Rayish
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Chapter 129
🕑 Added 2025-05-01 08:03:40 +0000 UTCShirou cast a gentle gaze at Lefiya, who was still gaping at the threshold of the door, her eyes darting from one legendary weapon to another. Behind him, Aiz was attempting to lift the massive stone sword Nine Lives with both hands, though her slender frame trembled slightly under its weight.
"So..." Shirou broke the silence. "We're canceling our sparring session."
Lefiya turned to him quickly, confused. "Huh? But you two had planned it since yesterday..."
"Yeah, but once she asked to see more Noble Phantasms... the sparring turned into an exhibition." Shirou pointed resignedly at the scattered weapons.
Meanwhile, Aiz was intensely focused on lifting Nine Lives. Her face was serious, her brows slightly furrowed, and her small hands adjusted their grip. "Ugh... heavy," she murmured, leaning back slightly to balance the weight.
Lefiya gulped as she stared at the weapons. Her gaze landed on a crimson spear lying on the floor, and her heart raced uncontrollably. The aura emanating from it was thick... as if piercing the very air around it.
Shirou immediately warned in a serious tone, "That's Gae Bolg. Don't get too close. Even though I've disabled its effects, the curse's aura lingers."
Lefiya took two quick steps back. "T-that's... the one you used to defeat the corrupted spirit, right?"
Shirou nodded. "Yeah. But I'm just showing it off. I wouldn't use it in a training area like this."
Lefiya finally lowered her gaze, then pointed at a golden-hilted sword that looked more 'normal' compared to the others. "But... Shirou, aren't you running out of mana by projecting all of these?"
Shirou shrugged. "If it's just the physical forms, even though it's quite taxing... It's still far lighter than activating their true power."
Lefiya nodded slowly, still awestruck. "Then... this is like a walking museum..."
"I'd rather call it... a secret armory," Shirou replied half-jokingly.
Aiz, still slowly swinging the massive stone sword, suddenly exclaimed, "Shirou, can I try slashing with 'Nine Lives'?"
Shirou panicked. "Wait! Don't attempt the real slash here! You'll destroy the building!"
Lefiya let out a small shriek. "Aiz! T-that's dangerous!"
Aiz glanced back, her usual blank face showing a hint of confusion. "Oh... I see. What a shame."
Shirou and Lefiya both sighed deeply.
"This is going to be a long day..." Shirou muttered, rubbing his temples.
Lefiya nodded weakly. I just wanted to invite Aiz to buy swimsuits, but why does it feel like I've stepped onto a battlefield...
Aiz carefully lowered Nine Lives back to the floor. The sound of the heavy stone scraping against the ground echoed softly—thud... screech...—before finally stopping. Aiz's breathing was slightly labored, but her eyes sparkled as she looked at Shirou with eager anticipation.
"Shirou," she said simply, patting her sore hands. "Project another Noble Phantasm. A different one."
Shirou stared at her for a moment, then rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... what other Noble Phantasm should I pick...?" he mused aloud, gazing at the ceiling as he sifted through his memories for the next suitable weapon.
Before he could decide, a soft hand gently tugged Aiz's arm from the side.
"Eh?" Aiz blinked and turned. "Lefiya?"
"Borrowing Aiz for a sec," Lefiya said quickly, forcing a wide smile, though tension lingered in the corners of her eyes. She glanced at Shirou, who stood there confused, and raised a finger. "This is... a girls' talk. You're not allowed to join."
Shirou raised an eyebrow, slightly puzzled but compliant. "O... okay? I'll wait here, then."
Resigned, Aiz let Lefiya pull her away from the pile of Noble Phantasms until they were far enough that their voices wouldn't reach Shirou.
Meanwhile, Shirou leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, watching Gae Bolg and Nine Lives, which still faintly glowed with residual mana. "Girls' talk, huh..." he murmured with a sigh. "Every time I hear that... I get a weird premonition."
Aiz turned with mild curiosity, though her eyes kept darting back to the scattered weapons, her desire to examine them still unfulfilled. "So... what did you want to talk about, Lefiya?" she asked softly, her tone slightly distracted.
Lefiya took a deep breath and got straight to the point. "What swimsuit did you wear when Shirou taught you how to swim in Melen that time?"
Aiz blinked, slightly surprised by the topic. "Hmm? Well... I wore the white bikini Loki gave me when we went to Melen. You got one too, right? Pink, if I remember correctly."
Lefiya bit her lower lip, her cheeks flushing as she recalled just how revealing that swimsuit truly was. Only now did Lady Riveria's earlier warning echo clearly in her mind—such attire was far too immodest to be worn casually, especially in front of a man. And not just any man... but Shirou.
"But... Aiz, a swimsuit like that... is too revealing. It's inappropriate to wear in front of a guy!"
"Inappropriate?" Aiz frowned, her eyes widening slightly. "Why?"
Lefiya scrambled for a convincing—and quick—reason. "Uhh... because Shirou might think you're... shameless!"
ZRAK!
