Section 5: Game 2 - Tag

Having said that, I don't think any of us would care to engage in a normal game of tag.

Because, well, you're Servants. We can't have you unleashing your Noble Phantasms left and right to catch each other.

So we're going to add a few special rules.

Rule the first:

One person from each team will be "it," and the rest will simply be ordinary players.

Each team may decide for themselves who will be "it."

All players"it" or otherwisemay run away or give chase as fast as they're able.

Rule the second:

Only players from the same team can know who's "it" on their team.

Oh, don't worry. I'll cast a perception blocking illusion to help.

So whoever is "it" will have their voice and likeness disguised.

Let's go a step further and say that breaking the illusion is against the rules.

The key thing to keep in mind is, even if players know who on their team is "it"...

...once they're out on the playing field, they won't know which is their ally.

Nor will the people who are "it" be able to identify each other.

(If it's against the rules to break the illusion...does that mean we'll need to deduce who's "it" on the other teams?)

Against the rules, huh...

Rule the third:

A team loses if all its ordinary players are eliminated, or if their "it" is caught by another team's.

Basically, whoever's "it" is also the team leader. It's a big responsibility.

Rule the fourth:

It's possible for two "its" to end up in a draw.

Hang on. I get one "it" catching another...

...but how's a draw work in tag?

Let's say one "it" catches another by touching their back. That's a clear out.

But if two people who are "it" simultaneously tag each other, that would be a draw, and both teams would be out.

The final "it" standing and their team would then win automatically.

Alternatively, if all "its" are eliminated, then the team with the most surviving players would win.

If all the "its" are gone, and two or more teams have the same number of survivors, then I'm afraid the whole game will end in a draw.

Rule the fifth:

Players are absolutely forbidden from fighting each other, though they may fight Demonic Beasts.

Huh? Does that mean

Correct. This entire building will be our arena, so to speak.

And while I'm sure this needn't be said, I'll say it anyway: killing a Demonic Beast is strictly prohibited.

If we let them gain any more power, the Holy Grail War will be the least of our worries.

While I'm on the subject, I'm sure this also goes without saying, Noble Phantasms and offensive skills are similarly prohibited.

... ...

(She'd definitely just been thinking she could use her Noble Phantasm to win really easily.)

(So only Noble Phantasms and offensive skills are prohibited, huh...)

Rule the sixth:

Any player who's out, including those who were "it," may neither help nor interfere.

I'm sure none of you need to be told that, but it bears mentioning for clarity's sake.

Also, we expect things to get fairly heated, so I'm afraid the Master of Chaldea will have to sit this one out.

You'll be staying here with me until it's over.

？！

Don't worry, we'll be fine on our own. You just wait there with Michael for us to get back.

Now, I have a map for each team.

This building has nine stories, so I'm going to assign teams A, B, and C to the second, fifth, and eighth floors, respectively.

And naturally, I'll keep you all up to date with info about who's been captured.

Any questions?

Uh, yeah, I got one.

Can "its" just touch someone to tag 'em, or can you, like, tackle people and stuff too?

Mmm, I think allowing such roughhousing would just lead to actual fighting...

...so let's say whoever's "it" must touch someone with their palm to knock them out of the game.

Kicking and such will not be permitted.

Yeah, yeah, I got it. Tch.

I got one, too. What happens if the players obstruct someone who's "it"?

What do you mean?

For example, what if someone dodges an "it" and in the process bumps into them and knocks them down?

Hmm.

I suppose that would depend on whether it was accidental or intentional.

I want to say they wouldn't be out...

...but that would let players just restrain someone's hands and prevent anyone who might be "it" from tagging anybody.

Yeah, exactly. Is that allowed?

Most definitely not. And now...rule the seventh:

Other players are only allowed to touch whoever's "it" for a cumulative total of two seconds.

Any longer, and they're out.

That should make it so players can't restrain an "it" for alternating seconds on a technicality.

Which ought to prevent any issues, yes?

Yup, sure does.

Any other questions? ...Doesn't seem like it.

Now then, let our game of tag...begin!

So, who's gonna be "it"?

It should probably be a fast runner, right? Then it's gotta be Cú Chulainn.

I say it should definitely be either Cú Chulainn Alter or Saito.

Because, yes, the key here lies in which team's "it" is the fastest Servant.

Yeah. And that's definitely not me.

I could definitely manage some split-second dodges, but I don't think I'd be great at running over long distances.

So what do you say, Cú Chulainn? Will you do it?

Yeah, I got this.

Next, we need a strategy.

Yeah. This is way more complicated than ordinary tag.

I guess this time before the event is for us to hash out our tactics.

The question is, do we all stick together or go our separate ways?

Well, what are the advantages of sticking together?

If we have to, we could keep our "it" safe by shielding him ourselves since we lose instantly if he's caught.

We can only do that a maximum of twice, though, so it only gets us so far.

There are downsides to sticking together, too. For one thing, it makes it easier for the other teams to find us.

So we should work out ahead of time what to do when someone spots us.

What if we split up from the start then?

...I don't think that's a good idea. Our job as normal players is to avoid getting caught by whoever's "it."

If the other teams split up too, it'll be much easier for them to take us out individually.

In the sea, the whole reason fish form schools is because there's strength in numbers.

Can I say something?

Go ahead.

I think the most valuable asset in war is information. At least, that's what Sister says.

So, with that in mind, wouldn't sticking together make it harder to gather information?

...Good point. A lookout makes all the difference in the world.

Good thinking, Nobukatsu.

Well, of course it is! It is Sister's thinking!

Okay, why don't we compromise and split into two groups?

I'll go with Nobukatsu. Saito, you go with Nemo.

Aw geez, I have to go with you?

Got a problem with that?

Eep! O-of course I do! It seems you forgot about the little gap in our power!

...Then again, I guess there's not a single Servant here I could hope to defeat on my own.

Yep, which is exactly why you're coming with me. Just be ready for me to drag you around by the scruff of your neck.

Ugh, this is exactly what I hate about you warrior types! But fine, I guess it is the only way!

Looks like it's you and me then, Nemo.

Any of you know any spells to communicate over distances?

I'm the number one swordsman in all of Japan. What do you think?

No, unfortunately. I rely on Chaldea technology for comms.

All right, here, Saito. I'm gonna give you a comms rune.

'Course, it uses magecraft, so the other teams will be able to pick up on that.

So only use it when you really have to.

Got it. I'll hang onto this.

Uh, are we sure we can use that? Isn't it against the rules?

Nah, rules didn't say you can't use magecraft.

Noble Phantasms and fighting, yeah.

But

They never said a word about magecraft being off-limits, so I'm going to make decisive use of it.

O-okay. (Uh, decisive use?)

Are you sure about this?

It doesn't break any rules, so there's no reason not to use every advantage we can get.

That said, what kind of magecraft are you planning to use?

We're not allowed to fight, so any offensive spells are out of the question.

What about some simple physical enhancements?

Oh, but then I'd probably end up using Mana Burst by accident.

Good question...

I can see the sense in enhancing Sanson, but I don't think either of you needs help there.

On the other hand...what about a spell like this?

Damn, you serious? That sounds nasty, even to me.

I like it. Being nearly invincible is the best thing we can hope for.

The only problem is, it won't take long for the other teams to notice.

There's nothing we can do about that. But let's not forget, they won't be so eager to risk everything right off the bat.

...Let's make sure we win this game.

Whoa, I never hear you say shit like that, Paracelsus! Hell yeah!

I agree.

It would be great to get one over on Karna and Cú Chulainn for once.

You make a good point... Okay, I'm in, too.

It's not every day we get the luxury of being in a Holy Grail War knowing no one's going to get hurt. It would be a waste not to go all out.

Aww yeah! Let's kick some Team B and C ass!

Hmm.

So we agreed to split up to look for the other teams' "its," trusting in our individual strength to see us through.

It's a reasonable tactic, since we can also communicate via magecraft, but...

It makes great use of our team's strengths. I think it's a good strategy.

I agree, but...

A meek approach would just reduce our chances of success.

This plan is only possible because we have such a strong base to work with.

I think it's great. It makes full use of our individual abilities.

(That's true... A meek approach for our team would probably just hold us back.)

...

Perception blocking... That must be an "it" then!

... ...

(I know I'm not my team's "it.")

(But the moment we declared ours, he became indistinct and hazy right before our eyes.)

(I remember the name, but I can't get a clear look. So I have no way to differentiate the "its.")

(And since our team split up...)

(...I have no way to tell which team's "it" this is...)

(Of course, we made a plan for just this sort of situation. All I have to do is...)

... ...

(No signal. Then it's an enemy!)

(I'll head, uh...upstairs!)

This is Arjuna. I just ran into either Team A or Team C's "it."

I'm currently trying to make my escape.

This is Karna. I've run into an enemy "it" as well.

This is Gawain. I've also run into an enemy "it"Wait.

That's too many. One of the "its" we see must be ours.

Mine didn't signal.

Neither did mine.

Wait, wait, wait. Mine didn't either. Something's not right. The numbers don't add up!

...!

This is Arjuna! I just ran into yet ANOTHER "it"!

What's going on here!? Is that you, Enkidu!?

...This is Enkidu. I'm not near any of you right now.

...!

That's Arjuna over there. Looks like he's facing off with two "its."

That's right.

Well, you're our "it" and you're here with me. Doesn't that mean all the "its" are in one place right now?

I'm afraid not. If they were, there'd be no reason for Arjuna to just stand there like he is.

All he'd have to do is restrain Team A's "it" so they couldn't tag anyone and let his team's "it" tag theirs out, even if it meant sacrificing himself.

But he's not doing that, which must mean

He doesn't know which is his ally... No, that's not it.

He doesn't even know if his ally is among them.

Team A's gotta be behind this.

Probably.

They must have seen Merlin's spell, analyzed it immediately, and recreated it themselves.

Paracelsus, the only Caster here, had to have done it. No one else could have done magecraft so intricate.

？！

Mmm, no, it's not.

Our rules prohibit the use of Noble Phantasms and offensive skills. This is neither.

It also doesn't affect the balance between the "its" and the others.

Team A consists of Sanson, Paracelsus, Medusa, and Mordred.

This spell makes them all seem like they're "it," even though only one of them actually is.

And the three who are only camouflaged can't knock players out of the game even if they touch them.

...Does that about cover it, Merlin?

I'd say so.

Ahh, this is great! I thought someone might try something like this.

Now things are really getting interesting!

？！

(They must be using disguises. Enkidu isn't here.)

(The possibility is that they are using Cú Chulainn's runes...)

(As far as I can recall from the battle records, he could probably use them to create a similar effect...)

(But even if he was attempting to duplicate Merlin's disguise, it would still be different in noticeable ways.)

(Which means it must be Paracelsus. He's the only one here who could perfectly recreate Merlin's illusions with his own form of magecraft!)

It's Team A! Every member of Team A is disguised as "it"!

Can you tell which one is the real "it"!?

(They're probably just disguising their appearance. It would definitely be against the rules for them all to actually be "it")

(But...I can't tell the imposters from the real ones!)

Man, that's a nasty trick.

Can't you do anything about it with your runes? Like, disguise us in the same way?

I might be able to change our faces, but that's a far cry from Merlin's magecraft.

And if I don't get it exactly right, the fakes would be easy to spot.

But their disguises are indistinguishable. Perfect copies.

There's only one mage here who could pull that off.

So, what do we do about it?

...We'll just have to lay low for a while. Saito, Nemo, you guys do the same.

It looks like Team A's got their sights set on Team B right now. Let's think up a way to counter them while they deal with Team B.

(They're all edging in closer...but they're not coming at me all at once.)

(Maybe that means neither of them is "it"?)

(But no, I can't risk it getting caught now. Either one of them could be "it.")

(I also can't take my eyes off them, or I'll lose track of the differences I've noticed.)

(My only hope right now is Enkidu.)

(If they can get here in time and restrain these two...)

...!

Hmm. It seems your disguises truly are perfect.

No matter how closely I look, I can't tell you apart from our "it."

Fantastic work, Paracelsus.

...!

(That shook them... No surprise there, though.)

(But I don't know if that's because Paracelsus is here, or if it's because I figured out their trick...)

(Team A consists of Paracelsus, Sanson, Mordred, and Medusa.)

(...None of them are the type to show visible shock just at having a trick uncovered. So then, is one of them Paracelsus?)

(...?)

(I feel like I'm onto something...)

(...We're so close to nailing him, but we're still not there.)

(We just need one more of us to show up...!)

(Mordred. Paracelsus. ...We can do this!)

(All right!)

What? Someone's coming up behind me!

(They must be the real "it"!)

(He dodged, but it won't be enough!)

Got you!

...!

(Damn... That's right! I completely forgot!)

(Team A's spell has a major flaw!)

Whoop. Looks like we've got our first victim.

Sorry, Arjuna Alter, but you're out of the game.

(But now that I'm out, I can't contact my teammates to let them know about it...)

(Good luck, Enkidu, Gawain, and Karna!)

So you're the first victim, huh.

？！

I have no excuse. I was careless...

？！

Thank you, Master. I'm sorry I was the first to be disqualified. What a shameful display...

By the way, Merlin, may I ask you something?

It's about Team A...

Yup, you're right.

It's a great strategy they came up with, but there is one glaring flaw.

I see...

And of course, how they cover up that flaw is what's going to decide this game's winner.

Oho. Master of Chaldea, Arjuna. It looks like it's Team C making contact with Team A this time.

And that's not all...

!

Understood. We've got the situation mostly figured out.

They're hot on our heels right now, but so far, we're doing oka

!!!

Never mind. Just our luck we'd run into some of those Demonic Beasts right now.

So we've got Demonic Beasts up ahead, and presumably another team's "it" behind us. Looks pretty bad.

Now what should we do...? Should we try to clear a path forward, or deal with what's behind us?

... ...Forward.

Why's that?

Would you be mad if I said it was just a hunch, Captain?

No. I trust your hunches. There's always a good reason for them.

Well, if I'm being honest, it's partly a gamble, too. ...Shall we!?

Let's!

All right, they're gone!

Thanks for the help...Sanson.

...!

Hey, yeah. That support we had...

Yup. It could only be Sanson.

'Course, just the fact that he didn't come after us when we had our backs turned proves he's not "it."

... ...Damn. I can't believe you figured it out.

I guess I shouldn't have helped you fend off those Demonic Beasts after all.

Maybe, but I just knew the Sanson from Chaldea wouldn't be able to resist.

So you gambled on me being just as selfless as my counterpart in Chaldea?

That's right.

Hm. You really get me.

Still, since neither of you are "it," it looks like this encounter amounts to a dra

Not quite.

!!!

Gotcha. Sorry, Executioner.

Sanson from Team A is now out. Time for you to leave.

Damn. I guess I shouldn't have stuck around.

All right. That's one down.

So, both Team A and Team B have lost someone.

That does put us on top for the moment, but

It also makes us a bigger target.

We should spread out. And while we're at it, let's swap partners.

Saito, you come with me. Nobukatsu, you go with Nemo.

...Why? So you can use us as decoys?

Yep. We're not gonna win if we aren't willing to make sacrifices here.

Saito and I can deal with the Demonic Beasts faster.

There's no one else left who'd forget the game and help us out if we need it, like Sanson did.

Roger that. Then we'll have to distract the other teams by drawing plenty of attention to ourselves.

Fine then. I'll make a bigger splash than a whale in the shoals.

Thanks. I'm counting on you.

Okay, Nemo, let's go!

Yeah!

You think those two'll be okay?

...No. Both A and B are down a player.

Right now, we're the only ones with our full starting lineup.

...Yeah, the others are definitely gonna go after 'em.

But as long as they can hold out, we should have plenty of chances to catch other guys, too.

...Let's go.

Got it.

Oh well, it's fine. I have no regrets.

？！

Hahaha, you're quite welcome. I guess this means you owe me one.

So, now both A and B are down a player.

Which means we can make a good guess as to how they're going to react.

It may be the blindingly obvious choice, but let's focus on Team C.

If we lose one more teammate, we'll be the ones with targets on our backs.

Let's go after Team C.

Yeah.

Now that Sanson's out, we'll be in deep shit if we lose another guy.

Like they say, the nail that sticks out gets hammered down. Hm? Wait. Does that work here?

I hate that saying.

Why?

...Ohhh, 'cause you don't like being so tall! Well hey, if it makes ya feel any better, I think being tall's nice!

...Paracelsus.

Do you have any spells that can let someone swap bodies with a third party, particularly someone who uses their innocence as a shield to say thoughtlessly cruel things?

I could probably come up with something...

But swapping bodies usually results in a substantial reduction in power.

So I can't recommend it.

...Makes sense. Don't worry. I didn't mean it.

Huh? (Why's she mad? I don't get it.) Ah, whatever.

Okay, so we'll ignore Team B for now, even if we come across them, and focus on the three players from Team C. Let's go!

Yikes! I can feel the bloodlust all the way over here!

They're definitely all after us now.

We're like minnows being targeted by sharks. Or sharks being targeted by orcas.

Then it's hopeless.

There's no way you and I can win on our own. And if we both get disqualified, then Team C'll be...

Hm? Hang on. If things do play out that way...

...Team A and Team B'll both have three guys, and we'll be left with two.

When that happens, A and B would naturally go after each other, since they'll have the advantage again.

And once either A or B are at a numbers disadvantage...

I had the same thought as you.

Yes, things could work out well for us if that happens, but...

You don't think they will?

I don't know. All I can say for sure is, as decoys, we need to buy as much time as we can!

All right! Let's do it!

Team A's weakness is probably the fact that Paracelsus is "it."

What, 'cause of his magecraft disguises?

Yup.

Obviously, anyone another team's "it" tags is out.

But if Paracelsus gets ousted, he can't keep disguising his team with magecraft, or they'll be breaking rule six.

Oh, yeah. I think it was, "Once you're out, you can neither help nor interfere."

Yeah.

So of course, Team A's gonna do everything they can to keep him safe.

And that means we can be sure he's their"it."

Knowing that, we can work out what they're gonna do.

So we're gonna go after Paracelsus and take him down, even if we have to use Nobukatsu and Nemo to lure him out.

This'd go even better if Team B's "it" was out of the picture first.

(...Huff, huff)

Hey, you okay there, Paracelsus?

Just...a little...winded...

It's not just that.

You're also casting these disguise spells on us while running around this fairly large building.

Oh, yeah. And since the building's set up to collect magical energy

You're keeping your own physical enhancements to a bare minimum, aren't you?

...Yes, I am.

I'm so sorry. There simply wasn't any other way...

Why don't we take a short break?

...No. We shouldn't.

I don't see our advantage holding for much longer.

It's very likely that the other teams have figured out I am "it."

The other teams have most probably chosen their strongest Servant as their "it."

In our case, however, our strategy dictated that I must be "it."

It probably won't be long now before Team B's "it" tags two of Team C's players.

From that point on, the line between a humiliating loss and a come-from-behind victory for us will be quite fine.

...And I'd certainly like to win.

Ha! 'Course we're gonna come from behind to win!

I agree. Honestly, I'm rather fired up about this myself.

I swear on these glasses I'm going to do whatever it takes to win.

There you are!

(Huff, huff, huff...) Man, how much stamina does this guy have, anyway!?

You're going nowhere.

Karna! Damn, now we're cut off at both ends.

Crap!

Looks like this is it!

Got you.

Oda Nobukatsu and Nemo are both out.

Well, we bought as much time as we could...

Now we'll just have to hope it was enough for the other two.

Oh?

... ...

An "it"... Are they from A or C? Though they could also be one of Team A's players in disguise.

So, they're making a run for it. ...Okay, I'll go after them!

I may not be able to use my Noble Phantasm or offensive skills...but I'm still a fast runner.

...!

... ...

... ...

(An "it" chasing after another "it"... So the one being chased must be one of the Team A players in disguise.)

(Now, do I go after the player being chased, or the "it" doing the chasing?)

(...Obviously, I should go after the "it" doing the chasing. Once I get them, their whole team will be disqualified.)

(Wait for it... Wait for it... ...Now!)

!?

Got you!

...You really are fast, Enkidu.

You're every bit as quick to take action as your reputation suggests.

Which is why we had to work as a team to defeat you.

...Dammit!

(The one who was chasing wasn't "it"! It was one of Team A's ordinary players! So that must mean)

Got you.

Medusa from Team A and Enkidu from Team B are both out.

Thanks for playing♡

(There's something mildly infuriating about that saccharine tone of his...)

You got me good.

And so, Team B is out of the game.

Karna, Gawain, that means you, too.

... ...

Phew... That just leaves Team C.

Yeah, but now our team's just us two!

We should assume our advantage is essentially gone now.

The last player left is that Saito Hajime guy.

The swordfighter from the Far East, yes. I'm sure he's far more athletic than I am.

Then it's gonna come down to a battle of grit.

That's not a word I usually associate with myself, but in this case...hehe, I like it.

All right, let's do this thing!

Phew. That was an ordeal.

I'm sorry, everyone. I should have been more careful.

Not at all. I would have fallen for that, too.

Going after the one being chased just wasn't an option.

No... You were made to think it wasn't an option.

Chin up, Enkidu. We weren't that much help, either.

Thank you. That's kind of you to say. So...only four left, huh.

...?

Something wrong, Karna?

...I need to step out for a moment. Would you come with me, Arjuna?

Hm? Hold on.

May I, Master?

？！

All right then. Be back soon...

Well? What is it?

There's something off about the Demonic Beasts. I guess the other Heroic Spirits haven't noticed because they're too caught up in the game.

Something off...?

I want to take a closer look at them. But I also don't want to get in the way of the game.

So I want you to help me investigate them quietly.

...I see. Let's go, then.

Thank you. I'm glad you understand.

I never thought I'd see the day when you and I would investigate an office building together.

Fate certainly has a way of surprising you, doesn't it...

That it does.

If you told my younger self I'd be doing this one day, I don't think he would have believed you.

Let's just chalk it up to the glasses and leave it at that.

Heh, good idea. It's all thanks to the glasses.

...Whoa!

!

That was close.

Guess you're Paracelsus then. Which means the "it" our "it" is chasing down must be

Mordred...!

...!

Yeah, no Caster could take off running like that.

Saito, you still hanging in there?

More or less.

All right, keep it up a little longer while I tag the last one!

...!

(First Mordred was running around every which way in that room, now they're out in the hallway...)

(Do they have some kind of plan, or are they just playing things by ear?)

(If it's a plan, then...)

(Saito. Where are you right now?)

(The seventh-floor hallway. Paracelsus is on my tail, but so far, I haven't had much trouble shaking him.)

(That's the same floor as me. So that must mean...)

(They're trying to trade places!)

(I can hear their footsteps, so they've got to be close. They must be planning to trade places at the hallway corner so Paracelsus can surprise me!)

(...Interesting. If you think you can get me like that, go ahead and try!)

(I'm at the corner! Let's do this, Paracelsus!)

(Got...it...!)

...Now!

Whup!

(Saito just jumped over my head... There's no way they can catch him now!)

(And once I catch the last player on their team, we'll win. We've got this!)

(Huh!?)

...Okay, now that we all look like we're "it," let me give you this just in case.

Sanson?

Your coat?

Like I said, just in case.

Anything we're not wearing on our person isn't affected by the "it" disguise, right?

That's right. I assume it's the same for Merlin's illusion, too.

So I thought, if you have to, you can take off my coat and throw it over someone's head to surprise and blind them.

I dunno. You really think there'll be a situation where that'll be necessary?

Hmm... No, probably not.

(Thank you, Sanson. Now all we need to do is...!)

Grr... Get off me!

(Dammit, now Mordred's here, too. Which one's the real "it"!?)

(This is the moment of truth. They look the same to me. But...)

(I can still tell which one Paracelsus is. He's the one who looks like he's about to collapse!)

It's over!

...Would you, Mordred?

You got it, Paracelsus!

(Wha)

(Ah)

And now...rule the seventh:

Other players are only allowed to touch whoever's "it" for a cumulative total of two seconds.

(Crap! They've still got the full two seconds to hold Cú Chulainn down!)

(Which means he can't tag anyone out for two whole seconds!)

Do it!!!

...Got you!

Dammit.

Cú Chulainn Alter is out.

That means Team C has lost. Team A wins.

Phew... That was truly exhausting...

Way to go, Paracelsus! That was awesome!

Ow, ow. Please stop that, Mordred. You're hurting me.

Oh, whoops. Damn, it feels good to win though, huh!?

...I'm sorry.

？！

Dammit, this sucks. They played the rules like a fiddle.

Hang on. Isn't it against the rules to so deliberately interfere like that though?

Maybe. But...

I'm not so sure.

It looked to us like Mordred just happened to run into him when they turned around at that corner.

Right. Of course it did. And as for us

Forget it.

I'm not gonna whine on a technicality when we obviously lost.

Oh. I see...

...I'm guessing you were counting on him reacting like that, too?

Hehehe.

Wooo! And the winners return!

You got no problem with our victory, right?

Nah. You beat us fair and square.

...Phew. I suddenly feel so much lighter.

What're you talking about? We've still got another game to win.

...Would you mind if I left that one to the rest of you? I could really use a break.

Hang in there!

On that note, I would like to get to the next game...but it seems Karna and Arjuna Alter have yet to return.

Master, we have an emergency!

？！

All of you, come with us!

This is a bad sign. A very bad sign.

？！

Yes. It's almost definitely blood. Apparently, the Demonic Beasts have started eating each other.

...!

Is that bad?

Normally, it would be great, since they would be doing the work of culling their numbers for us.

But here, the fewer beasts there are, the stronger those that remain become.

As far as we can tell, their ability to absorb their opponents' power still works when they eat each other.

Now, they're on the verge of transforming from Demonic to Phantasmal Beasts.

That's going to make things much more difficult. The only way to fend them off now is to kill them with our Noble Phantasms.

Wait, wait, hold on. Isn't that a bad idea?

I mean, if we do that, they'll take our power too, right!?

That's right.

So we can't drive them off, we can't afford to lose to them, and we can't risk beating them, either.

... ...So we're stuck?

... ...

Hmm.

All right, I see how it is. For the moment, I'll buy us some time with an illusion.

Then, we get to work brainstorming a solution!