FGA Chapter 7

It was a Saturday evening when we got outside. The rain is pouring from the sky, droplets of water splashing against the pavement on which we walk and unto our umbrella

"Nii-san..."

"I know. But just for today" I comfort Sakura by squeezing her arm. Showing her a gentle smile, I felt the little girl slowly relaxing in my grip as her hands intertwined with mine

After I spear through her heart just the other day, the relationship betweeen Sakura and me had undergone a drastic change

The girl, without the influence from Zouken Matou, could smile in years. She could shed tears of happiness at the liberation from the pain plaguing her body

In fact, the moment she woke up in the hospital bed and discover that the worm is no longer controlling her, the first things Sakura did hug me in her arms

Even though she should have punched me in the face instead 

This is thanks to the effort from Kid Gil who operated on her, I guess

Of course, no miracle is without a cost, and I already promised to go with Gil to the amusement park this weekend as payment for him

"Everything's changed a lot"

We look at the rubble under the rain. The flashing light of the reconstruction team working over hour could be seen in the distance

"It sure is"

Today we're on the way to perhaps one of the memorable and painful days for both of us, Zouken Matou's funeral

Memorable because I'll never be able to forget blowing that sucker two block down the streets and successfully framed it as a suicide

Painful because, well, why do we have to waste time standing at a tomb made for him? Not even a piece of the old man remain after that battle

But we still forced it down and embark on this one last trip to the house in which my sister has been suffering in years. 

The house where ambitions are broken and hopes become bleak under the terror of that monster is no more, but in its place, Kotomine Kirei is already stanidng and waiting for me

The priest, who has been tasked with taking care of the funeral, smiled at us

But what drew my eyes  is the silhouette of the girl standing behind him

"Rin?"

Red coat fluttered under the wind. With barely a greeting, the Tohsaka heiress look away from me, instead focusing on Sakura

My step sister hide behind me, away from her real sister's gaze. I could feel her grip on my clothe tightening in fright

Two sisters facing off against each other after years of separation. How much pain they must have endured, and yet...neither can share that pain

"Come, let's get this over with"

I pulled her arm and walked past Rin. As we leave, only silence remain in the courtyard and the girl standing there . Her eyes remain unfocused even as the rain soak her petite frame

The priest beside her chuckle candidly

"How does it feel, Rin, to have your sister snatched away like that?"

"You shut your mouth, Kotomine"

Her eyes reveal a sorrowful, yet resolute look

"She is no longer my family. It's best if we remain that way, both for me and for her"

"And yet, you came to the funeral of this family to which you've distanced yourself from. What were you expecting?"

"...It is simply my duty as the keeper of this land"

She turned around and walk away

What happen with the Matou something no one could have predicted. To them, it may have been a tragedy, but to her, the event is but another task to complete. 

A profile to skim over, a record to be signed off, locked away in the depth of her mind for years to come

Or at least, Rin Tohsaka would like to think so

__________________

The tolling of the Church rang in the distance as the initial ceremony has been given

"Now, before his parting, let's offer the deceased our final prayer"

Sakura and I clasped our hands together in a praying gesture. In this miserable ceremony, we took to Zouken the words he have buried so long in our heart

Fuck you. Fuck your mother. Fuck your mother's sister and her best friend and her best friend's best friend. Fuck your ancestor for giving birth to this filth. 

Also, fuck this entire bloodline. Your Magecraft really suck ass

 "May you rest in peace, Amen"

I mutter, and gave a light pat to the picture frame with a sorrowful look in my eyes

"Nii-chan..."

Looking at her brother, Sakura couldn't help feeling sad. She went up and hugged him from behind, trying to spread warmth to his person 

She never forgot the person who have to sacrifice their home and family for her. His flesh and blood that, no matter how insidious, have nurtured him ever since his father's passing

How devastated must Shinji be at this moment, after he was forced to kill their grandfather?

'He gave up so much for me' She closed her eyes and strengthened her resolve 'The least I can do is be by his side'

'Nii-chan needs me'

'And I...need him'

_______________

"Can I talk to you for a moment"

After the ceremony, the rain has staved off. The clouds split off to reveal the dim sunlight, once again bringing light to Fuyuki

Under the step to the cemetary, Rin had walked by and struck up a conversation with me

"Yes. What is it you want to prattle on about?" I raise an eyebrow "Want to talk to my sister?"

"Sakura is content enough to be by your side. I myself have no objection to that"Rin's face remain unchanged "What I want to talk about is your grandfather's death"

"It is most likely he did not die from the gas leak as explained on the TV"

"What are you talking about?"

