Village in Flames

Ahhh, we're finally back under the sun! We went through a lot, but it's great everyone is safe and sound!

And we secured help from the great founder. I'm still in awe that my head is attached...

Hahaha. Absolutely.

I had prepared myself for it, but it was terrifying to go through that feeling again.

You can't be a leader if you're not scary.

We are just the leaders of Assassins, but he is the leader of all 19 past Old Men of the Mountain.

Normally, you would need to pass a sanity check the moment you set eyes on him.

？！

By the way, could you please try to talk to Serenity? She's been like that the whole time...

...I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry... It's always like this with me...

...I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry...

She keeps hanging her head and apologizing. Even though everyone knows what really happened.

Ah... I'm sorry that you feel you need to be nice to me, Master Fujimaru... I'm a useless Hassan...

...I will certainly make up for this... With everything I have, even my life...

...Yes, that's right. You were so brave, so tough... You fought so I would not be killed...

...Thank you. You not only saved Lord Cursed Arm, you also saved me.

Yes... The only way to repay you... would be to devote my life to you. Through marriage.

？！

Oh. The live feed is finally back on! What happened?

I was able to monitor Fujimaru's condition from here, but I didn't get any audio or video.

It would be helpful if you could tell me what happened.

...Yes, Doctor. Here is my report.

I see, I see... A mystical realm in the desert known as the Atlas Institute.

Hm? The Atlas Institute... Atlas... Wait! You mean THAT Atlas Institute!?

Yes, I believe so.

One of the three major schools of the Mage's Association.

The Atlas Institute specializes in alchemy. The success that it has seen can't be duplicated.

Trismegistus, the Pseudo-Spiritron Calculating Engine that analyzes Chaldeas, was a donation from it.

And that wasn't the only one. The Atlas Institute has also provided many other technologies to Chaldea.

Yes, they manufactured Trismegistus. Only they could analyze and calculate Chaldeas so accurately.

The Atlas Institute is the brainchild of the oldest alchemists. Its goal is to "avoid a bad future."

Without the institute's cooperation, Chaldea wouldn't have become an organization recognized by the Mage's Association or the United Nations.

？！

Hmm. The Atlas Institute of that time period...

Wasn't the desert of Ozymandias before Christ?

Then it would be the Atlas Institute before the Mage's Association was formed... It feels dangerous...

...Are you against the idea of us going to the Atlas Institute, Doctor?

Why would I be? You'll learn the truth about the Lion King if you go there.

In other words, you could find out why the Round Table is taking such drastic actions.

Okay... I didn't expect that. I thought you would be opposed to that idea.

I do think it's dangerous, but any Singularity is.

I'm also interested in what the Lion King's purpose is. Also, I'm curious to know how he's upsetting the Foundation of Humanity without using the Grail.

...But it's true that I am worried.

Every mage's workshop has tons of traps against invaders.

You saw it beneath the Mage's Association in London, didn't you?

It is said that the Atlas Institute has so many abandoned magical weapons, it can destroy the world seven times over.

To send you guys to such a place... If Da Vinci were here, what would she say?

...Definitely. If Da Vinci were alive...

...She is alive. Leonardo is not gone. She's a reckless genius, but she won't die so easily.

？！

...Oh, I've wasted enough of your time! Let's first go back to the eastern village!

Yeah. The way back is downhill, so it will be easier, but our legs will still hurt nonetheless.

You're right. Being easy is not an excuse to continue without a break. Our knees will go out if we don't.

Huh, you seem to be in a good mood. I thought you would say you wanted me to carry you or something.

No way, then I'd stick out too much! I'll keep to my feet, thankyouverymuch!

Fou, foouuuu!

Hahaha, true. Then let's make our way down. Carefully now.

That sure was a fast descent, Senpai. Look how much distance we cover with no enemies around!

If we go down a bit further, we'll see the lights of the village.

We're all tired, though. Great job, everyone. Let's get some sleep when we arrive.

...Yes. This is just my gut feeling, but...

I felt like First Hassan deliberately tampered with the communications from Chaldea.

Maybe he didn't want the Doctor to hear about the Atlas Institute... That's what it felt like to me.

So I couldn't help but be wary of sharing such things with him.

But it seems like that was my misunderstanding.

Doctor Roman remains, as ever, our slightly unreliable yet good-hearted leader.

？！

Wait. What's that? What's going on!?

Lord Touta? Is there something wrong?

Oh, you guys can't see it yet! It's fire! There's fire in the direction of the village!

Numerous bonfires are moving around! Those are Holy City soldiers!

