Disclaimer: I don't own Arknights or TYPE-Moon content.

Special thanks to dear LightEveningDawn for beta reading this chapter!

He did it!

Staring at the ominous orb pulsing above his palm, Edward felt euphoric. All his hard work, reading, and the failed tests he conducted with his father's help have finally paid off. Although the curse's thaumaturgical foundation was a bit unstable, they'll be able to fix it with some fine-tuning soon enough.

"You've worked hard." His father smiled, patting his head affectionately as the two left the basement. "Now let's get you to bed before your mother murders us." The two shared mischievous grins as they slowly snuck back to his room.

With this breakthrough, the second part of their project can start…after he gets some sleep. Even as he headed to bed, he could only roll around the sheets excitedly, too giddy to sleep as a thousand emotions surged in his heart. Pride, joy…and most of all, relief. Relief knowing he could save his friend from her illness, that she wouldn't be forced to hopelessly suffer through this illness without a cure.

He didn't like seeing her sitting in the hospital bed. Edward wanted to see her running around all the time like she always did. Now he was one step closer to making sure that happened.

However, the naive child never realized how cruel the world could be until he visited Leliana a few days later.

Her figure had visibly thinned, and she had a hard time just sitting up on her own. She looked exhausted and sleepy, and it would have made Edward think she was running before they came in. The doctor said she stayed in bed all the time, though.

"I missed you, Leliana!" Arthur hugged her enthusiastically, missing the wince on her face as he smiled innocently.

"I missed you too, Artie!" She beamed at him and returned the hug with equal fervor, patting his head and ruffling his hair with a teasing smile. "You got even bigger than last time!" She praised him, the little brat taking in the compliment with a toothy grin and his head held high. Leliana turned to Edward, raising her hands and waiting for him to approach. "Come give me a hug too, Ed!"

Edward felt shy and hesitant, unsure of how to proceed under the amused looks the adults gave him. H-He didn't want to do it because he was worried about her, that's all. Helpless, the boy could only shift his focus to the floor, openly fidgeting as he tried to come up with a solution.

"Edward." Her soft call broke his train of thought, the boy instinctively lifting his head to see her pouting and puffing out her cheeks. "My arms are hurting." She tilted her head, her trembling arms still reaching out to him.

Edward panicked, quickly reaching her before his mind caught up to his action. He froze just a few inches away, feeling nervous as he awkwardly stayed just out of arms' reach.

"Come on!" Leliana encouraged, finally getting ahold of him and pulling him close.

It wasn't as strong as the boy expected, on the contrary, he felt completely able to pull out of her grip if he so wished. But he didn't, pushing through the embarrassment, his arms held her gently. His heart beat twice as fast and every second felt like forever as he tried to imitate the way his brother hugged her. He actually started to feel comfortable.

This wasn't so ba-

"Patsies too!" She demanded, eyes twinkling as she huffed indignantly.

Edward froze for a brief moment before he surrendered to her wish and patted her back. He tried his best to ignore the chuckles of the adults around them, but it was hard when he could see his mother's wide smile in the nearby mirror.

At least one of them seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Time flew by as the brothers played together with the bedridden girl while the adults headed outside, their laughter and never-ending conversation filling the dreary room with merriment. Their joyous time together remained short-lived as a nurse walked into the room, signaling the end of the visit. "Hello, Leliana." She offered a gentle smile to the ill girl, her eyes shifting to the two boys next to her. "I'm sorry, boys, but it's time for your friend to take her medication and rest," she calmly reminded them, gesturing to the clock before patting their heads.

He nodded and held Arthur's hand as the two of them turned to their friend. Edward noticed her smile wasn't as wide as it was before, and the child quickly felt guilty about leaving. "We'll be back, tomorrow," he reassured her, his brother quickly nodding along with a wide grin.

Leliana's mood seemed to brighten, flashing the two a happy smile. Edward felt tension leave his body for a brief moment, glad to see her in high spirits.

"I wo-"

drip.

His words were caught in his throat, eyes wide as he traced the red line slowly dripping from her nose. He felt stunned as his brother tilted his head at the weird sight, the nurse quickly pressing a button and gently laying Leliana down. His friend coughed frantically, blood coming out of her mouth with each heave.

The adults were called in immediately, and his parents pulled them out of the room. Edward remained dazed for the rest of the day despite his mother's best efforts, and not even the news of Leliana's condition stabilizing brought him solace. They weren't allowed to see her after what happened, but his father carefully explained what the incident entailed.

Leliana was going to die soon…

"B-But we can still save her if we finish the healing spell, r-right?" His question was more of a plea, his childish mind clinging to the only ray of hope he had.

Silence was his father's only response.

Frustration bubbled up inside him, indignation pushing him forward as he gathered books haphazardly before he dove into their content, searching for any answer he could use to save his friend at long last. His father watched from his seat, a look of sympathy coloring his face as he allowed his son to vent.

To the child, it was the moment he decided to do everything he could to heal an ill girl.

To the man he would become, it was the beginning of the end for his childish aspirations.

Syracuse's City of Flore / June 16th / 1:00 PM / Sunny…

Edward groaned weakly, eyes slowly peeling open as he nursed the pounding headache assailing him. Slowly but surely his senses came to him as he remembered the events before his current state. His continued investigation into the shady experimentations conducted in the shadows of the city, his subsequent encounter with Lupa, and the hallucination which haunted him throughout the day.

The magus's brows furrowed at the recollection, rising from the bed with a wince. He sighed, feeling quite flustered by the idiocy of what followed the hallucination's dissipation. He grunted as the pounding in his head grew worse, shakily standing to his feet and washing his face as he reflected on his actions.

'I made a fool of myself this time.' A hollow smile appeared on his face, a pit forming in his stomach as he lurched forward. The ursus hurriedly made for the toilet where he spilled the content of his stomach, his nausea slowly relenting as he took deep breaths. Visions of his mother's smiling visage and her reassuring smile only fueled his agony when it overlapped with the sight of her dead body hanging in their room, leaving him unable to reconcile the turbulent emotions.

Despite the passing of time, he still held on to the dead and gone. Edward could not move on from the memory branded in his psyche. An everlasting shame he could never redeem himself from.

What could he have said to her if she was real?

Could he even dare meet her gaze if she answered his call?

The questions lingered in his mind, and Edward could not answer.

"You're up." Wu'an's voice snapped him out of his thoughts, and the composed Lung quickly came to his aid once she spotted him. "Easy there." She gently helped him up and sat him on the bed before checking his temperature, her eyes narrowing as she examined him for any abnormal symptoms. His face was pale, his eyes somewhat distracted as he stared at his hands. Profound weariness was palpable in his distant gaze, one ill-befitting a man of his age.

She could vividly recall seeing such a face before, her lips forming a thin line as she frowned.

With a sigh, the dragon lady stood up and walked out of the room. "Wash up and come eat." She spoke firmly, a glint shining in her eyes as she left the room.

Left alone, Edward silently took a shower and changed into his clothes before he entered the kitchen. The sound of a zither played from the laptop in the corner, accompanied by the tantalizing scent of food. "Do you need any help?" He asked with a faint smile, hoping to alleviate what worries she had. She already had enough concerns for his brother as it is.

