Shinji Matou at Your Service

Due to Sion's prolonged disappearance, the Atlas Institute became anxious and sent out requests to all its contacts, which led to different factions working on the same task.

Historically, such situations were not uncommon, leading to the unwritten rule that whoever arrived first would take the lead. Of course, being unwritten meant it could be violated, and many were unwilling to give up. At times like these, the age-old rule prevailed—might make right. Whoever had the stronger fist got to call the shots.

Riesbyfe's intentions were clear: either you back down, or we fight.

Shinji didn't mind a fight. Back then, he was holding back from testing himself and concealing his identity, which caused him to be at a disadvantage. If he fought with all his might, the outcome would be uncertain, especially since his strength had increased several times over. However, knowing the Church's ways, even if he defeated Riesbyfe, they wouldn't let it go easily, leading to inevitable trouble.

So Shinji chose—

"I see. In that case, forget it. The headquarters doesn't prioritize this task. Just record a video later; I'll go through the motions."

"Huh?"

Riesbyfe, who was adjusting her stance and ready for battle, was stunned. After a moment, she sighed in disappointment, remembering the superficial unity among the three major departments of the Mage's Association.

"Alright then."

Seeing her reaction, Shinji, who had interacted with her before, knew what she was thinking and secretly laughed, though he showed no emotion on his face.

"Okay, Shiki, can I borrow a room to record a video? I also have some things to discuss privately with Miss Sion."

"Privately?"

The two increasingly close women exchanged glances and frowned simultaneously.

"To be precise, with Arcueid as well."

"Does it involve me?"

Arcueid, who had been named, perked up again, and Shinji quickly calmed her down.

"Yes, I need your help with something later. Please be quiet for now."

"Okay."

"You wouldn't refuse, would you, Miss Sion?"

Shinji made a serious face. While the others couldn't understand, Sion seemed to catch on and nodded silently.

"Great. Sorry to trouble you again, Shiki, Miss Akiha."

"You're always welcome to visit."

"Considering you helped eliminate the anomaly."

The same answer, but different ways of expressing it.

"Master Shinji, Miss Arcueid, please follow me."

Kohaku, slipping into her maid role, led the way.

Just as Shinji was about to take a step, Arcueid suddenly leaned heavily on him from behind.

"Hey, hey—"

"It's dawn. I'm so tired, I don't want to walk. Carry me."

The wilful princess whispered into Shinji's ear, her voice growing softer until only warm breaths remained.

Behind her, the darkness gradually receded, and the sky began to lighten—vampires were more sensitive to the sun than any other creatures.

"You..."

Recalling her actions that night, Shinji didn't say much more. He gently touched her head with his forehead.

"Thank you for your hard work."

"Mm..."

"I'll wake you when we get there."

"Mm... Hey, Shinji."

The drowsy princess suddenly opened one eye.

"Hmm?"

"Why haven't you told me yet, what exactly is your relationship with that woman?"

"You're still asking even now?"

"Tell me."

"Alright, alright, I'll tell you. She's my Shishou. Half of what I can do, she taught me. I went through a lot when I first started learning from her."

"What kind of things?"

"I'll tell you later. For now, just sleep."

"Okay."

A man and a woman, speaking softly in the first light of dawn, created an inexplicably harmonious scene, prompting everyone who witnessed it to instinctively lighten their steps.

Walking at the back of the group, Sion shaded her eyes with her hand and glanced back at the rising sun. In a voice only she could hear, she said:

"Is it over? Hard to believe—but they do indeed have the strength for it. They, or rather, she might truly have the ability to solve my problems."

◇◇◇

I take back what I said earlier.

I mentioned adding Satsuki Yumizuka would complete the Back Alley Alliance.

Now, there's no need to add her. Satsuki Yumizuka is already here, having experienced the event firsthand and serving as the catalyst for this meeting.

More crucially—

"What? You said you took Satsuki Yumizuka as an apprentice?"

When Touko mentioned this news, Shinji's eyes nearly popped out of his head, and he forgot what he was about to say next.

"What? Is there a problem?"

Touko stood with her hands on her hips, protectively placing Satsuki, who felt awkward under Shinji's gaze, behind her.

"Although the number of her magic circuits can't compare to those of long-standing family heirs, she's still higher than you. Moreover, for me, the number of magic circuits isn't the most important; precision and uniqueness are. Satsuki's uniqueness is enough to qualify her for a Sealing Designation."

Shinji didn't doubt this. Satsuki Yumizuka indeed had the qualifications. Although she was a character whose role was cut down, her talent and potential were beyond doubt.

Take, for example, the side story in Tsukihime. After being turned into a vampire by Roa, she crosses the levels of ghoul and living dead in just one night, directly becoming a Dead Apostle and freeing herself from Roa's control. If she hadn't been eliminated by Shiki (or someone else) later, she could have quickly ascended to the level of the Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors. Even more astonishing, Satsuki comprehended the Reality Marble on her own. Among all the characters in the Type-Moon universe, her talent and potential were top-tier. If someone like her isn't qualified for a Sealing Designation, who is?

Although the qualifications for a Dead Apostle and a magus aren't identical, there are many overlaps. One couldn't help but admire Touko's keen eye for talent. Still—

"You just freed yourself from a Sealing Designation, and now you've taken on an apprentice who qualifies for one. I'm afraid you'll be hunted again."

"Hunted..."

Satsuki shivered. She had only been Touko's apprentice for a few hours and didn't yet understand the dark and brutal world of mysteries.

"Don't be afraid," Touko reassured her, patting her shoulder.

"This is Japan, not Europe. Their reach doesn't extend here. Besides, you have Shiki."

"Ah!"

"Me?"

"Hmph!"

Satsuki blushed, Shiki was surprised, and Akiha was furious.

Though Kohaku and Hisui remained silent, their expressions changed.

The internal strife within the Tohno family escalated, making Shiki's future appear increasingly turbulent.