The World of Unlimited Blades Chapter 16, a Fate/stay night + Anime X-overs Crossover fanfic

Hi! Lugal kug-ga here! I am a long time reader but a first time writer.

Imma say this now, I own nothing of the originals portrayed in this fic, I'm merely making an iteration.

And should you see some similarities with other fanfic Authors, it might be because I've…. copied it. Or took some parts of their works and incorporated it in mine. So, credits to them.

Enough of the boring A/N and onwards to the story.

I've committed to finishing this work, should it stop updating for a year, I've probably self deleted. So, sit back, enjoy, and review!

—Shirou Arifureta POV —

Shirou After walking down the stairs kept walking in the darkness, but With nature's blessing, it wasn't a problem. Despite feeling as if he had continuously searched for several tens of hours, yet the staircase leading down was still nowhere in sight. Along the way, he has defeated many magic beasts and collected many ores and it was gradually becoming an inconvenience to carry. Thus, Shirou decided to construct a base.

After finding a suitable spot, he placed his hand on the wall and began Altering it. There weren't any particular problems opening up a hole in the wall, and he went even deeper into the passage. Shirou continued to Alter the wall before forming a six tatami space. Then, taking out a bluish-white crystal the size of a basketball from his backpack, he attached it to a dent in the wall. What was taken out was the God Crystal. He also set up a projected container below it to collect the droplets of water.

"Well, then, time to eat."

Shirou took out the meat from the container (made with projection) in his backpack. Starting a fire then projecting a saucepan, he cooked it evenly. Today's menu included: Whole Roast Basilisk, Whole Roast Owl, which fires its feathers like a shotgun, and Whole Roast six-legged Cat. Still no seasoning. Sighing, he started to eat.

"Itadakimasu."

While eating, pain then began to gradually course through his body. That is to say, his body has been strengthened. If that was the case, it means that the magic beasts here possess strength equal or higher than that of the Talon Bear. But Shirou's true feelings were that, as long as he saw them first and a reinforced arrow was loose, everything would be shot to death.

Shirou continued to eat while ignoring the pain and drinking Sacred Water. The continuous pain had been alleviated as his body adapted, before disappearing altogether.

" Fu~u. I'm done. Now then, my status……"

While saying that, Shirou took out his status plate. Shirou's current status is……

Emiya Shirou(17) ?? Year oldMale

Class:Archer. Level:23

Strength:550Vitality:750

Resistance:550Agility:650

Magic Power:????Magic Resistance: 1700

Skills:

There was a substantial rise just as expected. Even the number of skills in the skills column increased by three. Looking around, he could certainly see a bit further into the surroundings as compared to before. It appears to be the effects of 【Night Vision】even though the effects were insubstantial, he's not gonna refuse an increase in skills.

Since the magic beasts of the abyss had faint presences, it helps if he could see them better.

Lastly, was the literal skill. Regrettably, Basilisk's unique ability was 【Resistance】 and not 【Petrify】. "a shame it's not Mystic eyes of Petrification…… Just like the Voluptuous Servant from Aesirs Grail war" Shirou was slightly disappointed.

Then, Shirou began to practice his magecraft, projecting arrows, bows and swords, so that he could react faster should he get caught off guard.

Although it was a tedious process, he needed to be fast if he had to survive down here and since he could also greatly increase his proficiency of Reinforcement at the same time, there was nothing to complain about. Also Thanks to his skills, from removing the impurities within the minerals he has previously collected, another mineral based skill was added.

Shirou kept on projecting, reinforcing and altering silently. Besides, he has only descended one level. It was impossible to estimate how much deeper this abyss stretches. He planned to set out to search immediately after finishing practicing for the sake of returning even a little bit earlier. There was no point in lingering around. In the lonely abyss, the flames' orange light illuminated Shirou's resolute expression, who is just beginning his Dungeon capturing journey.

Other than practicing his skills at his base and replenishing his energy, Shirou was constantly on the move. Taking a short rest during his search of the vast dungeon, he had no idea how long had passed. And with 【Presence Perception】, he was able to sense any magic beasts within a ten meter radius, if ever his eyes missed them. Shirou advanced his search quickly.

Then, the stairs leading to the lower floor was finally discovered, which Shirou unhesitantly descended.

On this level, the ground was entirely covered in tar like a sticky swamp. Since it stuck to the legs, it was dreadfully hard to move. Shirou frowned as he used the protruding rocks or 【Aerodynamic】as footholds and began his search.

While using the 【Structural Analysis 】as well 【Mineral Analysis 】 as skill to examine the surroundings while advancing, he discovered a very interesting mineral en route.

Flame Ore

A black shiny ore. It becomes tarry when heated. Its melting point is at 50 Degree Celsius, incidentally, its tar form ignites at 100 Degree Celsius, reaching up to temperatures of 3000 Degree Celsius. The burning duration depends on the amount of tar present.

"……hmm"

Shirou's expression showed that of caution yet curiosity as he slowly lifted his legs. Then having stepped several times on the tarry substance that covered the entire level just now, the semi-liquid dripped from Shirou's shoes with a wet sloppy sound.

"…"

Considering its ignition temperature at one hundred degrees, it probably wouldn't catch fire that easily. If it ignites, the chain reaction will cause the entire level to be engulfed in high temperatures of three thousand Degree Celsius. In that case, he wasn't confident that he could survive even with his stockpile of Sacred Water.

"Fortunately I don't have anything close to something that could ignite it."

Saying so with a sigh, he wondered what type of magic beasts he would encounter in this area.

"well, as long as they don't have the ability to teleport instantly, I should be able to manage.."

With his bow and arrows at the ready, Shirou restarted his exploration.

Advancing for a while, he reached a three-forked road. Following the theory of leaving a mark on the nearby wall, he stepped forward planning to explore the left passage.

At that instant, Gachin!

"——!?"

With rows of countless sharp teeth lining its opened huge jaws, a shark-like magic beast jumped out from within the tar. Aimed at Shirou's head, the jaws snapped shut as a resounding sound of teeth striking each other was produced. Shirou managing to dodge at the last second by bending his body at once, he shuddered.

(I couldn't sense it!)

Well, ever since he awakened his magical sense and obtained the 【Presence Perception】 skill, he became a bit lax. He should have been able to detect any magical signatures and presence of any living thing within a ten meter radius without fail. Despite that, he completely couldn't sense the shark from a moment ago until just before it attacked.

Missing its bite on Shirou, the shark dived into the tar with a Plop and disappeared once more.

(Damn, as expected, its presence disappeared!)

Shirou gnashed his teeth at the incomprehensible situation. At any rate, to prevent any damage, Shirou resumed his movements using 【Aerodynamic】.

Almost as if waiting for that instant, the shark jumped out once again.

"Don't look down on me!"

