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!
—Arifureta—
After defeating the scorpion, they returned to Shirou's base after retrieving materials and meat from the scorpion and cyclops. They were troubled by the sheer size of the bodies, but after Yue who was exhausted after using highest grade magic drank some blood again, her strengthened body recovered splendidly in a flash and exhibited superhuman strength. Between the two of them, they were somehow able to bring the items back.
Incidentally, Shirou originally wanted to use this sealed room as their base, but the idea was discarded after Yue adamantly refused. It was no wonder. She had been imprisoned there for who knows how many years, it was only natural that she didn't want to stay there much longer. In order replenish their supplies, they must stay there for a period of time. Hence, it would be better for her mental health if they left this sealed room as soon as possible. Just like this, they were currently chatting with each other while Shirou was replenishing his supplies and repairing his armor.
"In that case… doesn't that mean Yue is at least 300 years old?"
"…Breach of etiquette."
Yue stared at Shirou with reproachful eyes full of criticism. Talking about a female's age seems to be a taboo no matter of whichever world it was.
From what he read in the kingdom's library, the vampire race of this world perished after a large scale war three hundred years ago. Yue had probably lost her sense of time after being sealed in that dark room for such a long time. It wouldn't be surprising if anyone said that she had been sealed for a much longer time than that. She was sealed when she was twenty, to be called over three hundred years old after she was released, how could she accept it?
After some contemplation, he asked a question in which stemmed from the knowledge of Aesir of what a vampire is, or in this case, dead apostle.
"Are all Vampires the same as you?"
"…I'm special. 【Regeneration】, prevents aging…"
According to her, after her inherent magic — direct magic manipulation and 【Auto-Regeneration】 — awakened at the age of twelve, she seemed to have stopped aging. Ordinary vampires also appear to live much longer than other races since they sucked blood. Even so, about two hundred years was the limit.
The more he heard, the more he came to the conclusion that unlike the ones from Aesirs memory, the vampires from this world lean more towards them being a race of demihumans than something similar to that of nature spirits created by the planet.
By the way, the human's average lifespan was 70 years, demonkin around 120 years, while demi-human's lifespan was dependent on the race. The elves here lived for hundreds of years. It seemed like some things are really different in this otherworld.
Yue was considered one of the strongest of her time in only a few years after she awakened to her atavistic powers. At the age of seventeen, she took the throne as the Queen of Vampires.
Indeed, her magic that melted the scorpion's shell was an attack that had little to no time delay. Moreover, she also had an almost immortal body. To the point that she would be called either a 【God】 or a 【Monster】. Yue was without a doubt, the latter.
Her uncle, who was blinded by greed, started spreading rumors that Yue was a monster. He tried to kill her in the name of righteousness, but because of her 【Auto-Regeneration】, he failed and hence, could only seal her in the underground instead. Yue was so shocked by the sudden betrayal that she did not put up much resistance and was put under some sort of sealing spell amidst the confusion. By the time she regained herself, she was already in the sealed room.
Therefore, that scorpion, the sealing method, and how she ended up in the abyss, she was completely clueless. Maybe there's a way out! Shirou, who held that kind of expectation, drooped his head in disappointment.
He also heard something pertaining to Yue's powers. According to her, Yue seems to have an aptitude for all attributes. When Shirou became aware of this, he muttered to himself with a blank expression, "What, this cheat…" However, Yue was weak in close combat. All she could do was run around with her strengthened body as she rapidly fired off spells. Despite that, in the face of her powerful magic, it wasn't really that big of a handicap.
By the way, Yue was able to cast magic without any incantation, but she would mutter the names of the spell out of habit. Many people used unique activation words or actions to supplement their magic and get a clearer image. Yue was no exception.
As for her 【Auto-Regeneration】, it was classified as a Unique Magic. As long as she had any remaining magic power, she wouldn't die unless she was turned into ashes in an instant. Conversely, self-regeneration wouldn't work if she sustained any injuries in the state of magic depletion. In other words, because her magic power had been drained after being sealed for all those years, Yue would have died if the scorpion had hit her.
"Next… the key point, do you know anything about this place? Or any escape routes to the surface."
"…I don't know. But…"
She also seemed to not have any knowledge about this labyrinth. While feeling apologetic, she continued her story with what she knew.
