Rayish
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Chapter 84
🕑 Added 2025-01-01 13:23:06 +0000 UTCShirou and Lefiya finally finished cooking breakfast. They carried several plates to the dining table, which was bustling with members of the Loki Familia, and sat down next to Aiz. The blonde-haired girl was enjoying a plate of Jagamaru-kun potato snacks made by Shirou, her favorite morning treat. With a small smile, Shirou glanced at Aiz.
"Aiz," Shirou asked as he scooped some of his breakfast. "It's unusual to see you join us for breakfast today. Around this time, you're usually training Bell, aren't you? Did something happen?"
Aiz swallowed the last bite of her Jagamaru-kun before replying, "Bell asked for days off from training. He's busy welcoming a new member to the Hestia Familia," she said in her usual calm but slightly gentle tone.
Lefiya, seated to Shirou's right, chimed in, "Bell should recruit new members more often. That way, he won't keep bothering Aiz all the time," she teased, though her face hinted at a subtle trace of jealousy.
Shirou chuckled softly at Lefiya's comment, but a thought crossed his mind. "By the way," he said, turning to Aiz, "why doesn't the Hestia Familia recruit more members? Compared to the Loki Familia, just look at this dining hall—it's packed. But the Hestia Familia is so small in number."
Aiz shrugged. "Perhaps it's because the Loki Familia has been around for a long time, while the Hestia Familia was only recently established. It takes time to build a reputation," she replied simply.
Suddenly, Lefiya leaned closer to Shirou and whispered, as if afraid someone else might overhear, "I've heard some rumors from other adventurers," she began conspiratorially. "After the Hestia Familia won the War Game against the Apollo Familia, a group of adventurers considered joining them. But when they found out that Goddess Hestia had a debt of 200 million valis, they all backed out. Who would want to join a Familia with financial problems that big?"
Shirou looked at Lefiya in shock, then turned his gaze to the table, lost in thought. Two hundred million valis in debt? he wondered. His friend Hestia was bearing such a heavy burden and hadn't complained even once. A desire to help stirred in his heart. Maybe the salary I haven't touched could be used to help Hestia, at least with part of her debt. But Shirou remained silent, simply staring at his plate as he quietly began formulating a plan.
While chewing her breakfast, Lefiya glanced at Shirou with a curious smile. She nudged his arm lightly, trying to get his attention. "By the way, I heard you've updated your status, Shirou. I bet your stats have skyrocketed with all the heroic feats you've pulled off," she said with an eager grin.
Aiz, sitting on Shirou's other side, turned with an intrigued expression. Her sharp golden eyes locked onto Shirou, silently demanding an explanation without uttering a word.
Shirou set down his spoon and replied calmly, "Yes, my stats have improved. Most of them are now at rank A or B."
Hearing this, Lefiya almost choked on her food. "A or B? That's amazing! Does that mean you can level up now?" she asked enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
Shirou simply shook his head with a faint smile. "Not yet. I decided to follow Loki's advice. She suggested I hold off on leveling up because there's a chance I can push my stats to rank SSS."
Lefiya sighed dramatically, pouting like a child. "Ugh, Loki-sama told me to hold off on leveling up too," she grumbled. "I'm already eligible for level 4, but she wants me to boost my magic stat to rank S first. But that's still far behind your stats."
Shirou chuckled lightly before adding, "It's not just that. With the Underdog skill I have, I can only gain maximum excelia by fighting enemies who are at a higher level than me. Since I'm at level 4 now, I need to fight enemies on the same level as Aiz, Riveria, Finn, and the others who are already level 6. If I rush to level up, I'll just make things harder for them."
Aiz remained silent, but there was a flicker of emotion in her eyes as she listened to Shirou's explanation. Even with your lower level, you saved me when I was in danger, she thought to herself. My hero…
However, she simply lowered her head slightly, continuing her meal without saying a word, though a warm feeling spread through her chest as she recalled Shirou's bravery.
Shirou shifted his gaze from his nearly empty plate to Lefiya and Aiz. "Speaking of which," he began casually, "is there a forge around the Manor? My development ability in forging hasn't improved at all because, well, I've never tried smithing."
Aiz stopped chewing and stared at Shirou in surprise. "You picked forging as a development ability?" she asked curiously. "Are you serious about becoming a blacksmith?"
