Iskandar
Conqueror of Life
Iskandar: Hrm... What is this wasteland?
Iskandar: I came along excited about the prospect of a new battle, but this place is cold and bare.
Dr. Roman: Really? I thought the great King of Conquerors who trampled the Persian desert would find this place nostalgic.
Iskandar: Fool. The glorious battlefields of my memories were blazing gold at day and like tranquil moonlight at night. A sea of sand so mystical, it roused the heart.
Iskandar: It's nothing like this empty bore of a ruin. It's vastly different in epicness and scale.
Mash: Wouldn't you say an empty plain like this is rather convenient for battle, since you don't need to worry about harming innocent bystanders?
Iskandar: Convenient!? If it's not a fruitful land that gets the heart pumping, how do you know what you're fighting for!
Dr. Roman: What you're fighting for, huh. Then, may I ask, why do you fight?
Iskandar: It's obvious! To conquer! To reach the undiscovered land and claim it as my own!
Mash: ...I see. I expect nothing less from you, Senpai. You have summoned yet another troublesome Heroic Spirit.
Fujimaru 1: Yeah, what a headache.
Mash: ...I feel that's putting it lightly... He's almost a supervillain...
Dr. Roman: Now, now. There's no need to be so pessimistic.
Dr. Roman: In order to have a harmonious relationship with Servants, a positive outlook on things is most important, Mash.
Fujimaru 2: Actually, this is fine.
Dr. Roman: Are you saying that you have no problem controlling Servants, no matter how extraordinary of a Heroic Spirit they are?
Dr. Roman: Perhaps that's just your positive thinking talking? ...To be honest, I'm a little concerned about your optimism...
Dr. Roman: No. In a situation as desperate as this, confidence and optimism are our ultimate weapons.
Dr. Roman: Fujimaru has proven yet again [♂ his /♀️ her} high suitability as a Master.
Fou: Fou??? (Suspiciously)
Dr. Roman: King of Conquerors. You seem unimpressed with the world you've been summoned to, but why not think of it this way?
Dr. Roman: The crisis of destruction we are facing right now has the potential to make every land of this world into barren wastelands.
Dr. Roman: Which means the enthralling land that you seek to conquer will no longer be if nothing is done.
Iskandar: Oh-ho? That is a grave concern. This is no battle. It's simply a disaster.
Mash: You are not wrong to think so. To be honest, we do not fully understand the enemy ourselves.
Iskandar: No matter what it may be, as long as it has a physical body that bleeds when I cut it, I'll have no problem fighting.
Iskandar: Basically, you just want me to slaughter those ghastly creatures coming right at us, yeah?
Dr. Roman: ...Say what!? Oh crap! Look out, you're surrounded!
--BATTLE--:
Iskandar: ...Hm. Now that I've fought against some, I understand. This is no battle. This is some kind of cataclysm.
Dr. Roman: Meaning?
Iskandar: There's no passion in the enemy's fist. No emotion nor warm blood coursing through them. They are like locusts or portents of disaster. They are no warriors.
Mash: ...Um, so you're saying, they're like ghosts?
Iskandar: Hm. I cannot simply let such creatures roam free.
Fujimaru 1: We need your help.
Fujimaru 2: You'll regret it if you ignore them.
Iskandar: Indeed. With another conquest up ahead, it seems we need to settle this matter first.
Iskandar: This is a bizarre turn of events, but as you've summoned me, I shall offer you my sword, Master.
Dr. Roman: Ah yes! Now this is what Servant cooperation is all about! See how negotiation can make anything possible, Mash?
Dr. Roman: To be honest, I was on guard when I heard the King of Macedonia was here, but he's quite the man! He's so heroic, but not too rough!
Mash: I wouldn't call it negotiation... I feel like the fight convinced him.
Iskandar: Now that's settled, we need to prepare!
Iskandar: Military strategies change with the time and place. I must learn more about this era!
Dr. Roman: Ah! That's quite convincing coming from the great hero who sought world domination!
Iskandar: Being summoned as a Servant granted me knowledge of your era, but it does not feel real yet.
Iskandar: Yes, I need...personal experience...
Mash: And what kind of preparations do you have in mind?
Iskandar: First and foremost, information from literature. And a map.
Mash: ...I'm a little surprised that you'd be so meticulous in forming military strategies.
Iskandar: Obviously. A guide is necessary when exploring foreign lands. Maybe not an interpreter, but I do want literature to help steer our way.
Iskandar: Prepare something that lists must-see sights, local foods, and what times are the busy times. Make sure they don't skimp on the details.
Dr. Roman: ...Huh?
Iskandar: And...clothing. We wouldn't be fully immersing ourselves in local fare if it's just food and lodging.
Iskandar: Attire unique to that country! Just a wardrobe change changes your entire perspective!
Iskandar: My retainers all hated to do it. But it really is amusing.
Mash: ...Look at that smile. It's like saying, “I can get anything I want.” A royal ego like that reminds me of Gil... I mean, a different king that we know.
