The first script placed the Ice rune at the center, flanked by the Light runes. The result was a purely offensive spell,the intense light merged with the ice, turning the frozen wall into a cascading, high-velocity waterfall that could unleash an incredible amount of force in an instant.
The second script placed the Light rune at the center, flanked by the Ice runes. This created a massive, omnidirectional defense. The light would explode outward, but it would be immediately encased in a layer of ice, forming a translucent shield that could withstand a considerable amount of pressure.
But as the complexity increased, so did the casting time.
In a fast-paced battle, finding the time to chant a three-syllable script would be difficult.
A 'duel' between magi might offer an opportunity, but in the Fifth Holy Grail War, there were only a handful of combatants who would ever give you that kind of opening: Gilgamesh, Medea, and perhaps Archer with his bow.
Wayland shook his head.
Trying to outshoot a Gilgamesh who was raining down Noble Phantasms, or an Archer with his infinite projections, or a Medea who could fire high-tier spells with a single word... that was a creative way to die, but not one he was interested in.
Three hours later, Wayland was leaning against a tree, gasping for breath.
"It's... it takes too much prana. Not to mention the risk of the spell exploding in my face. I only managed one successful cast, and that was after I had to convert a portion of my own life force to compensate."
[[Unnamed Composite Rune (1/100). Please name the spell, Master.]]
Wayland looked at the system notification and sighed. At this rate, it would take months to truly master the technique.
"Since it's an offensive spell, let's call it 'Great Ice Blast'."
[[Naming successful.]]
***
Homurahara Academy
Year 2, Class C.
When Wayland entered the classroom,having not yet received his official school uniform,he immediately became the center of attention.
"Excuse me, but which class are you from? And why aren't you in uniform?"
The voice was stern and professional.
Wayland turned to find a boy in a traditional school uniform. He had short, purple hair, glasses, and a sharp, refined appearance that practically screamed 'Honor Student'.
"I apologize. I'm a transfer student, and I only just arrived."
"A transfer student?"
Issei Ryuudou adjusted his glasses, looking at him with surprise. "Did you not report to your homeroom teacher, Fujimura-sensei, first?"
"She wasn't there."
"Honestly... that woman."
Issei looked at the clock on the wall. "Fine. Find an empty seat and sit down. She should be here in about five minutes."
"Thank you. And you are...?"
"Issei Ryuudou, Student Council President. Since it's your first day, I'll overlook the uniform, but I expect you to have it by tomorrow. And I suggest you familiarize yourself with the school rules as soon as possible."
"A very diligent president, indeed. My name is Ritsuka Fujimaru. And... this student?"
The boy with short, reddish-brown hair suddenly realized he was being addressed. "Oh! I'm Shirou Emiya. Nice to meet you, Fujimaru-san."
"Likewise. I'm looking forward to your help as a classmate."
"If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"I will."
"It's eight o'clock."
Issei interrupted their conversation. "Fujimaru-san, please take your seat. Fujimura-sensei should be 'flying' in any second now."
Wayland nodded and made his way to an empty desk in the back row. From his seat, he had a clear view of the campus through the window to his left.
The school bell rang.
Ding, dong, ding, dong...
"I'm late! I'm late! I'm going to be LATE!"
A frantic shriek echoed from the hallway, followed by a series of rapid-fire footsteps. A blur of pale green energy burst into the room.
The bell stopped.
"Hah! Made it!"
Taiga Fujimura performed an exaggerated, surprisingly elegant 360-degree spin, looking like a figure skater taking the ice. She tucked her lesson planner under her arm and struck an 'elegant' pose, her left hand extended. "Good morning, everyone!"
She stood before the blackboard, looking remarkably proud of herself.
'That's Taiga, for you.'
Wayland was speechless.
Then, his name was called. "You! Yes, you in the back! I don't think I've seen your face before."
"Fujimura-sensei, I'm the new transfer student."
"Oh! Right, right! I remember!"
Taiga walked to the podium and slammed her book down on the desk. "Since you're new, come up here and introduce yourself. And write your name on the board so everyone can see it."
"Of course."
Wayland walked to the front of the room and wrote 'Ritsuka Fujimaru' in bold characters. He set the chalk down and turned to the class with a smile. "My name is Ritsuka Fujimaru. I'm 18 years old, and I live in the Miyama residential district. I grew up in London and moved back here recently. I don't smoke, I don't drink, and my wish... well, I guess I hope for world peace."
The classroom was silent for a heartbeat before erupting into a wave of suppressed chuckles.
To them, he was clearly just another 'Chuunibyou' teenager who had seen too much anime.
Wayland scanned the room. The only person who wasn't laughing was a boy with 'seaweed-like' blue hair sitting against the far wall.
Shinji Matou.
Noticing the gaze, Shinji let out a short, annoyed huff and looked away.
It seemed that his friendly chat with Issei and Shirou earlier had already earned him the boy's resentment.
[Translated and Rewritten by Shika_Kagura]