Enduring Light of the Gods

How fares things there, Caenis? Did the operation to eradicate the Chaldeans conclude without issue?

Sure looks like it. First we beat the shit out of 'em with that massive fleet, then finished 'em off with one of Artemis's arrows.

If they actually managed to survive all that, I'd be so impressed I'd even join their side myself!

I'll take that to mean it was a highly fulfilling victory then. But I'd also advise you to watch your tongue, Caenis.

Words have meaning, after all, and I'm afraid you might have been a bit too generous with your praise just now.

The hell's that supposed to mean? It's not like I could join their side even if I wanted to, now that they're dead.

...Wait. I recognize that mean little smirk. Don't tell me...

Odysseus! Tell us what happened already, and be quick about it!

...We haven't finished our search for their remains yet, but at this point, it seems that they were not eliminated as planned.

I intend to continue searching for them under the assumption that they managed to escape, most likely to a nearby island. I expect Hestia will be our best bet.

There you have it, Caenis. Well? Are you going to join their side now?

Not a chance in hell! Are you trying to start something with me, Kirschtaria!? Grr, just forget I said anything! I didn't actually mean it, anyway!

'Sides, I don't even see why all this was necessary. I could've easily killed 'em all myself, but you just had to go and bring Artemis into it.

So what're you gonna do to make up for this botched operation, Mr. Commander of the Olympus Defensive Forces?

You gonna offer up your head on a platter by way of apology, like the other one of you did?

I don't answer to you, Caenis.

The only ones who can punish me are Lord Zeus and his close ally, Kirschtaria.

Thank you, Odysseus. Rest assured, I have no intention of laying blame for this at your feet.

The operation itself was perfect, and your direction flawless.

...I appreciate your even-handed decision, Kirschtaria. Now then, if you'll excuse me, I must get back to my search.

Yes, that's a good idea.

After all, Odysseus, the whole reason you were dispatched there was to ensure the invaders would never sully Olympus.

Yes, exactly.

I hope you are duly aware of the importance of your task, Odysseus.

I am.

... ...

As for you, Caenis, you should be ashamed of yourself for your failure to kill them.

Caenis.

You are to come back to Olympus at once and cleanse yourself as best you can before you are granted an audience.

If I were you, I would already be thinking up excuses for this miserable failure of yours.

I can tell you right now, the King of the Gods is going to be very upset with you. Better be ready to receive his punishment.

Why you little

That's enough, you two. I'll deal with Caenis myself.

I would remind both of you to conduct yourselves in a manner befitting the glorious Olympic gods.

...Hmph. You're always much too easy on Caenis, Lord Kirschtaria.

But if you insist, I suppose we have no choice but to keep quiet.

...Remember, Caenis, you are nothing more than a hunting dog. There is no point in keeping you around if you can't do your job.

You should be honored to have been trusted with a Divine Spirit. It's far more than you deserve.

If I were you, I would never forget the debt of gratitude I owed to Lord Kirschtaria. Difficult though that may be with such a tiny brain as yours, I nevertheless suggest you try your best.

(I'll kill 'em.)

Caenis.

(I don't even care what Zeus might do to me. I'm gonna kill those brats dead, end of story.)

Caenis.

Shut the hell up, human! Don't you keep calling my name! Not unless you want to end up dead yourself!

Let's refresh our memories, Caenis. What it is you want?

...To get revenge on Proper Human History. No, scratch that: to reject it completely. That's the whole reason I went along with your little scheme in the first place.

Good. Then continue to do just that. There is no need for you to return to Olympus.

I'll tell Zeus myself that you're biding your time, waiting for a chance to clear your name.

...Tch. All right, fine. I'll play along.

You are technically my Master so I'll obey that order. Besides, I have a little more respect for the Chaldeans now.

If they really did manage to survive Artemis's attack, they'll be plenty worth killing myself.

If that means cleaning up the moon goddess's mess for her, then fine.

Oh? I'm surprised to hear you say that, given your notorious antipathy toward the gods.

