Commence! The 2nd Nero Fest!

What is a festival?

It is a party that brings joy to all people, regardless of the era or place!

The same can be said for my festival! It can already be considered a spectacle that both Rome and Chaldea are known for!

"But that's not the true meaning of a festival," you say? Umu, I shall leave that distinction to the scholarly Servants.

The dazzling Nero Fest! A joint production between Rome and Chaldea!

Let the festivities begin!

As it is a martial arts tournament held at the Colosseum, many Servants are going to enjoy this.

Hehehe. I am not familiar with mana and the like, but I can feel it! The joy is in the air!

A festival of power, modeled after the one once held at Olympia! The people shall praise the courage of warriors!

Highly trained bodies! A competitive display of skill! What could be more beautiful, more noble!?

Like admiring a blooming rose, mankind loves to look upon their wonderous possibilities.

That's what this Olympic festival, held in my Rome, is all about!

Rome! Indeed!

Hehehe. Your applause is making me blush.

？！

Yes, I shall permit it! Enjoy this glorious festival!

What is it, Master?

You're going to participate in this festival thing, right? It's a great way to let off some steam. Let's have fun.

Will we end up as friends or foes? ...Even I don't know.

Either way, let's have fun going at it. Right, spearless me?

Yeah. You know, hearing that from the spear-wielding version of me kind of pisses me off...

Hahah. If it bothers you, I can lend you one, elderly me. This thing was made real quick. I can replace it.

Oh, wasn't this handmade by your last Master or something? I can't take it.

(Sigh) This is all so stupid.

Are you guys really me? Who cares if you have a spear or not?

If two people fight, the strong one wins and the weak one dies. There's nothing else to it. So shut up.

Um... (He's seriously going to try and murder his opponents.)

Leave it to us. We are on stand-by for medical treatment. Even if someone gets the wrong idea and goes out of control...

I shall save all my patients. I will not allow any deaths. I shall save them, yes.

There may be casualties, but no one will die. Rest assured.

Wait, wait! You're saying the word "casualties"! That includes deaths!

Yes, I'll be very, very careful about cleanliness in the first aid area. We need to be very cautious about disinfecting and sterilizing.

Don't worry. I'm here. I'll be a little diligent about disinfecting and sterilizing.

Listen to me! Listen to what I'm saying!

Martha and Nightingale are truly good friends. Even their jokes are in perfect harmony.

Oh, Iri. I'm counting on your healing powers. ...Wait, I don't think she was joking back there!

Healing powers? Could you possibly be...

Yeah, it's her healing spells. It's quite different than my power and your techniques.

...a doctor with surgical experience?

Huh? A doctor?

That's reassuring. Then yes. We can more than double our efficiency when amputating the limbs of the wounded.

Wait, wait, wait, wait!

Normally, when a Servant manifests, it doesn't need food to sustain itself...

Even so, you get hungry if you move. Even if it's only a feeling, it's important to pay attention.

Feeling good and feeling down are both made up of half-physical, half-mental states.

With all this moving around at the festival, won't there be an influx of hungry Servants?

Yeah. If that's the case, leave the kitchen and cafeteria to us, Master.

We'll keep it running 24 hours a day.

Feel free to get hungry anytime!

I don't like the idea of helping that woman's festival, but I'll do it for you. Hehe. What a weird feeling.

Master, we have a favor to ask. We'd like to have Servants who aren't busy serve tables.

It would help if you could tell them in advance.

And...

If you could get rid of that Servant who's been hanging around the cafeteria for a while now...

...What? Why are you looking at me, Archer?

I just followed you here in search of snacks.

"Just"? That's no excuse. Sheesh.

Good timing, Fujimaru! How do you turn off the simulator?

Um, actually I...

I got lost. Where am I? Why am I walking through the desert again?

(Sob, sob) I'm beyond lost... I'm not gonna make it in time for the festival at this rate!

Waaahh! I wanna have fun, too! Fun, I say! I wanna play, play, and play some more!

