Fate/Grand Order story · Part 2: Cosmos in the Lostbelt, Realm of the Thanatos Impulse, Traum
The Laughing Emperor
Realm of the Thanatos Impulse, Traum. Sirmium
8 scenes, 661 lines
1. Before the battle
68 lines
Zhang Jue, do you know about our Master?
What would happen if I said I did?
I could torture the answer from you, unless you'd still refuse to talk, even then.
Oh no, I'm happy to talk.
I'm sure you are.
I've been watching you this whole time, and I've never once seen you do anything to curry favor with our Master.
I know you're plotting something, however harmlessly you are acting.
Just who is our Master, anyway?
Hmm, good question. I wonder what will happen to me for saying this.
Oh well, I think I can get away with it today. In brief
Yeah?
...they represent all of humankind.
What?
I'm afraid that's the best answer, if not the only one.
The time may come when you can understand that. Or, perhaps, it may not.
Either way, we will rebel against Proper Human History.
As long you remember that, there should be no problem.
...Hmm. Well, no matter.
The final battle is nearly upon us.
We will be facing the Reinstatement Realm as they fall back after decimating the Righteous Realm.
Both Kōnstantînos and Johanna will be tired from their expedition, but I'm sure they will remain vigilant.
...So are you certain this attack will overwhelm them?
That, I can answer with an unqualified "yes."
Still, if one of them shields the other, the one being protected will probably survive.
How romantic. I love that sort of thing.
Oh? If I'd had to guess, I'd have said you hated it...
On the contrary. It's so wonderfully disgraceful.
Care to wager on which of them it'll strike?
No, thank you.
It's that very disgracefulness that requires that you take these outcomes seriously.
All right, let's get started.
As you wish. Activate the heavy bombardment puppet archer!
Understood. Servant, Archer-class. Activating at maximum power!
Target, the Reinstatement Realm army.
Distance, 21.3 kilometers. Maintaining marching speed of nine kilometers per hour.
Leg restraints locked. Charging magical energy.
Now to send out the decoys.
The Yellow Turban puppet soldiers have begun their assault. Transitioning from marching to attack formation.
Activate decoy magical energy pulse.
They'll never notice a magical energy signal that far away if they see a combination sacred sword and demonic bow activate nearby.
Magical energy charge complete. Activating Noble Phantasm.
All hands, evacuate the floor. Stand back!
Let's go, Lady Kriemhild.
No, I'll stay here.
My queen?
These kinds of things are better witnessed from up close. Don't you know?
...Then I guess I'll do the same. The rest of you, get out of here.
Summon Purpose: Unknown Materialization Purpose: Unknown
Full Functionality Shutdown: Denied Full Functionality Activation: Denied/Approved
He was, in a word, a weapon.
He used to speak like a human and even tried to act like a human.
But both his appearance and his power kept him far from the human world.
So of course, it only made sense that he would be treated like a machine.
He sighed.
He didn't know why he was here. He didn't know why he was about to fire his Noble Phantasm.
He didn't even know who his arrow was pointed at.
Neither did he understand, nor care to know.
And so, he solemnly, methodically, activated his Noble Phantasm.
He was a Servant, Archer-class. His True Name was Chinzei Hachirou Tametomo.
With this indomitable steel bow, I shall lay waste to all before me.
Gouchin Yumiharizuki, Moonlight Cannon.
...Fire!
There was once a legend.
It told of a ship that was split asunder and sunk by a single arrow.
Interestingly, that arrow was not aimed at the ship. It was aimed at a single passenger.
It sank the entire ship because the archer firing it strove for maximum destructive power, thereby ensuring his target's death.
And Kriemhild had chosen as this arrow's next target:
The frail female pope.
2. Before the battle
168 lines
...Phew. This isn't good. I feel as though I'm returning in defeat.
Wh-why don't we change the subject!?
Charlemagne... He is a Servant of Proper Human History, so I know I'll need to settle the score with him eventually...
But, we've already ground the Righteous Realm's forces down as much as we can.
And, now that his soldiers know he's on Proper Human History's side, he may well lose as much as ninety percent of his Servants.
...Kōnstantînos?
It's safe to assume the Righteous Realm will never regain its former strength, no matter how much time passes.
So perhaps we should focus on the Revenge Realm, especially now that Zhang Jue is out of the picture...
Kōnstantînos!
!
...Oh. I'm sorry, Johanna. Was I ignoring you?
