Mad Roland - Naked Death Dubai

I'm so sorry I couldn't block all of them. Simultaneous lock-on is bad civilization...

At least they stopped now. Though I doubt it's a matter of them having run out of missiles...

(Is it because we made it to a different area? Those mechanized soldiers aren't trying to chase us down anymore, either.)

Whatever the case, thank goodness we're all okay. I can still hardly believe we didn't get blown to bits.

I guess we got lucky. Must be all those good deeds we're always

Don't be ridiculous. You WOULD have all been blown to bits if I hadn't kept you safe.

Good point, Ereshkigal. Those gravity fields you made after the third strike really helped.

If those fields hadn't been deflecting the missiles into the nearby buildings, then we

Senpai! It's Ereshkigal! Ereshkigal's woken up!

Her new outfit looks amazing, too! How did that happen!? Ereshkigal, did the heat from the explosions cause your swimsuit to expand and deform somehow!?

What kind of swimsuit would do that?

Nobody could sleep through that many explosions. Especially once the blasts started to send you all tumbling.

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You didn't do anything wrong. If anything, I should have woken up sooner.

Frankly, I'm amazed you carried me this far instead of leaving me behind. Which would you rather? Gratitude or a scolding?

I understand you wanting to scold him for taking so many risks, but right now, I think he deserves your gratitude.

Anyway, I'm sorry to ask this right after you woke up, but, are you the Ereshkigal we know?

I don't know that, either. All I can say for sure is that I am Ereshkigal.

More importantly, what's going on? Can you tell me what happened after I lost consciousness?

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3019, Moon Dubai, BB Dubai, and the Final Boss of Humanity's Annihilation Showdown, huh...

Right. I know it's a lot to take in. I wouldn't blame you if you didn't believe us.

What are you talking about? Of course I believe you. It all makes perfect sense.

It's only natural that I would be here too, in fact.

Now I know what was making me so sick the whole time we were touring Dubai.

I wouldn't say another word if I were you, Master. Some things, you can't come back from.

Yes. I'm sure none of you felt this, but anyone connected to the underworld would notice it instantly.

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More importantly, are you aware we're surrounded?

Wha...!?

Haaahahaha! Baaahahaha!

I can't believe you didn't realize you were being surrounded! How have you lived so long with such awful survival instincts!?

It just goes to show how civilization dulls the natural instinct, and how clothes provide an inflated sense of security!

As I thought, there's no hope for people who insist on covering themselves up! Now is the time to free yourself from outdated constructs like rationality and shame!

R-Roland!?

Yes, it is I, Roland the Paladin! I have heard my friends' cries for help and have come to this moon city to aid them!

Sorry about thisno, actually I'm not sorry at allbut this is what needs to be done to put a bow on a better humankind!

Now get ready to go back to basics, because this place is about to become your changing room!

Woooooo! You suck, Lord Rolaaand!

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Is that it? You're even slower than I thought! It's like you're wearing too much!

Roland isn't so much as budging! There's no way we can get past him like this!

I hate to say it, but we're just not strong enough. Why didn't you fight with us, Ereshkigal?

What do you mean? Was there some reason I had to?

...No, I guess not.

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Heh, I see. I'm not surprised you don't know what's going on. I don't really understand it myself.

But, I do understand I'm not the Roland you know. I'm a wild Roland who tumbled straight out of the Throne of Heroes!

My only purpose is to wield my sword in service of my friends' dreams!

That being said... What was that piss-poor performance, my fellow knights!? I know you're stronger than that!

Why are you still wearing your clothes!? No wonder you were struggling to capture our quarry as you are!

Hey, we were taking this seriously. We were acting completely on instinct. We couldn't hold back even if we wanted to.

Yeah. Besides, it's not like you HAVE to get naked to shed your rationality.

I get where you're coming from, Sir Roland, but I think we're still just too smart for that.

Like, as a human, I get shedding your clothes as an analogue for shedding your rationality, but I just think the stripping part isn't strictly necessary.

I mean, our leader's got no problem being irrational, and he still wears clothes, right?

Exactly! We don't need rules tying us down! Stop trying to impose your tastes on everyone, Roland!

The next time you get stark naked, I'm gonna crucify you on top of a dump truck and have it drive recklessly all around Moon Dubai☆

That voice! That crazy, hysterical, impossibly dumb voice!

Don't make people do things they hate! It's okay not to do things you don't like doing!

