You, Who Was Like the Spring Sunshine

Are you getting enough sleep, honey?

You'll be in no position to lecture Kadoc if you aren't taking good care of yourself, you know.

I always knew you were diligent and efficient, but I didn't have you figured for the sort to keep things bottled up.

Be honest: Have you looked in a mirror lately?

You might not have any bags under your eyes, and you look healthy enough, but you seem completely listless.

Anything on your mind, honey? I'm here to listen if you need to vent for a bit.

...

(Pepe still doesn't know about Russia.)

(I don't think there's any way I'd be able to hide it from him if I started talking...)

I'm fine. No need to worry about me. I don't have time to talk right now, in any case.

But, thanks anyway, Pepe. It was nice of you to call me.

Oh don't you worry, honey. I was the one missing you, you know. It's nothing but stuffy men around here, so you are just a breath of fresh air!

I really should say though that your "perfect knight" is a little bit of a disappointment. He's obviously not doing your mental health any favors.

Yes... I suppose that's true...

(He IS why I've been so worried, but)

How're things with your Lostbelt king? I hear she's nice, as those sorts go.

Yes, she is. Queen Scáthach-Skadi protects the people left in Scandinavia in her own godly way.

But, it is the way of one who is absolute in all things. She talks of love, but her version of it is so...great that I can't even fathom it.

Hm. I see. And Koyanskaya isn't exactly dependable when it comes to these sorts of things...

Okay, then. I need to say this. I know I might be the last person you want to hear this from...

...but your Lostbelt's tree is impressive. I mean, it's already spitting out seeds.

Only because this Lostbelt's soil happened to be rich. I can't take any credit. Besides...they all withered away.

If I'd only managed to keep a tiny sample, then I could have had something to report to Lord Kirschtaria...

Now, now, no more pouting. Chin up, honey. The fact that you got any seeds at all proves that your tree is growing well!

And that means you have a great relationship with your Lostbelt's king. You're doing great, Ophelia.

...Thank you.

This is separate from our whole Crypter deal, but I'm going to give you some advice: go easy on yourself.

Huh?

I don't mean as a mage. I mean as a woman.

You may not like wearing makeup, but a little foundation wouldn't kill you.

Your skin might be smooth and blemish-free now, but do you really think that'll last with all the stress you've been putting yourself under?

You've got a lovely face, honey. Don't hide it by always staring at the ground.

Besides, don't you want to look your best for Wodime?

...Yes, I do. I can't put anything past you, can I?

I just call it like I see it. Hehe, I still have a long way to go myself!

I really have no business intruding so much on your secrets, however much I just love it.

Anyway, I'd better go. Besides, I'm worried about our dear Kadoc.

It'd be nice if I could get in touch with Russia, but he just refuses to answer my calls...

...Oh well. If we can't get in touch with him now that Chaldea's showed up there, I guess that's kind of an answer on its own...

... ...

So, Brynhild has finally awakened...

So much for all that work to keep her a secret.

...You again.

What do you want? Are you here to scold me? Are you saying I should've killed her when I had the chance?

I tried. Believe me, I really tried.

But...

...I just couldn't do it...

And then the queen decided to love her, which meant she had to be kept alive.

So I...

Talking to yourself again?

I see being a Crypter doesn't keep you from feeling lonely at night. You really are a woman, aren't you, Ophelia?

Shut up.

Heh. What are you glaring at me for? Isn't there someone else you should be trying to get rid of?

...

Me, I can't wait to see what happens next.

Be quiet, and go away.

I don't recall ordering you to leave your spirit form

You did hear the news, right? It didn't take long for Thrúd and Hildr to get themselves killed.

It's only a matter of time until Brynhild and Chaldea show up here again. I can't wait.

Let's see, to put it in terms you'd understand, Master...

Sunday...

...No. Please, go away. You can't come here.

Stay away... Mash...

...Lord Kirschtaria...

...Commander Ortlinde, returning to base.

Ortlinde...?

The three of us commanders decided to engage the enemy alone. We were defeated.

We lost over half of our hundred mass-produced units, and Commanders Thrúd and Hildr were killed.

The units returned to the castle's underground hangar; Thrúd and Hildr both disappeared after their deaths.

My sisters and I underestimated our enemy's capabilities.

It seems that the Chaldean remnant's power and resources are sufficient to eliminate us now that Brynhild has awakened and joined them.

Then again, it almost seemed to me as if...

...as if Thrúd and Hildr wanted our sister to destroy them...

Ortlinde...

You're crying...

No. No, I'm not. Thrúd and Hildr couldn't possibly have fought just to die.

They were both genuinely trying to kill her.

They used their full power in the attempt, but were still defeated...

I...

...I should be proud that they each died a warrior's death. And yet...

For some reason, water keeps dripping from my eyes, Ophelia.

...

It is not completely inexplicable. I am, after all, a little broken myself...

I can never be like a mass-produced unit. I can understand why they did that, at least somewhat.

We...

We were moved to choose how we would die...even though we weren't given the order to do so...

That's how much we love our sister...

I see.

...So even youor rather, all Valkyries...

