Chapter 61: Day 11 ⑤

Having grasped a clue toward solving the problem, the momentum carried us into deciding a strategy for infiltrating the Matou residence.

In the first place, if it were simply a matter of suppressing the mansion, Lia and I could act as the vanguard to nullify nearly all of the opponent’s Magecraft. We would simply need to push forward into the Workshop in that formation.

While we can never afford to be careless, the utility of Lia’s and my Magic Resistance is exceptionally high. Additionally, by using Rule Breaker, we can neutralize almost anything related to Magecraft. Among the three of us gathered, no one raised an objection.

However, the conversation stalled beyond that point. The problem was the specific method for rescuing Sakura.

It is reasonable to assume that we could use Rule Breaker to sever the link between Matou Zouken and Sakura. Even if he has set a trap involving Sakura, if it functions via Magecraft, it can be dispelled with Rule Breaker all the same.

But while Rule Breaker demonstrates absolute effectiveness against Magecraft, it is completely useless if a physically functioning "device" has been installed.

For instance, if a poison sac and a needle were embedded within Sakura’s body, with a Crest Worm placed between them to keep the sac from breaking—a "device triggered by the disappearance of the worm"—dealing with it would be excruciatingly difficult.

If we used Rule Breaker under these conditions, and if the worms Zouken controls were magical lifeforms, they would vanish from her body without a trace, causing the poison to be injected into Sakura. Even if they were mere Familiars, there is no telling how the worms would react once severed from Zouken. It is entirely possible they possess a trait where they devour the host from the inside the moment the contract is nullified.

If we used Rule Breaker without understanding what had been planted in Sakura—or the nature of the traps that would trigger—the damage could be irreversible.

I had wondered if Zouken would truly go that far, as the means to eliminate parasites within a body are not easily devised. However, both Rin and Illya denied this in unison.

For a Magus, it seems that the very first step in establishing the succession of a Magic Crest is devising life-prolonging measures for cases of fatal injury. This is to ensure the Magic Crest does not end with their generation.

Magi who have continued their lineage for generations, in particular, possess a mindset that prioritizes self-preservation above all else. They do not hesitate to take necessary risks, but they are "cowardly creatures" who construct every possible means to avoid the worst-case scenario. Or so the two of them said.

As someone who is merely a Spellcaster, this was unfamiliar territory to me, but if that is how they think, then it might not be impossible.

However, if we take even that into consideration, we find ourselves unable to make a move.

The best plan we can currently conceive is to knock Sakura unconscious along with Zouken, transport her to Kotomine at the Church—who is capable of Spiritual Surgery—and only then sever the contract between the worms and Zouken.

Even if there were a physical mechanism, there would be a much higher chance of being able to remove the entire "device" on the spot.

However, accomplishing this would be difficult in the extreme. We would have to successfully suppress her consciousness and finish everything before she woke up. Against a veteran Magus, this is practically impossible.

On the other hand, I certainly couldn't bring myself to stab Sakura with Rule Breaker without any confirmation and simply leave the rest to luck.

Illya, as a third party capable of making purely pragmatic judgments based on interests, understood the necessity of taking risks better than any of us.

That’s not to say Rin and I didn’t understand it. Even when Illya pointed it out, neither Rin nor I could offer a rebuttal. We understood that a corresponding risk had to be taken.

But if we made even one mistake—just one—it would lead directly to Sakura’s death. Rin and I, who shared a friendship with Sakura, could understand the logic but could not accept the compromise. We had no choice but to be cautious.

And so, with no better ideas surfacing, noon was fast approaching. Since we needed to eat, the discussion was temporarily adjourned.

It was my turn to handle lunch, but because time was tight, Rin—who felt bad about not being able to make breakfast—joined me in the kitchen. We decided to make simple sandwiches. Though "simple," preparing them for six people was a chore. I ended up using two whole loaves of bread I had in stock. Even then, it didn't feel like quite enough.

When we finished and everyone gathered to eat, I noticed that Shinji seemed to be having some difficulty eating. His cheek was swollen, and the corner of his mouth was slightly cut. I was certain those injuries weren't there this morning.

Curious, I looked around the table and noticed that Shirou’s right hand, which was holding a sandwich, was red. What had happened between the two of them while the three of us were talking? If it had been a fight, there was no way that Shinji would let himself be hit without fighting back, yet Shirou was uninjured.

However, Shirou’s demeanor was the same as usual. Rin seemed to have noticed something as well, but perhaps deciding it wasn't a major issue based on Shirou’s behavior, she continued eating in silence.

After lunch, since the same group talking would only result in a stalemate, it was decided that everyone except me would continue the discussion in the afternoon.

The reason I alone was not participating was that Rin had asked me to scout the surrounding area. Since I was the only one in the current group capable of holding my own against Gilgamesh individually, Rin selected me, believing I could survive an encounter even if I ran into him during the mission.

Lia and I are nearly identical in terms of physical ability and most Skills, but the decisive difference is that I can switch my Prana output—to be precise, the presence of Magic Circuits.