Mash: But when King Iskandar says it, I think I understand why his retainers would give in.
Mash: So, this is the king who thought to slice through the Gordian Knot. Only Senpai could summon a Servant like this!
Fujimaru 1: That's not true!
Fujimaru 2: Maybe that's true!
Dr. Roman: Well, um...yeah. I guess it wouldn't kill us to have a, uh, couple people around with one or two screws loose.
Dr. Roman: On that same note, maybe it wouldn't be so strange to have a king who mixes up tourism with conquest.
Fou: Foooou?
Dr. Roman: My point is, no matter what this Heroic Spirit's interpretation of the situation is...
Dr. Roman: As long as we can count on him in battle, I don't see any issue... I guess?
Fujimaru 1: That may be true...
Iskandar: Hahaha! That's the spirit!
Iskandar: As my contractor, that's the attitude you need!
Fujimaru 2: That's not necessarily true...
Iskandar: Hahahaha! There's nothing to fear! Life itself is a battle. Those who enjoy it will be victorious!
Iskandar: No matter your predicament, first eat your fill! Sing! Rest! Then you can worry about it after!
Fou: Foooou... (Dumbfounded)
The Unending Expedition
Mash: Let me reiterate! We need to retreat immediately! There's nothing we can gain from this battle!
Iskandar: Wahahaha! You may be right, Shield Maiden, but our escape route is now closed off! We just need to bite the bullet.
Dr. Roman: ...Unfortunately, he's right, Mash. Now that you've started the battle, you'll need to fight to get through.
Fujimaru 1: This is all because Iskandar just had to meddle...
Fujimaru 2: We could've escaped if you kept quiet...
Iskandar: Come now, don't say that!
Iskandar: The winds that blow in this land reminded me of Persia. It brought back the days of my passionate young blood!
Iskandar: And just when I felt like wreaking havoc here again, this lot showed up in need of a real thrashing!
Mash: What a meatheaded thought process... Senpai, be careful you don't get carried away, too!
Fujimaru 1: Mash, don't get distracted.
Iskandar: Wahahaha! That's my Master there! You really do have keen insight into the workings of battle!
Mash: Senpai, where were you from again? Did you work in a super exploitative company before coming to Chaldea?
Mash: What I'm saying is that you seem very adept at navigating a conflict and unreasonable demands!
Fujimaru 2: I hate my life!
Iskandar: Wahaha! Don't say that. Come, even my Bucephalus is excited by the prospect of battle!
Fou: Foooou!
Iskandar: Even that little squirrel over there is excited!
Mash: Fou!?
Iskandar: Besides, this battle may have begun as just a fun romp, but that may not be the case now.
Dr. Roman: What do you mean?
Iskandar: When I arrived in this land for an expedition, King Darius' troops were not the only ones who blocked our path.
Iskandar: They were like the evil spirits that we are fighting right now. They were relentless in ambushing us.
Iskandar: And along with those old memories... My men say their blood is stirring.
Mash: Huh?
Iskandar: They want to fight! Like back in the day... So fiercely, so courageously! Wagering their short lives for a chance at glory!
Iskandar: Men who had gathered to join in my path to conquer across the sea of sand! That is what they desire!
Iskandar: So, as king, I must answer their call!
Dr. Roman: What's with this sudden—!?
Fujimaru 1: ...Where are we?
Dr. Roman: A Reality Marble! But this is strange. How could the King of Conquerors as a Rider manage such powerful magecraft?
Dr. Roman: No, wait a minute! I detect numerous Servant signatures nearby!
Dr. Roman: This... What is going on!? I'm detecting more than 10,000!
Iskandar: Ah, look at your faces! Even I am excited. I'm trembling!
Iskandar: Now, raise your voices for battle!
Iskandar: The time of wonderment is here, Fujimaru, Shield Maiden! This is truly my kingship! My bond! My ultimate Noble Phantasm!
Iskandar: Run them down! Ionioi Hetairoi!!
--BATTLE--:
Mash: Amazing... Was that your Noble Phantasm?
Dr. Roman: The successive Servant summoning was a surprise! How many Servants were there!? Who knew they'd all be Heroic Spirits!?
Iskandar: Yes, indeed. They all went wild to their hearts' content. As usual, my men are unbelievable.
Iskandar: Fujimaru, and Shield Maiden as well. To see you unmoved by the mass of strong enemies was admirable.
Iskandar: My men were also in awe of your recklessness.
Mash: ...Th-thank you.
Iskandar: If there ever is another opportunity to wade into battle together, they would be more than happy to, is what they are saying.
Dr. Roman: Um...I don't quite understand what's going on, but can we assume you will help us out again?
Iskandar: Indeed. Not only do you have my support, but my men have all agreed as well.
Iskandar: Therefore, I declare here and now:
Iskandar: Under the banner of the King of Conquerors Iskandar, we of the Eastern Expedition Mixed Army shall participate in the Grand Order.
Iskandar: My Master! Command my Noble Phantasm, “Ionioi Hetairoi,” well!