Ambivalent States

As usual, it seems enemies are gathering at the Leyline. Let's clean them up.

I'll set up the summoning circle now.

Yes, nice work as always. I'm glad you managed to establish the base safely.

Now then. I suppose today's story should be about the United States of America?

Although... I don't have much relation to that nation at all...

Besides, what kind of fool would put a code in their own self-portrait?

Do you know how it feels to have something like that pushed onto you? Do you?

Anyway, setting that aside...

The phrase "e pluribus unum" is their national motto, meaning "out of many, one."

But that is the contradiction.

To unite many into a single entity, the many must lose their individuality.

They claim to be rationalism incarnate, yet act as champions of justice.

They strive to be the strongest in the world, yet believe in a god.

The nation of America is the embodiment of contradictory tendencies in humans.

And for that reason, their nation has no connection whatsoever to monsters or Magecraft.

While they may all reach for the same unattainable stars, their approaches are fundamentally different.

But having no connection doesn't mean one has no knowledge.

A Holy Grail War may have occurred, even in this nation. But that would be in a different world, a faraway world

...That's about it for today's lesson, I think. The summoning circle is established, after all.

Anyway, ciao everyone♪ Do your best as always!

...Hm, night falls quickly. We should rest soon.

It'd be one thing if we were all Servants, but we have a Master with us. Plus one of us is wounded.

I'm fine! Oww...

I fully understand your condition. Please stop trying to act tough.

H-Hey! Stop trying to gouge my wounds! Fine, I got it. I want to rest, I really do!

Hm, that's fine I suppose. Hey, Greenie, lend me that towel.

I told you, this isn't a towel! It's my Noble Phantasm! It's not something to sit your ass on!

Haah. You're so stingy. I can tell how you were raised, you know?

I don't need to be told by some exploitative aristocrat!

There are silent ways to laugh!

You're always laughing out loud, though. Geez...

Night gets cold, so I'll gather firewood now. Sound okay?

Yes, we aren't within their sphere of influence yet. It would be a problem if Fujimaru freezes to death.

Okay. Robin, help me out.

I'll go sing for a bit. One needs to keep practicing, no matter the time.

That's both the fate and duty of an idol. Also, a life of an idol. Oh, and hope of an idol.

Hmm, well said. I won't lose either!

The necrosis in your heart is starting to spread faster. I can still keep you alive for a few days, but

After that, I can't make any promises.

I understand. Just let me rest for now.

I'll inject a double dose of painkillers. That should help.

No, I won't stay conscious without the pain. I need to be able to move, if the time comes...

Then I'll give you the normal dose. Just be prepared for intense pain.

I know. This is a punishment that I must accept.

...Punishment?

I suffered an unsightly defeat to Cú Chulainn. Not only that, but to save me

Many people were sacrificed. Therefore, this is my punishment.

...Are idiots allowed to become kings in India?

What?

In what world would people, after risking their lives to save someone, be happy to see that person suffer?

The people who saved you surely wished for your safety, and for your good health.

Uh...

All too foolish. Recover from your wounds, and fight to honor those who saved you.

That is the best, and only, thing you can do for them.

...Thanks for the advice.

That's a nurse's duty.

...Ah, Master. The stars are beautiful, aren't they?

？！

Yes, a primal landscape. A place where it's hard for people to survive, where only beasts are allowed to live.

How long do you need to devote to something for a nation to be born hereI can't even begin to imagine.

Countless people, resources, blood and sweat. The culmination of humanity's efforts that transcends good and evil.

...No matter how much I thought about it in Chaldea, I couldn't understand... But I'm starting to see now.

It's all because of you. Thank you very much.

？！

Fou!

What is it, Fou?

Don't run, Fou! Just sit still, and let me brush you!

Fou, fou fou!

You're being threatened, Nero.

Hmph, too bad. By the way, Geronimo was calling for you.

He wanted to talk about our plans going forward... Hm?

Night is their time. Call for everyone. Let's fight back!

We're currently in the western region of North America. The Celtic warriors seem to mainly be coming from the East.

American army bases and cities have fallen one after another.

While most of them massacre men and women of all ages, some Servants seem to allow non-combatants to escape.

It's fine to be an honorable Servant, but those that escaped are going to die sooner or later regardless.

The East is almost completely occupied. And... This is the most important part...

They're using Washington as their base. In other words, the original capital.

Are you sure of that?

It's information from a man who escaped from Washington, but I have no proof.

...Still, if you don't mind hearing my personal intuition, I believe this is the enemy's main stronghold.

Why is that?

When seeking to humiliate a nation, the most effective method is to occupy their capital.

On the other hand, the United Western States led by Edison has been actively accepting refugees from the East.

He makes them work in mechanized infantry factories, and diligently makes improvements each day.

