Empire of Beasts

...There we go.

...Damn, it's really getting bad out here. But I can still smell three of 'em.

If I don't take 'em out now, I'll starve to death this winter for sure. Guess I'll just have to hang in there a little longer...

...!

Damn, it's a Krichat'!

Dammit! You little...!

Die! Die! Go to...hell!

(Huff, huff, huff...) Dammit, what a waste!

(Sigh...) Damn, now its brains are leaking out... Guess it's time to pack it in...

...Dammit, I'm so hungry... I really...don't wanna starve to death.

...Whoa! Was that an earthquake!?

Was that one of the big guys? If it was, I guess I won't have to worry about starving to death...

Goddammit! It's so cold! It's never this cold!

And I can't tell if the Oprichniki are listening or not, as usual...

Looks like...it's gonna be an especially harsh winter...

On a different note, what the hell's up with that tree? It almost looks like...a giant tower...

Fou?

Fou!

？！

Fou. Fou, fooou.

？！

Fou? Fou.

...Good morning, Senpai. Are you awake?

？！

Oh good. Then I hope you don't mind if I come in. I brought you some breakfast.

Of course, we still only have rations...and only enough for another six days, too...

？！

We're still continuing our Zero Sail. It's been about a week since we embarked.

Fortunately, the enemy organization that took over Chaldea doesn't seem to have followed us here...

...but I wish I knew how long this was going to continue.

Time is one of the fundaments of our universe.

But time doesn't intrinsically have a past or a future. Those are just axes we came up with to help us keep track of it.

As long as time goes on, a little shake-up before or after won't make any difference.

But...here in Void Space, time DOESN'T go on.

We won't suffer the effects of age as long as we stay here, but we also don't know what will happen once we emerge into normal space.

We might return at exactly the instant we left, or we might find that we've been gone for hundreds of years.

I wouldn't be surprised if we just aged instantly as soon as we exit Void Space, like when Urashima Tarou opened the Tamatebako.

Yes, it is.

Still, Da Vinci says she's been working on correcting the disparity between us and the outside so that that won't happen...

...Hmm. Maybe it would be best if you talked to her yourself, Senpai. Why don't we go to the cockpit?

...No, we will. But we first need to ensure it'll be safe to do so.

That's not stopping Director Goredolf from demanding to surface at seven o'clock every morning, but still...

In fact, it's about that time right now. Shall we go to the cockpit, Senpai?

？！

Fou, fooou!

I must say, I was relieved to find out the Shadow Border's interior is more spacious than it looks from the outside.

Da Vinci says she managed to give it twice as much room by warping its internal space.

Thanks to that, we have just enough living facilities to cover the bare necessities. I do feel a little bad that all four staff members have to share one room, though...

Fou, fooou...?

Thank you for your concern, Fou.

I have special needs as a Demi-Servant, so I'm staying in the treatment room by myself.

As for the other private rooms... Oh, yes, Director Goredolf is staying in the captain's quarters.

Da Vinci has her capsule in the computer room, and Holmes seems to be sleeping in the workshop.

Kyu. Fooou!

We also have air-conditioning, a storage room, and an armory, although the new director has prohibited us from going in there.

And since we have two large cruisers' worth of space, Da Vinci and Holmes were even able to make the cockpit-slash-bridge several meters wide.

All right, let's head to the cockpit now.

Enough of this nonsense, you flimsy excuse for a detective! Why do you insist on keeping us here!? We MUST be in a safe zone by now!

It is, as I have said, a more difficult question than you seem to realize. We must first discuss how we might even define a "safe zone."

For example, can we say that we are safe here in Void Space thanks to a lack of enemies in our vicinity? I'm afraid the answer is a resounding "no."

For that matter, there ARE no enemies to be found in Void Space. Consequently, we need not concern ourselves with attempts at pursuit.

No, what we must concern ourselves with is a threat far greater, one that quite literally surrounds us.

In other words, my good Musik, the question is not one of WHEN we should emerge, but of HOW.

Y-you mean to tell me it's not even possible for us to leave...!?

H-h-how can you be so blasé about such a nightmarish prospect!?

(It looks like Holmes and the new director are getting along nicely, Senpai. I'm almost sorry to interrupt them...)

Good morning, everyone.

Fujimaru and Mash Kyrielight, reporting in for the latest status update.

？！

Ah, good morning, you two. Have you already had breakfast?

Yes, thank you. I had an Italian cuisine ration myself, and Senpai is just about to have his.

Oho. So you lower-level employees are stuck with rations, eh? How sad.

I had a plate of warm French toast and tea with extra milk myself.

It is, of course, important to my role as captain. The captain needs a lot of calories to have enough energy to keep the crew together.

...I swear. Who do you think you are, hogging all the halfway decent nonperishables for yourself...

Hahaha, nothing wrong with that. The quality of one's diet has a pronounced effect on one's mental state, after all.

Those who are unwilling to endure discomfort should make every effort to eat well on a daily basis.

Besides, a hot cup of tea is a small price to pay if it helps eliminate the greatest source of disorder in our little community. Don't you agree, Mr. Meunière?

Hmm... Well, I can't argue with that. Especially when the guy who's less willing to deal with discomfort than anyone is actually managing it...

Hahaha, you mean me? Not to worry, I still have a store of my own little remedy to fall back on!

If the time ever comes when I need to calm my nerves, it should do the trick nicely! Why, I can keep going like this for a month!

Fooou...

Oh, never mind how strong your willpower is! You still haven't answered my question, Holmes!

You just told me it isn't that you REFUSE to emerge, but that we CAN'T emerge.

What did you mean by that? And remember, I have appointed you Chaldea's new administrative advisor.

How about you show a little gratitude for the appointment. Now, tell me EXACTLY what is going on.

Hmm... I'm not normally particularly concerned with titles, but I must say, being an administrative advisor has been a novel experience.

To be honest, I'm rather excited to be exercising my own untapped talents to meet this job's demands.

(...Um, how did that end up happening? Does Director Goredolf have a death wish or something?)

(Well, he's already got Da Vinci serving as his technical advisor, right? He probably just appointed Holmes to administrative stuff because he doesn't have any other managers to help him right now.)

I can hear you, you know!

Now come on, Holmes, out with it! Are we going to survive, or aren't we!?

I'm afraid "survive" is too broad a term for me to provide a satisfactory answer. But I can at least outline the possible results of our emergence.

Strictly speaking, it's not that we CANNOT emerge. Rather, we have nowhere to emerge TO.

At the present moment, we are voyaging across the Void Spacea world existing on a negative vector, to put it another way.

So in order to return to reality, we need a connection to it.

An anchor, if you will.

Fortunately, anything should be able to serve as an anchor as long as it exists in reality.

So as long as someone here has such a connection, we should be able to escape from this Void Space.

However, we are unable to do so at this time. Which means...

...the world itself has been utterly wiped clean.

Hahaha, that's ridiculous. What do you mean "wiped clean"? That there's nothing left anywhere?

I am certainly willing to admit that it was terrifying seeing those...ah, meteoroids, I suppose they were...falling to Earth while we were in Antarctica.

Given their size, the impacts must have been absolutely devastating. No doubt the destruction was many times worse than the Tunguska event.

Terrible as that may be, there is simply no way that could have been a cataclysm capable of wiping every nation off the face of the earth.

And of course, let us not forget the Clock Tower! London's Clock Tower has been around for millennia!

It is the greatest bastion of magecraft in existence, guarded by hundreds of defense mechanisms! There's no possible way it could be destroyed!