We humans are meant to enjoy the moment! Forget things like scrimping and working and planning for the future!

Just do what you enjoy now, and everything'll be fine! Sure, you might die tomorrow...

...but you can think about that when tomorrow arrives! In fact, once you die, you won't have to think about anything ever again!

That's the slogan for the LMKBthe Laughing Moon Knight Brigade! Wooo! Is everybody having fun out here!?

Woooooo! You rock, Captain! You're beautiful, Captain!

We're in trouble, Master! Somehow, different as things are here, they're still just like they always are!

Hey there! Nice to meet you, Master of Chaldea! I'm Astolfo!

Astolfo Grimaldi, the Moon Cancer! One of the Anti-Saviors summoned to this city!

This probably goes without saying, but you guys are in our way, so I'm gonna have to kill you now☆

This probably goes without saying, but you guys are in our way, so I'm gonna have to kill you now☆

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on, Astolfo! This isn't what we agreed on!

All of you, lower your weapons! Once the old humans are dead, that's it, right?

That's why I said we should at least start by trying to reason with them!

Oh, hi, Anthony! I thought you'd gone to the ceremony.

Thanks, Anthony, but you can go now. You'll just get in the way.

Where's this attitude coming from!? I'm your Master, remember!?

You there, Mr. Old-Fashioned! Servants are supposed to obey their Master, right!?

Of course. You're the only protein sack here!

Uh... Now that you mention it, I'm not suuuper confident about it... But, technically, I do think I qualify.

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Now, now, we can catch up after we kill them. Besides, feeling over thinking is our motto!

Don't worry, knights! You guys can just stay back there and watch while Roland and I kill them all!

There you have it, Mild-Mannered Master. This time, we're going to finish you off for good.

Remember, the rational ones are first to die here. Think on that while we fight!

How many times do I have to say it? No thinking, period!

Ugh, you're just too smart, Roland! Die!

Bwaaaaaa!?

Is he actually stupid!?

Gyaaah! Hang on! Nobody told me old humans were so strong! (Crying)

We've got this, Mash! Keep up the pressure! Once we subdue him, we can pump him for information!

Right! Knowing Astolfo, I'm sure he'll understand once he hears us out!

Let's interrogate him after we disarm him!

Aah! Nooo! Please! If you lecture me, I might get all rational again! (Sobbing)

Save me, Rolaaand! Overpowered Rolaaand!

Aaaaaah!

He really sent them flying. But I guess that's no surprise, seeing how much more magical energy he has.

Fujimaru, is that Roland person famous? Is he regarded as the strongest and most dependable knight on Earth or something?

I see. Then someone here must believe he's the strongest knight on the moon.

Really!? You're a fan of mine!? I can't believe it!

You honor me, strange mage! Even my oldest childhood friends don't have such strong belief in me!

I'd love to swear an oath of eternal friendship and spend the rest of our days drinking together until the world comes to an end, but

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No way! Roland might be invincible, but he's not the best knight ever! More like secondno, third best at most!

But he IS the strongest he's ever been right now! There's nobody stronger than my Roland!

...Heh. Cut that out, Astolfo. It might be true, but it's embarrassing to hear you say that in public.

That said, His Highness aside, I was definitely the strongest knight back home, and I am superstar popular, so...

Right, Master! Those magecraft spells had the same effect as a Command Spell!

Um, Master? Maybe you should take another look at your right hand...

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So it would seem... They might not have actually been Command Spells, but they're giving him the same kind of effects.

I'm guessing that's

See that!? There's no way we can lose as long as Roland's on our side!

Laughing Moon Knight Brigade, assemble! No more playing around! It's time for a public execution!

No, no! Please, just capture them! That's all you have to do! Are you listening toAaah!

There you have it. I know Anthony's right, but this is what my friend wants, and he believes I'm the strongest guy in the world.

I'm sorry about this, but I'm going to have to kill you now.

But hey, this is the future. You dying here won't change the timeline where humanity went extinct anyway.

Wait, Roland! Stop! Stop!

Like I said, I can't.

I really am sorry. I don't want to do this either, but it's kind of my responsibility as a summoned Servant. Besides, better our stupid captain becomes the last boss than one of the other

Aaaaaah! Rolaaaaaand!?

Aaaaaah! It's a traffic accident! Roland got turned into roadkiiill!

