This had actually been a major miscalculation.
Shirou had originally thought that using "Time Alter Hexagon Accel!" once would be enough to beat Atalanta. He had never expected that he would fail to widen the gap and nearly be overtaken before the finish line.
At that moment, he had steeled himself and tried using "Time Alter Septuple Accel!" Although he won in the end, he paid a terrible price.
Not only had he suffered severe injuries, but all his Magic Circuits had gone berserk, drastically reducing the Dragon Heart's healing efficiency.
"You... are you... all right?"
Atalanta was startled by Shirou's blood-soaked appearance and asked timidly.
Shirou glanced at her and retorted irritably, "Do I look like I'm all right?"
"I'm sorry..."
Atalanta lowered her brows apologetically.
What had happened?
The Huntress was unfamiliar with magecraft, so she could not understand.
But she could tell that the "Black" Saber must have made an enormous sacrifice to win this trial.
You were actually willing to go this far just to beat me...
Atalanta's heartbeat quickened as an inexplicable emotion welled up in her chest.
She did not understand what this feeling was. She simply reached out instinctively.
"W-What are you doing?"
Atalanta placed her palm against Shirou's cheek, startling him.
Shirou was extremely weak now. If the "Red" Archer wanted to kill him, it would be effortless.
But she doesn't seem to have any intention of killing me...
Atalanta gently stroked Shirou's cheek.
Tenderly wiping away the blood that had trickled from the corner of his eye, she then revealed a gentle smile Shirou had never seen before.
"...You really are an idiot."
"Huh?"
Shirou stared blankly. "By the way, big sis...?"
"My true name is Atalanta."
"Oh... ohhh... nice to meet you..."
Even as she spoke, Atalanta continued touching Shirou's