Chapter 27 : Abduction

Dawn broke.

In the end, I couldn't sleep, and Saber remained lying on the floor.

Well, I can recover quite a bit if I lie down and close my eyes, so I should be able to last for the short duration of the Holy Grail War. The problem is Saber.

It wouldn't be strange if Medea had noticed the problem with the Command Spell when she examined Emiya yesterday. If that's the case, then Medea was purposely keeping quiet. In other words, Medea considers Saber to be a danger.

This means that the media is happy with Saber's current situation. In other words, there is a possibility that they will continue to ignore her.

Well, if you consider the overall strategy, it's not an impossible move. It doesn't violate the terms of the alliance he made with Emiya and the others. Of course, he thinks it would be disloyal, though.

But I want Saber to recover. It's not that I want all of the members to survive the Holy Grail War or anything like that, but I need her to recover.

Berserker, whom I came into contact with last night, is dangerous. I can't imagine fighting without Saber, or even with even a slight reduction in our fighting power. If Medea doesn't understand that, I have to somehow convince her.

"Caster, are you awake?"

"yes"

I check the reply before opening the sliding door. For now, I'll just ask directly.

"About Saber, have you thought of any way to help her recover?"

"Several. But they all have their problems."

The answer I got back was something I could call constructive. It seemed that the media had also decided that taking measures against Berserker was a priority. There seemed to be no need to say anything unnecessary.

"I see. Please explain in order."

First, I decided to check how the media had thought of it.

"The first method is to impart magical power from myself, Rin-sama, or Archer. This is the method I used as a temporary measure last night. It is a type of gem magic, and by having the other person drink a gem that has been filled with magical power, you can restore their strength."

"...I was thinking about it yesterday too, but is it really that special? It seems like a method that anyone could come up with."

"The method itself is simple, but a special treatment must be applied to the gemstone to allow it to absorb the other person's magical power. It seems that this method has been lost in this day and age."

I see, it's something like an organ transplant. ...This is actually hard to understand.

Anyway, I found the method, but from what I saw yesterday, it didn't seem very efficient.

"Sharing magical power with your allies means that the overall magical power of the team doesn't change, right? That's pointless."

"Not only is it pointless, it's actually a disadvantage. A small amount is consumed during the treatment, and decay occurs between the human body and the gem."

"Rejected. But while we still have the means, it might be a good idea to stock up on them for emergencies. I'll ask Tohsaka. Well, she might do it without even being told."

He may seem stupid, but he's actually shrewd. On the other hand, he may seem reliable, but he makes mistakes.

"By the way, why weren't my name and Emiya's names on the list of those bestowing magical power?"

Regardless of Emiya, it won't be a problem for me no matter how much magical power I lose.

"Hachiman-sama, is it possible to infuse magic into jewels?"

"...I see. So, what's next?"

"Soul eater."

"It's not permitted. In fact, Saber would probably refuse it."

"That's right. What about the spirit-sucking barrier you put up around the town before?"

"Well, if it's that much... No, it's no good. If we focus on efficiency, eventually someone will collapse."

"We could also use the spiritual connections we have at Soubu High School."

"That wouldn't be very efficient either, I'm sure. Besides, I don't want to get close to the school personally... Well, I'll consider it as an option. Is that all?"

"Another possibility is that sexual intercourse replenishes magical power."

……………………

"Sorry. I heard it but it didn't reach my heart. Please say it again."

"It's the replenishment of magical power through sexual intercourse. Specifically, sex. "I get it, that's fine.""

Apparently I hadn't misheard.

Well, isn't it? If you think about it, magic and the occult are things that come along with that sort of thing. So it's not surprising that it showed up, right?

"... Just to be safe, can I ask about the reasoning behind it?"

"Originally, sexual intercourse includes the meaning of 'sharing vitality.' By treating this as a magical ritual, it becomes possible to transfer other people's magical powers."

"It doesn't seem any different from the first gem, but what about efficiency?"

