The Fellowship

Now, everyone, have a seat! We're gonna brainstorm, guys!

Yes, teacher! Me, me!

Yes, Elisabeth. What is it?

We invade, and beat them up. That's our only choice!

That's... Completely denied!!

Whyyyyyyy!?

...I know! How about we sing to heal their souls?

DENIED!

Whyyyyyyy!?

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I-I see. Then I suppose there's nothing we can do.

One needs knowledge to understand music, too. If they don't have that, there's nothing I can do.

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Right, if death metal was What'd you just say, little Puppy!?

Idols! My genre of choice is a cutesy pop idol song, you know?

This is what's known as "letting 100 schools of thought contend," yes? Anyway, all of you, please reassess the current situation.

Here's a map. The Celts occupy the eastern half of North America.

They'll ultimately invade us from two routes, north and south. They're currently making the preparations to do so.

If we were to invade, we would leave one side exposed. They'd overwhelm us, and we'd lose.

Based on data obtained so far, losing too much land will likely be the condition for defeat in this war.

So I presume.

The connection to the era is fragile enough as is, it will sever more as the Celts expand their area of dominance.

In time, this era will no longer withstand its separation from reality...and it will "die."

So, even if we do invade, we have to make sure they don't take any more of our current territory.

...That's how it was... Then the fact that I increased the number of troops and pushed back the front line as a stopgap measure...

Ended up saving this nation, yes. The patient was continuously losing stamina, but you protected its heart.

Yes... Yes!

But, that was also your limit. You slightly pushed back the front line, but it won't be long before it falls.

Servants will likely be commanding the invading army.

At this rate...the mechanized infantry won't stand a chance, and they'll continue to branch out.

But that was then, right? Now we have a bunch of Servants!

Well, there is some truth to what Eli-Eli is saying. Hmm... Let's first look at our opponents' strength

Queen Medb, Cú Chulainn, Beowulf, Arjuna...

We may outnumber them, but they have some of the world's greatest heroes on their side... Not just Celtic ones.

Add to that the Celtic soldiers, who can overwhelm even Servants if there are enough.

And don't forget the monsters and Shadow Servants they pull into the confusion.

To top it off, they can reproduce indefinitely. Can we defeat them? I can't. Totally impossible.

Mmm, hmm... I could keep up at full strength, but

Defeat? That I cannot guarantee.

Even if we were to just go after the Servants... I mean, I'll do it if you ask me to.

I'd be beaten to a pulp if it's one-on-one. If only there was someone else to help...

Hmm...

...Mmm...

Now, then...

This isn't good... The discussion is coming to a halt. How about we move our bodies a little bit?

Fujimaru! You should take this opportunity to join us!

This is a virtual skirmish I invented. It's only slightly dangerous!

Physical activity relaxes the mind, but in the end, there are only two ways to go about this.

Is one of them... assassination?

A select few will go to Washington D.C., and assassinate Queen Medb.

That should prevent any further increase in Celtic soldiers. We can turn this into a fight between Servants.

But Medb is extremely cautious.

Once she senses Servants, she will likely bring all her Servants back at once.

To be honest, she's already survived one assassination attempt. I would expect her to be even more cautious.

That really hits home.

Painfully true. What do you think, Chief Nurse Nightingale? Quite the pickle, isn't it?

...I shall leave military problems of this sort to you. I am just a nurse.

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I'm telling you that I'm useless. Sheesh...

If an ambush is impossible, we fight them head-on. That's about all I can think up right now.

Hmm... Actually, Nightingale's suggestion is probably the most realistic one.

Meaning?

We place mechanized infantry and Servants both to the north and south.

Of the two armies, one simply needs to hold its ground. Meanwhile, the main army will rush towards the capital.

...What do you say, Scáthach?

That's right. There are several Servants here.

Some Servants are powerful enough to rival the enemy, myself included. However, there aren't enough for "two even armies."

But if we concentrate forces into one army, the other will crumble, and the enemy will occupy America.

All types of balance must be considered when forming the North and South armies.

Now, how to handle it...

What, that's actually quite simple!

Mmm?

Come on, little Puppy over there! Don't just stand around, you pick the parties!

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Naturally. You fought alongside Servants in France, Rome, and all sorts of other places, right?

No other Master in the world is as familiar with Servants as you are.