Calm down! You're the one who woke me up early this morning, saying you wanted to come!

You were the one who activated this simulator thing. Which means you must have set a turn-off time, right?

(Sob) A turn-off... time?

Uh-oh. That's the face and voice she uses when things are bad. Master, turn off the simulator!

It's a festival, right? Then I want to participate too. Is that all right?

Your Highness, that's... It might not be what you think it is.

This tournament is a clash of myths, a battle of supernatural blades in the Colosseum.

Medical Servants may be standing by, but it's still dangerous.

Your Highness, I suggest you simply dedicate yourself to watching from the sidelines.

Who cares, d'Eon? Let her do what she wants.

She'll dance beautifully, no matter where she is. I'll write the perfect sonata to go along with it!

No, but...

How wonderful. You're going to write me a sonata?

...Then I shall do whatever it takes to assure the queen's safety. I will eliminate all who would hurt her.

I see, I see. That's quite a funny joke. Weren't you one of Robespierre's dogs?

No, I...

Come on, no fighting. It's a festival. We have to have fun. Right?

I met all of you at one time or another during my life...

We met at different times but now we're here together. That's something very special.

And I think it's wonderful. It's like a once-in-a-century festival!

So you see? It's a waste to argue. Let's have fun, okay?

Right, Your Highness.

Then let's say it together! Ready, set... Vive la France!

Vive la France!

Oui. Well done!

So this festival is based on the same event as the modern Olympics.

None of them actually existed in my era...

But even so, I'm honestly looking forward to participating in this.

Let's both do our best, okay?

Fat chance!

Why!? Why should I spend time at a festival with you?

Don't say that. She's just looking after you.

It's partially the will of God, but at the same time, she just wants to be like a good parent to you.

...!

Parent? W-Who are you calling my parent!? I-I don't remember you giving birth to me, stupid!

I-I don't remember giving birth to you either! But you're still Jeanne d'Arc!

Which means you were created from the same Spirit Origin that is the basis for my form.

Nnngh, nnngh, don't say it! I'll burn you alive! I mean it!

Hahah. Now, now. Calm down.

Humph.

Flames of vengeance have taken human form as an Avenger, yet she's able to mess around with them. That's impressive, in a way.

Master, did you know? That Jeanne d'Arc is not Jeanne d'Arc.

How could a forgery like her exist? Her hatred and rage have turned her whole body to flame.

And yet, look at her...

...

No, I'm sure you understand.

Do as you will. If you truly desire it, even if this is a farce, I shall lend you my power.

The Count of Monte Cristo will obey you.

For instance, I would be more than willing to exterminate that squirming Caster over there.

Ooh! Ooh! How could this be!? A second Jeanne, born of my desires...

...is standing next to the one and only Jeanne, and happily talking to her!

This was unexpected! Oooh! Oooh! How COOL can this get?

You there! You, who is concerned about her just as I am. Come with me.

And let us watch over the holy maidens together! Come, come!

Humph. He was being so stupid I decided to take a break.

Heh. Servants who've gone mad can be such a hassle to deal with.

Absolutely not. It's out of the question.

I was indeed a general as well as a Roman soldier. But that was a long time ago. Now I'm just a Saber.

Ah, yes! I am a Saber! Unfortunately for me, I was summoned as a Servant.

I work in place of my lord. I am truly a slave.

I thought that compared to the Greeks or other civilizations, Rome's slave system was civilized.

Yet it's no different. I do not like it one bit.

You tell me... to fight... Moon Goddess? Diana... I...

Nero... Child of my beloved sister... At the festival that bears your name, I will...

RAAARRGGH! FARMING!

I WILL FARM MEDALS!

Relax, relax. Sheesh. You want Nero's medals more than anybody.

No, Caesar. Let him.

Gather them as you will, Caligula. I see that's the shape of your heart's desire.

If you think that way, let it be so. If wanting something means fighting, then you must fight.

It is the same with you, Fujimaru. If you need more Ascension materials, then struggle, and fight.

