The King's Day Off

So we have taken you through almost all of Chaldea... What do you think, King Gilgamesh?

Honestly, I'm dumbfounded. Saying this is the group that will save humanity is a bold, bold claim.

Staff morale is at its absolute limit. Is this meant to be some sort of endurance contest?

Uruk was in better shape after being attacked by Gugalanna than this place is now.

Ah well, I suppose I will retract that. Forget it. I cannot imagine you wanting to be compared to THAT.

While I appreciate the wise king's thoughtful criticisms, please understand that we receive no outside help.

We've operated for an entire year with only Chaldea's own stockpile of supplies. I hope you'll take that into consideration. Besides...

...the difficult battles have almost come to an end. This next one is our last. We just have to keep going a little bit longer.

That might be fine with you, but know that life goes on even after the King of Mages is defeated.

It is the duty of the commander, who is responsible for the lives of so many others, to always be thinking of the future.

If you cannot do that, then turn command over to that Heroic Spirit over there.

Oh, are you talking about me? Oh, King Gilgamesh, how do you do?

I'm not really one of his defenders, but the acting director is doing a great job.

Chaldea could easily have been utterly destroyed when it lost its director.

But Romani was the one who helped everyone back to their feet. Had I been at the helm, well...

I may have gotten more impressive results, but we would likely have lost more people doing so.

Buuut, I do understand what Gilgamesh is getting at. Romani works too much.

Take some time to rest before our last mission. All jokes aside, the way you're going, you'll end up killing yourself from overwork.

That would be a grave situation indeed! If the Doctor collapses on us now...

Yeah, I guess there's that bit about practicing what you preach. Don't worry. I don't work THAT much.

I rest whenever I get tired, and my staff backs me up. Don't worry.

No. Since we're in Chaldea, even if his soul leaves his body, we can't ask Ereshkigal to send it back...

Overwork, huh? I think I just felt a chill. Not that such a concept has any meaning to me...

Ah, but I suppose there's always a chance... Best to be careful. You too, Romani.

It'll be fine. I don't intend on collapsing anytime soon. I'll pace myself.

？！

You know, if I'm being honest, King Gilgamesh taking a personal interest in my health is a little bit unnerving, really.

Does that mean...he considers me to be worthy?

...

Fool. The number of humans I consider to be worthy must always remain very small.

All I am saying is that you are Chaldea's Achilles' heel. Keep that in mind.

And if you cannot do something even that simple, then I have nothing else to say. I'll send you to the underworld myself.

H-hey! He's unleashing his Noble Phantasm right here in the Command Room! Even when you get more mature, you're still alarmingly childish!

Now, now. Grow up, both of you.

Why don't you rest for today, since King Gilgamesh is insisting? Fortunately, there's nothing that needs your attention right now.

...(Sigh) I suppose. Well then, I suppose I'll rest after I check for Magi☆Mari updates...

That's part of the problem! Skip the distractions part!

Yes, yes. Fine, fine. I'll go turn in for the night.

...That man's unbelievable. He cannot even manage something as simple as going to sleep.

Fine. I have an understanding of how Chaldea works, and now I shall rest. Don't bother me, mongrel.

King Gilgamesh has gone back to his room.

You did a good job showing him around today, Senpai. Will you also take a rest?

？！

That's understandable. He may not look like it, but he can be quite the handful.

He had so many questions... "What's that?" "How do you use that?" And on and on... Well, they weren't actually questions, but...

It was almost more like a test, right? It's his way of seeing how much Fujimaru knows Chaldea.

Yes. That's exactly what I thought he was trying to do. I think he was actually enjoying himself, though.

？！

Understood. I will wake you up for dinner. Good night, Senpai.

Senpai, I'm sorry for interrupting your rest, but something terrible has happened! The Doctor... The Doctor...!!!

？！

No. One of the staff members went to the Doctor's room to give him something to look over...

...but since he didn't answer, and the door was open, they went into his room. He's nowhere to be found!

The Doctor is not anywhere in Chaldea!

You're late! How long were you planning on snoozing!? Well, I did just awaken, myself...

？！

You're four thousand years too young to be worrying about my welfare! Besides, any time spent not fighting the King of Mages is time spent resting to me!

You just worry about the matter at hand. Leave worrying about the future to those with Clairvoyance.