？！

Fou. Fou.

With all due respect, Goredolf, I'm afraid the Mage's Association in London has been destroyed as well.

Every. Single. Nation. All destroyed. With the exception of those of us here, the entirety of humanity has been wiped from existence.

Or at least, so Kirschtaria Wodime believes. Otherwise, he would never have made that proclamation.

Th-that's impossible. The world couldn't possibly be destroyed so easily. It couldn't possibly...

...Right? Y-you all agree, don't you?

...

...

Why are you looking so glum!? Stop that!

Fujimaru! Fujimaru!

You may be a cheeky little bastard, but I can tell you have sensibilities much more in line with my own.

Go on then, YOU tell them! Tell them Holmes is making this all up, or wrong, or something!

？！

Huh? Don't tell me you're serious about this too? Aren't you like me?

Fou.

It can't be... Then, there really is nothing at all left on Earth...?

Not even my beloved Hawaii? Or the Monaco Grand Prix? Or the racetrack I always dreamed of visiting one day? The Suzuka Circuit!?

This... This is terrible... ...But, then again...

This could be our chance to create a brand-new organization for magecraft from scratch! What do you all think? When life gives you lemons...right?

And how would we do that when all the rest of humanity's been wiped out? But hey, if you wanna make an association of one, go nuts, old man.

I am not old! I may have a year or two on you, but I'm still a dashing specimen in the prime of my youth!

All that said, we do have one possible exit point.

There is something on Earth to which we both have a connection, AND that has a solid chance of existing.

The Oprichniki. The black-garbed army that attacked Chaldea.

We know of them, and they know of us.

And that makes an almost complete connection between our two groups.

If we were to emerge now, we would most likely do so wherever they currently are.

...You mean...

？！

I-I see. Right into the heart of enemy territory, eh... That would certainly be extremely dangerous...

...Yes, it would. But we can't stay here in Void Space forever.

The Shadow Border's reserves are running low. We're almost out of food, water, and power...

Indeed. We will need to emerge soon no matter what. But I WOULD like to do so at the best possible time.

Fortunately, we have the Paper Moon, a compass capable of measuring standard space and Void Space simultaneously.

We have been using it all this time to look for a comparatively safe location wherever we emerge, which is to say an area devoid of hostiles.

Isn't that right, Da Vinci? I take it you're about done by now?

Gooooood morning, everyone! It's me, Da Vinci!

No need to fill me in. I've been listening along this whole time!

In fact, whenever I'm acting as the computer room's bio unit, I can see eeeverything that happens inside the Shadow Border☆

So don't go thinking you can keep any secrets from me, Goredolf. That goes for you too, Holmes.

Now then, I've already got my eye on an area crawling with Oprichniki.

I've also gone ahead and plotted a course to emerge there. As luck would have it, we're even nearing a current that should do the trick nicely.

If we head that way now, we could hitch a ride and be carried along that course in about five minutes. If we miss this wave, we'll have to wait ten days for the next one.

By that time, the Shadow Border will be almost completely out of power. So what I'm getting at is

？！

You got it! That's what I like to hear, Fujimaru!

Make sure to stop by and thank me for being so amazing later!

Incidentally, according to the Paper Moon, this wave will bring us back to standard space approximately ninety days after we left.

Sooo, that means we'll be emerging around early April in the year 2020.

Man, we really lucked out. One wrong move, and we could've ended up on a wave that would've taken us there a hundred years later.

If we'd emerged into standard space then, it'd probably be waaay too late to do anything☆

S-slow down! Slow down!!!

You mean a few days' difference can affect our exit time THAT much? Is that normal for Zero Sail travel!?

I-if we emerged a hundred years later...the Musik residence would be no more than a ruin! You can't do that! That's MY house!

...Notice how much quicker he is to grasp stuff when it affects him directly...

Try to remember that everything on Earth has already been destroyed.

Now then, it seems we are faced with a decision. The perfect wave on which we can ride to reenter reality is nearly upon us. Are you all prepared to take it?

There is no telling what the world will look like when we get there.

All we can say for certain at this point is that we will be emerging on the Oprichniki's home turf.

We are very likely to be attacked the moment we appear. Even so...

What are you, some sort of adventure-crazed nut!?

Couldn't agree more! I KNEW I saw potential in you!

？！

Huh!? What was that, Mr. Meunière!?

I don't know! We collided with something, and now the left screw has shut down!

We've found the Void Space's border wall! The collision has damaged our armor. Part of the Logic Formula is missing!

Wh-wh-what did you say!? The armor's been damaged!?

Why did you impoverished fools use such cheap materials!? If I still had my fortune, money would have been no object!

(Hmm. He must have spent all his money acquiring Chaldea.)

Hmm, well this certainly isn't good. We can't maintain the vehicle's balance anymore! Looks like this is it for our maiden Zero Sail!

At least we should still be able to raise the bow and reenter standard space, but after that, I think we'll need to step outside to make repairs.

Quite so. Given the circumstances, our hands are tied. This is indeed the end for our maiden Zero Sail. All hands, prepare to emerge!

N-n-no, you can't! We'll just end up surrounded by Oprichniki again!

If those are our choices, better to just stay here! The next wave will be here soon, then we

No, it won't. If we stay here, we'll end up starving to death. I believe you would find that a far more painful end than dying in battle.

...Grrr... You there, Demi-Servant! What do YOU think!?

Me!? W-well, I...

I-I'll go along with whatever Master decides! If we end up surrounded by enemy forces, we can cross that bridge when we come to it!

Aaargh, not you too! You were supposed to be the meek little girl who would quietly agree with authority! Are ALL you Chaldeans adventure-crazed nuts!?

？！

All done talking? Then let's go catch ourselves a wave!

I-I didn't agree to that! W-wait, let me get my seat belt on!

All hands, take your seats! You are NOT to get incapacitated under any circumstances! That goes for you too, Fujimaru!

As long as you're strapped in, you won't suffer any serious injuries! Trust me, I speak from experience!

Activating Paper Moon. Initiating planet navigational chart plus/minus convergence. Commencing Shadow Border's docking sequence into reality boundary.

Firing existence verification tether into Reality Space. Oprichniki anchor point confirmed.

？！

Nobody knows. Nobody can even guess. So we must be prepared for anything.

The only way we will learn what awaits us when we emerge...is to see it for ourselves.

Emerging from Void Space. Thirty seconds until arrival in Reality Space.

Zero Sail, complete. Emerging into Reality Space.

Reality Space anchor attached. Reality verification complete.

Establishing Shadow Border's existence. Zero Sail return successful.

I... I say...! I'm alive... I'm alive!

My limbs have never felt so solid! It's like I've gained several kilograms since we were in Void Space!

Attention. An armor plate came loose during reentry. Further Zero Sails currently impossible.

Please replenish materials and food supplies and perform regular repairs and tune-ups on the Shadow Border to ensure future safe travels.

I see. It's a wonder the Shadow Border held up this well, given the less than ideal circumstances in which weHm?

We did it! We're back on Earth! We can go outside! Fresh air at last!

I know! I wonder what it's like outside now! We're not bobbing around, so we're probably on land!

Quit shoving! I know how you feel, but I can't unlock the door until you settle down!

Let's see, first we release this bolt...

...Well now. I suppose I ought to have expected this. Who wouldn't be curious about the state of the world now, given the circumstances?

It is, after all, our home; we have fought so hard to protect it. The miracle of our return from such a perilous voyage no doubt pales in comparison.

