Desire Central Nerve/reasons

We just have it to make things easier. The sky is just a big projection on the ceiling.

Were we to observe from the outside, I doubt we could see any meaningful difference between night and day.

My guess is that they just use nightfall as a way to mark the end of a single conceptual cycle.

Yes, that's right. ...Hm?

Hey, let me ask you something.

Can you lend your bow and arrow to someone else? Do they still work if someone besides you uses them?

What are you, stupid? I told you, I have no intention to do any work.

No, I got that! That's why I'm just asking you to lend me your gear!

C'mooon, what's the harm? Think of all the beautiful women out there I haven't even laid eyes on yet.

I know they're too shy to talk to me even though they absolutely adore me. But with a little help from these arrows, they can have all the courrrage they need.

Did you just...purr? Never do that again. That was revolting.

Anyway, what women are you even talking about? The only one around you right now is your Master.

Her!? Believe me, I have NO interest in an immature little brat like her! Even I can't believe how uninterested I am!

Now come on, let me borrow it! Don't you want me to have a bright future!?

Shut. Up.

I think I heard him taking another dig at me, but that aside...

Hehe, I can't tell if those two get along great or terribly. They almost seem like...

... ...

Hey. Since you came here from the outside world, maybe you can answer this for me.

That kind of back and forth between two people who trust each other, with neither holding back...

Is that, um, what it's like between siblings?

？！

Y-yeah, it is! Hehe, I knew it!

You know, I've always felt there was something nice about the idea of family.

I don't know if it's a quirk I developed naturally back when I was a standard prime AI...

...or if it came about as part of my randomized personality when I became a Master...

...but either way, I think relationships like that are just so joyful, so peaceful, so...warm.

That's why... Maybe I shouldn't be telling you this, but...

...if I win the Holy Grail War, I'm planning to wish for a family.

One that can all live together.

That's the vision I have for us.

So if I become the next central governing AI and I get to customize this world how I like...

...I'm planning to make it so we get a little more diversity among the different AIs.

I know we already have some differences between us now...

...but I want to make them more detailed and systematic so we can have something like real familial relationships.

？！

Oh! I'm sorry! Please, don't get me wrong!

I wasn't saying I wanted you to let me win or anything. I was just

No, no, it's fine. Go ahead and let him hear it. You want to pressure your opponents.

If you want something, don't be afraid to reach for it. Tell the whole world why you think you deserve it!

In fact, you shouldn't hold back even if you DON'T deserve it! The heart wants what the heart wants!

That's how I've always lived my life. Did you not see me just a minute ago asking to borrow the god of love's bow and arrow!?

I refused, if you recall?

Besides, didn't living like that get you into all kinds of trouble?

Yes, that's right. There was something I wanted so badly I was willing to start a war! That's why I fought!

I have no regrets in that regard. Even now, I think it was the right call.

Even if I were reborn a million times over, I'd still do the exact same thing.

And it's no different now. I'm fighting for what I want.

We might be working together right now, but I have no intention of handing you the win when this is over. Be ready for that.

？！

Oh? Ohoho? You're really going there?

Fine then, I'll tell you. I want...

EVERYTHING!!!

Wealth, glory, fame, pleasure...and so much more besides. Basically, I want everything I want.

Don't even bother asking me something stupid like what I want more than anything. There's nothing like

？！

No. There's no point in limiting what you want.

Well, hang on. Then how come you're constantly leering at every woman you meet for the first time? It's really gross, you know.

Nnn. Well, I guess I can't deny I do that.

All I can say is that my heart keeps telling me to look for a woman. Probably a wife candidate.

I am an incredibly handsome prince, after all. It just makes sense for me to marry a beautiful woman. Wahaha!

Well, I guess that's a family, too. As long as everyone's there because they want to be.

Anyway, once I get my hands on everything, then I can be sure what I want will be there among it all.

Wahaha! Now do you see the genius of my incredible wish?

It's the whole reason someone as great and noble as myself would deign to help my Master win the war.

Once you become the governing AI, you can change this tiny world however you like, right?

So first, I'm going to have you build me an enormous golden palace. Then, I'm going to have it filled with treasure and delicious food... Gehehe.

Ugh. You are just horribly selfish, aren't you, Berserker?

Wrong. You're just too small-minded.

You could have any wish in the world and the only thing you can think to use it for is something as insignificant as family.

Is family really all that great? You have no idea how loud it can be living with a hundred brothers.

Of course I don't. Don't bring up such weird examples. Granted, my actual knowledge of normal ones is theoretical and not practical...but still.

Anyway, at least you know what family is like. I am a little jealous of that.

Oh, here's another question I hope you can help me with.

If all of you WERE a family, would Kama and Sion be your...daughters?

？！

What was that? Don't treat me like a child. I just happened to be in this form when this all happened.

Don't lump me in with this shady alchemist.

What do you mean, "shady"? There is nothing about my current form or thought processes which could be seen as shameful.

In terms of ability, I prefer to think of myself as a trusted, supportive colleague, rather than a daughter or sister figure...

...but I will admit that this is merely an expression of personal preference.

And so I will not insist you think of me that way. Even if you did, I cannot guarantee it would make me happy.

Furthermore, one's position in an organization is not something you declare for yourself, but rather

Hahaha, play nice now. From where I stand, you're all just little girls barely out of the nursery. There's practically no difference.

Hm? Did you include me in that? Need I remind you that I'm the prime AI of an entire partition!

So?

Ugh... Hm?

Do you all hear that noise coming from headquarters? I wonder if something happened there.

Let me try the intertype comms... Huh, no one's picking up. That's weird.

I did not ask this earlier, but do all AIs have comms functionality?

Basically, all AIs of the same type can communicate with each other over a network.

