Delight in Your Extinction, Native Life-forms

I see. Continue to patrol the area. Whatever you do, do not let them get away.

Kirschtaria. We've located the Chaldeans.

It seems they've made land at Heracles Island, as our troops there failed to check in for their regular report.

Oho. So they not only managed to survive, they're even going after temples now.

They must already have eyes on the Theos Klironomia.

It would seem they very much embody the resilience and shamelessness that were so emblematic of the old human race they represent.

If Koyanskaya were there right now, I have no doubt she would be tickled pink by this news.

Hm? Now that you mention it, I haven't seen the fox bitch around for a while now.

What happened? Did the Foreign God bite her tails off over her failure in India or something?

No. I'm having her monitor the polis for the time being.

Besides, the Foreign God would never interfere with her affairs. There's no hierarchy between them whatsoever.

I'm sure you know as well as I do that Koyanskaya is nothing more than a spectator.

She is an arms merchant who always provides just a bit less than her customers need.

As far as we are concerned, she is neither friend nor foe.

She is merely vermin we will need to exterminate when all else is said and done.

(That's exactly why I wanna just squash her now and be done with it.)

(If we put it off till the last minute, it might end up being too late to do anything about her...)

All right, I'll just focus on the meal at hand for now then. So, can I go now, Kirschtaria?

You're not gonna stop me from killing Chaldea anymore, right?

...

Well? Say something, dammit! You're not gonna tell me to let 'em go again or some crap like tha

Try to tame your mindless bloodlust for once, Caenis.

We are gods, and so our Master deserves far more respect than that.

My brother is right.

You're like a stray dog baring its fangs at the slightest provocation. It's pathetic, really.

I wasn't asking you, you little brats. Just keep running around your Master like a couple of sad puppies and don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong.

...Well, well.

I never expected to hear that sort of thing from a mongrel just barely capable of following simple instructions.

Don't bother, Brother. It's not as though she can do anything more.

...So you've got a death wish, huh? Why didn't you just say so? I'd be more than happy to make twin kebabs out of both of you.

Or are you gonna start crying and begging the gods for help again, like you did the last time you died miserably!?

Enough.

You are all Servants who have sworn a contract with me. I know you can behave better than that.

You may have your differences, but you are all comrades fighting for a common goal. If you insist on fighting amongst yourselves, you may do so after that goal has been accomplished.

But Kirschtaria, these brats keep mouthing off even though they haven't done a damn thing to

Caenis. It was you who wished to serve as a warrior, whereas those two serve as my aides.

Their job is to facilitate communications between Zeus and myself. Of course the nature of your work will differ.

Or is this your way of saying you wish to come to Olympus in their stead?

...Tch, like hell I'd ever set foot in that creepy old city. All those smiles everywhere you look make me sick.

I'm sure. Olympus is a grand and holy city. A savage like you could never hope to understand its utopian glory.

Shut it, Blondie! Well? What's it gonna be, Kirschtaria!?

If you're not gonna send me after them, does that mean you're letting Odysseus go instead!?

You better not be sending these damn twins out in my pla

No. None of you should go after them. Odysseus, Zeus has granted us a divine message.

Oh?

We have been authorized to make use of Artemis. I'm trusting you to handle the cleanup.

Understood.

...Hey, Kirschtaria, let me just make sure I got this straight. Chaldea's on an island now, right?

...

You really are quite dense, aren't you? I know it must be difficult for you, but do try to refrain from asking Lord Kirschtaria to spell out the blatantly obvious to you.

Indeed. Lord Kirschtaria knows full well what he's doing. I take it we're here just to observe then, Lord Kirschtaria?

Correct. I want all of you to remain on standby at one of the islands neighboring Heracles Island.

Atlantis's defenses are fundamentally Odysseus's domain. We should not intervene unless there is no other option.

I trust that's all right with you, Odysseus?

...It is. Your consideration is unnecessary, but appreciated. All you lot need do is sit back and wait.

Very well then. I look forward to seeing what you are capable of, Odysseus.

Agreed. Come, Brother, let's be on our way.

...Tch. So Zeus couldn't even find the balls to let us have a decent fight! Ugh, this sucks!

...

I apologize for the commotion, Odysseus. I hope it won't deter you from focusing on your task at hand.

...

Attention all soldiers. Olympus has given us authorization.

We will fire the primary cannon again as soon as we confirm Chaldea's presence on Heracles Island.

Does that mean we're going to destroy the whole island?

Yes, it does.

I see. ...That ought to make them really happy.

...Will it now? I see. All the more reason to proceed as planned then.

