Multiverse: Why does the world show a health bar? !

Shirou Emiya was brimming with questions. His earlier concerns for Sakura Matou's safety had kept him from asking, but now that she stood before him unharmed, his curiosity demanded answers.

For instance... what exactly was the Holy Grail War?

"The Holy Grail War is a ritual where seven magi compete to obtain the Holy Grail," Rin Tohsaka explained.

The Emiya residence featured an expansive garden—one of Kiritsugu Emiya's legacies left to Shirou. The group gathered there as Rin took on the role of instructor. Among the three, her magical education was by far the most comprehensive: generations of Far坂 family grimoires at her disposal, guidance from Kotomine Kirei, and natural talent made her the clear authority in matters of magecraft.

"So, it's essentially a battle royale among seven Masters, all vying for the Holy Grail?"

"Exactly. Every aspect of the Holy Grail War revolves around the 'Grail.' However, this isn't the legendary chalice of lore—it exists as a spiritual entity tethered to the town."

Shirou and Rin exchanged details about the war while Sakura quietly followed along. Though Gorgon encouraged her to assert herself and claim Shirou outright, Sakura preferred maintaining the status quo. With Zouken Matou gone, she no longer bore the weight of her grandfather's oppressive presence. Her only lingering concern was her brother Shinji—a complicated, unpleasant individual who might disrupt her newfound peace within the Emiya household.

Having grown up in such a stifling environment, Sakura understood she differed greatly from ordinary people. Yet she also knew Shinji's twisted personality could pose problems for their future together. Would his behavior tarnish her life here? And if so, how could she address it?

Sakura's presence at the Emiya residence stemmed from Zouken's orders after learning Shirou was Kiritsugu Emiya's adopted son. Initially tasked with surveillance, that mission ended with Zouken's death. Still, might the Einzbern family alter their plans regarding the Matou line? While unlikely, the possibility existed.

Should she ask Mr. Li for assistance? He seemed to have his own methods for handling Shinji.

"Cherry, Cherry?"

"Hmm? Senpai, did you need something?" Sakura snapped out of her thoughts, realizing both Rin and Shirou were staring at her intently.

Had she been zoning out so obviously?

She didn't understand why their conversation suddenly shifted focus to her.

"You were looking toward Mount Enzo just now—did that man named Li Mo do something to you? Or perhaps Caster placed some kind of curse?" Rin asked.

Casters were often magi, and during their brief encounter, they learned Caster's true identity: Medea, the witch of Greek legend and a relic of the Age of Gods. It wasn't uncommon for her to cast subtle curses undetectable by ordinary means.

Earlier, Sakura had shared the names of her Servants with them. According to her explanation:

"Miss Tohsaka, you're overthinking things. I'm perfectly healthy—better than ever before. I was just distracted by something minor. Rider, could you please run an errand to Mount Enzo? I forgot to bring back the groceries I bought this afternoon."

"No problem."

Rider, in her ethereal form, responded promptly and departed alone to retrieve the forgotten ingredients.

Sakura then turned to the others. "By the way, Senpai, Miss Tohsaka, have either of you eaten dinner yet?"

"Not yet." Shirou admitted. His day had been anything but ordinary. Cleaning up after archery club practice led to witnessing Archer and Lancer's clash, being impaled by a spear, miraculous recovery, another attack by Lancer, summoning Saber to repel him, and finally meeting Rin. Their original plan involved heading to the Church in New Fuyuki City to learn more about the Holy Grail War—but events spiraled into chaos following the assault on the Matou estate.

As for Rin, she fared slightly better, having eaten dinner before investigating the situation at school with Red Archer.

After hearing their responses, Sakura nodded thoughtfully. "Understood, Senpai. Allow me to prepare dinner."

"Do you even have time to eat, Sakura?" Shirou asked.

"Not really," Sakura admitted. Her afternoon had been equally eventful—negotiating alliances, undergoing surgery, resting, and discussing strategies. Time slipped away quickly.

Nevertheless, she moved confidently toward the kitchen. Despite damage to the living room, the cooking area remained intact. As for ingredients, they'd need to wait for Rider's return.

Meanwhile, Rin resumed explaining the intricacies of the Holy Grail War to Shirou...

---

Deep within a cavern on Mount Enzo lay traces of human activity. Collaborating with Gorgon, Li Mo transformed the primitive cave into a livable abode—a modest retreat carved from raw nature.

But the architect behind this transformation, Gorgon, now voiced her discontent. "Master, why would you rather eat instant noodles than let me cook you a proper meal?"

Indeed, Li Mo squatted on the ground, boiling instant noodles over a portable alcohol lamp instead of allowing Gorgon to prepare dinner. Despite her efforts to set up a gas stove, he insisted on using the simpler method. Why? Because he felt like it.

There was no deeper reasoning.

"Gorgon-senpai, you can join me too. We've got plenty of time ahead; opportunities abound. Tonight, though, I'm craving instant noodles."

Or cup ramen.

Though portions were modest, Li Mo compensated by preparing multiple servings. One bowl wouldn't suffice—he'd simply make several.

"Medea-san, give this a try. It's a product of modern industrial society, unavailable in mythological times!" Li Mo enthusiastically promoted the convenience of contemporary foodstuffs to Medea.

True enough, such items weren't absent due to lack of resources in ancient days—they simply weren't necessary for those capable of conjuring feasts through magic, nor accessible to those unable to perform such feats.

Thus, two figures soon crouched before several alcohol lamps, joined shortly after by Gorgon. When the instant noodles were ready, each claimed their share: one Master accompanied by two Heroic Spirits indulging in mass-produced cuisine.

While factory-made foods lacked gourmet refinement, their consistency offered a unique appeal. For someone unfamiliar with such flavors, the combination of science and simplicity delivered a satisfying experience.