The story of Emiya and Miyu is actually quite simple.
If you strip away all the profound parts, it's just a meeting between a boy and a small girl. That's all there is to it.
After listening to the story of the Emiya Shirou of this world and the choices he made for just one person, Archer remained as stoic as ever, but he couldn't help feeling deeply moved.
Especially when faced with this Emiya Shirou who had abandoned his ideals, the unwavering and fearless look in his eyes made Archer think wistfully, if only the Emiya Shirou from his world could be like this.
In contrast to Archer, Illya and the others made no effort to hide their emotions after hearing the story of Miyu and Emiya Shirou.
A small girl who once could grant any wish indiscriminately, and a boy who aspired to be a hero of justice. Their encounter, their story, and their growth together.
To become the world's evil for the sake of one person.
How... romantic!
Illya couldn't help thinking this, and she felt a bit envious, believing that Miyu's situation was much better than her own.
Though it was tragic, at least Miyu didn't have any rivals in love!
Even if there was a rival, they were long gone!
From Shirou's expressions and behavior when talking about Miyu, it was clear that he was a total siscon! So envious!
On the other hand, she had to deal with Saber, an unbeatable rival! Hmph! So frustrating!
"Kid, I like you!"
Lancer openly expressed his approval of this Shirou: "There are many things that, if you overthink, will only cause you distress. A man needs just a simple reason and the will to fight for it to the end!"
"Uh… haha…"
The giant Shirou could only give an awkward laugh. It was clear from this statement that the blue lancer was not one to overcomplicate things.
You could call it straightforwardness, or in another word…
"The world relying on miracles for salvation might be a form of sorrow itself."
Bazett sighed softly. Hearing her words, Lancer looked quite surprised.
"Bazett, that doesn't sound like something you'd say!"
"It's just how I feel. Besides, he would say the same thing."
After speaking, Bazett appeared a bit regretful. It had been a long time since she saw him, and right after meeting, they were transferred to a parallel world.
"That kid (Shinji), right? True, but your tones are quite different."
"Who?" asked the giant Shirou.
"Don't worry about it," Illya said, standing up. "Anyway, we need to discuss a rescue plan. Whether for justice or whatever, we must first save Shirou and Miyu. And fortunately, our spy has successfully infiltrated…"
"A spy?" The giant Shirou was confused.
"Ruby, have you found them?"
Illya pressed her index finger to her ear as if she were communicating with someone.
"Yes, Illya-chan! Ruby-chan has precisely located their positions! Shirou-san's location and Miyu's too!"
"We can only act at night when Berserker awakens. Wait for my signal, Ruby."
"Got it! But… there's a little problem."
"A problem?"
"Ruby-chan has been discovered… Ah! Let go of me! Forcing Ruby-chan will get you nowhere! You may capture my body, but you'll never capture my heart! Help—! Illya-chan!"
Click!
The communication was cut off!
From Ruby's words, Illya could easily guess the situation. Ruby had been discovered by Angelica and captured.
"Hoping on this useless wand with no integrity, I'm such an idiot."
Illya sighed, feeling helpless. Ruby not only got captured but failed to report Shirou and Miyu's exact locations!
Worst teammate ever!
"I know where Miyu and the other me from this world are held," the giant Shirou said, raising his hand.
"Eh?" Illya was surprised.
...
Not enough manpower!
Illya reached this conclusion.
Infiltrating a mage's workshop while engaging in battle and rescuing captives required more people to ensure a successful retreat afterward.
Even with four Servants, it was still challenging to face those two!
Not to mention Angelica, who wielded Gilgamesh's card so skillfully, and that little hammer-wielding girl who was equally troublesome!
Not only did she possess strength surpassing Berserker, but her hammer could unleash divine lightning. Very few could withstand such an attack!
And then there was the ominous Darius Enzworth, who hadn't shown himself yet but gave an unsettling vibe. If they faced him head-on…
"We might have... additional allies."
Noticing Illya's concern, Bazett spoke up, taking out all the class cards except for Rider's from her inner pocket.
"So far, we know that only Miyu and Enzworth can use class card limited deployment or dream summon, but I have a feeling you can use them too."
