Fate x Danmachi: The Sword Prince (eng)

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Three days after the expedition to Knossos, the Loki Familia meeting room was filled with Familia executives. Among them were Shirou, Lefiya, and Loki herself, present to discuss the results of the expedition. The atmosphere was serious, but there was a palpable sense of relief in the air.

Finn stood at the head of the table, beginning the discussion with a calm yet firm voice. "First, I have good news," he said, glancing around. "Thanks to Raul's team's swift actions in summoning healers from the Dian Cecht Familia, all members who were critically injured, whether by curse or poisoning, have fully recovered. Especially Remilia."

He paused, his gaze falling on the table before continuing. "Remilia, despite being only Level 3, was in critical condition. Had help arrived any later, we might not see her here again. Fortunately, the healers from Dian Cecht Familia acted swiftly."

Several members nodded quietly at the news. Finn then turned his attention to Bete and Aiz, his expression one of deep appreciation. "And thanks to the two of you, Linne's group, which had gone astray, was found."

Aiz nodded subtly, her expression neutral but her eyes reflecting relief. Meanwhile, Bete crossed his arms with an annoyed expression, muttering, "Weaklings always cause trouble."

Loki chuckled softly at Bete's remark, but Finn remained serious. "Though this expedition was fraught with danger," he continued, "I am grateful we made it out without losing a single life. That's a major achievement considering what we faced in Knossos."

Everyone in the room nodded in agreement, acknowledging that despite the risks, their teamwork had borne fruit.

"But the expedition to Knossos was not without gain," Finn said as he turned to the table. He picked up a spherical key resting on its surface. "This is the key Shirou managed to replicate," he said, raising it slightly for all to see. "With this key, we have access to Knossos at any time." His voice was confident yet cautious.

Most of those present, except Riveria and Loki, already understood the key's function and merely nodded quietly. Loki, leaning casually in her chair, squinted at the key with curiosity. "Interesting," she said, extending her hand. "Let me see it, Finn."

Finn handed over the key, and Loki twirled the spherical object in her hand. "What's this made of? It feels... disgusting," she remarked jokingly, though her expression betrayed genuine curiosity.

Sitting quietly at the end of the table, Shirou responded calmly, "The key is made from the eyeballs of Daedalus' descendants. That's why it's round and has unique patterns." His words brought a moment of silence to the room.

Loki, rarely one to be visibly startled, quickly placed the key back on the table with an expression of disgust. "Ewww, eyeballs? Seriously? This is a whole new level of insanity!" she exclaimed, shaking her hands as if to rid herself of an unseen taint.

Aiz, sitting beside Loki, raised her hand slowly, drawing everyone's attention. "I saw someone with eyes like that when we were separated in Knossos," she said calmly. She touched her chin with her index finger, trying to recall more details. "The man had gray hair and a beard... similar to the person on our wanted posters."

Loki, now reclining in her chair with arms crossed, spoke casually but with underlying significance. "So he's the one supplying Violas to Njord, huh?" Her eyes narrowed, indicating her mind was piecing together the new information.

Bete, who had been silent until then, snorted and added his report. "I also ran into someone with eyes like that," he said gruffly. "He was wearing black goggles at the time, but when he opened the Orichalcum door, I saw the same patterns as on this key. That bastard also had some weird magic power that made the people behind me go crazy and attack each other."

Finn, listening intently to all the reports, finally gave his conclusion. "From all this information, it's clear they are Daedalus' descendants. And now, they've allied with Evilus," he said seriously, looking around at everyone in the room.

The atmosphere grew more somber as each person reflected on what this revelation meant for their future.

Finn tapped his fingers lightly on the table, drawing everyone's attention again. "Now, let's delve deeper into our enemy, Evilus," he said, his tone grave. "Besides the two Daedalus descendants we've identified, we must also prepare to face Creatures like Revis. I suspect there are likely other Creatures we haven't encountered yet."

Riveria, seated beside Finn, spoke up. "Perhaps one of them is the masked figure who evaded my magic. At the time, they escaped in an unusual way. After being hit by my ice spell, they vanished entirely, leaving only their cloak and mask behind." Her voice carried a tone of careful analysis.

