Fate/Grand Order story · Part 2: Cosmos in the Lostbelt, Realm of the Thanatos Impulse, Traum
All-Out War - Reinstatement Realm (First Half)
Realm of the Thanatos Impulse, Traum. Revenge Realm Base
8 scenes, 803 lines
1. Before the battle
242 lines...That's all, my queen.
Hmm. So, they got Zhang Jue, did they? Well, no matter.
Y-you're not upset, my queen?
Without Vice-Commander Zhang Jue leading us, I don't know how
He's still here. Come out, Zhang Jue.
Oof... Was I dead?
Looks that way. Poor thing.
H-how...!?
It's either some sort of cloning technique or a Noble Phantasm with a similar effect. I don't care.
The point is, Zhang Jue is still here. Isn't that enough?
...Yes, my queen!
Now...what was I doing again?
A pity this technique, or whatever it is, doesn't allow you to retain your other self's memories.
Here. You left this for yourself in case something like this happened.
Oho, I see, I see... It looks as though I suffered quite a painful defeat.
Indeed. I know this doesn't actually change anything important...
...but I can't abide the thought of them believing they can trifle with us and escape retribution.
Shall we retaliate in full force then?
Yes. We'll follow the Reinstatement Realm's lead.
Oh? Might I ask why?
The Reinstatement Realm is preparing to attack the Righteous Realm. It's obvious from the way they've organized their army.
So they're not coming after us?
No. It seems Kōnstantînos understands he needs to take risks...
...if his noble cause is ever to triumph over our wicked one.
Johanna.
Yes?
It's not that I don't believe you. I do. But let me go over it again, just to make sure I understand correctly.
Was this something told to you in no uncertain terms, or was it more ambiguous in nature?
The latter.
I received a divine revelation, which I then passed on to you. That's all.
I'm afraid I can't explain it, or offer any logical insight. I can't even be sure it wasn't entirely false.
But you heard it all the same, yes?
I did. It said, "If you fight the Righteous Realm, your victory is assured."
I'll let you decide whether to believe it or not.
...Bradamante.
Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.
What do you make of Johanna's revelation? Do you think we can defeat Charles the Great?
...I do.
I believe the Charles the Great ruling the Righteous Realm is either an imposter...
...or that his real capabilities have somehow been sealed away.
Why do you believe that?
Because he never showed himself during that operation. The Charles the Great I know would never be that cautious.
You think?
If I were in his position, I think I would take every precaution I could and then some.
If he had been summoned to run a nation, then yes, I could see that.
But he would never act so timidly if he had been summoned here to win a Holy Grail War.
He was always the sort to lead from the front, no matter the circumstances.
...Then what about his two knights, Roland and Astolfo?
They're the reason we believe the Righteous Realm's Charles the Great is who he claims to be.
Why would two of his Twelve Paladins knowingly prop up an imposter?
You have it backwards.
Propping up an imposter is exactly the kind of thing those two would do.
We paladins always strive to live our lives according to our chivalric principles.
And one of those principles is to always do what we believe to be right, even if it means acting dishonorably.
...And while we're on the subject, even if the real Charles the Great were there...
...if someone else were claiming to be him, and he felt it was for a good reason, he wouldn't have a problem with it.
He was just...like that.
...I see.
(That just leaves one last factor.)
(According to Moriarty, Chaldea is currently hiding out in the Righteous Realm.)
(And they can't possibly have the manpower to spare to send troops to the Revenge Realm as well.)
(...It seems it's time to settle things.)
Bradamante, assemble our top officers. We're going to march on the Righteous Realm right away.
...!
Don't look so surprised. I know very well that I'm taking a major risk.
But even so...we need to bring the fight to the Righteous Realm, and we must do so now.
The Revenge Realm has just lost Zhang Jue and lost a number of troops in battle against the Righteous Realm.
This is the best, if not the only, chance for us to strike.
We need to take the Righteous Realm out now before they can grow any stronger. Is that clear, Johanna?
!
But Lady Johanna, that would
I can't stay here alone doing nothing but praying.
If you're going to take this risk, then we should bet everything we have on it.
I don't want to just sit here, safe and useless, waiting to see what happens.
It'll be all right. I'm a Servant, too.
...All right. But I insist you stick to providing support from the rear.
Of course.
I would never make trouble by trying to do something like fight on the front lines.
Then that's fine. I'll stick to the front line, you to the rear.
This shall be our first great battle since the foundation of our realm. Let's go make sure we win it.
Agreed!
I'll go summon the officers right now!
The winds of change had begun to blow.
On this day, the Reinstatement Realm began working relentlessly to break free of the stalemate with their neighboring realms.
Even if the other realms were to learn of their plans, they would be powerless to stop the Reinstatement Realm from riding to battle.
What's more, Kōnstantînos XI had another trick up his sleeve:
A plan to drag Charles the Great himself onto the battlefield, whether he was an imposter or not.
It was a very simple plan, but that very simplicity made it impossible to counter.
A few days after Zhang Jue's assassination...
... ...
... ...
Pardon me. What's this about the situation having suddenly changed?
Yeah, what happened?
？！
Here. Take a look at this.
...A manifesto?
... ...
I see. So the Reinstatement Realm is openly declaring war against us, as well as requesting an audience with Charles the Great. Quite the bold tactic.