It's a little more difficult between different types, though. You can only communicate with one other AI at a time. To do so, you have to exchange unit numbers first.

There are other ways to communicate remotely, but those are typically reserved for emergencies.

Anyway, right now, the Type R network appears to be down.

So I can't get in touch with the other Type Rs at headquarters...

I'm getting a bad feeling about this. Come on, let's hurry!

Nooo!

？！

You certainly took your time coming home.

Don't you know you're supposed to lock up when you go out for a walk?

Oh yes, it's very dangerous leaving your home unattended. You never know what could happen...

Come now. Did you really think I would let you escape?

Ahh... I love it.

There's nothing better than plunging your sword into a woman's flesh! Even if that woman is just a lifeless doll! Hahahaha!

I don't care how you get your kicks, Caster. Just make sure you devour all that Raniment.

S-stop! Stop this right now!

？！

Is that not obvious?

Berserker and his Master really are idiots.

The System Grail War is a battle for resources.

If you truly understood that, you wouldn't have let a blue blood like me waltz in and crack open your precious treasure chest.

We may be different types of AI, but we are still fundamentally the same in that we require the same resources.

Breaking into and jamming your network was trivial. But you could never do that, could you? The moronic look on your face tells me everything I need to know.

Khh! ...Never mind that! Just let them all go! Now!

And why would I do that?

You don't need to be from Grow to figure out that the most efficient way to harvest Raniment in this world...

...is to steal it.

Wait. Don't tell me you actually planned to only collect it from your own partition?

Wow... Just when I thought you'd reached the apex of stupidity, you show me the new heights you can soar to. Even an utter moron should've been able to see this was the best solution.

I almost pity you, seeing what an incompetent set of characteristics the randomizer stuck you with.

You know, I can't put my finger on why, but...

...something about this prick is really pissing me off.

In theory, there's nothing wrong with taking what you want.

In practice, only those blessed with lineage, looks, and talent can actually get away with it, meaning...people like me!

But a sniveling brat like you? Don't make me laugh!

...It looks like we are going to have to fight. But please be careful.

According to my calculations, the fact that he has chosen to show himself here means

I can predict their every move, but there are just too many of them to keep up! Not to mention their overwhelming magical energy advantage!

Ahh... Glorious. What could be more right than the strong violating the weak?

What could be more natural than the righteous punishing the errant? It feels so...so...

...so excellently, scrumptiously goood!

But of course it does! Of course it does! Mmm! Well? Apologize! Apologize! Apologize, dammit!

Hehe. The scent of blood. Ahh, the scent of blood. You DID want to smell it, didn't you?

Yes, of course. This punishment was inevitable. We had a pact. That's why this room will become a window into hell.

And so my writhing fiends will devour all of you!

Ah... Ahh...

This is all unfolding exactly how I expected. So much so, it's downright pathetic. Did none of you fools think to plan ahead?

Did you actually pay the central governing AI a visit without replenishing your Raniment after your last battle?

Well, my Caster's been stocking up on Raniment at every opportunity. Of course he would have more than you.

...

(I hate to admit it, but he's right. They've got tons more fuel to work with than we do. This isn't looking great...)

Did you just call me a fool!? Why you...you...insolent, stupid brat!

Was it not you who failed to make any preparations whatsoever? Even the simplest of AIs could have seen this coming.

Did you really think you were safe just because you teamed up? That doing so would be enough to defeat someone so obviously superior?

Fool is hardly a strong enough word. How could you not see that having two Servants in a single area means dividing its resources between them?

I have nothing to fear from such weak Servants, not even two of them together. You should have tried thinking before waltzing in here!

(...If I use my Command Spell, I might be able to boost my Raniment temporarily.)

(But...what if that's still not enough to win?)

(And even if I win this battle, I won't be able to use it again in the future... Is it worth the risk?)

It's over. The two of you together still can't hope to match my skill. There is nothing else to it.

Really now? Well, what if we make it three, then?

What the...? Who the hell are you!?

We're guests. But, then again, I guess there's no point in dragging this out.

This guy here's a Rider and I'm his Master.

My name is... Heh. It's weird having a name as an AI, but once I became a Master, I didn't feel right without one.

What're you gonna do, right? Anyway, as I was saying...

My name's Lainur. Lainur Gusion.

？！

So you're Caster, huh? I'm here 'cause I had something I wanted to talk to the leader of Repair about.

I'd have taken a number and waited my turn but since they didn't have any numbers to take, well...

Maybe you oughta come back another time. You've got no idea how much power we've got stored up, right?

Doesn't matter how lopsided the equation is now. One unknown variable is all it takes to mess up your whole formula.

Khh...

H-hmph. No matter. We've already whittled down your resources and increased our own.

For blue bloods like ourselves, failure is not an option. We can afford to take our time.

Come on, Caster.

Yes... Good point. It wouldn't be any fun to get these wretches' punishment all over with at once.

They need to be even more afraid of me. They need to grind their heads into the floor in desperate apology...

Okay, I've finished giving the Type Rs first aid. Though of course...some of them didn't make it...

Anyway...I guess this means we owe yet another person our lives.

Thank you, Rider and Rider's Master. ...That IS who you are, right?

That's right. It's just like I told you. I'm Transfer's prime AI and Rider's Master.

？！

Hm? Why're you looking at me like that? Do you recognize me from somewhere?

That's weird. The randomizer's creations are supposed to be completely, well, random.

It's entirely possible it sometimes chooses personalities randomly from some kind of base template.

Not a lot we can do when it churns out someone completely unhinged.

Anyway, don't worry about it. I might look like some guy you knew, but I'm a completely different person.

？！

... ...

No way. You recognize Rider's face, too? Well, his mask, anyway?

