Fate/Grand Order story · Events, Illya's Karakuri Castle: - Kashin Koji's Modest Ambition

Marvel at It! Illya's Karakuri Castle!

Illya's Karakuri Castle: - Kashin Koji's Modest Ambition. Chaldea Gate

3 scenes, 641 lines

1. Before the battle

80 lines
Danzo

I have returned, Master.

I detect no hostiles in our immediate vicinity. It should be safe to proceed for now.

Your choice

Thanks, Danzo!

Got it!

Danzo

?!

I will remain vigilant for potential threats.

I am sure Lord Kotarou will let you know if he finds anything as he scouts ahead.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

Your choice

Okay everyone, let's keep moving.

Danzo

?!

All Three

'Kaaay!

Chloe

Wait. Why're we making such a big deal out of this? It's just the simulator.

Ruby

I wouldn't be too sure about that, Chloe!

We have plenty of data to show that the simulator isn't always totally safe.

Sure, I doubt we'll end up dead, but there's still no telling what could happen in here.

Chloe

Think so? Eh, I'm not convinced.

Illya

Come on, Chloe, don't be like that. Remember what Danzo and Kotarou said?

Our job as Servants is keeping Fujimaru safe.

Doesn't matter whether it's in real life or the simulator.

It...doesn't, right?

Um... What do you think, Miyu?

Miyu

I think you're right, Illya.

Illya

Phew.

Chloe

Okay, okay. I've just gotta take this seriously, right?

Your choice

I want to see you all getting along, okay?

Remember, the training doesn't end until we leave the simulator.

Chloe

?!

All Three

We know!

Your choice

Good answer.

All Three

?!

Illya

Ehehe.

Ruby

You know, seeing Master with the girls like this reminds me of an elementary school teacher taking his class on a field trip.

Sapphire

So does that make this a school camp kind of situation?

Ruby

Ah! I can hear the voice-over for the trailer already!

"The woods are virtual but the terror is real. Magical girls, trapped inside. Who will survive...?"

How does that sound?

Chloe

I have no idea how to respond to that.

Illya

Come on, Ruby! Quit scaring meus! I mean, us!

Your choice

Sounds like only magical girls can survive...

Guess this means I'll have to become a magical girl too.

Illya

?!

B:Ruby

Oh? Hey, thanks for playing along, Master!

Illya

Oh!

Fujimaru, you're really pale... Now look what you did, Ruby!

B:Ruby

I was just kidding. Although, if we really do wander into, say, a Singularity...

Well, what happens next all depends on the Holy Grail, now doesn't it?

Chloe

Of course.

Your choice

Well, yeah, that's true.

Chloe

?!

Danzo

Excuse me, Master!

Miyu

(Gasp)!!!

Illya

Aaah! You scared me!

Chloe

Man, you ninja really are killer hiders. You look pretty nervous now though...

Danzo

Lord Kotarou has just returned!

Fuuma Kotarou

I'm back! Be careful, Master!

Your choice

What is it, Kotarou?

Did something happen?

Fuuma Kotarou

I couldn't believe my eyes.

?!

We have an emergency situation.

There is something happening in the simulator that wasn't programmed to happen.

Your choice

Like an enemy we weren't expecting?

Fuuma Kotarou

?!

Exactly.

Instead of the boars pre-programmed into the simulator, there is a squadron of dangerous looking karakuri up ahead.

F:Illya

Karakuri?

G:Miyu

I think he means old-fashioned machines. Like steampunk or something.

Fuuma Kotarou

The squadron is comprised of several humanoid karakuri soldiers, as well as a few giant ones.

There's also a Shadow Servant of unknown class with them.

Danzo

Karakuri soldiers?

Ruby

Uh-oh. They're here! They're here! Several high-density magical energy signals are headed our way!

Sapphire

One is definitely on par with a Servant. Please get ready for a fight, Lady Miyu.

Miyu

Illya!

Illya

I know! O-okay, let's do this!

We're all counting on you, Fujimaru!

Your choice

Everyone, get ready to fight back!

Be careful, everyone! We still don't know what we're up against!

Illya

?!

All

Understood!

Fuuma Kotarou

...Here they come. Come on! I'll lead the charge!

2. Before the battle

94 lines
Both

Fire!

Shadow Servant

...

