Chapter 19

The next day, the atmosphere at Twilight Manor felt fresh with the morning light streaming through the large windows. Shirou, having just woken up and completed his morning routine, felt that today was the perfect opportunity to continue his mission. He had been thinking of asking Loki for a two-week break. While it seemed like a big step for a beginner like him, Shirou was confident it was the right decision to allow him to explore the Dungeon without too much worry.

After breakfast and tidying up, Shirou felt ready to meet Loki. He found the goddess sitting in the living room with a relaxed expression, seemingly enjoying a cup of tea in the morning. Shirou approached Loki with confidence.

"Loki-sama, may I speak with you for a moment?" Shirou started the conversation politely.

Loki turned and smiled cheerfully. "Oh, Shirou! What's up? Don't tell me you're going to ask for something."

Shirou nodded firmly. "Actually, I would like to request a two-week break. I want to spend time training and resting so I can return more prepared for the upcoming missions."

Loki raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Already asking for a break after just starting to explore the Dungeon? Haha, but fine, if that's what you want, I'll allow it. Just don't stray too far from here, okay?"

Shirou nodded gratefully. "Of course, Loki-sama. Thank you very much."

With the permission granted, Shirou began preparing himself to return to the Dungeon. His plan was to descend to the 18th floor, a feat that required caution and thorough preparation. He ensured that all his gear and potions were ready before proceeding.

As Shirou finished his preparations, he met Aiz, Lefiya, Tiona, and Tione in the front hall of the manor. They seemed excited about going shopping in Orario. Aiz was dressed more casually than usual, while Lefiya, Tiona, and Tione looked very enthusiastic.

"Hey, Shirou!" Lefiya called out cheerfully. "Wanna join us? We're planning to shop at the market today."

Shirou smiled and shook his head. "Thanks, Lefiya, but I already have some plans today. I need to take care of a few things."

Tiona and Tione approached him curiously. "What kind of plans do you have? Are you going far?" Tione asked.

Shirou paused for a moment, trying to maintain secrecy about his true intentions. "Ah, just some personal errands. I think it's better if I go alone today."

Aiz, who had just finished checking her gear, looked at Shirou with curiosity. "Good luck with everything, Shirou. If you need help, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you, Aiz. I'll keep that in mind," Shirou replied with a smile.

After bidding them farewell, Shirou left Twilight Manor and headed toward his planned destination. He felt relieved that he had provided a smooth explanation without raising suspicion. The shopping trip and the other plans of the Loki Familia team helped him stay focused and keep his true goals hidden.

With determined steps, Shirou made his way toward the forest and then to the Dungeon, ensuring that his identity remained concealed. Along the way, he made sure to use his time wisely to return to the 18th floor and continue exploring the Dungeon more effectively.

Meanwhile, Aiz and her group left for their shopping trip, chatting about various things they encountered during the expedition and enjoying their time together outside the Dungeon. Their cheerful mood added brightness to their days in Orario, while Shirou carefully carried out his mission, taking each step cautiously and effectively.

After successfully reaching the 18th floor of the Dungeon with only minor injuries, Shirou felt relieved by his progress so far. He made sure to exchange all the drop items he had collected for potions in Rivira, using the opportunity to replenish his supply. After the transaction was complete, Shirou felt ready for the next step in his plan.

Shirou decided to ask some of the local residents about the permits needed to build a structure in Rivira. With plans to construct a hut that would serve as a Magus Workshop, he needed to ensure that he followed all the necessary regulations.

Shirou approached an old man who seemed knowledgeable about the Rivira area. The man sat on a bench near the market, enjoying his leisure time while observing the traffic around him.

"Excuse me, sir," Shirou began politely. "I'm planning to build a structure around Rivira, and I'd like to know about the rules or permits required."

The old man looked at Shirou attentively before responding. "Oh, you want to build something? Well, if you're building within the city of Rivira, you'll need to get a permit from the town hall. It's important to make sure everything follows the rules and doesn't disrupt life in the city."

Shirou took note of the information seriously. "What about building outside the city? Are there any specific requirements there?"

The old man nodded. "Building outside the city is much easier. You can build almost anywhere as long as you're not taking land that's already inhabited or owned by someone else. However, I recommend informing the local authorities just to avoid any future issues."

Shirou thanked the man for the information and began planning his next steps. He knew that building the hut outside the city would give him more freedom in terms of location and setup, while avoiding the potential red tape involved in building within the city.

Shirou soon made his way to a quiet area outside of Rivira. He scouted for a location that was far enough from any settlements but still easily accessible, so he could build the hut that would serve as his Magus Workshop. After finding an ideal spot, Shirou started planning the design and materials needed for construction.

With clear intentions, Shirou began gathering materials from various sources around Rivira. He used some of the potions and materials he had to start the building process. Shirou knew that building this hut was a key step in supporting his Magecraft activities and ensuring he had a safe place to train and store his equipment.

Over the next few days, Shirou worked tirelessly to construct his hut. He made sure the structure was strong and secure, equipped with everything necessary to manage his Magecraft efficiently. Though the building process was time-consuming and labor-intensive, Shirou felt satisfied knowing it was part of his plan to delve deeper into Magecraft and explore the Dungeon more effectively.

