Rayish
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Chapter 128
🕑 Added 2025-04-28 07:49:25 +0000 UTCAiz stared at Excalibur, hidden within a thin whirlwind, then glanced hesitantly at Shirou. Something nagged at her mind, but she hesitated to voice it.
Finally, Aiz asked, her voice almost a whisper, "Shirou... earlier, you said only you and Saber could activate this sword's power. Were you... lying to me?"
Hearing this, Shirou quickly raised both hands, as if caught red-handed. "No, I wasn't lying," he answered swiftly, his tone serious. "What just happened... was beyond my expectations. You didn't activate Excalibur's True Name—just a minor aspect of it."
Aiz frowned, as if trying to digest his words. She then reached out to touch the air around her now-invisible sword, sensing the flow of wind energy enveloping it. "Hmm... you're right," she murmured softly. "If its true power had awakened, Orario might already be in ruins."
Shirou nodded and slowly explained, "Saber used a technique called 'Invisible Air.' It's a wind spell that shrouds Excalibur so enemies can't see its true form. Because... if they did, Saber's identity as King Arthur would be exposed."
Aiz listened intently, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. Without thinking, she remarked, "Saber... is a lot like you, Shirou."
Shirou blinked, slightly confused. "Like me... how?"
"She hides her sword," Aiz replied plainly. "And you...like to wear your Assassin mask to hide your identity, too."
Shirou couldn't suppress the small smile that escaped his lips. "I guess... that's a funny coincidence," he said, scratching the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed.
Aiz stared at him seriously, then half-mumbled, "But... I’m sure I’d recognize you, no matter what mask you wear."
Her candid words left Shirou momentarily speechless before he let out a soft sigh, warmth blooming in his chest.
"Thank you, Aiz."
A comfortable silence settled between them—not awkward, but peaceful, as if they understood each other without words.
In Aiz's hand, Excalibur remained hidden by the wind, its faint glimmer visible in the quiet. And in Shirou's heart, gratitude grew for having met someone as sincere as Aiz in this world.
Aiz gazed at the invisible sword in her hand for a moment before asking innocently, "Then... why was I able to use Invisible Air?"
Shirou rubbed his chin, tempted to voice the absurd theory that had crossed his mind—that perhaps Aiz and Saber were the same person, born in different worlds. But he quickly dismissed the idea. Instead of confusing her with wild speculation, he opted to find a logical explanation.
"To be honest," Shirou said, looking straight into Aiz's eyes, "I can only guess. So... let me ask you first. Where does your wind magic come from?"
Aiz smiled faintly—a rare, gentle expression on her usually stoic face. "It's... from my mother, Aria," she said softly, her grip on the transparent Excalibur tightening slightly.
Shirou's eyes widened slightly. He remembered the tragic story Aiz had once shared—about her family. "Your mother was a spirit, right?" he confirmed.
Aiz nodded slowly, then added, "But not just any spirit. My mother was the Great Spirit of Wind."
The words echoed in Shirou's mind. He studied Aiz more deeply, realizing that the blood of a great spirit flowed through her veins. No wonder her wind magic was so extraordinary—and likely the reason it resonated with a legendary sword like Excalibur.
"So," Shirou murmured, half to himself, "maybe it's not about the person... but the blood and wind magic that made Excalibur respond to you."
Aiz tilted her head slightly, curiosity written on her face, but she didn’t press him for further explanation.
Meanwhile, Shirou felt relieved. Good thing I didn’t mention that absurd theory earlier... It would’ve only confused Aiz if I said she might be 'Saber' in this world...
Suppressing a small chuckle, Shirou finally spoke in a lighter tone, "Well... at least now I know. You really are special, Aiz."
Hearing this, Aiz lowered her face slightly—her cheeks tinged with a faint blush—but her grip on the invisible sword loosened.
Then, what’s the connection between spirits from this world and Excalibur...? Shirou wondered silently. He frowned slightly, trying to piece together the threads of thought in his mind. But his musings were interrupted when Aiz's soft voice called out to him.
"Shirou... can I use my wind magic on Excalibur?" Aiz asked hesitantly, though her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Shirou nodded casually, offering a small smile. "Of course. Go ahead, Aiz."
With permission granted, Aiz stepped back a few paces, readying herself. She gripped Excalibur tightly with both hands and took a deep breath.
With a swift motion, Aiz swung Excalibur to the side, chanting a short spell under her breath.
"Ariel!"
Whoosh!
A powerful gust of wind erupted from Aiz's slash, roaring as it spiraled through the air. The swirling wind caressed Excalibur, which had been hidden beneath the invisible layer of air.
A faint glimmer appeared, and slowly—cling!—Saber's golden pride, Excalibur, revealed its true form, gleaming brilliantly under the light.