I take it this is Kōnstantînos's way of trying to drag Charles the Great onto the battlefield?
That's right.
We received this manifesto from Reinstatement Realm soldiers during our skirmishes with them over the last few days.
Needless to say, all the other Servants in the Righteous Realm know about it as well.
...I see. Then you have no choice but to go to the battlefield in response.
They...don't?
There's no way someone as legendary as Charles the Great wouldn't defend his honor, even if it meant acting a little illogically.
A hero like that can't get escape that need.
What do you think, Count Vlad? I'd like to hear your opinion as well.
We cannot ignore this manifesto. Our next battle with the Reinstatement Realm will be all-out war.
We cannot even depend on our natural defenses to aid us here.
Not when our opponent has also designated a particular battlefield.
Can't we negotiate for a battlefield more advantageous to us?
Quite so.
Even if we cannot fight here, where we have the greatest advantage, I would like to avoid a direct clash on an open field.
All that aside, I'm impressed at this manifesto's construction. Whoever wrote it has done a tremendous job of conveying both passion and levelheadedness.
It is exactly the correct way to strike at our pride in being Charles the Great's subjects and so force him onto the battlefield.
Now that you mention it, there've been some rumors going around about Charles the Great being an imposter.
Yes, we're aware. I've told the Assassins to try and keep them in check.
But rumors have a way of spreading. Especially explosive ones like this.
It's the Reinstatement Realm.
They're taking the fight to us on all fronts.
So, um...does this mean I need to go to the front line?
We will need to hide your appearance, of course.
If we do not, the other Servants will immediately recognize you are a knight, not an emperor.
We're planning to put up curtains around his carriage, just like we do here on the throne.
As long as we're wary of assassination attempts when we go to the front line, I think it should be a reasonable solution.
Yes, that should be fine. The problem is, who should we send there?
Isn't it just gonna be Don Quixote?
What do you think?
I... I don't think me being there is a good idea.
Just thinking about being on the battlefield makes my voice quiver. It would only be a matter of time until I did something strange.
I don't think I could handle it, even with Sancho there.
I...I'm no longer capable of fighting on a real battlefield.
Oh, sir...
Then someone else will need to take his place.
I'm afraid neither myself, Astolfo, nor Roland would be suitable.
Our army already knows me as their general, and they are of course well-acquainted with Astolfo and Roland as well.
(Raise hand)
Maybe Holmes could do it?
？！
Huh!? You!?
Are you sure about this!?
I wish I could say I can't put this on your shoulders...but, no, you're right.
Of everyone here, Mr. Fujimaru, you are actually the best choice to pretend to be Charles the Great.
...Hmm. True, my face isn't nearly as well-known as yours.
And I could fool them further if I were to employ a disguise Noble Phantasm.
But I would also need to demonstrate my abilities as Charles the Great, and that, my Noble Phantasm might not be able to manage.
So that just leaves
Mr. Fujimaru. I know it's short notice, but would you take on the role of Charles the Great?
That's a BIG ask!
？！
Whoa, whoa, hold on.
You want to make Fujimaru into Charles the Great? Don't you think that's a tall order?
It would be a tall order regardless of who plays the part and a dangerous one as well.
There will doubtless be Servants who attempt to kill Charles the Great.
But Mr. Fujimaru has ways of protecting himself against other Servants.
His summons...
Precisely. Our Master can use simple summons to call on other Servants to fight for him at a moment's notice.
What's more, he has amply proven his ability to command a multitude of heroes across all the Singularities and Lostbelts.
Even if the enemy should take him by surprise, he should be perfectly capable of responding in turn.
...Yeah, all right. I guess if he can pull a good Servant out of his hat, this might not be totally crazy.
By rights, it should be my job to keep my Master safe from harm. But even if I had not lost my power, commanding the army would sill require my full attention.
Still, I could assign thousands of Servants to protect you if you are to pose as Charles the Great...
There are risks to be sure, but overall, this plan does seem as though it could work.
So what happens if Fujimaru can't do it for whatever reason?
In that scenario, I shall just have to play the part myself. My disguise Noble Phantasm should help with that.
But then, if you did that...
...Fujimaru would still be staying close to you the whole time anyway, right?
Indeed he would.
As I am presently a Chaldean Servant, I cannot very well leave my Master's side and go off on my own.
So, basically...it almost doesn't matter which of you does this?
Correct.
Oh, enough of this!
If that's how it is, then we're better off just making Fujimaru the new Charles the Great and having done with it!
That way, the other Servants would be far more likely to protect you than they would if you were just another attendant!
...Um, we have another possible solution we'd like to recommend.
Oh?
...What if we just ran away?
Run away? Us?
Hahaha, good one, Lady Sancho. ...Huh? You're not kidding?
We may not be able to run away, but the Chaldeans can, and perhaps they should.
Running away, huh? I...suppose that is an option...
No way!
Come now. Is whining really the way to go about this?
That is indeed an option, but taking it would only make the situation worse.
We cannot allow a large Singularity like this to inscribe itself in human history.
It is just as much of a threat to humanity as the seven Singularities, the six Lostbelts...
...and even unusual Singularities such as Heian-kyo and Tunguska.
If only we could reason with them...
I'll prepare a costume for you right away. Sir, you can be one of his imperial guards.