Yikes. I'm sure he's not actually dead, but that had to hurt. He's not moving for at least a day, nope.

For that matter, this overwhelming violence... This unrestrained cruelty...

Oh no. Don't tell me...

Aaaaaah! I knew it! It's heeerrr!

I wasn't seeing things, right? You just tried to kill these people, right?

Well, that makes you trash, and trash is meant to be taken out, right? I must punish every last one of you.

Eeeeee! It's the monsteeer! Kingprotea is heeere!

That voice... Fujimaru! It IS you! Thank goodness I finally found you!

Hold on, please. I just need to finish taking out the trash.

Nooo! Our friends are dropping like flies!

How dare you squish Roland!? Well, if you think you can just keep pushing us around forever, you've got another thing coming!

I've beaten giants like you before! Today's the day I kick you out of our area once and forAh.

Captaaain! C'mon, Captain! This is the twelfth time you've gotten yourself insta-killed!

Retreat! Retreeeat! Everyone, run for your lives! Protea's out of our leeeague!

Don't worry about Sir Roland! He'll bounce back eventually!

And Protea's still technically a Servant! She wouldn't go after guys who're running awa

Yah. Yah. Twelve...aaand eleven, ten... Eh, too much trouble. I'll just squash you all at once. Yah.

All right! Another total wipeout! Just you wait! One of these days, we're gonna kick you out of our territory!

(Sigh) You're not only weak, you're boring and small-minded, too.

Next time, I won't even bother using my hands. I'll just kick you guys all the way to the desert.

Ah... Ahhh... Ahhhhhh...

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Master! Mash!

Who is that woman, and what's her relationship to us!?

Kingprotea isn't a standard Heroic Spirit, but she does have ties to Chaldea.

She's one of BB's Alter Egos. She was very helpful in the South American Lostbelt.

So she really is on our side then!?

What luck! What joyous, blissful luck! Thank you, fate! Thank you, thank you!

I've never seen a beautiful woman with such impact before. That modest, graceful demeanor... That kind, gentle visage...

...and that eye! Completely protected not just by her hair, but a bandage as well! This is the greatest Mystic I've ever seen!

How wonderful! How beautiful!

And yet... Dammit! Of all the times for me to be without so much as one of my prized ships!

Ahh, if only this was the harbor! Curse you, fate, for bringing us together in this town full of office buildings!

Weren't you thanking fate just earlier? Also, you do understand all you're doing is creeping her out, right?

Whoops. Sorry about that. I just couldn't contain myself.

Ahem. Thank you for saving us from that predicament, my fair lady. My name is Bartholomew Roberts.

I am part of Master Fujimaru's escort, and a captive, spellbound by your beautifully enchanting eye.

Would you be so kind as to tell us what you know, so that we might better understand where we're all coming from?

...I see.

So just a short while ago, you all thought you were visiting Dubai on Earth.

Then you were told this is actually Moon Dubai once you went up to the Burj Khalifa's observatory.

Then you were thrown onto the streets where the citizens of Moon Dubai attacked without anyone telling you what was going on.

Right. Then you showed up and saved us just when things were looking dire.

And now, we're safely in your hands. Literally.

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I think I'm in the same boat as you guys. I just woke up and found myself here in Moon Dubai.

Well, actually, BB was originally going to give me a job.

She said she was going to invite Fujimaru to go sightseeing in Dubai and ordered me to get ready to be a boss fight.

But when I actually got here, it wasn't Dubai in 2030

But Moon Dubai in 3019, huh.

So BB Dubai had already positioned you here ahead of time. Why? So you could take part in the Final Boss of Humanity's Annihilation Showdown?

No way! I'll never be a final boss!

...Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to shout.

BB did originally plan for Lip and me to be bosses to make your trip to Dubai more interesting.

But that was only meant to be a fun summer game, not a serious threat to eradicate humankind.

Anyway, I didn't hear from BB after I arrived here...and this was obviously the moon.

Then, just as I was getting worried, Astolfo's knight brigade took over the office area.

Shortly after that, they started laughing every day about how they were going to kill the Master coming here from Chaldea, so

So you began scattering them every time they got together. Impressive. I wouldn't have expected such boldness from you.

Every day? How long have you been here for, Protea?

About six days now. And in that time, I've beat up lots of bad guys!

Those knights, some mechanized people, these people in diving suits, oh and people in formal wear!

The ones in diving suits were the faction occupying Moon Dubai's westmost side.