...can't help but cling to the ones you love.

All right, so...

I trust you all understand why I ordered you to make your report before going to rest, but to be clear...

...we are still in a state of emergency!

Without the Paper Moon, we can't hope to escape this Lostbelt, since we need it to navigate Void Space!

So I want you to understand that it was incredibly difficult for me...

...to order you to write a report after you are so exhausted from working so hard over the past week.

Took your sweet time getting to the point... Anyway, great work, you two!

Fou! Fou!

Thank you, Mr. Meunière.

But it's okay. We thought it was important that we write up a report.

Right, Senpai?

I thought as much.

Oh...! I'm sorry for dragging you into it, then...

？！

Yup, well done with the report. I already looked it over.

Bottom line: you two did great. Way better than I was expecting.

For one thing, you recruited not one, but two Heroic Spirits to our side. First, Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France

That's me! It's a pleasure to meet you in person, tiny mademoiselle.

Fou, fooou. Fo.

You too, Your Imperial Majesty. And then we have

Hello, everyone. It's nice to meet all of you. I'm sorry it took me so long to introduce myself.

I am Brynhild, a Heroic Spirit from Proper Human History. I am happy to lend you my strength.

Did you say Brynhild!? Then...you must be the Valkyrie who killed Sigurd!

...I am.

Fo...

Well, Technical Advisor, I'd say victory is as good as ours now, wouldn't you? Perhaps we'll even get to see Brynhild's legend reenacted before our eyes!

I don't know... I don't like to count my chickens before they've hatched. Besides, Sigurd isn't our only enemy here.

We've also got to contend with this Lostbelt's king, Scáthach-Skadi...

...and there's Koyanskaya, who's shown up here as well...plus that other Crypter, Ophelia...

I'd say that out of those three, it's pretty clear who the biggest challenge will be.

Scáthach-Skadi. She's an actual goddess here.

Yep. She's the unquestioned ruler here, and even more dangerous than Sigurd.

I'm still amazed that her magical energy made every flake of snow in this world.

Unfortunately, that means she knows what we're up to.

I think I can hide us from her while we're stationary, but she's bound to notice when we get moving.

She might not treat us like enemies now, but if we DO make an enemy of her, there will be nowhere to hide.

...In which case there'll be no surprising the opposition OR making any sort of escape.

Right now, I'm just hoping it doesn't come to that...

We have no way of being sure it won't. There's no telling how she might respond once she learns we mean to eventually cut down the Tree of Emptiness.

I guess so. She might even decide to attack us on the spot.

Hmm...

Still...if a goddess said we shouldn't leave the tree for later, I guess we shouldn't ignore her...

You there, girl. You swear you obtained this information from a goddess?

Yes. This girl was an amalgamation of three different Divine Spirits.

Then, you're absolutely sure she

Yes.

H-hmm. If that's the consensus of multiple Divine Spirits, we definitely can't ignore it...

... ...

...V-very well then. It seems we have no choice but to make cutting down the Tree of Emptiness a top priority!

As of now, that is just as important as luring out Sigurd and taking back the Paper Moon!

I think you're right. It looks like the Tree of Emptiness is more dangerous than we originally thought.

Still...that doesn't mean we should be reckless about making an enemy of Scáthach-Skadi.

Hmm. As I recall, Fujimaru said she stopped Sigurd and the Valkyries from killing you.

That seems an excellent sign that we can reason with her. If push comes to shove, I can always dazzle her with my exquisite charm and oratory skills.

Yeah, it might well end up coming to that. Just based on what you've told us...

...I get the sense that Scáthach-Skadi is trying to determine who's in the right: us or the Crypters.

I mean, if she wasn't, I'm pretty sure the Shadow Border would've been buried under an avalanche by now.

？！

Our most pressing foe right now is the traitorous Crypters, particularly Ophelia, as well as her Servant.

Indeed. Right now we need to take on Sigurd with the team we've gathered.

Brynhild's Noble Phantasm was made when she killed Sigurd, so it should be up to the task again.

...Yes. By my spear and soul, I promise I will bring Sigurd to heel.

Don't forget about me. And let's not be confused about this! As far as I'm concerned, you're all part of my new Grande Armée!

If you're looking to win, I'm the man for the job! As they say, victory lies ahead!

Oh, I definitely have high hopes for you. Though I don't know about this new Grande Armée twaddle!

To be clear, I have high hopes for your potential as well. In particular, that trump card you said you attained when you materialized.

Actually, I was hoping you'd be so good as to just tell us what it is already.

Sorry, no can do. That goes against everything a secret weapon of last resort stands for.

Sorry I can't oblige, my brilliant mademoiselle.

Hmph. Still, I could get used to this mademoiselle stuff...

Anyway, I take it this means we can also count on this Divine Spirit amalgamation to help us out?

Yup. I can't promise anything at this point, but I'm fairly certain she'll join us if we can make our way that far into the castle.

Oh, the one in the dungeon...? Let me see... Ah yes, here's the page. Hmm.

Hm...hm, I see, I see. A daughter of the Einzbern family, eh... Hmm, this could be a stroke of luck...

