Kotomine Kirei.

Throw some stones, bastards.

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The next day dawned with a sense of calm that belied the storm of emotions brewing within Accelerator. As the sun rose, painting the sky with soft pastels, the demon slayers were busy with their routines, unaware of the impending departure of their enigmatic savior.

Accelerator stood apart from the others, his crimson eyes reflecting a mix of relief and frustration. The system that had brought him to this world finally spoke after a long silence, breaking the stillness with its mechanical prompt. 

[Notice. Quest has been completed!]

Accelerator's expression soured at the familiar, detached tone. "Finally," he muttered, irritation clear in his voice.

[Rewards will be given when the host returns. Host has been given one day to prepare for his return. Do note that you cannot bring materials from this world when returning.]

He cursed under his breath, frustrated by the system's rigid constraints. 

"Bothersome piece of junk," he grumbled. Despite his annoyance, a small part of him felt a grudging gratitude. This world had changed him in ways he hadn't expected. He still harbored the mindset of a villain, but the idea of saving others no longer disgusted him as it once had.

With the knowledge that his departure was imminent, Accelerator chose not to say goodbye. It wasn't in his nature to make sentimental farewells, and he wasn't about to start now. He had done his job, fulfilled the mission forced upon him by the system. He owed no explanations or farewells to anyone.

As he wandered the outskirts of the village, he felt a strange mix of satisfaction and melancholy. He had saved lives, ended the reign of a tyrant, and even made unexpected connections. But this world was not his, and he had always known he would leave it behind.

Without a word, Accelerator vanished from the world, his departure unnoticed by those who had come to rely on him. Mitsuri and Shinobu, who had grown attached to him over the three weeks of his stay, were left in stunned silence when they realized he was gone.

Mitsuri's eyes filled with tears as she searched the village, calling his name in vain. "Accelerator? Where are you? Please, come back!" Her voice echoed through the empty streets, but there was no answer.

Shinobu's usual calm demeanor cracked, her hands trembling as she looked for any sign of him. "He wouldn't just leave... would he?" she whispered, her heart aching with the sudden loss.

The realization that he was truly gone hit them both like a wave. They felt lost, their hearts heavy with the weight of his absence. Mitsuri clung to the hope that he might return someday, her love for him unwavering. Shinobu, though more reserved, shared the same sentiment, silently vowing to wait for him no matter how long it took.

Days turned into weeks, and the initial shock of his disappearance faded into a deep, lingering sadness. The demon slayers continued their work, but for Mitsuri and Shinobu, a part of their hearts remained empty. They held onto the belief that he would return, that the man who had saved them in more ways than one would find his way back to their world.

As the seasons changed, the memory of Accelerator became a legend among the demon slayers, a tale of an otherworldly warrior who had appeared in their darkest hour. Mitsuri and Shinobu cherished their memories of him, drawing strength from the time they had shared.

In the quiet moments, when the world seemed still and the weight of their longing felt unbearable, they would look to the horizon, their hearts filled with hope. They knew that, no matter what, they would love no other man unless he returned to them.

Back in his original world, Accelerator received his rewards from the system, but his mind often drifted back to the peaceful world he had left behind. The faces of Mitsuri and Shinobu lingered in his thoughts, a constant reminder of the connections he had forged and the lives he had touched.

Though he had no intention of returning, a small, unspoken part of him hoped that, someday, fate might bring him back to the world where he had found not just a mission, but a purpose beyond himself. Until then, he would continue to live his life, forever changed by the experiences and the people he had left behind.

Accelerator found himself back in his original world, the transition abrupt and disorienting. His surroundings were familiar—the technology, the structures, the atmosphere—but something felt off. He quickly hacked into the nearby system to check the time, only to find that mere hours had passed since he left this world.

"Impossible," he muttered to himself, his mind racing to make sense of the temporal anomaly. The experiences he had in the other world felt like weeks, yet only hours had passed here. The first reward from the system—an inventory space—was equally baffling. As an esper who understood the mechanics of physics and reality manipulation, the concept of a "game-like" inventory space defied all logical explanation. It was an ability that seemed to exist outside the realm of science, and it frustrated him.

"Inventory space? What kind of crappy game logic is that?" he grumbled, trying to fathom its practicality. Despite his annoyance, he couldn't deny the potential usefulness of the ability. He just didn't understand it, and that irritated him to no end.

The second reward, however, was simpler: an unbreakable Nichirin sword. It was a finely crafted blade, its edge shimmering with a subtle, iridescent glow. The fact that it was "unbreakable" was suspicious, but for now, he accepted it. "I'll figure you out later," he said, sheathing the sword and storing it in his new inventory space.

Returning to the mansion where he was staying, the Tohsaka residence, he felt the weight of his recent experiences bearing down on him. The fight against Muzan, the connections he had made with Mitsuri and Shinobu, the changes within himself—all of it swirled in his mind as he collapsed onto the bed.

