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!