Lord El Melloi II - Zhuge Liang
Heroic Spirit Possession
El-Melloi II:
Oh! Speaking of which, I haven't introduced myself.
I am Lord El-Melloi II.
El-Melloi II:
I am a mere human, who became the Spirit Origin of a famous strategist from the Three Kingdom Period in China.
Fujimaru 1:
Lord?
El-Melloi II:
What, don't you know?
What kind of manuals did Animusphere make...
Fujimaru 2:
The Second?
El-Melloi II:
Right. I was originally a third-rate noble from the countryside. For certain reasons, I took after my mentor and inherited his name.
Mash:
Excuse me, Lord El-Melloi II. When you say Lord,
do you mean the "Lord" of the Mage's Association?
El-Melloi II:
Yes. I represent one of the twelve noble families that operate the Clock Tower, the center of the Mage's Association. The lowest-ranked, though.
Dr. Roman:
Did you know Director Olga Marie?
What time period are you from, anyway?
El-Melloi II:
Same as Fujimaru, I'm from the 21st century. Before I knew it, I became a Pseudo-Servant.
Mash:
A Pseudo-Servant...like me. Are you someone that was empowered by Heroic Spirits?
El-Melloi II:
...The result was the same but the idea's different.
There's nobody identical to you in this time.
El-Melloi II:
Originally, it's impossible to form a Demi-Servant.
Just the same as it's impossible for Dhampir to be born among vampires.
Dr. Roman:
As I'd expect of a Clock Tower mage, you probably understand the logic behind the impossible.
Dr. Roman:
That's right. Mash is an extremely unique example of success. It'd be hard to recreate an accident.
El-Melloi II:
I'm glad to hear that. I would've suggested an immediate dismantling of Chaldea if it was such a screwed-up organization.
Mash:
...
Fou:
Fou, Fooou!
El-Melloi II:
...Sorry, that was insensitive of me. You aren't guilty of anything, ma'am. I would like to correct myself.
Mash:
W-Well, you cannot deny that creating Demi-Servants was an inhumane experiment.
Mash:
Your feeling of disgust is justified, Lord El-Melloi.
Even more so if it comes from justice and morals.
Mash:
That aside, please continue your explanation.
What are Pseudo-Servants?
El-Melloi II:
Ah, yes.
I shall answer that question.
El-Melloi II:
A Pseudo-Servant is someone possessed by a Heroic Spirit. Those Heroic Spirits who can't become a Servant...
El-Melloi II:
Perhaps they are higher beings like Divine Spirits, or their Spirit Origins can't be created by Chaldea.
El-Melloi II:
In order to summon them as Servants, human vessels are sometimes used.
El-Melloi II:
That is what a Pseudo-Servant is. Using a human body as catalyst to forcefully summon a Heroic Spirit.
Fujimaru 1:
??
Fujimaru 2:
?????
Dr. Roman:
Oh-uh, Fujimaru looks confused.
Obviously since it's a particularly unique case, right?
Dr. Roman:
In short, it's someone being possessed by a ghost.
Dr. Roman:
Then the psyche of the possessed is overwritten by the Heroic Spirit...
El-Melloi II:
I'm the opposite. I took only the role of Zhuge Liang,
because western logic doesn't match eastern logic.
El-Melloi II:
But with the greater good of protecting humanity in mind, we share a common goal.
El-Melloi II:
That's why after a discussion with the Strategist on who should control the body, I ended up staying because of my knowledge of modern eras.
Dr. Roman:
I see. That's very much Zhuge Liang.
Just like what he did at the end of his life.
Dr. Roman:
The important thing was for someone to execute his strategies, without participating on it...
Dr. Roman:
In other words, he found the one capable of his strategies, so he decided not to appear.
El-Melloi II:
That's right. We've only talked for a bit, but it's obvious he's more of a monster than history described. I didn't feel like I was talking to a human.
Fujimaru 1:
...Can you fight?
Fujimaru 2:
...You're just a human?
Fou:
Fou, Fooou.
El-Melloi II:
I would've been incinerated if I was just a human.
