Death Storm King, Annihilating Beast

...We are omen. ...We are cruelty.

We are the two shadow storms that have returned from far-off lands.

Those who yet live, look upon us and know destruction and loss are upon you.

You, who still bears a heart, listen well. We are the fangs that will end your life.

The atmosphere is quivering. No... It's the sheer quantity of high-density magical energy in the air that's causing this...

I've got a bad feeling about this... Don't tell me we're going up against another Servant with Divine Spirit levels of magical energy!

I'm afraid so. The Avengers chosen for the fifth and sixth trials may not be Divine Spirits, but each is in a class of their own.

And they are truly massive in both size and stature! One wrong move, and they will crush you with a single step.

So, let me ask you this, if I may: How experienced are you all at fighting enormous beasts?

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How reassuring.

Hmm. Look who it is.

Haven't seen that in a while. I guess he can still produce this thing from inside your shadow.

I got no idea how he's pulling big moves like this with basically no magical energy, but I'll worry about that later.

I appreciate the convenience of it, but this does mean we'll be fighting back-to-back battles. Are you up for this, Master?

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Oh, right. That always leaves me with a little motion sickness.

And not like when you get on a boat or a car, either. It's weird. Oogh...

Still...

...if we gotta fight something that big, it's nice that we didn't have to use up energy getting here!

Looks like we've got our work cut out for us!

Indeed. It really is big. It must be at least ten or so meters long.

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That is one of the souls that makes up the legendary army of death and the embodiment of storms...Wild Hunt, the Death Storm King.

The former king of the Ostrogoths who once departed this world, destined to one day return!

The man who inspired the legend of Dietrich, the great hero of Bern!

Alone, he would be a formidable threat, but he is accompanied by a gargantuan mount...

The monster who once terrorized all of southern France: la Bête du Gévaudan!

That thing is...quite the daunting opponent.

Hm?

What do you mean by that? Are you saying you're familiar with that horse and rider's combat capabilities?

Indeed I am.

Unbeknownst to history, there was a great beast hunt that once took place in the Gévaudan province of France in 1838.

It was, in essence, the second Bête du Gévaudan incident. And the one who exorcised the bête and its rider...

...was none other than the wicked villain enacting his plans for revenge in the floral city of Paris...the Count of Monte Cristo!

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...Count.

Why are we going to Gévaudan? I thought your great plan was already in motion.

Is it because of the debt you owe Sir Morrel? Or is it because

Heh. Hehe, hehehe...

Kuhahahahahahahahahahaha! Are you serious, Donatella? What a foolish question!

Of course I'm going to help Sir Morrel! I am the fire of love and hate; I remember everything that has ever been done to me!

I will never forget my grudge, my anger, or my tears, but neither will I forget those who helped me!

...Yes, sir.

Besides.

This great beast slaughtered every member of Morcerf's beloved lieutenant general's investigation unit.

I cannot stand by and do nothing while it wipes out all the lieutenant general's other secret forces!

If I did, all my work would come to nothing!

No, the only one who has a right to ensnare, deceive, and torment Fernand Morcerf...

...is I, the god of vengeance!

So what if this is the same beast from seventy years ago!? If it, or anything else, stands in the way of my revenge...

...then, with my own hands, I shall simply burn it to ash!

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What is it, Master?

You look like you just saw a ghost or something.

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Right you are!

Like me, that is the soul of a creature who was once Monte Cristo's mortal enemy!

An altered Spirit Origin bound to him through the fires of love and hate!

But unlike me, it is not on humanity's side. Sadly, its twin souls have truly become the fifth and six trials.

I call it...the Avenger of the Wild Hunt!

...!

Did that lightning just transform into a creature!?

What's more, it's looking at us. Prepare yourself, Master!

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...Yep. That's a bird all right. Was that always part of the Wild Hunt?

As a very literal embodiment of the storm, that bird is a harbinger of death and despairan omen of the massive loss and life brought about by war and plague.

Having said that...

...it's clear the time for idle chatter is over. Here it comes!

Krgh!

Ha! This bird is quite formidable! I thought it would be no more than a familiar...

...but it is a monster in its own right!

It truly is. That bird is the avatar of lightning itself!

It is the Wings of Thundera genuine Elemental!

An Elemental... I take it we are not merely dealing with a large Demonic Beast then.

My understanding of Elementals is that they are an offshoot of Divine Spirits. Is that correct?

It is. There are further differences on which the Clock Tower could elaborate, but for now, that will suffice.

