Trial Quest - Amakusa Shiro
Chapter I - Sky-Soaring Knight
Mash:
Doctor. These coordinates mark the location where a Singularity is forming, correct?
Dr. Roman:
Yes, enemy readings are exceeding predictions and have been confirmed in several areas.
Dr. Roman:
If we don't do anything about it, it might exacerbate the separation and collapse of the Seven Eras.
Dr. Roman:
It seems that Servants are being summoned in opposition, so I want you to go and help correct the era.
Mash:
Okay. Well then, Master, let's look for those Servants for the time being.
Mash:
This town is in ruins. There is not a single soul in sight...
Dr. Roman:
I'm getting readings on a Servant near you. Do you not see it?
Mash:
A...Servant? I can sense its presence, but I cannot see its form–
???:
Boo!
Mash:
Ahhh!?
Fou:
Foou!?
???:
Hah hah hah! Did I startle you? Did I?
???:
Ah, sorry about that. I just got carried away in the moment!
Mash:
To just suddenly appear like that out of the sky... That made me scream out loud. How unbefitting of a Servant...
Mash:
Uhh, you are a Servant...correct?
???:
Indeed! My name is Astolfo!
Astolfo:
My class is Rider, and I am one of the Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne!
Astolfo:
My hobbies are walking, eating, jousting, gambling, drinking, reading, chatting, and also...
Mash:
Th-That's enough. My name is Mash Kyrielight.
Mash:
This is Fujimaru, my Master.
Astolfo:
What a cute little Servant... So you're the Master, huh! Nice to meet you!
Astolfo:
Huh? Have we met before?
Astolfo:
Hmm... I forgot, but whatever! So what are you doing here?
Mash:
Y-Yes. We are investigating a Singularity–
Astolfo:
A Singularity? I see. I think I've heard of those.
Astolfo:
But I don't really know much myself.
Mash:
I see... In that case, do you know any of the remaining Servants?
Astolfo:
Ah!
Mash:
W-What!?
Astolfo:
That's right! The reason why I called out to you! Now I remember!
Astolfo:
Oh man, I was just about to forget about it, too! Heh heh.
Mash:
Please don't forget...
Astolfo:
There are actually two other Servants here. One of them is a Ruler!
Mash:
A Ruler... A Ruler!? Like Jeanne d'Arc?
Astolfo:
That's right, just like her! The other is an Archer.
Astolfo:
Umm, I can't quite recall the name... Gira...Giri...Gil...
Mash:
...Perhaps “Gilgamesh”?
Astolfo:
Oh yes, that's right! Gilgamesh!
Mash:
The King of Heroes, Gilgamesh... The oldest Heroic Spirit who possesses an inexhaustible amount of treasures.
Mash:
The weapons from his treasury later became prototypes for weapons owned by other heroes in this world.
Mash:
Or that's what Da Vinci said. I've never actually met Gilgamesh, but...
Mash:
Ah, I'm not sure. I have this feeling...that maybe I have met him...
Fujimaru 1:
Surely it was a dream.
Mash:
A dream, huh. I see. Now that you mention it, I think you're right.
Fujimaru 2:
I've seen him.
Mash:
Really? Umm... Are you talking about Santa?
Mash:
What are you talking about? I apologize for my ignorance...
Astolfo:
Indeed. He did seem like a child worthy of that name.
Astolfo:
I'm sure in the future that child will be a great hero! But he'll also probably turn out to be a tyrant!
Mash:
So, what happened to the two of them?
Astolfo:
Oh, um, you see... How do I explain...
Astolfo:
That Ruler and Archer I met, you see... They're...waging.
Mash:
Waging... What are they waging?
Astolfo:
A Holy Grail War.
Mash:
What... A Holy Grail...
Mash:
Whaaaat!?
Astolfo:
Come, follow me! At any rate, I want you to stop the two of them!
Astolfo:
Come on! Hurry, hurry!
Dr. Roman:
Hey! Sorry to ruin the party, but it's time for battle.
Dr. Roman:
Some Lamia-type enemies are heading in your direction.
Mash:
Okay. I have visual confirmation of the enemy. Preparing to engage!
Mash:
...Uh, Astolfo!?
Astolfo:
Ahhhhhh! Snakes, there are snakes!
Astolfo:
Okay! It's hunting time! I'll make sure that at least thirty of them enter Nirvana...or Heaven?
Astolfo:
Anyway, I'll send them packing down the road to the afterlife!
--BATTLE--:
Astolfo:
What a big haul! I've got to say, snake hunting is so much fun!
Astolfo:
At this rate, I could go ahead and change the whole ecosystem!
Mash:
Please don't change the ecosystem...
Mash:
Well, I suppose Lamias have no influence over the ecosystem, so it's no problem, but still...