If you choose the teams, I can trust those decisions!

Oh, Eli-Eli has a point.

Can you stop calling me Eli-Eli!?

Hmm, it's just like Elisabeth says. If Master selects the parties, I will be all right with it.

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No problem. Just think of a team of Servants by tomorrow.

In the meantime, Edison and his team should prepare for the final battle.

Sounds like a plan. Start up the comms! Inform all units immediately!

...Senpai. It's a lot of responsibility, but we're counting on you.

Sleep on it for a day, if you need to. I believe you've got it in you!

Taking a walk at this hour?

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...This is also some sort of fate. I shall accompany you.

...Edison's wounds are healed. His responsibilities as King of America should've been lessened.

Or perhaps the obsessions of past presidents had been possessing him.

There is a chance for a poor prognosis, so I need to continue monitoring him...

One illness left. I only hope then the world will be healed.

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I have no intention of putting you under any pressure. I hope you don't misunderstand.

Normally, it's insane to have just one person bear the responsibilities of stopping world destruction.

That is indeed a dire move. Only the insane could withstand the pressure.

Like I once was. ...But you are different.

You must remain steadfast and assign us to our posts.

I trust you. The same way I trust my comrades who fought against the stubborn army.

You need to make an effort. But there is no need to bear the entire burden.

Moreover, even if your choice is correct, there is the possibility that we, the entrusted, will fail.

Even with utmost preparations, soldiers will die, and people will fall ill.

So, I hope you do not shoulder too much weight.

Relax, but be honest I'm sure we will be fine.

Do you find the night breeze a bit chilly? Let's return.

The fallen soldiers are on the move. If we leave them alone, their numbers will only increase.

A corpse is a mound of pathogens. We must carefully mourn them, and send them to the afterlife!

Now, let's head over to heal our wounded hero.

My oh my... Even he is but an ill patient to you.

I would've never guessed that you, his mentor, had failed to notice.

I am not good at dealing with illness. After all, having come this close to being a Divine Spirit, illness has lost its meaning to me.

A straightforward death is something I've long since left behind.

...I don't understand. For one who has traversed death, your expression seems glum?

But of course. I have not traversed death. Simply, I have overcome it.

Yet that doesn't mean I've transcended death. I am merely a ghost who was left behind by life.

What of yourself? In the sense of ghosts or grudges, I believe you're rather close to me?

I have simply returned to the present world in my peak form. Which is why I shall treat anyone to the best of my ability.

The fact that I was summoned in itself shows that this world is still in need of "nursing."

Hmm...

First, the North Army. Elisabeth, Robin, Edison, and Blavatsky.

Then, the South Army. Karna, Rama, Nightingale, Fujimaru, Mash, and myself.

The North Army might just be barely enough to hold them. However, depending on the enemy's number, the South Army can break through their defense.

I see...

I'll equip boosters on the mechanized infantry for the South Army so they can keep up with you Servants.

Hold the North with as few members as possible, and rush into Washington D.C. with the South Army.

Wait a minute, Puppy! I want to get at him, too!

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... ...

... ...Fine.

In exchange, Cú Chulainn, the one who defeated Saber... Make sure to take him down.

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Fine then. I'll fight for you here, along with that Mr. Komadori.

That's not my actual name, you know? Well, you can leave this side to us.

If we're against an army, my preparations will come in handy. I'll do a thorough job of harassing them.

Yes. Our goal is 60% reduction. I'm sure you can do that much.

Against Celtic warriors led by Servants? That'll require double as much work as usual...

Oh, you can do it with only double? That's amazing, Hermit of the Forest. You've exceeded my expectations.

Ugh, I talked too fast. Normally, it's impossible even with double the effort...

Maybe if we put our lives on the line, we might make it work. We'll give it our best shot.

They are counting on us.

I'm just not sure how far we can go with two Casters...

However, I'll do my best. No matter what the job is, I will see it through.

...Mmm. We might've gone down the wrong path, but I'm glad my mechanized infantry can be of use.

Allow me to take charge of the North Army.

No one has any issue with this? Then let's move everybody out.

This is quite a large-scale operation. I imagine our opponents will pick up on our movements.

We have to time our attacks simultaneously. Three days from now, at dusk.

Servants in the North Army should move out at once. We must expect the unexpected.

