Chapter 32: Day 8 ③

The distance was two ken (approx. 5 meters). It might be less than five meters. It was a distance that would take a person several steps to cover, but the opponent was not limited by that.

Furthermore, the person standing ready before Shirou was undeniably a master of Swordsmanship. Her stance, calm and utterly flawless, made her small frame seem as grand as a towering mountain.

Of course, Shirou shouldn't have been able to find an opening—and because he couldn't, he grew anxious at his inability to find a breakthrough, charging in recklessly.

The momentum from kicking off the floor with all his might, coupled with the weight placed behind his downswing, was impressive.

However, the opponent flowed around that full-power strike, and as the sword sliced the empty air and the sound of wind settled, she brought a flash of steel down upon Shirou’s head.

PANG

A dry sound echoed through the dōjō. It was somehow elegant, like a shishi-odoshi (deer scarer).

PANG

Yes, very artistic.

"~~~SHIROU! The idea of attacking a Servant is fundamentally wrong! You must prioritize holding out until I or Alto arrive!"

"Damn it!"

"Concentrate! With that attitude, you'll be killed by the first strike! Waiting for the opponent's movement is too slow; you must sense the initial action and move out immediately!"

"...Gh!"

PANG

And so, just like before, Lia, who is Saber, was training Shirou in the dōjō.

In this very Japanese dōjō, I tilted my cup of tea, using Shirou and Lia's training as an accompaniment. It’s strange how black tea fits in a place that should ideally have Japanese tea. I don't know why.

I placed the cup on the side table. Next to it, Shinji was stretching out his legs and sipping tea. He claimed he was bored with nothing to do.

By the way, I was planning to brew green tea, but it turned into black tea at Shinji's request. The table being in the dōjō was also part of that flow.

"Um, you're the Archer, right?"

Noticing that I was watching, Shinji spoke up.

"Yes, that's right. Both Shirou and Rin call me Alto, so you can call me that too."

"Well, whatever. Why is he doing this?"

Shinji pointed to Shirou, who was sweaty and attacking Lia. That leaves his right side wide open... Ah, there it is.

SWOOP

The dōjō resonated with the dry sound for the umpteenth time.

"So, what do you mean by 'this'?"

"I mean this chanbara (sword fighting). What's the reason for him doing this?"

"Ah. Shirou apparently doesn't want to rely too much on me or Lia... Saber. So he wants to be able to at least defend himself."

"Hmph! I thought I knew, but is that guy an idiot after all? Since there are Servants in a war, the Master should just act like a Magus and use them."

Shinji let out a loud, hearty laugh. His voice was drowned out by the sound of the shinai clashing, and the faint residual laughter that reached my ears sounded lonely for some reason.

"It's not about acting like a Magus or anything; Shirou can't use any actual Magecraft whatsoever."

"...Huh?"

The cup Shinji was about to tilt stopped right at his mouth.

"That's right, Shirou cannot use any proper Magecraft."

It might put us at a disadvantage to say this, but it will be found out eventually.

Somehow, just somehow, I felt it was better to tell Shinji.

I knew Shinji was staring at me, but I continued to watch Shirou and Lia's sparring.

"—Emiya saved me, even though he can't use Magecraft and might die?"

The voice, muttered softly, was swallowed by the clink of the cup hitting the saucer. It was too quiet; I saw his mouth moving but couldn't make out the contents.

Shinji, having placed the cup on the table, stood up smoothly. After looking at Shirou once, he exited the dōjō.

I felt Shinji lacked his usual energy. Perhaps the constant threat from Caster—the Servant—was making him nervous.

As a result of Rin and Shirou's discussion, the plan to attack before being attacked was approved.

Since they couldn't just charge into Ryūdō Temple in the middle of the day, even if it wasn't Ilya's doing, they decided to stick to their daily routine until sundown. I really want to ensure Shinji's safety quickly.

I had only been watching Lia's movements, trying to steal her techniques, but suddenly I had a thought while looking at the utterly defeated Shirou.

