Adventure in the East Village

I think we've climbed over three hills already? We seem pretty deep in now...

Yes, but we're almost at the village. I remember this area.

Oh? You know the village we're headed for?

Yeah. Mommy brought me here before. She told me to come here if I was ever in trouble.

Yeah. Everyone who lives in the mountains left the Holy Land for one reason or another.

...That said, they still built villages rather close. They still wanted to pray as close to the Holy Land as they could.

That's the eastern village we're headed to. I hope they take us in...

...I see. Even the Saracens have their reasons concerning the Holy Land...

But now that the Holy City's been built up there, the problem lies elsewhere...

..The foundation of their faith was robbed before their very eyes... That means they've lost more than their own lives...

What do you know? You're a knight that defiled our Holy Land.

Master! I have detected a Servant!

What? Where are your readings coming fr Assassins! Be careful, Fujimaru!

What do you want with our village, outsiders? You even bring in knights for show... Are you here to take our last hope?

Hmph. Obviously... We've been watching you since you entered the mountains.

That's right! He isn't!

He's not strong like Sir Gawain, and all his stories aren't that memorable either!

U-Umm... right... I was... first among the Round Table... at being boring... anyway...

Fou. FOU!

Really? ...That's quite a sad tale. Live strong, sad knight.

(...He was not the only one to whom I was referring, but... Oh well.)

？！

Enough idle banter. We already know why you are here.

We had a report from our scouts. "Young foreigners are saving our comrades," they said.

That's great! Now there won't be any misunderstandings!

You're an Assassin Servant? It's a rather long story, but we're

QUIET! You're nothing but talk, coward. Sit this one out!

Ahhh, I'm sorry, I'm soooooorryyy!

Wait, Old Man of the Mountain. These people protected us all the way here.

We're being chased by the Knights of the Round Table. Can you possibly shelter us in your village?

...I know this sounds selfish, since we've also persecuted you so very much until now...

But please. Some among us are injured, others are pregnant... This is the only place we could run to...

...Fine, as long as you have some sense of guilt. People of this village all have simple, good-natured hearts.

They themselves don't believe they were persecuted by people of the Holy Land. ...All you need to do is repay their good nature.

...Sorry. Thank you. Thank you!

But...those foreigners are a different story. We can't let you into our village.

Nor can we let you leave. After you leave, what's to stop you from selling us out to the knights?

Senpai would never do that! If you want us to leave, then that's what we'll do!

...Unfortunately, the people trust me with this village. I am in no position to believe your story without proof.

Take up arms. This is not an assassination, but a fight. If you wish to live, you best strike me down first!

...He's assuming a fighting stance! Master!

Understood! Awaiting further orders!

Beddy? Well, I do have a long name... Very well!

？！

Ugh! It is I who falls first!? I cannot believe this!

Assassin has been neutralized! We landed some really good blows, so he won't move anytime soon!

Gah, ugh! It feels as though I've been struck in the stomach with a log!

To think that I, Hassan of the Cursed Arm, could be cornered thusly! I applaud you. You must be a high-ranking Knight of the Round.

No. As I've said, I'm not part of the Round Table... and I'm not high-ranking either... However...

Fou. Fooou!

But, even if every bone in my body shatters, I shall not stay down! What is the meaning of this, Knight of the Round!?

...

Come on... A normal being could not stand with every bone broken. Even your gods do not wish for such devotion.

The match is over. I understand your frustration, but why don't you admit it, Lord Cursed Arm?

You're... Lord Arash. Yes... but... still, you know...

Is it not true that they saved the refugees?

I mean, yesterday, you were happy about it as if it had happened to you.

"Amazing! Wonderful! I cannot find the words to express my gratitude! Can anything else be this joyful?" Those were your words, yes?

Th-That was before I knew who these people were! I can't express gratitude to a member of the Round Table!

Oh, let it go. These guys don't seem to be in cahoots with them.

...So why don't you stay true to your word? You know, "I must give an embrace of thanks!" and all that?

U-Umm... Embrace, as in... a hug? Why... Yes. My pleasure, Mr. Assassin.

Huh? W-Wait... I'm not mentally ready...

？！

Hmph... How could I, Hassan of the Cursed Arm, have had such a slip of the tongue!? Truly the biggest one this half-year!

Hahaha. Once every six months? Pretty frequent. Maybe that Assassin makes too many careless mistakes.

Shuuuut up! You don't even know if you'll be alive six months from now!

...No, no. I, of all people, lost my temper. You there, the Master. What is your name?