Rome will accept your battle. I'll allow it. Desire, seek, love, and fight as you will.

These are also noble acts, and they are also Rome.

However, be careful that you do not become a glutton.

I wouldn't mind going to the kitchen.

Yes. When it comes to handling root vegetables, I am quite skilled within the Round Table. I am second only to Percival.

Just say the word, Master, and I'll be happy to demonstrate my skills.

Calm down, Lord Gawain.

We will do all we can to serve our Master. Even if what we do isn't what we're best at.

And even if we are split into enemies and allies.

Indeed. That is perhaps the true task of a knight.

That's right. Forget about the root vegetables. Do you understand?

Master, may I ask you a question? Did Mash say anything about me?

I am... No, I must be... the most sinful person here...

The many sins performed by my other self may not be clearly carved into my Spirit Origin, but even so...

Sins do not disappear. Thus, I must still be sinful.

A fighting tournament... I know I shall shed much blood there too.

This makes me...sad... (Strum)

No, it is I who am the greatest sinner.

I never wished for it, but as a result of my actions, I spread death and sorrow throughout the world.

And in the end... I killed her...

I killed many in the name of my creed.

What did I seek, what did I throw away, and what did I gain? Those days are long gone now, but...

...No, this isn't the place to speak of such things.

Hey, hey. We finally made it out of the simulator and somehow walked straight into some kind of confessional tournament.

Looks like they're quite the bunch of sinners. Not that I'm one to talk.

I'm beyond words... I'm getting sad too... Yep, I have to do something about this.

Good begets good, which creates a cycle of ease. Evil begets evil, and creates suffering.

Good actions lead to good rewards. Evil actions lead to evil consequences!

This is indeed the principle of karma!

Confess to me the evil deeds that lie in your past! I'll hear you out!

Oh there you are, Master. Is it true that you met Mr. Holmes?

Actually, when I was alive I also...

Wait. I'd like to talk more, but they're calling me from the infirmary.

You might be surprised, but I know a thing or two about medicine and pharmaceuticals. I hope I'll be able to help you and your Servants.

See you later!

Yo, you came to the festival too, Master? Hey, was there some scrawny weakling walking around here?

Well, whatever. Fran, let's go.

Hey, Fran?

...Uuh.

Are you done charging? Don't run out of juice on me, alright?

We need to show people who the strongest electric-type Servant is. A festival is as good a chance as any.

I was faster last time, but...

Uuuh.

...Nothing happened, you know?

Oro? I got fried to a crisp, you say?

I don't know what you're talking about. Anyway, Master! It's a Servant tournament!

Whoever wins will have all the heroines fall in love with them! This is the perfect chance to build a harem!

Come with me and we'll win the tournament, and maybe "accidentally" run into some female Servants in the shower room!

He's as energized as always, but he's definitely fried to a crisp.

...He was annoying some little girl a minute ago. One with a horn. She had bangs covering her eyes too.

What are you talking about? I have absolutely no idea!

How sad! What a sad case of electrocution! This is where I, DC Detective Edison, come in!

I sense a whiff of evil AC about this case! I must solve it quickly!

Hah! I'm laughing so hard my muscly sides are about to split! AC is the true light that illuminates the darkness.

So I'll be the one who uncovers the truth! Me, AC Detective Nikola Tesla!

I shall hunt down the foolish lightning that burnt the pirate to a crisp! Don't worry! Electricity knows all!

Don't move, Edison! You're a suspect in this electrocution case, and I'm going to interrogate you.

I shall find the proof as fast as lightning!

Get out of here with that "as fast as lightning" nonsense! You trying to be clever!? ...Hang on, that was actually pretty good! Ugh!

But I will be the one to solve the case with lightning-quick speed! On your knees, Tesla! My inventions have more patents than yours!

...!

Are you still talking about sheer numbers? ...Unfortunate, but not at all surprising, Mr. Lion-Head.

It seems you're unaware that more accurate reviews have been going around in recent times.

Hahaha! Everyone's starting to learn that I, Nikola Tesla, am the true genius that surpassed Edison!

