Please Play FGO With Me

"Delicious... Shirou-senpai's cooking really is the best," Mash exclaimed, lost in the world of flavor.

"Thanks, looks like I won," Shirou chuckled, looking at the black-haired girl.

Mash quickly corrected herself, "But Yukino-senpai's cooking is also super delicious! I finished everything."

"Thank you, Mash. But I could tell from your expression earlier what the result would be. While I don't want to admit it, I also acknowledge that Shirou's cooking is indeed better," Yukino glanced at the boy, then split half of her steak into Mash's plate.

"Ah... thank you, senpai." Mash initially wanted to refuse, but ultimately accepted shyly, the deliciousness of the steak overcoming her reserve.

Shirou then said with a smile, "Here, I'll give you half of mine too. Mash, you're so slender, but surprisingly you can eat a lot. Is that why you can lift a shield as big as a dining table?"

"Senpai! My appetite isn't that big at Chaldea!" Mash protested, but she still obediently accepted the steak.

Shirou and Yukino sat on either side of Mash. Seeing her completely engrossed in the food, her head buried as she ate, they both found her to be endearingly childlike. They shook their heads with amusement. At that moment, their eyes met, and they shared a smile.

Yukino also sat down, savoring the boy's stir-fried beef with radish. The heat control, the thin slices achieved with exquisite knife skills, the rich juices that flowed with each bite, the tender and refreshing texture – every aspect was handled perfectly, combining to give this home-style dish an unprecedented charm.

Truly, no matter how many times I eat it, your cooking is always amazing, she thought. Perhaps the boy's culinary skills are even superior to his archery.

"I love the steak you make, Yukino. The broccoli is nice and crisp too, which suits my taste. Your cooking has really improved since you started living alone," Shirou said, earnestly tasting the girl's dish.

"Is that so? Thank you," Yukino accepted the compliment calmly, a hint of joy appearing in her eyes. Seeing this, she felt that her efforts in practicing cooking every day since meeting the boy hadn't been in vain.

After dinner, sitting in the living room, it was time to discuss serious matters.

"Thank you, Yukino-senpai, Shirou-senpai, for your help today. First, I'd like to introduce you to the Director of Chaldea, where I belong." Mash took out her phone and connected to Chaldea in another world.

A light screen projected from the phone, like a three-dimensional image. A black-haired noblewoman, looking as if she stepped out of a medieval European painting, appeared on the screen, leisurely sipping black tea while seated.

"Da Vinci-chan, what are you doing? The video call is connected," Mash reminded her.

"As you can see, I'm swamped dealing with the constant stream of enemies who, no matter how many times we defeat them, will reappear in a few days," Da Vinci said, shrugging.

"Da Vinci-chan, aren't you just drinking tea! You're slacking off!" Mash exclaimed at the screen.

Da Vinci retorted righteously, "A genius requires three times the rest time of an ordinary person, so their efficiency when working is also thirty times higher."

"Ugh, I find this person quite annoying," Yukino said to Shirou.

"Yeah, he's got this shady merchant vibe. Mash said FGO was created by him," Shirou whispered back.

"Oh, why do you say you dislike me before we've even properly met? Is 'tsundere' popular in your world right now? Actually, the next gacha banner will feature a limited 'Last Pharaoh' Cleopatra. Her voice is also super tsundere. Are you interested?" Da Vinci asked with a Mona Lisa-like smile.

"Da Vinci-chan, please work properly! Otherwise... I'll decompose you even if I manage to summon you later!" Mash threatened Da Vinci with dissatisfaction.

"It's fine, you won't be able to summon me anyway~!" Da Vinci laughed nonchalantly, then turned her gaze to the boy and girl, smiling. "Alright, let's get down to business. First, let me explain the situation on my end."

Then, Da Vinci began to recount the story to Shirou and Yukino, explaining what kind of organization Chaldea was, why Mash had come to this world, and so on...

Chapter 17: More Grinding Leads to Strength

In the living room, the boy and girl sat on the sofa, quietly listening to Da Vinci, appearing in a three-dimensional projection, narrate the story of Mash and the brave girl Gudako saving the Human Order.

They had risked their lives time and again, entering various Singularities, confronting heroes and kings from different eras, and battling monsters and even gods from legends.

"Over ninety percent of the story in this game is real. It's truly the miracles that Mash and our Chaldea's finest Master, Gudako, experienced together. In our world, very few people know of the great deeds they accomplished, and you are their witnesses," Da Vinci said.

"Chaldea is constantly under attack by monsters, and the monsters appearing in your world are unavoidable. Someone must solve this problem, so we ask that you join hands with us to overcome this difficult time," Da Vinci said sincerely to the young man and woman.

