Somewhere in Germany...
In a large room whose luxurious furnishings were worthy of royal blood, a white-haired doll-like girl stood by the window. Her scarlet eyes, like fresh blood, absently wandered over the breathtaking view of the snowy forest outside the window. Only occasionally did a faint sigh escape her lips on its own when the girl's thoughts looped back to the subject of her current worries, which she simply couldn't shake off for a long time...
It was then that she felt small paws gently touch her hand resting on the windowsill, pulling the girl out of her depressive thoughts.
"Cah?" "What's wrong?" Dexterously climbing onto the windowsill, the aristocratically dressed squirrel questioningly "chattered" and showed another letter, expressing concern for the girl's condition, which elicited a brief, barely noticeable smile from her that almost instantly turned back into her previous sad expression.
"Percy?.. I'm fine, really. Just... I miss Daddy." Illya sadly lowered her head as Percival, once again confirming his intelligence, gently stroked the girl's hand without taking his gaze off her scarlet eyes.
And she appreciated the gesture from her little friend. Not long ago, Illya wouldn't have thought she'd ever feel something like this again. After all, her fate was an inevitable death in solitude for the fulfillment of someone else's wish, which she personally didn't care about at all.
Without family. Without friends. Completely alone...
Or so it was before. Now everything is different. Even if they're far away, she now has a real family. And unlike her "grandfather," they truly care about her and her future.
But even so, I'm still far from the life I dreamed of...
Her train of thought was interrupted again when Percy's muzzle appeared in front of Illya's face, "Cah-al"-ing something in his own language, distracting the girl from her dark musings and making the corners of her lips rise with his amusing appearance.
"Yeah, I know, Percy. I still have a little brother, but I dreamed so much of seeing Daddy. He still owes me so much, and now...
"Cah! But he's alive! Master Russell will definitely come up with something!" Percy quickly scribbled, tilting his small head to the side, then grabbed Illya's index finger with one paw, offering all the support he could.
"I know..." the girl admitted. "But how long will it take? Uncle Russell will definitely cure him of the curse, but... He said the most important thing is to prepare for the war..." Illya turned and headed to her bed, soon burying her face in the soft pillow. Percival, as if he'd always been there, toddled over to her snow-white head with small steps.
"Cah!" The fluffy intelligent one expressed himself in his own way and quietly sat beside her, trying to alleviate the girl's loneliness.
Mentally, Illya thanked her little friend and immediately, feeling oncoming fatigue, closed her eyes.
Someday I'll definitely meet my father and brother... Definitely meet them...
Soon the room was filled only with the steady breathing of the sleeping girl...
Meanwhile, in the Valley of Steel...
Amid the crater-riddled valley that had recently been a real dense forest, incessant sounds of clashing metal rang out. Like living things, blades flew at enormous speed toward one of two human figures who seemed to effortlessly handle the onslaught of the "animated" steel. He, dressed in his usual white leather jacket over a blue T-shirt and faded blue jeans, lazily stood in place with hands in pockets while his own weapon parried the not-first-hundredth blade. His short chestnut hair swayed slightly from the gusts of wind torn by constant steel-on-steel clashes, and his face and bright green eyes expressed utter... boredom as another "batch" of projectiles was repelled without making the man budge.
"Shirou, what are you trying to achieve by mindlessly bombarding me with steel? I'm expending more effort holding back another yawn!" Russell loudly voiced his opinion, lazily surveying what had previously been a blooming forest. The addressee of the message, though dissatisfied with his Mentor's words, decided to continue his "meaningless" attacks for now without showing himself.
He knew perfectly well how that usually ended...
Shirou was currently thirteen years old, though he could pass for older due to his constant training, which had given him an enviable physique for his age. Taut muscles covered the teenager's entire body, and combined with his height towering over his peers, it made Shirou stand out sharply among the crowd.
His red hair and clear opportunistic tendencies didn't help him blend in either, earning him a reputation as the school's "Hero" or "Homurahara Poltergeist" for his frequent help with club repairs.
And right now, this very guy was undergoing another training session planned by his Mentor. If, of course, what was happening at the clash site could be called that...
Shirou was dressed in "armor" of his own making, into which he'd put REAL effort and all the knowledge acquired to date to obtain reliable yet functional protection from most possible threats. And in his own opinion, he'd done really good work.
That said, he still had no desire to test his invention's durability. Even holding back, Russell rarely left his student conscious after a few "light" hits. Which is why Shirou had zero desire for direct combat.
