Slingshot.
It is not only Shinji's designated code name but also his weapon.
Unlike the various treasures obtained from Perseus, this one is personally designed by him, belonging exclusively to him as his "Mystic Code."
In the eyes of those who truly love slingshots and study them, slingshots are not toys for children but works of art. Constructed using modern materials and technology, these powerful composite slingshots possess superior accuracy and stability, rivaling firearms in terms of lethality.
A composite slingshot powered by rubber tubing, with a little training, can effortlessly hit a target with a 1-centimeter diameter from a distance of fifty meters. Up close, it can easily pierce an adult's palm.
The soul that occupies Shinji's body was a slingshot enthusiast even before the time of his transmigration. He crafted three composite slingshots and gained some fame within the community. Therefore, when preparing weapons for himself, the first thing he thought of was a slingshot.
In his previous life, limited by materials and machinery, Shinji was unable to create more advanced composite slingshots. However, things were different in this life. With the wealth and influence of the Matou family, he easily obtained the materials and machinery he desired.
It must be admitted that Japan is much more advanced than any country in the world in terms of machinery.
The segmented bow body cast from a titanium alloy, the elastic network consisting of forty-eight strands of metal wire twisted and combined, and the professionally mounted laser sight on the frame would leave the slingshot enthusiasts from his previous life dumbfounded.
What's even more insane is that after the slingshot's components left the workshop, Shinji asked Justeaze and Scathach to perform secondary modifications on it.
Justeaze, hailing from the Einzbern family, the world's top alchemist lineage, processed the materials in such a way that their strength and durability reached an exaggerated level.
The "Primordial Runes" specially added to the slingshot by Scathach were the most crucial factor that earned the slingshot the label of "insane." Runes, in their original form, could be engraved on materials such as wood, stone, metal, and shells, providing passive protection or activating magical effects. Countless divine weapons in European mythology were adorned with runic symbols, whether it be Diarmuid Ua Duibhne's twin spears or Scathach's magical spear.
Although the materials used by Shinji could not compare to these legendary treasures, with the skilled craftsmanship of Justeaze and Scathach, this slingshot still reached the level of a low-grade Noble Phantasm.
In the darkness, a sudden red laser beam appeared, almost instantly hitting Kirei in the back.
In the next second, Kirei's body began to move rapidly. Instead of approaching Maya, who was within arm's reach, he used unique footwork to evade the laser lock-on and approached Shinji's hiding place.
At the same time, the blades flickered, and Kirei unleashed two black keys in a mere 0.3 seconds.
A person who can use laser targeting and has appeared here is most likely Emiya Kiritsugu—Kirei made this judgment without hesitation and promptly changed targets.
Kirei's speed ensured that the black keys flew faster than slingshot. If his reaction was even slightly slower, the black keys would pierce through his body. However, Shinji, who had thoroughly studied Kirei, was already prepared for this move and changed his position when Kirei turned around.
The two black keys pierced through Shinji's previous location, flew out of the building, and disappeared into the night.
This outcome further solidified Kirei's judgment. The person who appeared was indeed Emiya Kiritsugu. If it wasn't him, who else could easily dodge his black keys like that?
Kirei swiftly moved forward, flicking his wrist and simultaneously drawing out six black keys.
Three in his left hand, three in his right.
At this moment, Shinji's counterattack began.
The projectiles, nearly identical to bullets in terms of speed and size—a result of the dual modifications by Justeaze and Scathach—gave Shinji's composite slingshot a destructive power that rivaled or even surpassed firearms. Depending on the tension of the elastic network, the projectiles varied in power, with the lowest setting equivalent to a police handgun and the highest capable of matching a large-caliber anti-material sniper rifle.
With magically enhanced vision and the predictive skills taught by Scathach, Shinji successfully anticipated Kirei's movement trajectory.
Two shots were fired simultaneously.
One hit the chest, the other hit the abdomen.
The supersonic projectiles surpassed Kirei's reaction speed and accurately hit their target, just as Shinji had predicted, causing intense sparks upon impact.
The problem lay in Kirei's clothing. He was wearing a habit that was not an ordinary priest's robe but the standard equipment of an Executor, similar to the black keys. The entire habit was made of thick fibers and was meticulously adorned with protective charms specially made by the Church for Executors, providing extraordinary defense.
However, Shinji's intention was not to directly penetrate the defense but...
At the moment the projectiles were deflected, a silver rune appeared on their surface.
The magical power contained within the projectiles detonated along with the rune, causing two small explosions.
Rune-infused bullets, known as Rune Bullets, possessed dual physical and magical damage, making them another combat-oriented "Magecraft Equipment" used by Shinji. This was also the most important reason why Shinji chose the slingshot as his weapon. The versatility of the slingshot, capable of firing projectiles of different sizes and shapes with various attached runes, made it more suitable compared to firearms with fixed calibers.
The flames from the rune bullet explosions illuminated the dark corridor, revealing the expression on Shinji's face.
No excitement, only solemnity.
The protective power of the habit and Kirei's physical resilience exceeded Shinji's expectations. The fact that the rune bullets, which took him hours to craft each, didn't cause any damage to Kirei was unexpected.
Amidst the flames, a figure wearing a black robe suddenly approached at high speed.
"Enhance - Legs!"
The incantation was not in Chinese or Japanese but in the Gaelic language of the God Era, a magical language bestowed by Scathach. It was a derivative magic using rune symbols and happened to be the type of magic that Shinji excelled in.
With the aid of magic, Shinji leaped sideways in quick succession, avoiding the opportunity for confrontation with Kirei. Only his disguised features, such as his black hair and East Asian skin, were revealed, as he continued to play the role of "Emiya Kiritsugu." He had deliberately chosen to rescue Maya when she was in danger to create this kind of misunderstanding.
A black-clad Executor, a Church executioner, pursued behind.
Although it was only a moment, Kirei had already locked onto the target's position. The six black keys, divided into three volleys, were thrown consecutively, taking a total of one second, showcasing even more exquisite skill than the 0.3-second single-throw technique.
The six black keys, divided into three groups, pursued, restrained, and intercepted. This was just the beginning. Everything Kirei did was to narrow the distance between himself and Shinji, preparing for his ultimate technique, the "Bajiquan."