Fo, fou?

The Einzberns had relatively little contact with the Clock Tower, but my family is one of the few with some connection to them.

In fact, I'll have you know our own Musik homunculus technique is

Why don't you save that for another time, huh? Say, our next smoke break or something.

But, I'm not a smoker...

All right, so we've got giants wandering about in every part of this land, along with at least a few dozen more mass-produced Valkyries.

It's that kind of military might that normally keeps Scáthach-Skadi's castle an impenetrable fortress.

But at this point, she's still waiting to see how things play out, which means we should actually be able to get into the place.

So we'd better wrap things up before she changes her mind.

...That's true. Based on everything we've seen so far, the queen isn't one to go on the attack.

I don't believe she would treat us as an obstacle, unlike the Valkyries.

That lady's all about love. She as good as said she wasn't going to interfere.

That's just the sort of womaner, goddess, she is.

Those mass productions will give us grief again if their commander loses it, like earlier today, but at least we shouldn't have to worry about the giants.

That said, there are some real tough fire giants hanging out in there, too!

Still, none of that is beyond your ability to deal with. So, to put it all together...

...we have Brynhild, with exceptional mythological affinity for one of our major foes; Napoleon Bonaparte, who excels at directing armies...

...and protection from Sitonai, the Divine Spirit amalgamation. I'd say that gives us pretty good odds.

So our goal is to take out Sigurd and reason with the queen, killing both birds with one stone. Or...at least with two stones thrown really close together.

...The only thing we can't really account for, much as I wish otherwise, is the Crypter's Mystic Eye...

Oh, I think I can do something about that.

Really? I think that might mean we're just about good to go!

Fou, fooou!

Our goal is to take back the Paper Moon and learn the location of this Lostbelt's Tree of Emptiness.

As far as locating either, we'll most likely have to capture the Crypter again, like we did in Russia...or get the queen to tell us herself.

The latter's a tall order, but the former...not entirely impossible.

If things end up getting a bit rough, Gordy can step in with his mad charm and oratory skills☆

Indeed! Just sit back and let me take care of it! Her frozen heart won't last a minute against the sizzle of my extra crispy bacon and eggs!

Oh? You mean you're not gonna use magecraft or a truth serum or something? You're a real softy for a mage.

I... I-it all depends on the situation! If push comes to shove, I always have my Gof Punch to fall back on!

(Although, I don't see someone with Mystic Eyes being all that receptive to my charms...)

(Not to mention Toole warned me I would be the one in tears if I tried going up against a woman...)

We can cross that bridge when we come to it. Besides, this all assumes we can beat Sigurd.

Once we defeat a Heroic Spirit of his caliber, Ophelia might just kind of roll over.

You're really relieved to hear that, aren't you, Director?

Don't be ridiculous. I am simply willing to use the plan with the greatest chance of success.

All right, so it's settled. The Shadow Border will keep heading towards the castle in old Oslo.

We'll need to stop in Torsby, since it's too dangerous to keep driving at night, but even so...

...we should arrive before noon tomorrow.

...I'm sorry, Mash and Fujimaru.

I know there's a child waiting for you in one of the villages, but the less contact we have, the better.

I'm sure you're well aware of this, but for them, our very existence is...well...

？！

...Yes.

？！

...You asleep?

Right on.

No problem. I'll just talk to myself, then.

？！

Mind if I have a seat on your bed here? Thanks.

Huh, these are some decent springs. Pretty nice for a soldier's barracks.

... ...

I know it's not my usual style, but I just wanted to talk a bit...

Would you mind listening?

Thanks. You're a good Maître.

...Got it. No problem. I'll just kinda talk my way through it myself.

？！

...It's about the Valkyrie with those beautiful amethyst eyes.

She's strong. Really strong. You can tell she was around in the Age of Gods.

We won today because of her.

Using the right people for the right job is as crucial on the battlefield as it is anywhere else. Having her on our side turned out to be really effective.

You saw it yourself. Even the Valkyrie commanders were afraid to face her, to say nothing of the others.

That went really well for us. Losing two commanders makes the Valkyries that much less of a threat.

But...we also ended up making her kill her own sisters.

And then there's...well...

？！

Yeah, she is the one who killed Sigurd, but it's still got to be painful for her.

She really did love him. Well, maybe by the end she hated him too, but there was still love there.

And now, well... We're asking her to kill the man she loves all over again.

Effective...maybe. But it's so cruel, so heartless... Still, the it looks like the sad reality is that we don't have any choice here.

From what I hear...Brynhild used to be something of a model Valkyrie.

She was an autonomous machine who would harvest heroes' souls and bring them back to Valhalla for Ragnarök.

Apparently, the souls she and the other Valkyries gathered were supposed to serve as Odin's army.

So she followed her orders and collected souls for Odin.

But one day, she ended up guiding a warrior to victory who wasn't the one Odin wanted.

In a rage, Odin stripped her of her Divinity and imprisoned her in a fiery palace.

That was when...

...You can tell I know what I'm talking about, can't you?

