Section 4: Counterfeit "The Cool Guys of Arts and Science"

...That's it for them.

I never thought you and I would team up. Highly unlikely, even for our originals!

...It's for her sake. We have no choice. Also, I would never want to pair up with "that."

Hmm... I agree. Quite vexing.

First of all, the fact that it is impossible to communicate is quite a problem.

It's not that she can't perceive data from the five senses, it's that she doesn't.

It's not that she's blind or deaf, it's that she doesn't try to see or listen.

The trouble is that she possesses top-class abilities.

Well, never mind her. It looks like they are still alive.

I don't think either of us held back. ...Should we have used our Noble Phantasms?

It's not just that Demi-Servant, Mash! Even that mysterious Archer has a shield-type Noble Phantasm!

It appears we underestimated them.

Siegfried's loss is unfortunate. ...I am sorry we dragged him into this.

No. Precisely because he was defenseless, we were able to lure them into this trap. He would've wanted this.

...I guess that's it for me. I leave the rest to you!

I can't believe this. He may be a counterfeit, but to think they would use the great hero Siegfried as bait...

？！

Y-Yes, somehow! I deployed my Noble Phantasm just in time...

Oh, that was close... You're a jack-of-all-trades, aren't you?

A bowman has many talents. ...And so do our opponents, it would seem.

Careful, Master. I know who they are.

One is Arash, a great hero of ancient Persia.

The other is the gifted hero Arjuna, a legend in India's epic poem the Mahabharata.

Even if they're counterfeit Heroic Spirits, they are far more powerful than us.

Arash and Arjuna. Both were Heroic Spirits who lived during the Age of the Gods.

They're going to attack. Don't hesitate, Master.

Even after sacrificing Siegfried, we dealt them almost no damage.

Nameless Hero. I do not know who you are, but I respect your ability.

Your strategic error was to try to kill us without using your Noble Phantasms.

Of courseArjuna aside, it's not like Arash can use his Noble Phantasm here.

Hmm, this is quite vexing. Very vexing.

If I used my Noble Phantasm, I would make that child so sad!

She gets carried away. When she only means to curse at someone, she spits at them too.

Then she's filled with self-loathing when she realizes that she's made the same mistake again.

She may be our Master, but she is quite simple in principle. That's how she will act.

Quite undesirable, really. ...I'm the only one who should make her weep.

Counterfeits... "Her"... Hmm.

Hey, you two. Can I ask a question?

Oh, and what would that be? I don't mind answering if it's something I know.

I'd like you to tell me about the relationship between you and your Master.

If my speculation is correct, both of you were assigned a role, yes?

...You're quite perceptive.

What was your role again? She was using some kind of slang, like "tsun" or "sadistic" or something like that.

Tsun... Sadistic?

Slang... I think that means...

I shall explain my role once and only once. I am

"a very sadistic science major upperclassman who gets all lovey-dovey when it matters most."

Sadistic!?

Who gets all lovey-dovey when it matters most!?

Upperclassman... Science major?

...Such a simplistic thought process...is quite plausible...

That makes so much sense!

？！

So... What about you, Arash?

Oh me? I hope you'll find mine surprising and amusing!

I am the "older childhood friend who's an humanities major and lives next door!"

Older childhood friend!?

Humanities major!?

And lives next door!?

While we're on the topic, Siegfried was "the friendly class celebrity who, by coincidence, sits next to you in class."

？！

...That's enough.

At any rate, both of you were born as counterfeit Heroic Spirits and assigned specific roles.

Alexander, Hektor, Siegfried, Arjuna, and Arash.

Each of you consoled your Master in your own way, showering her with affection.

So that's why you were summoned?

However, whether it's for money or some other objective, your Master has been pirating my works.

Hmm... You're a bit off the mark. But close enough, I suppose.

Arash. Isn't this the time to pretend like you know a little less?

It's no big deal. We've done what we're supposed to.

The moment our Master began to forge counterfeits, she was no doubt aware how it would all turn out.

I don't quite agree.

Whether Chaldea wants to track down the counterfeits or not, their priority right now should be restoring the Foundation of Humanity.

It's unnecessary to solve an issue that wouldn't even turn into a Singularity. In that case... You there, that Master! Won't you make a deal with me?

It's clear that we're stronger. If you withdraw now, we won't attack you.

I think it's a fair deal myself.

...Master.

Fujimaru, it's you who must decide. We will obey your decision.

...Hmm, I guess this is it. It bothers me that so many counterfeits are being circulated...

But it doesn't make any sense to put Fujimaru at risk.

...I agree.

I'm sad that my works will remain obscure... But, I guess it can't be helped!

I mean, humanity is at stake here. If there are no human beings left to appreciate my art, what's the point?

Art is only a visual depiction of this world's phenomena and truths that are already beautiful as they are.

But art is how I make my living. It is the reason for my existence. I was born for art.

So, ultimately, as long as no one interferes with my artistic work, I am content.

If anyone loudly condemns my work to be a sham, I can proudly claim otherwise.

I can say, "I am the one who created this work!"

Da Vinci...

...

...

Romani, sorry to be so selfish. Prepare to Rayshift.

Okay. Well, I'd expect no less of a conclusion from you, Leonardo.

？！

...Hmm?

...Oh.

Master...

？！

What...w-why!? I told you I'm fine. I can create new works of art.

？！

...

...You heard that, Da Vinci. Our Master can be quite reckless.

That's just how Senpai is!

Either way, I'm not that weak to a point of asking my enemies for mercy. Arash, Arjuna... Ready your bows.

Hah hah hah! Your Master is quite bold. I wish we could provide you with some of our Master's sensitivity.

But...a battle is a battle. We won't hold back.

So you don't need mercy from us, huh? Such an endearing fool, butyou've made a grave mistake.

My name is Arjuna. With this arrow, you will all scatter like a flower's petals!

Ah dammit. I lost... I didn't think I pulled any punches but...

So a counterfeit's utmost effort wasn't enough to defeat an original, huh... No...authenticity isn't the problem here.

We lost to you. And that is all...

I suppose we don't have to run around the world anymore. She's at an art museum, right?

Oh, I'm not about to confess to that!

Arash is right. You should find that out yourself.

Leonardo da Vinci. History's greatest artist, known worldwide for your works.

...Right. I don't want you to meet her. However, if you do happen to run into her...

Witness the truth with your own eyes.

We've come this far. All that's left is to go meet the boss

Will you come with me?

？！

I see. One more thing.

...Thanks...for what you did earlier. Hah, it's kind of awkward to directly thank someone.

I can't believe I'm seeing this... Da Vinci...seems...to be...embarrassed!

Doctor, do not ruin a nice moment. Please shut up.

Fou fou.

Anyway, you agreed. You'll see this through with me to the end, right?

...It seems my role this time is to ascertain the authenticity of her works.

By the way, Da Vinci. You mentioned an "art museum." Which one, exactly?

Oh, come on. Surely you know where my Mona Lisa was originally on display, right?

The Louvre!

If she's not there... Then I'll give up without complaint!

But for now, let's search thoroughly...

Fou!