When Rin Tohsaka returned, she found Rei no longer in the pool but standing on the edge, facing several figures who seemed to be deep in discussion. Though not close enough for clear eavesdropping, Rin could discern a flicker of unease on Rei’s face. Rin’s brow furrowed instinctively, and she quickened her pace. “Rei!”

That single call immediately drew the attention of the group opposite. Rei’s eyes lit up as if seeing a savior, and she rushed toward Rin. “Rin.” Rin offered a slight smile, giving the girl a reassuring look. She stepped in front of Rei and addressed the group before them in a low voice. “Who are you people? What do you want?”

Facing Rin were five individuals: one man and four women. The man was a tall, fair-haired youth with a kind expression. Beside him stood a short girl with brown hair, obscured by a wide-brimmed hat and a cape, yet radiating boundless energy. To the brown-haired girl’s right was a striking, black-clad woman with black hair, whose expression was marked by a distinct air of languor. The remaining two were a delicate-looking girl with blue hair and a spirited girl with dark hair, who stood close together, displaying an intimacy that suggested they were sisters, content to observe the unfolding scene.

Though this quintet presented a rather peculiar assembly, they didn't immediately strike Rin as malicious, nor did she sense any palpable ill intent. Thus, while inwardly cautious, Rin kept her outward demeanor neutral. Of course, were any real hostility present, she suspected that the spirit residing on Rei, Hakuei, would have intervened long before she arrived.

“They say they’re the Angel Guard,” Rei murmured from behind Rin. “Are you the one with this child?” The energetic brown-haired girl instantly queried. Without waiting for an answer, she continued with an audible sigh of relief, “Oh, that’s wonderful. Ah, it’s impossible to get a clear explanation from this child. We are the Angel Guard of the Holy War Angel Complete Protection Association.” “The Holy War Angel Complete Protection Association… What on earth is that?” Rin tilted her head, a picture of confusion, yet subtly setting a linguistic trap. The brown-haired girl fell for it predictably and laughed. “The Holy War Angel Complete Protection Association isn't a 'thing,' it’s…”

Mid-sentence, the fair-haired youth beside her tugged her sleeve, offering an awkward reminder. “Senior, your answer just now might have been a little problematic.” “Huh? What’s wrong?” The brown-haired girl blinked, thinking hard until the realization dawned. She had just inadvertently insulted her own organization. With a slight pout, she addressed Rin. “…You’re quite sly, girl.” No, you’re just too slow, Rin thought privately, while the others in the group seemed equally speechless.

Clearing her throat deliberately, the girl announced herself with self-assurance. “I am Shiska, currently a pitiful beauty, but destined to become an outstanding woman. I am the leader of this team.” She then gestured toward the fair-haired youth and the languid, dark-haired woman beside her. “This is Long Wei, my junior; he acts as Vice-Captain. And that is his partner, Chiya.” “I’m starving,” the girl called Chiya mumbled listlessly. “Didn’t you just eat?” Long Wei sighed, exasperated. “Can’t I be hungry again?” Chiya shot him a glare.

Under Shiska’s introductions, Rin gained a hazy understanding of the group. These three were one contingent of the Angel Guard. As for the other two girls, Lasati and Lilia, they were sisters currently under the protection of the Guard. “Even if you say so, what exactly is this Angel Guard, and what does it have to do with you bothering Rei?” Rin asked sternly. Despite the lengthy preamble, the essential points remained unaddressed, frustrating her slightly. Shiska covered her mouth with a smile. “Oh, my dear, didn’t I make it perfectly clear? The Angel Guard is tasked with protecting the Holy War Angels. We are here to retrieve the Seven Luminary Trees that vanished abruptly the other day.” “Retrieve the Seven Luminary Trees?” Hearing those words, Rin’s frown deepened involuntarily.

Shiska, however, remained resolute and continued, “Precisely. The Holy War Angel Complete Protection Association was established to ensure the Holy War Angels live happily and freely. Any Holy War Angel who is ‘used as a tool for crime,’ ‘subjected to improper persecution like abuse or discrimination,’ or ‘judged to possess dangerous abilities they cannot control’—these are all subjects of our protection.” “Is Rei one of your protectees? Which criterion does she meet?” Rin inquired, feigning casualness. Shiska grew serious. “The third clause. We judge the Seven Luminary Trees possess a dangerous, uncontrollable power, risking future harm to herself or others. Therefore, we must take her into protective custody.” Rin nodded slowly and continued. “So, you mean you’re taking Rei to this Protection Association, where she will live alone—is that the intention?” “The first part is correct, but she won't be alone there. There are many other Holy War Angels, living together with their companions. She will certainly be happy there,” Shiska asserted confidently. “Is that so?” Rin’s expression was one of profound skepticism. “You questioned Rei just now, didn’t you? Did she agree?” Rei shook her head. “Then isn't this forced protection? That sounds alarmingly close to kidnapping,” Rin stated flatly. Shiska looked somewhat embarrassed. “Well, the first time is always like this. Many people resist protection initially. But once they settle in for a while, they realize the Protection Association is actually a wonderful place.” “That might be true,” Rin conceded, nodding again. “Things we dislike at first, we might grow accustomed to and even like if we use them long enough.” Her repeated, contradictory gestures left the surrounding people completely baffled as to her true intentions.