"In battle, every scratch can be fatal, so fear and avoid them." That's how Russell put it once, and afterward his student firmly internalized the fact when he nearly bled out from a small wound inflicted by a cursed weapon... Or from the poison in a scratch that paralyzed him in minutes... Or from that curse that partially boiled his blood, nearly costing him a leg...
In short, no need to say Russell had impressive knowledge of curses and poisons. Or, more precisely, a multitude of variously lethal-nonlethal curses and poisons...
The thought triggered many painful memories in the guy's mind, but he hurriedly pushed them aside in favor of continuing his plan. Fortunately, this time, after all the preparation, something might actually work... At least, he hoped so...
"Hope dies last," right?
Well, in the worst case, he knew Russell wouldn't let him die...
Shivering, Shirou continued methodically shooting his bored Mentor with blades and arrows.
Shirou's current gear looked something like this:
A thick black jacket with red shoulders, fastened with numerous straps, fully black cargo pants with military boots, dark red closed gloves. His head was covered by a slightly tinted scarlet hood, and his face by a gray mask designed to provide sufficient protection without obstructing the wearer's field of view.
Everything described above was made by Shirou's own hands exclusively from materials he'd transmuted himself. In the end, the sum of the quality of the best materials available to him and equally superior enchantments allowed it to contemptuously withstand a point-blank shot from a modern anti-tank rifle in the least protected armor element. And that's an impressive achievement for a modern magus.
But again, even with such specs, the red-haired possessor of his Reality Marble still had no desire to test his own protection's durability. Clashing with Russell almost always ended the same painful way...
And at the moment, the possessor of all the blades "of this world" was trying somehow to affect the "bored" Mentor's defenses, whose weapons, like living things, moved at insane speeds around their master, ignoring gravity and all conceivable laws of physics, parrying most "projectiles" while the rest easily dissipated against the strange barrier surrounding Russell. All attempts to reach him with Gáe Dearg, Diarmuid's spear capable of severing magical energy ties obtained from Kiritsugu's memories, were repelled by the same flying spear-staff. Shockwaves from "overloaded" blades dissipated before reaching the target, and other techniques capable of bypassing the first two "barriers" were parried by Russell's other gear.
And most importantly—the guy couldn't analyze anything the teacher used in the training fight, leaving Shirou only with the tools in his own arsenal!
Standing behind a half-chopped tree a hundred meters from the target, Shirou pulled from his spatial "Pocket" one of his "masterpieces"—Saibon. It was a longbow one and a half meters tall in bent state. It looked massive, as if designed to launch spears rather than arrows, and matched the rest of the gear in dark red, almost black coloring. On close inspection, one could see its "scaly" surface, a result of its creation peculiarities. The bow's full-draw range reached fifteen kilometers, far exceeding even the most powerful modern rifles.
Too bad the guy's effective range for now was only two...
The projectile chosen for the next attack was the same Gáe Dearg, only instead of a spear, the original "projectile" was a downsized version of itself with a slight spiral shape. This form emerged after numerous attempts and studies to improve penetration power of the "arrow" when Shirou finally managed to combine "Projection" and "Transformation" into a single formula, drastically reducing adaptation time for the "projectile" by prepping its "template" for firing without extra time costs. Now changing the form of a familiar spear wasn't difficult...
...nor was adding some known "functions"...
A second of preparation, and the "arrow" hurtled at enormous speed toward the Mentor looking toward his student.
Russell's weapons still hovered in an invisible shield against the multitude of blades ceaselessly bombarding their target unsuccessfully. And again, they blurred to meet the next, albeit multiply accelerated, projectile.
Shirou just smiled slightly under his mask and quietly said:
"Double Acceleration." And the arrow accelerated instantly...
The altered Gáe Dearg was still parried in time by the Mentor's arriving weapon, but the action didn't end there. In the air with the shattered crimson Diarmuid spear, numerous copies of it appeared... And each retained the speed of the projection shattered a moment ago.
Russell's eyes widened slightly, and he didn't hide a satisfied smile.
Not bad at all! But I know you can show me more! The thought flashed in the Mentor's head as he acted without delay...
Quickly orienting himself, Russell materialized his weapon into his hands and for the first time in the entire training showed what it looked like. It was a nearly two-meter silver staff, one end a broad blade, the other ending in a blue translucent crystal. The staff's shaft was like two twisted silver rods, and the gem at its end slightly "bubbled" inside, as if containing liquid.