If I couldn't rely on my sword experience, how would I parry Lia's sword?

Tired of simply observing, curiosity drove me. I performed a mental simulation of sparring with Lia, imagining myself in place of the struggling Shirou before me.

..................

My parrying method would be the same as Shirou's. Sense the opponent's movements and evade, or if that's impossible, deflect.

I would faithfully execute what Lia is teaching Shirou now, moving swiftly to try and bait an opening.

—I could trade blows with Lia. It would always be a losing battle, and a prolonged fight would result in my defeat, but I could at least buy time.

Then why is Shirou completely helpless against Lia? The answer is obvious. Since Shirou and I share the same 'software' (technique), the difference in physical ability and extraordinary instincts must be the major factors.

Saber's body is faster due to its lightness. However, by supplementing it with surging Prana, it can achieve explosive power.

While my Prana supplementation is still developing, I can feel the mobility. Thanks to it, I fared well against Lancer and fought Berserker without yielding an inch.

...Well, that's natural, isn't it? Shirou is human. I am a Servant, and on top of that, I possess the body of the strongest Saber... So?

Wait a moment. If that's the case, Lia's training is fundamentally wrong.

"Lia."

"Is there something you need, Alto?"

She politely turned her whole body towards me and tilted her head. Shirou was wiping sweat with his sleeve, resting on his shinai like a staff, panting heavily. He looked thoroughly exhausted.

"Your teaching method will lead to Shirou being killed when he faces another Servant."

"What!"

Lia's expression changed dramatically. The veins on her temple visibly bulged as she glared at me. Shirou, too, stared at me, eyes wide at my sudden statement.

"...What do you mean?"

I couldn't have chosen my words worse. My phrasing was terrible.

Is it my imagination that a murky aura seems to rise from Lia's body?

If I say the wrong thing, I will suffer terribly. Absolutely.

"Uh, well, you see, Shirou is not you or me, Lia. Certainly, his footwork and body control will improve, and his reflexes will be trained. However, the essential Swordsmanship won't be adaptable for Shirou, no matter what."

"Won't be adaptable, you say?"

Her stern face remained, but perhaps something I said struck a chord, as the strange aura dissipated. At least my choice of words seems to have paid off.

Saber's Swordsmanship is optimized to maximize her physical abilities.

It utilizes her mobility and danger perception for evasion, and a strike infused with Prana has the power to deflect an opponent's attack and, furthermore, kill them in a single blow. The reason I can trade blows with Lia is because we share the same foundation. If the current me tried to use the Swordsmanship taught by Saber in Shirou's body, I would be deflected, outmaneuvered, and defeated.

Although there is a difference in Class, the conditions are not much different compared to facing Rider or Lancer.

Fundamentally, Emiya Shirou does not possess the talent for the sword that Saber has. In that sense, even I, Alto, no matter how much I master my mentor's Swordsmanship, it would be impossible to defeat her or even fight on equal terms.

"Yes. Saber's Swordsmanship will never suit Shirou, who lacks both your speed and power."

"I see, then what should we do? You wouldn't be saying this unless you had an alternative to my Swordsmanship, would you?"

"............"

"Alto? What's wrong?"

I messed up. I only pointed out the problem and hadn't thought of a solution.

Besides, Lia's words had an edge. Her anger must have remained even though it seemed to have vanished. Well, I suppose it's understandable that she's displeased when I interrupt her training session.

The problem is that this isn't just mere displeasure.

"No, that is to say..."

I desperately spun my mind.

A pinch. This is an unprecedented pinch. If I say I haven't thought of anything...

The image of Lia in full armor with a refreshing smile flashed through my mind.

Full Armor Double Saber, reporting for duty. If I also put on full armor, we'd be Double Saber with Full Armor in a different sense.

Wait, this is not the time to be splitting my thoughts! I'm going to get beaten by Lia. Definitely beaten.

While stalling for time, interjecting "Ah," "Er," and "Um," my mind was running in circles, almost overheating.

