Fate x Danmachi: The Sword Prince (eng)

The rough sketch of Aiz swimming has been completed please check it out at https://www.patreon.com/Rayish

Continuing their journey together, Aiz, who was usually quiet and emotionless, reflected on the earlier conversation. Though she didn't fully understand love, there was one thing she was certain of: Shirou was different. In her mind, she recalled her father's words about a hero who would one day help her face her destiny. Aiz believed that Shirou was that hero.

She also remembered Shirou's promise to her—that they would defeat the One-Eyed Black Dragon together, the creature that had taken her parents. Strengthening her resolve, Aiz slowly raised her hand, drawing the attention of her companions. With a soft but firm voice, she said, "I like Shirou."

It was as if time stopped. The entire group stared at Aiz, their mouths agape. For someone as cold and emotionless as Aiz to suddenly confess her feelings was beyond anything they could have imagined. Linne was the first to break the silence, speaking in a quiet tone. "It seems we have a love triangle between Shirou, Lefiya, and Aiz."

Aiz and Lefiya exchanged an awkward glance. Neither knew what to say. Lefiya felt her chest tighten. The person she admired had just admitted to liking the same man she had feelings for. Her emotions became a whirlwind of disappointment, jealousy, and... something she couldn't quite identify.

However, Tione frowned, not entirely convinced by Aiz's declaration. In a low voice, she whispered to the others, excluding Aiz, "I doubt it's true love. I think Aiz might be mistaken. I'm going to ask her more about it."

Turning to Aiz with a serious expression, Tione asked, "Aiz, why do you like Shirou? What's your reason?"

Aiz seemed confused, trying to find the right words. Most of her special moments with Shirou were private, things only they knew, so she had to choose her words carefully. After a moment of thought, she simply replied, "I like his cooking."

The statement caused everyone to burst into laughter. Even Lefiya, who had been tense moments ago, smiled in relief, feeling a glimmer of hope that Aiz's feelings for Shirou might not be that deep.

Tione placed her hands on her hips and began lecturing Aiz in a playful tone. "That's not love, Aiz. That's just a hungry stomach. If you want to know what love is, look at me. I love Captain Finn with all my heart. Not just because he's amazing, but because he inspires me! Love is more than just good food!"

Aiz nodded slowly, not fully understanding. Deep down, she felt her feelings for Shirou were much deeper than just food, but she didn't know how to express that. Meanwhile, Lefiya quietly felt a bit more at ease, even though she knew the situation was still complicated. Filvis, observing everything from the back, simply smiled faintly, enjoying the unusual dynamics of their group.

After hearing Tione's explanation of love, Aiz still wasn't entirely sure. With her usual calm demeanor, she looked at her friends and asked, "Then, what do you think love means?"

Everyone exchanged glances, trying to come up with the best answer. Aiz's gaze first fell on Lefiya, who immediately turned as red as a tomato. Stammering, Lefiya replied, "Um... love is... when you think about someone so much that you dream about them."

Aiz listened calmly, but in her heart, she recalled that she had dreamed about Shirou before. She quietly agreed with Lefiya's answer, feeling it resonated with her feelings.

She then turned her attention to Linne, who looked startled at being the next to answer. "I have to answer too?" Linne asked hesitantly.

Aiz nodded, prompting Linne to grow nervous. After thinking for a moment, Linne replied, "Love is... maybe when you long for someone's touch."

Aiz looked at Linne in confusion. "Touch? What do you mean?" she asked innocently, causing some of the group to burst into laughter.

Aki, trying to help explain, added with a small smile, "Like a hug, or... maybe dancing together."

Those words brought back a special memory for Aiz. In her heart, she recalled a moment when she and Shirou had danced together in the library—a memory she had never shared with anyone.

Before Aiz could respond, Tione suddenly interjected, "And kisses! Kisses are an important part of love!" With an enthusiastic expression, Tione began daydreaming about what it would be like to receive her first kiss from Captain Finn, drawing more laughter from the group.