？！

That appears to be your True Name. Well, no such name exists in the Knights of the Round Table.

...Very well. I believe you when you say you're not a member.

But entering the village is another matter

Fujimaru saved us, Mr. Skull Face!

So please stop fighting. I don't like seeing you that way.

Well now... If it isn't Rushd! Where is your mother? Salia is not with you?

No, we got separated. They said Mommy wasn't over here.

...That means

...

...

...I see. Thank you for your trouble.

Salia was originally from this village. Her father opposed, but she married into a family in the Holy Land.

...What irony. It was a past I discarded, a tale that had no connection with me as a Heroic Spirit...

To think I've been summoned into the era I originally lived in. ...This is rough. Too rough for the inexperienced...

...

...Very well. We will repay this debt. I grant you passage into our village. Lord Arash, please show them around.

I must prepare a place for our new friends to stay. With 50 people, perhaps the entire village should help me...

...I see. No wonder he knew so much about this area. That guy was summoned back to his own land...

Anyway, no point thinking about it. Sorry for the wait!

I'm Arash. As you can see, I'm an Archer Servant.

Aren't you exhausted from the trip? I'll show you our village. We lead a frugal life, though, so we can't give a welcome toast...

This is the secret mountain village? It's magnificent!

But... But we couldn't see it from up in the mountains... How can you do this without a Bounded Field!?

That's the wisdom of the mountain people. They learned how to conceal themselves in the mountains.

Unless you're familiar with these parts, it's impossible to find this place.

The reason Cursed Arm didn't want to show you it... is to make sure its location remains hidden.

Ah, that makes sense. The village lacks magical protection, so if it were discovered... Well, it'd all be over.

...Plus it looks like they have it rough here. They may not be starving, but... there's no breathing room either.

Still, the people who live here have not given up on their feelings for the Holy Land.

These mountain people... The knights in the Holy City... They're like oil and water.

...Yes, it's just as Lord Roman says. And right now those feelings are being trampled...

I am not a knight of the Lion King, but I am related to the Round Table.

...For them to invite someone like me...

Don't sweat it too much. The guys here don't hold prejudices just because your beliefs are different.

Probably a result of the harsh life. We can tell those who had rough journeys at a single glance.

Mr. Knight... Your different appearance and status aside, the way you live your life struck a chord with the residents here.

The way I live my life? I have nothing to be proud of...

Fou!

？！

B'foooou!

Wow, straight to the point! Asking if I'm from around here, huh?

This was my turf, yes. Slightly different era, however.

But, as you can see, I'm just an ordinary archer. Think of me as a third-rate Servant.

(Thank goodness Arash has a very open personality... Still, ignorance can be scary...)

(Arash's name may not be that recognizable, but in Western Asia he's all that comes to mind when you hear the word "archer.")

(Moreover, he's one of the very few great heroes Ozymandias reveres...)

So, what about you? I've never seen a human Master here before.

Tell me about your journey so far. You seem to be born under quite a special star.

And that's what brought us here. Chaldea is an organization dedicated to correcting the incineration of humanity.

And Fujimaru is Chaldea's only Master.

I see... Chaldea. And the Foundation of Humanity. Fascinating, truly fascinating!

Wait, that's no laughing matter! You've got a massive burden on your shoulders!

Umm, yeah... When you put it that way. Right, Senpai?

Hahaha, hearing that puts my conscience at ease.

Fujimaru, when you return, I'll give you one of my treasured sweet buns!

Doctor... I believe that was Senpai protesting.

...Yeah. Sorry. I'm really sorry.. When Chaldea is fully restored, I'll get you a big bonus.

Yes. Good point, Senpai.

？！

I'm not really feeling that sense of urgency... Though I suppose it's better than getting worked up.

So that guy over there is from Chaldea as well?

As a fellow... er, former Knight of the Round Table, you're here to investigate what they're up to?

No... I met Fujimaru in the desert.

We bumped into each other again at the Holy City gates, and I have accompanied them since.

...Hmm. So, you just happened to be headed in the same direction, eh...

？！

Meaning the two of you don't share goals. Even if they do happen to align for now...

No matter. In any case, I welcome you. Thanks for making the long journey over.

First, you need to place a summoning circle, right? The Leyline here is legit. Let's get it over with.

FOU!!

How could you possibly know that much!? This Heroic Spirit is a really sharp-witted one!

Deploying summoning circle. Ah, but... is it all right not to ask permission from Assassin?