At any rate, in North America, there is said to be a similar creature known as a thunderbird...

...but the creature you see there is a far cry from a true ancestral spirit!

The Wild Hunt has twisted its anger, and now, it is no more than a minion. A powerful one, to be sure. But a minion just the same.

You sound awfully sure about that. How can you tell?

Haha. Because I asked the masked Count a great many questions back when I was pretending to be the third tri

Then why!? Didn't you!? Tell us this sooner!?

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Man, I hate fighting this stupid bird!

I cannot seem to cut through its neck. How irritating.

Indeed, this is most vexing.

(I'm certain we have the necessary strength to defeat it. I am equally certain we've landed a number of serious blows.)

(Still, I understand where Alter is coming from all too well. All three of us Avengers...)

(...are supremely ill-suited to aerial combat!)

(Unfortunately, that means we lack the means to finish this creature off before it can retreat to the skies!)

Ugh! We can't spend the whole damn day on one stupid bird!

We've gotta take this thing down now, especially with that giant horse and rider still waiting for us!

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My thoughts exactly! ...Hm?

Alter! Salieri! I have thought of a way to finish this thing off in no time!

We are going to use the Ferris wheel. Follow my lead!

H-huh!? ...Oh shit. They're running straight up the Ferris wheel!

What is Kagekiyo Aha. Now I see!

Let's go, Alter! Master, use a Mystic Code to give Alter a boost!

There, I've pinned it! Now kill it!

Understood! Behold my twin katana, Azamaru...

...as I cut its head clean off!

Tch, my cut was too shallow! It's up to you now, Alter!

You got it!

Burn, you stupid bird!

...Nice job following my lead. I didn't think you could do it.

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I meant what I said. That's all.

No matter. I sensed the lightning was about to strike, so I simply acted accordingly.

Nothing about that was simple.

Hell, did you see Mr. Sal back there? He didn't manage to react in time.

... ...Be that as it may, Alter...

What?

Grr, dammit! I gotta stop answering to that. Seriously, would you guys stop calling me just "Alter" already!?

It's not like I'm the only Alter here.

Anyway, more importantly...I think it's time to go after the big guy. Look, he's staring right at us.

...So, he is still not moving, even after we destroyed his Elemental?

Is he simply that confident in his fighting abilities? Or perhaps he possesses a defensive Noble Phantasm?

He does indeed. Even now, an invisible storm protects him. The real threat of that Spirit Origin, though, is its raw power.

It doesn't matter. Our job's still the same.

I'm going to burn his ass to the ground, just like I did with that bird.

Also, you picked one hell of a time to show up, new kid.

Why now? C'mon, tell us.

If you're worried about your aunt, don't be. I decided there was no further need for me to stay behind and protect her.

Not now that she's disappeared.

She disappeared all of a sudden.

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Huh?

She disappeared. Along with all the neighbors.

I didn't see a single person on my way here.

We've noticed people in the vicinity disappearing during previous trials, but at that distance? That's quite a surprise.

Hmm. Then it would seem all of Tokyo is our battlefield now.

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Heh. Now that's a bold frigging move!

It is fortunate that our forces are all concentrated in one area now. We won't need to fight across the entire city.

Our opponent for the fifth and sixth trials is the Avenger of the Wild Hunt.

They are a true monstera being on par with a Divine Spirit that can command even Elementals as their minions.

Nonetheless, retreat is not an option. Our forces are four Extra Servants, an Assassin, and Master's simple summons.

Our task is to hit that thing with everything we have and defeat it right here in Odaiba!

Hell yeah!

Of course!

...Well, aren't you all confident? Fine. I'll give it my best shot.

...We are omen. ...We are cruelty.

We are Wild Hunt Alter, Avenger.

You, who still bears a heart, listen well. We are the fangs that will end your life.

That's right, Master of Chaldea! That is exactly the right move!

Not so fast, Master of Chaldea! You must be careful here.

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What you feel now is the invisible storm I spoke of before! You won't last long in it with an unprotected mind!

It floods your head with the unbridled terror of loss and destruction! Its electromagnetic aura torments your nervous system directly!

Most people subjected to it either go mad and kill themselves to escape the pain or their nervous system shuts down before

Huh!? You're telling us this storm is THAT dangerous!?

Yes, I am.

...!

Master, you fall back. We'll handle this!

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Destruction comes for all. It is inevitable. Loss comes for us all, bringing an end to everything.