"…It was said that one of the liberators made this labyrinth."
"Liberators?"
Hearing an unfamiliar term, Shirou stopped what he was doing, so as to not make any disturbing sound as he turned his line of sight towards Yue. She, who had been watching Shirou work, also shifted her line of sight. After nodding her head, she continued her story.
"Liberators… they are the followers of God that challenged him during the Age of God… Legend says they intend to destroy the world."
Since Yue was an expressionless girl who didn't talk much, her explanations took a bit of time. On the other hand, Shirou still needed to go over what he can and cannot do. He realized his inexperience due to the fight with the scorpion, he could have gone over it with less risk if he only knew what weapon he could have traced, it's useless having near infinite magical energy if he can't even use it properly. As a result, he was currently going over several blueprints of weapons, tracing them and analyzing their properties and abilities. While working carefully, he was poised to listen to her.
'...age of the gods huh?'
According to Yue, during the Age of God, seven followers betrayed the god and plotted to destroy the world. However, when their plan failed, they each fled to the ends of the world. Those "ends of the world" were reportedly the current Seven Great Dungeons. This 【Orcus Great Dungeon】 was one of them. It is said that in the deepest part of the abyss was where the liberator lived.
"…If it is there, there might be a way out…"
"I see. There is no need to expend so much effort to climb up the abyss. If it is a magician from the age of gods, it wouldn't be weird if they had some sort of teleportation magic to take them to the surface."
Shirou loosened up his cheeks when the possibility was presented before him. He then returned his eyes back to the work in his hands. Yue also turned her eyes back to his hand.
Jii—
"…Is it that interesting?"
"…… (Nods! Nods! Nods!)"
Yue did not say anything, she just nodded her head strongly to express herself. The image of her wearing the clothes he traced and the way her small hands were holding onto her knees was very charming. In addition, her unbelievably well-featured appearance made her look very cuddable.
(Three hundred years old huh… I wonder, is my world even the same as Aesirs' previous one? Is Yue even considered a dead apostle?)
Even if his world is different, Shirou hasn't discarded the possibility that it might be the same. As he unintentionally thought of something like that, Yue reacted to it.
"…Shirou, thinking about something strange?"
"Nope, what's up?"
Shirou asked her, wondering why she seemed to be upset with something, but it seemed she dismissed it, instead opting to change the subject.
"…Shirou, why are you here?"
It was a natural question. This abyss was a genuine land of demons. Other than magic beasts, there was nothing else.
Yue had mountains of questions for him. Why can he manipulate magic directly? Why can he use so many types of Unique Magic? How can he eat the flesh of magic beasts and still be okay? Is he really a human? What are the weapons he is conjuring?
Bit by bit, Shirou answered all the questions patiently. Perhaps Shirou might be longing for a conversation himself, he answered her questions patiently. Looking from certain aspects, Shirou seems to be very fond of Yue. Maybe she was the last resort to prevent him from falling into complete insanity due to being alone in the dungeon. Perhaps Shirou had already realized this unconsciously.
Despite his usual behavior of not wanting to trouble others for his own selfishness, he still has longing for others for his own.
It started when he was adopted by Kiritsugu and became part of the family. He knew his adopted father loved him like his own. That is why he loved him in return. But, he never asked for anything, there was always this something at the back of his mind which kept reminding him that he was never his real child, but a fake. Even if he knew that was not how they saw him, it still remained.
Due to that, he sometimes acted as if he was a bystander. Watching over his adoptive Father and surrogate sister, and making sure he was the obedient and helpful child. It was the only way he could repay him for all that they have done for him.
Shirou then began telling her about when his class was summoned to this world. How they were suddenly transported due to a trap, and how he fell into this abyss after he tried to save his classmate during the battle against the Behemoth, his doubts for being weak and somehow obtained power.The fight with the Talon Bear. The transformation after eating the magic beast, About the elixir (This is what Shirou called the Sacred Water). About how he made his armor by basing them on the Armor he had seen from someone who was powerful. As Shirou recounted the events one by one, sniffles could be heard from Yue unwittingly. What happened? When Shirou lifted his head to look at Yue, she was weeping. Startled, Shirou instinctively reached out and wiped off her tears.
"What happened all of a sudden?"