Thank you. So, King Gilgamesh...where is the Doctor!?

Alright. Let me give you a quick briefing.

First, seven staff members mysteriously fell unconscious. The condition doesn't seem to be life-threatening, but we also can't seem to wake them.

And...Romani has disappeared from Chaldea. We even tried looking in the tea room behind the storage room.

...What's that? I was not shown this room. Well, no matter.

Are there any other clues, Da Vinci?

Apparently somebody Rayshifted to Fuyuki in 2004. So, to Singularity F.

Oh? That place somehow sounds familiar. Fuyuki... Fuyuki... It's similar to Uruk. No...that's not it.

And? Is that all you know?

Those who collapsed were analysts. That's all we know.

If we piece together what we know so far, it looks like Romani somehow rendered these staff members unconscious...

...and then Rayshifted... At least, that's what the facts seem to point to.

(Dr. Roman had the aptitude to Rayshift? We've never really verifiedno, but even if he did...)

The Doctor is not the type of person to do something like this. Are there any other possibilities, Da Vinci?

You say that, but the only other possible culprit would be me...

But I'm here, and there's no reason for me to Rayshift to Singularity F in the first place.

Strange things happen in Chaldea all the time. We need to respond swiftly even to the worst of scenarios.

？！

What's this about some detective? Have you forgotten that I'm here!?

I can solve something so trivial as this in a heartbeat. You hear me? A heartbeat!

However, even I can't see into the past. We'll need to be more proactive.

We must go to the scene of the crime ourselves, Fujimaru!

Y-yes! I will make the preparations immediately!

No, Mash. Not you. You're staying behind. A Rayshift requires an operator, yes?

The usual operators are unconscious, and so we shall need a replacement.

Luckily, we still have half of the operators. Ask them to teach you, as their kouhai.

...It will probably be useful later.

That's... But someone must protect Master during Rayshift missions!

Did I not say I was going? Or do you not trust in my strength?

I-I do! There's no need to worry with King Gilgamesh there!

Good response. It appears I will have to be careful.

Now, begin the Rayshift! We're going to head to the scene of the crime, Fujimaru!

？！

Rayshift successful. I'm glad there was an instruction manual that covered emergency procedures.

It helps that we have plenty of data on Fuyuki. But that Romani...where did he run off to?

Now then. Did he elect to do this himself, or did someone make it look like that was the case?

What do you think, Fujimaru?

？！

I see. If you are so certain, it must be true. ...Hm?

...

Bloodlust that can even be felt when using Presence Concealment. How boorish. How impudent. I suppose I should expect as much in such a hellish place.

Hah! Trying to take my measure with an attitude like that. Absolutely laughable.

Stand back, mongrel. I'm going to capture that thing and drag the information we need out of it.

...Commencing operation.

Hmph!

...

It appears you've put too much energy into concealing your identity and made yourself weak in battle.

Or have you underestimated me because I'm a Caster? Fool. I may be a mage, but never forget that I am the King of Heroes!

Fuhahaha, hahahahahahaha!

Retreat.

...Hm. Escaping the instant I let down my guard with my boisterous laughter. Such insolence. A coward who refuses to show their face is not an enemy to be taken seriously, in any case.

The enemy concealed their identity completely. We tried to analyze them from here, but...

I see. Mongrel, of the Servants you have summoned, can any conceal their own identities?

？！

Someone who can fight while remaining anonymous...Jack the Ripper would be at the top of the list.

HOW CAN THIS BE!?

What's going on!?

Sorry. I just realized that a handful of Servant readings have disappeared from Chaldea, too.

It took us some time to confirm since we're missing some of our staff...I usually make it a habit to check on the Spirit Origin graphs...

I ran a quick check, and Jack is indeed missing.

The Spirit Origin pattern still shows it's in an excited state, which means she is still summoned...

We're trying to sort out which Servants are missing. Hold on a moment, okay?

？！

Senpai, I'm picking up a Servant nearby. Please proceed with caution.

...I head out of Chaldea to hide a bit as usual, and next thing I know, I'm alone in this burning city...

Oh? Why, if it isn't Master and King Gilgamesh. What are you two doing here?

That is what I would ask you. And answer truthfully. Fail to do so and die.

Let us simply say that I wished for everyone to have an opportunity to rest.