Finally, after some time, the hut was completed. Shirou looked at his work with pride, feeling that he had achieved an important milestone in his journey. With the hut now serving as his Magus Workshop, Shirou was ready to continue his mission, replenishing the magic arrows he had used and preparing for further Dungeon exploration with more efficiency and planning.

After finishing the hut, Shirou quickly organized and set up his Magus Workshop to begin his experiments and Magecraft training. He started by installing a Bounded Field around the area of the hut to provide protection and detect anyone approaching the workshop. This was an important step to ensure he could work in peace without worrying about disturbances or stolen information.

Shirou carefully selected the location for the Bounded Field, ensuring the surrounding area was well-covered. Using his Magecraft skills, he employed various ritual materials to create a magical barrier that could detect the presence of people or creatures outside the area. This Bounded Field would give Shirou enough warning if anyone approached, allowing him time to prepare or hide his activities if necessary.

After completing the Bounded Field, Shirou began setting up his workspace inside the hut. He arranged various tools and materials needed for his Magecraft experiments. Shelves around the workshop were filled with magical tools, ritual materials, and several magic swords that would be the focus of his experiments. He also ensured there was enough space to work comfortably and safely.

Shirou then turned to experimenting with the magic swords that hadn't yet been modified into magic arrows. He had brought several enchanted swords from the Dungeon and planned to modify them to be more effective in battle.

Step One: Analyze the Magic Swords

Shirou began by analyzing the magic swords he intended to modify. He examined the quality and magical power of each sword, using his Projection and Reinforcement abilities to gain detailed information about them. This included their elemental properties, base magical strength, and how they performed in combat conditions.

Step Two: Modify and Experiment

Shirou then carefully began the modification process. Using Alteration techniques, he started changing the form and properties of the magic swords to create magic arrows. This required high concentration and skill, as each modification had to be meticulously planned to ensure the magic swords could function effectively as projectiles.

He created several prototype magic arrows from the available magic swords, experimenting with various elements and effects. Each time he finished modifying a sword, he tested the resulting magic arrow to see how it performed. These tests were conducted in a designated area within his workshop, with targets designed to assess the effectiveness and strength of the modified magic arrows.

Step Three: Evaluation and Adjustments

Shirou recorded the results of each experiment and evaluated the performance of the magic arrows. He looked for ways to improve their effectiveness, power, and stability. This process involved a lot of trial and error, and Shirou spent countless hours refining his modifications.

Step Four: Storage and Organization

After successfully modifying several magic swords into effective magic arrows, Shirou carefully stored them in the workshop. He ensured that each modified magic arrow was placed properly and was easily accessible when needed. He also organized a storage system for the materials and tools used during his experiments.

With his workshop now fully functional and his equipment ready for use, Shirou felt more prepared to face the next challenge in the Dungeon. He knew that the experiments and training he had undergone would help him face enemies more effectively and explore deeper levels of the Dungeon with greater confidence.

Shirou looked at his work with satisfaction. Although the journey and experiments required a lot of time and effort, he felt that every step he took was a crucial part of his path to becoming stronger and more skilled in Magecraft. With all the preparations completed, Shirou was ready to continue exploring the Dungeon and face greater challenges in the future.

After a full week of intense experiments and modifications, Shirou successfully completed the transformation process and produced nine unique magic arrows. Each magic arrow had different powers and characteristics, making them incredibly valuable for exploring the Dungeon and facing various challenges. Here is the list of the nine magic arrows that Shirou successfully modified:

Inferno Arrow

Origin: Tsubaki's Fire Sword

Description: This magic arrow holds immense fire power, thanks to the use of a magic fire sword forged by the captain of Hephaestus. When shot, it generates a massive fire explosion that scorches enemies with painful burning effects. It is one of Shirou's strongest magic arrows, highly useful against groups of monsters or enemies with strong defenses.

Frostbite Arrow

Origin: Ice Magic Sword

Description: This magic arrow releases a freezing effect on its target and surroundings. When hit, enemies are slowed down and take additional damage due to the freezing effect. This arrow is highly effective for hindering enemy movements and making it easier for Shirou to handle larger groups of enemies.

Thunderstrike Arrow

Origin: Lightning Magic Sword

Description: This magic arrow possesses powerful lightning elements that cause an electrical explosion when hitting a target. Enemies hit by this effect take massive damage from the electric shock and may experience disruptions in their combat abilities. This arrow is highly useful against enemies sensitive to electricity and for creating chaos in battle.

Quicksilver Arrow

Origin: Liquid Metal Magic Sword

Description: This magic arrow has a liquid metal effect that makes it extremely fast and hard to dodge. Once fired, it chases the target, making it harder to evade. It is a great choice for dealing with fast-moving or flying enemies.

Shadowstep Arrow

Origin: Shadow Magic Sword

Description: This magic arrow can cloak itself and move within shadows. Once fired, it disappears briefly and reappears in a different position, making it very difficult to predict. This arrow is ideal for deep strikes and provides a tactical advantage in battle.