Haha. Truth to tell, I'm just passing on what I got from my secret source.

Anyway.

The Valkyrie who killed Sigurd. That Goredolf guy was definitely right on the mark about her being the one for that job.

I don't think he meant anything bad by it, and Brynhild's not the type to get upset about it either.

Still...I thought you should know about this.

Someone's gotta take responsibility for putting her through this again. I thought you should know what you're asking of her.

I wish I could carry that responsibility for you, but I can't leave this Lostbelt...not to mention my prior engagement.

So you'll have to hold on to it instead. Just remember the true feelings she's keeping quiet.

I know that's a lot to ask...but it's what any commander...any person giving orders must do.

？！

Thanks. I owe you one.

You know...I get the feeling Brynhild knew it would come to this all along.

She knew what her materializing here meant. Poor thing. I can't help but feel sorry for her.

If it wasn't for my prior engagement...

？！

Whoops. Never mind that. Just forget I said anything.

...Haha. Thanks for staying asleep.

？！

All right, I'd better be on my way.

The genius mademoiselle said she wants to look over my cannon, so I'd better not keep her waiting.

... ...

...I'm sorry.

I wasn't sure if I should bring this up or not, but if I'm gonna apologize, now seems like a good time.

Remember how I said I was the only hero of humanity in all of Scandinavia? Looks like I was way off the mark.

Since I never saw any other Servants after I materialized here, I assumed it was just me...

But now that we know Sitonai's here, and Brynhild...

...I guess it's obvious I didn't know what I was talking about! So...sorry about that!

My source was obviously full of it... Dammit...

I should've realized what was up once he started talking about Brynhild's legend...

Sorry, I can't tell you that. I promised I'd keep it a secret. Besides, I didn't get a good look at him.

He was a strange guy, I can tell you that. He looked like a normal human, but he knew all about life in this Lostbelt.

He also said he was trying to find out how the earth was wiped clean.

...Who knows. Maybe he was the one who went around strengthening those villages' Bounded Fields.

...But never mind.

？！

All right, see you tomorrow. Make sure you get plenty of rest; you're gonna need it for the final battle!

Oh, hello, Fujimaru.

I just came out here to look at the stars. Would you mind if I joined you?

Thank you.

Yes... That enormous sun is quite unnatural.

I'm not sure why it's so enormous, either. It's much too far away for me to be able to sense anything about its magical energy.

I can't even focus on it clearly, perhaps because of the magical energy present in the queen's snow and ice. Not even my runes seem to be of any help.

？！

... ...

？！

Please pay it no mind. It is in my nature to kill.

That is, at least, the sort of Heroic Spirit that humanity has made me out to be.

This spear was meant to kill heroes.

In essence, it is a Noble Phantasm designed to kill those with truly heroic souls...those worthy of my love.

It is the purpose of my existence...

There is no more perfect spear for me, who killed a great hero...

Yes, Goredolf Musik was right. I am the Valkyrie who killed Sigurd.

Indeed, there is no better way to describe me.

？！

It's all right. There was nothing cruel in what he said.

My purpose here was to reenact my legend. That is often where my fate leads me.

... ...

...Let me sit down.

There's something you should know about me...

I used to be an inhuman Valkyrie. I was a being who lacked a human heart, just like my sisters.

I was a sort of machine, always harvesting human souls to bring to Valhalla for Ragnarök.

The souls that the other Valkyries and I harvested were intended to serve in Odin's army.

So I carried out the orders I was given, and dedicated myself to collecting souls.

But one day, I ended up guiding a warrior to victory who was not the one Odin wanted.

Instead of aiding the elderly Hjálmgunnarr, I lent my aid to a young warrior named Agnar.

In a rage, Odin stripped me of my Divinity, and most of my strength...

...turning me into a mortal woman for all intents and purposes...

...before sealing me away in a palace of fire atop Mt. Hindarfjall, whose flames stretched all the way to Asgard.

That was when...

...I'm dangerous.

I want to see Sigurd again. I want to embrace him. I want to kill him.

After all this time, there is still a fire burning inside me, endlessly driving me to that.

Even now that I'm a Heroic Spirit, a shadow projected by humanity...

...the version of me inscribed in the Throne is based on the moment I killed him, wreathed in flames of madness.

That's why I can kill him. Why I will kill him.

That's why I was able to kill my adoring sisters. Why I was able to kill Sigurd before, despite my love.

... ...

No.

What would be painful for me is if he is truly doing terrible things here in this Lostbelt.

The Sigurd I loved was a good, just man.

Perhaps I am. It's difficult for me to say.

Once I materialized in this Spirit Origin...

...the fires that burn within me, eating up my mind with love and hate, screaming for me to kill him...

...it all feels so natural that I truly can't say.

？！

That's why I want to thank you, Fujimaru.

I'm so grateful to you for taking me in.

You could easily have treated me as nothing more than a weapon to lay his demonic sword to waste, but instead, you

Fou! Fo fooou.

...Oh, yes.

Hehe, it seems we've been discovered. Come, let's go back.

It gets very chilly in Scandinavia at night, and we wouldn't want you to catch a cold.

