"Archer... huh?"
Illya’s emotions tangled at the revelation.
"Archer" referred to Naless’ iconic red and black attire—a Conceptual Weapon woven from the Shroud of Magdalene.
During the Holy Grail War, he’d served as the Archer-class Servant.
Hence, fans had abbreviated him to [Archer].
Beyond that, there were also his younger self EMIYA Shirou, the heroic EMIYA the Savior, and even the blacksmith Muramasa across different tilines.
Now, after forming a contract with Ruby to beco a magical girl... she’d gained his power.
Using his strength to protect him?
Perhaps this was Naless’ way of watching over her too.
She really didn’t know what to say about that.
Ilya held the card in her hand, wondering where to place it since she wasn’t wearing any clothes, when suddenly the card transford into a Command Spell on its own, settling just below her abdon.
The red summoning pattern stood out vividly against her fair skin.
This made Illya blush uncontrollably again.
[Tsk, what an unfortunate placent. How lewd of you~]
Once more, Illya heard an identical voice echo in her mind.
What’s going on?
Am I really developing problems?
Souma, lying on the floor, felt increasingly conflicted.
So why, after being so shy earlier, are you now standing so boldly beside ?
Shouldn’t you be leaving?
Though there were no strange oceanic scents, her sweet fragrance still stirred sothing within him.
If Heracles found out about this, he’d surely co charging with his Twelve Labors, Twelve Glories, and Twelve Trials to fight to the death!
Though Illya appeared to be an ordinary elentary school loli, she was actually an 18-year-old adult.
Her mories had been sealed, making her attend school with Miyu and others.
Now that her mories were unsealed...
If the two of them really got together, wouldn’t he—the 17-year-old minor—be the one legally protected by law?
At this thought, Souma’ emotions grew more tangled—
Good grief, so I’m the one being "cultivated"?
Ruby blinked and reminded, "Um, shouldn’t you put so clothes on?"
"Ah..."
Illya finally snapped back to reality.
This was beyond embarrassing!
[What’s the big deal? If you like him, go for it—cook the raw rice into a al. Want to teach you the steps?]
"Shut up!"
Illya felt like she was about to split apart.
She hurriedly fled the bathroom.
If Souma woke up now, there’d be no explaining this.
Once back in her bedroom...
Roya glanced at her casually. "Isn’t it cold bathing in winter?"
"Uh, I’m fine... cough!"
She couldn’t suppress a cough.
Roya tossed a towel her way. "Dry off quick—don’t catch a cold. If you infect , it’ll be a huge hassle!"
Winter was peak flu season.
The weakness from fever and chills was downright miserable.
Burrowing under the covers, Illya touched the Command Spell from the card she’d drawn earlier.
It pulsed with imnse energy.
With just a hint of magical energy, she could assu a Servant’s form.
Does this make a Demi-Servant like Mash?
Amid her fluster, excitent bubbled up.
This was amazing.
With [Archer]’s Install card, her body felt light enough to fly—there was nothing left to fear!
Ti to test it outside!
Perfect timing, too, since she couldn’t stay here after that embarrassing scene.
No sooner thought than done—Illya headed straight for the yard.
"Initiating Install?" Ruby prompted.
"Install!"
Heat swirled in Illya’s abdon, coalescing into a surge of mana that ford the card.
The [Archer] summoning card!
Now, let’s try this!
Holding the card, Illya mimicked Naless’ stance and murmured:
"Install!"
...
Back in the bathroom.
Once certain the little loli had left, Souma finally rose from the cold floor.
He pondered in his heart: "With Ruby, Illya can gain more self-protection abilities."
In the tiline of "Vow in the Snow."
All participants of the Holy Grail War could use the Install Cards to summon the corresponding Heroic Spirit’s power, transforming themselves into a Heroic Spirit form.
For example, that buxom version of the King of Heroes, Angelica, who perfectly matched his aesthetic preferences.
She could flawlessly wield all the Noble Phantasms and powers of the King of Heroes.
Even Ea could be unsealed and used.
If he hadn’t refined countless swords and pierced through the terrifying light pillar that tore the world apart to defeat her, he truly would have been killed right then and there.
So, how exactly does this summoning work?
Just as Souma was curious, he suddenly sensed a mysterious link attempting to elicit a response from him.
[Install!]
"How interesting. So it requires my consent after all."