...Indeed, I would expect nothing less from Chaldea's staff. Though I must say, it's a tad too dazzling for me to view directly.

Everyone's rushing toward the cockpit's emergency exit. Are you sure you don't want to join them, Senpai?

？！

Not you too, Fujimaru! Dammit, what about me!?

Is it okay if I leave the monitor for a little, Holmes!? I want to see what it's like out there with my own two eyes!

I'm sorry, Mr. Meunière, but someone has to stay here and keep an eye on the monitor.

After all, I too have been waiting with bated breath to see what lies on the other side of that door.

Oh, is that so. Fine, what do I care? I'm just a sad, lonely geek anyway. Meunière always gets the shaft, so why should things change now?

The emergency exit is opening! Senpai, we're finally going to have some natural light...

Light...?

It's...

It's...

It's...

？！

H-h-how very cold it is! My COAT is frosting over! Quick, close the door!

Y-yes, sir!

Phew, I thought I was done for. But, that snowfield we saw for a brief moment...

Man, that was a close one! Good thing I cranked up the heat.

(Sigh) Is everyone okay? You should know better than to just open the door the moment we stop in some strange part of the world.

I trust you've all learned your lesson, yes? No more going outside after a Zero Sail until we finish checking the conditions around the anchor point.

Failing to follow that protocol could be hazardous to your health. Now, are you all ready to hear my report?

Yes. I'm terribly sorry for acting carelessly. So, what's going on with that blizzard?

It's a perfectly ordinary blizzard, just like the ones we're all well acquainted with by this point. There's no atmospheric pollution, and no hostiles in the area.

Presently, the Shadow Border is smack-dab in the middle of the blizzard. The odd bit is that it's a hundred degrees below zero out there.

So if you plan to go outside and want to live more than a couple minutes, you'll need some serious cold protection.

And if that wasn't enough... Take a look at this footage.

What...IS this? Is that an aurora...and a storm? It looks like a massive supercell...

Rrgh, how am I supposed to figure out the scale here with no frame of reference!? It does look like it's rather big, but

Oh it's big all right. Ready to have your minds blown? This storm is LITERALLY endless.

It covers every inch of Russia, like a wall around the entire world.

And the aurora blocks all kinds of electromagnetic waves, so it's completely impossible to break through.

I can tell some of you want to write it off as just a storm, but you really shouldn't.

This storm can tear steel apart, level entire cities, even destroy the world as we know it. No wonder people thought of it as a god during the Age of Gods.

Remember, storms are THE single most powerful source of naturally produced energy on the planet.

And one this massive is bound to be raging around with all the energy of a nuclear bomb. It stretches as far as the eye can see.

Humanity has yet to invent anything in the way of a vehicle capable of breaking through a storm like this.

Nothing could get through this storm. No weapon. No vehicle. Nothing.

Which means...

...Which means that even once we get the Shadow Border up and running, we won't be able to leave this place.

In short, we are trapped in a world about which we know nothing.

Now, now, Goredolf. At least we are no longer in any immediate danger.

For that matter, the Zero Sail was incredibly dangerous in its own right, since it inverted our very existence into the negative zone.

I believe it would benefit our chances of survival tremendously if we were to regroup here.

H-hmm...

Well, it IS certainly an emergency... And we DO need to regroup... Hmm...

Da Vinci, does the Shadow Border possess the ability to camouflage itself?

Of course it does! This vessel's designed to handle the Void! It's got tons of features! In fact, it has optical AND conceptual camouflage. It messes with ALL the observer's perceptions and senses!

Then for the moment, we needn't worry about danger finding us from the outside. That, of course, does not account for possible problems from the inside.

Grr, why do we only have one blanket per person!? And why are you being so stingy with the heat!?

Don't you realize it's getting colder in here by the minute!? Do you WANT us to freeze to death!?

What other choice do we have, Goredolf? We've gotta save all the power we can right now. Deal with it.

Besides, the way things are going, we'll probably starve to death before we freeze to death, since I don't see us finding more food in this mess.

Oho, so you can tell how resilient I am, eh? Hehe, flattery will get you nowhere, young man.

Still, I commend your keen eye. Indeed, I am Musik the Phoenix. It will take more than a little hunger to bring ME down.

I am possessed of an indomitable fighting spirit, overwhelming bravery, and tenacity for days!

With such qualities at my command, I too have no doubt that I would survive the longest of anyone here!

I believe Senpai was alluding to your excess, um...energy reserves.

Don't worry, we still have a little bit left. I'm just saying we need to find more food, and soon.

？！

Indeed, food is but one of several problems we face. Let us take stock of our current situation.

I've got a reading on the temperature out there. It's exactly what Technical Advisor Da Vinci said it was: one hundred degrees below zero.

No human being could survive in this... As for our position, it looks like we're somewhere in Russia.

Russia... Damn! So Holmes was right. We have literally fallen right into the Oprichniki's laps!

But, hang on, how is that possible? I know we were adrift for some time, but how could we reach Russia from Antarctica?

We would have had to sail halfway across the world for that to happen... Did Void Space make that possible?

More or less. In Void Space, real-world distances have no meaning.

Instead, the distance we can travel corresponds exactly to the time it takes to calculate coordinates and verify our existence.

Now, take a look at the Paper Moon!

That's...a two-dimensional world map.

I can see seven locations that seem to be layered differently than the rest of the map...

S-so they are. I didn't notice at first since this thing loops around on itself, but you're right.

It reminds me of the seven Singularities that caused the Incineration of Humanity. Though of course, the current circumstances differ substantially.

The seven Singularities existed at different points in time... A vertical axis.

But in this time period, these seven abnormal regions exist simultaneously.

And Russiawhere we are nowis one such region.

？！

It's too early to tell.

Given what Kirschtaria said during his transmission, I believe these regions are not the past, butHm?

Gaaah, so cold! But I finished looking over the Shadow Border!

Nice work. You MUST have been freezing, even in just the few short minutes you were out there. So? How's my baby holding up?

W-well, frankly, it won't be possible to make repairs.

For starters, we don't have a Logic Formula to let us withstand Void Space, nor do we have the armor plating we would need to carve the Formula into...

And, well, the engine's not in great shape after we overtaxed it.

We'll need at least a little time to get it back up and running...

Brrr... It's so cold. But at least it's not AS bad now.

It should warm up a little once it gets to midday. As long as we avoid working at night, we should be able to get by with just our snowsuits.

Glad to hear it. Make sure you grab a hot shower before you catch cold or anything.

This is the one time you'll get to rest up as much as you want. In fact, maybe you'd prefer a hot bath?

No, thank you. A hot towel will do. We really have to conserve electricity now, after all.

Good. Let us take matters one problem at a time.

At the moment, our most pressing concern is this Singularity-esque location.

I trust our new director has no issue with us investigating this land and correcting the problem?

New director... N-no, not at all.

As a devoted magecraft practitioner myself, I cannot turn a blind eye to this matter. If there is a Singularity to be corrected, we must do so simply as a matter of course.

Furthermore, the Shadow Border's armor is damaged, and we are unable to move from our current location.

In which case...

...one of us must venture out and find someone with whom we can barter or negotiate, and arrange for a suitable replacement for our missing armor plate...

...and fix the Singularity while they are at it.

Hm... Yes, yes.

You ARE the only one here with nothing better to do.

I see you are quite eager to help, Mr. Fujimaru. Perhaps even recklessly so. But for the moment, I will spare you the lecture.