Perhaps visiting other Lostbelts has affected you just like it has the Chaldeans.

What was that!? You got a death wish or something!? Huh!?

I don't have any mercy to spare for humans OR Divine Spirits! Far as I'm concerned, the only good human or god's a dead one!

Besides, the only one in the whole damn world who could do something about me is y

...Ugh, forget it. Too much trouble. All right, Kirschtaria, what do I gotta do?

For the time being, you're to remain on standby under Odysseus's command.

We can't have you roaming around the sea haphazardly and getting caught up in skirmishes with the remnants.

Not unless you want to exhaust your magical energy before you get a chance to fight Chaldea.

Worry not. Once Odysseus locates Chaldea, I will ensure you are the one to settle things with them.

Hmph. All right, I can live with that. I hate having to hang around Odysseus any longer, though.

Odysseus. Any news of the Athena Klironomia?

We're still looking for them, but I'm prioritizing the search for Chaldea for the time being.

Fine. Let me know when you find them.

Understood.

...That's all I have to report. For now, I will return to my search.

Very well. I'm sure a hero of your renown won't let us down, Odysseus.

I find it hard to believe how rudely you behave towards your own Master, Caenis.

Hah. Believe it or not, this is me holding back. I'm just too tired to bother with anything more.

...Really? That was you holding back?

Yeah, it was. There's just no point in getting pissed off at him. He never bats an eye no matter what you say.

So I only ever say about half of what's really on my mind. Couldn't you tell?

...Aren't you afraid?

It's not as though you are his only Servant, after all.

If he were to get fed up with your rebellious attitude, he could end your contract whenever he liked.

Man, I wish. Then I'd finally get to pick a proper fight with him.

No damn human slaps a collar on me and gets away with it forever. When all's said and done, I'm gonna make him pay dearly for that.

What a strange relationship... Oh well, it's none of my business.

Lord Odysseus, the Echidna has succeeded at producing the dog.

I believe it should finish growing in about half a day.

Good. Find something it can use to track the Chaldeans. I don't care what it is or where you get it.

If the Chaldeans are indeed still alive...they're bound to have left a trail of some kind.

And a dog's keen senses will be able to find such a trail.

...In Proper Human History, the gods, including the Twelve Olympians, parted ways with humanity.

But in this world, they remained.

I don't know why that is.

We might be able to find a clue as to what happened if we went digging around in the ancient ruins...

But really, that doesn't matter.

The problem is that this world achieved amazing growth and prosperity thanks to the gods sticking around.

Well...

...if we're being accurate, most of the gods aren't actually here in Atlantis.

They're up on top of the Great Pit that sits in the middle of Atlantis's sea.

That's your ultimate destination: the interstellar metropolis, Mt. Olympus, that lies beyond that Tree of Emptiness.

Olympus...

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And of course, wherever you find gods, you'll also find people who worship them.

Like the ones who attacked you the moment you set foot in this Lostbelt.

...This is as far as Da Vinci and I got earlier. From here on out, everything we learn will be new to us as well.

R-right.

Now I see. If the gods are still alive here, that would certainly explain our current situation.

When you mention people who worship the gods...are you perhaps referring to that Heroic Spirit?

That's right. I bet you were all quaking in your boots when you heard his True Name, weren't you?

He's one of the most famous tacticians in all of Proper Human History.

A hero who survived the same battlefield that took the lives of great heroes like Achilles and Hektor...

Odysseus.

That's the commander in chief who rules over this entire sea of Atlantis, and your sworn enemy set on wiping you all out.

Right.

Along with Hektor, Achilles, Penthesilea, and Paris...

...he was one of the heroes who helped bring an end to the legendary Trojan War.

In fact, he was the one who came up with the idea for the Trojan horse.

You mean you don't know!? Come now, surely you can find some time in your schedule to hit the occasional book!

Then again, I suppose you have been keeping rather busy as of late, haven't you?

Odysseus is one of the heroes who fought in the Trojan War...