Standing before the inexorably approaching projectiles, Russell prepared to parry them when a new "surprise" awaited. Each arrow began... to glow faintly, cracks running along them. By the time the altered Gáe Deargs flew a few meters closer, their target already realized what his student was trying to do. Not daring to meet what might be the most powerful attack his protégé had shown him, Russell thought to evade, but another problem arose...
Shirou had already launched numerous new projectiles that, curving at angles, came at him from all sides, cutting off all bypass routes except straight back.
Realizing his student wouldn't leave such an obvious escape and surely prepared some surprise, the pleased teacher decided to end the training and...
...Stamped... triggering a full-on Explosion...
The shockwave from the monstrously dense prana blast momentarily halted the attack, then outright hurled all projectiles, which exploded a moment later, tearing up the surroundings and leaving massive scorched craters in the already battle-damaged ground from student and teacher.
And amid all this destruction, on the sole intact patch of earth, stood Russell, utterly untouched under his multilayered magic shield, brushing invisible dust off himself...
"Good plan!" the man began loudly. "It would have been extremely painful if 'that'..." Russell surveyed his scorched surroundings. "...'hit the target.'"
"Ha... And still... Not enough... For you..." The "sniper" gasped heavily, kneeling, eyes fixed on the opponent as if expecting a counterattack.
"Well, it still wasn't bad at all." Russell shrugged and vanished from his spot... "Alright, let's wrap it up, you have school soon." ...to pat his student on the shoulder, who nearly jumped out of his skin in surprise.
"Russell... Could you stop... Teleporting?" Shirou said, rising to his feet and staring at the Mentor who appeared out of nowhere.
"I wasn't doing it during training anyway, so be grateful." Russell replied as if nothing happened, under his student's heavy sigh.
And I'm supposed to fight ones like him in the future?
This will definitely hurt. Yeah, hurt a lot...
Emiya Residence. Shirou's POV.
"How fast they grow!" A woman with short chestnut hair exclaimed not without delight, looking at her charges. "Just yesterday they were mere children, and now?! Already sharing one kitchen! Ah... What will become of them when they grow up?
"Fuji-nee! Stop embarrassing Sakura!" I said loudly and immediately used the most effective "weapon" at my disposal. "If you keep this up, I'll have to cut your...
"NO!" Fuji-nee exclaimed instantly, slamming her hands on the table. "Not my already small (Triple!) portion! Shirou, I didn't raise you to be so cruel!
"Then don't interfere with our cooking... God, how can she be such a child at her age?
"Senpai, don't upset Fujimura-san like that, you know she can get revenge..." Sakura warned softly, to which I just smirked and said a bit louder:
"If anyone without kitchen clearance dares enter... I won't vouch for that person's portion size...
"Shiro-o! That was the last time, I won't swap any more spices! Honest-honest!
"I know, Fuji-nee... I just wanted to make sure...
Making a pained face and muttering something like "What kids these days...," Fuji-nee dejectedly buried her nose in the table. The main thing now is not to give in, or besides mine and Sakura's food, she'll snag some body part...
"Sakura, you've gotten much better in such a short time. Practicing at home?" I asked the Sakura standing next to me, who enthusiastically made tamagoyaki.
"Ah..." Sakura froze for a split second but quickly recovered and nodded, showing a small cute smile. "Yes. My father and brother can't cook at all, so I thought I could help them a bit." Sakura said shyly, glancing briefly at me before returning to the stove.
"Hope it's not too hard for you?" I asked with some concern. "I mean, don't you have your own things? You're not only helping me but at home too. Plus...
"Not at all!" Sakura suddenly interrupted me, only regaining her calm after a few seconds back to cooking. "It's not hard at all. I actually like spending time with Senpai, so it's not difficult. Plus, you can consider my help payment for protection and training." Sakura smiled at me and continued increasing the population of golden rolls, carefully pouring egg mixture onto the pan and rolling the already "fried" part.
"Well, if that's the case, I'm glad." I said and smiled back as far less pleasant memories occupied my head...
Unfortunately, those bullies at our first meeting with Sakura were far from the only ones harassing her. Guys and even some girls actively belittled her for utterly ridiculous reasons like her unusual hair color or "inhumanity." And in my opinion, that was absolutely unacceptable, so by now I'd personally gotten acquainted with most of those offenders.
I don't know what Shinji's up to, but he should watch over his sister's safety better. But since he won't, I'll take that duty instead.