Yukino looked at Mash with pity. She hadn't expected such a delicate-looking girl to be the pitiable character who had gone through so much in the game...

Regarding this, Shirou tried to summarize, "So, you're saying Mash is inviting us to play a game adapted from Mash's adventure story? And this game can help us defeat the invading monsters, right?"

Da Vinci nodded in admiration. "Exactly. You understand very quickly. It's about everyone playing Mash's adventure story together."

"Shirou-senpai, Da Vinci-chan, why does your summary sound a bit strange!" Mash asked, her face slightly flushed.

"This might be too shocking for you who have lived in a peaceful world for so many years, making it difficult to accept. But regarding my request, can you give me an answer now?" Da Vinci asked.

"No, even if it's hard to accept, after encountering monsters like that before, we have no choice but to believe it. Before deciding to help, I'd like to ask a few questions," Yukino said.

"Yukino-san, please ask," Da Vinci replied.

"Then, why are you spreading this game from another world here? Or rather, what benefit do you gain from helping this world?" Yukino asked. Aside from Shirou, perhaps there were still righteous individuals in some unknown corner of this world who would save others unconditionally, but the people before her were clearly not among them.

"Of course, we have our benefits too," Da Vinci replied with a light chuckle.

"Heroic Spirits are beings who were originally heroes from legends and epics, now objects of people's faith. 'Servants' are manifestations of summoned Heroic Spirits.

As I mentioned before, Chaldea is experiencing an unknown mutation, not just sudden attacks. Chaldea's mechanism for summoning Heroic Spirits is no longer complete, making it difficult to summon new Servants. Even the existence of the Servants remaining at Chaldea has become unstable.

Therefore, we need to increase the fame of Heroic Spirits to replenish their power.

Spreading the FGO game serves two purposes: firstly, to allow players to act as 'batteries,' supplying energy to the Heroic Spirits remaining at Chaldea. Secondly, it's an insurance policy. The appearance of dangerous monsters in your world is an unchangeable fact. To fight monsters, and even higher-level Phantasmal Beasts, you must have means of equal caliber. For those without mystical powers, summoning Heroic Spirits is the only option.

So, through this current method, Chaldea serves as a channel to provide energy and connect to the Throne of Heroes. And the 'Bonds' of you players are the triggers for summoning Heroic Spirits."

"Although most of the Heroic Spirits in the mobile game are just data I provided, truly destined Masters can connect with the Heroic Spirits on the Throne of Heroes through this FGO system. Even Heroic Spirits that our Chaldea hasn't observed might appear in this world because of you."

"And the Heroic Spirits summoned by you will remain at Chaldea after the battle, helping us defeat the attacking monsters. It's the best win-win situation."

"Didn't the Heroic Spirits respond to your summons before and help you defeat the monsters? So, besides cooperating with each other, we don't really have any other better choice, do we?" Da Vinci asked with a smile.

"Indeed... Although I really don't want to get involved in such a fantasy story," Yukino said helplessly.

"Then, what exactly do we need to do to restore this world to normal?" Shirou asked seriously. More than Chaldea's objective, he was more concerned about this question.

"The reason for the world's changes still requires Mash and Gudako to investigate. As an individual, I'm also asking for your help, Shirou Emiya!" Da Vinci said solemnly.

"My name here is Hikigaya Shirou! Mash is my kouhai, so of course I'll help her. Besides, this is my world, and my important family and friends are here. I'll protect them all!" Shirou replied firmly.

"Senpai..." Mash looked up at the young man, deeply moved. Besides Dr. Roman and Gudako-senpai, this was the first time she had met someone who genuinely cared for her. Her heart felt warm, and she no longer felt alone.

"Shirou..." Yukino's eyes flickered as she looked at him. Yes... she knew Hikigaya Shirou was just that kind of person. Six months ago, when they officially formed a bond in the Service Club, she had received his help many times. She understood his kindness, his compassion, and his pursuit of justice.

However, his way of handling things always put others before himself, sometimes even sacrificing himself to help others. This was something that weighed heavily on her mind.

"Thank you! Shirou-senpai, I'll do my best to assist you by your side!" Mash promised.

"Well, since you've put it that way, as a friend from the same club, I can only help out too," Yukino said with a smile.

"Is that so? I see. It seems you're not quite the Shirou I know. But you are also a strong and reliable presence. Thank you for your assistance. I will do my best to support you both at Chaldea," Da Vinci said with a smile.

"So, what should we do first?" Shirou asked.