"…Sniffs… Shirou… in pain… I also feel painful…"
Apparently, she was crying for Shirou. He started to stroke her head with a bitter smile after he got over his shock.
"don't worry about it. What I did, I did it at my own choice, even if I'm given the chance to do everything all over again, l would have chosen to do the same again. Don't worry about the small stuff. After getting out of here, I plan to help the others to be able to get home."
Yue produced a nasal sound. She seemed to be feeling very comfortable with Shirou's caressing and narrowed her eyes like a cat. However, after she heard Shirou say something about going back to his homeland, she jolted momentarily.
"…Going home?"
"Hm? To our original world? Of course. I'll have to help the others to return … home… I guess, I …also want to see home." saying so in a wistful tone.
"…I see."
Yue looked down with a sunken expression. Then muttered to herself.
"…I don't have a place… to return…"
"……"
Seeing Yue like this, Shirou stopped brushing Yue's head and started to scratch his head. He wasn't that dense. He had more or less felt that Yue was viewing him as a new place to return to. That was the whole reason why she asked him for a new name. Because of this, if Shirou left this world, Yue would be alone again.
Shirou thought to himself: "Even though I have already decided that I will bring everyone back, it doesn't mean I can only bring my class." while he stroked Yue's head.
"Ah~ If that's so, want to come with me?"
"Eh?"
Yue opened her eyes wide in surprise at Shirou's words. She was gazing at Shirou with her moistened red eyes that looked restless. Shirou got flustered and started to speak rapidly.
"No, I mean, to my homeland. Well, that's a world with only average humans…. I think?... probably." He said, tilting his head as he questioned his world's normality. Shaking his head, he continued.
"It might be inconvenient for races other than human, with the family registration and whatnot… also, with my current state, I'm sure everything will work out … but in the end of the day, what is it that Yue want to do?"
Yue was stunned for a while, but her mind eventually caught up. She timidly asked, "Is that okay?" However, she couldn't hide the expectations dwelling in her eyes. Her eyes were literally sparkling, Shirou could only nod his head with a wry smile. As if her expressionless face until now was a lie, a smile bloomed on her face. Shirou was mesmerized. When he noticed he was staring too much, he shook his head in a flurry.
Unable to look at Yue, Shirou devoted himself to his work. Yue took great interest in his work. However, the distance between them had shortened, almost to the point of sticking close together…
Shirou told himself not to mind about it.
"…What, are those?"
Little by little Shirou was finishing up finding several blueprints which he found suitable and convenient for his current situation.
"This is… a gun. Or you can say a gun blade."
Just as Shirou said, when all the parts were assembled together, a long oversized pistol was created with a blade extending beneath of the muzzle, the pistol's length is just 8 inches long, but with the extension of the blade it totals to half a meter. He could use Electromagnetic acceleration and combustion charge. Shirou was considering what he could use in the event that his hand was occupied and can't use the bow. Of course, he could still use the traced swords should he need it either to launch them at an enemy or in close combat, but it required more focus. The final verdict was that he needed a weapon he could use without occupying much of his concentration but could pack a punch and can still be used as a sword. So he created a gun blade.
It could load up to nine shots but when using reinforcement and modified bullets its theoretical power is enormous. In brief, its maximum output was ten times the destructive power of his Taur arrows when reinforced. If an ordinary person fired this gun, the repulsive force would be enough to crush half of their body. It was that kind of a monster gun.
The gun's name: Kanshou Alternative. Considering he designed it with the married blades as a template… roughly, but another reason was that, he was constantly having dreams about its model. it was a dream different from the usual flames of hell.
It was made with the scorpion shell. When he analyzed the shell with 【Structurall Analysis】in conjunction with【Mineral Analysis】, this was the result:
Shtar Ore
High magic affinity. A special ore where its hardness is increased by the amount of magic power used.
Apparently, that scorpion's hardness was due to Shtar Ore's property. It probably had a massive amount of magic reservoir to fuel that armor.
Shirou was thinking, "If this is an ore, wouldn't I be able to process it?" He gave it a try and was able to accomplish it effortlessly. If that's the case, he could easily break through the shell with his Reinforcement! Recalling the hard fought battle before, Shirou felt weak in the knees. This had turned into one of his bitter memories.