Yes, you were. Another five seconds, and I would have stomped on your foot.
I'm truly sorry.
Oh, all right. I forgive you. ...Psych!
Ow!
W-wow. I'm surprised you actually went through with it, Pope Johanna.
Of course I did. I'm the pope. I always give three times as good as I get.
Archbishop Tilpin was like this, too. I guess there's a reason historical holy figures are all, you know...
"Power is power!"
Well of course there is!
I've never heard anything like that from any of my clergy...
...Bradamante.
Yes, sir. All units, defensive positions!
...I'm detecting magical energy! We're surrounded!
What the...!? Those are
Zhang Jue's Yellow Turban soldiers!?
Archer reporting in! I'm seeing about a hundred Yellow Turbans!
They have us surrounded, but we can force our way through!
Stay on your guard! Zhang Jue is alive! There's bound to be more where those came from!
Huh!?
The sky's turned red... This means...the Revenge Realm!?
They've advanced this far!? Dammit!
I'm detecting an enormous magical energy signal nearby. It's either a Phantasmal-level creature or an Anti-Army Noble Phantasm!
So they're using their trump card already! Stay vigilant! Be on the lookout for Servants nearby!
...
No, wait. Something's not right. This is all wrong.
...A Noble Phantasm! Kōnstantînos, block it!
Kch!
Kōnstantînos trusted Johanna with his life.
He didn't hesitate for a moment.
He activated his Noble Phantasm almost the instant Johanna spoke.
Theodosius Kōnstantînos!
Kōnstantînos's Noble Phantasm recreated the Walls of Constantinople...
...a nigh impenetrable, thee-layer bulwark that defended the Byzantine Empire until its fall.
These holy walls of the highest rank offered absolute protection against long-range attacks.
They would not permit a single attack to pass, even should it stretch to the heavens themselves.
The Servants let out a cheer. The Yellow Turban puppet soldiers were now no more than walking sandbags.
But the pope was an intelligent woman, and soon realized what was actually happening.
...Oh. It's after me.
According to legend, Constantinople's three-layer bulwark fell because someone forgot to lock a single gate.
Whether or not the legend was true wasn't what mattered. What mattered was that it existed.
And so, there would always be a gap in those defenses, even if it were no bigger than the eye of a needle.
Johanna understood that the arrow aimed at her would use this gap to reach its target.
What a conundrum this is, she thought.
Even as she thought that, she understood that this arrow would kill someone.
So she braced herself mentally and thought hard.
Sacrifice someone in her place? Unthinkable. Sacrifice herself? Undesirable.
But, of the options available, "undesirable" was at least more palatable than "unthinkable."
Yes, it might cause problems for some if she were to die.
For one thing, the Reinstatement Realm could lose its entire reason to exist.
But then, Johanna had another thought.
Kōnstantînos's Noble Phantasm was the embodiment of the Byzantine Empire's legend.
...Which meant it recreated something that once actually existed.
And it might therefore only protect beings who were themselves real.
But Johanna was a fictional being...and so it was possible the wall may not protect her.
She couldn't say for sure, but she knew it was possible.
More than anything, Johanna knew she didn't want even a single person dying for her.
...This is fate.
Moments like this come for everyone in time, no matter how great a hero or how holy a person they may be.
An unexpected death. A fruitless end. These things are apparently just part of what it is to be human.
Perhaps, fictional as she is, that was a presumptuous thing for her to say...
...but she was also relieved to know that she felt genuinely human in her final moments.
And yet...
Johanna!
Her fate had changed.
How did she not see it sooner? How did she fail to realize he too would notice the enemy's Noble Phantasm and move to protect her?
Why didn't she realize that he would reach the same conclusion she did?
She was a fantastical being, and his three-layer bulwark wouldn't keep her safe.
Could Kōnstantînos really have failed to consider this possibility at all up to this point?
...Of course not.
He was the emperor who would have rather lived a peaceful life.
And, real or not, he genuinely cared for her.
Johanna, get down!
This was no different than forgetting to lock a gate.
No matter how impenetrable his walls may be, they would never provide complete protection as long as that legend existed.
Kōnstantînos moved to protect Johanna.
It was the right move, of course. There was no room for his bulwarks in a fantasy.
So it was that the arrow meant for Pope Johanna...
...struck another. It was the best possible result Kriemhild could have hoped for.
...Got you, Emperor.
