Chapter 21: Chapter 21
The closing of Merlin's mouth was what ended the silence between the two, but it was evident that numerous thoughts were currently filtering through his mind.
Of course, Shirou didn't have the ability to know, and just observed as Merlin squared his shoulders and let out a breath.
"You are a handful," Merlin spoke with a deadpan expression before shaking his head. "Yet knowing your origin of Sword will help me in training you."
Shirou nodded, and waited patiently for Merlin to continue.
In the silence, screams of frustration could be heard not too far off in the distance. A small amused smile appeared over Shirou's lips, knowing just whose frustrated yells those were coming from.
Merlin just seemed to ignore it all, contemplating quietly to himself before coming to his own answer.
"Is that magecraft truly projection?" Merlin asked after a moment.
Shirou nodded before explaining further. "It's a higher level of projection I call Tracing which allows me to replicate any weapon I have ever seen to near perfection."
Merlin once again fell silent before choosing to refrain from asking about anymore of Shirou's magic. If he had, he wouldn't begin to be able to describe the type of headache he'd feel after knowing Shirou's ability with reinforcement and his subsequent use of it.
What Merlin focused on at the moment was the 'Tracing' Shirou had spoken of. Immediately he was able to pinpoint the problem involved with this magecraft.
Consumption.
To create Noble Phantasms from nothing, and even maintaining and utilizing said Noble Phantasm's inherent abilities, there was no doubt that it must be taxing to one's reserves.
This however, was what troubled Merlin. If he could just somehow find a way to increase Shirou's supply of magical energy, then whom from the Witch's side would be able to withstand the might of numerous Noble Phantasms? He could already picture how devastated the Witch would be upon learning such news. Even he himself would have some trouble against a Noble Phantasm, but he wasn't worried as he had more than a single means to obtain victory in a confrontation. Besides, even if Shirou could create Noble Phantasms and replicate their abilities, it didn't mean that Shirou would know how to use them. Merlin comforted himself with this assumption and used it as a means to supply his self-confidence.
Now onto the matter at hand.
Magical supply and Magic Circuits.
From birth, a Magus is given a set number of Magical Circuits that cannot increase or decrease naturally. Said Magical Circuits are the entire basis on how much magical energy a Magus could contain within themselves as Magic Circuits convert life force, or Od, into magical energy. The quality and number of circuits a magus possessed would influence the entirety of one's magecraft.
Shirou for example had twenty-seven.
Yet such a number was only enough to trace a few Noble Phantasms at best before Shirou exhausted himself. Even still, it was enough to unleash his greatest magic if even for just a moment.
However, Shirou would not be revealing that type of magic anytime soon. Rather, he would use it should the situation call for it.
Merlin, not knowing any of this, simple focused on Shirou's aspect on creating Noble Phantasms.
"To create a Noble Phantasm out of nothing, it should be quite strenuous on you and your magical reserves," Merlin began.
Shirou agreed. Merlin was a renowned Magus even in his time in the early two-thousand's. It was best to be truthful to learn the most from this famous Wizard.
"What you need for this type of magic is larger reserves of energy," Merlin began, crossing his arms and frowning slightly. "It's impossible to raise the quality and quantity of one's Magic Circuits from birth naturally, but there are multiple ways."
Merlin raised a finger. "One would be a transfer between two magi through the establishment of what is called, a mystic pass. However, clearly, this option is not viable, and the risks themselves are too high," he quickly dismissed before continuing. "Another method is the bestowel of a Magic Crest. Not only do Magic Crests contain a number of Magic Circuits, but they possess the mysteries and knowledge of other magi as I'm sure you should be clear of," Merlin finished as his eyes landed on the Ashton Crest displayed on the leathers Shirou was wearing.