However, Wu'an remained unconvinced, giving the magus a stern glare for his attempt. "No." Her response was immediate as she pointed to the table. "Sit down, it'll be ready in a few minutes," she all but commanded, shifting her attention to the next tune.

Wu'an's back was turned to him as he sat down at the table, the dragoness expertly orchestrating the kitchen with striking ease. The sizzle of ingredients meeting a hot wok and the rhythmic clatter of utensils against the cookware filled the room. As the zither's melodic notes continued to weave through the air, Edward realized he didn't know his brother's girlfriend as well as he should.

"How did you meet Enzo?" The magus asked, his question garnering the Lung's attention as she closed the lid and turned to face him.

"We first met a couple of years ago. My group was much smaller at the time, keeping low as we set up within the city, while Enzo was known as a local vigilante." Wu'an explained as she approached the table, a look of fondness overtaking her stoic face as she offered him a cup of tea. "Lemonade tea. It will help clear your mind."

"Thank you." Edward accepted the cup, pondering her words before he inquired further. "So I assume your first encounter wasn't the best," he quipped, earning a smirk in response as he took a sip.

"I was finalizing a deal when he came blazing in. We almost killed each other before the building exploded." Wu'an pointed to the scars running across her left arm, no longer concealed by her jacket. "I was trapped under the rubble, my arm and shoulder pierced by rebar and pieces of concrete, when he rescued me." Her hand gently traced the horrible marks before she checked on the food. "He nursed me back to health, and we got closer as time went on. The rest is history." Her lips quirked upwards for a split second as she brought a steaming pot of rice porridge, its comforting fragrance enveloping the room. "Was he always charging so recklessly in delicate situations?" Wu'an asked, deftly ladling the congee into bowls, each serving adorned with fine sprinkles of green onions and soy sauce.

Edward chuckled, noting the playfulness dancing in the young lady's eyes. "It's a bad habit of ours, I'm afraid. We used to get into fights together a lot, so we learned to jump in frays first, ask questions later," the magus jokes, remembering the many scuffles the two got into at school or around it.

Wu'an's tail swished gently as she sat down in front of him, her curiosity visibly growing as she leaned forward. "Pray tell, do you have any notable examples you can share?" she inquired with a playful tone, helping herself to the tea kettle.

"The most notable one will always be the one when a few noble brats insulted the maid bringing us home. Enzo charged in then and there before I joined him until we were separated and our mother was called," Edward recounted with a jubilant smirk, remembering the incident fondly. Although it was only one of many cases of their trouble-making shenanigans, it was the first time his brother took the lead in defending another, as reckless as it was.

"How did she react?" Wu'an grew more intrigued at the mention of their mother whilst partaking in her porridge.

"Not too well, I'm afraid," Edward answered, gently blowing on the food on his spoon before having a taste. The lovely texture and gentle mix of simple flavors blended well with the refreshing tea, creating a most homely canopy of sentiments. The green onions and soy sauce were perfectly measured, and Edward was certain such precision was born from many attempts and meticulous practice. A dish can speak volumes about a person, and hers carries great care and tenderness, the warmth of its flavors hinting at a giving heart. "Our mother almost broke the door of the principal's office before she started ripping into the other kids' parents. I dare say the adults were even more in danger than their kids would have been against us," he joked, taking more generous bites as he partook in the hearty meal.

Wu'an nodded calmly, taking in the story with a faint smile whilst eyeing her cup. "I can see where Enzo got his fiery personality then." Taking a sip of her drink, Wu'an's gaze shifted to Edward momentarily before the two focused on their meals.

Edward wasn't unaware of the inquisitive glances his interlocutor gave his way, his attention shifting to her once they finished their meals. "Thank you for the meal. It was quite wonderful." Offering a grateful nod, the magus crossed his arms and decided to shift to her main concern. "Would you like to share what's on your mind?"

The dragoness sighed, giving a neutral nod as she leaned back on the chair. "I just want to confirm a suspicion I have. Since that raid on the lab, you experienced a prolonged hallucination, right?" Wu'an frowned when she saw him tense up, gently rubbing her eyes as she cursed in her mother tongue.

"You know what it was?" Edward questioned, the earlier joviality replaced with a somber gaze.

Wu'an nodded as she walked to her laptop. "I do. Back in the car, I thought you might have been exposed to a hallucinogenic from the lab. However, your behavior yesterday made me realize it wasn't so simple." She beckoned him before she started typing away.

"What was it then?" Edward asked, moving his seat next to hers as he watched the screen.

"We call it 'Furor'. A contaminating muck wielded by a man named Umbra which can cause mental deterioration and insanity." Wu'an's countenance grew dark at the mention of Umbra, a picture of a masked man appearing on the screen along with different pictures of the same ominous dark substance the monster of the lab was infested with. "Most cases start with hallucinations of obsessions or grudges, the time it takes for contamination to complete depends on factors like one's mental fortitude, method of exposure, and the intensity of contamination." She explained as images popped up on the screen, showcasing records of different victims. Some were notably delirious, their blood sickeningly blackened, while others fared worse as the substance burrowed into their muscles and bones and turned them into abominations.

"Then we have the culprit for the experiments." Edward crossed his arms, taking his time observing the images of Umbra and his monsters. He caught Wu'an frowning even more, drawing his attention away from the disturbing images. "It's not so simple, I imagine?"

"We fought Umbra before. His presence usually means he's planning to conduct a large operation in the area. A few labs are just a means to an end for him." The Lung pointed out, finger tapping the table as she pondered over the situation. "But it's not like him to take his time like this."

"I can answer that." A voice snapped the two out of their thoughts, making them tense as they abruptly turned around. Wu'an brandished her gun while Edward aimed a Gandr at the intruder, only for the two to freeze at the sight of the grinning Lupa nonchalantly leaning against the wall near the window. "You look like you've seen a ghost. Is that any way to greet a friend?" Crossing her arms, she teased playfully without a care for the threat of their attacks.

Wu'an sighed before putting back her gun, glaring daggers at the easygoing woman. "I have a door, you know." She slowly pointed to the doorway not far from the kitchen, her brow twitching irritably.

"I didn't want to cause a scene at the bar." Lupa grinned as she pulled an empty chair to sit on, her thumb pointing to the opened window. "Plus it was quicker to get in through the window," she innocently noted, casually ignoring the dead looks the two gave her.

'We're three stories up…' Edward suppressed the urge to sigh, his eyes meeting Wu'an's as the two shared the same thoughts. The Lung gave him a shake of her head, patting his shoulders reassuringly. Their silence didn't hide their shared sentiments about the domineering Lupo's freakish strength, the weight of their combined stares forcing a shrug out of her.

'She's a weirdo…'

"You guys are thinking something rude about me, aren't you?" Lupa's smile faltered briefly, the glint flashing in her eyes sending shivers down their spines. Their backs grew straight as they shook their heads, their quick response eliciting a happy grin from Lupa once more. "Much better."

Clearing his throat, Edward quickly switched back to the matter at hand. "You said you know what plan this enemy of yours is brewing." His eyes narrowed when he recalled the conversation they had yesterday. "Does it have to do with the people you plan on hunting outside the city?" he guessed, his response earning a nod of approval from Lupa.

"Sure does." Lupa nodded, crossing her legs and getting comfortable. "Umbra's using them to unearth some ruins. Given his record, whatever's in there's potentially very destructive," she added, her jovial grin receding into a thin line.

