Shirou Emiya is challenging FGO

Chapter 13: 乆乆乆乆乆乆乆乆! (Newbies please read on!!!)
13. It’s all the smoke and mirrors’ fault!

These are all his names, or names created by modern and contemporary story writers based on him.

Basically, Smoke Mirror is the creator god that was popular in ancient Central and South America.

The most famous legend (story) about the Smoke Mirror is that he transformed himself into a woman and used a treacherous trick to make the good god Kukulkan (Quetzalcoatl) harm his sister. Quetzalcoatl could not bear the humiliation and was eventually defeated in the struggle with the Smoke Mirror, exiled himself, and disappeared from the world.

"Thus, the world went from the Age of Good to the present Age of Darkness."

"However, Quetzalcoatl left a prophecy before he disappeared - one day, Quetzalcoatl will return, defeat the Smoky Mirror, and return the world to the era of goodness."

Toosaka Rin briefly summarized the legend of the smoke mirror as if she was telling a fable.

"However--"

She quickly changed her topic:
"Smoke Mirror is a cunning god of witchcraft. Because he is very similar to humans, he not only holds the power of creation, but is also the most powerful magician. Smoke Mirror has used this legend that people have passed down and chanted to distort the common sense of today's human era."

"'One day, Smoky Mirror will be defeated by Quetzalcoatl, ending his dark age'"

"On the other hand, as long as the Smoke Mirror is not found and defeated by Quetzalcoatl, the Dark Ages of the Smoke Mirror will continue."

"Using this foundation to construct magic, Smoke Mirror, who is clearly an ancient creator god, can still 'walk in the world' as a matter of course in this era when the gods have retired and humans have occupied the surface of the earth as the most intelligent creatures.

Although the ancient Central and South American cultures are almost extinct in modern times, he has secretly manipulated modern story creators to create many new gods based on them, thus breaking free from the constraints of human intelligence. His power may have weakened, but his power is still increasing in number. "

Shirou listened to Toosaka Rin's story.

Shirou didn't feel anything special.

Because what Shirou lacks most now is common sense. No matter how hard Toosaka Rin tries to describe him, Shirou can only know that "this is a very scary guy", but he does not have enough understanding of how scary he is.

Musashi felt the same way: "Anyway, Shirou is being targeted by a dangerous being? What should I do? Should I find a monk to perform an exorcism? I think I saw a temple on the mountain in this city before."

"The monks in places like Ryudo Temple are useless."

Toosaka Rin couldn't help but grimace because of the headache.

But she changed the subject: "However, being targeted by the smoke mirror is definitely not a good thing, but it is not necessarily always a bad thing.

Because Smoke Mirror is also the 'God of Roads', 'God of Guidance', and 'God of Commerce'.
He is called the 'wind of impermanence', invisible and traceless yet omnipresent, because he is the embodiment of 'the infinite possibilities for the future between humans and nature'.

Depending on the situation, there are also many who regard him as the descendant of a good god, because he is very keen to grant the power of revenge to the victims of hardship, and regards this as a "trial" bestowed on the weak. "

"What do you mean?" Shirou asked calmly. As the person involved, he seemed to care the least and was just answering the question for Rin Toosaka.

"I also read it in a book," Toosaka Rin explained, "It is said that Smoke Mirror is a god who likes 'trading' very much, and being targeted by him is equivalent to 'gaining the qualification to trade with him'.

It is said that in the process of trading, Smoke and Mirror will pursue "fairness", but this fairness is not a simple equal exchange. Instead, if you ask it for something, you will pay a price in the process, and eventually form a state of mutual balance between "gain" and "loss".

For example, if you ask the Smoke Mirror for the power to take revenge on your enemy, the Smoke Mirror will directly give you the power but will not charge you any substantial compensation immediately.

The power of the smoke mirror will allow you to successfully take revenge, but you will also lose more friends in the process.

If the smoke screen brings you luck, you will inevitably pay the price of bad luck later.

If the smoke mirror brings you bad luck, you may also get unexpected good luck after it.

The result is a delicate balance of luck and bad luck, which is the nature of Tezcatlipoca (the smoking mirror).”

Musashi tilted his head. "It sounds like the karma cycle in Buddhism. That makes him a pretty good god."

Since Musashi said so, Shirou naturally responded immediately: "I think so too."

"It's not that easy. Listen carefully, Shirou. Although dealing with Smoke Mirror will eventually result in a balance of gains and losses, those who continue to come into contact with him will only end up with one outcome - that is, 'becoming Smoke Mirror'!"

Shirou: Can this be considered a 'punishment' or 'end'?

Become a smoke mirror? Gain the power of the evil creator god?

Or, be swallowed by it?
"Anyway, remember this, Shirou," Toosaka Rin repeatedly emphasized, "Unless you have no choice, don't ever think, 'No, I can't do this, I have to ask the Smoke Mirror for help'!"

Shirou: "."

The strange thing is that Toosaka Rin didn't ask Shirou to say 'I will never trade with the Smoky Mirror'.