Shirou somersaulted in the air, and Shot several arrows at the shark which was passing overhead in his inverted field of vision. The reinforced arrows cut through the air and accurately landed on the back of the shark with exquisite timing.

However,

"*! It was repelled!"

The moment the reinforced arrows hit was as if striking rubber, the shark's skin depressed and easily deflected the arrows. It seems like the shark's skin has the property of Physical Impact Mitigation.

"tch!"

Thinking that it was natural for it to dive back into the tar after passing through, the shark made an astounding movement. Landing for a single instant, the shark turned around and leapt towards Shirou again. Shirou somehow managed to dodge by twisting his body, but his side was lightly gouged. The impact caused Shirou to fall into the tar. Despite having his entire body dyed pitched black, he hurriedly got up and skipped into the air once more. Immediately following that, the shark's jaws materialized directly below where Shirou stepped out from, and with a loud Bakun!, snapped shut.

Cold sweat began to flow from Shirou who was skipping in the air using 【Aerodynamic】. Nevertheless, despite being driven to a corner, his expression was one not of desperation. Materializing kanshou and bakuya, he shouted.

"come!"

Using 【Aerodynamic】 again, Shirou bounded in the air, never stopping at any location while waiting for the attacking moment. Fully demonstrating his concentration during his training, the surrounding landscape gradually faded out of sight.

(……It's not a problem to be unable to detect its presence. Even if I can't sense its presence, it will definitely be there at that instant it attacks)

Shirou was so focused on his thoughts while jumping that he accidentally lost his balance. The shark didn't miss this opportunity and instantly leapt from a blind spot at the back.

"So you were there !"

Shirou, who was supposed to have lost his balance, immediately righted himself and fended off the attacking shark with a mid-air side flip while swinging kanshou which was in his right hand.

In the next moment, the shark was spraying blood from a deep cut on its side as it fell into the tar. The shark splashed about in the tar as it struggled in agony.

Shirou's deliberate act of losing his balance and exposing his back was to provide the time, place and opportunity and incite an attack. Then, with the twin blades having the properties of having a strong affinity against monsters, he tore it apart.

Shirou approached the squirming shark and swung Bakuya, the white yin blade down at its head. cleanly bisecting the shark's head. Though they were merely projection, thanks to Aesirs experience, he could project a copy comparable to that of the original.

"Now then, let's see the reason why its presence can't be detected?"

Shirou said as he projected a saucepan, which had been his loyal companion.

After that, the shark meat was cut into several pieces and stored before continuing with the exploration, and finally, the staircase leading down was discovered.

Emiya Shirou(17) ???? Year oldMale

Class:Archer. Level:24

Strength:600Vitality:800

Resistance:600Agility:700

Magic Power:????Magic Resistance:1850

Skills:

Shirou continued his conquest of the Dungeon.

After passing through the quagmire level, he had now advanced to the fiftieth level. Shirou had already lost his sense of time, he had no idea how many days had passed since he started on this journey. Despite that, he was progressing at an astonishing pace. All this while, he had gone through deathmatches against several magic beasts that could only be described as unreasonably strong.

For example, on a level that was completely covered by thin poisonous fog, he was attacked by a two meter long rainbow-colored frog with poisonous spit and then there was a moth (with outer appearance like that of Mothra ) that released paralyzing scales. If it was not for Nature's blessing as well as the emergency healing option of the Sacred Water, he might have already died several times over, simply from exploring the Dungeon.

The iridescent frog's poison directly affects the nervous system of its target, and it made Shirou experience a pain similar to when he first ate magic beasts' meat. He would have keeled over if not for the blessing making his body adapt, making him able to move to take a swig of the sacred water he took from the pocket of his pants. The thing Shirou placed at his thigh pocket was a container made from the altered Taur stone , which makes it unsusceptible to impacts. It was really fortunate that he had this prepared in case of emergencies.

Naturally, he had eaten both of them. He was a bit reluctant when it came to eating the moth, but in order to strengthen himself, he could only steel himself to eat it. Shirou felt it was somewhat frustrating that it was a bit more delicious than the frog.

Furthermore, despite being in an underground labyrinth, there was a level which appeared to be a dense forest. The immensely dense humidity made it the most uncomfortable place up till date. This level's magic beasts include giant centipedes and trees.

He was traversing through the jungle when a giant centipede suddenly fell from the treetops. As expected, Shirou felt extremely nauseated at the sight of it, and started to develop goose bumps all over his body. Moreover, this centipede was a type of magic beast that attacks by detaching its body into several parts, fighting one of them was like fighting thirty black cockroaches in the kitchen. At first, Shirou tried to fight them off by continuously shooting arrows, but the numbers were too overwhelming. It would take a lot of time just to aim, so he decided to switch over to Kanshou and Bakuya and slash them apart directly. While bathed in the purple fluids from the torn centipede, Shirou heaved a disappointed sigh.

Incidentally, the three magic beasts were similar to Treants in RPG games that he, Hajime and Yukitoshi played. Its subterranean roots would suddenly attack from underground and also acted like whips to lash at enemies. However, the greatest trait of these treant-like creatures were not these kind of trivial attacks. When these magic beasts sensed danger, they would fling the red fruits that were hanging on their branches. There was absolutely zero offensive power, so Shirou tried eating the fruit. Following that, he just stood there, paralyzed, for more than ten minutes. It was not due to poison or anything. Rather, it was ridiculously delicious. The deliciously juicy red fruit was more like a watermelon than an apple.

It completely blew away the unpleasantness he felt from this level, or rather, he had temporarily forgotten his dungeon conquest. It was the only thing he had eaten other than monster meat over this long duration. Shirou's eyes completely turned into those of a hunter, and vigorously hunted down those treant-like prey. By the time he was satisfied and continued his labyrinth capturing, the treant-like creatures were already on the brink of extinction.

Pushing on through the dungeon with such feelings, before he knew it, he was already on the fiftieth level, and yet there was still no end in sight. By the way, Shirou's current status was…

Emiya Shirou (17) ??? Year oldMale

Class:Archer. Level:49

Strength:980Vitality: 1060

Resistance:960Agility:1020

Magic Power:??? Magic Resistance:2060

Skills:

Projection • Reinforcement [Structural Analysis] [Alteration ] [ Mineral Analysis]• [Mineral Processing] • Spirit magic [sealed] • Blessing of Nature[body adaptation] • Magic Manipulation • Iron Stomach • Lightning Clad • Divine Step [Aerodynamic] [Ground Shrink] [Grand Kick] • Air Claw • Night Vision • Presence Perception • Hide Presence • Petrification Resistance • Air Claw • Night Vision • Farsight • Presence Perception • Magic Perception • Hide Presence • Poison Resistance • Paralysis Resistance • Petrification Resistance • Language Comprehension

Shirou was currently at the base he created on the 50th level, actively refining his techniques. In reality, Shirou had already discovered the stairs to the lower level, but the reason he chose to stop here was because this place was clearly unusual.