Sleep took him quickly, and his dreams were a chaotic blend of battles, faces, and emotions. He dreamed of Mitsuri's bright smile and Shinobu's calm, analytical gaze. He saw Muzan's monstrous form disintegrating, and the faces of the demon slayers who had looked to him with hope and gratitude.

He awoke to the sound of Rin Tohsaka's voice echoing through the mansion. "I'm home!" she shouted, her voice carrying a mix of annoyance and exhaustion.

Accelerator sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The familiar surroundings of Rin's mansion were comforting, yet a part of him still felt out of place. 

As Accelerator and Rin greeted each other, the air in the Tohsaka mansion was calm and routine. However, this calm was soon interrupted by the sudden appearance of Archer. The Servant glanced at Accelerator and froze, his eyes widening in shock.

Just a few hours ago, Archer had seen Accelerator as a fragile man who relied on some unknown defensive power, quite weak in the grand scheme of things. But now, he could sense a profound change in Accelerator's aura. There was strength there, a tangible power that suggested he could almost reach the level of a Heroic Spirit, albeit the weakest.

Archer approached, his curiosity getting the better of him despite their strained relationship. "What happened to you?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion. "You've changed. How did you become so strong?"

Accelerator's smirk returned, full of his usual snark. "Why should I tell you? I have no obligation to explain anything. You're just her servant in this Holy Grail War, not someone I need to share my secrets with."

Rin, overhearing the exchange, looked puzzled. "What are you talking about, Archer? He looks the same to me."

Archer shook his head, frustration evident in his expression. "You don't understand. His power has increased dramatically. This isn't just a minor change."

Before the situation could escalate, Rin stepped in. "Archer, that's enough. It's rude to pry into someone's personal matters, especially when they don't want to share."

Accelerator clicked his tongue in annoyance at the two of them but decided to ignore the conversation. Instead, he made his way to the kitchen, his mind focused on one thing, coffee. In the three weeks he had spent in the other world, he hadn't consumed any caffeine, and it was taking a toll on his body. He needed to replenish it urgently.

As he brewed a fresh pot of coffee, the rich aroma filling the kitchen, he felt a sense of relief. This simple act of making coffee brought a bit of normalcy back into his life. He poured himself a cup, savoring the warmth and bitter taste as it spread through his system.

Rin followed him into the kitchen, still curious but respectful of his privacy. "You really became stronger?" she asked softly, her tone more understanding.

Accelerator took a sip of his coffee and nodded. "Yeah, yeah, sure. Let's go with that."

She watched him for a moment, then smiled. "Well, it's good to be strong! You can be of more help!"

He gave her a small, rare smile in return. "No promises, but I'll try."

As the evening continued, Accelerator felt a sense of contentment he hadn't expected. Despite the challenges and the constant demands of the Holy Grail War, there was something comforting about the routine and the familiar faces around him. He might not be a hero in the traditional sense, but he was starting to find his place, one battle at a time.

After brewing and finishing his coffee, Accelerator felt the fatigue from his recent adventures catching up to him. He went back to his room, collapsed onto the bed, and quickly fell into a deep sleep. Rin and Archer, meanwhile, left the mansion to conduct their reconnaissance, scouting the vicinity for potential Servants and suitable territory to establish their base.

The next morning, Accelerator woke up feeling more rested. He lay in bed for a moment, reflecting on his recent experiences. The memory of the other world lingered in his mind, particularly how backward it was in terms of technology and basic conveniences. The lack of something as simple as coffee had been a significant annoyance. Determined not to be caught unprepared again, he decided to restock on essential supplies.

After dressing, Accelerator headed to the nearest supermarket. He walked through the aisles, meticulously emptying the shelves of meat, vegetables, and other necessities. He made sure to grab a substantial supply of his special coffee, a whopping 50 kilograms of it. His cart overflowed with goods, drawing the attention of bewildered shoppers and staff, who stared at him in stunned silence. He can probably live a whole year with these supplies.

Ignoring the dumbfounded gazes, Accelerator paid for his items and stored them in his inventory. He marveled at the convenience of his new ability, especially its feature of freezing everything in time, preventing any of the food from spoiling. It was a practical solution to the unpredictable nature of his missions, ensuring he would always have fresh supplies regardless of where he ended up.

With his shopping completed, Accelerator exited the supermarket, heading back to the Tohsaka mansion. As he walked, his eyes caught sight of a purple-haired student in the distance. She seemed ordinary at first glance, but something about her set off his calculations. His senses picked up on a strange, writhing energy within her, something unnatural.

He paused for a moment, considering whether to investigate further. But he quickly dismissed the thought. "Not my problem," he muttered, turning away and continuing on his path. "Must be my imagination."

