"Guh...?"
A drop of cold sweat ran down Atram's cheek.
Normally, when two formulas collided, they produced an intense clash.
Though their forms differed, as long as they manifested as mysteries, they could not defy the grand principle—that is, the stronger mystery would overwhelm its opponent.
When that happened, Atram would win.
In terms of the formulas' power alone, there were very few magi in this world whose magic could compare to his lightning.
He often compared his own magic to a strike from the genius witch of Greek Mythology, Medea.
But this time, there was nothing he could do.
That was Sakura Matou's Imaginary Number Magic—
It ignored the level of mystery and the power involved, capturing its opponent and dragging them into a world of despair where nothing existed—Imaginary Space.
Originally, Sakura Matou could not use magic by herself.
That was because her magic was far too special.
That pitch-black shadow was actually negative energy born from the darkness possessed by the girl's subconscious.
If she drove that power recklessly, she would essentially be pushing the human part of herself toward destruction.
Such magic should never have existed. It could only be called taboo.
However—
Shirou Amamiya—her senpai—had smiled and embraced Sakura's negativity.
I think this is an extraordinary power, he had said.
"This is Sakura's own power, so there's no need to feel ashamed."
Shirou had seen Sakura Matou's determination to become a magus. He had not rejected her "Imaginary Number," but instead searched for a solution together with her.
"That's right. Let me teach Sakura a magic that can protect her."
Shirou taught Sakura Matou Suggestion Magic.
"If you ever reach the point where you have no choice but to use Imaginary Number Magic, use Suggestion Magic on yourself first."
"That way, Sakura can protect her