Everyone is under orders to rest in shifts, but I wonder, can one really call it "rest" when it is made mandatory?

To be free of their distress and rest their minds... I believed that to be in their best interests.

Master... I regret to inform you of this, but...

It appears the unconscious staff members were all in contact with Paracelsus last night.

We found little medicinal satchels that read "Safe, Cutting-edge, Forward-thinking Von Hohenheim Brand" under each of their pillows...

？！

And? What exactly did you do?

The staff members were all exhausted, so I simply gave them special medicine, is all I can say...

Please rest assured. Leaving aside the question of ingredients, the medicine is both potent and effective. Until they have had adequate rest, nothing can wake them.

...Well, as to how exhausted they were...that is beyond my knowledge.

So if, for example, they were exhausted from three days of constant work, they will remain asleep for three days.

Fool! If they sleep for three straight days, they will wake up dead! What about water and nutrients!?

Yes, yes... Well, we will simply have to rely on their natural resilience...

Fine. Before we address the main problem, let us deal with this fool. Understand, mongrel?

？！

That should take care of matters. Have you learned your lesson, Hohenheim?

It...hurts...very much. So much so that I want to try my own medicine...

They were homunculi that I raised myself, but were not strong enough to compensate for my rather unremarkable fighting ability.

It pains me to use them as mere pawns...

Hm?

I'm leading you into a trap. Would you still care to accompany me?

？！

Hold it. I understand how you feel, but calm down, mongrel. There's no need to rush in like fools.

He's a Caster. Unlike the Assassin we encountered, he will be easy to track.

However, we should try to discern their intent before we do anything.

Correct. See, you can do it if you try.

...Unbelievable... So this is the level of idiocy I should expect from today's youth...

Think, mongrel. He is trying to lure us to follow him, so what is the one thing he would not want us to do?

？！

His retreat is an obvious diversion. Don't you think there is somewhere else we should be searching?

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Right. There's nothing else more valuable than that here.

Do you think that's the key in figuring out why Jack and Paracelsus are acting strange?

...

What the hell, guys? So you just came straight here? Skipped the clever diversion and everything?

Shoulda figured casting the low-energy dweeb as a decoy was a crap decision from the word go.

Anyway! Guess it's greeting time! Hiya, Master and Lord King Sparkly! Nice job getting here and stuff.

Is that...the Servant detected at the Greater Grail during the Zero incident?

His Spirit Origin isn't registered at Chaldea. What is he doing here?

Were you the one who abducted Dr. Roman?

Doctor, huh? Nope, no doctor or scientist friends here.

But that guy? Doctor Roomy...was it?

Well I've got him, obviously! Cuz I accepted that job!

Anyway, you wanna go, punks? I better warn you, though...

Eh? Warn you what, you ask? Well, I'm super weak! So don't bitch when you kill me with that first punch!

But y'know... If you kill me with one punch, you'll never find that Doctor of yours!

What!? If we just attack, we'll never get the information we want!?

That is quite the novel hostage tactic, mongrel! A Servant putting his life on the line for negotiations alone...unbelievable!

？！

Yes! I'm scanning the surrounding area right now! So please deal with this enemy, King Gilgamesh!

Oh? Is that so? Did you hear that, Avenger who even I didn't expect here? What's your next move?

Hmmm, well, I really liked the bit where you don't care if I die. Not bad.

Honestly, this was supposed to be an ambush. I was never super worried about living or dying.

As long as my words held your attention, that's all that matters.

Master!

？！

You call that a warning!? That was close! It would've been fatal had it hit anyone but me!

I suppose I'll let it go. Show yourself...third Servant!

It appears I missed my opportunity. I should have moved a heartbeat earlier for a proper surprise attack.

Or was it a matter of execution? Was our teamwork, perhaps, not so great?

Impossible... You too, Amakusa? Please tell us... What did you do the Doctor, and why?

Well, you see... Avenger, do you have something to say about this?

You're askin' me? Wasn't it something like...Operation Eradicate Chaldea, or something?

Well, that's not exactly artful, but I suppose it will do. Yes, it's exactly what he said.

It was the opportune moment...let us leave it at that.

Always vague and guarded, I see. Is this the second time we've met?

I suppose it was not ME, specifically, who met you, but our connection is engraved on my Spirit Origin.

