Eyes of a Monster

This area stopped receiving food from the capital a long time ago. The capital also lays first claim to any Demonic Beasts the hunters catch here.

That is why these Yaga had no choice but to revolt. It was the only choice if they wished to survive.

Securing a food supply was our most important order of business as well. It was simply not possible to grow enough grain to feed everyone.

So we worked together with other villages to hunt Demonic Beasts and share their meat. That was enough to get by...at least, until now...

Why did the food supply suddenly run out?

The rebel army simply grew faster than we expected. There are more mouths to feed now.

We have no right to turn anyone away, after all.

...Lotta youngsters 'round here. Ever occur to you to turn them away, Atalante?

No. Their mothers and fathers have all vowed to fight to ensure their children do not go hungry.

...That system, where the weak are left behind to die, is precisely what they wish to fight against.

As such, the rebel army is honor bound to keep children alive.

Can't say you're bein' exactly objective about all this, are ya?

No.

...Hell yeah! That's great! Sure am glad I decided to sign on with y'all.

... ...That aside...

Even as matters stand, our food reserves should have been sufficient to keep us fed for some time.

Ah, you mean that storehouse.

Storehouse...?

...It should be all right to tell you now. We had a hidden storehouse that only a select few of our members knew about.

You're speakin' in the past tense. I'm gonna venture a guess that it ain't around no more.

That's right.

We were storing roughly thirty percent of all of our food there.

When our stronghold's reserves fell low enough, we would restock them from the storehouse, but now...

Now that storehouse is gone, huh?

Indeed. I am told the Oprichniki found our Yaga as they were carrying food out.

They then burned down the storehouse and killed everyone there.

Th-they burned it down!?

The Oprichniki have no need for food.

No matter how much the rest of the country is starving, they will always favor the Tsar's glory above all else.

...I see. Then they are almost certainly Ivan the Terrible's Noble Phantasm, as we suspected.

But then, how could he maintain his Noble Phantasm for all hours of the day like this? To do so would consume an incredible amount of magical energy.

...No, that can't be right. The law of equivalent exchange simply wouldn't allow for that.

？！

Ah, my apologies. First, we need to resolve our food supply problem, don't we?

Right. This may be difficult for a human like you to understand, Fujimaru, but Yaga require a tremendous amount of food and can starve very quickly.

On average, a human can go as many as seven days without food as long as they have access to water...

...but a Yaga can only last without food for three days before they die of starvation.

On top of that, the average Yaga requires several times the calories per day as the average human.

That is the plight every Yaga faces. If they are to survive in this frozen tundra, they must consume vast quantities of food.

...I see. That does make sense.

I apologize for this example, but it reminds me of a certain species of rat.

This rat would need to eat constantly, or it would burn too many calories and die on the spot.

Is that really the best example you could come up with...?

At any rate, with so many Yaga, we could dedicate all of our resources to hunting, and still not have enough food to feed them all.

And we have precious little food left before we run out entirely... All right, how do we resolve this?

I had hoped it would not come to this, but under the circumstances...

...we have no choice but to steal food from the pro-Tsar city of Yaga Smolensk.

Yaga Smolensk is situated some distance away from both the frontier and the capital and has relatively few Oprichniki guarding it.

You...you want to steal food...!?

And from my town...!?

...I see no alternative, though I agree that it is a most distasteful move.

I know that!

But we must consider the children and elderly who cannot long survive without food.

Even then, it is a catch-22. Should we devote all our food to THEM, our soldiers on the front lines will find themselves too weak to fight.

Please understand, I know that this is one of the worst moves the rebel army could make.

That is why I have chosen one of the cities most loyal to the Tsar. Further, we will not be taking ALL of their food.

We will send as many soldiers as we are able, and attempt to negotiate to secure food.

However, this time we will not give them the option of refusal. We WILL leave with the supplies we require, whether they agree or not.

I only hope we can take just enough so that neither we nor they end up starving...

That's gonna be tough. I mean, they've already got heaps of food stored away, but...

Yeah, they've also got a bunch of secret Demonic Beast hunting grounds they keep to themselves.

That's how they do things there. They don't just make sure they've got enough to eat. They always make a bundle by selling off the excess.

No wonder they have no problem sucking up to the Oprichniki. They never have to worry about starving!

They've got it made there, just as much as they do up in Yaga Moscow.

Some Yaga they are. They should be ashamed of themselves.

... ...Hey.

...You don't think you guys would do the same thing if you were in their position?

None of them asked to be in that situation, and it still took everyone who lives there everything they had to build that city.

It's not like they're all living it up, either. Some of them couldn't hunt and ended up starving to death.