El-Melloi II:
By becoming one with the Heroic Spirits, I temporarily became a Servant.
El-Melloi II:
Follow me.
I will show you proof.
El-Melloi II:
Around here is fine.
Enemy approaching. Prepare for battle.
El-Melloi II:
You will immediately see if I can fight as a Servant.
El-Melloi II:
In turn, I will assess your potential as a Master.
Kill two birds with one stone, right?
Monster:
Gaooooooooooooo—!
Mash:
They're already pumped up!
What did you do, Lord El-Melloi?
El-Melloi II:
Well, this will be interesting.
I used some pheromones to excite them.
El-Melloi II:
Be careful when you fight, ma'am. The enemy is on a rampage. Don't let your guard down.
Mash:
Master!
I think he's gone too far with his logic!
--BATTLE--:
Dr. Roman:
The enemy response is still spreading!
It's massive. Just how excited are they!
Mash:
This is no time to be in awe, Doctor!
Do something!
Dr. Roman:
Sorry, there's nothing I can do beside scanning the area... You just have handle it by yourselves.
Mash:
Got it!
It means I can only rely on Senpai, right!?
Fujimaru 1:
Sorry Doc. Let's do this, Mash!
Fujimaru 2:
Same as usual. Let's do this, Mash!
El-Melloi II:
I see. Aren't you a courageous one?
No plans, but you sure got guts.
El-Melloi II:
Humph—Not bad at all.
El-Melloi II:
You remind me of myself in the past.
If that's the case, "I" shall show my true strength.
El-Melloi II:
Of course, this is merely on the path of me reaching him.
But it seems this will be a fruitful contract.
--BATTLE--:
Mash:
The battle is over...
You know...I'm three times more...tired than usual...
Fujimaru 1:
Good job, Mash.
Fujimaru 2:
...It was a disaster, huh?
Fou:
Foou!
Mash:
I'm relieved that you and Fou...both made it...
Mash:
Those wild beasts had their eyes on the two of you, I was doing everything I can...
Fou:
Fou!?
El-Melloi II:
You're done?
So how did I do, Fujimaru? Did I pass?
Fujimaru 1:
You've convinced me.
El-Melloi II:
That's good.
I'm finished assessing you too.
Fujimaru 2:
That's not fair, you can fight as a human.
El-Melloi II:
Not fair? Oh I see, you mean comparing to you? So you're jealous that I can fight on the front line despite being a human.
El-Melloi II:
Cherish what you're feeling now. Because it requires strength to withstand that feeling of powerlessness.
El-Melloi II:
As you can see, I can fight as a Servant.
You might be unsatisfied with my firepower, but I will make up with my intellect.
Dr. Roman:
Oh. He's definitely a first-rate Servant. I mean all Pseudo-Servants are exceptional cases to begin with.
Dr. Roman:
Fujimaru, eventually you'll be able to meet a Pseudo-Servant who fused with a god, I think.
El-Melloi II:
Probably...Well, I am a special case.
El-Melloi II:
Most vessels chosen to become Pseudo-Servants...
in other words, mages, already possess powers.
El-Melloi II:
And when Heroic Spirits possess humans, they will choose those who closely resemble themselves. So of course they are powerful.
El-Melloi II:
Those integrated will then transmigrate into a third personality, a new personality if you will.
El-Melloi II:
Those kinds of Servants are troublesome.
After all, they tend to think like Divine Spirits.
El-Melloi II:
They will probably be completely selfish and ask for all kinds of impossible things.
El-Melloi II:
Then you'll know that I'm one of the better ones.
Dr. Roman:
Hahaha...Well, let's save that for the future.
Good job, Mash, Fujimaru.
Dr. Roman:
Come home with Mr. El-Melloi II.
Dr. Roman:
I couldn't fight with you, but I can welcome you home with a warm cup of tea.
Endless Sea
El-Melloi II:
...
Mash:
(Senpai, Mr. El-Melloi seems off.
I know he looks irritable all the time, but now...)
Fujimaru 1:
Is he looking at the sea?
