Singularity 4: The Mist City - London
Prelude
Woman:
Hah...Hah...Hah...
Woman:
What is this fog? My body...is losing...more and more...strength...
Woman:
Not only that...
Woman:
All this time...Something's been...chasing me all this time!
E：???:
—I'm sorry.
Woman:
Huh? Wh-When did you...get in front...of me? O-Oh...
Woman:
...N-No...Stay away...
Woman:
Oooh, no, don't come near me...I don't know you...What are you...WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU!
E：???:
I'm sorry, Mom. I'm sorry.
E：???:
But I want to go home...I want to go home, go home, go home, go home, so...
E：???:
We...We really, really...want to go home, okay?
Woman:
Eek! No, please stop— Stop, stop, stop, stop!
Woman:
What's that thing you're holding!? Stop it...Please...Just don't come...near me!
E：???:
I'm sorry.
--SECTION BREAK--
Mash:
Good morning, Senpai.... You're looking quite pale today.
Mash:
You couldn't sleep at all? That's no good,you must get plenty of rest while you're in Chaldea.
Mash:
Rest is also an important part of our mission. Like I told you before, we are–
Fujimaru 1:
...
Mash:
Senpai?
Mash:
Perhaps...You had...a dream?
Fujimaru 2:
I had a scary dream.
Mash:
...So you did have a dream.
Mash:
What kind of dream was it? It's just a guess, but...could it be my...Um...
Fujimaru 1:
The dream was like a horror movie.
Fujimaru 2:
I don't really remember.
Mash:
I see. That's good to hear...
Mash:
No. No, it's nothing. The meeting's about to start,so let's go to the Control Room.
Mash:
You've had breakfast already, right? Then let's go, the Doctor is waiting.
Dr. Roman:
Good morning, everybody. Good timing. We just finished prepping.
Dr. Roman:
Let's start with the analysis of information from last time.
Mash:
Observing the era of King Solomon, where a summoning spell called the 72 Demon Gods was used, right?
Dr. Roman:
That's right. Let me start with the result...There was nothing wrong with King Solomon's era.
Dr. Roman:
Singularities could not be observed around the 10th century BC. Basically what that means is...
Da Vinci:
Unfortunately, as Romani says, those who called themselves the 72 Demon Gods had nothing to do with King Solomon.
Fujimaru 1:
Why is that?
Da Vinci:
Oh, how do I put it...Think of it like a mystery novel,one where the suspect's alibi stands.
Fujimaru 2:
Good morning, Da Vinci.
Da Vinci:
Hey, good morning! Someone that can actually greet people! Fujimaru, you're a fine Master!
Dr. Roman:
If King Solomon had used the 72 Demon Gods,we definitely would have detected it.
Dr. Roman:
Or at least seen signs that he released his 72 Demon Gods toward the future from 10th Century B. C.
Dr. Roman:
But there was nothing unusual during King Solomon's time. Which means his era remains part of correct human history.
Dr. Roman:
Therefore—
Da Vinci:
Lev Lainur and those calling themselves Demon Gods appeared from a completely different era.
Da Vinci:
So, King Solomon has nothing to do with them. Well, of course—
Mash:
...That's not the case if King Solomon had been serving someone else as a Servant, right?
Da Vinci:
Correct. Like Fujimaru,one can simply use Solomon as a familiar in his own era.
Da Vinci:
That way, one could also control the "72 Demon Gods. "
Dr. Roman:
Sigh. Using the 72 Demon Gods as familiars...But that's assuming those things really existed.
Dr. Roman:
Besides, I don't think King Solomon is the kind of person that would aid such evil.
Fujimaru 1:
Even if he was so in life...
Fujimaru 2:
Servants obey their Masters...
Mash:
Forgive me, Doctor. But it's a Servant's nature to obey their Master.
Mash:
As long as it's the Master's command, then King Solomon would have no choice but to obey, right?
Dr. Roman:
Such a villain couldn't summon Solomon. It's not like the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki.
Dr. Roman:
Chaldea's Summoning System comes into effect only if the Master and Heroic Spirit both agree to it.
Da Vinci:
Oh, you do have a point. I came to Chaldea because I agreed to.
Da Vinci:
The director back then was a fine mage. I agreed to the contract because I could trust them.
Da Vinci:
I told you before, didn't I? I'm Chaldea's third successful summon. It's definitely worth noting!
Fujimaru 1:
So you're Servant No. 3?
Fujimaru 2:
Who was the first?
Da Vinci:
No. 2 is right in front of you. It's Mash. As for No. 1, no one knows at this point.
Da Vinci:
No. 1 and No. 2 are treated as confidential matters. Only the previous director knew the details.
Mash:
Senpai. The Heroic Spirit who rescued me is No. 2.... Not that I know his True Name or skills.
Fou:
Fou...
Dr. Roman:
Director Marie didn't even know about No. 1, either. The previous director kept all of No. 1's data under wraps.
Dr. Roman:
...Now that I think about it, perhaps the previous director's death wasn't an accident, but a murder.
Dr. Roman:
It's likely that Lev disliked the successful No. 1—No, the Heroic Spirit Summoning System itself, so much so that he killed the previous director.
Da Vinci:
Oh, but I think No. 1 ended in failure. Since even Mash's Heroic Spirit No. 2 ended as an incomplete summon.
Da Vinci:
For Chaldea, completely successful Heroic Spirit summons started with me, No. 3.
Da Vinci:
Also, No. 1's existence itself is suspicious. I think No. 1 may have been summoned by accident.
Da Vinci:
That's because Fate, the Heroic Spirit Summoning System's foundation, was at long last proven with No. 2's help and—
Dr. Roman:
Ahem! Ms. Leonardo, we're going to start the Rayshift soon, so would you mind getting it ready?
Da Vinci:
Whoops, a slip of my tongue. Well, that's it for me♪
Dr. Roman:
...Now, in any case, for the remaining four Singularities...It's possible the mastermind lurks in one of these eras.
Dr. Roman:
After all, there are no abnormalities in any other era. If we crush each Singularity, we'll find the culprit.
Dr. Roman:
Now let me explain the details of our Order this time. The Fourth Singularity is in the 19th century–
Dr. Roman:
Of the seven, it's the Singularity closest to modern times. But no need to be surprised.
Dr. Roman:
This is a time when civilizations rise and flourish. In this era, mankind makes huge strides.
Dr. Roman:
–In other words, the Industrial Revolution! It's a definitive turning point in mankind's history.
Dr. Roman:
Even from the standpoint of a consumer society,this is when mankind makes a huge leap towards modern times.
Dr. Roman:
Your specific destination will be the dazzling, lavish British Empire.
Dr. Roman:
Surprisingly, it's specific to the capital, London. This differs from the widespread approach of the other Singularities.
Dr. Roman:
Maybe this time, you won't have to walk yourselves to death. After all, there are carriages and trains.
Dr. Roman:
That is, of course, if you can manage to use them. Since some abnormalities have been detected...
Dr. Roman:
Soon, the Singularity that is 19th century London will be incinerated. It will vanish. You must stop it.
Dr. Roman:
Find the Holy Grail,and correct the Fourth Singularity.
Mash:
Understood. So we'll be working inside the city this time.
Dr. Roman:
Yes, that's right. Lucky you! London, the city of fog...
Dr. Roman:
If only I could go with you all. Please get Sherlock Holmes's autograph if you see him.
Mash:
Doctor. This isn't a vacation.
Dr. Roman:
R-Right.
Mash:
Oh, one more thing. Sherlock Holmes is a fictional character.
Mash:
I'm guessing it will be hard to get his autograph. I'm sorry, but please give up.
Dr. Roman:
Right...Wait, Mash, you too?
Mash:
Excuse me?
Dr. Roman:
Are you a Holmes fan, too? Isn't he the best? The world's best detective, the little gray cells!
Mash:
That's Hercule Poirot. He appears in books written by Agatha Christie.
Dr. Roman:
Oh...Th-That's right. Okay. Let's get back on track.
Dr. Roman:
All right, are you ready? The world hasn't been incinerated yet, so go reclaim our future!
Fujimaru 1:
Mission...start!
Fujimaru 2:
Let's be cautious this time.
Mash:
Yes, Senpai.
Announcement A:
Unsummon Program, start. Spiritron Conversion, start.
Announcement A:
Rayshift starting in 3, 2, 1...
Announcement A:
All procedures cleared. Grand Order, commencing operation.
Section 1: London, The City of Demonic Fog
Mash:
Rayshift successful.... It seems we can't see very well in our current conditions.
Mash:
Fog? No, could it be smoke? It's extremely dense...
Mash:
In the sky...I can see the same "Circle of Light" as before. But...
Mash:
...with all this fog and pollution, it's obscured—
Dr. Roman:
Fog and smoke engulfing the sky? That's fairly common for the Industrial Revolution...
Dr. Roman:
...but this doesn't look like your typical fog or smoke. I'm picking up an abnormal amount of magical energy readings.
Dr. Roman:
It's dense. Very dense. Really dense. No, this may be a little too dense!
Dr. Roman:
It's like the atmosphere is saturated with magical energy!
Dr. Roman:
It's poisonous to life-forms, this fog...Mash, Fujimaru, how are you feeling?
Mash:
There's nothing wrong with me. Probably because I'm a Demi-Servant.
Mash:
How about you, Senpai? You don't seem...any different than usual.
Fujimaru 1:
Same as always.
Mash:
Good to hear. But try not to enter that dense fog if you can.
Dr. Roman:
Fujimaru is okay...Huh. Indeed, there are no significant vital sign changes.
Dr. Roman:
I'm a bit surprised. I have the analysis result of that fog...
Dr. Roman:
I'm positive it's harmful to organisms. It would threaten a normal human's life if they breathed it.
Dr. Roman:
Mages, monsters, Servants, and Phantasmals have innate magic resistance, so for them it's a different story...
Dr. Roman:
So of course Mash is fine. But how is Fujimaru all right...
Dr. Roman:
Hmm...I wonder. Maybe it's a poison-resistance skill?
Mash:
Really?
Dr. Roman:
It could be part of Mash's benefits, or rather,the benefits of the Heroic Spirit Mash fused with.
Dr. Roman:
Maybe the Servant that fused with Mash has high poison resistance, or a strong blessing skill...
Dr. Roman:
...and its protection extends to the Master. That could be why Fujimaru is safe.
Mash:
...I'm happy to be of use to Senpai,but it seems strange to call it a "skill. "
Dr. Roman:
Well, Fujimaru is human, after all. We'll call it "Poison Resistance Skill (Temporary)," then.
Mash:
I-I see..."Temporary," is it...
Dr. Roman:
For now. London, has turned into a city of death enveloped by a magical fog.
Dr. Roman:
How does it look around there? Do you see any victims?
Mash:
No, Doctor. It's completely deserted.
Mash:
It's currently 2: 00 p. m. , but there's not a single carriage or even a pedestrian in sight.
Mash:
I don't see any victims. There's just nobody here.
Mash:
It's like an abandoned city...
Mash:
Also, as far as we can see from the street, all the doors and windows of the buildings are shut tight.
Dr. Roman:
After people started falling victim to the fog,the survivors must have taken refuge indoors...
Dr. Roman:
I've also detected multiple life readings in the surrounding buildings.
Dr. Roman:
They're likely survivors. No doubt they're in trouble being trapped indoors.
Fujimaru 1:
We need to solve this problem at once.
Fujimaru 2:
Let's do what we can.
Mash:
...Yes. You're right, Senpai.
Mash:
If we obtain and destroy the Holy Grail, the existence of this abnormal London will be corrected too.
Mash:
I'm sure that applies to all the residents who lost their lives because of this fog...
Mash:
...and those who are indoors, taking shelter from the fog. Everyone, basically.
Mash:
If Senpai and I can bring things under control here,all phenomena related to the magical fog should disappear.
Mash:
It'll be as if there were no damage or harm at all. So, um...You see, what I'm trying to say is...
Dr. Roman:
Mash is trying to say: "Senpai is a nice person. " Right?
Mash:
......
Dr. Roman:
Huh? Um, should I have not said that? Wait, did I say something wrong?
Dr. Roman:
—Wait a minute. Vital reaction detected.
E：???:
...Who the hell are you guys?
Mash:
Ah...Umm, w-we're, uh—
E：???:
You're breathing in a place with that dense fog without croaking. You obviously aren't ordinary humans.
E：???:
So, which is it? Friend, or foe?
Mash:
(I could ask the same question...Doctor, is she human? Or maybe...)
Dr. Roman:
(I see, I'm also wondering the same! There's too much magical energy in the area. I can't get a clear reading. )
Dr. Roman:
(But look at that armor. She's definitely not a typical London citizen. )
Dr. Roman:
(I thought things would be easier since we're limited to a city. )
Dr. Roman:
(This has gotten quite troublesome! We have no clue who or what she is! )
Dr. Roman:
(An ordinary person who happens to have magical resistance? A mage? Or, maybe a Servant—)
Dr. Roman:
I can't tell at all! What do I do!? Argh, I'm so disorientated here!
Dr. Roman:
(I've never seen this kind of fog before...Ah, help me, Magi☆Mari!
Dr. Roman:
"London's fog is worse than rumored. What am I supposed to do? "...There. )
Mash:
(Calm down, Doctor. The situation won't improve by consulting internet idols! )
E：???:
What are you sneaking around for? If you're not going to attack, well, whatever.
E：???:
I have nothing to do here. Sorry to bother you.
E：???:
The fog is dense around here. You'd better move if you value your life.
Fujimaru 1:
Thanks for the warning.
Fujimaru 2:
We'll do that.
E：???:
Hmm? Yeah. Well, see you.
Mash:
Oh—
Mash:
She's gone...The alley to the north...Right into the dense fog, all alone, confident.
Dr. Roman:
Wait, she left during our huddle? She's so impatient. I wonder if she's a London girl.
Mash:
That was a "huddle? "
Dr. Roman:
It sounded like she knew what was going on. She probably knows more than us about the current situation in London.
Fujimaru 1:
Let's follow her.
Fujimaru 2:
Gathering data is important.
Mash:
Yes, Senpai. Let's go after her.
Dr. Roman:
I was just about to say that. But then she just had to go and disappear on me.
Mash:
Doctor...Doctor Roman.
Dr. Roman:
Yes, sorry. All right, time to get moving. I'll keep careful watch!
Mash:
...What is that? I can hear something.
Dr. Roman:
No vital reactions, but I detect multiple moving bodies! The fog still obscures magical readings, so I can't get any!
Mash:
The sound is approaching. It's close. Master!
Dr. Roman:
Multiple targets closing in at high speed. Assume they're hostile. Break through before you're surrounded!
Dr. Roman:
Good judgment will be even more important here—Fujimaru, be careful!
Mash:
Preparing for battle. Master, your orders!
--BATTLE--
Mash:
—We made it through. Somehow we were able to move without being surrounded.
Dr. Roman:
Who knew something like that would be lurking in the fog? No wonder nobody's emerged from any buildings.
Dr. Roman:
Since no doors or windows seem to be kicked in,that must mean they don't break into houses, right?
Dr. Roman:
Strange. They're really quite strange.
Mash:
Yes. What bizarre enemies...No, I don't think they were living creatures.
Mash:
We'll call them enemy bodies for now. They're likely automata animated by magecraft.
Mash:
The structure of their remains seems familiar. Some parts are machinery from this era, too.
Dr. Roman:
I-I see...
Dr. Roman:
I'm sorry. I won't be able to give you any advance warning. All of my magical detection readings are in a state of chaos.
Dr. Roman:
I only have motion detection at best. Hmm, this is quite concerning.
Mash:
I feel the same. It's just like the city itself...
Mash:
Fog, smoke. It's like there's a layer of mist around everything...
Dr. Roman:
At any rate, we have to act more cautiously than before. All right, let's go after that girl.
Mash:
Yes...Senpai, let's go.
Section 2: Knight of Londinium
Dr. Roman:
Detecting multiple entities! Here they come! They're around the corner!
Mash:
...It's the same sound as before. Master!
Fujimaru 1:
Let's drive them away!
Mash:
Yes!
--BATTLE--
Mash:
Hmm. It's like...a presence...What is this feeling?
Dr. Roman:
The girl from earlier? Is she nearby? London girls are quite quick on their feet, aren't they.
Mash:
No, there are multiple readings. But they're silent...They're not puppets?
Dr. Roman:
Yeah, they might be different. They move differently. But this feeling...They're definitely enemies. Here they come!
--BATTLE--
Mash:
All enemies defeated. Good work, Senpai.
Mash:
They don't seem to be puppets. But...I can't say for sure if they are humans, either.
Mash:
I believe these enemies...are a kind of...Well, homunculus.
Fujimaru 1:
Homunculus?
Fujimaru 2:
A kind of human created by magecraft, right?
Mash:
Yes. An artificial human created with magecraft.
Fujimaru 1:
Mash?
Fujimaru 2:
Were you hurt?
Mash:
No...I'm fine, Senpai, thank you. There's no need to worry. I carefully monitor my physical condition.
Mash:
I'm sorry. I'm probably a little on edge because of the unusual environment we're in.
Mash:
I need to learn how to adapt to any situation. I'm your Demi-Servant, after all.
Fujimaru 1:
I'm counting on you!
Mash:
...Yes.
--ARROW--
Dr. Roman:
—Okay. I'm starting to get the hang of this.
Mash:
Doctor? Have you detected anything?
Dr. Roman:
Yeah. It could be because they're mechanical,but I'm positive they're hostile. Multiple enemies approaching!
Mash:
Roger. Master, prepare for battle. Waiting for orders!
--BATTLE--
Mash:
All enemies destroyed. There are none left as far as I can see.
Dr. Roman:
I can't detect anything else from here either. Okay, continue on ahead...Wait, hold on.
Dr. Roman:
I've detected a single, large unit. Easy to make out. It's too large to be human!
Dr. Roman:
I doubt it's a large vehicle. Mash, do you sense anything?
Mash:
...I can hear machinery operating. It's large!
Dr. Roman:
It would have been a rather romantic story if Britain's secret service had arranged for a special vehicle...
Dr. Roman:
...or if this era's Mage's Association had sent a mechanical golem to save the citizens of London.
Dr. Roman:
I doubt that's the case here! It's clearly an enemy,and it's approaching you!
Mash:
Master, be on your guard. It's probably a new type of enemy.
Fujimaru 1:
Let's fight cautiously.
Fujimaru 2:
Mash, we just have to take our chances!
Mash:
...Yes!
Dr. Roman:
Enemy contact now!
--BATTLE--
Mash:
...All enemy movements have ceased.
Mash:
It was powerful...But what was it, exactly? A golem? A mechanical puppet?
Fujimaru 1:
A robot...
Mash:
It looks...that way...I guess you could see it that way, yes...
Fujimaru 2:
It was so cool!
Mash:
Cool? It looked like a walking tin can to me...Well,I guess the definition of cool is subjective...
Dr. Roman:
It's problematic that I can't detect any magical energy. Mash, are there any enemies remaining?
Dr. Roman:
If any enemy parts are exposed, send me some images. I'll analyze them when I have the time.
Mash:
Understood. I'll send the visual data after filming.
Mash:
Hmm...
Mash:
It's bizarre...This mechanical armor is corroding in some places.
Mash:
It seems fine for the most part, but areas that seem to be made of metal have...corroded...
Dr. Roman:
Hmm, did we use any acid attacks in the last battle? Wait, do we have any Servants of that sort?
Mash:
During the Industrial Revolution in London, massive amounts of smoke emitted from steam engines was a big social problem.
Mash:
The sulfurous gases in the smoke got caught in the cold fog, retaining and concentrating into a fog of sulfuric acid...
Mash:
...Hmm.
Dr. Roman:
Huh? Is something the matter, Mash?
Mash:
No. Please wait..."Something like inhaling sulfuric acid? " Yes, that's it...
Mash:
Some records from before...Should be...
Mash:
Yes. That's right. I mean, this era—
Fujimaru 1:
Mash, behind you!
Fujimaru 2:
Hey, who are you!
Mash:
!?
Mash:
...Ah!
Mash:
I'm under attack! An ambush? I didn't sense anything!
G：???:
...Hey, what are you, exactly? A human? Or a mage?
G：???:
You're moving unhindered within the magical fog,and you seem just fine within "our fog" as well.
G：???:
I guess you're just like us.
Mash:
So you're a Servant. You're supposed to be a human from this era, though...
Mash:
—Jack the Ripper.
Mash:
An infamous serial killer who not only killed many women in London at the end of the 19th century, but who also dismembered them...
Mash:
...and directly challenged Scotland Yard. The symbol of terror that swept across England, no, all of Europe, at the time.
Jack:
You know about us? Hmm, that pleases me...How very nice...In that case...
Jack:
You're aware, then, of what we'll do to you? Oh, I'm so very, very happy!
Jack:
I'm so...HAPPY!
Mash:
She's coming at us! Master, your orders!
--ARROW--
Dr. Roman:
The motion response is gone. Either they retreated or are hiding within the fog.
Mash:
...Right. That was a dangerous, hostile Servant.
Dr. Roman:
From the area analysis I did during the battle, a part of this fog is likely from the Noble Phantasm of that Servant.
Dr. Roman:
But the fog of magical energy that covers London is something else entirely.
Dr. Roman:
In short, it was a combination of the two fogs. We've got a really difficult opponent on our hands...
Dr. Roman:
The fog contains such a high density of sulfuric acid that there's no way this is a normal phenomenon.
Dr. Roman:
Also...And this is the most troubling aspect, Mash...
Mash:
I know. My memory seems to have been altered. We just fought...and yet...
Mash:
...the memory of my opponent is a blur.
Mash:
I only remember one thing. It was a Servant.
Mash:
The form, the name, and...There's some other memory related to it, but...
Dr. Roman:
Hmm. Seems like the effect can transcend eras. My memory is kind of vague, too.
Dr. Roman:
At this rate, the observation record may be distorted,too. What a strange Noble Phantasm it is...
Mash:
Speaking of bizarre—That's right. Doctor, we, um...
Fujimaru 1:
We were filming...
Fujimaru 2:
What about the giant robot from earlier?
Mash:
Ah! That's right. We were filming. Senpai, I'm sorry...Thank you.
Mash:
It seems the effect on your memory is weak, Senpai. Lucky for us!
Dr. Roman:
That's right! Yup. Right. I received it. I received image data for a mysterious robot.
Dr. Roman:
I'm going to proceed in analyzing these images. I wonder what it is?
Dr. Roman:
It doesn't look like a golem that runs on magical energy,but it also doesn't look like a complete machine...
Mash:
Doctor, are you versed in mechanical engineering?
Dr. Roman:
I'm no expert, but I am a member of Chaldea. Albeit as medical staff.
Dr. Roman:
Hmm, this is...Don't tell me we've just come across some lost steam engine technology.
E：???:
Oh, that—?
E：???:
It's just a clump of steel, right? We call it...
E：???:
—Helter Skelter.
Mash:
You are–
E：???:
I've been watching you. You destroyed one of them,which means you're probably not my enemy.
E：???:
Besides, you fought well, not bad. Considering you probably have no idea about the circumstances.
E：???:
Very nice. I rather like fools like that.
Fujimaru 1:
Can I ask you a question?
Fujimaru 2:
Who are you calling a fool!?
E：???:
Say what?
Mash:
You're right. I'm sure we're not your enemy.
Mash:
Please...Can you give us some information. Will you speak with us?
Mash:
What's happening in this foggy city?
E：???:
Very well. I'll talk to you.
E：???:
But first, let me get one thing straight. You're a Demi-Servant, aren't you?
Mash:
...Yes. My name is Mash Kyrielight. And I am a Demi-Servant.
E：???:
And who are you?
Fujimaru 1:
I'm Fujimaru.
E：???:
Mash Kyrielight and Fujimaru, huh? ...I suppose that's all right. It has nothing to do with me.
E：???:
I am Mordred. A Heroic Spirit. And—
Mordred:
I'm a Knight of the Round Table, here to face the perils of Londinium, a city in Father's beloved Britain.
Section 3: The Demonic Fog Laughs
F：???:
...Oh boy, Saber. You always reveal your True Name to strangers right away.
F：???:
We talked about this. If you're introducing yourself, just state your class.
F：???:
Do you understand? Disclosing your True Name is like revealing your abilities.
F：???:
That's the reason we conceal our True Names during normal Holy Grail Wars.
F：???:
And yet you give out your True Name at the drop of a hat...
Mordred:
Oh, what's the difference? This is no longer the "Holy Grail War" that you spoke of.
Mordred:
It's not the one with 7 Heroic Spirits, nor the one with 14. On top of that, no Masters. Anyway, do you have any ciders? I am thirsty.
F：???:
Wait, that's my favorite sofa...Ah well. Yes, I already got your ciders chilled and ready.
Mordred:
Right, we do have a refrigerator before it became widely used. Being a scholar sure is useful.
F：???:
Though I have chemicals that need to be stored at low temperatures. It's necessary for scholars.
Mordred:
Sure, sure.
Mordred:
(...Gulp, gulp gulp) Whew! That's the stuff. It really hits the spot coming out of that demonic fog!
Mordred:
Mmm—
Mordred:
What are you two doing? Don't just stand there. Find a place to sit.
Mordred:
My home is your home. This is my temporary base.
Mash:
Ah, right...Senpai, what should we do? Is it all right to sit?
Fujimaru 1:
I suppose...
Fujimaru 2:
You with the glasses...Can I ask you something?
F：???:
...Haha. Well, all right, I don't mind. If Saber trusts you, I'm sure we're on the same side.
F：???:
I haven't introduced myself yet. I am Henry Jekyll.
Jekyll:
I work in London as a scholar— A scientist. Though not officially a mage, I am familiar with elixirs.
