Chapter 171: Thoughts

The Emiya residence was essentially a dojo, and for Red Archer, it felt like home. Familiar with every detail of the place, he effortlessly guided them both to their destination. 

Li Mo wasn't unfamiliar with such indoor environments. They often appeared in films and anime—usually as training grounds for martial arts or magical disciplines. While private residences boasting these structures were rare, they spoke volumes about wealth. Without a doubt, this was an excellent combat arena.

"Right here," Red Archer stopped, materializing two weapons into his hands. 

**Gān Jiāng and Mó Yé**—famous blades from ancient China. Of course, Red Archer, whose true name was Shirou Emiya, didn't wield historical artifacts; instead, he projected replicas using his Reality Marble. 

Shirou Emiya possessed remarkable talent in projection magic. In other timelines, he achieved legendary feats by projecting divine arms. However, for ordinary magi, projection magic was limited to mundane tools like kitchen knives. 

"I'll say this first—I won't fight you…" Li Mo began, only to be interrupted mid-sentence by a rush of wind. He instinctively blocked with the shadow blade in his hand, parrying Shirou's dual swords. 

The strength behind the attack wasn't weak… Despite being an Archer-class Servant, physical power wasn't his primary focus. His close-combat awareness lagged slightly compared to others. 

Li Mo sighed internally: "Let me finish speaking… never mind." 

There was no killing intent in Shirou's movements. This wasn't about death—it was about release. 

The clash began. 

Magical enhancements flowed through Li Mo's body, matching his speed to Shirou's. Whistling winds cut through the dojo as afterimages and flashes of steel filled the air. The metallic clangs of their blades echoed throughout the room. 

The gap between human and Servant didn't seem as despair-inducing as one might expect. 

---

Rin Tohsaka felt her head buzzing like a hive of bees. After reaching the correct conclusion, disbelief overwhelmed her. 

"I think… it must be true. Even though neither confirmed outright, everything they said pointed to it. That Archer is definitely referring to me." 

Kiritsugu Emiya—the flawed path. 

Shirou Emiya deduced Archer's identity based on two key points: his critical view of Kiritsugu and subtle glances toward himself during their conversation. These small details painted a clear picture. 

Would she become someone like that? 

Shirou closed his eyes, recalling interactions with Archer. Though initially hostile, it wasn't the same cold-blooded animosity he'd encountered from Lancer, who would kill simply for witnessing something forbidden. No, Archer's disdain ran deeper. 

But why look down on his past self so harshly? More importantly, Archer hadn't outright rejected Kiritsugu's chosen path as wrong. What made it incorrect? Questions swirled in Shirou's mind, urging him to understand what mistake drove Kiritsugu astray. 

Meanwhile, Rin Tohsaka wrestled with even more complex thoughts. She had always seen Shirou Emiya as merely an ally, someone she saved—a good person. Never once did she imagine walking alongside him in any meaningful way. 

Even if their words suggested she wouldn't marry him, the revelation remained jarring. According to Li Mo's earlier statements, she summoned Shirou directly—not via a relic. Such a deep connection implied far more than mere coincidence. Then what exactly was her relationship with him? 

Of course! That explained why both Archer and the mysterious magus avoided revealing too much. This kind of information… how embarrassing! 

"—I should've prepared a proper catalyst," Rin muttered regretfully. But funds were scarce after her father, Tokiomi Tohsaka, passed away in his prime. Though Kotomine Kirei occasionally helped manage finances, his ties to the Church left Rin uneasy. Moreover, his financial acumen was mediocre at best. 

Unlike her ancestor's casual use of jewels, Rin struggled financially when conducting magical research. These trivial concerns weighed heavily on her mind. 

Why dwell on such matters now? The past was the past. Rin slapped her cheeks lightly, snapping herself back to reality. 

Then she noticed someone watching her. Following the gaze, she saw Sakura Matou observing her intently. Her expression seemed unusually strained. 

"Rin, is something wrong?" 

"Nothing, Onee-sama." 

Sakura couldn't pinpoint the strange emotions rising within her. Why did her senior, whom her predecessor favored, evoke such feelings? Her smile faltered, replaced by stiffness. A sinking sensation gripped her heart, accompanied by unwelcome thoughts. 

Why couldn't it be *her*? 

Before she could dwell further, arms wrapped around her waist from behind. Koyanskaya's embrace tightened as she rested her chin on Sakura's shoulder, whispering teasingly into her ear: "Oh, my dear little Sakura, are you feeling jealous? Over something that doesn't even exist yet? How adorable~" 

"Koyanskaya-san, please stop!" Sakura's face flushed crimson. Though she harbored similar thoughts, having them voiced aloud was mortifying. 

"And what if I don't? You're so cute when you're jealous. Didn't you say before that my Master is destined to change? The simplest solution would be seeing him married off already. Might as well make it official while we're at it," Koyanskaya persisted playfully. 

"Koyanskaya-san!" Sakura squirmed desperately, but how could human strength compare to a Servant's? 

Finally, Rider intervened, pulling Koyanskaya away. 

"Assassin, that's enough," she scolded sternly. 

Koyanskaya pouted exaggeratedly, drawing out her tone in feigned disappointment. To Rider, however, the act reeked of artificiality. Assassin's abilities extended beyond mere charm; this performance was deliberate provocation. 

---

"Um… perhaps we should leave life-changing decisions until after the Holy Grail War ends. Right now, our priority should be dismantling the Greater Grail, shouldn't it?" Shirou interjected awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. 

Sakura bowed her head in embarrassment. Why did Koyanskaya have to be so blunt about near-confessions like this?! 

Rin sighed deeply, cutting through the tension. "Shouldn't our focus be on the two people currently fighting in the dojo?!" 

With renewed urgency, everyone headed toward the training hall. 

Inside, the atmosphere crackled with intensity. Li Mo and Red Archer moved faster than the eye could follow, their forms blurring amidst bursts of energy. Shadows clashed against steel, each strike resonating with precision and force. For observers, it was a mesmerizing display of skill—but also a stark reminder of the gulf between human and Heroic Spirit. 

Still, there was something fascinating about the exchange. Two versions of the same person, bound by time and circumstance, testing each other's resolve. Would this confrontation bring clarity—or deepen the divide? Only time would tell.