Ch 290: Summoning a high school girl.

"Akeno-sama, please say 'Ahhhh'." beamed Aya as she held a squid-shaped bit of sausage between her chopsticks.

"How can I say no to such a pretty girl…" smiled Akeno before opening her mouth, making Aya giggle slightly as she put the sausage into Akeno's mouth.

"It's as delicious as it looked." smiled Akeno after swallowing. "You're great housewife material, Aya. But we're going to alternate with this bento thing. Tomorrow, I'm making one for you."

"Hum! I also want to taste your cooking." grinned Aya.

"Eheh, what a cute scene." smiled Song-Yi, and Heejin and Artoria both nodded as they enjoyed the show.

"I think you're spoiling her too much by going along with her selfishness." grumbled Maya, looking from Akeno's left side in her chibi mode. Masataka, sitting just behind Maya, looked like his soul had left his body.

"Why not? It's fun, it makes Aya happy, and I do not care about how others see me. If they have a problem with me and Aya getting along, they can line up to get their butts kicked."

"…And you're quite capable of doing just that. I still can't believe how strong and fast you really are."

"You have your Ki techniques, and we have something else. Frankly, it's unfair to compare us with the school's students." shrugged Akeno.

"You made that quite obvious when we sparred. I still do not understand how you can be so damn fast on your feet." frowned Maya.

"I will show you, one day." winked Akeno.

"Speaking about kicking butt, Maya, Aya, Masataka. Does any of you know a group called the Enforcement Group?" asked Artoria.

Maya sent Artoria a sharp look, and Aya stiffened. Masataka seemed to instantly recover his soul and straightened.

"…Why are you asking?" finally asked Maya.

"It is about something I told Akeno, Heejin and Song-Yi this morning before going to school, and it didn't come to mind again until now. When I was taking a stroll yesterday evening, I found someone about to rape a girl. I intervened. That man claimed to be part of the Enforcement Group, as if I was supposed to recognize that name, then apologize, go away and let him proceed."

"That man, what does he looks like?" frowned Maya.

"Short blonde hair, black eyes, oval glasses. I broke a few of his teeth."

"…Try to stay away from that group." sighed Maya. "I think I know who that person is, but there are much stronger individuals in the Enforcement Group. Antagonizing them won't bring any good outcome."

"Who are they?" asked Akeno.

"…Every year, the various clubs of Toudou Academy form teams of five individuals to participate in a no-holds-barred tournament, one where the use of live weapons is allowed. The winners become the Enforcement Group. The current Enforcement Group has been ruling for three years now."

"And that guy is one of those five?" frowned Artoria. "He seemed much weaker than you."

"He is." nodded Maya. "But if it really is Ryuzaki we are talking about, he is only someone who joined later on. The Enforcement Group has over two hundred members."

"I understand." nodded Artoria. "And who is the leader of the Enforcement Group?"

"…Mitsuomi Takayanagi. Masataka's older brother." said Maya with a somewhat wistful tone, as if reminiscing about something. Masataka nodded in confirmation, but his expression was sour.

Akeno, Artoria, Song-Yi and Heejin exchanged a smile, and Maya noticed.

"What are you guys scheming? Don't tell me you're going to challenge the Enforcement group?!"

"We are!" grinned Akeno.

"Don't be foolish! Those guys don't joke around! They'll send you to the hospital for weeks, maybe even rape you. There have been deaths before!"

"My sister is right, Akeno-sama." said Aya. "I know you are strong, but…"

Akeno patted her head with an affectionate smile for a few seconds while using Hands of Nirvana, and Aya stopped, shocked at how good it felt.

"Do not worry about us, Aya. We have undergone torturous training for a long time, and it takes a lot to kill us… Maya, do you know why I challenged you to a duel the instant I heard your name?" asked Akeno.

"…Because you guessed I was strong?"

"I am not such a hothead that I would want to challenge someone just because they are strong. Especially not after barely exchanging a few words. The reason I did yesterday is that we have been asked to defeat the five strongest people in Toudou Academy. Mitsuomi Takayanagi, Maya Natsume, Emi Isuzu, Bunshichi Tawara, Shiro Tagami. I defeated you yesterday, so there's four remaining. But not fighting them isn't an option."