I really must give it to you, apocryphal saint... I heard you died very easily in Uruk's jungles.

It never occurred to me that you'd have the spine to rebel. Did the ways of modern man wear on you?

Hahahaha! You may have made some valid points, but I'll leave the particulars to your imagination.

The one thing I can tell you is that I am and always will be myself, no matter where I am.

Hey! Now that your surprise attack failed, hurry up and get this over with. Our opponent's not the type to be convinced in conversation.

Besides, these two are used to hearing your speechifying.

Anyway, it's just one dinky Caster. Instead of wasting your energy talking, how about you just kick his ass?

Fine. I'll bite, Avenger.

This magical staff is another of my precious treasures. I'm going to give you a taste of its power!

Yeowch! That REALLY stings! Hurts like hell, but you didn't kill me, King of Heroes!

Now brace for this! It's time for the Avenger's grudge...a curse that doubles the pain you caused and returns it to you!

Avesta's reversal, is it? How dare you... I won't let you!

Ha!

Tch! Impudent...! But it was a good shot!

I imagine your battle at Fuuma's side was quite the sight to behold. And yet, you were still defeated.

Perhaps you met some terrible monster? Was your enemy a beast beyond your imagination?

Yes. I can never look at a leopard again. That Servant defeated me utterly.

But what about you? You have the same sort of priorities and manner of thinking as I do...

...so I understand your train of thought. And if I know what you are thinking, I can find an opening.

Hmph. It appears that rationality and cool-headedness of yours went out the window in that jungle. It's all well and good to be reasonable in your analyses.

But you are not strong enough to take initiative! You are what they call a pushover!

I will crush you both!

By my order, ready the arrows! Use my treasures to show them the power that protects Uruk! My resolve shall flood the earth...

Yes, I know. And I am going into this battle with every awareness...

Hm!

？！

Calm yourself! He's taken his turn, so now we're on a level field. Now it is your turn!

...!

Oof, you went THERE?

Well, Super Amakusa's Noble Phantasm is super strong... I don't wanna die to the splash damage!

Well, my only target is Gilgamesh. You, on the other hand, will be spared...!

Aw man...! Ouch! Even Gandr hurts!!!

So you managed to stop his Verg Avesta... A wise decision, as I would expect from my Master.

His curse returns attacks much stronger to its victim. Had it not been stopped, the King of Heroes surely would have fallen, but...

...what about after that? My Noble Phantasm will hit the King of Heroes before he can act.

Allow me to demonstrate. Heaven's Feel, activate. Bring an end to all things...

？！

Hah! I can't stop laughing! Forget about me! You have underestimated my treasures!

Even if I can't move, my treasures know and enact my will! Take this...Melammu Din

Hey, hey, HEY! What are you all doing out there!?!?!?

？！

Romani just barged in... We actually don't know what's going on ourselves...

Where the heck were you all this time?

Where? Actually, I was wondering what's going on here...

I was just taking a nap in my room...for about four hours...

I had a really great dream...but a nap shouldn't make me a missing person or anything!

That's a lie! You didn't show up on the surveillance cameras in your room!

...Phew. It looks like we can end our battle here now that Dr. Roman is awake.

Guess so. Saintly here is awfully quick to throw in the towel. Ain't it a shame that you were THIS close to taking him down?

Welp, guess I better just disappear.

Ahhh...but it was my chance to kill something that resembled a human...didn't matter who it was...

...Hmph. Does Merlin think I'll be grateful? I can't believe he'd stop this at the moment I was in mortal peril!

No matter. If he woke up, there's no reason for us to remain here.

We can talk more when we get back to Chaldea. Mash, prepare to Rayshift us back.

(Sigh) I hope you know Rayshifting isn't free...

Fine. I still don't understand the situation, but prepare for their return. Da Vinci, Mash, help me out.

Please do not forget to collect Jack the Ripper and Paracelsus, too.

And Jack in particular listened to us very well, so please take especially good care of her later.

Let me get straight to the point. This whole crisis was, in actuality, a drill. Everything happened according to my design and guidance.

I made it look like Romani left Chaldea by Rayshifting, made the staff members fall asleep...

...and arranged for three Servants to act as enemies.

O-okay. Um, why would you do such a thing?

After touring Chaldea with Fujimaru, I got the general grasp of Chaldea's vulnerability.