Like a bolt of lightning striking her heart, Aiz froze. Her eyes widened, and her shoulders slumped. "Shameless...?" she whispered weakly, her face paling. The thought of Shirou, the guy she loved, judging her so harshly made her breath catch.
"W-what should I do?" Aiz stepped closer, gripping Lefiya's hands, her expression full of genuine worry. "We're swimming tomorrow, right...? I... I don't want Shirou to think I'm a bad girl..."
Seeing Aiz so panicked, Lefiya almost felt guilty—but she also knew this was her chance to help. She puffed out her chest slightly, feeling mature for once. "Don't worry, Aiz. Luckily, we still have time to go shopping this afternoon. Let's buy a more modest swimsuit, one that's more... covered up!"
Aiz's eyes sparkled instantly, as if she'd heard salvation from the depths of hell. "Really? Thank goodness... I... I'll leave it all to you, Lefiya."
Lefiya nodded firmly. "Hehe... leave this matter to me." But in her heart, she also vowed: "I'll pick a swimsuit that's modest... but still looks cute!"
The two of them returned to Shirou, who was leaning against a training pillar, whistling softly. The sound of their footsteps made him turn casually.
"So," Shirou greeted them with a slight tilt of his head, "are we continuing with more Noble Phantasms?"
Aiz's eyes immediately lit up, her mouth opening slightly as she almost nodded eagerly... until she felt a subtle poke at her waist.
Lefiya, without a word, pressed her index finger lightly against Aiz's side—a silent but meaningful signal.
Aiz remembered instantly. Her face stiffened for a split second before she suppressed her excitement and replied to Shirou in a controlled, flat tone, "I think... that's enough for now."
Shirou raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Does this have something to do with your earlier conversation?" he asked curiously.
Lefiya quickly nodded with a polite smile, offering no further explanation, hoping to pique Shirou's curiosity. But...
"Yeah, we're going to buy new swimsuits later," Aiz blurted out bluntly.
Thud.
Lefiya nearly collapsed as her plan to maintain an air of mystery vanished instantly. She stared at Aiz with a why are you so blunt?! expression, but Aiz simply looked satisfied at having been honest.
"Oh..." Shirou nodded in understanding. He wiped imaginary sweat from his brow and smiled faintly.
Seizing the opportunity, Lefiya nervously mustered her courage. "U-um... Shirou, do you want to come? I mean, maybe... You could help us pick out suitable swimsuits..." Her voice trailed off at the end.
Aiz also looked at Shirou with hopeful eyes, her usual blank expression now radiating innocent hope.
Shirou scratched his cheek, his face slightly red. "Uh... I think I'll... pass," he admitted awkwardly, laughing stiffly. "Last time I went clothes shopping with Syr, Ryuu, and the others... it was pretty awkward. And... I was the only guy, so..."
"Ah..." Lefiya lowered her head, slightly disappointed.
"It's okay," Aiz said softly. "Maybe... you can see them when we wear them in the Dungeon."
Shirou gave a weak smile. "Well, I hope you find ones that suit you."
Meanwhile, Lefiya silently promised herself—somehow, Shirou must see me as the most elegant and captivating girl in his eyes.
Shirou shrugged lightly and asked, slipping his hands into his pockets, "So, when are you planning to go buy those swimsuits?"
Aiz answered without hesitation. "Right away, this afternoon." Her face remained as expressionless as ever, but the tips of her ears turned slightly pink.
"Alright," Shirou said, glancing around at the Noble Phantasms still scattered on the floor. "Then let me clean these up first."
He raised his right hand slowly, and with a calm motion, all the legendary weapons—from the massive stone sword to the cursed spear Gae Bolg and the charismatic knightly blades—glowed a soft blue before vanishing one by one into particles of prana. The specks of light swirled briefly in the air like stardust before disappearing completely.
Lefiya stared at the ceiling as if she'd just witnessed a meteor shower up close. Her eyes sparkled with awe. "So beautiful... like a dream..."
Meanwhile, Aiz stood beside her, gazing blankly at the now-empty space. "It feels like a loss," she murmured quietly, almost inaudibly. She could still feel the weight of Excalibur in her hands, even though the sword was gone. "I didn't get to touch all of them..."
Shirou blinked. "I'll project them again next time. Maybe even more."
"Promise?" Aiz turned to him, her gaze full of hope.
"Promise," Shirou replied.
With that, the three of them stepped out of the training building. The midday sun shone warmly, greeting their steps—two girls with minds full of plans and one young man with half his prana remaining.
The sun hung high in the sky, casting warm light over the stone streets of Orario as the trio walked leisurely toward the front gate of Twilight Manor. Their pace was relaxed, and the atmosphere was light and familiar. Shirou walked in the middle, with Aiz on his right and Lefiya on his left. Occasionally, the afternoon breeze rustled the ends of Aiz's golden hair and fluttered Lefiya's purple ribbon.
As she glanced at the bustling streets filled with adventurers and townsfolk, Aiz turned to Shirou. "While we're shopping for swimsuits later... where will you go, Shirou?"