"Who asked you to do such a dangerous thing?" exclaimed Maya.

"The same people who sent us to Toudou Academy. I'll tell you about it eventually, but for now, I'd like to pretend I am just your average martial artist and student."

"Ah! Like there is anything average about you…" snorted Maya, shaking her head.

Akeno only smiled and accepted Aya's next food offering.

After a minute Maya sighed.

"That fight with Mitsuomi and his crew. It's inevitable, right?"

"It is." nodded Akeno.

"…Yesterday, you asked me to teach you Ki techniques. If you can agree to three conditions, I will."

"What conditions?"

"First, you will come live with Aya and me. The training will be intense, and all of your free time will be devoted to it."

"We agree." said Akeno, and Artoria, Heejin and Song-Yi nodded.

"Second, you will not kill or cause any lasting injuries to any member of the Enforcement group you named. They aren't bad people."

"Fine by me. Does that include the rapist guy?"

"No. I do not care about him. Do not kill him, but feel free to send him to the hospital for a while." shrugged Maya.

"And your third condition?"

"…When you fight Mitsuomi, make sure the fight does not exceed three minutes. Even if you have to admit defeat to stop it."

"That won't be a problem, no serious fight ever last long with Akeno." shrugged Song-Yi.

"I'll accept that condition, but why three minutes?"

Maya glanced at Aya, who had a very ambiguous expression, seemingly mixing anger and resignation.

"Three years ago, Mitsuomi's heart was hit by a very special Ki attack. He survived it, and the doctors didn't see anything unusual after the fact, but since then, whenever Mitsuomi fights, his heartbeat climbs to over two hundreds per minute. As a side effect, he became stronger, but…"

"But this puts a severe strain on his body, and it becomes dangerous if the fight exceed three minutes?" guessed Akeno, and Maya nodded.

"Fine, I promise you, I won't let him die."

"Good." nodded Maya. "Artoria, Heejin, Song-Yi. Do you also accept those conditions?"

"Yes." nodded Artoria before glancing at Akeno. "Should we teach them about that, as thanks for their teachings? It would only be fair."

"I was already planning to do it. After we're done with the Enforcement Group?" asked Akeno, and Artoria, Heejin and Song-Yi nodded in approval.

"And what is 'that'?" asked Maya.

Akeno considered for a few seconds, then shrugged.

"Maya, Aya, Masataka. Do you guys believe in the supernatural?"

"You're asking Ki users about that?" asked Masataka. "Most people would already put us in the supernatural category."

"Right. But I mean, beyond that?"

"Everyone possess seven Dragon Veins in their bodies. Ki users are those who learn to open and use them. But there are some who are born with an eighth Dragon Vein, that allows them to have supernatural abilities affecting their surroundings."

Akeno didn't miss Maya's lightning quick glance toward Aya.

"So yes, we believe in the supernatural. Not in ghosts and UFOs, mind you."

"I understand. Now, to answer your previous question, if I guess correctly what Artoria alluded to, we can teach you something called Magecraft. Basically, what you would call magic, and anyone can learn it, although their potential is largely determined by genetics and lineage."

"Magic?" asked Aya, her eyes gleaming. "How strong is it? Can you show us an example, Akeno-sama?"

"Not here in the cafeteria. But I was asked to do a certain thing, and I might as well do it tonight, with you watching. It will be very flashy." smiled Akeno.

…

"So, how about that demonstration, Akeno-sama?" eagerly asked Aya after they finished cleaning the dishes. Akeno, Artoria, Heejin and Song-Yi had moved in inside the Natsume household, a large wooden house with sliding panels as inner doors.

"Let's gather in the living room." suggested Akeno, and they nodded. Once there, Akeno took out her Sanctuary, and grinned as she saw Aya and Maya's eyes widen.

"Before you ask, the rings Artoria, Heejin, Song-Yi and I wear are called spatial rings. They allow us to store inanimate objects inside. I'll make some for you later if you wish."