Jekyll:
One day, all of a sudden,London was blanketed by this fog. It was a nightmare.
Jekyll:
I was able to figure out that the fog contained magical energy, but was at a loss about what to do.
Mordred:
That's when we met and started working together.
Mordred:
He isn't very reliable as a mage,but comes in handy in his own way.
Mordred:
I provide the muscle. He investigates and analyzes.
Jekyll:
Exactly.
Mash:
Um—Excuse me. Mr. Henry Jekyll?
Mash:
That name, um...
Dr. Roman:
It's the same name as a character in a novel. Coincidence? Or perhaps he was the model for that character?
Dr. Roman:
Mash, can you detect the presence of a Servant? I can't. You're inside, but you might as well be outside.
Mash:
I can't either, Doctor. I can't tell if this presence is human or not.
Jekyll:
I assure you, I am a genuine human. If it's a Servant you want, they're outside, investigating.
Jekyll:
And what were you talking about? A novel?
Mash:
...Yes. A book that was published a little before this era. The main character shares your name.
Jekyll:
I don't recall that. Strange, as I do read my share of novels...
Jekyll:
The same name as the main character? Really? Hmm, I don't think I could forget that.
Jekyll:
Well, let's set that aside. It is a very common name, after all.
Jekyll:
—As I was saying, I am Henry Jekyll. All I want to do is stop this blight on my hometown.
Jekyll:
But the more important matter at hand is you folks. You're slightly different from us, aren't you?
Mordred:
—Hmm...Singularity, huh?
Jekyll:
One of seven bolts that were driven into the world. And...the London of this era is that bolt.
Mash:
Yes. We're searching for the Holy Grail,which we believe causes the Singularity.
Jekyll:
I understand your situation now, more or less. Now, let me tell you of the city's circumstances that we're aware of.
Jekyll:
Each night for the past three nights,a lethal fog has descended upon London.
Jekyll:
If you wear a mask in an area where the fog is thin,you probably won't die from it.
Jekyll:
But it's no good where it's thick. Normal creatures will be corrupted by the magical energy just by breathing it.
Jekyll:
It probably depends on one's predisposition,but in the worst cases, death comes within an hour.
Jekyll:
I don't have the exact numbers, but according to my calculations, several hundred thousand have died.
Jekyll:
There are areas that have become ghost towns already. The East End is just about wiped out.
Jekyll:
It's only a matter of time before the entire city is nothing but ruins.
Jekyll:
It's all because of that fog. An extraordinary dense fog laced with potent magical energy—
Jekyll:
For now, we're calling it Demonic Fog.
Mash:
London, covered by a deadly fog...It's slightly similar to an incident that will occur in the 20th century.
Dr. Roman:
Is it off by a century? That's probably what the Singularity is...But...
Dr. Roman:
I'll look at the 20th century case, too. I had thought this was a one city deal, but it's getting pretty complicated.
Jekyll:
It's not just the Demonic Fog. You two should've engaged in combat as well.
Jekyll:
These past three days—on top of the Demonic Fog,London has been plagued with other types of threats.
Jekyll:
Those committing atrocities under cover of the fog. Automatas made of magecraft, killer homunculi...
Jekyll:
Helter Skelter—
Jekyll:
And there's a serial killer. The newspapers call them "Jack the Ripper. "
Mash:
The newspapers?
Jekyll:
Yes, the newspapers were still being printed on the first day of the Demonic Fog...Though no longer.
Jekyll:
Understandably, it seems neither Scotland Yard nor the government has a handle on the situation.
Jekyll:
Government functions are already starting to freeze up. External support is hindered by the fog, isolating London.
Jekyll:
It's already been three days. A cooped-up populace won't last long.
Jekyll:
The Demonic Fog doesn't go indoors,but once food and water runs out, London will perish.
Dr. Roman:
...That's horrifying. The situation requires quick response. All right then, Mr. Jekyll and Mordred.
Dr. Roman:
I have a proposal. We'd like you to help us search for the Holy Grail, the likely origin of this situation.
Jekyll:
Nothing would suit us better. Right, Saber?
Mordred:
Fine with me. It seems like the best thing to do.
Dr. Roman:
Good, this will truly help us! In more ways than one!
Dr. Roman:
So– Mash and Fujimaru,lucky for us, this apartment is over a Leyline!
Fujimaru 1:
Excuse me?
Fujimaru 2:
We can put a Terminal Point here.
Fou:
Fouuu!
Mash:
Right, Senpai and Fou. It's possible to set up a Summoning Circle in this room.
Mash:
Maybe Mr. Jekyll knew about the Leyline and intentionally built his apartment over it?
Jekyll:
Oh, no, I'm not a legitimate mage, so this isn't a magecraft workshop. It's just a regular room.
Jekyll:
At any rate, feel free to use it as you please. What are you going to do?
Dr. Roman:
We'll put the Servant summoning circle over the Leyline to boost Fujimaru and Mash's combat abilities.
Dr. Roman:
Servants summoned by the circle aren't always active,but they're a huge help during battles!
Dr. Roman:
All right! Let's start setting it up!
Mash:
Roger. Creating Terminal Point—
Da Vinci:
While they make the circle,I'll help you pass the time.
Da Vinci:
Previously, I spoke about Servant class affinity,so I think I'll expand on that.
Da Vinci:
Just as each Heroic Spirit has a story to tell, they have classifications that explain how they were born.
Da Vinci:
There are three attributes: Heaven, Earth, and Human. Most Servants fall under one of these categories.
Da Vinci:
Heaven includes Divine Spirits demoted to Heroic Spirits,children of gods, and embodiments of legends.
Da Vinci:
Earth includes legendary heroes that took hold in the land, fairies, and Demonic Beasts.
Da Vinci:
Human is for heroes and great people who actually existed. I'm included in this group, as a great artist who actually existed.
Da Vinci:
Heaven wins over Earth, but loses to Human. Earth wins over Human, but loses to Heaven.
Da Vinci:
And Human wins over Heaven, but loses to Earth.
Da Vinci:
...Humans believe in gods. However,gods that they stop believing in become "nonexistent. "
Da Vinci:
Native heroes and fairies have nothing to do with faith. However, they are no match for the gods that created them.
Da Vinci:
...And there are rare, special Heroic Spirits that do not belong in any of the three attributes.
Da Vinci:
They are an exception of exceptions. –The Heroic Spirits of the Star.
Da Vinci:
They do not belong to Heaven, Earth, or Human. Yet they exist on earth under heaven, and are born of humans.
Da Vinci:
Servants of the Star have nothing to do with Heaven,Earth, or Humans. After all, they're an exception.
Da Vinci:
That said, these are nothing more than categories.
Da Vinci:
The effects aren't as pronounced as Class affinity,so it's not worth integrating into a strategy.
Da Vinci:
...And that wraps up this session. Summoning circle setup complete. Good luck in this era, too!
Dr. Roman:
Thank you, Da Vinci, thank you! Thank you yet again!
Jekyll:
Who was that just now? She was beautiful,but...She wasn't actually here, was she?
Fou:
Fou, fouuu!
Jekyll:
???
Mordred:
...Mmm. I remember seeing him somewhere before. Phantasmal?
Fou:
F-Fouuuu...
Mash:
Fou?
Jekyll:
Perhaps a rare animal from around Africa? Anyway,Saber, and this concerns Mash and Fujimaru, too.
Jekyll:
This is abrupt–but I would like to ask you three to do something.
Mordred:
We just got back and we have to go out into the Demonic Fog again? Good grief.
Mash:
I apologize for asking you to lead the way. It's just that we're not used to London yet.
Mordred:
Oh, it's fine. Don't worry. If you guys hadn't come here,this work would've had to be all mine.
Mordred:
If anything, I should be thanking you. Sorry for making you come along based on vague information.
Mash:
Oh, no, Mordred. Not at all...
Dr. Roman:
Protecting one of Mr. Jekyll's other collaborators,the Swiss scholar Mr. Frankenstein, huh?
Dr. Roman:
Seems he's been unreachable since this morning. Do you normally communicate with each other via radio?
Mordred:
Jekyll does. He calls it his information network. I don't really understand it.
Mordred:
He has collaborators all over the city and chats with them on the radio every day.
Mordred:
Old man Victor was safe until yesterday at least.
Dr. Roman:
Victor Frankenstein, huh...Just when we thought it's another character from a novel, it turns out to be his "relative. "
Mash:
The grandchild of the mage that became the model character in the novel, was what Mr. Jekyll mentioned.
Mash:
Unexpected, indeed. In Mary Shelly's novel...
Mash:
Dr. Frankenstein was a scientist. But the person he was modeled after was a real-life mage.
Mash:
It brings to mind that idiom about how "truth is stranger than fiction".
Fujimaru 1:
Is it that strange?
Fujimaru 2:
Are scientists and mages really that different?
Mash:
Yes. Strictly speaking,magecraft and science are contrary to each other.
Mash:
Chaldea's existence is an extreme exception, and if you think about it, both globally and historically—
Dr. Roman:
Oh yes, but everything has an exception. In a certain era,science and magecraft virtually meant the same thing.
Dr. Roman:
For example, even if you set aside ancient times,some will say alchemy is the origin of chemistry.
Dr. Roman:
There are numerous examples of mages who are known as renowned scientists, chemists, and scholars.
Dr. Roman:
You know,Da Vinci is one such example.
Mash:
Ah—
Da Vinci:
Mmm. You called?
Da Vinci:
Oh, you're talking about science and magecraft. I'm no help there. After all...
Da Vinci:
I'm almighty. You can't compare me to anyone. Too bad. Bye.
Mash:
Ah! We lost the connection.
Fujimaru 1:
What's with her, anyway?
Fujimaru 2:
Da Vinci is way too carefree...
Mash:
I know...
Mordred:
We're near Soho. Keep your guard up now. They'll be here soon.
Mordred:
The edge of the City Area where Jekyll's apartment is seems relatively peaceful in comparison.
Mordred:
This area is no good. We're in their territory.
Dr. Roman:
So it appears. I'm picking up multiple motion signals. It'll be a fight, so watch out!
Mash:
Right. Master, your orders!
--BATTLE--
Mordred:
...Damn. They're coming again. I wish I could unleash my Noble Phantasm at will.
Mash:
We're inside the city. I'm sorry, but you must get your temper under control.
Mordred:
I know that, Shieldy. Ugh, somehow I feel weird when you tell me that.
Mash:
Hold on. "Shieldy? "Are you referring to me?
Mordred:
Huh? You have a shield, don't you? You use it to defend and bash people in the face.
Mordred:
Or, does "Ms. Shieldy" sound better? I don't care which one you pick.
Mash:
...That's okay. Just call me "Shieldy," please...
Dr. Roman:
The enemy is trying to flank us from both sides. Can you take care of the right side, Saber Mordred?
Mordred:
Leave it to me. I usually deal with everything by myself.
Mordred:
Are you ready over there, Fujimaru?
Fujimaru 1:
Yes, I'm ready!
Fujimaru 2:
Strike foes from the left!
Mash:
Roger. Entering battle with hostiles!
--BATTLE--
Mash:
...Excuse me. Can I talk to you for a second?
Mash:
I, um...
Mordred:
What? Speak up. If you have something to say, just say it.
Mash:
All right, then.
Mash:
I have a question for you. Why are you fighting here?
Mash:
Mr. Jekyll is fighting to protect his hometown. But what about you—
Mordred:
I already told you, didn't I? I'm here to face the perils of Father's beloved Londinium.
Mash:
Well, sure...I mean...
Mash:
Yes, I did hear that when we first met. I understand that, really, but...
Mash:
I hope you won't get upset, but for some reason,I...I feel like...it's for a different reason.
Mordred:
...Jeez.
Mordred:
All right. I didn't even tell Jekyll about this, you know?
Mordred:
I just—
Mordred:
Yes, that's right. I just can't allow the land of Britain to be violated by someone other than me.
Mordred:
I'm the only one allowed to violate the land King Arthur loved. I can't let anyone else do that.
Fujimaru 1:
...
Fujimaru 2:
So distorted...
Mordred:
Hm? Did you say something?
Fujimaru 1:
No, not at all.
Fujimaru 2:
Not particularly.
Mordred:
If you want to say something, say it. Well, anyway...
Mordred:
Don't worry. I will give you the Holy Grail once we find it.
Mordred:
I won't say "I want it after all" or anything. And even if I did, it wouldn't serve any purpose.
Mordred:
I'm Mordred, the Treacherous Knight. But this time it's special, and I'll be on the defender's side.
Mordred:
Honestly, I was hesitating a bit. Meeting you guys cleared up my mind.
Mash:
What do you mean?
Mordred:
I mean, someone worthy of being the owner finally showed up. You can have the Holy Grail.
Mash:
???
Mordred:
Enough chitchat. Don't bring up this topic ever again.
Mordred:
We're almost at the mansion, but enemies are here again. Well then, shall we rip them apart?
Dr. Roman:
Mordred's detection is amazing. Is it an Intuition skill? We detected hostile reactions too. There'll be three waves!
Mash:
Roger. Master, orders please!
--BATTLE--
Mordred:
All right, we're here. This big building is Victor's mansion.
Mordred:
Unlike Jekyll who's half-assed,he is a genuine mage, so be careful.
Mordred:
Traps like barriers and such are set up all over, so even Servants get hurt if they touch things without knowing.
Mordred:
When I first visited to check things out,I had an absolutely terrible experience here.
Mash:
Oh, okay. I'll be careful, then.
Dr. Roman:
A death trap workshop in an urban area...Sounds like a cautious old guy with pretty strong nerves.
Mordred:
The first challenge is the entrance door. See, look at that big door—
Mordred:
—Damn, we're too late.
Mash:
Someone is at the entrance...A tall silhouette...A clown?
Mordred:
Hey, you! Scarecrow! Or are you a living statue? Whatever! Anyway...
Mordred:
...you stink like hell. It's like blood, guts, and fire.
Mordred:
And the catalyst for the old man's favorite elemental spell? I can smell it from here!
Mordred:
You killed him, didn't you. You murdered Victor Frankenstein.
???:
Yes, I did—Well, no, let me see. Just a moment, please.
???:
Indeed, indeed. That elderly man will not open his mouth, brush his teeth, eat food, or breathe ever again.
???:
Yes, yes. Frankly speaking, I'm certain he is dead.
???:
It's a shame. He refused to join our cause. Right till the very end.
???:
But, and yet, however. Who killed Victor Frankenstein?
???:
That might be quite a difficult question to answer. Because he "blew himself up. "
Mash:
!!!
???:
Oh, my. Did I scare the beautiful young lady?
???:
My apologies. As you can see, I am a demon after all—
???:
That was a joke, and I'm sorry for letting you down,but I'm actually a Heroic Spirit.
???:
I'm a Servant just like you. The class is Caster.
???:
...Oh? Well, folks, you don't get it?
Mordred:
That's enough. Shut up.
???:
No, I'm sure you got that. You wonder why I revealed my class so easily?
???:
It is reasonable during a Holy Grail War unlike any other. At least that lady over there knows why!
???:
An encounter instantly becomes an all-out battle! As we are Servants without Masters—
???:
We can be called the most powerful forces on the earth. However...
???:
Sadly, it seems that you have a Master. Best you protect yourself well. Otherwise, in no time...
Mordred:
Enough small talk. And wipe that grin off your face right now.
???:
Pardon?
Mordred:
That smirk of a smile! So annoying! Was it really that fun to kill that old man?
???:
Well, sure—
???:
Once he rejected our cause,it was like a job to me, so to speak.
Mash:
Cause?
???:
When you are obligated to do something,it's usually quite a nuisance, indeed.
???:
But still, it feels good to do your best. You will work hard for a job you enjoy.
???:
His expression in the moment he died. The face of a human who understood the transition from life to death!
???:
Despair! Sorrow! Ah! That is exactly it—!
???:
Well, anyway, something like that—
???:
It killed my boredom? At least, I guess?
Mordred:
...I see.
Mordred:
Immigrant or not, that old man was a citizen of Britain. Listen, you took him...
Mordred:
You put your hand on "my stuff" without my permission. You know what will happen?
???:
—What?
Mordred:
—I'm saying, I'm going to kill you, dumb-ass clown!
???:
Well, well, well! You? Killing me? Can you, really?
???:
You seem to be a hot-blooded person! Good, that's fine. I'll try not to disappoint you then!
???:
You might as well watch out for the explosions! My Noble Phantasm has already been set up!
???:
By my True Name, Mephistopheles! I shall relish striking you all down into despair!
Dr. Roman:
You've set up what!? Dammit! I don't know if it's because of the fog or his skill, but it's undetectable!
Mash:
Master, hostile Servant approaching! Orders, please—
Fujimaru 1:
Get him!
Fujimaru 2:
Fight and watch out for his Noble Phantasm!
Mash:
...Roger!
--BATTLE--
Mephistopheles:
This is quite...regretful! This materialization was one I couldn't enjoy much of...
Mephistopheles:
I suppose Servants need Masters after all...Yes, the power of the bond between Master and Servant...
Mephistopheles:
Something of it...Not. Yes, definitely not.
Mephistopheles:
Once a Master decides to fulfill an earnest wish, I must make at least one child must die by the Master's hand.
Mephistopheles:
Otherwise you can't enjoy the best part of a Holy Grail War. Oh, I envy you, Shield Servant...
Mephistopheles:
You will have countless chances from here onwards...to betray and throw your Master into despair!
Mephistopheles:
I am so...jealous of you!
Mordred:
—Shut up.
Mordred:
...Did you find anything?
Mash:
Yes. I found the note the doctor left. Apparently, he was writing this when he was attacked.
Mordred:
I see. I must say, he was a lax old guy until the end.
Mash:
...I'll read it out loud.
Mash:
"I learned of a certain plot. Its name is 'Project Demonic Fog. ' Though its present state is still unknown,"
Mash:
"The three leaders of the project are 'P', 'B' and 'M', who can cast spells beyond human wisdom. Probably Heroic Spirits. "
Mordred:
Is "M" the guy from earlier? Well, let's take this back and have Jekyll read it, too.
Mordred:
And now...I've found something interesting, too.
Mordred:
Hey, come over here.
H：???:
...Uh.
Mash:
...A girl?
Fujimaru 1:
She has a horn.
Mash:
Yes, she does have a horn...
Fujimaru 2:
Is she human? Or a Servant?
Mash:
Who knows? It would be the best if we ask her.
Mash:
Are you a human? Or are you a Servant just like us?
H：???:
...Uhh.
Mash:
?
Dr. Roman:
Hmm, I can't determine what she is...All I can read is that there are vital and physical reactions.
Dr. Roman:
It seems the detection issues caused by the Demonic Fog can reach indoors, too. How about you, Mash?
Mash:
I can't figure it out, either. How about you, Mordred?
Mordred:
I can't tell for sure by just her presence. I think the Demonic Fog outside is interrupting.
Mordred:
But, you're asking what she is? Of course she's a Servant—
Mordred:
At least I wish I could say that.... In my memory, that's how it was supposed to be...
Mordred:
Anyway, yes. She is an artificial human. Apparently.
Mash:
An artificial human—is she?
Mordred:
I found her in the coffin in the backroom,and a note was attached. Let me see...
Mordred:
First artificial human created by Grandfather Victor Frankenstein, or something like that.
Dr. Roman:
So it is Frankenstein's monster. But didn't it burn up in the end according to the novel?
Dr. Roman:
I wonder if she can hear my voice. Let's see...Are you Frankenstein's monster?
H：???:
...Uhh, ah...uuuh...
Mordred:
Hm?
Mash:
It seems like she doesn't have a speech function. But I can somehow understand her.
H：???:
......
Mash:
Name, I guess. Monster—is certainly a name you don't like, right?
H：???:
...Uhh.
Fujimaru 1:
Then, how about Fran?
H：???:
...Uh...
Mash:
Ah, she seems to be happy with the name. Okay then, Ms. Fran.
Fran:
...Uh...
Mash:
You are an artificial human...Is that correct?
Fran:
...Uh, uh...
Mordred:
You're not a Servant, huh. Oh, I get it. You mean, "you're still alive. "
Mordred:
I finally understand. No wonder I couldn't figure it out just by looking at you.
Mash:
?
Mordred:
Oh, never mind.
Mordred:
We can't just leave her here,so let's take her back to Jekyll.
Fran:
...Uh, uh...
Mordred:
Your master is no longer here. You can go anywhere you want.
Mordred:
I'll let you stay with Jekyll for now. Let's go. The fog shouldn't impact you if you're an artificial human.
Mash:
Is she...really? I'm not so sure about that. That's a dangerous action.
Mordred:
She's going to be fine! She's not breathing. Right, Fran?
Fran:
...Uh.
Mordred:
See. She's nodding.
Section 4: One Book, One Pen
Jekyll:
This girl—yes, Fran is an artificial human. Her physical composition was not of a spirit. She's not a Heroic Spirit.
Jekyll:
She is a human living in this era. Wait, I guess artificial human.
Jekyll:
Maybe the description in the novel was wrong...Though I can't be that positive about it.
Fran:
...Uh...Uh...
Jekyll:
Hmm?
Mash:
Um, well...She's just...I mean... How can I say this...
Mordred:
You touched around her body insisting it was an inspection, and it made her unhappy. Apologize to her, Jekyll.
Jekyll:
Oh. I'm very sorry. How shameful of me. That was unacceptable from an English gentleman.
Fran:
...Uh.
Jekyll:
?
Mash:
It's fine, as long as you understand...That was the nuance in her voice...I think.
Mordred:
Most likely.
Fujimaru 1:
Yes, that's what she said.
Fujimaru 2:
How are you guys understanding her?
Jekyll:
How do you guys know what she thinks? Is it because you're the "same gender"...Oh, no, nothing!
Mordred:
Next time, I will kill you.
Jekyll:
Yes. Yup. Sorry. I'll never say it again. Anyway—another case showed up in my info network.
Jekyll:
Something strange appeared in the Soho area. Apparently it even slips indoors to assault civilians.
Dr. Roman:
Let me confirm. The homunculi, automata,and Helter Skelters until now—
Jekyll:
Have zero cases of entering buildings. At least not according to my information network and Saber's patrols.
Jekyll:
What is entering buildings and attacking civilians appears to be a book as big as a human.
Jekyll:
I decided to tentatively call them Magical Tomes. I want you to deal with this.
Jekyll:
Whether this is related to "Project Demonic Fog" is uncertain, but at the very least, there have been victims in Soho.
Jekyll:
I need your help. Will you do it?
Fujimaru 1:
Leave it to me.
Fujimaru 2:
It's no use staying still.
Mash:
I agree, Master. We're some of the few able to go outdoors.
Mash:
I will try my best to be of help to you, Senpai. Rather, it would make me happy...
Mordred:
What are you talking about? Doesn't matter if you're a Demi or whatever, you're still a Servant.
Mash:
Y-Yes.
Mordred:
...Oh, I mean...Well, just forget it.
Mash:
Huh—
Mordred:
Master-Servant relationships are case-by-case. It's not something I should interfere with.
Mordred:
Now, shall we? I don't know if Fran can be useful, so she'll stay here.
Fran:
...Uh, uh......Uh...
Mordred:
What, are you lonely? Just be a good girl and wait. We'll be right back.
Mash:
It's dangerous outside. Let's talk again when we come back.
Fran:
...Uh, uh.
Mordred:
Huge book...A Magical Tome, huh? A kind of monster that didn't exist in Britain back in my day.
Mash:
The Britain when you were alive...Did monsters exist back in the times of the Arthurian legends?
Mordred:
Of course. The Knights of the Round Table even fought dragons and giants.
Mordred:
Deep woods, steep mountains, bluffs with unceasing winds. Realms humans never cross are prime dens for Phantasmals.
Mordred:
They come down to human dwellings every so often. And well, ordinary humans usually end up as their food.
Mash:
Food, you say.
Mordred:
Average soldiers are no match for demonic beasts,dragons, or Phantasmals. Even in your era, most weapons are useless.
Mordred:
But there are exceptions. For Britain—it was the Knights of the Round Table.
Mordred:
We fought well, and killed a reasonable number,you know? Battling a Phantasmal is pretty rough—
Mordred:
Oh, and them. Them...The Picts.
Mash:
In our time, they're seen as a very mysterious people. A tribe that once flourished mainly in Scotland, so we've heard.
Mordred:
Well, rather than people, they were...Um...
Mordred:
They weren't like any tribes or barbarians...They went far beyond any of them.
Mordred:
Describing it in terms of your era, they were like something that would be in a sci-fi movie, you know?
Mordred:
Aliens? Or, something like that. Yes, that's a close one.
Fujimaru 1:
An Arthurian joke?
Fujimaru 2:
Ah, that's a funny joke.
Mash:
Yes, Senpai. I heard it as a joke, too.... Oh.
Mash:
Mordred, I...I'm sorry. I completely missed the timing to laugh.
Dr. Roman:
Hmm, that was an Arthurian joke? So you're supposed to miss the timing...Hm, I see.
Fou:
Fou...
Mordred:
Joke? No, I wasn't joking at all—
Mordred:
Wait, I sense enemies. Most of them are automatas.
Mash:
...It's a battle. Master, your orders please!
--BATTLE--
Fou:
Fou...
Mordred:
Crushed the dolls. There.
Mordred:
But—What is this sort of thing even called?
Mordred:
In Asia they have a term for it, don't they? "En" or something. It's like fate?
Mordred:
Gathering all sorts of Heroic Spirits and making them your allies—That's not something you can achieve easily.
Mordred:
But well, if that's the way you're using the summons I guess it's possible.
Mordred:
This method should indeed make Heroic Spirit summons easier. I can imagine who it was that suggested it.
Mordred:
To be honest, it feels strange to me......But that, I suppose, is also fate.
Mash:
?