Be calm, Shirou. No, I'm not Shirou, I'm Alto, right? I am Alto. ...But recognizing myself as Alto feels somewhat lonely. Sigh, I'm drifting again. Course correction. OK.

What should I do? Emiya Shirou's body. It lacks the ability to deliver a one-hit kill. It lacks the mobility to evade and the sharp instincts to dodge immediately. Should he rely on the number of blows? Even with a high number of blows, he lacks speed, and besides, he doesn't have the strength to swing a rather heavy longsword right and left. What about short swords (daggers)? These are somewhat lighter, and being smaller, he should be able to manage if he focuses only on parrying. If he holds one in each hand, his defensive range will increase, and it might even improve his balance. Ah, that must be it. Perfect.

Three seconds passed. I might be amazing when I'm calm.

"So, how about wielding two short swords?"

"What do you mean 'so'?"

She still seems flustered, though. My thoughts may be calm, but my words are still running in circles.

"Well, I mean, wouldn't it be easier to parry attacks with two short swords than holding a longsword with two hands, perhaps?"

My tone is weird. And why the question mark? What should I do? I don't know myself.

"...Well, I understand the logic. However, since the tools are different, he will need time to adjust, and without a dedicated user, he'll have to rely completely on his own efforts..."

"No, I'll try it."

"Shirou?" "Shirou?"

"I doubt Alto said that without thinking, and if it doesn't work, I can always ask Lia to teach me her Swordsmanship again."

............ Shirou. I'm sorry. That was a three-second concept and an excuse. It was for my own survival. I was completely speaking without thinking.

"T-then I will join you as a sparring partner with all my strength!"

"Ah, yes. That would be helpful, but... are you sure?"

"Of course! Since I was the one who suggested it, it's only right that I take responsibility!"

I am literally going to be held responsible by Lia. I must make this work somehow, or Shirou might die because of an unfamiliar weapon. It's no joke for a person to die because of me, who wants to help people.

"But Alto, have you ever used short swords?"

"U-no, I haven't, but... Even so! I'm sure I can at least be a sparring partner—!"

"I will help too. Haa. I'm rather uneasy relying on Alto alone."

Ugh, Lia sighed at me. But it must be better than me being his opponent alone.

"Thank you! That helps a lot!"

"Wait, why are you thanking Lia, Alto?"

Stop it. The discussion is about to conclude. Shirou, don't interrupt.

"Hmm, then I'll be going."

"Yes, please do your best."

I saw Shirou off with those words. Shirou raised one hand, still bruised, and exited the dōjō entrance.

The afternoon holds Rin's Magecraft lecture. Unlike Lia's training, there is nothing to observe, so I suddenly find myself with free time.

Even if I'm bored, with a house this size, there's always something to do if I look for it. Since Shirou tends to do everything himself when he's around, conversely, there are things I can only do now.

Rin has been helping with meals and cleanup after lunch, which we just finished, was done by Rin. For now, I suppose I should start with cleaning the living room and laundry.

"Alto, where are you going?"

"Where? ...I was thinking of going to do some cleaning."

The foot I was about to step out with froze, and I cautiously returned to my original position. The moment I heard that voice, the words dried up in my throat. I slowly turned my head, like a machine running out of oil.

"Returning to our previous discussion, shouldn't the instructor be knowledgeable about the characteristics and handling of short swords?"

"That is certainly true yes I completely agree with that."

Her tone allowed for no argument. When I finally took in her appearance, she was smiling coolly, but big sister Lia was definitely angry.

I quickly turned around fully, standing bolt upright as if a rod was inserted into my back. In times like these, I must bow my head in deference. I absolutely cannot defy her.

"Then, Alto, you will need preparation."

"That's right, that's absolutely essential... wait, are you implying—"

"Come now. Unfortunately, we don't have short shinai."

She handed me two shinai (bamboo swords). Ah. So, that's what this means.

"I may be insufficient, but I shall be your opponent. It seems I can finally face you with my full strength after a long time."

............. My God. Did I do something wrong?