"Well, due to the limitations of your world, with this current method of energy provision, sneaking through the world's loopholes, the power Heroic Spirits can exert through incomplete possession is less than half of their original strength. It's even less when the compatibility isn't high. However, if you could achieve 100% compatibility and become one with a Heroic Spirit, perhaps there could be a new transformation."

"In short, let's just try our best to grind the game! Spend more money, draw more cards, and strengthen the Heroic Spirits you have a potential compatibility with. Learn about their deeds. Once your bond level is maxed out, who knows what miracles might happen. Like Heracles in the Archer Class with his complete Twelve Labors, or the King of Heroes who has activated the Star of Wisdom and Foresight. Perhaps even King Arthur, with Avalon at his side, the Holy Sword in his left hand and the Holy Lance in his right, isn't impossible!"

"Humans are inherently beings who create miracles. Even in another world, there might be those with deep connections to Heroic Spirits and gods. So, go find more Master companions who can connect with Heroic Spirits! Young boys and girls, do your best! Yeah!" Da Vinci raised her fist, cheering for the young men and women.

"Wait? Isn't that just telling us to play a game? You're the operator, aren't you? You should just let me collect all the Heroic Spirits with max Noble Phantasms and max ascension, or give me tens of thousands of Saint Quartz or something," Shirou retorted.

"That would be meaningless. I can only modify data. But the connection with a Heroic Spirit is your emotion and will. FGO is that kind of system! The stronger the feelings a player Master has for a Heroic Spirit, the higher the possibility of possession and summoning! So, spend more time building deep bonds with the Heroic Spirits you like! Well then... I have work to do. I'll be in touch!" Da Vinci said, then quickly slipped away. The light screen dimmed, and the holographic projection disappeared with her.

"They ran away... Just like a greedy corporate boss who wants employees to work overtime but doesn't want to talk about raises!" The young man and woman reached a consensus again. This merchant was truly annoying.

"Shirou-senpai, Yukino-senpai! Let's work hard together! Playing FGO is justice! Anyone who likes FGO is a good person! Everyone is my good senpai!" Mash said, clenching her fists and trying to smooth things over.

"That's enough... Mash," Shirou said, pressing down on the pink-haired girl's head as she was about to defend Da Vinci. Since he had decided to help, he wouldn't go back on his word. Besides, this was the only way to save the world.

The young man turned to Yukino and said, "Yukino, I'm sorry for dragging you into this. I didn't expect things to turn out like this."

Yukino shook her head. "No, this is my own choice. If I don't resolve the problem myself, it won't end. And if what Da Vinci said is true, as someone with the potential for Heroic Spirit possession, I would have been drawn into this sooner or later if I had interacted with FGO."

"Besides, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth – that's my principle in life. If there are monsters who want to hurt me, I'll strike back before anything happens," the black-haired girl said with a cold smile.

"How should I put it... As expected of Yukino. I understand. Then, let's fight side-by-side from now on!" Shirou said with a light chuckle.

"Yes, Yukino-senpai is beautiful, reliable, and cool! And she's an amazing cook too!" Mash agreed, feeling incredibly lucky to have found two reliable seniors at once. She felt like she might even draw a gold card next time!

"Mash, that's enough," Yukino said, reaching out and gently pressing Mash's head, smiling. She didn't dislike her kouhai. After learning about what Mash had been through, she now only felt a desire to protect her.

The three of them actually had the same goal. Yukino wanted to return to their normal lives, so she had to drive away the monsters that would disrupt the future.

Shirou wanted to protect the peace of this world and help his kouhai find happiness.

And Mash was also working to resolve Chaldea's crisis, investigate the cause of the world's changes, and then reunite with Gudako-senpai.

"It's getting late. We should head back then," Shirou said, looking at his phone.

"I understand. We can discuss the detailed battle plan later," Yukino nodded.

Shirou led Mash towards the exit.

"Mash, Shirou... See you tomorrow," Yukino said, standing at the doorway. She raised her hand slightly and waved gently.

"Yes, see you tomorrow, Yukino-senpai!" Mash bowed.

"Oh, see you tomorrow, Yukino," Shirou waved.

After leaving the luxurious apartment and seeing Mash off at the subway, Shirou headed home.

Chapter 18: Chiffon Cake and My Sister

The moonlight illuminated the quiet land. All the lights around were off, only the gray clouds in the sky shifted their shapes. The weather had gradually turned cooler. The young man walked home alone, the silence stretching on.

In his previous life, there had been many times when he walked home alone at night, just like this. Back then, it was pitch black all around, with only the night sky and the shadows cast by the streetlights for company. Sometimes, while walking, he would suddenly forget the reason for returning to his destination, because even if he returned to that grand mansion, no one would be waiting for him.

