Origins And Elements

Shirou POV

Two weeks had passed since I unlocked my circuits, and it had been an arduous journey training my Mystic Eyes. keeping my eyes open for more than a minute seemed impossible without losing consciousness. However, I made an intriguing discovery during this time—I found that wearing blackout glasses limited the overwhelming influx of information to just the periphery of my vision. With these glasses, I could now endure up to 20 minutes without experiencing excruciating pain. This allowed me to finally go outside, without wearing a blindfold, to buy groceries.

Cooking had become my newfound passion, and I took charge of the kitchen, forbidding Kiritsugu from entering. I found immense joy in preparing meals and even started enjoying cleaning tasks. It was a fulfilling experience, almost on par with the satisfaction I derived from practicing magecraft. However, despite my progress in mastering the basics of magecraft, there was one particular aspect that continued to elude me—reinforcing. Kiritsugu tasked me with reinforcing objects like pens and random sticks, but for some reason, I couldn't accomplish it, no matter how closely I followed his instructions.

acquired skills:

Gradation Air (12/100) - Active Skill:

Prana consumption varies based on the object.

Description: Also known as Projection, Gradation Air is a Magecraft that allows the materialization of objects according to the caster's imagination using magical energy. The term "Gradation" refers to the gradual fading away of the created object, while "Air" signifies that the object is formed from nothingness.

Structural Grasp (21/100) - Active/Passive Skill:

Prana consumption varies based on the object.

This skill has two aspects:

First, it enables Shirou to create a blueprint of practically anything he touches or lays his eyes on.

Second, it grants him the ability to witness the entire history of a weapon or object. However, this aspect is currently locked and will unlock once the skill reaches level 50.

Shirou POV end

Currently, Shirou stood by the stove, clad in a casual apron, as he prepared a traditional Japanese dish. He had stumbled upon a recipe while watching a cooking show and decided to give it a try. With a focused expression, he chopped, sautéed, and simmered, following the steps diligently.

After finishing the dish, Shirou brought it to the table where Kiritsugu was waiting. Placing it down, he said nonchalantly, "Here's what I made. Give it a taste."

Kiritsugu took a bite, his face registering surprise. "Hmm, not bad, Shirou. You've definitely improved."

Shirou shrugged modestly. "Thanks, I just followed the recipe I saw on TV. Turns out it worked."

They quietly enjoyed their meal, occasionally exchanging a few words. Shirou took satisfaction in the fact that his cooking had received praise, even though he attributed it to simply following instructions. It was a small victory, but a satisfying one.

After lunch, Kiritsugu looked at Shirou and said, "Shirou, today we're going to discover your origin and element. Once you finish cleaning the dishes, come to the shed. I'll go ahead and set up the ritual."

Shirou grew curious and asked, "What exactly are origins and elements?"

Kiritsugu took a moment to explain, "Origins can be anything, ranging from abstract concepts to physical objects. They define who you truly are at your core. Normally, origins remain dormant and have little influence on your everyday life. However, if they awaken, you'll be compelled to align with the nature of your origin. For example, if your origin is 'Consumption,' you might constantly crave food and have an insatiable appetite. Awakening your origin can also enhance your abilities in certain areas. If your origin is 'Sword,' you'll naturally excel in swordsmanship. If it's 'Consumption,' you'll gain physical prowess and a heightened sense of taste."

Shirou nodded, beginning to understand. "And what about elements?"

"Elements are the fundamental substances that shape the world and play a crucial role in Magecraft," Kiritsugu continued. "Different Magecraft schools classify reality into various sets of elements. Classical elements, like Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind, originated in ancient Greece. The Mage's Association added Void (Ether) and other practical elements to their classification. Additionally, there are the Five Elements from Oriental philosophies, such as Water, Fire, Earth, Wood, and Metal, as well as the Twelve Constellations."

Listening intently, Shirou contemplated the implications. "So, unlocking my origin and discovering my element would allow me to focus on my strengths and become a better magus?"

Kiritsugu smiled a bit a hollow smile but a smile nonetheless and replied, "Precisely, Shirou. By unlocking your origin and mastering your element or elements, you can channel your efforts into areas where you excel. It will help you develop your skills as a magus."

alright Dad I will be with you shortly said Shirou

After ten minutes, Shirou and Kiritsugu found themselves in the shed. Shirou lay on a magic circle, his shirt removed, while Kiritsugu held a blackish stone in his hand. Kiritsugu looked at Shirou and asked, "Are you ready?" Shirou nodded in confirmation, his expression determined. Kiritsugu then broke the stone, causing the magic circle to glow with an ethereal light.

Placing his hand on Shirou's chest, Kiritsugu closed his eyes and delved into the depths of his son's being. Visions flooded his mind, swirling and shifting like flames dancing in the wind. He witnessed ribbons of fate being severed, the sands of an hourglass slowing with each passing grain, and the overwhelming presence of countless swords surrounding Shirou, forming an entire world of blades. (NOTE I haven't found any canon way of how someone figures out the origin and element of someone else so this is all my interpretation of how I would like it to be so this scene isn't actual canon facts just my own headcanon)

As the magic circle ceased its radiant glow, Kiritsugu's visions came to an end. He found himself grappling with the magnitude of what he had witnessed. It all clicked into place, and a sense of terror washed over him. Shirou was an incarnation, one of his elements was a concept he never knew existed as an element that struck fear into Kiritsugu's heart.