In recent years, I've been in more movies than you have!

Shocking! Don't tell me that in fiction you've been making electro-transportation and replication machines!

I'm so jealous!

Excuse me. There was an AC bug there.

My apologies. There was a DC cat there.

...

...

All right. War then?

Of course. It's war.

Stop! What are you men doing?

You're both too old for this! Grow up!

Gwah! You're...!

First you fight at the barbecue, and now here! Do you geniuses ever learn?

No matter how old you are, you're still childish. ...Not like that bothers me, but still...

R-Right.

...Right.

What is the big idea, going on a rampage in front of all these people?

I remember telling you that you should go to the festival if you had the energy to fight.

...Wait, is this my fault?

N-No, it's not! Not at all!

Indeed! We just lit a fuse, that's all!

That's right... This is Chaldea, not the Colosseum.

We used the electrocution case as an excuse to do what we wanted. And we caused problems for Chaldea's staff as well.

We're deeply sorry...

As long as you understand. And make sure you apologize to everyone too.

Yes, ma'am...

I want to...go. I'm...strong. Even I know.

Hmm, you do? But we're already on a nice, cool, peaceful island.

There's no need to fight here. Or are you bored?

A "simulator," was it? This illusionary island made by Roman and Da Vinci.

No... Not at all. It's fun...here...

But...I want to...test...my strength!

Aww, once you decide something, you never change your mind. Well, boys will be boys...

Fine. Go on ahead and join the festival. But...

Listen. You're strong, but don't push yourself too hard, okay?

Okay. Thank you...Euryale.

...Hmmm.

What do you call something like that?

Oh Euryale, do you realize what you are making my face look like right now?

(You're looking wonderful too, Sister!)

...Come here for a second, will you, Medusa?

Why, if it isn't Master. Leave.

All this stuff about the festival of Olympia, the Colosseum... It's completely geared towards muscleheads.

There's nothing for us to do. Fight Assassins? I don't care. Use a Berserker or something!

It's an awful shame, Master, but this time I hereby gratefully refuse.

If there was something interesting that could inspire me, things might be different...

But this time, it's only muscle! Muscle! Muscle! It's a celebration of muscle in this resurgent Olympic festival.

I believe we should stay indoors and focus on our writing. I hope you understand.

I'm here too. Let me join in, scribblers! I came! I saw! I slept!

He looks so relaxed while the sofa creaks under his weight. What a splendid picture of degeneration!

He's just like a writer before a deadline! Oh, indeed he is.

He's a legitimate writer. He is the author of Commentaries on the Gallic Wars, after all.

Oh. A war chronicle. Excellent. How about we have a different author for each country?

A shared world series? Interesting. While they're having their festival out there, let's have some fun ourselves.

All right, time to get started

Zzzzzz...!!

He's asleep already!? And snoring away majestically, no less!

I heard Emperor Nero's declaration. Though I am not quite sure I understood it entirely.

Master, I want to make a vow to you here.

Without obsessing over victory or defeat, I will show you a fight worthy of being in this tournament.

...I did not expect to receive a chance such as this. I am grateful to you, and I am grateful for this good fortune.

If you say that you will give your all to this festival and its battles, I will fight as well.

As your enemy, I had the opportunity to slay you three times...

I don't know the details myself, but the battles for the festival supposedly use the simulator.

What? Is that so?

You can test your strength this way without taking anyone's life. Modern technology never ceases to amaze me.

Thinking back, it was the same with Jinako's game. It uses the movements of electrons to create a pseudo-intelligence...

...that made noises and moved images. Even the legendary scenes in our memories could appear as virtual reality.

A game...?

No. No, that's somehow different. Don't change the subject, Karna!

How trivial.

Such a trivial...trifling matter.

Indeed. This is nonsense. It's worthless to even speak of the reasons.

Seems like we're on the same page, Sun King.

Of course, Golden King.

Right, right. That's exactly right. Why bother imitating an ancient Roman festival? It's laughable!