That said, thanks to the Mentor, my presence is no longer needed lately...
A year ago, Russell gave me a "pet"... In short, a big gray "not at all wolf" named Mark joined me on morning jogs with a slightly altered route, where we pick up Sakura on the way to my house. And yes, she joined our jogs too, though it took her a while to complete them fully. Now her school uniform and some clothes are stored at my house so she can change after a light shower before school. No need to say it didn't take long for the hooligans to stop bothering Sakura.
And I, for the record, did nothing for it... Well, with my own hands—a couple of "convincing" talks and strange pursuit by local birds, and no one has the desire to bother Sakura when I'm not around.
As one movie said—"Old good diplomacy" in full glory.
"Fuji-nee! Breakfast's ready!" Sakura and I quickly set a hearty breakfast on the table and a not-small steak for my "pet."
"Mark. This is for you, enjoy!" Quickly petting the not-small gray "dog" settled in the corner of the hall, I sat at the table.
"Itadakimas!" Everyone at the table said, and even Mark barked something in dog?.. Wolf?.. Anyway, doesn't matter. Before me were several servings of rice and chicken tamagoyaki. Notably, my portion was even bigger than Fuji-nee's. The stronger I get, the more I have to eat. I even fully renovated my kitchen six months ago. I didn't want to spend Dad's money, so I used my "abilities." Kiritsugu, before being "preserved," left me many of his old contacts. At first I thought to use them to sell gems I created, but soon remembered Raiga, Fuji-nee's grandfather. He handled selling a small batch of stones. The old Yakuza boss didn't even ask where I got the jewels, just took care of it. The only thing he asked was to fix his old broken motorcycle, which I gladly did.
"Shirou! You've really grown! You could easily pass for a high schooler... All the girls at your school must be pining for you..." The English teacher said with a foxy smile.
"Fuji-nee, you're exaggerating. I don't think I'm that interesting to many." I furrowed my brows and caught Sakura slightly blushing out of the corner of my eye. I guess such talks embarrass her...
"Sigh, Shirou, Shirou... If you weren't so... Dense..." Fuji-nee sighed with fake weariness, glancing at Sakura, and tucked into her second plate.
Am I missing something? Rifling quickly through my memories, I found nothing noteworthy...
Yeah, girls from school looked at me, but guys too... Gotta ask Russell what that's about. Feels like I should learn sooner...
"Senpai? Something wrong?" Looks like I stared at Sakura too intently. She even blushed from the attention and... Tucked her lilac hair behind her ear? Or whatever they call that gesture?
"Nothing... Just noticed how much prettier you've gotten since we met..." Easy way to distract a girl—compliment. Always worked with Avalon merchant women, hope it does here.
"Ah... Th-thank you, Senpai..." She blushed even harder.
Am I doing something wrong? Or right? Whatever, figure it out later...
"Hm-hm... Youth." The only "adult" said with an irritating smirk, having already eaten all her food...
"Fuji-nee... Don't you have work? You only became a teac..." ...And before I finished, I was interrupted by the expected yell from my self-proclaimed big sister.
"Ah! Right! I'm late! Thanks for the food, Shirou, Sakura..." Quickly and loudly shouting goodbye, the hapless teacher rushed off, and in half a minute, the sound of her faithful moped could be heard. Hope I won't have to fix it again...
"Ha-ha... She couldn't care less, but the poor metal 'beast' is in serious danger..." I voiced the thought while gathering dirty dishes from the table.
"That's Fujimura-san for you..." Sakura said with a light smile and rose to help me.
"True. If Fuji-nee acted differently, she'd be a whole different person..." I smirked, then glanced at the wall clock. "Anyway, us too. Wait a bit while I change, and I'll help with dishes..." Sakura was already in her black school uniform, while I was still in my white-blue home T-shirt and gray sweatpants.
"S-Senpai, don't worry about dishes. I'll wash them..." Sakura finished and blushed again.
Did she catch a cold? Doesn't seem like it...
Anyway, as long as it's not her... "grandfather's" doing, it's fine.
"Got it, leaving dishes to you then..." I said, turning toward my room as the smile faded from my face.
Soon Sakura won't have to worry about the old Worm anymore. Fortunately, the plan to rid this world of him will come to life soon.
The monster in human guise must be destroyed, even if I have to burn his entire manor to the ground...
***
Read the story months ahead of the public release — early chapters are available on my Patreon: Granulan