Gale Arrow

Origin: Wind Magic Sword

Description: This magic arrow uses wind power to create a strong air wave. When it hits its target, the arrow generates a wind blast that can knock enemies down or push them in unwanted directions. This arrow is perfect for dealing with enemies that require space and distance to move.

Searing Light Arrow

Origin: Light Magic Sword

Description: This magic arrow emits an extremely bright light, burning enemies with intense light effects. In addition to causing direct damage, it can blind enemies and reduce their combat abilities. It is highly useful against enemies that rely on vision or are weak to light.

Toxic Venom Arrow

Origin: Poison Magic Sword

Description: This magic arrow contains a powerful poison effect, causing continuous damage to enemies after being hit. The poison gradually weakens and slows down enemies, providing additional tactical advantages in prolonged battles.

Echoing Impact Arrow

Origin: Soundwave Magic Sword

Description: This magic arrow uses sound waves to create a powerful impact when hitting a target. The sound effect can shake enemies and cause greater damage while also disrupting their concentration. This arrow is effective against enemies relying on balance or strategy.

With these nine magic arrows, Shirou felt more prepared and stronger to face the deeper challenges of the Dungeon. Each magic arrow offered various effects and abilities that could be used in different combat situations, providing flexibility and additional strength in exploration and battle. Shirou was confident that the combination of these magic arrows would help him overcome stronger enemies and break through deeper levels of the Dungeon more effectively.

Shirou sat in his workshop, surrounded by the magic arrows he had carefully modified. In front of him, the nine magic arrows lay spread across the workbench, each with different shapes and colors, reflecting their unique elements and powers. Shirou's gaze shifted from one arrow to another, observing every detail he had meticulously worked on.

The Inferno Arrow appeared to be ablaze, with flames seemingly still flickering at its tip, the red and orange hues blending in a pattern that ignited his determination. The Frostbite Arrow had a frozen appearance, with cold crystals clinging to its shaft, as if holding the chill of winter. The Thunderstrike Arrow gleamed with flashes of yellow and blue lightning, as if electricity was coursing through its body. The Quicksilver Arrow reflected light with the shimmer of liquid metal, making it look almost like a sparkling fluid. The Shadowstep Arrow was black, with a shadowy effect vibrating across its surface, creating the illusion that it could disappear at any moment.

The Gale Arrow featured an elegant design with swirling wind patterns along its shaft, giving the impression that it could fly at incredible speed. The Searing Light Arrow shone brightly with a golden-white light, its brilliance captivating and striking. The Toxic Venom Arrow had a dark green hue with bubbling effects, hinting at the dangerous poison it contained. The Echoing Impact Arrow displayed vibrating soundwave patterns along its shaft, as if holding a sonic force that would project its impact onto enemies.

Shirou examined each magic arrow with pride and satisfaction. While these magic arrows were far weaker than Noble Phantasms, legendary artifacts with extraordinary power, Shirou realized that these arrows had their own advantages. Each one was designed with efficient costs and was much easier to modify than the efforts needed to alter Noble Phantasms like Hrunting or Caladbolg II, legendary weapons belonging to Archer.

The process of modifying these magic arrows, though time-consuming and energy-intensive, turned out to be far more practical, allowing Shirou to tailor each arrow to his specific needs. Every change and adjustment made to these magic arrows yielded satisfying results, perfectly aligning with Shirou's planned combat strategies.

Shirou reflected on how each magic arrow, with its unique traits and powers, would aid him in tackling the many challenges within the Dungeon. Though not as powerful as Noble Phantasms, these magic arrows offered invaluable flexibility and adaptability in various combat situations. With the success of these modifications, Shirou felt more prepared and confident to face the deeper floors of the Dungeon and the stronger enemies he would encounter in the future.

He felt eager to test and wield these magic arrows in real combat. Each arrow represented not only the hard work and dedication he had poured into them but also a symbol of the progress and new abilities he had gained. With strong resolve, Shirou was ready to continue his journey, overcoming every obstacle before him with his newfound courage and skills.

As Shirou sat at his workbench, gazing at the modified magic arrows laid out in front of him, his thoughts drifted to a technique he had witnessed from Archer: the ability to overload a Noble Phantasm, transforming it into a Broken Phantasm—a powerful form that could only be used once before it completely shattered. Although highly risky, this technique could produce power far beyond the normal limits of the weapon.

In the calm of his workshop, Shirou pondered how this technique could be applied to the magic arrows he had created. He imagined how the modified magic arrows, with their various elements and powers, could be overloaded to produce effects far more devastating than usual. However, he also understood that experimenting with this in an uncontrolled environment—especially within the city—could cause unwanted chaos and draw unnecessary attention.

Shirou decided that the best place to conduct this experiment was in the Dungeon, far from crowds and the risk of attracting unwanted attention. He chose the 19th floor as the location for his trial, a decision based on the fact that this floor was notorious for its large groups of monsters, providing the perfect opportunity to test the power of his magic arrows without worrying about disturbing others.