The great pharaoh has appeared. Thus, when it comes to reviving old things, it should be left to us!

Or perhaps... yes, if there was an older, nobler king...

No, even then that's questionable. When it comes to ancient kings, nothing compares to a pharaoh, no?

It's very simple. It's obvious who the strongest is here.

You're exactly right. Indeed, it's clear which Heroic Spirit is the strongest.

Just like how the sun shines brightly in the sky, the fact speaks for itself. It's foolish to even question it.

Heh. Your words are too grand. You're embarrassing me.

Oh please. I'm the one who's feeling embarrassed.

(Feeling very nervous)

"Nero Fest"? Hah!

I didn't get a single scene during the summer swimsuit event! Cú was there, but I wasn't!

I had a part in the... what was it? Magical Girl event? But I don't remember it, and supposedly Cú was even more tiny!

And now I learn I'm making an appearance, but there's no Cú! What is going on?

It's all men I'm not interested in! And it pisses me off even more because everyone else looks so happy! I'm gonna cry!

You can't let yourself get so depressed. Good luck and good fortune are drawn to smiles.

And it's not all bad. You met me.

Not to brag, but I'm strong. If you join with me, winning the tournament won't be a drea

(Sigh) I wonder if there are any beefy warriors around... At this point, even Master would do...

Hmm, she doesn't even see me!

Ooh, she's fuming. She's mad! Oh my. An angry Queen Medb is great too.

Don't talk like you know. You're only looking at her body anyway.

No, no. That's not true. I mean, it's partially true. But I can love more than a girl's body, you know.

It's one thing to see her as a scheming and dominating queen, but it's nice to see she can be just a girl sometimes.

Humph. Is that so?

Of course. Sometimes she's scary, but other times she can be a dame.

I see. Your easygoing nature can occasionally be a shortcoming.

Anyway, setting aside her usual debauchery, I'm quite excited about this festival.

There are so many heroes here. I assume there are some who surpass me. Heheh. Heheheheh...

(Gulp) (She is ready to kick some butt...)

Ooh! So that's the Colosseum? It's pretty golden and gorgeous!

I see. So it is. It's finally time to show the true power of the Minamoto clan.

Are you ready, Kintoki? Remember the perilous time when you pursued the Earth Spider into the dark otherworld...

...or when you battled that giant one as big as a divine insect.

There is no need to hold back. Show me and Master your power!

Haha! What are you talking about, Boss Raikou? That's just the spirit heading into war!

It's just a festival, so there's no need to go all out...

No. That won't do. That won't do at all, Kintoki.

You speak the truth, my ancestor! I shall take the heads of all our enemies!

If Lord Ushiwaka says so, I shall do the same! I'll rip the head off one enemy after another!

Guys, that ain't what we're here for! No murders and no decapitations!

No killing! No death! Yes, Olympia!

No, that won't do at all! If we're going to do this, we must be thorough! Otherwise we'll lose, Kintoki!

We do not! Why are you so riled up, Raikou?

...Hehe. Looks like everyone's here. Goodness me, too much time on their hands...

Perhaps the lineup is better than expected... Yes, very well. Let's play with them.

Leave it to me, Shuten! No matter how many of these human heroes there are, it makes no difference!

Or rather, the more there are, the more my flames will burn in excitement. The festival of Olympia will be child's play.

I'm told they use a flame in that festival. If they do, then I shall add it to my Sougenbi!

The Olympic flame, was it? I don't think they've got any of that here.

Oh, and Ibaraki. If you want to come up with evil plans, I don't think it's a good idea to say them in front of Master.

Hmm. I see. I'm not sure what to do then. Hmm...

I'll call off my evil plan! But for now, I'm staying with you, Shuten!

Do what you want. More importantly, are we...

Are we on your side, Master? Or are we enemies?

...If we're enemies, my bad! Heheh.

Everyone's really excited in their own way!

This is going to be a fun festival, Senpai. I can't wait!

？！

Right, Senpai! We'll have lots of fun!