"Then why wait until the end of the month to attack them?"

"Simple. This is a rare opportunity to rip the other famiglias out of the city by the roots." Lupa clenched her fist, her eyes growing murderous. "I want to ensure not a single pest survives messing with my pack." Her voice was frosty as she stared out the window, the intimidating aura she exuded palpable.

"What role does my brother play here?"

Lupa let out a dry laugh, an amused smirk plastered on her face. "That fool is trying to deal with this problem on his own. He doesn't want others to get hurt in Umbra's games." She stood up, stepping inside the study for a few brief moments before returning with a certain picture in hand. "He thought a clever play would keep him hidden from everyone too. At least his flare was good." She gingerly waved the picture of the grinning mourner before placing it on the desk between them.

Edward and Wu'an remained silent as Lupa's words sunk in, surprise and confusion leaving them lost for words. They looked at each other and back at the smug Lupo watching them, waiting for an explanation.

"I was the one who gave him this mask during a mission in the past." Lupa explained, placing the picture on the table and giving the other two a confident smile. "My partner also noticed his traces on the crime scenes. No matter how well he tried to cover his tracks, he can't get past us." The leader of the Covenant gestured to her shadow, which writhed irritably in response.

Edward could swear he heard a distorted huff coming from it before it abruptly turned silent when Lupa sent a withering glare its way. 'Even the creature in her shadow is scared of her.' The magus suppressed his amusement, even as the display drew a snort from the Lung next to him.

"Anyways, I'm glad to see you're alright." Lupa casually patted Edward's head, ignoring his grunt of annoyance as she ruffled his hair. "Thanks to the info you got from the lab, my boys managed to sweep through the rest," she cheerfully added before turning her attention to the fridge, rummaging through it for food.

"I'm glad to hear that." Edward sighed, his ears twitching as he fixed his hair. He was impressed the Covenant was able to eliminate the experiment sites so quickly, even with the intel he extracted. An operation of such magnitude required more than overwhelming muscle, but thoughtful and elaborate planning along with a profound control over the city. At least it saved them the time to deal with the sites themselves. "Your men are quite thorough."

"My subordinates are not all muscle freaks." Lupa chuckled, taking a bite of her chocolate eclair with a satisfied hum. Her eyes lit up as she observed him intently, fashing him a predatory grin. "You have a decent head on your shoulders, and you can handle a scuffle easily enough. How about joining the Covenant?" she proposed, her sharp stare judging his every action with intrigue.

Edward's brow rose at the sudden invitation, shaking his head at the whimsical she-wolf's easygoing grin. "I refuse." He instantly responded, somberly and without hesitation. His path and ideals remained with Reunion's struggle for a better world, and he will never abandon his comrades.

Lupa wasn't disappointed, a tinge of playfulness dancing in her eyes as she leaned closer. "Are you sure about that? If you leave, you might not be able to see your family for a very long time." She questioned, raising her hand and stopping Wu'an before she interjected. Her gaze bore down on him with its piercing intensity, earnestly waiting for his response.

Edward did not flinch away from her attentive regard, a gentle smile appearing on his face at the thought of everyone waiting for him back in Ursus. Confidence surged in his heart, his weariness cast aside by the warmth he felt. "But I'm also going back to my family as well. I'm satisfied knowing Enzo found people he can count on," the magus responded calmly, fully standing by his decision. As much as he would have loved to have his brother beside him, their paths and commitments took them in different directions. So long as his brother was happy, the magus could ask for nothing more.

"Such a shame. I wanted to make you a permanent part of my pack." Lupa sighed, finishing her food with a disgruntled huff. "Well, just know the offer will always be on the table," she noted with a playful grin, shifting her attention to Wu'an. "With that out of the way, I need to talk business with you." The she-wolf shed her playfulness, her focused, stern voice putting an end to the friendly discussion.

Wu'an nodded, taking the empty bowls to the sink. "I'll join you in a few minutes." She answered, putting her jacket on and turning to Edward. "Could you go to Dante and inform him of what we discovered?" she asked. Wu'an had planned to inform the old veteran of their findings, but with Lupa's sudden arrival, she knew her plans for the day would be put on hold. There was no denying the city's tyrant.

"I could use some fresh air," the magus noted, waving at the two as they hurriedly left the apartment.

Giving one last glance to the grinning mourner's picture, Edward readied himself and rode for Dante's training center. The place was bustling, the gym portion particularly lively as it was the weekend. The magus watched some of the people training nonchalantly, idly remembering the ludicrous weights a certain Lupo used in her workouts before chuckling. Witnessing a brief part of Lupa's training certainly left an impression on him, although he wasn't sure it was for the better. It was difficult to find the trainees here impressive after meeting someone so nonstandard, even more so when her passion for training seemed much more pronounced than the people here.

The magus did not dwell on his now distorted standard of workouts, moving past the gym and into the training yard. Although it wasn't as busy as the gym, some practiced their martial arts around, sparring and practicing their sets with the dummies under the watchful eye of their instructors. Watching from the sidelines, the magus was reminded of the times he trained here as well, practicing his forms repeatedly alongside the juniors.

"Reminiscing already, young master?" Dante's teasing voice interrupted his musings, the old wolf standing beside him with a warm smile. "You're still too young to look to the past so intently," he advised, hands placed on his cane as he rubbed his beard.

"A lot has happened since I've last been here," Edward stated, phantom silhouettes of the past briefly flashing in his eyes. Raising his hand, Edward observed the callouses and scars before he rubbed his neck, feeling the rough patch of scarred tissue. "It feels like such a long time ago." He said.

"You still have many more memories to make. Some might even be better than these," Dante noted. The old Lupo slowly walked to the weapons placed next to them, retrieving two dull swords before he threw one to the magus. Dante entered the yard, his presence attracting attention that the old wolf ignored as he beckoned Edward to join him. "But if reminiscence will help your troubled mind, then let us reminisce together," the old man said.

Edward hesitated for a brief moment, his eyes casually looking over to the people around them before he sighed. "Ok." He accepted, stepping into the field as he tested the weapon's weight. Edward grew accustomed to using his scimitar when fighting without EMIYA's powers, and although the training sword's balance and build were leagues apart from his personal weapon, it wouldn't pose much of a hassle in this spar. "Just don't complain when I beat you, old man," he quipped, taking his stance.

Dante chuckled, his eyes shining with ferocity as he analyzed Edward's every gesture. "I would be overjoyed to see your skills match your confidence," he teased, blade held deceptively low. "Leonardo, would you be so kind as to start us off?" he asked the nearby instructor, receiving an immediate nod as the Lupo raised his hand.

"On three." The instructor gulped as he shifted his gaze between the two, watching with anticipation much as the rest of the spectators around them. "One!" he shouted.

The fighters immediately charged, sparks flying as their swords collided against one another. The instructor hurriedly retreated, blinking owlishly at the sudden attack. The spectators watched as Edward put more strength into his attack, pushing the older man back a couple of inches.

"I see you still remember my teachings." Dante smiled, guiding the magus's blade away with a gentle shift of his sword. The battlefield left no room for formalities, and the veteran made sure to drill this lesson into all his students. Letting your guard down for even a moment only offered the enemy a chance to take the initiative. The spar began the moment both of them took arms, everything else was just a potential distraction.