Gareth nodded in agreement from his seat, stroking his thick beard. "That was strange. Usually, even if someone escapes, there's some trace left behind besides their clothes. But they... it was as if they simply disappeared." His sharp eyes turned to Finn, awaiting his thoughts.

Finn, with his characteristic composure, replied, "Fortunately, such Creatures seem rare. So far, we know only of Olivas Act and Revis as Creatures. However, I also wonder..." He paused, allowing the tension to build in the room. "Is it possible Valletta could return as a Creature, like Olivas Act?"

The room fell silent, each person contemplating the horrifying possibility. Shirou broke the silence with a cold, resolute tone that seemed to make the air heavier. "If Valletta comes back as a Creature, I'll take care of her again." His sharp gaze, usually calm, now radiated determination.

Finn smiled faintly at Shirou's confidence. "No doubt," he said. "Valletta has always been a formidable foe—not just because of her strength but her cunning. Her strategies have forced us to think harder. She's been my archrival in strategy." His tone conveyed a grudging respect, even for such a dangerous enemy.

Gareth leaned back in his chair, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "If Valletta returns, we'll have to prepare for even more traps and devious plans. She's not just a fighter but the brains behind many of their attacks."

Riveria nodded. "Indeed. We cannot underestimate any of them, especially if new Creatures appear on their side. This is a battle that requires total preparedness." Her gaze turned to Finn, who tapped the table again, signaling the end of that topic of discussion.

Finn resumed the discussion with a new topic. "Let's move on to the next subject: Evilus and the mysterious god Enyo's plans to destroy Orario," he said in a serious tone.

Lefiya, sitting in a corner of the table, hesitantly raised her hand before speaking. "When I was with Filvis, we encountered the god Thanatos in Knossos. He said something interesting—he claimed he wasn't Enyo." Her voice was calm but carried a hint of curiosity.

Loki listened closely before leaning back in her chair and commenting, "Makes sense if Enyo is just pulling the strings from the shadows. Thanatos might just be one of their pawns." Her sharp, glinting eyes revealed that she had considered this possibility long before.

Riveria spoke next, steering the discussion deeper. "I discussed this with Finn and Gareth earlier," she said, folding her hands on the table. "We suspect one of Enyo's plans is to use Knossos to bring Corrupted Spirits directly into Orario. If they're allowed to rampage through the city, the devastation would be catastrophic." Her eyes swept across the room, ensuring everyone grasped the scale of the threat.

Tione let out a long sigh, recalling their previous battle against a Corrupted Spirit. "Ugh, fighting a Corrupted Spirit is such a pain," she said, slumping in her chair. "Even that bull monster was troublesome enough, and it had chains binding it." Her face reflected fatigue, though her tone carried a hint of humor.

Finn gave a faint smile at Tione's complaint, but his tone was sincere as he said, "You all did an excellent job. Tione, Tiona, Gareth, Shirou—you were outstanding in dealing with the Corrupted Spirit. Without your efforts, we might not have made it out of Knossos alive." His words of praise were firm, making those mentioned feel appreciated.

Tione, who had been slouching, suddenly sat up straight after hearing her name. Her cheeks flushed as she exclaimed, "I'll do anything for you, Captain!" Her enthusiastic gaze drew small chuckles from some in the room.

Tiona teased her twin with a laugh. "Seriously, Tione. If you keep this up, you might scare the Captain, you know."

Finn responded with a faint smile, while Gareth stifled his laughter with a large hand covering his mouth. The previously tense atmosphere softened slightly with the lighthearted banter.

"Oh, um…" Lefiya's voice broke the moment of levity. Though soft, it was enough to draw everyone's attention to her.

Lefiya blushed under the sudden focus. Bowing her head slightly in nervousness, she hesitated until Finn, with a gentle smile, encouraged her. "Go ahead, Lefiya. Tell us what's on your mind."

Taking a deep breath, Lefiya began. "When Filvis and I were exploring Knossos, we came across an ancient mural that caught our attention. It depicted six women standing in a circle, with a large dragon at the center." Her voice steadied as she explained, though her face remained a little flushed. "According to Thanatos, that dragon is called Nidhogg."

The room's atmosphere shifted immediately. The name "Nidhogg" hung in the air like an unsolved mystery. Everyone, from Riveria to Gareth, exchanged glances, searching for any recognition of the name.