Fuuma Kotarou

Lady Chloe!

Chloe

Yeah, yeah, I know!

Sapphire

The magical energy signals are gone. It looks like we drove them off.

Your choice

Great work, everyone.

Sapphire

?!

Your choice

That aside...

Sapphire

?!

Your choice

I don't think I've ever seen those things before.

Fuuma Kotarou

Me neither. And their leader was

Chloe

A Shadow Servant. You guys've never seen that lady in Chaldea's database before either, right?

Your choice

I've never seen that Shadow Servant before.

Chloe

That's gotta be the shadow of some Heroic Spirit.

Miyu

You're probably right.

Chloe

Hmm. But we've never seen that lady in Chaldea's database before, right?

?!

Illya

Y-you look at the database, Chloe? Are we allowed to do that?

Chloe

Who cares?

Illya

Everyone!

Chloe

I just never bothered asking. They probably wouldn't care if we did.

Illya

I guess, but I still don't think it's right to look at something like that without permission.

Chloe

(Sigh) We're not at school, Illya. Why're you still trying to be a teacher's pet?

Illya

Sh-shut up! You're just too much of a bad girl to know what's right!

Danzo

... ...

...

Your choice

Danzo?

Danzo

?!

...Oh. I-it's nothing.

... ...

Fuuma Kotarou

Lady Danzo?

Danzo

Lord Kotarou...

...Master, I thought perhaps I should keep this to myself, but I've decided to tell you.

Your choice

(Nod)

Danzo

?!

My memory circuits are...incomplete. They remain broken even now.

They say Heroic Spirits are summoned in their prime...

Apparently, humanity has determined my prime to have been during my later years, when I was on the verge of breaking down.

As a result, I have difficulty trusting my memories.

That being said...

Your choice

Is this about that Shadow Servant?

You think you might know who that Shadow Servant was?

Danzo

?!

...Yes.

My image of them is very hazy.

They seem to flicker in and out of my circuits, like a mirage sliding from view when you try to focus on it.

A left eye of crimson and a right of teal.

I feel like I've seen that person somewhere before...

I've maybe...even met them...

Ruby

Hmm. Well, that didn't exactly give us a lot to go on.

Sapphire

Indeed.

Illya

Ruby!

Miyu

You watch your tongue too, Sapphire.

Sapphire

Apologies.

Chloe

In the meantime, I'm gonna contact the Command Room.

Maybe these guys are trying to hack into Chaldea's systems or something.

Illya

N-no way... When did you learn so much about that kind of thing, Chloe?

Chloe

What, this? Everyone knows this kinda stuff nowadays. Right, Miyu?

Illya

Huh!?

Miyu

...I, um, don't think it's strange if you don't, Illya, since you never felt a need to deal with it before...

Illya

Nnn. Why do I get the feeling you're just being nice?

Chloe

Okay, just hit this, and...

Mash

Command Room here. How's the forest march simulation going?

...I see. An unknown enemy force and a Shadow Servant, huh?

Well, we haven't detected anything unusual on our end.

Chloe

So even if it's just a bug, it's within expected parameters?

Well, I guess that's not impossible with a complex system like this.

Your choice

Maybe you're right.

Chloe

Hmm.

Your choice

I wonder.

Chloe

Who knows?

?!

Fuuma Kotarou

What would you have us do, Master? If you'd like to play it safe, we can always abort the march now.

O:Ruby

You want to abort?

We've already come this far. Why don't we at least try getting out of the woods, like we planned?

Your choice

Good point.

True, there's no telling when something unexpected might occur.

O:Ruby

?!

Your choice

Okay, for now, let's keep going!

O:Ruby

?!

All Three

'Kaaay!

And so...

...the party continued on its way through the forest.

Eventually, they reached their destination.

They expected to see the forest's tree line and the gentle, sloping hills beyond.

Instead...

An impossible sight lay before them!

A mysterious, European castle!

And barring the way to that castle...was a Japanese castle!

Along with a series of deadly traps!

Your choice

Oh man. This is gonna be another wild ride.

I get the feeling we're in for a new festival!

?!

Illya

Wh-what IS all this!?

3. Before the battle

467 lines
Sitonai

Surprised, Master?

All Three

!!!