We will let them bear witness to the cannon as powerful as Lord Zeus himself, capable of destroying entire planets...the arrow of the moon goddess.

Oh hey, welcome back. Where'd you guys go?

We went out to hunt some Demonic Beasts, but I'm afraid we couldn't find any. Too bad.

Gotcha. Well hey, don't sweat it. Some days, luck's just not on your side.

Okay, I won't. So where's Jason? Is he at the tavern again?

Yup, same as usual. Just like yesterday, and the day before that. It's nice to see some things never change.

I'm surprised they don't make fun of him for being a drunkard.

Isn't that a good thing?

...Well, yeah, I guess.

I'm gonna be a soldier!

...Huh? Who was that?

They'll be here in a few days, Timi. You'll just have to be patient until then.

I know. But I can't wait! Nothing has happened these last hundred years!

...Hm? Hey there! You guys aren't from this island, are you!?

You're the Courier's friends, right?

Uh, y-yeah, I guess...

(Oh man, I really never know what to say to guys like this...)

Hi, Timi! I'm glad to see you're doing well.

O-oh! Hi, Corday...

So, who are you guys?

Oh, yes. My name's Mash Kyrielight.

？！

Well good to meet you!

Man, there're so many of you. I heard there haven't been this many nonislanders here for hundreds of years.

Damn. He's talking about centuries like we would decades...

So what's it like outside of this island?

I've asked the old men about it, but they always just say things are the same there as they are here.

But I don't buy that. I think there's gotta be something different about them.

I mean, if there weren't, there'd be no point in the islands all being separated like this in the first place.

And there's gotta be a reason behind everything the gods of Olympus do.

Is that why you want to be a border guard?

Yeah, it is.

Once I'm a border guard, I'll get to see what things are like outside the island.

And I figure, if I can see what things are like outside the island...maybe that'll change something for me.

...Does that mean you're bored with your life here?

Nah, not at all.

Besides, I'm only a hundred years old. I've still got my whole life ahead of me.

How old're you? I'm guessing what, three hundred or so?

Uh... Physically, I'm still in my thirties. Mentally too, actually.

Huh?

Now, now, that's enough of that.

Anyway, good luck with becoming a border guard, Timi!

Th-thanks! I hope you'll be there to watch my tryout!

Well, um, I don't know if I can be there for that, but I'll certainly be rooting for you either way!

O-oh. Gotcha.

...Uh, anyway, I'd better go. I still gotta run an errand for my dad.

Okay. See you later then.

...Uh, yeah! Later!

...Well, it doesn't take a bright and cheery type to see what's going on here.

What are you guys talking about?

She might be more of a bright type, but it looks like she's still in the dark about this...

So you didn't pick up on it either, huh, Master?

Fooou, fou fooou?

？！

Well, uh... You know...

I'm guessing part of it's got to do with the fact that you're one of the island's few visitors...

...but I'm pretty sure that Timi kid's got a crush on you, Corday. Least, I think he does.

Ahahahaha! That's ridiculous! Of course he doesn't!

We've barely even spoken more than a few words to each other. How could that be enough to develop affection for me?

Unless there's some other reason for his feelings?

Well, this is also just a guess, but... maybe he thinks you're pretty?

I see.

Hmm...

Well, I still think this all sounds very silly, so I don't think we need to discuss it any further!

Okay, sure thing.

(I just don't have the guts to point out that she's obviously got a crush on Master herself...)

Now come on. We still need to let Jason know that we're back from the temple.

Right.

I believe Drake said this would get Jason to understand what happened, though I'm still not sure what she meant.

I wonder how things will turn out.

Ahh. Another day, another delicious drink.

Though I've got to say, I'm surprised the people here almost never seem to imbibe anything themselves.

Still, there's something to be said for enjoying a drink in peace and solitude.

If you say so.

You're the kind of person who thinks it's not a real bar if it doesn't come with a raucous crowd, aren't you?

Well take it from me. There's nothing wrong with drinking alone and getting lost in thoughts of old friends.

...Ugh. Dammit, Heracles...

Well sure, there's nothing wrong with thinking back on friends.

But in your case, it only ever ends with you muttering that same line.

Just let me drink in peace, will you? ...(Sigh)

We're back, Drake.

Oh hey, welcome back.

Good timing. I was just thinking of closing up shop.

You're not open at night? Kind of a weird choice for a bar.

What can I say? Everyone here cares more about staying healthy than having a drink.

No, wait, that's not right. It's more like they're so healthy that they don't even need to get drunk.

So this bar of mine's just something I do for fun. I've lost more money on it than I can ever hope to make up.