Kiritsugu understood the dangers that lay ahead. If word got out about Shirou's existence, he would become a prized experimental subject sought after by magi eager to enhance their craft. Every magus who learned of Shirou's unique nature would be a potential threat, willing to go to great lengths to capture him. The weight of responsibility for Shirou's safety weighed heavily on Kiritsugu, and the realization of what they were up against left him filled with trepidation.

Shirou POV

I looked at Kiritsugu as the magic circle ceased its glowing, confusion and fear swirling within me. But it was the terror in Kiritsugu's gaze that sent shivers down my spine. I couldn't comprehend what he had seen, and my mind raced with horrifying possibilities. Could my origin be something dreadful like murder or pain? The weight of uncertainty pressed upon me, and I couldn't help but wear a look of fear on my face.

Kiritsugu noticed my expression, and his features softened from terror to concern. Gathering his resolve, he spoke to me with urgency in his voice. "Shirou, I need you to promise me something. Promise that you will never breathe a word about what I'm about to tell you. Do you understand?" His request sent a surge of determination through me, and a crimson aura enveloped me as I responded with unwavering certainty, "I promise, Dad!"

Kiritsugu's gaze softened further, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "That's all I wanted to hear. Alright, Shirou. You have three elements and two separate origins, much like myself. But you are more than that. You are an incarnation, specifically a sword incarnation. Your element and origin both revolve around the concept of swords."

"Incarnation?" I questioned, struggling to grasp the meaning of having the same origin and element. Kiritsugu patiently explained, "Being an incarnation means that you are the closest living being to embodying the concept of a sword. While this may limit your ability to excel in other types of magecraft, having additional elements should help balance it out. But when it comes to swords, you should have unparalleled potential."

Curiosity welled up inside me, and I couldn't help but inquire about my other origins and elements. Kiritsugu confirmed, "Your second origin is fate, which I saw being severed or denied in your visions. As for your other elements, you possess time and fire. Time is an unusual element that I have never encountered before, but it seems to be the basis for your ability, King Crimson, allowing you to sever not just fate but also manipulate time."

Before I could delve further into my questions, Kiritsugu suggested we head back to the house. He expressed his weariness and advised me to continue practicing my magecraft. He promised that we would discuss the best course of action in light of this newfound information later. As he started to make his way back, I was about to follow when a system notification caught my attention.

perk unlocked:

sword incarnation: grants the gamer a +400% to experience gained when it comes to anything related to the concept of sword

-200% to all other skill experience other than what is closely tied to the gamer's other origins and elements

grants the quest U***I*T*ED *L*D* **RK*

quest unlocked

U***I*T*ED *L*D* **RK*

duration: none

objective: MeNtAl PoLuTiOn NoT HiGh EnOuGh (LOCKED) (don't worry this quest will unlock once Shirou has the hero of justice talk with Kiritsugu AND BTW I AM NOT SAYING HE ISNT MENTALLY F__KED CUZ HE IS. ALL HE IS LIVING FOR RIGHT NOW IS REDEMPTION FOR THE FATES OF ALL THOSE HE LEFT TO DIE HE JUST DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO ACCOMPLISH THIS GOAL so yeah once the hero of justice talk is done Shirou will become insane enough to unlock his reality marble)

'I already somewhat expected the perk but what is this quest? mental pollution? not high enough? what is that supposed to mean?' Shirou thinks but before he could delve deeper into his internal monologue a voice snaps him out of it "Shirou what are you still doing in there?" Kiritsugu says looking at the boy's avant eyes. Shirou swiftly follows his father but not before saying "Oh nothing nothing I am coming!" while scratching the back of his head sheepishly

______________________________________________________________________________

Outside a church in Fiyuki

A golden-haired figure continued his purposeful stride, exuding an air of superiority and confidence. Suddenly, his head snapped in the direction of Shirou's house, his heightened senses detecting the familiar energy that had drawn him to Shirou before. A smirk formed on his lips as he spoke to himself in an amused tone.

"Hmph, so you still live, mongrel," he muttered, his voice laced with arrogance. "I hope you can provide me with some entertainment and show me that you are to be unlike the rest of the pathetic cur of this era."

With a satisfied smirk, the golden-haired figure proceeded toward the church, his smirk growing with each step. Inside the church, a man with lifeless, hollow eyes observed the figure's confident entrance. Sensing the change in his king's demeanor, he couldn't help but inquire, his voice filled with both curiosity and concern.

"My king, is something the matter?" he asked, his gaze fixed on the regal figure before him.

The figure turned his piercing gaze towards the man, his expression a mix of regality and arrogance. With a slight tilt of his head, he responded to the question, his voice tinged with a sense of mystery.

"Just a hunch, but I have a feeling that interesting events will unfold very soon," he replied cryptically, his smile widening as he contemplated the possibilities.

The man with hollow eyes nodded in understanding, silently acknowledging his king's intuition. As the golden-haired figure entered one of the rooms with a confident smile, the man stood back, ever watchful, with the same hollow and dead eyes as earlier.

(I know I said that this ch will introduce Taiga but I am already at 2k words so you guys have to wait until next time ALSO since origins change the way most people think should I make Shirou a little like Diavolo? Have him be a bit more arrogant and have him talk about he is the only one that sees the truth or keep him just Shirou? anyway any feedback is good feedback just don't insult my mother ty for reading)