To the Desert of Atlas (3/3)

...Master. I can see the shadows of multiple sphinxes beyond that particularly tall sand dune there.

They are circling that area as if monitoring it, so the ruin we're looking for must be right in front of us, but...

The problem is what to do about them all? Taking on that many would be reckless.

We'll have to find another way to enter. Although it's easier said than done, in this sandstorm...

If only we had the Doctor to back us up at a time like this...

Fou, fouuu.

Then how about this: we use Touta's rice to feed them one by one!

Unfortunately, sphinxes only feed on spirits...

The reason they attack humans is not for nutrition, but to be in accordance with the laws that govern them...

I see... Despite appearances, they're actually herbivores, or rather, soulivores... No need to count calories... Lucky...

Fou. Fofouuu.

Whyyy! It's not like it's a koan, right?! I think it's a pretty good plan myself!

Fou...fou...

？！

A good meal knows no borders. I thought it was a pretty good idea, but...give it up this time, Sanzang.

...I can hear horses! Armed soldiers are headed this way! This pressure... It must be a Knight of the Round Table!

Stuck between a rock and a hard place, huh? Fujimaru, what should we do...?

...We must fight them. I'll lead the way on this one!

That's great, but are you sure!? You haven't forgotten what Arash said, have you?!

...Of course not. I merely see it as his one and only misjudgment.

As long as I have my spirit, I shall never fall. As long as I have my shining silver arm, Airgetlám!

Sir Bedivere... Senpai, to let him fight a Knight of the Round Table would be...!

？！

I've caught up to you. This is the third time I'm stirring up trouble with you.

The first was when you were chased from the Holy City. The second was at the village of the mountain people.

Neither time was I granted my wish of facing the rebels' leader. ...But that all changes now.

Lancelot, Raider Knight of the Round Table. I have come on the king's orders to take you all into custody.

If you resist, I will show no mercy. Surrender or fight... Whatever your creed, I shall comply.

...Master. I have a feeling... I know that person well...

Fou, fouuu...

Fou, fouuu!

？！

I have no intention of surrendering. But, before we fight, there's something I'd like to ask.

Sir Lancelot. For what reasons are you serving the current king?

...Is this an illusion? What kind of sorcery is this? Bedivere... Sir Bedivere, is that you!?

Nonsense! Impossible! You would never...!

(...Hey, Fujimaru. Were all the Knights of the Round Table like that?)

(Just because Bedivere broke away from the Round Table... Don't you think they're overreacting?)

？！

Even if I am an illusion, it does not change the reality of my question.

Answer me, Sir Lancelot. Why did a knight like you choose to serve the Lion King?

Sir Gawain believes the king no matter what. Sir Mordred said the mere act of opposing the king is sacrilege.

Tristan asserted... that the king's commandments are merciful actions.

How about you? Can you call that light, that folly of burning a village to the ground, King Arthur's job!?

...

...All units, prepare for battle. We will be detaining the rebels.

Lancelot! Let us hear your answer!

...You are correct, I would not call that the king's work! I swore allegiance to the King of Knights, not the Lion King!

But that has nothing to do with my duty to capture you! Air your grievances in front of His Majesty himself!

That is, if Agravain even allows your presence!

...Yet you still fight, knowing all of that.

Very well! I have a lot of things to say to you, too!

Sir Lancelot has drawn his sword! He's incredibly stubborn, I somehow get it!

Yes, admitting the king is wrong but still fighting... He needs a good preaching-to!

Fujimaru, we'll back up Bedi! The way things are going, I have a feeling we can win this!

No good!

It's because you had to say those weird things! No... That man is just too tough!

Tch... This is nothing! Compared to Lord Arash's regret...

Fou, fouuu!

Master, we must retreat! It's frustrating beyond belief, but we can't fight any longer!

...No, even... I've never wanted to win so badly...

？！

Give it up. This is Ozymandias's desert. No mountain people will come to your aid.

Fleeing to the desert came back around on you. We can speak of it as we return...

What are you doing, you scoundrels!? Do you wreak havoc even knowing that this is the Sun King's most cherished land!?

What...

What's going on!?

My name is Nitocris! I am the pharaoh who has been assigned this Atlas Institute by the Sun King!

Fear me! Worship me! If you do, I shall at least spare your lives!

...Or to put it bluntly, leave or surrender! As you can see, I am very powerful!

Oh wow... It's a Tathagata-class Heroic Spirit... I mean, look, she's big! Really big!

I... I don't think we can beat her! Let's run, Fujimaru!

...Yes. Such a grand entrance, but oozing with kindness...

Fouuu...

？！

S-S-S-Sir Lancelot...!

His Majesty the Lion King told us that 14,000 years ago, in the desert, there lived a giant of destruction... Could this be that giant!?

Idiot, take a good look! It is an illusion of Magecraft!

She is not actually here! She is just controlling it remotely! Focus on making sure the formation does not fail!

？！

Yes! Everyone, to the other side of the sand dune! Charge into the sphinx herd!

Oh, we can ignore that giant? Really? Okay! Xiexie, strange lady!

This is no time for manners! Quit blabbering and RUN! Seriously, you're so much work!

Don't let them get away! Follow them! I'm getting an ominous feeling about what lies ahead!

Aaaaaaahhh! Sir Lancelot, it's a sphinx!

Up ahead is a sphinx nest! Before we can go after the rebels, we'll be in danger!

Do not panic! All units, square formation! We will annihilate the sphinxes first!

Guooooooooooooooo!

Tch, they aren't going to let us go, either! Fujimaru, let's crush them to bits!

Yes! I hate to disappoint the queen, but we can't hesitate here!

We've intercepted the sphinxes! Senpai, how should we proceed from Argh!

Fou!?

Hey, did Mash suddenly disappear just now!? It's as if she fell into a... Whoa!

Fofou!?

Hm, is this...?

Yes, it is!

？！

Ouch... My butt...

Is everyone here? I heard five thuds...

？！

A graceful landing, if I do say so myself. Bedivere, present.

...prajnaparamitayam caryam caramano vyavalokayati... Yes... Xuanzang Sanzang, right here...

We fell pretty far... But I didn't think there'd be that much oxygen down here.

Fou.

Excellent. Looks like everyone was able to escape. Glad no one was hurt.

I'll turn on the lights, then. You may feel a bit dizzy, but that's part of the charm.

？！

Hello there, everyone. And welcome to the wondrous mysteries of the Atlas Institute!

I am Sherlock Holmes. The world's best detective, and its only consulting detective.

As the representative of those who shed light on a problem, I am here to guide you all to the truth! I hold all the pieces of the puzzle!