Golden Sea of Trees

Hm? Oh, just a new one. You're dressed awfully light... What era are you from?

Eh, never mind. Now you're here, we're all the same. Tired, yeah? Go on, take a seat.

Right across from me, huh? Gutsy of you. Or are you just used to meeting new people while traveling?

Easy there. No need to get worked up. Still got your living habits, huh?

Nobody's gonna get hurt here. No more fighting for any of us.

'Course, if you still wanna keep on your feet, go ahead. I'm not the boss of you.

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Don't bother introducing yourself though. Not much use for names here.

Handshake'll do. That's the custom nowadays, yeah?

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That so? Too bad. I wanted to see the hand of a warrior without a single injury for once.

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Not a bad weapon. That belong to you guys?

I love modern weapons. They're ugly, a pain, and most of all, expensive.

I'm a fan. Life's always growing and changing, so weapons oughta do the same.

Can't say I'm impressed if you were the ones using that weapon though. Have you been fighting a war worthy of it?

Your brand of war is the sort I hate most of all.

Goals, drives...all that is fine. No problems there.

Your methods, though? A war without casualties? What a crock.

You ask me, there's no real war without death. Should be about the same number of casualties on either side.

Don't kid yourself. You not having lost any humans on your side isn't because your cause is righteous or anything.

You've just been lucky. And, well, that doesn't ever last.

Take your flying ship there. No human aboard that thing's gonna survive.

Not a single warrior aboard. They'll never wind up here when they die.

...Wait. Is... Hm, does that mean I see you as a warrior?

...I don't know what Blue was thinking. Ah, whatever. Probably just another fluke.

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Take it easy already, will you? You'll never make it to that ship. Anyway, they're still alive in there.

They're falling from the surfacefrom Silencing Ilhuícatl.

They're in a whole other world from your dead self. You still want to reach them, even knowing it's impossible?

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Huh. Didn't think my opinion of you could get any lower, but here we are. Still, since we've met, my job is to guide you.

So, I'll give you directions...in exchange for a weapon.

As you can see, my tastes tend toward the modern. I'm particularly fond of twenty-first century firearms.

So what can you give me to help your doomed friends? Got any valuable weapons?

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Shame. Can't send you back, then. You'll just have to stay here like the good little corpse you

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Woah! The whole shebang, huh? I'll be damned. Breathtakingly stupid, but still. You've got guts, if nothing else.

All right then. I've got no use for those myself, but I can tell they're the greatest weapon you have.

You've got a deal. I'll get you out of your doomed destiny.

Now, step away from the fire. Gonna launch you over that way in a second here.

What're you looking at me like that for? Don't need to be thanking me. REALLY don't need the tears.

This is a business transaction, pure and simple. Oh, but there is one problem that needs to be solved. Hang on.

See, this weapon is worth more than your life, and the decision itself is worth even more than that.

So I can't just send you back to the living and call it a day. I owe you some change, too. Will this do?

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It's a calavera de azúcar, a sugar skull. People who like them REALLY like them.

Hang on to it; it might come in handy sometime. ...Well, see ya.

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...ke up! ...ake up, Fujimaru!

If we don't do something, we're all dead! You're the only one I can count on! (Crying)

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Oh, thank the gods! You're awake! You're really awake!

I'm sorry I couldn't get you back to the ship! But I'm so glad you're okay!

Oh, right. You probably don't know what's going on, huh? Well, we're inside a weird cave.

The corridor we were in breached and we were both sucked out of the Storm Border.

I held on to you as tight as I could...

...and we fell together!

The next thing I knew, I woke up and found us in here. The end☆

Foggy world? What are you talking about? We lost consciousness while we were falling, and this is right where we ended up.

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...Oh, about that.

Look over there, Fujimaru. But reeeally slowly. Okay?

... ...

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Aaah! Why are you shouting!? You're gonna wake her uuup!

Nn... Nnn? Keep it down, will you...?

That's no way to treat a noble visiting from all the way across the universe...

You know, I expected a parade to welcome me, but I didn't even get so much as a round of appla

...Huh!?

Who are you!? What are you doing in my home!? I didn't invite you!

Wait, you didn't know it was my home, did you? If you had, you'd never have dared sneak in.

And the fact that you don't seem to have attacked me while I was shut down must mean...

Must mean...?

I see! It must mean you two are harmless primitives!

Fortunately for you, I am not so bereft of options as to kill a couple of hapless Earthlings who happened to wander into my lair.

Very well, listen up, Earthlings! I am the higher being who has come to rule this planet!

My name is

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Indeed, I am U-Olga Mari

...How did you know that? Who are you? Are you not just another mysterious creature?

No, wait. For that matter...

...who am I? And why am I here talking to you?

Hey, Fujimaru. Do you think she's

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That's right! Not a bad summary, Earthling! You could make a worthy secretary!

More specifically, I teleported here rather than simply journeying here...

...and I made this vessel in order to let me operate in this space-time. It came out pretty well, right?

So, what about you? What's your name and goal? That goes for your little steward here too, of course.

Waaah! I'm Marine No. Fooour! Please don't kill meee! Please don't kill meee!

...Huh? Did you say "Fujimaru"?

I knew iiit! She's angryyy! Please don't kill meeeeee!!!

I wouldn't just kill you for no reason. Still...that's weird.

The instant I heard "Fujimaru," I wanted to pop you in the mouth.

Huh? So your primary objective is to prolong your life? Hmm, interesting.

