Breath is a complex concept, far more than just simple respiration. It encompasses a comprehensive sensation that includes factors such as a person's breath, the fluctuations of released magical energy, the impact of movements on the environment, and one's aura and presence, among other intangible yet undeniable elements.
The aura that Shinji sensed encompassed each of these factors mentioned above, and each was incredibly strong.
The breathing he heard was long and rhythmic, with each inhalation and exhalation containing three to five times the volume of an average person's breath. This was a sign of mastering physical techniques to an advanced level. The sounds of the body breaking the air, accompanying the breath, further confirmed this assessment.
What caught Shinji's attention more than the breath and the sound of breaking wind was the slight tingling feedback he felt in his magic circuits. This was a manifestation of being oppressed by external magical energy, a natural reaction of the body. With Shinji's advanced physique and magical reservoir, the only things that could cause him pain besides high-level magecraft and ritual magecraft were ancient mysteries.
At this moment, the distinct magical fluctuations he sensed belonged to the latter, and it was precisely these fluctuations that allowed Shinji to determine the identity of the person—the Holy Church. Only their equipment would carry such prominent "sacred" characteristics.
"Heh, no wonder this hidden paradise is filled with hidden dragons and lurking tigers, no wonder there are members of the Holy Church stationed here in the academy. And this pressure, even stronger than Kotomine Kirei, it's probably more than just an Executor. Considering my current condition, facing such a formidable enemy does put quite a bit of pressure on me, hence the misfortune... Seo Shizune's prediction does carry some weight."
In the time he spent analyzing and marveling, that powerful aura had already arrived less than five meters behind Shinji.
Shinji reached into his waist pouch with his left hand, gripping two runestones. With his right hand clenched, his Noble Phantasms in the Mystic Code state gathered around him, ready to respond with the appropriate Noble Phantasms based on the opponent's attack style.
Just as Shinji was preparing himself, ready to face the attack, something unexpected happened.
That formidable aura, the powerful individual whom Shinji dared not underestimate, suddenly came to a halt. They stopped just three meters away from Shinji, showing no intention of launching a surprise attack from behind.
"What kind of act is this?" Shinji wondered in his mind. In his impression, the Church's combat forces, much like his own team, were not known for playing by the rules. They would use any means necessary to win. Ambushes were the most basic tactic. If it were Shinji himself, he would never let such an opportunity to strike the enemy from behind slip away.
Or, perhaps this unidentified powerful individual doesn't hold any hostility towards me? Then what's with that spine-chilling gaze they gave me?
I can't figure it out, can't figure it out.
Well, if I can't figure it out, I'll stop thinking about it for now and first find out who this person hiding in the garden is!
With his decision made, Shinji maintained his defensive stance while turning around.
And then, he saw the tall figure standing at the edge of the chapel's roof.
Tall, towering, upright.
Firstly, this person is very tall. Even after spending so much time in the clock tower, he rarely saw someone this tall. Estimated height over 1.8 meters, not wearing high heels—it's a woman, though her appearance leans towards neutrality.
Secondly, this person stands very straight, like a spear, as if she could thrust forward at any moment.
The woman's attire is non-mainstream. The jacket and pants are modern, like a jacket and tight pants, but the other parts are simplified knight armor. Although simplified, all the essential components are there—chest armor, foot armor, hand armor, arm armor, and a waist and leg protector hidden under the white hem, faintly visible.
Such a mix of ancient and modern attire might seem out of place to others, but on this woman, it doesn't look awkward at all. Paired with her white ponytail and clear gaze, it adds to her sharpness.
A tall woman like this should wield a weapon as equally tall and upright, like a sword or a spear, right?
Many people would think so, and Shinji is no exception. However, the answer is not as expected. This woman's weapon is neither a sword nor a spear, but a shield. It's the same black base with silver edges as her jacket.
The shape of the shield is as peculiar as the woman's attire. From its outline, it resembles a cello or a double bass, with the distance between its longest points almost matching the woman's height.
Yes, this is a female shield warrior, a "Shield Maiden," an extremely rare character from the world of anime and games.
For the first time since his arrival in this world, Shinji didn't need to look at the person; he could roughly determine their identity just by looking at their weapon.
In the world of Type-Moon, there are two well-known Shield Maidens. One is the protagonist of "Fate/Grand Order," Mash Kyrielight, who possesses an invincible reputation and likability among fans.
The person Shinji encountered was not her. Firstly, Mash's shield is in a cross shape, not a cello shape. Secondly, Mash is a petite girl and could never have an exaggerated height of over 1.8 meters. Most importantly, Mash was born in 2000, and it is currently 1998, so she hasn't even been conceived yet.
The Shield Maiden who fits these conditions is another character. She may not be well-known among Fate fans but has considerable fame in the Type-Moon world. She is...
"Riesbyfe?"
Upon hearing the name that came out of Shinji's mouth, the woman holding the shield was slightly surprised. "You know me?"
Shinji thought to himself, as expected.
Riesbyfe, who appears in the fighting game "Melty Blood" and its related works, is also known as Riesbyfe Stridberg. She is the captain of the Vestel Shield Knights led by the Holy Church, a woman from Sweden, and a devout follower among the believers. She is known as the "Sanctified Maiden of the Fortress," the "Holy Shield Knight," and the "Mediator of Music and Law." She is highly regarded within the Church (not in terms of status) and is considered one of the most powerful individuals.
"The esteemed Captain of the Inquisition Knights, why have you come to this small eastern city instead of dealing with heretics? There are no heretics you seek here."
"Who said there aren't any?" Riesbyfe raised her shield with her left hand, pointing it at Shinji. "There's one right in front of me."
"Heh, I'm just a passing magus. I don't dare claim the title of a heretic."
Shinji's laughter made Riesbyfe's already clear gaze turn colder.
"Perhaps you weren't before, but from the moment you defiled this sacred chapel and insulted the Lord, I have deemed you a heretic. Moreover, this is a women's academy, and you, a male, have infiltrated here in the depths of the night. As a believer and as a woman. I must purge you. Prepare yourself!"
After saying that, Riesbyfe swung her shield and was about to charge at Shinji.
In the moment before she took a step, Shinji suddenly shouted, "Stop!"
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