Oho! A promotion!
Don't you mean DEmotion!?
We have plenty of ways to change your voice. All you need to do is learn the gestures you need to make as a silhouette.
I'll start formulating our strategy for the battle right away. Roland, come with me.
Yes, sir.
Astolfo, I want you and Don Quixote to stay by my Master's side.
But be ready to fly into the battlefield on your hippogriff at a moment's notice.
You will be our commando unit for this operation.
Aye, aye, sir! I'll do my very best!
That just leaves the negotiations for the battlefield.
Sancho, Holmes, I would like you two to handle that.
The Reinstatement Realm has designated a wide-open plain within their territory as their preferred site.
Do what you can to keep us away from such a place.
I think we can manage that.
Oh?
This is a classic negotiation tactic, of the "door-in-the-face" variety.
Door in the face? Huh?
What, you mean you don't know about it, Astolfo?
No, I don't! You mean you do, Roland?
Of course I do. ...Holmes, would you mind explaining it to him?
Oh come ON! You have no idea either, do you!?
Hahaha.
It's when you open negotiations with a demand you know will be rejected, then work down to a more realistic, but still advantageous one.
People have made use of it since time immemorial.
It's just like when merchants use impossibly high prices on certain items to make a slashed price look reasonable.
Ohh, now I get it! I've been ripped off like that a bunch of times!
Why am I not surprised?
Hey, I don't like haggling. It makes me feel guilty.
I suspect the site Kōnstantînos actually wants...
...is an open field near the border between realms that gives them a slight advantage over us.
And the site I know of that best fits that criteria is the plains of Ani, right here.
Hmm.
True, if I were on the Reinstatement Realm's side, this is where I would want to fight the battle.
And from our perspective, it looks like a much better choice than their initial proposal, which only suited them.
That must be their true aim. I can't decide whether to loathe them for their cunning or praise them for their effort.
I'll do my best to find compromise for a location that gives us an advantage.
Let me choose a few possible sites now. Depending on the situation, I may join you for the negotiations as well.
All right, let's do this!
... ...
The winds of change had begun to blow.
Both the Righteous Realm and Chaldea were feeling the waves of history crashing down upon them.
This Singularity, almost imperceptibly small on a global scale, was on the verge of rocking the foundations of history itself.
Heroes praised for their virtue... Anti-Heroes derided as monsters...
Heroes who had slain a hundred people... Anti-Heroes who had protected a thousand...
Here, they would do nothing more than try to kill one another.
One could argue, in a sense, that this Singularity brought equality to the world.
With no national or racial differences to drive them apart, they were united in their desire to rebel against Proper Human History.
And so, even as they turned a blind eye to the futility of their bloodshed, or willfully embraced it...
...these men and women, all known to be heroes, remained locked in vicious combat with no end in sight.
2. Before the battle
178 lines...I'm surprised the Righteous Realm sent you here as their messenger.
Heh. It's because I no longer have my Servant powers.
We agreed that made me a fitting choice for an envoy, last emperor of Rome.
I'm not so sure.
We know you're the one who whipped the Righteous Realm's army into shape.
Taking you captive may not quite halve their strength...
...but it would certainly be a painful loss, no?
You're thinking too small, Emperor. Or perhaps you were just curious how I would react.
I would never have come here if I was worried about being taken prisoner.
My army's training is complete. I have absolute faith in their performance, no matter who leads them.
Besides, harming me now would be a stain upon the Reinstatement Realm's reputation.
What if I decided I no longer care about keeping up appearances?
Such attitudes can only be indulged up to a point. You have no choice but to let me return simply by virtue of who you are.
Of course, things would be very different if the Revenge Realm did not exist.
...Right on all counts.
Very well then, enough of this pretense.
I've been told you wish to designate Sirmium for our battlefield...
...rather than the plains of Ani that connect our two realms.
That's right. Did we not already say as much in writing?
Surely you've given it thorough consideration by now. Any further time spent thinking about it would be wasted.
The fact is, these negotiations were a foregone conclusion the moment you agreed to my visit.
...You argue your case quite eloquently, Dracul. Or were you perhaps told what to say ahead of time?
Indeed I was.
While I could have handled these negotiations myself, why do so when there is more expert counsel to follow?
... ...Hmm.
Kōnstantînos turned the count's request over in his mind.
The Righteous Realm's choice of Sirmium...
...came as a surprise to the Reinstatement Realm Servants in charge of military strategy.
They all knew The Righteous Realm would never agree to fight in the plains of Ani.
But they also expected the Righteous Realm would want to hold the battle in their own territory, where they enjoyed strong natural defenses.
If they had, Kōnstantînos and his advisors would have agreed to those terms.
Such a cowardly choice of venue would give credence to the rumors that Charles the Great was in fact an imposter.
With the accompanying boost to his soldiers' morale, their experience, and a good strategy...
...Kōnstantînos and his advisors were confident in their chances of victory.
Instead, the Righteous Realm had designated a field within Reinstatement Realm territory.
Of course, the field would not provide the Reinstatement Realm an opportunity to crush them under sheer weight of numbers.
No, Sirmium was one of numerous abandoned towns on the border between realms.
A town full of weathered Caster-made buildings and Bounded Fields that no longer served their original purpose.
