Chapter 7:Type-Moon, the Heroic Spirit I Summoned is Myself

Not long after...

In reality, inside Shirou Emiya's room...

Lucian suddenly opened his eyes and quickly sat up, scanning his surroundings with wide eyes. As his mind cleared, he instinctively reached for his neck. Only after confirming it was still intact did he let out a sigh of relief.

"I should've known better than to interfere myself... I knew I'd lose, so why was I so impulsive?"

Shaking his head, Lucian reflected on his reckless actions, knowing full well that if he could turn back time, his choice would still be the same.

Yes, Lucian had lost. And it was a crushing defeat.

But it was to be expected. Despite using the full power of the two remaining "Book of Heroic Spirit Development," his strength barely reached the level of a top-tier swordsman, and even that was a stretch.

How could he possibly defeat the embodiment of the era's ultimate evil?

Lucian had known this from the beginning. Yet, after spending over a decade in the projected world of the Book of Heroic Spirit Development, where Kondo Isami had become a father figure to him, retreat was never an option.

Besides...

"Book of Heroic Spirit Development," he muttered.

With a thought, the black-covered Book of Heroic Spirit Development appeared in Lucian's hand. As he opened it, the original text on its pages faded, replaced by fresh ink forming new words.

[First simulation complete.]

[Experience Summary:]

[Born into a prestigious swordsman family, your innate talent was evident from a young age. At five, you became a disciple of a renowned master and were hailed as a prodigy.]

[You mastered the entirety of the Tennen Rishin-ryu school's swordsmanship.]

[Seeking sword mastery, you ventured into the chaos of the era. There, you established a sanctuary, revered by the people. Before your departure, they honored you with the highest respect, moving you to swear your sword to this world.]

[Sensing a threat in Kyoto, you rushed back to Edo, only to witness your master's death. Enraged, you lost yourself to anger and met your demise...]

[Age at death: 18.]

[System analysis in progress... Analysis complete.]

[Heroic Spirit Engraving achieved, Rank: Unknown.]

[Do you wish to proceed with the engraving?]

[Note: You have two simulation attempts remaining. Engraving will prevent further simulations.]

"Decline," Lucian chose without hesitation.

Reaching the threshold for Heroic Spirit Engraving was already beyond Lucian's expectations, likely a result of the influence from Okita Souji and Hijikata Toshizo, as well as the culmination of events in that small town.

The rank of a Heroic Spirit is assessed based on the era simulated and one's achievements, categorized into three levels: Unknown, Heroic, and the highest, Legendary. In simpler terms, they're akin to R, SR, and SSR cards in a game!

Since Lucian had only achieved an "Unknown" rank, he saw no need to rush into engraving. After all, he still had two more chances to simulate.

Moreover, as he looked at the two remaining simulation attempts, Lucian's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Shishio Makoto... the world's last evil, huh?"

A faint smile played across his lips. "Didn't expect me to come back, did you?"

---

In Fuyuki City, at Shirou Emiya's house...

Lucian did not immediately initiate the second simulation to increase his strength and seek revenge on Shishio Makoto. Although the Book of Heroic Spirit Development had no cooldown period, Lucian felt an overwhelming fatigue, both mentally and physically.

The simulation had been far more exhausting than he'd anticipated. Though only about an hour had passed in the real world, Lucian had lived nearly 20 years in the Bakumatsu era within the projection.

It wasn't quite the same as real experience, but it left him feeling as though he had just awoken from an incredibly long dream. The mental strain was undeniable.

Lucian rose from bed, rubbing his head as he left Shirou's room. Entering the living room, he spotted the red-haired boy, Shirou Emiya, doing his homework.

Noticing Lucian's movement, Shirou turned his head and asked, "Oh, you're awake, Lucian... But you look even more exhausted than before. What happened?"

Lucian sat down in front of him and casually replied, "Don't ask... I had a dream. A long, long dream, like I lived for years. Now that I'm awake, I just feel... tired. By the way, where's Sakura?"

"Ah, Sakura? She went grocery shopping after hearing you'd be having lunch here. I wanted to go with her, but she insisted I stay behind to keep an eye on you. She should be back soon."

With a helpless smile, Shirou got up, poured Lucian a cup of tea, and placed it in front of him. "By the way, Lucian, don't you think your sister's been a little overprotective lately?"

"Maybe. Ever since I was in that week-long coma, she's been like this... But I've gotten used to it. Besides, it's not a bad thing. I kind of enjoy it—it's her way of showing love."

Shirou rolled his eyes at Lucian's nonchalant response, but Lucian just pretended not to notice and took a sip of tea.

His gaze wandered aimlessly around the living room until it landed on a shelf displaying a bow and a wooden sword. A thought crossed his mind, and a sly smile tugged at his lips.

"Hey, Shirou, want to spar?"

"Huh?" Shirou blinked in confusion.

Lucian pointed to the wooden sword. "How about we have a match?"

Not long after, both Lucian and Shirou changed into black-and-white kendo uniforms and headed to the open yard outside. Shirou's house was large, a classic Japanese-style mansion.

At that moment, Sakura Matou returned from her shopping. Seeing the scene before her, she paused, her violet eyes filled with confusion. "Brother, you're awake... and Emiya-senpai too. What are you two...?"

"Your brother had a nightmare and said his head feels a bit dizzy, so he wanted to spar to clear it up. This wasn't my idea, so don't blame me if he gets hurt!" Shirou quickly explained, smiling as he waved toward Sakura.

Shirou, a former member of the archery club and a top contender, wasn't well-versed in kendo but had trained his body through swordsmanship since childhood. He wasn't weak by any means, something that would become clear in the upcoming Holy Grail War. After all, Shirou was bold enough to face Heroic Spirits with just a wooden sword, and later, with his projection magic, he could even spar with his own Heroic Spirit version of himself.

Lucian, on the other hand, had no formal connection with the kendo or archery clubs, which was why Shirou was quick to clarify before overprotective Sakura could scold him.

"Brother, are you sure...?" Sakura asked, her concern evident.

"Don't worry, Sakura. It's just for fun," Lucian reassured her with a smile.

Reluctantly, Sakura nodded, setting down her groceries outside the living room and taking a seat on the porch to watch.

This was supposed to be an easy match... on all accounts.

Just as Shirou was thinking about how to avoid injuring Lucian, Lucian spoke up.

"Shirou, a word of advice."

"Hmm?"

Shirou looked up, only to see Lucian smiling faintly, his posture shifting as he raised his sword into a perfect Tennen Rishin-ryu starting stance.

"Be careful."

As soon as Lucian's words fell, a gentle breeze stirred the air, tousling the boys' short hair. In that instant, Shirou's eyes widened in shock. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.

Locked within Lucian's sword stance, Shirou felt as though his very breathing had become difficult, his body frozen in place.

Lucian had personally experienced the trials of the Heroic Spirit simulations, including duels with Okita Souji under cherry blossom trees and a deathmatch against Shishio Makoto. By the end of the first simulation, Lucian had reached the rank of swordmaster.

"Shirou, aren't you going to make the first move?" Lucian asked with a gentle smile. "If you don't, I'm afraid you won't even be able to lift your sword."

Shirou looked down instinctively and realized that his hand—clutching the wooden sword—was trembling uncontrollably.

"...Lucian, you've been hiding your strength for all these years?" Shirou muttered with a bitter smile.

Meanwhile, Sakura, sitting nearby, tilted her head in confusion, unable to fully grasp the tension in the air. Though she sensed something was off, Lucian had already mastered the art of controlling his sword aura, making it difficult for others to perceive his true power.