Fujimaru 1:
What is Mordred talking about?
Fujimaru 2:
Is it about the summoning system?
Mash:
Yes...It seems so, anyways. Are you talking about the Heroic Spirit Summoning System?
Mash:
Um...Mordred, do you know much about Heroic Spirit summons? Like you're a Saber with magecraft knowledge?
Mordred:
What did you just say, Shieldy? Do I have magecraft knowledge? Are you being sarcastic or...
Mordred:
...Wait, that's not what you meant, huh. Argh, you're such a pain in the ass, Mash!
Mash:
Y-Yes...! I don't know why I just got scolded,but in any case I'm very sorry!
Mordred:
I'm not scolding, it's just a complaint! That's another thing you two have in common!
Fujimaru 1:
"You two? "
Mordred:
...Forget it. That was a slip of the tongue. Don't probe any further, Fujimaru.
Fujimaru 2:
Touchy, aren't you?
Mordred:
Of course, I am. Being cranky is my default mode. It's 'cause I'm a mass killer, as far from a saint as one can be.
Mordred:
You guys are the ones that are getting too close in the first place. People are normally scared of me, being the Treacherous Knight and all.
Mash:
...
Mordred:
...Tch! Look, you guys aren't the problem here, okay? It's my own nature that's the problem.
Mordred:
So don't misunderstand me. It's not that I hate either Mash or Fujimaru. I don't hate you, that's not it, but—
Mordred:
I can't help myself. Come on, let's fight. Get that shield up. I'll batter it to pieces.
Fujimaru 1:
You ARE upset!
Fujimaru 2:
Treacherous Berserker!
Mordred:
Yeah, insult me all you want. I'm used to it. Feels better than awkward compliments.
Fujimaru 1:
I won't let Mash engage in needless battles.
Fujimaru 2:
To fight Mash, go through me first
Mordred:
Oh, so you CAN act like a Master. Though it would've looked a lot cooler if your knees weren't shaking, you know?
Mordred:
The weak should act like one and stay back. Because they meddle in things like that, they're the first to die, yeah?
Mash:
—! Master, get back! Mordred is serious!
Mordred:
You parried my first attack! How cheeky! You're finally learning how to use that thing the way you should!
Mordred:
That's good. Here goes, Shieldy! You must always be one step ahead of your own limit to protect your allies!
Mordred:
If you're gonna use that Noble Phantasm, put some spirit in it! As an experienced Servant, I will train you thoroughly!
--BATTLE--
Mash:
Hah...Ah...Ugh...
Fujimaru 1:
Mash!
Mash:
Sen...pai— Thank goodness. Were you watching?
Mash:
Battle...is over—I...was able to parry...Mordred's attacks—
Fujimaru 2:
Mordred!
Mordred:
Oof...Don't glare at me like that. I regret that I went a little overboard. You seriously look scary right now.
Mordred:
Don't worry, that was a mock fight. Mash was fully aware of that too.
Mordred:
So, how was it, Mash? Figured out how to use that Noble Phantasm at least a little bit?
Mash:
Yes...Thank you...Very much...Somehow, it feels—
Mash:
...like a shackle on my heart was removed...That was the toughest I've felt since Cú Chulainn's spells...
Fujimaru 1:
Then perhaps...that just now was?
Mordred:
...Well, drastic times call for drastic measures.
Mordred:
She was holding herself back by calling herself a Demi-Servant.
Mordred:
I pulled a stunt here to hammer into her what her role was. She'll be a bit more decent from now on.
Mash:
Mordred...
Fujimaru 1:
You look after others well.
Fujimaru 2:
...Even so, a bit too rough...
Mordred:
Shut up. You guys drop your guard way too much and it was pissing me off, that's all.
Mordred:
It's not like me to teach swordsmanship to others. In fact, this was my first time. Damn you!
Mordred:
Listen. Not a word of this to Jekyll. He'll interrogate me again.
Mordred:
And sorry, Fujimaru. I apologize for disrespecting you. You are indeed weak, but it's a practical kind of weak.
Mordred:
You're no coward nor scoundrel. You're an idiot worth carrying, in your own way. Right, Mash?
Mash:
Yes, definitely! After all, Senpai is the best Master in Chaldea!
Fujimaru 1:
Thanks, Mash.
Fujimaru 2:
Best in Chaldea is saying too much...
Mordred:
Okay, okay, enough already. This is so sweet I'm getting indigestion.
Mordred:
All right, time to hurry onward, Fujimaru,Mash. Keep that shield at the ready and follow me.
Mash:
Okay! Thank you very much, kind Sir Mordred!
Mordred:
D-Don't suddenly start calling me "Sir Mordred," dummy! You're gonna make me trip!
--BATTLE--
Mash:
All hostile units eliminated...Complete silence confirmed. Good work, Senpai.
Dr. Roman:
Good work. I received a transmission from Jekyll, so I'll connect you.
Jekyll:
Can you hear me? I have supplemental information to pass on.
Mash:
Oh—I see. They took the radio transmission from Jekyll and patched it through via Dr. Roman's channel.
Jekyll:
Right. Chaldea's technology is marvelous. But let me cut to the chase. It's about the Magical Tome running amok in Soho.
Jekyll:
Unlike killer homunculi or automatas, the Magical Tome can get past closed doors and into buildings. That we know.
Jekyll:
We have specifics on the damage now. They say it puts people into an unending slumber.
Mordred:
Through magecraft? Or a drug?
Jekyll:
We don't know yet. If it's just a drug, it shouldn't pose any issue for you...
Mash:
Yes, I don't think that would affect us. Senpai has Poison Resistance Skill (Temporary), too.
Mordred:
I see, that's good. But well, nothing beats good, old-fashioned vigilance.
Mordred:
If it is magecraft, in my case, my Magic Resistance Skill nullifies most effects on me—
Mordred:
But I can't block a direct hit of, say, a drug made by a Servant's skill or Noble Phantasm at high magecraft levels.
Fujimaru 1:
Let's be really careful.
Fujimaru 2:
It's okay if it doesn't hit us.
Mordred:
Well, yeah. Just act carefully.
Jekyll:
Once you've arrived in the Soho area,stop by the antique bookshop I specified first.
Jekyll:
There should be an informant there. That is,if they haven't been attacked by Magical Tomes yet.
Mash:
Understood.
Mordred:
Then let's get going. Soho's not far off now.
--ARROW--
Boy:
...So you've finally come. I was getting pretty sick of waiting, you idiots.
Boy:
Thanks to you, I've ended up reading an entire novel series, roughly 20 volumes, that I didn't even want to read.
Fujimaru 1:
Who's this?
Fujimaru 2:
A child?
Fou:
Fou?
Boy:
You're the rescue team Mr. Henry Jekyll said was coming? Then, let me quickly fill you in on the situation here.
Mordred:
Huh? Wait, so the informant he mentioned is this brat?
Mash:
This boy, as it were. He must have some relation to this antique bookshop.
Mash:
Maybe he's the shopkeeper's son or relative...or grandson. Is that correct?
Mash:
You're the one who contacted Mr. Jekyll,and are seeking help from us, right?
Boy:
Yes, that's right. The situation being what it is,a rough understanding is fine for now.
Mordred:
You kind of...have a really nice voice. Is your voice changing right now?
Boy:
Yeah, I've always wanted to be in theaters.
Boy:
So embarrassing. Nothing more embarrassing than a life where you couldn't achieve what you want!
Boy:
Well, we'll put talk of my beautiful voice aside. I'll be talking your ears off from here, anyway.
Boy:
For now, let's talk about "this place. " The Magical Tome already assaulted the elderly shopkeeper here.
Boy:
Nearly half of Soho's people met the same fate. They've fallen into unending slumber, and now dream merrily together.
Dr. Roman:
Do you know where the Magical Tome is now? Also, how did you manage to escape its attack?
Boy:
Huh? Are you stupid? Is your brain, not just your voice,in la-la land? Obviously, I ran away from it!
Dr. Roman:
Huh? ...Oh! Um, s-sorry...Of course...That makes perfect sense...Ha, ha, sorry...I apologize...
Dr. Roman:
Ha, ha...Ha, ha, ha...
Mash:
Doctor, please don't get hurt by a child's words. Kids that age tend to speak very bluntly.
Boy:
So, you asked where the Magical Tome is. Right here.
Mordred:
What?
Mash:
Huh?
Boy:
It's on the 2nd floor residence of the bookshop...In other words, still on this floor, in the study next door.
Mordred:
Haha! Well, well! So it's right there?
Mash:
!!!
Mash:
Senpai, indoor combat is dangerous. We should avoid combat in narrow, enclosed spaces if we can.
Mash:
There is a chance that you and the boy would get caught up in the fight.
Fujimaru 1:
Then let's fight in an open space.
Fujimaru 2:
Lure it outside!
Mash:
...All right. Mordred, if you will.
Mordred:
Okay, let's get this over with!
--BATTLE--
Fou:
Foou!?
Mordred:
Dammit, I know the attacks are hitting, but they're not getting through! What's with this book?
Mash:
I don't get it either. Our attacks are landing, but it's not going down!
Dr. Roman:
Hmmm are you sure it's not an illusion? And are you sure your attacks are hitting?
Mash:
Yes, Doctor. We have no status anomalies.
Magical Tome:
......
Mordred:
Tch, floating around like that! So cheeky for a book, are you missing pages or something!?
Boy:
More like a banned book. If the contents are true, then even as a book it can kill people...Or so the story goes.
Mash:
The boy from earlier...You shouldn't come out! It's dangerous! Go back!
Boy:
Keep watching the Magical Tome, miss. Don't worry about me, I'll take off as soon as I say what needs to be said.
Mordred:
You...I thought you had a good voice, but I never thought.
Mordred:
Are you by chance a Servant? Damn, this fog is clouding my intuition!
Boy:
You finally noticed. Yes, I'm a Heroic Spirit like you. Or rather—
Boy:
Did you think a kid reading rare books so calmly in a time like this is normal?
Boy:
The ability to detect magical energy aside, your intuition as a reader is abysmal, Saber. You should read more.
Boy:
I recommend the series in shelf E on the 1st floor. They're full of dreams, adventures, and bad endings you might like.
Mordred:
Hey—who the hell are you! You sure know how to jok—
Andersen:
Andersen. Hans Christian Andersen.
Andersen:
My class is Caster. If you want to know the details, read one of my books.
Mash:
What? What? —Whaaat!?
Mash:
Hans Christian Andersen, the author– Amazing...He's one of the top three fairy tale authors in the world, Senpai!
Fujimaru 1:
Calm down.
Fujimaru 2:
Do you like fairy tales?
Mash:
Oh, no...Well...I wouldn't say I love them,but I have read quite a few of them.
Andersen:
Oh. You don't have to hide it, it's obvious! You're an avid reader! I have an avid reader among Servants!
Dr. Roman:
First characters from fictional novels,now an actual author! And, our enemy is a book!
Dr. Roman:
Okay, it's turning into another confusing situation, Fujimaru!
Dr. Roman:
So how's Mr. Andersen? Is he amazing as a Servant!?
Andersen:
Huh? What does that bonehead expect? I'm an author. Of course I'm absolutely powerless.
Andersen:
It's neat to encounter a Magical Tome that attacks people, but it's literally impossible for me to defeat it alone.
Andersen:
So, here I am, waiting for Servants fit for physical labor to show up!
Andersen:
Now go fight, Saber and Ms. Avid Reader! I'll keep detailed notes of the entire affair!
Fou:
Mmm, kyuu! Kyaau!
Mordred:
Shut up, please shut up! I feel like killing you before the Magical Tome!
Andersen:
What? Not only do you lack intelligence to study the Magical Tome, you can't make distinctions between friend and foe?
Andersen:
Amazing. An extreme barbarian! You know,your head must be filled with mashed potatoes!
Mordred:
Move aside, Shieldy! I'm going to beat the crap out of that punk first!
Mash:
I know how you feel but calm down! Mr. Andersen, please say something to her, too!
Andersen:
Say something? Oh, something beneficial. Hmm. Well then, here's a lecture.
Andersen:
You have experienced the nature of the Magical Tome,yes? Attacks are ineffective. Of course they are.
Andersen:
It's because you think it's a book. It's not. It's a type of Reality Marble.
Mash:
Reality Marble!?
Fujimaru 1:
Reality Marble?
Fujimaru 2:
As I recall, that's...
Mash:
Yes. It's a type of powerful magecraft that rewrites how the world exists. They say it's almost equivalent to True Magic.
Mash:
Rarely, there are cases when a Servant materialized uses it as their Noble Phantasm—
Andersen:
Right, maybe a Reality Marble affects the space it's in. But that's different. Its existence itself is a Reality Marble.
Andersen:
That's why it has endurance near invincibility. It effectively utilizes the fact it is a Reality Marble.
Andersen:
Then, why is that possible? Good. That's a natural question.
Andersen:
But figure out that much on your own! There's plenty of food for thought, anyone can make sense of it in minutes!
Mordred:
But we don't have those few minutes! State the conclusion! The conclusion!
Mordred:
It's floating right now,but we don't know when it will attack again!
Andersen:
How hasty...Do you start books at the ending? Oh, fine. Out of respect for the avid reader, I'll tell you.
Andersen:
My reason by analogy is that it originally was a Servant that projects the psyche of its Master.
Andersen:
It's easy if you elicit from dramaturgy. Though, I needed to ponder for about an hour.
Mordred:
You took your sweet time! Enough! State the conclusion! The conclusion!
Andersen:
The conclusion, or rather, the problem is before you. This is a "stray. " There is no Master.
Andersen:
That's why it attacked the people in Soho. It put them to sleep and made them dream.
Andersen:
In short, it's searching for a Master. To manifest the dream, it's "trying to materialize" as a Pseudo-Servant.
Mordred:
What?
Dr. Roman:
...I see! So the guise of this Magical Tome has no substance!
Andersen:
Good answer! It's not even a Servant. It's a clump of magical energy that wants to be a Servant.
Andersen:
It will materialize eventually if left alone. In return, every citizen of Soho will fall asleep.
Andersen:
Compared to the fog of magical energy drifting outside,the damage may not be as vicious.
Andersen:
However.
Andersen:
Some may become emaciated and die while asleep,but perhaps nobody will die.
Andersen:
To begin with, if sleep takes so much of one's time,we writers would go out of business!
Andersen:
So, it will be defeated. Soho has many bookstores, both new and used.
Mash:
You contradict yourself, Mr. Andersen! You just said it has no substance so we can't defeat—
Andersen:
I mean, you can't look for a book without a title. It's easy to give substance to a story.
Andersen:
Can you hear me? I'll give you a name, Magical Tome, no—
Andersen:
—A Tale for Someone, Nursery Rhyme!
Nursery Rhyme:
!!!
Mordred:
You can do things when you actually try, punk! But why didn't you do anything until now!?
Andersen:
Idiot, if I gave it substance, it would attack me, too. Just saying, I'm very weak in fistfights.
Andersen:
I told you I had no choice but to hold my breath and read books until you guys, the physical labor, showed up.
Nursery Rhyme:
...Nursery...Rhyme...
Nursery Rhyme:
No, it's not. That's not "my" name, "my" name is Alice.
Andersen:
Mmm? Huh?
Mash:
Something...is a bit off from Mr. Andersen's predictions...But, Senpai, this is...
Fujimaru 1:
It's materializing!
Fujimaru 2:
All's well that ends well!
Mash:
Yes, the enemy is materializing! Now I can clearly discern its form!
Mordred:
All right. Let's do it! Afterwards, I'm gonna choke that punk!
Nursery Rhyme:
Alice, where are you? Alice isn't...here...
Nursery Rhyme:
Hey, big sisters. Where is the lonely "me? "
Andersen:
...You don't have a Master. No, to be exact, she probably is not in this era.
Andersen:
...I can't believe there was a Master who loved a book without a title this much.
Andersen:
This is what you call painful to watch. I'm sorry, but please defeat it quickly.
--BATTLE--
Andersen:
...All bark and no bite. I was expecting at least a reproduction of Wonderland.
Andersen:
I guess that was expecting too much. It didn't help that we were too powerful.
Mordred:
...Hey. What was that about us being too powerful, punk?
Mordred:
Not only did you stand there like a damn statue,I think all you ever did was run your mouth and insult us!
Mash:
P-Please, let's stop it, Mordred.
Mash:
He has a sharp tongue for sure, but we were able to defeat the Magical Tome—Nursery Rhyme thanks to him!
Fou:
Fou! Foou!
Mordred:
Tch...You're right. I know. It's my loss if I meddle with people of this sort.
Andersen:
What, contrary to your looks...Wait, maybe you do have that look...Wait, maybe not after all. Your soul is like a Morning Star!
Mordred:
Morning Star, like a flail? So I'm thorny, huh? Dammit! I hate to admit it but you make a good point!
Andersen:
...Good reaction...With training, you might be easy prey...Excuse me, a good reader. What a waste.
Andersen:
But to think I'd be defended from a hater by an avid reader. Humans never change regardless of era.
Mordred:
Both Mash and I are Servants.
Mash:
Yes. But I was originally a human...
Dr. Roman:
More like,most Servants were originally humans.
Mordred:
...Tch. Oh well. That thing didn't seem like it used to be human, though.
Fou:
...Fou...
Andersen:
Right, most of Heroic Spirits were humans,but sometimes there are cases like Nursery Rhyme.
Andersen:
Cases where a human creation gains its own will, or gathers visions from people to become a "Conceptual Heroic Spirit. "
Dr. Roman:
Those are rare, though. Someday, there might even be Heroic Spirits of machines as well as books.
Dr. Roman:
Anyway, thank you for all your work. Go back to Jekyll's apartment for now.
Dr. Roman:
Andersen, can you come, too? It's most reassuring to have more Servants as allies.
Mordred:
What?! We're taking this punk with us?
Mordred:
He's super weak. I'm sure he'll be useless! He's so boring, too! I'm sure he won't write any decent books!
Andersen:
—I see. Okay, I'm happy to go with you.
Andersen:
I had no intention of helping you,but that last statement changed my mind.
Andersen:
My pleasure, Saber. No, Sir Mordred. By the way, if you are to be a protagonist, what's your favorite genre?
Andersen:
A tragedy? A farce? Or a comedy? Splendid. I'll polish it into the best trashy tale ever.
Mordred:
I see. Why don't you go write some unpopular books and cry in a corner, fairy tale author.
Mash:
(Um, excuse me, that's rude, he can hear that)
Mordred:
I wanted him to hear it. Only a coward talks behind one's back.
Mash:
......
Andersen:
Well, let's move. Let's leave before the antique bookshop's owner wakes up.
Andersen:
Because I'm also a thief. Actually, I snuck in from the back door.
Andersen:
It'd be awkward if he woke up and called the cops. Getting arrested despite helping is going too far for a trashy book!
Mordred:
Huh!?
Mordred:
You entered without permission,and still acted that confidently!?
Section 5: Helter Skelter
Andersen:
My, what a lovely little hideout. I like it. I'll take the study next door.
Andersen:
I'll be unpacking, so call me if you need me. Oh, and don't forget to knock.
Mordred:
...Wow, I'm so tired. That baggage made me double tired. No, triple tired!
Jekyll:
She's wrecking my personal sofa again...I'd prefer you use the one for guests...Oh, never mind.
Jekyll:
Just stay there and listen. Mash, you and Fujimaru too.
Jekyll:
Jack the Ripper is back. And this time they're not murdering women in the fog.
Jekyll:
They're currently putting Scotland Yard under siege. I'm picking up calls for help from stations all over London.
Mordred:
That guy! That bastard finally came out!
Fujimaru 1:
Sounds like a grudge.
Fujimaru 2:
An acquaintance?
Mordred:
Yeah. A Servant of Assassin class. We fought a few times in the fog...
Mordred:
Escapes every time. I can't quite finish 'em off. They escape into the fog!
Mordred:
On top of that, I can't remember a face, figure, or specific abilities! It pisses me off!
Mordred:
Every time I hear "Jack the Ripper,"all I can do is think, "Oh yeah, that Assassin! "
Mordred:
Dammit! It's so frustrating! That stupid little—
Jekyll:
You may have had an encounter as well. How about it? Do you remember fighting "an Assassin? "
Mash:
Oh...
Mash:
Yes, I think I do...I think it was an Assassin. We...were ambushed...
Mash:
That's right...We were ambushed. My memories suddenly came back to me.
Mash:
I couldn't remember most of the details until now. But, if it's a Servant, we can guess why—
Fujimaru 1:
A skill?
Fujimaru 2:
A Noble Phantasm?
Mash:
Yes, Senpai. That's right. It's due to either a skill or a Noble Phantasm.
Mordred:
They're fast. We should hurry before they get away. Let's go!
Andersen:
What, stepping out? Then say so. Bring me back...I know! Some scones would be great.
Mordred:
You're not coming!? No, you wouldn't be useful if you did...
Mordred:
...Wait. Can you make them easier to beat, like that last one?
Andersen:
The last one was an extreme exception. Don't count on it. What do you expect an author to do to begin with?
Andersen:
Do you think authors are all-powerful, omniscient gods? Then you need to learn better.
Andersen:
Listen to me. Authors are just fools who fled to the pen when reality wouldn't go their way.
Andersen:
Do you really think I can help you with anything?
Mordred:
...I was stupid for asking. Let's go, Mash, Fujimaru!
Mordred:
We'll go as fast as we can. Mash, carry Fujimaru. It's a race against time.
Mordred:
We can't slow down for a human. We'll head to the Yard at Servants' full speed.
Mash:
R-Right.... Senpai, excuse me for a bit.
Fujimaru 1:
Don't drop me.
Fujimaru 2:
Pleasure's mine.
Mash:
R-Right.
Mash:
...I'll do everything I can not to drop you. Don't let go of my hand.
Mordred:
Hey, hurry up—Tch. There's the enemy already!
Dr. Roman:
Multiple enemy responses, coming from all directions. Break through before they surround us!
--BATTLE--
Mordred:
That's most of them! Forget the rest and just run, Mash!
Mash:
Right!
Dr. Roman:
He fights pretty fiercely. I guess he really is the Treacherous Knight of legend.
Mash:
Yes, you're right. His combat powers match what's in the legend.
Mash:
He's swift and accurate, like a bolt of lighting flashing through the sky. You won't sense a shred of doubt in his blade.
Fujimaru 1:
Treacherous Knight?
Fujimaru 2:
You mean Mordred?
Dr. Roman:
Oh, come to think— I never gave Fujimaru a proper explanation.
Dr. Roman:
Mordred the Treacherous Knight has manifested here as a Saber class.
Dr. Roman:
Of course, he's not from this era. He's from the Arthurian legends of the 5th and 6th century.
Dr. Roman:
The one who brought upon its end. He literally betrayed King Arthur.
Mash:
It was no ordinary betrayal, either. He brought together all of Arthur's enemies, both domestic and foreign...
Mash:
...and became what we call the Treacherous King. In peaceful times, he could've been king himself.
Mash:
There are many stories of his own glory. He was originally a Knight of the Round Table—
Dr. Roman:
And is said to be King Arthur's "son. "But there's also stories that the King didn't admit such.
Dr. Roman:
Some say that's the reason for his betrayal. At the end, why did Mordred betray King Arthur?
Dr. Roman:
Only he—no, she herself knows.
Fujimaru 1:
Did the rebellion succeed?
Fujimaru 2:
Did the rebellion fail?
Mash:
...Yes. Mordred died during the battle on the Hill of Camlann.
Mash:
They killed each other. She fought King Arthur with the sword Clarent...
Mash:
...and King Arthur fought with a holy spear and pierced her through.
Mash:
King Arthur was fatally wounded as well and—
Mordred:
What are you guys babbling about? Hurry up and let's go!
Mash:
Oh, r-right!
Fujimaru 1:
Let's hurry!
Mash:
...Roger, Master!
--BATTLE--
Mordred:
They're attacking us while we run! They just keep coming!
Mordred:
Don't stop, Mash!
Mash:
Right...
Dr. Roman:
Sorry to interrupt while you're moving. I've got news from Da Vinci.
Dr. Roman:
I'll give you her analysis on Helter Skelter,that huge armored robot.
Dr. Roman:
She's still not finished,but according to what she's found so far...
Dr. Roman:
First, it's not a Golem. The video showed no traces of magecraft.
Dr. Roman:
Even if it's a pure machine...there's still many unknowns,except that it seems to be steam-operated.
Dr. Roman:
It looks like technology that doesn't exist in our year of 2017.
Dr. Roman:
It was made via some technology that was hidden, or perhaps lost—
Dr. Roman:
It's as if it's a product of some super-technology from a world that took a "different path" than our own.
Dr. Roman:
...Yeah.
Dr. Roman:
...So, I guess you're running right now. It would make sense that you wouldn't answer.
Dr. Roman:
That's all I've got. Good luck, guys!
--ARROW--
Jack the Ripper:
...Oh?
Jack the Ripper:
You came out here. All right. Hehe...what should we do?
Jack the Ripper:
Should we kill you? One, two, three, lots. Lots.
Jack the Ripper:
Hehe. We killed lots and lots,but we're still hungry. We're starving.
Jack the Ripper:
The police officers don't have much magical energy, you know.
Jack the Ripper:
So thanks for coming. We'll be full after we eat your magical energy.
Mordred:
We made it—
Mordred:
No, I don't think we did. This smells of blood...the Yard's been wiped out, huh?
Dr. Roman:
There are two moving responses there besides you. Jack the Ripper, and one more.
Mash:
We can assume it's an unknown Servant. You there—
H：???:
Yes. I'm a Caster Servant. I'm one of the leaders of the "Project" you know of.
Fujimaru 1:
Project Demonic Fog?
Fujimaru 2:
Why are you doing this?