Finally, Riveria spoke in a calm but serious tone. "Nidhogg…" she said, repeating the name cautiously. "I've never heard of this before. But if the mural is accurate, then it's highly likely the six women are Corrupted Spirits." She paused, looking at Finn and Loki before continuing. "Perhaps their goal is to use these six Corrupted Spirits to summon Nidhogg as part of a grand ritual."

Finn tapped his fingers on the table, his expression thoughtful. "That's a reasonable analysis, Riveria," he said. "If true, their plan is far more extensive than we imagined. We need to learn more about this dragon and its connection to Enyo's schemes."

Loki, who had been silently observing, sighed and folded her hands behind her head. "Ah, so we've got to dig up info on some random dragon now, huh? Fine, I'll assign people outside the Familia to help gather intel on this."

Finn nodded. "In the meantime, any information we find about Nidhogg must be reported immediately." He concluded the meeting with a decisive tone. "We have a monumental task ahead of us."

As the members began leaving the room, Finn called out to Shirou. "Shirou," he said, making the others pause momentarily. "I'd like to speak with you for a moment. Stay behind."

Shirou nodded slowly. As the other members exited, Finn fixed Shirou with a serious gaze, signaling that their conversation ahead was no light matter.

Finn stood at the end of the table, his expression sharp but filled with gratitude. "I want to express my thanks to you, Shirou, for everything you've done during the Knossos expedition," he began, looking directly at Shirou. "You went ahead as a scout and eliminated enemy spies, saved me, Raul, and our group from Valletta. You even rescued Aiz when she was cornered by Revis, and most impressively, you helped defeat the Corrupted Spirit alongside Gareth and the others." Finn ended with a faint smile, though his gaze carried deep meaning.

As Finn listed his accomplishments, Shirou grew increasingly uneasy. To him, these weren't actions worthy of praise. "I was only doing what needed to be done," he thought. The memory of his promise to Kiritsugu—to become a hero who would save everyone—surfaced again, weighing heavily on him. For Shirou, it wasn't about recognition but a sense of duty.

Raising his hand slightly, Shirou tried to interrupt. "There's no need to thank me. I was just doing my job," he said quietly, his usually calm eyes now tinged with uncertainty.

Finn shook his head slowly, a faint smile on his face. "No, Shirou. What you've done is far more than just fulfilling a duty. Loki Familia owes you a great debt. This isn't something we can simply overlook." Finn's tone was firm.

Shirou looked down briefly and exhaled softly. "Isn't that the purpose of a Familia?" he asked. "To support one another? Loki Familia welcomed me as a member. That's enough. I'm just repaying the kindness you all have shown me." He attempted a small smile, though it carried a hint of bitterness.

As he spoke, Shirou's thoughts drifted to his early days with Loki Familia. He remembered how Lefiya, despite her occasional nervousness, patiently taught him the basics of being an adventurer. He even recalled how Lefiya had bought him armor and weapons for protection, even though his own abilities rendered them unnecessary.

Shirou's expression softened as he finished. "Your kindness is enough for me. Now it's my turn to repay it." He smiled faintly, though the gratitude he felt ran deeper than words could express.

Finn regarded Shirou with genuine appreciation. "In that case," he said gently, "we will still honor everything you've done. Because you're not just a member of Loki Familia, Shirou—you're also a hero."

Hearing himself called a hero, Shirou froze. His expression grew serious, and he lowered his gaze briefly before replying in a low tone. "I'm not worthy of being called a hero yet," he said slowly. "I'm still on the path to becoming the hero I've always dreamed of being."

Finn sat down, adopting a relaxed yet attentive posture, one eyebrow raised in curiosity. "What kind of hero do you dream of being, Shirou?" he asked.

Shirou lifted his head, his eyes filled with unshakable determination. "I want to be a hero who can save everyone," he said firmly. "I don't want to see anyone crying in front of me. I want to fulfill my father's dream of becoming a Seigi no Mikata—a true ally of justice."

Finn listened intently, nodding slowly. He understood that Shirou's dream, though noble, was almost impossible to achieve. Yet he chose to probe further, asking, "Does that mean you aim to eliminate all monsters?"

Shirou nodded without hesitation. "Not just monsters," he replied. "But also evil gods and Evilus who threaten the peace we have now. I want to ensure there are no more threats like them."