Fujimaru 2:
He's looking at the sunset?
Fou:
Fou, fou.
El-Melloi II:
...So.
El-Melloi II:
Ma'am. If you're going to hide, at least put down your shield. Anyone will notice a black steel wall on the beach.
El-Melloi II:
You too Fujimaru.
As her Master you should've pointed that out.
Mash:
S-Sorry.
It seemed like you wanted to be left alone...
Fou:
Nnnng...kyau, kyaaaau!
El-Melloi II:
Nothing, I was just looking at the sea.
I heard it was named Okeanos due to the Grail.
El-Melloi II:
But it's just a name. It's a horizon as far as you can see, but the edges simply adhere to each other.
El-Melloi II:
Just like a scroll. A sea enclosed in all directions that perpetually revolves around the same area.
El-Melloi II:
You can sail it endlessly, but in truth,
it's just a clipped miniature garden. How absurd.
El-Melloi II:
This is not the place I set out to reach.
Not even close to the real Okeanos.
Mash:
You wanted to reach Okeanos?
Are those the words of Zhuge Liang?
El-Melloi II:
...Hmph, those are my words. Watch your mouth.
It appears I got too sentimental.
El-Melloi II:
It was a dream. One that I had when I was younger.
All the experience I've gained was to further that goal.
El-Melloi II:
I didn't become what I am now naturally.
I was an average mage.
El-Melloi II:
Taking on that troublesome teaching position, inheriting the name of El-Melloi, refining my third-rate magical circuit, it's all because—
El-Melloi II:
I wanted to become the ideal I yearned for when I was young. Now, I'm just a crooked old mage.
Mash:
A crooked mage...you?
Even though you are a first-class mage?
El-Melloi II:
Only my position is first-class. My ability as a mage isn't much different from Fujimaru.
El-Melloi II:
I somehow managed to keep up with those first-class monsters with my knowledge and preparations.
El-Melloi II:
Dr. Roman can see through that too. Whatever you say about that guy, he's a natural at talent assessment.
Fujimaru 1:
...You didn't reach your ideal?
El-Melloi II:
Stop with your nonsense. I did reach it.
That's why I'm like this, right?
El-Melloi II:
I reached my ideal, just not the natural way.
It's a bit harder every day, and it's killing my stomach.
El-Melloi II:
You need to remember, Fujimaru. With strong convictions and desires, you can reach your ideal.
El-Melloi II:
It's a rough path for an ordinary person. You'll reach your ideal but lose your way of life in the process.
Fujimaru 2:
...You couldn't reach Okeanos?
El-Melloi II:
Well, I haven't started the journey yet.
I'm just not ready to reach the endless sea.
Fou:
Fou, Foou!
Mash:
What's in the forest, Fou?
Master, Lord, enemy sighted!
El-Melloi II:
Geez.
No time for fond memories huh?
El-Melloi II:
—It's about to begin, Master.
Let's see how much you've grown.
--BATTLE--:
El-Melloi II:
Didn't even break a sweat. You don't consider them enemies anymore, huh?
El-Melloi II:
...Hmm, growth as a mage is unlikely, but it looks like you're gaining experience as a Master.
El-Melloi II:
It's good to be diligent. All right,
I will give you this as a reward for your efforts.
Mash:
Is this...a jewel?
It appears to be an expensive Mystic Code...
El-Melloi II:
It's not. It's just a common protective ore.
On top of that, it's a used one from me.
El-Melloi II:
I pocketed it as a precaution when I was young, but I don't need it anymore.
El-Melloi II:
No one will acknowledge your effort anyway, right?
That's why I'm giving it to you as a reward.
Fou:
Fou, Foou!
El-Melloi II:
Hey, calm down there!
My student showed progress, it's natural!
El-Melloi II:
Look what you did! Now my expensive suit is ruined!
Not to mention that my hair is sticky from the sea breeze.
El-Melloi II:
I shouldn't have come to the beach.
Who's dumb enough to want to come here?
Mash:
Mr. El-Melloi just left...