Mash:
A-Anyway, it's more important that we stop the two who initiated a Holy Grail War!
Astolfo:
Oh yes, I forgot! Well then, both of you, just follow me!
Chapter II - The Child King and The Rebel Saint
F：???:
Hmm... Well, this is pointless. We're completely different when it comes to ideology.
E：???:
–And neither one of us comes out on top if we fight.
E：???:
You're above me when it comes to being a Heroic Spirit, though–
F：???:
Since you were summoned as a Ruler class, I'm at a disadvantage.
F：???:
Well, this is a problem. We're at an impasse now.
F：???:
If that Rider would become an ally instead...
E：???:
Unfortunately, that Rider hates us both.
E：???:
Well, no.
E：???:
I don't think you're hated. Just... Maybe the Rider knows how you're going to end up in the future.
F：???:
Ouch, that stings. I personally want to grow up to be a proper person.
F：???:
–Well, if the Rider turns against me, that's fine. Can't do much about it.
E：???:
As expected from the world-renowned King of Heroes. ...I didn't think you'd be this young.
Gilgamesh (Child):
I didn't think I'd get summoned like this either.
Gilgamesh (Child):
If Servants are summoned at their peak condition, I should've shown up in such a form as well, but...
Gilgamesh (Child):
It seems this Holy Grail is bugging out. So I would like to ask you to hand it over right away.
Gilgamesh (Child):
This isn't something that a pretend holy man from the Far East should be playing with, Amakusa Shirou Tokisada.
Amakusa Shirou:
Hahaha. I can't deny that reputation of mine. But I have a dream of my own.
Amakusa Shirou:
“I have spread my dreams under your feet. Tread softly because you stroll on my dreams.”
Amakusa Shirou:
–So, unfortunately, I can't just do that.
Gilgamesh (Child):
Looks like there's no choice, then. I'm not sure when we'll settle this, but we'll have to fight–
Amakusa Shirou:
Yes. ...Looks like we'll have to get down to it.
Astolfo:
Oh. There they are! I brought a Master here!
Both:
Huh?
Amakusa Shirou:
I see, we can tell Master why we need the Grail and then let Master decide in the end.
Amakusa Shirou:
I don't think it's a bad plan. ...What do you think, King of Heroes?
Gilgamesh (Child):
Hmm... Well, I don't mind. But can you really do this without any grudges?
Amakusa Shirou:
You could say that about anything. Astolfo, what do you think?
Astolfo:
Oh, I don't need the Grail!
Astolfo:
Once summoned, it's the Servant's job to completely be loyal to their Master!
Gilgamesh (Child):
Ouch, that stings.
Gilgamesh (Child):
If one's Master is a proper Master, then that makes sense.
Amakusa Shirou:
Well, that makes it sound like you've served an “improper” Master in the past, now doesn't it?
Gilgamesh (Child):
A lot happens when you've been a Servant for a while.
Gilgamesh (Child):
Well, if Astolfo isn't going to participate, then it's just between me and him.
Gilgamesh (Child):
Then, I'll go first.
Gilgamesh (Child):
It's only natural that I would desire the Holy Grail. It is in a king's nature to wish to amass fortune.
Gilgamesh (Child):
Also, when we're talking about a Holy Grail that will grant every...well, almost every wish, we have to be very careful.
Gilgamesh (Child):
In that case, it should be a king's duty to store away such an object. It's not like there's anything I would wish at this time, anyway.
Gilgamesh (Child):
No return here, but no risk involved.
Gilgamesh (Child):
Master, given the situation here, don't you think it would be best to let me handle the Grail?
Amakusa Shirou:
I'm...not so sure about that.
Amakusa Shirou:
What Gilgamesh says is true. The Holy Grail is dangerous. However, as a neutral power, it should be used to maximum effect.
Amakusa Shirou:
...This pseudo Holy Grail isn't enough to fulfill my wish, however.
Fujimaru 1:
Wish?
Amakusa Shirou:
My wish is everlasting world peace. But with the current state of things, I'm not sure it'll make it that far.
Fujimaru 2:
Isn't enough?
Amakusa Shirou:
I'd like to wish for world peace, but unfortunately, this world is about to be incinerated.
Amakusa Shirou:
Even if the world isn't incinerated, this Holy Grail will never be able to bring about perfect world peace.
Amakusa Shirou:
...But it'd be an extreme waste just to keep this Holy Grail locked away.
Amakusa Shirou:
Fortunately, I know how the Holy Grail works. It would be best if you let me handle the Grail.
Amakusa Shirou:
What do you think, Master?
Mash:
W-What should we do, Master? They both have good points, but I'm not sure they're correct.
Mash:
I can't decide myself!
Fou:
Fou!
Dr. Roman:
Hmm... This is hard.
