Matou Shinji Returns from Infinite

Cowardice, weakness, low self-esteem... These things were eliminated as early as the first round.

What was left in the end, even he himself did not know.

Feeling numb.

If this is the 'weapon'.

Then he's close to passing.

But then again... Sakura, did she experience this level of despair too?

Whenever I think about it like this, my tired body and mind will be refreshed again.

It seems that every cell is roaring 'You can't lose to her if you lose to anyone'!

...that's it, keep going.

From a strange street ravaged by evil spirits to an unfamiliar homeland that feeds on people.

From the sea where countless girls are buried to the end times when corpses are rampant.

From a fantasy world dominated by dragons to a city of supernatural powers.

From the demonic realm of monsters to Star Wars Rising.

From ancient monster awakening to crazy titan invasion.

……

When he became numb, waiting for the embers to go out.

There is a new turning point in life.

It was a man in a yellow robe with a gentle smile.

Gender means nothing to it.

Because its thoughts are beyond the world.

However, he never forgot about such a messy mortal world.

- Such a puzzling existence.

"A lot of people don't understand how the world works, thinking that the physical universe is all there is to it, but the real world they know is just one of countless - yes, you know, you have more say than anyone in this world , including me, so I didn't choose you, but the future chose you."

she (he) said.

"..."

"Good? Well, that's important, but it's not the most important thing. You have to know that sometimes people have to break the rules."

"..."

"I've spent years staring, and I always thought Strange was the perfect fit...until your figure intervened in this universe, and you opened my eyes to new possibilities."

"..."

"The promise is very simple. No ceremony is required, wear it, you are the new Supreme Mage. I used to protect the world in my way, and now it's your turn."

"..."

"Passenger? Each of us is a passerby. What matters is what you did."

"..."

"I believe in your choice, because human nature doesn't lie. There are many stages in a person's life, and you're a lot ahead of Strange. You know, pure good is not reassuring, pure evil can't be reassuring. Can't be trusted, but somewhere in between, neither belongs to any, but also includes all... well, the mess is worth looking forward to."

"..."

"Go, take it, and save the universe from that mad titan and that group of aliens, the new Supreme Mage—"

***************************

"—Mato Shinji."

Matou Sakura's timid eyes were filled with curiosity.

Is the person who is introducing herself in front of her the future brother?

He's about the same height and has dark blue hair, like the wakame that's common at dinner tables.

She felt a little guilty about it, because there should be a more elegant description.

She is only one year older than her, that is to say, she is six years old this year and has just returned from a study abroad.Other than that, I don't know anything.

The face that matched that of a child was very plain.

Neither welcome nor excluded.

From him, the girl could vaguely sense this attitude.

Feeling relieved, this is a good start, right?

She thought so naively.

"You... hello, my name is Sa..."

She tried to release kindness, but the other party turned away without any hesitation.

As if he didn't want to see (face) her again for even a second.

……

Go upstairs to the study at the end of the corridor.

It was one of the private spaces belonging to the head of the Matou family.

Not even the father was allowed to enter without permission.

This is because the entrance to the magic workshop in the basement of the Matou mansion was built in the study.

For a magician, it's equivalent to the deepest vault in a bank.

Preserving the fruits of all efforts so far.

He once hoped to carry it forward as an heir.

now……

Shinji's eyes were lowered, a sneering smile flashed across his face, raising his hand and knocking on the door.

"Who?"

"Grandpa, it's me."

When the words came out, Shinji couldn't help but want to sigh.

The 'grandfather' shouting was even more unnatural than expected.

That's right, it's normal to not be able to change for a while.

Not to mention that he is not like him when he was six years old, even if he is 17 or 27 years old, he is just an afterimage of him now.

"--Come in."

A hoarse, low voice sounded.

It seemed that he didn't notice...or rather, didn't care.

A young, but steady and powerful hand pushed open the rotten door and stepped in.

Although it was daytime, the sun didn't want to enter this alien space.

The square array of bookshelves and ancient books is evenly distributed in each corner, wrapping the desk in the center, which feels like the relationship between the accompanying tomb and the main tomb.

And the owner of the tomb.

The personification of obsession, who should have died hundreds of years ago, Matou Zaoyan was standing by the desk with a cane.

Chapter 02. Changeling

Although bones curl and muscles shrink as people age, it is rare to see an old man as short and thin as he is.

Sunken eye sockets, unable to see pupils.

You can only judge the direction of the line of sight through the turning of the neck, like a puppet, and cannot feel the vigorous vitality that a living creature should have.

Is he, or--is it really 'alive'?

"...It's rare. Although I heard that you have returned to China, you came here as soon as you got home. Do you have any interesting insights to share with this old man?"

If you don't look at him as skinny as a mummy, not only does not conform to human aesthetics, but even creates a horrifying appearance, just listen to the words and feel the tone of voice, Matou Zouken—this old magician who has lived for 500 years It is no different from ordinary old people.

Not amiable, but not too difficult to negotiate.

If I really want to say, he should be one of those weird old men who seem surly and gloomy and unable to negotiate at first glance, but he is actually quite proficient in the world and articulate.

...Well, yes, only the 'weird' can't be removed.

"There is something very important. I met a goblin when I was traveling abroad."

Shinji didn't have any premise, no warm-up, and just explained his intention in one sentence.

"Fairy?"

Matou Zuoyan grabbed the key word and repeated it.

Brow trembling.

The casual attitude was gradually replaced by seriousness.

"You who have read the collection of books and know the concept of magic do not want to fool the old man with the innocent jokes of other children... If you look closely, you do seem to have some indescribable changes in your body. Or more, or a combination of both?"

The old man narrowed his eyes, which were not obvious at all, and stared straight at the child who was nominally his grandson.

In terms of understanding it, he is definitely not inferior to his father Tsuruno, because magicians have the way of life as magicians.

He admits to having 'observed' since he was born.

As for later life and changes.

Honestly, when the value of something is initially characterized, it doesn't really matter what happens after that.

But right now.

At the moment when Shinji spat out shocking pieces, his past 'qualitativeness' was overturned.