Perhaps Toosaka Rin also felt that if she really reached a desperate situation, having a final trump card could be considered a means of recovery.

Shirou nodded, indicating that he had made a note of it.

Did this guy really remember it? Toosaka Rin couldn't help but wonder suspiciously.

Just when Toosaka Rin was wondering whether she should repeat it a few more times so that this silly peer in front of her would remember it -

Shirou suddenly became carefree and asked Rin a question: "So, Toosaka, are you planning to just give up on this Holy Grail War?"

Toosaka Rin was stunned: "What do you mean?"

"It's obvious, isn't it?" Shirou raised his hand and pointed in the direction of downtown Fuyuki City. "The golden man we encountered earlier was Archer's Servant Gilgamesh. Since there are still servants, it means that this Holy Grail War may not be over yet."

Shirou looked at Toosaka Rin seriously and put forward a very reasonable 'argument':
"Why don't you give it a try? Before Miss Musashi leaves our world, she can help us, and Miss Musashi herself would definitely be happy to fight against the legendary hero. If the three of us work together, maybe we can still interfere with the outcome of this Holy Grail War, right?"

Shirou didn't have any special intentions when he said this. He simply analyzed the existing information and naturally proposed the suggestion "from the perspective of Toosaka Rin":

"Maybe it's not too late. If you can get the Holy Grail, can you make a wish to resurrect your father?"

This question actually stumped Toosaka Rin.

There was indeed something wrong with what Shirou said.

But Toosaka Rin had never thought about it this way before.

reason?

People die in the Holy Grail War. According to her senior, her father died at the hands of a man called Emiya Kiritsugu, the 'magician killer'.

Miss Musashi is a living person, and Shirou is also a living person, completely different from those servants who have gained false life and "resurrection".

It is only natural that when a person is killed he dies.

If that's the case, then what's the reason for them to fight to the death for Toosaka Rin's selfish desires?
Even if they were aggressive and wanted to do it, Toosaka Rin didn't think it was the right idea.

But on second thought, if she were a mature magician, it would be correct for her to think like Shirou. At least, that's what Toosaka Rin's father taught her.

"You're right, but, but."

Toosaka Rin hesitated, and just when she felt that she had gotten herself into a dead end, as if her brain circuit was about to get stuck on the bug of 'conscience' and 'magician's common sense' -

".What a gentle child."

Musashi rubbed Toosaka Rin's head and rubbed Shirou's hair hard twice, signaling him to stop talking.

Musashi took the opportunity to change the subject: "Compared to those uncertain future things - I suddenly remembered that we just finished the battle with that guy called 'Golden Pika', right? Miss Musashi, I'm so tired! I'm so hungry! Do you have any ingredients at home? Let me show you my cooking skills as a time-travel part-time soldier!"

Musashi patted Shirou's lower back again, "Shirou, you're hungry too, right?"

What Ms. Musashi said must be right, Shirou nodded without hesitation: "Yes!"

"." Looking at the intimate behavior of the two, especially the latter's unconditional obedience to the former, for some reason, Toosaka Rin felt that a kind of complex emotion that she didn't know how to describe seemed to emerge in her heart.

[Is the Fourth Holy Grail War in this world line over? ]

[1. Yes]

[2. No]

【1D2=1】

Shirou: "."

Shirou informed Toosaka Rin of the latest narration he had seen.

For some reason, Toosaka Rin let out a long sigh: "Your ability to see the narration should also be the magic of that Smoke Mirror - or a blessing that was forced upon you. Maybe you traded your memories with him in exchange for this thing? However, although the Smoke Mirror is a cunning evil god, it never lies."

In other words, the Fourth Holy Grail War ended just like that.

What about the next Fifth Holy Grail War? Shirou couldn't help but think.

According to Toosaka Rin's 'popular science', the Holy Grail War takes place approximately every sixty years. In other words, does that mean the Fifth Holy Grail War won't begin until both Rin and I are almost seventy years old?

Shirou naturally expressed his concerns in this regard frankly.

Toosaka Rin's expression became complicated again: "The narration you saw may be what the smoke mirror deliberately showed you. He was deliberately revealing some vague information about the future. The word ten years was mentioned in it. Maybe we don't have sixty years to prepare, but only ten years. For some reason, the Fifth Holy Grail War will start in ten years. Maybe..."

Toosaka Rin curled her lips and said, "The mastermind behind this may be that Smoke Mirror. With his ability as the God of Creation, it is not surprising that he could single-handedly promote the outbreak of a Holy Grail War."

I see. Shirou understood: "As expected of Tousaka, you can answer everything for me."

"Shirou, your angle of praising people is so weird." Toosaka Rin couldn't help but snort.

Musashi looked at the cute interactions of the little ones and felt much more relaxed. He opened another can of beer and said, "Ah - so, where is the kitchen in this house? Is there a duck? I'll make beer duck for you. Children, you can't be picky about food. You have to eat meat well to grow up~"

The atmosphere eased and gradually became relaxed.