...?

How long have you been here, Drake?

Hmm, good question.

I guess you could say that all the booze kind of mixed up my past, present, and future.

...And speaking of booze, there's an idiot here who's lost himself in it, Servant or not.

You kept your promise, right? Then go ahead and wake him up.

What is it...? (Yaaawn)

Oh, it's just you lot.

... ...Aah!

M-Medea!? Is that you!? I wasn't sleeping! I was fully awake!

I can't say I heard much resemblance myself...

？！

What's this all about? If it has to do with joining you, I already

... ...Huh?

What about the border guards there? Huh? Did you fight them? Did you?

... ...You what?

You mean the ones stationed at the temple to the north?

？！

... ...

You idiots!!!

What the hell were you lot thinking!? Now it's only a matter of time until Odysseus realizes we're here!

What else could we do? We needed more Theos Klironomia.

You mean you stole some Theos Klironomia on top of that!?

Dammit! General-purpose Klironomia or not, given the situation, there's no way he won't send more soldiers here!

And when he does, the villagers are going to lead them right to me! It won't even occur to them to lie!

...I'll just have to run for it.

Hahahaha, that's perfect.

Maybe it's about time you started thinking about setting sail again, Mr. Captain of the Argo?

Drake! This was your doing, wasn't it!?

Got it in one♡

？！

(Whoa, she looks so cute.)

Wow, Drake, you look amazing right now.

...W-well what about you!? What are you going to do!?

If they find you here, and they will, they're going to kill you too! Is that what you want!?

Haha, 'course not!

But I can't set sail on my own, and Poseidon's curse wouldn't let me even if I could.

So I'll just find somewhere to hide here on the island.

Luckily, I doubt Odysseus is all that worried about me anyway.

Any Servant that can't fight or leave this island isn't gonna be much of a threat.

Drake...

Ah, don't worry. I can always come back once this all blows over.

And with enough time, I bet I can even figure out a way around this curse

Hm? Sounds like a lot of commotion going on outside.

Oh, come on! Don't tell me Odysseus's soldiers are already here!

...That's not what it sounds like to me.

It sounds like somebody is upset about something...

？！

Listen to me, will you!?

Artemis's cannon is going to blow up this island at any moment!

You've all gotta evacuate to another island right now!

... ...Are you sure?

Yes, I'm sure!

？！

Hey, Fujimaru!

What are you talking about, Orion? What do you mean, a cannon is going to blow up this island!?

Exactly what it sounds like!

Artemis is going to fire her cannon at this island in order to take you guys out!

!!!

He's telling the truth. The main unit has already begun preparations.

It won't be long now before she fires the cannon.

Who are

I am Artemis. I rule over the Greek skies and stars.

I-is that true!?

How do we know she's not just pretending to be Lady Artemis?

N-no, wait. There's no faking this divine light!

...Strictly speaking, I'm just a terminalsomething closer to Artemis's familiar.

What am I doing!? I should be prostrating myself before her right now!

Huh? No way. Is that...one of the gods?

Come on, Timi! Get down on the ground already!

R-right!

... ...

I repeat, my cannon is targeting this island as we speak.

The only way to survive is to run away from here as fast as you can, even if it means swimming to

Run away!? We'd never do that!

(...Yeah, that figures. They've been here their whole lives. They probably can't even imaging living somewhere else.)

... ...

... ...

One of the gods is finally paying attention to us! Why would we be afraid to die!?

？！

...

...

...So that's how it is here...

Are you freakin' nuts!?

I don't know who you are, pal, but if anyone's nuts here, it's you!

Yeah! You want us to run away!?

To give up the honor of bathing in the moon goddess's sacred light!?

But you're all going to die!

And?

...!

...I knew it. I had a feeling this is what the people here would choose.

Thank you, Lady Artemis! Thank you!

As defects banished from Olympus, this is the greatest end to our lives we could have possibly hoped for!

Oh, right. I almost forgot.

You nonislanders should probably run for it while you still can.

But... I... We can't!!

... ...

What about you, Timi? Do you want to escape with us?

Me? Of course not. I'm staying right here.

But...I thought you wanted to be a soldier?

Huh? What are you talking about?

Having the gods accept us is way more important than becoming a soldier, right?

I mean, it's a shame that I won't get to see you anymore, Corday, but there's no way I can pass this up.

Sorry about that.

Th-that's okay... I... I understand...

... ...

...Well? What are you all still doing here?

If Artemis is telling the truth, then we don't have a moment to spare.

So come on! We need to get ready to leave! Now!