So what's your name then? ...Fujimaru...

Did you say "Fujimaru"?

I knew iiit! She's angryyy! Please don't kill meeeeee!!!

I wouldn't just kill you for no reason, especially when you've only just told me your objective.

Still...that's weird.

The instant I heard "Fujimaru," I wanted to pop you in the mouth. Huh.

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Well, anyway, now that we've met here, you and I are friends. Reluctantly, but still.

I'm not thrilled that my first Earth friends are a couple of weaklings, but making first contact is still important.

Besides, meeting people halfway is the first step to opening up negotiations.

So then, now that we've taken care of the introductions, show me around Earth!

Fujimaru, Marine No. Four, I am appointing you both as my interstellar ambassadors!

What do we do, Fujimaru!? The Prez here's not listening to a word we saaay! (Crying)

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Oh, you can thank me later, since I'm sure you're nearly bursting with gratitude.

I can tell from your brain waves that you're both quite stressed.

If I'm to rule this planet, I can't very well turn a blind eye to its people when they are in trouble.

Now, let's get out of this cave. I think the exit's over that way.

This is horrible! She's totally going to kill us if we don't do what she says, right!?

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Really?

Wooow! You can smell the plant life everywhere! It's a real South American rainforest!

There's sky, and wind, and sun, and everything! And it's hot, too! I'd be sweating buckets if I was human!

Look, Fujimaru! Over here! I've never seen a flower like this!

Is this an agave or something? Ahaha, what a funny-looking plant!

... ...

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Not especially, no. This place just feels familiar. I must have already known about it.

So I was just thinking about what could have happened to me to make me forget it. Makes sense, right?

...But never mind that.

Now I know that if I see something I knew from before, I can remember it.

So it shouldn't take long before I'm back to my old self...right?

Anyway, I'm not impressed. Are you sure you can survive with that mindset?

I'm detecting creatures moving this way. Their brain waves suggest violence. Ferocious animals, probably. Are you going to be okay?

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What are you doing? Was something supposed to happen?

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Y-you saved me!? Wow, thanks! That was so cool! I think I'm in love!

Y-you're in love!? With me!? You think I'm cool!?

I-I see. Then I suppose you're going to continue being impressed, because these things are no threat to me whatsoever!

No matter how different life-forms may be, or how incompatible their mutual goals...

...it's still terribly rude to communicate with your fists rather than your words!

It looks like you people need to be taught a lesson in diplomacy! Go on then! Come at me!

So, they ran off without so much as an apology, huh? Those primitive creatures must be an enemy faction.

Wh...

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Well, of course. Who do you think I am, anyway? I'm U-Olga Marie, the future ruler of Earth.

Something like that is barely a typo on a document. Once I've found them, I can erase them with just one finger!

So they're common, but you never really think much about them? What a weirdly relatable analogy!

I-is it? It just popped out of my mouth.

(I don't remember them, but maybe whatever educational materials I had to learn about Earth weren't the best?)

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Oh, yeah. Good thinking, Fujimaru!

It's dangerous to stay in the same spot. Plus, there could be a bunch more of them nearby.

Not that any number of them would make a difference to me...

I suppose that's not true of you two. Getting shot would hurt you.

I swear, I can't for the life of me figure why the creatures of this planet evolved like that. It's so...inconvenient.

Thanks for worrying about us! Okay, I'll go patrol our surroundings!

I can't fight like the Captain, but I'm a pretty good lookout!

...He's going to patrol? I thought he was just going to keep hiding behind me.

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...Hm. Sounds boring, at least from the perspective of a being from outer space, like me.

I've never heard of such a weak creature not just letting the stronger one handle everything.

Are you like that, too? Since you didn't fight in that battle, are you an explorer or something?

It hardly seemed like your first battle, since you knew to run behind a tree to get a safe vantage point...

...But have you really been in that many battles? With that fragile vessel, and so few years in operation?

What are you guys doing!? Come on!

I found a big plant over that way. I think it's food!

Let's go check it out! I bet it's yummy!

Wha...!?

Hm? What's wrong? Uh-oh. Are those jaguar guys coming back!?

...No. You just grabbed my hand out of nowhere! But earlier you were emitting red wavelengths at me.

Red wavelengths mean wariness, fear. But now it's suddenly blue for conversational.

And for some reason, Fujimaru was sending yellow wavelengths my way, for joy and friendliness. Right from the start, even.

Well, you're still kind of scary, but now I know I don't have to be afraid of you!

Thanks again for helping us! Sorry to Sion and the others for saying this, but I'd definitely vote for you for president of Earth now!

Wh-what did you say...? I helped you out a little bit, and now you're willing to support me?

...Is this a trap of some kind, or are you Earthlings actually this easy?

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Huh!? What was that!?

Hm? That wasn't me. Maybe it's more of those guys we just saw.

I thought they'd come back! You could just tell they're tenacious as all heck!

But, with you around, U-O, I don't have to be scared. So, what're you gonna do? Talk it out with them this time?

If it goes well, I bet you could gain more supporters!

Heh. I see you're starting to get me, child!

Right, I didn't come here to eradicate you primitives! I don't have that kind of time.

I heard a cry of distress coming from this planet, so I came here to make things better!

So no matter how ferocious or belligerent or indiscriminate these creatures may be, I'm going to start by talking to

Aaand I've changed my mind!

!

Aaaaaah! Forget it! I hate these things! Retreat! Retreeeat!