"How do they work?" wondered Aya.

"Dimensional magic." shrugged Akeno. "I know this isn't really an explanation, but this is a little like explaining colors to a blind person. If we teach you Magecraft, you will eventually become able to make some yourselves. Anyway, this crystal globe also uses dimensional magic, and we are going to go inside, since I do not want to damage this house with the next demonstration."

"Inside that globe?" asked Aya.

Akeno nodded, and teleported them all inside. They found themselves standing on the small plateau in front of the house, with the snowy mountain background.

Maya and Aya looked around in wonder, and Maya crouched to touch the snow with her fingers.

"It's fake snow." shrugged Akeno. "It isn't cold, doesn't melt, and if some enter your mouth, it will just disappear."

"You tried to eat that snow, knowing it wasn't real?" smiled Maya with a raised eyebrow.

"I have spent several years being trashed around in that place." chuckled Akeno. "I became significantly stronger, so I have no regrets, but yes, I wound up quite often with some fake snow in my mouth."

Akeno used magecraft to create a strong burst of wind and cleared the fake snow from a small area, revealing the dark brown, hard ground. She took a pot of white paint and a brush with a 150cm long handle, and got to work.

"Is it fine to talk, Akeno-sama?" asked Aya with hesitation.

"Yes. I'm only drawing the array. The part when I will need to stay focused will come after."

"You've already demonstrated magic a few times already, so we believe you, Akeno-sama. Are you making this thing for another purpose?"

"Yes. I must be a masochist, because I am going to summon someone to become my regular sparring partner and trash me around some more, aside from the Ki training we will do. And I think you two will be able to learn a few things from that person as well."

"Oh? That's interesting. I look forward to whatever you are going to do." replied Maya eagerly.

Akeno was working fast, and it only took her a few minutes to complete the array for heroic summoning, a complex circle four meters wide.

She checked it carefully, even if the array wasn't truly necessary with Type: Moon's cooperation, but she had promised the Natsume Siblings a show, and a show they would get.

Akeno took her smartphone and called Chaldea.

"Hi, Director, this is Akeno. How are you doing? … fine. I would like to summon Suzuka Gozen. Yes, it doesn't surprise me that Type: Moon is already aware. Thank you. I'll call back later."

"Suzuka Gozen?" asked Maya to Artoria. "Like the folklore character?"

"Yes. This is a Heroic Spirit summoning." nodded Artoria.

"A Heroic Spirit Summoning?"

"To put it simply, Akeno will bring back the soul of a dead person who had enough influence to leave their name in history, and use a form of energy we call mana to recreate a body for the soul to inhabit."

"So, like a ghost with a body someone can touch? It's… creepy." said Aya as she scrunched her nose.

She blinked as Heejin and Song-Yi chuckled. Maya raised an eyebrow at their reaction.

"Did I say something strange? I'm sorry, but I'm no good with ghosts."

"Calling a Heroic Spirit a ghost isn't really a good comparison." replied Heejin. "They are so much more."

"And you have been getting along just fine with a Heroic Spirit already, Aya." said Artoria with a stiff smile.

"What?" exclaimed Aya, and Artoria pointed at herself.

Artoria dematerialized herself for three seconds, then rematerialized.

"I introduced myself as Artoria Pendragon when we met." shrugged Artoria. "But there was a time when I was wearing full plate armor during public appearances to hide my gender, and history distorted my name to Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot, England. Does that ring any bells?"

"The king with the Excalibur sword?" frowned Maya.

Artoria nodded, manifesting her golden sword.

"Alright, now is the time when I need you girls to just watch. I am starting." called out Akeno, removing her vest. She had a sleeveless top under it, and Akeno removed the Light rune hiding the twenty-four red symbols of the eight command Crests she already possessed, covering most of the outer side of her left arm. She took a deep breath, and extended her left hand toward the array, channeling her mana toward it. The array started glowing

"Set.

For the elements, Silver and Iron.

For the foundation, stone and the Archduke of Pacts.

Raise a wall for the wind that shall fall.