The war that broke out between the Trojans and the Achaeans due to Paris's decision in a contest between goddesses.

It was through Odysseus's cunning ploy to sneak Achaean soldiers into Troy inside a great wooden horse falsely presented to the Trojans as a gift...

...that the once impregnable Troy was finally forced to surrender.

This legend is so well-known that even today, we refer to malware that presents itself as something benign so that it can deliver a malicious payload as a Trojan horse.

Incidentally, the Iliad that Iskandar is always reading is an epic poem that depicts the events of the Trojan War.

？！

Anyway, our first order of business is to get Nemo healed up. We won't even be able to use the Shadow Border until he's feeling better.

Fortunately, I have an idea as to how to go about that, so don't worry; I'll take care of it.

Next, there's one more thing I would like to ask you about.

What was that light that came down from the sky and tore the Nautilus to pieces?

Is it some sort of secret weapon Odysseus came up with?

Ah yes, that... That's one of the most pressing problems you'll have to face.

Let me start at the beginning.

There are three major hurdles you'll need to clear if you're going to reach Olympus.

First, there's the Olympus Defensive Forces, commanded by Odysseus.

Second, there's Poseidon, the nihilist god of the sea and guard of the Great Pit.

And third, there's the heavenly arrow of divine punishment: Artemis.

...!

There's no way for you all to get into Olympus unless you can do something about each of these hurdles.

Think of them as Atlantis's version of the three layers of defense that made the Byzantine Empire's capital city of Constantinople all but impervious to invasion.

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...Hmm. Maybe I should've said something before I left after all.

Then again, I'm sure they'll figure something out with Bartholomew there.

...Man, now I've got even more I've gotta think about.

Where should I go? What should I do?

Is this really what you want, Artemis?

Things were actually relatively peaceful on the sea of Atlantis up until fairly recently.

There were still soldiers stationed here, sure, but you could count them all on one hand.

And even with Artemis keeping watch, getting around between the different islands was no problem at all.

Back then, the only ships she'd automatically attack were those that tried to head for Olympus.

But then, not too long ago, the situation changed dramatically.

Was that because of us?

That's part of it, sure, but there's another, bigger reason.

What happened was, a number of Servants from Proper Human History managed to infiltrate Olympus.

Huh!?

I don't know if it's because of the sheer size of this Lostbelt or what, but the Counter Force ended up summoning a whole bunch of Servants...

...who tried to establish a beachhead that you Chaldeans could use to reach Olympus whenever you got here.

？！

So who were these Servants?

I wish I could tell you, girl with the beautiful hidden eyes, but I don't even remember what they looked like.

...I presume there is some sort of magecraft in play?

Yes, I think so.

You see, I was asked to help them reach their destination, which means I had to stay behind.

So if I remembered their True Names, there was a chance I could end up being compelled to give them to the enemy.

They must've had a really talented Caster put a spell on you. Then again, it could have been an Assassin or someone who specialized in memory manipulation...

At any rate, I do remember they managed to get past both Artemis's arrows and Poseidon's strikes...

...and ended up safely reaching Olympus.

Unfortunately, their arrival came at a heavy price. A number of Servants were killed on the way there.

I may not remember their faces or their names... but I do know they all went down fighting.

...Gotcha.

Regardless, this does shed some light on why their security was already so tight.

That being said, with so many Servants being summoned, they would surely have been discovered sooner or later even if they had all remained here.

Who cares about what happened in the past? We still need to worry about the present!

So you're saying the reason Atlantis is on such high alert right now is thanks to this other Servant invasion?

Exactly, man who wouldn't be my type even with much longer bangs.

Then again, if you were to lose a few pounds...

Was that descriptor really necessary!?

At the moment, getting into Olympus is basically impossible.

However, there are still several Servants who stayed behind, so in my opinion, you should start by looking for them.

Of course, in order to do that, you'll need to visit the neighboring islands...

...but at least Artemis's guard should be a little more relaxed during the daytime.