Unbeknownst to him, the girl is a figure in need of saving, a figure entwined with the dark and complex world of magic. But for now, she remained just a fleeting curiosity in his mind, overshadowed by his more immediate concerns.

Back at the mansion, Rin and Archer had returned from their reconnaissance. They were busy discussing potential strategies and fortifications when Accelerator walked in with his mountain of supplies. Rin looked up, surprised by his sudden entrance.

"Where have you been?" she asked, eyeing the bags of groceries.

"Restocking," Accelerator replied nonchalantly, setting down the bags. "Just making sure I'm prepared for any situation."

Archer raised an eyebrow. "That's a lot of food. Planning to open a restaurant?"

Accelerator smirked. "Just making sure I don't run out of essentials. You never know when you'll end up somewhere without the basics."

Rin shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Well, it's good to be prepared, I suppose. Just don't take over the entire kitchen."

Accelerator shrugged, unpacking his supplies and storing them in his inventory. He felt a sense of satisfaction at being well-prepared, a stark contrast to the chaos he had faced in the other world. 

The day passed with a semblance of normalcy. Accelerator familiarized himself with the layout of the mansion and kept an eye on the ongoing preparations for the Holy Grail War. As evening approached, he found a quiet corner in the house and brewed himself another cup of his special coffee, savoring the rich aroma and the sense of stability it brought.

Night had fallen, and the Tohsaka mansion was eerily quiet. Accelerator glanced around, noticing that Rin and Archer still hadn't returned. Bored and restless, he decided to take a stroll through the town to find her. With nothing better to do, he accessed the CCTV cameras in the vicinity, quickly pinpointing her location. To his surprise, she was with two other people besides Archer: an auburn-haired young man and a short figure wearing a yellow raincoat.

"Weirdos," he muttered with a smirk. The sight amused him, and he decided to barge in on whatever they were doing, just for the entertainment value. He quickly made his way to the church, a place he despised even in his original world. The very idea of religious sanctity and the hypocrisy often found within it made his skin crawl.

Upon reaching the church, he didn't bother with subtlety. With a crazed smile, he blasted through the church walls, sending debris flying and causing everyone inside to jump in shock. "Riiin~ I've come to take you back!" he yelled, his voice dripping with mock enthusiasm.

All eyes turned to him, their expressions a mix of surprise and confusion. Rin and Archer were there, as he had expected, along with the auburn-haired young man and the short figure in the yellow raincoat. Standing at the front, however, was a man whose very presence seemed to exude a dark, unsettling aura. Accelerator's smile faltered slightly as he locked eyes with Kotomine Kirei.

"Hah? Is this what you call a priest?" Accelerator's tone was incredulous, his smile turning into a sneer. "If so, then the world must be a really horrible place."

Kirei's expression remained calm, though his eyes gleamed with a dangerous curiosity. "And who might you be?" he asked, his voice smooth and measured.

Accelerator ignored the question, his eyes narrowing with contempt. "A priest, huh? What a joke. I've seen your kind before—preaching purity while indulging in corruption."

The room was silent, everyone too stunned to interrupt. Accelerator's voice grew louder, his disdain clear. "I bet you get off on the power, don't you? Using religion as a shield for your twisted desires. Heh? Answer me."

Rin stepped forward, her eyes wide with surprise. "Accelerator, what are you doing here?"

He waved her off, his attention still fixed on Kirei. "Just taking a walk, decided to drop by when I saw you with these clowns."

Archer's eyes narrowed, recognizing the intensity in Accelerator's voice. "This isn't the time or place for this."

But Accelerator was undeterred. He took a step closer to Kirei, his voice dripping with venom. "People like you are the reason the world's a mess. Corrupt, twisted bitches scum pretending to be holy. If you're what passes for a priest, then the world's truly screwed."

Kirei remained unfazed, though a small, cold smile played at the corners of his lips. "You speak with such conviction. Tell me, what drives your hatred?"

Accelerator's eyes blazed with fury. "What drives my hatred? Everything about you, maggot. Even your voice repulsed me"

The tension in the room was palpable, everyone waiting to see what would happen next. The auburn-haired young man and the figure in the yellow raincoat exchanged nervous glances, unsure of how to react.

Rin, still in shock from Accelerator's sudden appearance and harsh words, finally found her voice. "Accelerator, we need to—"

But Accelerator cut her off, his gaze never leaving Kirei. "Save it. I just came to get you. If this so-called priest wants to play holy, let him do it somewhere else."

Kirei's smile widened, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You're quite the character. This will be... interesting."

Before anyone could respond, Accelerator turned on his heel, motioning for Rin and Archer to follow. "Let's get out of here. This place reeks of hypocrisy."

Rin and Archer exchanged glances, both baffled by the sudden turn of events. With a mixture of reluctance and curiosity, they followed Accelerator, leaving behind a room filled with stunned silence and a priest who watched their departure with a knowing smile.