Don't worry about it. Cursed Arm talks hatred, but already thinks of you as allies.

That... That makes us very happy. He's actually a nice person, despite the look he always has on his face.

...Oh, by "face" I mean, uh...

Wh-What the...!?

...Deployed.

Normally, Da Vinci would spoil us with some idle banter about now...

You've settled down? Good, now it's my turn to talk.

You're going to be in this village for a while, right? It's the perfect place to evade the Knights of the Round Table.

As long as you're here, you'll be safe. Plus you can collect some intel as well.

You there, Mr. Knight. You seem quite tired. You need a home base somewhere.

That's nonsense. Once I have delivered the people to safety, I intend to return to the Holy City alone.

...Well, that has always been my intent, but...

Oh... no, that's not what I meant. I, umm... Sorry... Thank you very much.

？！

Yeah, Fujimaru's right. Operating alone is not a good idea, Bedivere.

Your Spirit Origin looks terrible. I only speak of what I can see from here, but it's way too erratic.

What have you put yourself through? It's so unstable, it looks like a mosaic!

You hear that? Either way, you need a place to relax.

So, you guys... You mind helping with some of my work?

It's a bit unsettling around the village. Bandits and monsters roam about.

If you can defeat them, the villagers would feel much more at ease. You'll gain their trust, and feel great!

I think it's a win-win. What do you say? Care to go on a hunt with me?

？！

Great response. Let us be on our way!

You get your rest, Mr. Knight. Keep an eye on the village in my stead.

First, let's get rid of the monsters gathering at the spring midway up the mountain. I'm counting on you, Master!

Indeed. You sure are fast, Arash!

That's how the Celts greet each other! I know that one!

？！

Good work out there today! Looks like you've gotten used to fighting in the mountains, Mash, Fujimaru!

Welcome back, Fujimaru, Mash!

We're back, Rushd. What have you been doing today?

Today we were making new water troughs! I heard there are new horses coming soon from the village in the west!

Water troughs for the horses? But more importantly, Rushd, no welcome home for me?

Oh, it's you, Arash... Fine, welcome back.

What the... Why so much distance all of a sudden?

Because that's a fake name. How could your name be Arash?

Why you... My name is Arash, the one and only! This is what's gonna happen to kids who doubt me!

Ah!? Stop poking at my sides, it really tickles!

Arash is really good with children. Rushd is always smiling when he's around.

I'm happy to hear that. But we have still yet to tell Rushd the truth...

No, no. Arash is a hero to children. Especially here in the Middle East.

？！

...Nevertheless, you've been in this village for a week. Looks like you've lost the Knights of the Round Table.

...Yes. What should we do now? We have no way to have an audience with the Lion King.

If we head to the Holy City, we'll have to fight the Knights of the Round Table. We currently lack the strength to do so.

Besides... We cannot simply leave this place. The villagers' living conditions are too poor.

They don't even have enough food for tomorrow.

If we leave, Arash will probably be the only one who can hunt...

...That's true. But we'll need to be prepared too.

A fight with the Knights of the Round may be inevitable if we want to face the Lion King and get some answers.

？！

Ah, this is where you were, Fujimaru. I'm glad to know the hunt went smoothly today as well.

Oh, and Mash... Do you have a moment before you go to sleep?

Huh? Me? Not Senpai?

Yes. It's a rather personal matter, so let's go elsewhere. Fujimaru, feel free to come along.

Mash Kyrielight. That is your full name, correct?

Yes, that's correct... Why does that matter?

Pardon me if this seems rather rude, but that name... Is that your True Name as a Heroic Spirit?

That's...

I am fully aware that normally, this is not something I should be asking a Servant.

However, I must know. Pardon my manners.

...

...Yes, Senpai.

...Thank you. But I'm all right, Master.

？！

Sir Bedivere. I'm... not a proper Servant.

I'm a Demi-Servant. Specifically, I'm the result of a fusion between a human and a Heroic Spirit.

Mash Kyrielight is merely my name as a human being.

As for my True Name...

The Heroic Spirit who fused with me perished without telling me. Therefore, I don't know what kind of Heroic Spirit I am.

I don't even know the True Name of my Noble Phantasm. As such, my Noble Phantasm output... is considerably lower.

...I see. Thank you very much for sharing your story.

I apologize again for my manners. All the doubts that I had have now vanished.

No, please don't worry about it. I've... I've lost my own identity, so...

Right. It would make sense for a Servant to be curious about the existence of a Demi-Servant.

If anything, all the Heroic Spirits we've met so far are perhaps the exceptions. They all accepted you without question.