？！

You may not currently have any Servants capable of aiding you in battle, but you are still a Master.

Furthermore, you are far and away the most experienced fighter out of everyone here.

At this point, you are the only one we can send to investigate this area.

It will be extremely dangerous. As the administrative advisor, I'm ashamed I must ask this of you.

...Then, will you be escorting Senpai as his bodyguard, Holmes?

... ...

Naturally. I will do so to the best of my ability. Fieldwork is, of course, one of my many specialties.

Now, regarding your Mystic Code

Wait! That won't do at all!

Director Goredolf...?

Holmes, you're one of our precious few fighters.

As the only Servant capable of handling this situation, I forbid you from leaving this vehicle!

This armored car is the last bastion of humanity itself. There MUST be a combat-ready Servant here to defend it.

So you are to stay here and do exactly that, Holmes. Understand? That is a direct order from your commander.

Oh? If it's just a Servant you need, there's another one right here, you know.

Or have you already forgotten about me and my genius?

You're not a real Servant. You're just an imitation who's lost any combat ability you may have once had.

Holmes is the only real fighter we have, and we can't afford to send him out into a dangerous area we still know nothing about.

Fujimaru. During our investigation, you adamantly refused to cooperate with us, correct?

Each and every time we asked you if a certain report was all made up, and insisted that you lot never actually saved the world...

...all you said was, "Chaldea fulfilled its mission admirably."

Heh. Not bad for a youngster like yourself. Indeed, I commend your attitude.

As such, I see no problem whatsoever with my plan. You're a proven warrior, as you demonstrated by repairing the past Singularities.

What sort of director would I be if I didn't trust a proven Master? A poor excuse for one, that's what. And so, I am placing my implicit trust in you.

So listen up. You are to go on this expedition alone. The rest of us will relay instructions to you from this operations room.

What!? You can't make Senpai handle this alone!

...Does that mean you are withdrawing the testimony you provided to the inquiry board?

Were your claims that Chaldea had not been sitting around merely twiddling its thumbs for the last year no more than lies?

？！

...Indeed. Both Mr. Fujimaru and the new director are correct.

The Shadow Border's destruction would mean the end of humanity itself.

It is indeed important that we investigate this area, but we must concentrate the bulk of our efforts on keeping the Shadow Border and the Paper Moon safe.

Therefore, I will remain to guard the Shadow Border, and do whatever I can to aid the expedition from here.

All that said, the fact remains that it would also be reckless to send Mr. Fujimaru out on his own.

It is a hundred degrees below zero outside, and there is no telling what else may be lying in wait.

I-I know that! I won't send him off without a buddy!

Let's see, one of you called me an old man. What was his name again? Sauté? Piccata?

(Oh craaap!)

Bwa!? Et tu, Fujimaru!?

？！

That's it! Meunière. MEUNIÈRE!

Get your armaments in order! You will be joining Fujimaru on his expedition!

Gaaah, I knew it! Why me!?

Hmph. You're an operator. Your job is to man the controls and keep an eye on the monitors.

Now that the Border is parked, this is simply the best way for you to make yourself useful!

Besides, if worse comes to worst, I know someone who can fill in as the driver. Hehe. Hehehe. Hehehehe!

I mean, you're not wrong, but...! Dammit, guess I've got no choice...!

Wait!

I...I'll go with Senpai! I believe that would be the best possible option!

For one thing, I have even fewer ways to be useful here than Mr. Meunière does...

...and I can also fight for brief periods, just like I did at Chaldea!

？！

...I am afraid that is a course of action I cannot support. What about you, Da Vinci?

Hmm. I hate to say it, but I DO think Fujimaru will need a companion. And Mash IS an old hand when it comes to investigating unexplored areas by now.

As long as she agrees not to engage in combat as a Servant unless absolutely necessary, and to focus solely on providing support...

...she's the best partner Fujimaru could ask for. It's not my place to try to stop her.

？！

...Yes, Senpai?

？！

...Of course, Master! I'd be happy to accompany you on this expedition!

Good, good. Fortunately, I expected something like this might happen one day, so I suppose this is as good a time as any to show you the Mystic Code I made for exploring polar regions!

Here you go, Fujimaru. And Mash, here's a snowsuit I made just for you.

Excellent. Then be off with you.

And whatever you do, do not throw your lives away, understand? If you must die, make sure that you find a valuable lead before you do so.

Seriously? You really need to work on your goodbyes.

Hm? What was wrong with that? I thought it was quite the encouraging speech.

Wow, you ARE serious. You're a noble through and through, aren't you?

I'm amazed you managed to survive this long without dying in solitude. Did you just luck out and get a really good maid or something?

I-I'll have you know I have never experienced solitude once in all my life! My tutor, Toole IV, was so strict, she would barely leave me alone!

Grr, what an impudent little familiar! If only you acted as cute as you look!

There we go...

It can't hurt to wear a snowsuit over your arctic Mystic Code. Not that it's likely to do much good when it's a freakin' hundred degrees below out there.

Listen. I know what Goredolf said, but make sure you don't go taking any unnecessary risks.

Just take it easy, and focus on staying alive first and foremost.

Good. Glad to hear it.

Right? There's all sorts of fun things out there just waiting for you to experience. I knew you had potential, Fujimaru.

Once this is all taken care of, you'll have to come check out my hometown sometime.

You haven't lived until you've seen France, you know.

？！

Oh, and Mash? I don't want you overdoing it either, got it?

I, uh, I know that you really helped us out back at Chaldea...

...but the fact is, you've got serious limits as a Demi-Servant. So if you encounter any hostiles, you just focus on keeping your distance.

All the more so if Fujimaru's in a tight spot. Whatever it takes, you two better make it back here alive.

We will. Thank you, Mr. Meunière.

Oh, and Fujimaru, you take this.

？！

Listen up. We're going to investigate the surrounding area first. Once we find something of interest, we'll let you know and tell you where to go.

If you can manage to secure a leyline, you should be able to summon Servants again.

As for power... You'll just have to make do somehow. Maybe take advantage of a natural phenomenon.

A natural phenomenon...?

I bet Da Vinci and Holmes'll figure something out.

You're the one who took care of all those Singularities. I don't have to tell you what an accomplishment that is.

You've met at least one or two Servants who're crazy enough to answer a summon, no matter the circumstance.

So as long as you can get the bare minimum of energy into that Spirit Origin graph, you oughta be able to summon at least one Servant.

You probably won't be able to get a really strong one, though. Our magical energy supply here doesn't hold a candle to Chaldea's.

But even so, any Heroic Spirit you can get to help you would be a godsend at this point. So do what you gotta to make that happen.

？！

Honestly, I have no idea what's coming. The Doctor is gone, and so's more than half our staff.

I never thought things could get even worse than they were back in Orleans.

But here we are, and just like back then, you're our only hope, Fujimaru. Good luck.

？！

I know we can. Oh, and if it's not asking too much, try to find some fish. Do that, and I'll treat you to some of the best home cooking you've ever had.

I'm all set too, Master.

Let's go!

？！

Fou...

Fou! Are you going to be okay in this cold!?

？！

Fou, fooou...

Testing, testing... Hello? Can you guys hear me? You can?

Great, looks like we've got comms working. Not sure what kind of range we'll get in this storm, though.

Now then, the first order of business will be to look for a leyline.

Here's what I'm thinking: start by heading north, then turn east.

If you still haven't found a leyline after a while, then you can continue west.

Once that's done, come back to the Shadow Border before you check out the south.