Mash:
He must see his younger self when he looks at you, Senpai.
Fujimaru 1:
In that case, I'm honored...
Fujimaru 2:
...I'm not that eccentric...
Mash:
Yes, here you go Senpai.
A gift from your teacher.
Mash:
He said that it was used, but I'm positive that he prepared it just for you.
Mash:
Let's fight and not give up! Let's meet our teacher's expectations!
Truth of the Ascension
Fou:
Foou, Foou♪
Mash:
You look happy, Fou.
You really liked that lunch.
Fujimaru 1:
It certainly was delicious.
Fujimaru 2:
Everyone had different dishes.
Dr. Roman:
Today's cook was a Servant apparently. Which Heroic Spirit was it I wonder... Let's check the kitchen.
???:
Whoaaaaaaaa!?
Whaaa, What happened here?
Dr. Roman:
Hmm? Seems like something happened.
Whose voice was that? It doesn't sound familiar.
Mash:
Is it an intruder? A mysterious object is approaching...
Contact in 3, 2, 1—
Fou:
Fou!
???:
Ouch!
???:
Ow...hey, why don't you look where you're going!
Don't stand in the middle of the road, idiot!
Fujimaru 1:
You're not allowed to run in the halls.
???:
Forgive me, it's an emergency! Anybody would run at mach speed in my position!
Fujimaru 2:
It's ok. You're so small it tickled.
???:
Well aren't you condescending?
Jerk!
Mash:
Excuse me. Who are you and why are you running like this? You don't look like a Chaldea staff.
???:
Oh...Well, you know I'm a...
Hey, isn't this Mash and Fujimaru?
???:
Good timing! Help me, you guys! We have to do something before anybody else sees me like this.
Mash:
?
Dr. Roman:
??
Fujimaru 1:
???
Fujimaru 2:
...Who are you?
Fou:
Fou?
???:
You can't tell!?
It's me, Wav...I mean, El-Melloi II!
El-Melloi II(Young):
I know it's strange, but I suddenly turned into my younger self!
Mash:
!!!
Fujimaru 1:
No way!
Fujimaru 2:
You look totally different!
Dr. Roman:
Exactly!
I mean, your frame is completely different!
El-Melloi II(Young):
I'm telling the truth!
You and the Master should be able to tell, right?
El-Melloi II(Young):
Mash is a Servant! She should know!
I am El-Melloi II!
Mash:
Y-Yes... It comes as a surprise but he's telling the truth.
I mean, he's the same height as me.
El-Melloi II(Young):
Don't call me short! Oh, this is not the time to get hung up on words.
Fujimaru 1:
How did this happen?
Fujimaru 2:
Do you know the cause?
El-Melloi II(Young):
Of course, I have an idea.
It must be those ill-mannered goddesses, I'm sure!
El-Melloi II(Young):
Right, that's got to be it. I knew something was up when she brought me a present...
El-Melloi II(Young):
A show of gratitude my ass!
I don't remember meeting her at a cafe at all...
El-Melloi II(Young):
Anyway, we need to Rayshift now,
Fujimaru! Let's hurry and raid their base!
Mash:
...And so, we're back to this familiar scenery.
Is this...the "Shaped Isle?"
El-Melloi II(Young):
Actually, it's supposed to be the "Shapeless Isle" you know. Hey, wicked goddess! Come out!
Stheno:
Oh. Why, it's Fujimaru and Mash,
along with...Well, well, well.
Stheno:
You're so small I didn't realize you were there.
I see the Professor is with you too.
Stheno:
I welcome your unexpected visit here.
What gift did you bring me this time?
Dr. Roman:
...Her basic condition is receiving a gift.
This goddess never ceases to amaze me.
Fujimaru 1:
Sorry, I've come empty-handed.
Stheno:
That's too bad...but don't worry. Even though you brought me no gifts, I see you did bring me a fine toy—Ahem, ahem.
Stheno:
Such a fine and intelligent gentleman with you.
The ultimate ingredient to stave off boredom♡
Fujimaru 2:
...I will come again.
El-Melloi II(Young):
What do you mean, come again?
