Lostbelt

Look at this. These must be the hardiest flowers in the world.

...Why do you look so sad?

You must be tired. Come, lay your head on my lap and rest.

It is the least I could do for you, my beloved Tsar...my beloved husband.

Dad? Why do Yaga have to be strong?

Well, the way I see it, we Yaga made a mistake.

A mistake?

We mistook how the world works...or maybe how we chose it? Whatever it was, we made a mistake, and the world left us behind.

Still, while we may have made a mistake, that doesn't mean we were in the wrong.

We're still here. We're still alive. So as long as that's the case, we'll keep on fighting until the world ends once and for all.

Okay.

(So this is the capital, Yaga Moscow...)

Goodness, I can't believe he defied the Tsar...

Worthless Yaga. Hell's too good for him.

...Dammit.

Move.

Shut up!

Did that Yaga do something bad?

He's an incorrigible Yaga who forgot the debt of gratitude we owe to the Tsar. Now he's suffering the consequences for incurring the Tsar's wrath, and rightly so.

Make sure you don't ever end up like him.

I don't know what he was thinking, defying the strongest being in existence. We all need to stick together if we're going to survive in this world.

...You must be the first rebel to ever make it this far, Patxi.

... ...

By the way, there's still something I don't quite understand. After your rebel friends retreated, why did you continue to wander around the town alone?

Surely you weren't just bringing up the rear.

...Shut up.

Hmm. Very well then, let's change the subject. Would you mind telling me where the rebel army base is located? It can be our little secret.

I'm afraid I've been so concerned about it that it's been keeping me up at night, just like Kadoc.

If you could help me with my insomnia, you have my word that I will let you go in return.

You really think I'd ever tell you that!?

Hahaha.

...What's so funny? What's with the creepy laugh?

Easy, young Patxi. Relax. I know you're just an ordinary Yaga.

As I said before, I also know that even ordinary Yaga are highly resilient creatures. Physically, that is.

Conversely, they are mentally fragile and quite easily broken, especially in the face of someone stronger than they are. Perhaps it's their bestial instincts at work? Who could say?

...What're you talking about? What're you getting at, you evil bastard?

Oh, that should become clear shortly. This will be a test of sorts for myself as well as for you.

What is this place...?

It would seem to be a village that the Oprichniki razed to the ground. Unfortunately, none survived.

Though it pains me to say this, I believe we should set up camp here. We need to take advantage of everything we can, after all.

How could you lose so miserably!? You had two Servants to their one!

Sure did. Mighty sorry about that.

I have no excuse.

？！

Ha! If that pathetic display was the best you could do, you'll just get your asses handed to you again!

Care to repeat that for me, fella?

Hmph! It's true! Deep down, you know I'm right!

Well... Hmm...

I believe what Goredolf is trying to say is, that Servant is a fearsome opponent. As such, you could use all the help you can get.

So why not have Antonio Salieri there join our side?

...Who are you lot?

We're the Chaldea Security Organization. We came here from a place outside of Russia.

...Though I'm afraid we've lost the building that used to be our headquarters.

At any rate, the person there with you is Fujimaru, Chaldea's last remaining Master.

There's also

I'm Avicebron. I take it you are THE Salieri?

...Perhaps not quite in the way you imply, but yes. I will admit to being THAT Salieri.

...What do you mean?

The name "Salieri" is synonymous with one thing.

The composer who is most famous for allegedly murdering Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

No need to dance around it. You have heard I am responsible for Amadeus's death, have you not?

？！

...I am the embodiment of that reputation.

Give me a moment while I remove this Mystic Code.

Mystic Code...?

Phew.

...This is who I truly am. Take a look at my Servant power for yourselves.

O-oh...

Hmm. You're quite weak.

I didn't think there were any other Servants in this world with lower stats than Shakespeare or myself.

It would seem you even give Andersen a good run for his money.

Of course. I'm just an ordinary composer. I never wrote any symphonies that left a mark on history.

At best, I am a mediocrity of a man. But no matter.

The sole reason I exist on the Throne of Heroes at all...

...is because I am said to have killed Amadeus.

Whether or not I actually did kill him is completely irrelevant.

People were convinced that I did, and so, here I am.

Then, one might say you are affected by the Innocent Monster skill.

...I believe so.

True, Salieri was indeed suspected of killing Amadeus even when he was still alive.

Right. They even made a movie about it.

？！

I would like to know that as well. Are you originally a Servant from this Lostbelt?