Illya gently shook her head at Bazett's suggestion, then reluctantly admitted: "You're truly an exceptional Enforcer from the Mage's Association. Your insight is remarkable. You're right; as someone similar to Miyu and contracted with Ruby, I can use the cards.
"With my vast magic circuits and mana, I can sustain the use of class cards without transforming. But… that requires the magical environment of our Fuyuki City.
"Currently, most of my mana is sustaining Berserker. Unless Ruby provides a large amount of mana, I don't have enough left to use the class cards."
"I see…"
Bazett nodded in understanding. Sustaining a Servant required immense mana, and Berserker, being the strongest, demanded even more.
Screech—!
"Forces are here!"
The door slid open, and Rin and Luvia's voices followed.
"Rin! Luvia…"
Seeing the two exhausted and filthy girls, Illya was momentarily stunned. When did they arrive in this world?
Ignoring the others, Rin focused on the archer and walked towards him, gritting her teeth and clenching her fists.
"Archer! You couldn't pick up your Master? What do you mean by 'too busy'? Do you know how hard it was for us to find this place from the great hole? It's snowing outside! Ah… achoo! So cold…"
"I was really busy."
Archer crossed his arms, his attitude unapologetic. He had indeed received Rin's message shortly after her arrival but was too engrossed to respond.
"You bastard!"
Rin's veins bulged with anger. Ever since Shinji took her Command Seals, her Servant had become increasingly disobedient!
"Do you know what we went through? Hungry, cold, and trekking a long way, we got ripped off by a familiar ramen shop priest!"
"Wait, Tohsaka Rin."
Luvia intervened, crossing her arms and puffing out her chest, "Being ripped off had nothing to do with you, right? I paid with a gemstone in the end, so it's not your concern!"
"Who are you calling stingy?! I just hate wasting money!"
Rin clenched her fists, turning her face away with a huff, whether genuinely unconcerned or pretending.
"And only a fool would spend a gemstone on two bowls of awful ramen! That's what I call being ripped off! I just can't stand such wasteful behavior!"
"Your frugality is as exaggerated as ever!"
"What did you say?!"
They began another round of bickering, neither willing to back down!
"Sigh…"
Illya sighed. These two were always the same, arguing whenever they met.
Bazett, thoughtfully watching them, calmly spoke up.
"Don't worry, we were also scammed by a familiar ramen shop owner."
"That's not comforting!" Rin retorted.
"Ramen…"
Saber suddenly froze, her eyes wide. She seemed to forget everything, murmuring to herself.
"Ramen shop… ramen… tonkotsu… eggs… chashu…"
Gurgle—
Hearing Saber's stomach growl, the giant Shirou scratched his cheek and cautiously suggested.
"Why don't we go to my house for a meal first?"
!
Saber's ahoge perked up, her drifting consciousness snapping back as she stared intensely at the giant Shirou!
"Approved!"
...
Looking at the Emiya residence, identical in every way to the one in the other world, Illya felt nostalgic. She finally understood why Miyu quickly adapted to the other Shirou's home.
"Miyu grew up here… with Kiritsugu and Shirou…"
Hearing Illya's musing, the giant Shirou, opening the door, seemed to soften, nodding gently.
"Miyu… she really was happy."
Illya said, moved.
Though this world was harsh, Miyu was indeed much happier than herself.
At least she could live with Shirou and Kiritsugu, protected and cherished by Shirou.
Sister comparison kills!
After welcoming everyone inside, the giant Shirou, sensing something, asked Illya, who was still outside.
"Do you… know Kiritsugu?"
"In our world, he's… my father."
Illya smiled, her face lighting up. She had come to terms with her past.
At least she could now accept that man as her father, though a trace of resentment lingered.
"I see…" The giant Shirou smiled warmly, inviting her in: "Come in, even if it's a different world, this is your home too."
Seeing this Shirou, who was even kinder and more mature, Illya's envy of Miyu grew a bit.
Why was her Shirou so gentle while hers was just a dense blockhead?
"Let's continue this in the morning," the giant Shirou suggested.