Chapter 571

This is clearly the most likely scenario. If anyone dared to say that, she would kick their head off.

Could it be that I'm not used to the city of Fuyuki City, or that I've been cursed by some unclean spirit?

Bazett is a combat expert, but not a Magecraft expert.

Even so, she realized that something was wrong.

Temporarily withdrawing from Fuyuki City and returning to London for examination is also an option.

But if I did that, I would definitely be ridiculed by the association.

"Bazett, you had fantasies about the target before even making contact with them, so you slunk back like this?"

This is intolerable!

Bazett decided to complete the investigation, no matter what.

Her original plan was to disguise herself as a teacher at the Hohyunohara Academy to get close to the target.

However, because of the dreams she's had lately, she abandoned her gentle approach.

How do you investigate the other person's Magecraft properties?

Wouldn't the best solution be to fight?

This happens to be exactly Bazett's area of expertise.

Even if the opponent is some kind of superhuman, Bazett is confident he can win in a one-on-one fight.

After making up her mind, she went to the school that Shirou Amamiya attended.

Because they weren't familiar with the area, it was already after school when they sneaked into the school.

She wondered if Shirou Amamiya had already gone back...

Just as Bazett was blaming herself, she saw the figure she had been seeing every night recently—

Shirou Amamiya was there on the sports field, shrouded in twilight.

Bazett's eyes widened.

Although she didn't understand why, the Magecraft she was looking for remained on the playground after school, repeatedly trying to jump high.

Bazett didn't use the farsighted Runes, so he probably couldn't see the other person's face clearly from this side.

However, incredibly, she immediately recognized him as Shirou Amamiya.

It's definitely not for some vulgar reason like "I was violated by him every night, so it left a deep impression on me".

Bazett simply felt--

I couldn't take my eyes off that boy.

Why?

Bazett didn't know the reason either.

Was it passion, focus, or simply being drawn to that figure?

Regardless, the sight of Shirou Amamiya running and jumping in the twilight was something she would never forget.

The track and field equipment is broken again.

Shirou accepted the request and went to help repair the damaged equipment.

"Really, be more careful next time."

"Sorry, sorry, Shirou is so convenient, so I used him a little roughly..."

What do you take others for?

So I'm sorry! I'll use it more carefully from now on!

Looking at Shirou's face, Kaede Makidera suddenly said, "Speaking of which, Amamiya, you must be really good at sports, right? Aren't you the ace of the Archery Club?"

"This is a rare opportunity, would you like to visit and experience the track and field department?"

"Oh? I need to go back early to prepare dinner..."

Kane Himuro stroked his chin and said, "I'm also curious about Amamiya's athletic ability. Could it be that he's actually hiding his true talent?"

As she spoke, she began to stroke Shirou's body.

"So sturdy... This isn't the physique a high school boy living in peacetime should have..."

"Stop, stop, stop! Can't I just try it out?"

After school, Shirou visited and experienced the track and field club as a temporary member.

He competed in the 100-meter race against Kaede Makidera, a sprint ace.

He competed in the Kane Himuro against Himuro Jongo, a high jump ace.

Despite using a lot of water, the school record was still accidentally broken.

"That's amazing... Amamiya-kun, would you like to join the track and field club?"

Manager Yukika Saegusa extended the invitation with Gilgamesh eyes.

"Forget it, Yukika... if you try to poach Amamiya, Teacher Fujimura will go ballistic."

"What a pity." "Sigh."

The three members of the track and field team returned to their room to pack up their equipment.

Shirou was left alone on the playground, still holding the pole he had just used.

Just now, Shirou hadn't used his full strength in front of Himuro and the others—he suddenly wanted to know exactly where his full strength lay.

How effective are your eight years of physical training, without using Magecraft or martial arts?

On the deserted sports field, Shirou charged towards the ultimate height—

Bazett walked alone on the dimly lit street.

They escaped--

That's probably not wrong.

This was the first time in her life that she had escaped the task she had been given.

Hours earlier, after she saw Shirou running and high jumping on the playground...

Bazett suddenly lost the courage to meet the other person.

Shirou Amamiya was even more dazzling than he had imagined.

He possesses extraordinary talent that is unimaginable to ordinary people, yet he still enjoys a peaceful life.

Should I ruin his current life?

Driven by a thirst for recognition and a desire to rise above others in the association, they used the life of a 16-year-old as a stepping stone.

Bazett felt nauseous just imagining what he had done.

She decided to leave Japan tomorrow morning, abandoning this mission.

No, simply abandoning the mission is not enough.

Let me explain to the association: Shirou Amamiya's Magecraft is nothing special and not worth Sealing Designation.

Protecting his daily life—this is the only thing Bazett can do for Shirou Amamiya.

Bazett thought to himself, "I probably won't see Shirou Amamiya again."

Bye now...

Shirou Amamiya, he might be my first love...

The streets are very quiet tonight.

Although Fuyuki City isn't a big city, it's not like there's not a single person on the streets at 7 pm.

Because Bazett was deep in thought, he wasn't as sensitive as usual.

"..."

When I came to my senses, I noticed a figure standing above the slope.

She was a tall, well-built woman whose eyes were covered by a leather blindfold; the rest of her features were very regular.

His naturally graceful standing posture made him seem like the Death God had blended into the darkness of the night.

Bazett heard the sound of chains.

The woman—Rider—appeared wielding two short swords linked by a chain, simultaneously unleashing a murderous aura.

Who is it?

Bazett asked cautiously.

Even in the world of Magecraft, known for its outlandish costumes, her attire stands out as quite unique.

Then, Bazett immediately thought of that word that only existed in legends.

"Ghostliner"

Are you... a servant?

This land has hosted four Holy Grail War in the past.

The truth behind the final ceremony remains unknown.

Therefore, she is--

Rider said coldly, "... Prepare yourself, this is your death trap."

"... Why?"

Bazett looked hesitant and instinctively raised his fist.

But--

The very methods that once defeated countless powerful enemies are now filled with hesitation and fear.

It wasn't out of fear of the enemy's strength, but simply—

Bazett no longer possesses his former sharp and imposing presence.

"Wait—please wait a moment, I—have no reason to fight you."

You too, and that's your reason for fighting me—"

"You've come for Shirou, haven't you? The Mage's Association's Sealing Designation Enforcer."

I won't let you touch a single hair on his head, nor will I let him become a wanted criminal in the Magecraft world.

So, you can just die here--"

Rider said coldly, lowering his waist as if preparing to sprint.

"No—I... I won't fight you...! I had no intention of hurting Shirou Amamiya!"

This is... a misunderstanding! Yes... it's a misunderstanding, let me explain!

Bazett screamed, her face pale, but Rider showed no interest in her words.

"Anything is fine. As long as you die, Shirou will be safe. That's all I know."

"..."

After a long silence, Bazett clenched his fist.

"Don't underestimate me. I won't just let you kill me."

Facing beings beyond human comprehension— Heroic Spirit — the Female Magus adopted a fierce fighting stance.