Aiz pivoted lightly, halting her movement. She gazed at Excalibur with shining eyes before turning to Shirou. "Look, Shirou! Excalibur is visible again!" she exclaimed proudly, like a student showing off a successful experiment to her teacher.
Shirou found her innocence endearing. "Well done, Aiz," he praised sincerely. "Your magic can dispel Invisible Air."
Aiz looked at Excalibur once more, satisfied. She then carefully returned the sword to Shirou, treating it as if it were a priceless treasure.
"Thank you for trusting me with it," Aiz said, her voice softer than usual.
Shirou accepted Excalibur and dissolved it back into shimmering blue particles that vanished into the air.
"You're welcome," he replied with a smile. "Besides, I enjoyed watching you wield it."
For a moment, they exchanged glances, understanding each other without words. The lingering morning breeze in the training hall carried a faint whisper.
After a brief pause, Shirou nodded. "For sparring, I think I’ll stick with Kanshou and Bakuya. Other Noble Phantasms... aren’t really suited for regular practice."
Without hesitation, he stretched both hands forward.
"Trace... On."
In an instant, the twin black and white swords—Kanshou and Bakuya—materialized in his grip, their edges slightly dulled for safety.
Aiz stood motionless before him, her eyes fixed on the twin blades. A flicker of disappointment crossed her face, though her expression remained neutral.
I’ve seen those swords so many times... Aiz thought to herself.
Noticing the subtle shift in her demeanor, Shirou raised an eyebrow, slightly puzzled.
"What’s wrong, Aiz?" he asked, lowering the swords to his sides.
Aiz hesitated for a moment, looking down before mustering the courage to meet his gaze. "Let’s... postpone our sparring for now," she murmured, barely audible.
"Huh?" Shirou nearly dropped Kanshou. "Why? Weren’t you excited earlier?"
Aiz, her cheeks slightly flushed, strengthened her voice. "I want to see more of your Noble Phantasms."
Her blunt request left Shirou momentarily speechless. Then he let out a small sigh, amused.
"So, you’re more interested in my weapon collection than fighting me?"
Aiz simply nodded slowly, her eyes shining like a child eager for a bedtime story.
Shirou scratched the back of his head, feigning surrender. "Alright, if that’s what you want... I’ll show you a few more. But remember, if anything feels dangerous, we stop immediately, okay?"
Aiz nodded eagerly, her face full of anticipation. She even stepped closer, narrowing the distance between them, making Shirou unconsciously hold his breath at the sudden proximity.
"Then..." Shirou shrugged, ready to project the next Noble Phantasm. "Let’s begin this little weapon showcase."
A gentle breeze drifted through the training hall, as if holding its breath in anticipation of what Shirou would summon next.
With the intent of satisfying Aiz’s unquenchable enthusiasm, Shirou dissolved Kanshou and Bakuya into shimmering blue particles that faded into the air.
Taking a steady breath, he stretched his hand forward.
"Trace on," Shirou said as his fingers reached for something unseen. In an instant, a small explosion of prana erupted—and from within it, a long crimson spear materialized. The spear was slender yet radiated a dangerous aura, like a venomous serpent poised to strike.
Its spiraling tip looked cruel, as if it could pierce through anything. The shaft was sturdy, adorned with intricate engravings that hinted at a hidden curse. A faint red aura pulsed around it, as though alive.
Aiz, standing just a few steps away, instinctively felt the weapon’s oppressive presence. Her shoulders tensed, her eyes widened slightly, and she immediately asked, "What Noble Phantasm is this, Shirou?"
Shirou nodded slowly and explained in a serious tone, "This is Gáe Bolg. The cursed spear of Cu Chulainn, an ancient Irish hero. He was Lancer—one of my opponents in the Holy Grail War."
Aiz listened intently, absorbing every word.
After a brief pause, she studied the spear with fascination before cautiously asking, "Can... I touch it?"
Shirou considered for a moment, then extended the spear toward her, warning, "Be careful, Aiz. Even though this is just a projection, its curse remains. Even Saber, who’s incredibly strong, was wounded by this spear."
Aiz nodded obediently and took Gáe Bolg with both hands. The moment her fingers wrapped around the shaft, she felt a strange sensation—a faint vibration coursing from the metal into her skin. It was cold, piercing, and sent shivers down her spine, as if the spear itself were alive and eager to pierce the heart of whoever held it.
"Amazing..." Aiz whispered, her eyes filled with awe and caution. She felt the stark difference between ordinary weapons and Noble Phantasms for the second time.
Meanwhile, Shirou watched her, pleased to see how deeply Aiz respected the power of each weapon he projected.
As she gently traced the spear’s shaft, Aiz suddenly remembered something. Her eyes widened slightly, and she said, "If I recall, a few days ago... Tiona mentioned this. This... red spear... was what you used to finish off the corrupted bull spirit in Knossos, right?"