Suddenly, I felt as if her gaze is piercing through me

"I don't know if you're aware of this, but someone had planted explosives along the sidewalk in a deliberate attempt to destroy the entire area he live in"

"What?"

"Unnatural scratch marks and the remain of an anti-spirit ward has also been found in the area by Kirei upon inspection"

"You---"

I got up, my eyes become alert

"Are you saying some fucking bastard killed my grandfather?!"

Rin took a deep breath and look away from me, a hint of guilt flashing through her eyes

"Not just any killer, but also an accomplished one. With his Magecaft, your grandfather should have almost been immortal, and yet he was still killed"

"I- I can't believe it"

My body shook, as though the world is collapsing around me, as well as my body slumping against the chair in grief and shock

I hid my face in my hand, just so she could not see my expression

"You have my condolences, Shinji Matou. I imagine this must be a shock to you"

"Horrible, just horrible...Who could have done such a thing?"

"I...might have a clue as to their identity" At this, Rin hesitated, before continuing "Based upon the evidence retrieved by Kirei, we can conclude there is only one possible suspect"

From the corner of my eyes, I peeked at her curiously. Who could have warrant that level of suspicion from RIn?

Rin opened her mouth, and the next words that came out is

"Kiritsugu Emiya"

"He is the only known Magus to ever dabble in non-magical explosives. At least, based on what Kirei said, this is exactly what he would have done to eliminate his target"

She said it with such a serious expression, I can't help but believe her. Perhaps the real killer actually is Kiritsugu...just kidding

But that'd explain why the bastard priest looks to be in a good mood this morning

My battle with Zouken remind him of his time against the Emiya

"So, Shinji, I propose this. For the time being, you and Sakura will come under my protection-- House Tohsaka swear to provide you with safety until you've hit maturity. At the same time, we will cooperate to find out more about the Magus Killer"

"Until we have tracked him down, I will provide financial support and give you a place to stay"

"Could you mean what you mean?" Not suspecting what she said, I turned to Rin with a serious look "Tohsaka, I can't possible accept that"

"Just see it as a gesture of good will. After all, the Matou is once the fellow founder alongside the Einzbern and Tohsaka. As fellow heir, it is our duty to assist each other"

She offer a hand to me 

"So what do you say to this deal?"

Free acommodation. Free food. And a chance for Sakura and Rin to reconcile, at the same time a reason to approach Shirou Emiya?

"Fuck yes"

I have never shook someone's hand that fast before

__________________

So that's how a week later, we found ourselves deep in the Tohsaka's manor, slumbering away

It shoud be said that Rin had arranged separate rooms for us, one for me and one for my sister. Perhaps due to consideration for our circumstances, the room were next to each other

Under the guise of darkness, I open up the game window. Several notifications popped into existence, showing the things I've missed after the battle

You have defeated Matou Zouken

 You have received a title: [Betrayer]

+35% damage against allies

Hm, not the most usual of titles. The application  is also narrow. I reckon this can be used in very specific situations to great effect

Backstabbing is my thing, fortunately

Due to the Player's own Integrity, a Personal Skill has been created

[Pocket Valley]

- [Pocket Valley]: A more combat-oriented variation of the classic inventory. You can open up inventory space in strategic locations to eliminate enemies entering their range

- Note: Stronger entities require more time to consume. Using this skill may cost the Inventory to be disabled for extended period of time

If I, say, "consume" a strong opponent using this method, will there be more reward? Zouken's 300 worms only yield a total of 15 points upon death

Keep in mind that they are inferior to normal magic familiars. By that logic, something like Servants should net me at least 100 points

By combining that with the quest reward, it'll yield a minimal of 600 points, enough to buy three Servant-level skills in one go

I'm starting to think the system is deliberately egging me on to fight in the Grail war with these delicious reward...

Jokes on you, I'm still not that suicidal!

"Now what am I still missing?" I hummed "Oh wait, there's still the point in killing Zouken"

WIth a snap of my finger, two windows opened up

Due to inventing a Personal Skill, all task reward for today has been doubled (165 x 2 = 330)

Servant skills cost range from 200 to 250 points each for the lowest level. My guess is that they can be upgraded at a higher price

Thinking so, I open up the window containing my skill and pressed on the desired abil

Upgrading [Mind's Eyes (Fake) E] to [Mind's Eyes (Fake) D]?