As soon as this town was suggested as a possible battlefield, Kōnstantînos sent scouts to survey it.
But by then, it was already too late.
What the...!?
An imposing fortress now stood in place of the once-abandoned town.
Perhaps Casters had constructed it in an instant, or maybe golems and Servants had built it by hand.
Erecting a castle overnight was an unusual feat for Servants but by no means an impossible one.
His suspicions growing, Kōnstantînos then sent out Servants to investigate the remains of the other border towns...
...and found himself goggling at their reports.
Towns that were once debris and rubble now played home to heavily fortified castles. Strongholds across the border were staffed with astonishing numbers of scouts.
Kōnstantînos had been hoping to face the Righteous Realm on their own land.
He knew the added hardships would raise his Servants' morale...
...and convey the impression that their opponent's ruler, Charles the Great, was an imposter.
Together, those two factors would ultimately lead the Reinstatement Realm to victory.
At least, that was what Kōnstantînos had thought.
Of course, if Charles the Great proved not to be an imposter, that entire strategy would go right out the window.
This is why Kōnstantînos told no one his suspicions regarding Charles the Great's identity beyond a small handful of his most trusted officers.
Regardless, he knew he had no choice but to agree to his opponent's terms.
The Righteous Realm had chosen to hold the battle on Reinstatement Realm land.
Even if they had already completed their fortifications and were fully prepared to engage Reinstatement Realm forces...
...it would seem to an outside observer that the Righteous Realm had bravely chosen to make a stand in hostile territory.
Were word to spread that Charles the Great had launched an invasion of their realm rather than the reverse as intended, the effect on morale would be disastrous.
It seems you may have us bested in terms of preparing for the battle.
Do you think our tactics cowardly?
Not at all.
Very well then, we shall see you in Sirmium.
We shall meet you on the field and best you with sheer might.
Yes, Your Imperial Majesty?
Escort our guest to the border. Treat him with the utmost care.
Understood. This way, Sir Envoy.
Thank you, O great emperor.
As one who hails from the same time as yourself, it will be an honor to face you in battle.
I do not fight for honor. The next time we meet, you will receive no mercy from me.
Perfect. I was just thinking the same.
...By the way, how is Charles the Great? I trust everything is well with him?
Oh, I don't know if I'd say that.
Just now, he's likely going out of his mind trying to decide what to wear to the war.
...Huh?
When next we meet, great emperor, it shall be on the field of battle.
...Phew.
Going around without a single Servant for protection is even more nerve-racking than I thought...
Um, Kadoc? Why are you going back to Fort Azagouc?
It's a good bet that no one's gonna bother us there now that it's been destroyed, right?
Especially since Kriemhild's army's likely focusing all its attention on the battle between the Righteous and Reinstatement Realms.
And it looks like I was right. We've barely seen any enemies so far.
What I mean is
Because there's still something there.
...!
Holmes said the same thing, remember?
That fortress's feng shui wasn't meant to keep Zhang Jue safe... He wanted to protect something.
I want to find out what that is.
I think that's why Goredolf signed off on this solo mission. He knows there's still something there, too.
But, going there alone? That's just
I'll be fine.
Huh?
It's just a hunch, but I get the sense I'm still not alone.
So I'm just gonna go there, see what I can find out, and head back. I'll be fine.
Just don't forget to check in regularly.
I know. Believe me, I don't want you using this collar to off me.
I'm not going to do that. I'm just worried about you.
... ...
Is something wrong?
...Nah, it's nothing. I was just surprised at how, well, human you sounded.
...What do you mean by that?
I mean your emotions are a lot easier to read now. Maybe you were always like that and I just didn't realize.
Then again, maybe you changed after meeting Fujimaru. I mean, he's nothing if not laid-back.
That's true. We've traveled a lot together.
I'm human, so I feel like I need to do what I can to grow and change in the right way.
...Me, I haven't changed at all.
I'm the same guy I was when I got assigned to Team Athe same guy I was when I betrayed Proper Human History.
I'm just afraid to die, so I'll do whatever it takes to survive. Even if it means going against your Master, the guy who saved the whole damn world.
Betrayal after betrayal, and here I am: humiliated, but still alive.
Kadoc... I know what you and the other Crypters went through.
I won't say you didn't have any other choice. But that doesn't mean you have to
Hm? Oh, don't worry about me. I'm just being angsty.
Angsty?
Yeah. Believe me, I'd never accept death as long as there was any other option. Didn't I promise as much?
...
Anyway... Still half a day to go to the fort, huh. How's the war shaping up?
Well, there's been some good news.
The Reinstatement Realm agreed to our choice of battlefield.
Yeah? Then, I guess all that's left now...is to fight.
Right. Oh, and also... Hehe.
Hm?
Oh, well... Hehe, you see, Master's actually...
...What...IS this?
Why...
It's the imperial robe the Servants stayed up all night making for you.
It's so...imperial...
Well, of course. You're supposed to be Charles the Great, so they decided to go with the three Gs:
Gold, gorgeous, and glorious.
If you're wondering, there's no particular reason they went with "G" words.
There isn't?
There isn't.
？！
Wahahahaha!
Not a great sign when one of the real Charles'sknights is laughing at you...
Great, just what every emperor wants to hear:people laughing at how ridiculous you look.
？！
It'll be okay. You need a good, ostentatious aura like this.