While the others laughed, Aiz remained silent, processing everything she had just heard. In her heart, she remembered that she had already "kissed" Shirou, albeit in unusual circumstances. Once, when she gave him an Elixir while he was unconscious in Rivira, and again when Shirou performed CPR on her after she nearly drowned. Both moments replayed in her mind, causing her cheeks to flush slightly.

With all the memories and explanations swirling in her mind, Aiz became more certain that her feelings for Shirou were indeed love. However, she decided to keep this realization to herself, choosing not to reveal it to anyone—at least, not for now.

***

On the other hand, the second-string Loki Familia group, consisting of Lisa, Nik, Lloyd, Sharon, and Stark, was exploring another section of Daedalus Street. This group moved at a more relaxed pace than the others, chatting to pass the time and stave off boredom.

As they walked through a narrow street adorned with characteristic stone ornaments, Sharon initiated a conversation. "Hey, do you remember the Monsterphilia incident a while ago? I heard one of the monsters escaped and attacked somewhere along this street."

Lisa, walking at the front, nodded. "Yeah, I heard about that too. They say a rookie managed to defeat the monster." She paused, then added, "What was his name again? Oh, right, Little Rookie, wasn't it?"

Nik, who was examining walls etched with old symbols, turned around. "Little Rookie, that's Bell Cranel, isn't it? The guy everyone at the Guild keeps talking about. Come to think of it, any ordinary adventurer would've been dead facing a monster like that."

The others nodded in agreement. Lloyd, holding a torch, added with a grimace, "Seriously, a level 1 rookie defeating a Minotaur? If I'd faced that thing back when I was level 1, I wouldn't have stood a chance!"

They chuckled lightly, though the laughter couldn't entirely mask their admiration. Lisa, with a curious expression, added, "Bell's level 3 now, right? I hear he's gotten even stronger. If we were to duel him now, we'd probably get crushed."

Stark, who was quieter than the rest, finally spoke up. In a serious tone, he said, "Bell is different. He's not just any adventurer." His gaze seemed thoughtful, as if he was reflecting on something deeper.

Lisa shrugged. "Of course. If he were ordinary, he wouldn't be known as the Little Rookie."

Their conversation continued casually, but there was an unspoken curiosity among them about Bell Cranel and how he had managed to rise so quickly.

As the second-string Loki Familia group continued navigating the intricate alleys of Daedalus Street, Sharon brought up another topic to fill the silence. "Hey, speaking of incredible adventurers, what do you guys think about Shirou? I know he's way more impressive than Bell, but for some reason, he keeps all his achievements hidden."

Nik, still examining the stone walls for unusual markings, shrugged. "Bell is extraordinary, but Shirou's feats... they sound almost like fairy tales. I can't imagine how an ordinary human could do the things he's done."

Stark, bringing up the rear and keeping a watchful eye on their path, added, "Didn't Shirou cause a stir as soon as he joined Loki Familia? I heard he secretly made it to the 18th floor on his own. That's insane."

Lisa nodded, grinning in amazement. "And that's not all. On the 18th floor, they say he even managed to injure a level 6 member of Evilus. And he was only level 1 at the time! No wonder he got a double level-up to level 3 after that." She paused, then continued, "And after fighting the corrupted spirit, he rose to level 4. I can't even imagine how he pulled that off in such a short time."

Lloyd, walking at the front with his torch, shook his head in disbelief. "Stuff like that is beyond anything we could achieve. Honestly, I'm just grateful Shirou's on our side. Imagine if he were our enemy? We'd be done for."

Lisa, with a serious yet playful tone, smirked. "Even if Shirou were still level 1, I'm sure we'd stand no chance against him, even as level 3s."

For a moment, everyone fell silent, pondering her words. They realized Shirou wasn't just an ordinary adventurer. He was an extraordinary figure, someone who had already become a legend within their Familia. Sharon, smiling slightly as they walked, said, "Yeah, I guess we're lucky to have him as part of Loki Familia. If he were an enemy... I don't even want to think about it."

