[Shirou POV]
"...Hm...huh!?"
For some reason, I felt a chill, and instinctively woke up. At the same time, there was a pain in my jaw. That's when I remembered. That's right. I had been knocked out by Tohsaka's slap... Remembering that, I suddenly felt a gaze.
"Oh, it looks like you're awake...tch..."
"Did you just click your tongue!?"
Following the gaze to look at my side, there was Dr. "Caren Hortensia", the school nurse, watching me with a sour expression. In her hand, she held a syringe filled with an unknown green substance.
You weren't planning on injecting me with that unknown substance if I didn't wake up, were you? Could that chill I felt earlier have been due to that? At the thought, I was trembling from the bottom of my heart.
"It's just your imagination. If you're awake, get up quickly. Despite the fact that there's nothing I dislike more than a healthy human..."
"You casually say the most outrageous things! Are you really a nurse? You're too scary..."
Is it really okay for Homurahara Academy to employ such a nurse? First of all, even her name seems like a joke. What's with those kanji that seem forcibly matched? Is she in a biker gang? It's definitely a fake name. Is this really okay?
"Come on, go home already. Don't occupy the bed any longer with such a minor injury."
"You're really terrible! Wait, is it already evening? How many hours have I been out?"
"About nine hours? Do you realize how much trouble you've caused?"
"...What have you been doing all this while, Sensei?"
"I was sleeping. Because you were occupying the bed, I had to sleep on this hard desk."
"My guilt is gone! Was the trouble you mentioned earlier referring to you?"
"Hm? Is there someone else?"
This person is really hopeless! It's really worrisome to leave Illya in the hands of such a person. Homurahara Academy is a combined elementary, middle and high school. That means if Illya gets injured, this person would be the one to handle it. As a brother, it really worries me.
It's strange that I even question whether I should use honorifics with this person. In fact, there are times when I forget to use them. The fact that she looks not much older than me is also a reason. I let out a deep sigh and get up.
"Well then, goodbye."
"Okay, okay, go home already."
While being amazed at Caren-sensei's attitude which failed to show respect till the end, I headed home...
......…
"I'm home."
When I got home, I said so as I entered the entrance. But there was no reply. I thought there was no one, but the door was unlocked. When I looked down, I saw two small pairs of shoes. One pair was probably Illya's...
"...No way."
An idea occurred to me, and I quickly took off my shoes and entered the house. There were no shoes of Sella or Liz, so they were probably out shopping. With these thoughts in mind, I headed to the living room without even setting my things down in my room.
While harboring certain expectations, I opened the door to the living room with enough force to ram it and stepped inside. There, as expected...
"...Ignoring not only aerodynamics but also gravity, inertia, and action-reaction... this movement is nonsense..."
"Um, this is anime, so you can't think so seriously..."
There was... or was it? There was Miyu, dumbfoundedly watching the magical girl anime that Illya always watched, and Illya, sweating at the sight of such Miyu. With a frozen expression, Miyu was muttering specialized things under her breath. It was quite frightening.
"...Is it impossible for you, Miyu?"
"Huh!? Onii-chan...no, Shirou-san!" (Miyu)
"Oh, Onii-chan, welcome home~♪" (Illya)
『Listen to me, Shirou-san. Miyu-san is absolutely hopeless. As a magical girl, she is too trapped in preconceptions. I think flying will be difficult with this. She lacks MS power.』
When I spoke to Miyu who had a frozen expression, Miyu and the others each gave their reactions. I said "I'm home" to Illya again, and replied "welcome" to Miyu. But I didn't know how to respond to Ruby at the end. And what the heck is MS power? I don't know.
『You don't know? It's an abbreviation for 'Magical Girl Power'. Miyu-san's MS power is high in appearance, but she lacks mental preparedness. MS power is a comprehensive measure of magical girl societal influence such as combat power, appearance, personality, and so on.』
"…"
『By the way, Illya-san's MS power is about 10,000. That's quite high, isn't it?』
"I've been given some incomprehensible numbers!"
"Hahaha…"
At this point, it's too much trouble to interject. It was a mistake to take Ruby's nonsense seriously in the first place. Speaking of which, this stick was always like this. It was rather pitiful to see Illya overreacting to Ruby's nonsense.
"Um, Shirou-san, and Illyasviel, I'm sorry for intruding. I'll be going now..."
"Eh, you're leaving already? You could have stayed a bit longer…"
"I agree with Illya. Why don't you stay for dinner? I'll cook."
While I was having a pointless back-and-forth with Ruby, Miyu was about to leave. Illya and I tried to keep her from leaving, but Miyu just shook her head, smiling somewhat sadly.
"No, I'll just accept your feelings. I want to do a little bit of special training from now on. And, um, Illyasviel…"
"Eh, what?" (Illya)
"…Thank you… I have a little hint now. Thanks to you…"
"Ah…yeah! You''re welcome "
I'm glad... These two seem to have gotten a little closer. Seeing Miyu, a little embarrassed, thanking Illya, and Illya, surprised at first but then smiling broadly, made me think so.