Damn, just my luck. Ah well, I guess it was only a matter of time until our True Names came out anyway. Go on, Rider, say hello.

If that is what you command, Master. Otherwise, I have no intention of saying anything.

I am but a tool.

And no, that is not my name. I am neither a king nor a prince.

Maybe I was known by that name at one point or another, but that's not who I am now.

I am merely a sword. A warrior, Gao Changgong.

Well, damn. That's cold. You've built some pretty tall, thick walls around your heart, haven't you?

So much so, I get the sense you'd cut me down for real if I even tried to touch them.

Gao Changgong... That is the name of the general who is known as the Prince of Lan Ling.

So I suppose that is his name as a Rider.

... ...

Okay, and...? What's the Rider faction doing here?

Isn't it obvious? We're in the middle of a System Grail War. I came to have our Servants fight to the death.

Kidding! This is Repair, right? I actually brought a subordinate of mine I need repaired.

We can fight to the death whenever. Right now, I've got other concerns.

Huh?

Hello. I'm a R.A.N.I. Series Type T AI from Transfer.

This is super embarrassing to admit, but I had an accident on my last route when a bug came out of nowhere and surprised me.

Oh my. So you're here for treatment? And these two escorted you?

Yes, exactly.

I see. But why would you go all the way to an enemy's headquarters in the middle of a war?

I get where you're coming from. True, it's not like this is the only way we could get her patched up.

We could've flagged down a Type R visiting another partition and asked her for help or sent a formal repair request...

Hell, we could've even used an emergency roadside repair kit.

But, now that I'm a Master, I'm finding I have a new desire I never had before:

I find myself wanting to look around and see all kinds of new things for myself. So, here I am, seeing repairs HQ in person.

There's so much you can't really understand until you've taken a good look at it, right?

So I thought I'd come do just that for this place.

I see... That's weird.

What do you think, Fujimaru?

？！

That is the obvious reaction, yes. I am pleased to see you approaching this rationally.

Haha, yeah, that tracks.

Well then, how about I just don't do anything where you can't see me?

I'll even order Rider not to move, either.

I can't get up to any funny business with you watching me. I definitely can't go around wreaking havoc on my own that way, yes?

？！

What about you, Rider? You don't mind your Master going off on his own?

If this is what my Master wants, I will abide by his orders. As I said, I am no more than his tool.

...I see.

Hey, how 'bout lending me a Type R to be my guide? I don't want to have to shout anytime I want to ask you something.

I think I'll start by asking about the treatment pods and medical kits...

No, wait. Maybe I should start with this building? There's so many things I never paid attention to before and now I'm so curious about them all...

I agree, he IS weird. I don't know how else anyone could put it.

So what, he really did come here just to see how Repair treats AIs? Well, at least he helped us get rid of Caster.

I can at least say that I genuinely do not sense any hostility from that Master or his Servant.

Though I do sense a great deal of caution on his part...or rather, determination not to get too friendly with us.

... ...

？！

There we go. Scanning... And we're done.

Wow, that treatment was as fast as one of our deliveries. Please accept this Raniment as thanks.

Thanks for that. Now, where's that Master gone off to?

Hmm, hm hm. An almost perfectly complete world...that inevitably leads to the future...

Fascinating. Seriously fascinating. Oh, are you done?

Yes, sir.

？！

Okay, let's head back then.

So what, you really only came here for a tour?

I said as much, didn't I?

The future is bearing down on us quickly. We don't have any time to waste.

And even so...you still don't want to fight today?

No, I guess I don't. This could all be over once we fight, and I feel like I'm not ready to say goodbye to it yet.

The Caster pair, on the other hand, seemed to have very aggressive personalities.

I don't know if they'll try attacking here again or somewhere else next time they make a move, but either way, I'm pretty sure it won't be long before they do.

Yes, I am sure it will not. I have already calculated as much myself.

Hey, while I'm here, let me pay you for the tour with some information as well as Raniment.

We're from the Transfer partition and we have a Rider, so we're a good deal more mobile than the other AIs.

...Which let us scout out the other partitions.

We didn't get a super in-depth look, but it was enough for a rough sense of things.

You may already know this, but Build's the one with the Caster.

It looks like Grow has the Saber and Keep's got the Lancer.

Which one was where again?

Here.

As you can see, Repair's neighbors... are Build and Transfer.

Grow and Keep are over here.

Hmm. Got it.

I'm pretty sure I don't have to tell you this at this point, but the Caster camp's the one being the most aggressive right now.

As far as we can tell, the Saber and Lancer camps still have yet to make any moves.

I don't know if that's because their Masters just aren't combative, or because they're building up their strength as part of a more elaborate plan.

...You say that includes the Lancer camp, too?

Yeah, that's right. So far, they haven't done a thing. Hell, they haven't even left their partition.

(So they're either not aggressive or they're busy planning, huh...)

(Neither of those can be right. Not in his case...)

Is something wrong, Berserker?

...Hm? What, with me? Of course not. I'm the same as always.

Anyway, we should start heading back.

But hey, I'm sure we'll see each other again soonreal soon. We don't have any other choice, after all.

Now then, how to actually get back...?

(Perking up)

Are you saying you want to try racing Mr. Rider's horse against us, Transfer's high-speed assets?

Because that's sure what I heard.

Huh? Haha, well, that wasn't my intention.

Let's do it! We're the fastest beings in this world. We can't afford to lose a race.

... ...

Hey, don't ignore me.

Still refusing to talk with anyone who isn't me, Rider?

If you order me to, I will. If you do not, I will not. That's all there is to it, Master.

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

Don't expect me to act of my own accord, for any reason.

I will never make a move, fight, or use my Noble Phantasm, of my own volition.

I will not do anything at all without explicit permission.

In exchange, I'll do everything my Master commands. That's my only purpose.