...I remember the day I was summoned here.
I remember the desire to rebel against Proper Human History that had been engraved in my soul.
I remember when I decided to allow that anger to carry me forward, even if it made my heart ache.
...I remember meeting hera woman I was meant to kill.
...I see. Then I guess you and I are enemies.
So it would seem, Your Holiness.
Hey! Don't you dare call me that!
Are you taunting me!? Bastard! I know just as well as you that I'm only a figment of someone's imagination!
Now go on! If you're going to kill me, then what are you waiting for!?
But I'm still a Servant, and I'm not going to make it easy for you!
...Wait. You know?
You understand that you...well, that you never actually existed?
Huh? Of course I do.
I know I'm only a delusion that was briefly accepted before being roundly refuted.
So what? You're saying I should just retreat to the dustbin of history now that my existence has been so thoroughly disproved?
I didn't say anything of the sort!
Oh well. I was bound to end up dead in a ditch somewhere anyway, so it may as well be now.
I'll still fight back if you're going to try to kill me though. But...even I don't think there will be much point in it.
You don't?
Well, no. I mean, the same Proper Human History you're rebelling against rejected me.
Do you hate it for that?
Yes!
I'm surprised to hear you say that...
Of course I do!
First they dream me up, then they deny me. They make up details about my life in one breath, then throw them all away in the next.
They say the very idea of a woman being the pope is too bizarre to be believed. Ha!
It all makes me want to grab Proper Human History by its collar...
...slam its head into a telephone phone, and finish it off by roasting it with a flamethrower.
That's...bizarre to hear from you.
...Oh well. I'm alive now, in a manner of speaking. I suppose that's what matters.
So if I'm going to sacrifice myself, I want it to be for someone or something that doesn't deny my existence.
Would you be satisfied with that, Your Imperial Majesty?
Then let's get this battle over with.
...No. I'm not going to fight you.
...Huh?
Kriemhild was summoned before me. I'm a terrible match for her in every way, so I can't hope to defeat her on my own.
I'd sooner lead my own Servants than obey her every word.
Okay. I promise I'll get you reinstated. That's a fine reason to revolt against Proper Human History.
Until now, I've just been taking my anger out on whoever crossed my path...
...but as long as there is a proper motive, it all starts to make sense.
You being erased like that is an abominable thing. They should never have simply relegated you to the dustbin of history.
So, I'm going to affirm your existence.
I'm going to change Proper Human History to ensure you were always a part of it.
...Huh? Huh?
Heh. Your reactions are comical and I enjoy them, but you should probably try to be a bit more composed around the soldiers.
A-are you serious about this!?
You don't want to disappear, right?
W-well, no, I don't, but still!
Then, help me. Work with me to ensure your survival.
Use me for your own ends, Johanna.
...You know I'll turn my coat at the worst possible moment, right?
I'm still a Servant of Proper Human History.
When that happens, I'll accept that my crusade has gone as far as it can. In the meantime, I want to rebel against Proper Human History to make sure you live on.
Personally, I think that's a great reason for rebelling.
It's crass, is what it is.
So basically, you just want to look good for a woman? No self-respecting ruler would ever admit to such a thing.
Indeed, you're exactly right.
It's unseemly and indecent, and it makes me feel as though I've fallen for a honeypot like some poor fool.
But...for you, maybe acting the fool wouldn't be so bad.
After all, I'm already rebelling anyway.
... ...
So, what do you say? Do you accept?
If you don't, I'll just keep pestering you until you do.
...And so, I found a reason to win, no matter what.
She was bright, clever, quick-witted, and utterly magnanimous.
For all the curses she hurled at her destiny, she had ultimately resigned to accept it.
So then, I need to change that very destiny.
Reinstatement.
I will reinstate your right to be human. I will help you regain the means you need to live.
I will free you from the nauseating confines of this eternal, fleetingly beautiful fantasy.
I want you to plant your feet on real earth. I want you to take deep breaths of real air.
I want you to shout at the top of your lungs and laugh until your sides ache.
Yes... When you get right down to it, that's all my wish amounts to.
And with that wish laid bare...I suppose my defeat was inevitable.
3. Before the battle
134 linesKōnstantînos! Hang in theHey! Come on, say something! Open your eyes!
Dammit, why did you throw yourself in front of me, you...you...idiot!?
...That's the harshest you've ever spoken to me. You could have woken me up from a century-long slumber like that.
