Fate/Magus Path

63 Puppet Master

Volume 2: The World Stage

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Two months ago.

Tokyo.

"Hey, old man, are you the one following me?"

At a corner somewhere in the city, the young, energetic girl full of life suddenly stopped in her tracks, waiting for the strange man who had been tailing her without any attempt to hide it.

From the moment school ended until she was nearly home, this strange man had been following her but kept a respectful distance, never approaching recklessly.

Was he afraid of the two bodyguards by her side?

Though the two bodyguards with her were indeed skilled members of the Ryougi group, top-notch fighters, she felt like that wasn't the reason.

"Miss... that strange guy has been following us since we left the school gate. He must be up to no good."

A hint of caution appeared on the bodyguard's face.

"A trafficker?"

"No, a kidnapper wouldn't be this stupid. There's no way they'd approach with us by your side."

"Do you think it could be someone from another organization trying to harm the young miss?"

"Do they have the guts to make a direct move on the young miss?!" The older bodyguard's eyes gleamed with a hint of menace.

"Better to be cautious. You take the miss and leave, and I'll stay behind to teach this guy a lesson."

One of the bodyguards wiped his sunglasses, pulled a baton from his pocket, and prepared to confront Roy, intending to question his motives for following them.

"Miss, let's go."

The other bodyguard prepared to escort Shiki Ryougi away.

"No need. I'll stay here with you and wait for that guy to come over."

Shiki Ryougi shook her head, rejecting the bodyguard's suggestion.

"I have a feeling this situation isn't as simple as it seems."

"But if there's danger..."

One of the men tried to persuade her again, hoping to dissuade her from this risky decision. But Shiki Ryougi swiftly shut him down.

"Hmm? Are you saying you two can't handle one man?"

"Uh, well... senpai?"

The younger bodyguard exchanged an awkward glance with the older one, who sighed in response.

Since the young miss had spoken, if they continued to refuse, it would only imply their incompetence. Besides, with himself, a seasoned veteran, and a capable junior, he didn't believe Roy could cause any trouble.

"Alright... You stay here and protect the miss."

"Understood, senior."

The younger man, probably in his twenties, nodded in agreement and followed the older man's instructions. He scouted the surroundings for places to hide and led Shiki Ryougi to a relatively safe spot. He too took out his baton, prepared to intervene if things went south, even though he trusted his senior's abilities.

With their plan set, the three of them stopped at the corner, waiting for Roy to approach.

...

A few minutes later.