H：???:
It's a complex set of circumstances, you see. Oh, please call me "P. "
"P":
Unfortunately, you're too late. Scotland Yard has been slaughtered to the last man.
"P":
They all died horribly. That girl has no compassion within her at all.
"P":
But it was necessary. A necessary sacrifice. That's all I can say.
"P":
Man is to be loved. Love and emotions are both noble, brilliant things.
"P":
But— How sad. Sometimes they pale in comparison to the greater good.
"P":
Something we need was kept inside Scotland Yard.
"P":
Figures the British Empire, home of the Mage's Association and the Clock Tower, would put a heavy magical seal on.
"P":
And so, sadly,they were in the way of our greater good.
Mordred:
Why do you mouth off like you actually know stuff? I could care less about love and emotions!
Mordred:
Yet again, you guys laid your hands on what's mine. You're no king. How dare you touch what belongs to a king!
Fujimaru 1:
A Heroic Spirit, killing innocent people?
Fujimaru 2:
Have you no pride as a hero?
"P":
Yes, and so you see. I am so filled with sorrow I cannot control myself.
"P":
Humans, possessing emotion, should be sacred. Humans, filled with love, should be dazzling.
"P":
My power cannot save them. No, looking at the results, it could never save them.
"P":
Time is being incinerated. Humanity is being incinerated.
"P":
The march of civilization, emotions, love, are all disappearing. Only four more singularities remain in the world.
"P":
How sad. But neither you nor I can stop it.
"P":
No, if we could not stop it—
Mash:
...I feel a contradiction.
Mash:
A contradiction in your words when you speak of emotion. Caster, no, "P," who are you?
Mash:
You used Jack to take human lives. You're surely the one without compassion.
"P":
Yes, perhaps I am,beautiful young girl.
"P":
I am a mage, and a wicked and cruel one at that. Even now, I tell an innocent girl as follows:
"P":
Jack. You handle them.
"P":
Do what you like. They might be "your mother. "
Jack:
Huh? They...might?
Jack:
Oh, We see. Hmmm. Then we'll do to you what we do to Mommy, okay?
Jack:
Will you let us "go back? "Will you let us go inside you...inside Mommy...
Mordred:
No. You're going straight back to the Throne. I'll kill you here.
Mash:
I think we should stop Assassin here.... Senpai...
Fujimaru 1:
Let's stop her.
Fujimaru 2:
Prepare for combat.
Mash:
—Right, Master!
--BATTLE--
Jack:
Mo-mmy...No...No, no, noo...It hurts...
Jack:
Why...Why?
Jack:
...Why? Tell me...Please...Please?
"P":
Farewell, child who knows not love. I pray that someday you find the love you seek.
"P":
—Now then. I suppose I should die by your hands here as well.
"P":
The wicked mage is defeated by the heroes. That is one of the endings I seek.
"P":
But,I will first fulfill my duty.
"P":
Farewell, you heroes who would walk the bright path. You too, Knight of the Round Table—
"P":
I pray that you forever remain the "heroes" who defeat evil.
Mordred:
Wait! Aah, damn it! He disappeared! That's why I hate mages!
Mash:
Teleportation—If it wasn't caused by the use of a Command Spell, it's...
Mash:
It's a skill closer to True Magic. With the way he did it...A possibility is the Holy Grail...
Dr. Roman:
It's possible. He did say that he was one of the people behind Project Demonic Fog trying to destroy this era.
Dr. Roman:
It's also possible that the owner of the Holy Grail teleported him away as well.
Dr. Roman:
What are they...What are they trying to do here in London?
Mordred:
Who cares? We'll find them and crush them.
"P":
...I have returned.
"B":
Sshhuu...Kkoohh...
"M":
Excellent work.... So that girl was defeated?
"P":
Unfortunately, she's dead. A second loss, after Mephistopheles.
"M":
The grand scheme remains unaffected. We need simply advance our "project. "
"P":
Yes, that's right. We are Servants. We obey our Master's words.
"P":
There is no need for regret. You just need to move ahead with your "project. "
"M":
...I know.
"B":
To pave the path for the world and civilization—That is our destiny as scholars.
"B":
But the world has been incinerated...Humanity and civilization are on the path to an unchangeable end.
"B":
We no longer—
Section 6: London Night
Andersen:
I'm glad to see you back. A shame about the officers at the Yard.
Andersen:
Rest for a little. I heard you haven't rested at all since your arrival, right?
Andersen:
Pushing yourself doesn't equate to good work. Be it writing or hunting for the Holy Grail, occasional breaks are needed.
Mash:
Thank you. But...there's no time.
Andersen:
Fool. Are you a workaholic, too? Can you not forget the weight of what you carry?
Andersen:
Then let me tell you a story to pass the time. A story of how Nursery Rhyme and I materialized.
Mash:
Um...you mean Alice, right? That's what she called herself...
Andersen:
No, Nursery Rhyme. You left for the Yard before I could tell you.
Andersen:
I didn't get to say this, but both Nursery Rhyme and I appeared "from the demonic fog. "
Andersen:
With no Master,and no summoning ritual, either.
Mordred:
Yeah, so was I, come to think of it. Jekyll's no Master, and there was no summoning ritual.
Mordred:
I just woke up one moment in the fog. Huh, do Servants just naturally appear like that?
Fujimaru 1:
Maybe they do.
Dr. Roman:
No, no, no! That's impossible!
Dr. Roman:
If you can just appear...No, be summoned on your own,you're something way more powerful than a Servant!
Fujimaru 2:
I don't know about that...
Mash:
Yes, it's normally impossible.
Mash:
If you mean—naturally appearing Heroic Spirits,there aren't many, but there are a few such records.
Mash:
But when that happens,they don't have a personality of their own.
Mash:
When a Heroic Spirit appears as a Servant,they're always summoned from the Throne by a ritual.
Dr. Roman:
Listen, in the other three eras we went to, the Servants were always summoned under the Grail's influence.
Dr. Roman:
It's absolutely impossible for a Servant to just appear on its own!
Andersen:
So the Servants aren't appearing from the fog, then? That leaves one possibility.
Andersen:
The fog was "created by the Holy Grail. "Or, what creates the fog is influenced by the Holy Grail.
Mash:
That's...what it would mean. That's the logical conclusion. No contradictions.
Andersen:
Logic applies to most things in the real world. About the only thing it doesn't apply to is love.
Andersen:
Use your imagination. Then, you'll anticipate most things, and sometimes even predict them.
Mordred:
Haha. Love? Like you'd know, you punk.
Andersen:
I don't want to hear that from a kid who doesn't even know love. I'm a virgin. I know all about love and romance.
Mordred:
...Huh? Hmm. Huh? That doesn't make sense, does it? Hmm?
Fujimaru 1:
I don't know, but those are amazing words.
Fujimaru 2:
Hmm? It's true, it doesn't...
Andersen:
Have you forgotten? I am Andersen. My storytelling makes me a Caster Heroic Spirit.
Andersen:
If a swordsman's skills lie in battle, an author's skills lie in letters, words, indolence, pain, and love.
Andersen:
Be it improv poetry or a crazy deadline,a true author is capable of anything when serious.
Andersen:
I am a creative author. Not many can match me for imagination.
Andersen:
I won't lose a debate to an amateur. If you're not going to rest, go for a late-night patrol.
Mordred:
Yeah. You're right! If we can nab that "P"and make him talk, we can end this.
Mordred:
I'm going for a patrol then. I'll take a walk to the edge of the city area.
Mash:
Oh, Senpai...Mordred is about to leave.
Fujimaru 1:
Let's follow.
Fujimaru 2:
It's better to act than do nothing.
Mash:
Right!
Jekyll:
You're good at manipulating people, huh? But thanks, they were under a lot of strain.
Andersen:
It's nothing compared to writing a moving story.
Andersen:
I just had to "motivate" them.... But I don't understand.
Jekyll:
Hmm?
Andersen:
What I showed them may be an illusion. A wisp within a match light. Logical or not, it's no different from a fantasy.
Jekyll:
You just used your imagination, right? So—
Andersen:
Don't be stupid. That was just a "play" on words.
Mordred:
...It feels strange to do a patrol with a bunch of people.
Mordred:
I always did it on my own. Well, this makes it easier,so I don't mind...Oh, there's some already.
Dr. Roman:
I just can't match Mordred for speed. I see them too. Enemy responses!
Mash:
Roger. Master, your orders!
--BATTLE--
Mordred:
There were quite a few. Whew.
Mash:
You must be tired. Do you need to rest?
Mordred:
No, there were just so many of them. It would be different if there had been a Helter Skelter.
Mordred:
It's quite strong. It's probably the only enemy I've enjoyed fighting during this materialization.
Dr. Roman:
Mash and Fujimaru have only encountered it once. It was a tough opponent.
Dr. Roman:
Maybe there aren't that many of them? Come to think,you covered a lot of ground but haven't seen any.
Mordred:
Yeah...Come to think, I've never seen big groups of them.
Mordred:
If possible, I'd like to go up against a tough enemy. I hope we'll see one tonight.
Fujimaru 1:
Now that you've said it, we will.
Fujimaru 2:
You're jinxing us.
Mordred:
Oh, you think so?
Mash:
Why don't we go on a bit further? There is still some distance to the City's edge.
Mash:
Um, well, I'm confirming map information...It's not like I'm particularly familiar with London.
Mordred:
Well, if something turns up, we'll deal with it then.
--BATTLE--
Mordred:
...Hmph, more gutless enemies.
Mash:
All enemies destroyed. No, I don't think they were as easy to defeat as you say...
Mordred:
If the fog makes Servants appear,I want it to toss out a strong one.
Mordred:
Oh...But you know. What if what comes out isn't necessarily an enemy?
Dr. Roman:
Right. In fact, you've been helping us. Same goes for Andersen.
Dr. Roman:
But, Nursery Rhyme and Jack were enemies. Both were likely Servants that materialized from the Demonic Fog, too.
Mordred:
I'd like to occasionally see an enemy that faces me head-on, instead of all these guys that attack from behind.
Fujimaru 1:
Indeed.
Mordred:
Right? You're quite a perceptive Master.
Fujimaru 2:
Sneak attacks are good too.
Mordred:
...You really think so?
Mash:
Senpai, let's continue patrolling. It's only a little bit further to the edge of the City.
Mordred:
Come at me! Strong enemies!
--ARROW--
Shakespeare:
Well then—who is it that doth summon me!? I, Caster Shakespeare, travelled with great haste to the city of fog.
Shakespeare:
Or so I wish to say to you. But it seems that I was not summoned to participate in a Holy Grail War this time.
Shakespeare:
This is quite vexing indeed. O God! Where dost lie the grand story that I am destined to behold?
Shakespeare:
No reply. Silence. God hast forsaken me. Where art the tale making blood boil, flesh dance, heart shiver, and soul shake!
Shakespeare:
Then, I can only utter these words. Oh, "Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind! "
Mordred:
...This is a blank. Next.
Shakespeare:
Ah, what have we here? How curious our paths should finally cross within this unfathomable fog!
Mash:
Do you know him? This, uh...Caster Shakespeare guy?
Mordred:
Never heard of him. He's a blank.
Mordred:
But we just confirmed our theory. Right now, this guy materialized from the Demonic Fog.
Shakespeare:
It is a tragedy that my Master does not exist. But, I was able to meet you. Surely this too is destiny.
Shakespeare:
I shall weave a tale of your exploits. I pray that your tale shall live up to your reputation.
Mordred:
Ugh...
Mordred:
This guy—doesn't look like an enemy. It's kind of odd if you think about it.
Mordred:
What's the difference between him and the likes of Jack or that clown? Jack aside, everyone moved on their own will.
Mordred:
Also—
Mordred:
Never mind. Wait. What, did this night patrol hit the jackpot?
Mash:
What?
Mordred:
He's here. The one we've been waiting for. Hey you! You got some nerve for someone who fled!
"P":
...Looks like I am late.
Fujimaru 1:
It's "P! "
Fujimaru 2:
Just when did he...
"P":
How unfortunate. It seems you have already procured the Servant that newly materialized.
"P":
He appears to be a Caster. If only we had procured him, he would have made a fine ally.
Mordred:
Hah hah. I get it. It's really quite simple when you reveal the trick.
Mash:
...Yes. Now I understand as well.
Dr. Roman:
So, you procure and round up Servants materializing from the Demonic Fog, and make them your allies.
Dr. Roman:
I see. Logically it's simple. But, easier said than done.
Dr. Roman:
Unless you have the Holy Grail, it's impossible to make Heroic Spirits move according to your will.
"P":
—Correct. I confess as much. It is as you say.
"P":
We continue to wait in London for those who are indispensable to us to manifest themselves.
"P":
So, we procure Heroic Spirits materializing from the fog one by one, and "adjust" them so they work on expanding the fog.
"P":
It is truly regrettable indeed that we were not able to procure all of you.
"P":
We surely would have been fine friends. All of us.
Fujimaru 1:
I doubt it.
Fujimaru 2:
You're kidding me.
Mash:
...Yes, Senpai. I feel exactly the same as you do.
Mordred:
Hah! Seriously. You'll have to allow me to pass on that!
Mordred:
You won't get away this time! Mage, name yourself before I cut you down!
"P":
—As you wish. There is no catalyst to transport at this time. I shall procure you here myself.
"P":
I am Paracelsus von Hohenheim. I manipulate the Four Great Elementals, and I seek the True Ether.
Paracelsus:
Of course...I possess a different objective at the moment.
Mash:
Master, prepare for a battle between Servants! Your orders—!
--BATTLE--
Paracelsus:
...A most natural result.
Paracelsus:
This is precisely what I'd expect from a sword-wielding hero. Naturally, evildoers must fall.
Paracelsus:
Overcoming all the world's evils. Resisting all this world's greed.
Paracelsus:
And you who will carve out the future of this world. May the path before you...
Paracelsus:
...be somehow illuminated...By true...light...
Mash:
...I have confirmed termination of the enemy Servant. Victory is ours, Senpai.
Mordred:
Damn. The idiot disappeared without a trace. He was a nauseating mage from beginning to end.
Mordred:
"Carve out the future? " Give me a break. As if I'm the type to do that. Ugh.
Shakespeare:
"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player. "
Mordred:
Huh? What was that?
Shakespeare:
It's nothing but a few fanciful phrases crossing my mind. It is quite a fine spectacle that you have shown me today.
Shakespeare:
I was only able to behold the mage in a short role,but he provided a truly satisfying final act.
Mordred:
...What an idiot. You're just being delusional.
Section 7: One More Mystery
Mash:
Senpai—Are you okay? You seem a little pale.
Fujimaru 1:
Sleepy.
Fujimaru 2:
It's so early in the morning.
Mash:
...I suppose so. But early-morning patrols are necessary.
Mash:
Mordred's actions are not mistaken. What happened last night may very well happen again.
Mash:
However, it's not ideal...If you are starting to feel excessive fatigue...
Fujimaru 1:
I'm fine.
Fujimaru 2:
Don't worry so much.
Mash:
...Okay.
Mordred:
It's pretty inconvenient to be a Master. But I guess you live with it, as you're still human.
Mordred:
All the enemies are pushovers anyway. I could handle them myself—
Mash:
...Mechanical sounds detected. There's a big one approaching!
Mordred:
Oh, speak of the devil. Hah, maybe I'll finally get to fight a Helter Skelter!
Mash:
I'm sorry, Master! Preparing for battle! Your orders, please!
--BATTLE--
Dr. Roman:
...I've got bad news for you. Sorry, but listen up. Right around where you are...
Dr. Roman:
Oh, can you hear them now? Well, that's what I'm talking about.
Mordred:
Great, bring it on! I'll crush as many as I need to! It's pretty great slashing my way through thick steel.
Mash:
I'm really, really sorry Master! Entering consecutive battles! Your orders, please.
--BATTLE--
Mordred:
...You know, even I'm getting kind of tired.
Mordred:
We should make our way back to Jekyll's apartment. I don't need sleep, but I want to recover my magical energy.
Dr. Roman:
Ahhh...Umm, this is kind of hard to say, but...
Mordred:
...I know, I know, so just shut up. I already sense them. There's quite a few.
Mash:
...Mechanical sounds detected. Multiple large units! Predicting enemy count will further increase!
Mordred:
I wish they would all just congregate in Hyde Park! Then, I'd turn them all to cinders with my Noble Phantasm!
Mash:
Please restrain yourself. Massive firepower in the City area is dangerous!
Mordred:
I'll be as careful as I can when I use it!
Fujimaru 1:
Let's go!
Mash:
Yes!
Fujimaru 2:
This is getting more and more fun!
Mash:
S-Senpai?
Mordred:
I guess the enemy's getting serious now that a leader's down! Bring it on—I'll fight to the finish!
--BATTLE--
Jekyll:
...I see. So that's what's been happening.
Jekyll:
Anyway, good work. Glad you made it back. Now please get some rest.
Mordred:
Ah...That's much better...Ahhh...
Jekyll:
Sitting on my favorite sofa again...Well...Okay fine. You did put in a lot of effort both last night and just now.
Fujimaru 1:
Dead tired.
Fujimaru 2:
Wiped out.
Mash:
Senpai, don't overdo it. Please rest up. From now on, I'll watch over your vitals, too.
Dr. Roman:
Huh? That's actually my job...
Dr. Roman:
B-But you're right. It's more pleasing to be looked after by someone close to you...
Jekyll:
Still, I see...I didn't think mass production of Helter Skelters was possible before, but now the situation is dire.
Jekyll:
It's likely due to us defeating the mage Paracelsus AKA"P," one of the three leaders of Project Demonic Fog.
Jekyll:
The enemy recognized you as a threat, and built up their strength in order to obtain materialized Heroic Spirits.
Jekyll:
We should think of it that way. But, I wonder what kind of Heroic Spirit they're seeking...
Mordred:
I don't know. It's your job to do the thinking. I'm...exhausted.
Mordred:
...That's right. Speaking of thinking, there's a freeloader who's only good for thinking. Hell, we got two of 'em.
Mordred:
What are they doing right now, Jekyll? They're in the study, right?
Andersen:
You called?
Shakespeare:
Did you summon us?
Mordred:
...Sigh. I'm totally going to regret this. I should've known better. It's like you guys opened the Ark or something.
Shakespeare:
Ark? Do you mean that "Ark? "Hahaha, you are harsh indeed! What an exaggeration!
Shakespeare:
I do call myself a jack-in-the-box that releases grand, flowery words when cracked open...
Shakespeare:
...but I am no match for that cache of calamities! Rather, such a box does not exist to begin with.
Andersen:
Indeed, it doesn't exist. It can't exist. As you know, its intended use is an impossibility.
Andersen:
Nothing spoils fun like anecdotes of opening a box ending the world. The message is, if you want to die, die alone.
Mash:
...Um, Senpai.
Fujimaru 1:
...Let's not talk about the Ark.
Mash:
...I agree. Despite what they say, those two are obviously into it.
Mash:
I think the best thing to do is keep quiet.
Fujimaru 2:
No, the Ark does exist. I know for sure.
Andersen & Shakespeare:
Seriously!?
Shakespeare:
Mm? Oh, I do apologize. Young Andersen incited me into raising my voice.
Shakespeare:
But that aside, Fujimaru,I am verily interested in what you were just saying!
Shakespeare:
Where and when did you see that Ark!? And who in the world opened it and for what reason!?
Shakespeare:
Specifically, in what way did the ultimate bad ending overflowed with both sorrow and farce!?
Andersen:
...Hmm. (←listening calmly)
Andersen:
...Hmm. (←silently beginning to prepare tea)
Andersen:
...Hmm. (←spreading jam on a scone)
Mordred:
...Fool. You aroused a cat's curiosity. I know not of this.
Mordred:
Fujimaru, Mash. Go talk in the study until they're satisfied.
Mash:
Bummer...
Jekyll:
Good luck. Maybe you can count that as part of resting up?
Mordred:
Ha! Do you think you can take a nap in front a pond of geese? Look at Fujimaru's face. I've never seen anyone so dumbfounded.
Andersen:
Oh, that's right. I forgot to tell you what it is that we're doing.
Andersen:
That playwright is focused on getting these events down on paper, but not me. I want to do as little work as possible.
Andersen:
But there is something on my mind. I heard from Fujimaru of the developments leading up to now...The seven Singularities.
Andersen:
...More precisely, something about the magecraft ritual called the Holy Grail War bothers me...
Andersen:
...I don't have enough materials to make a judgment. To be honest, I'm almost at a stalemate.
Mordred:
...Hmph. I see you can act like a Caster. Although you're still useless...
Dr. Roman:
Ah, excuse me. Can we get back on topic? A review of the current situation, and future plans?
Dr. Roman:
Luckily, enemy's awareness is focusing on the Demonic Fog. If they want to wipe us out, they'd go around destroying buildings.
Dr. Roman:
The fact that they haven't means the enemy is only aware of the streets that the Demonic Fog extends to.
Dr. Roman:
I'm sure there's something there to take advantage of—
Jekyll:
...Is there?
Dr. Roman:
I hope so. Hmm...Is there? I hope there is...It'd be nice...
Mordred:
This is a pain, do something. We can't spend as much time outside like we used to.
Mordred:
Wandering around aimlessly just eats away at my magical energy with each battle.
Mordred:
If we could at least disable the Helter Skelters,it wouldn't be that much of an effort, but...
Jekyll:
There's no way. This is a problem, as we might end up in a stalemate.
Fran:
...Urhh......Uhh, urhh...
Andersen:
All right, then how about this?
Andersen:
There is an outbreak of Helter Skelters, but how about gathering some data to support my theory?
Andersen:
Run an errand for me, basically. You guys have stamina, so isn't this the perfect job?
Dr. Roman:
Working outside among all those Helter Skelters is a tall order...
Fujimaru 1:
Let's try it.
Fujimaru 2:
Let's cooperate with Andersen and Shakespeare.
Mash:
Right, Senpai. It won't make our current situation any better but—
Mash:
I don't think things will get any better if we just stay holed up in this apartment.
Fou:
Fou!
Dr. Roman:
Well, if there is anything we can do,getting on it would be constructive.
Dr. Roman:
Still, you want us to gather data,but where are we supposed to go?
Fou:
Kyu, fouuu...
Andersen:
Oh, come on, this is London. Your destination is obvious.
Fujimaru 1:
Obvious?
Dr. Roman:
Hmm, what is it?
Jekyll:
Maybe the Mage's Association—AKA "Clock Tower? "
Fujimaru 2:
Does he mean the Mage's Association?
Andersen:
Correct. Once man enters AD, mages centered around a giant academy—the Mage's Association, Clock Tower.
Dr. Roman:
Ah!
Andersen:
Right. A giant academy that is unlocking the secrets of the world exists here in London. Why would you not use it?
Dr. Roman:
You're right...B-But in the state London is in now, I wonder...
Dr. Roman:
If the Mage's Association—Clock Tower still stands,I'd naturally assume Jekyll is in contact with them.
Mash:
Good point. Jekyll hasn't spoken about the Clock Tower.
Jekyll:
...That's because there was no need.
Mordred:
The Mage's Association...That's like underground, from Regent Park all the way to Westminster, right?
Mordred:
After materializing and meeting Jekyll,I went there to check it out immediately.
Mordred:
The British Museum, was it? I went there because I heard that's where the entrance was.
Mordred:
But the entrance was completely sealed off. It was a ruined pile of rubble.
Jekyll:
Yeah. Strangely enough, "the building was demolished. "No part was left untouched.
Jekyll:
Thinking back, perhaps the mastermind of "Project Demonic Fog" crushed all possibility of resistance.
Andersen:
I don't mind if it got destroyed. So what if it's a pile of rubbles.
Andersen:
Nothing could be better if the mages are alive, but that has nothing to do with my objective one way or another.
Andersen:
What I need are records. Data.
Andersen:
It's certain that the important archives are protected by considerably firm seals. Take me there.
Fou:
Kyuuu...Fou...
Shakespeare:
Then I shall accompany you. The ruins of a mystic academy should serve as a font of inspiration!
Dr. Roman:
It seems this is going to be a large group. But...
Dr. Roman:
I suppose the more firepower the better, in case you encounter Helter Skelters. Yeah, that makes sense.
Fran:
...Uhh......Urhh?
Fujimaru 1:
You should stay here, Fran.
Fujimaru 2:
It's dangerous, so hold the fort, Fran.
Mash:
I agree. Right now, London is especially dangerous. Please stay here, Fran.
Fran:
...Uh, urrh...
Andersen:
Then let's be off. We'll visit that formerly flourishing mystic academy.
Andersen:
Oh, and also Saber...Do make sure to protect us weak Casters.
Mordred:
Huh? Protect you? Say that to Shieldy over there.
Mash:
Ah, u-um—
Jekyll:
All right, I'm going, too! Let's go!
Mordred:
Huh?
Mash:
Wha...
Section 8: The Death of the Mage's Association
Mordred:
...You know. You said "a large group,"but we can't count you in during combat.
Jekyll:
You're looking for the ruins of the Mage's Association,yes? Surely my intellectual curiosity as a scholar will be aroused.
Jekyll:
Besides, I can be good when need to. You see, I also have an "ace up my sleeve. "
Jekyll:
And I have faith that you'll all protect me. I'm counting on you, Saber.
Mordred:
Tch. As I said, I'm not protecting anyone. But do as you like.
Dr. Roman:
All right then. We really should get moving. The British Museum means we're heading to the Regent Park area.
Dr. Roman:
That's some distance from here. You'd best prepare yourselves for a succession of battles.
Dr. Roman:
Mmm? Come to think of it—
Dr. Roman:
Didn't the Mage's Association exist as several college towns in the London suburbs and stuff?
Jekyll:
That's that. This is this.
Jekyll:
The Mage's Association originated at their London HQ,and added facilities centuries later as they grew in scale.