Shirou had gotten his hands on a lot of excellent materials to work with, so the result was still all right. He could use these materials to make a sturdier Armor and weapons. While Shirou was consoling himself with this, he fired Kanshou Alternative. Since he had blueprints from Aesirs knowledge, the work progressed more smoothly.
He paid particular attention to the bullets. The bullet was made out of Taur Stone coated with Shtar ore. It could be considered a full metal cover… or something like that, he's not really well versed on the topic of guns, unlike the gun otaku Hajime. In each cartridge, combustion powder was installed with a suitable ratio of compression. After one bullet was completed, as long as he had enough magical energy, he could use Projection to mass-produce the bullets effortlessly, of course he still made several backup bullets, just in case.
While Shirou talked with Yue endlessly without getting to the point, Bakuya Alternative was completed. The Gun Blade mirrors that of Kanshou Alternative, though it's white with blue outline instead of Black with red outlines. He finished his work as he indulged with self-satisfaction. After he finished the gun blade, Shirou started to feel hungry, so he began preparing the meal by frying the scorpion and cyclops meat.
"Yue, the meal is almost ready… Would it upset your stomach by eating this? That pain is not to be made fun of… no, vampires should be fine with it, right?"
Since his daily meal consisted of magic beast meat, Shirou thoughtlessly invited Yue to eat with him. However, what if something happened to her after she ate it? While thinking like this, Shirou cast a glance at Yue.
Yue stopped playing with Shirou's invention and shook her head to say, "I don't need the meal," to Shirou.
"Well, since you survived for 300 years without eating, I guess there's no problem… Won't you feel hungry though?"
"Yes… but, it doesn't matter anymore."
"Doesn't matter anymore? Did you already eat something?"
Her empty stomach had already been satisfied? Shirou looked at Yue with an astonished gaze. Yue pointed at Shirou.
"Shirou's blood."
"Ah, my blood. Does that mean the vampire race of this world doesn't need a meal other than blood?"
"…Food can also provide nourishment… but drinking blood is more effective."
Seems like the vampire race of this world could survive with just blood. She had sucked Shirou's blood earlier and was satisfied with it. Yue stared at Shirou who looked convinced. For some reason, she was licking her lips.
"…Why are you licking your lips?"
"…Shirou… delicious…"
"D-Delicious you say. I thought that it would taste terrible considering I've eaten so much magical beast flesh…"
"…strong , but.. refreshing taste…"
"……"
From Yue's description, his blood had a strong, deep taste similar to a bowl of soup made with all kinds of herbs and meat, yet refreshing like a cold drink after a hot day. The first time she had sucked his blood, she fell into a trance. This wasn't his imagination. Having such a fine meal after starving for so long, getting infatuated was within reason.
However, Shirou wanted to stop her bewitching lip licking. He realized Yue was past her prime. However, that childish figure coupled with the lewd act, despite his herculean will, made Shirou unable to calm down in a certain sense.
"…Delicious."
"…Please spare me from this."
Despite her childish figure, Her actions brought to mind a Voluptuous Servant with long purple hair and wearing a blindfold. Shirou broke out in a cold sweat. In all sorts of meaning, she might be the most dangerous partner.
The day Shirou and Yue met, and survived their life or death struggle with the scorpion.
Kouki and the rest of the heroes once again arrived at the 【Orcus Great Dungeon】. However, those who came were only Kouki's Hero group, a small group of rogues, and another group consisting of five boys and girls led by a bulky judo guy called Nagayama Jugo.
The reason was simple. Even if they didn't bring up the topic, Shirou's death had casted a deep, heavy shadow over their hearts. If they couldn't face the reality of "death in battle", they wouldn't be able to fight properly. This was a type of psychological trauma.
Of course, the officials from the Saint's Church weren't sympathetic. Thinking that as long as the students experience actual combat incessantly, they should be able to fight again after some time, they continued to urge them to return to the battlefield everyday. However, there was a vehement protester. It was Aiko-sensei.
Aiko did not participate in the expedition at that time. Due to the fact that her job was the special and extremely rare Agriculturalist, rather than combat training, the church hoped she would put her effort towards agricultural cultivation instead. As long as Aiko-sensei was around, there's a high possibility that their provisions problem would be solved.