I believe the Crypter...that boy, Kadoc, called this place a Lostbelt.

So you know of that name. ...First, let me answer your question with one of my own.

Tell me, humans of Chaldea: What do you know about the Lostbelts?

Well, uh... Only that they're abnormal zones that somewhat resemble Singularities...

If you don't mind, Ms. Kyrielight, I'll field that one. First, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Salieri.

I'm Sherlock Holmes, Chaldea's administrative advisor. I became a Servant through unusual means, just like you.

We have been investigating this peculiar version of Russia, where history is so unlike our own.

I have a number of hypotheses, but had been unable to find a critical element to tie everything together...

...until you first mentioned that word.

Lostbelt. A chronological table detailing an alternate path taken by human history. An unbroken strip that continues onward to the present day, rather than occupying a single point in time.

...No wonder it isn't like a Singularity. A Singularity is one point in time where history as it should be went awry, after all.

That is not the case here in Russia. In this world, everything is as it should be. Nothing has gone awry.

It has history quite separate from our own Proper Human History, even though it is not a world gone completely mad like the Singularities.

No doubt the branching point was the Great Cold Wave that struck four hundred and fifty years ago, when Earth was thrown into a new ice age.

And Russia as we see it now is the product of history moving forward from that point.

So...you're saying this is an ongoing deviation from human history? Is that anything like a parallel world?

Nope, it's not that. These Lostbelts are something altogether different.

If we assume that parallel worlds exist, then their civilization and lifestyle should also be fundamentally the same.

By definition, they're closely tied to a well-defined base world. In other words, the base world and its parallel worlds are all following the same course.

But let's say there is a world where history diverges radically, going completely off the rails.

Say, at one point, something changes irrevocably...it could be a huge natural disaster, or a major technological breakthrough...

...and the world that's gone off the rails is effectively erased from this universe, deemed to be something that doesn't belong.

Once that happens, its destruction is all but assured. No matter how developed it might be, its evolution just ends.

For better or worse, this universe just isn't willing to tolerate worlds whose future prospects are plain to see.

You know how you prune unnecessary branches when you're trying to grow a tree? Same thing here.

If a world, even a utopia, strays too far from its base axis, it gets the clippers, so to speak.

In the magecraft world, it's called the Pruning Theoretical Phenomenon...

...and it's what allows our universe to keep expanding unimpeded. That's the Mage's Association stance, anyway.

The Pruning Theoretical Phenomenon... Then, Russia didn't end up as a frozen wasteland because of a plot, like what happened with the King of Mages...

Correct. Its climate has always been like this, and it is in fact that very climate that led to the changes in human history.

This is a world where history continued on past the hundred year marker, long after it would ordinarily have been pruned away.

In essence, this history lost to Proper Human History. But now it has appeared in our own world.

Right. It looks like strong alternative histories, or Lostbelts, which we know almost nothing about...

...are being wielded as weapons to invade and destroy Proper Human History.

The Incineration of Humanity was an attack on human history orchestrated by Goetia, a singular entity.

But now, these Lostbelts are attacking the very world itself.

...If I were to give this a name, I think I might call it the Felling Theoretical Phenomenon. Hmm. Yeah, I think I like the sound of that. Let's go with it.

？！

Are you serious...? Then what, you're telling us this Russia is going to become the de facto way of life for the entire planet!?

If it continues on this path, yes. But of course, we won't let it come to that.

Now then! That went on quite a bit longer than I had anticipated, but that is our current theory.

Tell me, Mr. Salieri, are we more or less on the mark?

...Yes, you're spot-on. I'm impressed you managed to arrive at that conclusion without being from a Lostbelt yourselves.

There is nothing more I can tell you beyond what you've figured out. Now that you have the facts, what you do with them is up to you.

As for your original question... You wished to know if I originate from this Lostbelt, and whether I serve that Crypter?

My answer, of course, is no. This Russia has not known music for some time.

My story is the same as that gunslinger's.

I am a Rogue Servant, summoned by the death throes of this land's true form before the Lostbelt overwrote it.

My memories of Proper Human History are now vague, and have been conflated with my memories of this Lostbelt.

I cannot say if it was that Master or that priest, but one of them did something to my head.

Even as we speak, I remain unsure if I am on the right side.

... ...

We will simply have to trust that you are. If nothing else, we know you are not a Yaga.

Yes, that's true. That is very true...

Above all, this world is utterly devoid of music. ...It seems I have no choice but to join your side.