What do you think of that? Any thoughts to share? Am I doing a better job than, uh, me?

？！

Great! Glad to hear it!

All right, I'll be checking in every five minutes, so if you stop hearing from me, that's your cue to turn around and head back.

Got that, you two?

？！

Understood, Da Vinci!

Oh, and let me be clear about one more thing: if you encounter any locals, leave the negotiations to us.

Even over comms, I can cast a simple charm spell to win over any ordinary person you run into.

Maybe we should only use that as a last resort, Director?

Charm spells do work quickly, but their effects also wear off rapidly as well. There would be no way of knowing when our unwitting collaborator might return to their senses.

As such, I believe it would be both safer and wiser for you to employ your natural charms here.

Should we encounter any locals, I believe the best thing to do would be for Mr. Fujimaru to initiate the negotiations.

Once both parties have reached a mutual understanding, we can then have them come to the Border.

H-hm, I see... Indeed, my own natural charisma would be the surest way to succeed...

Very well, we shall use your plan, then. Da Vinci, is there any pomade to be found in this car?

I'll need to make sure my hair is perfect for the occasion. First impressions are everything, after all!

Sure. I can whip something up that'll do the trick. (Damn, Holmes. You played him like a fiddle.)

(Well, I AM the world's greatest detective. Besides, I wasn't being entirely untruthful.)

(Goredolf DOES have a certain dignity... The sort that comes from being raised in a distinguished noble family.)

(And that is something that Mr. Fujimaru can and should do without.)

Fou, fooou!

Okay, Master. Let's start heading north.

This blizzard really does go as far as the eye can see... And it seems the temperature has dropped even lower since we left.

？！

Only cold, eh? You have my amazing Mystic Code to thank for that!

The temperatures you're experiencing right now can freeze hot water, or turn a banana hard enough to use as a hammer.

Okay, that's enough heading north. Now try going east.

Understood. Okay, Master, let's head east.

Master...! Take a look at that!

？！

...That doesn't look like the bands of light we saw in the Singularities. What could it be...?

A skyscraper...? A tower...?

？！

Whatever it is, it's certainly enormous...

What was that noise...? Da Vinci!

Yep, I'm detecting a hostile from here. Looks like a low-rank Phantasmal... Maybe a Demonic Beast?

Just one of them, but it's headed your way from the east...and it looks to be spoiling for a fight.

？！

Yes, Master! Let's head south...

...Fou!

What was that roar...!?

I'm picking up new hostiles at Fujimaru's twelve and nine o'clock!

...And another one at his six! They're surrounded!

...!

Oh God, now there's six more!

That cry earlier must have signaled others. They just keep coming!

So, they know to surround their prey... These creatures would appear to understand how to hunt.

Which means there is an established ecosystem, even in this frigid world.

But that is a matter for later.

Mr. Fujimaru, Da Vinci. I'm sorry to ask you to break the rules right off the bat.

Ms. Kyrielight, I trust you know what to do? Make your way through the Demonic Beasts to the south and return here at once.

Wait! What's going to happen if you lead a huge pack of Demonic Beasts here!?

Remember, the Shadow Border is the very last bastion of humanity!

...!

A-at any rate, I'll find the weakest link in their formation and try to break through!

Master, your orders, please!

？！

...Yes, Master!

Khh...! Ar...gh...!

？！

Y-yes, Master. We need to make our escape...while we can...!

...Ah...!

？！

A gun!?

A rifle, in point of fact, judging by the sound. One wielded, it would seem, by a skilled marksman, considering they incapacitated the beast with a single shot to the head.

Well done!

...Take this!

Are you guys nuts!?

What were you thinking, running right into the middle of a Krichat' pack!

Huh...!?

I'm guessing you guys came from the capital looking for something to eat, but you're not gonna have much more luck out here in the boonies eith

...What the?

？！

Wh-what the hell ARE you guys!? Why's your skin so smooth!?

Wait! Please, wait!

？！

...Wait a second. Are you guys...mages?

Huh...!?

Dammit... C'mon, follow me!

Krichat' are cowards, but if you stick around too long, they'll call more friends and overwhelm you!

(He just hefted that huge Demonic Beast like it was nothing...!)

Come on, move it!

？！

R-right. I'll bring up the rear, Master!

Dammit, the Krichat' are restless today! What'd you guys do to get them so worked up?

？！

Come on, keep moving!

Otherwise, the Krichat'll have you for dinner. Unless their noise attracts a D'yavol Tron first!

I-I'm sorry, what's a D'yavol Tron?

A giant serpent with multiple heads that can wipe out an entire village easy as you like! Don't you guys know ANYTHING!?

Okay, we're here...

...Dammit, the Oprichniki are on patrol! They'll collect my kill as taxes.

Listen up. Don't let any other Yaga see you.

They're always looking for more sacrifices for the Oprichniki!

Oprichniki...!

？！

Huh? What's with you guys?

...Aha, I see how it is. The Oprichniki are after you guys?

Come with me. Any enemy of the Oprichniki is a friend of mine.

I think I can help you out, if you have something to offer in return.

Master...?

...All right. We'll accompany you!

Good. Come on, you Koldun.

Hmm.

You Koldun have less pride than I thought.

...Well, whatever. Let's just take it nice and easy...

？！

Hey, if it isn't Patxi.

...Try to stay out of sight.

Huh. Do you smell that weird scent too?

Is it coming from those two?

...!

It's coming from this Demonic Beast, obviously. Didn't bleed it out properly.

No leisure for the poor, huh. You sure you're gonna make it through the winter like that?

Guess you're not worried about yourself, huh?

Hahahaha, nope. I've got plenty stored away.

If you ever find yourself running low on food, how 'bout I sell you some on the cheap?

But you WILL have to tell me where your best hunting grounds are.

...I'll think about it. See you around.

Hey, your little friends there wouldn't be with the rebel army, would they?

Cause if they are, you know I've gotta report them to the Oprichniki. Tsar's decree and all.

If these guys turn out to be with the rebel army...

...I'm gonna tell the Oprichniki you and I are the best of friends.

!

C'mon, cut that out. We're not friends. We barely know each other!

You sure about that?

'Cause we've been having a good, long talk for a while now.

Can't you feel everyone else watching us?

Dammit...!

All right, let's hurry up and get to my house before anyone else comes sniffing around.

...Good. The Oprichniki still don't know you're here.

？！

Don't need your thanks. Just give me something as compensation.

It's all about bartering, right?

"Something," huh... What should we do, Senpai?

Would information suffice?

Aah! Wh-what the hell IS that!?

Magecraft-based communication.

Since you realized those two are mages, I assumed your kind would possess a deep knowledge of magecraft...

...but judging from your response, it appears that your kind have only ever HEARD of magecraft. Am I correct?

Oh... So it's not actually real.

I assure you, it is. I am speaking to you in person, albeit from a great distance.

Now, as I was saying, if we possess any information that may be of use to you, we are happy to provide it.

...Don't suppose you know of any good hunting grounds, do you?

If the location of a Krichat' nest would suffice, then yes, we have found a number of them.

Krichat' nests, huh. Nice. Those things are pushovers.

Pushovers? THOSE...?

Well yeah. You can actually kill them, as long as you shoot them or hit them hard enough. Waaay better than the Demonic Beasts who just won't die.

Very well, I'm prepared to share the locations of these Krichat' nests.

So first, I would appreciate you telling us everything you know about this place.

？！

...My name, huh.

They say that if you ever tell a Koldun your name, you'll be cursed.