When Aiko learnt of Shirou's death, she was so shocked that she was left bedridden. Faced with the fact that one of her students died while she was just leisurely spending time within the safety zone, and the fact that it was no longer possible to bring everyone back to Japan. Aiko, who had a strong sense of responsibility, suffered a powerful impact.
That's why she absolutely wouldn't permit students who couldn't fight anymore to be sent to the battlefield.
Hajime of course protested vehemently, he only managed to convince her when he reluctantly revealed his trump card, which he made in conjunction with Yukitoshi and Kaori.
Aiko's Class was an extremely rare one which had the possibility of bringing about a complete change to the world's food issue. And that Aiko-sensei was protesting with unwavering determination against the students' forced combat training. The church, which wanted to avoid worsening their relationship, accepted Aiko's objection.
In the end, only the Heroes, the rogues, and Nagayama Jugo's party willingly continued with the combat training. After training for some time, they decided to challenge the 【Orcus Great Dungeon】 once again. This time, they were also accompanied by Commander Meld and several knights.
Today was the sixth day of their dungeon exploration. They were currently on the sixtieth level. It was just five levels before reaching the highest confirmed level. However, Kouki's party was currently stuck. No, rather than being unable to advance, it was an involuntary recollection of the nightmare from that time that brought them to a standstill.
Yes, despite being clearly different from that time, similar steep cliffs spreaded before their eyes. They must cross a suspension bridge in order to get to the next level. This isn't much of a problem per se, but as expected, they couldn't help but recall that event. Especially Shizuku, as she stood there motionlessly, staring over the cliff into the darkness of the endless abyss.
"Shizuku……"
As Kaori anxiously called out, Shizuku, who was looking down with a strong gaze, slowly shook her head and smiled towards Kaori.
"It's alright, Kaori-chan."
"I see…… You are not forcing yourself right? You don't have to hold back because of me."
"... thank you, Kaori-chan"
Kaori also smiled at her close friend. Shizuku's eyes were giving off a strong radiance, without any despair or escapism within. With her excellent insight and sensitivity to people's subtleties, Kaori realized that Shizuku saying "It's alright", was from her true feelings.
(As expected, Shizuku is strong. If it was me…)
Shirou's death was almost a certainty. It's hopeless to even half-heartedly say he survived. Nevertheless, Shizuku chose to neither escape nor deny, but advance to reach her own understanding. Kaori was proud of her close friend.
In Kouki's eyes, it reflected the appearance of Shizuku's grieving at the thought of Shirou's death while staring below, considering how she felt towards Shirou, it was to be expected. Even he still was grieving at the event, but instead of just grieving, and doing nothing, he trained harder than before, to at least avenge the death of his friend.
Then, with the consideration that Shizuku thought specially of Shirou and still believed in the possibility of his survival, Kouki gave Kaori some of his form of consolation.
"Shizuku…… don't worry. He might have survived! All we have to do is grow stronger so that we would be able to rescue him, so you also have to be strong. Surely, that's what Emiya would have wanted."
" Kouki……"
"Shizuku-chan, Even if it's harsh, as your childhood friend, I will help you…… and I won't let anyone die anymore. I promise I will find him even if it kills me."
"Haa~, reckless as always…… Shizuku……"
"Haha, it's okay, Kaori-chan…… Kouki, thanks."
"Oh, no problem!"
Kaori could only smile bitterly at Kouki's words. For Kouki, he still hopes for the fact that Shirou is not dead, and that he might have survived the fall. Thus, it is unthinkable that the reason why Kouki is zealously training and exploring the dungeon is due to determine Shirou's state of survival. It is in his nature to persist in his beliefs without any doubts, if it was Kouki in middle school from before meeting Shirou he might only seem to interpret Shizuku's feelings as a psychological illness stemming from escapism, but what he didn't know was, he was the one doing the escaping. From their long association, Shizuku somewhat understood Kouki's thought patterns, which was why she didn't say more. She was just glad Kouki had changed, even though slightly.
By the way, the nuance which appeared to be nothing but completely wooing her was said by the person himself without any ulterior motives, it only showed Kouki's earnestness. Shizuku and Kaori, who were already used to Kouki's words and actions, let it slide as usual, but if the other girls heard that, they would probably all fall together into sugary expressions at the sweet atmosphere.