Thank you. We are grateful for your assistance. To begin, we could use any information you have.

What can you tell us about the Servants in Yaga Moscow?

...I am the court musician. Nothing less, and nothing more.

I had no contact with the outside world. The only one who ever spoke to me was Metropolitan Macarius.

Metropolitan Macarius... That was the only man Ivan the Terrible looked up to as a mentor.

Is he a Yaga too?

No, he's a Servant.

He does look human, but I doubt he is the same man.

...He's probably Japanese...and a Pseudo-Servant.

A Japanese priest...and a Pseudo-Servant...!?

？！

I don't know anything about any others. The only people I've met are the Oprichniki, and that Master and Servant pair we just fought earlier.

...I see. Well that's disappointing. Very well then, what do you know about that endless storm wall? Or perhaps the Tree of Emptiness?

I know nothing about either. Although...

...I did hear Metropolitan Macarius say that that tree is the cornerstone of this Lostbelt.

He also said that without the Tree of Emptiness, it would be impossible to mount an attack on reality.

？！

That would definitely seem to make the most sense. For one thing, it's smack-dab in the middle of this Lostbelt.

And for another, it's a foreign entity that's not even showing up on the Paper Moon's compass.

This is the same Paper Moon that's been observing this Lostbelt Russia as an ordinary part of the earth's topography, and the only thing it can figure out to do with that tree is exclude it.

So for the moment...it would seem safe to assume that that tree is the source of this Felling Theoretical Phenomenon.

Then, if we do something about that tree, Russia will return to the way it was?

...Easier said than done. The Tree of Emptiness lies with the Tsar himself.

To reach it, you'll have to face him.

I see. Then it seems we will have to do just that at some point. What about the Oprichniki? How many of them are stationed in the capital?

No less than a small army.

A small army! Just like what we saw in Antarctica! Hahaha, that's going to be quite the obstacle!

This is no laughing matter, Holmes! I fail to see what you find so funny!

？！

That's right.

I am the Gray Man, the one who drove Mozart to his death.

Salieri is no more than an avatar I wear, so to speak, out of convenience.

I have one last question: What do you think of this Lostbelt?

...I think it needs to be fixed. Isn't that what you people are attempting to do?

...Yes. That is certainly one of our goals.

... ...

Fujimaru, was it? I can see you are the conductor of this little orchestra.

Are you mad!? I'M the commander around here! He's nothing more than...than...an occasionally useful trombone!

I suppose that would make me the violin. Da Vinci, how do you feel about being the flute?

...Good grief. You all certainly do love your digressions, don't you? You remind me of Amadeus and his unshakable high spirits.

Fujimaru. I would like to speak with Sherlock Holmes.

Alone, if possible.

？！

My apologies. I hope this won't take too long.

Mighty curious to know what that Salieri fella wants to talk to Holmes about.

S'pose he IS a musician, ain't he?

I rather doubt that's what it is... Oh well, I suppose it doesn't matter.

That would be my guess.

Salieri has been here longer than any of us. I expect he has his own sense of things.

？！

...Thank you for your patience. Allow me to come to the point.

I have decided to join you, though conditionally. You may employ my power however you see fit.

Thank you, Salieri!

So what is this condition?

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Simple.

Should we encounter Amadeus, you will let me focus on him first and foremost.

Wait, what? Does that mean...you're going to kill him?

Of course.

I am the the Man in Grey. The Innocent Monster known as Salieri.

If we were to meet, I would have no choice but to kill him.

...I can't accept that.

If Amadeus has been summoned here, he's sure to be a Servant from Proper Human History.

If I had been summoned as an Anti-Hero, so tortured by malice that I was constantly writhing in agony...

...I would be so at odds with all of you that we would not even be able to have this conversation.

I admit that earlier, I was so overcome by a Berserker-like madness that I simply went around mercilessly slaughtering any Yaga I encountered.

But now, I have regained my senses and my sanity alike.

Even picturing Amadeus's smug, pear-shaped face does little more than make my skin crawl.

In other words...

I see. Like Master, like Servant.

That means the Amadeus who is here is evil now.

I suppose it is the fate of every Servant to be influenced by their Master's personality.

That is why I will kill Amadeus. I MUST kill him.

It is my destiny, my fate.

...It would be impossible for that to be the case. But even if he is not, it would be of no consequence.

If he is, then I will become your enemy once more.

？！

My purpose in life is to kill Amadeus. That will never change.

...Now then, that's enough chitchat. We are returning to the rebel army's stronghold tomorrow, are we not?

