Chapter 602

[Editor's note: This chapter has been edited to remove content that breaks our content rules.]

“That was… incredible. I still can’t believe it…”

Haruri pressed a hand to her chest, still shaken.

When she had seen Gilgamesh draw Ea, she had thought the end of the world was upon them.

“Mr. Shirou, just who are you?”

“Just a believer who worships the goddess Ishtar.”

“I really don’t see anything about that goddess worthy of your respect…”

The goddess Haruri meant was Ishtar—Rin Tohsaka—who had shrunk to the size of a palm. She still held Ishtar—Philia—in great reverence.

Delighted by Shirou’s safe return, Haruri looked him over and asked:

“Come to think of it, your magical energy… Why do you have even more than before?”

“Oh, right. I almost forgot to introduce you.”

“Hm?”

Haruri looked past Shirou as he stepped aside and saw the dark-skinned girl who had once been Gilgamesh’s Master.

“This girl… Her name was Tiné, wasn’t it?”

“Tiné is going to be my Master from now on. I hope you two get along.”

“…”

The smile froze on Haruri’s face.

For no clear reason, she felt a surge of hostility toward the girl standing near Shirou.

Haruri thought of her youthful-looking grandfather, and of her former guardian and teacher—a female mage over eighty years old whose appearance and body had never aged beyond fifteen.

Magecraft was so unfair… It really was an “evil” that ought not to be allowed to remain in this world.

“Huh? Haruri?”

Shirou’s voice brought her back to her senses. She put on a polite smile and offered Tiné her hand.

“A pleasure to meet you. I’m Haruri Borzak. Mr. Shirou and I serve the same goddess.”

“…Hello.”

Tiné returned the handshake coolly.

Shirou watched them in silence.

What was going on?

Surely