If, as my Master, you were hoping for me to perform my duties in a way that exceeds your expectations...

...then I am probably the worst Servant you could have hoped for.

I am but a sword. No... As a Rider, I am no more than a horse.

Point me in the direction you want me to go, and I will run at your command.

(Yes, that's right...)

(Everyone knows what happens to tame horses who run off on their own.)

Hmm. I'm more of a thinker than an instinctual actor.

If that approach leads to fewer unknown factors, it'll make things easier for me.

So no, I don't have any problem with it. All I want is for you to work hard for the future.

So, now what?

As a Type T, I'd prefer not to pass up a chance to show off my skills. I'm especially good at hairpin turns.

... ...

Hey, I was talking to you.

Heh. Well, if I'm being honest, I don't really care about speed.

If I'm really in a hurry, I'll just use my own machine.

Come to think of it, I remember the prime Transfer AI had a special high-speed asset in the form of a motorcycle.

The one with the funny looking handlebars.

I do, but I left my chopper back at the base. Though when I do want to move quickly, I don't care what kind of vehicle I use.

Still, my focus right now isn't just on covering distance. I want to really take in my surroundings.

That means I'd prefer a different method of transport; I'd like one that lets me focus on speed as well as observation.

That's why I had you ride here on Rider's horse with me after we picked you up.

So, does that mean you don't need a speedster like myself?

Not at all. In fact, it's perfect that you're here.

You see, I do want to get back to HQ and start going over the information I learned today.

Plus, giving Rider a chance to rest would be a good idea too.

So yes, I would like to use your vehicle to go home. Just don't give it too much throttle.

Because if we happen to come across something interesting on the way back, I'm going to have to stop to examine it until my curiosity is satisfied.

Okay, we need to update our comms protocol...

...to make sure we can stay in touch and get back here at a moment's notice if anything happens.

So I'll add a layer of encryption, make it extra strong, and...

Of course I am. I do miss the Type Rs we lost...but I can't just stand around moping.

Thanks, but I'm fine. I'm Repair's prime AI; this kind of thing is part of my job.

？！

Why don't you all go ahead and rest up?

Don't worry about me. I'll get some sleep too once I'm done with work.

？！

The night watch girls remain on active duty while the rest enter their management pods.

As for you guys... Hmm, what to do about you?

The management pods are kind of rough and bulky since they're designed for AIs, so I don't think you'd find them very comfortable.

？！

For the time being, I think we will be fine as long as we have a place to lie down.

Though, it would of course be best if we had a single room where the three of us could rest together.

I would prefer to avoid each of us having our own room.

...Why? Do you still suspect me? Or are you up to something, hm?

It is not just you. It is of paramount importance that we keep Fujimaru safe while he sleeps.

There is nothing more to it than that. Or do you have some kind of problem with it?

... ...

I kind of feel like you two aren't entirely getting along. I'm probably just imagining things, though.

We have plenty of rooms that will suit you, so I'll just show you to the closest one. Okay! Good night!

Not too big, not too small. There are no proper beds here, but there are enough exam tables for us to all to rest on.

And it seems it will let us both keep an eye out for possible intruders and secure an exit route.

Great. Then let's go to bed. It's the perfect chance to immerse ourselves in the most familiar, most inescapable form of depravity there is.

And of course, I'll be there to escort you every...step...of the way...

Your bed is over there. If you like, I can employ my Etherlite to reposition you. Forcibly, if necessary.

... ...

Fine, fine, whatever you say.

Hmph. What's the harm in sharing a bed, anyway? It's easier to keep him safe that way, you know.

Stupid, meddling Sion...

... ...

(I knew it. Something does not feel right.)

(Is that really the Kama we know from Chaldea...?)

Are you having trouble sleeping, Fujimaru?

？！

No, you did not. Remember, you and I are connected via Etherlite now.

One of the things this means is that, in quiet times like this, I am always keenly aware of your physical condition.

So I can tell right away whenever you wake up...and when your pulse is spiking, as it is now.

What's got your heart racing, anyway? I haven't even snuck into your bed yet.

That said...I've got a pretty good idea.

Well, go ahead and tell us anyway. I can lend you...well, it won't be sympathetic but it is at least AN ear.

So go on. Spit it out.

You've been avoiding certain things, trying not to talk about them...

...and you just can't hold back any longer, right?

...I knew you would say that. Just as I calculated.

You do know they're not actually alive, right? They're just constructs of people running on programming.

Even knowing that, you still won't stand for them being killed the way they were?

？！

As an alchemist, I come from a long line of rational thinkers, so I feel compelled to say this:

In light of this world's rules, and the conditions for winning this war, Caster's actions are entirely rational.

At its heart, this Holy Grail War is a scramble for resourcesthe magical energy equivalent its AI residents possess.

And since each faction has their own territory with a certain number of AIs, the most efficient way to obtain that resource is plundering it from other territories.

There is an additional beneficial effect to this method of plundering.

By killing another territory's AIs, you not only gain Raniment for yourself, you also deny it to your opponent.

There can be no arguing that point.

So, if we were to approach this rationally, we should at least consider employing the same tactic in our effort to win this war.

However

？！

...Right. I thought you would say as much.

I accounted for that in my calculations as well. You are the one who led Chaldea to victory against Goetia, after all.

Hmph. I really don't like that know-it-all look in your eyes.

No fair. Being his yes-girl and indulging his every whim is supposed to be my job.

So when a rank amateur swoops in and steals what should be my job, what can I do but gripe about it?

I guess this counts as love too.

...All right. Let me just make extra sure. It's entirely possible these AIs aren't alive at all.

They could just be tools that are automatically regenerated after some time has passed.

Even knowing that, do you still want to take a handicap like that going into this fight?

