Chapter 1: Big News Right After Returning (cont.)

But the surface calm merely concealed the raging waves beneath.

Shirou always had an ominous premonition. Had Alaya told her?

"Alaya, you set me up!"

Shirou's hands trembled as he tried to shift the blame, but Sakura's expression showed no sign of improving.

"What exactly did you do, Senpai? Why did it provoke such a huge reaction? As your junior, Sakura is really, very, very curious. Curious about the exact details."

Shirou glanced at Illya, Miyu, and Chloe standing nearby. All of them looked at him with pity.

How desperate did they have to be to sell out their own brother?

"Brother."

Miyu stepped forward.

"Miyu!"

Shirou clasped her hand.

In this materialistic age, Miyu's hands were the only ones that still had some...

"I've already bought the spirit money for you. Once you get to that world, make sure to live well and don't do this sort of thing again."

Shirou froze.

What was going on?

The unknown was the greatest fear.

If he knew the reason, knew who the enemy was, then no matter how great the hardship, Shirou would create the conditions to defeat them. But right now, he had no idea why Sakura was angry.

Shirou hurriedly sought help from the audience outside the arena.

First was Artoria.

Artoria pursed her lips.

"Shirou, confess and you'll be treated leniently; resist and you'll be treated severely. Tell us everything you did, apologize, and Sakura will surely forgive... Well, at least when you leave, it won't hurt too much."

Had things really gotten that bad?

Just how far had this gone?

"Um—" Shirou felt like he could still be saved...

Right?

Bracing himself, he turned to Heracles, seeking help from this versatile, wise, brave, unparalleled Heracles, with whom he shared such a solid friendship—at the very least, they