But this world was different. He had plenty of reasons to return to this home. Although the house was a bit small, it was warmer.

As expected, when the young man turned the corner and reached the long straight path leading to his house, he saw the light on in front of the door from afar. The light cast a pale yellow path on the ground, with glowing particles dancing, as if welcoming him home.

The young man felt his steps quicken. He pushed open the gate and walked in. Through the window, he saw the living room light was on. As he took out his key and opened the door, a 'thump thump thump!' sound came from inside.

Komachi came running over in a hurry.

"Yo, Komachi," Shirou greeted his sister with a raised hand.

"Yo your sister!" Komachi pouted and looked at Shirou displeased. "Brother! Why are you back so late? Where were you fooling around?"

"You're my sister, right?" Shirou retorted, turning his head away. Although he had prepared himself mentally, he hadn't expected her to latch onto him the moment he walked in.

"Ah! Your clothes are still dirty. Did you get into a fight with some thugs? Be a bit more careful. You're not a child anymore. You'll be participating in the Kyudo competition in Tokyo soon. What if your hands get injured!"

"No, I had unavoidable circumstances," Shirou explained.

"What? Don't tell me it was a damsel in distress situation? Tell me about it," Komachi asked with great interest.

"No, quite the opposite, really? Komachi, you're a student, right? Go back and study," Shirou said, walking into the house and ushering his sister back to her room.

"Tch... Stingy! Komachi was worried waiting for you to come back," Komachi said displeasantly as she walked towards her room.

"Go back and study obediently. I'll bring you a late-night snack later," Shirou said.

"Komachi wants black tea and baked cake! Thanks, brother! Your brother points are so high tonight! Haha!" Komachi's expression immediately changed from gloomy to sunny, and she ran back to her room laughing.

"Are you some kind of rich young lady?" Shirou muttered helplessly.

The Higashiya family's parents were always busy with work. Sometimes, during crunch times, they wouldn't get home until late at night and would leave early in the morning, not even having a chance to speak to their children all day.

Because of this, Komachi felt neglected by her parents. She had even run away from home once when she was in elementary school.

It was he who searched everywhere for her, running around for quite a while before finally finding his sister and bringing her back home.

Everyone feels lonely sometimes. Knowing that someone is waiting for you at home is actually very important.

Although neither Komachi nor Shirou ever said it out loud, they had an unspoken understanding: whoever got home first would always wait in the living room for the other to return.

After Shirou finished cleaning himself up, he returned to the kitchen and began making a chiffon cake. Since he usually made them, it wasn't a difficult task. He separated the egg whites from the yolks, added sugar, flour, oil, and other ingredients, poured in honey, and mixed it all evenly to whip the egg whites. Finally, he combined everything, poured it into a mold, and placed it in the oven, setting the temperature to change at specific intervals.

Then, he just had to wait for 40 minutes. During this time, Shirou took out his textbooks and prepared to finish his homework for the day.

In this life, he had no magic, so he couldn't even do his usual magic practice at night. Thus, he could only focus on his studies, which was why his grades were quite good, occasionally placing in the top three of his class.

When he finished writing his homework, the oven beeped. He opened the oven, and the sweet aroma of cake immediately filled the kitchen. A golden, large cylindrical chiffon cake was officially out of the oven.

A short while later, Shirou, carrying the sliced cake and black tea, knocked on the door and entered his sister's room.

Komachi immediately ran up with a giggle, took the black tea Shirou handed her, and looked at the golden cake, a satisfied smile on her face.

"Thank you, Brother. You might be very suited to be a butler," Komachi praised.

"You don't mean a butler for you, do you? In that case, I must refuse," Shirou said, placing the tray on the small table and sitting down himself, pouring a cup of tea.

"No! What about being a butler for a young lady in Finland or something? This is delicious~! Just as expected of Komachi's brother, you're skilled at everything at home, and you're handsome too." Komachi, sitting on the chair in front of the desk, took a bite of the chiffon cake, happily kicking her legs and not forgetting to wink at Shirou.

"Is that so? Study hard after you finish eating," Shirou replied casually, though he didn't know why Finland was mentioned. He took out his phone, put it on silent, and opened FGO.

"Okay..." Komachi replied listlessly. She had originally wanted to say, 'Want to play FGO together for a bit?' but her strategy to appease her brother and get him to let her off the hook had failed spectacularly.

FGO slowly loaded to the login screen. As expected, if he wasn't caught in an alternate dimension, clicking the game would bring him to the normal game state.

At this moment, a message came through the chat group.