Yeah! You'll be fiiine! Totally fine! Probably. Maybe?
I'm so glad I got demoted to imperial bodyguard...
You should change back to your golden armor too, sir.
Really? Don't you think it's a bit flashy for a country bumpkin of a knight like me?
Not at all, sir. You're an imperial bodyguard now, so you need to look the part.
Now go on. Get changed.
Oh, all right...
Ta-daaa!
Now that's gorgeous!
？！
And golden!
Wahahaha, you think so? You know, I do feel more like an imperial bodyguard now that I'm wearing this!
What a sight, seeing both of you dressed so dazzlingly.
But, aren't they gonna stand out too much on the battlefield?
It'll be fine, since we're going to have them both stay inside the curtain.
Oh yeah, good point!
Oho. Your new outfits suit you both well.
Y-you really think so?
？！
Okay, if nobody else'll say it, I will. You both look ridiculous.
I wouldn't go that far.
I love it! They're hilarious!
Just what every emperor wants to hear...
？！
Now then, to business. We were fortunate our opponent agreed to our choice of locations for the battle.
The odds are still stacked against us in pretty much every other sense, though.
Indeed. Once again, the loss of my Servant powers is a heavy blow.
But, there is nothing to be gained from mourning what is lost. I will simply do what I must as best I can.
Our soldiers are all at their stations, Count Vlad.
Good.
Oho, if it isn't Charles the Great. Hey there, Chuck.
Verily, 'tis I, Charles the Great.
Master, would you take that outfit off for now?
Is something wrong?
This is the town where we will face off against the Reinstatement Realm.
It would be wise for my Master to survey the area and get a sense of the place.
Roland, would you show him around? I would do it myself, but I don't wish to draw undue attention.
3. Before the battle
120 linesCaster! We need a Bounded Field around this armory!
Got it! I'll start making a multilayered Bounded Field now!
We need more enhanced explosive great bolts! Are they here yet!?
I have a message from the production team about that! They said, "Shut up! We're making them as fast as we can!"
Wanna say that to my face!?
I was just passing on what they said! Don't shoot the messenger!
Raaaaaah!
Oho. Nice job, Berserker! Just put that giant tree down in front of the gate!
Outta my way! Here, Lancer, we just got more supplies!
Good. Next, we need to arrange everything so we have a clear 360 degree view from this building! All right, Servants, let's get to work!
Okay, let's get all this stuff inside! Put your backs into it!
Everyone's so fired up...
？！
Well, the big battle is coming up pretty soon, so.
Fujimaru? Is that you?
That voice…
？！
Hey, hey! Guess who♪
Huh? Where'd Roland go?
？！
Looks like he ran off that way.
Anywho.
I guess I ended up following you here without even realizing what I was doing.
So, you're about to settle things with one of the other realms, huh?
Yup.
？！
Kōnstantînos, huh. Sure didn't expect him to go on the offensive.
Do you know him?
？！
Oh, no. Just his reputation.
Kōnstantînos. The last emperor of the Byzantine Empire, or the Eastern Roman Empire.
The man who kept Constantinople safe, only to end up fighting and falling in battle all alone.
Now, he's an emperor rebelling against Proper Human History.
...Can we beat him?
？！
Hmm... Good question.
Honestly, I'd put your chances of victory at 4:6No, make that 3:7. It's not looking great.
But, now that things are in motion, you've just gotta go through with it no matter what.
Can't waste time worrying while you're in the thick of it.
If you can see a pitfall ahead, the easiest way to jump over it is with a running start, right?
...'Course, sometimes, the hole's just too big to do anything about.
As for me, I'm afraid I'm still as useless as ever. Sorry I can't help.
I hope you don't mind too much.
I'm just glad you're here.
？！
...I see. Then, I'm glad I've somehow stayed alive so far.
Oh, right. I've got something for you to pass on to Count Vlad and Sherlock Holmes.
From what I've seen, the Reinstatement Realm really means business. My bet is that means Pope Johanna will show up too.
Her presence would be a huge morale boost for the Reinstatement Realm's troops.
So watch out for that.
Got it!
？！
Okay, I'm gonna get going. See you later, comrade!
Uh... Do you know that guy?
He goes by "Seton."
Seton, huh?
He was a fellow inmate in the Revenge Realm.
Aha. The Revenge Realm, I see...
？！
Anyway, you're probably wondering why I ran off like that. I can't really explain it.
I just suddenly got the sense it'd be best if I kept my distance.
Ah well, enough of that. I'm gonna keep looking around, make sure everything's in good shape.
Welcome back, Master. Something on your mind?
Xu-Xu's having a rough time.
Stupid talismans.
All I've been doing this whole time is writing talismans, writing more talismans, and writing EVEN MORE talismans! It's endless!!!
Hahaha, that does sound difficult. What about the town? How did things look there?
I've never seen so many weapons in one place before.
？！
I got a bird's-eye view of the place, and it's definitely looking more like a fortress than a town now.
Indeed.
We have a great many large weapons designed to be effective even against Servants.
I admit I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to war in general, much less siege battles.
But, I can certainly understand that this fortress is as heavily fortified as we can make it.
Yeah, but those defenses will still only hold up against Phantom Spirits or Servants without Noble Phantasms.
Honestly, I could break through them myself if I really wanted to.