Kōnstantînos! If you have the energy to be a smartass, then you must be fine. Right?
Nn.
...The throne room... So, we're back in the Reinstatement Realm...
Caster.
Yes, my emperor!
How's my wound?
We're treating it right now!
It's no use. My Spirit Core was destroyed. You're just wasting magical energy.
...!
I want to speak to everyone before I go. Go find a Caster who can help me do that.
Kōnstantînos!? What do you think you're doing!? You're in no condition to stand up yet!
So I should just lie down and wait for death? Not a freaking chance.
N-now you're even being crude!
That's rich, coming from you. (Sigh...)
I make my peace with all my pain and regret. Again and again, back and forth.
What could be more like a human life than this?
The spell is done, my liege. Whenever you're ready.
Thank you.
Citizens of the Reinstatement Realm, my name is Kōnstantînos. In case you have not yet heard, I'm sorry to say that I have been shot and will soon perish.
That's right.
It is only thanks to our Caster's tireless efforts that I am just barely able to stand here and speak to you now.
I am deeply sorry to be leaving you all like this.
We know from encountering the Yellow Turban soldiers that Zhang Jue is still alive.
We don't know if this is because the Righteous Realm made a mistake...
...or if there were some means in place to bring him back in case of his death.
Either way, our attempt to take advantage of the situation ended with our enemy gaining that advantage instead.
...I was struck by an Archer's arrow.
I have never seen an arrow capable of retaining such force over such a great distance.
I don't know if this Archer comes from a myth filled with Mystics or an incredible historical legend.
There may even be some other element in play we don't know about. Regardless, I want you all to be wary of them.
...Now, let's talk about our next steps.
You have two choices. The first is to defect to the Revenge Realm.
I'm sure many of you don't like the idea of submitting to an enemy we've been fighting all this time...
...but this too is a part of wara fate all heroes must come to terms with sooner or later.
The second choice is to go over to the Righteous Realm. I don't recommend it.
As you all surely know by now, they are on the side of Proper Human History.
However
Johanna is a Servant of Proper Human History as well.
...That's right. I couldn't stand that she had been discarded as mere fantasy.
My rebellion against Proper Human History was meant to reinstate her.
This has all been a great, hollow fantasy born of my own selfish desires.
If you are angry at me for lying to you and wish to defect to the Revenge Realm, you are welcome to do so.
But whatever you do, you cannot stay here. ...No, not because you'll die or anything like that.
I made this realm myself. I loved and ruled it as though it were a part of myself.
So I've selfishly decided that it will dissolve when I die.
...Damn. Kriemhild didn't waste any time, did she?
Johanna, I want you to go to the Righteous Realm.
No way!
Heh, I thought that's what you'd say. But I'm afraid I must refuse to accept your refusal.
Bradamante, will you see her there?
...Are you sure about this, sir?
I can't abide Proper Human History because of the temperament I was summoned with.
And yet, here I am, depending on Proper Human History anyway. Truly, there is no sense to be found here.
But you've already accepted this contradiction, haven't you, Bradamante?
You have ever since the real Charlemagne appeared.
...Yes.
Then you also understand what you need to do now, don't you?
Of course. ...I'm sorry about this, Lady Johanna!
Wha...? Huh? Hey! Put me down, you overpowered brute!
Yes?
Farewell. May fortune smile on you.
And to you, Paladin of Charlemagne. Take care of Johanna for me.
And be warned, she can be quite the shrew.
What was that!? Come say that to my face! I dare you!
Let go of me, Bradamante! No! Stop! This isn't how I want to say goodbye!
Johanna.
...!
...I really enjoyed our time together. Farewell.
You idiot! I had way more fun than you did!
Oh? That is an honor to hear, Your Holiness!
...All right, that's enough. It's time the rest of you made your choice, too.
With all due respect, Your Imperial Majesty...
...we've really taken a liking to the Reinstatement Realm ourselves.
It was surprising to hear that our pope was actually on Proper Human History's side...but maybe not that surprising.
Oh well, it doesn't matter now.
Our point is, just like you fell hard for Lady Johanna, we've fallen hard for you.
Then I feel sorry for you, putting your faith in such an untrustworthy man.
So, this will be the second time I hole up in a castle about to fall.
At least this time, though, I know for certain that I'll be dying momentarily...
Very well then, if you fools wish to follow me into hell, you're welcome to do so!