Souma’s mood grew even more complicated.
To put it bluntly, this thing was sowhat similar to the Command Spells in the Holy Grail War.
Only now, instead of simply summoning a Heroic Spirit, it allowed the Master to directly wield the Heroic Spirit’s power.
Clearly, this was an attempt by Illya.
Then, as you wish.
As he nodded in agreent, a version of him wandering through human history instantly lent his power to her.
Hum~
The girl, originally dressed in a cute silver down jacket, suddenly exuded a sharp killing intent.
"No, his power is too imnse. My body can barely contain it."
Illya panicked montarily.
Only after activating the summoning did she realize the true extent of his strength.
Far more powerful than she had imagined.
With her petite fra, it was indeed difficult to fully grasp this power.
The voice in her mind, identical to her own, echoed once more—
[How foolish! Let teach you how to use the power of Red Archer!]
Illya instinctively agreed.
And then.
She found herself becoming a re observer, as another version of herself erged from within, controlling this power.
[Watch closely, Illya! This is how you use Red Archer!]
The mysterious other self skillfully manipulated the power of Red Archer, projecting the Noble Phantasm of [Kanshou and Byakuya].
"I see now!"
Illya was montarily stunned, instinctively asking, "So, why is there another inside?"
[Rember my na: Chloe von Einzbern!] the other replied.
"Uh, you have a na too?"
Illya was even more shocked.
In other words, it wasn’t just an illusion; there really was another her hidden within?
anwhile, Souma wore an even stranger expression.
Earlier, after the summoning was completed, he had felt an inexplicable sense of rging completely with her.
Fortunately, Illya was the one summoning him; had it been one of those powerful Heroic Spirits, they would undoubtedly have turned her into a puppet without hesitation.
"I wonder when Little Kuro will co out..."
Souma recalled his experiences in another tiline.
Ten years ago, during the Holy Grail War, the Einzbern family had created a wishing device.
They sealed away the imnse magical energy, mories, and knowledge provided by the small Holy Grail during Illya’s infancy.
After ten years of ferntation, it had ford a tangible personality.
That was Chloe von Einzbern, whom Illya referred to as Kuro.
Once ford, Illya would split into two halves.
"Tsk, Heracles just got a daughter, and now he’s going to have two daughters—double the joy for a daughter-lover!"
Souma couldn’t help but smile.
At least it wasn’t two sons.
Otherwise, Heracles would have to worry about how to earn enough for two houses and two sets of finances.
This was the last warm and peaceful daily life before the impending disaster.
When the disaster truly struck, Illya and Kuro, who possessed part of his power, could help protect humanity.
Allowing him to relax a bit and take it easy.
You can profit imnsely, but I will never lose!
The next morning.
Souma feigned calmness and asked, "What do you two want for lunch?"
"Sour cabbage fish!" Roya answered without hesitation.
"Anything is fine," Illya mumbled, her head down, unable to look at the others.
The events of yesterday had left her feeling an endless sha.
Fortunately, it seed the other party had their mories wiped by the Ruby and showed no signs of abnormality.
"Alright, you two stay here; I’ll go to the market to buy a fish."
Souma put on a thick coat and headed out to the market.
As soon as he stepped outside, he sensed a familiar presence following closely behind.
This made Souma twitch his mouth: "Goodness, Uncle Basaka, you really spoil Illya. Do you not trust at all?"
Yes, the one stealthily following him was none other than the mighty Hercules!
Even without turning around, his towering figure stood out in the crowd, unmistakably conspicuous.
Is this what they call secret stalking?
Oh Hercules, you might as well give up on the so-called disguise and stealth; you really can’t hide from others!
Souma sighed inwardly, treating it as if he hadn’t noticed.
He went about his business, allowing the other to follow.
Cú Chulainn greeted him, "Hey, Souma, back to buy groceries again? I didn’t know you liked playing housewife as a high school student!"
"What can I do? A poor kid has to grow up fast; what else can I say?" Souma shrugged, full of helplessness.
Previously, he had completely severed his contract with Alaya under the condition of watching over the troubleso kids, regaining his freedom.
Plus, after countless years of fighting, he had grown weary of fa and fortune.
A simple life was the true essence.
"Here, I’ll give you a 30% discount, but don’t tell anyone!" Cú Chulainn quickly prepared the fish for him.
"Sounds good, thanks."
***
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