You should rest up while you can, Master. Now, if you will excuse me.

So...Amadeus is our enemy now...

I know we've fought former allies before, like Cú Chulainn, but...

？！

I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. This friend-turned-enemy Servant would be unaware of his betrayal.

Take the heroes of myth. They have always been much more willing to accept shifting allegiances among both their friends and foes.

It was their belief that they would all meet again in Eden, so they had no difficulty taking it in their stride when friend became foe or vice versa.

Above all, there is nothing you could do now that would undo the encouragement he once offered you.

Rest assured that he spoke truly, sincerely, and from the heart.

...That's a good point. Thank you, Avicebron.

Teacher... A school teacher, hmm? Thank you, but I am very much unfit to be a school teacher.

Uh... Please don't. That would be rather painful for me.

Painful?

I have no right to be anyone's teacher.

I've long since abandoned any qualifications I may have had.

？！

Moving on, we need to discuss Kadoc's Servant.

I believe she is to him what Ms. Kyrielight is to Fujimaru: his personal, exclusive Servant.

She is also, of course, the monster who encased all of Chaldea in solid ice.

Right. I remember Kadoc called her by her True Name at one point: Anastasia.

If my theory is correct, she is a descendant of the Romanov Dynasty. She is a grand duchess who came to a most tragic end.

There's another famous figure by that name, too...

Ivan the Terrible's first wife, the first tsaritza, whom he loved with all his heart.

There are two famous figures by that name. One was Ivan the Terrible's tsaritza and first wife, Anastasia Romanovna Zakharyina-Yurieva, who supported his reign from the shadows all her life.

The other was a descendant of the Romanov Dynasty: Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova, a young girl whose passing was mourned by all in the tsardom.

？！

So, which Anastasia are we dealing with here...?

I am afraid there need be no suspense about this. She is unquestionably the Romanov descendant.

How can you be so sure? Since Ivan the Terrible's here, couldn't she be his tsaritza?

I've looked into Tsaritza Anastasia's history, and she is clearly not the type to relish the spotlight.

She became tsaritza at the age of seventeen, and passed away only thirteen years later.

Ivan the Terrible took several more wives following her death, but he never opened up to anyone else.

Generally speaking, one would indeed expect to find her with him, but it is highly improbable that she would be summoned as a Servant.

Of course, she could still have been an inhabitant of THIS world, just like Ivan the Terrible, which would have made her summoning possible...

...but given that she is human in appearance, that seems altogether improbable as well.

？！

Precisely. Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova.

She is the Grand Duchess of Ice, a young girl who bore the brunt of Russia's darkness.

...Now then, allow me to share an abridged version of Anastasia's background, and some of the secrets I managed to dig out from Chaldea's library.

Chaldea's library...? Wasn't that destroyed in the attack?

I anticipated certain emergencies may arise eventually, so I took the liberty of collecting as much useful data from it as I could.

Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova.

She is the fourth daughter of the last Romanovs ever to hold the tsardom: Nikolai II, and his wife, Alexandra.

In the years before her death, famine plagued all of Russia as a result of the ongoing First World War.

In 1917, frustrations reached a breaking point. Efforts to quell a protest left some people dead.

Some of Russia's soldiers banded together in revolt against the tsardom. Moscow declared martial law in response, but by then, the imperial guards had chosen to side with the rebels.

After a tremendous uproar, the Tsar abdicated. The Romanov imperial family fell into disarray, and were essentially confined to house arrest.

The historical records described Nikolai as a good husband and father...

...but in light of these events, it would seem he was ill-equipped to handle the threat to his reign.

Alternatively, he may have been perfectly well-equipped, but the times may have simply been too dire for anyone in his position to overcome.

In the wake of these events, Russia would end up split into several different factions, eventually uniting as a single nation known as the Soviet Union...but that bit of history can wait for another time.

For the moment, let us focus our attention on Nikolai II's family.

Having been confined to their home, their lavish lifestyle evaporated practically overnight, and they were seldom heard from again.

Although records do say that they continued to employ servants and cooks.

...At any rate, the situation grew more dire the following year, in April of 1918.

The new Leninist administration feared that the Czechoslovak Legion or White Army would try to reinstate the Tsar's family by force, and decided to have them executed.

Ideally, they would have preferred to do so following a trial, in order to create an official record...

...but the threat the Tsar's reinstatement posed to their administration forced their hand.

Being the cousin of the German kaiser, Anastasia's mother, Alexandra, still had some value as a bargaining chip...