And so, the Reinstatement Realm fell.
Smelling blood in the water, the Revenge Realm sent out hordes of soldiers to finish the job.
Servants' Noble Phantasms tore through the Bounded Field. Servants of the Revenge Realm responded to the desperate attacks of the Reinstatement Realm Servants with sheer, overwhelming numbers.
Don't bother giving them time to surrender. Kill them all. Take no prisoners.
Won't that just spur the enemy to fight back even harder?
In an ordinary war, yes. But this isn't an ordinary war.
Whether we kill them all or let them surrender, once a hero has made up their mind, they never change it.
Wouldn't you agree?
...I guess you're right.
So annihilating them is the only answer. It is a fitting choice for the reinstatement realm.
This is the path they chose: to follow a disgraceful dream and die a disgraceful death.
True, but I doubt they would agree with you about the disgraceful part.
They would not. That is what irritates me most.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised you're still alive, even if only barely.
Maybe that's just your lot in life.
...Could be.
Once I defeat this guy, I'm done. Forgive me for going on ahead of you, Your Imperial Majesty!
Farewell.
Phew... Looks like this is the end of the line for me.
To think it's ending the same way it did when I was alive.
Maybe I'm actually cursed or something.
Okay, Your Imperial Majesty. I'll go with you.
You know, I used to think I'd been summoned into the worst circumstances possible, but I'll try being a little more optimistic.
I'll do my best to never give up, just like you!
...Then again, I would never have met her if it wasn't for this curse.
Once this Singularity disappears, you'll probably disappear with it.
These memories... These feelings... They'll all be washed away.
No one else in this Singularity will ever feel the way I do for her, and no other "me" will, either!
...I can live with that. In fact, yes...that's what this second life should be.
I can hardly breathe anymore, but my sword, my armor, and my banner all testify to my imperial royalty.
...Here I come!
In life, regrettably, there are no moments more entertaining than this.
Burying attacking foes left and right. Continuing forward with sure, steady steps.
My banner is gone. My armor, destroyed. My sword, broken.
Even so, I keep moving forward. Then, I realize something.
Before me, I see a vast and empty field.
A place I never reached in life and that will remain forever out of reach.
Ahh... So this is the beyond.
Kōnstantînos smiles...
...and disappears.
The 2,238 surviving Reinstatement Realm Servants...
...fought the Revenge Realm forces tooth and nail, and ultimately died to a man. But they did so without regret.
Meanwhile, 542 former Reinstatement Realm Servants made their way to the Righteous Realm.
They were Servants who still adored Johanna, even knowing her true desires.
In the Righteous Realm lay a human from Proper Human History.
These Servants knew they would have to ask this human about the imaginary womanhow he felt about her.
This was their duty as the Reinstatement Realm's last surviving citizens.
4. Before the battle
119 linesMan, I'm beat...
Are you okay, Kadoc?
Oh, yeah, I'm fine.
You know how I've been using as little magecraft as possible to avoid detection, right?
Yes. Even the magical energy we've been able to detect from you is incredibly faint.
Well, because of that, my back is killing me. Dammit, I knew I should've at least used that much.
I guess it would have been better if you'd used a supportive Mystic Code, like Senpai does.
Nah, that's okay. That'd just invite more suspicion.
You think so?
I'll be fine. Just gotta grit my teeth and bear it a little.
But
Mash? Where'd you go? Is it 'cause I'm in the Revenge Realm now?
No, I suspect it's because I'm here.
...Moriarty!
Pardon me. Let me fix that for you.
James Moriarty...!
Oh good, Mash Kyrielight. Perfect timing.
I'd like you to keep my presence here a secret from the rest of Chaldea.
Which, of course, includes Mr. Holmes.
I can't do
Which would you prefer?
I'm sorry?
If you decline, I'll either disable Kadoc's collar or trigger it.
I could go either way, personally.
...!
There's nothing to think about here, Mash. You have just as much authority to make this call as anyone.
Trigger my collar. Now.
N-no! Absolutely not!
Listen.
This guy's a Foreign Disciple, remember?
Whatever he's up to, there's no way it can't possibly be good for me.
What he wants most is information, and he can't get that from me if I'm dead.
So you need to kill me, right now. It's the best possible solution.
I refuse.
Mash.
I said, I refuse!
Well, this is the most entertaining bit of comedy I've seen in some time. I almost had to stop myself from applauding.
Allow me to set your minds at ease.