It was an indescribably eerie space. At the end of the path of this empty space, there were three meter tall double doors with impressively adorned decorations. On the flanks of the doors were two one-eyed giant sculptures, with half of their bodies embedded within the walls, as if they were enshrined there.

Shirou felt chills running down his spine the moment he set foot in there, the danger making him retreat temporarily. Naturally, Shirou had no intentions of avoiding it after putting his preparations in order. There was finally a "change", it was out of the question to not investigate.

Shirou was filled with both nervousness and anticipation. He was positive that the moment he opened these doors, there would be some sort of calamity or disaster awaiting him. Yet, however, at the same time, it also gave off the feeling that he could finally see a fresh breeze blowing.

"It's just like Pandora's box… I wonder, what kind of hope will it hold?"

Checking the fighting techniques, weapons, as well as the skills he currently possessed one by one, he confirmed that he was in perfect condition. Completing his preparations, Shirou drew his bow. Then, he vigilantly advanced and arrived in front of the door without any incident. On a closer look, he noticed the decorations were even more extravagant than he originally thought. At the center, he realized that there were two magic formations that were drawn in the recesses.

"…? I don't understand. I've seen some of this world's magical theories, but… I have never seen these formulas before."

When he was still in the castle, Shirou also delved on expanding his knowledge to increase his understanding of this world. Naturally, he couldn't have learned all there is to know, but even so, it was strange that he was completely unable to recognize any of the formulas that make up this magic formation.

"Could it be… from an old system?, now that I look at it, why does it bore some semblance to the ones on Aesirs memory?"

While he was guessing, Shirou inspected the door, but he still couldn't understand anything. Not meaning anything in particular, Shirou was on high alert as he checked for traps, but it does not seem like Shirou would be able to decipher these with his current level of knowledge.

"It can't be helped. Let's try, Analyzing it, maybe I could read some of its history, and find a way to open it.l."

Shirou then placed his right palm on the door and began to read its structure. However, just as he was about to start Structural Analysis. Crack! Crack!

"Uwa?!"

A red electrical discharge ran through the door and repelled Shirou's hand. His hand was releasing smoke. Cursing, Shirou backsteps to gain some distance from the door, looking out for any unexpected changes.

Oooooooooh!!

Suddenly, a deep roar resonated in the entire room. He projected several arrows and placed them into his bow. ready to draw and shoot at any time immediately.

While the cries continued to echo throughout the room, the true identity of the voice started to move.

"Well, never thought of seeing some mythical creatures here."

Muttering while smiling bitterly to himself, the walls around where the two one-eyed giants were engraved beside the door started to crumble. Before he knew it, the grayish skin that resembled the wall had turned dark green.

The one-eyed giants looked exactly like the cyclops that appeared in fantasies. They were holding four meter long greatswords that appeared out of nowhere in their hands. Trying to forcefully free their bodies which were still half buried in order to eliminate the untactful trespasser, they turned their sights towards Shirou.

At that moment, pah!

With a terrific sound, a reinforced projected arrow made from Taur Stone pierced through the right cyclops' only eye, and blew its brain out. After penetrating through the back of the cyclops' head, the arrow continued on and pierced the wall behind it, before disappearing into motes of purple lights. The cyclops at the left side could only stare blankly at the neighboring cyclops. The shot cyclops twitched twice before its body started to collapse forward. The impact caused by its huge body shook the entire room, raising thick clouds of dust.

"Sorry, it was a conditional reflex"

That was an outright devious attack! The Cyclops seems to express. Well, considering the previous events Shirou had experienced, that was only a natural reflex. Still… cyclops (right) was a little too pitiful.

They were probably sealed here as gatekeepers. It is safe to say that there had never been any visitors to this place, which was even deeper than the abyss of the Dungeon. Who knows, maybe his(?) heart was filled with joy at the fact that the time to fulfill its responsibilities was finally here.

Their long awaited appearance did not even reach the point where it was able to see who its opponent was, before the all important cyclops head was suddenly pierced by an arrow. If you couldn't call this pitiful, then what would be considered pitiful?

Cyclops (left) turned its sight towards Shirou with a horrified expression. Its eyes seemed to be saying "What did this guy just do?!" Cyclops (left) glared at Shirou with a pause. It had knowledge of Shirou's weapon, a bow, thus it let out a mighty roar as it stepped forward, hellbent on closing the distance.

Immediately after, Cyclops (left) dived face first into the ground. The moment it took a step forward, it lost its balance and fell as though all its strength had left it. Cyclops (left) did not understand the situation, as it raged to get up, but was unable to muster any strength. Shirou aimed at it and, reinforcing his arrows, he released. However, an unexpected event happened. Cyclops (left)'s body seemed to glow for a split second, and following that, the arrow which scored a direct hit was repelled by the skin.

"what?"

Shirou guessed that it must have used its Unique Magic. The Cyclops' Unique Magic appears to increase its defense significantly.

The fallen Cyclops (left) which was lying face-down curved its lips as though ridiculing Shirou. Shirou paid no heed as he let down his hand and let go of his bow, before dispersing it. Then in it's place, a blade of black and white appeared on his hands.

Approaching the Cyclops, his footsteps echoing from the walls, as if the final countdown for its execution. The Cyclops opened its eyes wondering why the Human was approaching when he had a bow, but then it saw Shirou raise a glowing white blade, the blade itself gave it a bad premonition, feeling as if it could kill it.

Shirou felt like the Cyclops was trying to say "W-Wait a moment!" but ignored it as he swung down Bakuya at its neck. Then with a resounding clang, it bounced off its neck. As expected, even if Kanshou and Bakuya have a affinity against monsters, it won't be able to wound it if it have some protective shells

"Hmm, even with wind claws it still can't scratch it huh. Then as for that, approximately twenty seconds. It's a little slow… is it because of their size?"

Shirou observed the cyclops to analyze the test result. Why did Cyclops (left) suddenly fall over and become unable to move? It was because of the gathered scales from the Mothra-like monster into a pouch, once it has been scattered by the small-scale arrow carrying the pouch, the enemy would end up paralyzed. The instant when Cyclops (left) was distracted by Cyclops (right) falling, Shirou secretly dispersed the scales.

Shaking his head, he returned to the matter at hand, once again, he raised bakuya. But this time, he poured a vast amount of magical energy into it, then with a shing, it elongated and its appearance resembled that of white feathered wing.

Swinging down once again, the Cyclops' relieved expression turned to surprise, then its head rolled over the ground.

As Bakuya Dispersed from its destruction, Shirou then turned and glanced at the door and pondered a little. Then using Kanshou, he cut apart the cyclops and took out the magic stones from within. Paying no attention to the wet blood, holding up the two fist-sized magic stones into the two holes on the door, they were a perfect fit.