Chloe

Isn't that

Illya

You're Sitonai, right? The Alter Ego?

Miyu

She looks so much like Illya...

B:Ruby

Um, I think I might have said this before, but it's actually more the other way aroun

Sitonai

Oh, it's me from another

I mean, how nice to see so many adorable girls together.

Not a bad lineup at all.

Plus, now that I've set up so many obstacles, having cute contestants should really up the appeal.

Your choice

By set up you mean...

Sitonai

?!

Your choice

So, you created all of this, Sitonai?

Sitonai

?!

Yes, that's right.

I changed the simulator into a kind of Bounded Field.

So good luck, since you won't be able to escape until you clear them all.

Illya

Wait. Huh!? What did she just say!?

Miyu

She said we won't be able to escape unless we clear them all...

Chloe

She sure did... I guess we're in one of those death game things now.

B:Ruby

Does nothing faze her!? Okay, everyone! Looks like we need to steel ourselves to get through this!

Illya

Why do you sound so happy about all this, Ruby?

B:Ruby

Who, me? Not at all. You must be imagining it.

Your choice

Something about all these stages seems like

Miyu

Yes. They kind of remind me of the enemies we just fought.

Your choice

Is it me, or do these stages have the same, uh,aura about them as those enemies we just fought?

Fuuma Kotarou

It's not just you, Master. I felt the same thing.

?!

These are the same kind of mechanisms at play in those karakuri soldiers.

Sitonai

Oh, you noticed.

I'm the producer here, but it was another Heroic Spirit who did the work of actually putting it together.

I remember thinking that Morgan's thing from a while back seemed like fun, so I tried hiring a supervisor myself.

Anyway, I'm sure you're going to have lots of fun here.

Make sure you all enjoy everything it has to offer, okay!?

Your choice

...

Sitonai

?!

Your choice

Well, if we have to escape this, we might as well have fun doing it!

Sitonai

?!

Illya

How are you just okay with this!?

Chloe

So this is the attitude that separates a veteran Master from an amateur. But I still didn't expect a response like that...

Sitonai

Oh, I know. Since you're all here, why don't I introduce you?

This is my supervisor. Go on, say something.

???

...

... ...

Your choice

Isn't that...

???

?!

Illya

Hey! That Heroic Spirit looks exactly like the Shadow Servant we saw before!

Miyu

Yeah, exactly!

B:Ruby

Uh, yes, it does look like a ninety percent match. The transmission isn't enough for me to determine their Spirit Origin, though.

Danzo

OH!!!

My circuits...!

I remember now!

It's them! This is amazing.

No matter how their appearance may change, that glimmer in their eyes is the same as ever!

Fuuma Kotarou

Then you do know who that is, Lady Danzo!?

Danzo

I do.

That is the greatest sorcerer of Japan's Warring States period and an unparalleled karakuri master!

They were the one who worked with the first lord of the Fuuma clan to make me!

That is...Kashin Koji!

Kashin Koji

...My True Name is Kashin Koji.

... ...

Their gaze...

...was utterly without warmth.

None of the warmth one would expect to see in a human being was anywhere to be found in those eyes.

It felt just like...

...looking into the eyes of a doll...

B:Ruby

It was, in a word, creepy.

Illya

Ruby, stop that! No narrating without permission!

Danzo

Oh my. I can't believe this.

Lord Kashin Koji! I never thought I would get to see you again!

It's me, Danzo! The very Katou Danzo you made!

It's so good to see you again after all this time!

Kashin Koji

... ...

...

Danzo

...?

Lord...Kashin Koji...?

It wasn't much...

But they averted their gaze ever so slightly.

Ruby

Or at least, that's how it seemed to Danzo.

I:Illya

RUBY!

Danzo

...!

Sitonai

Okay, um, I think that should do it for introductions.

Now then. Master.

Illyasviel. Chloe. Miyu. Danzo. Kotarou.

Kashin Koji and I will be waiting in the European castle.

Your goal is to make it here safely.

And along the way, we've prepared plenty of karakuri stages for you, so I hope you enjoy!

Sapphire

The transmission just cut out. Hmm... It doesn't look like we can reestablish the line.

Your choice

Well, at least we basically know what to do now.But more importantly...

Good to know, but right now, I'm more worried about...

Sapphire

?!

