"..."
Ayako Miyadera glanced at Shirou in surprise, seeing an authority in his face that brooked no refusal.
She understood that staying here would only make her a burden, so she nodded in silent agreement:
"I understand... Amamiya, be careful."
"Senpai!?"
Ayako Miyadera grabbed Sakura Matou and was about to leave, but—
"Hold on. Who gave you permission to leave on your own?"
Atram's voice seemed to carry a certain binding power, and Ayako Miyadera's legs suddenly refused to move.
Shirou couldn't help frowning. "..."
"Oh my, please don't release your killing intent so fiercely. I have no intention of fighting you, Shirou Amamiya."
Shirou swept his gaze over Atram's subordinates. "Is that supposed to be your way of showing goodwill?"
"How rude of me. It seems my subordinates don't understand the etiquette of East Asian culture, so I'll apologize on their behalf."
As he spoke, Atram slowly raised his right hand.
Then, a massive amount of lightning burst from his palm, piercing the kneeling subordinates beside him. They all collapsed, smoke pouring from their bodies.
"That... isn't a movie special effect, is it?" Ayako Miyadera's eyes widened.
"It was only a little punishment. Don't worry... I didn't kill them."
Atram smiled. "I couldn't let the noble Shirou Amamiya become an indirect murderer, could I?"
Shirou remained unmoved, undaunted by his intimidation.
"What do you want? Stop beating around the bush," Shirou said coldly.
"I was hoping to establish a friendship with you, but it seems I'm not very welcome."
Atram sighed sadly, and Shirou felt that he looked like a third-rate stage actor.
"Shirou Amamiya, I want your Magecraft Crest.
"Name your price. No matter how astronomical the figure, the Gresca Family will satisfy it."
So that was it. Shirou finally understood what this man wanted.
Although Shirou Amamiya