Come, Fujimaru. Tomorrow is bound to be a day of fierce battle.

You should rest now for what lies ahead.

We're moving at one hundred twenty kilometers per hour. The engine and drivetrain are both looking good.

We're heading around the mountains, just as planned.

Only one hundred kilometers to go until we reach old Oslo! At this pace, we should get there by noon.

Assuming we don't encounter any obstacles, of course. Let's pray nothing attacks us this time!

Hmph, you should know better than to rely on prayer! A true mage is never surprised. He accounts for every possible eventuality.

He deals with every bump in the road calmly and efficiently. Just look at me! You don't see me praying!

Besides, has it escaped your notice that the only god to pray to here is their queen, who has been around here since the Age of Gods?

No, our only choice is to keep calm and carry on! Our wisdom and knowledge is all the weaponry we need!

Nice, very nice. You sounded like a leader just there.

Meunière, our new director's doing his best to keep his chin up and his nerves down. You're not gonna let him outdo us, are you?

Heh, good point. Thanks, Da Vinci. I'm feeling a lot more motivated now!

E-er, that was a compliment, right? ...Oh well, this is all par for the course with a new mission underway!

Excuse me, but...

...are you sure this is where I should be?

Wouldn't it be better for me to be outside with the others?

It's nice of you to ask, Brynhild, but don't worry about it.

You're the key Heroic Spirit in this mission. It wouldn't do for you to be out front just now.

Mash? Emperor? Fujimaru? Can you hear me okay?

Fouuu!

Haha, this wind is great! Just make sure you don't get blown away, you two!

Understood! Make sure you stay close behind me and my shield, Master!

I should be able to block some of the wind! If that fails, we can always use a rope!

？！

Sorry about that! Just hold out a little longer! There's no telling when more mass-produced Valkyries might show up!

So we need you up there ready to respond quickly if they do.

Holmes and I did design the Border to endure bombardments, but there's really only so much we can do for that, you know?

Fouuu! Fou, fou!

Oh? They're here already? No, wait. That's not coming from the sky...

Multiple large magical energy signals detected! It must be a group of giants!

Yup, I see them. Looks like a real tough bunch. And they're moving to cut off the Border's path, too!

Meunière, hit the emergency brakes! All hands, prepare for battle!

You got it! Let's go, Private!

？！

Yes, Master! Switching Ortinax from standby mode to combat mode...now!

Go ahead and stop the Border whenever you're ready! I'm good to go at any time!

...I see they still have not yet learned their lesson.

I do not regret deciding to love them, but I admit I did not expect them to be so tenacious.

But I will accept that part of them as well, and love them just the same.

Ah, my human children. My Heroic Spirits of humanity. What a sorry sight you make. You seem to have confused stubbornness with persistence.

Are you sure about this, Your Majesty? They have been causing all sorts of trouble in your Lostbelt!

Are you really not going to punish them, even after they destroyed dozens of your precious envoys?

Divine punishment is death, and it is not something to be doled out lightly.

Death eventually comes to all who live, so there is no need for me to help it along. I wish only to grant mercy and love.

...Having said that.

Though the envoys did go into that battle of their own accord, the Chaldeans were...overly bold.

Perhaps I let them get away with too much. If they try to enter my castle while riding that wave of success...

...I'm afraid that may lead to their deaths this time. How deplorable.

The knight and the Crypter are both eager to fight them, it seems. Are they still out on the bridge?

Last I checked. Looks like they're both planning to meet our interlopers head-on.

If it were me, I'd be cutting off their escape first, especially since there's only one way in or out...but I suppose men who're convinced nobody can ever beat them don't believe in little tricks like that.

You mean the demonic sword?

I will say, this does all bring back memories.

Gram was once Odin's sword, as bright and powerful as the sun itself. Sigmund won it after overcoming Odin's test, and passed it on to his son.

It is both ancient and newly reborn. With that at his command, Sigurd is powerful indeed.

Powerful enough to compel even me to keep an eye on him. I do not think there is any human in all of Scandinavia capable of defeating him.

Former goddess. Demigod. One of Odin's daughters...

Brynhild may have once been the greatest Valkyrie in all the Norse lands, but not even she can defeat Sigurd.

...Yes. I certainly hope that proves to be true.

There, I can see it! Hmm, so that's Scáthach-Skadi's castle.

It doesn't look very heavily armed. In fact, it reminds me of something out of modern-day European architecture.

Maybe that's just how confident she is in her rule? Or maybe because there's no rebellion here anyway?

Either way, there's a hell of a lot more magical energy swirling around here than there was on the snow plains. That's going to make it a lot harder to tell what's going on in there.

At least the structure's easy to make out: one large bridge leading to the main building.

We could theoretically go all the way around and climb up from the base, buuut, we don't have any information to help us with that tactic.

Which means this is it, folks! This is where our mission really begins!

No turning back now! This time, I'm not planning on sneaking in OR getting captured.

This time, we're going in guns blazing! It's time to settle the score between the new Grande Armée and the wielder of that demonic sword once and for all!