Your choice

(Look at Danzo)

Sapphire

?!

Danzo

Ah...ah...

Why? Why didn't Lord Kashin Koji say anything to me?

Lord Kashin...Koji...

Fuuma Kotarou

Lady Danzo.

I know Lord Kashin Koji has strong ties to you and the first Fuuma Kotarou.

I don't know why they're ignoring you now...

...so it seems we'll just have to ask them ourselves.

At least, that's the way I see it. What do you think, Master? Lady Danzo?

Your choice

I think you're right.

Either way, we need to get to that goal, so let's get going!

Fuuma Kotarou

?!

Danzo

Understood!

Master, please forgive me. I am sorry you had to see that.

Rest assured, I will clear every obstacle in our path with the power of this Kashin Mystic Code!

Illya

We'll do our best, too! Right, Miyu!? Right, Chloe!?

Miyu

Uh-huh!

Chloe

Well, we've already come this far, so we might as well!

B:Ruby

"Karakuri Death Game in the Dark Woods! What perverted karakuri traps await our magical girls and their ninja companions?"

Nailed it. Perfect teaser. Anyway, I'm glad you're all excited about this!

Illya

What was that about perverted karakuri!?

Chloe

Oh, we're getting a call from the Command Room.

Hello?

Mash

Oh good, we're still connected!

We've been monitoring the situation from here and we've learned a few things you should know.

This deadly theme park Sitonai has created is a minute Singularity.

Specifically, a minute Singularity that's developed within the simulator.

Simulator or not, carelessness there could still lead to a loss of life.

So please be careful as you make your way forward.

Your choice

Got it.

Okay, we will.

Mash

?!

Thank you, Senpai!

As for the additional information... Um... It's about the other Servants...

Your choice

Uh-oh. You don't mean

Mash

?!

Y-yes, Senpai. It's just as you fear.

They seem to think this is some new kind of festival...

...and they're all headed your way!

Your choice

I knew it!

Mash

?!

I'm so sorry! I tried to stop them, but they wouldn't listen!

Sancho

Ah yes, I see what's going on here.

It's basically an old-fashioned amusement park with some physical activity and traditional Japanese flair.

They're quite big on Japanese culture here, aren't they?

Don Quixote

Yes, I see, I see!

...No, wait. I don't see.

Sancho

It means you win if you can get past all the nasty-looking obstacles, sir.

Don Quixote

Ohh, NOW I see. Well then, let's get going!

Sancho

Absolutely not, sir.

Mordred

What, too chicken to give it a go, Gramps?

That armor just for show? This is just a joust with a splash of pizazz, right?

Don Quixote

Oh! You're Mordred! One of the Knights of the Round Table!

Mordred

Eh, I skew more toward treachery than justice but yeah!

Anyway, when you get right down to it, these things couldn't be simpler.

If you win, you win. If you lose, you die.

That's all there is to it. Am I wrong?

Don Quixote

Ooh!

Right! Let's go, Sancho!

Sancho

Ahhh, Sir is now unnecessarily fired up! Fair Mordred, you have my condolences!

Bedivere

It looks like we got separated from Mordred.

Hmm. A Bounded Field, huh?

In retrospect, perhaps we shouldn't have been so eager to activate the simulator and hop on the bandwagon, so to speak.

Well, now that we're here, I think we should first try to meet up with Master, then see if we can escape.

What do you all think?

Tristan

Who cares about a Bounded Field? Just smash the thing and be done with it. (It seems you and I are on the same page, Sir Bedivere. I was just about to say the same thing.)

Gareth

Sir Tristan, no! You're mixing up your inner monologue and your actual words!

How do you even do that, anyway?

Tristan

Hehe. I have a Mystic Code I modeled after Murasaki Shikibu's thing.

Lancelot

I take it you asked Sir Merlin or Lady MerI mean, Lady Avalon for that?

Tristan

Well surmised, Sir Lancelot. Even as a knight, there are times when your identity is best hidden.

The tavern at night is a place for subtleties, after all. Sometimes, one must hide one's true feelings. Others, one must brazenly shout them to the world.

Bedivere

I see. Well, no more taverns for you, Sir Tristan.

That aside, he wasn't entirely wrong. We could smash our way out of here if we wanted.

Gareth

But if we do that, we'll never get our hands on the Holy Grail!