Edward maintained his assault, bending under the sword swing aimed at his head. His strikes were parried without fail, his opponent staying just outside his reach. Every step he made was met with Dante stepping backward whilst he nonchalantly guided his blade away. He was gauging his forms and patterns, baiting him into overreaching to use the momentum he was amassing against him.

A battle of attrition wasn't a good option as he was burning through his stamina faster than his opponent, leaving him with two options; Either break through Dante's defense with brute force or bait him into launching an offensive of his own. The first approach was most likely what the veteran was waiting for, and so the magus decided to go for the latter.

Dante's profound skills and years of experience which provided a solid defense against Edward's attacks immediately focused on his exposed side the moment he lowered his sword. In an instant, the Lupo advanced with a powerful lunge to capitalize on the opportunity just as the magus expected.

Years of use of EMIYA's powers bled his experience into Edward, allowing him to make use of his battle experience without the class card. It allowed him to improve his personal martial prowess without the need to rely on the card itself, despite the bleeding effect it caused.

The moment Dante shifted into the offensive, Edward already began leaning out of the anticipated thrust, leaving the older fighter surprised and open to his incoming counter. Edward's swing wasn't fast enough to score a hit on the agile fighter, but he was able to leave a small rip on Dante's shirt. Some of the students became flabbergasted at the scene, incredulous whispers beginning to spread.

The two fighters began circling each other, silently assessing one another. Edward could tell his opponent was more attentive now, so the trick wouldn't work as effectively as the first time. Not to mention the disapproval written all over Dante's face, and the stern reprimand in his narrowed eyes.

"That was a reckless strategy, young man." Dante chided him, voice rather frigid as he offered a smile which felt rather off. "You didn't use it in a real battle, did you?" He slowly asked, making an effort to maintain his friendly expression as he prepared to charge again.

'Great. I pissed him off.' Edward smiled wryly, staying on guard and readying himself for this second round. "I did," he answered, flinching when he noticed the old man growing even more angry.

Dante's attack came instantaneously, his sword striking with more ferocity as he forced the magus back with each swing. Edward struggled to match the sudden onslaught, his marginal advantage in strength rendered obsolete by the disadvantage in reach and speed. His eyes quickly darted left and right as he alternated between blocking the swings and dodging away from the stabs. Dante had fallen for some openings due to his instincts and reaction getting the best of him, but he slowly began to shift his approach in an effort to counter the false openings. His strikes were methodical and consistent, aiming to forcefully create real openings in Edward's stance by continuously destabilizing his stance while ignoring the immediate chances presented to him.

Edward grunted as a strong kick sent him skidding back, mind racing as he rolled out of the way of the roundhouse aimed at his head. Releasing a deep breath, the magus quickly held his sword horizontally, blocking the follow-up overhead swing. The two were locked in a struggle as the older man bore his entire weight on the kneeling Edward, forcing him to kneel before sliding his blade until he trapped the magus's weapon in his crossguard and then flinging the sword out of Edward's grasp with a final push.

Undeterred by the loss of his weapon, Edward charged forward despite the incoming slash. The dull blade collided with his metallic arm, the metallic thud briefly catching his former teacher off-guard before he found his sword hand caught in Edward's grasp. Even so, Dante was quick to react as he caught the incoming punch to his chest, offering an approving nod. "A valiant effort, young one." The veteran praised the magus before a menacing glint shone in his eyes.

Sensing danger, Edward attempted to distance himself, only to be swept off his feet before he could react. Opening his eyes, Edward was greeted with Dante's fist inches away from his face, both of his arms pinned under the old wolf's feet.

"I yield." Edward surrendered with a sigh, tension leaving his body as he laid his head down. "What's the score again?" he jested, sitting up when his hands were freed.

"I believe it's thirty-five-nill, dear student." Dante straightened his clothes, sighing when he saw the tear in his shirt once more. "Let's call this one a draw." The old wolf declared, piercing eyes calmly observing his hand, feeling the numbness dissipate. Edward's last punch proved much stronger than Dante anticipated, and he felt quite delighted to witness his student's progress. Had it struck his chest, the veteran was certain the flow of the battle would have favored Edward at least for a while.

The young cub who couldn't even force him to move has grown into a ferocious warrior.

Click

Edward gratefully accepted his teacher's hand as he was helped to his feet, the magus nursing the aches in his midsection as he cooled down. Dante patted his shoulders reassuringly, beaming with pride as they picked up their weapons.

Click

The crowd applauded the display, offering support to the challenger and head instructor for the exceptional performance. Dante shook his head, taking his cane and overcoat and assuming his strict aura once again. "If you have time to clap, you have time to practice. Please resume your lessons immediately." His calm voice belied the irrefutable discipline his command evoked, both trainers and trainees straightening up and silently obeying his words.

Click

Dante turned to Edward, his sharp gaze growing even stricter as he beckoned him out of the training field. "We must discuss this fighting style of yours at your earliest convenience." His voice was low, a measure of skepticism in his tone.

Edward nodded, aware of the reaction his daring strategy would garner from any responsible instructor, let alone his first teacher. He could only nod, chuckling nervously under Dante's withering eyes.

Click

Their ears twitched, both student and teacher turning to the source of the clicking sound to find an old Lupo with a walking stick approaching them. He was a slender man of an average build, the wrinkles on his face and his gray hair complimenting the easygoing smile he had. His gray suit certainly stood out in the training center, more so with the feline bodyguard walking right behind him. The lady turned still when she caught sight of Edward, her eyes shifting between him and the old man.

"Signore Benedetti." Dante stood in front of the man, bowing respectfully to the blind man. "It's good to see you on this fine day," he greeted him, smiling graciously.

"Dante! It's good to hear from you," the old Lupo cheerfully replied as he carefully approached his friend before pulling him into a strong hug. "I decided to drop by since I was in the area. How have you been?" The Lupo, Benedetti, asked all the while his attendant continued to stare at the silent Edward. The magus tried to step away, only to stop when the feline's glare intensified, leaving him stuck.

"Same as always, old friend," Dante stated, a wry smile on his face when he noticed what was happening. He didn't know how to breach this particular news to his elderly friend, nor was he certain his pupil was ready for a reunion.

"I heard people talking about a duel you just had with a newcomer," Benedetti cheerfully mentioned, oblivious to the sudden tension his friend and the "newcomer" felt. "Is he here with you by any chance?" he gingerly inquired, casually tilting his head and nearly scaring the life out of the two when he looked straight at Edward for a few brief moments.

Dante sighed, turning to the magus. The two of them shared a look before Edward took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to flee. He wasn't ready for any meeting with his maternal family yet, but with the bodyguard spotting him, it was only a matter of time before his presence was made known. So he bit the bullet, advancing towards the old man without saying a word.

Benedetti's ears twitched, turning to face the young man. He could feel the heavy steps, different from the measured, soft steps Dante took. "May I help you?" he asked, his shorter stature making him look at Edward's neck unknowingly.

Edward felt his throat constrict, unable to meet his gaze and lost for words. His heart felt heavy as he squeezed his fists tightly. "I am the one Dante sparred with, Signore." He answered gently, pain gnawing at his being when the walking stick suddenly fell to the ground.

Benedetti stilled, fingers twitching as he got closer to Edward until his hand touched his shoulder. "C-Can I touch your face, young man?" he all but pleaded, voice trembling as he held onto Edward with all the strength his weakened body could muster.