Following that, a dark red magical light burst forth from the magic stone and started pouring magic power into the magic square. And then, along with a splitting sound, the light settled down. At the same time, the magic power has spread throughout the entire room, causing the surrounding walls to glow. It has been a long time since he had seen such brilliant radiance.

Shirou blinked his eyes several times, as he cautiously and gently opened the door.

Behind the door was void of even a single light source and shrouded in total darkness, it seemed to stretch for a large area. With the lighting from the previous room and his eyes, Shirou was able to make out the complete picture of the room. Two columns of thick stone pillars lined up all the way into the depths. It was as magnificent as the marble ones he saw in the Saint's Church. Near the center of the room was a huge stone cube, its smooth surface reflected the light that shone into the room, giving it a brilliant luster.

Shirou gazed steadily at the cube, and sensed something from the center front of the cube, it resembled that of a head. But, it felt alive?

Before Shirou could fix the door in place, So that he could escape should anything unexpected happen, it moved.

"…Who?"

It was a hoarse and frail female voice. Shirou had a little jump and hurriedly looked towards the center of the room. There, the "head" was starting to move. Shirou then Looked closely, revealed its identity.

"It's…a human?"

That "head" was actually the head of a person. Her entire body was buried within the cube, with only the head exposed. Her hanging long blond hair was reminiscent of the female ghost from a certain horror movie. Moreover, the red pupils peeping from the gaps of her hair were like blood moons. She looked to be roughly around 12 to 13 years old. It might be hard to tell from her haggard, hanging hair, but even that was unable to hide her beautiful appearance.

Shirou's eyes widened at the situation, before he could think, his mouth opened.

"Are you alright?" he asked as he hurriedly approached the cube. But then he came to a slow halt. This is the bottom of the abyss. How can there possibly be someone who has obviously been sealed here and remained alive? Was she even Human? As he thought that, he immediately turned around and said.

"I'm sorry. I made a mistake."

As he said it, Shirou tried to hurriedly walk back to the door. The blonde-haired red-eyed girl tried to detain him in a fluster. However, it feels like she hadn't spoken once in all these years, her voice was tantamount to that of a mutter; though she still desperately conveyed her message.

"W-Wait! ……Please! …Save me…"

At that, Shirou stood still, hearing her plea.

"what?"

Shirou said, without even turning around.

"S-save me……I will do anything…… so please……"

The girl sounded desperate. She still couldn't move her body, but despite that, she lifted up her face to beseech Shirou. However, after a moment of silence Shirou answered.

".. ..This is the bottom of the abyss. How can I possibly release someone who has obviously been sealed here? And clearly, you don't smell Human …… Therefore……"

His argument was sound. However, generally speaking, Shirou wouldn't have ignored the plea of an imprisoned girl without the slightest hesitation, if it was on the surface. But as it stands, he doesn't know if releasing her would be equivalent to releasing something that would be a danger to the people outside the Labyrinth.

Being so coldly refused, the desperate girl raised her voice as she was on the verge of crying.

"No! Cough… I'm not bad! ……Wait! I……"

Shirou ignored her plea as he continued walking towards the door. Just before he reached the Door, Shirou stood still once more.

"I was betrayed!"

Was the girl's desperate shout. Then, Ten seconds, twenty seconds, the time passed slowly. Before too long, he sighed, remembering the Time of the fire.

'Am I really going to once again ignore the plea for help from others.'

Turning around, he then faced her, his expression unreadable.

She must have been sealed here due to a relevant reason. That reason might very well be because she was extremely dangerous, and there was no evidence to prove what she said was the truth. As a matter of fact, she might be a wicked being, and the probability of her deceiving Shirou was very high. Leaving her sealed should be the most appropriate decision.

(But…that would just be sad.)

Shirou sighed inwardly. He was actually already swayed when he heard the word, "save". He thought he had moved on from his past already. Turns out, he still didn't. unable to forget the plea for help from the burning people who he ignored just to save himself.

Shirou scratched his head while he walked up to the girl. Of course, he didn't lower his guard.

"You said you were betrayed? Are you saying that, that was the reason you were sealed here? If what you said was true, why did the betrayer seal you in here?"

The girl was stunned when Shirou came back. Through her abundant dirty blond hair, her red eyes were fixed on Shirou. Shirou merely stared back as he waited for a response. But, seeing that she still didn't talk, he sighed before saying. " I'll leave If you are not going to talk." as he pretended to turn back. In a fluster, the girl quickly gathered herself and began explaining the reason she was sealed.

"I'm an atavistic vampire… I was granted great power… because of it I worked hard for my country. But… one day… all my retainers… told me I was not needed anymore. Uncle… became the king… I… was fine with that… However, I, with great power, are dangerous… cannot be killed… so they sealed me… in here."

The girl recounted the story intermittently with her dried up throat. Shirou brows scrunched up as something she said caught his attention.

Vampire, or dead apostles from what he knew from Aesirs memory, weren't they supposed to be similar to nature spirits created by the planet? or was it the true ancestors? Shaking his head from the lack of information, he supposed he could return to the World of blades to inquire sometime in the future.

It seemed there were some discrepancy in his knowledge and of her explanation.

"You, are you a royalty from a certain country?"

"…… (Nods! Nods!)"

"What do you mean 'You cannot be killed'?"

"…Self-regeneration. Injuries heal immediately. Even if decapitated."

"…I see." considering that a regular dead apostle could be killed by conventional weapons, could she be similar to an Ancestor?

"Not just that… Magic, direct manipulation… no formation."

Shirou was like "Is that so?" as he came to his own understanding.

Shirou could use Magic Manipulation after awakening his Circuits. But still needed it as a substitute to invoke his magecraft, but after eating magic beasts even that process got shortened to just imagining the activation of his skills. Now, he didn't need to chant his incantations to use skills such as 【Projection】 and the like.

However, in Shirou's case, since his magic aptitude to other branches of thaumaturgy was almost zero, he still needed a huge magic formation to operate magic spells, or spend a considerable amount of magical energy when performing it with his circuits. Otherwise, he wouldn't even be able to use magic, that was a fact that will never change.

However, if he was to possess magic aptitude like this girl, rules might as well not exist. While other people are chanting or preparing magic formations like an idiot, the spell from this side would have hit them already. Honestly, it wasn't even a contest. Also, immortality. If it really was the same as the Ancestors. it was still a cheat far above the heroes'.

"…Help me…"

While Shirou was thinking to himself, the girl pleaded with him.

"……"

Shirou was looking at the girl, the girl was also looking at Shirou. Time passed by slowly like this……

In the end, Shirou scratched his head and heaved a sigh. He then stood in front of the cube that sealed the girl. He just hopes he's not making a mistake.

"Ah!"