"And Shirou-san…"
"Hm?"
"Um… that… The lunch was really delicious. Thank you so much for making it for me." (Miyu)
"You're welcome."
"Hmm~…"
"Oh, this is quite an interesting development... I have a feeling it's going to turn into a nice battlefield."
It seems that Illya properly gave Miyu the lunch. It's worth making it when you get such a response. It seems to have served as a catalyst for these two to get along. My plan worked out well.
However, Illya, who watched our exchange, became strangely sulky, and Ruby started saying something incomprehensible again. I tilted my head at their behavior, but I decided it was no use worrying about it now.
"Then, see you in tonight's battle…"
"Yeah, let's win this time."
"Yes."
Leaving those words behind, Miyu left. Miyu lives in the Edelfelt mansion just across the street, so there's no need to see her off. I felt happy sensing that Illya and Miyu seemed to have gotten a little closer. It's a step forward.
"So, what kind of conversation did you have with Miyu?"
"Well, I initially invited her to join me for special training in the morning, but it seemed that Luvia-san had already taken her out…"
"Is that so?"
"Yes. So, I had no choice but to go to the back mountain to train alone. There, I tried out the 'Rider' card that you obtained for me. And then, Miyu-san suddenly fell from the sky."
"…"
What kind of training was Luvia doing? I was taken aback by Illya's words. She said she was doing flying training, but I can't help but wonder if she was literally thrown out of the sky. The thought made my head spin. It's outrageous.
"Thanks to Sapphire, Miyu-san was unharmed. She saw me flying in the sky and asked me to teach her how to fly…"
"I see."
『At that time, Sapphire-chan asked why Illya-san was able to imagine flying. As a result, we ended up watching the anime that inspired Illya-san's magical girl image.』
"So, that led to what happened earlier."
"Yeah. We ate the lunch you made while watching the anime. Oh, by the way, I've been curious about something. Onii-chan, wasn't your cooking even more delicious than usual?"
"… I was in a good mood today."
"I see~ That's great, Onii-chan."
After hearing the sequence of events from Illya and the others, I was able to understand the situation. That was good. I was pleased that my plan had worked out well. But Illya's last words made me certain of something. I had indeed changed.
It must be the influence of using the Archer card. I chose it myself, and I will never regret it. But still, I couldn't help but feel a faint chill. I couldn't help but wonder, what had become of me?
What will become of me, the person I am? I couldn't help but think about it…
......…
That night, we were once again under the bridge by the riverside, for a rematch from yesterday. Watching Illya nervously, I desperately tried to mend Tohsaka's mood, who wouldn't even meet my eyes.
"Listen, Tohsaka. That was an accident. I never meant to..."
"..."
No good. She's not listening. Illya and Miyu were looking at me curiously as I desperately tried to explain to Tohsaka. Please stop. I beg you, don't look at me with such innocent eyes! I felt extremely uncomfortable.
"What's wrong, Onii-chan?"
"Did something happen?"
"Well, you see…"
"You two shouldn't worry about it. Also, you better not get too close to him. You never know what he might touch."
"What, Tohsaka?!"
Don't say such things in front of Illya and the others! It undermines my dignity as a brother! Tohsaka shot a cold look at my protest, then turned her face away again. The sharpness of her gaze and the undeniable fact left me feeling small.
"Even though it wasn't on purpose…"
"Hmph!"
"?"
"Listen, you two, you need to focus solely on Caster right now. I don't know what happened, but don't let personal feelings interfere with the mission. Especially you, Tohsaka Rin! You should understand the importance of this mission! This is why I can't stand muscle-brained monkeys."
"Grr! Okay, I get it! Emiya-kun! I'll forget about this morning just for now! But don't get it wrong! I haven't forgiven you! Once this is over, you better be prepared!"
"…Understood."
I decided not to think about what she might do. Tohsaka, who seemed to have put away her spear of anger for the moment, immediately launched into a strategy meeting. Agile Illya was assigned to diversion and disruption, and powerful Miyu was assigned to the main attack.
"What about me?" r bow from the ground. Illya will attract the enemy's attack, so find an opening in the enemy's defenses and shake them up for Illya and the others. Also, you need to protect the two from attacks. I know it's a lot and it's tough, but do your best."
"Understood. Leave it to me."
That was the plan. Supporting Illya and the others. A role I could only wish for. Taking the Archer card from my pocket, I secretly pumped myself up. Illya and the others transformed into magical girls, and I also transformed using the "Phantasmal Summon Install".
"By the way, Miyu, can you fly now? It's only been a few hours."
"Well…"
『Flying was impossible. However, Miyu-sama came up with her own method.』
"In other words…"
"I'm okay. Just watch."
"I see. Then I'm counting on you."
"Yes!"