Fujimaru, my apologies! I will go on ahead!

Serenity, you protect Fujimaru! Sanzang, Touta, Bedivere...

I beg of you... Please save the villagers!

No need to ask! Let's go, Touta!

Sure! We'll head for the eastern side!

Master! We should go too!

？！

Got it. Allow me to guide you!

...

Enforcement Knights!

What the...! That thing in his hand is... a human's...

This is Markt 3. I've found the 10th heretic. Commencing enforcement.

Aaaahhhhhhhh!

Stay calm, Mash! They're the ones who are going down!

...!

Fou, Foooou!

Oh no... This is... terrible...

Of all the vile, despicable...! None of these poor souls can even fight! There were no warriors here!

This is where people who only wanted to live gathered to support each other!

To be so cruel in a place like this...! Do the soldiers of the Lion King kill women and children first!?

Is there anybody alive!? Please say something if you can hear me!

The fire and smoke is just too violent!

No, the villagers are all scattered! If the enemy attacks now...

Yes! We need to save them first!

That's right! Where is he!? I thought he was protecting the village!

？！

...Wait! All the villagers sprawled out on the ground are men...

Could it be...

Rebels located. It appears to be the Servant on the report.

Come in, Commander. This is Markt 5. I've located Iseult. Repeat, I've located Iseult.

The surrounding enemies are coming towards you! You three, be careful!

As I expected... Master Fujimaru, half of the villagers have already evacuated!

I heard that this village has a cave in case of evacuation. I would assume they are there!

Just as you'd expect of Arash! But where is he!?

The enemy troops are here! Hurry to the cave! We still have time. No need to panic!

I need two men who can fight. Follow me. We will intercept the knights!

Help shooting the enemy? I'm your man! Hey, those who can move should help the women and children!

Wait, Arash! You're going out there alone!? What are you gonna do!?

Well, if it isn't little Rushd! Don't give me that look. You're scaring me.

I'm just going to sit at the entrance to the village and shoot the idiots who try to climb up.

Evacuation is the worst-case scenario. I wouldn't be so careless as to let them crawl up here.

But we should all run together! Look at how many there are!

You've got good eyes. They're still a few kilometers away. Makes me want to teach you some more.

Anyway, take it easy! Who do you think I am? I have the same name as a legendary hero!

I'll take care of them all in a flash. Until then, I'll leave you in charge of the villagers, okay?

Araaaash!

Okay, next! The front seems fine. How about the road on the eastern side?

No sign of any knights here! All clear! You should focus on the front!

You got it! Lucky number 20, you're next!

But how did they figure out where the village was...? Nobody has gone down the mountain in the past two days!

Questions later, shooting now!

It'll be bad if someone comes from the left! I've got the front. You watch the eastern ridge!

!?

What's going on!? Arash's arrows are getting shot down right before they hit the knights!

But the knights themselves aren't even doing anything! Is this some sort of divine intervention!?

Are you serious? Are you telling me there's someone who can go toe-to-toe with me at this range!?

...Oh, right. There is. That bowman from the Round Table, Tristan!

A Knight of the Round Table!? He came all the way here to attack a small village like this!?

That's right. But you got one thing wrong.

Sir Tristan isn't the only Knight of the Round Table who caught up.

...Lancelot, the Knight of the Lake!

Argh!

Despite the armor, I'm fairly adept at concealing my presence. Sorry, this is the end for you.

Urgh... Meh, what's one hit gonna do? This ain't over yet. Look, pretty boy, you and I are just getting started!

No, it is over.

In a fight against Arash Kamangir, you put everything you have into the first blow. That's ironclad.

...Farewell. My sword shines brightest when used against mighty enemies like you.

O aurora, may the lake's surface be reflected upon this blade... Arondight Overload.

What...is...this... Ugghhhh!

The great bowman is no longer in this world. ...Now I am sad.

A chance to battle against such a skilled marksman, a true legend. Yet the fight ended with a sneak attack.

...I'm so sad it makes me chuckle. Fate has finally caught up with you.

I'm Tristan, a Knight of the Round Table. I've come to collect your heads.

Life is so transient. A meeting can become a parting.

But such is this world. To kill and be killed is the way of war.

Your fate is to burn to ashes, together with this miserable village.

...One of the Lion King's followers, Sir Tristan... How terrible.

I've disposed of the men left in the village. After I finish you off, I'll get the villagers who fled for the cave.

You plan to kill us all? Why!?

!?

I've already told you. It's because of you, poison girl.

You are the cause of everything. This isn't about us taking revenge because you poisoned the knights at the fort.