I have tons of things to point out, but the biggest issue is the humans.

This place's operation is dependent on each individual's skills. The organization would collapse the moment someone goes out of commission.

And while everyone seems to know this, there has never been any countermeasure of contingency in place.

A solution...well, it may be difficult to find one until humanity is restored since there is presently no way to replenish lost personnel.

So plans must be made to prepare for even the worst case scenarios.

Consequently, I anticipated certain possible crises.

The King of Mages could attack Chaldea directly, for instance. So this was to prepare for such an eventuality as well.

？！

Hey, hey Mr. King. What about my reward?

Just a moment longer. I have never failed to reward those who deserve it. The longer you wait, the greater your joy will be when you receive your reward.

Okay! Don't forget Nursery's gift too!

Now then. While the scenario did not quite go as planned, you all worked hard. You were like organs in a body compensating for other, missing organs.

Seeing how this has gone, even those who have fallen asleep may wake up and drift back off from sheer ease of mind.

And what about Paracelsus's medicine...?

I would like to reiterate that this medicine simply makes people sleep until they are rested.

A single dose should have no significant side effects.

I have prepared a stimulant, but that appears to be unnecessary. Everybody should awaken shortly.

But what you said in the Singularity was more than a little disturbing...

I was only speaking of the effects of an overdose.

This may have only been an exercise, but I would never lie to Fujimaru.

...Well, if you don't believe me, I suppose I am to blame for that. Try not to dwell on it too much...

I selected those who had the highest probability of turning on you. I wanted to test you all to see how you would react to the situation.

But you all managed to determine the cause of the issue and successfully executed a Rayshift. Even with some hiccups on the way, you all still pass.

So that's what happened...now I see the big picture.

I understand your concern, but don't you think you went a little overboard with all this?

What would you have done if the King of Mages had actually attacked during this drill?

I planned that part as well. Had there been an actual emergency, I arranged it so that everything would return to its appropriate place.

You fell asleep and no one was able to find you because Merlin assisted me.

I knew it! That no-good Caster would definitely do something like that with a big smile on his face!

After all, the Illusion power of that swindling mage can fool humans AND electronic devices! He'd have no trouble tricking our cameras!

But Chaldea wasn't the only thing that I tested during this drill. Mongrel...

...how could you not anticipate a situation where one of your Servants betrayed you? You're unbelievably naive and soft-hearted.

？！

...I see. It seems I am the fool for once.

There's no sense trying to convince an idiot. And I suppose that makes me an idiot today for failing to consider that.

What are you talking about, King Gilgamesh? This is Chaldea...humanity's final stronghold.

Infighting and backstabbing...those are concerns for after humanity is restored.

Whether we are human or Heroic Spirit, everyone has assembled here for the same single goal.

...I suppose that is true. If it wasn't, I wouldn't be here, either...

Fine. Forget betrayals. The rest...well, we shall see...

By the way, mongrel. I quite enjoyed watching your reactions to all this.

While far from ideal, your decisions were fascinating. Reflect back on your responses here later.

Sooo...it sounds like I was the one who benefitted most from this? Not only did I get ample rest, but I had the best dream...

In my dream, Magi☆Mari did...ahh, nonono. Better if I keep that secret.

Quit your daydreaming. You're making it sound like I did all this for you.

Oh, you didn't? This was actually the first time I had a different dream from my usual one...

...Hmph. I'm going to sleep. Wake me up if something happens. No, don't bother. I'll wake up on my own.

Annnd, he left angry... Well, I'm sure he'll be in a good mood again soon.

That king has a lot on his mind. He's not one to dwell on one single thing for too long.

But anyway...I'm sorry, everyone.

If I were more dependable, I'd have woken up earlier...

It's fine. It's good that you got enough sleep for a change. And we realized how much we value you.

Yes. We wouldn't know what to do without you, Doctor. You're the one who's pulled everything together and led Chaldea this far.

？！

Yeah, of course. We've all been fighting to reclaim our future.

I know I caused you all trouble this time, but I still want to thank you. Thanks. I feel like I slept well.

？！

Uh...n-no...of course...not... Well, maybe just a little...

Anyway! We need to finish up our work for the day!

It's almost dinnertime. Let's get our work wrapped up, and then all go to the cafeteria together!