The following morning, after preparing all the necessary equipment and gear, Shirou readied the magic arrow to be tested. He selected a magic arrow imbued with fire—the Inferno Arrow—as its destructive fire effects would provide a clear indication of the extra power that could be generated from the Broken Magic Arrow technique.

Carefully, Shirou packed all his supplies, including healing potions, and double-checked the Bounded Field he had set up around his workshop to ensure no one could enter the area. Once everything was ready, Shirou set off toward the 19th floor, making sure to stay hidden and avoid densely populated areas.

Upon reaching the 19th floor, Shirou began his experiment by preparing the modified magic arrow. He chose a spot far from busy areas to ensure the results of his trial wouldn't damage the surroundings. Shirou drew his black bow and notched the Inferno Arrow, readying himself for the overload process he was about to perform.

Shirou recalled the steps needed for Archer's technique. He began by focusing prana into the magic arrow, feeling the energy flow and building power within it. Using the Overload technique, Shirou increased the magical energy flowing into the arrow, intensifying the fire element inside it to near its maximum capacity. This process significantly drained Shirou's prana, and he felt the heavy strain on his magic circuits as he continued to pump energy into the arrow.

When the Inferno Arrow reached its overload point, Shirou drew his bow and aimed at the horde of monsters in the distance. With one deep breath, he released the arrow, watching as the Inferno Arrow transformed into an intensely dangerous blaze, far stronger than usual.

As the arrow flew and hit its target, the resulting explosion of fire completely obliterated the monster horde before him. The burning flames that engulfed and destroyed the surrounding area confirmed that the Broken Magic Arrow technique had been successfully applied. However, after the massive explosion, the magic arrow was entirely destroyed, leaving a significant amount of damage in its wake.

Shirou felt satisfied with the results of his experiment, though he had to acknowledge that this technique required careful prana management and carried high risks. Ensuring that there was no further danger or disturbance, Shirou then gathered the drop items from the defeated monsters and made his way back, realizing that this experiment had given him a clear idea of the potential he could further develop in his magic arrows.

After confirming that everything was back to normal and nothing suspicious remained, Shirou returned to his workshop, planning his next experiments and continuing his preparations for deeper Dungeon exploration.

Upon returning from the 19th floor and reaching the 18th floor, Shirou noticed the usual calm that surrounded the area. However, this peaceful atmosphere was suddenly disturbed by a worrying scene. Around the city of Rivira, which was typically serene, chaos had broken out. Plant-like monsters known as Violas—large creatures with sharp leaves and stems capable of deadly attacks—were assaulting the city's inhabitants.

Seeing the urgency of the situation, Shirou quickly realized that he couldn't just stand by. He swiftly checked his equipment and gear, making sure that all his weapons and supplies were ready for use. Donning his Assassin mask and cloak once more, he changed his appearance to conceal his identity. This was a wise move, as his presence in Rivira under these conditions would be very conspicuous, and he didn't want to attract unwanted attention.

With his arrows ready, Shirou stepped out of the workshop and headed toward the chaos. He quickly adapted to the unexpected situation, choosing to use regular arrows from a distance to deal with the threatening Violas. Shirou knew that engaging them up close could be extremely dangerous, so he opted for a strategic approach, attacking from a safe distance first.

Shirou found a strategic position that provided him with maximum protection and observed the horde of Violas attacking. The Violas appeared to be using their tentacle-like vines to attack randomly, smashing objects and striking anyone in their path. Some of them seemed to be launching poisonous plant attacks, while others used their stems to strike down anything nearby.

Using his black bow, Shirou began firing arrows from a safe distance, targeting the vulnerable parts of the Violas' bodies. His arrows flew swiftly and accurately, hitting the monsters' critical points. Each time an arrow struck a Viola, the plant monster let out a growl and began to tremble, indicating that his shots had pierced through their plant-based defenses.

As he continued firing arrows, Shirou kept an eye on his surroundings. He noticed several adventurers and townspeople trying to fight the Violas directly, but they appeared overwhelmed. Shirou realized that this situation required more than just long-range attacks. He began calculating the right time to use his magic arrows if the situation worsened or if stronger enemies than the Violas emerged.

Shirou remained alert, carefully monitoring the unfolding events. Suddenly, he heard cries from another direction, signaling that a larger and stronger group of Violas was approaching. This was a tense moment, and Shirou knew he had to prepare for the worst. He observed the movements of the approaching Violas, assessing the magnitude of the threat they posed.

In the midst of the increasingly intense battle, Shirou quickly decided that he would use his magic arrows if necessary. He conserved his magic arrows for dealing with stronger monsters and avoided wasting too much energy on weaker foes. With strong resolve, Shirou continued fighting the Violas, protecting the city's inhabitants and adventurers caught in the chaos.

As the situation worsened and the Violas spread to wider areas, Shirou knew he had to act swiftly to safeguard the city of Rivira. With strategy and precision, he kept fighting, staying sharp and prepared for any further threats that might emerge.