You've foolishly decided to join up with them. THAT is the reason why this happened.

My bow chased your footsteps. Yours alone. If you had fled your own way, this would not have occurred.

Wh-What? Me? Because... of me?

Exactly. This is entirely your fault.

You should've told us everything at that prison, and quietly died alone.

Vermin should be like vermin, slaves should be like slaves. You should've known your place.

I... I... Ah...

？！

That's right. Don't be fooled, Serenity! They chased us all down, not just you!

The responsibility lies with us! It was all of us that ruined this village

All of us... have a duty to defeat this knight!

...This feeling... Can it be? Don't tell me that man is here?

The Heroic Spirit of the Round Table who refused the Lion King's summons. The one chosen by the Holy Grail...

...Very well. If this be my fate, I have only to confirm its truth with my bow.

Come now, young one. I'll let you practice with me. Let your screams reveal your true identity!

Ugh! Master Fujimaru, this knight is not an Archer!

He's... He's some other kind of monster! He can cut through sound!

He creates a vacuum arrow by plucking the strings of his bow like a musical instrument!

But this strength is more than just that! It's a Gift from the Lion King!

...Yes, it is sad indeed. I hate to use the king's Gift on the likes of you, but...

This is not a power I control. It is but a merciless blade that cuts down all, even the weak...

Ah... I am sad. I must send the unblessed to the underworld yet again.

No...! This stops now, Tristan!

...Yet another. My, it is like being in a dream.

To think that even you would appear on this battlefield and oppose us...

Ah... how sad.

I was only one step away from being able to burn everything to the ground. How disappointing. Ah... How sad it is.

Sad? Sad is what you have done here!

What's sad is that you of all people would kill innocent villagers and set the whole place ablaze!

Have you lost your pride as a Knight of the Round Table? Or is this merely what your king wants!?

...Fool. You think a knight who sits at the Round Table wouldn't harm an innocent commoner?

Sir Bedivere. That is a gross error. A mistake. Your mistake.

Regarding Britain, our benevolent king did indeed warn against proceeding too far

but he certainly did not forbid it.

...You only ever had eyes for the king's glory. You do not understand his horror.

How many times must I say it? The king does not understand people's feelings!

Tristan...!

...!

？！

...Such anger, and a brandished blade... To think the calm and meek Bedivere could show such rage?

...It appears your right arm is quite the Noble Phantasm. I fear I cannot afford to hold back...

This sorrow shall never be healed. To think that I must slaughter you with these hands, with these strings...

A knight with whom I sat next to at the Round Table... A knight with whom I fought many enemies alongside...

Please, reconsider. Just thinking about such a thing, about cutting you down...

It breaks my heart. Ah...!

...I feel the same way. Although you were always a pessimistic fellow...

...when we stood together, no other knight matched my step as closely as you did.

Be it defending or attacking, or anything else.

Yes, it is true. We were...

...Friends. Is that not right, Sir Bedivere?

Yes. And precisely because you were my friend, there is something I cannot forgive!

If you say the Lion King sanctions this, I have no choice but to step over your corpse to face the Lion King myself!

...You would confront the current king? How sad.

I know no sadder tale. Even I, a so-called child of sorrow, cannot bear to face it.

As such, I have no hesitation about slaying you on the spot. Rescuing one's friend from tragedy is also friendship, after all.

Enemy Servants are coming! Master, your orders please!

...Ugh.

...The sound of flesh and bone burning... Ah... There is no greater horror.

I don't know how you came to possess that silver arm, but its power is too much for you...

Of course, even it cannot vanquish me. Let us call it a wasted effort.

The enemy Servant is still going strong! Despite all those attacks, he still heals in the blink of an eye!

Hm... Has Sir Lancelot already descended the mountain? He asked me to allow him to take on the Archer but...

To think he would really only take on one opponent... I guess he will always be the serious one.

Oh well. It will not change the outcome... Now then, I do not have much time to waste, either.

You will all die here regardless. Continuing to resist will do you no

Hwachaa!

Nuunh!

Scatter into the wind!

Everyone...! You came!

Yes, after taking care of those nobodies back there! Sorry for the wait!

...What a group of failures. They could not even stop Servants such as this.

I have no kind words to good-for-nothings. The Enforcement Knights must better themselves.

If you're going to talk nonsense, say it in your sleep! I won't let you get away unscathed!

...Tristan, Knight of the Round Table. I'll never forgive you! No matter what!

Same goes for us, Old Man of the Mountain. The king will never pardon you.

For had you not rebelled, the king would have achieved his objective long ago.