Still, even having said all that, I bet it DOES sound like they've got it made compared to life in a village.

But that doesn't mean they're bad guys, or that it's okay to do whatever you want to them.

You from there or something?

...I was. Before they kicked me out.

I'm not gonna defend them, and I'm not against stealing their food, either.

But they're still Yaga, just like you and me. Don't forget that.

...Patxi is right. I will not have any harm come to the city's residents.

That was always the plan, but make doubly sure that all the soldiers know that.

If any one of you so much as touches a hair on a child's head, I will fill you with so many arrows you will wonder when you became a hedgehog.

What's a hedgehog? Some kind of Demonic Beast?

...Right. I forgot who I was talking to for a moment...

At any rate, we will take what we need to survive. No more. If they think us evil for doing so, let them!

Our goal is to defeat Ivan the Terrible, and to purge the Oprichniki from this world!

Once we do that, this frozen empire will finally see dawn. The tides of history will once again begin to move!

Soldiers, take up your arms!

... ...(Sigh)

Good grief. So they're left with no choice but to stage an uprising...

Better than letting some of them starve to death. Besides, isn't this a welcome turn of events for us?

Guerilla warfare is one thing, but we still have far too few soldiers to think about fighting the Oprichniki head-on.

As of now, the resistance movement consists of us, the rebel army, Avicebron, Ms. Atalante, Billy, and Beowulf.

Avicebron's golems may be something of an equalizing factor, but we still need at least one more capable ally.

...

Um, Patxi? Are you okay with this? Yaga Smolensk is your hometown, right...?

No, I'm fine with that. I'd already given up on it anyway.

Besides, it sounds like the leader's gonna make sure our soldiers take it easy on them.

...I don't know if it will be that simple.

Why not, Avicebron?

I am a Servant. I still have my memories from my old life.

I believe I know a little something about Proper Human History, as well as the history of this world.

And the way I see it...

...I'm afraid there are very, very few instances in all of time, past and present, where plundering of this sort went off without a hitch.

At worst, a squabble could lead to a full-blown massacre.

？！

But, that's

Oh, it's perfectly likely, Mash.

Even Proper Human History's chock fulla people who were smarter'n me and more powerful'n me, and heaps of them did miles worse than anything I ever even dreamed up.

And I think you know that just as well as I do.

And I know to a certainty that if I'd had that kinda power, I'da done the same terrible things.

... ...

Good intentions notwithstanding, massacres can still occur.

And this particular situation will be especially fraught with danger.

First of all, the Yaga in Patxi's hometown, and the Yaga in the rebel army, do not enjoy the same quality of life.

And, as we saw earlier, the rebel Yaga resent them for choosing stability, and for swearing fealty to the Tsar and his Oprichniki.

We cannot be certain that this resentment will not transform this small raid into a massacre.

I...I won't let that happen.

I am afraid that is a promise you cannot keep.

What was that!?

A massacre is not always some sinister thing arranged by evil men who seek to murder the innocent.

They are like brush fires, sparking and spreading out of control.

Hoaxes, history, hatred, misinformation, suspicion, racial discrimination, disparity of wealth, pride, panic, propaganda...

All of these things mix together into a nightmare slurry.

What is more, these things do not happen gradually, as in the proverbial slippery slope.

What happens is that frustration and discontent continue to build to a breaking point until the tiniest spark causes a tremendous explosion.

If we were on the defending side, it would simply be a matter of keeping the would-be victims safe, but as we are on the aggressors' side, that is not an option.

Then, there's nothing we can do...?

...Dammit.

？！

Then we should focus all our efforts on defeating the Oprichniki as swiftly as possible.

The worst possible scenario would be if the Oprichniki and the rebel army were to wage battle in the city with the residents caught in the cross fire.

The rebels would assume the city's residents side with the Oprichniki, and the Oprichniki would think nothing of slaughtering residents to get to the rebels.

That would leave no one willing or able to rescue the residents. Therefore, we must eliminate any factor that might lead to a massacre before it has a chance to cause the situation to escalate.

...Would that be acceptable, Master?

？！

Understood. In that case, I have a request to make.

The rebel army still needs some time to prepare before leaving for the city.

During that time, I would like to gather as many materials as possible in order to build a wall.

...A...wall?

Indeed. A wall of golems.

(Huff, huff, huff...) I got the golem cores!

Damn, but I'm beat.

Excellent. It seems this version of Russia is well-suited to golem-making.

You should be! It was damn tough, even WITH the pickax!

Those arms of yours are so scrawny, I can't imagine you doing anything with them!

？！

All right, I got a little meat. Not much, but it's better than not eating.