Dr. Roman:
I have data on the pseudo Holy Grail. It's growing, eating the magic energy around it.
Dr. Roman:
At this rate, it's going to stop being pseudo. You can't give that to a Servant you haven't contracted with...
Dr. Roman:
I feel like it'd be dangerous.
Astolfo:
So, it is dangerous then. Yeah, those two treat their Masters rather rudely.
Gilgamesh (Child):
You can't go saying that, Astolfo. I am very considerate of my Masters.
Gilgamesh (Child):
Even if my Master is a tyrant, and orders me to do the most annoying work,
Gilgamesh (Child):
I won't murder them. Nothing so immoral. Isn't that right, Amakusa Shirou?
Amakusa Shirou:
Hahaha. You're acting like you want people to think that I killed one of my Masters, I see.
Amakusa Shirou:
Unfortunately for you, I have not.
Amakusa Shirou:
I let one die before, but that was more like an unfortunate accident.
Amakusa Shirou:
I do think what I did was wrong. I won't do it again.
Both:
... ...
Amakusa Shirou:
Ahem. ...In any event, last Master in this world...
Amakusa Shirou:
Who's the most worthy of the Grail?
Gilgamesh (Child):
Me or him. Who do you pick?
Fujimaru 1:
I'll take it.
Gilgamesh (Child):
Yeah... I thought that might happen.
Gilgamesh (Child):
The second Astolfo brought you here, I thought that things might turn out this way.
Fujimaru 2:
Either is bad.
Amakusa Shirou:
That's just the way it goes. This is a Holy Grail War after all.
Gilgamesh (Child):
In that case... There's only one thing left to do.
Amakusa Shirou:
Yes, we'll work together and... ...keep Master away.
Mash:
What? That's how this is going to turn out?
Astolfo:
Of course! This is a Holy Grail War, after all!
Astolfo:
In that case, I'm on Master's side! We'll just have to see who wins...
Astolfo:
...That which rules, that which serves, or that which rebels.
--BATTLE--:
Gilgamesh (Child):
Ow... Not very adult of you to do that to a kid.
Astolfo:
You're not really a kid!
Amakusa Shirou:
Not very adult of you to do that to a clergyman...
Astolfo:
You, part of the clergy?! In any event, the Grail goes to my Master!
Gilgamesh (Child):
Huh?
Amakusa Shirou:
...This is not good. Looks like we took too much time.
Mash:
Time? What's going...
Dr. Roman:
Fujimaru, this is bad!
Dr. Roman:
It looks like the pseudo Holy Grail just summoned Shadow Servants!
Dr. Roman:
Too many variables. Approach with caution!
Chapter III - False Grail, Untouched by Heaven
Gilgamesh (Child):
Oh, well. I guess that's it for that Holy Grail.
Gilgamesh (Child):
It was fake to begin with, so maybe it was easy to infect. Should have stored it immediately.
Amakusa Shirou:
Should have put it under our control immediately. We should both think about what we did.
Astolfo:
And you two still won't admit you should have given it up. That's so typical of you two!
Gilgamesh (Child):
Umm... Fujimaru? We'd like to help, too.
Gilgamesh (Child):
I mean, no matter how you think about it, our fight was the cause of all of this.
Gilgamesh (Child):
We need to take responsibility.
Fujimaru 1:
Thanks.
Gilgamesh (Child):
Got it. I'll be helping out then!
Fujimaru 2:
Sure, thanks.
Amakusa Shirou:
Understood. Then the two of us will back you up.
Gilgamesh (Child):
Looks like it's been completely infected. Destroying it immediately will prevent any more issues, I imagine.
Dr. Roman:
I've already confirmed several Shadow Servants. It's possible it will become a Singularity if we leave it like this.
Amakusa Shirou:
I agree.
Amakusa Shirou:
It won't nearly be on the same level as the Greater Grail at Fuyuki, but it would be terrible if it was even a fraction of that.
Mash:
You know about the Greater Grail at Fuyuki?
Amakusa Shirou:
Yes. The one in a faraway, unrelated world, right? ...Well, that aside...
Amakusa Shirou:
We'll have one of us guard Fujimaru. The other two will intercept the enemy. How does that sound?
Amakusa Shirou:
We'll take out the Shadow Servants first. After that we can destroy the Holy Grail.
Astolfo:
Okay, leave it to me! In that case, Kid Gil and I will head to attack.
Astolfo:
Master, you work with Ruler, over there.
Amakusa Shirou:
Okay, thank you– It's been a while since I fought alongside someone.
Amakusa Shirou:
Unfortunately, I'm from a rather hard-to-control class, but– Please put me to good use.
--BATTLE--:
Amakusa Shirou:
I've wiped out most of them, but–
Astolfo:
Help—!
Amakusa Shirou:
...Astolfo?