"That's very good. Whereas gem magic is merely a temporary measure, this is ritual magic that was designed for that purpose from the beginning. Even though it is imperfect, if we use the connection of the Command Spells, it won't end up being a simple transfer, but rather we may be able to amplify each other's powers."

What a bunch of good things.

…If I use the bond of the Command Spells, then that role must be Emiya's. I'll stab him two or three times. He's not going to die anyway. …The bond of the Command Spells, huh…

"...I'm sorry, okay?"

"Bababababa! Bebe, you're not even thinking about that, you know that!?"

"Too thick. It's gross."

I was looked at with disdain. No, it was a misunderstanding, right? Seriously.

"Anyway, if it's agreed upon by the two people involved then it's a viable option. I'll talk to Emiya and the others about it. But with the methods I just mentioned, none of them will provide a fundamental cure in the end, right? Can't you do something about that?"

"We can't really say anything until we investigate the cause of the problem… I did think about creating a pseudo-link though."

"what kind?"

"I will transplant the magical circuits of my master, Shirou-sama, into Saber. Then, by temporarily connecting the path and solidifying the magical pathway during that time, I can use it in place of the link of the Command Spell."

"...That seems like the best option at the moment. How long will it take?"

"Not bad. Shorter than a normal, medical operation, I guess."

"Yes, it's decided. Let's talk to Emiya and the others first."

I stood up and left the room.

"Oh, Hikigaya-kun. Have you seen Emiya-kun?"

As I was walking around looking for someone, Tohsaka called out to me.

"No. Did something happen?"

"I wanted to talk to you about Saber, but you were nowhere to be seen."

"I see. I also had some ideas in mind, so I wanted to hear your opinions."

"Is that so? Well then, let's go find Emiya-kun."

I split up with Tohsaka and walked around the house. But...

"He's not there... Are you listening?"

"Nothing... that's strange. Archer!"

Tohsaka shouted towards the ceiling, and the Red Knight immediately appeared.

"something?"

"Have you seen Emiya-kun? I can't see him."

"That kid left a while ago."

"Huh?! You left?! Why?! What were you doing?!"

"Well, I don't know what that immature person is thinking."

"You...!"

I know you're surprised, but calm down a bit, Tohsaka. You've got a face you can't show to other people.

Archer answered calmly, ignoring Tohsaka's overreaction, but somehow he didn't seem "business as usual"... Could it be because of their conversation last night?

"Hey, did you talk to Emiya about something?"

When I asked him, Archer meditated for a moment before answering.

"...It's nothing big. I was just explaining why Saber used the holy sword even though she knew she would be defeated."

...That, perhaps.

"...What's the reason?"

"To protect the boy."

I thought so.

"You! Of course it would be a shock to anyone if Saber said something like that in that state!"

I guess it's just as Tohsaka said.

Apparently, Emiya was originally against fighting, and one of the reasons for this was that he didn't want Saber, or any girl for that matter, to get hurt.

After being completely beaten to a pulp by Rider at school, he seems to have changed his mind and resolved to rely on Saber, but then this happens. Then Archer attacks him again, and he leaves in a state of confusion.

"I don't know. I was just answering the questions I was asked."

"You...!"

Still, it's probably not just my imagination that Archer seems so harsh towards Emiya.

"Hey, did Archer and Emiya not get along?"

"...It seems that way. I don't know why though."

I checked just to be sure and sure enough, it was.

I'd never seen them talking to each other like that before, but maybe they just ignored each other.

"Anyway, let's go and search for him. It's too dangerous to act alone in the current situation."

"That's true, but what about Saber? We can't leave her alone in that condition."

"...I have no choice, I'll leave Caster behind. There'll be nothing we can do if a battle breaks out. I'll search the area around this house, so Tohsaka, take Archer and look around the outside."

"Okay. If we can't find it, we'll come back in 30 minutes."

"Yeah. Archer, make sure you look for it okay?"

"...Hmph."

…Maybe I should revise my impression that I can separate emotions from actions. What's wrong with me, really?

Surprisingly, Emiya was found quite quickly.

