"[Trace on]."
"Basic structure analyzed. Material composition analyzed."
"Basic structure altered. Material composition reinforced!"
The Emiya residence.
Inside the shed in the backyard, Shirou Emiya had a few beads of cold sweat on his forehead, looking as though he was in pain.
And what he had touched with his magecraft—
Was a steel pipe.
"Ugh."
Bzz—
A red light flashed across the steel pipe, and the magecraft had undoubtedly failed.
"...Failed again."
Shirou Emiya shook his head in frustration.
"At this level, how could I possibly call myself an ally of justice?"
"I still can't even accomplish something this basic."
"I'm nothing but a half-baked amateur."
There seemed to be a faint mark on the ground. Shirou glanced at it, but... didn't pay it much attention.
"Hey!"
A voice snapped Shirou out of his thoughts.
Issei Ryuudou looked at Shirou somewhat helplessly.
"Why are you spacing out again?"
"Ah, sorry. I was just thinking about something."
"School's over now. The archery club needs me to help out, so I'll be heading over first."
The archery club had been short-handed these past few days. It seemed the Matou Family siblings had run into some trouble and hadn't come to school today, so Ayako Mitsuzuri had asked some of the club's older members to lend a hand.
"I understand, but what's going on with you today? You've seemed distracted the whole time."
Issei looked a little concerned.
"I've just run into something strange lately... but it's nothing serious."
Shirou shook his head.
"Then I'm off. The archery club will probably keep me busy until late, so make sure you stay safe."
Issei reminded him uneasily.
"I understand. Don't worry."
Smiling at his close friend, Shirou turned and headed toward the archery club.
Helping out at the archery club kept him busy until