Shirou nodded, a faint smirk forming. "Correct. Back then in Knossos, Tiona, Tione, Gareth, and the others helped me. They restrained the corrupted spirit with chains, giving me an opening to thrust Gáe Bolg straight into its chest."
Aiz nodded in understanding, her expression slightly downcast. "It’s a shame... I didn’t get to see it. I was in another group, focused on rescuing our Familia members lost in the labyrinth."
"Well, that was an important task too," Shirou replied warmly. "Without you, many might not have survived that day."
Aiz tightened her grip on the spear before looking up, her eyes alight with determination. "Then, Shirou... is this enough for today?" she asked.
Shirou relaxed slightly, relieved. "If you’re satisfied—"
"Again, again, Shirou!" Aiz cut in quickly, her voice almost childishly pleading.
Shirou paused, momentarily stunned by her uncharacteristic excitement. He even raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright... But let me dispel Gáe Bolg first—"
"Not yet!" Aiz quickly interjected, stepping closer, the crimson spear still firmly in her grasp. "I want to compare it! With another Noble Phantasm!"
Shirou sighed deeply but couldn’t suppress a soft smile. He shook his head slightly and muttered, "At this point, who could refuse?"
With a slow motion, he stretched out his left hand again, ready to project the next Noble Phantasm.
"Alright, Aiz. Get ready. I’ll summon the next weapon..." Shirou teased.
Prana swirled gently around him, blue particles shimmering in the air like fireflies in the night.
***
Lefiya hurried down the path, slightly out of breath after an intense magic training session with Lady Riveria and her Fairy Force teammates. Today’s drills had been grueling, but her spirits remained high.
"I need to hurry!" she muttered, quickening her pace as her light boots tapped against the stone walkway of the Twilight Manor.
The physical training building, located on the other side of the manor’s vast courtyard, came into view. The sun was already high, signaling midday. The bright rays reflected off the building’s windows, forcing Lefiya to squint slightly.
Her heart pounded. If I recall correctly... Shirou and Aiz are sparring together today. Tomorrow... the three of us are going swimming in the Dungeon, she thought, her cheeks flushing at the idea.
Lefiya clutched the small bag at her side. She had an important mission. I need to talk to Aiz! Now!
As she walked briskly, she recalled yesterday’s conversation with Lady Riveria, who had strictly forbidden her and Aiz from wearing the bikinis Loki had given them in Melen. Her pointed ears still burned from Riveria’s scolding about how those outfits were "far too dangerous" to wear in front of Shirou.
In that case... I need to convince Aiz-san to buy more modest swimwear! Lefiya resolved, her eyes shining with determination.
As she neared the training building, she slowed her steps, smoothing her disheveled light-brown hair and catching her breath. She wanted to look her best. After this... she had to persuade Aiz, no matter what!
After ensuring her clothes and ponytail were neat, Lefiya took a deep breath and pushed open the wooden door to the training building, her heart full of anticipation.
In her mind, she imagined an exhilarating scene: Aiz and Shirou locked in combat, their swords clashing with incredible speed and power, like a duel from the heroic tales she’d read. She was ready to gasp in awe.
However...
As the creaking door swung open, she was met with a sight completely beyond her expectations.
"Wha...?" Lefiya uttered in confusion.
In the center of the room, Aiz stood while examining a massive gray stone sword, its size towering over her. The blade’s surface was rough and thick, like an ancient relic carved from hardened rock. Aiz scrutinized its texture with sparkling eyes, resembling an archaeologist uncovering a fossil.
To make matters worse... the floor was littered with an assortment of other weapons!
Scattered across the training hall were various strange armaments—a small, lightning-shaped dagger, a slender katana gleaming like glass, rows of ornate knightly swords Lefiya didn’t recognize, and even a large black shield emitting a faint glow.
Lefiya stood frozen at the doorway, her eyes wide, her small mouth agape in disbelief. This... This looked like an exhibition hall of legendary weapons!
Meanwhile, Shirou, who had just noticed Lefiya’s arrival, rubbed the back of his neck with an awkward smile. "Ah, Lefiya... You’re here," he said casually.
Aiz, completely unfazed, remained focused on the giant stone sword. As she tested its weight, she asked, as if oblivious to Lefiya’s presence, "Shirou, this sword... is really heavy."
Shirou explained, "It’s supposed to be. That’s ‘Nine Lives,’ the weapon of Berserker, one of my opponents in the Holy Grail War."
Lefiya, slowly processing the scene before her, finally found her voice—or rather, shrieked in shock, "WHAAAT?! W-what in the world is going on here?!"
Her booming voice echoed through the training hall, causing some of the haphazardly placed weapons to wobble.