Once the girl widened her eyes as she suddenly saw what happened next. Shirou ignored her and began to Activate his Circuit.

Ignoring everything, he focused, skimming through several blueprints of weapons that could break the seal.

In his mental world, accessing the memories of Aesir, he finally found it, a jagged dagger, belonging to the woman who had sacrificed everything for her love, yet got betrayed in the end.

Even after she killed her own father, brother, and sons, it was for love. The witch of betrayal, Medea, the Caster who got summoned in the Fifth Holy Grail War of Aesirs memory.

And this ritualistic Dagger was her noble phantasm. Rule breaker.

Finding the Blueprint Shirou began to pour magic power into the image. Then, Not only the surroundings, the entire room was bathed in the Purple light of Shirou's magic as the dagger appeared.

"W-what…are you…" she had a frightened expression, seeing the dagger, probably thinking he was gonna stab her. Shirou just gave her a reassuring smile.

Then, putting his left hand on the cube, he raised the dagger. Then stabbed.

And with a resounding clang, the dagger made contact then…. nothing happened.

".. what?" Shirou asked as his brows furrowed.

How can it fail, for the dagger nullifies all effects created by magecraft, despite whether such an effect is an enchantment, a relationship formed through contact, or even life created through magical energy.

Once it comes into contact with the ensorcelled item or person, enchantments, connections bound through contracts, and creatures created and maintained by magical energy, they will all be returned to their original components in a state "before they were made." Contracts will be wiped clean and those with life will immediately cease to exist.

Raising it once more, and activating Structural analysis on his left hand touching the cube, he observed what had happened when the dagger made contact.

And, something did happen, but just as the dagger infringe upon the magical formula of the Enchantment of the cube, it got replaced, remaking the seal anew, it's not that it didn't work, it's that, it did work but as long as the cube remained intact so does the seal.

Sighing at what happened, he now sporting a thoughtful expression, as he brought his hand to cover his mouth.

Then, under the girl's stare, he came to a decision. If Rule Breaker doesn't work, he just has to brute force it.

Putting both hands on the Cube, Dark, no… more like Purple colored magic power discharged from Shirou like electric sparks. His magic power has changed after he ate the magic beasts

He began Altering the cube, using the magic energy of his body. But, it fell short,

"Not enough, still not enough!"

He fired himself up as he poured more magic power. From what he had analyzed of the Cube, it would take a massive amount of magical energy in order to alter just a chunk of it.

" I am the bone of my sword."

Then, He chanted, all his circuits coming to life, generating magical energy which was then used by his body inorder to Alter the cube. This was how Shirou could access Aesirs massive reserves of Magical energy.

As the Purplish light continued to get more intense, the girl widened her eyes and kept staring at Shirou, as if she didn't want to miss any seconds of this event.

This was the first time Shirou used such a large-amount of magical energy from Aesir, not only was he sweating profusely, if his control slipped for just a moment then his power would go on a rampage. However, the cube remains unchanged even with all this power. Shirou was desperate and released all his magic power.

Shirou did not understand why he would expend so much effort for a girl he just met. But he just couldn't ignore her plea so it can't be helped. but… Shirou asked himself again, "Just what am I doing?" smiling wryly at his own action, he thought it through; it might be his selfishness, but he won't abandon the ones who called for help anymore, unlike when in that fire when he was helpless and weak, now, at least he has the power to offer some help.

His body started to emit a black and purple sparks. This time for real, he was going all-out to release his magic power. He stubbornly poured all of his magic power into Altering, and it finally succeeded!

The cube around the girl started to melt and little by little, she was getting released from her shackles. Soon, more and more parts of her got free. Her swelling chest came to bare, then her waist, arms, and thighs… Under those cubes, she was wearing nothing. Even though her body was emaciated, she still had a mystique of beauty to her. She dropped onto the ground with a 'female sitting' posture as she was set free. Her body seemed to lack the energy to stand up.

Shirou also sat down. His shoulders moved up and down as he gasped for breath as he deactivated his circuits cutting the supply of Magical energy. Because his body couldn't handle the sudden use of a large amount of magic power, he was assailed by an intense sense of fatigue. While he was breathing roughly, he reached for the Sacred Water with his slightly trembling left hand, but that hand was gripped tightly by the girl. Her tiny hands were lacking any power as they shook uncontrollably. When Shirou glanced at her, she was staring at him. Although her face was void of expression, her red eyes told the real story.

And then, the girl started to speak. The trembling voice was low, but she said it very clearly.

"…Thank you."

What sentiment was he to give to her thanks? Shirou didn't know. However, he felt like something within him, like a hollow part of his heart, somehow got slightly filled as he heard her gratitude.

Their hands were interlocked tightly. How much time passed since she was sealed here? From what he heard from Yukitoshi, the vampires in this world died out several hundreds of years ago. He remembered hearing about it when Hajime and Yukitoshi was talking about the different races of this world.

That said, her expression remained unchanged from beginning to end. In other words, she had long forgotten how to talk and express herself. She had spent a long time in this darkness all by her lonesome self. From what she was saying, she was betrayed by the people she trusted. It was rather strange how she didn't break down under these kinds of circumstances, it might be thanks to her nature as a vampire…or the auto-regeneration power she mentioned earlier. If that was the case, it must be quite tortuous. Maybe this was the so-called 'not even allowed to go crazy'.

Seems like he will need to put drinking the Sacred Water on hold. Shirou gave her a warm a smile and strengthened his grip. The girl jumped up for a while, and responded back with her own grip.

"…Name, what?"

The girl moved her lips to ask Shirou. Speaking of which, they didn't even know each other's name yet. Shirou's smile became even more bitter than it had already been. He answered the girl's question and asked for her name in return.

"Shirou. Emiya Shirou. Yours?"

The girl muttered "Shirou, Shirou" repeatedly. Like she was etching it into her mind as something important. And when she was asked for her name, she begged Shirou to grant her a new one.

"…Name, grant me."

"Huh? Grant you a name? What, don't tell me you forgot your name?"

Shirou thought it was very possible to have forgotten her name after a long period of imprisonment, but then, remembering the age of Aesir…maybe he was an exception, shaking his head, there's no use comparing the two, so he asked. But the girl shook her head instead.

"Already, don't need my previous name… The name Shirou grants me will be good enough."

"…Hmmm, even if you say that."

Most likely she was talking more about changing herself. Throw away your previous self; live a new life with new values. She wanted to change out of her own free will, and the first step was to get a new name.

Her eyes were shining with anticipation. Thinking that it couldn't be helped, Shirou scratched his head and thought carefully on what name should be good.

Then, he saw her crimson eyes. Then it hit him. What came to mind was the very first progenitor of all Dead apostles. Crimson Moon.