Generally, a handsome guy with good character, proficient in both sports and studies would cause any female childhood friend to fall in love. However, influenced by her strict father, Shizuku had been in contact with and was raised by the adults under her house's dojo from young. Coupled with her natural insight, before she was aware that his sense of justice could be said as Kouki's flaw, he had displayed it numerous times, making her unable to harbor any feelings more than a childhood friend towards him. Although his view on what justice is to him has been one which he now questioned due to Shirou's involvement, for the others, the more important thing hasn't changed.
Kaori was naturally insensitive about love and hearing about various things from Shizuku, her heart was unable to throb over Kouki's words or actions. He is considered a good-natured person and thought caringly of as a childhood friend, but would never lead to any romantic feelings. And also they were pretty sure he already has someone he likes, they discovered it when he was constantly paying visits to the archery club back home, using checking up on Shirou as an excuse when he injured his arm.
"Shizuku-chan, I am rooting for you, if there's anything I can do to help, please say."
"Yeah~, Suzu will also be on Shizu's side!"
Joining the conversation were Nakamura Eri and Taniguchi Suzu who were listening to Kouki's chat nearby. Both of them have been Kaori's close friends since entering high school and they have an excellent relationship. They are also capable people who were added into the Hero party led by Kouki.
Nakamura Eri is a bespectacled beauty with black Natural Bob hair. Personality-wise, she is mild and meek though she has the habit of reveling in teasing others, and basically makes everybody want to keep an eye out for her. She loves books and gives off the feel of a stereotypical librarian. As a matter of fact, she was on the library committee.
Taniguchi Suzu, she is a chibi whose height was only around 142 centimeters. However, it was unimaginable where her inexhaustible liveliness could be hidden within that small body. She always jumps about happily with her drooping braids bouncing along. That heart-warming sight secured her role as the class mascot.
When the two of them saw Shizuku's discomposure the day Shirou fell into the abyss, they understood her feelings and approved of Shizuku's goal.
"Nn, Eri-chan, Suzu-chan, thank you."
Shizuku smiled happily at the two close friends made in high school.
"Oooh~ Shizu-chan got her spirit back~ That Emiya-kun! How dare he make Shizu-chan so sad! If he died, Suzu will kill him!"
"Suzu? If he died, how are you going to kill him?"
"Don't mind the details! Oh yeah, if he really died, Eririn can just use necromancy to make him serve ShizuShizu!"
"Suzu, please mind your words. Shizuku-chan sincerely believes that Emiya-kun is still alive. Moreover, using my necromancy on him is…inappropriate."
Eri remonstrated the reckless Suzu. That is the default. Looking at the usual boisterous scene between the two, Kaori and Shizuku displayed pleasant expressions. By the way, Kouki and the rest who were a short distance away didn't hear the conversation just now.
"Eri-chan, I don't mind, so it's ok?"
"Suzu too, you should stop it. Eri seems troubled, no?"
"Mu~" Suzu puffed her cheeks upon hearing Kaori and Shizuku's words, which were mixed with bitter smiles. Eri, who's expression turned ugly at the mention of "necromancy" just now, finally relaxed her expression after noticing that Kaori seriously did not mind Suzu's words.
"Eririn, are you still having trouble with using necromancy? Even though it is such a rare Class…"
"…Hah~. It is very useful, yes. But using it on Humans, it's unethical…and uncomfortable."
"Eri, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Besides, your magic aptitude is high, so don't worry about it alright, can't you just use monsters then?"
"That's right, Eri-chan. although it is your Class, having talent in that field is different from liking or disliking it. Hasn't Eri-chan's accurate and precise magic helped everyone?"
"Nn, but even so, I still need to do my best to overcome this. I wouldn't be able to face Shirou if I remained a burden."
Eri clenched her small fists with a deadpan expression but it showed her determination. Seeing Eri like this, Suzu said, "That's the spirit, Eririn!" and glomped her, while Kaori's cheeks loosened into a smile at their friend's tenacity. Meanwhile Shizuku's expression turned into a cramped smile. Did Eri just give a declaration of war? Shaking her head to banish those thoughts, there's no way that's true, because Eri was often seen with Hiyama lately.