No way! I didn't know you were scared of reptiles, Madam President! (Crying) You lost my vooote!

C-come on! Everyone's afraid of something, right?

Fujimaru! Get over here and do something! You must have some kind of trick up your sleeve, don't you!?

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!

Even if this is your first time encountering them, I can't believe you couldn't get rid of a few unthinking deinos.

You're supposed to be the last Master of humanity. What a pitiful showing.

Or maybe...

...you've let the last six Lostbelts you dealt with go to your head? Such foolishness would certainly be on-brand for you.

...You...

Hm? Who's that? Do you know him, Fujimaru?

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Just claiming to be Romani Archaman, hm? It's true.

So, for the moment, I'll use that name.

Humans often say, "It's what's on the inside that counts." A name, even a false one, is just a convenient address.

You know I'm not who I appear to be, so I see no issue using whatever name I choose.

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I see. Our opinions would seem to differ greatly on the matter. Still as stubborn as ever, hm?

I know you witnessed Britain's end, and that you reached the depths of that massive Singularity.

I'm also fairly certain that you have not sustained any fatal injuries thus far.

So why are you not summoning Servants? Have you endured some kind of mental trauma?

It can't be a problem with your Mystic Code, or you wouldn't be able to survive in this subterranean world at all.

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Trying to hide your right hand, hm? You didn't even mean to do that, did you? I see. Your Command Spells are gone.

So you gave away your very ability to function as a Master. I can't believe it.

Fujimaru. You are no longer a Master.

You'll never be able to call on Servants as you are. If you want to survive, you'll need to alter your tactics.

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What? You have no business with me. As you are now, neither do I have any with you.

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...Hmph. So you've traded your offensive capabilities for a new capacity to hit where it hurts.

Go to the mountains south of here and look for one that resembles a giant horn. You'll find Mash Kyrielight in the cavern there.

Just like that other Servant there, she fell out of the Storm Border in an attempt to rescue you.

Holmes the Disciple may be gone now, but your job remains the same.

I'm...conflicted as to whether I should say this, but if humankind actually succeeds in excising all seven Lostbelts...

...then, and only then, will I recognize you as my enemies.

...I don't expect that to happen, however.

You're up against Daybit Sem Void, and defeating ORT is simply beyond your means.

I see. So that was Dr. Roman...or at least, the guy who looks just like him.

...I'm sorry. We've information about the doctor in Chaldea's database, so I didn't really know how to react.

What about you, U-O? You seemed like you were kind of freezing up.

I have no opinion of him at all. Is he even a living being? He gave off no wavelengths at all, and completely ignored me.

How could he? He didn't so much as say my name.

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Anyway, he said we should go to the mountain all the way over there, right? I guess we may as well do that.

Oh, yeah! That's right! He said Mash was there!

Come on, let's go, Fujimaru! The sooner we meet up, the sooner we can reform Team Chaldea!

Team...Chaldea?

Oh man, I'm so tiiired! This should be the cave we're looking for, right!?

I don't mind walking, but what's with all the guys with guns?

I've lost track of how many times they've attacked us along the way. Think they work for this Lostbelt's king?

That would make sense. They probably see Chaldea as a problem to be dealt with!

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Hey, what's that word you've been throwing around mean?

You're Fujimaru, right? And you're Marine, right?

So who's Chaldea? Is there another of you out there?

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Whoooa! It's so nice and cool in here! And there's light! And a desk!

This must be a peaceful, civilized human living space! I mean, I don't see any guns around here at all!

I bet whoever lives here is really kind and gentle.

Oh, I see we have new visitors. Are you the ones from Chaldea Romani told me about?

Huh? Did you guys hear that? It sounded like it came from the wall.

Hahaha, did I surprise you? My apologies. I'll turn off my camouflage now.

I find I do my best thinking when I'm alone, so I sometimes end up blending into the background. Sorry about that.

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Aaaaaah! A dinosauuuuuur! Heeeeeelp!

Oh? Am I the first deinos you've met then?

Please calm down, person of Proper Human History. You're what's called a Servant, yes?

My name is Tepeu. I'm a deinos living out a quiet retirement here in this cave.

My species may look different from yours, but we are still the prime species in this world, capable of learning, growing, and retaining our shared pool of knowledge.

This is to say, we are this world's dominant species. Its humanity, if you will.

And as a rule, we don't eat other intelligent life-forms.

We are, in fact, herbivorous. Actually, so long as we have water and sunlight, we don't even need to eat plants.

So please rest assured that I would never try to eat you to satisfy my nutritional needs.

Say, how about a drink? Mictlān has been very hot lately, so I assume you need to hydrate?

Th-th-th-that's okay! We'll just be on our way and get out of your haiuh, feathers!

Hey, Tepeu! I finished fetching water from the underground spring!

What should I do next? Want me to polish those weird bronze statues up on the mountain?

I don't think those are statues, Habetrot. I think they're part of an observatory.

I noticed they have some measuring instruments, each carved to mark degrees of an angle, to make it easier to get an exact read on the positions of the star

Sen

I mean... I'm so glad to see you again, Master Fujimaru!

I knew from my last communication with the Border that you were all right...

...but I didn't think I'd see you again this soon! I'm so...so glad you're okay.

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So, is that Chaldea? She doesn't look like I imagined she would...

Oh well, never mind that. Hello, Chaldea. I'm U-Olga Marie.

I'm the kindhearted alien who brought Fujimaru all the way here.

...Huh? Olga Marie? D...Director?

