"Ah! What an exciting day," Waver sighed, dragging out the words as he sat at the dining table after washing up. The great battle from the day before was still fresh in his mind. It was the first time he had been so close to the action. Though he had only observed from within the Knightmare, experiencing the clash of Heroic Spirits firsthand was more exhilarating than he had ever imagined. The power of Servants far exceeded anything a magus could expect. If he had been on the ground, he doubted he would have survived for even a second.
"A female body was discovered in Fuyuki Square today, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities are currently confirming the identity of the deceased."
"In a related incident, a gas explosion occurred nearby... Residents are urged to avoid the area..."
The news broadcast played in the background. Waver looked at the bloodstains on the screen and fell silent. He understood the gravity of those reports. A Master had been killed yesterday—someone he knew.
It was far more significant than the news let on. Kayneth, his instructor, was among the victims. The man renowned for his intellect and prestigious family background had been eliminated. The woman found was his fiancée. Waver felt a tremor of fear. It was one thing to hear of people being sacrificed, but seeing it happen to someone he knew made death feel suffocatingly close. This war was all too real. A single mistake could end his life.
"You look preoccupied... are you afraid?" Lelouch asked, sitting on the sofa opposite him. His relaxed, elegant posture as he held his tea created a natural sense of authority.
"I'm just wondering what I'm even doing here at this point," Waver sighed. He had initially joined the war on a gamble, driven by the humiliation he felt when Kayneth criticized his thesis. He wanted to prove Kayneth wrong—to show that he could compete with a Lord of the Clock Tower. It was a youthful, impetuous desire, and he hadn't fully considered the consequences.
"Speaking of which, what exactly is your wish? You haven't told me yet," Lelouch remarked, glancing at the TV.
"My wish... to be honest, I'm not entirely sure myself," Waver admitted with a long face. Becoming the 'strongest Magus,' the 'King' of the world, or amassing 'Wealth'... those goals felt hollow and distant now.
"Perhaps to prove your talents? To gain recognition? Or simply to become a reliable adult?" Lelouch interjected, nearly causing Waver to spit out his tea.
"This..." Waver flushed red, unable to find a retort. After a moment, he asked, "How do you understand me so well? Is this also part of being an Emperor?"
"Well, though we haven't been together long, your nature is quite transparent," Lelouch replied with a chuckle. "It's actually why I feel reassured about you."
"You wanted to prove yourself to Kayneth, didn't you? But now that he, who was far more powerful than you, has met with disaster while you survive, you're filled with doubt. You feel as though your previous passion was foolish."
"You're right," Waver whispered, leaning back and staring at the ceiling. "Looking back, there were flaws in my thesis. I shouldn't have been so blunt. Maybe he was even trying to protect me in his own way by being difficult."
This was the realization that often only came after a loss. Waver felt a wave of discouragement. "Losing my goal... it's just confusing and frustrating."
"On the contrary, Rider, you're much more impressive than me. Becoming an Emperor so young... your wish must be so much grander than mine."
"Even if I am an Emperor, I am still human," Lelouch said gently. "And as long as one is human, there will be worries. In that regard, I am no different from you. Once, I was also just a student."
He continued to education the young Master. "If you feel you have nothing left to pursue, stop and look around. Observe others, and eventually, ask yourself what your dream truly is. At the very least, as long as this war continues, I have the power to protect you."
Waver was moved by the sentiment, and his downward spiral began to lift.
...
"Ugh..."
Walking down the street, Kariya Matou passed an intersection cordoned off by the Church. It was the site of yesterday's melee. "Berserker's power is immense, but Sakura..."
Kariya was deeply worried about the girl. The death of a Master was no joke. Even with Berserker's power, Sakura was too fragile. If discovered, she would be in grave danger. The only solutions were to stay hidden or end the war quickly. Hiding wouldn't work forever.
"The golden Servant that Berserker couldn't immediately defeat... his Master is Tokiomi Tohsaka. If Tokiomi is eliminated, Berserker can win easily."
A cold plan began to take shape in Kariya's mind. He walked numbly down the street, his resolve hardening. To protect Sakura, he was willing to do whatever was necessary—no matter who hated him for it.