True. I trust you with this mission, Madame Blavatsky.

Indeed. Mr. Edison, I wish you the best, as well.

Karna!

What is it, Edison?

Um, well. I've been meaning to say this, but didn't get the chance to!

Thank you for answering the request of someone like me! I was able to come this far because you were with us!

Don't mention it, Edison, and Godspeed.

Thank you, Karna. Now, Master!

...I imagine I won't be able to see you again. Though quite brief, you really treated me well.

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Hah! Did you read a biography or something? If it was written for children, I must have been so awesome.

...I swear I will accomplish this mission, so the real me won't lose to the book me.

Then, farewell, my friends!

All right, guess we'll take off, too. This is our final farewell.

I suppose this is the life of someone engaged in guerrilla warfare. As long as we're alive, we'll meet again.

Not necessarily seeing each other face to face. For example a song or a letter left behind by someone...

I'm saying we'll come across stuff like that if we survive. For humans, meeting in person isn't the only way to reunite.

See ya. It was a short while. But I had fun.

...It doesn't bother me. Seems like we're strangely connected, anyway...

I'll probably be summoned into a different era anyway. I might already have a contract as a Servant to begin with.

There's no way I would die. I am invincible.

Which is why... Well, as long as you avenge Nero, I'll be fine.

Don't worry. You've got some potential as a Master.

That's right! Why don't I write you a little song to cheer

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you up. You say you're sick but you look pretty energetic?

Well, whatever... I plan to console the soldiers along the way!

We've got a long road ahead...

All right. Time for to head to the front lines. This is the final battle... Don't let your guard down.

...Perfect! Why don't I find out if you're really up for the task...

S-So suddenly!?

Hm, not bad for a practice round.

I didn't think I would be nearly killed in a warm-up...

Oh, nonsense. All right then, Rama, you lead the charge.

Huh? I don't mind, but... You're not going to do it?

I'll take my leave here.

What!? W-Wait, why!?

I'll be acting on my own and monitoring the actions of Queen Medb and Cú Chulainn. If needed, I'll fight and hold them down.

Isn't that like walking to your own death!?

Certainly, if I was some other Servant. But, who do you think I am?

Do I look like someone who'd be gobbled up that easily? Even if they got me, it'd take days.

...Still, you already say it like it's inevitable...

Well. That can't be helped. There must be some sacrifices. After all, someone's got to do it.

Listen. If those two ever make it to the front lines, we will most certainly lose.

I am something like a dam to hold them back. It's on you all to lead this battle to victory.

I am counting on you, Rama. You're still inexperienced, but you have the skill to be a swordsman comparable to my stupid student.

You have experience leading battles, too. You're essential in our army.

...There's no stopping you after such a speech. In life, my army was mostly monkeys... But, well, it'll work out.

Fujimaru... Master. Don't look so worried.

You've got plenty of Servants now. You have nothing to fear, even if I alone am missing.

Ideally, I would've liked to enjoy the life of a normal Servant, but asking for luxuries can be endless.

Farewell!

Master, a word?

Karna. What is it?

I'd like to stand out as much as possible in the vanguard... Will you allow it?

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Arjuna is on the other side.

By nature, he shouldn't be on that side.

A born hero, Kiritin... Arjuna is the very embodiment of justice, a true Heroic Spirit.

In addition, he and I are connected to each other... For better or for worse.

The key to this battle lies in how we immobilize enemy Servants.

In which case, I'll concentrate on shutting down Arjuna with everything I've got... Would that be all right?

Very well. I'll make sure to shut Arjuna down.

Of course I will. I will not go easy on him.

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I will take the vanguard soldiers, then. Let's go!

Karna leading the vanguard. Rama and Nightingale are here with us, too.

Yet... I am still worried. Despite being more supported than ever before

You have good reason to be, Mash. After all, Cú Chulainn is on their side.

The strongest soldier, who singlehandedly fought his way through Medb's army.

As long as he is against us, there will be no such thing as a sure victory for us.

I need not mention Edison and his North Army. We, too, may very well collapse on the battlefield.

Nevertheless, to make victory ours... We will give it our all.

Now, Master. Your orders.

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Understood! All units attack! This is the final battle!

Take back the United States of America for yourselves! We will lend our assistance as well!