It's U-Olga Marie, not Huh-Olga Marie!

You could at least be respectful enough to use my full name.

Make sure you don't follow these guys' example and just call me "U-O" or whatever!

U, U, U-U-U-U-U...!!!

Okay, I've calmed down.

I'm so sorry you had to see that...

It's not your fault, Mash! Anyone would be flummoxed under these circumstances!

I mean, that's the Foreign

Foreign what?

N-nothing! The point is, um...the point is that I don't understand what's happening right now!

You're suffering from memory loss, and can only remember your name and objective, right!?

Thank you so much for taking the time to help Senpai and Marine, especially given all you're dealing with!

Good. You should be. If I hadn't been there, those guys would be

...Hmm. On second thought, something tells me that maybe they WOULD still be alive...

(Mmph! Mmmph! Why're you shushing me!? That's the Foreign God, right!?)

(Please stop, Habetrot! Don't say that name for now!)

Y-y-you know, I'd like to hear more about you, Tepeu! Would you tell us more about this world, too?

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You want to hear more from me?

Well, as you can probably guess, I've been living away from the city for a while now, so I'm not up to date on current affairs...but if you're okay with that, I'm happy to tell you what I do know.

Fujimaru, I've met someone who told me about the world of Proper Human History.

He said it's the strongest, most objectively correct history to ever exist.

I also know that in your world, our world here is called a "Lostbelt."

That means this is an impossible world which should never have existed and was supposed to be pruned away long ago.

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Why, yes. In fact, that's how he introduced himself. It was a very enlightening conversation.

Proper Human History and Lostbelts: a history meant to remain, and a history meant to disappear.

I believe I understand the relationship between the two, so I want to be clear about something up front.

I do not see you Chaldeans as enemies. You are our guests.

As far as I am concerned, you are neither invaders here to threaten our livelihoods, nor conquerors bent on taking our world for yourselves.

You are friends from another world, here to do what you must.

R-really? But, we

Came here to erase this world, yes? No need to worry. We deinos do not care.

This may not be the case where you come from, but here, worlds inevitably come to an end at some point.

We are not concerned about how that happens, and therefore have no reason to see you as enemies.

R-really? But, if the world disappears, then so would...

So would I? Yes, that's true. But so what?

I would certainly put up a fight if my disappearance would result in the disappearance of this world as well...

...but fortunately, I'm quite certain that isn't the case. If anything, I'm more worried about all of you.

If you die, your world dies with you, no? Quite a different situation than the one we face.

So, simply as one person to another, I cannot but support your endeavor.

And down the road, I urge you to stay strong and make whatever choices you must without shame or fear.

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Humanity, huh... I don't know.

You're nothing like what I expected when I came here.

You said your species is called "deinos"?

You seem far, far more evolved than Fujimaru and his friends here...but your voice is just so grating.

How are we even able to converse when your vocal frequency is so completely different?

That would be thanks to Mallathat is, this very world, assisting our cognition.

Some time ago, a being from a new culture was introduced into our world by a visitor known as a Crypter.

Malla analyzed his language and cognitive standards and tuned things so that we could communicate.

If you thought of this world as being covered in its entirety by an automatic translation device, you wouldn't be too far off the mark.

Huh, okay. I guess that makes sense. I mean, your vocal chords ARE really different from ours.

So, who's this Malla person? They must be pretty amazing to be able to do something like that.

Oh, Malla is not a person. They are alive, though. Hmm... How can I put this?

Malla is... You might call it goodwill in your world. It is the sentiment meant to keep our world running smoothly.

They serve as both the foundation and the guiding principles of this subterranean world, Mictlān.

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Yes. As hard as it is to believe, this Lostbelt is actually a massive, hollow underground world.

And what's more, it's not all on a single flat plane, like Agartha was.

And what's more, it's not all on a single flat plane, with standard gravitational forces.

It's essentially an enormous cylindrical shaft, with gravity working along its sides.

It's actually very similar in structure to a space colony, though without the constant rotation.

We don't understand how this gravity works, or where the sunlight, water, and air are coming from.

But perhaps the most unbelievable fact is that, as far as I can tell, this world occupies about one million square kilometers.

We know it to be at least a thousand kilometers deep, even though that shouldn't be possible, geologically.

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Right. As of 2019, the record for the deepest hole humans have dug is twelve kilometers.

What's more, the stratum on the earth's surface, where humankind exists, is only around forty kilometers deep...

...and the stratum below it is the earth's mantle. Which means that this world's outside is

A world of rocks and microorganisms! There could even be magma eruptions there!

Oho. It sounds as though Proper Human History's environment and this Lostbelt's environment are indeed very different.

This worldthe world we deinos knowis divided into nine strata. Its name is Mictlān.

That name is a fairly recent one, though.

I wish the deinos could claim credit for it...

...but I'm afraid it originated with Izcalli, the ocelomeh's leader.

Hi there! Nice to meet you!

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Ocelotl, or ocelomeh in its plural form, means "jaguar" in Nahuatl, a language used in Central America.

There existed a group of warriors who wore vestments evocative of a jaguar, most notably their helmets, from Proper Human History's Aztec civilization...

Jaguars were said to be associated with Tezcatlipoca, the Aztec god of war... And terrifying Elementals said to live in the rainforest.

So is that what those guys were?

The ones with guns and jaguar masks who kept attacking us?

So you've already encountered them. I can't believe they've already made it this far...

The ocelomeh appeared alongside the Crypter. They soon began hunting deinos for sport, though they called it "war."