Jekyll:
That's why interspersed college towns center around London, as it's the heart of Mage's Association and Clock Tower.
Jekyll:
Multiple cities built to surround London comprise the rest of the Association.
Jekyll:
Doctor, have you never been to the Clock Tower before?
Andersen:
Oh. I knew there was something unpolished about you. Are you a country bumpkin?
Dr. Roman:
Gulp. N-No, of course not.
Dr. Roman:
It's just that I haven't had much connection to London,I mean, being so far away...
Dr. Roman:
B-But I knew what was going on in London! Director Marie was sent from the Mage's Association, too!
Mordred:
Enough chatter. We need to—Ah, as soon as I think it. Here we go.
Mash:
Multiple machine sounds ahead. Senpai, I think the Helter Skelters are here!
Fou:
Fou, fou!
Dr. Roman:
They didn't waste any time. Fight your way through them and get to Regent Park on the double!
Fujimaru 1:
Roger.
Fujimaru 2:
Let's go right through them!
Mash:
Yes, Master!
--BATTLE--
Shakespeare:
The British Museum! A symbol of the British Empire! Or rather, what remains—
Shakespeare:
Oh, what a sorrowful sight! This museum once held so many of humanity's greatest treasures!
Shakespeare:
I cannot help but sigh. This building once held human progress itself.
Shakespeare:
Can such a thing be allowed! Oh! 'Tis like the burning of the Library of Alexandria!
Shakespeare:
Truly, a shame—
Shakespeare:
However, however. This is the way of humanity as well.
Shakespeare:
Foolishness and grieving are human traits. "You, gods, will give us some faults to make us men. "
Mordred:
...It's no different than the last time I was here. Rubble. Ruin. Nothing else.
Mordred:
Whoever destroyed this place must've had a personal grudge. There's no survivors.
Mash:
So this is the British Museum...or what's left. I'd seen it, but just in image data...
Mash:
Nowhere else in London were buildings destroyed. Just here...
Fujimaru 1:
It's sad.
Fujimaru 2:
I don't like destroyed buildings.
Mash:
Yes, Senpai...Yes...
Andersen:
All right, physical laborers. Oh, especially Saber and Mash Kyrielight.
Mash:
Yes.
Mordred:
What?
Andersen:
Start digging here. According to Jekyll,the Clock Tower spread underground as well.
Andersen:
Despite the thorough wreckage, the ground is intact. That means what we're after is underground.
Andersen:
But, unfortunately, the stairs are buried in rubble. So—You see?
Andersen:
Time to show off the ridiculous strength of Servants! Now go smash stuff like a bulldozer!
Shakespeare:
That's true! Sadly, I expend tremendous magical energy if I hold anything heavier than a pen!
Fou:
Fou...
Mordred:
...
Jekyll:
I-I'll help. Yeah. I probably won't be of much use though.
Dr. Roman:
Yay! I'm faster this time! Magical energy responses near you! And lots of them!
Mordred:
Hmm...It's true. There's something here. What is this?
Dr. Roman:
You don't see anything, right? But it's there. And it's moving around.
Dr. Roman:
It's not the Mystic Codes scattered in the rubble, either. Which means there's only one answer!
Jekyll:
It's from below!? Saber, sorry, but get ready—
Mordred:
Don't treat me like you're my Master! I know! If they come out, we'll fight them!
Mash:
Master, multiple incoming enemies! Magical energy signatures are growing—Assume they're attacking!
Fujimaru 1:
Fight!
Fujimaru 2:
Be careful!
Mash:
Right, Master. Beginning combat!
Shakespeare:
I shall aid you as well. A shield maiden dancing amidst the rubble—truly stimulates the imagination!
--BATTLE--
Mash:
Battle is over, Senpai. Good work.
Dr. Roman:
I don't see Helter Skelters around,but we still ran into something troublesome...
Fujimaru 1:
Those were...
Fujimaru 2:
I remember that shape.
Mash:
Yes, Senpai. The enemy has a striking resemblance to the magical tome we saw in Soho.
Mash:
But this time our attacks worked...Without Andersen giving them a name.
Mash:
Normal attacks alone were sufficient. They also didn't change form...
Mordred:
Last time I was here, I didn't see any floating books like that.
Jekyll:
May I speak? This is just a guess,but I think those are a type of transformed grimoire.
Jekyll:
Maybe the Demonic Fog transformed the tomes that were kept underground with the Mage's Association.
Dr. Roman:
(Oh...I was thinking the same thing, but he said it first...)
Andersen:
...A swarm of attacking books, huh?
Shakespeare:
...It was like a nightmare, or perhaps a vision of hell.
Andersen:
Don't be stupid. Those things weren't even...
Andersen:
...
Shakespeare:
......
Mordred:
Haha. What's wrong, authors? You're not running your mouths like usual?
Andersen:
...I'm holding back. No, forget it. Forget it! Wow, that felt good! That felt great!
Mordred:
Hmm?
Shakespeare:
To burn a book! It is something inconceivable! Oh, how sad...but there was a joy in it!
Shakespeare:
Wrongdoings that should ne'er be done. Unforgivable acts of barbarism! There should only be sadness, yet...
Shakespeare:
I cannot help but feel a moment of forbidden joy! Oh, my God!
Andersen:
No books are needed except my own. Actually, I'd prefer to even burn my own works!
Andersen:
If there were no books in the world! No need to lament of the many great works I'll never read!
Andersen:
If there were no books in the world! I'd never have to scream, "Who published this trash!? "
Andersen:
If there were no books in the world! I'd never have to worry about deadlines!
Shakespeare:
What an honest man! Oh, but his words strike me in my heart!
Fou:
Fo, fooou...
Mordred:
W-What's gotten into them?
Jekyll:
This is kind of amazing...Really...
Fujimaru 1:
Authors are twisted.
Fujimaru 2:
Authors are creatures of paradox?
Mash:
A-Anyway, Senpai. This makes our path clear, doesn't it?
Mash:
When the book-type enemies appeared,they formed a path to the underground by chance—
Dr. Roman:
Yeah. Once the author Heroic Spirits calm down,it's time to go underground!
Dr. Roman:
I'm so excited. This is like the headquarters of the Mage's Association.
Dr. Roman:
I wonder what it's like down there? Oh, I wish I could go and see for myself.
Mordred:
Then you should come. Instead of just being a voice.
Dr. Roman:
I-I...um...I have to observe, and keep Chaldea running...
Dr. Roman:
O-Okay! Back to my observation work!
Fou:
Fou, Kyukyu...
--ARROW--
Jekyll:
...It's like an endless dungeon, huh?
Andersen:
It's dark.
Shakespeare:
Indeed, and the air is awfully wet.
Mordred:
That's what mage dwellings are like, right? Everybody knows they like it dark and damp.
Mash:
Do they?
Fou:
Kyuu, kyaau! Fou!
Mordred:
The rodent is agreeing with me. It says this sure feels like where a mage lives. Right?
Fou:
Kyuu!
Mash:
Fou? You seem kind of excited...
Fujimaru 1:
Does he feel something?
Fou:
Kyukyu...Kyaau...
Fujimaru 2:
He really is agreeing with Mordred.
Fou:
Kyuu, kyaau! Kyuu!
Mash:
That's right. I wonder if Fou has taken a liking to Mordred.
Fou:
Foou...
Dr. Roman:
The endless dark corridors might be because, well, we're choosing to walk down corridors not blocked by debris.
Dr. Roman:
All the entrances to the rooms are smashed,or filled with rubble...
Dr. Roman:
It feels like someone destroyed this place thoroughly. There's not a single surviving mage.
Dr. Roman:
If that theory's correct, the enemy should have sent someone down here. And they—
Mordred:
They might still be here, huh? Looks like you're right.
Fou:
Fou!
Mash:
Magical energy response detected! Senpai, something's around the corner!
Fujimaru 1:
Time for combat!
Fujimaru 2:
This is a closed area, so be careful!
Mash:
—Roger, Master!
Andersen:
Hmmph. I'll help you this time. Don't expect it all the time, though.
--BATTLE--
Jekyll:
Mr. Andersen. This door is—
Andersen:
I'm sensing magical energy. Yeah, this is it. A warded entrance to a library.
Andersen:
It's not blocked with rubble either. Excellent. I hope what I'm after is here, but that's up to chance.
Andersen:
Saber, Mash Kyrielight,and Fujimaru.
Andersen:
Jekyll and I are going inside. Guard the door.
Fujimaru 1:
Roger.
Fujimaru 2:
Leave it to us!
Mash:
Right, Senpai.
Mordred:
Find what you're after quickly and get back here. I'm not sure when the enemy might show—
Mordred:
...And there they are now! Flying books, and even a Helter Skelter!
Dr. Roman:
Multiple moving responses! Th-This is not good!
Dr. Roman:
They're rushing in one after another. Can't assess the total amount! Andersen, escape once you find the reference you're after!
Andersen:
Oh...I don't know about that. This is a problem.
Jekyll:
This is...This is indeed a problem...I see. So that's how they guard the books.
Mordred:
What? Stop being pompous and tell us what's going on!
Jekyll:
The library books are warded by special, powerful spells. They can't leave this room! We can't go through the door!
Andersen:
Luckily, I have several good guesses for the references I seek. But, oh...These are...
Andersen:
..."Wait a while for me to finish reading them. "
Mordred:
WHAT!?
Shakespeare:
One scans information deep in the mystic garden! The other guards the door against a horde of foes!
Shakespeare:
On one side, a battle of knowledge! On another, a battle of strength!
Shakespeare:
This is truly a situation that entrances one's heart!
Shakespeare:
Oh, which side should I stand on? Which should I see, that I can record in a book!
Mordred:
Just shut up and fight over here! They're coming!
Mash:
...This is a defensive battle! Master, your orders!
--BATTLE--
Mordred:
That's most of 'em—No, wait. There's more?
Dr. Roman:
There's more! The layout down here puts you at a huge disadvantage!
Dr. Roman:
The enemy's just going to keep coming! And you have to defend a single point!
Mash:
We're okay for now, but if this drags out it'll be bad. Master!
Fujimaru 1:
We can't leave yet!
Fujimaru 2:
Just hang in a little more!
Mash:
...Roger, Master! Continuing battle!
Andersen:
Just a little more, Fujimaru! I'm at the best part. It's all for nothing if we leave now.
Shakespeare:
Badly outnumbered! The ideal situation for a hero,but this is—
Shakespeare:
This is perhaps a bit too many. I'm about to run out of magical energy. Actually, I already have.
Mordred:
Wha—
Jekyll:
...Oh, fine. I wanted to avoid this if I could, but...
Mordred:
—Huh? Jekyll, why are you coming out into the hall?
Mordred:
There's nothing a would-be mage can do here! Get back in the library!
Jekyll:
I told you. I have an ace-in-the-hole.
Fou:
Fou!?
Mash:
Jekyll, that's—
Jekyll:
An elixir. A "special" one I made. First you do this...and then inject it...like this...
Dr. Roman:
Wh-What!? A strange magical energy response suddenly spawned there!?
Fou:
Fo–u! Kyau!
Jekyll:
Haha—
Jekyll:
Hehehe, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! It's been so long since I've been outside! HERE I AM!!
Mordred:
Huh!?
Mash:
!!!!?!?!?
Fujimaru 1:
Who are you?
Fujimaru 2:
Jekyll?
Mash:
Yes, that was Mr. Jekyll...Mr. Henry Jekyll! But the way he changed is "just like in the book"...
Hyde:
I'm "Hyde! " If I don't like you, I kill you! You get in my way, I kill you! Kill! Kill! Kill!
Hyde:
HYAHAHAHAHAHAH! I'LL KILL YOU, HELTER SKELTER–!
Mordred:
...He ran right at the enemy. He's just like a Berserker. Not bad!
Dr. Roman:
Elixir-induced transformation. I see, truly Jekyll and Hyde! But physical transformation must put an awful strain on him!
Dr. Roman:
I don't think it'll last long...Andersen, you better hurry up!
Andersen:
I understand. Don't hurry me.
Andersen:
Reading should be done at one's own pace. Yes, alone, and in a quiet room—
Andersen:
Hmm. It's not quiet. The noise outside is bothering me.
Mordred:
You don't understand at all! Just hurry up!
Mordred:
...Damn it. Shieldy, we'll follow Jekyll!
Mash:
Right. —Senpai!
Fujimaru 1:
Work together and don't go too deep!
Fujimaru 2:
Don't let Hyde get away!
Mash:
Roger, Master! Continuing combat!
--BATTLE--
Mash:
Enemy units destroyed!
Jekyll:
...We're done, huh? Whew, I don't think...I can do anymore...
Mordred:
Oh, you're back to normal.
Jekyll:
There was a chance I wouldn't come back, so I'm glad I did. Is Andersen's book-reading—
Andersen:
I'm done. I finished decoding most of the documents I was after.
Andersen:
Besides, there were also several interesting books. I satisfied my personal curiosity, too. Great work, guys.
Mordred:
Personal curiosity?
Fou:
...Fou......Fo...
Dr. Roman:
What a free spirit Andersen is...There's something impressive in his lack of shame. However...
Dr. Roman:
Y-You need to get out of here! There are more enemies coming!
Fujimaru 1:
Break away, Mash!
Fujimaru 2:
Good work. Let's get out of here.
Mash:
Right, Senpai. Let's return to the surface right away.
Andersen:
Once again, good work. Let's return to the apartment and I'll share the results.
Shakespeare:
—Okay! I've recovered! Now it's time for me to rejoin the heroes' battle as well!
Shakespeare:
Oh? Are you all ready to return home?
Mordred:
That's right! We're leaving, damn it!
Andersen:
And so you see—Your efforts have answered a certain question.
Andersen:
Again, you have my thanks. Thank you, Fujimaru, Mash, Saber.
Mordred:
Y-Yeah.
Andersen:
My wallet is so empty I can't reward you a single penny,but I hope these observations are worth it.
Jekyll:
Yes, I'm looking forward to them, Mr. Andersen. Enough to forget all this muscle pain.
Fou:
Fou.
Andersen:
In light of Mr. Jekyll's urgent need for rest,I'll get right to the point.
Andersen:
What bothered me in the first place was the relationship between "Heroic Spirits" and "Servants. "
Andersen:
Heroic Spirits are records or results of human history.
Andersen:
Be they real or fictional,they'll exist as long as humanity does.
Andersen:
But a Servant is something different. This treats a Heroic Spirit as an "existence" in reality...
Andersen:
A familiar given a container called a Class and "made real," when its existence is uncertain to begin with.
Andersen:
But I ask you, Jekyll and Roman, was it? Is such a thing possible with the powers of a human, a mage?
Andersen:
Turning a Heroic Spirit into a familiar—I see,that's powerful. The strongest summoning spell imaginable.
Andersen:
But a human couldn't handle such a spell on their own. If it's possible, it would be—
Dr. Roman:
A being greater than humans. An "Authority" exercised by a supernatural being, labeled as world or god. Is that it?
Andersen:
Indeed. Heroic Spirits can't be summoned with human power alone. There needs to be some other reason—
Andersen:
It needs an extra push from something else, I think.
Mash:
...Um. Isn't that the Holy Grail?
Mash:
It's a fact that up to this point, many Servants have been summoned thanks to the Holy Grail.
Andersen:
Indeed. You spoke of the seven Singularities. Seven Holy Grails driving the different eras mad.
Andersen:
That's why I asked Dr. Roman about the Holy Grail.
Andersen:
What exactly is the Holy Grail War that enables Heroic Spirit Summons? For what reason was it created?
Dr. Roman:
Yup. I don't have detailed data, but the origin is a town in rural Japan. The flaming city you visited, Fujimaru.
Andersen:
There, they made a vessel for the Holy Grail, used its power to summon Heroic Spirits, who they had compete as Servants.
Andersen:
That's what seemed weird to me. There's a flaw in the concept of making Heroic Spirits fight each other.
Andersen:
It felt like there was something else going on. So I decided to read the Mage's Association archives.
Andersen:
And I found what I expected.
Andersen:
The original Heroic Spirit summoning ritual was a ceremony to pit seven powers against one.
Andersen:
It wasn't something where seven Heroic Spirits fought one another.
Andersen:
"Ritual: Heroic Spirit Summon" and "Ritual: Holy Grail War" are the same systems with different genres, you could say.
Andersen:
"Holy Grail War" altered an existing spell and used it for selfish human purposes.
Andersen:
Meanwhile, it's base spell "Heroic Spirit Summon"...
Andersen:
...was a ritual to put "humanity's strongest seven Heroic Spirits" against "a single powerful enemy. "
Andersen:
That's what got distorted in the Fuyuki Holy Grail War.
Fujimaru 1:
...Then you and the others are also?
Andersen:
Yeah. Since there are only supposed to be seven of them, all the Heroic Spirits that got summoned later—
Andersen:
Well, they're cheap, convenient,multi-purpose familiars.
Fujimaru 2:
...So um...What?
Andersen:
...For now, just know that the Ritual: Holy Grail War was based off of something else.
Dr. Roman:
Hmm, I see! I see! An interesting theory.
Dr. Roman:
Chaldea wasn't able to make its own summoning system from the ground up.
Dr. Roman:
We modified and stabilized the Fuyuki ritual,but never considered the possibility of an older original.
Fou:
Foou!
Mash:
Yes, Doctor. This is a viewpoint we've never heard before.
Mash:
It casts doubt about the fundamental nature of the Holy Grail War.
Mash:
I thought I knew what Heroic Spirits were originally. But it was nothing more than information—
Mash:
It wasn't nearly at the level of what you just pointed out. That's very impressive, Mr. Andersen.
Mash:
I guess this is the keen eye of observation owned by an author that left his name in history.
Fujimaru 1:
Maybe so.
Fujimaru 2:
What you'd call an objective perspective?
Mordred:
I don't know if it's that special. Anyway...That's fine, but you know...
Mordred:
This doesn't help us do anything about the mass-production of those Helter Skelters.
Mash:
Th...That's...
Dr. Roman:
...Well, that's true.
Andersen:
Of course it is. I just felt a hitch with the Heroic Spirit summoning system.
Andersen:
If we're all normal Classes summoned by a single system—
Andersen:
I wondered what kind of Spirit Origins the original seven for this system must have had.
Andersen:
...And someone else thought the same thing.
Andersen:
I don't think it's coincidence that information about this,even the parts you'd expect to be lost, was all in one place.
Andersen:
"Someone" predicted our coming,and put it there.
Mash:
Someone?
Dr. Roman:
Who could it be? A surviving mage of the Clock Tower? Or a Servant?
Andersen:
I don't think it would be a mage, but I don't know why a Servant would do it. We'll have to set that aside for now.
Section 9: Opportunity
Dr. Roman:
...Hm...It seems I'm picking up interference on my mic,but speak of the devil? I detect multiple hostiles around you.
Dr. Roman:
There are more roaming around the apartment than earlier...Enough magical energy distortion to disturb communications.
Mash:
This mechanical sound—I believe it's a group of Helter Skelters.
Andersen:
I doubt they'll break in, but they are a nuisance. Get out there and dismantle them.
Fujimaru 1:
Let's do it!
Fujimaru 2:
We'll finish them off quickly.
Mash:
Right, Senpai. Intercepting them in the alley. Let's reduce their numbers.
--BATTLE--
Mash:
...Good work. We drove off the Helter Skelters.
Dr. Roman:
Mmm. Mmm? Wait...Hold on a second, um...So that means...
Dr. Roman:
—Helter Skelters?
Fou:
Fou?
Dr. Roman:
Yes. That's it! Actually, I've made progress on the Helter Skelter analysis!
Dr. Roman:
As expected, they're machines created by technology unknown to us. I suspect they were built–with magical energy.
Mash:
You mean...machines created with a combination of magecraft and science?
Dr. Roman:
Not exactly. They are made by magical energy, but they are machines.
Dr. Roman:
I still don't understand the kind of techniques used but structurally, they're machines. Yet, they were formed by magecraft.
Jekyll:
In other words...Um...
Fujimaru 1:
What do you mean?
Jekyll:
I don't really understand...
Fujimaru 2:
Maybe like Noble Phantasms?
Dr. Roman:
Exactly! Good insight!
Mash:
...In other words, they're armaments made of magical energy, just like Servants' Noble Phantasms, right?
Dr. Roman:
Yeah. They're half-baked mechanical constructions,which is why I was looking too hard for magecraft-made golem approximations.
Dr. Roman:
Basically, they're Noble Phantasms. Powerful figures woven from magical energy.
Dr. Roman:
Unlike a sword Noble Phantasm that is a "razor edge,"Helter Skelters are "fighting machine" Noble Phantasms.
Dr. Roman:
It looks like they operate autonomously, but they're actually controlled by someone like the Noble Phantasm's owner.
Dr. Roman:
They're a remote-controlled robotic squad, so to say. All units should stop if we break the acting controller.
Mash:
Then, considerable exceptions aside, if we beat the Servant possessing the Noble Phantasm—
Mordred:
The robots will disappear. Well, we can see the whole picture now, huh?
Mash:
So Doctor,where is the Servant who owns the Noble Phantasm?
Dr. Roman:
...I don't know.
Jekyll:
...Yes. Right, you wouldn't know.
Dr. Roman:
Not even Da Vinci knows, or rather, she said she can't clean up my mess anymore...
Mash:
Huh?
Jekyll:
Mmm?
Mordred:
What, someone else did the analysis?
Dr. Roman:
...Uuh, that's right...After all, I wasn't getting anywhere on my own...
Dr. Roman:
I'm a medical staff...Considering that, don't you think I'm doing pretty well?
Mash:
Y-Yes. You're making a great effort, Doctor. Right, Senpai?
Fujimaru 1:
Yeah.
Dr. Roman:
Thank you, thank you...Fujimaru...
Fujimaru 2:
Where the Servant with the Noble Phantasm is...
Dr. Roman:
Uuh...I feel so lonely...
Fran:
...Uhh......Uh, uh, uhrrr...
Mordred:
We know what we have to do. Yes. But, we don't know our destination. Do we?
Fran:
...Urh...
Mordred:
What should we do? If we could trace the magical energy in one shot...
Mash:
If the example of a remote control is correct,then maybe we can trace the magical energy back.
Dr. Roman:
Da Vinci, wise in the ways of science and magecraft,brought up that example, so I imagine it's right.
Dr. Roman:
But with the effect of the Demonic Fog, doing something subtle like tracing marks of magical energy...
Dr. Roman:
Is not something I can do. It's rather difficult even with Chaldea's equipment.
Jekyll:
I give up, too. I'm not a real mage in the first place.
Fran:
...Urh...
Fujimaru 1:
Fran's been making noise...
Fujimaru 2:
Somebody here has something to say.
Mash:
Fran? You're hiding over there...Is something wrong?
Fran:
...Uhh......Uhh, urrrh...
Mordred:
Oh, she fled from the literary Heroic Spirits next door? I know how she feels. They are annoying.
Fran:
...Uhh......Uhh, urrrh...
Mordred:
Don't hide, show your face here. Come on now.
Fran:
...Uhh, uhhh...
Mordred:
What, you have something to say to us? Then spit it out.
Fran:
...Uhh...
Mash:
I don't mind. As long as you're fine with us,right, Senpai?
Fujimaru 1:
Of course.
Fujimaru 2:
You can tell us anything.
Fran:
...Uhh, urrrh...Ahh...
Fran:
...Ahh...
Fran:
...Ahh, uhh...Urhhh, uhh...
Fran:
...Ahh, ahh, ahhh...
Mordred:
Wha...Is that true!?
Mash:
I'm shocked. Fran, I had no idea you could do that...
Jekyll:
???
Dr. Roman:
Tell me, do you really understand? Do you really understand what she's saying?
Mash:
Somewhat. She also uses gestures,so it's like reading a kind of sign language...
Mordred:
It seems she knows where the Helter Skelter's remote control is.
Dr. Roman:
Huh!?
Jekyll:
R-Really?
Fran:
...Uhh...
Jekyll:
Let me double-check. Fran, can you...detect traces of the magical energy that controls them?
Fran:
...Uhh. Uhh.
Mordred:
There, you see? She nodded. All right, this makes things easier. Let's get moving!
--BATTLE--
Mordred:
...You know, even though I've gotten used to it,this poor visibility is irritating.
Fran:
...Uhh.
Mordred:
Say, Fujimaru. Your court mage...Dr. Maron, was it?
Mordred:
Can't he make us a far-seeing crystal or something? That would have been a snap for Merlin...
Dr. Roman:
Roman! My name is Roman! And don't compare me to Merlin!
Dr. Roman:
He was the ultimate hermit wizard! I'm just a modern-day doctor!
Fou:
Fou, fou!
Fujimaru 1:
Margarine?
Fujimaru 2:
Marmalade?
Mordred:
Huh!? You're a mage and you're saying you don't know!? Merlin! I'm talking about Merlin!
Mordred:
King Arthur's successor and mastermind of the Round Table. He was a great mage born half-human, half-incubus.
Mordred:
He isn't famous anymore? Haha! That feels great! Serves him right!
Dr. Roman:
Merlin was one of the world's most renowned kingmakers. He was also behind Arthur pulling the sword from the stone.
Dr. Roman:
Apparently, he had extraordinary magecraft skills, but was ultimately imprisoned at world's end for woman trouble.
Mordred:
Yeah. I heard he's all crabby and in a tower at a corner of Avalon, unable to leave or die.
Mordred:
How can I put it? He was a flighty bastard. Imagine a perpetual flurry of flowers behind him...do you get me?
Fujimaru 1:
I do.
Fujimaru 2:
I don't.
Mordred:
Well, whatever. Enough about him. He's so spineless he can't even rush over to London's calamity.
Mordred:
...More importantly. Tell me, Fujimaru, are you okay with that?
