[Rosy-cheeked Youth: B+]
[The quality of a beautiful young man capable of attracting others. Regardless of the target's gender, it can activate a charm-like magical effect. However, if the target has the will to resist, the effect will be weakened. Those with Magic Resistance can completely avoid it.
Due to the influence of the Third Magic, the spirit and body are gradually merging, causing Sakatsuki's appearance to deviate from his original form—it has become a higher vessel depicting future possibilities. As a result, those who come into contact with him are unconsciously drawn to him.]
"A face that brings calamity..." Sakatsuki, now in the form of a child, rested his chin on his hand, looking troubled. "That plus sign is because of the Third Magic, isn't it? This is such a hassle. It's only going to make me more of a target."
Despite his complaints, aside from a certain Rider whose values were skewed from the start, no one would refuse the benefits of enhanced looks. Moreover, this was an officially recognized representative skill.
"If this skill is a tangible benefit, then the other suddenly appearing skill is a real crisis." Sakatsuki continued to rest his chin on his hand, his troubled expression largely due to this skill—
[Endless Sorrowful Wish: E~EX]
[An ability that cannot be escaped no matter how one manifests in the world. It belongs to the former self—that Shirou who ended the Holy Grail War in a single night. Before his consciousness faded, he left behind a causality—he prayed so fervently that the wish itself turned into a curse.
Under the interference of a certain existence, this skill underwent a change, beginning to resemble a different kind of black wish-granting device. When the wishes of another world descend, even the holder of the skill cannot control the appearance of another 'self.']
***
So, I don't understand it at all!
Sitting on the steps of Ryudou Temple, Sakatsuki wore a disgruntled expression, desperately recalling the insights and experiences from his past comprehension exercises.
In the end, he gave up.
"As the saying goes, 'Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth.' When this skill activates, I'll naturally figure out what's going on."
Completely unaware that his mindset had become much younger, Sakatsuki hummed a tune and hopped down the mountain.
"Let's go, I'll find Waver first. No matter what, we'll have to go to the Clock Tower. It's easier with an acquaintance."
Not only was one of the locations on the mysterious treasure map pointing to the headquarters of magi, but also because—
...
...
"Uh, you're saying which of the twelve departments at the Clock Tower has knowledge of handling advanced fantasy materials?" Waver looked at Sakatsuki as if he were an idiot.
It's just a golden apple. Why beat around the bush? Damn, I really want it...
"You can go to the Department of General Fundamentals and the Department of Individual Fundamentals," Waver explained, suppressing his inner emotions.
"Additionally, the Department of Archaeology and the Department of Botany also store ancient texts worth looking into. Of course, you can find some superficial accounts in the Clock Tower's library, but to truly utilize the effects of those mythical relics, you'll need deeper research."
"Thanks, as expected of a scholarship student at the Clock Tower. So, what are you planning to do next, Waver?" Sakatsuki smiled, watching as the now-mature Waver pondered before giving his answer.
"I'm going to take a break from my studies for a while and travel, see the world outside. Before deciding on my future, I want to learn more about things."
As he spoke, Waver couldn't help but glance at the game console connected to the TV nearby.
Seven whole days—after living here for such a long time, the room naturally reflected the colors of its inhabitant.
Half-read magazines, empty chip bags scattered everywhere, and empty liquor bottles along with a deluxe edition of the 'Iliad.'
That guy had even excitedly ordered a console and games, even buying an extra controller, as if anticipating the moment when his Master would join him in leading an army.
These were all traces left by another person's life here, colors that didn't belong to Waver.
Bathed in the morning light, the room held two figures, but Waver knew that person would never appear here again.
"Still missing the King of Conquerors, Waver?" Sakatsuki saw the young man's sense of loss. He rested his hands on the back of the chair, his youthful face smiling.
"If you feel regret or loneliness, then make sure the new colors you paint from now on are as vivid as possible. Strive to keep the colors of that king from fading. Only then, when you meet him again across the sea of stars, can you proudly say—"
"Up to now, the journey of my life has been a happy one."
"Yeah... that's right." The young man tilted his head back slightly, trying hard not to let his tears fall.
Because this was a journey of constantly chasing the king's shadow. Before the young man's now-established faith, even the eternal distance of time and space seemed insignificant.
"I'll leave these three Command Spells to you. Use them carefully and keep them hidden. Aside from using them as a mana reserve, you can also summon me to assist in battle—of course, provided I'm still in this world."
"Are you leaving, Sakatsuki?"
"Yes, you've found the path you want to walk, and I should also take steps toward my own journey."
Opening the door, the warm sunlight fell on Sakatsuki, kissing his eyes, making the youthful boy seem like a fleeting illusion as he disappeared from Waver's sight.
"If fate allows it, we'll surely meet again."
***
Several days later.
"I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth." The funeral proceeded quietly in the cold drizzle.
The chief mourner was a young girl.
The girl did not show her grief or unease on her face. Her expression was serious as she carried out her duties. Everyone praised her for her bravery and strength, but no one pitied her or felt sorry for her.
Only a man and a woman stood behind her, their eyes filled with pride and sorrow as they looked at the girl.
"And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me...Amen."
The coffin was thus offered to the earth. After the prayers ended, the priest and attendees began to leave one by one, until only the girl and those close to her remained in the silent drizzle.
"You've worked hard, Rin. You did very well. Your father, Tokiomi, would surely be proud of you." Aoi hugged her daughter, speaking softly.
Kariya Matou watched their figures with a complicated expression. As if burned, he averted his gaze, instinctively searching for Sakura.
Then, Kariya Matou's gaze sharpened!
It was the vigilance of a father seeing his precious cabbage about to be stolen by a pig!
Because in front of Sakura, who was covering her mouth and laughing, stood a white-haired, golden-eyed, annoyingly pretty boy who was about to grab her hand—
"Let go of Sakura, let me... ugh, who are you!"
***
Hey readers!
Want to read ahead? 📖 Join my Patreon for early access to 30+ advance chapters! Your support helps me write more and bring the story to you faster.
🔹patreon.com/aarvan🔹