Very well, I will keep working to make as many golems as I can in the time we have. Let me know when the rebel army is about to move out.

Got it. Shanshan, c'mon over and learn this fella's scent.

...Are you sure he can?

Good point. You seem like you ain't got much of an odor to you. How 'bout he learns the smell of the earth makin' up these golems instead?

That does seem like it would work better. All right, I will await your message.

Got it. Okay, let's head back then.

Man, you could almost cut the tension with a knife...

Of course. This excursion will be nothing like the small-scale skirmishes we have been waging thus far.

Not to mention there is a very real risk that we may have to deal with a large number of Oprichniki.

？！

What is it, Chaldeans? Is something on your mind?

Yes, as a matter of fact...

A massacre, huh...

...True. It would be dishonest of me to say that the possibility never crossed my mind.

But what of it? I have a duty to keep these rebels safe.

It falls to me to save the parents attempting to atone for their children's deaths with their own lives.

I understand that this is not the sort of majestic act that will stop this nightmarish chain of events.

However, so long as a massacre remains only a possibility and not a certainty...I cannot concern myself with it.

...Do you know what it feels like to be a soldier given food meant for starving children, just so you do not collapse from hunger on the battlefield?

Perhaps the truly contemptible thing is neither the Tsar, nor the Oprichniki...

...but this very world, for making it nearly impossible to grow grain here.

The world itself, huh...

At any rate, there is still some time before we depart. I will pass on your concerns to the soldiers myself.

Thank you, Atalante!

...It is almost more than I can bear, Fujimaru.

Like Billy and Beowulf, I have no memory of fighting to restore humanity.

But, is fightingsaving the world, supposed to be this painful?

I...cannot tell any longer.

...Metropolitan Macarius. The Tsar wishes to see you.

Does he now? How unusual for him to wake up at this time of day.

He must have had a bad dream. Very well, I'll be right there.

...Do hurry, please. If you upset him, even you may not survive his ire.

That could be difficult. It is my job to sway the Tsar's decisions. I cannot simply tell him what he wishes to hear to the exclusion of all else.

I must be frank, even if he may not like what I have to say. Isn't that the role of Metropolitan Macarius?

..."Metropolitan Macarius", huh?

May I ask you something...Father?

Of course.

I can't tell what it is you want. I can't tell what your ultimate goal is.

...And I can't tell what you really think.

I desire what you desire, Grand Duchess. You and I wish for the same things.

I promise you, that much is true. If I were asked to choose a side, I would absolutely choose yours.

Huh?

...Heh. Forgive me, that joke was in poor taste. Just the improper remarks of a certain foolish man.

To you, that must have sounded downright abusive. Please, forget I said anything.

I am here to do my job, nothing more. Even if I must reduce myself to a pawn in the process.

I am here to sing the praises of survival, to offer condolences upon death, to confer blessings upon all manner of life...

...and to bring salvation to the forlorn souls of this eternal tundra. Right now, that is all I am concerned with, Your Imperial Highness.

...I see. Go on, you shouldn't keep the Tsar waiting.

Good, he's gone. I still have no idea what that guy's really thinking.

It's strange. I don't distrust him as much as you do.

You're kidding me. He's one of the Servants that not even Wodime can control.

You know, the guys Wodime calls the Disciples of the Foreign God? In some ways, they're even more trouble than Chaldea...

...That's true. And I know we shouldn't trust them, just like we shouldn't trust Koyanskaya.

But, for some reason...

...I really do feel like Father Macarius is going to stick with us to the end, no matter what.

...?

I know you're there, Gottlieb.

...Are you here to anger the Tsar, Macarius? He's dreaming peacefully now. Don't wake him.

It's my duty as the Metropolitan of Moscow to inform the Tsar how his campaigns are faring. Don't worry, I won't make an ordeal out of it.

The Tsar allowed his anger to get the better of him not too long ago, and ended up wiping an entire village off the map.

He feels very bad about that, you see, so I imagine he will devote himself to prayer for some time as penance.

Is that all?

If you have nothing to say to the Tsar, then I assume you have something to say to me. What is it?

I was just curious how you are feeling, now that you have materialized as a Servant.

After all, you and I are much alike.

Neither of us would generally be expected to become a Heroic Spirit. It's only thanks to finding a suitable human body that we were able to become Servants.

And it IS nice, being a Servant. No need to worry about wasted time on sleep or meals.

But of course, just because it's possible to do so doesn't mean it's pleasant.

Gottlieb, you must be tired of doing nothing but playing the piano all day.

Now is your chance to fulfill your true purpose as a Servant. You are to leave for Yaga Kazan.