It's a park (vacant lot?) close to the Emiya residence. If you imagine it as the place where Nobita and his friends hang out, it's pretty much the same.

Tohsaka and the others didn't seem to notice because they were going in the opposite direction, but that's fine. It's fine, but... I'm currently sneaking around in full swing.

There, Emiya was having a conversation with a white-haired girl.

It was the 10-year-old girl who accompanied Berserker that he had met last night. According to Emiya and the others, she called herself Illyasviel.

(Wh, why does Berserker have a Master...?!)

When I saw Emiya and tried to call out to him, I noticed Illyasviel hiding behind a wall, so I quickly hid and here we are now. I'd like to think that she didn't notice me, but...

I mean, why are those guys chatting normally?

Illyasviel should be the type of person who can kill someone without hesitation. Considering how easily she tried to eliminate Rider's Master, there's no doubt about that.

Rather than a murderous maniac, I think she's more of a cruel lolita type who can't tell right from wrong. In terms of trouble, they're both about the same.

Putting Emiya aside, why would someone like that be friendly with the enemy... No, on the contrary, maybe it's because that's the type of person he is? Come to think of it, Tohsaka said something about Berserker's master being obsessed with Emiya.

It is unclear what kind of connection she has with Emiya, but to Illyasviel, Emiya may not just be an enemy.

I'd really like to hear the contents of their conversation somehow...

"What if you come out without sneaking around?"

Suddenly a voice came over to me.

It seems he had found out after all. I had no choice but to leave.

"Yo."

"...Hikigaya?"

"Oh, zombies."

Emiya and Illyasviel both looked surprised. Even though Illyasviel had noticed that someone was there, she didn't seem to have identified me.

"Who's the zombie, you little brat? You're the one who noticed it."

"Of course. I sensed someone there even though I had put up a barrier to keep people out. Well, it wasn't a person, it was an undead."

"Don't go killing people without permission. This is still fresh, right? The only thing that's rotten is your eyes, you know?"

"Then why doesn't avoiding people work? You're not a magician, are you?"

"I don't know. Don't ask me."

I answered yes, but I had one thought in mind.

There are several types of barriers to keep people away, but the standard ones seem to work on people's subconscious and "somehow" keep them from getting close.

That would be a kind of mental interference, but because I was already under the influence of the media's hypnotic suggestions, I think the effect of avoiding people was countered.

Well, I don't know what the actual situation is, and to be honest I don't really care.

"Hikigaya, why are you here? Do you know Illya?"

Emiya said so nonchalantly. Why does this guy have such no sense of danger? The enemy is right in front of us.

From what I can see, he doesn't have Berserker with him. However, this is probably a sign of his confidence. Although, it is also the arrogance that is typical of magicians.

…If I could skillfully surprise him I might be able to defeat him here and there, but the risk is too high to try. It's dangerous after all.

"Just yesterday. You suddenly disappeared, so I came looking for you. Hey Emiya, use your command spell and call Saber."

"Don't be stupid! Do you know what state Saber is in?!"

"You're the idiot. If you call Berserker now, we'll both be defeated. We need to at least try to get the initiative or else we'll be in big trouble."

"Then it's fine. Illya doesn't fight in the daytime."

"Huh...? What are you talking about?"

Whatever you say, you're too carefree. This isn't just about being nice. Or are you a lolicon?

"The Holy Grail War takes place at night. Isn't that right?"

Yes, Illyasviel said jokingly.

"... Was there such a rule?"

"Yeah. Ilya said the same thing the other day."

The other day? So you've met before? That time, you were overlooked because it was "daytime," so you let your guard down.

So Emiya is being fooled by this innocence?

...No, I don't think it's right to say she's being deceived. Illyasviel's innocence is genuine. But innocence doesn't necessarily mean she's safe. In fact, the opposite is true.

It is because of their innocence that children are able to kill insects playfully.

The reason they kill insects is because there is no need to worry about retaliation.

So what if an innocent child were to obtain enormous, unreasonable power? That power could be directed at humans.

Besides, Emiya, when you hear rules you can't help but break them, that's what kids are like.