"...How about 【Yue】 ? I don't really have a sense for naming. If you don't like it, I will think of another one…"

"Yue? …Yue …Yue…"

"Ah, this word represents the 【moon】 in my hometown. Your red eyes reminded me of the very first Progenitor of…Vampires, from back home, well , sort of back home. He was Called 【Crimson Moon】… how is it?"

As if the girl was surprised by the response he gave, she just blinked her eyes. Her face remained expressionless, but her eyes seemed to shine with joy.

"En, from now on, Yue. Thank you."

"Oh, for the time being…"

"…?"

After the girl who just changed her name to Yue expressed her thanks, Shirou undid their clasped hands and extended his hand. Yue was looking at Shirou with an unfathomable expression, when suddenly women's clothes materialized, it was a Shirt and a skirt…. and an underwear, don't ask him how he knows how to project them.

"Wear this. You can't stay naked forever."

"……"

Shirou handed over the Clothes as he said these, Yue received it on reflex while looking at her current state. She was really stark naked. All of her important parts were completely exposed. Yue's cheeks turned bright red in an instant. She quickly turned around and tried her hardest to figure out how to wear the clothes that he gave. After a few minutes she finished dressing up, she then turned to Shirou and muttered with an upturned look.

"Shirou, pervert."

"……"

He would only be digging his own grave no matter what he said, Shirou who was fully aware of this point chose to stay silent. The clothes was cheerfully put on by Yue. She was only 140 cm tall, fortunately, the clothes fitted her perfectly. The way she was folding the hem of her skirt with all her might was very charming.

Shirou took that chance to drink the Sacred Water to recover himself. His vitality was restored and his brain became active again……then, Shirou froze on the spot. He then sensed the presence of a terrifying magic beast in the immediate area, its magical signature stung at his magic sense, it had a sharp scent as if an acid, but also dirt.

The location was… right above them!

It dropped from the ceiling at almost the same time Shirou took notice of it. With every ounce of effort, he picked up Yue with his right hand and used 【Ground Shrink】. After executing his movement, he looked back at where he was. A thud came from the area where he originally was and the figure of that magic beast showed up.

That magic beast's body was five meters in length. It had four long arms with huge pincers in the front end, and eight of its legs were rustling on the ground. A sharp needle was present on the tip of its two tails. It would be easiest to understand by likening it with a scorpion. As for the two tails, it would be wise to assume they were poisonous. It was obviously not on the same level as any magic beasts Shirou had encountered to this day, he could feel the aura of a strong warrior.

Sweat streamed down his forehead. When he had entered the room earlier, his senses didn't pick up on any magic signatures other than Yue's and the cube, even【Presence Perception】 did not pick up anything, but now it was going crazy. This could only mean that this scorpion-like monster only appeared after Yue's seal was released. In other words, this was the last resort to prevent her from escaping.

He set his glance to the girl under his arm. She was paying no attention to the scorpion and watched Shirou earnestly. Her eyes were as calm as the surface of the water. Those expressive eyes conveyed her willpower. Yue had fully entrusted her fate to Shirou.

The moment their eyes met, he felt like laughing, and his lips turned into a wry but confident smile. Now, this girl who had been unreasonably betrayed, was going to entrust her fate to another person again. If he couldn't answer her pleas, he wasn't a man.

"Come! Be ready then Yue!"

Shirou then moved her under his left arm, then using his now free right, he reached into his pocket, retrieved the Sacred Water from his pouch. After that, he embraced her and delivered the Sacred Water directly to Yue's mouth.

"Umu?!"

The Sacred Water flowed into her body from the test tube-shaped container. Yue teared up at being force fed an alien substance, but she widened her eyes in surprise when her vitality was being restored.

Shirou held Yue tightly with his left, making her lean into his chest. Although she was still weak and couldn't contribute much, he couldn't just leave her at the side and went to fight by himself. As expected, the difficulty of protecting her and fighting the scorpion at the same time was too high.

"Hold on tight! Yue!"

Her body was far from recovered, but she used what little power she had to wrap her arms around his neck.

The scorpion started to make noise as it advanced towards them. Feeling Yue's grip around his neck, he declared with his Confident smile.

"If you're coming after her …… then you have to go through me !"

The scorpion's first move was spraying a purple liquid from the stinger on its tail. It came flying at a considerable speed, but Shirou immediately dodged by jumping back. The floor where the purple liquid landed emitted a sizzling sound and melted in the blink of an eye. It appears to be a solvent.

While confirming with a side glance, Shirou raised Kanshou and threw.

Boom~!

The Reinforced Blade, as it arrived in front of the head of the scorpion monster, Shirou willed it to release its stored magical energy, thus exploding it.

Shirou could clearly see Yue's astonishment . A simple blade, packed with a huge amount of magical energy, produces such an explosion, but then he won't have any weapons anymore. Although the right hand looked somewhat glowing, there wasn't any use of magic circles or chanting. Yue noticed that, in other words, Shirou is similar to herself, possessing a way of directly manipulating magic.

"Similar" to herself, then, why was he in the abyss. Yue knew that it wasn't the appropriate situation, but she kept her attention on Shirou instead of the scorpion.

On the other hand, Shirou repeatedly leapt using 【Aerodynamic】without rest, his expression unprecedentedly grim. Shirou realized what the unmoving scorpion was doing through 【Presence Perception】 and 【Magic Perception】. As if to prove that point, the scorpion aimed its other tail stinger at Shirou. Then, the pointed end of the tail seemed to bulge momentarily before the stinger was shot out at a terrific speed. Shirou tried to deflect it with another projected Kanshou, but midway, the stinger exploded into a wide area buckshot attack.

"Ku!"

While giving a bitter groan, Shirou swept with 【Grand Kick】, and hacked with Kanshou wrapped with【Air Claw】. Finally tiding over it, as if returning the favor, he did something that he never did before, he projected several swords around him and launched them at the scorpion like missiles. Immediately after that, he once again reinforced Kanshou, tied something to it, and threw it at the scorpion.

The scorpion endured another attack of the launched swords and was about to release even more buckshot stingers and acid. However, before that could happen, a black blade came flying towards it and exploded. As Kanshou exploded, it scattered burning black slush which stuck onto the scorpion.

This was the the Flame Ore he has obtained at the Tar Level, it could spread three thousand degree celsius of "clinging flames"

As expected, it appears to be effective in disrupting the scorpion's attack as it rampaged, trying to tear off the clinging blaze. Sensing this opportunity, Shirou landed on the ground, having already projected another Kanshou, and with several projections at the ready.

By the time that was done, the tar from the 【Flaming Ore】 had burnt out and the flame was just about to extinguish. However, despite having smoke billowing everywhere and appearing to have taken damage, the scorpion's intense fury was clearly transmitted.

"Kishaaaaaaaa~!!!"

Raising a shriek, the scorpion suddenly started moving its eight legs, charging towards Shirou and Yue. With a howl of the wind, all of a sudden, its four huge pincers extended like cannons as they approached Shirou.