Well now, that sure didn't take long!

Multiple Muspel are coming out from the ground underneath the bridge! They already know we're here!

Out of the way! We're coming through whether you like it or not!

Fou, fou! Kyaaau!

...Let me handle this.

Whoa, thanks, but no thanks. You just stay back and keep yourself warmed up for now. Can't have you getting worn out in the opening skirmish!

That sound good to you too, Private!?

？！

Haha! You're the focal point of this new Scandinavian Grande Armée! Better get used to it now!

Here they come!

Make sure to take 'em all down! Don't let them so much as scratch the Shadow Border!

We've defeated the Muspel giants and ice beasts! That's all the hostiles that emerged from underground!

Wait...I have a visual on a new hostile approaching from the other side of the bridge.

Fooou!

Heh. Hehe. That's it.

None of you has changed much, but I can see you have a lot more momentum now than you did before.

You've done a lot with a little, humans and Heroic Spirits.

Ha! Takes a Heroic Spirit to know a Heroic Spirit, ain't that right, Mr. Big Shot?

Heh.

Sigurd...!

Hmm...

It's been a long time. The last time I saw you, you were being sealed away.

You're from Proper Human History too, right? Well, that's reason enough for us to fight.

Come at me, Brynhild, eldest of the Valkyries and daughter of Odin. If you really are a demigod, that makes you worth killing.

...You speak as though I'm a stranger.

'Cause you are. At least as far as I'm concerned.

So you claim to be a Servant from this Lostbelt? The change in your eye color is not enough to confuse the identity of my quarry.

You are Sigurd, son of Sigmund. You are the warrior-king who excels in every regard.

Every fiber of my being screams that you are the one I must love and kill.

...This was never supposed to happen. My actions, my madness, in service of justice? Unthinkable.

But here you are, on the side of this Lostbelt. You have chosen a path that pits you against humanity.

So...you won't mind dying now, right, Sigurd?

You're going to die here, Valkyrie.

... ...

Another hostile is incoming...! It's the last remaining Valkyrie commander!

Fo fou, fou!

So she's here too, huh. Makes sense. I had my suspicions that she might still be hung up on what happened last time we fought.

Stand down, Ortlinde. You were there when our sisters made their final plea.

There is no point in you fighting me. You know this. No point...and no need. You cannot interfere in my dance with Sigurd.

Stand down. Please.

Sister...

I've been thinking a lot about the last thing Thrúd and Hildr said.

But, no matter how much I think...I can't understand it. I believe I feel something similarit's fleeting, but it's also too overwhelming to describe.

That's why I'm taking up my spear. Just like Thrúd and Hildr did...

Force-expanding combat functionality. Increasing output beyond safety limiters.

Overload. Overload. Synchronizing magical energy with Gram... Initiating team combat!

You're planning to keep up with me? You're a cheeky little thing, aren't you! Well, this should be amusing.

I think you mean "admirable," Mr. Demonic Sword! You might be real strong, but you're pretty pathetic when it comes to understanding women!

...Hmph. I see your little surge in momentum has led to a big surge in irritating chatter, Archer.

What would a modern-day man like yourself know of the Valkyries, anyway? Such Mystics are all completely beyond your comprehension.

Oh, I don't know about that. I'm actually pretty into mythology. I always made it a point to go exploring pyramids whenever I went on one of my expeditions.

So seeing a wielder of a demonic sword and a Valkyrie together like this? It's a dream come true, really!

And, well, this isn't something I'm thrilled about...but now that I'm a Heroic Spirit, I have a knack for crushing Mystics!

Oh? Take your best shot, then. You've already tried that absurdly oversized cannon on me twice, and it didn't do a damn thing.

Ooh la la! Only twice? That's nothing! Everyone knows the third time's the charm!

This will be the fifth time for us! This time, I'll do everything I can to defend against Gram!

？！

Raising Ortinax output. Maintaining combat mode... All equipment, standing by. I'm good to go!

Fou fou! Foooooou!

Sigurd... Sigurd...

...Now that I've found you, I won't rest until I've killed you!

...!

They're very strong...but not unbeatable!

The Ortinax's output is stable. The auto-maintenance function is still working, and both Brynhild and Napoleon are providing me with extra protection.

I can still fight! I'm not going to shut down... Not before we bring down that demonic sword!

？！

Right on! I can tell he's feeling the pain now more than ever! But I've still got some concerns!

How're you doing, Brynhild!? Think you can keep this up!?

...That could be a bit difficult.

I never thought even Sigurd could be this formidable in a time of war. I thought I understood, but clearly I was mistaken.

The Sigurd I knew was from peacetime, when he never so much as went on an adventure.

I never imagined facing off against Sigurd with his demonic sword would be so...daunting...

Ahh, what a magnificent hero. Ahh, what a frightening man.

This is no good... In the face of such a strong, confident warrior...

I...

I have no choice but to set my soul ablaze. ...Odinseal Prototype, engaged.

Wh-where's all this magical energy coming from...!?

The Odinseal Prototype. A power given only to Sister, not us.