And we certainly don't have numbers on our side.
The enemy's army is eight thousand strong, with about a hundred Heroic Spirits.
Whereas ours is five thousand five hundred, including Heroic Spirits.
So the question is, can this city's defenses hold out well enough to make up for our numbers disadvantage?
Or will our opponent break through those defenses, Servants and all?
I'm afraid it's impossible to say at this point. Fortunately, we have options open to us beyond just sitting and praying.
Oh? Like what?
As they say, Mr. Astolfo, know thy enemy.
Who is our opponent? How, and in what way, will they act?
Eight thousand is certainly an imposing number, but functionally, they are a single army with a single will.
I am therefore able to better deduce their likely actions and motivations.
Sweet! That sounds promising!
Oh, that reminds me. I have a message for you, Holmes.
？！
Hm?
...Hmm. So, Johanna may be coming as well. I can see the sense in that.
Given her pain, her ideals, and the importance of this battle...
...I say her proactive involvement in her realm's military is all but assured.
Why would Johanna come?
？！
...I suspect she feels responsible.
She has no wish to rebel against Proper Human History, nor has her Master inscribed in her the urge to do so.
She is a perfectly ordinary Servant from Proper Human History.
Huh!?
？！
... ...
...My sins are many.
People dying is a sad and terrible thing. People living is a noble, beautiful thing.
To take the life of another is one of the most sinful things one can do.
Does that sin fall on my shoulders?
I'm a fictional persona character made of dreams, delusions, hope, and despair.
Am I responsible if those concepts lead to people's deaths? Should I be?
...Of course I should.
I am the cause of death and injury, even if indirectly.
But, even so...there's no denying that in this texture of reality, I'm a being defined by its insubstantiality.
My dreams...my entire life...was false.
I feel as though everything about me has been rejected and tossed aside.
I know it's unfair for me to vent my frustrations like this.
But, even so...I just couldn't see any other way to quell this anger raging inside me.
Johanna.
...I'm ready. Let's go to war.
I take the hand extended to me and set off for the battlefield.
Though I feel the weight of my sins... Though I know, one day I shall burn for my crimes...
...For I am about to wage war.
4. Before the battle
148 linesIncoming message!
Kōnstantînos's army's got like eight thousand soldiers!
I count three thousand in the vanguard, three thousand in the middle, and two thousand in the rear guard.
Kōnstantînos XI himself has been spotted in the vanguard!
Really? The emperor himself plans on leading the charge?
Unlikely. He's most probably there to wage a war of words...
...with our own Charles the Great.
What are we going to do!?
？！
Not to worry. I have already planned for this precise contingency.
Astolfo, I trust your Noble Phantasm's horn can also be used as a regular horn?
Huh? Uh, yeah, of course.
As long as I don't use it to activate my Noble Phantasm, it just makes horn noises.
Then, let's do that. I'll also have a Caster use a spell to amplify your voice.
We certainly can't afford to send our emperor to the front line the way they do theirs.
I'll tell you what to say. All you need to do is make sure that you speak clearly and without hesitation.
Try to behave as though your every word is infused with absolute confidence and majesty.
And toss in a dash of anger! The secret ingredient!
...Okay, I'll give it a shot!
？！
I am Kōnstantînos, emperor of the Reinstatement Realm!
And I request an audience with Charles the Great, emperor of the Righteous Realm!
Unless, of course, there is some reason why he cannot show himself!
...! Was that...an olifant?
Silence! Silence! Charles the Great is about to speak!
Charles the Great...! I see. He must be having a Caster amplify his voice.
I ask once again. Will you grant me an audience!?
...No.
I am one of the fathers of the world, and so I weep to know of your existence.
Tell me, my sons and daughters. Why do you rebel against me?
So you refuse to show yourself? Have you turned coward!?
You are the only coward here. You wish to bring yourself relief by seeing me in the flesh.
You wish to denounce me, to claim that I am an imposter so that you may have some peace for yourself as you enter this battle.
...!
But your scheme could only succeed if I were, in truth, an imposter.
You come here, believing that I am an imposter. I'm certain rumors to that effect have already spread among your troops.
Did you not once consider that this may be a ruse?
If your soldiers truly believed that I am who I am, most would simply give up.
And I am indeed Charles the Great, the father of Europe.
Are you prepared to risk all on your intuition alone, Kōnstantînos?
Kch.
...Well done. You got me.
It's true. If you are really Charles the Great, then my whole strategy will come crashing down before the battle even begins.
Even if I'm certain you're an imposter, I can't afford to risk everything on a gamble.
Then, fight we shall, and once we are victorious, I will see who you are for myself.
I shall see you on the battlefield!
Oh man... That was exhausting...
？！
Haha. I can see that took quite a lot out of you.
Still, you acquitted yourself admirably. Don't you agree, Count Vlad?
Indeed he did. Now, my Masteror should I say, Charles the Great...
...I shall do my utmost to lead our army to victory.
Good luck!
Thank you.
May fortune smile upon you.
You can use far-sight spells to oversee the developing situation on the battlefield. If you think your support is needed anywhere, please don't hesitate to provide it.
All right, let's go over our plan for taking the castle once again.
Yes, Your Imperial Majesty. There is a map of Sirmium and the surrounding territory.