El-Melloi II(Young):
There isn't a thing on this Earth that would satisfy her as a present.
El-Melloi II(Young):
She's like Princess Kaguya in Japan. She makes unreasonable demands and enjoys messing with men.
Stheno:
What a terrible misunderstanding! Please don't take it seriously Fujimaru?
Euryale:
"Me." Hey "Me!" Where did you go?
Medusa comes back this afternoon...
Euryale:
Oh, is that Fujimaru?
Is Mash with you too?
Euryale:
What's this? You came to play? Good timing.
Today, our little sister is also—
Euryale:
Oh. What's that poor thing there? I thought he was one of the sand crabs, he's human?
El-Melloi II(Young):
Th-That's an unprecedented insult!
How can you make fun of people like it's nothing!
El-Melloi II(Young):
You know what, stop talking! Return me to my former self! Otherwise you won't hear the end of it from Fujimaru!
Mash:
(...Senpai, you're involved all of a sudden.
It's highly likely this will become your problem)
Euryale:
What? You're the one who showed up all of a sudden, what are you talking...
Stheno:
Shush. Be quiet, "me."
This is getting interesting.
Stheno:
—Ahem. I feel bad for your A-class Servant.
It's such a waste on you, Lord El-Melloi II.
Stheno:
Why don't you just keep growing young and start over as a baby again.
Stheno:
I am sure in a different future, the possibility of a more rosy life will be waiting for you.
El-Melloi II(Young):
That's it. I'm taking her down. Leaving her alive won't benefit this world, its people, and all men!
Stheno:
Oh my, how barbaric!
Stheno:
In every era, men have their selfish reasons to go after frail women, but...
Stheno:
Women these days are strong.
My self-defense measures are perfect.
Stheno:
Come forth protectors of this island.
Let's begin with some warm-ups—!
--BATTLE--:
El-Melloi II(Young):
Hmph, golems won't even be a threat, not to Fujimaru.
El-Melloi II(Young):
Is that all you've got?
Why don't you just give up and lift my curse.
Euryale:
...Now I'm pissed. "I" wanted to do this so I was just going to stand by and watch.
Euryale:
But you're mistaken if you think we'll allow some nameless brats like you to talk down to us like that.
Euryale:
I'll show you the technique that has made brave men cry. Is that ok, "me?"
Stheno:
Yeah. I guess we're left with no choice (grin).
Let's do this...
Euryale:
Cooooome, Meduuuuusaaaaaa!
Medusa:
My big sisters... Please stop summoning me like that.
I'm not some giant robot, you know...
Euryale:
Silence! Don't talk back to your sisters!
Anyway, that thing over there! That one!
Euryale:
That cheeky guy over there!
He dared to raise his hand against us!
Stheno:
That's right. Despite our hospitality to welcome him as a guest, he charged at us without saying a word!
Mash:
...I see.
Technically she's not lying.
Medusa:
...Hmm.
Is that true, sir?
El-Melloi II(Young):
Whoa. Isn't that Servant a bit too scary?
No, you're getting it wrong!
El-Melloi II(Young):
We came to talk! We only resorted to force because we weren't making progress!
Mash:
...Unfortunately, he's not lying either.
Medusa:
—All right, get ready. As punishment, I'm turning you to stone for one hundred years.
Medusa:
You'll be small for a statue... At least I can use you as a paperweight.
El-Melloi II(Young):
Hahaha, I see that Riders sure are professional at pressing all my buttons!
El-Melloi II(Young):
Now Fujimaru, I mean my Master!
Punish that giant for me!
Medusa:
...
--BATTLE--:
Mash:
Enemy Rider defeated.
...But, is this really a good reason to fight?
Medusa:
Damn...
Euryale:
Hey, that was sloppy Medusa.
Euryale:
You didn't go easy on him because he looks like a good kid, did you?
Stheno:
That's not it, "me."
Stheno:
Medusa isn't getting heavier and slower,
Fujimaru is getting stronger.