And fortunately for you, my ship, the Royal Fortune, can cross between islands in the blink of an eye.

That being said...honestly, it's still incredibly risky to move around while Artemis is on high alert.

We can only hope that she's lowered her security level because she thinks you're all dead.

So, what do you say?

What about this idea you said you had for helping Nemo to recover? I'd like to know more about that.

Ah, right. It'll be faster if I just show you.

In brief, it involves taking Captain Nemo to the temple.

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Excuse me! Mr. Courier!

Yes? What can I do for you?

I'm sorry to impose, but I have something I was hoping you could deliver for me.

Unless you're already fully booked?

...Not at all. The only reason I'm allowed to stay on this island is because I agreed to serve as a courier.

Now, where would you like it delivered? ...The next island over, hmm.

In that case, I should be able to make it there and back by nightfall.

In exchange, I'm sorry Hairetikós, but could I ask you to do me a favor and show these people around the village for me?

I think they'd be especially interested to see how clothes are made here.

Sure, no problem.

...Hmm.

(Well, given what these villagers are wearing, it certainly seems like their lifestyle is still identical to what it was in ancient Greece.)

(As such, I doubt there will be all that much of interest to see...)

Thank you for showing us around!

Not at all. Okay, this way, please.

Hmm.

I'm sure it comes as no surprise, but one truly cannot help but notice those enormous structures.

I'm told they are known as the remains of a number of gods?

"Remains" isn't the nicest way to put it, but that does seem to be what the young people call them.

Do you mean to say that you are no longer young yourself, my fair lady? Because if so, I must humbly beg to differ.

Oh, well thank you.

Anyway, Mr. Courier said I should show you how our clothes are made, right?

Here, it's right this way.

Oho. Ohoho. This is some very interesting interior decoration you've got going here.

I take it that's your loom over there? Hmm. What do you use for your textiles then? Some form of cotton?

Cotton?

Um, no, it's silver birch bark embedded with Theos Klironomia.

Theos what now?

Well, I suppose that doesn't matter. Though I must say, isn't this material a bit too plain for clothing?

Surely you could put such a lovely shade of blue towards more fashionable means, no?

And what about durability? Isn't that a concern?

If I may, Director, fashion is intrinsically tied to both the area in which it is worn and the civilization of the people wearing it.

So I daresay it's quite rude to criticize it as though our perspective is the correct one.

Hmm... Yes, good point.

I see, so you find it too plain. But to answer your question, no, durability isn't a concern at all.

Our clothes can be adjusted to suit the temperature, and they're treated with a coating to deter blades which keeps us fairly safe from Demonic Beast attacks.

Huh?

Yes?

...Pardon me, but would you mind if I touched the outfit hanging over there?

Oh no, go right ahead.

Hmm... I can't say I've ever felt any other article of clothing quite like this...

Would you also mind if I borrowed that knife?

Holmes?

This is a good iron knife, well-made and well-sharpened...and yet, it can't cut through this outfit.

Huh? Are you serious? H-here, let me try.

Nghhhh...! I-it's no use! I can't cut it worth a damn!

Um... Could you stop, please? You're going to ruin the knife if you keep that up...

Ah, of course. I do beg your pardon.

Wh-what in the world IS this material? Is there some trick to how you make it?

No, we just

Heeey! I hunted a Demonic Beast!

Oh good, it looks like we'll get to have fresh Demonic Beast meat for dinner today.

You hunt Demonic Beasts? Isn't that dangerous?

Oh no, it's fine. The ones around here aren't all that strong anyway.

The gods have permitted us to hunt them for millennia now, as long as we do so in moderation.

？！

They should start cutting and dressing the beasts any moment now. Come on, let's go see.

I got a hydra!

This one ferments alcohol in its intestines, so we ought to be able to get some good booze out of it, too.

I don't believe it!

That is easily as large as an Orochi or a D'yavol Tron.

I say, have you all noticed something odd about these proceedings?

While all the villagers would seem to be happy about this kill, not a one of them is surprised by it.