Excuse me, but what are these "Koldun"? I can tell you mean us, but beyond that...

It means "mage."

I've never seen one myself before, but there's a whole bunch of them in the imperial family, right?

Then again, Koldun or not, you don't seem like much of a threat. I doubt you could curse anyone if you tried.

？！

...All right. My name's Patxi.

Now, who're you guys?

I'm Mash Kyrielight.

Sherlock Holmes.

？！

Hmm. Mash, Sherlock, and Fujimaru, huh.

All right, now WHAT are you guys?

If the Oprichniki are after you, does that mean you're with the rebel army?

Rebel army? Hang on. We're not

Now, now, calm yourself, my dear Watson. Allow me to do the explaining.

...Well? Are you, or aren't you?

？！

First, we have a few questions of our own.

I don't think so. First, you need to answer my

What year is it right now?

Huh?

(...Holmes is right. That's the first thing we need to confirm.)

(It is abnormally cold, even for Russia.)

(It can't possibly be the Russia we know. That could mean we're in a different time period, just like the Singularities)

...I don't know why you're asking such a stupid question, but fine. It's 2020. What about it?

I see. What about that enormous storm? It appears to be nothing so much as a solid wall composed of incredibly powerful wind. Is that normal?

Hell no it's not. Been living here in Russia for twenty years, and I've never seen anything like it before.

...Is it true what they say about the world getting closed off?

It would seem that it is. As of right now, the only place we can confirm actually exists is Russia.

We came here from beyond Russia, to see if we can't do something about it.

Beyond...? You mean from outside Russia...?

(...I don't know what they're talking about. What could he mean, outside Russia?)

(There IS nothing outside Russia. Any land people could've lived on should be long gone by now.)

(I guess they could be from the boonies...but then again, they're not Yaga either. Maybe...maybe there really are still other nations out there?)

...All right. I can tell you got your own stuff you're dealing with.

But I'm not gonna pry. Not looking for friends.

So then, why's a bunch of outsiders like you on the outs with the Oprichniki?

Unfortunately, your guess is as good as ours. We still don't even know what they really are.

...That being the case, we would tremendously appreciate if you could tell us. What ARE the Oprichniki?

You're kidding me. How did you survive this long without knowing even that?

The Oprichniki are brutal hunters. Ivan the Terrible's personal bodyguards.

Ivan...the Terrible...!

Yes, he was. If you know that much, then more detailed explanations can wait.

I'm afraid the detailed explanation will have to wait. For the moment, I will simply say this:

Ivan the Terrible was the Tsar and Grand Duke of All Russia.

He was also the greatest monster of the sixteenth century. An orator and a tyrant, his greatest talentand passionlay in torture.

？！

Wait a moment. Patxi just told us that this is still the year 2020.

If it is, why would Ivan the Terrible's bodyguards still be around?

？！

Huh? A Servant? ...You guys have some pretty bizarre questions...

Ivan the Terrible's alive and well. He's been around for almost five hundred years, so he's the oldest Yaga of all.

Wha...

...I take it the Yaga are your kind?

That's right. Jeez, you outsiders really don't know ANYTHING, do you?

How the hell'd you all survive this long being this ignorant? You been living under a rock the last few hundred years or something?

Then again, they DO say this kind of ignorance is common for mages...

I can only give you a real brief overview.

...So you really HAVE been living under a rock all this time. Explains why you look like the old species.

？！

You do know about the Great Cold Wave that happened four hundred and fifty years ago, right? The new ice age they say happened after a meteor struck the planet?

Once that hit, Earth turned into an ice planet. It got so cold that the old species, the...uh, humans...couldn't survive here anymore.

They say that none of the other countries were able to handle the cold, so their populations died out.

But Russians have always dealt with the cold, so we had it better here.

Even so, we still lost about ninety percent of our population. Hell, we nearly lost the whole damn country.

So before that could happen, Ivan the Terrible and a mage developed a plan. We, the Yaga, are the result.

Hmm. Does that mean you're a mixture of Demonic Beast and human?

What the...!? Who're YOU!? And why're you so tiny!?

Oh, don't mind me. I'm just a passing genius, doing as geniuses do☆

So, the people of Russia were combined with Demonic Beasts via some kind of magecraft.

Do I have that right?

Yeah. Got it in one. Not that I remember any of it myself, though.

I've been a Yaga my whole life. This is my first time ever seeing the old human species.

I see. That explains quite a lot. Thank you, Patxi.

Now, who're you guys, anyway?

Chaldea...?

An organization tasked with the preservation of humanity and saving the world.

We're members of the Chaldea Security Organization. It's our job to ensure the preservation of humanity.

？！

...Now I have even more questions.

？！

Huh, well ain't that something. ...So are you like, a bunch of idiots, then?

I understand how fantastical that must sound, but I assure you, we are deadly serious.

... ...Well, whatever.

Whatever nutty plan you guys got up your sleeve, if it'll shake things up around here, I'm all for it.

After all, you're the first outsiders I've ever seen in my life.

Anyway, I'll do you a favor and forget I ever heard your nonsense. Just hurry it up with the hunting grounds info.

Very well, then. Show me a map and I will tell you where to go.

You better not be pulling my tail about this...

All right, this is our town here.

Hmm, so this is Yaga Smolensk. And this city far up to the northeast must be Yaga Moscow.

In that case...

This spot here is one of the hunting grounds I discovered earlier.

Just so you guys know, I may hate the Oprichniki, but I hate liars even more.

Now stay put until I get back. Got it?

...If those hunting grounds turn out to be a sham, I'll hunt YOU to the ends of the earth.

Good. But don't go touching my food.

I'm saving it all to make it through the winter.

？！

Looks like he's gone to check out those hunting grounds. By the way, Holmes, can I pick your brain for a moment?

What... What IS this place? Why have humans been combined with Demonic Beasts?

That violates one of magecraft's strictest taboos! Is this what all Singularities are like?

It would hardly be unusual for one. What is abundantly clear is that this is not our own history.

？！

What is it, Master?

？！

...Regardless, we now know that the opponent you two must face is Ivan the Terrible. A version of him who has somehow managed to survive for approximately five hundred years, strange as that may sound.

The Oprichniki were indeed Ivan the Terrible's personal bodyguards. Now then, Goredolf, allow me to ask you something.

Y-yes? What is it, Holmes?

Are you certain the Oprichnik you defeated was not, in fact, human?

Oh, yes, absolutely. He dissolved into nothing once I socked him with a good Gof Punch. From the look of it, I would guess he was a familiar of some sort.

I concur. I too sensed nothing human about them during my own skirmishes.

Originally, the Oprichniki were a corps of soldiers established by Ivan the Terrible himself.

It is said they dressed completely in black, carried around dog heads and whips made from bristling animal pelts, and only rode black horses.

Their job was to eradicate the Tsar's enemies. It is said they would set upon their opponents like dogs, and clean them out as swiftly as a broom gathering dust.

They swore absolute loyalty to the Tsar, and committed all manner of unspeakable atrocities in his name.

But none of them became Heroic Spirits.

As Goredolf surmised, they are familiars belonging to Ivan the Terrible.

？！

Those are certainly the two most likely possibilities. The terror the Oprichniki wrought swept throughout all of Russia, after all.

It is quite possible that creating them could have become a skill or even Noble Phantasm he possesses.

And if the Oprichniki are still terrorizing all of Russia

Does that mean Ivan the Terrible is the Servant responsible for the attack on Chaldea?