Saber possesses an instantaneous burst of strength and ability through Mana Burst. Separately from that, I can use Reinforcement via my Magic Circuits to concentrate Prana, efficiently sustaining a boost to my sight and hearing.

In terms of raw power increase, using Mana Burst is overwhelmingly superior, but the effect is intermittent, consumes a vast amount of energy, and has issues with duration. Conversely, Reinforcement is significantly inferior in effect compared to Mana Burst, but the benefits can be maintained constantly.

Of course, given the massive amount of Prana gushing from Saber’s Magic Core, it would be impossible to exhaust it with the consumption rate of my thin Magic Circuits—even if I have forcibly expanded them—unless it were a war of attrition or a prolonged battle. But to put it another way, my consumption is significantly lower than Lia’s, yet I am able to achieve the maximum effect my Magic Circuits can provide.

Both methods of empowerment have their pros and cons, but for this Saber-class body, which is designed to suppress enemies with naturally high physical specs and immense Prana, such low-impact "tricks" like Reinforcement are probably unnecessary. In this regard, I am more like an Archer class, perhaps better suited for reconnaissance.

Furthermore, while I would have been worried about defense back when Shirou was the Master, there is no great cause for concern now that Lia has a powerful Master like Illya.

Winning against Gilgamesh might be difficult, but she shouldn't fall behind him.

"Got it? I want you to scout the Matou residence we’re going to attack, Ryuudou Temple where that strange shadow supposedly appeared, and the area around Shinto where incidents have been frequent lately. If another Servant approaches, retreat without engaging as much as possible. My Prana hasn't fully recovered yet. Avoid consumption."

"Understood."

It seemed the discussion would take place in the living room afterward, but Rin and Illya had visited Rin's room once more. Rin had a warning for me as I headed out to scout, and Illya had a request.

"If you encounter Sakura or... rather, Zouken, he'll be on guard, and our planned measures will definitely become useless. If you sense that Zouken has detected your presence, strike him with Rule Breaker without hesitation."

"B-but with that method, depending on the situation, Sakura might..."

There would be a chance she wouldn't be saved. However, the eyes of the Rin who said this did not waver. Her gaze remained fixed on me, piercing through.

"I am well aware. If you activate Rule Breaker and Zouken’s consciousness still remains, kill him on the spot no matter what."

"That means... killing Zouken along with Sakura."

"Yes."

Kill them—that is what she was saying.

"Alto. Regardless of what Zouken is planning, the situation will only worsen as time passes. That might be the very thing that corners us. Even if the measures we're currently considering become unusable, we don't have time to come up with another. I told you, right? We are all going to win this war. Not just me and you. So, if you make a blunder like that, I won't forgive you."

"...I understand."

"Well, I don't think he'd be wandering around in broad daylight, but at least be mentally prepared just in case. Remember, the worst move you can make is to waver and stand still, neither moving forward nor retreating."

I gave a single nod in response.

—In that case, I absolutely cannot allow myself to be detected. If I allow Zouken to sense my presence, it will immediately threaten Sakura’s life. I will need to think of a method when scouting the Matou residence.

"So, Illya, why did you follow Alto?"

It seemed Rin was finished. Illya, whom the question was directed at, turned toward me and spoke with an apologetic tone.

"Ah, well, you see... Alto, there’s a place I want you to check on."

"...And where would that be?"

"The castle. The castle where I used to live."

Silence fell over the room at Illya's words. There is only one thing associated with "the castle." It was a memory from just a few days ago—a bitter, shocking day when all of us currently in this mansion were defeated by a single King.

Deep within the forest on the outskirts of town, that man fought against four Servants and three formal Masters, and by his hand, Berserker and Rider perished... it was the place where I felt the true extent of my own powerlessness.

The last sight of the castle I saw when we left was like a ruin ravaged by a modern army; the Noble Phantasm had left massive cracks and gaping holes in the inner walls, and the floor was riddled with countless holes from the treasures.

"Actually, there’s a hidden door next to the central staircase in the castle entrance. If you open it, there are stairs leading to the basement. There’s a wine cellar down there, and I’ve told my attendants to hide there. I want you to bring those two to Shirou’s house. One is Sella. The other is Leysritt. Both of them are dressed in identical white maid outfits, so you’ll recognize them immediately."

As I visualized the battered castle in my mind, Illya began to explain the details of her request. The names Illya mentioned sounded familiar. I believe those were the names of the two people Illya said she lived with when I met her at the park once on the way back from shopping with Shirou.

"I don’t mind, but..."

"Hey, Illya. Is that something that has to be done right now?"

It's in the opposite direction from Shinto, so it's not a place I can just stop by, but they must be important people to Illya. Thinking there was no reason to refuse, I was about to give my consent when Rin, who had been listening, cut in over me.

"It would certainly be harsh to keep them there, but we have to move quickly from here on. Besides, if you intend to evacuate them to a safe place, this house—where Servants and Masters are gathered—is far more dangerous. This mansion only has a simple detection Bounded Field for peace of mind."

"It has to be as soon as possible... at least within today. Besides, it’s not just to evacuate them. Without those two, I can’t fulfill my role as an Einzbern."