I hear they even built a major city on the fifth stratum.

I believe Izcalli, the ocelomeh's leader, wants to wipe out every last deinos.

Countless deinos have already lost their lives at the ocelomeh's hands.

Some of them have been tied up and left to bleed out, or driven to feral madness by poison.

Regardless, there aren't many deinos like me still living out in the wilds anymore.

You know, come to think of it, the ocelomeh look a lot like all of you.

So their weapons are called "guns"? I can tell you, those were quite a shock to us.

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Wow, those guys are even worse than I thought... But why would they do something like that?

Do they have turf wars and stuff here in Mictlān, too?

It is less a turf war than it is a matter of resource gathering. They're looking to profit off us.

They strip us of our meat, process our bones, and trade our hearts as though they were precious jewels.

Malla would never allow such a thing, but they've been clever enough to avoid drawing its attention.

That is what the ocelomeh are; organized criminals.

How's that any different from the Mafia!? This jungle's even scarier than I thought!

That does sound like a criminal organization. And, if that's all true

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Right. We should try to get to the Border as quickly as we can.

Unfortunately, we lost contact with them about four hours ago.

One of the last things Sion told us was that the ship was crippled, and it would take the crew days to get comms back online.

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(Gaaasp!) Can I talk now!? I sure hope so!

Now that we're all together, we should get moving!

The Storm Border crashed south of us. I think it's about three hundred kilometers from here!

I'm not sure how long it'll take us to go so far, but I do know we have no time to waste!

It was too dangerous for Mash and me to try and make the journey alone, but we'll be fine now that you're here, Fujimaru.

If those ocelotl guys attack us, you can just summon Servants to deal with them.

And worst-case scenario, we can use your magical energy to fire the Black Barrel.

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Seriously? You can't summon Servants anymore?

I see... That explains some things.

I didn't even realize... I'm sorry I'm such a useless Servant.

???

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The Storm Border? Do you mean the flying boulder that fell from the sky wall?

It landed over past Chichén Itzá.

You'll need to cross Tlatlauhqui to reach it. I can't really recommend that though, since you just arrived.

Um, Tepeu? May I ask what you're doing?

Why, I'm getting dressed up. I haven't been outside in quite some time, after all.

You're going no matter what I tell you, yes? Then you'll need a guide.

Allow me a formal introduction. I'm Tepeu, a stargazer. I think fate may have brought us together.

I'll be your guide here in Mictlān, The Golden Sea of Trees.

Ughhh, it's so hooot!

I can't believe how much hotter it is outside the cave! What's the temperature, anyway? Fifty-eight degrees Celsius!?

That's, like, a hundred thirty-six Fahrenheit! Not even deserts get that hot! This is almost unbearable for a man of the sea!

True, this is much hotter than I was expecting.

At least it's not intolerable as long as we're in the shade... Master, is your Mystic Code's thermal regulation working properly?

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The sun is at the third stratum right now, so it's going to stay this hot for some time.

But there's no need to take reckless risks. It will cool once the sun gets further away.

Why don't we take a short break here? I understand you're in a hurry, but you do still need the occasional rest.

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I think that's a good idea, too. We've been traveling for about two hours, so let's take a fifteen-minute break.

Got it! I'll go fetch us some water then! Don't worry, I can tell there's a river nearby☆

Marine's got a lot of spirit for being such a whiner.

Kinda get the sense he wants to make up for not being much of a fighter by finding other ways to be useful. Hm...

Hey Mash, how about a little magical energy boost? I'm gonna go with him to help out in case anything happens!

I'm relieved to see those two are still the same, even in this Lostbelt.

I, um...hope that's true for us as well...

The jungle. Quite a lot of information here. Not bad. Harsh, but pleasantly cool temperature. Very humid. High atmospheric pressure. Lots of smells.

It is like a flood of life. So many colors and waves, both on the micro and macro scales.

If I concentrate on the sensations, all these colors start to feel nauseatingly vivid!

Do you know what I mean!? It really feels like something's coming up my throaBleeargh.

O-oh wow... You really weren't kidding. You're vomiting up rainbows, Director Olga Marie!

Maybe you should, um...turn down your...uh...sensors(?) until you're used to this environment!

Quit rubbing my back! And I told you, that's not my name!

Still...I think that might be good advice. Lowering the sensitivity of my sensors is probably the way to go here.

...Your name's Mash Kyrielight, right? Are you human, too?

Your body's structure is very different from Fujimaru's.

I am. But I'm also a Demi-Servant, so my body is a mixture of human and Servant.

It makes me a lot stronger than I may look, so if you need someone to do heavy manual labor, Direc

Er, U-Olga Marie, please don't hesitate to ask me.

Hmm. A Demi-Servant, huh? Right, of course. One of those. I know what those are.

No! I totally know what they are! They're one of Earth's local specialties, right!? I remember at least learning the words!

？！

...You know, I don't have any problem with you personally...

...but..."Demi-Servant." Something about those words rankles me. Why don't you think of different ones?

...

Whoa, are you guys friends now!? Sorry for ruining the momeeent!

But I ran into some nasty dinosaurs, and they followed me heeere! Prez, Mash, help meee!

!

？！

Their brains have atrophied beyond repair. They are neither living nor dead any longer.

They are akin to tumors in the jungle; each is a mindless predator who exists only to convert whatever animal they find into energy.

There's no reasoning with them. Our only choice is to run away, or shut them down with force.

