The World that She Sees

From time to time...

From time to time, I wonder: do I fully comprehend the macrocosm of the three principles?

My theory that the universe corresponds to the anatomy of the human body...

Am I correct in this? If not, then my entire operating paradigm has been incorrect all this time.

...Yep. You're right.

Although, such a thing can only be considered to be the world's truth.

As one who would know the Swirl of the Root, my idiotic agony must sound so trivial right now.

...Yes. I'm sure that is true.

I'm not sure myself, but I sense Mahatma from your words.

That's why I'm rooting for you. Good luck, Paracelsus!

Thank you very much, Helena Blavatsky. You're brilliant.

You know the phrase "protection of the Buddha"? That's why I'm here...

I'm sure you're under such protection too. Probably. In fact, I'd say it's thanks to this protection that Chaldea still exists!

Even in the face of the Incineration of Humanity, we survived!

That's why the Buddha is amazing. My master was especially amazing.

Not only am I able to borrow their palm heel, but they see and know everything. Beyond amazing, really.

The compassionate and merciful Kannon is also beyond amazing. I've never seen anyone with more to offer.

Yesterday, today, and even tomorrow... The protection of the Buddha is forever!

But you know, Wukong and Bajie didn't quite get it.

...Oh really?

Right after their vows, they went straight for some meat! In an instant! In a heartbeat!

Wukong would say things like, "May the protection of the Buddha reach even my stomach!" That's not right! No!

Uh-huh. I see.

In many sects of Buddhism, the clergy is forbidden from eating meat, right?

But then these disciples break such precepts immediately. Beyond annoying.

On the other hand, I see that you are faithful to the Enlightened One's teachings, and I sense a high Mahatma from you. Good luck!

Hee hee. You think so? Okay. Let us both devote our lives to our faiths!

？！

Hello, Senpai. I've been watching as you puzzled over this, but...

I honestly don't know what she means when she says that.

I do know that Mahatma was supposedly an existence of some kind that Helena mentioned often in her life.

A spiritual existence of high order. They apparently imparted wisdom and truth through documents.

And priestess figures who received such documents supposedly included Helena herself.

...Details about Mahatma and their true form are a mystery. There is no mention about them in Chaldea's database, at least.

Helena doesn't offer much in the way of detail on the subject, either.

？！

...Hm? You called?

Oh. Hello, Helena.

How do you do, Mash, Fujimaru? Do you two want to know about Mahatma?

Though you know... Hm... What shall I do? I could have you read my book about it. But, hmmm...

"The Secret Doctrine" is a book of mysteries that covers ancient and modern science and theology.

That voice...

Hey. Who's there?

It's an important book, and serves as the foundation of modern occultism, but it's not the sort of work we mages should use.

...Sorry for the intrusion. I just heard a familiar title and couldn't help but respond.

So you've read my book! Does that mean you feel Mahatma too?

Of course I've read it. I see. So you're THE Helena Blavatsky.

I had hoped to meet and speak to you. Miss, would you spare me some time?

Of course! I get it! You're a fan of mine!

(You're right, Senpai. It seems like they are getting along!)

(Perhaps. I'm not sure if I can keep up...)

？！

What intrigues me is that much what you've said seems to contradict the teachings of Theosophy as a field.

Theosophy as a field involves study and exploration. Its pursuit of the truth of the world and gods is similar to what we mages do...

But it is still just an academic field. It's not that Theosophy is similar to mages...

But rather that mages are simply academics.

Yet...

Yet, you practice magecraft. Even while you speak of Mahatma and the Hierarchy...

You cast a variety of spells, using the archaic magecraft foundation that Theosophy claims does not exist.

Eh? Y-you're right. I do not feel Mahatma from that as much.

？！

(Yes, this is a bit different for her...)

...What exactly do your beliefs cover?

Don't you think that the Theosophy that you speak of is making a mockery of the actual modern Theosophy?

Unless...instead of Theosophy, it's your own talents you are mocking...

...

...

U-unnnngh. When you say it that way...

It's true that I was the one who spread Theosophy to the modern world, but in broader terms, it was like a new kind of Platonism or Gnosticism...

It included many things from the past, and in this case, it included Paracelsus's books too...

I guess you can say it's my philosophy. But... But...

The teachings really expanded during Adyarism or Yeats's time...

...In other words...

AFTER I DIED!

M-my apologies. I did not intend to anger you.

You dummy! Why you... Why you...! Lord El-Melloi II's a stupidhead!!!

Stop tormenting me like the SPR!!! Waaaahh!!!

N-no, I had no intention to...

Waaaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!

S-Senpai! The usually kind and mature Helena...is throwing a childlike tantrum!

You may be right. Helena is normally the one to calm Edison and Tesla down...

Senpai!

？！

Hm, what's going on, teacher? Did you make a woman angry?

I never knew teacher was such a lady-killer. Yeah... I'm curious about how you'll handle this.

