Chapter 9: Projection Experiment
While Shirou gave the child at the next desk a small magical shock, the math teacher responsible for the lesson walked into the classroom and began teaching.
Elementary school math was too simple. Shirou struggled to stay awake after listening for just half the lesson.
The main reason was that the teacher was discussing knowledge that Shirou had already thoroughly mastered, so it went in one ear and out the other, meaning he heard nothing.
'I wonder what the situation is like at home. It should be safe with Karna there...'
While Shirou's mind wandered, someone suddenly called his name.
"Alright, Orihara-kun, please stand up and answer this question!"
Called upon, Shirou instantly jolted, then looked towards the podium.
It was only then that Shirou realized all the students in the classroom were looking at him.
Some even wore schadenfreude-filled smiles, clearly all acting as pure mischief-makers.
"..."
It seemed he had been caught daydreaming.
However, merely a problem intended for elementary students could never stump him.
Shirou stood up directly and walked to the podium. Then, under the astonished gazes of the students and the math teacher, he casually wrote down the answer.
"Ah, this..."
The female teacher, slightly open-mouthed and clearly surprised, adjusted her glasses. It took her several seconds to react.
"...Your answer is excellent. You can return to your seat for now, Orihara-kun."
The intention was originally to discipline the student who wasn't paying attention and set an example, but the situation had completely reversed.
The female teacher watched the red-haired boy walking back to his seat, her eyes flashing with curiosity.
She had deliberately posed a question that hadn't been covered yet, and yet this child was able to answer it.
In any case, after this small interlude, the female teacher could no longer single out Shirou.
The class time was truly boring. School was dismissed just before four in the afternoon.
As Shirou was packing up, ready to leave after school, he was suddenly called out by a few elementary students.
Due to the classroom incident earlier, they seemed eager to make friends with Shirou.
"Orihara-kun, we're going to the amusement park today. Do you want to come with us?"
"I have something to do today. Maybe next time."
Shirou politely declined.
"Aww... okay then."
The children left a little disappointed by Shirou's rejection.
Shirou waited outside the school gate for a while. Only when Tohsaka Rin left the school did Shirou begin to follow her.
'I feel like a pervert, somehow.'
Despite saying that, he was only seven years old, so he shouldn't be perceived that way.
He followed Tohsaka Rin all the way to the train station.
Shirou, observing from the crowd, was momentarily stunned as he watched Tohsaka Rin enter the train doors.
'She takes the train home...'
He had to admit, this was somewhat outside Shirou's expectations.
Having followed her all the way here, Shirou was a little unwilling to return empty-handed, so he boarded the train too.
Shirou continued to mingle in the crowd and follow the girl until the train arrived at its destination.
After following her for a little longer and watching Tohsaka Rin enter the Zenjou house, Shirou finally stopped and paused.
"It seems only Yachiyodai Elementary School changed. The Zenjou house shows no sign of having moved."
Having confirmed this point, Shirou turned around to leave.
"Since that's the case, and it's still early, I might as well find a place to test the power of the Heroic Spirit I've gained."
.
.
.
Moving away from the Zenjou house and returning to the New City district, Shirou found an abandoned factory and began experimenting with his power there.
"First, let's try projecting the two swords, Kanshou and Bakuya."
It was a good opportunity to practice swordsmanship. Although Shirou had received the abilities and the method of using the projected weapons when the future Archer transmitted his power, Shirou still needed to confirm them.
Otherwise, if he were to fail at a critical moment like Tohsaka Tokiomi, it would be too embarrassing!
Shirou found an abandoned factory and began "projecting" Noble Phantasms one by one inside. Various sword-type weapons could be "projected" quite easily, and the magical energy consumption was low.
"Very good!"
However, while defensive armaments like shields or armor could be projected, the magical energy consumed was typically 2 to 3 times that of a regular "projection."
Unfortunately, modern weapons were difficult to project; at most, he could only create things that looked good but lacked substance.
In addition, Shirou also reinforced the projected twin swords Kanshou and Bakuya, successfully lengthening the blades so that their appearance completely became that of longswords.
First of all, Kanshou and Bakuya are a pair of famous swords passed down in China.
Based on yin and yang principles, this is a pair of male (black Kanshou) and female (white Bakuya) swords. They were the favored close-combat armaments projected by the original Archer in the source material.
Although their performance as swords is high, they can also be used as "Magical Armaments" for witchcraft and ceremonies.
Equipping both simultaneously increases the holder's defense against magic and physical attacks, and the rank of the weapons or Noble Phantasms also rises.
As husband-and-wife swords, they share a powerful bond, ensuring that even if one is accidentally lost, it will eventually return to the master's side. Furthermore, the blades are inscribed with anti-demon mantras.
The mantra inscribed means: The wings of the crane may fail, but the heart and skill reach Mount Tai; the heart and skill cross the Yellow River; I separate from heaven for fame; the two heroes part with a shared destiny.
Moreover, Kanshou and Bakuya have extremely strong anti-demon properties, possessing the power to destroy the Great Sea Monster and Gorgon.
And Kanshou and Bakuya also have their strongest form, the reinforced version called Kanshou and Bakuya Overedge.
Not only does the blade become more rugged and dominant, but the spine also has feather-like embellishments, and special patterns appear on the blade, greatly enhancing the anti-demon power.
They have extremely strong counter-ability against beings like Dead Apostles and vampires. Even a slight scratch can leave a wound that is extremely difficult to heal.
As time passed, the feeling of exploring new powers gradually faded. Shirou contentedly allowed the longsword-type Noble Phantasm he had "projected" in his hand to dissipate, returning to his Reality Marble.
The moonlight deepened, and the winter night wind whistled.
Shirou walked out of the abandoned factory's rusted iron gate. Just as he was about to head home, he suddenly saw a small figure.
The iconic twin tails and red sweater distinctly highlighted her presence.
"Hmm?"
Shirou's mouth twitched slightly.
He had personally watched this young lady return to the Zenjou house earlier, yet here she was, secretly running out again late at night.
"You're not being very obedient, Miss..."