Shirou noticed this, and understood what Merlin was hinting at. Ever since he had first noticed the crest, he had been hesitant to assimilate it into his own body. Upon assimilation, a magus would not only have access to the Magic Circuits stored within, but the ability to also utilize the stored mysteries simply running magic through the crest. However, it was not without its dangers. Not only was absorbing a Magic Crest similar to an organ transplant, but the host had to be compatible as well lest the body undergo a rejection.
Somehow though, Shirou could feel that this Ashton Crest would not reject him. Even Efret seemed to think along these lines as it had previously shown no worries at all.
"I understand," Shirou spoke still hesitant on the matter, but no longer putting it off.
Merlin nodded his head before turning his gaze towards the direction of the sky. It was already growing dim, with clouds over head parting and revealing orange skies as the sun begun its descent. From the start of the day till the end, after Merlin had placed Arturia into her own training, he and Shirou had been discussing the finer matters of Shirou's training.
Finally, it was Merlin who finished the conversation.
"Let's bring todays matters to a close for the time being," Merlin spoke, beginning to move in the direction where the sounds of frustration had long since silenced into reserved cursing.
However, Shirou realized that this would be his only opportunity to ask a single question. He was currently alone with Merlin without any of the others around him. Thus, he could be frank.
"Wait," Shirou called, raising a hand. "There's one thing I'd like to ask you."
There had to be a reason why Merlin would invite Sir Ector and the rest to Roan at this moment four years before Shirou knew Arturia would draw Caliburn. Thinking clearly on this point, he found that Merlin had more than a single motive within Roan. The only question was, what was it? He knew from the memories he shared with Saber that it was indeed around this time that Merlin had personally taken to training Arturia for her role as King, but he had done so in Bristol.
Yet this time, Arturia's training had begun in Roan.
There were already differences in the timeline, and more and more, he was delving into unknown waters.
In the previous timeline, Merlin would indeed begin training Arturia within Bristol to not only protect her identity, but to check up on Sir Ector and Kay as well. What Shirou didn't know though, was that in the original timeline, Merlin had first spent an untold number of days in Roan before moving onto Bristol to begin training the young King. Because of this, Saber had no recollection in her memories of what Merlin had done in Roan and so was Shirou by extension.
Thus, there was only a single reason as to why Merlin would have invited Sir Ector and the rest into Roan.
It was because of a single anomaly.
And that anomaly was Shirou himself.
"Why did you bring us here?" Shirou asked.
Merlin remained stoic, a knowing look in his eyes.
Shirou then changed his question and became more direct. "Why did you bring me here?" He asked.
Shirou already knew that it wasn't because Merlin wished to train him that Sir Ector and the others travelled to Roan, rather, the training was an unforeseen circumstance. Thus, it had to be because of other reasons he did not know.
"You are a Magus," Merlin stated with a tilt of his head.
"I am a Magus," he answered, not understanding Merlin's point.
"You are an Ashton," Merlin stated next.
"I, I am an Ashton," he spoke with hesitation, glancing at the magic crest that resonated with him.
Merlin nodded before clearing his throat. "You trust her, and wish to protect her more than anyone else?"
The 'her' Merlin was referring to could only be one person in Shirou's mind. Immediately he agreed.
Merlin's eyes flashed with an undiscernible light before he spoke. "You are abnormal. Such devotion for a single friend, it's impossible for others not to doubt you. However, I am different and possess my own means to judge a person, and because of this, I have brought you to Roan by inviting Sir Ector and the others."
It was exactly as Shirou had thought. Without his presence here, Merlin would not have gotten Sir Ector and the rest to come to Roan.
"Listen well," Merlin spoke seriously. "There are several matters currently going on within the Town of Roan. One of which is something that all magi view with the greatest importance and as such is the most ideal time for me to act…"
LINE BREAK
Emily would not be forgetting her experience of the previous night, and similarly, she would never look at the older men in the same way again. Especially Gerrard that vulgar man for bringing her along with everyone else to such a deplorable place.
In fact, she envied the fact that Palamid had been opportune enough to escape the entire situation.