No, I... Hm? What's that dark shadow behind you?

Oh this? It caught me back there. I thought I got away, but it looks like it followed me here.

IS...KANDAR!!!

It is, and now I sense danger!

Me too!

？！

... (Gasp!?)

Wh-what is the meaning of this!? I can't believe you got so many people on your side! Explain yourself, Lord El-Melloi II!!!

Well then, that means I'll have to...

Um, no, please don't misunderstand, Lady Blavatsky. Please wait. That giant Servant is not on my side...

Thanks for calling me a lady. But too late. I've started up the Simulator.

Come at me, Lord El-Melloi II! You too, Alex and Mister Darius III!

You're all going to get a taste of the power of Mahatma! Brace yourselves!!!

Fujimaru and Mash! You're on my side! Got it!?

？！

LET'S. GO!

...Lemuria slumbers in the seas! The Hierarchy graces the skies! And...

And I! In the name of Mahatma... I'm going to let off steam!

Wait, wait! Let off steam!?

Simulation battle, completed! For the time being, Helena wins...

But it seemed pretty clear that El-Melloi II was attempting to throw the match...

...I am too.

Y-yes you're right. I like your thinking, Senpai...

？！

(Sigh) ...I'm no good.

I vowed to be nice, but sometimes I can't help but explode like that.

Especially when I think of the time when the SPR called me a fraud.

I'm sorry I gave in to my emotions, Mister. I'm embarrassed to face Mahatma.

No, I...

Hey, did you just say Mahatma, the great teacher? Do you know Mahatma?

Eh?

Eh...

???

...Wait. Are you telling us that you know what Mahatma is?

Well, yeah?

？！

(Y-yes, Senpai... Even though Alexander talks like he's familiar with it...)

(Do you really believe Alexander knows what Mahatma is, when even El-Melloi II isn't sure himself?)

(Although, Alexander did learn from Aristotle in Mieza...so it may be possible?)

(Or perhaps, like Helena, he had a gifted mage nearby...)

Seriously!? You know!? Of Mahatma!?

Yep. I do.

Oh my! That's amazing! Well I...do sense strong Mahatma!!

(...Is it over?)

(Hm. It would appear to be.)

(Yes, indeed it is over. She's laughing. It appears our dear Helena is in a good mood now.)

(Whew...even I thought the worst this time around.)

(I was worried that fancy suit here triggered her by bringing up the times she was called a fraud, but it seems my fears were unfounded.)

(Yes. I thought the dimwit here complained about Helena's moving lab again. Evidently I was mistaken.)

What did you say!?

Say that again, fool!

(Oops...shhh...)

You are right.

It is not unusual for each mage to have their own unique usage of odd words and phrases.

For example, I use terms like "prima materia," "transmutation product," and "quinta essentia."

In the world of alchemy, especially during my time, these words were not unique...

...but not all mages use them. Come to think of it, I believe the first founders of the Clock Tower likely used different terms.

That's why this is probably the same for her.

First off, there is no doubting her genius. Such people are generally misunderstood by the common masses.

The Mahatma that she speaks of...and what that means...

In order to truly understand, one would need to be on the same level as her.

Oh, and by the way, Master...

Apropos of nothing, I just happened to prepare an elixir...

It temporarily strengthens the limbic system, the cerebral nerves, and even magical circuits.

Would you like a sip?

？！

...

...You right there. Yes, you.

Theosophy, was it? If that magecraft is what its name suggests, it must be a study of godly wisdom.

It must be something that didn't originate in the Age of Gods, so I don't expect anything grandiose...

But I don't mind it, Helena Blavatsky. I have a certain interest in those who strive to reach the gods.

...Yes. Thank you, Medea.

My magecraft was given to me by Hekate. Calling them similar is probably off the mark.

But I do believe it's closer than that of modern mages. I sense yours is not obsessed with reaching the Root.

...Um...

Y-yes. Yep. You're probably right. I do feel Mahatma from

...

No, I'm sorry. Let me be honest with you, Medea.

...?

The Mahatma and Hierarchy that I have been sensing until today...

I am not sure whether they are the same beings as the gods of the Age of Gods.

I personally believe that true Mahatmas are the supernatural beings who have reached the Swirl of the Root, or at least have come in contact with the Root.

Whether it would be appropriate to call them gods is something that I honestly cannot determine.

...

Hmm... I'm not experienced enough to recognize Mahatma and Divine Spirits properly.

But... But... There's one thing I know for sure.

Hekate. The Goddess Hekate...

Possessing Authority over the earth, the sea, and the sky, who offered many blessings to those who prayed to her...

I think she is one of the most distinguished deities in Greek mythology!

Seriously. From the bottom of heart. I sense tons of Mahatma!

Heh. You make me blush.

For you to honestly admit your own inexperience and foolishness is proof of your growth.

Helena Blavatsky. Let me grant you the gift of words.

The wisdom of the gods... A small shard just for you.