Fujimaru 1:
Okay with what?
Fujimaru 2:
What's wrong?
Mordred:
(Mash, I'm talking about Mash. You see how depressed she looks? Go talk to her. )
Fou:
Fou...
Fujimaru 1:
What's wrong, Mash?
Fujimaru 2:
You seem down, Mash.
Mash:
...Yes. Physically, there's nothing wrong with me, but......mentally, I have a problem.
Mash:
...I'm sorry, Senpai. Our battles are getting more intense,but I haven't been improving at all...
Fou:
Fou?
Mash:
...It's my Noble Phantasm. Servants' true fighting powers lie in Noble Phantasms.
Mash:
I've seen many Noble Phantasms up till now. All of them have been miracles worthy of their heroic names.
Mash:
Yet, I still—can't use my Noble Phantasm properly.
Mash:
...At this rate, I'm just a burden. I know that,but I still can't remember his True Name...
Fujimaru 1:
Even without a Noble Phantasm...
Mash:
No, I need a Noble Phantasm!
Mash:
Ah, um...I'm sorry I yelled at you. But it will definitely become necessary...that's my hunch.
Fujimaru 2:
It's not your fault, Mash.
Mash:
...Indeed, the merge was due to a sudden accident. But he entrusted me with everything...
Mash:
The point is, I'm not oblivious of the Noble Phantasm's true value. I don't even know his True Name...
Mordred:
So that's what this is about. You heard Helter Skelter is a Noble Phantasm and became depressed.
Mordred:
True, a Servant who cannot use a Noble Phantasm is no Servant at all.
Mordred:
No matter how weak the Noble Phantasm, its very existence is proof of that hero. It's a matter of pride.
Mash:
...
Mordred:
But you're different, Mash. You're you. How you think and your honor are different from that Shield bastard.
Mordred:
It's true you haven't mastered using that Noble Phantasm. From what I've seen, you're about a third of the way there.
Mordred:
The remaining two-thirds are untapped. Or maybe you,being you, won't get to 100% and that's that.
Mash:
...So it is like that.
Mash:
The "Demi" side...The human part of me is dragging Senpai down...
Mordred:
Fool. That's ridiculous. Listen until I'm done talking.
Mordred:
You're not fully utilizing your Noble Phantasm. But I'm sure—you're stronger than the original Heroic Spirit.
Mash:
Huh? The original Heroic Spirit...You mean the Heroic Spirit that I merged with?
Mordred:
Yes. You're much, much stronger than him. That's coming from me, so there's no doubt about it.
Mordred:
You may come up short not having a Noble Phantasm,but not anywhere else. Am I right, Fujimaru?
Mordred:
For you,Mash is the perfect partner, isn't she?
Fujimaru 1:
Of course!
Fujimaru 2:
I'll do something about that Noble Phantasm!
Mash:
...I-Is that really the case?
Mash:
...Okay. If that's the case, I feel much better.
Mordred:
There, you see? In the first place, it's a Master's job to take care of their Servant.
Mordred:
Whether you can utilize the true value of a Noble Phantasm is Fujimaru's problem, not yours, Mash.
Mordred:
Right, Fujimaru?
Mordred:
Before Mash can become a full-fledged Servant,you need to become a first-rate Master.
Fujimaru 1:
We'll be first-rate together.
Fujimaru 2:
I'll teach you how to use it eventually.
Fou:
Fouuu!
Mordred:
There you go. So don't worry about it, Mash.
Mordred:
Fujimaru is the one who's sitting in the hot seat.
Mash:
—Right!
Dr. Roman:
...All right, can we get moving soon? I'm sorry, as everyone is in a good mood, but...
Mash:
Ah...
Mordred:
Hmmph. Fujimaru, summon a Rider Servant and have it give Maron a swift kick with its hind legs.
Dr. Roman:
Yeah, yeah, it's all my fault. My fault! Now, time for combat. Multiple hostile readings approaching!
Dr. Roman:
Go rout them to liven things up!
Section 10: At the End of Brilliant Steam
Fran:
...Uhh...
Mash:
That direction. Got it.... Senpai, it seems we want to go west from here.
Fujimaru 1:
West is...
Fujimaru 2:
Maybe the Westminster area?
Mordred:
Yes, probably the Westminster area. That's where we'll find the Houses of Parliament.
Mordred:
Let's go there and pound them down. Ah. But first.
Mash:
Yes?
Mordred:
There's one thing I need to say. This time, my hands are tied protecting Fran.
Mordred:
You see, she's not a Servant, and it's unknown how much damage an artificial human can take.
Mordred:
So "I'm going to protect her. "...We have a strange connection.
Dr. Roman:
We can't count on Mordred during the battle then,so you guys will have to provide all the muscle. Be careful!
Fujimaru 1:
Roger.
Fujimaru 2:
No problem.
Mash:
Right. Okay then, Senpai. Let's move out!
Dr. Roman:
...To think it's really near the Houses of Parliament. What a place for a remote control. Is it actually inside?
Fran:
...Uhh, uhrrr!
Mash:
Looks like it's close. She says it's in our immediate vicinity—
Mordred:
Look, there's a gargantuan one! Fran, get behind me and stay there!
Mordred:
Mash, Fujimaru! I'm leaving this one to you. Take it apart!
Mash:
Roger that. Master, it's combat with a giant hostile. Awaiting orders!
--BATTLE--
Mash:
—All giant hostile targets have gone silent.
Mash:
It appears it wasn't a Servant...But, was this the Noble Phantasm that's manipulating the others?
Fran:
...Uh.... Uh, uhh.
Mordred:
It seems so. Okay, that's one nuisance out of the way.
Mordred:
Good work. Fran. We pulled through thanks to you.
Fran:
...Uh, uh. Ah...
Dr. Roman:
Mash, Fujimaru. Just in case,could you send me some visual data of the remains?
Dr. Roman:
I'll go ahead and analyze them here. Well, I'm just going to ask Da Vinci about them.
Mash:
Understood.
Mash:
...Doctor. We discovered something strange. Something that the other Helter Skelters did not possess.
Mash:
Perhaps the manufacturer's name? It's written in English.
Mash:
"Charles Babbage, AD 1888"
Fran:
...Uh!!?
Mordred:
Hmm. What's wrong, Fran?
Fran:
......
--ARROW--
Mash:
Good morning, Senpai. Did you sleep well?
Mash:
It seems like you went by yourself to the nap room a little earlier...
Fujimaru 1:
I couldn't sleep much.
Fujimaru 2:
Those author Heroic Spirits were there...
Mash:
Oh...um, that's right...The two Heroic Spirit authors are occupying that room...
Mash:
In that case, you probably didn't get much rest. I-I'm sorry I didn't notice.
Mash:
I...wish I had let you use the sofa in the living room that was assigned to me...
Fujimaru 1:
It's okay.
Fujimaru 2:
I'm glad it worked out this way.
Mash:
...Senpai...
Mordred:
Mm. Both of you are awake. Hey, have you seen Fran around?
Mash:
Come to think of it...Oh! Senpai, maybe Fran...
Fujimaru 1:
In the next room.
Fujimaru 2:
In the authors' room.
Mordred:
...Well, if she's fine with that, it's fine. I myself have no intention of entering that room.
Mash:
That room gives off a kind of odd ambience. I wonder if that's the power of authors with looming deadlines.
Mordred:
They've basically just been writing since materializing. Though I'm not sure if Andersen is really working or not.
Mash:
I couldn't help but sense a strange pressure coming from that room...
Jekyll:
Good morning, everyone. Looks like you all got some rest.
Jekyll:
There's something we need to talk about, okay? It's the name you found a few hours earlier.
Dr. Roman:
Charles Babbage, right? He was an outstanding British scientist and mathematician of the 19th century.
Jekyll:
Yes. He belongs to this age. I haven't met him myself, but I recall a few things.
Jekyll:
I'm sure that he and the original Dr. Victor Frankenstein were acquaintances.
Mash:
—I'm sorry, but please wait.
Mash:
Babbage was supposed to have passed away at least a decade prior to our present time.
Jekyll:
Huh? No, that's strange. He may be old, but he should still be an active scholar in good health.
Mash:
???
Dr. Roman:
Jekyll, are you sure that's not a lapse in your memory? Are you really sure that Babbage is a man of this era?
Jekyll:
Of course. I came across his name while perusing this year's Royal Society Almanac. Victor also spoke of him.
Jekyll:
So I can't imagine he's dead. His inventions were featured in newspapers from last year and this year, too.
Mash:
Allow me to confirm this. Let's see, yes, a newspaper will do.
Mash:
...Indeed, there is an article here. Charles Babbage. Born 1791. This is the very man in question.
Dr. Roman:
I can think of two possibilities. One is that our historical records do not match reality.
Dr. Roman:
Another is that a "shift" of events has occurred. That, in fact, has occurred in all the previous eras.
Dr. Roman:
Orleans, Rome, even Okeanos. The events were all slightly distorted and "shifted. "
Dr. Roman:
Due to events changing, the dead are still alive and not there as Heroic Spirits—
Dr. Roman:
It's possible. The same applies to those who died from the Demonic Fog.
Dr. Roman:
It may be that 20th century events have shifted all the way into this era.
Mash:
So...in the case of Fran, as well as Mr. Jekyll?
Dr. Roman:
We can't rule it out. So who belongs to this era, and who doesn't?
Dr. Roman:
It's extremely difficult to determine. Especially when there are no records left in existence—
Jekyll:
Hmm. Are you talking about me? I'm curious, but we'll talk about it later. I've received some emergency correspondence.
Jekyll:
It's bad news from my information network. Saber, this concerns you too.
Jekyll:
All the Helter Skelters that had been completely shut down—have reactivated.
Mordred:
What, again? So there was another remote control elsewhere?
Mash:
...This is indeed an emergency. We need to deactivate them again as quickly as possible.
Dr. Roman:
Yeah. There's no way we can let the enemy procure any other Servants that materialize from the fog.
Dr. Roman:
Mash, Fujimaru, I'm counting on you. Make sure you stop the Helter Skelters for good this time!
Fujimaru 1:
Got it!
Mash:
Yes!
Mordred:
But, having said that,we've got Fran on our side. We can dodge the enemy.
Mordred:
Do the same thing as last time. Head straight to the remote without encountering enemies.
Fran:
......
Mash:
You're right. Let's hurry, but be careful no to let our guard down.
Mordred:
I won't. Then again, thinking of Fran's precision last time—
Mordred:
Oh, we're running into them already? We haven't reached the remote-controlled ones yet, right?
Mash:
...Machine sounds ahead. Several large-type units! It's an enemy group. Master, your orders!
--BATTLE--
Mash:
...Enemy group defeated. It seems like we're being attacked more frequently.
Mordred:
The enemy just keeps on coming...Fran, what's wrong? Are you not feeling so good?
Fran:
...Uh...
Mordred:
So next we head east...Seems like you're pointing in more directions than before.
Mordred:
If something's wrong, it's okay to say so. Like I said, just be frank with us.
Fran:
...
--BATTLE--
Mash:
...We defeated the enemy group. We believe the attack frequency has been rising.
Mash:
Senpai, is this—
Fujimaru 1:
It's probably Fran.
Mash:
...Yes, I suppose so.
Fujimaru 2:
Maybe the properties of the magical circuits changed?
Mash:
I don't know. But, if you allow me to state...my personal theory...
Mash:
I do believe that...Fran is the cause. She's hesitating when it comes to directional commands.
Mash:
Isn't that right...Fran?
Fran:
...Uh...
Mordred:
......
--ARROW--
Mordred:
...Fran. We need to talk.
Fran:
...Uh.
Mordred:
You have no intention of leading us to the remote, do you? It's obvious at this point.
Mash:
Is that true? Fran—
Mordred:
Yeah. She's hesitating about something. One more thing.
Mordred:
There's something she hasn't told us. Right, Fran?
Fran:
...Uh.... Uhh, uh, uh.
Mordred:
...Look, I've said this so many times now. You haven't forgotten, right?
Mordred:
If you have something on your mind or something to say, be frank with us.
Fujimaru 1:
Yeah, it's okay to talk to us.
Fujimaru 2:
We want you to tell us.
Fran:
...Uh...
Fran:
...Uh, uh...uhh...
Fran:
...Uhh...ah...ah...ah, ah...uhh...
Fran:
...Uhh...
Mordred:
...
Mash:
...Oh. Right. That's what it was.
Fujimaru 1:
What is she saying?
Fujimaru 2:
I don't understand...
Mash:
She knows a man named Babbage. She has apparently even talked to him in person.
Mash:
She can trace the magical energy because she's tracing something resembling his presence.
Mash:
But, he is not the type to do these kinds of things. That's what she's saying.
Mordred:
...
Mash:
Mr. Jekyll said just as much. I also should have noticed at that point...
Mordred:
...I get it. You're covering for him. Isn't that right, Fran?
Mordred:
But, your own actions are contradictory. Babbage isn't the type to do "these kinds of things," right?
Fran:
...Uh.
Mordred:
Well then, it's simple.... I hate to quote that stupid brat, but I have no choice.
Mordred:
Fran. Calm down. Try using your imagination. You can do that much, right?
Mordred:
Babbage isn't the type to act like this. Yet, Helter Skelters are wandering around everywhere.
Mordred:
So, that means he's being forced into this. To do "these kinds of things. "
Fran:
...Uh!
Mordred:
Okay, good girl. So, you understand what you need to do, right?
Fran:
...Uh, uh!
Fujimaru 1:
That settles it.
Fujimaru 2:
Let's find the remote this time.
Mash:
Yes, Senpai!
Mordred:
—It's close.
Mash:
Yes, I can tell, too. The magical energy is concentrated here, even in the Demonic Fog.
Mordred:
Look, over there. I'm sure Fujimaru will also hear it soon.
Dr. Roman:
I detected it here as well! It's a giant response,and almost right in front of you. To think it was there!
Mordred:
Huh, it was in the center of the City Area. It was right near the apartment.
Mordred:
Well then, it's time for us to meet. Either it's the other remote, or—
Fran:
...Uh, uh!
Babbage:
—Listen, listen, listen! I am the King of Steam.
Babbage:
Unable to grasp the future that lay within reach,I am the king of an evanescent world of fantasy.
Babbage:
I am known to you rabble as the mage "B". I am a mastermind behind "Project Demonic Fog" that's enveloping this city.
Babbage:
Furthermore—I am a Heroic Spirit emerged from the Demonic Fog of the empire's capital.
Mash:
...Mage "B? "
Mordred:
...One of the enemy bosses, huh. Damn, I didn't see that coming.
Mordred:
True, your name starts with "B. " I see. I was overthinking and missed something so simple.
Mash:
However, this...Is the same shape as a Helter Skelter?
Mordred:
This guy's specs are probably way higher. Just a hunch, but my hunches are usually right.
Mash:
He does not seem human. So he must be...a Servant!
Babbage:
I am the King of Steam. Having died once, I now dwell within a world of fantasy.
Babbage:
My fantasies have sublimated to a Reality Marble,but it's not enough. It's not enough. It's still not enough.
Babbage:
Behold how I desire. Behold how I struggle.
Babbage:
With steel, I seek to lead a steam-filled civilization. With ideas, I seek to lead an inconceivable civilization.
Babbage:
And—I lament the incineration of humanity and civilization, of the world and the future.
Dr. Roman:
Oh, so that's it! It means that he himself is already a Reality Marble!
Dr. Roman:
It's similar to the Magical Tome. Though, the Magical Tome distributed sleep to materialize.
Dr. Roman:
He will continue to disperse his alter egos infinitely. Most likely, that's—
Mash:
Mr. Babbage. If what you say is the truth,we can reason with each other.
Mash:
We are the same. The future should not be burned to ashes!
Mordred:
Enough gabbing. Listen up, you big piece of scrap iron.
Mordred:
The daughter of someone you know has come to stop you.
Mordred:
Listen to what she has to say. Your pompous speeches and everything can come after that.
Fran:
...Uh, uh!
Fran:
...Uh...uhh, ah...ah, ah!
Fran:
...Ah, ah, ah!
Babbage:
—Oh, I see. I could never forget Victor's daughter. —Are you there?
Babbage:
Lovely little artificial human. Piteous being unloved by your creator, thus craving love.
Babbage:
Ah, I can hear your words. Ah, I can hear your thoughts.
Babbage:
That's right—I...no, we, must fulfill our aspirations as scholars.
Babbage:
We exist for the sake of humanity and civilization. Thus, I sought...a fantasy world, a new era of dreams.
Babbage:
Thus...
Babbage:
Gah!?
Babbage:
...Ugh...uh...ughh, ugh...ugh!? What...is this...Angrboda's interference!?
Babbage:
The Holy Grail that was implanted! I see, so "M"...so even I!
Babbage:
Victor's daughter! Run...for your life!
Fran:
...Uh!
Mordred:
—Enough, Fran.
Mordred:
You said what needed to be said,and he replied in his own way. You did a good job.
Mordred:
But, sometimes it ends up like this. Your feelings don't get conveyed, and you must settle things with swords...
Mordred:
Sometimes it just turns out this way.
Babbage:
Arghh!
Mash:
...Here he comes!
Dr. Roman:
Communication breakdown, and now a battle!? This is a similar reaction when a Command Spell has been used—
Dr. Roman:
If this is the Holy Grail's doing, then we have no choice but to defeat him. Mash, Fujimaru!
Mash:
Master, your orders. Commencing battle with a large-type Servant!
Fujimaru 1:
We have no choice!
Fujimaru 2:
Let's stop him!
Mash:
—Yes, Master!
--BATTLE--
Babbage:
...Head to the underground part of the city.
Babbage:
...Deep, deep, deep beneath the Underground, in the depths...There...lies the core of..."Project Demonic Fog"...
Babbage:
The source of the Fog...covering the city...Namely, my invention...Massive Steam Engine Angrboda...
Babbage:
The Holy Grail...was used as the power source for...Angrboda...
Fran:
...Uh...uhh...ah.
Babbage:
...Sorry, daughter of Victor.
Babbage:
I heard your voice...but I am no longer a human...with a proper life...
Babbage:
...but an improbable Servant...of irrelevant thoughts...
Mordred:
...
Babbage:
...I...
Babbage:
...Oh, I have seen a dream of my world......But...Even that...
Babbage:
...Even in a world where my dream will not be realized...I do not wish to end your world...
Mordred:
—Looks like we have the next destination.
Mash:
Yes, underground. That's what Mr. Babbage told us.
Mordred:
Let's get Fran back to Jekyll's apartment first. Then we'll take out the final boss.
Fujimaru 1:
Let's do that.
Fujimaru 2:
We're surely getting that Holy Grail.
Mash:
...Yes, Senpai.
Section 11: Angrboda
Mordred:
...Under Londinium, huh?
Mordred:
I knew there was a subway underground, but who'd have thought there'd be something "under" that.
Mordred:
And how dense this Demonic Fog is...Isn't it getting thicker the lower we go?
Dr. Roman:
I'm not sure. I can't observe from here,but if it's getting dense enough to visually confirm...
Dr. Roman:
Then maybe what Babbage said was true. After all, there really was a path leading below.
Fujimaru 1:
Why is this here in London?
Fujimaru 2:
Was this made by the Mage's Association?
Mash:
London has had an underground transportation network since the middle of the 19th century.
Mash:
But there are no records of underground passages like this.... Perhaps the remnant of a national top secret project?
Dr. Roman:
The Mage's Association only excavated the area right under the British Museum...
Dr. Roman:
Hard to think an individual secretly built an underground labyrinth, so maybe this existed before London took shape?
Mordred:
There's this old story. Deep underneath the Tower of London—
Mordred:
The head of an ancient king of Britain named Bran is buried, and it watches over Londinium.
Mash:
A head, huh...
Mordred:
Interesting story, huh? The Tower of London has other stories, like the crows.
Mash:
Oh, I know a bit about that one. They watch over London—
Mordred:
They're said to be the avatar of my father, King Arthur. I mean they're crows! His avatars are crows! Ha ha!
Dr. Roman:
What? I think crows are really cool. Raven Master is really cool, right Mash?
Mash:
Uhh...What do you think, Senpai?
Fujimaru 1:
What? You're going to ask me?
Mash:
...
Fujimaru 2:
Pretty cool.
Mash:
Right. I think so too, Senpai.
Fujimaru 2:
Not really cool.
Mash:
That's...true. No, I, well...
Mordred:
Setting crows aside, you can't track this underground passageway or routes from your end?
Dr. Roman:
Sorry, just as Mash mentioned earlier,there are no records. You'll have to explore on your own.
Dr. Roman:
Hopefully it's not too complicated...But it already sounds like a labyrinth.
Mash:
Deep underneath London...An unknown underground passage, underground labyrinth.
Mash:
If what Mr. Babbage said was correct,then a "large-scaled machine" should exist.
Fujimaru 1:
The Massive Steam Engine?
Fujimaru 2:
The source of Demonic Fog?
Dr. Roman:
Yes, the source of the Demonic Fog filling London. The Massive Steam Engine Angrboda, powered by a Holy Grail.
Dr. Roman:
That's what he mentioned right before vanishing. To think a Holy Grail would be integrated into a machine...
Dr. Roman:
But, that makes some sense. The existence of a fog abnormally full of magical energy, and its proliferation.
Dr. Roman:
A strange situation that throws off a Servant's detection ability, and prevents various observations from Chaldea.
Dr. Roman:
I see, by using the power of the Holy Grail,something like that would be possible.
Mash:
That may also explain the mechanism that materializes Servants from the Demonic Fog.
Mash:
By incorporating the Holy Grail into a device,the Demonic Fog gained the ability to summon Heroic Spirits.
Mash:
Such speculation is also possible.
Mordred:
But Angrboda, huh? That's a grand old name.
Fujimaru 1:
Angrboda?
Fujimaru 2:
The one from Norse mythology.
Dr. Roman:
Right, Angrboda is a Divinity from Norse mythology. They brought forth Fenrir, World Serpent, and the Goddess of Death among others.
Mordred:
With Loki, right? An unbelievable woman giant, but I don't hate her.
Mordred:
It's not often that you see someone give birth to so many troublesome beings—
Mordred:
Definitely worth punching. I'm sure she has thick skin too, so I can get down and hack her into pieces, right?
Dr. Roman:
(Oh, that's what you meant by "don't hate her"...)
Dr. Roman:
(It's been so hard to retort to all this...I'm sure Mordred is saying everything on purpose)
Mash:
(Y-Yes. I believe Mordred's mother was...)
Dr. Roman:
(Yeah. A witch among witches. None other than Morgan! )
Mordred:
—Looks like they're finally here. Hostiles.
Dr. Roman:
Beat me to it again. Detecting multiple targets! Looks like there aren't any more Helter Skelters.
Dr. Roman:
Quality aside, they're coming in large quantities! Be careful!
Mash:
Roger that. Master, starting combat!
--BATTLE--
Mordred:
...We've come pretty far down. This is the second level, isn't it?
Mash:
We've travelled pretty far. We're most likely under Hyde Park now.
Mordred:
Oh brother. We've walked quite a bit...
Dr. Roman:
I'm mapping the whole thing here. You shouldn't be traveling in circles, at least.
Dr. Roman:
Taking into account Fujimaru's stamina,you should probably take appropriate periods of rest.
Mordred:
Doesn't look like we'll get that chance. They're here again.
Dr. Roman:
We've got enemy signatures. Quite a few! It will be another series of battles. Be careful!
Mash:
Roger that. Master, give me you orders!
--BATTLE--
Mordred:
...What level are we on now?
Mash:
The fourth level. We went down a set of stairs earlier.
Mash:
We're currently several hundred meters underground.
Mordred:
We've gone pretty deep. Isn't it going to be a pain to go back up?
Mordred:
...More hostiles again. It really is quantity over quality.
Mash:
Master, give me your orders. Going to demolish the enemy group!
--BATTLE--
Mordred:
What the hell is this?
Mash:
...Almost identical to the Fuyuki Greater Grail. Incredible magical energy.
Mash:
So much magical energy, I can feel it strongly even in the Demonic Fog. Such a giant Magical Reactor Core...
Dr. Roman:
I can observe it here, too. This is amazing. No doubt about it, "that's" what's creating the Fog.
Mordred:
I've never seen a machine this big. Angrboda...The name of a giant fits perfectly.
Mordred:
I'd love to take a closer look—But it looks like the last boss is here.
D：???:
—Oddly enough.
D：???:
Oddly enough, it is just as Paracelsus said. Evil must be stopped by those who do good.
D：???:
The Massive Steam Engine, Angrboda. This is our evil embodied, but it is also our hope.
D：???:
Your path ends here. Good will now be destroyed by our evil.
Mordred:
You folks really like to talk. Shut up. What ends here is your life.
D：???:
Heroic Spirit Mordred. The 13th Knight of the Round Table and legendary Treacherous King.
D：???:
I thought you'd stand with us,but it seems you're now a hero of good. Ironic.
Fujimaru 1:
Who are you?
Fujimaru 2:
Are you "M"?
D：???:
I am Makiri Zolgen. The first leader of this "Project Demonic Fog. "
Makiri:
One mage seeking the annihilation of this era—the Fourth Singularity, by releasing Demonic Fog all over England.
Dr. Roman:
All of England!? So it's not just London! That's...I have to say, going to be tough...
Makiri:
Destroying London alone isn't enough. Only by destroying this era completely can I erase the Foundation of Humanity.
Makiri:
That is our King's wish, and an act which we had no choice but to embrace after our surrender.
Mash:
Our King...Master, is he part of the same group as Lev Lainur?
Fujimaru 1:
So you're with Lev!
Fujimaru 2:
Who is "Our King"!?
Makiri:
There's no need to say another word. Angrboda is shifting to overload mode.