Shiska, however, seemed overjoyed. “See? As soon as I explain, you understand! Since you grasp the situation, please hand her over to us now. She is your Holy War Angel; as long as you consent, there’s no issue. We promise to make her happy.” The girl made a solemn vow, reaching out a hand. But halfway there, her hand was slapped away. Rin’s face was cold, her displeasure palpable. “I refuse.” “Ah, why?” Shiska froze in surprise. “I knew it wouldn’t be that easy,” Chiya sighed. Long Wei offered a wry smile. “It can’t be helped; Senior is always overly optimistic and can’t read the room.” “Ah, I see,” Shiska seemed entirely unfazed by their commentary. After a moment’s thought, understanding dawned. She nodded repeatedly. “Right, of course. Having a treasure as precious as a Seven Luminary Tree by your side, most people wouldn't simply hand her over. I understand. Very well, as payment for taking care of her all this time, and as compensation to you… Fifty Million G.”

Saying this, the girl boldly produced a check from her person and presented it to Rin. “How about that? Surely that should convince you to release the Seven Luminary Tree?” As the person at the center of this transaction, Rei remained expressionless, standing quietly in place. Of course, while she felt no anger, that didn't mean others wouldn't. “Your companion is entirely correct; you truly cannot read a room.” Rin gazed at her coldly, her anger clearly visible on her face. “Oh, you think that’s too little? You have a point; she is a Seven Luminary Tree. I’ll double it then.” The girl pulled out another check, saying with evident heartache, “Ah, this is quite the sacrifice for me; I’m bleeding dry today.” “Are you incapable of understanding plain speech? While I enjoy money, I have absolutely no intention of selling my companion,” Rin’s expression hardened, and she issued a low, warning tone. “Given that you haven't displayed hostile actions yet, I suggest you leave before I get truly angry—or before he arrives.” “Uh…” Despite Rin’s stern refusal, Shiska showed no sign of yielding, continuing her persuasion. “Wait, you must know how special that child is. She is fundamentally different from ordinary humans. Living among them would cause significant trouble. Therefore, handing her over to us at the Holy War Angel Protection Association is the best option.” “Ordinary humans, yes, Rei certainly can’t be called ordinary,” Rin conceded this point readily. “See, see? You understand!” Shiska felt a renewed glimmer of hope, her smile returning, laced with a hint of menace. “Furthermore, among the Holy War Angels, she is quite unique—she shouldn’t be standing beside you.” “Ah, I see. I’ve been underestimated,” Rin sighed wearily, then grew serious. “While I admit Rei is special, I myself was raised in a unique environment since childhood. So, this is my final warning: Leave my sight immediately, or I can’t guarantee I’ll hold back my full strength.”

As a practitioner of orthodox Magecraft, Rin had never taken a human life, yet the essential ruthlessness of a Magus still resided within her. At her words, the very air around them seemed to chill perceptibly. Shiska’s smile instantly vanished. At this point, even the most obtuse person would realize the other party would absolutely not compromise. She lowered her head and spoke in a low, somber tone. “Ah, I see. I had hoped I’d met a reasonable person with whom a discussion could resolve this. Although we preferred not to clash initially, what a shame.” “Are we fighting? Are we really going to fight?” Hearing this, Chiya, who had been utterly listless, suddenly perked up, excitedly approaching Shiska. Long Wei, however, seemed inclined to intervene, murmuring, “Senior, perhaps starting a fight here isn't wise. This is a passenger liner, after all.” “Big Sister,” seeing the deadlock firmly established, Lilia, who had been observing quietly, looked at her sister with alarm. “What—what should we do?” Caught between her newly made friend and her protectors/benefactors, the kindhearted girl dreaded any harm coming to either side. “I’m sorry, Lilia, but this situation is outside our jurisdiction,” Lasati shook her head, indicating helplessness. While Shiska’s impulsive words were certainly irritating, Lasati knew her core nature was good—she genuinely wanted the blue-haired girl to be happy. However, seeing her companion treated like merchandise to be bartered for a price, Rin’s fury was entirely understandable. If the roles were reversed, Lasati admitted she might have torn that person apart herself. As Lasati spoke, she gently pulled Lilia a short distance away, clearly intending to remain an observer to the very end.