As they exited the church, the night air was cool and crisp. Accelerator's mind buzzed with the remnants of anger and the thrill of confrontation. He hadn't just disrupted the meeting; he had also revealed a piece of himself, a part that despised corruption and hypocrisy in all its forms.

Outside the church, Accelerator noticed that Rin, Archer, and the two strangers had not followed him. He turned back, his curiosity piqued. Rin saw his confusion and sighed, knowing she needed to explain the situation.

"Accelerator, wait," she called out, stopping him in his tracks. "I need to explain something."

Accelerator turned around, crossing his arms impatiently. "Fine, go ahead."

Rin gestured towards the auburn-haired young man and the figure in the yellow raincoat. "This is Shirou Emiya, and his Servant, Saber. Shirou was injured, and I was helping him. Kirei is the overseer of the current Holy Grail War. He was explaining the rules to Shirou."

Accelerator's eyes narrowed. "And why should I care about any of this?"

Rin sighed. "Because Shirou needs to understand the stakes. Kirei was trying to convince him to join the war."

Accelerator's head throbbed with frustration. "Great, so now we've got a priest who's the game master of this twisted war. Just perfect."

Inside the church, Kirei continued his manipulation. "Shirou Emiya, you have been chosen as a Master in the Holy Grail War. As such, you must understand the rules and the responsibilities that come with this role."

Shirou's voice, though hesitant, held a note of determination. "... I understand. But I don't want to fight. I just want to protect everyone."

Kirei's smile was almost predatory. "A noble sentiment. But the Holy Grail War is not a game of ideals. It is a battle to the death, where only one can emerge victorious. If you wish to protect others, you must be willing to fight and kill."

Shirou shook his head, his expression conflicted. "There must be another way. I can't just kill people."

Kirei's eyes glinted with amusement. "Your naivety is charming, but ultimately misguided. In this war, there are no second chances. You must be prepared to make sacrifices."

Accelerator's frustration grew as he listened to Kirei manipulate the young man. He could see through the priest's words, recognizing the attempt to push Shirou into a role he wasn't prepared for.

Shirou's voice trembled with uncertainty. "But... what if I don't want to fight? What if I just want to protect those I care about?"

Kirei's tone turned cold. "Then you will die, and those you wish to protect will suffer. The Holy Grail War does not accommodate the weak. Only the strong can impose their will and survive."

Accelerator's frustration grew. He detested the idea of someone like Shirou, who spoke of protecting everyone without the strength to back it up. It reminded him too much of people who made empty promises and ideals without the means to fulfill them.

Shirou's eyes flashed with determination. "I don't care. I'll find a way to protect everyone without killing."

Kirei chuckled, a dark, mocking sound. "Such conviction. Let's see how long it lasts in the face of reality."

Accelerator had heard enough. He straightened up, his annoyance with both Kirei and Shirou evident. He made his way back into the church, interrupting the conversation once more. "Alright, enough of this nonsense," he declared, his voice filled with irritation.

Everyone turned to face him, their expressions a mix of surprise and confusion. Kirei raised an eyebrow, his smile never wavering. "And what brings you back, Accelerator?"

Accelerator glared at Kirei. "You really make me sick, how many peoples have you killed within this church? And as for you, dumb brat," he turned to the young man, "if you really want to protect everyone, you'd better find some real power. Otherwise, I'll beat the shit out of you."

Shirou's eyes widened, taken aback by Accelerator's bluntness. "I... I will. I'll find a way."

Rin stepped forward, placing a hand on Shirou's shoulder. "Now, now, don't be too hard with him, he is still new after all."

Accelerator rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Tch. Retards."

Kirei's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "You are an interesting one, Accelerator. I look forward to seeing how you navigate this war."

Accelerator shot him a glare. "Save your curiosity for someone else. I'm here to win, not to play your games."

With that, he turned and walked out of the church, leaving the others to follow. The night was still young, and the Holy Grail War was just beginning. But Accelerator was ready. He had faced greater challenges and emerged stronger. Whatever this war threw at him, he would be prepared.

As they walked back to the Tohsaka mansion, Rin glanced at Accelerator, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern and curiosity. "What did you think of Kirei?"

Accelerator's expression darkened. "He's a bastard who gets pleasure from the suffering of others. The worst kind, leaves a bad taste in the mouth."

Rin nodded, her mind racing with thoughts of the war ahead. "Hmm. But we have to be careful. This war is going to test us in ways we can't even imagine."

Accelerator smirked, a hint of excitement in his eyes. "Good. I'm ready for a challenge."

The group continued their walk in silence, each of them lost in their thoughts. The Holy Grail War had begun, and the battles ahead would be fierce. But together, they would face whatever came their way.

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