from my nerves, the ones that caused me such excruciating pain each time I used them. No, these were true Magic Circuits, 54 in total, divided into two sets of 27 that matched exactly with the ones I had discovered in Ascension Online.

I stared down at my hands, marveling at the newfound strength and potential that now resided within me. How was this possible? Had my experiences in the virtual world somehow carried over into reality, granting me access to the same magical abilities I had possessed within the game?

Before I could even begin to contemplate the implications of this revelation, a loud crash jolted me from my thoughts. The door to my workshop burst open, revealing a furious Taiga Fujimura, her eyes blazing with a mix of anger and confusion.

"Shirou!" Fuji-nee shouted, her voice echoing through the small space. "Why does your home have a Bounded Field? What have you been hiding from me all this time?" I froze, my mind racing as I tried to come up with an explanation. But Fuji-nee was relentless, her questions coming fast and furious as she advanced towards me. "Are you a mage, Shirou? Was Kiritsugu Emiya a mage too? I always knew there was something strange about him, but I never imagined..." She trailed off, her expression a mix of betrayal and disbelief.

I held up my hands, trying to placate her. "Fuji-nee, please, let me explain. It's not what you think."

Fuji-nee's eyes widened as she caught sight of the World Connector helmet resting on my head. Her anger momentarily forgotten, she pointed at the device, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Wait, is that the World Connector? Did you use it too, Shirou?"

I frowned, a nagging suspicion growing in the back of my mind. Could the World Connector be the cause of my current predicament? The sudden appearance of my active Magic Circuits, the vivid memories of Ascension Online that felt all too real - it all seemed to point back to the mysterious helmet that Zelretch had gifted me.

Before I could respond to Fuji-nee's question, a blinding flash of light filled the workshop, causing both of us to shield our eyes. As the glow subsided, a figure emerged from the center of the room, her golden hair and striking green eyes immediately recognizable to me. My jaw dropped as I realized Arturia was completely nude, her bare skin glistening in the workshop's light.

"Arturia?" I gasped, my eyes wide with disbelief, trying to avert my gaze from her naked form. "How... how are you here?"

Arturia looked around, her expression a mix of confusion and alarm. "Shirou? Where am I? What is this place?" She took a step forward, seemingly unaware of her state of undress. "One moment I was in my chambers, and the next..."

Fuji-nee stared at Arturia, her mouth agape. Then her eyes narrowed as she turned to me, her voice rising with anger and betrayal. "Shirou! Did you use magecraft to kidnap this poor girl? And why is she naked?! I can't believe you would do something so despicable! I thought you were an honest, hardworking young man who always helped others, not some perverted mage taking advantage of innocent girls! I feel so betrayed..."

I held up my hands, my face burning with embarrassment and panic. "No, Fuji-nee, it's not like that at all! I swear I didn't kidnap her or do anything inappropriate! Please, just let me explain..."

Suddenly, Arturia closed her eyes and concentrated. Mana swirled around her body, and in a flash of light, she was clothed in her outfit - a white button-up shirt, a blue skirt, and black stockings.

I watched in awe as Arturia effortlessly employed Projection magecraft, a high-level technique that allowed her to create physical objects from mana. The skill and precision required to project an entire outfit was staggering, and it spoke volumes about her mastery over the craft. The clothes she projected were incredibly realistic and detailed, far surpassing my own crude attempts at Projection. My projections could barely last a few minutes and were never as remotely complex as Arturia's...

Fuji-nee's eyes widened in shock. "What... what just happened? How did she do that?" She grabbed her hair and screamed, "Argh, I forgot... Yeah, magecraft! That was Projection magecraft, right, Shirou?"

Arturia opened her eyes and looked down at her newly projected clothes. "Forgive my earlier state of undress. I was caught off guard by the sudden transportation to this unfamiliar place." She turned to me, her expression serious. "Shirou, I believe we have much to discuss regarding our current situation."

As Arturia and Fuji-nee both looked at me demanding answers, I realized I had no idea how I was going to talk my way out of this impossible situation. The lines between the virtual world and reality had blurred beyond recognition, and I was utterly lost in the chaos.

What I didn't know was my situation was a drop of the bucket compared to the world that was about to go up in flames.

What do you guys think about what you read? Is it good, bad or meh? Any recommendations to improve? Please let me know.

Thank you for reading!