Medusa:
(...Not heavy...I'm not heavy, big sister...(tears))
El-Melloi II(Young):
Your secret weapon Medusa is no match for us by herself. This time, why don't you just—
Stheno:
What're you talking about? The real battle begins now.
Both Golems and Medusa couldn't finish the job...
Stheno:
In that case, we'll have to get serious. I'm sure we'll be forgiven for revealing that forbidden name.
Medusa:
Huh? No way, big sister.
You wouldn't!
Euryale:
I seeeee. You're right!
If it's come to this we have no choice but to use that!
Euryale:
Hmmmm. Get ready, you Monchhichi! Demon God of the Shapeless Isle, distinguished in Greek mythology—
Euryale:
The Demon God who flattened 100 brave men, the True Body of the Trinity Goddesses Gorgon.
We release you here and now!
--BATTLE--:
Euryale:
—Actually, there's no such thing as the True Body of Gorgon. Even if there was it wouldn't be introduced here.
Medusa:
(...Twice...Twice was I defeated for unknown reasons... Just how unfortunate can I be...)
El-Melloi II(Young):
Haha... You scared me for a moment.
Turns out it was just you three attacking together.
El-Melloi II(Young):
You're really out of ammunition now, right?
Just give up already and release me from this curse!
Medusa:
A curse... What is that?
Surely, my sisters didn't cause you any trouble...
El-Melloi II(Young):
Don't worry about it, I know you're always the victim.
Sorry about the rough treatment. Why don't you rest?
El-Melloi II(Young):
You two, Stheno and Euryale!
Get rid of this rejuvenation curse on me!
Euryale:
Rejuvenation? What's that?
That little runt there is—
Stheno:
Hehe. So "I" didn't realize after all.
That's Lord El-Melloi II himself.
Stheno:
For some reason, he's returned to his younger self.
Euryale:
No way! That handsome man used to look like that?
How much pain do you have to endure to grow into that?
El-Melloi II(Young):
That's my business. Leave me alone!
Wait, hold on. You didn't know?
Euryale:
Nope, I didn't know.
If I did, I would've teased you much more.
El-Melloi II(Young):
That means...
No way...
Stheno:
Yes, as you might expect, My Lord♡
We have nothing to do with it.
El-Melloi II(Young):
What—
Mash:
What—
Fujimaru 1:
What did you say?!
Fujimaru 2:
Well, that's what I thought!
El-Melloi II(Young):
So, so, so, so what's the cause, then?
I can't think of any other external factors!
Dr. Roman:
Well, then the answer is clear, isn't it? If there are no external factors, it just means your growth led to that body.
Fou:
Fou.
Mash:
It is a logical conclusion.
Your body got younger because of your Ascension.
El-Melloi II(Young):
That's... That's ridiculous...
Then it's pointless, isn't it?
El-Melloi II(Young):
Ascension is a reform to make one stronger!
Why would I revert to a form when I was immature?
Stheno:
For you, there are things you can only do in that form...
Stheno:
Rather, you can say that form is the "origin of all your concepts."
Stheno:
See, your ability as a Servant hasn't degraded one bit, right?
Stheno:
When you fight as a "main character," that form is the most powerful... Or most fitting.
Stheno:
You didn't even realize it...
How adorable can you get?
Stheno:
I ended up playing with you for a bit.
I received the best present to relieve my boredom♡
El-Melloi II(Young):
Ugh...Ughhh...Ughhhhhhhhh...
Again...Again, played by you!
Stheno:
But, it doesn't feel right to just keep taking from you...
Stheno:
If you play some more, I may be able to give you information about an elixir to turn you back, Lord El-Melloi.
Mash:
Oh... Let's go, Senpai.
Mash:
Lord El-Melloi is going into a battle that he'll never win.
Dr. Roman:
...Those who challenge Stheno will only end up being played by her and then disposed of...I shall be careful.
Fujimaru 1:
Let's go back to Chaldea.
Fujimaru 2:
Good luck, Lord El-Melloi.
El-Melloi II(Young):
Oh. Let's go home then, damn it! Just you watch.
I'll be back to my original form in no time!