Their conversation continued, interwoven with admiration for Shirou, which bolstered their pride in being part of a Familia that included someone as remarkable as him.

***

Finn, Shirou, Gareth, Bete, and the other members of Loki Familia continued their exploration through the narrow, damp tunnels beneath Daedalus Street. The air was thick with the smell of stagnant water and decaying moss, but everyone remained alert, sticking closely to the predetermined formation.

Finn walked in the middle of the group, his short spear in hand, ready to give orders at any moment. His sharp eyes scanned every corner, anticipating potential threats. Shirou trailed calmly at the rear, his bow slung over his back. He understood his role as a supporter in this mission, prepared to provide backup when needed.

Bete, leading at the front, suddenly halted. His nose wrinkled as he sniffed the air. "I recognize this smell," he said, his deep voice echoing in the narrow passage. "Viola Monsters. They're nearby."

Finn turned his gaze to Bete. "Then lead the way. Follow the scent and signal us when we're close."

With swift movements, Bete led the group down a darkening corridor. The faint smell grew stronger until they reached a hidden staircase descending deeper. The Loki Familia members moved cautiously, ensuring they didn't make excessive noise that might attract monsters.

At the bottom of the staircase stood a towering door. Its surface gleamed like polished gold, despite the dim lighting. Finn approached, carefully examining the intricate carvings on the door.

Gareth followed, his eyes widening as he took in the sight. "This… this is made of Orichalcum," he said in awe. "One of the strongest metals. Constructing a door this size with it must have cost a fortune. Whoever is behind this clearly isn't ordinary."

Shirou stepped closer, scrutinizing the carvings and the surface. He couldn't help but wonder who would need such strong protection in a hidden corridor like this. His thoughts were interrupted when Finn spoke.

"We don't know what's behind this door. Everyone, be ready. Gareth, Bete, stay at the front. Shirou, ensure we have an escape route if things go wrong."

The group nodded, seamlessly shifting formation. They all knew that this door might hold the key to the mystery they were unraveling, or perhaps it concealed dangers beyond their imagination.

As they continued examining the golden door, a soft clicking sound suddenly echoed. The door began to open slowly, its creaking noise reverberating through the tunnel. Instantly, the Loki Familia members readied their weapons, prepared for whatever lay ahead.

Finn raised his hand, signaling everyone to stay calm. From the shadows beyond the door, a figure cloaked in black appeared, their face concealed by a mask. The figure stood at the threshold for a moment, holding a small, glowing orb in their hand. Without a word, the figure retreated into the darkness of the room beyond.

"How did they open the door from a distance?" Gareth asked, his deep voice tinged with caution. He gripped his axe tightly, as if bracing for an imminent attack.

Finn, observing the now fully open door, replied calmly, "They had something—like a glowing orb. It might be a key that activates the door's mechanism remotely. It seems to be high-level technology or magic."

Bete snorted, his sharp eyes fixed on the door. "This has to be a trap. Whoever opened the door for us is probably waiting to ambush us inside."

Finn nodded. "That's a strong possibility. It's a tactic to lure us in. But we can't back down now. If this is the enemy's base, we need to investigate. There's no turning back."

Bete turned to Finn, grinning. "Good. I'm sick of the sewer stench anyway. At least inside there might be something worth smashing."

Finn allowed himself a small smile before issuing commands. "Alright. Bete, Shirou, you two scout ahead. Don't stray too far and signal us if you find anything. Raul," Finn turned to the adventurer standing at the back, "head back to the surface and alert the others. Tell them to regroup here as soon as possible."

Raul hesitated briefly before nodding quickly. "Understood, captain. I'll be back soon." With that, he ran off, retracing their steps.

Shirou glanced at Finn and asked, "Anything specific we should look for inside?"

Finn answered firmly, "Look for any clues about the enemy's operations or their identity. But remember, your safety comes first. If the situation becomes too dangerous, retreat and report back."

Shirou nodded, then looked at Bete. "Let's move."