The first was dodged with 【Ground Shrink】, the second was avoided by jumping with 【Aerodynamic】. Using 【Grand Kick】 to kick away, the third destroyed Shirou's stance and the fourth pincer struck. But Shirou shot several swords at once and detonated them, and using the force from the explosion, he blew himself away while twisting his body, somehow managing a successful evasion. Yue, held in his Left, let out a groan, "Uuu". However, she somehow withstood the violent movements.

While in the air, Shirou threw Kanshou spinning to the side, then projected a spear. It was ordinary but its material is anything but. He then leapt and landed on the scorpion's back and stabbed the spear, but with a clang, it could not penetrate its shell. Then, holding onto the spear handle as he was maintaining his balance on the raging scorpion, he tried to stab it on the gaps to no avail.

Leaping once more, he threw the spear at its back.

Zudon~

Then A tremendous explosive noise resounded, and the scorpion's body was slammed into the ground as the spear Exploded. However, even receiving a direct hit on its shell was unable to damage it, and seemed to barely scratch it. As he gnashed his teeth at the fact that he was unable to deal any damage, Shirou then brandished the projected Bakuya while invoking 【Air Claw】. Kaching, along with a sound of striking metal, he was still unable to break through his enemy's shell.

As if to say "That's enough!", the scorpion aimed and fired buckshot stingers towards its own back.

Shirou swiftly jumped away from that spot and twisted his body in the air as he slashed towards the origin of the buckshot stingers. The blade accurately struck the end of the front end section of the tail and was grandly repelled…… the tail which was covered with a hard shell appears to receive zero damage. The slash was completely lacking.

Once again, like a tempest, the four giant pincers assaulted the midair Shirou in succession. In desperation, Shirou threw an 【Flaming Ore】 on the scorpion's back and took a huge leap back, launching explosive swords to ignite it. The scattered tar from the explosion seemed like nothing more than a stalling attack.

Thinking about "What to do" the instant after he evaded the scorpion, the scorpion let out an unprecedented shriek.

"Kyi~i~iii~!!"

Hearing that cry sent chills running across the entire body and made Shirou want to take distance with 【Ground Shrink】 instantly…… but, it was already too late. As the shriek echoed across the room, suddenly, the surrounding ground heaved and with a resounding roar, countless conical needles protruded from the ground.

"this is ba——!!"

He was completely caught by surprise, this! This was like a Marble phantasm! Albeit a weak variant, Was this thing related to an Elemental or something? But Shirou put it at the back of his mind, he was planning on desperately escaping into the air, but upon noticing the approaching conical needles from behind, he twisted his body to cover for Yue, causing his posture to be broken. Though he managed to somehow parry with Bakuya and 【Grand Kick】, on the edge of his vision, Shirou saw the buckshot stinger and solvent-releasing tail aimed squarely at him.

Shirou's face stiffened. The next moment, the buckshot stinger and the solvent were fired from both its tails to shoot down the aerial target. Shirou steeled his resolve, in such a situation, it was impossible for him to dodge both attacks. Clenching his teeth, he avoided the solvent with 【Aerodynamic】, turning around, he reinforced his Armor and back to the limit and crossed his right hand over the back of his head while holding bakuya shielding his head, and then strengthening it, then along with an immense force, several tens of sharp needles pierced into some of the exposed parts of his body, with the majority of the needles aimed at his upper body, then with a flash of sparks his armor made from 【Taur stone】manage to deflect them.

"ku~!!"

Raising a groan, some needles were stuck in his arms, thighs and legs, as the pants were only made from the Talon bears leather, it didn't stand a chance. As he had used his own body to stop the needles, Yue, who was in his embrace, was uninjured.

Shirou was blown away by the impact. The immense pain from the strike and being further thrown onto ground caused him to simply tumble along. Yue was also thrown from his hold from the impact.

While gritting his teeth and enduring the pain from the countless needles stabbed in his arms and legs Shirou took out a 【Light stone】 from his pouch, filling it with Magical energy till it couldn't handle it anymore , he threw it at the scorpion. The 【Light stone】 flew in a parabola, releasing an intense flash before the scorpion's eyes.

"Kyisha~a~aaa!!"

The scorpion cried and instinctively stepped back due to the sudden flash. From the start, it seemed to be mostly relying on sight to observe Shirou's movements, so he went and followed through with the throw, and apparently, his guess wasn't wrong.

Shirou bit into and drank the Sacred Water taken from his lower right pouch, as he pulled out all the needles in one go.

"Gu~u~u!!"

Groans due to the residual pain escaped from the gaps between his clenched teeth. However, it wasn't to an unbearable extent. Shirou could endure manifold this pain, a pain of simply this degree was completely insufficient to break his spirit.

While removing the needles, Shirou was looking around, searching for Yue, but before he could find her, Yue was quicker, and had already come over to his side.

"Shirou!"

Yue rushed up to Shirou anxiously. Her expressionless face had crumbled and was on the verge of tears.

"It's all right. More importantly, isn't that guy too hard? I can't seem to find an appropriate blueprint, even Kanshou and bakuya seem dull when slashing it. I would have to go past the four pincers' obstruction to aim at its eyes or mouth…… isn't there something that could work? Caladbolg…no, no it's too dangerous in this closed room, Hrunting…could it even penetrate its area control?, but then I have to leave Yue if I have to use my bow."

Shirou pondered over how he should deal with the scorpion, oblivious of Yue's worries. Seeing such a Shirou caused Yue's tears to begin falling.

"…… Why?"

"Ah?"

"Why didn't you run away?"

Yue's appeal implied that she understood the possibility that 'He might be able to escape alone'. His gaze turned towards her as his eyes gained a reminiscence of a regret.

"...I won't abandon anyone anymore…not again."

In order to survive, Shirou walked, abandoned, and looked away covering his ears as he walked through the flame covered path. That he discarded everything just to continue walking, to survive. But, only he survived.

Nonetheless, he didn't think he needed to atone for abandoning them, that would be hypocritical and arrogant of him. To reach a helping hand towards the ones who needed it. The one who made him remember and regain all these, was none other than Yue. That's why, Yue must definitely be saved, abandoning her here wasn't an option. The instant she entrusted herself to Shirou, he had made his decision and this moment was also the turning point of whether Shirou had moved past that burning hell.

Yue nodded as though she understood something from Shirou's words and suddenly threw her arms around Shirou.

"Oh, Ouh? What is it?"

With the situation as it is, what are you doing all of a sudden? Shirou was somewhat shaken. The scorpion could be coming back at any moment now. Shirou's wounds were healed, he should enter combat mode soon. However, Yue doesn't seem to care as her hands are wrapped around Shirou's neck.

"Shirou…… Trust me."

Saying that, Yue kissed the scruff of Shirou's neck.