This sort of hunt may not be exactly common for them... but nor would it seem to be unprecedented.

Man, this is great. We haven't had hydra meat in forever.

Hmm, let me think... Maybe thirty years or so?

Am I right, Gramps?

Oh, I'd say the one from thirty years ago was a good bit smaller than this.

I haven't seen one of this size in about two hundred years, back when I was still young myself.

Huh? What... What did you just say?

Hm? I said I haven't seen one of this size in about two hundred years.

Huh? What, like how we hunted it?

Well, when they get to be this size, there's definitely no taking one down on your own.

You need to surround it with about four hunters so you can safely bring it down for the kill.

Four hunters, you say?

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All right, let the feast begin!

Man, we haven't had hydra in ages.

Don't worry, everyone! We also have chicken if you're not a fan of snake!

We had Demonic Beast back in Russia too, didn't we, Senpai?

That's true. It doesn't smell nearly as strong as I'd thought, but it certainly is chewy...

Make sure you two brush your teeth properly. I don't want you complaining about toothaches in the middle of a battle.

Yes, it is. It is a little tough, but it's nothing you can't get used to.

Fou fou.

Hmm. Not bad. Not bad at all! But I daresay it would go down even better if it had been cooked teriyaki-style.

Here you go! Demonic Beast Teriyaki!

？！

All right, now that we've discovered a few more interesting things from this hydra hunt...

...let's take advantage of this mealtime to go over what we've learned.

First off, we were told that this hydra was brought down not by a Servant, but by four ordinary villagers.

Second, these villagers haven't seen a hydra of this size in approximately two hundred years...

...which we know thanks to an old man who was apparently a youngster at the time.

Quite so. It would seem that, while hydras of this particular size are something of a rare occurrence, it is not at all uncommon for these villagers to bring back smaller hydras from a hunt.

Furthermore, all the jerky we've seen hung up around the village came from Demonic Beasts as well.

In the Russian Lostbelt, the Yaga had to use magical guns to hunt Demonic Beasts, and even then, bringing one down wasn't easy by any means, but here

Right. Here, it would seem that hunting Demonic Beasts takes no more effort for these people than, say, hunting a quail would for us.

And even though we're ostensibly from the same human race, they all seem to be in picture-perfect health.

And they certainly couldn't be that healthy if they didn't regularly have enough to eat.

Hey there! Everyone enjoying the feast? Mmm, this hydra really hits the spot.

...I say, what in the world is going on with this village?

I doubt anything we've seen here is unique to this village. Rather, I expect this is just what life is generally like here in the Atlantic Lostbelt.

Now, now, there'll be time for all that later. For today, I suggest you guys eat your fill, and tomorrow, I'll explain everything at the temple.

Mmm. I've got to say, this serpent liquor doesn't taste like any other kind of alcohol I've ever had, but it's got a real nice kick to it.

I bet it would be even better with some spices. I'll have to try importing some one of these days!

Hmm.

True, given everything that's happened between yesterday and today, I can't help but feel a bit mentally worn out.

Putting everything out of our minds for the night and getting a good, long sleep might not be a bad idea at all...

Oh, um, you do realize that I'm speaking strictly in my capacity as Commander, of course. And I only reached this conclusion out of fervent consideration for everyone's well-being!

I mean it, you know!

Grr, when did you become so distrustful!?

Shouldn't you just, you know, take me at my word? You are my subordinate, after all.

Fou... (Munch, munch)

Also, would you please teach this creature to stop stealing my food already?

Understood!

... ...

Well? Go on then, eat up! You'll need all the energy you can get for what's to come!

And don't be shy about asking for seconds!

Fou fou fou.

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... ...

It doesn't look like Captain Nemo will be waking up on his own anytime soon.

He is still comatose, or at least the closest equivalent for a Servant.

Unless we do something, he will most likely continue to wither away until he ultimately perishes.

？！

Right!

Unfortunately, getting to the temple could be a bit dangerous.

You see, the Demonic Beasts seem to have picked up on the scent of battle and started to roam the area.