As you can see, the city of Sirmium used to be positioned right between the Reinstatement Realm and the Righteous Realm.
The east gate is protected by the nearby forest, and the west gate is guarded by a stone watchtower.
Yes, sir. However, the north gate, which is also the closest to us, is completely exposed.
We would have to go well out of our way to attack the south gate.
So, what do we do?
Well, the standard plan here would be to attack the north gate, but...
Ah, you see my concerns. The absence of any apparent defenses there is a serious concern.
We should expect the area to be covered in traps.
Then what would you have us do, my liege?
We'll wait for the cover of night, then attack both the west and east gates simultaneously.
We'll split the vanguard into two forces. Each will attack simultaneously.
We may also send the middle guard in to support if the situation calls for it. If all goes well, we will win in a single stroke.
Yes, Your Imperial Majesty!
I'll decide the lineups myself.
If circumstances change, I'll bring up the vanguard's rear myself.
Is that clear?
Yes, Your Imperial Majesty! Glory to our pope!
...Heh. How ironic that I now find myself attacking a stronghold rather than defending one.
I suppose it just goes to show that life is full of surprises.
So, they're going to divide their forces and attack our east and west gates. That damn Holmes was right on the money.
Based on their army's current movements...
...I expect they'll divide their vanguard in half and attack our east and west together.
This is shaping up to become an unprecedented siege for both Kōnstantînos and ourselves.
We should, therefore, be cautious in our first steps.
If we start to suffer casualties, we'll fall back immediately. If we find ourselves in a position of strength, we'll press the advantage as quickly and as best we can.
Remaining flexible should provide us with a safe middle ground.
Hmm. I would likely have reached the same conclusion myself.
The worst possible outcome for our opponent is losing their entire vanguard in the first battle. Such a loss could even prompt a full withdrawal of their army.
They are therefore likely to be cautious in the extreme, if not outright cowardly.
That is as much as I can determine with the facts at hand. The rest, I leave to you.
Are you ready, Forest Corps?
Ready!
Yeah, we're good. But did you have to call us "Forest Corps"? It's kind of a crappy name.
Hmm... Then how about the Ranger Servant Squad?
Now you're talking!
Activate the spell once half of the enemy's forces have made it inside, or when you think might be an opportune moment.
'Kaaay.
Roland, Astolfo. Are you at the west gate?
Roland here. I'm just wrapping things up with Astolfo and the others now.
Unlike at the east gate, you can probably expect a conventional frontal assault.
They may have one or more Servants as strong as you among them. Kill any such Servants you find, and absolutely do not die.
This was less of an order and more of a desperate hope, so crucial were the two paladins to the tightrope walk the plan required of them all.
Roland and Astolfo knew that very well, which is why they were taking such a great risk.
Welp, you heard the Count. We'd better not die, or we'll be in big trouble.
Huh? Does he really?
It's probably 'cause of some extradimensional beef he's got with me that I don't really get!
Uh, sure, pal. Whatever you say. You there!
Sir!
Unlike the east side, our side's gonna see some serious action.
Stay alive! But fight with your lives!
Yes, sir! ...Wait. Huh?
...I meant, uh, fight like your lives depend on it!
Why didn't you just say so!? Roger that!
(I can sense a spell nearby.)
Did you notice that, Captain?
Hm? Notice what?
I guess not. Somebody's cast a spell on the whole forest.
Well, of course they have. Anyone fighting here would use this forest as cover to hide soldiers.
They're probably not attacking because they've only got about half their troops here.
...I see. Well, as long as you understand.
Okay, let's get started.
Sir?
I am one of the Knights Hospitaller! My True Name ismmph!
Stop that, you idiot! Why would you just give your True Name right off the bat!?
What? We already know each other's True Names anyway. So I'd rather just slug it out face-to-face!
Huh? What are you talking about?
They can't have more than two hundred Servants hiding out in these woods. There are seven hundred and fifty of us.
That may be only half the force assigned to this gate, but it's still more than enough to crush them! Sheer numbers demolish just about any plan they can come up with!
Huh!?
Hehe, hehehe, hehehehehe. You're right. Sheer numbers do demolish most plans.
Which is why we came up with one of the few plans where they don't. Specifically, this one.
I'm afraid your good luck's run out, and your bad luck's just beginning.
This forest is about to become your own personal hell.
This is a Taoist illusion I cooked up that uses Qi Men Dun Jia.
My Unreturning Formation may not be a work of art like Zhuge Liang's...
...but it's more than good enough to get the job done.
Also, I'm afraid you made a little miscalculation in your numbers.
It's not two hundred against seven hundred and fifty. It's fifty against five.
Huh?
What the...? Oh crap! We've been split up!
Dammit! Figure out their spell, then destroy it!
Better hurry, time's running out. Diarmuid!
Indeed! My True Name is Diarmuid Ua Duibhne.
Now come, and let us have a good, clean fight!
5. Before the battle
38 linesDamn...it!
Target down!
Stay alert! There are still plenty out there, and we don't know when Lady Xu's spell will wear off!
I'll hang in there as long as I can, but as soon as I'm done, I'm done.
Just letting you know now.
Understood!
I'll lure in the next five now. Show them the way, dunjia pan!
What the...!?
Pardon me. My True Name is Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, and I am a knight of the Righteous Realm.
Now, have at you!
