Different positions give different ideas and perspectives.
Take Aoko Aozaki for example. Before she turned 16, her life plan was no different from that of an ordinary person: advancing through school, graduating, and finding a job. The matters of her family, her connection to magic, and the mysterious world had nothing to do with her.
But on her 16th birthday, everything changed. Her grandfather, the discoverer of the Fifth Magic, casually said, "Hmm… Let Aoko become the heir of the Aozaki family."
This single sentence overturned Aoko's fate, who had always seen herself as just a normal person.
The current Aoko is entirely disconnected from the ordinary world.
No school, no job, no returning home, no marriage. She spends her days traveling and wandering around the world, dealing with many matters unknown to the general public, repaying the enormous debt incurred the moment she first uncovered the veil of magic.
Shinji's transformation wasn't as extreme, but he too changed step by step.
When he first crossed over, his only thought was to kill Zouken Matou.
Later, to protect his sister Sakura, he diligently studied martial arts and magecraft. During this phase, he always considered himself an immature weakling and his imaginary enemies were limited to human magi or supernatural beings.
After traveling with Touko for three years and then going to the Clock Tower, Shinji's perspective gradually broadened. His imaginary enemies shifted from ordinary magi to the strongest within humanity and even beyond.
Surviving a battle against Ortenrosse and being taken to a parallel world by Zelretch further elevated him. He began to measure himself against the Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors, top-tier Servants, and even the highest of the Servants.
At first, it was about escaping and surviving. Then, it became about having reciprocal exchanges, and finally, it was about seeking victory in battle.
Of course, all of this was still within the first layer of the three-layered pyramid.
After returning from the outside of the world and becoming a Third Magic User, Shinji's perspective underwent a fundamental shift. Not only did he break free from the first layer, but he also entered the second layer and even glimpsed the view beyond the third layer and outside the pyramid.
Things that once baffled him slowly began to make sense, such as the responsibilities of a Magician as explained by the Old Man of Jewels, and the seemingly incomprehensible behavior of Aoko Aozaki in the eyes of ordinary people.
It's like how an average citizen could never understand the perspective of a world leader—the difference is just that vast.
The future of the planet, the future of humanity, the matters of other planets, the development of different timelines, the affairs beyond the galaxy—things that were once mere fantasies or never even considered now had to be taken into account.
This is what it means to be a Magician: to possess powers beyond the understanding of both the planet and humanity. Every action they take could have far-reaching consequences.
"Altera, they were born in a way similar to you. So, from today onward, they're your little sisters. You three must get along and love each other."
"Mm!"
Altera nodded enthusiastically.
"Hello, Gaia, little sister. Alaya, little sister."
"…"
Gaia remained expressionless, showing no reaction.
Alaya, on the other hand, snorted and turned her head away, refusing to acknowledge this enemy of both the planet and humanity.
"Ugh…"
Altera felt defeated. In her loli form, her mindset had also become quite immature, and she looked at Shinji with a pitiful expression.
So tsundere?
Shinji's mouth twitched. He immediately placed a hand on one of the lolis' heads and sternly said:
"When your big sister greets you, you should respond properly. It's rude to behave like this."
"Let go of me!"
The two lolis struggled desperately, but Shinji had left a backdoor in the process of creating these Valkyries. Not only did he not remove it, but he also enhanced it with his magic.
As a result, their resistance was meaningless. They were firmly held in place by Shinji.
"Say 'Big Sister!'"
"No way."
"She's not my sister."
"Say 'Big Sister!'"
Shinji increased the pressure and volume, making it so the two lolis could barely speak.
"No…"
"Say 'Big Sister!'"
"…"
"Um… Could you let go of my little sisters? I'm fine with it," said the kind-hearted Altera, tugging gently at Shinji's sleeve.
"You know, Altera, you're great in every way, but sometimes you're just too soft-hearted," Shinji sighed helplessly and let go, stepping aside.
Altera smiled awkwardly and moved closer to Gaia and Alaya.
"Are you two alright?"
"We're fine, thank you… Big Sister," Gaia pouted but eventually called her that.
"Mm, Gaia, little sister," Altera said, both surprised and delighted.
"Is Alaya alright too?"
"Hmph, since you helped me, I'll call you 'Big Sister' just this once," Alaya still turned her head away, refusing to meet her gaze.
"Mm, mm."
Altera beamed even more brightly.
Seeing this, Shinji thought for a moment, then signaled to Jack, who immediately ran over to the trio of Lolis.
"Can I play with you all too?"
Of course, Altera wouldn't refuse, and the other two didn't object either. After all, Jack's existence was similar to theirs: a collection of consciousness, although of a much lower dimension.
"Is this your plan?"
Zelretch spoke up. Shinji had stepped back toward the other two Magicians.
"Yeah," Shinji nodded.
"We're all smart enough to foresee the fate of that planet, dragging humanity down with it. I don't know what you two think, but I believe, at the root of it, the problem lies in the lack of communication between humanity and the planet. More seriously, there's never been any communication, or they never even considered it. This is bound to lead to a massive conflict one day, resulting in the destruction of one side and mutual annihilation."
"So, you want them to communicate and interact this way?"
Aoko understood.
"Exactly. My idea is simple: humanity and the planet should develop harmoniously and prosper together. How to achieve that harmony? Well, they need to sit down and communicate. Although these two lolis are only small parts of a vast consciousness, this is a very good start. Let the planet understand humanity, and let humanity understand the planet. Sometimes, just talking things out makes it easier. I learned that from a pair of stubborn sisters who were at odds for over ten years and nearly killed each other."
Hearing this, Aoko became displeased. She clenched her fists and rolled up her sleeves.
"If you want a fight, just say so. Don't beat around the bush. And don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're connected to Touko."
"I don't mind. I'd love to see the essence of the Fifth Magic," Shinji showed no fear. Come on, we're both Magicians—why would I fear you?
"But not now. At least not until I've dealt with all the current issues."
"Then what are you waiting for? Go handle those two already."
"Alright."
Shinji immediately turned and called out to Crimson Moon, who wasn't far away, "Are you going back on your own, or should I force you back?"