Ultimately, the memories she had of the place would forever be locked in the deepest chambers of her mind and never to be opened again. Right now, all she wanted was to return back to her lodgings and take a rest before dealing with anything else at the moment.
She was currently travelling alone as she had been the quickest one to escape after Palamid had left, and thus had some time to think of certain matters to herself.
Walking silently, she felt a tad guilty about leaving behind her family without any notice, yet she had done what she had selfishly wanted to do. She had followed after the boy she unknowingly fancied.
As young as she was, she still did not know how to distinguish the feelings she had inside of her, but it didn't stop her from following through with her decisions. After all, it was something her mother would have had done without hesitation. It was how her mother had ended up marrying her father after various circumstances she, nor her father, were not privy to.
Moving her gaze at the town around her, the buildings made of wood and cobblestone, and even the small shacks in the distance where the serfs lived, it was similar to Bristol. It was almost as if she had never left, but she knew that it was probably just a case of nostalgia.
She had never travelled too far away from home before, and in fact, this trip to view the world had broadened her horizons, and all of this was due to the feelings she had for a certain boy and the courage she had mustered to follow through with them. In which case, words were not enough to express her gratitude and instead she began thinking about what to cook for Shirou.
Like an upstanding woman, her mother had taught her all about how to be a proper woman to a man. Often, the stomach was the road to a man's heart, but countless smaller things couldn't be ruled out either. For example, just being around to share one's troubles, or even providing assistance when needed could bring attention to herself.
It was the small things that count.
Lost in thought, Emily ended up walking in the wrong direction and eventually ended up at an open street. Blinking, she tried to remember how she'd gotten here, but instead found it odd when she realized the street was oddly empty.
A cold wind blew, which was odd for the summer season, but Emily could hardly pay attention to it after her eyes met with those a stranger's walking down the street.
The stranger wore extravagant clothing. Long delicate sleeves of silk travelled down her arms and a short but practical dress clung to her body just stopping short of her knees. Oddly, she wore a pair of men's hunting leathers for her pants.
The stranger's features were cold, her brown eyes flickering with thinly veiled curiosity before changing into something else indiscernible. Her features were impeccable, her skin unblemished, chestnut coloured hair propped into a bun, and her face round yet slightly narrowed, giving her a refined sort of appearance.
In the empty street, there were only two people: Emily and the stranger.
Suddenly, the stranger frowned after she continually eyed Emily. "This is impossible," the stranger muttered before stepping closer.
Emily only felt as if a mountain was pressing over her, the stranger's presence becoming more and more overwhelming as the stranger approached. Fear began to bubble up from within her for she couldn't understand the situation. Where were the other people? The bustling crowds that had once filled the streets? And who was this stranger approaching her as if she deserved nothing more than a passing glance.
At that moment, she realized where she was. She was actually near the lodgings where everyone was currently staying. It was only because the streets had become oddly empty that she could not immediately realize this. Once this thought flashed through her mind, instantly, she thought of calling for help. Surely her voice would carry over the distance and alert the others. After all, the lodging wasn't that far away from her position.
Yet at that moment, the look over the stranger's face gave her pause. It was sheer indifference as if no matter how hard she tried, no would come.
Placed in a stupor, it was only when the stranger stopped directly in front of her that Emily regained herself.
Staggering back, she looked on with fearful eyes as the stranger spoke.
"You are not a magus," the stranger stated quizzically. "Yet your presence within this space is a contradiction. The only explanation would be-"
The stranger suddenly stilled, her eyes narrowing dangerously as she observed Emily thoroughly.
Emily truly did not know how to respond to the situation, let alone what the stranger was talking about. Even then, the aura the stranger emitted was one of high nobility and standing. It was a familiar sort of feeling she had once felt when the Son of Wolfred had been oppressing her in the earlier years.
"To think I would encounter a child of that failure," the stranger eventually spoke after a long examination. From there, the stranger put on a complicated expression before shaking her head and muttering quietly about matters that Emily could not understand.