Oh, I absolutely am. I've never been in combat before.

I came to serve as your guide because I was worried about you. But, to be honest, I'm starting to regret that decision. Oops.

Y-you're even more upbeat about this than I thought, Tepeu.

But if that's what you're worried about, please don't be!

On my honor as a Shielder, I won't let even one of these creatures past me!

Awaiting your orders, Master! Preparing for our first battle in this Lostbelt!

Looks like I'm up, Fujimaru! Leave it to me! I'll get rid of them in no time!

But don't let them get too close to me! Mash, I order you to keep me shielded! You're my new bodyguard!

R-right! It'd be my pleasure! Preparing for combat!

？！

Wooow, those are huge! Each stalk must be at least two meters tall!

Are these edible, Tepeu!? You don't just use them for fuel, right?

Not at all. Sentle, or corn in your language, is the only food that we deinos eat simply because we love it.

Now, what's this about using it for fuel, Marine? What does Proper Human History use corn for?

Oh, I know what you're talking about! Ethanol, right? A kind of biofuel made from organic materials!

I thought grains were a primary source of nutrient for primitive beings like you, no?

Do you just use them for fuel instead of consuming them yourselves as a part of the natural cycle?

No, not exactly. We grow different crops for different purposes.

Some corn is selectively bred to maximize flavor and nutrients, while other corn is optimized for producing ethanol.

Some concerns have been raised about the gases produced by growing ethanol corn and their impact on climate change...

...but these kinds of crops are still a shining example of human ingenuity.

Hm. So your civilization must destroy its environment to advance.

I understand that the evolution of a species often becomes sort of a race to see how far they can get before they devour their own planet...

...but the way things are going right now, you Earthlings don't have a chance! All the more reason you need a strong leader like me!

Hey. It's nice that the president's in a good mood and all, but, Fujimaru, have you noticed...

We left the cave about six hours ago. The sun was just rising, right?

So don't you think it's weird that it doesn't seem any closer to setting yet?

？！

I don't think we should expect there to be a night here.

Mictlān is entirely enclosed and folded in on itself, like a giant underground tube of sorts.

So the sun here will never sink below the horizon.

Erm, that's not to suggest the sun actually SINKS in our world, either... But, you know what I mean.

Hmm...

But the sun here has definitely been moving south. Well, I suppose farther away might be more accurate.

At the rate it's going now, the sun should dim and give way to night in about five hours.

Since this cavern obviously can't rotate, the sun must be the only celestial body moving down here.

...I have no idea how it's being controlled, though. This is all way beyond human technology of the twenty-first century.

？！

Oh. You rang?

My apologies. I promised to serve as your guide, but I've so enjoyed talking with Marine that I've been completely neglecting my own duties.

Now, what would you like to know?

Would I be correct in assuming you have questions pertaining to Mictlān's structure, the workings of our sun...

...our ecosystem, life in the cities here, the Crypter...and the cornfields?

Y-yes, that's right. We'd really appreciate it if you could tell us about all of that.

What would you like to ask about first, Senpai?

Mictlān's structure, hm? Very good.

If you mean to reach the Storm Border, that is certainly the most important thing to know.

Although Mictlān is a flatland jungle, it is actually divided into nine separate strata.

We are currently in the first stratum. This is Tlālōcān. Its ceiling, which leads to the surface, forms a steep cliff face.

Next we have the second stratum, and first boundary of the underworld. That's Tlatlauhqui, the red level. It is an endless river that is home to a species of enormous iguanas.

The third stratum is home to the golden city of Chichén Itzá. It is a vast and open plain filled with fruit of all kinds.

The fourth stratum, and the second boundary of the underworld is Iztaccíhuatl, the white level. It is a bone-strewn graveyard consisting of a valley of blades and wind.

The fifth stratumTula, the lake of blood and birdsserves as the blood vessels of the land itself.

The sixth stratum, and the third boundary of the underworld, is Xoxoauhqui, the blue level. It is a land of galactic sand dunes and vacuum lightning gardens.

The seventh stratum is Singing Ilhuícatl, home to the Metztitlán observatory.

The eighth stratum, and the fourth boundary of the underworld is Yayauhqui, the black level. It consists of a subterranean mountain range upon which the sun never shines.

And finally, we have the ninth stratum. It is the foot of the great Ceiba tree: the dreaded land of Xibalba.

As you might expect, these strata are all linked. In theory, anyone could cross freely between them.

More practically, though, the underworld's various boundaries are quite dangerous. The dead walk that realm.

Even for us deinos, it's considered too dangerous to risk venturing beyond the seventh stratum.

For one thing, the eighth and ninth strata are both blanketed by a deadly fog.

This fog only recedes for five out of every three-hundred and sixty-five cycles, during the period when the sun shuts down to rest and replenish itself.

The act of traveling to the ninth stratum during this period is called an underworld pilgrimage, but no deinos has ever completed this successfully.

Underworld pilgrimage... Xibalba...

Of course, none of you have a reason to go to the ninth stratum, so this is all purely for reference.

I believe the Storm Border crashed near the edge of the third stratum, near the entrance to the fourth.

We should be able to reach it in four cycles, but first, we'll need to cross a major checkpoint.

That would be Tlatlauhqui, the red boundary of the underworld. It comprises the second stratum.

It has become a terribly dangerous place thanks to Tezcatlipoca, the god of war who accompanies the Crypter.

Although we deinos need only water and sunlight to survive...