——And at this moment

"Ding-ling-ling-ling-ling--"

The phone rang abruptly.

Toosaka Rin answered the phone. The call was very brief and ended quickly.

The person who called was Kotomine Kirei, the senior brother of Rin Toosaka whose life or death was unknown, and the disciple and assistant of Rin Toosaka's father.

Kotomine Kirei's phone call only brought a very brief message.

"The Fourth Holy Grail War has ended. The winner is the 'Magician Slayer' who fought on behalf of the Einzbern family."

in other words
The 'murderer' who killed Toosaka Rin's father held up the Holy Grail.

The 'murderer' did not die in the Holy Grail War, and the possibility of fighting for the Holy Grail and resurrecting his father was gone.

Shirou's mind was poor in vocabulary, so he didn't know how to describe the expression on Toosaka Rin's face that he saw at that moment.

Similarly, Shirou felt that it was impossible for him to understand the feelings in Toosaka Rin's heart at this moment.

Just as when Shirou saw the 'nightmare memory' of seven-year-old Miss Musashi before, he found it difficult to understand how Miss Musashi felt when she faced her mother who tried to strangle her.

Whether it is 'mother' or 'father', Shirou, who has lost his past memories, does not know what kind of existence it is, nor can he understand it.

Shirou just watched in silence.
Musashi suddenly patted Shirou's shoulder hard.

Shirou subconsciously looked at her, only to see that Miss Musashi was constantly signaling with her eyes, as if she wanted to express something first, as if she was urging Shirou to do something.

So, Shirou came to Toosaka Rin, gently stretched out his hand, and hugged her with the most gentle strength he could imagine.

Since Shirou couldn't imagine what to say at this moment, he just kept quiet.

".She (Musashi) asked you to come, so you came. It's obvious that you don't know anything."

Although the girl still said stubbornly as if she refused to admit defeat.

But her body was still a little bit, as if looking for some support, and she leaned into Shirou's arms.

Is this the end of the Fourth Holy Grail War?
[How long will Miyamoto Musashi stay in this world this time? 】

[1/5, one week]

【2/6, half moon】

【3/7, one month】

【4/8, two months】

[9. Half a year?]

[10. Chaos Super Expansion]

【1D10=4】

Shirou: Ms. Musashi said that she usually stays in a world for no more than two months at a time. Isn't that a pretty good result?
[Before the Fifth Holy Grail War begins, will Shirou encounter any more events? Perform a 'Fortune Judgment']

[Fortune requirement: 75 (if not met, it will happen)]

[Shirou's 'Fortune (before the start of the Fifth Holy Grail War)': 1D100=1 (?)]

Shirou:?
[It seems to be a very important event. So continue to make additional judgments! ]

[Is this incident related to the 'Devil'? ]

[1. Yes]

[2. No]

【1D2=1】

[.Will it attract the attention of the 'Demon King'? Additional fortune determination]

[If it is lower than 90, it will attract the attention of the Demon King (because of the previous failure, the possibility of the Demon King's attention has greatly increased)]

[The wind of uncertainty is playing with your fortune: 1D100=98 (?)]

[Because of the big failure, there will be an incident, but this is also a big success. Maybe it means there will be unexpected reinforcements? ]

Shirou: “???” What happened? Speaking of which, shouldn’t great success and great failure be low-probability events?

Is this the magical power of the guy called 'Smoke Mirror' that Toosaka Rin mentioned before!?
Shirou is more and more certain that his ability to see the narration must be caused by the smoke mirror.

[Then, let me first make an additional judgment. When the incident breaks out, will Ms. Musashi still stay in this world and be able to participate in the battle as an aid? ]

[Perform a 'Fortune' check. If the score is less than 40, Musashi has already left when the event occurs.]

[Ms. Musashi's 'Desire for a Valuable Rival (Fortune)': 1D100=62]

When the incident broke out, Miss Musashi was still there. In other words,
Shirou: This 'Magic God Incident' will break out within two months?
[Then, add the previous great success reward to determine]

[Will Gilgamesh lend a helping hand in the upcoming 'Demon God Event'? ]

[It depends on Gilgamesh's current attitude towards Shirou]

[If the attitude is higher than 75, he will lend a helping hand. The higher the goal, the stronger the help (the default attitude of Gilgamesh towards Enkidu is 100)]

[Gilgamesh's attitude towards Shirou: 1D100=100]

Shirou: ".?"

Shirou: ".!"

Shirou: "!!!"

No! Something is wrong! What's going on!?
Compared to things like assistance or Gilgamesh's attitude towards him, there is only one thing that Shirou really cares about at this moment!
"That Gilgamesh is not dead!?"

how can that be!

Miss Musashi had clearly confirmed repeatedly that Gilgamesh had been "killed"!

←to be continue!

　Newbies, please read this! Qidian Type-Moon has a small audience, and PK requires double data penalty. Please read this! Please, this is really important to me! (Tiger Landing Style.jpg)

　　
　
(End of this chapter)