Suddenly, the stranger stepped forward and entered Emily's personal space, putting Emily within arm's reach within moments.
Emily panicked, trying to distance herself from this mysterious stranger, but found herself unable to move as an invisible force held her still. "W-What do you want?" She choked out, realizing that the stranger was reaching out for her.
The stranger spoke nothing, instead, placing a hand over Emily's own arm.
Suddenly, Emily could feel strange fluctuations pulsating throughout her body. It almost made her feel powerful when she realized the same power was stemming from herself. Perhaps, even to a stronger degree than what the stranger herself was producing. However, that feeling was nothing compared to the fear she felt upon noticing the sharpness of the stranger's eyes.
Eventually, the stranger let go of Emily, a complex expression flashing across the stranger's face before returning to that of calm cold. The stranger seemed to hesitate over something before sneering in contempt, but ultimately asking a single question.
"Child, are you familiar with the noble name of Barthomeloi?"
LINE BREAK
Living within the Vernier's estate, the Madam resided within a detached complex in the state's land that she used for her own devices. In a way, it was a show of the importance Lord Vernier had placed on her to grant her free rule in one's own land. Yet in another, it could be viewed as a show of cowardice and apprehension. Lord Vernier not wishing to remain in her presence.
Either way, she smiled as she thought on the matter.
What a foolish man.
Did he not know that it was best to keep one's enemies close?
Then again, the same could be said to her, yet was Lord Vernier truly an enemy?
She shook her head, no; at best, he was just someone disposable. Unlike her who was unable to utilize her own identity, what she required of Lord Vernier was his reputation and status alone.
And yet, unnecessary troubles always seemed to pop up like rabbits in the fields.
Who was this Shirou Emiya? The madam laced her fingers together as she waited for her reports.
Not only did he appear to be an extraordinary youth, he possessed flair as well, beating down the sons of Vernier with but-a-stick on behalf of an injured friend. It was remarkable really. Not his valour or his virtue, but the feat of a stick parrying a sword.
She had no doubt that such a thing was possible should one be skilled enough, yet the boy was truly too young. She could understand and chalk it up to skill if he were any older, but who had ever heard of such an accomplished child? It was far more acceptable to believe in another conclusion she had come to.
"The preparations have been met," a voice spoke from the shadows of the dim candle-lit room. "You can expect a meeting within a couple days."
She only gave a nod in response, and quickly dismissed the messenger. Left alone, she raised up one of her hands and absently stared at the wisps of flame that danced around her finger tips before extinguishing them with a flick.
Magi.
They would be arriving in Roan shortly for a discussion of the greatest importance.
After all, Magic and Thaumaturgy were weakening, and this was a matter that effected all Magi. She herself was no exception. Therefore, something must be done, and she frowned knowing that she could not predict the result. However, that did not mean that she couldn't influence it to something that suited her.
With the gathering of Magi within Roan, it was highly likely that this 'Shirou Emiya,' if that was truly his name, descended from a reclusive branch of magus. However, what she deemed worthy of further thought on the boy was only about a single matter.
He had been spotted alongside an effeminate youth of which she resented.
She had no idea why that child would arrive so early to Roan, but she suspected that it was due to the machinations of a thoughtful Wizard.
Her expression started to smolder.
Arturia Pendragon.
Just thinking about that name brought untold consequences to befall upon her subordinates as she vented, and even now her eyes steadily landed on a single stationary figure.
"Agravain," she called bewitchingly.
Agravain twitched from the shadows at the corner of the room. His features were hard to distinguish due to the dim lighting, but it was clear that he had become tense. "Yes?" He called out.
At first, she had harbored unknown intentions towards her attendant, but quickly she returned to a state of practicism. She breathed in a breath before quietly crossing her legs together and leaning forward.
If this 'Shirou Emiya' was indeed descended from a reclusive branch of magus, then perhaps that deplorable Wizard had used the Young Blade's competition as a means to expand Arturia's influence?