He is accompanied by Helena Blavatsky, with whom he was also friends in life

As well as one of the most powerful beings in Indian mythology, the "Hero of Benefaction" Karna, from the Mahabharata.

Blavatsky may be obvious, but it's unknown why Karna would have taken his side...

Regardless, those three and their mechanized infantry seem to be compensating for their lack of Servants.

Now, assuming that Washington is the enemy strongholdthe question is, what should we do next?

I know! Can't we wait for them to destroy each other?

That would be difficult.

Since the Celts possess the Grail, Edison's army can't close the military power gap regardless of the improvements he's made.

If anything, it's the chaotic nature of the current situation that allows small forces like us to move around freely.

That's true. Never mind!

Most of us rallying here on this occasion are heroes, but not really heroes.

An outlaw, an outcast, a lone wolf. ...That's the type of folk we are.

Given the chance, they will exploit that weakness of ours. So there's only one way to win.

We must search for specific Servants, and eliminate them.

As I thought, our only option is assassination. We'll infiltrate their base and take out the Servants.

Um... Is that really okay? There's more than one of them, right?

You're correct, dragon girl.

The capital has the toughest defense in a nation. It would be difficult for even an Assassin to infiltrate and assassinate someone.

Normally, at least.

Which means?

...Celtic warriors are extremely belligerent.

Also, considering the haphazard nature of their invasions, it's obvious they simply do as they please.

In other words

...The Celtic warriors won't place any emphasis on defending the capital?

That's my speculation. They simply see a fortress as a place to live, and not a place to defend.

They stress about how strong their warriors ought to be Their society values individuals more than the whole.

Ah, I get it. Rather than build up a castle's defenses, they think they can rely on their own strength.

That's the opposite of Edison, who believes in uniformity and strength in numbers. No wonder their castle is shorthanded.

Yeah. However, this is a gamble.

We have no way to defend the West. We must gamble since the difference in military strength is overwhelming.

Hmm, I guess this really is the bottom of the barrel.

I don't like it, but I doubt there's a better plan than this.

I got no problem with this plan.

No matter how slim it may be, I will take any chance I can get. An all-or-nothing gamble scares me.

Lancer and I don't mind, either.

Right. We're really busy, so the sooner it ends the better.

Medical treatment is pointless if it doesn't address the source. If Washington is the lesion, it must be cut out.

...However, we should prioritize treatment of this patient first.

I'm fine... Or so I'd like to say, but I'm useless when it comes to assassination. I'll only slow you down.

Yes, exactly. That's why I want to split our force into two.

One group will go with Nightingale in pursuit of the Servant Sita, who has ties to Rama, for his treatment.

The other will infiltrate the East, and carry out the assassination.

...The assassination mission is dangerous, there's a high chance of failure. We must avoid clumping up and getting wiped out.

Personally, I'd like Mash and Fujimaru to accompany Nightingale and Rama.

What do you think?

Us?

Yes. To put it one way... You're our ace in the hole. Literally, our trump card.

If all goes well and we eliminate the enemy, that's fine. If we can't, the rest is in your hands.

...Senpai? I'll leave the decision up to the Master.

？！

Very well, I'll leave it to you. Now, in terms of balance... I'd like at least one more Servant to go along with you.

...Hm, okay. Lancer... No, Elisabeth. You should go with them.

Huh? Why me? We're not going together?

Umu. While I'd love to see whose song is better... We can't exactly sing loudly during an assassination mission.

That would be boring.

That's why when we meet again, we'll make a big stage. They'll be the judges, and we'll finally settle things.

To see who the true idol is!

Ugh... How splendid! A once-in-a-lifetime performance! I'd expect no less from my rival. You think BIG!

？！

...Let's just pretend we didn't hear that.

But in that case, shouldn't you go with the Master instead of me, Nero? Can you handle something as complicated as an assassination?

Hehehe, sorry to disappoint you, but I'm more fitted for assassination. ...Why, you ask?

I'm Nero Claudius. I'm a veteran of both assassinating and being assassinated!

Life as emperor is filled with conspiracies. Kill or be killed, poison or be poisoned. It's filled with gory details.

...Umu. I feel sad just saying that... Either way, there's no one more suited for assassination than me!

Ahem... Go on, feel free to applaud. Applaud.

That's not something to brag about, Your Majesty.

I know. Even I'm not even really trying to brag.

But with my "Imperial Privilege," I can mimic an Assassin for a while.

There's also another very important reason.

Important...reason?

What could that be...

Umu. Well you see... Rama and I are way too similar!

That's all!?

What do you mean, that's all? It's important not to have overlapping characteristics!

...In that case, we can't help it. That's a fatal issue for any group, after all...

It's really that important? So much so that you accepted it instantly!?

Hey, Fujimaru. I'm really confused here!