Edward felt breathless, his heart breaking with each passing moment the man trembled as he waited for his response. Gently, his hands grabbed the old man's own, before he slowly guided him to his face.

Benedetti was quivering, uncaring for everyone around them as he delicately traced every feature of Edward's face with utmost care. Edward couldn't tell how much time he spent standing there, watching the Lupo as he examined his face until he finally touched his ears, feeling their shape and slowly pulling back his trembling hands. "Young man." His voice carried desperation, as he took shallow breaths between suppressed sobs. "Please, tell me your name." He held his hands, flinching at the sensation of Edward's prosthetic limb.

Edward remained silent, his sight shifting to the elderly Lupo's fragile hands gripping his. Breaking free of his grip would be a piece of cake, even more so to escape from here, yet neither his legs nor arms would move. There was no way out of this, but through.

"My name…is Edward Akhmatov," the magus answered, holding Benedetti's feeble hands reassuringly despite the fears he held for the incoming response. "I-It's me, grandfather," he admitted, closing his eyes as he waited for Benedetti's reaction.

Would he scorn him?

Would he curse him out of this place?

Every moment of silence weighed on him, his throat growing dry as his face scrunched up. All he could do was hang his head low, too ashamed to look at his grandfather. The old man finally let go of him, and the magus clenched his teeth as he readied himself for a potential outburst.

Until he was enveloped in a hug, the unrestrained sobs the elderly man making him shiver. Edward's eyes snapped open, fretting over his crying grandfather as shaking arms hesitantly encircled the elderly wolf.

"Grazie a Dio," Benedetti whispered through pained sobs, tears streaking across his face. "It must've been hard on you." He wept, the cold sensation of his grandson's steely limb akin to daggers stabbing his heart. "You've suffered much, mio carissimo nipote." He gripped his grandson's coat, unwilling to let go in fear of him disappearing.

Edward bit the inside of his cheeks, his eyes watering as he pulled his grandfather closer. "It's ok, grandfather. I'm alright, so please don't cry." He gently offered reassurances, slowly calming the distraught Lupo despite the same sorrow he shared.

His assistant sighed, a look of sadness on her face as she watched from the sidelines. Neither she nor Dante approached the two, waiting for the unconsolable pair to vent the pain they'd kept hidden in the depths of their hearts. It wasn't long before the two recovered some of their composure, ending their hug yet remaining close enough for the blind elder to feel the magus's presence.

"Let us continue in the privacy of my office," Dante suggested, guiding the three of them away from the curious eyes of the passersby.

"I happen to have new information I need to tell you," Edward interjected, slowly guiding Benedetti along. His grandfather was practically glued to him, a warm smile shining through his tear-stricken face.

"I see. It appears the situation is more serious than we initially thought," Dante concluded, digesting the news Edward brought about the state of affairs concerning Enzo and Umbra. "We must put aside our search efforts and prepare for the inevitable conflict outside the city," he concluded, receiving a nod of approval from the others.

"I will inform Alberto to make preparations," Benedetti chimed in, humming thoughtfully before he nodded. "We'll be ready by the end of the month," he declared with certainty, the decisiveness of a seasoned mafioso burning bright despite his age.

"Then we have no time to lose. Let us reconvene once the preparations have concluded," Dante suggested, noticing his old friend tapping his walking stick impatiently. He smiled wryly, hurriedly excusing himself to give them some time alone. "If you'll excuse me, I have much to do."

Once the veteran left, the feline bodyguard locked the door and stood behind the elderly Lupo. "The coast is clear, Signore," she notified, receiving a thankful nod before taking a step back and observing Edward curiously.

An awkward silence filled the room as grandfather and grandson stared at one another, suddenly finding themselves lost for where to start. However, the awkwardness did little to diminish the radiant grin on Benedetti's face.

"You got bigger, my boy." He broke the silence with light-hearted humor, his voice much more cheerful and jubilant than before. "Although it doesn't mean I won't give you piggybacks anymore. Your gramps still got it," he boasted shamelessly, drawing an exasperated sigh from his stoic assistant.

"I think I'll pass. I'm not into piggybacks anymore," Edward replied, unwilling to potentially spoil the mood with any elaboration. "How is everyone doing?"

"Same as usual. Alberto's overloaded with paperwork, dealing with the messes everyone else makes, Enzo's running amok the second you take your eyes off him, while I share drinks and stories with Dante from time to time," Benedetti casually summarized before he snapped his fingers. "Why don't you come with me to see Alberto? I'm sure he'd be happy to see you," he offered enthusiastically, eager to share the news of his grandson's safe arrival with his son.

Edward's countenance darkened somewhat, his smile losing some of its luster. "I'm sorry, grandfather, but I can't." He rejected the invitation, the old Lupo visibly deflating at the quick response. "I would appreciate it if you didn't tell him I'm here," he added, keeping his thoughts hidden behind a cordial smile. His uncle loved his mother more than anyone in the world, and Edward knew no one would have mourned her passing more than him. The magus did not wish to remind him of such pain with his presence.

"No one blames you for what happened, my child," his grandfather affirmed, gently poking his grandson with his stick. "Anyone who does will get the short end of my stick," he reassured, gesturing menacingly with his walking stick.

Edward chuckled, casually scratching his head. "Even so, my parents' deaths are still my fault." The magus maintained his stance, quietly fiddling with a coin while repressing his guilt and self-loathing. "Nothing is going to change that until the day I die."

"The only one at fault is us," Benedetti growled, his grip tightening on his stick. Frustration bubbled out as his hands trembled with fury. "Had I been half the man I used to be, I would've razed that city to the ground, nobles and all," the old wolf snarled, his words laced with unspoken bitterness. "But I'm too old, too slow, and too fottutamente cieco!" He smacked the armrest with all his might, the strike causing his entire arm to ache. "By the time our men got to Chernobog, you were already gone." Benedetti looked down to the floor, his body deflating as strength left him. "I'm sorry," he apologized, his wizened face weighed down by helplessness.

Edward stood up, his hand quickly holding his grandfather's shoulders. "You have nothing to apologize for, Nonnino," he consoled, offering a comforting squeeze. "I'm ok now, so you don't have to worry."

Benedetti sighed, his hands cradling his grandson's face. He took note of the scar across his cheek, his blood boiling at the tribulations his grandchild must have faced. Many nights he spent wondering about Edward's state, wondering if he was even still alive as he was tormented by the distance separating them. He lost count of the tears he shed each time he woke up and saw the picture of his precious grandson, his daughter Claudia's most sacred treasure, knowing the dangers he was subjected to on his lonesome at such a young age.

A wolf separated from his pack is a tragic sight.

Eventually, his sight left him completely, but it did not make a difference to the hole eating away at him. His vigor was drained, but he bore through it with a smile of acceptance, his mind never once treading too far from his daughter and her child. A child put in chains and sent to die in the unforgiving tundras, with his name mired by curses and ridicule. The thought of those cowards driving his daughter's name and her helpless child through the mud made him livid.

Yet his fury could not find any solace, trapped as it was in such a pathetic vessel. Sweet and sour lost all taste before long as his hope waned, leaving him to care for Enzo until his body finally withered away.