Mash is a Servant, but not a Heroic Spirit.

Sir Bedivere. That's been bothering you the entire time, has it not?

...Yes. Frankly, I was not sure if you were friend or foe.

But your answer has cleared all the doubt from my mind. Once again, Lady Mash...

Y-Yes.

？！

Fou, foou!

Ahh, an apology on one knee! ...Oh, no. More like a knight bowing to a noblewoman, I suppose...

N-Noblewoman... Um, I feel a little... uncomfortable being called that...

It's not to make up for my rude behavior, but I shall show you the utmost respect.

For the many battles Fujimaru and you have fought. You are both here to save the world. That is the truth.

N-No. Senpai, sure, but... I'm just a Demi-Servant that Senpai protects...

No, milady. I doubt that.

...Milady...

...As long as your Heroic Spirit does not speak, neither shall I.

But, there is something I must say to you... As a fellow Knight of the Round Table.

!

？！

Wait, Bedivere. Do you know the Heroic Spirit that fused with me!?

Of course. It's not just me. I'm certain all Knights of the Round Table who have encountered you felt the same way.

The knight who gave you that Noble Phantasm is that special.

He was the strongest, wisest, and most courageous of them all

The only one who chose to take pride in a spiritual and mindful path rather than one of strength and martial prowess.

I pray that you yourself will be able to find his True Name.

...Which means that you... won't tell me.

Yes. The answer is basically right in front of you. But it is your destiny to discover it for yourself.

...However, as long as the Heroic Spirit inside you is a Knight of the Round Table, there are other issues.

Namely, will you be able to fight your former comrades?

...Well, I...

？！

...Yes. When I saw the Holy City's walls, and when I fought Sir Gawain, my body was screaming.

"This is wrong... This can't be the work of King Arthur." That's what it was telling me...

...Yes, that is true.

What the king has done in these lands is definitely not what the King Arthur we know would have done.

...Allow me to be frank. No matter what I must sacrifice, I WILL defeat this Lion King.

That is why I have come this far. That is why I have lived till now.

But what about you? And your friends?

If your goal is to correct this era, then there may be no need to confront the Lion King.

...I will stay in this village and ask Hassan-i Sabbah to lend me his strength.

Both Lord Hassan and I are rebels in the eyes of the Holy City. They will mercilessly try to purge our lives.

But you are still neutral. If you surrender now, it may not be too late.

Even thenwill you still fight? Against the Knights of the Round Table? Against the powerful Lion King?

？！

...Exactly, Master.

We will fight the Lion King. Of course we value our lives, but even more so

I cannot overlook what the Lion King did in the Holy City. This goes beyond my responsibility as a knight.

It's something that must be done to make amends to all who live here. To all those who lost their lives at that gate.

？！

...

Brilliant. I'm sure that even the king's knights will lend you their strength.

That is all I have to say. I apologize for overstepping my boundaries.

I will tell Lord Hassan everything tomorrow. Whether he allows me to fight by their side, shoulder-to-shoulder...

Whatever he decides, I shall obey.

...Yes. I'm sure Hassan will understand!

...Mmm. Though it's part of my job, some things just shouldn't be learned through eavesdropping...

...How gallant. I can't possibly turn him down now...

Oh? In other words, you wish to fight with us?

？！

Hahaha. What an unusual request. We're refugees struggling just to survive each day, see?

Do you think such folk would fight the Lion King's forces?

Oh... Huh? Now that you mention it... You're right!

An unexpected reply from Hassan, Senpai!

Of course not. Couldn't you tell? You're easily fooled, Fujimaru!

Exactly, Lord Hassan. We're already aware of the military armaments you're secretly preparing.

？！

...Sorry. I'm just joking. Indeed, we are awaiting an opportunity to launch a counterattack against the Lion King.

Each hidden village has an "Old Man of the Mountain" with his own ideas, gathering his forces.

Listen. We must never succumb to the Lion King.

He belittles our gods... He declared that the laws of the Holy City override the authority of any and every god.

That can never be forgiven. On top of that, he obliterates opposition without question.

The ruthlessly excavated lands... You must have seen them too...

...Yes. With our very eyes.

...Hmm, I wonder about that. But no matter. We must fight. We must resist.

In order to do that, we do need more fighting power. However...

I can't possibly just up and accept you. Least of all with two Knights of the Round, even if they are rebels.

Ha. It's obvious when you're as experienced a Servant as we are. Isn't that right, Lord Arash?

