Chapter 273

At this moment, to be honest, Rin was also feeling a bit lost about her future plans after graduation.

Originally, she thought it would be great to go to the Clock Tower for further studies, then return home to focus on her magic research.

But things kept getting more and more unexpected—first, there was the task from her master, then parallel worlds, and then some things Shinji mentioned, like Steel Earth and World Counter Force.

The broader the world she witnessed and the more she learned, the less important everything seemed to become.

This feeling was hard to describe, yet it was undeniably there.

Rin used to think of herself as someone who acted according to her desires, but now she wasn't so sure, as these things were affecting her judgment.

Seeing Rin seemingly lost in thought, Shinji approached her and flicked her forehead to bring her back to reality.

"You...you jerk!"

Rin, holding her forehead, glared at Shinji, the culprit behind her confusion, gritting her teeth and forcing out these words.

This guy disrupted her judgment without taking any responsibility! He didn't even give her any advice! How infuriating!

"Are you an idiot?"

Seeing through Rin's thoughts, Shinji smirked and said nonchalantly, "What are you confused about? Isn't Tohsaka Rin someone who does what she wants? Why think so much? If there's something you still want to do, just go ahead and do it. After all, there's plenty of time!"

"I don't need you lecturing me!"

Rin retorted, blushing slightly. She would never admit that Shinji's words had just cleared her mind, helping her find her way again.

"Oh! Are you guys talking about the future?"

Shirou joined them, looking curious.

"Matou, you..."

Issei, who had also come over, looked at Shinji in disbelief, his eyes almost tearing up. He quickly wiped his glasses and tears.

"I never thought you'd seriously consider the future. I thought you'd live aimlessly forever. This is great..."

"Hey, your words are making me a bit angry, Issei. Who said I have no goals? My goals are very ambitious!"

"Really? What's your goal then?"

At this, many people, especially young Gilgamesh, looked at Shinji with interest.

"Hmph!"

Shinji smirked, rubbing his chin and wearing a smug expression, "My goal is to live freely and have everything go my way!"

Everyone: ...

"By the way, Shinji, Tohsaka, can we talk privately?"

Shirou was the first to break the awkward silence, scratching his head and requesting a private chat with Shinji and Rin.

...

In a corner, Rin leaned close to Shinji and whispered.

"Shinji, doesn't Shirou seem a bit off? What's wrong with him?"

"Not sure, but maybe he's also feeling lost after hearing us talk about the future," Shinji replied softly.

"Um, Shinji, though I'm a magus, compared to Tohsaka or Illya, I'm still lacking. So, I..."

Shirou stopped here, seemingly making up his mind before asking his question.

"Shinji, what should I do?"

Seeing Shirou's serious expression, Shinji and Rin couldn't help but laugh.

Pfft! ×2

Rin, not wanting to mock Shirou openly, whispered to Shinji again, "Hey, isn't Shirou a bit off? Who asks such a question? Shouldn't he be asking for advice?"

"Uh..." Shinji thought for a moment, then quietly replied, "Maybe because I cleared Shirou's route."

"Huh?" Rin was confused.

Clearing his throat, Shinji put on a serious face under Shirou's expectant gaze.

"Well, there's an old saying, 'Live and learn,' so studying is essential! Never give up on learning!"

"Mm! I understand!"

Shirou nodded seriously, as if he had received some valuable life advice.

"And then?"

"And then? Just keep learning for life! One thing at a time, Shirou! Learning is a lifelong endeavor!"

Seeing Shinji's earnest expression, Rin punched him on the head.

Thunk!

"What's the use of such vague advice! He wants concrete suggestions!"

Rin, feeling exasperated, raised a finger and spoke to Shirou, "If you want to advance as a magus, I'd recommend going to the Clock Tower in London. There, you can learn more about magic and joining the Magic Association offers many benefits."

"Well, that's true..." Shirou scratched his head, then his voice weakened, "But I heard Archer studied there too, so..."

"You want to prove you're different from him and want other options?" Shinji finished Shirou's sentence.

"More or less..."

Shirou, scratching his cheek, seemed embarrassed.

Rin frowned, interjecting, "Hey, Shirou, going to the same school to learn magic shouldn't be an issue, right?"

Shinji nodded, "As Rin said, if you truly want to learn and advance your magic skills, the Magic Association is the best place, despite some upper-level corruption."

"Is that so..."

Seeing Shirou still not entirely satisfied, Shinji continued, "Of course, if you don't want to join the Magic Association but still want to learn and improve, there are other options."

"Really?!" Shirou exclaimed.

"Yes, you could find an excellent magus for one-on-one teaching, like Illya."

"That's... not an option..."

"Why not?"

"There's no particular reason. I just don't want to stay home. I want to explore the world, like you said, to see its vastness with my own eyes."

Rin quickly suggested, "Then the Clock Tower! I can recommend you. Just help me with a couple of projection spells, and I'll recommend you."

"Uh..."

"Shirou, there's another place to learn magic besides the Clock Tower."

"Huh?" ×2