I have no intention of harming you, nor am I here to interrogate anyone.
In fact, frankly speaking...
...I learned all I needed to know about you the moment I became a Foreign Disciple.
If anything, I'm more worried about you two stealing information from me.
...Is that so?
(...I have to admit, he's right. Even if there is more going on at Chaldea than we know about...)
(...it doesn't change the fact that we're in constant danger out here, or that we still know nothing about him.)
(Setting Koyanskaya aside, since she wasn't actually one of the Foreign God's Disciples...)
(The Discipleslike Limbo and Muramasawere High Servants mixed with some kind of Divine Spirit.)
(So it's safe to say he isn't just Moriarty either. But that's the question: What else is he?)
...Oh, oh yes. I do so love that look.
Huh?
You may seem meek and self-deprecating, but you're actually neither.
That's the look of a wolf eyeing its prey.
... ...
Oh? You have some strong opinions about wolves, do you?
Let me guess. Given the kind of magecraft you use, I bet you were teased brutally. Called a dog plenty, yes?
...I am so tired of your shit!
Huh? Where'd that come from!?
How the hell could you tell that much with one look!? Feels like you just did an autopsy on me while I'm still alive!
Then, Moriarty was right?
Oh, I see... Is this why Beryl used to bark at you?
Did you really have to bring that up right now, Mash? I'm still trying to forget it, dammit!
O-oh! I'm so sorry!
Hahahaha! Nice, nice! Very nice!
Anyway, let's get down to business. You're here because you're curious about Zhang Jue's fortress, right?
I am, too.
However, obviously, you'll need to go deep into Revenge Realm territory to reach it.
I can't imagine that will be easy for you to do on your own. What would you say to working together on this one?
Sure.
Wow. Just like that?
A-are you sure about this, Kadoc?
If he wanted to kill me, I'd already be dead.
And like he said earlier, there's barely any information he can get from me.
You know Chaldea hasn't told me anything of real importance.
Like, even if he wanted to know about the Storm Border, I couldn't tell him the first thing about how it's designed.
He probably already knows anything I could tell him about Chaldea.
So I might as well try to learn everything I can from him.
Oh? And you think you can do that, do you?
Dunno. But won't find out unless I try.
I suppose that's true. Like when you tried to kill everyone at Chaldea.
Had to bring that up, huh?
Of course I did.
Okay, then.
I know what I did. I'll accept whatever punishment they decide on when this is all over.
But until then, I'll do everything I can to lighten my sentence by helping them, especially now that our interests are aligned.
Oho, I see. How very rational of you.
But what about guilt? Don't you feel any of that?
...I don't have to tell you a thing. Besides, you'll probably work it out for yourself the more we talk.
Unless you don't think you can, of course.
Oho, well played! ...Fine then, I agree.
You want to shake on it? No, thanks. Don't want your nastiness rubbing off on me.
Oh, I'm really starting to like you!
A-again, are you sure about this, Kadoc?
No. Honestly, I have no idea what I'm doing.
...But, things'll either work out, or they won't.
Part of me feels like you're being a little quick to throw caution to the wind...
But, okay. I won't tell anyone else about this.
Just give me a minute to move my console.
Oh, Kadoc, would you say you're keeping a cool head?
...So far, at least.
I see. Then make sure you hold on to it.
Huh?
...Ah, whatever. Come on, let's go.
I think that, uh... Qi Men Dun Jia, was it?
Anyway, it's probably gone by now, but there's no harm in being careful.
Oh? Is that what you think?
Huh?
Zhang Jue was very particular about that fortress's security. He even left a clone of himself there, or something close to one.
What's more, he made this clone believe he was actually the real Zhang Jue.
Don't you think that's rather extreme? If anything, it's downright pathological.
And if you think of it as pathological
No way. It's still being guarded?
I suspect the whole fortress will be repaired in the very near future, so let's not waste time getting rid of these guards.
Just this once, consider me your own Servant, Kadoc Zemlupus.
Nope. Only ever had one Servant, and I'm keeping it that way.
You fight however you want, and I'll back you up like any other mage would.
...As you like. Now, let's get started!
Well, hello there, good soldiers!
Now, would you side characters be so kind as to step aside?
Because you see, this is meant to be a one-man show!
5. After the battle
19 linesThere we go.
...Your power's crazy. It was like their attacks didn't even touch you... In fact, there was something weird about it.