What, seriously!? Mash was a Knight of the Round Table, too!?

Loooord Aaaaraaaaash!

Ohhh... Sorry, sorry, couldn't help it! Duh, of course I knew, right from the start!

By the way, how was today's breakfast? Did you like my special chickpea dish?

Fou, foooou!

？！

Anyway! There's no way I could ever see you as comrades!

This is a matter of faith! I cannot accept your help!

Oh come on, Hassan...

However! If you are a demon that surpasses our principles, someone with so much skill that we must rely on you, then it's a different matter!

To destroy a demon, one must be prepared to use a demon!

If you are a force that can rival the Knights of the Round, I, Cursed Arm, will gladly become your dog!

Prove it to me now! Here goes, Lord Arash! No holding back!

However, I forbid you from using your Noble Phantasm! It needs no testing, as you know!

Ah, I get it now! It must be tough to lead an Assassin sect, Lord Cursed Arm!

Sure, I'll go along with your little plan! Fujimaru, come at me with everything you've got!

Hassan, Arash...

Master, prepare for battle! Let's prove our strength!

Whew... That was impressive. Impressive indeed.

The great founder would behead me if I were to let such a formidable force go. He would say, "A blind man has no need for a skull."

Fujimaru, Lady Mash, Sir Bedivere...

Let me be the one to ask you. Would you please fight alongside us?

I can't promise any rewards... But on my honor as an Old Man of the Mountain, I swear to take you to the Lion King.

？！

Then it's settled. I thought we were already buddies at the point when Fujimaru came to the village, but...

We've each got our positions to protect. Especially Hassan, who's an Old Man of the Mountain.

Let me introduce myself properly. I am Hassan-i Sabbah.

I became the leader of the religious sect born in this land, but assassination is my occupation now.

The heads of our sect are all given the names "Hassan" and "Old Man of the Mountain." We succeed our great founder's name.

There is usually only one Hassan per era, but in the current situation, other Old Men of the Mountain have been summoned.

We've abandoned our pride as assassins and revealed ourselves, protecting each of our villages as leaders.

I see. Thank you for explaining.

I'm Mash Kyrielight. It's nice to meet you.

Bedivere, Knight of the Round Table.

Thank you, Lord Hassan, for trusting someone like me.

...It's fine. If anything, I shouldn't have been so stubborn.

You fought for our people at the gates of the Holy City,

even abandoning your objective of closing in on the Lion King. How can I not trust such an act?

Thank you, Hassan-i Sabbah. O righteous Old Man of the Mountain, you give me too much credit.

Hahaha. No need to thank me. After all, I'm the only one who trusts you, Sir.

I can't guarantee what the other Hassans will think of you.

(This Hassan's insanely cooperative!?)

Well then, let me take you to our headquarters.

It's quite deserted now, but my fellow Hassans will be coming in from all over within a few days.

Yes. They are few, but they are elite, able fighters. Not nearly enough to recapture the Holy City, though.

...Former militia, actually. But still humans nonetheless.

Against Enforcement Knights receiving the Lion King's protection, let alone Knights of the Round Table

Yes, they can't hope to win. It'll be up to us to do something about that.

Servants for Servants. Right, Cursed Arm?

Naturally. That's why I have been trying to gather as many Old Men of the Mountain as I can, but...

Hassan of the Trembling Pipe lost to Lancelot, and Hassan of the Peeling Shadows lost to Gawain.

I hope the best assassin among us, Hassan of the Intoxicating Smoke, will answer the call...

Of course. We Old Men of the Mountain are a religious sect that spans eighteen generations since our great founder.

...Hassan. Um, during our journey here...

...I see. So that's what happened to him...

"This will be a war of attrition. Do not stir up trouble with the Lion King."

Those were his words as he parted with me, but... To think that he'd name me at the end...

...You have my thanks, Fujimaru. I won't let his regrets die in vain.

？！

Boss! Boss!

Huh? That voice belongs to the watchman on the summit. ...It seems something's happened...

Boss Cursed Arm, it's an emergency! Signal fires are going up from the village in the west!

What!? And the color!? What color is up!?

...Tch, that's an enemy attack! The village must've been discovered by the enemy!

And the enemy flag!? Can you see the enemy flag, Lord Arash!?

A red dragon, and red lightning severing its head Do you recognize this crest, Lord Cursed Arm?

Oooooooh! This is bad! They'll be slaughtered!

Only one flag openly declares its intent to take the king's head A Knight of the Round Table, Raider Knight Mordred!