(Shirou POV)
Looking at the time I saw that it will be almost 11:30 so I decided to just create a Noble phantasm then add some effect like knowledge transfer.
It feels weird because it's like putting an SD card into a sword and the person who got stabbed by it will receive the memory.
It works the same way as rule breaker, it can't hurt anyone at all.
But if it's failed in the end I will make sure to just make a small wound although it's the problem for my future self.
I looked toward Iroha.
"Should I go first and take a bath, or you?" I asked. It would be rude to decide on my own in someone else's house.
"I'll go first," Iroha said, standing up from her seat.
She walked toward the bathroom. A moment after the door closed, her head popped back out.
"No peeking."
"Cute," I chuckled. "Relax. I won't peek."
She narrowed her eyes at me before closing the door again. A few seconds later, I heard the splash of water.
I opened my laptop and downloaded AutoCAD.
It surprised me that it existed in this world as well, though the version here was clearly outdated, primitive compared to what I remembered.
"Looks like I'll have to create my own version of AutoCAD." I sighed. That was another project added to my growing list.
Using my memory as a reference, I began drafting blueprints of various Noble Phantasms. At the same time, I carefully documented the mechanics behind my Trace-On. If I was going to improve it, I needed to understand it completely, not just instinctively, but theoretically.
I revised the foundation of Trace-On and even restructured how I conceptualized Unlimited Blade Works.
The changes focused on how I utilized Projection and Reinforcement.
First: Structural Analysis.
I break the weapon down completely, its composition, its internal balance, the flow of prana through its structure, even the lingering mystery engraved into its existence.
Second: Conceptual Graphing.
Within my mind, I construct an imaginary model, a precise blueprint of the weapon or item. Not just its outer form, but its internal framework. Every layer mapped. Every connection defined.
Third: Atomic Detailing.
I redraw it from the ground up, refining the structure down to atomic precision. Instead of merely copying, I rebuild it. If necessary, I add minor properties, an explosive trigger, an elemental attribute-
Though since I'm indoors, a small wind effect would be safer than an explosion.
Finally: Archival.
Once stabilized, the completed design is stored within Unlimited Blade Works. Not as a crude imitation, but as a perfected template ready for manifestation.
After finishing the written theory, I leaned back and stared at the ceiling.
Now came the difficult part.
Applying theory to reality.
Understanding a structure on paper is one thing. Reproducing it through magecraft is another entirely.
Projection isn't just imagination, it's interference with the laws that define matter.
And I'm not arrogant enough to believe my brain can fully grasp the fundamental laws of the elements.
Still...If I don't try, I'll never surpass my current limits.
I closed my eyes and inhaled slowly.
Time to test whether my theory can defy logic.
"Activate," I muttered.
At the same time, I imagined a system booting up in my mind, like a mechanical interface coming online. That image wasn't random. For me, visualizing a structured process makes the flow of prana more stable and controlled.
Magic Circuits aren't physical nerves. They are pseudo-organs layered over the soul.
These glowing pathways are the layers convert life force into usable magical energy.
Normally, activation feels like switching on internal wiring, the heat that spread through the body.
The faint pressure behind the sternum, and a sharp clarity settling into my mind.
But instead of letting it surge wildly, I structured the process.
First, I visualized a main console.
Then, subroutines branching out.
Circuit one, online.
Circuit two, synchronized.
Output regulation, stable at 12%.
By turning the activation into a system process. Inside my head, I reduce unnecessary prana leakage and prevent overload.
It was easier to manage something when you can see it working, even if that image exists only in your mind.
A faint heat spread through my veins and the hum of prana filled my ears.
My Magic Circuits activated.
Heat spread through my body, like thin wires burning beneath my skin. The quality was mediocre at best, I could tell immediately. The output wasn't stable, and my prana was draining far too quickly.
This efficiency is terrible… If I maintain this rate, I'll run dry in minutes.
Then, A translucent notification surfaced in my vision.
[By continuously activating your Magic Circuits and consuming prana, you have acquired a new skill: Magic Circuit.]
[Magic Circuit: Repeated activation and controlled depletion will gradually increase your maximum prana capacity.]
"…Eh?" I blinked.
Since when did this become a training method?
So simply activating my circuits and enduring the drain counts as growth?
It makes sense… in a way.
Magic Circuits are like muscles. The more you use them. Without destroying them.
The stronger they become. The increased strain leads to adaptation and adaptation leads to higher tolerance, and the Higher tolerance leads to greater output.
But that's within conditions. Normally, overusing Magic Circuits leads to burnout… or worse you will lost you're qualifications to become a magus.
Yet here I am, gaining a skill from it and defying the logic.
This is definitely the Gamer Body effect.
A normal magus who tries this recklessly would cripple themselves.
But to me? The system converts strain into progress.
But Still… If anyone discovers that I can safely increase my prana just by repeatedly activating my circuits.
I'd be dissected before sunrise. Magi would kill for a method like this.