Fight me. Kill me. Transform your inner fury into a sword and stand your ground.

Futilely plunge your blade into destruction. Scream and wail at inevitable loss.

Or, if you wish to see tomorrow, then...

Fight!

...So, traveler, you do not falter in the face of a storm.

You walk without fear of imminent destruction. You seek your goal without fear of impending loss.

Very well. In you I see a true stargazer.

If you are brave, then immerse yourself in fleeting beauty. If you are reckless, then let your foolishness guide you.

Either way, I shall grant you the privilege of being torn asunder by the storm.

Ghh!

Ugh! He's freakin' BIG! And tough! I've been letting loose on him, but I don't think I've even scratched him so far!

This thing's really pissing me off!

Indeed. Even without a distinct advantage over us, his Spirit Origin is still strong, pure and simple.

(I thought this Death Storm King would be a conceptual being, since he is the embodiment of the inevitability of death, but I couldn't have been more wrong!)

(His Spirit Origin is truly massive and powerful, which has lent him incredible offense and defense!)

(We can't possibly fight a being with as much magical energy as a machine god head-on and win!)

(He's just too strong!)

(And then there's the problem of this invisible storm...)

(How much is it affecting Master?)

Master!

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The hell you are! Look at your nose! You've sprung one hell of a leak!

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This is no time to be acting tough. Just fall back for now! I mean it!

A good idea, but a hair too late. It seems he has yet another bird up his sleeve!

Another thunderbird!? He was still able to summon a second one!?

That's four down!

Was the Wild Hunt secretly some kind of aviary or something? Quit throwing so many birds at us, asshole!

Not to mention all those Demonic Beasts that kind of look like wolves...

(Huff, huff...) Ugh, this is fricking exhausting!

Hahahaha! Even when you're whining, you're energetic, Alter! You would make a great Kagekiyo yourself!

But look. We have another round coming.

Huh!?

Shit, a FIFTH one!? This is getting ridiculous!

Reinforcements after reinforcements! But then, I should have known the Death Storm King would have no end of storm kin to call upon.

I knew we would have to through, but these defenses are tougher than I imagined. I see no choice but to fall back and regroup.

I trust you're all right with that, Fujimaru?

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Come, Alter, Kagekiyo! Hassan, I'm counting on you to get Fujimaru out of here safely!

I'll bring up the rear. My illusory fire should keep the storm minions occupied.

...Did we lose them?

It would seem so. I no longer sense any bloodlust or hostile magical energy nearby.

Uh, sorry guys, but I need to change my Spirit Origin back for a while.

Phew...

Man, feels like I finally got a chance to catch my breath. It's freaking exhausting, fighting one giant monster after another.

And our Spirit Origins were not in the best shape to begin with. Still, even having said all that, I'm surprised this opponent has you so discouraged.

Well yeah, we're up against the Wild Hunt, like from the fairy tales, right? 'Course it's not gonna be just another Demonic Beast.

I get that, but even so...

Honestly, it pisses me off. I'm fighting as hard as I can, but neither my spear nor my fire is doing shit!

The hell does that thing get off summoning Elementals like they're going out of style!?

Indeed. Those kin it keeps summoning are the real problem.

We are Avengers. We cannot lose ground to an enemy we have slain once before. Those monstrous birds no longer pose an insurmountable challenge.

However, it is still a great hassle to have to fight new ones over and over.

If the Avenger of the Wild Hunt and his kin were all to attack us at once

Oh, yes. As things stand now, we simply lack the strength to hold them at bay.

And yet, I also see no sign that the Wild Hunt means to do any such thing.

He seems content to keep sending his kin out to the front line while he remains in place. I suspect it's a matter of kingly pride.

As long as that continues, we should be able to get past his kin, just like we were before.

The problem is what comes afterwards. Once we are past them, can we defeat him before he summons another wave?

(If only we had one more fighter on our side.)

(However, for Dantès to bring in another Avenger from Chaldea, he would need a Command Spell.)

(And I would prefer to avoid using one unless absolutely necessary...)

(...since Master only has the one remaining.)

... ...

...I have an idea.

My Noble Phantasm is an Anti-City type. Accordingly, it can destroy an entire city if necessary.

I can use it to take down the Wild Hunt's kin in one fell swoop...

...and let you fight him without interference.

What do you think? Just give the word, and I would be happy to use it.

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Oh, yes.

My Noble Phantasm can eradicate the birds, the wolves, and everything else in your way. You need only ask.