They really seemed like enemies of Chaldea, and they were kind of annoying too, so I wiped them all out!

Hm, a group of mechanized people and people in suits attacked us in front of the Burj Khalifa.

So it sounds like you've been fighting off pretty much all of the factions in Moon Dubai.

Uh-huh! I'm actually the strongest person in all of Moon Dubai! Nobody else even tries to challenge me anymore!

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Oh. Um... I'm sorry. I forgot to mention this sooner, but...

...I actually can't leave the office area, or go to any of the other ones...

Why not? Is there a Bounded Field around each area or something?

No... It's not my fault. It's the bedrock's. It's just too fragile.

If I tried to go anywhere else, the buildings and even the ground would crumble in no time.

This particular area is really tough, so it's okay for me to walk around here, but that's all.

The buildings here are really tough, too. I can hit them at full strength, and they don't even crack.

Oh yes. I've never seen such tough buildings before. I can hit them at full strength, and they don't even crack.

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I see. So this really is the only area you can move around in.

So why carry us around in your hand?

You can't go to any other areas, right? And we're much safer staying with you.

There are even some buildings here that would make for a perfect hideout.

None of the buildings have entrances. No one can get inside.

Those knights have been camping out ever since they showed up.

So I thought you guys would want to stay in an area with proper lodging.

Lodging... The Marion Hotel! You're right, I can see it all the way from here.

The terrain might have changed now that Moon Dubai isn't pretending to be normal Dubai anymore, but the Marion Hotel is still the same.

So you WERE staying in that hotel! I knew it! It's such a beautiful building!

Thank goodness. Now I can relax and... And

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I'm sorry. I haven't been able to control my skills very well here...

So I've been using up more magical energy than usual, and when I hit my limit, I get really sleepy...

That's why I actually lose consciousness for about seventeen hours every day... But, my body is still as durable as ever, so...

I wanted to get you all to your hotel in Area I, since it's so close, before I...

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(Zzz... Zzz...)

Protea fell asleep. It looks like her whole body has gone dormant due to a magical energy deficiency.

It doesn't look like she's in any pain, so I think she'll just wake back up once she's recovered her magical energy.

Comrades! Did you hear that rumble!? Kingprotea has fallen! It's naptime!

Now we can get back to hunting down the Master of Chaldea! Come on, before he reaches the next area!

The captain's clever tactics aren't gonna work on those hardheaded bastards from the Alvatron Company!

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So it would seem. It breaks my heart to leave her behind like this, but it doesn't look like anyone can hurt her anyway.

Let's head back to the hotel. Sound good, Master?

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Good. Luckily, Protea carrying us here gave us a chance to rest our legs. I know we're all tired, but we just need to hang in there a little longer.

Things will turn around after we reach the hotel. Once we're back somewhere we can rest, we can plan our next move!

We had to fend off a few more attacks from those knights along the way, but at least we made it back to the hotel safely.

Let's see... It's almost noon now, which means it's been about four hours since our battle at the Burj Khalifa this morning.

That's a lot of fighting and moving. How is everyone feeling? Especially you, Master?

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I'm sorry... We used up all our food and water on the first day of our trip.

Hey, that won't be a problem. Never mind just water. Now that we're back at the hotel, we can get a first-class meal.

Let's go up to Master's room for now, then

...Never mind. Oh well, I didn't really think it would be that simple.

Mr. Fujimaru. Ms. Mash. Mr. Bartholomew.

I'm terribly sorry, but we can no longer provide you with our services.

Now that the Final Boss of Humanity's Annihilation Showdown is officially underway, this hotel has become the property of the Alvatron Company.

Lord Thomas seeks to use mechanization to return to the first generation's roots. This domain belongs to him.

Old humanity, new humanity, it makes no difference. Anyone with a meat body rather than a mechanized one has no claim to human rights.

That voice... Aren't you the person at the front desk who saw us off with a smile this morning?

That was merely an act. We've been deceiving you to ensure the election would begin without a hitch.

Now that it has, our only directive is to follow Lord Thomas's commands.

And the command shared by every soldier in this area...

...is to capture the Chaldeans, restrain them, and convert them into mechanized humans.

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However, just as the concept of professions existed in the old world, we share the concept of responsibility.

We may work for the Alvatron Company, but we were assigned to run the Marion Hotel.

We are not combat units and so have no equipment with which we could fight you ourselves.