Finn studied Shirou thoughtfully. His words were so idealistic that they bordered on an unreachable dream. Inwardly, Finn reflected, Does Shirou truly grasp the enormity of saving everyone? Does his mission include even those who were once enemies? Yet Finn chose not to voice his thoughts. He recognized that Shirou's determination was a strength not to be underestimated.

"That sounds like an incredibly heavy burden," Finn finally said, his tone a mix of admiration and concern. "But if anyone could achieve it, perhaps it's you, Shirou."

Shirou offered a faint smile, though his eyes showed that he would not waver from his dream, no matter how daunting it seemed.

Finn sighed softly before meeting Shirou's gaze directly, his expression serious and profound. "Shirou," Finn said firmly, "do you think… I am worthy of being called a hero?"

Shirou looked surprised by the question but quickly responded, "Captain Finn, I think you're a wise leader, an unmatched strategist, and an extraordinary fighter. Your spear technique is inspiring, and I'm certain you've saved countless lives with your strength and intelligence. So yes, I believe you are a hero."

Finn approached Shirou, standing directly in front of him. Although Finn's small frame was overshadowed by Shirou's height, the captain's resolute gaze conveyed a commanding presence. "You don't understand, Shirou," Finn said softly but with emphasis. "The motivation behind everything I do—I do it for praise. I want my name to be known across the world. Even as a leader, I've chosen paths that sacrificed my members for the sake of greater goals."

The words struck Shirou, surprising him with Finn's candid confession. However, he quickly replied, "Captain, I don't think your intentions diminish the impact of what you've done. Maybe you feel your goals are selfish, but you've saved countless lives. Many people are inspired by your story as a hero. I'm not a commander like you, but I understand how difficult it is to make decisions that require sacrificing something to save more people."

Shirou paused briefly before continuing, his voice steady, "And if you lived in my world, I'm certain you'd become one of the Heroic Spirits—someone immortalized in history for your courage and resolve."

Finn regarded Shirou for a moment, then offered a faint smile, clearly touched by the words. "You flatter me, Shirou," he said softly, clearing his throat as if to compose himself. "But you're not entirely wrong. I do seek praise—but not for myself. All of this… everything I've done… it's for the Pallum race. I want to be their pride, to lift them out of despair and give them hope."

Shirou's smile widened, relieved to hear Finn's true intentions. "That's far more noble than I ever imagined, Captain Finn. You're not just seeking praise—you're creating a future for your people. To me, that's one of the definitions of a hero."

Finn chuckled lightly before returning to his seat at the conference table. "You really have a way of making people feel special, Shirou. Maybe I should listen to you more often."

Leaning back in his chair, Finn looked at Shirou with a faint smile. "You may leave now, Shirou," he said casually. But before Shirou could move, Finn's tone shifted to a more commanding one. "However, I have one request, and you cannot refuse it."

Shirou paused, puzzled by the sudden demand. "What is the request, Captain?" he asked, looking at Finn curiously.

Finn folded his arms on the table. "I want you to claim your share of rewards from all the expeditions you've undertaken with Loki Familia. Your earnings have accumulated, and they're stored in the basement of the headquarters. There's usually someone stationed there to manage it."

Shirou scratched his head, hesitant. "Captain, I don't think I need those rewards. I don't need armor or weapons, let alone magic swords. I can project everything I require." His expression was sincere but reluctant.

Finn's sharp gaze fixed on Shirou, his smile fading. "Shirou, this isn't about what you need. It's about rights and responsibilities. You've fulfilled your duties remarkably. Now you must claim what's rightfully yours. It doesn't matter what you do with the rewards—even if you use them to help others, I don't care. But you have to take them. That's the rule."

At the mention of "helping others," Shirou's demeanor shifted. A spark of resolve appeared in his eyes. "Understood, Captain," he said seriously. "I'll take them."

Finn nodded in satisfaction and waved a hand toward Shirou. "Then go. But don't spend too long arguing with the guards down there." He smirked slightly.

Shirou bowed respectfully before leaving the room. The door closed softly behind him.

Finn watched Shirou leave, then sighed and shook his head with a faint smile. "That boy," he muttered. He then picked up a sheet of paper from the table, preparing to jot down notes from the earlier meeting.