Shirou scratched the back of his head, a bit sheepish. "At first, I thought it would be useful in the future, so I chose it. But I haven't had the chance to learn or try smithing yet."
Lefiya, sitting beside him, beamed. "Shirou, you're amazing! Magecraft, cooking, archery, swordsmanship, and now you want to learn blacksmithing? If you put your mind to it, I'm sure you'd make a great blacksmith too."
Shirou felt a little embarrassed by the praise. "You're exaggerating," he said modestly. "I'm just trying to make use of what I have."
Lefiya giggled softly and said, "Oh, speaking of forges, I know there's one near the Manor. But it's been abandoned for a long time since the Loki Familia usually hires blacksmiths from other Familias for our equipment needs."
Before Shirou could respond, Riveria stood from her seat in the dining hall. With a calm yet commanding voice, she announced, "Attention, members of the Fairy Force. We will begin training shortly as usual. Gather at the designated location."
Lefiya froze for a moment. "Oh no! Oh no! Oh no!" she exclaimed in a panic, hurriedly shoveling the rest of her food. "I forgot we have training with Lady Riveria! I need to hurry!"
In a rush, Lefiya finished her meal and turned to Shirou. "Sorry, Shirou! I can't help clean up or show you the forge right now."
Shirou smiled gently. "That's okay, Lefiya. Your training is more important. Good luck," he said with an encouraging nod. "I can check out the forge tomorrow. How about we go together?"
Hearing this, Lefiya paused, smiling sweetly at Shirou. "Really? Okay then, I'll show you the place tomorrow. Thanks, Shirou!" With that, she waved and ran out of the dining hall, chasing after her teammates.
Once all the Loki Familia members had left the dining hall, Shirou stayed behind in the kitchen, gathering the dirty dishes and cleaning up to ensure everything was spotless before starting his day. Aiz, still seated at the table, watched Shirou as he worked.
Shirou glanced at Aiz. "You don't have to stay here, Aiz. If you have other things to do, feel free to go. I can handle the cleanup," he said as he filled the sink with soapy water.
But Aiz shook her head gently. "It's fine. I want to help," she replied simply, her voice as calm and soft as a gentle breeze.
Shirou offered a small smile. "Thank you very much, then. Let's get started."
Without much more conversation, the two of them began cleaning the kitchen and dining hall. Despite not being an expert in cooking, Aiz proved to be quite adept at chores, easily wiping tables, arranging chairs, and even helping Shirou rinse the dishes.
Amid the activity, Aiz spoke in a calm tone, "Shirou, do you have time after this?"
Shirou nodded, drying his hands with a towel. "Of course. Is there something you need help with?"
Aiz looked at him intently. "Can you help me train?"
Shirou paused, slightly confused. "Train? Aren't you already incredibly skilled, Aiz? You're one of the best fighters in Orario."
Aiz shook her head slightly, her gaze fixed on the kitchen floor with determination in her eyes. "Not enough. I want to become stronger," she said, her voice carrying deep resolve. "Revis… Twice I've had to be rescued from her. I don't want to be a burden anymore."
Shirou fell silent, sensing the sincerity behind Aiz's words. "Alright then. I'd be happy to help," he finally said, offering her a confident smile.
Inside, Aiz felt a slight sense of comfort, but her determination only grew stronger. I want to be someone who can stand by his side. Not as a girl who constantly needs saving, but as an equal partner. My hero… I want to become stronger for you.
After finishing cleaning the kitchen and dining area, Shirou let out a satisfied sigh. He looked at Aiz, who was still standing nearby, and asked, "So, where will we be training, Aiz?"
Aiz turned to him and replied succinctly, "At the Loki Familia training hall."
Shirou nodded but then realized something. "Training hall? Uh, where is that exactly?" he asked sheepishly, his face slightly reddening as he felt embarrassed for not knowing his way around the Loki Familia's estate.
Aiz looked at him briefly before gesturing for him to follow. "I'll show you the way."
They walked side by side across the Manor's grounds. Aiz remained calm, while Shirou took note of the surroundings, trying to memorize the route they took. Eventually, they arrived at a large building tucked into a corner of the Manor's grounds. The structure looked sturdy, with a large wooden door engraved with the Loki Familia's emblem.