Relieved by Sapphire's words, I patted Miyu on the head. If Miyu says so, I have no choice but to trust and leave it to her. Miyu answered happily and smiled bashfully. She's adorable.
"Hmm…"
『Shirou-san, you sure have a knack for raising flags as naturally as breathing. Aren't you going to get stabbed someday?』
"Why would I…"
Why is Illya pouting? And why is there talk about me getting stabbed, such a dangerous topic? I tilted my head in confusion at Illya and Ruby's reaction. I'm sure I haven't done anything strange. I really don't understand.
"Come on, let's go, Ruby."
『Yes, yes. Shall we go then?』
『Everyone, please gather around Illya-sama and Miyu-sama.』
In the end, I never understood what they were talking about, as the conversation was interrupted by Tohsaka. Following Ruby and the others' instructions, we gathered around Illya and Miyu. Then, Ruby and the others started chanting the customary spell to fly to the mirror world.
『Form the Limited Dimension Reflection Furnace!』 (Sapphire & Ruby)
『Mirror World Corridor, Partial Inversion!』 (Sapphire & Ruby)
『Interworld Jump!』 (Sapphire & Ruby)
My vision turned pure white. Now it's time for a rematch!
......…
We have returned once again to this place where Caster awaits. Floating in the sky above, just like the last time, is the witch commanding a magic circle so vast it covers the heavens. Upon seeing us return, the witch lets out a cold smile.
"I'll settle this in one go!"
"I won't tolerate losing twice!"
With the words of Tohsaka and Luvia, the second battle began. As if in response to their signal, the witch in the sky rained down a barrage of magical bullets. Watching Illya and Miyu charge forward, I readied my bow.
Illya took to the skies, weaving through the barrage of magic bullets as she moved towards the witch. Seeing this, the witch in the sky concentrated her attacks on Illya. I targeted only those projectiles that seemed likely to hit Illya, shooting them down one by one. As expected of an Archer.
This level of threat seems manageable. The enemy far away is clearly visible. The witch seems to have judged my existence as troublesome and is shooting magic bullets at me as well, but I shoot them all down. There's no room to use my special move, but if it's like this...
"I'm fine here! So, I'll leave it to you two to take down the enemy! I will definitely protect you both, so focus on the attack without worry!"
"Okay!"
"Leave it to us!"
A constant barrage of magical bullets. However, I had enough leeway to assist the two of them while also shooting down the bullets. It's likely because I'm focusing entirely on defense without considering offense. This is the power of a Heroic Spirit. I relearn that fact once again.
"Miyu-san!"
"I know!"
Illya calls Miyu's name while drawing the witch's attacks. Miyu then leaps high into the sky, using the air itself as a foothold. We were surprised at this sight. This must be what Sapphire was talking about. She had said that flying was impossible.
However, she also said she had devised her own method. Miyu creates footings in the air, using them to spring herself even higher. This indeed is her own unique method. But the result remains unchanged. With this, we can make it!
Illya and Miyu aim for a place higher than the floating magic circle in the sky. I shoot down the magical bullets aimed at Illya and Miyu, covering for them. At times, I draw the enemy's attention by attacking the witch. Of course, my arrows are blocked by the defensive magic circle, but that doesn't matter.
"Go, you two!"
Everything was going smoothly. If this continues, we will be able to defeat the enemy shortly. But it seems a bit too smooth. Am I the only one feeling a sense of unease? I wonder this as I watch Illya and the others approaching the witch.
"...Is it really over?"
It's too simple. The enemy has just been using magic until now. Don't they have a trump card like that Rider? That was called a "Noble Phantasm," wasn't it? And what if they still have other magics to use?
"Medium... [Buckshot]!"
Just as I thought this, Illya launched an attack on the witch to stop her movement. It was like a shotgun blast, releasing a spread of magical bullets. The witch defended against the attack, but her back was wide open. Miyu did not miss this opportunity and approached from behind.
"Lancer, [Limited/Zero In... "
It's decided. Everyone must have thought so. Tohsaka, Luvia, Illya, and I. Miyu tried to use the lethal "Noble Phantasm" with the help of her card. Applying the card to Sapphire. If this attack had hit, it would certainly have brought her down.
"What!?" (Everyone)
If it had, that is. In the next moment, the enemy suddenly vanished from right in front of Miyu. We were all stunned by the sight. And then, we realized. Heroic Spirits truly are extraordinary beings. The target had vanished, and Miyu was brought to a halt.
"Ah! Miyu, behind you!"
"Huh!?"
The witch appeared right behind Miyu, who had stopped in her tracks. Miyu turned around at the sound of my voice, but it was already too late. My Archer's super-vision, which could perceive the enemy from far away, clearly caught the sight of the coldly sneering face of the witch...
"Miyu!"
Miyu, hit squarely by the witch's attack, was blown back all the way to the iron bridge. As expected, Caster had still been hiding a trump card. We were made to realize that...