Fate Phantasmal Mystery

Prologue Part 2: The Test

The soft morning light filtered through the small windows of their shared flat, casting a warm glow over the modest dining table where Shirou, Rin, and Sakura sat. The air was filled with the scent of fresh toast and eggs, a simple yet hearty breakfast prepared by Shirou as part of their daily routine. A peaceful calm hung in the air, but it was only a matter of time before their conversations turned to the day's looming trials.

Rin sat with her usual air of confidence, occasionally sipping her tea while reading through a book she had balanced on her lap, undoubtedly studying some advanced Magecraft theories. Sakura, sitting beside her, smiled softly as she glanced at Shirou, who was intently focused on eating, clearly lost in thought about what awaited them at the Clock Tower.

"So," Rin started, glancing over the edge of her book, "what's on the schedule for today?"

Sakura was the first to answer, her tone light but with a hint of nervousness. "I have a General Fundamentals lecture in the morning with Professor Kayneth's assistant. He's strict but... fair, I think." She gave a small, encouraging nod, though it was clear that thoughts of the test were weighing on her mind. "Then, in the afternoon... the test."

Shirou, who had been quietly eating, lifted his gaze. "Same here. I'll be in the General Fundamentals lecture too, but afterward..." He trailed off, the weight of the test sinking in. It was impossible not to think about it. His journey as a mage had always been unconventional, to say the least. A part of him was still unsure if he even belonged in the Clock Tower, let alone one of its most esteemed departments.

Rin noticed the subtle shift in mood and gave a small, reassuring smirk. "Ah, yes, the big day for both of you. Today's the day you prove whether you're Clock Tower material or just amateurs." Her teasing tone was meant to lighten the atmosphere, but her words carried a sharper edge of truth. Tests at the Clock Tower were never mere formalities; they were designed to push mages to their limits, and she knew that better than anyone.

Sakura gave a soft laugh, though it was clear she shared Shirou's quiet anxiety. "It'll be fine, right?" she asked, more to reassure herself than anyone else. "We've prepared for this, after all."

Shirou nodded, though he wasn't entirely convinced. "Yeah... we've trained hard."

Rin closed her book with a snap and leaned forward, her smirk turning into a confident grin. "Of course, it'll be fine. You two have come this far already. If you can handle the Holy Grail War, you can handle this." She stood, placing a hand on her hip, her usual energetic assertiveness taking over. "Besides, it's not like you're going in unprepared. You've got talent."

Shirou raised an eyebrow at her. "You make it sound so simple."

Rin rolled her eyes dramatically. "Well, it *is* simple when you're a prodigy like me." Her mock arrogance was almost convincing, but Shirou knew she was simply trying to keep them from overthinking. "In any case, just don't mess up. No pressure."

Sakura stifled a giggle as Shirou gave a sigh of resignation, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "No pressure at all, huh?"

Rin gave a satisfied nod, clearly pleased with her attempt to keep their spirits high. "Exactly. Now finish up, or you'll be late."

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After breakfast, the trio left their flat and made their way through the bustling streets of London, heading toward the Clock Tower. The towering institution of Magecraft loomed ahead, its ancient stone walls and spires both majestic and intimidating. For Shirou and Sakura, this place still felt alien-despite the time they had spent here, it was hard to shake off the feeling that they didn't quite belong.