Oh, right, he ISN'T a Servant. He's flesh and blood, just like Nero was...

Nonetheless, we have far too few options available to us at this point. As such, our first order of business should be securing a leyline.

Well, as luck would have it, I detected something that looked an awful lot like a leyline back when Fujimaru and Mash were making their escape with Patxi.

Unfortunately, it is quite a ways from your current position. It'd be extremely risky for the two of you to head there alone.

Well, then just have that furred freak take you there.

Then we use magecraft to charm him! Must I think of EVERYTHING around here!?

Not so fast, Goredolf. Remember, the Yaga are part Demonic Beast.

That most likely means they possess a strong innate resistance to magecraft. I doubt that a charm cast over a transmission would have much effect.

We don't have time to think about what that...that THING may stand to gain.

The moment these creatures combined themselves with Demonic Beasts, they ceased to be human.

？！

Either way, we should wait for Patxi to come back.

We may not be able to convince him to take us, but maybe he'll at least tell us about a safe path.

Patxi. Hey, Patxi.

...What is it?

Are you going hunting?

So what if I am?

Sorry, but those hunting grounds belong to the town.

Why do you think I only hunt the strays?

Those stray Demonic Beasts belong to the town too.

...Not that any are straying off anyway, since that spot's been closed down!

...Is that so? Fine, I'll just have to find somewhere else to hunt, won't I?

'Course, I still don't know if I can even trust them...

I can't remember the last time I killed this many. With a haul like this, I could still scrape by even after they pick me clean for taxes...

Patxi!

...What is it?

You're looking flush today, aren't you?

...This is about my taxes, right? Here, take it.

Yup, that takes care of you. But what about your mother's taxes?

...

Hey, it's no fur off my snout. Your old lady's not pulling her weight anymore anyway.

And you know as well as I do that this town doesn't need any Yaga who can't hunt.

Honestly, I don't even know why you bother paying her share.

It doesn't make a damn lick of sense.

None of your business. ...Here, there's my mother's share.

Who is it?

...Here's some meat. I'll just leave it here.

Oh, thank you. I don't know how I can...repay you...

Don't worry about it.

My husband and son will be home soon. Why don't you stay and eat with us?

...No thanks.

I'm back. ...Your info was good. Brought in my biggest haul in ages.

Hard to believe there was that good a hunting spot right near the town that nobody ever noticed before.

Thanks to your tip, I've still got a bunch left over even after paying my taxes.

Though I did get a few snide remarks about my haul.

？！

...Eh, it's a long story. Never mind that. What other hunting grounds've you got for me?

Hurry up and tell me so I can go check it out. Gotta hunt while I've still got the energy.

Of course, of course. Very well then, I imagine you may not have much of a response to this next question, but I must ask nonetheless.

...What can you tell us about that mysterious tree?

If anything, I was hoping you guys could tell me that. What the hell IS that thing?

Do you remember when it first appeared?

...About three months ago, I'd say.

Everyone was all excited when it first showed up, saying it was a miracle the Tsar performed for us...but it never actually gave us anything useful.

The Oprichniki don't react to it either, so all I really know is that it's just a big damn tree.

Are we done now? 'Cause I want to check out those other hunting grounds while

Just a moment. Now that we know the full extent of the situation, I'm afraid that information was insufficient.

Ah c'mon. I don't have anything else I can trade you.

Unless you're after my gun, and you can have THAT over my dead body.

No, it's not that. We want a kite.

A kite...?

All you have to do is collect some materials. I can tell you what we need right now if you like.

Now that I have a clearer picture of your people's technological and cultural progress, I am quite certain you should have little trouble finding them.

...All right. As long as I don't have to leave town.

Thank you. I commend your decisiveness. Good show, Patxi!

What do you want with a kite, Holmes? Shouldn't we have traded for food first?

The pudgy one is right. It's been too long since I've had a decent cut of roast beef.

Not at all. Food's crucial too, of course, but as they say, "safety first." That IS what you're going for, right, Holmes?

Indeed. It will require a bit of brute strength, but we will be taking a page from Benjamin Franklin's book.

I see where you're going with this. So you want to connect it to the briefcase?

I do.

I'm going to use lightning to secure the power you need to summon Servants.

Precisely!

If you are to summon Servants again, you will need that Spirit Origin briefcase, power, and a leyline.

？！

That's barbaric. Why, it's downright primitive!

Not at all. That briefcase was originally designed to be usable even in eras without electricity.

All Fujimaru need do to make use of it is draw a summoning circle on a leyline and wait for a single bolt of lightning to strike.

Man, I really AM a genius, aren't I!?

I doubt there's anyone else in all of history who could've made the summoning system this streamlined!

Ah, being me is so awesome.

...All right, so when is the next thunderstorm?

Our forecast says tomorrow. Suffice to say that time is not on our side.

I'm afraid we must get this kite ready to fly before the end of the day.

Now then, Mr. Fujimaru, have you ever made a kite before?

Excellent. Now is the time to put that knowledge to use.

I suspected as much. That you did not secretly while away the hours making kites was not a difficult deduction to make.

But not to worry. Da Vinci and I are both here to help.

If our interests hadn't led us elsewhere, we could easily have been professional toymakers in our own right!

？！

Here you go. They were all real easy to find.

Now are you gonna tell me about those other hunting grounds?

Of course. I am pleased to make an equitable trade.

Hmm, this one's far... Probably take me a day to get there. All right, you guys stay put. Don't go outside, and don't eat anything besides the food I gave you.

？！

...Man, it feels weird getting a send-off...

All right then, now it's time for arts and crafts.

Remember, without this kite, you will not be able to summon Servants. It is no exaggeration to say that the very fate of the world hinges upon this kite!

This may be the most important arts and crafts project in the history of mankind! No pressure!

No, no, not that one! THAT one! Yes, you're supposed to cut that one! No, not THERE! Ugh, this is so FRUSTRATING!

I'm sorry, Da Vinci, but it's not always easy to understand what you mean!

No, not there! How is the kite supposed to fly if you cut that!?

No, that's correct. The next cut needs to be on the opposite side.

Really? ...I never knew there was so much to kite-making. I always thought you just stuck some poles to fabric like a tent, and the whole thing just flies...

Here's some water, Senpai. Just relax and take it nice and easy.

I have to say, though... This is kind of fun. I only hope it ends up flying well.

I can bend the wire we're using for the kite's frame, Senpai. I am a Demi-Servant, after all.

Don't be silly. In your normal form, you're even weaker than Fujimaru is!

Oh, right.

Th-that took a lot longer than I thought it would...

...Well, this is an unfortunate turn of events. I can already hear the rumble of thunder nearby!

The kite's design should be fine, but we still don't know whether it will fly in this world.

The world IS enveloped by a raging storm, after all. There is no telling how violently the winds may be blowing at high altitudes.

Nonetheless, the kite's frame should be sturdy enough to accommodate extreme conditions. At this point, we have done all we can.

Great, that was the last part! It might've been a long and winding road to get here, but at least we got here!

...Now for the most important touch. What sort of picture should we draw on it?

？！

What!? But I was all set to paint a Vitruvian good enough to put on the Voyager!

Stop that! You'll frighten the locals half to death!

Just scribble some ASCII expression on it and be done with it!

Well now, I'm impressed you know about that. True, it IS important to retain one's sense of playfulness.

Ms. Kyrielight, would you do the honors of drawing something?

Of course! Art design is one of my specialties.

Don't worry, Master. I'll make sure it's a glamorous kite that will make everyone sit up and take notice!