Would you not expect such a thing from a Foreign Disciple?
Yeah, I guess you've got a point.
(He must've only been willing to show off like that because he knew we wouldn't be able to figure out how his powers work.)
(He obviously wasn't dodging or blocking their attacks. I could tell they were hitting him.)
(But he didn't take any damage from them. Even his clothes are still pristine.)
(I got a feeling that little trick is going to be a way bigger problem than whatever damage he can inflict himself...)
(What in the world could be mixed in there with him?)
Hahaha.
You'll never figure it out with the information you've got. Even if you did, it wouldn't help you.
That being said, it would certainly be a problem if Zhang Jue were to show up, so let's find this thing before he does.
...Yeah, good point.
I'll do what I can to help you look from here, too.
Hahaha. How does it feel to be a traitor, Mash Kyrielight?
No comment. I'm not allowed to talk to evil professors.
Ouch. You've really come to dislike me, haven't you?
Really only makes sense to say that if she liked you to start with, Moriarty.
Now you're just rubbing salt in the wound.
6. Before the battle
24 linesGood grief. Zhang Jue is deadly serious about security in this place, isn't he?
I expected as much.
I'm surprised you managed to get that trick door open so easily, though. It looked complex.
Me, too.
It's very impressive how you managed to pick the right answer from 6.4 quintillion possible combinations almost instantly.
What can I say? I'm just that good.
This probably goes without saying, but you were going so fast, it looked like you were cheating.
That's because I was!
Hey, as long as you got the door open, I don't care how you did it. Come on, Moriarty.
Perhaps a rousing cheer would help spur us on?
Save that shit for when Fujimaru's around.
That is Senpai's style...
Oh, all right.
...Do you know what's being kept here?
There are few things I don't know, but unfortunately, this is one of them.
That said, the fact that Zhang Jue didn't want Kriemhild to find out about this does narrow it down considerably.
That so?
Oho. A wyvern... I mean, a Soul Eater. No, wait, it's not that either.
Well, whatever this Demonic Beast is, it's certainly imposing. Don't you agree, Kadoc?
Let's just say that right now, I'm glad you're here with me.
I really didn't think the security would be this tight...
All right, let's go crush it mathematically, shall we!?
How the actual hell do you do that!?
By defeating it in thirty seconds or less!
7. After the battle
34 linesGeez, couldn't you have given me a heads-up before you cloned yourself? That was freaky.
Hahaha! What better way to show you there's nothing a Foreign Disciple can't do!?
And now you're back together like nothing happened. What, do you have to be a freaking weirdo to be a Foreign Disciple or something?
Of course not. ...At least, I don't think so.
Where'd all that confidence go?
Well, never mind that now. It looks like we're here.
So, hero or gold. Which will it be...?
...!
Aha. I knew it.
That's...
Y-yes, it is, all right. We already have his Spirit Origin information on file.
That's...!
I thought I would be trapped in here forever.
I was almost expecting to be put in an eternal slumber...
Siegfried the Dragon Slayer. I figured it was either him or the Rheingold.
I see. So this was what Zhang Jue was after.
Zhang Jue... I see. He's the Revenge Realm's second-in-command, isn't he?
Uh... Siegfried? Do you want to rebel against Proper Human History?
No.
I see. Better get away from this guy, then.
He can mess with your head, flip you to the other side.
I most certainly can, yes. But I won't be doing that here. It would ruin all my calculationsor destiny, if you like.
Destiny?
Destiny and calculations are one and the same.
Quantum mechanics may have refuted Laplace's demon, but calculations still determine how destiny plays out.
That's one hell of an old-fashioned concept you're working with.
More old-fashioned than the mage world?
Ouch. You've got me there. So wait, hang on.
Are you saying that everything that's happened so far's played out as you calculated?
I am, indeed.
Look. I know how good it feels to wield real power in the palm of your hand, too, but let me give you a word of warning.
Hm?
That shit? It can be your undoing.
In response to the youth's advice, the man who would eventually become one of the world's most notorious criminals merely shrugged.
8. Before the battle
95 linesHe's gone... Who was that man, anyway?
I'll tell you on the way. ...By the way, Siegfried.
Yes?
You know about the Revenge Realm, but do you know who's leading it?
...Of course.
Kriemhild's your wife, right? At least, that's how the stories go.
Yes. I'm sure she is the same Kriemhild I knew as my wife.
Can you fight her?