...life would hardly be worth living without some pleasures we can look forward to.

And so, the Malla created corn, the sun's greatest blessing. It has everything we could want in a food.

Corn was seen as special in the Americas in Proper Human History as well.

It was an essential source of nutrients there, especially in Central America.

In fact, it was so important to people's livelihoods that they often spoke of it as a gift from the gods, or sometimes, as if it were a god itself.

But I think we should probably ask about Mictlān's structure now, Senpai. That seems more relevant at the moment.

？！

The god of war who accompanies the Crypter... So, that must be

？！

So he's Tezcatlipoca...the Aztec god of war and sacrifice, and one of the strongest gods in Proper Human History's Aztec mythology.

Hmm, I see. So in Proper Human History, humankind is comprised of your species Homo sapiens.

Countless nations spread across seven continents, and despite your many differences, you have developed all manner of cultures over the course of your history.

I suppose if we deinos were to visit your world, we would be classified as reptiles.

Your biosphere is limited to your planet's surface, with no colonial expansions into outer space. The...ocean? What's an ocean? Please, elaborate.

I see. So your continents are surrounded by large bodies of salt water and each has its own distinct ecosystem. I can only imagine how many different varieties of life must flourish in such an environment.

Aquatic deinos? No, very few kinds of deinos evolved to live in water.

Doing so enlarges our species' skeletal structure, which makes it more difficult to live on land.

Democracy and communism, hmm. No, that's okay. I have a firm enough handle on your politics and social structures.

Given the traits I've observed in all of you, I would guess that your research on various matters has been like stacking pebbles, one atop the other.

Despite lacking the ability to fly, you continue to explore. This is not confined solely to your planet, but you also observe other celestial bodies as well.

DNA, cells, elements, atoms.

So, if you are to understand the vastness of the universe, you must first learn the laws which govern its smallest parts. How delightful.

I feel as though the corn kernels have fallen from my eyes.

It seems the humans of Proper Human History are like a cube that lands on a differently decorated side with every tumble it takes.

？！

Are you taken aback, Senpai? I understand.

I felt the same way when I first met Tepeu back in that cave.

You start off telling him one thing, and he immediately hits on ten other things connected to it.

Even if they're concepts or laws he's never heard of.

"Genius" doesn't even begin to cover him. His brain seems to work on an entirely different level!

？！

I still don't know anything about deinos in general, but...are you all alone, Tepeu?

Were you living in that cave by yourself because you were just too smart?

Ah, you're talking about humans who were isolated because they didn't fit in with those around them. In your parlance, outcasts.

True. I moved to the wilderness of the first stratum because my way of thinking did not match other deinos'.

Most have no desire to learn, because they never had to rely on their intellect to compensate for a lack of physical prowess.

Homo sapiens are short-lived and easily harmed. To have any hope of surviving, you had to evolve in both body and mind.

But we deinos never faced any threats here in Mictlān, so the same wasn't true for us.

As a result, we never experienced the same need to evolve.

？！

Hmm. That reminds me of one of your expressions: someone being a babe in the woods.

Your digestive systems are simply incredible. We deinos could only dream of consuming such a variety of foods.

I assume you think nothing of your ability to break down the toxins in plants and absorb only their nutrients...

...but from my perspective, such a capacity is truly revolutionary.

Imagine being able to consume so many different living thingsso many kinds of plants, as food! I'm so jealous!

Y-you think so? Now that you mention it, I guess human food culture IS pretty unique!

I wish Baker was here for this!

Sometimes she sulks about being the weakest member of the Series, so this'd really make her day!

Tepeu? If you don't mind my asking, could you tell us more about deinos?

We've never talked with any besides you, so...

Very well. I'll tell you what I can about our ecosystem and how we got where we are now.

We deinos are this Lostbelt's prime species, or its equivalent of humans in your world, if you like. We are the dominant species tasked with running this world.

A long, long time ago, well before Mictlān was created, our ancestors migrated here from the surface.

These ancestors were the creatures you know as "dinosaurs" in Proper Human History.

From what you've told me, Mash, I understand that there existed several types of dinosaurs.

There were long-necked marine plesiosaurs, birdlike flying pterosaurs, terrestrial theropods, and so on, yes?

Well, most deinos fall under the theropod category.

That said, our creation was also shaped in many ways by Malla...

...so we do have a few of the pterosaur and plesiosaur varieties of deinos as well.

Pterosaurs are especially rare, but they do still exist to this day. Remember what I said about outcasts earlier?

I, for instance, was ostracized from my herd because they took issue with my behavior.

However, pterosaurs and plesiosaurs are essentially outcasts from the day they are born.

I remember you also said most dinosaurs were herbivores, and that carnivores were the minority...

...but all deinos are herbivores. There are no carnivores.

We are unable to break down the toxins in meat, meaning that eating it leads to pain, diminished intelligence, and eventually, death.

That is what happened to the unintelligent deinos who attacked you earlier.

Either they gave up their intelligence when they were on the verge of death, or they turned feral after the ocelomeh poisoned them.

So that's what happened... Those deinos were really scary, but I feel kind of bad for them now...

I mean, dying painfully after being forced to eat meat they didn't want? They might as well be zombies...

？！

It's to do with their new teachings. You might call it all faith, or perhaps religion.

Now that I've met you, I understand the ocelomeh are homo sapienshumans, just like you.

They appeared here in Mictlān out of nowhere, and quickly moved to expand their territory.

One of the central aspects of their faith is offering up hearts of the strong to their god.