By now, Shiska could no longer hear the peripheral voices. She continued, speaking with a distinctly villainous cadence. “If both sides could have compromised, you would have gained a fortune and lived a leisurely life, and we would have completed our mission and earned promotions. It could have been resolved peacefully, but now, it seems we must resort to our trump card.” “Yes! It should have been like this from the start!” Chiya grew increasingly animated, even letting out a whoop of excitement at Shiska’s declaration. Rin had anticipated this turn of events and was unconcerned. She replied casually, “A trump card? Oh? Do tell.” Shiska lifted her head, her face radiating a sunshine-like smile, an expression indistinguishable from that of a predator closing in for the kill. “We use force.” Click. As she spoke, the girl flung her cape back, and a submachine gun instantly materialized in her grasp. She grinned triumphantly. “That’s right. Prepare yourself; I’m super strong! If you get hurt, don't blame me for not warning you beforehand.” “I thought so. Although I also preferred a peaceful resolution, since you are clearly prepared for battle, I have no need to hold back either,” Rin said, swiftly pulling Rei’s slender frame backward. She instantly erected a defensive barrier, grasping several gems in each hand. “What’s going on?” “A gun?” “Bad! A fight is about to break out here!” “Run!”

The swimming pool area was vast, and the commotion could not have gone unnoticed. When Shiska produced the weapon, the ordinary bathers were instantly terrified, screaming and scattering in all directions. In moments, only the seven of them remained in the vicinity of the pool. Shiska glanced around quickly, then leveled her weapon at the enemy, smiling as if victory was assured. “Good. The bystanders are gone. Now, it’s time to let you experience the true power of our Angel Guard. You will regret not taking my offer earlier.” “Don’t worry, Senior’s gun only fires tranquilizer rounds. Even if you’re hit, you won’t die… unless you hit a vital spot,” Long Wei commented with a bitter smile, offering a helpful warning. “Stop talking nonsense!” Shiska glared at him, but her finger moved without hesitation to pull the trigger. The pool area was immediately filled with a rapid pap-pap-tap-tap-tap sound as countless bullets zipped forward. “Defense… Activate… Reinforce.” As Shiska attacked, Rin completed the full formation of her barrier. The stream of bullets, only thirty centimeters from Rin’s chest, met a shimmering, pale yellow light that pulsed continuously. All the projectiles were halted by this glow and dropped limply to the ground. “How is that possible? The bullets… can’t penetrate?” Witnessing this, Shiska and the others were dumbfounded. This was a sight they had never encountered. Was this some new technology? Had such advanced methods appeared?

Rin smiled faintly. Trying to breach her defensive barrier with standard firearms was the stuff of fairytales. Not only could she withstand bullets now, but even before participating in the Holy Grail War, this was a fundamental requirement for a first-rate Magus. “Be careful now. While I’ve restrained the output, being hit would still be quite painful,” Rin warned. As she spoke, a strange light pulsed from the back of her left wrist—her Magic Crest. Then… Curse Bullet preparation. Beep-beep-beep-beep-beep!

Innumerable streams of projectiles shot from Rin’s index finger. Shiska’s expression shifted immediately, and she tried to dodge with nimble footwork. However, the power and velocity of Rin’s Curse Bullets were easily comparable to, if not surpassing, her machine gun, making them far from easy to evade. In an instant, Shiska was scrambling, barely avoiding catastrophic hits. Nearby, Long Wei and Chiya, who hadn't even fully engaged, stared in shock, while the observing sisters were rendered speechless. “That woman is firing bullets from her hand?” “Is she also a Holy War Angel? But I’ve never heard of any Holy War Angel possessing this power—not even the Seven Luminary Trees could manage that!” “Holy War Angel? No, I’m merely an ordinary Magus,” Rin declared, unaware she had just borrowed a certain black-and-white character’s catchphrase. “Relax, I’m not the type to kill casually. These Curse Bullets won’t end your lives, just leave you physically weakened for a while. Of course, getting hit will hurt. If I happen to hit your head, you might turn into an idiot,” Rin added with a wicked grin. “Magus? Don’t joke. How could some street entertainer launch so many bullets from their hand?” Despite being cornered, Shiska couldn’t resist retorting. Naturally, this distraction worsened her situation, leading to several near misses. “Rin,” Rei called out, witnessing the vastly disproportionate battle. Rin turned back with a faint smile. “Don't worry. I won't seriously injure them, and I certainly won't let them take you.” As she spoke, the barrage from her hand never ceased, sweeping toward the three opponents ahead. “Mmm,” Rei nodded firmly. “This person… is too strong.” Under the relentless suppression of Rin’s barrage, the three found no opportunity to retaliate. Only now did they truly understand: this opponent was no mere mortal.