？！

？！

...Yeah, yeah.

Well, this was really only a matter of time, so it's not like anything's really changed.

If you were expecting me to say something about it, tough.

I am quite sure there is meaning in discussing and clarifying our plans going forward.

Our goal is to return to the outside world by winning this System Grail War.

To do that, we will cooperate with the Berserker faction and share their territory until we are the last two remaining.

We will not resort to shortsighted means for replenishing our resources, like killing AIs...

...and we will not tolerate anyone else doing so either, even our allies here.

Is that what you want?

I knew it would come to this.

You value such honorable approaches to combat above all else.

Your actions are not based simply on what is rational and practical, they have always been guided by something you hold deep in your heart.

Most, myself included, cannot do so easily.

That is all right. Reason does not dictate all things. Nor is there always one right answer on which all agree.

Yes... I suppose this is what they call...

I knew it would come to this.

You value such honorable approaches to combat above all else.

Your actions are not based simply on what is rational and practical, they have always been guided by something you hold deep in your heart.

？！

Anyway, I guess that concludes this discussion.

？！

Do not be. Whatever our disadvantage, you will have me on your side.

And according to my calculations, we have a one-hundred-percent chance of making it out of here that way. You have nothing to apologize for.

Now, unless there is something else we need to discuss, perhaps we should all go back to sleep?

Oh, while we're up, I might as well ask.

I get that you just happened to know who that Rider was, since coincidences like that have happened before...

...but why were you acting a little weirdly toward his Master, too?

？！

So even the name he gave us sounded both familiar and different to you, huh?

I posit that you were not imagining things.

Every one of us here now is different from our usual selves in some way.

Part of that is probably due to the bugs you are experiencing in your memories.

Those bugs are kind of like hard drive errors, so they are not something I can fix with Etherlite.

That we cannot find an answer to this is certainly aggravating, but devoting too much of our focus to it will not help matters.

For all we know, it may be nothing more than what he said.

Maybe when the randomizer made him into a Master, it mixed in or randomly chose a preexisting model of some sort.

And now, we may have an idea of who that model is based on, but we cannot clearly remember it.

Incidentally, how did you feel about his personality?

？！

Hmm. If the randomizer really was only using appearance data, we may not have much cause for concern.

Though of course, it is hard to say for sure, since we still do not have much information to work with.

On the other hand, you do not remember ever seeing Āyus before, right?

Then for the time being, all we can do is watch how things unfold.

I swear, this world is just endlessly weird.

AIs using the faces of people you recognize, people shrinking... We'll have to keep our guard up.

But anyway, if we really are done talking now, let's go back to sleep.

Say, I know. Want to try something to keep the nightmares away?

I think I can manage to come up with something.

Like, what if you had a perfectly shaped body pillow to hug while you slept? Say, hypothetically

Right. Good night.

Inducing sleep in three...two...one...

WhaHey!

Okay, we've finished upgrading our comm security. Everywhere that was ransacked has been tidied up too. Perfect!

Come on, everyone! It's the start of a new day! Let's make sure it's a great one!

Okay.

？！

Morning. Did you sleep okay?

？！

I am using the Etherlite to manage your physical condition as well, so you should be in fine shape for the time being.

Good morning. Once again, welcome back from your trip to the central area.

Good morning and welcome back. Are you hurt? You don't seem to be.

Good morning and welcome back. Scanning for damage... None detected.

It seems you either did not sustain any injuries in last night's battle or your injuries have already been treated. Too bad.

Good morning and welcome back.

Please understand that we're not disappointed you're okay.

We were just excited to possibly have a chance to demonstrate how useful we can be in our capacity as healers.

Wow, he is really popular. The Ranis surrounded him in no time at all.

Hehe, I think they just want to show off their skills to him.

Plus, as healers, we naturally want to patch up any damage we find...

...and since none of you are AIs, treating your injuries is especially fulfilling.

Though I don't think they'd be this excited if they didn't want to pay Fujimaru back for rescuing them yesterday.

Hmph. If anyone should be getting thronged by groupies, it's me.

This is really starting my day off on the wrong foot. All right, all of you, get out of here!

Report: this is tyranny.

Report: frankly speaking, you're in our way.

I'll transition to standard distance mode if I must. But I propose lowering our internal individual affinity rate.

Proposal accepted. Base value updated.

Hey, what was that? I'm supposed to be everyone's favorite. Should I be aware of whatever just happened there?

I'm sure it's just your imagination.

Hehe, I knew it. Things being lively like this is kind of wonderful.

Casually exchanging information among trusted allies of a similar nature...

？！

Exactly. You think so too, right? Hehe, I guess you remember what we talked about yesterday then.

Of course I remember. I also remember how Kama and I were assigned the role of daughters against our will.

To be clear, every time this topic comes up, I will continue to deny that there is anything childlike about me.

You see, I measured us carefully. In doing so, I determined that I am approximately three centimeters taller than Kama...

...so I believe that difference is more than sufficient to remove any need to lump us together.

On top of that

...Wait. Where IS Kama?

？！

What're you so panicked about? I'm right here.

I just decided to freshen up and...pick some flowers, so to speak. That's all. Hehehe.

...!

？！

N-no particular reason. I just thought the morning of a new day would be a good time for a change of pace.

Besides, it's not like you want me to stay this small forever, right?

I definitely know you at least that well, Master...

Whoa, you're bigger now!? Did you install a new avatar program or something?

Hmm, you could say that. I might look different now, but I'm still exactly the same person I was before.

Yes, that's right. It's just like changing my outfit. There's no deeper meaning to it.

Hmm, I guess you Divine Spirit Servants really are cut from a different cloth. Must be nice, being able to change your appearance at will.

Though it does feel kind of sudden.