In that case, we can't have Fujimaru carry him, since he needs both hands free for his Master duties.

Indeed. And it would be quite difficult, if not impossible, for you to carry him either, thanks to your small stature.

So, who would be the best choice...? (Knowing glance)

Urk.

Why, would you look at that. It seems we have a strapping young man with girth to spare right here.

You're not talking about me, are you!?

Don't worry, you'll be fine. Someone as light as Nemo shouldn't be any trouble for you at all, right?

Well no, of course not! Not to mention that physical enhancement is the most rudimentary of all spells!

But a distinguished commander like myself giving a child a piggyback ride just seems more than a tad...well, improper.

Hahaha, you're still worried about appearances at this point?

Shouldn't you be more concerned with improving your odds of survival, Commander? Even if just by one percent?

Exactly! Besides, I bet you'll cut a real dashing figure carrying Nemo on your back, Gordy♪

Spare me the hollow praise! Something about it just rubs me the wrong way...

Um... That actually reminds me of something I've been wondering about for a while now.

Did the homunculi you grew up around never praise you for anything, Director?

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Hmph. Homunculi are already fully grown from the moment they're born, which means they have absolutely nothing in the way of genuine life experience.

I don't need any praise from the likes of them.

Not that they ever bothered anyway!

I don't know whose idea it was, but they said it was policy to never offer praise for anything they felt was the sort of thing anyone should be able to do!

I especially remember how Toole would always be like:

"I'm very sorry, young master, but I will never praise you regardless of what you may accomplish."

I swear, what was her problem, anyway!?

I see... Fascinating. She sounds like someone I would very much like to meet.

Don't be ridiculous! She's just another homunculus. I highly doubt she'd have anything to offer you.

Besides, she's long since gone from this world, so you'll never get to meet her regardless.

...

Oh for... Why am I even talking about this!? All right, fine! I see how it is!

Wait right here while I go and fetch Nemo!

... ...

There! Happy now!?

(Now that's a father figure if ever I've seen one.)

(He does look like Nemo's father now...)

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Don't be daft!!!

Guh! Now look what you did! My shouting made him kick me in the stomach!

Hahahaha! Now I see! So this is what you Chaldea folks are like.

What you lack in rules, you make up for with discipline.

That suits me just fine. In fact, I'd even say it's ideal. All right then, let's make our way to the temple!

I'll go with you!

Ah crap. I'm getting all choked up.

Nah, what am I saying. I've gotta stop thinking positive.

They're just gonna look down their noses at me and relegate me to backup. That's all I deserve, anyway.

Okay then, let's get going.

Man, when we first set out for this Lostbelt, I never thought I'd end up walking it with my own two feet!

？！

Well sure! I've always wanted to get a chance to explore some new, uncharted land like this!

While I understand how you feel, Da Vinci, and I'm well aware that you can handle yourself in a fight, I feel I must remind you that you are truly essential to the Shadow Border's operation.

So I would advise you to stay as close to Ms. Kyrielight as possible.

Yeah, yeah, I know.

？！

Ah yes, we used its barely functional cloaking feature to hide it once we reached shore.

While I would prefer to return to it as soon as possible, doing so while its comms are unusable would of course render us unable to lend you our aid.

So in the meantime, I've entrusted Mr. Meunière with its safekeeping.

On a different subject... What exactly does going to this temple entail?

That's a fair question. By all accounts, it sounds like the Twelve Olympians are our primary enemies here.

So why in the world would we run the risk of going somewhere devoted to worshipping them!?

Worry not, my portly compadre. There are no gods there now. It's a temple in name only these days.

However, it still has one of the gods' relics therea relic I thought we might be able to use to restore Captain Nemo to good health.

？！

Hmm. In Proper Human History, you would probably refer to them as...

...nanomachines.

Those are tiny robots about the size of a virus, no? Even in modern society, they're mostly just theoretical. There hasn't been much progress in actually creating functional nanomachines.