Waah! At least let me introduce myself, too!
Here comes the first wave! All hands, prepare for battle!
Yes sir! Preparing to fire Noble Phantas
Guh...!
Crap, his Spirit Origin's been damaged! Everyone, get back!
Dammit! They must have Archers of their own!
Sounded more like a gunshot to me. You sure that wasn't a Gunner?
Who cares!?
Fire! Fire! Fire!
I AM going! C'mon, Hippogriff!
Astolfo! Look out!
Huh? Waaah!
One of their Noble Phantasms is on my tail! Gaah, it's homing in on me!
It's... It's... It's so cute!
I guess it makes sense they'd have a homing Noble Phantasm, even if it's not as famous as Cú Chulainn's...
Um, sir? Is it just me, or did Captain Astolfo forget what he was doing up there?
He even said something about it being cute?
Yeah, he did... I wish I could say I'm surprised, but he's nothing if not capricious...
Yikes, that was close! I'd be one dead paladin if I'd turned the other way!
Oh hey, if it isn't my cute little Astolfo! Glad you're still alive! Now, go out there and do it again.
Remember, we can't let them destroy this gate!
You're sending me out there again!? Don't I deserve a break!?
You see any other Servants that can fly!?
You'd damn well better expect me to take advantage of what few mobile Servants we have!
I'd settle for anyone with a little agility!
Dammit, Perseus, where're you and Pegasus when we need you!?
6. Before the battle
45 linesThis is the west gate! Enemy Berserkers are hammering us with their Noble Phantasms!
We're pinned down out here, and it's only a matter of time until they break down the gate! We need reinforcements, now!
I'll be right there! Astolfo, I'm trusting you to hold down the fort here!
You got it!
Assassin!
Sir!
Use your Presence Concealment to get behind them and throw them off-balance!
Don't worry about killing them. Just make them think they've got a whole force flanking them!
Yes, sir!
All right, I'm heading out for a bit!
See you later! Oh, and we're having curry for dinner tonight, so make sure you're back before the nightingale sings!
Astolfo, sometimes I have no damn clue what you're talking about.
Shaddup! They don't call me Crazy Roland for nothing, you know! I can go just as wild as anyone!
Durendal! Durendal! Durendal! Knee strike! Durendal! A shot to the delicates, then another Durendal!
Was that blow to the delicates really necessary?
Nope!
But you know how it is when you're raising hell and just want to start throwing out nonsensical attacks, right?
I...really don't. Pretty sure that's just you.
If you say so! Hraaah!
Ooh, Roland's really going at it, huh? Hey, you there. The Caster and Assassin. Got a moment?
Sir?
I want you two to pull Roland out and make him rest up when the time's rightWell, when he starts getting tired, really.
He always uses WAY more magical energy than you'd expect, so you've gotta stop him before he pushes himself too far.
He should know things are not the same as when he was alive, but I think he forgets when he gets all hyped up.
Understood. Is it okay if I use a sedative spell on him then?
Oh, no, don't do that. Those things don't work too well on him.
I think... Yeah, just throw water on him! Then, an Assassin can drag him back!
Damn, really? Well...understood!
It's no use! There're just too many of them! Lord Roland! What should we
Gaaah! They're taking Roland away...and he's all drenched!
I-I'm not done for yet! I can still fight!
I know you can, sir, but save it for later!
Dammit! I can't believe it's over already!
Attention, west gate troops. I have just sent you more reinforcements.
Really!? Th-that's great!
But I'm afraid it's going to take more than a handful of soldiers to make any diff
I'll help too!
？！
That Caster...!
Okay, can you put up a Bounded Field or help us with the offensive?
If nothing else, we could really use suppo
I'm gonna do some summoning!
？！
7. Before the battle
14 linesYou did it! You drove them all off!
Although, I couldn't quite tell what you summoned. What was
Uh... A secret.
？！
Gotcha. Well, I can't blame you for wanting to keep your Noble Phantasm's details to yourself. Just keep it up, okay!?
Hey, Fujimaru! Over here!
Wh-what is it!?
？！
We've got a brigade of Riders headed this way, Noble Phantasms locked and loaded. I can't hold them all off on my own.
Well, actually I probably could, but I don't think the gate and ramparts behind it would make it through that.
Can you summon some Servants sturdy enough to hold out!?
...I'll try!
？！
Great! I hate to ask it of you, but right now, I need you to push yourself as hard as you can!
8. After the battle
18 linesDammit... Retreat! Retreat!
Phew! We got 'em!
？！
Don't look up! This is an audio-only call!
You can push yourself beyond your limits if you want, but remember, you're not just fighting for yourself out there!
Actually, on second thought, if doing so involves even an iota of risk, don't push yourself at all!
Yes, sir! We have a long way to go, so conserving energy is important!
Good lad.
...What if I push myself just a little?
Did I not just tell you no, dammit!? Now quit it unless you want to have to file extra reports later!
Master, I don't always agree with the director, but I definitely do here.
Please try to conserve your strength and rest when you can. You still have a long road ahead of you.
？！
Let's not forget that you're also Charles the Great right now!
...Yes, even if you obviously wish you could forget it!
Now, get back there already!
Some time later, the Reinstatement Realm's forces began to withdraw.
The first battle was over. The Righteous Realm had won.