And since deinos are the strongest life-forms in Mictlān, they of course set their sights on us.

They built a city in the fifth stratum. There, they tear the hearts from deinos.

Now that you've been kind enough to share your knowledge with me, I have a clearer understanding of the situation in Mictlān.

Two opposing factions are fighting a civil war here.

One faction consists of deinos.

Our capital is Chichén Itzá, the golden city ruled by the King of Dinosaurs, and protected by the sun god Kukulcan.

The other faction is the ocelomeh.

Their capital is México City, a city of death created by Tezcatlipoca, the new god of sacrifice...

...and by the Crypter from Proper Human History who brought him here.

The Storm Border you seek crashed in the area between these two cities.

？！

Hold on. I understand that the Servant the Crypter, Daybit, summoned is a Divine Spirit from Proper Human History.

But, you say there's also a god in the deinos' capital?

And Kukulcan, at that?

What's so weird about that, Mash? Haven't there been gods in the other Lostbelts, too?

Yes, but it's different here. Kukulcan is the Mayan god of wind and water from Proper Human History.

But the deinos have no connection to Proper Human History mythology whatsoever.

So it doesn't make any sense for that god to be here in Mictlān.

Oh, wait... Come to think of it, the name "Mictlān" itself comes from the underworld of Aztec mythology...

But, as I believe you have said before, the mythology of your world has nothing in common with our own in this world.

I understand your confusion, but the answer is quite simple.

The very concept of a sun god is also a recent development.

We were simply indifferent to such things until recently.

In fact, until the Crypter's arrival, we rarely even conversed with words.

So it was Proper Human History itself that passed on the concept of gods.

Prior to Daybit Sem Void's arrival, there were no gods of any kind in our world.

But once Tezcatlipoca, a god of Proper Human History, was summoned here, many things took on new meaning.

Things that simply existed before, became special. Technically, I suppose it was an act of substitution, but no matter.

My point is, it was the first time anyone in our world had ever heard a story.

I think I'll go to bed now. I learned a great deal today, and I'd like to make sure I've understood it all.

...And that's why Tepeu went to bed early.

...

U-Olga Marie is standing about twenty meters away, looking up at the night sky.

？！

We should discuss what to do about her as well as our strategy going forward, yes.

What are your thoughts on U-Olga Marie, Senpai?

She's lost almost all her memories, except for her name and her objective.

She knows only her own name and that she's an alien who came to Earth to rule it.

She has no memories pertaining to her personal life. She only knows what she learned about Earth prior to coming here.

...Outside of that, she doesn't know anything about Chaldea, or the Bleached Earth Phenomenon, or our battle on the Storm Border.

Even if she is the Foreign God...I don't want to treat her like she's our enemy.

Over these past twelve hours, she's proven to be very friendly. So, if she never recovers her memories...

？！

I feel kind of bad about it, but I think it's for the best, too. U-O's been saying she's the future ruler of Earth...

...but I can tell she means she just wants to make things better, not tyrannically rule over humankind.

She's very different now than when she attacked the Storm Border as the Foreign God.

I think this is probably the real her. So

So as long as she doesn't remember she's the Foreign God, she should at least stay on our side, right?

Then I'm for not telling her. On one condition.

That should be the only secret we keep from her. Real friends don't keep everything to themselves.

？！

？！

What is it? I was just making my president constellation, you know.

O-oh! I'm sorry to interrupt you then! I love the idea of making your own constellation!

It's nothing special. Every noble does it when they come to a new celestial body.

Anyway, did you have something to tell me? I sure hope it's worth my while.

？！

Servants, Masters, mages, Chaldea, the Incineration of Humanity, Singularities...

The Bleached Earth Phenomenon, Crypters, Trees of Emptiness... Proper Human History, Lostbelts... Exactly how many times has Earth faced an existential crisis at this point!?

A-all right. I have a much clearer picture of how foolish you humans are now. You guys have been through a lot, huh?

Still... Nice job taking back your future, even if it was just the one time.

I'm impressed, Fujimaru. It sounds like you've been working hard too, Mash.

This Chaldea organization you belong to doesn't sound half bad, either.

Preserving humanity's future without anyone ever knowing. What a fulfilling calling.

Director

Director? What are you talking about?

You all say the strangest things sometimes. Are you experiencing some kind of bug?

Hmm... Good story, but I can really only give it a nine out of ten.

That's despite it being the most satisfying story I've ever heard. Do you know why I scored it like that?

N-no, I don't. You say it's the most satisfying story you've ever heard, but it's still only a nine out of ten?

I mean, it's still not enough. Right?

You and Fujimaru did some impressive work, I'll grant you...but it's missing a certain finishing touch.

Like, it's made really well, but there's still a gaping hole right through the middle of it.

I think it would be even better if it had someone bright and shiny in it, too. I don't know who or what, but

Oh...!

？！

Oh!

Hah! Oh, you humans! That retort alone was enough to bring you up to a full ten out of ten!

If you're so eager for my help, then all right. I'll help you save Earth. What are friends for!?

？！

...

Goodness, I was so happy I didn't realize how late it was. We should really set up our sleeping bags.

Tepeu said night lasts about half as long as day here.

If my math is right, that means night lasts about twelve hours.

So we can sleep a full seven hours, then still head through this cornfield before daybreak.

I'll keep night watch! You guys just go to sleep and don't worry about anything!

？！

Hmm?

...Hmm. This is going to be a problem.