Astolfo:
I am really afraid of ghosts! I am sorry, but please help meeeeeeee!
Amakusa Shirou:
...Oh, brother...
--ARROW--:
Amakusa Shirou:
Ghosts? Then our only option is to exorcise them.
Amakusa Shirou:
All I can offer is a pseudo baptism rite. But it's better than letting them continue to exist in that anguished state.
Amakusa Shirou:
–Well then, let's get going, shall we, Master?
--BATTLE--:
Amakusa Shirou:
With this, we've finished clearing out all the Shadow Servants as well–
Amakusa Shirou:
Now the problem is how to destroy this Holy Grail. Gil, do you have anything for that?
Gilgamesh (Child):
Hmm... For something like that, a sword from my treasury might do it.
Gilgamesh (Child):
–Though the real problem is figuring out what this fake Grail is trying to give birth to.
Mash:
W-What? It's trying to...give birth?
Dr. Roman:
Whoa, whoa, whoa... Huge amounts of magical energy are pouring out of that Grail! Something's coming out of it!
Dr. Roman:
Huh? You're wondering what that something is?
Dr. Roman:
I don't think it's a Demon God Pillar, but... I think it's probably something fairly equal in power to it?
Dr. Roman:
...This is a disaster!!
--ARROW--:
Amakusa Shirou:
Now then, we'll keep back this massive ghost–
Gilgamesh (Child):
I'll summon swords as needed from my Gate of Babylon and destroy it.
Gilgamesh (Child):
So cover me out there. Also, please keep out of my line of fire, okay?
Gilgamesh (Child):
Especially you, Rider.
Astolfo:
I-I've got it, all right?! Don't worry! I absolutely won't enter your line of fire!
Astolfo:
Because I have no doubt that you'd destroy me along with the target! That's what my gut's telling me!
Gilgamesh (Child):
You're absolutely correct!
Astolfo:
I'd expect nothing less from a future tyrant-king! But whatever. Okay...let's go, Hipp!
Amakusa Shirou:
Well then, I'll also be heading out to keep that creature at bay.
Amakusa Shirou:
...Master, stay between us. You can pick one of us to follow and back up.
Amakusa Shirou:
I'll be off, then. –Set!
Mash:
Master, give me your orders! I will destroy that false Holy Grail!
--BATTLE--:
Mash:
W-We beat it somehow... The massive ghost is breaking apart!
Gilgamesh (Child):
Okay, that's my cue! Now— Shatter!
Amakusa Shirou:
Well, that's that. It's over. That didn't measure up to Heaven's Feel at all.
Amakusa Shirou:
Being shattered is perhaps the most fitting end for it.
Gilgamesh (Child):
Hah, I didn't really want to own it, but just letting it break feels like a waste... Actually, no, it doesn't.
Gilgamesh (Child):
After all, it was like wings made of wax. Inferior even to the black wings of a real crow.
Astolfo:
Well, I guess that concludes this little pseudo Holy Grail War. And here I thought I'd finally get my chance to punch Amakusa Shirou!
Amakusa Shirou:
Well, you were close, anyway. But how lucky it was for us to run into a real Master in a place like this.
Amakusa Shirou:
If, someday, we are able to form a real contract between us, I hope I will be able to serve you well.
Amakusa Shirou:
I will gladly work with you to grant my own dream as well.
Astolfo:
Though, in my opinion, it's a pretty worthless dream!
Astolfo:
But, whatever.
Astolfo:
Well, if it is in our fates to meet again, good tidings to you from Astolfo of the Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne!
Astolfo:
If you'll kindly summon me, I'll give you a good, thumping shoulder rub! See you!
Gilgamesh (Child):
Well... I'd like to be summoned back again too, but I suppose this isn't really my prime form, huh?
Gilgamesh (Child):
But I think, maybe, I could be more helpful than my adult form would be?
Gilgamesh (Child):
Yes. I'd really like it if, next time, you could judge which of us is the better Servant, Master!
Gilgamesh (Child):
Well, I hope it is in our fates to meet again! Goodbye, Master.
Amakusa Shirou:
Even among us Servants, there are those with dreams and ambitions of their own. Some will betray their Masters to achieve those dreams.
Amakusa Shirou:
But the path walked by that “king” was no dream. The incineration of an era and the destruction of the world are hardly “dreams.”
Amakusa Shirou:
Thus, something inside him must be irreparably broken. ...No, perhaps there's nothing inside.
Amakusa Shirou:
There seem to be no exploitable weaknesses in his overwhelming power– Even so, perhaps I can be of service to you.
Amakusa Shirou:
Master Fujimaru. My True Name is Amakusa Shirou Tokisada.
Amakusa Shirou:
As a mediator and as a Servant, I will gladly fight by your side!