"This is the place," Aiz said as she opened the door.
Upon entering, Shirou was amazed by the fully equipped interior. The spacious room was filled with training equipment such as wooden dummies for sword practice, barbells of various sizes, training mats, and even a dedicated arena seemingly designed for duels. Everything was neatly arranged and well-maintained, reflecting the Familia's discipline.
However, something caught Shirou's attention. "It's so quiet. I thought a place like this would always be busy."
Aiz explained as she walked further into the room, "Usually, this place is crowded during training sessions for the new level 1 recruit. They're taught the basics of combat here. But now, most of the Loki Familia members are busy with their quests or in the Dungeon."
Shirou considered her answer, reflecting on his situation. Unlike most Familia members, he had never been assigned a mandatory quest by the Guild. The reason was simple: he was officially still registered as a level 1 adventurer, even though he had reached level 4. His concealed status afforded him a rare freedom not typically enjoyed by high-level adventurers.
"Have you just completed a Guild quest?" Shirou asked, trying to get a glimpse into Aiz's routine.
Aiz nodded slightly. "Yes. It was a standard task, nothing difficult." She then turned to Shirou. "What about you? Doesn't the Guild ever assign you tasks?"
Shirou chuckled lightly. "No, maybe because they still think I'm a beginner. I've been lucky to avoid mandatory quests so far."
Aiz nodded again, though inwardly, she wondered how someone with Shirou's abilities had managed to maintain such a low profile without arousing the Guild's suspicion. Does Shirou wear a disguise when he goes into the Dungeon? she thought. But rather than pressing the issue further, she decided to focus on their current goal. "Let's start training," she said, walking toward the arena at the center of the room.
Shirou followed, a small smile on his face. "Alright, show me what you've got," he said, eager to help Aiz grow stronger.
Aiz stood in the middle of the training arena, her gaze fixed on Shirou. "Shirou," she said seriously, "can you teach me that technique? The one you used to save me back then... Tsubame Gaeshi."
Shirou froze for a moment, furrowing his brow. "Tsubame Gaeshi?" he murmured, deep in thought. "That's quite a complex technique... But alright, I'll try to explain."
Shirou swiftly projected a long nodachi, Monohoshi Zao, into his hands. The sword shimmered with a magical light before taking its perfect form. Shirou raised it, revealing its sleek design and length, nearly as tall as Aiz herself. "This is the weapon typically used for Tsubame Gaeshi," he explained. "I learned it through magecraft tracing. But this technique was designed for a nodachi like this, and I'm not sure I can teach it to you since you use a short sword."
Aiz looked at the nodachi with curiosity. "Can I try it?" she asked hopefully.
Shirou nodded and carefully handed over the weapon. "Be careful; it's quite heavy."
Aiz accepted the nodachi with both hands, adjusting her grip. She swung the long blade cautiously, but her movements were stiff. The nodachi, almost as tall as she was, clearly didn't suit her fighting style. "It feels... different," Aiz murmured, trying another swing but failing to find her comfort zone.
Shirou chuckled softly and began to explain, "The Tsubame Gaeshi technique is unique. Its original master, Sasaki Kojirou, trained rigorously to perfect it—cutting down swallows mid-flight. It's not just about the sword; it's about a deep understanding of movement and timing."
Aiz's eyes sparkled with interest at the story. She lowered the nodachi and, with enthusiasm, said, "Then I'll train to cut swallows too! I'll go find some right now."
Shirou nearly choked at her sudden declaration. "Wait, hold on!" he exclaimed, raising his hands to stop her. "You can't just run out and start practicing like that. Sasaki Kojirou spent years mastering Tsubame Gaeshi. The technique isn't only about the weapon; it's about understanding the philosophy behind the movements."
Aiz paused in her tracks, looking at him with confusion. "So… does that mean I can't learn it?" she asked.
Shirou sighed softly and shook his head. "Not exactly. But if you want to try, you'd have to start from the very basics, and it would take a long time. Plus, you've never used a nodachi before. It's wiser to focus on mastering your own skills with a short sword."
Aiz seemed a little disappointed but nodded in understanding. "Then I'll focus on becoming better with my own sword," she said with renewed determination.