You say that, but...

Okay, settle down a bit, patient.

Owwww!

Fujimaru, you too? So characteristic overlap...is really that important...

？！

Anyway, it's fine. You'd better get that assassination done, Nero.

That goes without saying. Just leave it to me. It's like a secret live performance.

That settles it, then. Myself, Robin, Billy, and Nero...

Our team will head to the East for the assassinations. And

Nightingale, Rama, Mash, Elisabeth, and Master Fujimaru...

Your team will head to Alcatraz Island to rescue Sita. Any issues with that, Master?

？！

Of course. Very well, we'll depart tomorrow morning.

I'll give you a communication device. We can use it to decide where to rendezvous afterwards.

Sure. Now rest up and prepare for tomorrow.

Particularly you, Master. You need to head back west. Make sure you eat something and sleep well tonight.

We'll be heading to the East now.

Yes, and we'll head to Alcatraz Island.

I'm sure there are Celtic Servants posted at Alcatraz Island as well. Be careful.

Yes. You too, Geronimo.

Master. Our time together was short, but enjoyable. I pray for success on your end.

？！

Hm, I suppose I do sound like that. ...Don't worry, we'll meet again.

Hey, Master. Don't worry, this will be quick.

Just sit tight and wait for the good news! ...Just kidding.

Take care of the little princess here, Master.

Hey, it should be the other way around! I'm going to take care of these guys.

Yeah, yeah. ...Anyway, time to get to work.

Umu. Fujimaru, watch over Lancer for me.

Hey, you too, Saber? That's so rude.

Ahahahaha. Forgive me, Lancer.

Listen, Saber. This is a promise. When you come back, we'll settle who number one is

I know. We'll have a showdown, fair and square, and see who's more worthy of the audience's applause!

I'll show you my true strength when that time comes! It's mind-blowing, by the way!

So she's been holding back all this time? Now that's a scary thought.

Yes, go and kill them all, Saber. We still have that collaboration between Golden Theater and Castle Csejte to do.

Umu, leave everything to me!

Well, let's get moving.

Umu. It was a quick farewell, but I have no regrets. Now, to finish our tasks.

...We're not going to our deaths, Nero.

I'm aware of that. But I also know how dangerous assassination plots can be.

We're infiltrating deep into enemy lines. Prioritizing our own survival reduces the chance of success.

Hey, are you planning to...

Say nothing more. It would be insensitive of you, Archer... I mean, Robin Hood.

I intend to survive. My stubbornness is second to none, after all!

That's true. I don't intend to die, either. Let's just do our best.

Hey, Geronimo.

What?

I'm an American, so it's fine, but... You're a proud Apache, right?

Is it really okay? Saving this nation, I mean.

You're still saying that? If this nation isn't saved, we won't be saved, either.

...Besides, the idea of America owing me a debt is pleasant.

Even if all is lost and forgotten once the world corrects itself.

There's no need for you to feel any sort of guilt.

...I see. Then I'll go with that.

I just hope this assassination goes well.

Indeed...

Ugh...

...Master. It seems he's finally approaching his limit.

Please try to make haste. If not, I may be forced to amputate the patient's limbs...

Anything but that. Haha, I need to show some willpower...

This patient's display of toughness is praise-worthy. An ordinary person would have broken mentally already.

I can't die until I meet my wife. That is my duty, as the king of Kosala.

...At least, that's what I tried to do. But she ended up being harmed for that reason.

Right, according to the Ramayana, you suspected your wife of infidelity, and tested her twice.

Seriously? No wonder she got mad at you.

...No, I never suspected my wife of infidelity. But that wasn't enough to appease the people.

The first ceremony should have removed all doubt... But the people continued to suspect her.

...You trusted her, right?

I did. However, I still exiled her. I had no choice.

What the...

Isn't that the same as suspecting her?

That's right! You're the worst! Simply the worst!

U-Um, both of you, calm down... He's injured.

...No, they're right. I truly am the worst.

Self-protection, embarrassment, fear... As one ages, various things intertwine, and tie you down.

This truth is evident from my being summoned as a youth. Back during this time, all I felt for Sita was love.

You could say that was my peak condition... Back when that was enough for me.

...Then you must endure, until you meet your love once again. If you truly love her, you must prove it.

If not, it would be the same as if you didn't love her. Some things must be said to truly be understood.

I understand that. Now, let's hurry. I'm still fine.

We should hurry, Master.

Right. At the very least, this lady Sita needs to give this man a good slap across the face.

If it comes down to it, I could even lend her my microphone!

Haha, that sounds painful. ...Hm? Master, there seems to be enemies about.

That's right. I've detected enemies. They're Celt warriors, but their numbers are few.

Understood. Let's go, Master!

Now, let's hurry onwards. No stops until Alcatraz.