Close the gates of the four directions. Come forth from the crown.

And follow the forked road leading to the Kingdom.

Fill, fill, fill, fill, fill!

Repeat every five times.

Simply, shatter once filled.

I announce.

Your self is under me, my fate is in your sword.

In accordance with the approach of the Holy Grail, if you abide by this covenant, then answer.

Here is my oath. I am the one who will become all the good of the world.

I am the one who will slay all the evil of the world.

You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, come forth from the circle of binding, O guardian of the Scales!"

The array emitted a bright flash, the arcs of lightning disappeared, the gust of wind died down, and Suzuka Gozen appeared in its center. Her appearance was quite different from what Akeno had expected. She had been warned by Noah that Suzuka was a youkai, but still…

Suzuka had large amber eyes and waist-long, pale orange hair with shorter bangs framing her face. Her most distinctive features, however, were the fox tail and ears.

Her attire would easily have passed for a school uniform from a Japanese high school. She had had the stereotypical blocky blue bag hanging from her left shoulder. She wore a red skirt and white shirt with short sleeves, with a loose red ribbon around its collar. She also had red socks and brown leather shoes, and a long, sheathed katana hung from the left side of her waist.

She blinked and looking around. Her eyes stopped on Akeno, feeling the bond that now bound them, and she smiled.

"Servant, Saber. I'm totally here 'cuz I was summoned! Or something like that." said Suzuka with a youthful voice.

"Welcome to the team, Suzuka. I am Akeno Himejima, your Master." smiled Akeno, nodding her head in greeting.

"How do you know my True Name? Have you used a catalyst that belonged to me?"

"You aren't a random summon. I specifically wished for you." nodded Akeno.

Maya and Aya were staring hard at Suzuka's fox ears.

"So, Master, are you super excited that you got to summon a totally strong and cute girl like me?"

Akeno nodded with a chuckle.

"I am! I heard from a certain source that you were one of the most skilled when it comes to the swordsmanship, and I'd like to learn from you." said Akeno, and Suzuka grinned.

"Ah? So you'd be like, my disciple? That's a bit strange, but I don't mind! Still, we won't have much time with the Holy Grail War going on. I'll win it for you in a jiffy!" declared Suzuka with a confident smile.

"There is no Holy Grail War going on. I summoned you with the permission of the entity who controls the Throne of Heroes to take part in a much more important mission than a mere Holy Grail War."

"Is that why you have all those Command Seals? I am your ninth's Servant? I don't know how I feel about this. I will like sharing my Master with others is like I'm being cheated on."

"I'm sorry to hear that, but that is how it is. There's a nice compensation for your service, however. And part of the agreement I have with the Throne of Heroes' maker is that all Heroic Spirits summoned will not be unsummoned after our mission is completed. You're here to stay, Suzuka, so I hope we'll get along." nodded Akeno.

"Really? That's great! I can finally perfect my JK style and get a boyfriend!" cheered Suzuka.

"After our task is complete, you will have a lot of free time to pursue your own interests, yes."

"So what's the mission? What is so big that it needs nine Servants?" asked Suzuka.

"Let's get comfortable inside the house first. It will take a while to explain everything." said Akeno.

…

It did take a while to tell Suzuka, Maya and Aya about the seven Gods their worked for, the timelines, Chaldea, Solomon's Demons, and the two quests they had been given for this particular world. The only thing Akeno didn't reveal was that Noah wasn't just her superior, but also her lover. It would interfere with the plans she had for conquering Aya, then Maya.

"…and that's about it." concluded Akeno. "I know this is a lot to take in, but it's fine if you don't think too deeply about it. We have reached a level of strength where there is little that can threaten us, and where we do not really need assistance from the people living in the timelines we visit anymore. Learning Ki techniques is another way to become stronger, and we are grateful for the opportunity, but this isn't something we absolutely need to save your world, either."

"I have so many questions." sighed Maya with a displeased expression. "At the same time, I feel disappointed that you didn't fight me seriously yesterday. I feel like I'm a joke."

"Maya, would you go all-out against martial artists who cannot use Ki?" asked Akeno.