I may be an empty shadow without even a temporary contract, but I assure you I will see it done, regardless of what becomes of me.

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Oh?

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... ...

...Then allow me to rephrase.

How many sacrifices ARE you willing to accept in pursuit of your goal?

Because to my knowledge, you've already accepted at least seven.

Hey, you looking to have your face broken? Because I'm happy to cave it in.

I'll start with that stupid, scraggly chin beard of yours. Rip that right out by the roots.

If you would be so kind, I am addressing myself to Fujimaru presently.

Yeah, that's why I'm THIS close to losing my shit.

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Then what will you do instead?

The enemy is powerful. While I'm sure you can fight well enough even with your current forces...

...I'm also sure I'm not the only one who feels uneasy about how far you can go while pushing yourselves to your limits.

Under those circumstances, how will you engage the enemy?

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I see. Then, having done that, how would you rate your chances of victory?

As I said before, we are at a tremendous disadvantage.

Our enemy is destruction incarnate. Two great foes in one, as strong as a Divine Spirit!

And what's more, they have endless waves of Elemental thunderbirds and wolflike Demonic Beasts to wear you down!

So how will you win when the odds are stacked so heavily against you?

Please, do tell me, Master of Chaldea. What is your answer?

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Forget it, Master. That's not happening.

Anyway, Count Shithead, you got a thing for drama? Fine, I'll play along.

So our opponent's practically a Divine Spirit? And we're hopelessly outnumbered?

Tell us something we don't know!

Yeah, I'll say it. Even with as much power as we've got to put out on the field, this has still been a tough fight.

And I am THOROUGHLY sick of these enemies who keep throwing waves of minions at us.

But whining about it won't solve a thing.

So really, the only thing we can do here...

...is fight our way out with hard work and bold tactics, yeah?

Hmm.

... ...

Alter. I am no expert in matters of war or combat...

...but isn't that essentially the tactic one employs in a desperate last stand?

Oh, shut up!

Okay, so normally that's true, but I've got a secret plan this time, all right!?

Can you not at least work that much out, you freakin' idiot!?

... ...

...My point is, Master's not giving up. He's going to do this no matter what.

So my only choice is to follow him wherever he goes. If that means I gotta come up with a secret plan, then dammit, I will.

Alter...

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Ah, great. Now you're just calling me "Alter" too, huh.

Anyway...guess that's settled.

Salieri. Kagekiyo. Hassan. Bargain Bin Limbo!

Get Master and me close to him. Whatever it takes.

You mean, to the Avenger of the Wild Hunt?

Who the hell else?

We got three trials to go and that thing is two of them. So, let's go take it down!

All right, you bastards. Get ready, 'cause we're coming for you!

I'll admit, I might not be able to endure your thunder in my standard Spirit Origin...

...but my Lamenting Exterior is another story!

(The Man in Grey tends to dominate in this form, so I won't be able to hold it for long...)

(...but if Alter means business, I will do whatever I can to support her!)

I may not be used to aerial combat, but I'll still follow you wherever you go, Elemental!

Back me up, Hassan-i Sabbah!

What a fool. But...I must commend your spirit, music teacher.

You know you are far better suited to a support role, given your inability to maneuver in the air. But you try just the same.

Your chivalry has touched my very soul.

I must admit, it is nice to experience a feeling other than hatred for once.

Well done, music teacher! Well done, Salieri!

In our common goal of taking a formidable enemy commander's head, we face impossible odds together!

Creatures of the storm! Supernatural wolves!

If you fear not our army, then bare your fangs and do your worst!

I, Kagekiyo, shall slaughter you all before you even know what has happened!

Tch. He's still summoning more!

There is no beauty to be found in endless repetition. I'm counting on you to bring this concert to a close, Jeanne Alter!

I guess that makes him the opening act.

Or maybe he's just a decoy? Eh, either way, as long as he keeps those things out of my hair, I'm good.

Because now...

...I can finally take you one-on-one. I'll have to get him an ice pop from a convenience store later or something.

Anyway, hello, Wild Hunt. It's nice to meet you. Now, GOODBYE!

I don't know if you're a storm, an omen, or frigging destiny itself. Whatever you are, I'm burning your ass.

...You. Traveler caught in the storm.

You will abandon everything in the face of an inevitable storm, just as countless others have done before you.

You will resign yourself to despair when love is ripped from your grasp. You will abandon all hope when your tears are whipped away.