Shirou slipped his hands into his pockets, thinking for a moment before answering. "Probably the Hostess of Fertility. As usual, helping out in the kitchen."
"Ohh..." Lefiya nodded, then hesitated before speaking up. "Shirou, before you go to work... can I ask you for a favor?"
Without hesitation, Shirou turned to her and nodded. "Sure, what do you need?"
Lefiya, looking ahead, said cheerfully, "Could you pick up a quest for me at the Guild? One I can complete while we're swimming tomorrow."
Before Shirou could answer, Aiz, who had been silent, raised her hand slightly. "Me too. Get one for me, Shirou."
Shirou looked at both of them and smiled faintly. "Alright, alright. But... I've never picked up a quest at the Guild before. So I hope I don't mess it up."
Lefiya turned to him quickly, covering her mouth as she giggled. "Haha, right... I keep forgetting you're still new to Orario."
Aiz added in her usual monotone, though her voice was soft, "That's because Shirou hides his level and abilities from the Guild too..."
Shirou scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Well... that's true," he admitted sheepishly.
The mood grew even lighter. Their footsteps continued in sync as they left the Manor's gate behind. Ahead of them, the world awaited—filled with quests, shopping, and... an underwater adventure in the Dungeon tomorrow.
Lefiya turned to Shirou, her smile as friendly as ever. "Just ask the receptionist at the Guild, and they'll explain everything. Don't worry," she encouraged, like an older sister reassuring her younger sibling.
"Got it," Shirou replied with a nod, committing it to memory despite his relaxed expression.
Aiz, walking on the other side, added flatly, "They're patient... I've been helped by them many times."
"Hmm," Shirou nodded again, feeling a bit more at ease. If even Aiz, who rarely spoke, found them helpful, it couldn't be too hard for him.
Their footsteps carried them through the city streets, blending with the midday hustle and bustle of Orario—merchants hawking their wares, children running around, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from nearby shops. In the distance, the towering Babel stood majestically, overseeing the entire city from above.
Finally, they reached a crossroads near the shopping district. Lefiya stopped, her face full of anticipation as she eyed the rows of clothing stores now fully open.
"Aiz and I will head here first, Shirou," Lefiya said, waving her small hand, the purple ribbon on her white blouse fluttering slightly.
Aiz also stopped. Though a bit stiff and hesitant, she mimicked Lefiya's gesture and raised her hand slightly. "See you later, Shirou," she said simply, her tone flat but meaningful.
Shirou smiled at them and nodded. "Happy shopping. Don't forget to pick something comfortable."
They parted ways on the street. Shirou walked alone toward the Guild, while the two girls set off to find swimsuits—unaware that they'd both be showing them off to the same guy they secretly admired.
Shirou's steps were slow but steady as he arrived in front of the Pantheon, the grand building where adventurers from all over Orario gathered to collect rewards or handle paperwork under the Guild's supervision. Tall pillars stood with Orario's emblem engraved atop the arched gate, and as usual, the place was bustling inside and out.
Adventurers of all races came and went through the main entrance—a tall Elf in a blue robe carrying a magic staff, a stocky Dwarf with a massive axe on his back, even a Beastman with a fox-like tail swinging behind him as he laughed loudly with his teammates.
Just as Shirou was about to climb the stone steps to the entrance—
Thud!
A hard collision occurred. A burly, middle-aged man with short gray hair tied into a ponytail bumped into Shirou from the side. Strangely, it was the man who stumbled back two steps, nearly falling over.
"Oi! Who the hell do you think you're bumping into?!" the man roared, his face instantly red with anger. "Watch where you're going, brat!"
Shirou exhaled quietly, his gaze calm. He disliked unnecessary conflicts. This guy bumped into me, yet he's blaming me? he thought, considering whether to respond or stay silent.
But before he could say anything, a slender Elf with neatly tied silver hair appeared behind the man. Moving swiftly and with authority, he slung an arm over his companion's shoulder and said softly but firmly, "Enough, enough... Don't pick a fight."
"What? But he—"
The Elf tightened his grip, his smile cold. "Didn't you see? He didn't even budge. Do you really want to pick a fight with someone who might be stronger than you, huh?"
The middle-aged man grumbled, lowering his head in frustration, but eventually relented and let himself be pulled away.
"Sorry about that. My brother's quick to anger," the Elf said briefly to Shirou with a polite nod before leaving.
Shirou returned the nod silently.
As the two walked away, Shirou overheard the middle-aged man mutter, "You really think he's strong?"
"Obviously. You were the one who got knocked back, and he didn't even flinch. If he's Level 1, then I'm a Dwarf," the Elf replied sarcastically.
Their voices faded into the crowd. Shirou let out a slow breath. Good thing it didn't escalate. I'm just here to pick up a quest, not to fight.
With slight relief, he continued into the Pantheon, ready to face what he hoped would be simpler than dealing with a hot-tempered adventurer's ego.