？！

...I'm sorry. I did my best to convert your face into a Euclidean plane, Senpai, but I'm afraid it didn't go so well...

I like it. It has a unique charm about it, AND it should serve to ward off evil spirits.

Now, you'd best be on your way. I'm afraid we don't have time to wait for Patxi to return.

I'll leave him a note letting him know where we are. Okay Master, let's sneak out of here!

...There are a lot more people...I mean, Yaga here than I thought there'd be.

Huh? ...What was that sound?

Anastasia... Where are you...Anastasia...?

I am here, my tsar.

Ahh, my empress. My beloved wife. Tell me... Is Russia at peace?

Of course it is, my tsar.

The Oprichniki are fighting hard all throughout the land in order to spread your glory far and wide.

Please, rest and do not be troubled.

I see. So Russia is at peace...

That makes two hundred years of peace in Russia... What about the outside?

I must spread my glory beyond Russia's borders. I must share it with those from other lands who can only shiver in the cold, waiting for their ends.

...Tell me, how fares Europe, and the Far East?

...They too are at peace, my tsar.

Europe has bowed to your will, and negotiations in the Far East are proceeding apace.

The war is over, and Russia will have their allegiance soon.

I see... That is good...

...No... That is not good at all...

Peace alone is not enough. I must press onward with renewed vigor and expand my domain!

I must unite the world and ensure its happiness...!

...Amadeus.

...Very well.

...So sleepy... Am I...dreaming...?

Good night, my tsar. May your repose be blessed with sweet dreams.

Did you get Ivan's attack under control?

Yes. He is sleeping soundly now, thanks to Mozart's piano.

Even though the Tsar is from a Lostbelt, the musical arts seem to have an oddly powerful effect over him.

...I'm even feeling a bit sleepy myself now.

Good. We need him to stay asleep for the time being.

...We can't have him finding out what's really going on and heading out on a campaign. That'd be the worst possible scenario.

We must first be certain that his rule extends throughout the Lostbelt before we do anything else.

Then I will entrust him to Amadeus for a while and deal with the rebels myself.

...The mere thought that there is a rebellion taking place fills me with revulsion.

No. Not an option.

There's no way Amadeus alone can keep the Tsar pacified. If he starts really acting up, even I couldn't say what might happen.

And...I can't stand that.

As much as is possible, I want to eliminate any chance of surprise from my plan.

When I need your help, I'll make sure to call for you AFTER the Tsar has been safely secured.

...As you wish. You are my Master, and I am your Servant.

I will trust in your judgment.

Thanks. That'll be a big help.

Pardon me. I hope I'm not interrupting your pillow talk.

...I'd watch your tongue if I were you, Metropolitan Macarius.

You may be the Tsar's mentor, but I am still a member of the imperial family, and I will not tolerate such uncouth remarks.

You wound me, Grand Duchess. I have nothing but the highest respect for every member of the Russian imperial family.

No matter what sort of family they may be, or what sort of end the Grand Duchess may have met.

...How dare you.

Wait. Both of you, stand down. I don't want to see any infighting. We don't have time for it anyway.

Father. Your job is to placate the Tsar, right? Then quit following the Grand Duchess around and hurry up with the repairs to the cathedral.

Or do you have something urgent to tell us? Did something happen with one of the other Lostbelts?

Of course. This is very urgent, Crypter Number 1.

...Today is your lucky day. You finally have a chance to prove yourself in battle.

...You're kidding me. They already showed up?

They have. There's been a disturbance on the outskirts. Their Shadow Border has emerged here in our own Russia.

We haven't pinpointed their exact location yet, though. Still, this is their first Lostbelt.

It will take them at least several days to fully comprehend how this world works. I believe now would be the perfect time to eliminate them, while they are still regaining their balance.

...Hmph.

I don't want to leave the Tsar's side right now. I'll let the Oprichniki handle them.

Besides, Koyanskaya's the one who let them get away in the first place. Why not make her take care of them?

Or are you gonna do it yourself? That might give you a chance to be useful for a change.

Oh no, I couldn't. Unfortunately, the Tsar's condition worries me as well, so I would much rather not stray too far from Yaga Moscow.

As for Ms. Koyanskaya, she may well be to blame for this little predicament, but she too is quite hard at work at the moment.

I believe her work is of a rather private nature; it is very much in line with her hobbies.

Hobbies? She's supposed to be leading the Oprichniki. What else could she be up to?

...Kadoc. I'm told that woman has been going around distributing food to the Yaga...at exorbitant prices.

So exorbitant that they're forced to rob their neighbors of everything they have to even have a hope of purchasing it.

...I can't believe her. We come all this way, and she's still going around picking on the weak?

Father, I don't like you, but I can understand you. I believe you are genuinely dedicated to keeping Russia safe from harm.

But Koyanskaya... I can't make heads or tails of what she's thinking, or what she really wants to do.

I mean, unlike you, she can come and go between Lostbelts whenever she pleases, right?

Then why can't we make her go to one that's a little more civilized? She doesn't need to stick around a destitute world like this one.

I'm afraid not. She's not one to change her behavior, no matter where she finds herself.

In one sense, her actions stem from a love for humanity. That includes driving the weak into tight spots, sneering at them, and stepping on them.

She will never oppose us, or the Crypters. It's best to think of her as a difficult mercenary who will get the job done as long as you can pay for her services.

...All that said, I do agree that she has been acting a little TOO freely.

Very well then. I will speak to her and tell her to restrain herself while she is here in Russia.

That should ensure she follows your commands as well. Does that suit you, Master of the Grand Duchess?

...Fine with me. If she's gonna call herself a mercenary, I won't hesitate to use her like one.

The Oprichniki aren't gonna die as long as Ivan keeps dreaming.

Tell Koyanskaya to make sure she finishes off Chaldea's leftovers for good this time.

They're only human, so they're bound to stop by a town sooner or later. Have her keep an eye on the major ones, and take them out as soon as she finds them.

Understood. I really must point out, though, how terrible a thing that is for you to say of your former comrades, Kadoc Zemlupus.

And here I thought you were a kinder soul than that. Have these last few months been hard for you?

Perhaps you should follow the Tsar's example and get some sleep yourself.

...I'll admit I've been pushing myself past my limits. But I'm still the same guy I always was.

Like you said, Chaldea's people are my former comrades. Emphasis on "former."

Now, as the only Master in Russiain this Lostbelt, my goal is to ensure it comes out on top.

I'm gonna pull off something a Master from Proper Human History never could.

I HAVE to.

Well, it's good to see you're in such high spirits. Pushing oneself too hard is a privilege afforded only to the young, after all.

Rest assured, you have my full support.

Kadoc Zemlupus. I have nothing but respect for your aspirations, and for your determination.

But I will offer one piece of advice: he who does not love himself can never save the world.

If I were you, I would think long and hard about where that hostility of yours comes from.

...Hostility, huh. So he's basically telling me to get over myself and accept that they're my rivals.

...Hmph. The hell they are. They just got lucky, that's

You mustn't say things you don't really mean, Kadoc. Even if you are only bluffing, lies like that will only eat away at you.

...

Kadoc. You WEREN'T able to save the world. That is simply a fact, and one you must accept.

They accomplished something you could not.

That is why you must take advantage of this new opportunity to show everyone what you can really do.

This is your opportunity to show them how strong you truly are. To demonstrate why you are a Crypter...why you are one of those who were originally meant to save the world.

... ...I know. Believe me, I know.