I immediately lowered the output and stabilized the flow, preventing unnecessary drain.
Interesting. But this is something I'll keep to myself.
"It smells good."
Wait!?
Smells good? I blinked and turned my head slightly.
To my left, Iroha was fast asleep, her head resting against my shoulder. Her breathing was slow and even, completely defenseless.
"Since when?" I gently shook her. "Iroha."
No response. She only mumbled something incoherent and leaned closer instead.
Seriously… this girl is completely defenseless around me. She really trusts me, huh.
I carefully not to wake her, I slipped one arm under her knees and the other behind her back, lifting her up. She was lighter than I expected.
I carried her over and laid her down beside the baby, making sure there was enough space between them so neither would roll over the other.
She shifted slightly but didn't wake up.
"Unbelievable." I glanced at the clock.
1:00 AM.
"When did it get this late?" I mumbled and saved the files I had been working on, shut down the laptop, and pulled out the extra futon.
After laying it flat on the floor, I stretched my shoulders to ease the stiffness from sitting too long.
As I lay down, I stared at the ceiling, a strange thought crossed my mind.
It's kind of weird. I wasn't even embarrassed about sleeping in the same room with a girl.
No awkward tension. No racing heartbeat.
Is it because my house is basically filled with women? Or Have I just gotten used to female presence?
I turned to the side, facing away from them, and closed my eyes.
[Sleep activated. All Status Effects and Fatigue will gradually recover.]
*Yawn*
Ah, it looks like I forgot to take a bath.
Feeling my mind slowly drifting away, I sensed something stir beside me, but since the skill was already active, my thoughts gradually wandered into a dream.
_______________________
(Sakayoki Iroha's POV)
After stepping into the bathroom, I sat down on the closed toilet lid and buried my face in my hands, completely embarrassed.
"I must be crazy…"
I invited my first boyfriend to my house the same day we started dating!
But it couldn't be helped. The trains and buses had already stopped running at this hour.
Slowly, I peeked through the slightly opened door and saw him completely absorbed in whatever he was doing.
"Why isn't he embarrassed at all? Ah, I forgot. He grew up in a house full of women. He's the only male there besides his father," I whispered to myself.
Letting out a small sigh, I undressed and slipped into the bathtub, sinking into the warm water.
Shirou, it's kind of unfair that I'm the only one feeling this embarrassed. But I'm happy. He let me in on his secret. He trusted me enough to tell me everything about magic.
"But in the end, it looks like I'll have to help take care of that alien baby."
I couldn't help but facepalm again, already imagining the future headaches.
Then suddenly, an image popped into my mind, Shirou and me, standing side by side, with a child between us, holding both our hands.
"OH NO! I'm already imagining building a family with my first boyfriend!"
A wave of heat rushed to my face, and I sank deeper into the water, trying to cool down my burning cheeks.
I carefully slid the bathroom door open just a little. Warm steam drifted out behind me.
The room was quiet. But not completely. I could hear the sound of typing filling the room.
I peeked outside. Shirou was sitting in front of his laptop, completely engrossed in whatever he was doing.
"…Eh?" I blinked, surprised that he didn't even notice I came out. Is my charm really that low?
But his eyes were focused on the screen. His posture straight. One hand resting against his chin while the other moved across the keyboard.
He was so serious, calm, sharp. The playful expression he had earlier was gone.
Right now, he looked completely different.
He looks so cool. I quietly stepped out, already wearing my pajamas.
He was so engrossed that even the sound of my footsteps didn't make him look up.
What is he even doing?
On the screen were complicated diagrams and strange symbols I couldn't understand.
Blueprints and designs of clothes, all written in detail.
Then he changed and wrote about something, like magecraft.
His fingers moved confidently, like he wasn't guessing.
Like he knew exactly what he was doing.
I slowly sat down a short distance away.
He didn't notice.
"So unfair," I whispered softly. Why does he look cooler when he's serious?
Earlier he was teasing me.
Now he looks like some genius researcher working late into the night.
My heart started beating a little faster.
I rested my chin on my knees and just… watched him.
His brows slightly furrowed.
Eyes reflecting the light of the screen.
Completely absorbed.
It felt like I was seeing a side of him that not many people get to see.
He looks so reliable.
So far away.
But also. Right here. My chest felt warm.
"He really is amazing," I muttered.
I don't understand magic. I don't understand the thing he was doing right now.
But I understand he was doing his best, and right now, he was giving it his all.
Without showing off and a single complaint.
He was just quietly working.
I didn't even realize how long I had been staring.
At some point, I forgot I was embarrassed.
Forgot about everything. I just watched him. And the more I watched,
The more I felt myself falling a little deeper.
Ah.
This is bad.
If he keeps looking this cool, I won't be able to hold myself back and kiss him.
"Stupid thoughts," I whispered softly.
Without thinking, I slowly moved closer.
Just a little.
Still watching.
Completely enchanted.