As Shirou searched for a target among the crowd of Violas attacking the city, his attention was drawn to a movement in the distance. There, amidst the chaos, he saw Aiz Wallenstein fighting against a short-haired woman with red hair, who appeared incredibly strong. The woman moved with remarkable speed and power, faster and tougher than Aiz. Aiz herself seemed to be struggling, barely avoiding the woman's swift and powerful punches and kicks.

Nearby, Shirou also spotted Lefiya, leaning against a wall, breathing heavily. Her face was pale, and it was clear she had been injured in a previous battle. Shirou felt his chest tighten at the sight. Aiz, the "Sword Princess," usually undefeated, was in great danger, while Lefiya was unable to help.

Without hesitation, Shirou drew one of his strongest magic arrows from his quiver. The arrow glowed with an aura of magical energy, and Shirou knew this was his best chance to make a difference in the fight. He pulled back his bow with full strength, aiming directly at the red-haired woman attacking Aiz.

"Trace... on!" Shirou muttered, activating his tracing ability.

The arrow was released, shooting like lightning through the air, hitting the red-haired woman squarely in the shoulder. A small explosion occurred upon impact, releasing a burst of light and energy. The woman staggered back slightly, a small wound visible where the arrow struck, but the wound quickly began to heal at a terrifying speed.

Aiz, who had fallen and was injured, looked up and spotted Shirou from a distance. Her eyes widened for a moment, seeing the masked figure who had just saved her from a more severe attack. However, she didn't have time to say anything. The red-haired woman chuckled softly, her laugh cold and piercing.

"Oh, looks like someone's trying to play hero," the woman said mockingly, her gaze locking onto Shirou. "How long do you think you can distract me with cheap tricks like that?"

Shirou knew his attack had only bought him a little time. He couldn't afford to hesitate. He quickly drew another magic arrow from his quiver and fired it at the woman, hoping to buy more time to come up with a plan.

The second arrow flew at high speed, striking the woman in the chest and creating a larger explosion of energy than before. Yet the woman merely smirked, stepping forward as if she felt no pain at all.

"Is that all?" she said, raising an eyebrow. "Let me show you how to fight properly!"

With unbelievable speed, the red-haired woman rushed toward Shirou. His eyes narrowed as he swiftly fired a third arrow, aiming for her legs to slow her down. However, the woman leaped gracefully, dodging the attack and continuing her charge toward him.

"Aiz, fall back now!" Shirou shouted, trying to give Aiz time to retreat and recover.

Aiz gave a quick nod, following the command of the unknown figure and using the last of her strength to jump back, trying to distance herself from the red-haired woman. But the woman laughed again, and with a quick movement of her hand, she delivered a powerful kick to the ground, creating a shockwave that sent Aiz tumbling back down.

"Not so fast, darling!" the woman sneered, her voice dripping with mockery.

Shirou frowned, realizing he had to act fast. He took a deep breath, calming his mind, and prepared his next magic arrow. This time, he remembered the Broken Phantasm technique—overloading the arrow with more energy to make it explode with far greater force, though it would sacrifice the stability of the arrow.

"If I can't hurt you with this..." Shirou muttered, "then I'll have to destroy you!"

He drew his bow once again, charging the arrow with more prana than usual until it began to vibrate with intense energy. "Trace... Overload..." he chanted, focusing all his energy into the magic arrow.

The arrow began to glow with a bright, blazing light, releasing more and more energy. The red-haired woman seemed intrigued, pausing momentarily, then smiling even wider.

"Interesting," she said, waiting for Shirou to release his attack.

Shirou knew he had to wait for the perfect moment. He couldn't waste this opportunity recklessly. He had only one shot before the woman figured out his trick and attacked more aggressively. His heart raced, but his eyes stayed focused. He had to make sure this arrow hit its target.

"This is for you!" Shirou shouted, releasing the arrow.

The overloaded magic arrow shot forward, leaving a trail of bright light behind it, aimed directly at the red-haired woman. Shirou remained alert, prepared for whatever would happen next, as the battle raged on around the city of Rivira.

The arrow Shirou had launched, Quicksilver Arrow, was one of his finest creations. The arrow had a unique property—it didn't just fly straight toward its target but could also change direction suddenly, relentlessly pursuing its enemy. A shimmering silver light trailed behind the arrow, creating a magical path that twisted through the air.

At first, the red-haired woman smirked dismissively when she saw Shirou draw his bow. With quick movements, she dodged the arrow as it shot toward her. However, she hadn't expected the arrow to sharply turn and chase after her like a predator hunting its prey.

"What—?!" she exclaimed, her expression shifting from confidence to mild surprise as the arrow curved and targeted her back.

She tried to evade again, leaping to the side with incredible speed, but the arrow veered once more, following her movements like a hawk tracking its target. The woman scowled, now visibly annoyed. "What kind of arrow is this?" she muttered, turning her gaze toward Shirou, who remained standing in the distance with his bow aimed at her.

With a swift motion, the woman shot into the air, attempting to escape the arrow chasing her. But the Quicksilver Arrow didn't relent. It soared upward, cutting through the air, following her at nearly the same speed.

"Persistent, aren't you?" she growled, glancing back at the arrow still pursuing her.