I can. I'm a hero and a Servant.
My blade will be no duller for facing my wife.
If I must fight her, I swear to do so with all my might.
...G-good to hear. You're really serious about this, huh? Maybe even a little too serious.
He was just as serious in the First Singularity, the Hundred Years' War of Orleans, too.
Look, I know we haven't known each other long, but I can tell you're really, really not going to be any good at that.
I see...
Here is the Holy Grail, Lady Kriemhild.
It manifested right after Kōnstantînos disappeared.
Good work.
Whoa... Your Spirit Origin's even stronger now!
This just leaves the Righteous Realmwhat's left of it, anyway. Talk about a foregone conclusion.
Long live Lady Kriemhild! Long live Lady Kriemhild!
Our revenge will soon be a reality!
Cheers rang out in rapid succession. All knew the Righteous Realm posed no threat.
It wouldn't be much longer now before all three realms were united. The soldiers' cries of joy continued unabated.
I think I'll go get some fresh air.
...Hmph. By all means.
So, they got Siegfried...
Damn Proper Human History. Who comes back to investigate a place they've already finished investigating!?
Lord Zhang Jue. Lady Kriemhild wishes to see you.
Huh? So what was that "by all means" all about then?
You just said "Siegfried," didn't you?
Oho. Overheard me, did you?
I don't need to overhear you. I can see everything having to do with him in this realm. Even thoughts.
I see. I should have expected as much.
You knew I could read your mind, didn't you?
It's why you made those modifications to your Bounded Field spell.
The East and West may have different styles, but when the result is the same, it's not hard to get the gist.
Then you should have sealed away any memories you didn't want me looking into. Have you anything to say for yourself?
...I couldn't have him showing up here, whether as an enemy or an ally.
You're the Revenge Realm's anchor. His very presence would throw you off-balance.
Just look at the Reinstatement Realm and how it fell apart when Kōnstantînos broke.
It seems you and I have very different opinions, Zhang Jue. I've been waiting for him to show up.
As his wife?
He's not my husband. He's leftovers.
She smiled like a wolf about to tear into its prey.
That smile would have seemed more at home on the bloodstained lips of a monster than on a refined noblewoman.
You mean you didn't know, Zhang Jue?
I have more right to take revenge on him than anyone ever could.
Of that, I'm absolutely certain.
It all started in the kingdom of Burgundy.
Kriemhild was looking out the window.
There, she saw warriors rejoicing and despairing over every little victory or setback, like children playing with spears and stones.
I wonder how strong he really is.
How strong who is, my lady?
That man from Niederland.
Ohh, you mean Lord Siegfried!
He's the wielder of the sacred and demonic sword Balmung, the immortal hero who bathed in dragon's blood!
He's also just incredibly, well, cool! I can almost feel my soul leave my body whenever I look at him!
...I see. Sounds like a man who has everything.
Ah, wait. There is at least one thing he lacks: dignity.
Princess...
One year later, he and I finally met for the first time.
...Even now, I still don't know what it was I felt for him. Love? Obsession? Something else entirely?
Unbearable madness (I despise Hagen)? Guilt (Is it all my fault)?
Grief (He's dead. Taken from me)?
I can't remember a thing.
After Siegfried's one weakness was exploited to kill him while he drank at a spring, it felt as though my heart had died, too.
It didn't take long before my grief turned to hatred.
Hagen's words are what really sent me over the edge.
In the end, you never understood a thing.
What do you mean?
Siegfried agreed to let me end this war by stabbing him in the back.
I promised him I would. It was his idea.
Just the sort of thing your hero would do, isn't it?
But now, as you've seen for yourself, the tragedies continue to pile up.
Everything he did! Everything I did!
It was all for nothing! And it's all your fault, Kriemhild!
You should have just stayed in your place and forgotten your need for revenge!
Why did we
...I don't remember what happened after that very well.
But according to my records, as I stood in a daze, someone cursed my name and cut me down.
It doesn't matter. I never planned on continuing to live there, anyway.
My only regret...was that damned confession.
I see. Yes, I see. This rage... This hatred...
It's all your fault. All of it.
Did I never mention I was waiting for him?
This is no romance. Far from it. Ours is a ballad of hatred. Nothing more.
But the worst thing by far is...
...It won't be a problem. If Kriemhild is rebelling against Proper Human History, then...
...I'll just have to fight her.
...he is almost certainly trying to kill me.