Lancelot

There's a Holy Grail mixed up in this as well? Then I suppose brute force isn't an option.

Gareth

Not if we want to properly resolve this Singularity. Right, Sir Lancelot?

Lancelot

Right you are, Gareth.

Gareth

Yay!

Habetrot

Hey guys, listen to this! Rumor has it there's a Holy Grail up for grabs at the end of this course!

Nikitich

Oh? Is that so?

Ibuki-Douji

Wow, really? We can get a Holy Grail just for having fun dodging death out here?

Habetrot

Come to think of it, there was that whole Tam Lin Cup thing not too long ago.

Man, Chaldea is great. You never know what crazy thing's gonna happen next!

Nikitich

So this is a place to test our skills? Hmm, not bad.

Ibuki-Douji

How about you, Nikiti? Think you can win this?

Nikitich

I know I can!

...At least, I could if the Yaskayas were here. I wonder where they went?

They were here just a moment ago...

Caenis

...Hmph.

I don't give a shit about the Holy Grail. I'm just here to crush everyone else, demolish the castle, and be done with it!

Who cares what kind of fancy tricks they try! Their luck ran out the moment I got wind of this place!

Haha, ain't that right, guys!?

Jekyll

True, with your physical prowess, you could probably clear these hurdles easily.

But let's not be too quick to throw caution to the wind. The fact that there's a Holy Grail involved in this means things are very unlikely to play out straightforwardly.

Fran

Uh. Uh, uh. (Nod)

Caenis

Ugh. You guys are no fun!

Jekyll

You think?

Fran

Uh? (Head tilt)

Caenis

...You're throwing me off my game! Shit, I kind of hate that you guys are so casual with me.

Fran

Uhhh uh, uh. (Special Translation: That's all thanks to Mordred.)

Jekyll

Yes, you may be right. Speaking of Mordred, I wonder where they are right now.

Caenis

Huh? You can understand her?

Jekyll

Hm?

You mean you can't?

Fran

Uh? (Special Translation: You can't?)

Caenis

Hell no I can't! ...Wait. Does Mordred?

Locusta

Ehehehe. Ahh, this takes me back! I just love events like this!

The terror of stepping on the wrong stone and plunging into a lake! The fear of getting caught by the monster chasing you through the labyrinth!

Then you make your way through the underground(?) tunnel, pop out in front of the castle, and finish the whole thing off with a go-kart shoot-out!

Fun for the whole family! Beloved the world over, at least in recent years!

I speak, of course, of Takeshi's Cast

Draco

That is quite enough of that.

I swear, Locusta, you really must learn to tamp down the madness in you.

Caligula

Uhhh? (Special Translation: Is she okay, Nero?)

Draco

Do not mind her, Uncle. She just had a few too many mushrooms.

Caligula

Uhhh, Nerooo! (Special Translation: Oh, all right. Then come, let us win this event!)

Draco

Hehe, it seems you are sufficiently motivated, Uncle.

Very well then. Locusta!

Locusta

Yes ma'am!

Draco

Let us be on our way! We shall bring true elegance to these otherwise uncouth festivities!

Romulus=Quirinus

Hehe. It's good to see my beloved Rome (read: children) so excited.

That's the spirit. For this, too, is Rome; it's an expression of my boundless love.

Wouldn't you agree, Rome (read: me)?

Romulus

Heh. Say no more, Rome (read: me).

I can see it. I can see it all! I can see the horizon dyed red and golden, our glory shining bright and proud!

This place shall be the beginning of a new period of human betterment, where people spring into action, life shines bright, and new hope is born.

In other words!

Both

This! Is! Rome!

Kōnstantînos XI

...!

(I'm so moved I can barely stand.)

Romulus=Quirinus

Haha. At ease, Rome (read: my child).

Show us the Rome that lies within you. It's all right. We will accept all as it is.

Kōnstantînos XI

Divine Father Romulus!

Unworthy though I may be, I shall do my utmost to live up to your expectations!

I assume that means you want me to bring back the Holy Grail, yes!?

Romulus

The Holy Grail...

Romulus=Quirinus

True, that, too, would be Rome, but... Hmm...

Hmmm...

Kōnstantînos XI

F

Forgive my misunderstanding! I will simply do my best to clear the obstacles and not concern myself with anything else!