"Of course not, I'd end up killing them."

"Exactly. But that doesn't mean that you despise your opponents, right? Especially when those opponents have an edge over you in one particular aspect or another."

"I understand what you mean." nodded Maya. "It still doesn't feel great."

"If you want to take your revenge, how about we spar again after you have learned all of our tricks? Toudou Academy had been named a fighting paradise for martial artists, but our faction is on a whole other level."

"Are you offering us the opportunity to become Agents like you?"

"I am. Although I do not require an immediate answer."

Maya nodded dubiously.

"And now, to complete that demonstration, how about you and I spar a bit, Suzuka? I'd like to get a feel of your swordsmanship, and you'd probably feel better if you knew your Master is able to hold her own in a fight."

"Good idea! I can already tell, like, you're strong, 'cuz of your mana's density. But skill is more important than raw power!"

"Let's go outside, then." smiled Akeno.

…

"You've got good foundations!" laughed Suzuka, enjoying the spar a lot. "Clearly, you have talent, and good teachers! But you're not at this JK girl's level yet!"

"Indeed." chuckled Akeno, stepping back for an instant. "But let's see how you fare when I actively strengthen my body."

Aya and Maya were watching on the side, their mouths open as they could just barely follow Akeno's and Suzuka's movements.

The two of them had very different fighting styles. Akeno was mixing probing strikes and counters, but clearly favorized the latter, keeping a stable footing, while Suzuka was dancing in and out of range, her attacks fluttering and hard to predict. She also mixed in illusions, and from the clashing sounds Akeno's black sword made, some of those illusions were solid.

After the Natsume sisters saw a blue formation appear for a moment under Akeno's feet, Suzuka suddenly was pressured by Akeno suddenly accelerating, her blows also becoming visibly harder to deflect.

"Eh! Not fair!" yelped Suzuka as she was forced to back away repeatedly. Her illusory fighting style was blunted by Akeno's ability to see through illusions, and while she had a significant advantage in skill, Akeno was simply overwhelming her in speed and power.

"You're right, it's not fair." smiled Akeno. After two more seconds, she jumped back.

"Let's call it a day, shall we?"

"You're a real monster, you know that? You're barely even sweating!" said Suzuka as she relaxed.

"Eheh." chuckled Akeno, putting her Eclipse back in her inventory.

"When you fight Mitsuomi, don't use a sword." frowned Maya as they walked closer.

"Yes, I remember our agreement."

"Akeno-sama, if we become Agents, will we become able to become as strong as you?" asked Aya.

"Will you become able to overtake me? Probably not. I have a few trump cards. But will you be able to exceed what I have shown you just then? Without a doubt, and I don't give it six months before you do. No, three months."

Aya nodded with a smile, while Maya looked more cautious.

"…The F group that was mentioned in that second quest you were given. I think I know what it refers to."

"You do?" asked Heejin.

"The Takayanagi family's emblem with a golden phoenix, with white feathers on its left wing, and red feathers on its right wing. The feathers represent the families of Martial Artists who support the Takayanagi family. The white feathers are the six families who specialize in pure martial arts. The red feathers represent the six families who have a supernatural power, transmitted from generation to generation."

"Vassal families?" asked Artoria.

"Not exactly. The relationship is complicated, and a bit looser. The heads of the families traditionally support the head of the Takayanagi, yes, but only as long as that head have their respect. If the Takayanagi head was a weak person, the feathers would turn on them."

"Is the Natsume family one of the feathers?" asked Song-Yi, and Maya nodded.

"One of the red feathers. Our family's heirloom is the Dragon's Eye, a form of clairvoyance."

Akeno noticed that Aya's eyes were down, and she was looking very uncomfortable. She decided to change the subject.

"And I assume the feather families might not like us defeating Mitsuomi, and that we would have to face some supernatural users?"

"If my hunch is correct, yes."

"I understand." nodded Akeno. "Well, it's been a long day, and I'm tired after that spar. How about we call it a day? Some of us have a lot of information to digest, and we can answer your questions tomorrow."

They all agreed and left the Sanctuary.