The two stepped through the massive door, leaving Finn and the others standing guard outside. Their silhouettes disappeared into the shadows, knowing full well that danger could strike at any moment.

Inside, the corridor was narrow and dimly lit by small, embedded crystals that emitted a faint glow. The air felt heavy, and the walls, which Shirou examined using Structural Analysis, revealed their composition.

"The walls are made of Adamantite," Shirou murmured, mostly to himself, though loud enough for Bete to hear.

"Huh? So, you're saying they had a ton of money to build this place?" Bete replied sarcastically as he continued forward.

Shirou gave a small nod, his thoughts lingering on the masked figure who had disappeared into the shadows. 'If only I could've used Structural Analysis on the orb they were holding,' he thought, regretting not focusing more on the object. 'I might've been able to replicate it and unlock doors like this elsewhere.'

As they reached a fork in the path, Bete paused, sniffing the air warily. "Doesn't seem like there are traps or monsters in this entryway," he remarked casually. "We've gone far enough. Time to head back."

"Agreed," Shirou said, though a sense of unease lingered. As they turned to leave, an odd feeling washed over him, as though something was watching them.

Slowly, Shirou glanced upward and spotted something unusual. In the corner of the ceiling, a flower-like organism swayed subtly, its head following their movements. Shirou narrowed his eyes, carefully analyzing the strange plant without drawing attention.

"What's taking you so long?" Bete's voice broke Shirou's focus.

"Nothing," Shirou replied quickly, catching up with him. Yet his thoughts remained on the flower. 'Could it be some kind of surveillance device? Or maybe a familiar being used to spy on us?'

The two eventually exited the corridor, leaving the strange room behind. Shirou's unease grew, but he chose to keep his observations to himself for now, waiting for the right moment to report to Finn or Gareth. 'If that really was a surveillance tool, the enemy already knows we're here,' he thought grimly.

As Bete and Shirou returned from the corridor they had scouted, Finn immediately turned to them, waiting for a report.

"The entrance is clear—no traps or monsters," Bete said confidently.

However, Shirou added in a more serious tone, "Even so, there are strange flowers on the ceiling along the way. They appear to be alive, with their heads tracking our movements. It's highly likely they're being used to monitor us and relay information to the enemy."

"Hah, so that's why you were taking so long," Bete scoffed, irritated that Shirou hadn't mentioned it earlier.

Finn stroked his chin, processing the information. "If that's true, then the enemy already knows our position. There's no point in destroying the flowers now; the information has likely already reached them." He glanced at his own hand, moving his thumb restlessly. "And my thumb's itching again... This isn't a good sign."

Shirou stepped forward. "In that case, let me infiltrate ahead. I can move quietly and destroy the flowers one by one before they gather any further information. Afterward, I'll rejoin you."

Gareth, who had been listening from the side, shook his head. "That's too reckless. Sneaking alone into an area we don't fully understand is just asking to be captured."

Finn initially seemed hesitant, considering Gareth's warning. But when his itching thumb subsided as he looked at Shirou, it was as if his instincts confirmed the decision. Finally, Finn spoke. "You might be right, Gareth, but I have a feeling Shirou is the right choice for this. If you're confident you can handle it, Shirou, then go ahead. But be careful."

"Understood," Shirou replied calmly. He closed his eyes for a moment, and a skull-shaped mask along with a black cloak materialized in his hands through Projection—the iconic gear of the legendary Assassin, Hassan ibn Sabbah.

As Shirou donned the mask and wrapped himself in the dark cloak, his entire demeanor shifted. His presence became calm yet menacing, like death itself lurking in the shadows. Gareth whistled softly, both impressed and uneasy.

"With that look, you really do seem like the Grim Reaper," Gareth remarked wryly.

Finn patted Shirou's shoulder. "Go. We'll hold our position here."

Without another word, Shirou stepped back into the corridor they had explored earlier, his body blending seamlessly with the shadows, like a hunter stalking unseen prey.