Romulus

Well said, my child.

Miss Crane

Since I'm sure this won't be the last event of its kind...

...perhaps it's time we came up with workout gear better suited for full-body athletics!

While we're at it, we should make sure it's designed to show off every participant's good side!

For that matter, if we're going to do this, we may as well make entirely new Spiritron Dresses!

At least, that's what I think! How about you, Lady Cleopatra!?

Cleopatra

You get it!

I'm so glad you understand, Miss Crane!

Our usual outfits would be fine if we stuck to the sort of thing you'd see in the Colosseum, but between this event and the last...

...we're clearly trending more towards full-blown extravaganzas with far more variety than simple sword swinging.

So yes, I do believe that if we're going to do events like these, we should create more outfits to suit them!

Miss Crane

Exactly!

Cleopatra

Hmm, just as I thought. I knew you and I would get along.

And why wouldn't we? You're Chaldea's top designer and I'm its top model.

It was only a matter of time until fate brought us together!

Caesar

(I-I can't believe it. I can't even get a word in edgewise!)

(These two working together presents new business opportunities...but I can't get myself to be ahead of things and sign a contract with them.)

(I don't understand! How could I be overwhelmed by them!?)

Scáthach

Heh heh heh heh.

Now this is an event. I can smell it in the air.

This is just my kind of competition.

But this time, I am just another participant. I need not hold back on my Eastern colleague's behalf.

Let's go out there and show them what we're made of! Right, Sétanta!?

... ...

I said, "Right, Sétanta!?"

Both

Which of us are you talking to!?

Voyager

Hehehe. This is gonna be a lot of fun.

How about you, Jason? Do you think you'll be able to fly straight to the Holy Grail?

Jason

What? Hell no. How would I even do that? Are you stupid or something?

There are at least as many death traps here as there were last time. No one in their right mind would go in there by choice!

In fact, you know what, Voyager? I want you to go slap a sign that says "Idiot" on the back of anyone about to try this!

Voyager

Aw, so you're just gonna watch, Jason? That's really too bad.

Dioscuri - Castor

What's wrong, Jason? This hardly squares with the captain of the Argo I remember.

Dioscuri - Pollux

Brother is right, Jason. In my memories, you...

Well, you may not have been a CONFIDENT captain, but you certainly kept every day interesting.

Jason

Where'd you two come from!?

Voyager

Ooh, the shiny twin stars! Are you here to help Jason?

Dioscuri - Castor

I don't know about that. Heh, no, it was your voice we heard.

Jason's presence here is merely a coincidence.

Still, if our former captain is asking, I suppose we could agree to a temporary alliance.

Emphasis on "temporary."

Jason

Did you hear me ask? 'Cause I sure didn't.

Dioscuri - Pollux

But Brother, weren't you telling me earlier that you were planning to help Jason ou

Dioscuri - Castor

Pollux!

Jason

...Yeesh. Well, with you guys here, I guess we might actually have a shot at winning this.

But we're just going to compete normally, got it!? If it gets even the least bit dangerous, I'm out!

So you've gotta let me off if and when that happens! Okay!?

Dioscuri - Castor

Heh!

Dioscuri - Pollux

You got it!

Merlin (Color Commentator)

Well now, it looks like everyone's bringing their A game. I'd expect no less of Chaldea's roster of history's greatest heroes.

Their nose for battle and lust for victory are palpable. Truly an example of how heroes everywhere ought to be. Perhaps we could learn a thing or two from them ourselves?

Taigong Wang (Play-by-Play)

Hahahahaha.

That's rich, coming from you of all people. Look how easily you slid right back into giving color commentary.

I appreciate how sharply you maneuver yourself behind the scenes. It's inspiring.

Now, on a different note...

Let's get some impressions from our guest commentator. Father?

K. Rasputin (Guest Commentator)

Father? I'm afraid I don't know why you're calling me that.

I'm K. Rasputin, and I'm only here to help comment on today's proceedings. Thank you for having me.

Taigong Wang (Play-by-Play)

K. Rasputin, huh? (Double take) All right, tell us a little about yourself then, K.

K. Rasputin (Guest Commentator)

I'm a simple man leading a simple life. Most days, I rise with the sun, work hard, pray, give thanks for the day's sustenance, and go to bed.