Makiri:
A powerful Heroic Spirit, one sufficient to truly awaken the Demonic Fog that fills the city, will now materialize.
Makiri:
A single strike from him shall activate the Demonic Fog,engulfing the world. "Everything" will meet its end.
Makiri:
Now, behold. The Heroic Spirit we desire shall appear from the Demonic Fog shortly.
Makiri:
A Pioneer of the Star, fitting for the end of the Myth of Humanity. Or perhaps, this planet's glimmer—
Mordred:
I ain't letting that happen. I'll kill you, and destroy Angrboda.
Mordred:
I'll never forgive someone other than myself for trampling over Britain. Even if you are a human.
Mash:
!?!?!? He's not...a Servant!?
Mordred:
Just a hunch. I told you they're usually right, remember? He's human.
Mordred:
I don't know if he's rightfully from this era, or "shifted"like Babbage was.
Mash:
Why are you doing this, Makiri Zolgen? Why are you destroying the era you live in—
Makiri:
Of course, I tried to resist. But I realized everything was useless.
Makiri:
Even if I wished for the salvation of all humanity,the world where they should live has already been incinerated.
Makiri:
Past, present, and future. Our King has decided not to allow them to exist.
Makiri:
—All will be destroyed before it is achieved.
Makiri:
The King has proclaimed to us that he tires of seeing more of this ugliness and existence.
Makiri:
Then, before long...
Makiri:
No, there's nothing left to say. With the power of our King I shall destroy you.
Makiri:
You will die here, without seeing the last Heroic Spirit. Come forth from the sky of destruction, our Demon God!
Mordred:
What!? This presence, this mass magical energy!
Mash:
He's summoning a Demon God! Just like the last two!
Makiri:
One of the 72 Demon Gods. Demon God Barbatos—This is the form of our evil.
Makiri:
My King has "found" my evilness. The ugliness lurking within me as I desire human salvation.
Makiri:
With the epitome of my abomination—Begone, you who seek to spread good as I once did!
--BATTLE--
Mash:
—Demon God Barbatos has gone completely silent. We've won.
Fujimaru 1:
Good work.
Fujimaru 2:
Don't let your guard down.
Mash:
Right, Senpai.
Mordred:
That was a weird monster. That was hard even for me to fight.
Mordred:
Now all that's left is to smash this big thing. Let's do it, Mash, Fujimaru.
Makiri:
...It's too late. There's enough Demonic Fog...filling London...already...
Mordred:
You're still alive? You're tough.
Makiri:
Now...Come, my last Heroic Spirit...
Makiri:
Pioneer of the Stars...who can complete my evil!
Makiri:
...Thou who are trapped in a cage of madness...and I the summoner who holds thy chains—
Makiri:
Seventh Heaven clad in the great words of power! Come forth from the circle of binding, guardian of scales!
Mash:
This is...A Heroic Servant summoning incantation!?
Mordred:
Shut your mouth!
Mordred:
...Shut up and die.
Mash:
Doctor, his last words were a Heroic Servant summoning incantation. With...the phrase causing Madness Enhancement.
Dr. Roman:
Unfortunately, you're right. Mash, Fujimaru, incoming Servant!
Dr. Roman:
He didn't use the full spell, but the Demonic Fog served as the circle and the rest of the incantation.
Dr. Roman:
I can see the Servant response clearly from here. Mash should feel it too. This is...
Dr. Roman:
A Great Hero-class magical energy response. No—
Makiri:
See? I sacrificed my life for this summoning, and it succeeded...
Mordred:
You're still alive!? You're human, right? How can you be so tough—
Makiri:
Magical energy of the Holy Grail, amplified by Angrboda...The power of the Demonic fog...all concentrated onto "him"...
Makiri:
...He has reached the realm of the gods!
Dr. Roman:
The magical energy response is huge! It's coming!
Section 12: Myth of Thunder and Lightning
H：???:
—You called me, did you not?
H：???:
What was it that called me, lightning itself? What was it that called me, the genius?
H：???:
A cry? A wish? Good? Evil?
H：???:
I see—It was all of them that brought me here.
H：???:
I, the lightning,the genius, Nikola Tesla!
Nikola Tesla:
Fascinating. All the scholars together called me?
Nikola Tesla:
I, the one who brought a new myth to humanity! I, the one who surpasses Indra, and even Zeus!
Nikola Tesla:
Hahaha—
Nikola Tesla:
Hahahahahahahaha! Fascinating! You have brought me laughter, scholars!
Nikola Tesla:
I am a genius, but also a super-human who loved the bizarre! Very well then!
Nikola Tesla:
I shall grant your wish! I, the genius and the lightning, shall head to the surface!
Nikola Tesla:
Hahaha! Haha—Hahahahahahahahaha!
Dr. Roman:
–So, yeah.
Dr. Roman:
While the explosive magical energy from the summoning was blowing you away or almost burying you under rubble,
Dr. Roman:
Heroic Spirit Nikola Tesla started heading for the surface. This was just a few minutes ago.
Mash:
Nikola Tesla. He's known for being a scientist and inventor, isn't he?
Mash:
If you define the modern era as an electricity-based machine civilization, then you can say he created its "foundation. "
Dr. Roman:
Just like he said,you could call him a Pioneer of the Stars.
Mash:
He was supposed to be alive in this era,but he's been summoned as a Servant?
Dr. Roman:
Yup. Looks like there's similar cases in the past. Where one of them is a human, the other's a Heroic Spirit.
Dr. Roman:
But the human Nikola Tesla has nothing to do with that. We just have to stop his materialization as a Heroic Spirit.
Dr. Roman:
The powerful lightning that he automatically brings to his surroundings will instantly activate the Demonic Fog.
Dr. Roman:
If he gets to a place where the fog is especially dense,what's happening in London will spread explosively.
Dr. Roman:
Then it won't just be in London. It'll cover all of Britain.
Dr. Roman:
If that happens,we'll be unable to restore Humanity in this Singularity.
Dr. Roman:
The Foundation of Humanity will be completely destroyed, and human history will end in this era.
Mash:
That's...just what Makiri Zolgen said would happen, isn't it?
Mordred:
We just need to give that lightning guy a good beatdown,right? Nice and simple.
Dr. Roman:
Normally a Heroic Spirit that appears from the fog doesn't automatically become our enemy, but...
Dr. Roman:
In his case, Makiri's incantation has had a small effect similar to Madness Enhancement.
Dr. Roman:
He's not a pure Berserker. But his mind and actions are limited.
Dr. Roman:
When I spoke to him via the comms,he did respond—
Dr. Roman:
But there was a sense that his actions were controlled. If we don't stop him he'll automatically go for the Fog.
Fujimaru 1:
Let's stop him!
Fujimaru 2:
Let's chase him.
Mash:
Right, Senpai. By the way...are you hurt?
Dr. Roman:
Fujimaru's vitals are fine, thanks to Mash promptly giving cover. More importantly...
Mordred:
Yeah. Enemies. Weak ones. Their Master is gone. How faithful of them!
Mash:
Master, your orders. We'll destroy the enemy!
--BATTLE--
Mordred:
Incoming, it's another homunculus! It's needlessly huge!
Dr. Roman:
Maybe it absorbed too much fog and grew? No, that's not it. Maybe an effect of the Holy Grail?
Mash:
Forget that! We have to fight it! Master, your orders!
--BATTLE--
Mordred:
More! Dammit, we can't get anywhere like this!
Mash:
...Let's try and break through somehow.
Mash:
He's supposedly walking,so he can't have gone that far!
Dr. Roman:
If he was going full speed as a Servant, the Demonic Fog would have expanded by now and the world would be doomed.
Dr. Roman:
Does that mean...He's trying to help us? Maybe?
Mordred:
Enough talking! Let's do this!
--BATTLE--
Mordred:
...We're through! Hurry!
Dr. Roman:
The response is coming from right over there! I mean literally! He's right there!
Dr. Roman:
Even if his actions are controlled, can we assume he's on our side, mentally? ...No, we don't know that.
Dr. Roman:
You should assume it'll be a fight. He'll attack anyone who tries to stop him!
Mash:
Roger. —Master, I see him up ahead. It's Nikola Tesla!
Nikola Tesla:
You're here! Heroes of hope, reaching out to the future.
Nikola Tesla:
Unfortunately, I must fight you! That's how my current existence has been created.
Nikola Tesla:
And what's more—
Nikola Tesla:
I have power in this manifestation. So I want to try something I've been thinking about.
Mordred:
What? The Demonic Fog is tinged with lightning?
Dr. Roman:
This is...not good...The Demonic Fog has enough electricity in it to easily kill a human.
Nikola Tesla:
This is what it means to activate the fog. It absorbs even a Servant's magical energy without limit!
Nikola Tesla:
Of course, I'm an exception! The Activated Fog absorbs your magical energy upon approach!
Nikola Tesla:
It's possible it will even absorb your Spirit Cores. Now, will you still approach me?
Nikola Tesla:
If you want to defeat me, first you must completely remove this Activated Fog—
Mash:
We can't get close—? Doctor, there's nothing we can do like this.
Mordred:
We just need to blow away the fog, right? It's simple.
Mordred:
If it absorbs magical energy, it'll work out somehow,even if I blast it at full power. Here I go!
Mordred:
Clarent—
Mordred:
—Blood Arthur!
Dr. Roman:
Releasing the Noble Phantasm's True Name! Good,a majority of energy was absorbed but the fog dispersed!
Dr. Roman:
It's not totally gone, so it'll come back soon,but you've brief window where you can fight him!
Nikola Tesla:
That power, that sword—It is without a doubt Clarent!
Nikola Tesla:
Hahaha! Then that girl is Mordred,an old Heroic Spirit of the Earth.
Nikola Tesla:
Perfect! While I'm at it,I'll destroy every Heroic Spirit of Heaven and of Earth!
Nikola Tesla:
Old myths are unnecessary! Only "Humans and the Star"Heroic Spirits should exist beyond the age of electricity!
Nikola Tesla:
Come then! Remnants of fantasy, ancient myths fading so fleetingly!
Mordred:
Let's go, Mash, Fujimaru!
Mash:
Roger! Master, prepare for anti-Servant combat!
--BATTLE--
Mash:
—The fog's coming back! We'll have to temporarily retreat, Master!
Mordred:
Dammit! The fog's in the way and my magical energy can't reach him! I can't hit him!
Nikola Tesla:
Hmph. You were doing well, but you're out of time! Hahahaha! Poor ancient Heroic Spirits!
Nikola Tesla:
Enough fun for now, then! This genius heads once more for London's skies.
Nikola Tesla:
...Oh, yes. While my temperament is a little different than usual...
Nikola Tesla:
I am supposed to be a Heroic Spirit that loves humanity. Thus, I will tell you this, human.
Nikola Tesla:
After reaching the surface, I'll head to the densest part of the Demonic Fog, likely the skies above Buckingham Palace.
Nikola Tesla:
A single strike of my lightning there will truly activate the Demonic Fog, and swallow everything–
Nikola Tesla:
Everything. Yes, literally all of creation!
Nikola Tesla:
It'll destroy the cancer of civilization, strip the land of its ostentation, and burn away this island with inviolate lightning!
Nikola Tesla:
With this Singularity as the origin,the rest of humanity is destined to be incinerated!
Mash:
!!!
Nikola Tesla:
However! However—
Nikola Tesla:
If you are still not giving up,follow me. Try and stop me, heroes!
Nikola Tesla:
You are about to face me, the new God of Thunder, who created an era and a civilization with new mythology.
Nikola Tesla:
So strike me down,with the manifestation of an even newer myth!
Nikola Tesla:
There is no other way! Haha—hahahaha! Hahahahhahaha!
Mordred:
Wait! Nikola Tesla!
Nikola Tesla:
...London, huh? It's been so long.
Nikola Tesla:
I had aspired to be a British gentleman,and now I'm forced to play the role of world destroyer.
Nikola Tesla:
I never would've thought it would happen. However—
Nikola Tesla:
Haha! I, the myth, the pioneer of a new age, am destroying electric civilization and human history itself!
Nikola Tesla:
It's ironic, and hilarious! Haha! Hahahahaha!
Nikola Tesla:
Come! I proceed to the heavens! Grant me footing leading me to the fated spot in the sky where the Fog is densest!
Nikola Tesla:
The Perkūnas's Ladder answer my call! I shall allow them to take me there!
Nikola Tesla:
Hahahahahaha! Hahaha! Is there no one left who can stop me?
D：???:
—Stop laughing and get your ass down here, then. It's easy, right?
Nikola Tesla:
Oh—?
Nikola Tesla:
Hmm. The lightning is crying. This is...
D：???:
"Golden" shines from a strike of lightning—
D：???:
Somebody's calling me. They tell me to destroy evil, and kill the demon.
D：???:
Shut up—
D：???:
Shut up, shut up! Stop whispering in my ear! I always swing my own axe, and that's that!
D：???:
I will beat down any and all evil! —The shining broad-axe, Golden!
Sakata Kintoki:
I don't want to give you my name, but I will. Sakata Kintoki, Heroic Spirit—here to save the day.
Sakata Kintoki:
You in that ugly jacket. Those stairs are a traffic violation. Run along home and cry like a little girl.
Section 13: Beyond the Fog
Sakata Kintoki:
This is a "doomed world" situation, isn't it?
Sakata Kintoki:
My sense of smell is always accurate. If we don't stop you, the world's in trouble, right?
Sakata Kintoki:
Seems you want to head to the sky. If that happens, the world's all messed up from fog and lightning on top of fire.
Nikola Tesla:
Wonderful. Your understanding is as sharp as lightning,and just as quick!
Nikola Tesla:
Correct. The world ends if you don't stop me!
Nikola Tesla:
But—Oh, I see. My oh my. Some things are truly interesting.
Nikola Tesla:
A truly fascinating case. The lightning acted as catalyst for the Demonic Fog to summon a new Heroic Spirit.
Nikola Tesla:
Sakata Kintoki, you said? Seems you're another hero opposing the creation of a new legend.
Nikola Tesla:
If you were a Heroic Spirit of Heaven or Earth from old myths, I'd have burned you up with a laugh, but you're...
Nikola Tesla:
"A Heroic Spirit of the Humans," huh?
Nikola Tesla:
You're one trying to hinder my path. You're someone willing to fight next to humans.
Nikola Tesla:
Isn't that right, Sakata Kintoki? No, I suppose I should call you Mr. Golden. I shall. No, I must.
Nikola Tesla:
Yes, you could be none other than Golden! Dazzling, just like plasma!
Sakata Kintoki:
You don't look it, but you're quite fun, yourself. I'm glad you're so reasonable!
Nikola Tesla:
A genius always understands what someone says and means. Even with a Madness Enhancement skill cast on him!
Nikola Tesla:
But, ha, ha! I cannot hold back. Let me show you a piece of Nikola Tesla's genius!
Sakata Kintoki:
Now that's just golden! I'll show you the ace up my sleeve, as well—
Tamamo-no-Mae:
Hi there. Excuse me. Could you stop for a moment?
Tamamo-no-Mae:
This is London, right? The city of fog, London, right?
Tamamo-no-Mae:
Where's the dreamy double-decker buses? Where's the British Museum, Clock Tower, St. Paul's Cathedral?
Tamamo-no-Mae:
What's with this ominous fog? Why isn't there anyone here, even though it's midday?
Tamamo-no-Mae:
And where are the fish and chips I was looking forward to? And that afternoon tea I was secretly yearning for?
Tamamo-no-Mae:
What about the scones? Clotted cream? Fortnum & Mason's flagship store?
Tamamo-no-Mae:
A majority of this area feels abandoned, no?
Tamamo-no-Mae:
Mikon? Is London facing swift annihilation or something?
Tamamo-no-Mae:
I tagged along to vacation in London so I could rehearse my honeymoon with my Master, and this is what I get?
Tamamo-no-Mae:
Now Kintoki, did you trick me? Are you making a fool out of a god?
Sakata Kintoki:
Ah...
Nikola Tesla:
This is—
Nikola Tesla:
Unmistakably a Heroic Spirit of Earth. No, of Heaven? This genius can discern this presence. An old legend!
Nikola Tesla:
But, ah...But...But—What a stunningly beautiful lady!
Tamamo-no-Mae:
Mikko?
Nikola Tesla:
Even if already an inglorious resident of old legends, I,Nikola Tesla, will treat a lovely lady with utmost courtesy.
Nikola Tesla:
A beautiful lady that represents the Orient. It's dangerous here. You should fall back, a bit.
Tamamo-no-Mae:
What a nice, splendid spirit—No, I am devoted to my Master, so I cannot.
Tamamo-no-Mae:
But your heart seems not so splendid. Did you get hit with a Madness Enhancement skill?
Nikola Tesla:
And you seem to be wise, as well. How wonderful. It's slightly different, but you're correct, My Lady.
Nikola Tesla:
My words hold no meaning. I merely here to accomplish one act, contrary to my words!
Nikola Tesla:
Oh, how I do hate myself! Because I am a genius,my thoughts and my actions are disconnected—!
Tamamo-no-Mae:
I think that describes most men—Which is bad. What do you plan to do?
Nikola Tesla:
That depends on you! Lady, I do not mind if the two of you take me on!
Tamamo-no-Mae:
Then I'll do just that☆ Now, Kintoki. Let's get this over quickly so I can continue the trip!
Tamamo-no-Mae:
Oh, don't worry. I'll continue the trip by myself,so I won't be tying you down, Kintoki☆
Sakata Kintoki:
That helps. But wait,you just took a free ride on my summons...
Tamamo-no-Mae:
How about we talk about this later? Look over there. That hottie over there is already ready to fight, no?
Sakata Kintoki:
...
Tamamo-no-Mae:
Um, Kintoki? You stopped talking all of a sudden and averted your gaze. What's wrong? (push)
Sakata Kintoki:
Your face—
Tamamo-no-Mae:
Huh?
Sakata Kintoki:
It's way too close to mine—No, If you can, stick to support. I'll do the punching.
Sakata Kintoki:
It'll be a great fight. We're both men of lightning. Let's make some sparks fly, Nikola Tesla!
Dr. Roman:
Hm? It looks like Nikola Tesla has stopped.
Dr. Roman:
Suddenly, for some reason. He shouldn't have reached skies above Buckingham Palace yet.
Mordred:
That means we can still catch up. That's good. I might get a chance for another fight!
Mash:
Yes, we should head to the surface now! Let's hurry, Master!
Mordred:
And now there's a big group coming this way! They should just run away now that they're free!
Dr. Roman:
Multiple hostile signals! Fight your way through the battles!
--BATTLE--
Nikola Tesla:
—I see why you're the son of the lightning god!
Nikola Tesla:
You're doing great in the Activated Fog! A normal Servant would have had their Spirit Core eaten away!
Nikola Tesla:
I expect nothing less from a Heroic Spirit of Humans invited by my Lightning Fog, you stand for man's hope! But, haha, hahaha!
Nikola Tesla:
Your Spirit Core—There's already some cracks forming!
Nikola Tesla:
You won't last much longer! At this rate,you will only be burned by my lightning, and shatter!
Sakata Kintoki:
Well if that isn't golden—You should calm down that fog a bit more!
Tamamo-no-Mae:
Can you stop ordering me around!? Only my Master can speak that way to me!
Tamamo-no-Mae:
Besides, I've been providing support this entire time. Spells just don't work well on that fog.
Sakata Kintoki:
Your face is so close! ...Come on! Fox, I'm counting on you, so let's do this!
Sakata Kintoki:
You're our last chance! God of Arms, I seek aid facing enemies!
Tamamo-no-Mae:
Hmm, am I being worshipped? Is this worship?
Nikola Tesla:
Mm, truly beautiful...That smile is like a sparkle from the sun, burning my heart!
Nikola Tesla:
Foxy Lady! You may be able to stand alongside my legend!
Tamamo-no-Mae:
Mikko? There's someone worshipping me here, too?
Tamamo-no-Mae:
I'm really popular around here—W-Wait, no. My Master has to be the one.
Sakata Kintoki:
A-Anyway, keep up your support! It's almost time.
Sakata Kintoki:
I'm gonna ruin that nice suit of his. Now—time to slam you with my super attack!
--ARROW--
Sakata Kintoki:
—I'll blow you away! Special move:
Sakata Kintoki:
Golden Spark!
Mash:
...We're at the surface, Senpai!
Mordred:
Hmm? Somebody's here. A man and a woman. They're not dead, so are they Servants?
Dr. Roman:
Looks like they're Servants that appeared from the fog. I see two of them. They don't look like enemies.
Sakata Kintoki:
Hey, are you guys the heroes he was talking about?
Fou:
Fou?
Mordred:
It doesn't matter if we're heroes or not. More importantly, it sounds like you fought him.
Sakata Kintoki:
Yeah...I can tell you this. We got rid of "all" that pain in the ass fog.
Sakata Kintoki:
Now it's up to you guys. I'll let you grab the glory...or whatever...Gonna rest. Whew...
Tamamo-no-Mae:
Well, with so much magical energy drained from you as you fought, utter exhaustion and near death are to be expected.
Tamamo-no-Mae:
But you did wonderfully. You truly are one of Raikou's Four Kings, whose might shakes the heavens.
Sakata Kintoki:
You too. Thanks for the help! Whew...
Tamamo-no-Mae:
...But you just looked away, didn't you? You did. Why? Is your worship a lie?
Sakata Kintoki:
Eh, I did not. Sure you're not imagining it?
Sakata Kintoki:
(Those boobs! I can see your boobs, Fox! I don't know where am I supposed to look, get it!? )
Tamamo-no-Mae:
???
Dr. Roman:
Anyway, this is a big help. We've got a chance now. Without the Activated Fog we can fight him head on!
Mordred:
Now we just have to catch up and slay him. Okay,let's follow him, Mash, Fujimaru!
Fujimaru 1:
Are we going up those stairs?
Mash:
Yes, they're made with a type of magecraft...It seems, anyway. We can walk on them.
Mordred:
It's scary to think about them disappearing halfway up. But we'll deal with that if it happens.
Fujimaru 2:
Looks like there's no time to rest.
Mordred:
Yeah, we're gonna run up those stairs! Even if they might disappear partway!
Mash:
That's probably a magical staircase created by Nikola Tesla. Who knows how long it will last...
Mordred:
I'll take care of that if it happens. There's no time to waste, just like you said.
Mash:
Right!
Sakata Kintoki:
I'm counting on you guys! Don't screw this up!
Tamamo-no-Mae:
Huh? Is that all we get to do?
Tamamo-no-Mae:
This feels like when you trip the metal detector at a security checkpoint!
Mordred:
—We caught up to him! This time, he's ours!
Mash:
I've sighted Heroic Spirit Nikola Tesla once more. He's walking towards the sky above Buckingham Palace!
Fujimaru 1:
We defeat him here!
Fujimaru 2:
The Activated Fog that was around him
Mash:
Yes, Senpai. The Activated Fog is gone. That golden Servant was right!
Nikola Tesla:
So you're here—So you truly will try to build a new legend?
Nikola Tesla:
But sadly, that's impossible. Even without Activated Fog, my lightning is far too strong.
Nikola Tesla:
Why? Because I am a genius. Why? Because I am the lightning.
Nikola Tesla:
What is a god—Yes, what is a god? A god is the lightning.
Nikola Tesla:
Since ancient times, many men have believed this,and in fact...
Nikola Tesla:
Even setting Zeus and Indra aside, it is indeed a god. Lightning, a divine power striking from the heavens.
Nikola Tesla:
Behold. The light I bring to the earth is great power itself!
Nikola Tesla:
Energy guiding a new electric, consumer civilization! My lightning is the final farewell to the old era and its myths!
Nikola Tesla:
It is a new myth! It is "my light," a gift unto humanity!
Nikola Tesla:
Now,I shall display to all of you!
Nikola Tesla:
–System Keraunos!
--BATTLE--
Mash:
—Enemy Servant defeated!
Mordred:
My lightning won! Too bad, Nikola Tesla!
Nikola Tesla:
Haha...! Hahaha, Hahahahahaha!
Nikola Tesla:
No, I don't think it's bad at all! I am a Pioneer of the Stars!
Nikola Tesla:
I would never truly wish for humanity's end. The Heroic Spirits of Heaven and Earth are still a nuisance—
Nikola Tesla:
But continuation of the world means continuation of my lightning civilization! Thank you, you who desire new myths!
Nikola Tesla:
Heroes of hope! You have done well to defeat me, the modern Zeus!
Nikola Tesla:
And so now it is time for me to return to the Throne—
Nikola Tesla:
Haha! Hahahahaha! Farewell, all of you—
Nikola Tesla:
—Farewell!
Mash:
...The enemy Servant has completely disappeared.
Mordred:
Sheesh, he said whatever and did whatever he pleased until the very end.
Dr. Roman:
I've confirmed Nikola Tesla's annihilation. Good work. That should take care of things.
Mash:
What we're standing on was formed by his magical energy,so it should become unstable shortly.
Mash:
It's a very powerful effect, so it shouldn't disappear immediately...
Dr. Roman:
First we need to get safely back to the ground. This should take care of London's problems—
Dr. Roman:
...Oh. Right. Crap.
Mordred:
Hmm?
Mash:
What is it, Doctor?
Fujimaru 1:
I think we forgot something.
Fujimaru 2:
...What about the Holy Grail?
Mash:
Oh—
Dr. Roman:
Yeah. We forgot to get the Holy Grail from Angrboda. N-No, it's not our fault. We were in a hurry. Yeah!
Mordred:
You can take your time getting it. The only enemies left are wimps.
Mash:
Yeah, that's right. I don't know how I feel about going back underground.
Mordred:
Let's go get it now, then. There's no sense going back to Jekyll's apartment.
Mordred:
—Wait. Looks like something's showed up after all. What is it?