But, if you still mean to fight the storm in spite of these truths...

...then know that untamable fire, kindled by your own body, is your only hope at the end of vengeance!

Burn with anger, with resentment! Transform your fury into the flames of love and hate!

Overcome the fateful storm that is reality!

Let your anger guide you! Kill everything that stands in your way!

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That's right. It's never too late for anyone to change their minds.

And if nothing else...you can always change the score.

You can change it to a clear blue sky that stretches on as far as the eye can see.

To a chance encounter that feels nothing short of miraculous.

...To a special someone's shy smile.

It doesn't matter if nobody else understands, as long as you hold something bright and precious in your heart...

...you can always begin the song of life anew.

Now, what will you do here...

...Jeanne Alter?

Fujimaru!

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It's time for my secret plan! There might be some blowback, but just try to hang in there!

This thing uses magical energy to drag Servants over, right!?

So here! Have some of mine!

Avengers!

Avenger this, Avenger that... Friend or foe, it's all Avengers here!

That's the only kind of Servant you can bring here, right, Dantès?

Then I know exactly who to call!

Come on, you two! Your Master needs your help!

Let's see... You can start by blowing that damn lightning bird away!

One Thousand Mystic Eyes, release! Melt away!

Pandemonium Cetus! Ahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Well done! They annihilated those creatures in an instant!

The storm is easing up as well... I think Gorgon's magical energy may have something to do with that.

What strength!

I see... So this is the Chaldean Count's temporary power-up in action! I remember you said he consumes his own magical energy to provide it.

However, that is not the only unknown factor I sense here.

Another is Jeanne Alter herself.

She's using her Spirit Origin as kindling, isn't she? One wrong move, and she could destroy herself.

Such incredible resolve, such devotion... I've hardly seen the like.

Is it born of camaraderie? Or perhaps it flows from that well of more romantic love which so often lends heroes strength?

Ah, that is well outside my area of expertise, so I cannot be certain. At any rate, that's not all.

What is this other incredibly mysterious factor I sense?

Does it have anything to do with why the Master of Chaldea's magical energy provision is so oddly efficient...?

...Just this once, I'll spare you my usual disdain.

I cannot believe you brought me here to fight alongside a dog. You are so brazenly arrogant, I am actually impressed!

All the more so now that I see I'm facing you, the storm of fear, death, misfortune, and destruction!

Hmm. Interesting.

You have brought two new fighters hereone fanged, one demonicneither of which share any of the same fears as humans. How amusing.

But even fangs and demons cannot escape loss or destruction.

...!

(Shrug)

His remains will make suitable paving stones for my temple!

Come, Wolf King! It is time to begin our huntno, to devour our prey!

The only question that remains is how best to cook it! Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

(...!)

Thy path has long since come to an end!

...Heh, heh. Heh. Alone, none of you could hope to stop the Death Storm King.

Loss and destruction come to all things. Humans. Fangs. Demons. Even gods.

However...

If humans, fangs, and demons...

...can find a way to work together, rather than separately...

...Heh. It seems they can, at times, make even the impossible, possible.

...Haha. What was that? I didn't think you were capable of telling jokes.

(Huff... Gasp...)

Guess I should've known...I can't keep Lobo and a former goddess...around forever...

Ugh... You know, all that aside...

I am FREAKING WIPED! I can't move a goddamn muscle! Man, what I wouldn't give for a cold soda right now!

I can't believe the shadow Dantès's been putting himself through this during every trial. He's gotta be an idiot or something.

Yeah, that must be it. What else could it be?

...Khh.

Guh...

...Huh?

Hm?

Aah! Don't scare me like this! ...I mean, uh... Thanks.

I didn't really want you seeing me like this, but I guess I haven't got much choice, huh...

I'm just a little dizzy, that's all. So, yeah. Thanks.

...Whoa there.

Hrngh.

Uh, thanks. I hate to admit it, but...

...I got a little dizzy there.

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...Yeah, you're right.

I won't. I feel like I might blow my whole Spirit Core if I tried that again...

...and then you'd probably cry or something. So don't worry. This was a onetime thing.

But hey, at least now, you can go into the last trial with a Command Spell to use, right?

I don't think even that masked bastard would spring an eighth on us.

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So, you completely destroyed both Servants' Spirit Cores simultaneously. Exceptional work.

You have passed the fifth and sixth trial.

That leaves only one: my trial.

I won't tell you to steel yourself. I will say only this:

Wait, but dare to hope.