Oh yes, you see them all the time in science fiction stories.

Is there no equivalent to them in magecraft history?

How would I know anything about magecraft that doesn't pertain to me!?

Not to mention that if I did, someone would probably have come to silence me long ago!

(That said, I heard rumors that the El-Melloi family's Mystic Code use something extremely similar to nanomachines...)

(...but only a fool with no sense of self-preservation would go traipsing about in other families' magecraft he knows next to nothing about.)

？！

So then, this is Olympian technology? Are you sure it's safe for us to use?

Speaking in my capacity as technical advisor, I'm not sure I can endorse this.

You have every right to be suspicious, girl who I very much wish would let her bangs down.

However, this nanomachine technology has apparently been a part of this land for over ten thousand years.

So I'm afraid I'll have to defer to both of your expertise to determine whether or not it's safe.

What about you, Ms. Corday? Do you know anything about the nanomachines?

Not a thing. But I get the feeling I'd be stronger if I did!

Hmm, I see...

Very well then, Mr. Fujimaru, would you be so kind as to give us a proper send-off?

Hold on. Just a moment.

Since I'll be accompanying you personally for this expedition, why don't you let me handle this?

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R-right then. Ahem.

All hams, move out!

(He flubbed it!!!)

... ...

All hands, move out!!!

Well? What are you all waiting for? Come on, before I leave you behind!

Senpai...

I-indeed. I must say, he's a much faster walker than I expected!

Right! Mash Kyrielight, preparing to run!

？！

(Sigh) Good grief.

You'd think they'd take this a little more seriously, considering we're in the fifth and biggest Lostbelt now!

Oh, I think they're taking it just seriously enough.

If this is how you all operate, I can see how you managed to take down four other Lostbelts!

Right?

All right, we'd better go after them. By the way, would you mind hiding your eyes with your bangs?

Okay, that is more than enough of you pushing your creepily specific fetish on LITERALLY EVERYONE around you. Seek help.

Whoops, now I've gone and run off too far ahead! That won't do at all.

This may be embarrassing, but I'll take shame over death any day of the week.

I expect the gentlemanly thing to do here is to simply turn around and go back to rejoin them without saying a word.

All that aside...I still can't believe I flubbed such a simple, yet critical line.

Does this mean I'm just not cut out to be the one giving orders?

No, no, that can't be right.

No doubt I'm just feeling a little less articulate than usual after all this fighting.

Yes, that sounds right. I'll just go ahead and leave it at that.

？！

Hm? Ah, that must be Fujimaru and the Demi-Servant.

All right, Goredolf, keep it together. A good mage never loses their cool no matter the circumstance.

Since I can't use my hands right now, I'll just give them a congenial smile and

？！

Hahaha, what's this now? Some sort of sketch comedy routine?

If so, I would certainly hope you could come up with something better than the old "Oops, there's a monster behind you" gag.

That sort of tired cliché may suffice in your circles, but it'll take far more sophisticated humor than that to get a chuckle out of old Goredolf Musik

Huh!? You mean you weren't just trying to get me to turn around as a joke!?

I'll be right there, Director! Please, run for it!

Eeeeee! Is it just me, or have I spent far too much of this year literally running around!?

？！

Th-there's no way I'm going out as some sort of bad punchline! Gof Chaaarrrge!

D-dammit... I didn't have...enough charge left...

？！

Right! Ready when you are, Master!

？！

Huh?

Gah! Wh-what just happened!?

Eee! Please tell me these bloody chunks that look disturbingly like crushed tomatoes aren't mine!

Don't worry. I got the beast.

O-oh, good. Thank... Thank you?

You and the kid would've ended up monster chow if I hadn't been here. Glad that didn't happen.

Er, yes, and I am quite grateful for that, believe me. But, um, I still don't know who you are.

Yeah, that's fair. But before I tell you that, I need to ask you something.

Wh-what!? What is it!? And did you really have to point that surprisingly sharp-looking stick at me first!?

I ask of you. Are you my Master!?