Dr. Roman:
A high-density magical energy response? It's so big I can see it in the Demonic Fog...What the...
Dr. Roman:
It's different from Nikola Tesla's response,but the fog is gathering above Buckingham palace!
Dr. Roman:
Something real bad is coming! Be careful, Mash, Fujimaru!
Mordred:
It doesn't matter what comes! I'll hack them all apart!
Mordred:
—Bring it!
--ARROW--
Altria:
—
Mordred:
!!!
Mash:
...That's......No, she is definitely...King Arthur!
Dr. Roman:
She's absorbing the remaining Demonic Fog as she manifests! This is bad! There's so much magical energy!
Mash:
It looks like she has a spear, not a sword...A swirling black lance...what twisted magical energy...
Fujimaru 1:
You feel the magical energy?
Fujimaru 2:
Wasn't your detection weaker?
Mash:
Yes, I can tell...Magical energy so big I can sense it even with Demonic Fog...
Mash:
It's similar to when Nikola Tesla manifested. But it's more clear—
Mash:
I can feel her animosity. It's a blind rage and hatred, like a Berserker!
Dr. Roman:
Is she under the effect of Makiri Zolgen's incantation? Then even if we can talk to her, we'll still have to fight.
Mordred:
...We probably can't talk. That's King Arthur, ready to slay her foes.
Mordred:
Why...Why are you appearing now? If you're saving Londinium, you should have come sooner...
Mordred:
...No, maybe it's different.
Mordred:
Maybe you're here to kill me. Do you not like the idea of me saving Londinium?
Mordred:
Do you hate me that much? Is that why you've got the spear that killed me—
Dr. Roman:
The spear that killed Mordred? Th-That's a Divine Construct, said to rival the holy sword!
Dr. Roman:
Rhongomyniad, the holy spear! The legendary spear that's said to hold the two sides of the world together!
Dr. Roman:
You already fought one battle with a powerful Servant. You need to retreat, Fujimaru!
Mordred:
No, not happening. King Arthur has decided we are enemies.
Mordred:
There's no getting away. We have to fight.
Mordred:
...No, you can run if you want. But there's a 90% chance you'll get blown away.
Mordred:
Besides, I'm not running.... I'm not turning my back on my father.
Mordred:
King Arthur is right in front of me! So there's only one thing for me to do!
Mordred:
I'll fight you! If you hate me, even as a Heroic Spirit!
Mordred:
I'll rebel against you as many times as I have to! —Arthur Pendragon!
Dr. Roman:
It's no good! We can't stop Mordred! I guess we have to fight...Good luck, you two!
Fujimaru 1:
Roger!
Mash:
Right, Master! ...Beginning combat!
--BATTLE--
Jekyll:
I just got word from Dr. Roman. The operation was a success!
Jekyll:
They defeated Heroic Spirit Nikola Tesla,as well as another Servant that appeared from the Fog.
Jekyll:
And just now, they succeeded in removing the Holy Grail from Angrboda.
Fran:
...Uh...
Jekyll:
Huh? Is it just you? Where's Andersen and Shakespeare—
Jekyll:
Oh, I see. That's right. The Grail's been recovered. Singularity is fixed. Then, yup.
Jekyll:
The era is being restored. Everything that happened here will disappear.
Jekyll:
All the Servants will disappear,and our memories will probably change as well.
Fran:
...Uh, uh, uh...
Jekyll:
Yes...Yes. I see. Just this once, I think I understand what you're saying.
Fran:
...Uh...
Jekyll:
...Yes, you're right. It is a little sad.
Mordred:
Well, you know—
Mordred:
Good work. You guys helped with a lot.
Mordred:
Londinium is saved. No one other than me could trample it.
Mordred:
And they all lived happily ever after. Bye.
Mash:
...Um, Mordred.
Mordred:
Hmm?
Mash:
I'll tell you...one thing. That last Servant was clearly out of control.
Mash:
It was probably the unique result of the Demonic Fog and Makiri Zolgen's last incantation.
Mash:
It didn't come here for any special reason or anything like that, I think.
Mordred:
...What? Are you trying to make me feel better?
Mordred:
Give it up. I don't want to end this by killing you.
Mash:
No, that's not it. I...No...That's not...
Fujimaru 1:
She said what she wanted to say.
Mordred:
...Haha, I get it! I see! That's what I've said so many times!
Mordred:
Yeah, you're right. You've got me there.
Mordred:
Okay, I won't kill you then. Dammit, I should've kept my mouth shut around Fran.
Shakespeare:
Oh? Isn't that a little too kind for the Treacherous Knight?
Shakespeare:
I understood your character as being someone who slays anyone who offers pity, regardless of who it may be.
Andersen:
Nope. She's just easily taken in by a certain type of person. You can tell by looking at Fran, right?
Mordred:
...You're showing up after it's all over, huh? Fine. Line up so I can chop your heads off.
Sakata Kintoki:
Huh? I came to help you out of this latest danger,and I'm finding a bunch of weirdos.
Sakata Kintoki:
Are those two Servants? Do you need my help?
Tamamo-no-Mae:
Hahh, Hahh...Oh, jeez. Hold up, Kintoki. You're a little too fast—Geh.
Andersen:
Hmph. I think I may have seen those fox ears somewhere before...
Andersen:
Saber, if you want to kill Shakespeare, very well. But first, listen to me.
Andersen:
You'll want to defeat that fox-eared girl first. I don't know why, but I can see she's a hassle to deal with!
Mordred:
I'm killing you, too!
Tamamo-no-Mae:
You really have it out for me,don't you? Hmmph, precocious brat!
Dr. Roman:
Hahaha. Sounds like you're busy. Well, the case is closed, so this is fit for a grand finale.
Fujimaru 1:
Yeah. Everybody's so friendly.
Fujimaru 2:
Doctor, we need to recover the Holy Grail.
Dr. Roman:
...Oh, right. We need to finish recovering the Holy Grail.
Dr. Roman:
There's no more threats in this era, so I wasn't...Wait. What's this response!?
Mash:
Doctor?
Dr. Roman:
Everyone, be careful! There's some kind of distortion in the underground space!
Dr. Roman:
"Something" is coming! It's an unknown phenomenon! Not a Servant manifestation!
Dr. Roman:
Unknown? No, it's actually more like a Rayshift? But that's impossible. Only Chaldea has that technology!
Mash:
Huh? ...Senpai, something is strange. I have no anomalies, but I'm shivering—terribly—
Dr. Roman:
...The space is opening! Here it comes!
--ARROW--
C：???:
Demon Marshal Gilles de Rais. Imperial Founder Romulus. Hero Spy Jason. And Divine Scholar Nikola Tesla.
C：???:
I thought they would be somewhat useful—But they spoiled my fun as they couldn't even clean house.
C：???:
Stupidity. Such stupidity. Humans really do degrade with the passage of time.
Dr. Roman:
Dammit! Sheba won't stabilize! I can only get audio! What happened!? What's going on, Mash!?
Mash:
I-I don't know. There's a shadow that looks human,slowly walking towards us—
Sakata Kintoki:
...Get back, lady. That thing's bad news. It ain't something a good little girl should see.
Tamamo-no-Mae:
So it seems. I'll be leaving too. With only two tails, even seeing it is enough to taint me.
Sakata Kintoki:
(No, you're probably fine, right? Shouldn't you be going to the front? )
Mordred:
—Hey. What is this insane magical energy? It's a hell of a lot bigger than a dragon. It's like—
Shakespeare:
One of the demons or angels in the ancient stories. No, perhaps even greater.
Shakespeare:
I was not born a mage but as a petty Caster I can understand.
Shakespeare:
This magical energy is infinite. This domination crushes its surroundings merely by existing.
Shakespeare:
Truly, truly a created being worthy of being called God! No, perhaps it is even God itself!
Shakespeare:
Am I wrong, my friend Andersen? I think it's time for us to be going!
Andersen:
Why do you always exaggerate so? There's all types of gods. Anyway, the only god I fear is the god of editors.
Andersen:
...Though I do agree it's time to run. I didn't expect to see the big boss at this stage.
Dr. Roman:
The big boss!? What does that mean!? Fujimaru, tell me what's going on!
C：???:
I see. Like me, only your voice reaches them.
C：???:
Chaldea is isolated from the temporal axis,and so it's become a base that no one can find.
C：???:
My eyes see everything—and all possible futures,but even they have trouble perceiving Chaldea.
C：???:
That's why you survive. Pathetically, shamelessly, and uselessly.
C：???:
Intolerant of a history of destruction already decided,a pitiful boat still adrift in the sea of void.
C：???:
That is what you are, Chaldea,and what you are, Fujimaru.
C：???:
A stain upon the scorched ashes of human history. The name of the only fools left who would defy "my" deeds.
Mash:
—Doctor,what we're about to see is—
Fujimaru 1:
Who are you!?
Fujimaru 2:
Are you the "King" that Lev talked about?
C：???:
Hmm? I thought you already had the answer? Are you so like monkeys that such a thing has to be taught?
C：???:
But very well. I've taken a liking to your stupidity. If you wish to ask, I shall answer you.
C：???:
I am the final destination you seek. The one who commands the 72 Demon Gods, and will destroy humanity from his throne.
C：???:
My name is Solomon. Among the Heroic Spirits,I stand above them all as one of the "Grand" seven.
Dr. Roman:
S—Solomon!? Are you sure that's what he said, Mash!?
Mash:
...Yes, I'm sure.
Mash:
He said he was Solomon...Same as the king of ancient Israel, who was alive in the 10th century B. C.
Dr. Roman:
No...Is it really Solomon? But...But that's impossible—
Mordred:
Heh. I guess we've got a big name for a guest, huh? So what? Are you a Servant too?
Mordred:
You were summoned as a Heroic Spirit,and decided to use your 2nd life to destroy humanity?
Solomon:
No, Knight of Londinium. I am indeed a Heroic Spirit, but no man will ever summon me.
Mordred:
What?
Solomon:
Do not think me the same rank as you incompetents. After death, I revived by my own power to be a Heroic Spirit.
Dr. Roman:
D-Did he say...he revived by his own power!?
Solomon:
I am a Heroic Spirit, and also a living being. Thus, no Master commands me.
Solomon:
I started this matter of my own will. In order to eliminate all you humans—
Solomon:
Trash who's continuing along its foolish history. You are the sole and greatest waste of this universe.
Fujimaru 1:
You think you can do that!?
Fujimaru 2:
You can't destroy the world!
Solomon:
I can. I have the means,the will, and the reality.
Solomon:
Your eras have been swept away already,by my 72 Demon Gods that cross over time.
Dr. Roman:
Cross over time...So those Demon Gods really were the demons in the Lemegeton?
Dr. Roman:
But they're nothing like those in folklore! King Solomon's familiars can't be such ugly meat monsters!
Solomon:
How sad. You exist at the far end of time,and yet your interpretation is ancient.
Solomon:
The 72 Demon Gods took physical form and were reborn. That is why they can anchor themselves in any era.
Solomon:
The Demon Gods are wedges halting this planet's rotation. The spiraling band of light in the sky is my Noble Phantasm.
Mash:
Spiraling band of light in the sky Does he mean...that ring of light we see in every era—
Solomon:
Indeed. That is my Third Noble Phantasm. "Ars Almadel Salomonis. "
Solomon:
Each ray in the band carries the same heat as a holy sword. Light equivalent to weaving together hundreds of millions of the holy sword...
Solomon:
...held by King Arthur—the Servant you played with. In other words—an Anti-Humanity Noble Phantasm.
Mordred:
Tch...Hundreds of millions of times the heat of Father's holy sword— That's what you're using to incinerate time!?
Solomon:
—Hmph. You'll never see it, so I've no intention of answering.
Solomon:
I've answered your question. Now it's my turn, survivors of Chaldea.
Mordred:
He wants a fight! Get ready, Mash, Fujimaru!
Mordred:
He's the guy behind all this, right!? So our only option is to kill him here!
Mash:
B-But—That Servant...we can't—
Dr. Roman:
Mash, get a hold of yourself! Stay strong and focus on the enemy!
Dr. Roman:
No matter who they are, they're a Servant, right!? So you can win!
Dr. Roman:
The Heroic Spirit within you was chosen by the Holy Grail! He's a Heroic Spirit who won't be outranked by Solomon!
D：Solomon:
Hah—the rank of a Heroic Spirit? Do you really think that matters at all?
D：Solomon:
Ignorance is a sin. I thought some knowledge was there,but your commander seems to be a mage of little worth.
D：Solomon:
The only one I've any interest in now is you, girl with the shield.
D：Solomon:
Now let's have a fun little chat.
D：Solomon:
I'll do you a special favor. Out of respect for your pure heart, I'll only summon "four of them. "
--BATTLE--
Solomon:
Do you see now? This is the inevitable result of a mere Heroic Spirit trying to challenge me.
Mash:
...Doctor, use the Rayshift. We're going to be wiped out!
Dr. Roman:
I can't do it! The field around him is blocking the Rayshift anchor!
Dr. Roman:
As long as Solomon's there,I can't bring you back!
Mash:
...At least...I can try to save Senpai—
Mordred:
That bastard is boasting!
Mordred:
But it's no bluff...Our ranks don't matter. His energy output is so much greater.
Mordred:
What the hell are you made of?
Solomon:
It's just like you said. It's not our ranks as Heroic Spirits. Our vessels, our Classes are what separate us.
Solomon:
Now burn, with the rest of the garbage.
Solomon:
Heroic Spirit Mordred, Kingslayer. I will take my time to incinerate you thoroughly.
Andersen:
...This is crazy. Just blocking him once did this to me? Figures I can't stand up to you as a Caster.
Mordred:
Brat!? What are you—
Andersen:
Just a whim. Don't worry about it. I owe you for all the work you've done.
Solomon:
...You're still alive, scribbler?
Solomon:
I thought I cleaned you up with the rest of the rabble. I'm amazed you survived, as weak as you are.
Andersen:
Hmph. I don't like physical labor, so I focused on watching. But it looks like I can't do that anymore.
Andersen:
But—I see through you, Solomon. I see what you really are, and the truth behind your exceptional nature.
Solomon:
Oh? Very well. Speak then, poet. If your words please me, I'll grant you an easy death.
Andersen:
Yeah, listen well you imbecile. This is what was written in the Clock Tower's records.
Andersen:
The Heroic Spirit Summons belong to the Counter Force. And the Counter Force is what protects humanity.
Andersen:
They manifest in seven vessels,to fight "just one" enemy.
Andersen:
What is that enemy? What else? The great disaster that threatens our world!
Andersen:
It is the avatar of the end, which destroys not this planet,but humanity and the civilization it has built!
Andersen:
It was born from civilization, and devours it—It is none other than a self-inflicted apoptosis.
Andersen:
To defeat it,the greatest of the Heroic Spirits are summoned.
Solomon:
—That's right. The seven Heroic Spirits are messengers from heaven, sent to destroy a certain wickedness.
Solomon:
Seven strongest from that era to protect humanity. The first seven at the pinnacle of Heroic Spirits.
Solomon:
The Heroic Spirit Summoning Ritual was originally an ultimate spell meant to save humanity.
Solomon:
The summoning system you use—the Holy Grail War is a degraded form of it, meant to serve human purposes.
Mordred:
Wha—You're saying we're degraded?
Andersen:
Don't fall for his taunts, Mordred. It's not an issue of rank, but of vessel and authority.
Andersen:
He is simply a Heroic Spirit manifested in a vessel one rank above our own.
Andersen:
If we are weapons meant to fight individuals,he is a weapon meant to fight the world—
Andersen:
He stands at the top of all Heroic Spirits of his alignment. In other words, he is a Servant with a "Grand" vessel.
Solomon:
Yes. You have done well to reach the truth!
D：Solomon:
I am the King of Kings, the Caster of Casters! You shall refer to me as this!
D：Solomon:
—The Grand Caster, Mage King Solomon!
Dr. Roman:
A Grand Class!? Is he saying he was chosen by the Root!?
Solomon:
—Now then. Take your reward, poet. I shall tear you into a hundred pieces and burn you to a crisp.
Andersen:
Ggg—Gggawaahhh!
Mordred:
...You bastard.
Solomon:
Ordinary Servant, you're an utterly useless tool unless summoned by the living.
Solomon:
You lack the true freedom I possess. Do you now see the wall between us that you can never cross?
Mordred:
Tch—Hah. You're one to talk,considering you lost four Grails already.
Mordred:
You're only here because you're panicking that Fujimaru took half of your Grails, right?
Mordred:
Only losers whine when they get beat, you know?
Solomon:
—Are you the greatest fool in history?
Solomon:
I've lost four Grails? No. It will only matter if I lose them all.
Solomon:
One Grail, or six, it makes no difference to me. Fujimaru is far from a threat.
Solomon:
It's time for me to go. I wasted more time than I thought.
Mash:
Huh?
Mordred:
Huh!? You're leaving? Why did you even come here!?
Solomon:
It was nothing more than a whim. Why?
Solomon:
Sometimes after finishing a book, you go to the bathroom before picking up the next, right? That's all this was.
Mordred:
What? You're saying you came to piss on us!?
Solomon:
—Hah.
Solomon:
Hahaha, Gwahahaha!
Solomon:
That's right! That's exactly right! But you're worth less than piss!
Solomon:
I don't care about you. I could kill you here, or not, and not care at all.
Solomon:
Do you understand? I'm not letting you go. You weren't worth looking at in the first place.
Solomon:
But—Hmph. But if you can remove all seven Singularities...
Solomon:
...Then I will consider you"a matter I must deal with. "
Dr. Roman:
Are we...saved? I hate to have him let us go, but it's best to just—
Dr. Roman:
Wait, Fujimaru!?
Fujimaru 1:
Why are you doing this!?
Fujimaru 2:
Is incinerating the world fun!?
Mash:
Senpai!
Solomon:
—Oh. That's a surprising reaction, human.
Solomon:
You ask if it's fun? You ask me if destroying humanity is fun?
D：Solomon:
Oh—Of course! Of course! Of course! Of course! It's the greatest fun in the world!
D：Solomon:
If it wasn't fun,would I take my time killing each one of you?
D：Solomon:
I'm having fun. Your deaths make me happy.
D：Solomon:
Your end pleases me. Your final gasps bring me more joy than anything!
D：Solomon:
And,this is the greatest salvation you could find.
D：Solomon:
Because only I alone can make good use of every single human being—!
Mordred:
Get back, Fujimaru! There's no point in talking to him! He's rotten to the core!
Mash:
...Mage King Solomon. You're no different than Lev Lainur.
Mash:
You have no gratitude towards life. You enjoy toying with the lives of humans and of the planet!
Solomon:
—
Solomon:
Girl, speak not of life as a mere human. When death is inevitable for you, your view has no value.
Solomon:
Gratitude towards life? That's my question for you.
Solomon:
What have you done for the last 2,000 years? You've continuously died, and continuously done nothing.
Solomon:
You are sentient creatures who failed to conquer death. And yet you retain your fear of it.
Solomon:
If you cannot conquer death,you should have abandoned your fear of it.
Solomon:
If you understand death to be a shameful, terrifying thing, then you should throw away your sentience!
Solomon:
It's pathetic. Simply pathetic. You're no different either, Master of Chaldea.
Solomon:
Why do you fight? Knowing your life will end. Knowing it has ended.
Solomon:
Why do you cling to life,when you know that your future holds no salvation?
Mash:
...
Solomon:
You are so young, human. You, Fujimaru, are humanity's final Master.
Solomon:
And this is my one warning to you.
Solomon:
Know that giving up on everything here is the easiest way for you to live.
Solomon:
—Burn, and leave not even ash. That is your future.
Mordred:
...This is the end. I feel unsatisfactory, though we got the Grail back.
Fujimaru 1:
...I'm sorry.
Mordred:
Idiot. Don't you apologize. I'm the one who's stupid.
Fujimaru 2:
...You're right.
Mordred:
Yeah. I haven't been this down since my Father's spear— No, never mind. Never mind.
Mordred:
But well, we saved London. Not bad, considering who I am.
Mordred:
What I hate is that it's ending here. Honestly, I wanted to go with you guys...
Mordred:
But I'm at my limit, as you can see. With the Singularity gone, there's no place for me.
Mordred:
I was summoned here by the Grail's fog. Without a Master, I have to disappear.
Mordred:
...I hate to say it, but he's right. We can't fight unless we're summoned.
Mordred:
That's the limit of a Heroic Spirit, and a Servant.
Mordred:
In every era, the ones who build things...are always people living on the cutting edge of the future.
Fujimaru 1:
...Mordred
Fujimaru 2:
...Living people...
Mordred:
Yeah. That's why—you're going to get there, Fujimaru.
Mordred:
You'll reach the place we can't go. You'll cross over the seven Grails and reach the end of time.
Mordred:
And then you'll corner that bastard Grand Caster. It's something only you can do.
Mash:
...Mordred.
Mordred:
Don't make that face, Mash. I don't like that Shield Bastard, but you're different.
Mordred:
Someday we'll meet again. When that happens, I'll help you.
Mordred:
Bye, Fujimaru. Even someone like me was able to save London.
Mordred:
So with a little bit of work,you'll be able to save the world.
Mash:
...All Servant responses are lost. Senpai, our Order in this era is complete...
Da Vinci:
Ahem. Test, test. Yes! Finally got video.
Da Vinci:
You two okay? You're okay, right? None of your vitals seem off.
Da Vinci:
The Demonic Fog is back to normal fog. There's nothing left for you in that era.
Da Vinci:
I'm starting the Rayshift now. Anything left for you to do? Nothing, right?
Da Vinci:
Okay, initiating Rayshift! Congrats on completing your mission!
Da Vinci:
Welcome back, you two. You're both fine...well, maybe not. But I'm glad you're here.
Fujimaru 1:
By the way, why are you here, Da Vinci?
Fujimaru 2:
Um, where's Dr. Roman?
Da Vinci:
Romani? Oh, Romani. He's...
Dr. Roman:
How...How could this happen?
Da Vinci:
He's a mess, as you can see. Go snap him out of it, would you?
Fujimaru 1:
Get a grip, Doctor!
Fujimaru 2:
You really are a chicken, huh Doctor?
Dr. Roman:
Ywaah!? W-When did you two get here!? ...Oh, right. Leonardo did it for me...
Dr. Roman:
...Sorry. You were the ones in danger. It's just...It was such a shock...
Da Vinci:
Right, right. Enough gloom. They'll get really tired of it soon, you know?
Dr. Roman:
Y-Yeah...I'm...Sorry, Mash, Fujimaru.
Dr. Roman:
I should've done a forced Rayshift earlier,but my judgment was too slow...
Fujimaru 1:
That's okay.
Fujimaru 2:
You couldn't help it.
Dr. Roman:
But if Solomon had really tried to kill you...
Dr. Roman:
...Wah...I'm...I'm no good!
Mash:
...Doctor. No, stop staring at the ground.
Mash:
We are able to continue our mission because you are here.
Mash:
It's true that you're a bit of a coward,and a pessimist, too.
Mash:
You're a chicken. And kind of a wimp for a guy...
Mash:
Also, your hobbies are far too introverted,and you're way too dependent on that cyber-idol.
Da Vinci:
Oh...
Fou:
Fou...
Fujimaru 1:
...Um...
Fujimaru 2:
Mash, show some mercy...
Mash:
But—The staff left at Chaldea can only do their best because you're doing your best.
Mash:
When Chaldea was bombed, you were the one who got the power back up in the fire, saved the survivors, and took command.
Mash:
You have only one fault. You give yourself just a bit too little credit.
Mash:
Chaldea is only here because of Romani Archaman. You saved the lives of everyone here.
Mash:
That's what I think.
Fujimaru 1:
She's right.
Fujimaru 2:
You said "what you were thinking. "
Mash:
...Yes, Senpai.
Dr. Roman:
...
Dr. Roman:
Thanks, Mash, Fujimaru. Then, I don't have time to be depressed. Yeah.
Dr. Roman:
We know who's behind this all now. There must be some reason for his extreme strength.
Dr. Roman:
Let's continue the mission. We'll fix the remaining Singularities and stop the world and future from incineration.
Dr. Roman:
...No matter what that man,Mage King Solomon, tries to do.
Mash:
The Grand Caster. He is our true enemy—
Fujimaru 1:
Next time we win!
Fujimaru 2:
We won't lose again.
Fou:
Fou!
Dr. Roman:
Yeah! That's the spirit, Fujimaru.
Dr. Roman:
Okay, it's a little late to say this,but great work this time, guys!
Dr. Roman:
We'll handle the cleanup. You guys get some rest, ASAP.
Dr. Roman:
When you wake up, it'll be time for the Fifth Singularity. See you then!
Mash:
...We've reached our rooms. Senpai, thanks for your endless work.
Fujimaru 1:
You too, Mash.
Mash:
No. I'm a Demi-Servant. Physically, I'm fine.
Mash:
If you can call exhaustion and drained magical energy...tired...then maybe I am tired.
Fujimaru 2:
It's fine. I'm not that tired.
Mash:
Um...I'm sorry. I meant that more as an idiom.
Mash:
And I do think you're tired. Get some rest in your room.
Mash:
...Um. I'm sorry. There was something I had to talk to you about.
Mash:
...What did you think about what Solomon said? About making use of humanity.
Fujimaru 1:
It's stupid.
Fujimaru 2:
...What did you think?
Mash:
I...I couldn't say that he was wrong.
Mash:
I don't understand it myself. But there was something in his words I can't ignore...
Mash:
Life is meaningless, and the future holds no salvation...It sounds so pessimistic, but he was full of hope.
Mash:
...I'm sorry. The battle just got started, and I'm being weird.
Mash:
Good night, Master. I hope I see you bright and full of energy tomorrow.