Eri's Class was 【Necromancer】. Dark magic was a type of Systematic Magic that affected the spirit and consciousness. It was basically recognized as a magic that inflicts abnormal statuses to the target in actual combat. And necromancy was one of the super-high difficulty dark magic. It was a magic that could gather the residual thoughts of the dead. In the Saint's Church, there were also a few necromancy users among the priests. They draw the residual thoughts of the deceased and pass on to their bereaved family members, using necromancy in a way befitting of clergymen.
However, the true essence of this magic lies elsewhere. The proper way to use this magic was to wrap the residual thoughts of the body with magic and granting realization ability, make it possess the corpse and become a puppet. In other words, the necromancers would be able to control the dead, although their skills and true strength would be inferior compared to when they were still alive. Furthermore, even living humans could be possessed and trace the dead soul's techniques and abilities to a certain extent.
Although the dead could be controlled to a certain degree, they had pale skin and were devoid of life, like that of a ghost. And because Eri herself felt that it was ethically wrong to use the dead people like this, she was unable to use this magic ability efficiently.
Behind the four girls, someone was staring, more specifically, someone was gazing at Eri with a difficult gaze. That person was Hiyama Daisuke. That day, after some time had passed upon returning to the capital, and after everyone had regained their composure, he visited the bastard who caused the incident, but after mumbling about accepting this granting that, The bastard just died. But something tells him that they would see the bastard again, he couldn't quite put it into words, but he was sure that the bastard was alive, despite seeing him burned to ashes.
After the cremation of the bastard, he then encountered Eri. It happened when he was training in the training ground. Finishing his usual session, his shirt now soaked with sweat. Wiping his face with a towel, he jumped in fright as A voice sounded beside him.
"Hmmm, so he's dead?"
Turning his head, he saw Eri Nakamura, standing there with a smile.
"... Goddammit! you nearly gave me a heart attack!"
He shouted in protest. To which Eri merely chuckled at his reaction.
"...so, what exactly happened?" She asked after she was done laughing at him.
" …I don't know. The mages said it was the result of one's magic going out of control. Though I think it was more than that, even the necromancers couldn't reanimate his body."
"Hmmm, is that so? A shame." She said.
"...You're quite nonchalant knowing that one of our classmates just died." Hiyama questioned.
"Hn? You mean the guy who caused Shirou to fall? Maybe it's because he didn't give that much of an impression. Even asking our classmates regarding him, I drew a blank. It's like he just suddenly appeared."
Hiyama's brow furrowed at that.
" But, isn't Emiya often seen trying to talk to him?"
Eri smiled enigmatically at that.
" Was that what you remember?"
"What do you mean by that?" Hiyama asked, a puzzled expression on his face.
" I'm asking if that was what you remembered regarding that classmate." Now her hand interlocking behind her, she did a twirl from which she stood, making her nightgown flutter in the wind. Stopping after facing Hiyama, she continued.
" What I remember is that Shirou never once talked to him but was constantly being bullied by him." Now it was time for Hiyama to have an uncomfortable expression.
"That's impossible –" he exclaimed but got cut off by Eric's next words.
" Exactly!" She said cheerfully.
"Shirou is not one to be bullied that easily." After saying so she looked Hiyama in the eyes with a serious expression.
"Some of the others don't even have any memories of him, some say they remember him constantly berating Shirou and Hajime, while Suzu-chan remembers him as her ex back in first year. I've always been with her from middle school but do not remember her ever interacting with him."
Hiyama now had a thoughtful expression, he gestured for her to continue. But it seemed, Eri was done, having already heard what she needed to hear from him.
She then started to walk back to where she came from, but not before giving him a side glance and speaking.
" Well, it was a productive talk. Be careful not to be too tired for the day after tomorrow's expedition...though, if ever I see him again, I'll have to thank him properly."
With that she was gone, leaving Hiyama contemplating alone.
Hiyama had some thoughts on the situation that Eri had presented him, though observing her, he had discovered that she wasn't always the typical girl she portrayed her to be.
(Well…… it's not really my problem, I'll let Emiya deal with it……)
Shaking his head, he smiled at the situation Shirou got entangled himself in
"Hey, Daisuke? What's wrong?"
Kondo, Nakano, and Saito were all looking suspiciously at Hiyama's odd expression. The three of them were still hanging out with Hiyama. From the start, the four could be said to be the same kind of people. Although there was a period of awkwardness, Hiyama's laudable attitude restored their friendship.