？！

You don't? Really?

... ...

Wahaha! I wondered what kind of human could be capable of taming the god of love, but now it all makes sense!

They say women prefer not to fight with the same weapon when they're on the same battlefield.

I've heard they can't even stand it when someone else wears the same color clothing they do.

So there you go. It must be the same for gods as it is for humans.

？！

Yikes, if looks could kill. All right, better zip these lips.

Anyway, we were just about to replenish our Raniment materials. Did you want to join us?

You said Raniment is a conceptual factor that is this world's magical energy equivalent, and these particular materials comprise this world's physical substances, right?

That's right. So, if you wanted, you could actually say we're about to have a meal.

Grow makes the materials, then Keep processes them and adds trace amounts of Raniment. Here, see for yourself.

I see. So these are what you AIs ingest to restore your Raniment and address any physical deteriorations.

I see. Well, this is certainly a meal.

The amount of Raniment we get from these is just enough to offset what we use in our daily routines...

...so I don't think it'll be enough to give us an advantage in battle.

But, since you're all in the same position as AIs yourselves now, I think you should be able to eat them, too. Want to try some?

Well, we do need to replenish our energy. So yes, once I have verified they are safe to eat with my Etherlite, we would love to.

Wait. Report.

Leader, did you know that Keep has been sending us materials like this recently?

Oh wow, I didn't know they were making things like this nowadays.

？！

...

Hello. I'm the one who brought those materials here.

Oh, hello. From your unit number, it looks like you're the Type T Rider brought here yesterday?

Yes, I am. Thank you again for treating me.

I wanted to pay you back. Since I'm one of Transfer's fastest, I thought I would bring you some of Keep's latest materials.

Why, thank you. And here's some Raniment for you in exchange.

You're too kind.

...(Staaare)

Is something wrong?

Well, we Transfer AIs actually use a tip system.

Each of us is very competitive but since we're all equally fast, we can't really compete on speed alone.

So we're programmed to be jubilant when we receive a tip.

Oh, right, you are, aren't you? Um, let's see, what could I give you as a tip...?

I don't suppose you have anything, do you?

？！

Oh, fine.

I guess I can weave you a flower or something. It'd be totally fake, though. How's this?

Great. I feel like my speedster fashion sense has really evolved.

Thank you! I look forward to my next delivery to you.

Now then. While we appreciate the gesture, we also need to be careful about the risks.

I have scanned these "naan" with my Etherlite and I can confirm that it is fundamentally no different from the objects which look like energy bars.

The only difference is that their peripheral data has been carefully arranged and that they have been "seasoned" with unnecessary ornamentation.

Or, to put it in terms more familiar to us, they have been given extra flavor and aroma.

We don't care which kind we consume, since they're functionally identical...

...but since you're from the outside world, I think you'll find this kind more to your liking.

？！

Well, if these are a way to replenish magical enerRaniment, then I guess I should have some, too.

How about you, Berserker?

...Forget it. I wouldn't touch those with a ten-foot pole. You have them.

Huh?

So I wasn't seeing things... I knew it.

He's here in this world, too...

...Hmm. The wind feels oddly restless today. Is it scared of something? Or is it

Could you quality check this for me, Chef?

Oh, sure thing. Trying something new, are we?

There is no point to trying anything new. For a Type K, there is nothing more important than stability.

...Although, I suppose that does beg the question of why we wanted you to teach us your material processing techniques in the first place.

Well, a lot of factors went into the decision. After comparing the advantages and disadvantages

It simply means you prefer things which taste good to things which don't.

Nothing mysterious about it.

Now, let me have a taste. Hmm...

Not bad. It's not as good as mine, but it passes muster. You can take pride in serving this to anyone who wants it.

Hello. It's me, your dependable Transfer speedster.

I'm here to pick up your latest processed materials shipment. Okay, time to drive like the wind.

All right, I'm gonna go check in on my Master. I think today's dish came out pretty great. We'll have to see if she agrees.

(Sigh)...

Hey there, Master! How are you feeling? Did my cooking cheer you up?

Oho, is that a clean plate I spy? I take it that means you liked it?

I'd hope so. My naan is delicious on its own. Adding cheese just makes it even better.

Well, technically I just recreated it in data, but hey, as long as it tastes right, that's all that matters.

... ...

Hmm. So even my best dish wasn't enough to improve your mood?

It's not about mood, Lancer.

I've just always been like this.

Hmm. My brothers always cheered up whenever they had my cooking.

Even when we were banished, or when we were going through tough times.

Well, I'm not your sibling.

Of course you're not, Master.

Still...something doesn't seem right.

I'm positive I can still find a way to cheer you up.

I just know there's still plenty of room for your mood to improve. Not that I have any real evidence for that!

(So, you're aware you're talking out of your ass.)

So before I get to fighting, I'm gonna cook you something guaranteed to cheer you up!

I don't know much about you, but you're a perfectly strong hero, right? Why not just fight on your own without me?

Hahaha. Right now, food takes precedence over fighting.

I can't be satisfied with my cooking until I can at least cheer my own Master up.

I'm not so conceited as to think I'm the greatest chef in the world or anything...

...but my siblings and everyone at the palace always loved my cooking, so I want to do them proud.

What, were your heroic deeds all about food or something?

Beats me. All I can tell you is that my cooking is just as much a part of who I am as anything else.

Anyway, if my prize cheese naan still wasn't enough to put a smile on your face...

...then I'll just keep trying new dishes until we find something that does!

Hmm, looks like I don't have enough ingredienI mean, materials.

Well then, we'll just have to go get more!

...Go ahead.

Come on, Master, you've gotta come along. That's what Holy Grail Wars are all about, right?

I...I'm completely useless. If we get into a fight...?