Cost: 350 points

Oh, I'm short of 20 points. That's- Nevermind

Perhaps this is a sign that I should switch target. Instead of aiming for high-level skills, I can strenghten my foundation by buying lower abilities

After a moment of thinking, I open the window containing a list of skills on the cheap spectrum. The ability here only cap at 100 and go back to 50 points

The first one I chose is an ability I've seen in Canon. After a few search, it turns out it is possibe to learn it as a legitimate system skill

Nerve Circuit Conversion (50 points)

-- Allow a person to temporarily gain the ability to cast Magecraft by converting their nerves into circuit at the cost of excruciating pain and a 1% chance of permanent nerve paralysis

In Canon Fate route, Shirou whose circuits isn't unlocked by Archer bro was forced to rely on this method to cast Tracing. Hopefully this could be the same

Anyhow, that (in a way) solves the dilemma with my atrophied circuits

The second skill is an unconventional one

Ugly Bastard Disguise (60 points)

-- Grants you the perfect disguise in the form of a fat, smelly old man. This takes the form of high-level illusion Magecraft. Reduce charisma by 50%

Hidden potential: Grants 10% mental damage against female opponents 

That's it, I've found my calling. 

The damage against female which accounts for about 60% of the cast is insane. At the same time I could evade the local police by committing crime in this form

'but isn't this skill a bit...familiar?'

After thinking about it, I shrugged and continued browsing through the list. There are many utility-focused skills I think can come in handy

But after a while, I realize something

I have the ability to form offensive barrages at the tip of my finger, to place detonator at impossible locations, and can hold my own in comat with Mind's Eyes

My variable skillset also allow for acclerated growth and a tactical mindset that can help me in battle, noticeably by utilizing [Absolute Rationality] and [Devil's Tongue] together

The thing that I lack most right now is defensive power-- to be exact, the ability to not get myself killed

So to speak, if I can dish out a lot of damage, but get taken down by some mook like Caster with E-rank Strength, wouldn't it be pretty pathetic?

"Eh, I still have over 200 points left, let's search for defense-focused skill"

Counter Guardian-- Free

Undeath-- Free

Dead-- Free

"Ooh, sounds interesting enou-- NOPE"

I almost clicked on the thing because of the "free" price tag

"Fucking hell, let's settle for something a little more expensive, just to be safe..."

So I grumbled, after berating the system for almost enslaving its master to an extradimensional entity hell bent on the preservation of mankind, and the force opposing it

Most of the available defense all focus on Magecraft and require Mana to craft, which is a damn shame. Once I eliminated them, there's only several option left in the appropriate price range

Mind of Steel--70 points

Double Sacrifice--70 points

Blood Pact-- 80 points

Decoy-- 90 points

I chose the first one, just because the name sounds simple enough and not as suspicious as its brethren 

[Mind of Steel] has been purchased (70 points)

-- You are in a constant state of inner stability. Nothing can faze you. Apply a 7% damage reduction when your health goes below 80%

Ding!

A notification window popped up in front of me

This time, it is something a bit different

A compatible set has been found

[Mind of Steel] has merged with [Absolute Rationality]

Possessing superior mental fortitude and the unstoppable will to move forward, you have received a new skill skill: [Resolution]

Curious, I touched the interface. 

[Resolution]: Your damage reduction increases the lower your HP is. The exchange rate is 1% damage reduced for 3% max HP lost, capping out at 33% damage reduced at 1% HP

All benefits from predecessing skills stays the same. Can be viewed from skill window

"Ha, a bountiful yield"

Closing the window in front of him, Shinji lied back on his bed. He slept peacefully that night, knowing full well his life is going to change from here on now

_______________

One month passed, and some things changed. Me and Sakura still remain in the same school as Rin. Although safe to say the relationship between us wasn't the same as before

Nowaday, I can get the time to focus on my study. Sakura, now alleviated from the worms plaguing her body, can show more emotions toward me

I wonder if the excess of neurotic response caused her to behave this way

"Nii-san, let's go home together" A hand closed around mine after class ended. 

Here is my sister, whose face is usually set in an emotionless state, smiling happily at me. The depressive atmosphere post-Zouken was nowhere to be seen

The girl that used to be bullied at school, now look like a flower blooming with radiance, such that my classmate all stopped to stare at us

"I-- Hey! Shit..."

The protest coming from my mouth died down, and I silently accept my fate as she pulled me out of the class under my classmate's judgemental gaze

After Zouken's death, Sakura has gotten clingy with her brother. Zouken's death must have hit her hard considering the circumstances between them

Now I'm her only family member aside from Rin. Girl must have considered me the only connection to the life she used to have, hence this sudden emotional bond being formed

Looks like I'll have to circumvent this some day

As we got out of school, I saw another silhouette standing just outside the gate. Something dropped in my stomach when crimson eyes look over and saw us

Gil'happy smile upon seeing me turned into a frown as he inspect the girl

"Hey, hey, Shinji. Who is this annoying harpy over here?"