"Eh, no, it's nothing. I am just happy thinking that we have cleared sixty levels."
"Ah~, that's true. We are just five levels away from the previously highest recorded level~"
"We have all become considerably strong. Good grief, the stay-behind team is too weak-willed."
"Well, don't put it like that. It looks like we are special."
The three of them synced with Hiyama's change of topic without any doubts. Becoming enthusiastic thinking of themselves who continued fighting as heroes, well, technically they are. But They had a huge attitude towards the stay-behind group back in the royal palace. Their haughty attitudes often lead to many complaints. However, breaking through to the sixtieth level also speaks of their definite abilities, proving that they are not all words.
Naturally, they are not at the Heroes' party level, so they are docile around Kouki and the others, though their sense of rivalry remains.
The group did not particularly encounter any problems, and finally they arrived at the previously highest recorded sixty-fifth level.
"Concentrate! The map here is incomplete. I don't know what will happen!"
The voice of the accompanying Commander Meld resounded. Kouki and the others tightened their expressions and stepped into the unknown territory.
After a short while, they entered a large hall. Somehow or other, everyone present felt an unpleasant premonition. That hunch was right on the mark. At the same time they entered the hall, a magic circle emerged in the center of the room. It was a dark red pulsating magic circle of about ten meters in diameter. That was, a very familiar magic circle.
"D-Don't tell me…… it's that!?"
Cold sweat formed on Kouki's forehead as he shouted. The other members' expressions were distinctly nervous.
"Seriously, it's dead, isn't it!"
Hajime exclaimed, visibly shocked. Responding to that, with a grim expression but a calm voice, was Commander Meld.
"We have yet to elucidate the reason behind the formation of magic beasts in dungeons. It is normal to encounter magic beasts that have been defeated before many times again. Brace your spirits! Don't forget to secure the retreat path!"
In case it was needed, to ensure that they could safely get away, Commander Meld gave instructions to prioritize securing the escape route. His subordinates obeyed immediately. However, it left a bad taste in Kouki's mouth, as he retorted.
"Meld-san. We are no longer the us from back then. We are many times stronger now! There's no way we will lose now! We will definitely win!"
"Heh, that's right. We can't keep thinking that we will lose forever. It's time for our revenge match!"
Ryutaro also responded with a fearless smile. Commander Meld shrugged his shoulders while letting out a "Dear me". As he was thinking that it would probably be alright with Kouki's and the other's current strength, he let out the same daring smile.
And finally with an explosion of brilliance, the former nightmare once again appeared before Kouki and the others.
"Guugaaaa~!!!"
A strange figure raised a roar and stomped the ground. Behemoth glared at Kouki and the others with a fierce intent to kill dwelling in its eyes. Just as everyone was about to run from their nervousness, a single girl was indifferent and with a resolute expression, returned the look.
It's Shizuku, Shizuku declared not with an audible voice, but with strength dwelling in her indomitable will. Gripping her sword tightly that her Palms paling she glared at the beast.
"No one would be taken away anymore. I will defeat you and go to him."
Now, the battle to overcome the past has begun.
Amanogawa Kouki. 17 Year Old Male
Class:Hero. Level:48
Strength:760. Vitality:760
Resistance:760. Agility:760
Magic Power:760. Magic Resistance:760
Skills:
All Elemental Aptitude • All Elemental Resistance • Physical Resistance • Composite Magic • Swordplay • Herculean Strength • Ground Shrink • Foresight • High Speed Magic Recovery • Presence Perception • Magic Perception • Limit Break • Language Comprehension
Gaddayum! sorry guys, late update, been busy as shit.
I've only managed to finish this first half.
upload the final half when I'm done.
now, I've given a big ass clue as to why, Shirou don't remember shit before. basically, he regressed, but his past got changed after regression.
... wait, have I ever written this Shirou having not experienced the flames? ...meh.
anyways thanks for the reviews.
infinitymask: well, I can only say regarding your guesses, some are right and some are far off. regarding Hajime, I'm gonna include him, and regarding the og arifureta pairing... I can only say Hajime will have all except 4 who will be replaced. and regarding Kotomine Shirou and Jean pairing... I will only say, expect the unexpected. XD.