We're not going looking for a fight. I told you, we're just going to get more materials.

For the time being, all I'm going to focus on is cooking something that'll make you smile. That's my top priority.

The war can wait!

Now come on, Master. If you don't want to walk, I'll give you a piggyback ride!

...That damned battle-crazed buffoon.

Even in this new world, he's still refusing to stay out of my way!

(Munch, munch) Hmm, it still feels strange consuming material like this. So you say this is what you call "flavor"?

I definitely don't dislike it, but... Hmm, how to put this...?

Ehehe.

I believe the word you use for this is "delicious." It's certainly increasing my happiness by quite a lot.

？！

Anyway, I didn't even know Keep updated the Raniment materials like this.

I have no proof for this but I think these new materials must have come into being after the System Grail War began.

Keep has a Master and Servant of their own; they are the ones making these materials.

According to my calculations, it is very likely their influence caused this change. What do you think?

Yeah, that could be it.

Hey, have there been any other changes in the world? Even just ones you've heard rumors about?

Well, in terms of clear, unmistakable changes...

...the only other one that comes to mind is that Build's Type Bs have been generally sluggish lately.

Build... That's the area we think Caster is in.

The cruel guy who tormented our Type Rs and stole their Raniment.

I wonder if this means he's treating his own Build AIs the same way...

... ...

No, never mind. There's no point in worrying overmuch about other areas' AIs.

We have our own work to focus on.

First, we need to replenish our own supply of Raniment.

And we'll have to keep an eye out for Caster while we do it...and the other Servants too. Even more than we have been.

I mean, the Raniment we get from these meals is important too...

...but if we are going to have any hope of putting up a decent fight, we'll need a lot more.

Not only that, we need to replenish our supply faster than the other Masters and Servants can replenish theirs.

？！

So! We're just going to have to do the best we can!

That said, you probably don't know what that entails, so come with me when you're done eating.

I'll show you what it really takes to do the kinds of things Repair does!

？！

Oh, hi, Berserker. What's up?

Hey! That's mine!

I mean, I already got the Raniment I need, so I guess it's okay, but I was looking forward to savoring the last one!

What's the big idea!? I thought you said you weren't gonna eat!

Buzz off! I just felt like it, okay!? You can't fight on an empty stomach!

Besides, the food's not responsible for who cooked it! Like they say, waste not, want not!

(...I'm going to win this time. I have to. No matter what it takes.)

(And to do that, I'm going to need all the strength I can get.)

(I refuse to lose to that cowardly bastard again...)

(Munch, munch, chomp, swallow) That wasn't nearly enough!

But there's only so much we can get from eating. Come on, we need to get our hands on more Raniment, stat!

Why're you so fired up all of a sudden? You're kind of freaking me out.

Well, I guess it's okay. We must have finally gotten through to him! Yes, I'm sure that's what it is!

Yeah, I kinda doubt that's all there is to it.

Okay, let's go give this our all!

...Although, in our case, it's a little hard to do that without any damaged AIs to repair.

Of course, we don't WANT anyone to get damaged, so in general, we just have to wait for someone to show up, but

Request: We need help. A pack of malicious data has appeared on Repair's outskirts.

A few of the Type Rs who first encountered them have suffered moderate damage. One Type D is currently doing her best to fend them off.

Oh my, that's terrible. We'd better go help them out. Come on!

That must be them. I don't recognize some of those creatures, though.

But, I guess our job is the same as it was on our way back from Defend yesterday: beat enemies, leave AIs in our debt.

Forcing kindness on others... Helping without asking permission... Saving people whether they want it or not...

Hehe. That may well be a lovely kind of indulgence...a delicious depravity in its own right.

And that's my specialty.

Make sure you watch me closely, Master.

You might just find yourself wanting to end up the same way.

Oh, and don't forget to praise me if I do a good job, okay?

... ...

This would seem an opportune moment to speak, Fujimaru.

Do you not think there is something strange about her?

？！

Kama.

Since you two have a connection, there is no question of her being your Servant.

Even so, something about her seems off to me.

Do we know for sure that she is the same Kama from Chaldea?

？！

I confess to a certain shame in admitting this but I cannot yet clearly articulate what it is that is bothering me about her.

None of the lines of thought I have thus far pursued have reached any actionable conclusions.

However, it feels like she is more...direct? Forthcoming? Less guarded than usual?

But really, what it all comes down to is that something is different about her, on the inside rather than the outside.

For the life of me, I cannot shake that thought.

Yes, I do. I do not have a clear answer yet but there is something we are not yet seeing there.

Whatever it is, it seems you have not yet found the answer, either.

I am sure you have. Just as I calculated.

However, it seems you have not yet found the answer either.

？！

She obeys your orders and her abilities remain unchanged. So, for the moment, it is simply something to keep an eye on.

But please keep in mind that our key to winning this Holy Grail Wara war we absolutely must win...

...is also a significant unknown variable.

A variable like that has the potential to throw all other expected parameters of a formula out of whack.

Hey, what're you two talking about all by yourselves? I don't know why, but it's kind of pissing me off. Hmph.

No, wait, I do know why. Haven't you got something to say to me after I got all that Raniment for us!?

？！

Well, this turned out to be a good example of what we do here.

Whenever someone's hurt, we rush right over and fix them up, good as new.

If the threat's still around, it's usually a good idea to contact the Type Ds in Defend, but

We need all the Raniment we can get right now. Why share?

In fact, think we can get anyone else in our debt?

Hello. I have a Transfer Telegram from some Type Ds a little ways away from here.

I'm supposed to deliver it to the nearest group of capable fighters.

"A new threat has appeared at these coordinates. We are currently under attack by an enemy we do not recognize; it is not malicious data."

Think it's a Servant?