Uh, no?

...

？！

... ...

...Gotcha. O-okay then...I'll just be on my way...

Sorry to bother you...

？！

No! I'm outta here!

I messed up the one line that no Servant should ever, ever mess up! There's nothing left for me to live for!

Forget it!

It sounds like you're a Servant, is that right!? Well look! There's a Master right here!

...Wait. Really? YOU'RE the Master!?

...Huh? YOU'RE the Master!?

？！

Yes, that's right. Now, could you please tell us who you are!?

Y-yeah, okay.

Um... Well...

Aah! Now there's something behind you!

Grrr yourself! Shut up already, you dumb things!

Did...did he just take that monster out with a wooden sword!?

Hmm. I'm guessing that's not just any club.

Then again, the only famous club wielders I know of are Miyamoto Musashi and Heracles...

？！

That has to be one of the last things I ever thought I'd hear a Master say! And no, I'm nowhere near as big a deal as that!

My name's Mandricardo!

I'm a plain old, run-of-the-mill Servant best known for, uh, fighting the Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne!

Wait, really?

Even though I'm just a supporting character in the legend of Roland?

Wow, so you know who I am. That's great!

Oh yes, I know who you are, too!

You're the king of the Tatars who stole the sacred sword Durendal and still ended up losing a duel to Ruggiero!

Ouch. You make a habit of going around and reopening old wounds there, tubby?

Yeah, that figures... Don't worry, I get it.

Anyway, I'm a Rider. Just technically though, since I don't actually have anything to ride.

You don't? Not even a horse?

Yeah, I have a horse, but I can only use him when I'm fighting...

？！

Huh, guess the scent of blood must have lured them out here.

All right, prospective Master, I'm counting on you to call the shots!

？！

... ...

(You know, even I've gotta admit, that line wasn't too bad. It had a nice easygoing feel and every)

U-um, Mandricardo? Aren't you going to fight?

Oh, right, of course. Okay, let's do this thing!

There we go. That oughta do it.

？！

Yes, he is.

After all, Mandricardo is famous for taking on the entire French army with only three allies.

Ah, that's no big deal. Every hero's got some kinda story like that.

...Hm? Those people coming this way friends of yours?

？！

Sherlock Holmes, Leonardo da Vinci, and Bartholomew Roberts, huh...

Must be nice being so famous...

The important thing is that you're all unhurt.

And if we can now count another Servant among our ranks as well, things are certainly looking up.

...Hmm. He's got nice long bangs, but you can still see both of his eyes. Damn, so close.

Is that really all you care about!?

Hahaha, what can I say? We pirates have never been shy about our desires.

... ...

(Amazing. From what I hear, he's only known these people a little longer than I have, but he's already one of the gang!)

(He must have A-rank people skills! He doesn't even try to hide the freaky shit he's into and they still like him anyway!)

(Man, I'm so jealous! If only I was a little bit smoother with people...)

...Ahem.

So, what're you gonna do now? Keep heading for the temple?

？！

...In that case, I guess I can go with you.

'Sides, I'm a Rogue Servant, so I'll feel better having a Master around too.

No worries. Any Servant'd do the same, right?

Well, if you insist, then I guess I can't refuse now...

？！

All right then, looks like I'll be coming along.

Do you know anything about the temple yourself, Mandricardo?

Oh yeah. Hell, I've even used it myself a few times.

...!

A picture's worth a thousand words, right? So let's just get you to the temple and save that guy's life.

Are you quite sure it can do that? Are these nanomachines really safe?

For that matter, how do they work? I'd much rather you tell us now than later!

Don't ask me. I don't got any idea.

...Look, you'll just have to see for yourselves, okay?

Tch. All right, fine.

Besides, if we can't get the Nautilus back in working order, I'll have to continue this entire journey on foot.

And everyone knows nobles such as myself only travel by foot when the circumstances leave them no other choice!

How can you bring up such traumatic memories so casually!?

I assure you. I have no idea whatsoever what you're talking about!

？！