Shirou smiled slightly, relieved. "That's a much better choice. You're already amazing with your weapon. There's no need to force yourself to use something that doesn't suit you."
Aiz carefully handed Monohoshi Zao back to Shirou, her eyes burning with determination. "Shirou," she said seriously, "use Tsubame Gaeshi on me."
Shirou's eyes widened in shock at the request. "What? Why would I do that?" he asked, nearly unable to believe what he'd just heard.
Aiz looked at him with unwavering confidence. "Revis was able to dodge two strikes of your Tsubame Gaeshi back then," she explained. "I want to train myself to evade all three slashes. That's my goal."
Shirou stood silently for a moment, processing her words. He could sense the sincerity and determination in Aiz's voice. She wanted to become stronger, especially against threats like Revis. Finally, Shirou nodded, albeit hesitantly. "I understand, Aiz. You want to be more prepared for Revis," he said gently. However, he glanced at the nodachi in his hand with concern. "But Monohoshi Zao is incredibly sharp. If I use it against you, it could be dangerous."
Shirou then had an idea. Closing his eyes briefly, he activated Alteration magecraft. Prana flowed through Monohoshi Zao, and within seconds, the sharp blade dulled, losing its cutting edge while maintaining its original form.
"Now, this nodachi is safer," Shirou said, handing the sword to Aiz for inspection.
Aiz ran her fingers along the blade and nodded in approval. "Alright, let's test it in the arena," she said, walking toward the center of the training area.
Shirou followed her, gripping Monohoshi Zao tightly. He knew this wasn't an ordinary practice session. Aiz was serious, and he needed to give his best to help her achieve her goal. "Alright," he muttered softly. "But I'll hold back a little to ensure this stays safe."
Aiz stood across the arena, holding her short sword firmly. Her face radiated determination, even though she understood the challenge ahead would be immense. Facing her, Shirou held Monohoshi Zao, its presence imposing despite the dulled edge.
"My reach is longer, Aiz. You need to be fully prepared," Shirou warned, pointing the nodachi at her. His golden eyes focused intently, like a swordsman ready to unleash his finest strike.
Aiz gave a brief nod, her stance steady and resolute. "I'm ready," she replied confidently, though her heart pounded with nerves. She knew the deadly potential of this technique.
Shirou took a deep breath, leaning forward slightly as prana surged through his body, crackling like an untamed flame. He planned to hold back, but as his foot moved and Tsubame Gaeshi flowed into his mind, every ounce of his energy and focus centered on the strike.
"Tsubame Gaeshi!" he called out.
In an instant, three slashes curved through the air, seemingly cutting through dimensions themselves. The first slash targeted Aiz's abdomen, below her chest plate, while the other two aimed for her arms. The strikes were impossibly fast, surpassing human limits.
Aiz tried to react, but her body couldn't keep up. In mere seconds, all three strikes connected. Though dulled, the impacts were strong enough to push her backward, causing her to fall to the ground. Her short sword slipped from her grasp and landed several meters away. She looked down, clenching her fists in frustration.
"I couldn't deflect even one," Aiz murmured softly, disappointed in herself. Her breathing was labored, not from pain but from the weight of her failure to counter the attack she'd anticipated.
Shirou rushed over, his face filled with concern. "Aiz, are you alright?" he asked, scanning for any serious injuries.
Aiz looked up, her face slightly flushed from embarrassment, but she forced a small smile. "It's just a minor bruise. Nothing to worry about," she said, slowly getting to her feet.
Shirou let out a relieved sigh but tried to reassure her. "Aiz, when I faced Revis, she was level 7. This technique exceeded normal limits, but my opponent then was far stronger than now. You're still level 6, so there's no reason to feel disheartened."
Aiz gazed at Shirou for a moment, sensing the sincerity in his words. However, she wasn't interested in excuses. She walked over to her short sword, picked it up again, and tightened her grip. "That doesn't matter. I want to try again," she declared firmly.
Shirou gave a small smile, admiring Aiz's unyielding spirit. He readied himself, pointing Monohoshi Zao back into position. "Alright," he said. "This time, I won't hold back at all."
***
From within the Loki Familia training building, the sound of repeated loud clashes echoed. Shirou's shout of "Tsubame Gaeshi!" was followed by the whistle of swift strikes and dull impacts, each ending with a small yelp of pain from Aiz. Yet, there was no sign of her giving up.