"That is something important to you, then?"

Silently, Illya gave a small nod. Rin, who had asked the question, stared intently at Illya's reaction.

"...Fine, I understand. We’ve done nothing but borrow from you, and if we don’t pay back at least a little, the debt will only keep growing. Alto, I'm asking you as well."

"Understood."

In short, it seemed I was to handle Illya's request as well. I had intended to accept from the start. I nodded back at Rin.

At Rin's and my response, a lovely smile appeared on Illya's face. Now that the matter was settled, her tense expression softened. I don’t know what her "role as an Einzbern" is, but regardless of that, there was no doubt that Illya had been worried about those two this whole time.

"Then, I’ll be heading out soon."

"Ah, wait."

As I stood up from the bed and adjusted the hem of my skirt, Rin called out to me. What could it be? I stopped my movement and turned back to Rin.

"Just to confirm—that Noble Phantasm, the Rule Breaker you projected... only you, the one who projected it, can use it, right?"

"...No. In terms of releasing the True Name, I believe the original owner, Caster, could do it as well. Also, if Shirou fulfills the conditions of analyzing the Rule Breaker I projected, reading its experience, and mapping it onto himself, a True Name Release would be possible. However, since the precision of the Projection differs between me and Shirou, it might be better for him to use one he projected himself if he’s just going to release it. But even that, we won't know for sure until we actually try it..."

What I just said was based on experience, but most of it was conjecture. Unless a situation arose where Emiya Shirou existed as a separate entity from myself, there would be no way to verify it in the first place.

"Reading the experience of a weapon through structural analysis and mapping it onto yourself... that’s an incredible story. Anyway, given certain conditions, Emiya-kun can also perform a True Name Release. At that time, Emiya-kun also saw the Rule Breaker, so the conditions for him to be able to project it should be in place. If he’s going to use it, it might be better if he projects it himself... but unlike Alto, Emiya-kun is a flesh-and-blood human, so we can’t push him too hard. I suppose it really is a trump card for a critical moment."

"That would be for the best. If possible, I think his use of Projection Magecraft itself should be restricted. It’s strange for me to say this, but if left to his own devices, Shirou might even take suicidal actions. Well, I don't know if he would actually listen even if we told him."

"Seriously, you’re the last person who should be saying that."

"Well, it is Shirou, after all."

What did Illya mean by those words? Were they directed at Shirou, or were they directed at me?

I had no desire to press her on which one it was. Past or present. For Shirou and me, who likely have no significant psychological difference, even if she were referring to Shirou, it wouldn't be much different from referring to myself. ...Have I not grown at all?

"Well then, Alto, I’m counting on you."

"Leave it to me."

I gave one last reply to Illya and left Rin's room.

In the annex room assigned to me, I put on a cardigan before heading to the entrance. Having arrived, I sat down and was putting on the new boots I had borrowed from Rin when it seemed Lia had returned from outside. I had just finished putting them on, so I stood up to greet her.

"Welcome back, Lia. Were you somewhere?"

"Ah, Alto. I have just returned. Since I had time, I was patrolling the area around this mansion. Though I found nothing unusual."

"No, if nothing happened, then that is for the best," Lia continued with a smile. She seemed, how should I put it, full of vitality. Perhaps it was because she had regained her original condition, but she also seemed to be in a good mood.

"Are you heading out to scout now, Alto?"

"Yes, that’s the plan."

"Then, a word of advice from me."

Lia cleared her throat. Hearing that it was advice, I straightened my posture and looked at her.

"Alto, you are not a 'Saber.' Considering the tactics you used against Gilgamesh, you are indeed an Archer. Nevertheless, that body is almost identical to mine. Just as I have no means to mask my presence, you likely cannot either. Therefore, if the opponent is a Servant, they will detect your presence simply by being nearby. It would be wise to keep that in mind while scouting."

"Hmm," I nodded reflexively.

That’s right. Unlike when I was Emiya Shirou, I now possessed the presence of a Servant. Because Lia was always nearby, my sense for detecting presence had become something I took for granted, and I had become somewhat desensitized to it.

Indeed, if I think about it, if I can sense their presence, they can likely sense mine as well. Assassin and Gilgamesh are exceptions, but other Servants have a unique presence that allows one to intuitively know they are nearby. The precision isn't great, but it might differ depending on the Class.

"I understand. I’ll keep that in mind. ...Well then, I’m off."

"Take care. Be careful."

With Lia’s words at my back, I walked out of the entrance.

Today is warmer than other days because the sun is shining brightly. Looking at the sky, there’s no worry of rain. Standing still while looking up at the sky, I thought for a moment.

Now, with Saber’s leg strength, I could sprint down the roads at high speed or move by jumping from roof to roof, but it would be inevitable that people would look at me with strange eyes if I caught their attention. To move without drawing notice, I have no choice but to use proper means of transportation like the bus or simply walk. If I could turn into a Spiritual Body like other Servants, it would be a different story.

"In that case, first is Ryuudou Temple. I might be able to see something from the top of the mountain."

Muttering to myself, I passed through the gate of the mansion.