？！

If it wasn't possible for these people to escape, then it would be the hero's job to stay behind to help.

But if they're refusing to escape, then helping them isn't our responsibility!

Now come on, let's go!

W-wait! What about Drake!?

...Well, shit. This is a little more dire than I was expecting things to go. But, nothing to be done now.

Guess this is goodbye.

You don't have to stay here, Drake! Please! Come with us!

I told you, I can't. Much as I wish I could.

There must be a way! I'll carry you myself if I have to!

You're weirdly sweet on me, aren't you?

I guess another version of me must've helped you guys out a whole bunch before.

...But, it's okay.

If I've gotta go, going out with some good booze ain't the worst way.

Looks like I'll be taking a page from your book, Jason.

Drinking alone, and getting lost in thoughts of old friends.

I see. ...Thanks for everything, Captain.

Don't worry about your tab. I'll make sure to leave it right where it is.

Drake...

Yeah, I'm sure.

If we were on my ship right now, I'd be happy to award you with the title of Navigator First Class or something.

But here on land, well, it just wouldn't work.

？！

... ...Fujimaru.

...Yeah. I think I will.

...Yeah. You bet I will!

？！

There we go! All set!

Good, it looks like we're all on the same page. Now we

Whoops, just a sec. I almost forgot.

Jason!

...A key?

That's the key to the chains locking my ship's helm in place. Take it. It's your ship now.

You want me to use the Golden Hind?

But that's yours. It'll just disappear when you do.

No, it won't. Not as long as you reinforce its existence with some Theos Klironomia.

...Wait. Are you saying

Once you do that, it won't be the Golden Hind anymore.

It'll be...the Argo.

!

Besides, what's a captain without a ship?

...Dammit.

All right, fine. I'm not so high-minded as to turn down a gift being given in earnest like this.

But I don't want to hear any complaints about what I do with your ship after the fact. You got that!?

I got it. Oh, and here. This is for you guys.

？！

I think it's some kinda treasure that belongs to one of the gods here. Go on, take it.

I found it at sea when I ran into the biggest sea monster I've ever seen!

It was glowing so bright it practically screamed "Look at me! I'm the heart!" so I went ahead and plundered it!

I can't believe it... This should be impossible, but...it's real.

This really is my father Poseidon's, Divine Core.

But...how did you get this!? You're a human-based Heroic Spirit. How did you possibly defeat Poseidon!?

Ah, I just happened to get lucky. The wind, the waves, my luck... They were all going my way at the time.

'Course, I got slapped with a hell of a curse to make up for it. Now it hurts so much to breathe I think death would actually be a relief.

But, I had a feeling. Something that told me I couldn't up and die until I pawned that thing off on somebody else.

You...

I can't believe you were holding onto something that valuable all this time...

？！

... ...

...Whoa there. Almost said something way out of character for me.

Well, go on. You'd better get out of here before it's too late!

You sure as hell don't wanna get wiped out 'cause you stuck around shooting the shit for too long.

...Yeah. You're right, Captain Drake.

And I won't let your hard work go to waste. Rest assured, I'll take the tiller from here!

Ugh, my body feels heavier than I expected!

Maybe all your unhealthy living finally caught up to you?

We're Servants, dammit! We already lived our lives!

That said, I was pretty mentally blocked for a while. That's probably what's causing it.

Dammit, these Demonic Beasts are gonna slow us down! Ugh! Guess I'll just have to break out my own sword for this!

Hey! Fujimaru!

You're a Master, right? Then show me how well you can put me to use!

If you do a good enough job, I'll consider teaming up with you to be the backward-thinking way out of this mess!

Absolutely not! Know why? Because despair always sneaks up on you from behind!

Of course!

After all, it's not like I have many other weapons at my disposal right now!

The trick to survival is to use whomever you've got! That goes for parents, lovers, and enemies alike!

？！

All right! All hands, ready your weapons! We need to finish this lightning quick!

(Huff, huff, huff...) Ugh, I hate feeling so sluggish!

Looks like you're not using any of those nanomachines yourself then.

No, I'm not. I wanted to avoid getting mixed up with the gods here as much as possible... Though it looks like that might not be an option anymore.

Come on, you useless good-for-nothings! RUN DAMMIT!

We've sussed out the situation on our end as well. Do hurry.

My ship's all ready to set sail too. We can leave at any time.

Oh, and I've already found the Golden Hind as well.

It's the ship closest to your current location.

I've just sent you the coordinates.

I expect using your navigational system to find that ship and escape the island will be your best bet.

Coordinates received. We're almost there!