But he was here now, Edward was safe and strong. His face felt just like Enzo's, with his trimmed beard being the only difference. Every time Benedetti touched him, he feared him to be a figment of his imagination, that his mind was also lost.

Only it wasn't. This was real, he was real.

Benedetti slowly stood up, his hand affectionately patting the taller ursus. "Let's go get you some snacks. It's been far too long since I had a nice meal with you," the old man suggested, smiling happily as he looked up at him. It did not matter whether he could see him or not, what mattered was that it was him, not how he looked. "I want to hear about everything you went through," he insisted, looking at his grandchild expectantly.

"Of course. Your wish is my command, Nonnino." Edward nodded, guiding his grandfather along as they left the office. His plans for the day were promptly canceled as the magus accompanied him throughout the city, recounting all the details of his life after leaving his home. Without them ever noticing, their faces grew brighter and vibrant as they shared every little detail, their earlier gloom dissipating like smoke.

Omake: Wild "Tales" of Eden: Swords, New and Old

Today's drills and missions were finally done for the Yeti squadron, and the young fighters were no less nonchalant as they gathered around their usual spot to rest and discuss the day's events. Some looked fatigued by the grueling training and the unending tasks, while others were merrily boasting about their recent contributions and achievements in battle.

Then there was Ofnir, who was covered in ashes after a long day in his workshop, rubbing his eyes tiredly after a long day of repairs and experimentation. His siblings offered sympathetic looks and comforting shoulder pats, finding the sight of their disheveled older brother particularly pitiful. The smith endured their teasing, his eyes focused on Yelena as she discussed with Alina and Talulah. "Hey, Victor." Ofnir whispered to his fellow Yeti, nudging him gently with his elbow.

"Dammit Ofnir, you know it's hard to wash out." Victor hissed, noticing the black spots on his clothes. Noticing the frown on his brother's face, the young feline quickly leaned closer with narrowed eyes. "What's up?" He questioned, following Ofnir's line of sight and blinking once he noticed they were watching FrostNova.

"Doesn't big sis look…different lately?" Ofnir quietly asked, watching their eldest curiously for any anomalies.

Victor hummed, thoughtfully examining the smiling Cautus. "She seems fine to me…wait." He noted, focusing on Yelena's left arm under her cloak as a frown slowly made its way on his face. "That's weird. I can see Big Brother's shroud tied around her arm." Victor explained, stealthily guiding his fellow yeti member to the small gap in Yelena's cloak.

"She never did that before." Ofnir remarked, growing somewhat worried about his big sister. He knew Yelena tended to keep some matters from the rest of them, often because she was confident she could handle them on her own, although it didn't make her behavior any less worrisome.

The two quickly shared a knowing glance, already planning on holding a meeting with the rest of their unit to discuss how to solve this issue.

"Alright, you guys!" Petrova's voice calmed down the discussions around their campfire, the cheerful Kuranta smugly waving the collection of papers in her grasp. "The votes have been counted, and the result is decided. We're going with a new story tonight!" She declared, earning a mixture of cheers and boos from the audience. Her smile turned predatory at the chaotic mess, flashing her knives threateningly and promptly turning any dissenters silent. "Much better." She cheerfully added, throwing a side glare to the few grumblings which remained.

"Let's get to it!"

Kolosten:

Tensions in Kolosten were rather high as the imminent battle loomed closer, the weather dreadfully cloudy on this rather peaceful day. It has been a few days since Otto Apocalypse officially declared his resignation from his position as Overseer, the plan he undoubtedly plotted already in motion and awaiting the arrival of its remaining key participants.

Durandal sighed, her solemn gaze fixated on the cathedral not far away from their current resting area. Shicksal's strongest Valkyrie felt increasingly restless, troubled by Otto's machinations and the threat they held. An enemy's stronghold was a terrible place, doubly so when the enemy was an unequivocal master at his craft.

This will certainly be the most challenging adversary they could face.

"What's wrong, Durandal?" A calm voice questioned, a tall figure standing beside the leader of the Immortal Blades. The tanned man appeared just as solemn as her, steel gray eyes never straying from the same Cathedral. Clad in his usual black armored shirt and pants, and donning a beautifully tailored blue coat, decorated with golden accents, he struck an impressive figure matching his stellar reputation in Shicksal.

She would know, he was her closest confidant and adjutant alongside Rita, and one of two einherjar in their forces.

"I was simply thinking of the Hyperion crew, Archer." She explained, offering a reassuring smile to her dear comrade. "They're going to face a difficult enemy here." She added, her hand placed on her waist as she shook her head.

"It's not the first time they faced overwhelming odds. They have a knack for finding them as a matter of fact." Archer idly quipped, wholly unconcerned with the potential dangers the Hyperion crew are facing in this situation. "They're not idiots either…for the most part. With Nagamitsu and their own expertise, I think they stand a decent chance." EMIYA's face scrunched up with disgust and disdain for the briefest of moments, scoffing at the thought of a certain moron accompanying the crew. 'Worst case scenario, I get to see him die before I follow along.' EMIYA mused, never failing to find a silver lining in the bleakest of circumstances.

His Mind's Eye does come in handy in more than just fighting from time to time.

Durandal missed the mirthful smirk on the archer's face, too focused on his words. She appeared somewhat appeased, nodding along before she finally turned her attention away from the faraway building. "You're right. We'll cross that bridge when we get there." She affirmed as the two of them headed back to their home, her shoulders growing less tense as she waved at some of the people greeting them. "A better use of our time would be to train." She cheerfully suggested, unaware of the brief distraught look on EMIYA's face.

"We'll see what we can do." Maintaining a stoic demeanor, Archer hid his reluctance with a neutral response. Training with Durandal was by far the most grueling, near-torturous experience he had in this new life of his, especially after he made the spectacular error of holding his own against her during their spar at his entry test to the Immortal Blades. There was no part of his body which wasn't struck by a punch, slammed with a kick, or bashed with an oversized shield. The monstrous Valkyrie did not hold back either, making him a frequent, beloved resident of their squad's infirmary even with the help of his stigma.

He'd rather not spend the few days they had before the conflict nursing his wounds.

EMIYA sighed, growing impatient to reach his haven and prepare a decent meal to relax. It was the only hobby keeping his leader happy and his body safe from her spars, and given the challenging times ahead of them, it was best to make use of his time to enjoy it.

"Rita! We're home." Durandal called out to their resident maid, the sweet scent of delicious food filling the humble abode. The Valkyrie took a deep breath to savor the savory aroma, taking her shoes off and finding Rita in the kitchen.

Rita smiled gently, bowing respectfully to the two of them. "Welcome home, Durandal, Archer." She welcomed them, courtesying with her signature peerless elegance and grace. "Dinner is ready. I hope you enjoy it." She gestured to the neatly organized table in the living room, her smile growing mischievous when she noticed EMIYA's irritated frown.

"Thank you, Rita." Durandal nodded and promptly headed to the table, leaving her two adjutants alone as they watched her leave the kitchen. She stopped at the door, curiously turning back to see them remaining where they were, smiling at her. "Is there something wrong?" She asked, tilting her head slightly.

"Nothing of the sort. I just want to help Rita with the cleaning." EMIYA reassured her, his lips strangely twitching as he stood next to the maid.

"Indeed. We'll join you in just a minute, lady Durandal." Rita added, her face perfectly serene and carefree despite the way she was giggling.