Aiz kept standing, even as her body became covered in bruises. She stared at Shirou with burning determination, trying to decipher the deadly pattern of his strikes. Each time she fell, she rose again, gripping her short sword tighter and stepping forward with renewed resolve.
"I can do it," Aiz murmured softly to herself, her focus sharpening. This time, her eyes tried to track every slight movement Shirou made, striving to anticipate the three simultaneous slashes characteristic of the technique.
Once again, Shirou steadied himself. "Alright, are you ready, Aiz?"
Aiz nodded without hesitation. "I'm ready."
"Tsubame Gaeshi!" Shirou shouted, the nodachi flashing forward to unleash three swift slashes simultaneously as if slicing through space and time. Aiz held her breath, her concentration at its peak.
The first slash came from the right. Aiz managed to lift her short sword just in time, deflecting it to the side. The second slash targeted her stomach; she stepped back slightly, evading it with nearly perfect timing. But the third, faster than the first two, struck her shoulder, causing her to stagger and grimace.
Aiz wavered but her eyes shone with triumph. "Two… two out of three!" she said, panting but clearly proud.
Shirou gave a small smile, impressed by her rapid progress. "Amazing, Aiz. You're starting to get the hang of it."
Undeterred by the pain, Aiz raised her short sword again. "Again," she demanded, her voice firm despite her battered body.
Shirou gently shook his head. "I'm sorry, Aiz, but I can't anymore."
Aiz looked at him in confusion, her breath still heavy. "I can still go on. I'm not giving up," she insisted.
Shirou smiled faintly, though he now appeared fatigued as well. "This isn't about you, Aiz. My magical energy is running low. Using this technique repeatedly consumes a lot of prana, and I've reached my limit."
Hearing this, Aiz lowered her head briefly, processing Shirou's words. Though disappointed, she understood. She lifted her head again and smiled slightly. "In that case, we can stop for today."
Shirou nodded, carefully setting Monohoshi Zao down before dispersing it into prana. "You were incredible today. If you keep this up, I'm confident that someday you'll face Revis with complete assurance."
Aiz sheathed her short sword, exhaustion finally catching up to her. But deep inside, she felt a little stronger, her resolve only growing more steadfast.
Shirou carried Aiz, now completely drained, over his shoulder. Though the nodachi used in their training had been dulled, the intense session had left Aiz utterly spent, her body covered in bruises. Shirou walked steadily toward Twilight Manor, his thoughts on tending to her injuries with potions as soon as possible. Aiz's breathing was steady, even as her body bore the signs of her relentless effort.
As they reached the garden surrounding the Manor, the sun had begun its descent, painting the sky with soft shades of orange. Sitting on a bench in the garden was Lefiya, seemingly just finished with her own training alongside Riveria. She looked up and was immediately alarmed by the sight before her.
"Aiz! What happened?!" she exclaimed, standing with a look of deep concern. Her gaze shifted between Aiz, who appeared battered and bruised, and Shirou, who showed only light signs of exertion. Lefiya knew how skilled Shirou was, but she hadn't expected her idol, Aiz, to end up in such a state from training with him.
Shirou paused, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Don't worry. We weren't sparring or anything like that. Aiz was just trying to dodge the technique I used," he explained, his tone calm despite the visible fatigue.
Lefiya looked at Shirou with a mixture of wonder and amazement. She was aware of Shirou's arsenal of legendary weapons, but seeing him push Aiz this far made her further appreciate his incredible capabilities. She quickly stepped forward and offered, "Let me help. If she's too heavy, I can carry her too."
Shirou nodded, and together they supported Aiz's weight between them, slowly making their way to Twilight Manor.
"I'm sorry… for troubling you both," Aiz said softly, her eyes half-closed but her smile gentle.
Lefiya gave a small smile, though her face still showed worry. "It's no trouble at all, Aiz. You worked really hard today," she replied sincerely.
Shirou smiled faintly as well, glancing at Aiz, who was clearly trying to maintain her composure despite her exhaustion. "You're incredibly stubborn, Aiz. But that's what makes you remarkable," he said, quickening his pace slightly to ensure they reached the Manor swiftly to treat her injuries.