Finally, the red-haired woman stopped her movement, and with a confident gesture, she spun toward the approaching arrow. "Then let me destroy you!" She swung her hand at the arrow with incredible force, striking it with overwhelming power.

However, the moment her strike hit the arrow, it exploded into a burst of silver energy. The blast was strong enough to push the woman back a few steps. Her wounds were clearly visible, though her body began regenerating quickly. Her face now showed a mixture of frustration and impatience.

"I'm tired of you!" the woman yelled, her anger rising. She turned, focusing her gaze on Shirou, who still stood with his bow in hand. "You dare interfere with my fight? You'll regret that!"

Shirou took a deep breath, remaining calm despite the clear threat in her words. "Don't think I'll let you touch them!" Shirou responded, his voice clear and steady.

The red-haired woman sneered. "You've got guts, I'll give you that," she said, her eyes narrowing. "But courage won't save you."

In an instant, the woman dashed toward him with incredible speed. Her steps were so fast that the ground beneath her shook, and debris flew into the air. Shirou knew she would reach him in seconds. He didn't have time to draw another arrow—he had to think fast.

"Then let's see who's faster!" Shirou shouted, jumping back, trying to keep the distance between him and his opponent. His hand moved quickly to grab a regular arrow from his quiver, preparing his next attack while continuing to move.

However, the woman was closing in, her face filled with determination to finish Shirou. "You won't escape me!" she yelled, her voice full of rage.

Shirou leaped to the side, avoiding the woman's frontal attack, which nearly shattered the ground where he had been standing. "You're really fast," Shirou muttered, drawing his bow with a single regular arrow already in hand.

He fired the arrow, but the woman easily deflected it with her bare hand. "Your arrows are weak!" she shouted, advancing toward Shirou with long strides.

Shirou smiled faintly behind his mask. "I just need time," he replied shortly. He shot a few more arrows, this time aiming to lure the woman toward a specific spot, all while maintaining a safe distance.

The woman growled, clearly growing more frustrated. "Stop playing games, coward!" she yelled, but she continued to follow Shirou's arrows, forced to play along with his tactics.

At the same time, Shirou kept an eye on Aiz and Lefiya from the corner of his vision. Aiz seemed to be recovering slightly and looked ready to rejoin the battle, while Lefiya, though still in pain, was trying to gather the strength to cast a spell.

Shirou knew time was running out. He had to keep this woman occupied long enough for Aiz and Lefiya to recover and rejoin the fight. Taking a deep breath, he pulled out the last arrow from his quiver—not a magic arrow this time, just a regular one, meant to distract and keep the enemy's focus on him.

The woman chuckled. "You're finished. What more can you do now?" she taunted.

Remaining calm, Shirou replied, "I just need to hold out long enough. As long as you're fighting me, you can't touch them."

The woman paused, realizing that Shirou was deliberately diverting her attention. However, she shook her head, smirking, her eyes gleaming with malice. "If that's your plan, you'll regret it."

In an instant, she lunged again at lightning speed. Shirou knew this attack would be harder to avoid, but he vowed not to give up. As the tension rose, both fighters braced for the next clash, neither willing to back down.

The red-haired woman smirked as she saw Shirou in a seemingly weakened and weaponless state. "What are you thinking now, coward?" she sneered, launching her fist at Shirou's chest with blinding speed. But Shirou remained calm, having anticipated her frontal attack.

With a swift motion, Shirou summoned Kanshou into his hand. The short sword appeared, glowing with a white light, just in time to block the woman's punch. "What?!" the red-haired woman exclaimed, surprised as her fist collided with hard metal rather than flesh.

A loud clang echoed as her punch met Kanshou. The impact sent her reeling back, her confident expression shifting to shock. "Ahhh!" she screamed in pain as a small cut appeared on her hand, black blood oozing from the wound. For the first time, she felt something different—though the wound was small, it caused great pain, and her usual rapid regeneration was much slower.

"Why… why isn't my regeneration working?" she muttered, her eyes wide as she glared at Shirou. "What did you do to me?!" she screeched, fury and confusion in her voice.

Shirou stayed silent, realizing this woman wasn't human. "Kanshou and Bakuya… these swords have anti-monster properties," he whispered to himself, breathing heavily. "Her body is like a monster from the dungeon. That's why the wound isn't healing quickly."

The woman snarled, feeling a strange pain in her arm. "I'm going to kill you for this!" With burning rage, she charged at Shirou with even more brutal and faster attacks.

Shirou knew he couldn't keep dodging her strikes forever, and he also didn't have time to draw another weapon. He decided to change tactics—with one quick move, he tossed Bakuya into the air, seemingly discarding the weapon. Bakuya spun through the air, moving away from the fight.

The woman grinned, thinking Shirou was now truly defenseless. "You're done!" she yelled triumphantly, launching another punch at blinding speed. She managed to knock Shirou to the ground, leaving him almost helpless, blood seeping from his wounds.

But just as she was about to strike the final blow, Bakuya, which Shirou had thrown, reversed course midair, speeding toward the woman. "What?!" she shouted, realizing the trap too late.