...but that value evaporated the instant the German ambassador was assassinated by extremists.

In essence, everything about Anastasia's familytheir bloodline, their presence, their very existencewas seen as a hindrance.

This led the powers that be to refrain from making the Romanovs' sentence public, and so instead they determined to do away with them in secret.

... ...

So they were executed. At least, that is how those in power would like it described. Those who were present said it was, in truth, no more than a massacre.

Some believed that Anastasia managed to survive her family's execution...but that theory was thoroughly disproven several decades later thanks to DNA testing.

There is simply no denying that this innocent young girl had her life ripped from her simply because she was born to the wrong family at the wrong time.

Anastasia's story is indeed one of tragedy. She is one of many sacrificed on the altar of history.

However, although her story in Proper Human History ends there, it continues in the history of magecraft.

The history of magecraft...? Does that mean the Romanov family was involved in magecraft?

I'm afraid the answer to that question remains unclear. They may have had some secret involvement in it, or they may merely have known of its existence.

All we know for certain is that a number of lost Fabergé eggs made their way into the world of magecraft.

...From that, we learned that each generation's tsar had formed a contract of sorts with a certain Phantasmal.

However, as this rumored Phantasmal did not see fit to save Tsar Nikolai II's life, the notion was dismissed as false...

...but after seeing Anastasia fight, I have determined that there is another possibility.

She is a shaman, a spirit keeper.

In other words, it was neither her father, Nikolai, nor her brother, Alexei, who was the heir to the Romanov magecraft. It was indeed Anastasia herself.

So she's the heir to an imperial family who've been rulin' over a land of ice and snow for more than three hundred years, huh?

Ain't quite as bad as Ivan the Terrible, but still pretty goddamn intimidatin'.

But here in this Lostbelt, Ivan the Terrible's tsardom has continued unabated for the past four hundred and fifty years...

Lotta difference 'twixt Yaga history and ours.

Humans seem more'n a mite frail in comparison, but we got all manner of knowledge and wisdom over the years that let us take down even our toughest enemies.

So runnin' a place like this for three hundred years is damned impressive, no two ways about it.

...Unfortunately, while I have learned a great deal about the threat she poses, I'm afraid I have nothing to offer in the way of strategy against her.

？！

... ...

Well, times like that, the simpler, the better. I say we hit her hard and fast! Bushwhack her!

Not much you can't kill if you keep on pluggin' at it till it stops movin'. If it bleeds, you can kill it!

Hmm... Perhaps the simple solution WOULD be best in this case.

For the moment, I suggest we try Billy's plan of action, such as it is, when next we see her.

What about summoning a new Servant to serve as a shield?

Naturally, their one job would be to keep me nice and safe.

There you have it, everyone! In the end, you will just have to do the best you can with what you have!

Good morning, Master.

？！

You heard the man!

...Hm? Golems, halt.

Is something wrong, Avicebron?

...That's a D'yavol Tron.

It's surrounded by a large number of smaller Demonic Beasts. You could go around them...

...This is still an unproven hypothesis, but...

Yes?

I believe that a D'yavol Tron would, well...

？！

... ...Yes.

Well, I suppose I'll just have to help you out. This will be quite a foe for our first battle together.

Come then!

How was I to command, Master?

... ...Well, I suppose these things happen.

Just try to do better next time.

...Hmm. Hmm hmm hmm.

I see. So you have taken a liking to this Mystic Code of mine. I knew it... I knew it...

？！

We're almost to the rebel army stronghold now, Salieri. Soon we'll be able to introduce you to everyone else.

Wait a moment. If you lot are on the side of Proper Human History...I don't suppose you have a piano at this stronghold, do you?

I, uh... No, I'm afraid not.

I see... Well then, I shall just have to make my own musical instrument when I have a spare moment.

Just speakin' for myself, but I think I'd rather you find the time to actually fight first.

A most reasonable request, but I know the truth.

Admit it, Avicebron. You prefer making golems over fighting, don't you?

That is true.

...Even so, I must put combat first. I would never while away my time fiddling with instruments.

Nor would I. I am a Servant first and a musician second.

Naturally, I too would put combat first.

Hahaha, you two certainly do enjoy your hobbies.

You're

one to talk.

Well that's strange.

Here I was under the impression that I was fully devoting myself to helping Master restore humanity.

They said it because you act like your hobbies are the only thing you care about.

I see... So that's how I come across, is it...

