Fucking Fate

In the end, Shin ended up taking the drug anyway, despite Tae's flustered protests that he should leave. As he had no reaction even after the examination, the woman shooed him away.

However, she had a budding worry that some effect came late, so she called the teen who had gotten in the cafe by that time.

"...How are you feeling now? Today's drug was kind of a rough one, huh?" Tae felt quite awkward and had to gather her words before asking him that.

"I'm alright, don't worry." said Shin.

"Still, next time, you shouldn't approve other patients' consultations without my permission." said the woman sternly.

"I don't think I can do that."

"Huh? Why?" asked Tae, confused.

"I want you to punish me more!" declared Shin.

"..."

"I don't think even my medicine can cure that..."

'Of course. The horny won't be stopped by mere mortal medicine!'

"The drug seems more stable compared to the early stages, though. It's probably thanks to your cooperation. It feels like we're almost there, so just... don't die on me just yet, okay? said Tae.

Shin ended the call afterwards. As he sent Morgana to follow Kawakami, as usual, he was free to do as he pleased. But the first thing on Shin's mind was to gather more information about magic.

"It just had to be fucking Fate, didn't it? What's next, Highschool DxD? Or maybe some hentai to go with the horny!"

He thought about Magic Circuits more than once, but there was nothing he could do about them, really.

Obviously, he wouldn't and couldn't try to open them, as he can't use magical energy yet. And that was besides the fact that he didn't want to commit the same mistake that Shirou did by "making" new circuits.

He'd have to rely solely on mana for the moment. With that thought in mind, he was about to wish for more information on mana, but he could notice his consciousness slipping away.

"Oh... fuck..."

-INTERMISSION-

Shin woke up in a familiar black and golden tower. Besides the confusion from having been summoned to Philemon's realm, he was fine.

The man... Err, being in question was simply standing in front of him, arms casually hanging down.

"Oh, hello Philemon." said Shin, walking towards the masked being.

Once close, he extended his arm for a handshake, but when Philemon did the same, Shin clenched his fist and punched his as hard as he could in the guts.

"This is for sending me to fucking Fate."

Philemon doubled over from the punch, but he didn't look too hurt otherwise.

"You're understandably angry, but there's a reason I brought you here."

"And what would that be?" asked Shin with his arms crossed.

"You don't have any magic circuits."

"So? That's all?"

"Alaya sends you her regards, as your succes is benefical for it too."

"I see. If Yaldabaoth controls humanity, it will stop progressing." muttered Shin.

"If you don't mind me asking, what do you plan on doing about your od?" asked Philemon.

"I'll just have to get myself some magic circuits. No big deal." shrugged the teen.

Philemon smiled.

"As expected of you. I'll send you back now. Until next time."

-INTERMISSION-

10th of May, the following day.

Shin was waiting for his subway to arrive. He was feeling quite bored, until Makoto came up to him and started a conversation.

"It looks like you're attending school seriously. You also seem quite close to Takamaki if you're both coming to school together."

"Mmhm. I can come with you if you're feeling left out." said Shin.

"There's no need for that. I just thought it was curious how well you two clicked. I heard that she was a victim of Mr Kamoshida, but was that all there is to it...? Either way, closer inspection should clear everything up... Goodbye."

Later that day.

Shin went up to see Ryuji, who said he had found a good place to train. The two headed out into Shibuya.

"Here we are... Protein Lovers gym! It's pay per visit, so you don't have to worry about any bullshit contracts or stuff."

Ryuji scratched the back of his head.

"The equipment is kinda crappy, but they got a wide variety of things. Plus, it's real damn cheap. Totally worth it, even without a pool or hot tub. By the way, you brought your stuff?"

Shin nodded his head and said.

"Got my towel and spares in here." he patted his Morgana-free bag.

"Alright. Let's head in."

Approximately 30 minutes later, Ryuji was holding onto his knees, coughing and wheezing.

"My form's... coming back... but I don't have... any stamina..."

At that moment, someone called out to Ryuji.

"Sakamoto?"

"Ikeda! What's bonking?"

'Bonking... really...?'

"You say some of the strangest things, Sakamoto. Is that how you greet a friend?"

"I've been trying to come up with some cool new slang. Maybe it'll catch on!" said Ryuji optimistically.

"You can't just do that... But I haven't seen you before. Are you a new track team member?" asked Ikeda, looking at Shin.

"Him? He's uh... a friend." replied Ryuji.

"Why do I hear hesitation in your voice?"

"By the time he showed up, the track team was already... well, you know." said the blond, glumly.

"Speaking of which, how's your leg?"

"Eh, I'm managing. How about you, Ikeda? You still running?"

"I actually joined my university's track team. You would've thought I would've quit entirely after what happened... I enjoy it. This track team is perfect for me. So, I should be thanking you for what you did, Sakamoto. I always regretted not doing more to protect you guys..."

"Ikeda..."

"I heard some rumours about Shujin's track team being reinstated, but they don't really have anyone for it. Mr Yamauchi might've volunteered, but he is investigated too because of Kamoshida's confession, "

"For real...?" asked Ryuji, shocked.

"The rumours even reached me, and I'm not a student there anymore, so... Anyways, that's all I wanted to say. See you."

Ryuji looked thoughtful, even after Ikeda left.

"...So the track team's back, huh? Good for them, I guess."

"...You want to join."

"I don't know, really. It's weird."

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Confidants:

Igor (The Fool) - Rank 2

Morgana (The Magician) - Rank 3

Sojiro Sakura (The Hierophant) - Rank 3

Ann Takamaki (The Lovers) - Rank 5

Ryuji Sakamoto (The Chariot) - Rank 6

Tae Takemi (The Death) - Rank 4

Saki Yoshiko (The Moon) - Rank 2

Shiho Suzui (The Hope) - Rank 5