...The time has come. Gaze upon the western sky. It is time to accept your punishment and your regret.

Wh-What did you say? Don't tell me you, you...!?

What's... What's that light up there!? ...There's a pillar of light falling from the sky!

...It can't...be...

The western village is being swallowed by that light!

...

That is the Lion King's judgment. A pillar of purification from the sacred lance, Rhongomyniad.

So sad... Without any reason or words... To be so beautiful, yet so sad...

As you can see, that tiny village of mountain people has disappeared.

And it goes without saying that this village is next. It shall be purged without a trace.

You! Have you all gone mad?! You think that is King Arthur's doing? That!?

Of course not! I would not carry out enforcement if I was mad! By royal decree, we cast away our humanity!

Judgment must not be clouded by sentiment! His Majesty has succeeded in completely severing human emotions!

...!

...Five minutes from now, the Lion King's judgment will descend upon this mountain.

Farewell, Sir Bedivere. We shall never meet again.

This is beyond annoying! Trying to hold us back, huh? ...Ugh, so many of them! They're like Wukong's clones!

Yah! Quit complaining and start fighting! We've got to do something about these guys first!

Confirmed, a high-density magical energy response in the sky! Everyone, get out of there!

...How could we possibly leave? Serenity, you understand our role, don't you?

Yes! We will assist Master Fujimaru, even if we die here!

Master, your orders! Let us break through the Enforcement Knights' ranks!

Right above you! Magical energy value over 3,000,000! Um... Even the highest ranked Noble Phantasm has a value between 1,000 and 3,000, so...

Forget it! It's just a ridiculous amount of heat! Everyone, hurry and take cover! You'll get burned to a crisp!

...

But... the villagers...!

Right, we can't just abandon them! They're taking shelter in the cave... Come on, let's go!

？！

It's no use. We can't escape... and we can't save them either.

We're all going to die here, no matter how you look at it. I mean, we knew that from the beginning... That this would happen if the other side decided to get serious...

Who goes there?! How dare you act like you know everything! Show yourse Lord Arash!?

Yo. Sorry, I messed up. They got me, and just like that... I fell to the bottom of the valley.

(Sigh) I said I'd hold them off for two days, yet look at this. Come on then, let me hear all complaints...

Arash... Those injuries... You're already...

What! Are you kidding me? If there's anything to reprimand you for, it's that sorry state of yours! You came all the way back here with injuries like that!?

Sit down there for a second! I'll give you a lecture on treating your body right!

Haha, thanks, but let's save that for another time.

I messed up, but... I've made it back in time for the opportunity to redeem myself.

？！

Quit looking so worried. It doesn't suit anyone here, least of all you.

While I'm at it, neither does the ending where you all die here fighting. So, I'll get serious, just this once.

You guys stand back by the cave. Take care of the folks who've made it there alive.

Relax, I won't let the attacks reach you there. It's just that it's more difficult if you're close by.

...Lord Arash. Not... Not you too...

Sorry, Sir Bedivere. After all those lectures I gave you, it turns out I'm the same as you.

That's just the way I am. Can't do anything about it. This is how the Heroic Spirits that aren't hungry for power come to an end.

We put things right, then cease to exist. We win the battles but lose the war, as they say.

Isn't that right, Sir Bedivere? You have it even worse than me.

You reached your limit long ago. Yet it's incredible how you still manage to remain standing.

...You give me too much credit, Arash. I still don't have the resolve that you do...

Wow. You're the only one who hasn't realized it yet. My resolve is nothing compared to your loyalty.

Listen, Bedivere. You can rest now. ...No, you should've rested a long, long time ago.

Bringing that arm out and everything... Throwing away your last remaining happiness...

So let me tell you, you've only got one more swing left. Make sure the next time is against your final opponent.

...You knew. My purpose... my various sins.

Well, I do have Clairvoyance, after all. No one can escape my insight and perception.

...But enough chitchat. Thank you all for everything! Lord Hassan, take everyone to the cave!

Yes, leave it to me. Farewell... Farewell! You're the greatest ally I met on this land!

？！

...All right, everyone's gone. Now it's time for some one-on-one with that annoying thing above.

Yes. A fitting opponent. It's time for the big one, Lord Arash.

Wait, you were still here!? Sitting and drinking wine, too!?

Yes. It'd be a shame if no one was here to witness your final glory.

So I'll stay here. Let's see what you've got.

...What? Look, if you mess up, I'll take care of the rest. Don't worry and just give it everything you've got.

...I see. Well then, as a fellow Archer, you're definitely one person I don't want to screw up in front of.