Anyone who likes to spend their time making things comes across as a slacker hobbyist. I swear, they're all a bunch of useless good-for-nothings.

Hey, I do NOT slack off when it comes to work, thank you very much!

Hmm? One to what?

Another word, and you'll need to make a DC 19 spell save to surviiive♪

？！

？！

Hey, they're back! Open the gate!

Welcome back!

Mr. Golem, can you make a golem for us too? Pleeease!

Normally, I would encourage you to learn the value of hard work while you were young...but I suppose your lives here are hard enough as it is.

Here you are, a mini golem. It should be able to help you with your chores.

Yaaay! I'm gonna work it like a slave!

That is not its intended use...

Good, you have returned. ...Are you a Servant as well?

I am. My name is Salieri. It's quite all right if you haven't heard of me; my name is of little consequence.

Ah yes, Mozart's...er...well... At any rate, um, why are you wearing that outfit?

Innocent Monster. I am the Man in Grey. I am the one destined to kill Amadeus.

I only go by "Salieri" as a matter of convenience, but you may call me that if you like.

...Well, I suppose stories like yours are not too uncommon in this world. The circumstances of my own summoning were not exactly normal.

Now then, Fujimaru. There's something we need to discuss.

Remember the ore you once asked us about? The one that can be used to engrave magecraft spells?

At the time, I believe you also mentioned a jewel that could be used to control golems? Well, I managed to track down a lead on both.

Oho, you don't say?

Where are they!?

...Not so fast. I would like to make a deal before I share my information.

Not again!

Yes, again. I cannot afford to lose your combat prowess.

I trust Fujimaru and Mash, but...

...once your ship is repaired, you may end up leaving this world behind, right?

Absolutely not. The problems here are our problems as well. We're not going anywhere until we've solved this crisis. You can count on that.

Isn't that right, Director Goredolf?

H-huh? Er, um, y-yes, of course.

Mash is quite right. This land's problems are our problems, and we won't run from them at the first sign of trouble.

That said...we grown-ups do have extenuating circumstances to deal with, and they won't wait around forever, so...

...What are you trying to say?

I'm, um, trying to say that...well...we can't say anything for sure until we see what's actually going to happen...

？！

Don't you talk about my belly! And no, I DON'T have any guts!

I'm not like Holmes. I can't talk my enemies into giving themselves up! When the going gets tough, Goredolf gets going...in the other direction!

My condolences that you are forced to deal with this man as your superior. Now, can I ask for your assistance in exchange for my information?

All right... What sort of deal did you have in mind?

I will come right to the point: I want your help building a new stronghold.

A new stronghold...

Well, that sounds right up Avicebron's alley.

No...I think it would be too dangerous to rely exclusively on him.

？！

His power is not limitless in scope...nor is it a permanent solution.

After all, these Yaga need to know how to fend for themselves, even after we disappear.

But doesn't that plan of action harbor a different sort of danger?

Granted, learning new things always brings with it that possibility, but nonetheless...

I understand your point.

And yes, it is certainly possible that they could misuse this knowledge and power for their own ends.

But even so, I believe it is a good thing for them to learn how to survive.

Haha, why should it make a difference? It's their choice whether they spend their lives working honestly or decide to turn to banditry.

It's no concern of yours what they do after you're gone.

Besides, it's human nature to be obsessed with keeping up with the Joneses.

If anything, it seems to me as though providing them with supportive technology will only make their futures brighter.

？！

...Yes, I suppose you are right.

It IS the Yaga's choice whether to be weak and be eaten, or to be strong and do the eating.

...Or even to find a new path altogether.

By the way, may I ask if you have a particular location in mind for this new stronghold?

I do.

There is a ravine right at the midpoint between here and the capital.

It is protected by a large forest inhabited by vicious Demonic Beasts, which would make it difficult for the Oprichniki from the capital to attack it.

Whereas there are no mountains between here and the ravine to block OUR path.

I see.

But in that case, wouldn't its natural defenses also make it difficult for you to attack the capital?

Yes, I have considered that, which is why I have not moved there thus far...but now, scouts have discovered a tunnel that safely cuts through the woods.

At the moment, this tunnel is still only partially hollowed out.

But once it is complete, we could reach Yaga Moscow in a single day. It would let us attack it with the element of surprise.

What's more, this tunnel is an excellent place to find the sort of ore you seek.

So you want us to help you build this new stronghold, and to finish digging this tunnel, right?

I've already put together a team of my own Yaga. We will set out once you are all ready.