With a sharp sound, Bakuya impaled the red-haired woman in the shoulder. "Ahhh!" she screamed in pain as black blood poured from a fresh wound. She dropped to her knees, clutching her shoulder, her face twisted in shock and anger. "This can't be happening! What are you?!" she shrieked furiously.

Shirou, though in immense pain, smiled faintly behind his mask. "I'm just a dreamer," he said, his voice labored. "Trying to be a hero…"

The woman hesitated for a moment, her eyes flickering with rage. But before she could attack again, the sound of rapid footsteps approached. Finn and Riveria arrived, their expressions showing shock. Finn quickly commanded, "Aiz, guard Lefiya! Riveria, prepare your magic!"

Aiz, though wounded and swaying on her feet, raised her sword again, while Lefiya struggled to gather her strength to cast a spell. "Ready, Finn!" Aiz shouted, though her body still felt weak.

Riveria raised her staff, her spell already beginning to form. "She's strong… but with these wounds, we can defeat her," she said calmly, her eyes focused on the now-staggering red-haired woman.

The woman realized she was surrounded and trapped. The wounds from Kanshou and Bakuya refused to heal, her regeneration hampered. "You'll all pay for this!" she yelled in frustration. She leapt back, choosing to flee at an incredible speed.

Finn raised his spear, ready to give chase, but Riveria stopped him. "No, Finn. She's injured, but we need to save those who are hurt here," she said firmly.

Aiz and Lefiya rushed to Shirou, who lay on the ground, his breathing labored. "Who are you, really?" Aiz asked, her voice full of concern, though she couldn't see his face behind the mask.

But before Shirou could answer, he began to lose consciousness. The pain from his wounds overwhelmed him, and his vision blurred. Aiz and Lefiya's voices grew distant, and eventually, everything went dark for him.

Aiz bit her lip, looking at Finn. "We need to get him somewhere safe," she said with determination. Finn nodded, "Agreed. Riveria, assist me with emergency healing spells. We have to move quickly."

Together, Finn, Riveria, Aiz, and Lefiya worked to help the gravely injured Shirou. They knew that whoever this masked figure was, he had saved them from a great threat, and they wouldn't leave him behind. But they were also aware that this battle wasn't truly over yet.

Aiz's POV

Aiz Wallenstein watched intently as the red-haired woman stood before her, her golden eyes narrowing in focus. The woman seemed like a shadow, a menacing figure full of rage, with a strength Aiz had never anticipated. Aiz had already used her wind magic, Ariel, to enhance her speed, but the woman's attacks were so powerful that each strike felt like being hit by a massive monster.

The woman spoke in a cold tone, her voice trembling with mixed emotions, "Aria... You're Aria, aren't you? Why are you here?" She glared at Aiz with deep hatred, as if she saw more than just an enemy.

"Aria?" Aiz asked herself, confused. That name belonged to her mother, but she didn't understand why this woman was calling her by it. "What does she mean? Why does she think I'm my mother?"

Aiz tried to recall the lessons her father had taught her years ago, his soft but firm words echoing in her mind, "Aiz, one day you'll find a hero. Someone who will protect you when you need it..." Her father always spoke of a hero, but that hero had never appeared. All this time, Aiz had tried to become her own hero, protecting herself and fighting against every challenge.

As the attacks from the red-haired woman intensified, Lefiya tried to help with her magic, but the woman easily deflected it with her bare hands. "Lefiya, fall back!" Aiz shouted, trying to protect her already wounded friend. Lefiya collapsed in the corner, powerless, while Aiz felt a deep pain in her body.

"Why... why am I not strong enough?" Aiz muttered, her breath ragged. She tried to stand again, using every ounce of strength she had left. The woman launched another fierce attack, sending Aiz crashing to the ground, injured and exhausted.

But amidst the despair, something changed. A glowing arrow appeared from afar, striking the red-haired woman. "What… who is that?" Aiz whispered, her eyes widening at the sudden appearance of the arrow.

From the shadows emerged a figure in a black cloak, wearing a skull mask. The figure calmly readied another arrow, firing without hesitation, even though their opponent was clearly much stronger. Aiz didn't recognize this person. "Who is he?" she wondered, but she sensed something different. Though the figure appeared weak, they showed no fear in facing the woman who had just overpowered Aiz.

The masked figure kept firing arrows, distracting the red-haired woman. The arrows glowed with an eerie light and relentlessly pursued her. "How is he doing that? There's no spell," Aiz thought in awe. "He's summoning those weapons like it's nothing."

Though the attacks seemed weaker compared to the woman's power, the arrows had an unusual effect. They managed to slow down her regeneration, which was much slower than it should have been.

"Why… why is he helping me?" Aiz asked herself. No one had ever come to her rescue like this. "Could… could he be that hero?"

The red-haired woman grew enraged and charged toward the masked figure with even greater force. Aiz, weak and injured, watched the figure hold their ground. They manipulated weapons that kept appearing in their hands, trying different tactics to wound the woman.

But the woman became even more brutal. "You think you can defeat me with such petty tricks?" she shouted, leaping at the masked figure.