Thinking along those lines, her expression darkened. She valued things that were rightfully hers, and similarly, she hated things that she could not possess.
With the coming gathering of prominent Magus families, this was the ideal time to gather support, and surely that Wizard would understand such a matter as well. It was just that he and Arturia seemed to have taken the initiative.
A sneer formed over her lips. If Arturia and that Wizard were intent on befriending and gaining allies, then who would she be if she did not hinder them?
Her eyes lingered on the tense figure of Agravain before she spoke.
"See to it that you invite this 'Shirou Emiya' for a little talk," she said, the light of the candle flame making shadows dance across her face.
Agravain could only nod silently before leaving the room.
LINE BREAK
With the end of the day's training session, Shirou now had a lot more to think about.
A gathering of prominent magical families.
A true gathering of prominent individuals of the moonlit world.
Based on the timeline, it could only be one thing that would result from this meeting. Perhaps Roan was where it had all begun. The starting foundation of an association that would last century after century.
The Mage's Association.
Said to have formed during the Medieval Ages, the association was created to combat against the declining strength of Thaumaturgy and magic alike. The prominent figures of the association all agreeing that Thaumaturgy and magic should separate from society completely to preserve the strength of magic.
Understandably, he didn't have much thoughts on the association, and single mindedly focused his attention on Arturia's growth, but Merlin's sudden reminder had forced him to re-evaluate his thoughts.
What should he do knowing he had the chance to influence the creation of such a powerful association?
As it would turn out, Merlin had gotten him into Roan for this very reason. To participate in the gathering and to test his character. Should he participate in the gathering, Merlin had insisted that he attempt to gather allies within the meeting. Merlin himself would not stoop to the level of believing he needed any kind of help in regards to magic from another magus, yet he knew that the Witch would not sit idly at such event. This was why Merlin was inwardly conflicted, yet he had somehow met Shirou to solve this predicament. If he were to obtain more allies for Arturia, then it could only benefit her.
The gathering would be in several days, and during that time, Merlin had decided to continue to train both him and Arturia.
As for the contents of his training, it wasn't exactly training per say. It was more like supervision as he attempted to assimilate the Ashton Magic Crest into his body.
The trio walked leisurely back to the tavern the group was staying at. All the while, Arturia was remaining silent while not concealing the animosity she had in her eyes as she stared at Merlin.
After all, Merlin had left Arturia to hang for the entirety of the day. What truly infuriated Arturia was that Merlin did not necessarily have to hang Arturia in the first place. Locking her feet to the ground would have had been just as effective.
As the group walked back, Merlin stood in between Shirou and Arturia, preventing them from talking much. Admittedly, Merlin was at a loss to the grudgingly natural skill Shirou unknowingly displayed whenever he talked with Arturia. It made Merlin feel sick watching their interactions as it made his own skills seem inadequate. There was a true difference between one who tries to flirt and succeed, and one who unknowingly does yet still succeeds.
Even without thinking much on the matter, it was clear to Merlin which form of 'pick up' was superior.
Thus, along the rest of the journey to the tavern, Merlin's face continued to sour.
Reaching the tavern, the group quickly entered and move in the direction of their lodgings. Just from the sound coming out from the room, it was clear that everyone who once left had returned. Shirou, Arturia, and Merlin being the last to arrive.
Arturia entered the room first, and immediately went to stand by Sir Ector's side. Realizing what she had before she lost it. Sir Ector's teachings were far more likable when compared to Merlin's.
After Arturia came Shirou. Entering inside, his sights fell onto the Son of Wolfred who was sitting absently by the window of the room. Ever since the injury on the Son of Wolfred's hand, he had grown quiet and broody regardless of what others did around him. These actions only helped solidify Shirou's intentions of healing the Son of Wolfred's hand. Yet looking at the Son of Wolfred at this time, the Son of Woflred had a faint tint on his cheeks as he glowered at a laughing Gerrard at another corner of the room.