Sister. Sister Brynhild. Would you truly go so far to defeat us...?

I just detected a MASSIVE surge of magical energy! What in the world is goingWait, is that...!?

The Odinseal!? One of the Primordial Runes from the Age of Gods!?

It's got to be hundreds of times more powerful than modern runes, easily. It looks like a spell from the Age of Gods...closer to True Magic than magecraft!

Using that energy in a spell would be one thing, but if you let it all loose at once, it wouldn't just destroy your Spirit Origin, it would...!

Annihilate my soul? Yes, it would.

!

？！

Thank you, Fujimaru. You are so very kind.

But...this is what it means for me to put my life on the line.

Forgive me for making you wait so long, Sigurd. I am finally ready to express my love and kill you once again.

...What a shame. Here I thought we could still have some fun together, but then you went and pulled out one of Odin's tricks.

I've had enough. No more play-fighting. Time to die.

Hold it.

Hold it, Saber. How many times have I told you?

You're only supposed to kill the Servants, but you were going to kill everyone, weren't you?

...Hmph.

...Why hello there! If it isn't my beloved Ophelia!

You haven't changed a bit, Archer. I should have killed you when we first met.

But I do commend your efforts, much as I hate their result.

You just had to go and bring Brynhild here, didn't you?

You honor me, ma chérie. Haha! It's enough to make me cry out of sheer gratitude!

...Ophelia.

... ...

I see you're here again, Mash. Why? Why did you come?

It's our duty.

Duty? You mean you feel like you're honor bound to protect humanity?

...I don't know. I haven't met enough humans to say whether I feel any obligation to them.

But...even if we end up destroying this Lostbelt as a result...

...we can't give up on our world. Just like the Yaga in their frozen world didn't give up their survival.

No matter what happens as a result, we've decided to hold our heads high and keep moving forward.

？！

...Like Master, like Servant, I see.

I can practically see you buckling under the weight of your guilt, yet you meet my gaze, unblinking.

...You really have grown strong, Mash.

I'm nothing like you. I could never be like you.

But I still cannot step aside. Wodime...

...Lord Kirschtaria made a decision, and I refuse to betray his faith in me!

Uh-oh. Here comes her Mystic Eye!

...Phenomena, schufen auf.

The Odinseal... What a marvelous Primordial Rune! Ich will es niemals glänzen sehen!

...!

Nghh...! My rune is...weakening...!?

You shine too brightly. That's why this eye of mine refuses to see that possibility go any further.

Then, she is rewinding phenomena...! B-but...she can't be interfering with time itself!

Even if it were a Noble Color, a Jewel-rank Mystic Eye, controlling time should be impossible!

Khh... Aah...! Aaaaaahhh...!

Hehe. That's it. That's what I like to see! Your pathetic Spirit Origin can't handle the Odinseal Prototype.

Hehe. Now that Ophelia's stopped it, all that's left is your Spirit Core tearing itself apart, huh?

That's it. Squeal. Writhe in agony.

You deserve to crawl on your belly after reducing yourself to nothing more than a human woman.

Sig...urd...! Ghh... Aaaaaaaaahhh...

？！

N-no... It's...all right... I'm not...finished yet, Fujimaru.

Please...it's dangerous for you to...worry about me like that...

Remember what I said...? I told you to let me handle her Mystic Eye, and I meant it.

!

...Phenomena, schufen auf!

...No. No more. One experience with your eye was more than sufficient.

Reinitializing Odinseal. Reengaging. Your eye will no longer lead me astray.

You aren't truly rewinding phenomena. No, it is more a matter of you determining their possibilities.

And in that case...one can deal with it like so.

You restarted it...!? But, you're a Servant... Your Spirit Core is tied directly to your brain and heart...

Restarting the Odinseal now would mean...completely destroying your Spirit Core... Sister...!

Wh-what are you

You can't see it anymore, can you? That is because I have narrowed its possibilities.

？！

I have seen powerful, magical eyes before.

So I will not back down in the face of more, even should they belong to a foreign god such as Balor.

Even were my father himself looking down upon me...

...I will still...

...kill Sigurd!

Out of the way. Hmph. You're chatty for a damn walking doll.

...Sigurd!

No way... That's impossible...!

She...she actually fixed her mind in place...!

She decided there was only one path forward for her, and cut off any other possibilities... How can she do that!?

I doubt any ordinary human could cut off possibilities through sheer force of will.

Not even an ordinary demigod could pull that off. But a demigod mad enough to burn herself alive...!

Well, she just might be twisted enough to wield a demonic spear!

Sigurd, Sigurd, SIGURD!

Sister...

Hraaaaaaaaa! To you who walks the path of evil...!

I offer up my fire, my madness, and my love!

Till death do us part... Brynhild Romantia!

Brynhild's spear is...growing and changing shape!

That must be her Noble Phantasm...the spear made for taking warriors' lives! Damn, it's huge...! Look out for the shock wave!

This is my killer spear. The spear made to kill the heroic Dragon Slayer...the love of my life.

Sigurd! By virtue of who you are, it is impossible for you to avoid my blade!