"Nii-san, you friend is being rude to me"

His one arm held the edge of my shirt, preventing Sakura from pulling me away. At the same time, Sakura's grip on my hand tightened, to the point where I begin to feel pain 

"Don't be dumb. I already introduced you to each other before"

I shook off both their arms on me. 

Sigma male grindset rule: Don't let the hostility between others affect your daily grind. Do exercise daily and complete your quest on time

"Anyway, I have some business with Gil here. You go first"

"You would choose your friend over your sister?" She frowned in displeasure. Being the Sigmal male that I am, the magic is lost on me

I look at her in return

"Sakura, I literally spent more time at home than I did with him" I gave her a headpat "Just consider this as my personal time. We'll play later"

Although reluctant, Sakura eventually left, running back to where Rin probably is. I sighed and turned to the blonde boy who is smirking

"Must be hard having a sister like that"

"I wouldn't know shit" i frown "It's not like I have a sister before this or anything"

"Hm? Oh right, I sometime forgot you're not the original Shinji" He snapped his finger "What's your name before transmigration? What did you do for a living? I'm kind of curious now"

"Nah"

"Come on! Just some clue will do"

"Fine, my name is Gulpinon" I sighed

"Gulpinon what?"

"Gulpinon Deezballs, Gilgamesh"

I took off running. 

Moments later, Gil got the joke, and began chasing after me with numerous portals opening behind him. His face is red, either from rage or embarrassment

I never knew a kid could scream like that. Still, this has got to be one of the best "Got' em" moments in my life

______________

"So anyway Shinji, you don't drag me all the way here just to have ice cream, right?"

"...I'm surprised at how you could think so badly of me, but you're correct"

I stretch out my finger, letting the joints popped in satisfaction

"There's several business I want to take care with you. First off, you should have heard of Emiya Shirou, the one who trace swords out his ass, right?"

"The one who killed me in several other timelines, yes"

"Well I need your help approaching him"

At this point in time, Shirou is in another class from us. He's in the same grade, but where we study is separated by a block of building, so I rarely get to see him at school

My plan is getting to know Shirou before Canon, thus getting him to meet Rin and Sakura sooner. After that, I can safely exit the Grail War and still content with the safety of the world

To do that, I need kid Gil's help. With his boundless charisma, he can make others unconditionally follow him-- something that will be useful in this situation

"Hm, that's a plausible plan"

After I've explained my plan to him, the blonde child cup a finger to his chin. He seems to be in deep thought. Obviosly, befriending a "faker" isn't exactly on his list of things to do

Nonetheless, it's Shinji who's making the request. He can't bring himself to refuse that 

"Okay, I will help you befriend him. But you'll have to do me a favor in return"

"What is it?"

"Remember last time we went on a date at the local park?"

Oh, he meant the one I promised to go if he help me defeat Zouken. The one where we went to last week and have a ride at the ferris wheel. I nodded, and Gil's smile widen

"I think I like playing games with you. You're a fun person to be around- way more fun than any court jester could, so how about going to my house to play games this weekend?"

"There isn't a lot of games right now, though. It's only 2003"

Gil snap his finger. From the portal, emerge two long thin box, and from it dropped countless disk boxonto the ground. 

Curious, I pick one of them up

"Hey, this is the latest Call of Duty remake. It's supposed to come out in 2019"

I immediately check the other disk

"Battlefield 2042. Elder Scroll 6. Fallout New Vegas remake. Half-life 3, and GTA 6" 

Holy hell, these games haven't even been released even in my timeline yet. Is it because of Babylon's Gates property, which automatically store any treasure known and perceived by man? 

I look toward Gil, who only shrug his shoulder

"I also have the Playstation 7 model released in 2050. The last of it's kind. Sadly, most of the games become incompatible after that"

He wave his hand, and two distinctively shaped configuration into existence. The device I only recognize as the latest generation of console in my world

"Is the Playstation 5 good for you?"

Much as I hate Gil's rich ass, you have to admit befriending wealthy people has their own benefits at times

__________________

Author's Note: GUYS I FOUND SOMETHING REALLY SERIOUS

THIS IS THE PROOF THAT AMERICANS ARE JUST MAGUS IN DISGUISE

KIRITSUGU ACTUALLY LEARNS THEIR MAGECRAFT IN HIS YOUTH