There was something that Shirou was missing here, and he knew that everyone else in the room was in on it. Because of this, he turned his attention to Emily to ask, but decided against it after seeing the vacant expression on her face. She seemed to be thinking hard on certain matters. Thus, it was best to give her some time to herself.
The only commotion occurred when the last person entered the room.
As soon as Merlin had walked inside, Sir Ector and Kay greeted him with a nod while the others just stared curiously aside from Palamid.
Merlin's eyes drifted from the sword embedded into the wall behind him, and at Palamid's empty hand.
"Is that anyway to greet a friend?" Merlin asked with a raised brow.
"Empty words from a man who's going to die," Palamid spoke slowly, drawing forth his other sword.
Merlin raised a brow before smiling cheerily. "Is that anyway for a lady to act?"
It was like a dam had broken within the room as an aura of murder and bloodlust erupted around a silent Palamid.
"I. Am. Going. To. Kill. YOU!" Palamid spoke stepping forward. Even his body was trembling in rage.
"Palamid, what's the matter with you?" Bors admonished, standing up and restraining Palamid before he could do something irreversible. Just from looking at the interaction between Merlin and Sir Ector, it was clear that the relationship the two shared was quite close. Meaning that Merlin was probably a man of considerable standing.
"Bors let go of me! He, He…" Palamid screamed before suddenly going quiet.
"He what?" Bors asked with some concern. He'd never seen Palamid act in such a way.
Palamid struggled out of Bors's hold and gritted his teeth staring at Merlin's nonchalance. "My vengeance will not be swift," he spoke before leaving the room.
Meanwhile Bors was left stunned, staring at his open palm. In the process of holding Palamid back, he had felt something considerably soft. Thinking further, it could only be one thing. He had only been half-skeptical at first, but wasn't this proof enough? He clenched his hands into fists, swearing the same oath that many in the Knights of Wolfred had already sworn. He would protect Palamid's virtue.
As Palamid left, all eyes quickly turned on Merlin, Bors's being the most piercing.
"What can I say," Merlin shrugged. "We have a history with each other. But I have to say, as much as I like all this attention, I'd much prefer if you were all ladies. Since you are not, kindly stop or see what this Wizard can do."
Finished speaking, Sir Ector then introduced Merlin to the others, his name shocking the majority. After all, Merlin was truly a famous Wizard. Different from other magi, Merlin was open with his magic and did not hide from the public eye. His reputation was well deserved, but so was his womanizing tendencies.
Arturia put on a disgusted expression similar to the one's she'd use to have when cleaning after the pigs. In fact, she may even view Merlin's womanizing tendencies to be worse.
Emily though just seemed to stare curiously at Merlin, a contemplative look appearing over her face.
The others carried various expressions. From shock, all the way to incredulous.
In this time, Sir Ector explained Merlin's presence and that he was currently training both Arturia and Shirou in certain matters. Thus, Merlin would be staying along with the group as he underwent a few objectives.
It was only Shirou who knew that said objective was to scout out for any of the coming Magus families entering the city before the so-called Witch could.
Inadvertently, Merlin had ended up forcibly dragging Shirou into the matter as well in the following days. However, what Merlin didn't expect was the 'nose' Shirou possessed which allowed him to sniff out magical signatures. The usefulness of such a thing allowed the two to find numerous traces of several magi entering the town of Roan in the past few days.
It was on one certain day four days away from the gathering of prominent magi that Shirou met with someone unexpected.
It was a quiet and reserved youth with charming features. His hair was a prominent black, and his complexion was not too pale either. This contrasted very well with his sharp features, giving the youth a headstrong and unfaltering sort of appearance.
"You are Shirou Emiya?" The voice was neither demanding nor insistent, instead, it was calm and collected, reflecting the character of the speaker.
Shirou's eyes couldn't help but widen as he regarded the stranger. After all, this stranger was someone Saber, and by extension, himself knew from his memories.
It was a future Knight of the Round Table.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone