Prologue Part 2: Investigate Akihabara

I'm here! I'm finally here in Akihabara!

It...looks kind of different than I imagined.

I mean, it definitely still feels like Akihabara, but... Hmm?

Okay, you guys are now on what's basically Akihabara's main street.

How're things looking there?

It's certainly lively. There are so many people here, and it looks like we're in a pedestrian-only zone.

I don't see anything threatening.

Yeah, this is about what I expected. It's very different from the Akihabara I know.

？！

Really, Senpai? You think there's something unusual about it, too?

I knew it. This place isn't like what I've seen in the database...or anime.

Then again, maybe it's just because this one's from a different era?

I don't think so. Timeline-wise, this is definitely modern-day Japan.

That said...you're right. This cityscape doesn't seem to match with our data on Akihabara.

Maybe it has something to do with the Singularity?

I don't think so. Timeline-wise, this is definitely modern-day Japan.

That said...you're right. This cityscape doesn't seem to match with our data on Akihabara.

Maybe it has something to do with the Singularity?

On a different subject... Is it just me, or are people staring at us?

Whoa, check her out.

Damn, you're right. That's some kick-ass cosplay. Hey, you think she'd let us take a picture?

Pretty sure that's against main street rules.

Oh, yeah. Too bad. But, isn't it also against the rules to walk around in costume like that?

I guess she must've been so casual about it the guards didn't even notice.

Just look at how naturally she wears it. She's gotta be a professional cosplayer or something.

Well, they're the only ones who're gonna get in trouble if the guards do notice. In the meantime...

Yup. All we can do is smash our inner Like buttons. Ahh, today was a good day!

Did you hear that, Erichi? (Clapping her hand on Erice's shoulder)

Huh!? M-me!?

Don't try to deny it. They totally think you're doing Yamataikoku cosplay.

Want me to call you Himiko to keep up the illusion?

Huh? Hold on. I know I look out of place here, but that doesn't mean I'm doing c-cosplay!

Besides, this is just how I manifested. That's how it was for you guys too, right? H-hey, why won't you look me in the eye?

Oh, but right. I guess it's a lot stranger to see Servants walking around in this Akihabara than it is in mine... But then, in that case...

Heh heh heh... Heeeh heh heh heh!

Wh-where did that come from, Nero!? What's so funny?

Oh, nothing. I just thought now would be a good time to explain what is going on.

Let's be honest here...everyone was looking at me!

That is no slight on you, Erice. You are without doubt a beautiful young lady. But in this land, my glory shines particularly bright!

Th-thank you, Nero. That's very kind of you.

(Oh maaan, I can't believe the actual emperor of Rome just said I was beautiful!)

To answer your puzzlement, take a look at that! And that! And don't forget that!

Wh-what the!? Are those...ads for Nero goods?

Hey, yeah! Now that I'm looking around, they're all over the place! Nani the hell!?

Um... What's going on here?

Heh heh heh. Allow me to explain.

This is a city of music and artistry, and in my reign as emperor, I was famed for my love of both!

So it only makes sense that I would wish to obtain this city for myself, does it not?

Oh, though as I am also Fujimaru's Servant, I would never interfere with the effort to erase this Singularity.

Besides, it's not as if I can just pocket the city like some bauble.

So I thought, at the very least, since this city is renowned for its art, I would inscribe my image upon it as the ultimate artistic expression.

In that way, even if I cannot truly possess this city, I can still make it mine!

And so, I used all the power at my disposal to make myself known throughout all of Akihabara!

I had the highest quality figurines made in my stunning likeness... Started a weekly comic and anime...

Ensured I went viral on all social media platforms to the point that even I wondered if I was going a bit overboard...

And while I am, of course, also working to record an album of my greatest hits, my need for total perfection is making it take longer to release than I would like.

So for that, I am afraid you will simply have to wait a little longer.

At any rate, you can see the fruits of my labor for yourselves!

My merchandise has found enormous success...

And there is now no one in all of Akihabara who does not know my name!

Hehehehe. Well, Master? Are you surprised?

？！

Good grief. So you WERE the one who secretly Rayshifted here earlier.

(Sigh) In the future, I'd really rather you didn't go around changing Singularities before we've even had a chance to investigate them.

I take your point, but it is not my fault! Making snap decisions is simply part of my imperial nature!

All that aside, there couldn't have been much time between when this Singularity was first discovered and when you began your, um, campaign.

Honestly, I'm impressed you managed to accomplish this much so quickly...

Umu. The most important element to determining whether something succeeds or fails is marketing.

And thanks to my Imperial Privilege and Rome's generous coffers, such feats of marketing were trivial for me.

Though of course, even that would not have worked had this city not been receptive to my charms.

Translation: You used threats and bribes to get what you wanted. Sasuga, tyrant emperor...

So what, did you change the cityscape here to match your tastes, too?

Hm? No, I am fairly sure it looks the same as it did when I arrived.

(Excitedly) Whoa, check it out. Isn't that Nero?

(Excitedly) Hey, yeah, it is. I wonder if I could get an autograph...

Umu umu, just as I expected. As the model for this city's hottest new IP, I am bound to draw attention.

My, my, it certainly is tough being so popular!

Unfortunately, now's not the time to be celebrating. We should be trying to avoid attention, not attract it.

Erice is right. Let's relocate for now.

Then come with me. There is someplace I wish to show you.

In fact, it is the biggest surprise of all!

All right, I guess we'd better go with the emperor for now. I just hope I get to go shopping soon...

This looks like...the main plaza in front of the station.

？！

Hehehe, listen and be amazed! There is a life-size figure of myself located at the best spot in front of the station!

Or at least, there should be. I still have yet to see it for myself.

At any rate, now that the figure is in place, acting as a symbol of this city of art...

...all who disembark at this iconic station will be greeted with the sight of me in my gorgeous, yet formal, bridal attire.

Once they do, its glory will make them tremble, and my stunning beauty will surely take their breath away.

As such, it is the cornerstonenay, the crown jewel, of my plan to make Akihabara mine!

Now, here we are! Behold my artistic triumph!

？！

?

?

...?

Why do you all look so dumbfounded? It is right there, placed right in front of the station's exit. You cannot miss it.

There, see that exhibition case? It is only to be used for the most popular of IPs, and as you can see, that is where my...my...

...

Where is it!?

Wh-wh-wh-what is going on!? I had every confidence in the artisan I contracted to complete the project!

According to our timetable, it should have been completed, delivered, and put on display long ago... Hmm?

What's going on over there?

It looks like they're about to show something on that building's giant screen.

Never mind some inconsequential broadcast! We need to get to the bottom of my mysteriously missing

Wait. Whaaaaaat!?

Nero, Nero! Hellooo, all you lovely people out in dream town☆ The angel of Akiba is here☆

That's right, it's me! How have you all been!?

Make sure to stay subscribed and keep those notifications on so you don't miss a single second of Akihabara's official idol-slash-cheerleader's live stream! See you sooon!

What am I doing THERE!?

Wh-what in the world? What could this mean?

？！

O-of course you did not! I am right here!

What is...that? I may not know what it is, but me being me, I do know what it is not.

That is not an independent being with a Spirit Origin reflecting a different aspect of myself, like we see in Chaldea every now and then.

Nor does it have anything to do with my Servant self.

Yet it does look like me, even though it is not. How in the world could this have happened?

Hm? Someone who looks just like me...?

Whoaaa! It's Nero! I love you, Nero! Please, take my money!

You there! I wish to speak with you!

Aah, it's really you! ...Oh, wait. Are you a Nero cosplayer? Wow, I'm impressed. You look just like her.

Grr, I have VERY complicated feelings about this, but I will untangle all that later.

Tell me, who is that up on that screen?

Huh? You're cosplaying as her without even knowing who she is?

That's Akiba Nero. She's kind of like...our homegrown idol, I guess you'd say? Anyway, we can't get enough of her.

...I see. Then let me ask you what may sound like a very strange question.

Is she, by any chance...a doll?

Yeah, why?

!

Wow, have you guys never heard of the Akihabara miracle before?

In this town, the King of Figures gives life to any doll who's truly loved.

Nero was the first miracle. She used to be a life-size statue in front of the station...

But then the King of Figures came along, and boom, she started walking and talking just like a person.

I can't believe it. It sounds like something out of a fairy tale.

The King of Figures...? Who is that!?

The King of Figures is just that, the king of model figures. Well, really, his skills are more godly than kingly! At least, that's what they say. I've never met him, myself.

So you've never met this person, but you still believe they can bring dolls and statues to life?

To be honest, that sounds very hard to believe.

Well hey, the proof is all around you. Akihabara's full of living dolls these days.

I just scanned your surroundings, and it looks like he's telling the truth.

Where do you wanna go next?

How about karaoke? That place over there has a huge anime song selection.

Let's play a fighting game. I haven't played one of those in forever.

Fine with me. You don't mind if I beat you, right?

Oho, now you're asking for it. Let's do this, best of five.

Now that you mention it, there really are a lot of dolls walking around here. It all seemed so, uh, natural that I didn't even notice before!

Hmm... Perhaps that is this Singularity's abnormality.

A world where this King of Figures gives life to dolls, enabling them to move around the city as though they were people.

And a world where my doppelganger has become the top idol without my permission!

While it is, of course, breathtakingly obvious that any double of mine would have more talent than she would know what to do with...

I cannot condone her embarking on a career in the entertainment industry without my say-so. Besides, if anyone who looks like me is going to do such a thing, it should be the original!

Next, I'm gonna do my best to sing a little song! I hope you like it!

Laaaaaa♪

What.

？！

Hmm... Sounds pretty average to me, honestly? I'd even say it's kind of underwhelming.

Master, there are still a lot of things here we don't understand, but at least we now know one thing for certain.

Whoever that is, she definitely isn't Nero!

？！

Umu. I have no idea what led you all to reach that conclusion so suddenly...

But I am glad that we are at least all on the same proverbial page. Indeed, that Nero is no more than an imposter.

I swear, who does she think she is, happily singing for an audience with MY face!? I should be the one on that screen, not her!

Well, now we know about these doll things in the city.

But even if they are proof that this King of Figures person really exists...

Why aren't you guys more freaked out that someone's going around giving inanimate objects life in the first place?

Oh, that? It's because we're wishmen.

?

The King of Figures made a lot of the dolls you see walking around now for some purpose or other.

But they also say that if you approach him with true love in your heart...

...he'll reward you by giving life to the doll you love.

Hm?

Isn't that awesome? If you've already got a figure you love...

...there's nothing better than it wanting to talk and hang out with you!

So that's why most of the people here in Akihabara now are folks looking to have their beloved figures brought to life.

They're all desperately hoping to meet the King of Figures.

'Course, even before he showed up, most of the people here were really into all kinds of media. Anime, manga, video games, you name it.

We want nothing more than to live in those worlds, and to be in relationships with our favorite characters.

I don't know who first came up with it, or when they came up with it...

But that's why we all started calling ourselves "wishmen."

I, uh, I see. So it's a self-given title then...

Hey, you have to admit, it sounds a lot better than just "guys who want stuff"!

Well, can't argue with that!

Never mind what you lot call yourselves. The problem is this King of Figures person.

Do you know where he is?

Oh sure, everyone knows tha

Um, e-excuse me! You're cosplaying as Nero, right? Would you mind if I took a picture?

Ooh, and me! I wanna take one, too!

Hmm? Where did all these other people come from?

I KNEW my adoring public could not stay away forever! Very well then, go ahead and line up!

I gotta ask, though: Why aren't you in her bridal outfit? Are you new to cosplaying her or something?

If you really want people to recognize who you're dressed as, you should make sure you've got her original outfit down before you start branching o

What are you talking about!? This IS my original outfit!

Oh, I see. So you're a fan of the original Nero, huh? Man, you don't see a lot of that these days.

Especially since Nero's so popular now she's basically taken over the whole Nero genre.

Hell, some newcomers even think this whole trend started with Nero. Can you believe that?

Why that little

Photography and congregating are prohibited here. Please disperse immediately.

Aw crap! It's the Akiba Guards!

？！

More dolls the King of Figures brought to life.

They're basically an autonomous police force that goes around patrolling Akihabara.

There've been a lot fewer muggings since they showed up, and it's great how they help recover lost articles and reunite lost kids with their families.

But the downside is, uh, they're really strict.

You must be this impromptu congregation's ringleader. Come with us. You must be punished for your infraction.

What infraction!? Do not be ridiculous! All I have done is stand here and be myself!

Begone, you fools!

So that's how it's going to be. Very well. Transitioning to coercion mode.

Restrain, secure, arrest, imprison, adjudicate, sentence, execute!

Looks like they're not gonna let us go without a fight. What do you wanna do?

？！

U-understood!

I understand you're upset right now, Nero, but please try to go easy on them!

Hmph, honestly. Why should I of all people have to run away as though I did something wrong!?

We don't have a choice right now. Causing more trouble won't help us.

Let's see... It looks like you're currently one street off from the main street.

I can't believe it! I finally make it to Akiba, and I haven't even gotten to go to a single store yet!

Once we have a better idea of the situation, we can take stock and

Wait, hold on! I'm picking up another Servant reading not far from you!

It's about twenty meters northwest from you, so it must be near one of the stores across the street.

See if you can spot anyone there who looks like they might be a Servant!

See if you can spot anyone there who looks like they might be a Servant!

Hmm... What an intriguing figure. The details are exquisite.

I can tell that an especially great amount of care has been paid to the chest and rear end sections.

...Goodness. There are some details you can't even see unless you turn the figure upside down. Incredible.

Yes, this definitely deserves a gold star.

Er... I don't know if she's a Servant, but there is a lady scoping out the bishojo figures like a real man of culture...

Well, we can't just ignore her. Let's try making contact, but cautiously.

Understood. Here goes...

Um, excuse me. Could I talk to you for a moment?

Yes, what is it? Before you ask, I'm not looking to buy any paintings.

(She definitely doesn't seem like a newcomer to Akiba...)

Er, no, this isn't about paintings. I, uh, couldn't help but notice you're a Servant.

You see, we're trying to repair this Singularity...

So I was just wondering if I could ask you what it is you're doing here.

What I'm doing here? I'm afraid I don't know. When I came to, I was here.

(Sounds like she's a Rogue Servant summoned by this land, then... Assuming she's not lying.)

But I do know there is something I want. In fact, it's my only reason for being.

？！

I want to be reunited with the only man I will ever love, King Pygmalion.

King Pygmalion? As in, the king of Cyprus from Greek mythology?

Then, does that mean you're

Yes. My name is Galatea.

I was a statue he sculpted with his own hands before his love made me human.

Fujimaru, how familiar are you with the story of King Pygmalion?

Attaboy. Then I'll assume you already know the basics and proceed from there.

I'm not familiar with the details, but I do know the name "Pygmalion," and I know the gist of his story.

Makes sense. His name is still in use today, such as the term "Pygmalionism"...

I.e. a paraphilia that describes people who have a very strong...attraction to statues or the like.

I know the gist as well.

I'm not overly familiar with the details...

But I do think I've heard the name "Pygmalion" before.

Makes sense. His name is still in use today, such as the term "Pygmalionism"...

I.e. a paraphilia that describes people who have a very strong...attraction to statues or the like.

Very well then, I will go over the broad strokes of his story myself. As the patron emperor of the arts, I am of course well-acquainted with it.

？！

One day, Pygmalion, the king of Cyprus, as well as a skilled sculptor, made a statue that was truly beautiful to behold.

He fell deeply in love with the statue, for he had sculpted it in the image of his ideal woman. But of course, it could not love him back.

Over time, Pygmalion grew weak and emaciated, too overcome by his unrequited love to take so much as a single bite of food.

But then, a god who could not bear to see him suffer any longer granted his wish and gave the statue life, turning it into a human woman.

And that's you, huh? Wow.

Now that I'm getting a better look, your skin IS beautiful. It's so smooth and supple just like a doll...

Ack, what am I saying!? Gomenasorry! That was probably really rude of me, wasn't it!?

That's all right. Please, don't worry about it.

Apparently, as a Servant, I'm simultaneously a statue and a human.

I have no feelings about being either superior or inferior as a result.

All I really care about is remaining the woman King Pygmalion loved.

If you're that interested in my composition, would you like to touch me?

Really!? Are you sure!? Okay, if you don't mind...

Whoaaa, this is amazing. Your skin is definitely as soft as a normal human's...

But it's also got a heft and smoothness to it no human could ever have! Man, I could touch it all day!

And these lines are just sugoincredible! No...kanperfect!

That's very kind of you. But it's King Pygmalion who deserves all the credit for my construction.

But, um... Don't you think that outfit exposes a little too much skin? I mean, it looks more like a swimsuit than something from Greek myth, no?

(That's rich, coming from her...)

This outfit was also given to me by King Pygmalion.

I was naked as a statue, until he took pity on me and gave me these clothes later.

That makes them even more proof of his love, and I am prepared to push back hard against any negative opinions about them.

Oh, I-I'm sorry! I wasn't trying to criticize them!

As long as you're happy with your outfit, I don't have any objections! Really, it looks great on you!

Mmm, she's beautiful when she's angry, too.

？！

I don't know what you mean by "mecha"... But it was Lady Aphrodite's power that gave me life in addition to King Pygmalion's love.

She was the goddess who was so moved by his plight that she granted his wish for me to be human.

？！

So perhaps these things you speak of are a manifestation of her blessing.

The goddess we Romans called Venus, no? Now that you mention it, there is something oddly familiar about your weapons...

Are those weapons from her too, then?

These aren't weapons so much as sculpting tools.

I was born from sculpture, and of course, King Pygmalion was one of the greatest sculptors who ever lived.

So it follows that I, too, would have an affinity for it.

In fact, he was the one who taught me how to use a chisel, at his workshop in the Cypriot palace.

That said, this divine chisel belongs to King Pygmalion, and is infused with Lady Aphrodite's power.

So I'm not sure why it's now in my possession.

Well, you wouldn't be the first Servant to materialize with an item related to a spouse or hated rival.

You probably just have that deep a connection to it.

Now, what I'm more interested in is how this lines up with what we've been hearing.

Well, you wouldn't be the first Servant to materialize with an item related to a spouse or hated rival.

You probably just have that deep a connection to it.

Now, what I'm more interested in is how this lines up with what we've been hearing.

Right. This Akihabara is apparently filled with living dolls thanks to someone called the King of Figures.

Since your story is about a statue coming to life, Galatea, I don't think your presence is a coincidence.

The King of Figures...?

I hope you don't mind my asking...

But could you tell me everything you know about what's going on here?

This is embarrassing to admit, but I haven't been able to focus on gathering any information myself.

There are so many intriguing figures in this city, and they're all made so incredibly well that I haven't been able to tear my eyes off them.

Right!?

？！

I see. So this King of Figures is bringing dolls to life.

I'd ask if you had any idea who it could be...but I think we can all guess.

Yes. Since I'm here, I'd have to assume the King of Figures is King Pygmalion.

That IS the obvious answer, isn't it?

All I want is to be reunited with my beloved King Pygmalion. That is my one desire.

So I must meet with this King of Figures to see if he is also my king.

However, I am also unfamiliar with this land.

So...while I realize it's presumptuous of me to ask this when we've only just met

？！

...! Really? Are you sure you don't mind?

Not at all. We're trying to find him as well.

Plus, if he really is King Pygmalion, then having you along will make things go much smoother.

I mean, you're his wife. Of course he'll listen to what you have to say.

Putting aside what we will do after we meet with this King of Figures person for now, I have no objections, either.

As a beautiful woman with the distinct air of Venus about her, you are more than qualified to join us.

And hey, it's like they say: no michi is long with good company, and ai makes the world go round!

...Thank you, everyone. That's very kind of you.

All right, now we just have to find out where this King of Figures is.

That, uh, wishman guy you were talking to in front of the station said everyone knew that before you got interrupted, right?

Finding him might prove to be as easy as just asking around.

All right, now we just have to find out where this King of Figures is.

That, uh, wishman guy you were talking to in front of the station said everyone knew that before you got interrupted, right?

Finding him might prove to be as easy as just asking around.

Do you think he'll actually be that easy to find?

I mean, didn't that guy also say he'd never met the King of Figures himself? Something doesn't add up.

Good point. I wonder what that was all about.

Only one way to find out. All right, go ahead and start asking around.

...And try not to get too distracted by all the figures and stuff in the stores. There'll be time for shopping later.

Only one way to find out. All right, go ahead and start asking around.

...And try not to get too distracted by all the figures and stuff in the stores. There'll be time for shopping later.

Urk.

Urk.

...I'm so sorry. I do understand now is not the time for that kind of thing...

But I always find myself entranced whenever I see an especially well-made doll.

Oh, it's nothing to do with being jealous. As a sculptor myself, I just enjoy admiring the, um, quality of their construction.

(Oh man, she's kawaii when she's embarrassed, too! No wonder that king was so taken with her!)

(Even I'm tempted to take her home and put her in all sorts of outfits like my own bisque doll!)

Well, that was surprisingly easy. It seems everyone really did know where to find the King of Figures.

Right. And it really does sound like it should be very easy to find.

Oh, do you think that might be it?

S-so that's where the King of Figures lives...

The Akihabara Tower Hall!!!

What the jigoku!?

This is all chigawrong. This isn't the Akihabara I dreamed of.

I mean, I do think I've seen a building kinda like this in pictures, but I'm positive it was nothing like...that.

？！

What...IS this? I don't even know what to make of it...

I'm pretty sure this goes without saying, but for the record, my Akihabara never had anything like...that, either.

That building does seem more familiar than the rest of the cityscape, but there's something about it that feels different somehow. Even aside from its ridonkulous height, I mean.

Hmm... I suppose we can at least be sure this is Akihabara, if nothing else.

That building does seem more familiar than the rest of the cityscape, but there's something about it that feels different somehow. Even aside from its ridonkulous height, I mean.

Hmm... I suppose we can at least be sure this is Akihabara, if nothing else.

Maybe they took the original Akihabara's structure and essence and kind of remixed it somehow?

There is something undeniably artistic about the way this building's exterior blends harmony and discord...

...and in how it so unabashedly reaches for the heavens themselves.

And while I cannot help but admire how it strives to stand out at any cost...!

Never mind. My evaluation of this tower's aesthetics can wait.

More importantly, those "wishmen" said that the King of Figures lives on this building's top floor, right?

That's right.

But they also all said we wouldn't be able to get in easily. I wonder why thatAh.

That's right.

But they also all said we wouldn't be able to get in easily. I wonder why thatAh.

Greetings! Let us in at once!

Your Imperial Majestyyy!?!?

？！

I wish to ascend to this tower's highest floor. Open the doors and step aside!

Ohhh, you must be new to Akihabara, huh? We don't get a lot of newcomers here.

I don't blame you for wanting in. That place does have some excellent stuff for sale.

But it's too dangerous for all but the most experienced shoppers. That's why we keep it closed off to beginners.

What? Preposterous. No matter how unusual this building may look, it is still merely a store, yes?

What could possibly be dangerous about a little shoppi

Emergency, emergency! We've got two customers at consciousness level one who collapsed from exhaustion!

I'm taking them out of the tower so they can get the treatment they need!

Nnn... Nooo... Let me back in... I still haven't bought that limited edition...or that autograph book...!

Please... I quit my job just so I could come here... Let me in... I still have money to spend...

No swag is worth your life, gents!

(Oh man. I only got a whiff of what's behind those doors when those guys got carried out...)

(But I could instantly tell it has the same war zone energy as ServantFes... No, if anything, it's even stronger!)

...Hmm.

There, you see? Shopping here is no joke. If you're not careful, it might put you out of commission for good.

And it only gets more difficult the higher up you go.

So the first thing you need to do is make a points card and grind until you're a high-level wishman.

That will give us an indication as to how well you know your way around Akihabara.

Once you're a high enough level, we can let you in.

Huh? We have to level up?

That's right. Let's see... You're all together, yes? Then you can use this Wishmen Card for groups.

You level up by shopping at various stores around Akihabara, which will earn you points.

Just make sure you remember to present your card when checking out.

Oh, and some stores may have special events that will let you earn bonus points if you can complete them.

All right, good luck.

Hmm. Sounds like a pretty standard rewards program.

So basically, we need to spend enough to become platinum members and get access to special perks.

Why should we bother with such hassle when we can simply smash through those doors right now!?

...But then again, perhaps I should not be so hasty.

I remember what happened the last time I let my emotions get the better of me, and I have no wish to make trouble for you like that again, Master.

So it seems we have no choice. For now

Understood. Then let's force our way in.

Seeing my king again is my greatest priority. I am prepared to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

I do hate to destroy anything he may have made, but don't worry. I'll make sure to fix it later.

Anyone who can make dolls can also repair them.

Uh-oh! A rulebreaker!

I'm sorry, beginners, but if you won't listen to reason, we'll have to MAKE you.

Akiba guards, assemble!

Galatea!? What are you doing!?

Oh yeah, I almost forgot: Galatea can obviously hold a conversation, but she's still technically a Berserker.

Now that I think about it, she might operate "normally," but on different logic from the rest of us, like Ms. Nightingale.

Anyway, just keep that in mind going forward!

Why didn't you mention that sooner!?

Seriously!

Nuh-uh! No way! Murimpossible! There's way too many of them!

Seconded!

There certainly are a lot of them. Whoever made all these models is nothing if not prolific.

...Hm?

Nero Nero! Hellooo, all you lovely people out in dream town☆ The angel of Akiba is here☆

Oh my, what's going on out here? Did the tower get its millionth customer?

Then let me make your lucky day even luckier! Congraaatulations!

It's Lady Akiba Nero! The official idol of Akihabara, His Majesty the King of Figures' right-hand doll, and the honorary Akiba Guard adviser!

Thaaat's me! Hit it, Nero Boys!

Woooooo!

She's got henchmen!? It's Medb all over again!

Henchmen? Oh, silly Billy. These are just some of my fans.

So, what's going on here, anyway?

Aah! You!

Ohh, now I get it.

You're newcomer wishmen who're having trouble following the rules designed to keep everyone safe, right?

But just because you want something...

...that doesn't make violence okay, okay?

Ghh! So cute! So cunning! I love her!

But, I must remember, that is not really me... I only hope my Spirit Origin can handle these conflicting feelings.

I must say, if she is doing this intentionally, then she is one of the most fiendishly clever peopleer, dolls, of all time!

Teeheehee.

Nonetheless, I cannot turn back now, my singing and dancing dollppelganger! What are you up to? What is it you want!?

What do I want? I just want to enjoy the life the King of Figures gave me.

I have the purpose of a doll, and the passion of a human.

Together, they enable me to do what I do.

Actually, isn't that true for all of you, too?

Woooooo! Neeero! Neeero! Neeero!

Aww, you guys are the best!

All right, everyone get in here for a group selfie! I'm gonna make it the thumbnail for my next live stream!

Okay, here goes! Say Ah-keeey-baa☆

Whoa! What was that strange catchphrase and kawaii pose she just did!? Is it something unique to this particular Akiba subculture!?

(Hmm. If nothing else, she does have the charisma to charm dolls and people alike...)

Anyway, no forcing your way inside, okay?

That wouldn't be fair to everyone else who got inside by following the rules, would it?

My darling wishmen all make their way to Akihabara with their hearts on their sleeves. I'll always stick up for them!

...I see.

So we have your word on that then?

As long as we abide by the rules, we'll be allowed into this tower...

And eventually, we'll be able to see the King of Figures, correct?

...

In theory at least, though I doubt you'll be able to make it that far.

And personally, I think it'd be better if you stayed away.

...?

It looks like we're not getting through these doors by force!

？！

Understood, Master!

Nero, Galatea, I understand how you feel, but right now, we need to leave!

Okay, that was definitely...a lot, but at least now we have a pretty good idea of the situation.

Now we know that the King of Figures is on the top floor of the Akihabara Tower Hall...

...and that the tower is a...unique kind of shopping center that's only accessible to high-level, uh, wishmen.

Then we're just going to have to reach that level ourselves!

I thought we might be able to just fly straight there...

But it looks like the tower's airspace is protected by too many flying Akiba guards to risk it.

So maybe just playing along will actually be the quickest way inside.

Yes, I think so too. However, according to the rules on the card...

...there are limits to how many points we can get at a single shop, so it will probably still take some time.

I don't think there's going to be any way to do this as quickly as we'd like.

Heh heh heh... It's daijokay, Mash! I know just what we need to do!

Really? What is it, Princess?

We got a group card, right? And they didn't say there was a limit to how many members our group can have, right?

So all we have to do is get everyone else at Chaldea to help us.

Huh? As in, every one of our Servants?

Yup! If we have to visit a bunch of different stores...

...it'll be quicker that way, especially since we all want different things.

So if we all work together, we'll be able to buy all kinds of different things from all kinds of different stores...

...and it'll be easy to rack up a ton of points.

Plus, every Servant can find something they want here! I guarantee it!

And I also guarantee that they all have enough money stashed up to buy whatever that may be!

Somehow, I doubt that's true for Voyager...

Well, for the ones who don't have any money, um... They should be able to borrow some from others, or trade their skills or items for some...

True, I am sure everyone could receive fair lending rates and barter value if the Chaldea Merchants Association were to get involved...

But why go to that trouble when I can just use my Roman money to buy out all the shops' inventory myself?

There are few things I dislike more than frugality, which is another way of saying I am a master spender.

How naive! You underestimate these hallowed grounds, Your Imperial Majesty!

Going shopping at Akihabara on your day off isn't a game. Just take a look around at this pedestrian-only zone.

Remember those guys we saw being carried out from the tower earlier? Even buying everything you want from just one store can totally wipe you out.

(Stressing each word) Akiba shopping is. All. About. Stamina! Trying to do it all yourself could easily kill you!

U-umu, I see... Well, if you are that insistent, then I will take you at your word.

There is just so much I'd like to say right now, but I think the final call is Fujimaru's to make.

So, what do you say, Fujimaru?

？！

All right, you're the field commander. If that's your decision, I'll trust your judgment.

I guess that means our next step is to go shopping and start earning points.

It looks like this is going to be a special kind of mission, like when we all worked together to deliver packages a while ago.

Man, I am NOT looking forward to managing logistics like that again...

There is just so much I'd like to say right now, but I think the final call is Fujimaru's to make.

So, what do you say, Fujimaru?

？！

All right, you're the field commander. If that's your decision, I'll trust your judgment.

I guess that means our next step is to go shopping and start earning points.

It looks like this is going to be a special kind of mission, like when we all worked together to deliver packages a while ago.

Man, I am NOT looking forward to managing logistics like that again...

Well hey, at least we're in Akihabara this time, right? So there ought to be plenty of places we can go to recuperate when we're worn out.

In fact, we might be able to get points at some of those places as well.

Anyway, I'm sure we'll find some spots like that the more shopping we do!

So as long as we take advantage of them as we go, I'm sure things will be daijoubu.

Good point.

It doesn't look like the Akiba guards will give us trouble as long as we're not breaking any of the rules, so we should be able to move around pretty freely.

So our plan is to go shopping, huh. Got it.

Now I know why that woman doubted I could make it to the top of the tower. I have no money.

If I'd stayed on my own, I'd never have been able to even make it past the tower's doors.

I can't thank you all enough for letting me join you.

Though I do feel bad that you may end up wasting some money because of me...

Don't worry about that. I was planning to spend like there's no ashita anyway.

We won't be out anything.

They said there are some shops where you can earn points by participating in special events too, right?

So maybe you can help us out by focusing on those, Galatea.

Of course. I'd be happy to do anything I can to help.

All right then, if we are all ready to begin, then let us do so at once.

I now understand that I cannot do this alone, but I still have my reasons to do as much as I can.

For the time being, I will not hesitate to earn points by instantly buying any art I find beautiful.

Now, cry havoc, and let slip the wallets of war upon Akihabara!

Yeah! Let's blow all our money!

(Oh man, just the thought of spending everything I have to buy all the stuff I want is giving me a dopamine hit!)

Um, are you sure you're not going to regret this once you look in your wallet after this is all over?

Don't say it. Just...yamete kudastop.