...O sacred Lord. O radiant Lord who bestowed wisdom, sanctity, and strength upon me.

I call upon thee to witness my heart, my thoughts, and everything I've achieved.

Now, creator of the moon and stars. Behold my deeds, my death, and the Spenta Armaiti which I must carry out.

After I unleash this last arrow with all my strength

Even my iron body shall shatter, and annihilate me where I stand!

Lone Meteor, STELLA!

...Truly impressive. Few may have shot down the stars, but none have the divine skill to obliterate them.

Brilliant indeed, Arash Kamangir. It was a shot as if Hachiman, the God of Archery and War, dwelled within it.

It's awful, too awful! Even the Buddha would weep!

(Sob) Arash! He said he was so happy to be summoned!

He said he was so ecstatic to have become a Servant! That idiot! That dummy!

Calm down, Sanzang. Not in front of the children. If you cry, they all will too.

What's wrong with crying when I'm sad!? Besides, what were you up to, Touta!?

Hmm, I'm afraid I don't have a good answer. If I said I sent him off with some good wine, that'd be bad...

I can hear you, idiot! Why do men insist on parting like that...

？！

...Yes, well, thanks to Arash, the village is safe. But at what cost?

Lord Arash was a hero from ancient Persia. They say that, with a single shot from his bow, he brought a war between two countries to an end.

According to legend, the arrow he shot from the mountaintop landed far ahead, piercing the ground.

That arrow was an earth-splitting shot. It was a shooting star that brought peace.

They say that the spot pierced by the arrow became the new border for the two countries. However...

...The exertion was too much for a human. The hero's body scattered the moment he shot that arrow.

The arrogance of a mere human splitting the earth was unacceptable. As punishment, the hero gave up his body.

...A Noble Phantasm unleashed at the cost of one's own life... That's just unfair...

...

Lord Hassan. What has become of the western village? Is it true that not a trace...?

Indeed. Not even a shadow remains. But the previous raid proved to be a fortunate event.

The majority of the villagers already evacuated elsewhere. Hundred Personas stayed there for that very purpose.

There were some among them who couldn't part with the village, but that was on account of their faith. We couldn't just walk all over that.

...

...Everyone. The funeral for the villagers is about to begin.

Let us at least pray together...

No, there'll be no need for that. Fujimaru. Leave the village immediately.

Word that Lord Arash's shot saved the village, saved the mountain, will soon spread to the Holy City.

They'll come for us. That much is clear. Head for the desert before that, Fujimaru.

...He's right. Heading to the Atlas Institute is more important right now.

We have King Hassan's orders, too, but what we want right now is information that will help us rise against the Holy City.

Now that we've seen the Light of Judgment with our own eyes, we know that there isn't a moment to lose. We have to find a way to counter that.

That's right. That will be what brings solace to those who died.

...After we evacuate the people of the village, we must prepare for the advance on the Holy City.

Serenity and I will remain in the mountains. The next time we meet will be before the attack on the Holy City.

...Okay. We'll split up from here on out. But how will we keep in touch?

As for that, I'll spread the word about Fujimaru to all the mountain people, wherever they may be.

If something happens to us, they'll hear about it, and vice versa.

...Very well. Hassan, everyone, take care.

You too, Lady Mash. Rushd will miss you, but I'll find a way to make him understand.

...Yes. Thank you.

...Master Fujimaru. I'll say goodbye here as well.

I know I promised to protect you until the end, but the duties of an Old Man of the Mountain take precedence...

Still, it's clear that our battles will serve to assist you. So, I hope to help you from the sidelines.

It's decided, then. Hassan's group will remain in the mountain region and prepare for the advance on the Holy City.

Fujimaru, Mash, Bedivere, Xuanzang Sanzang, Tawara Touta. You five will head for the desert.

Shall we meet again in this village?

Yes. The leaders of each village will gather here for final confirmations before we depart for the Holy City.

Then I'll let Sanzang and Touta know. Looks like another journey to the desert!

...Now then. Our work here is done, for the time being. I leave the rest to you, Sir Bedivere.

But I will say this: We will never forgive the Knights of the Round Table. Especially Tristan.

Upon our honor, we will make sure that heretic's death is the cruelest of all.

Never forget that. Should you defend him, I will show no mercy, even for you.

...Of course. Upon my sword, upon my soul, I will never do such a thing.

The injustices committed by the Knights of the Round Table is a responsibility held by all of the knights.

Hence, if the Lion King is exposed as the true evil, I implore you: treat me no different than the rest of them.

...As one of the unsightly invaders who violated your land, I want you to equally bestow upon my neck the judgment of death.