Therefore, our only available course of action...

...is to notify the soldiers that you have appeared at this hotel.

So we will do exactly that...once this conversation is over.

Do you..."catch my drift"?

We do. Thank you so much. Not just for this, but for everything you've done for us while we were staying here.

It's been wonderful staying at this hotel. I wish we could do so again one day.

...Proceeding with notification now. Thank you for staying with us. You have all been wonderful guests.

Huh? I don't understand. Why did you thank them after they kicked us out, Mash?

Huh? I don't understand. Why did you and Mash thank them?

Didn't they just kick us out of the hotel?

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They could have alerted the soldiers the moment we went inside. They could even have lured us in and trapped us there until the soldiers arrived.

But they didn't.

Instead, they chose to honor their humanno, their hospitality worker selves.

...I see. So even though their bodies are mechanical, they're still human at heart.

It's just like you Servants. Even though you're no longer mortal, you still have your humanityyour soul.

Ereshkigal?

Targets spotted. Preparing to link up with Third and Fourth squads to initiate joint operation.

Our highest priority is to capture the targets alive. Establishing mind-map connection. Integrating self-boundaries.

Executing Legion Mode. Initiating capture operation with full coordination from forty-six units.

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Understood, Master! We'll intercept them as quickly as possible before returning to Area F!

We defeated the first wave, but there's two more incoming! They keep charging at us with perfect synergy and they don't even blink when we blast them!

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They're all acting as a single unit. They must have a very talented commander leading them.

They basically let us get away.

Protea's our best hope out here, and they've completely closed off the western bridge that leads back to her.

I see. Then we're going to need to try to force our way across the bridge to reach her.

Right. It's obviously a trap. That's just what they want us to do.

For now, we'll need to head east to try and lose them.

From what I saw at the observatory, the city is surrounded by desert. Heading into that without a vehicle would be suicide...

...but if it's a choice between staying here and getting trapped, I think it's worth taking our chances.

...Dammit, it's times like these I really hate how useless I am. I wish I could do more to help.

Karna and Percival could probably defeat those soldiers on their own if they were here.

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The desert isn't an option.

Yes, it's made of sand, but I can tell by looking that it's more of an ocean than ground.

If we try to navigate it on foot, the quicksand will swallow Mash and Fujimaru whole.

Khh. If only I had some kind of flight-capable unit!

All right, um, what if we find the enemy fortification's weakest point and smash through to head west!?

That's why they're conducting their search operation using a line formation strategyto stop us from doing exactly that.

They're basically an impenetrable wall moving from west to east right now. Not even an ant could get past them.

They're trying to wear us down and trap us between them and the desert.

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Oh my. You're sweating like crazy, but your lips are completely parched. Have you not been hydrating enough?

Here, take this. Good thing I was in the area handing out mineral water.

Who're you!?

Easy there, big guy. It's okay, you can lower your weapon. I'm no mechanized soldier, see?

I'm just a passing gym trainer.

Now, here you go. A nice, cold bottle of water.

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Good. I'm glad you're feeling better. But you can't let your guard down yet.

The Alvatron Company's mechanized soldiers are efficient, and don't take reckless actions. I can't advise hiding or trying to break through their fortifications.

Escaping into the desert probably IS the right call. You just can't do it on foot.

There's a wharf over on Area F's east edge that should still be sending out desert tour boats.

The soldiers haven't blocked off the east bridge yet, and at your speed, you should just be able to make it in time.

Hey, you're right! I do see something that looks like a harbor! That must be the sandship wharf!

The Alvatron Company thinks you guys don't know anything about Moon Dubai's geography.

This trick won't work twice, but it should at least buy you some time.

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I know. We can't be too quick to trust him. You seem like you've met Master before, but who exactly are you?

I'm a tourist here, like all of you. I just happened to arrive early, and I've been working part-time jobs to stay occupied.

I understand why you'd be wary of strangers, especially now, but you really don't have so much as a second to spare.

You'll be finished if the mechanized soldiers seal off the east bridge too. An experienced Master like you must understand that.

I told you, I'm just passing by. Also, I'm at work.

Mechanized soldiers are approaching! Master!

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Okay, let's hope we don't regret this! Thanks for the help, Gym Guy!

In the meantime, if we're going to be on a ship, then I can finally put my skills to full use! I think the winds of fortune might just be starting to turn in our favor!