A band of rebels comprised of ex-nobility has taken the city over. Go there with the Oprichniki and wipe them all out as quickly as possible.

You want me to leave my piano? ...What are you thinking?

Worry not, I will handle your duties in your absence. They were mine before you were summoned, after all.

Rest assured that the Tsar will be duly pacified while you are gone.

...Very well.

Make sure you do a good job, Maestro. If you don't, this Lostbelt will be subjected to an even more torturous hell.

Was I not summoned to ensure that hell endures?

...Fine then, I will kill them all. Make sure the Oprichniki can keep up with me.

Somebody, fetch me a Bicorn!

I wish you luck, Gottlieb.

Or would you prefer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?

...Thank you. I shall ensure those who defy the Tsar meet with swift and terrible death.

Just as surely as my own death was arranged by the Man in Grey.

Ah, Father Macarius... My beloved wife, Anastasia, has informed me of what has been happening.

She tells me you have been traveling the land, spreading peace, and preaching my gospel in my stead.

It is a pleasure to see you again, Your Imperial Majesty. It fills my heart with joy to see you doing so well today.

If the people living on the frontier of Russia are ignorant of your glory, then I must head there at once to enlighten them.

But as you can see, I too am old and frail. I'm afraid I can only serve in your stead for so long.

My deepest wish is that your wounds will soon heal, so that you may reassure your subjects in person.

Yes... Yes, you're right... You must be the only one who dares to reprimand or criticize me...

It is like a dream... Yes, just like a dream... It is like...like my Russia, as it once was...

I seek peace, all for the sake of love... Anastasia... Anastasia, light of my life...

I will never lose you again... Russia must remain forevermore...

Macarius, you are the one man worthy of my trust. Tell me, is the frontier still a lawless, forsaken land?

Not at all, tsar. The Yaga there know of you, and have nothing but respect and admiration for you.

This is thanks entirely to your guards patrolling the land to maintain peace and order. The only problem is that there are not quite enough of them.

...I see. Then I shall bolster the Oprichniki's numbers.

I shall send them even to the cities in the farthest reaches of the land. Will that do, Macarius?

Indeed it will. That is just what is needed. Do that, and all the Yaga will surely be able to receive your grace.

... ...Forgive me, Macarius.

I have become something dreadful.

What do you mean, my tsar?

I have been alive for four hundred and fifty years, and I will surely continue to live forever.

But I am still not strong enough. My glory as tsar is...lacking.

I must bring light to all reaches of the world. I must bring love capable of withstanding this blizzard to all the Yaga.

And to do that...I must eliminate all those with evil in their hearts.

I have received a revelation from a god. Though it may be a god from a distant land, it is still very much like the God we know.

This god told me to spread the glory of Russia far and wide, and to condemn those worlds that did not end up like our own.

They told me to wipe out the so-called proper humanity who did not see fit to save us, to eliminate the cursed stargazers of Chaldea!

...But alas, I cannot take action against them myself. I have already made the mistake of acting in anger.

And in consequence, an entire village is gone.

Those Yaga had abandoned their faith, and neglected to pay you homage, tsar.

It was only a matter of time until they gave in to the temptations of evil, and fell prey to the blizzard. You need not pity them.

You may be right... And yet...if only I were stronger, this could all have been avoided...

The Foreign God brought salvation upon this land. It gave us the Tree of Emptiness...the power with which to fight the other Lostbelts.

Thanks to the Foreign God's blessing, the entire world will one day be just like this Russia...

...I...I do not care for that power...

I may be the rightful ruler of the world...but what would I rule if the entire world were frozen solid?

I am the great Tsar... The Tsar cannot make mistakes, the Tsar can never err...

This time... This time, the glory of my great Russia will know no bounds. I will make sure of it.

And to do that, I will need the Oprichniki... My faithful hunting dogs who will lay the groundwork to make my dream possible...

Macarius... I AM doing the right thing, aren't I? I must not...stop now...surely...?

Of course you are, and of course you must not, tsar. But the time is not yet right for you to awaken.

You must let your wounds heal and wait for the day when your eyes will truly open.

That will be a day of feasting and celebration. The day when a new Russia finally blooms.

But for now, you must rest and recuperate. You must sleep.

Yes... Yes... I cannot hear the piano any longer, but... Ah, Macarius... If that is what you say, then that is what I shall do...

...The Tsar has gone back to sleep. Russia will once again know peace, albeit temporarily.

Now we no longer need to worry about the Tsar knocking down the Tree of Emptiness. Will this do, O Foreign Priestess?

...

Heh. I can't tell if she's happy or upset.

Even if I can't understand her language, I should at least learn to read her expressions, or I'll never be able to listen to her confessions.