The masked figure seized the moment to summon their sword again, wounding the woman with an unexpected strike. "Argh!" The woman cried out, clutching her shoulder where the blade had hit. Her regeneration seemed further hindered, and she stepped back.

Seeing the woman retreat, Finn, Riveria, and Lefiya moved closer. Aiz staggered forward, despite her weakened body, needing to ensure the masked figure was okay. "Are you... alright?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

The masked figure didn't respond, their breathing heavy as they began to lose consciousness. Aiz looked at them, surprised by the calm expression behind the skull mask, even though they were clearly in critical condition.

Finn turned to Aiz, "We need to get him to safety," he said firmly.

"Yes," Aiz replied with a nod. She carefully lifted the masked figure. "We can't leave him here."

Lefiya approached, still wounded but looking worried. "Who is he really, Aiz? Why did he help you?" she asked, staring at the unconscious figure.

Aiz shook her head, "I… I don't know," she replied softly, her voice trembling with emotions she couldn't quite explain. "But... I feel like he came to save me."

They carried the masked figure to the nearest inn, with Finn and Riveria leading the way to ensure the path was clear. As they walked, Aiz kept her eyes on the masked figure, her heart filled with conflicting feelings. "Could he... could he be my hero?" Aiz wondered, and for the first time, she felt a new sense of hope growing within her.

At that moment, Aiz knew that even though this figure seemed weak and injured, their courage and sacrifice had saved her. "Thank you," Aiz whispered softly. "Whoever you are, I owe you my life."

The masked figure, whom they had found badly wounded after the fierce battle, was carefully laid on a bed in one of the inn's rooms. Riveria quickly moved to his side, beginning a healing spell with her hands hovering over his body. A soft green light radiated from her hands, trying to close the wounds covering his body.

However, the longer Riveria tried to heal him, the more it became clear that her magic wasn't enough. The wounds were far deeper than she had initially thought. Riveria frowned, her face full of concern. "It's not enough... His injuries are too severe," she said with a firm but worried tone. "We need to give him an elixir right away, or he won't survive."

Aiz, standing beside her anxiously, held the bottle of elixir that Riveria had handed her. She looked down at the masked figure's pale, injured face, her heart pounding. "I'll do it," she said softly. With trembling hands, she carefully began to remove the skull mask.

As the mask came off, the figure's pale, wounded face was revealed. Everyone in the room fell silent for a moment, shocked by what they saw. "Shirou?!" Finn exclaimed, his voice full of surprise. "This kid… the newcomer who just joined? How could he be here?"

Lefiya stared wide-eyed, unable to believe what she was seeing. "He… he's just a beginner, right? How could he have made it to the 18th floor alone?" she asked, confused. "And… he fought that red-haired woman who's at least level 6…"

Riveria swallowed hard, observing Shirou's pale face with a serious expression. "This... is beyond anything we expected," she murmured. "But now isn't the time for questions. We need to save him."

Aiz clutched the elixir bottle tightly in her hands. She brought the bottle to Shirou's lips, but quickly realized that his mouth was too tightly closed for him to swallow. As Aiz tried carefully, Shirou, still unconscious, spat out the elixir, causing most of it to spill.

Finn looked at her seriously and said, "We don't have time. If we don't get this elixir into him another way, he won't make it. I'll—" Finn lifted the elixir bottle and moved closer to Shirou.

Aiz quickly stopped Finn. "No!" she cried firmly. "I'll do it." Her face flushed red, but her eyes were filled with determination. Finn gave a faint smile and stepped back, giving Aiz space.

Lefiya, looking nervous, glanced at Aiz. "A-Aiz... are you sure?" she asked with a worried yet slightly envious tone.

Aiz didn't answer but nodded softly. She looked down at Shirou's pale, injured face, feeling an inexplicable urge in her heart. "He saved me… I have to do this," she whispered to herself.

With some hesitation, Aiz opened her mouth and poured the elixir in, then leaned down close to Shirou. Gently, she pressed her lips against his, transferring the elixir slowly. "Drink… drink this," Aiz whispered in her mind, waiting for Shirou to swallow every drop she gave him. Her heart pounded as she carefully administered the elixir.

After a tense moment of silence, Shirou finally began to swallow, little by little, the elixir that Aiz gave him, and his breathing seemed to steady. Aiz pulled away, her face flushed, but a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

Finn nodded in approval, his eyes gazing at Shirou with newfound respect. "This boy… is more than we thought. Maybe we underestimated him," he said seriously.

Riveria smiled faintly. "Indeed… he's not just any beginner. There's much more to learn about Shirou."

Lefiya looked relieved, though still a little anxious. "Thank you, Aiz… you did great," she said with a shy smile.

Aiz only nodded softly, still watching Shirou, who now started to recover, though he was still sound asleep. "You've helped me so much, Shirou… Thank you," she whispered softly.

Shirou slept peacefully, his wounds slowly healing under the elixir's influence, and in that room, they all felt a sense of relief knowing that the mysterious figure, the hero who saved Aiz, was still with them—at least for now.

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