Durandal didn't think much of it, simply nodding along and heading to the table first. Tensions rose instantly once the door closed behind her as EMIYA's smile shifted into a frown, his narrowed eyes glaring daggers at the vixen next to him. "Today was my turn in the kitchen, Rita." He noted, his voice low as he crossed his arms and stared down at her.

Rita's warm smile turned predatory, unbothered by the threatening glare of the Iron Wrought Hero. "My apologies, Archer. Your name wasn't written anywhere in the kitchen." She shamelessly quipped, making a show of bowing her head in apology. "You were kind enough to perform my laundry duties today, so I hoped to repay your kindness." Needless to say, the sadistic woman's wicked smile was hidden from view.

EMIYA's glare intensified, his annoyance growing more prominent as sparks flew between them. The rivalry between Shicksal's maid and the former counter guardian was hidden from their leader, a constant brutal clash for dominance over the household going back and forth at every moment. The kitchen was one such battlefield the two of them dueled for continuously, a relentless cycle of victories and defeats fueling their battles.

Today was one such example, with EMIYA mistakenly doing the laundry in Rita's place, an act tantamount to a declaration of war to the indomitable maid. As such, her retaliation was proven surgical, rapid, and efficient. She was quite joyous to see the fruits of her labor, the euphoric taste of vengeance sweeter than any dish she made today.

"Well played." Archer scoffed, his frown disappearing as he turned to join Durandal. Given the dire situation to come, he decided to let this slight slide for now. "However, you best prepare for my retaliation." He vowed, opening the door and waiting for her to join him.

"I'd expect nothing less, Archer." Rita responded, remaining stalwart despite the ominous promise. She offered a grateful nod and stunning smile as she passed through the door, the counter guardian grunting before following along.

His mind already began plotting his plan of attack for the next 'battle', smiling confidently when he remembered a creature who would be very interested in antagonizing the vixen.

As the three of them dined, the leader of the Immortal Blades savored the dish whilst her adjutants glared at each other, as was routine in the household.

Elysian Realm:

Raiden Mei finished another dive successfully, pondering over the information she obtained so far. The Flame Chasers were an interesting group, to say the least. Having met most of them and heard of their feats, the current era's Herrscher of Thunder could see how strong the previous era was, and how dire their state was compared to her own.

They were strong, almost unbelievably so, yet they lost to the Honkai, and their civilization was wiped out. However, Mei didn't lose hope or falter as she continued her exploration of this mysterious realm to gleam whatever she could to help prevent the same fate from befalling the current era.

"Mei~" A soothing voice surprised her, two slender arms encircling her in a warm hug as familiar melodious giggles reached her ears. "You were in there for so long. I missed you~" Elysia whined and pouted at her, vibrant pink hair tickling Mei's cheek as the Herrscher turned to the smiling lady, sighing with exasperation.

Mei learned to get used to the cheerful flame chaser's antics, her brows twitching at the recollection of their discussion concerning her horns. Still, no matter how whimsical and egotistical Elysia seemed, Mei couldn't bring herself to dislike the vibrant woman.

It was the one true constant shared by all the residents of this realm, from the cold Kevin to the sneaky Pardofelis. Everyone held a good opinion of Elysia, even if the way they expressed it differed.

"This dive was more challenging. I was hoping to get the attention of a new Flame Chaser." Mei explained, some disappointment leaking in her tone. As interesting as the experiences offered by the Elysian Realm were, Mei knew time was not her friend. She needed to find the truth Kevin sent her to discover and save Kiana.

Elysia's eyes gleamed with mischief, letting go of Mei and twirling flawlessly in front of her. She made a show of thoughtfully considering an important decision, her eyes stealing glances at the stoic Herrscher of Thunder and waiting for her to ask her about her thoughts.

"...What's wrong, Elysia?" Mei took the jump, playing along with Elysia's game as she crossed her arms.

"If you wanted to meet a Flame Chaser, you could've just asked me." Elysia explained, hands on her waist as she puffed out her chest. "I can take you there…if you let me touch your horns again." She added, her sweet voice notably laced with a cunning edge. She stood proudly, confident the newest visitor would have no choice but to accept her offer.

Lightning coursed through Mei's body, arcs of red electricity racing between her horns as she smiled ominously at the smug flame chaser. "E.ly.si.a~" Mei slowly uttered her name, emphasizing each part in a delicate and falsely inviting tone as she spread her arms and waited for the flame chaser to approach.

Elysia giggled, unconcerned by the threatening gesture as she raised her arms in surrender. "Don't worry, Mei. You know I will always help you unconditionally." She chimed, moving to the mechanism they used to enter the depths of the realm whilst beckoning the visitor to follow her.

Mei relaxed, sighing tiredly as she followed the pink elf. She wondered who this flame chaser would be, hoping she wouldn't need to deal with another Kalpas. 'It would be nice to meet someone less eccentric, like Sakura or Fu Hua.' The Herrscher idly thought as she watched her surroundings shift and contort before her vision turned black.

"Tada! We're here!" Elysia exclaimed, holding Mei's hand and pulling her along.

Opening her eyes, Mei watched the desolate land they were in with shock and disbelief, her eyes trailing to the weapons all around them.

"Although it looks a bit gloomy, this place is Hua's favorite." Elysia whispered in her ear as if spilling a major secret. "She always comes here when she thinks no one's paying attention, but I'm sure she likes Shirou." She shamelessly declared, a hint of mirth in her voice as she guided the Herrscher onwards.

Mei remained silent as they trekked through the wasteland, watching the cloudy skies with a frown. Her suspicions were validated when the two of them reached a solitary hill, spotting a stalwart figure sitting at the top.

I-It couldn't be…

"Hi, Shirou!" Elysia waved at him, her gentle voice garnering the man's attention.

"Can I help you, Elysia?" The young redhead turned to face them, resolute amber eyes observing Mei with intrigue before shifting their focus to the nonchalant flame chaser.

"I wanted to introduce you to my new friend." Elysia merrily informed, extravagantly gesturing to the silent Mei with a wide smile. "She's almost half as gorgeous as me. I need to work on her shyness though." She playfully remarked, eyes twinkling as her companion remained silent.

"So she's the Herrscher Hua was talking about." Shirou noted, looking over Mei's sword for a brief moment before he smiled sincerely. "It's nice to finally meet you."

Mei remained silent, watching Shirou's smile and contemplating this new revelation. She assumed Fu Hua was the only Flame Chaser she met in the current era besides Kevin, but to think her companion and senpai was also one of them was beyond her expectations. He felt just the same as ever, warm and welcoming to others and ready to give a hand without any ulterior motives or interest beyond saving others. She was reminded of the days they'd spent together in St. Freya, her strict features softening as she approached the simulation. "The pleasure is mine." She declared, smiling as she reached out to him. "My name is Raiden Mei. It's nice to meet you, Shirou." She softly introduced herself, her gentle gaze drawing Elysia's attention immediately.

Shirou extended his own hand, firmly grasping Mei's hand with a nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Raiden. I am the bearer of the signets of Steel, ranked fourteenth, Shirou." The redhead cordially introduced himself, his strong presence and encouraging smile contrasting the bleak land around them.