"But, Shirou?"

See?

"I came here to cheat a little today."

"picture……?"

Illyasviel stood in front of Emiya and I, who were standing side by side. Her crimson eyes seemed to shine bewitchingly.

"I'll show you to my castle. Oh, I don't want any zombies. You can sleep there."

The moment Illyasviel looked at me, my head suddenly felt heavy.

I've felt this way before. Hypnotic suggestion. Compared to the ones in the media, it seems a little clumsy, though.

"Huh? Why doesn't it work...?"

Illyasviel looks at me suspiciously.

Emiya had already lost consciousness and was standing there like a doll, but I was still conscious. It seemed he was wondering about that.

The reason why suggestion doesn't work on me is probably the same as why avoiding people doesn't work on me. But Illyasviel's suggestions are strong, even if they're not as strong as Medea's. It's only a matter of time. I have to do something about it now.

Suddenly, I looked behind Illyasviel.

"...!?"

"?"

He opened his eyes wide and Illyasviel turned away as well. The lethargy caused by the suggestion eased slightly.

Taking advantage of that opportunity, he mustered his strength and raised his left arm.

Push!

"Huh?!"

After making sure there was nothing behind her, Illyasviel turned towards me, only for "it" to hit her directly in the face.

"Cough! Cough, what is this?!"

Your body will instantly feel lighter.

Ignoring the coughing Illyasviel, he grabbed Emiya's arm and started running.

"Run, Emiya!"

"Hey, what was that just now?!"

"It's tear gas spray to ward off molesters!"

"What the hell do you do to a girl?!"

"What time is this for? Just run!"

The effect of tear gas only lasts for a few dozen seconds at most. In that time, I need to gain as much distance as possible. I don't have the time to argue with Emiya.

Naturally, Illyasviel did not remain silent either.

"Hey... no! Berserker!"

With a sound like shattering glass, a giant fell in front of me.

Apparently he was very angry, and used a Command Spell.

The vibrations of our landing made us feel as if our bodies were floating up. Almost by reflex, Emiya and I each took a sideways leap in opposite directions. Immediately afterwards, Berserker's gigantic palm smashed the spot where we had been standing.

"Get him! Don't kill him!"

Illyasviel's orders are fired. Too late! You nearly died!

As I was about to get up, Berserker grabbed me.

Maybe because I was ordered not to kill him, I didn't feel any pain, but he was held tightly and didn't budge. But surely it's weird to grab a human's torso!? And by the way, Berserker-san, your fingertips are digging into my "pucker" and it really annoys me!?

Berserker reached out to Emiya as well, but Emiya narrowly avoided it. However, that was also a fluke. He would surely be caught next time.

Berserker's hands closed in on Emiya, who had lost his balance. Just when it seemed he would finally be caught,

Kyudud!

Together with a sharp sound, the bullet of light pierced Berserker's arm. Emiya used the opportunity to slip out of range.

"That was…Archer, right?!"

Illyasviel glares at the direction the bullet came from. You're coming!

More light bullets came flying in succession, piercing Berserker one after the other.

(What!?)

The light bullets were probably the same ones that had come flying first. The first one had certainly damaged Berserker. However, all the attacks after that had no effect. Or rather, they didn't seem to reach Berserker. Berserker wasn't even defending himself.

"Huh?!"

The inaudible voices were mine and Illyasviel's.

Berserker moved.

One of the light bullets was headed towards Illyasviel, but Berserker blocked it.

It couldn't have been a stray bullet. Archer was aiming for the Master.

"...! I'm retreating, Berserker!"

Deciding that it was too dangerous to continue fighting, Illyasviel gave the order to retreat. Hmm, isn't this bad?

My vision becomes distorted.

"Hikigaya!"

Emiya's voice also seemed somehow unrealistic. This was probably what they called spatial teleportation.

My consciousness goes dark.

Dear Father and Mother.

Hikigaya Hachiman is 17 years old.

Up until now, I had never even been given the role of a tree character in school plays, but this time I have been given the important role of the Captive Princess.

...Who benefits from this?