"——!?"

No, it's not a kiss. It's a bite. Shirou felt a prickling pain at the back of his neck, and then, there was an uncomfortable feeling as if energy was drained from his body. 'ah, right, a Vampire.' For an instant, Shirou wanted to shake her off, but recalling that Yue had called herself a vampire, he realized that she was sucking blood. "Trust me"————Those words, seemed to wish that he would not run away even if he was scared or disgusted by the act of a vampire's blood sucking.

Thinking that while giving a wry smile, Shirou tightly hugged and supported Yue's clinging body. Twitch, Yue quavered for a moment before she embraced even tighter with a squeeze. Her face was buried deeper into the back of his neck. It may be just an imagination, but she somehow seems really delighted.

"Kyisha~aaaa!!"

The roar of the scorpion resounded. It appears to have recovered from the effect of the 【Light stone】. It probably grasped their current location, as the ground began to heave once again. It seems to be the scorpion's Unique Magic, the ability to manipulate the surrounding terrain, quite similar to how Hajime did it, but only larger in scale and deadlier.

"But, you're not the only one who can!"

Shirou placed his right hand on the ground to perform Reinforcement and Alteration. The rippling within a two meters radius stopped, and instead a stone wall which enclosed Shirou and Yue was formed.

The conical needles flew from all around to attack them, but they were completely prevented by Shirou's defensive wall. Every strike was able to chip away at the wall, but new walls would be erected in place immediately, making the needles unable to get close. Both the scale and strength of the scorpion's offensive power were by far superior, but Shirou holds the advantage in Altering speed and reinforcement. His Alteration radius couldn't go beyond two meters, and neither could he create needles with enough power to fly out and attack, but swords he can, thus Shirou decided to go into Defence, mean the while projecting several swords and launching them towards the scorpion or towards the needle.

While Shirou was absorbed in defending against the scorpion's transmutation with his Alteration and Projection, Yue's mouth finally parted. Licking her lips, her expression seems to be in delirious passion. Coupled with that action, seductiveness could be felt despite her childish appearance. Somehow or another, not a speck of her previous emaciation could be felt, her white skin has recovered its tone and shine, similar to that of white porcelain. Her cheeks were a dream-like rose-color. Her red pupils were faintly giving off a warm light, and those small slender hands were gently caressing Shirou's cheeks.

"…… Thanks for the meal. "

Saying that, Yue slowly rose and lifted an open hand toward the scorpion. At the same time, an enormous magic power that was unimaginable from such a delicate body was emitted, the light from her magic power —— a golden color that seems to mow down the darkness. And Yue, who was shrouded in magic power the same color as her fluttering golden hair, muttered a single phrase.

"【Azure Sky】"

Instantly, a sphere of bluish-white flames approximately six or seven meters in diameter appeared above the scorpion's head. The attack obviously hadn't landed, but the strong heat was enough to make the scorpion shriek in retreat. However, the bloodsucking princess of the abyss would not allow that. Extending her lovely finger and waving it gracefully like a baton, the sphere of bluish-white flames faithfully executed the conductor's instructions, pursuing the escaping scorpion and…… a direct hit.

"Gu~ugyiya~a~a~aaaa————!?"

The scorpion raised an unprecedented scream. It was obviously a scream of anguish. At the point of impact, the entire vicinity was covered in pale blue light and nothing could be seen. As Shirou shielded his eyes with his arm, he could only gaze dumbfoundedly at such a grand magic. Before long, the magic's effective duration expired and the bluish-white flames were extinguished. What remained was the appearance of the scorpion suffering in agony, the red-hot shell on its back has been melted and was all gooey.

While Shirou was in a dilemma over whether he should be praising Yue's magic — which destroyed the monster's defense that even the three thousand degree celsius 【Flaming Ore】 couldn't melt and his zero distance exploding swords barely scratched — or commending on the scorpion's durability, which had directly received such a high temperature attack and merely had its surface melted.

A flop sound made Shirou peel away his vision from that astounding scene back towards Yue, who was sitting on the ground while panting. It looks like she has exhausted her magic power.

"Yue, are you alright?"

"Nn…… Highest tier…… Tiring"

"Haha, thanks Yue, that was amazing. We're saved. Rest for now, and Leave the rest to me."

"Nn, good luck……"

Shirou projected The twin blades once more as he used 【Ground Shrink】 to shorten the distance in one go. The scorpion was still going strong, despite having the surface of its shell melted off. It raised a roar of unconcealed rage, firing its buckshot stinger at the approaching Shirou.

Shirou threw the pair before the buckshot stinger was scattered and projecting another pair. Then, the first pair of twin blades approached its face and exploded, with a burst of light.

The scorpion was already accustomed to the light. Although it was annoyed, it wasn't shaken and searched for Shirou's presence in the room dyed bright with light.

However, there was no sign of Shirou no matter how hard it looked. Just as the scorpion was bewildered over losing Shirou's presence, Shirou landed on the scorpion's back.

"Kishua?!"

The scorpion let out a startled cry. That would definitely be the case as the presence it had been searching for managed to slip through its detection net and all of a sudden, reappear on its back. Together with the flash of light, Shirou had used 【Hide Presence】 to sever his presence in order to land atop the scorpion's back.

The scorpion's red-hot shell could be felt even through his Talon bear Boots. However, without caring about such matters, several swords materialized again around Shirou all pointing where the surface of its shell had melted thin, and they fell, repeatedly. The scorpion's shell, having lost its original durability and receiving consecutive zero distance attacks from his launched swords. Finally, that absolute shield yielded and broke apart.

The scorpion ignored the possibility of hurting itself and tried to knock Shirou off with its twin tails, but Shirou made his move first.

"Here, make sure to take it.."

Reinforcing the twin blades, they became altered, they became longer and bigger and had the resemblance to a wings of feathers made of steel.

Then with the elongated and Altered blades, he stabbed However, that was it.

"BOOM————!!"

Along with the sound of a muffled explosion which echoed within its body, the scorpion quivered with a twitch. The scorpion, which was below Shirou, stopped moving, and the entire area was wrapped in silence.

Eventually, the scorpion began to slant and with a rumbling sound, and collapsed onto the ground.

Shirou then jumped down the unmoving scorpion, approached its head, and stabbed several swords just to make sure it's already dead. Shirou nodded his head while heaving a sigh of relief. It was definitely dead.

Looking over his shoulder, while still expressionless, her eyes seem to be somewhat delighted as Yue sat there, watching Shirou. He couldn't tell when this dungeon capturing is going to end, but it seems like a promising partner has appeared.

It is said that Pandora's Box contains all the world's Evils and a sliver of Hope. Somehow or other, it seems like that example he made before entering this room was fairly on target. While thinking of such stuff, Shirou slowly walked over to her side.

review and tell me if there's some typos.