"I will be in your care, senior." Mei blurted out, momentarily lost in the memory of their first meeting. He was one of the few who cared for her and looked after her following the demise of her father's company, never failing to guide her and protect her despite the tragedy of Nagezora.

"I've never seen Mei so bashful before!" Elysia remarked as she took out a phone, taking multiple pictures before the Herrscher composed herself. "I'm a bit jealous now." She noted with a smile, puffing her cheeks indignantly as the two slowly backed away from each other.

"Now that introductions are done, I would like to test your abilities." Shirou explained, Kanshou and Bakuya appearing in his grasp as the clouds parted, revealing the clear blue skies above them. "Show me what the Herrschers of the current era can do, Miss Raiden." He challenged her, amber eyes glowing brighter as the weapons around them floated around him, ready to attack.

"I won't hold back." Mei drew her blade and readied herself, focusing all her senses on her opponent. Throughout all the years they spent together in St. Freya, Mei wasn't able to defeat her friend and teacher in the spars they had. She was determined to break this record in this battle, no matter the hardship.

Both adversaries charged simultaneously, their clash cratering the earth as lightning danced along the sea of steel.

Hyperion:

The crew's morale has been particularly high lately, despite the challenging adversaries they're going to face when they arrive at Kolosten. Kiana and the others were already fully focused on training and honing their powers as much as they can in the time being.

Fu Hua and Shirou were no exception. The two of them practically spent most of their days in the training room, sparring endlessly in an effort to help the Phoenix regain more of her edge.

At least that's how Fu Hua explained it. The truth was more complicated, given the affection the martial master held for her closest companion and fellow Flame Chaser.

She ducked under his swing, using her momentum to kick the spear flying at her blind spot away before she backflipped out of the barrage of weapons chasing after her. Shirou's figure charged through the smoke, halberd in hand as he aimed for her chest.

Hua sidestepped the thrust, trapping the polearm in her vice grip before pulling Shirou towards her. In an instant, the magus found himself slammed to the floor with a gauntlet covered fist inches away from his face. Shirou sighed and surrendered, his hands tiredly falling to the floor as he panted.

"I won this round, Shirou." Hua declared, a smile making its way on her face as she helped him up. Both of them looked ragged and disheveled after their intense training sessions, but his smile seemed just as radiant in her eyes.

"Yeah, you got much stronger, Hua." He complimented, wiping away the sweat on his face as he recovered. The aches of their battles started to show despite Garuda's healing ability, drawing today's fights to a close. "Let's get cleaned up. I have to make dinner for the crew." He gestured to the exit, waiting for her to follow.

Fu Hua watched him in silence, the words she wished to speak trapped in her throat. She felt helpless when it came to romantic prospects, unable to find the courage to say the words she wished to tell him even after buying time with this intensive training.

However, someone who was more specialized in this field (and all other fields!) was willing to graciously offer her conditional aid.

Shirou was immediately swept off his feet and pinned to the ground without warning. "Hua, wha-" His words were cut off when he noticed who actually pinned him down.

The mighty and powerful Herrscher of Sentience straddled the confused magus, her magnificent eyes focused solely on the hero under her. "The old timer is too timid to take the lead, but my mighty self is not." The mighty and peerless Senti declared, her domineering voice making the magus chuckle joyously.

Naturally, none could resist the allure of the most powerful Herrscher in the world! Not even the author currently typing these words or the readers currently reading this.

Yeah, you! I see you, so you better cheer for the one and only if you know what's good for you!

See, following the small misunderstanding Kiana and the others had with the mighty Senti, the Herrscher of Sentience, in all her profound wisdom decided to let them win and was almost about to leave.

However, a true believer still held onto her despite it all!

"You deserve to be your own person just as much as anyone. I promised to save you, remember? So please stay, even if you have to use my body to do so."

With such a pathetic and pitiful plea, how could the magnanimous Herrscher of Sentience refuse?!

And so we found ourselves in this romantic setting as the mighty and seductive Herrscher of Sentience drew closer to the lovable, idiotic but somewhat cute Shirou.

Until an old timer hit her head with a chop and sent her back to the magus's inner world where she resided for the time being. As you can tell, Fu Hua is very jealous of the fact the beautiful Senti already had a place for her in Shirou's soul and heart, so she was trying to limit their interactions so she can catch up to her.

What shameless underhanded tactics for the Phoenix to use. How the mighty have fallen!

Okay, this is Senti, out!

Shirou stood up and dusted off his clothes, chuckling when he noticed the silent Hua beside him. Her cheeks looked red like tomatoes as she kept her head low, fiddling with her fingers as she tried to find the right words. The magus gently patted her head, the martial artist tensing for a brief moment before she grumbled out some chastisement for the unruly Herrscher. "It's ok. Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere." Shirou reassured her, his words relieving the tension she didn't know she had.

Fu Hua grabbed his hand, pulling him along as they left the training center. "Come on, I want to cook with you today." She spoke, never showing her reddened face as the magus followed along obediently.

Shirou's mood remained positive throughout the rest of the trip…until he descended from the ship along with the others and encountered Durandal and her adjutants.

Both sides stood facing each other, smiles all around as the strongest Valkyrie and her maid welcomed them to Kolosten.

The third one, however…

"Fuck you." Archer growled, his callous remark freezing all the smiles around them, Durandal and Rita's eyes widening considerably as they turned to their stoic companion.

How scandalo-

"Fuck you too." Shirou snarled, glaring daggers at the man in front of him. Hua's jaw would have fallen to the floor if she could, same for Theresa and the others as they tried to make sense of the situation.

'You tell him, Shirou!' Senti's charming voice encouraged her dear follower, uncaring for the context or the repercussions. That's the spirit someone worthy of the strongest being in the universe should have!

Yatta!

Name: Ahkmatov Edward Viktorovish. (Formerly Edward Miles)

Race: Ursus.

Age: 24 years old.

Element: Fire, Air, Earth.

Originium-Cell Assimilation: 10%.

Originium blood concentration: 0.17 u/L.

Arts: Telekinesis.

Current condition:

Sore.

Inventory:

-"Introduction to the field of Alchemy. "

-" Intricacies of Transmutation. "

-" Advanced Bounded Fields. "

-" Advanced Runes and the engraving process. "

-" The paths of Healing magecraft and Spiritual healing. "

-" Holy sacraments "

-" Oriental Spiritual Evocation and Music "

-" Puppets. "

-Ursus weapons and Equipment.

-Food and Rations.

-Flute

-Class card( Archer class heroic spirit designation: "Nameless" )

-Holy shroud.

-Carbon (20Kg)

-Ammonia(4L)

-Lime(1.3Kg)

-Phosphorus(270g)

-Salt(175g)

-Niter(80g)

-Blood sample (Yelena)

-Blood sample (Buldrokkas'tee)

-3000 LMD.

Points: 2400.

Artificial Ursus arm (manufacturing in progress: 98%).

Cautus Puppet Body (manufacturing in progress: 15%).

Wendigo Puppet Body (manufacturing in progress:10%).

I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

A word from dear LightEveningDawn:

"Uh... Uh... Hope you enjoyed. Join the discord to motivate Roxas."

If you want to stay up to date with the latest updates and news about the stories, or just want to hang out together, be sure to join my Discord Server: discord. gg /AP6xKzZXgU

Thank you for reading and have a nice day.

Next update will be King of Fantasy.