I don't know. In the meantime, we'd better check it out. Tell us those coordinates, please!

You got it. But you know, I was hoping I might get a little something extra as a reward for all this hard work. (Glance)

Oh, right, you want a tip, huh? Fine, fine, here you go.

Perfect. These flowers are very trendy right now.

Okay, let us be on our way. Be careful. We are almost certainly heading into more combat.

The hell are those things?

？！

I don't know, but I'm pretty sure they're not AIs.

They kind of look like Servants, but I don't think they actually are.

Hold on. Remember what DX, the prime AI of Defend, told us?

She mentioned they had previously encountered forms of aggressive data which resembled human-shaped shadows.

Maybe that is what these are?

Oh? Looks like they want to throw down.

Well, whatever they are, if they're going after AIs too, they ought to be a good way to rake in the Raniment.

Come on! The sooner we beat these things, the sooner we'll have more AIs in our debt!

... ...

What the hell were those things?

？！

You think? It was over so quickly I could barely make out anything! Gahaha!

I would like to examine their remains more closely. Would you help me, Āyus?

Yes, of course. Hmm, let's see... I think they were around here somewhere...

Hey, Master, got a sec? There's something we should talk about and I'd like to keep it between us.

Remember what I told you before about Sion? Is she really the Sion we know?

Don't you think she's a little too cool and collected?

Hell, for all we know, she might actually have everything all figured out already, and she's just pretending to investigate.

？！

It's not just that she looks different. She's acting like a whole other person too.

I'm not saying we were ever great friends. We weren't. But I've seen her in the Command Room plenty of times.

So I knew she's an alchemist who loves her work to an almost irritating degree and who always seems cheerfully unfazed no matter what's going on...

...and always keeps herself at arm's length from the rest of Chaldea despite that cheerful act...

...aaand you can never tell what she's really thinking.

I always suspected there was something more to her than she was letting on.

But if nothing else, she wasn't ever quite the sort of super serious, stick-up-her-ass scientist you'd usually expect.

Think about it. Has she even laughed out loud once since we got here?

？！

Exactly. So I'm thinking...

...maybe she's just pretending to be Sion.

So if you ask me, you should be a little more careful around her.

？！

What are you talking about?

Oh, nothing.

I was just surveying Master about what kind of depraI mean, love suits him best.

You never know when someone might realize they have a very, very specific desire they just need fulfilled.

Nothing important then. As I calculated.

？！

You mean, you want me to treat you two like friends?

？！

That will not be happening.

I could never be your friend. I am not qualified.

Wha...?

Now, let us talk about something more constructive.

Unfortunately, I was not able to glean any useful information from those shadows' remains.

The only good news is that we were able to restock a bit, since they turned out to be data structures containing Raniment.

Data structures containing Raniment? Isn't that

Yes. Given the structure of this world and its beings, this means they were similar to Servants.

However, they were not actually Servants.

We still face many unanswered questions, so we will need to keep investigating.

Hmm. That right? Well, I'll leave that to you.

You do seem to know a lot more than I do, and in all kinds of areas...

... ...

？！

Good point. Excursions like this aren't the only way to collect Raniment.

There'll also be AIs bringing repair tasks to our base, like with the Master of Rider.

But why don't we try contacting our base first and checking? Especially since we really don't want to waste time right now.

We did a lot to improve security after what happened yesterday, so we should be able to reach them just fine. Hello? Do you read me?

What is it? Don't tell me they're under attack again.

N-no...it's not that.

The base is fine. They also mentioned that no damaged AIs have come by.

But that might be changing soon...and in a big way.

Actually, they said one of the Transfer AIs delivered an official request for aid that said:

"Large numbers of damaged AIs detected in Grow."

"We know we're in the middle of the System Grail War, but if possible, please send help."

？！

That's where the Saber is, right? We haven't seen anything from them so far.

It is about as far as Repair you can get.

Grow is located on the opposite side of Defend.

If nothing else, given its location, it seems like it will probably not be a direct threat to us, but...

... ...

(The other area next to Grow is Keep...where Lancer is.)

(Is this his doing?)

(It's possible. Definitely possible. Keep's bound to need materials from Grow to do their cooking.)

(Yeah, it's got to be him. He's finally making his move!)

(Wait. Let's think about this. Maybe...this is a good chance to go on the offensive?)

(The softhearted Assassin's group and I just finished stocking up on Raniment.)

(And the way I see it, that the other AIs have time to request aid means they still have resources to spare.)

(Which means the Saber hasn't lost yet.)

(In fact, they might be duking it out right this minute. So if all goes well, it could be three against one...)

(If we strike now, we might even win. In fact, this could be our only chance...)

What is it, Berserker? Is something wrong?

Wrong? Of course something's wrong!

There are people out there who need help.

And we have the means to provide that help! So isn't it incumbent upon us to do just that!?

H-hang on! Where'd THAT come from!? Did you get hit on the head in that fight or something!?

No, nothing like that. I just couldn't live with myself if I ignored a request for help, that's all!

Now come on. Time is of the essence, right? We can't afford to waste any by heading back to our base first.

So let's head straight to Grow from here! Hurry!

Oh, there's definitely more to this than you're letting on.

All right then, while you're off playing hero, I think we'll take our time and solidify our own position.

Aw crap.

What was that?

？！

Let me guess. You can't just ignore them.

(Sigh) Oh well, I knew this was coming.

(Sigh) Yeah, I figured this was coming.

？！

Just as I calculated.

Phew. I-I mean, that's the spirit! Of course, I could expect no less from my chosen allies!

You've earned some proper praise from yours truly! Great job!

？！

All right. Now that everything's settled, let's get going. Keep your guard up. Things are about to get serious.

But whatever happens, we're going to win. We have to...!