It is this great spearits weight reflecting the depths of my lovethat will end you...

...in one blow!

It's done

Nice try. But that's not going to work.

Wha...

H-how can that be!? That was Brynhild's Noble Phantasm, the hero killer!

And she just used it on Sigurd...the very man it was created for! It couldn't possibly have missed its target! It should have killed him!

So then...how is he still alive!?

That Noble Phantasm of yours was definitely impressive.

But, unfortunately for you...I'm not Sigurd.

But, unfortunately for you...I'm not Sigurd. I'm not even one of those hero types the Valkyries yearn for.

!?

What are you...saying...

Ophelia. Release my second limiter.

Quickly. This Spirit Origin won't last long.

Personally, I don't mind if

...No. I won't let that happen!

I can't let your body be destroyed. As long as you're in this Lostbelt, you must remain my knight.

...Forced Spirit Origin Ascension, final limiter release. Vanquish all who would stand in our way, my knight.

Final limiter released. Commencing eradication utilizing Heroic Spirit Sigurd's full capability.

Ahh, I feel so much lighter. It's so nice to finally be rid of that awful mask.

I can't imagine why he'd want to wear something like this. Hehe. What a nutjob!

...Well, well. So that's what you really look like, eh, lover boy!?

I see Gram's changed color, too. And it looks like you're putting out exponentially more magical energy than before!

Haha, this oughta be fun! I even like the glasses!

They make you look smart, even sensible, no matter how viciously you're wielding your demonic sword! Maybe I should try them myself!

Ah, you mean these? I'm told they signify the wisdom of the gods or some such. I doubt they'd look good on you.

I don't know; I think they might.

Well, how about this: if you can kill me, you can try them on and find out.

...Feel the power of my demonic sword.

Khh...! Did he just create fire by swinging his sword...!?

Sorry! Guess I went a little overboard with the trash talk! I meant to dodge out of the way, but I was a little too slow!

It's okay! Luckily, I was able to raise my shield in time! Master, did you see that...?

？！

Th-that's true. Rune magecraft relies on drawing sigils and patterns to shorten the incantation.

But when Sigurd created that fire just now

He...didn't write any runes...?

...

...Sigurd...

...No. You aren't Sigurd. You are...

Sigurd...!

Sigurd, Sigurd, Sigurd! No, no! You aren't him. You COULDN'T be him!

Who are you!?

...Who do you think, Brynhild? I assure you: I truly am Sigurd.

Heh. Hehehe. What pitiful creatures humans are!

If only you were a god, you would know what this fire in my soul signifies!

Pitiful! Pitiful! Pitiful!

Hehe! How unsightly... I can't stand to look at you any longer!

...Enough!

Ortinax, maximum output...!

Master...! His demonic sword is more powerful than anything we've seen before!

But, I refuse to let him beat me! He may be strong, but strength is all he has!

And we swore we would never lose to empty strength like that ever again...!

Saber!

Shut it!

We were just getting to the good part. Stay out of this, Ophelia. Keep your damn mouth shut!

Wrong.

Khh...!

Who are you...?

Who are you...? Sigurd? No...

You!

What are you doing!?

Hehe. Me? I'm

!!!

...I've pierced your armor.

Can you feel that, you who wears Sigurd's face?

My spear has destroyed your armor, torn through your flesh, shattered your bones, and cut your Spirit Core in two.

Every thrust of my spear, every cannon shot, every shield bash, wore you down bit by bit.

And now, at last...my blade has found its mark.

Brynhild...!

Fooou! Kyau!

Ha...ha... Hahaha... Haha...!

Magnificent...!

Wh-what is it? What's going on!? We hardly have any picture in here! It's impossible to tell what's happening! Did you beat him!?

So Sigurd has finally fallen to Brynhild's spear! I'm sure you'll confirm that's accurate!

Wait. Something's wrong.

These magical energy values are...strange... Watch out! This isn't over yet!

Heh, hehe!

Hahaha! That's it! At last...

Finally...finally, someone managed to pierce Sigurd's Spirit Core...! This is what I've been waiting for!

What...?

How I've waited!

Now that someone who can defeat me...who can kill me...has finally appeared...

...that accursed Command Spell that kept me from taking my own life no longer matters!

Haha! Hahahahahahahaha... Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Ah...

A-ah...?

Saber? What happened?

You can't have lost... My knight...Sigurd...couldn't possibly lose...

That was why... That was why I released your final limiter!

Ophelia...?

Ahh... This... This can't be happening...! No... No, no...!

...!

...Phenomena, schufen auf!

I won't let a new Saber be born from Sigurd's destroyed Spirit Core! Ich will es niemals glänzen sehen!

Ha. Don't bother.

The Valkyrie was kind enough to show me how to get around that. Did you forget already, Ophelia?

True, I might be just another phenomenon myself, but I still have a mind and soul.

Ah... Ah...

No, no, no, no...! Mash! I can't stop him...!

Once he breaks Sigurd...his shell...it won't be long before he's here...!

I can't stop him! I can't!

And after Lord Kirschtaria entrusted him to me...!

The flames...they're coming...!