However, I'm also a big fan of martial arts and watching sports in general.

It's wonderful how we have so many streaming options these days. There's always something to watch.

At one point, I started making daily videos providing commentary for various sporting events. Before I knew it, I became known as the Minister of Commentary...

...and now, I'm lucky enough to be giving guest commentary here.

What an inspiration it is to be at this Novum Chaldea festival, witnessing the enthusiasm of fellow Heroic Spirits.

Fighting spirit is arguably one of the most primal passions we possess.

And I, for one, look forward to standing close enough to those flames of passion to get singed.

Taigong Wang (Play-by-Play)

Oho. I...see? I'm only just realizing how expertly you dodged saying anything about your background or your real profession.

Merlin (Color Commentator)

I'll have to remember that myself. One should never speak too much about oneself when listening to another's problems.

It is the problems, not the listener, which matter most, yes?

Whoever K. Rasputin here may be is less important than how well he can explain things for us.

Wouldn't you agree, Taigong Wang? Hahahahaha.

Taigong Wang (Play-by-Play)

Hahahahaha.

Sitonai

... ...

...Huh?

Wh-what are those people already doing here at the goal? How'd they get past the karakuri stages!?

Kashin Koji

(Whispering)

Sitonai

Uh-huh, uh-huh.

...They just showed up out of nowhere and built a broadcasting stand without asking?

W-well, I guess these things happen.

As long as we don't count them as having cleared the course, I guess I can make an exception this one time.

(Glance)

K. Rasputin (Guest Commentator)

Yes, young miss? Do I have something on my face?

Sitonai

N-no. It's nothing.

Taigong Wang (Play-by-Play)

Hey, we got away with it! See, kids? This is why it's better to beg forgiveness than ask permission.

All right, let's take a look at the stages near the castle. Oho, look there, Servants getting ready to act as obstacles for the competitors!

Let's see, how does this relay thing work again...?

Ah, there we go. Can you hear me!?

Lady Avalon (Reporter)

Loud and clear, Taigong Wang. Hello, everyone. It's your favorite little sister, Lady Avalon.

Behind me, you can see various Servants Sitonai approached ahead of time...

...to serve as obstacles for the contestants!

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami

Understood. Come, let us prepare to welcome our guests.

Tomoe Gozen

Yes, Lord Tajima! I look forward to it!

Senji Muramasa

I figured this kinda stuff was only for the youngsters...

...but if Tajima's out here, I can't just stand on the sidelines sippin' tea, now can I?

Inshun

Hahaha. Well, I'm certainly glad to have you out here with us, Lord Muramasa.

This should be fun. I look forward to taking out challengers together!

Tomoe Gozen

Come, let us give it our all!

Leonidas

Impregnable!

Georgios

Ironclad!

Gawain

Perfect!

All Three

Defense!

Leonidas

Fantastic! We three, as the Shield of Chaldea, are perfectly in sync!

We WILL fulfill our assigned roles, and stop any would-be intruders in their tracks!

Gawain

I am more a wielder of the sword than the shield...but very well. I, too, am inspired after hearing that.

I will be glad to join this fight as a member of the shield team. Come, my comrades, and let us protect the castle together!

Georgios

(It's not every day we get a lineup like this. I'll have to take a photo later.)

Taigong Wang (Play-by-Play)

Aha, I see. The challengers certainly have their work cut out for them. What do you think, Lord Merlin?

Merlin (Color Commentator)

It is an unusual lineup, but by no means a bad one. Between the three of them, they have brains and brawn in equal measure. I certainly wouldn't want to have to face them.

Still, conventional wisdom says that focusing on defense is a suboptimal way to play in events like this. Any thoughts on that, Lord K?

K. Rasputin (Guest Commentator)

It all depends on the rules. If the opponents' mistakes lead to points being scored, then playing defense is a slow but sure way to go on the attack.

The key thing to remember here is that none of those three are solely focused on defense. They have plenty of offensive capability to employ as they like.

Fantastic. Seeing three Heroic Spirits of such different backgrounds coming together like this is a dream come true.

I know this would never happen, but looking at them, I can't help but imagine what it would be like to be that team's coach.

Koyanskaya of Light

What are we even doing here?

Koyanskaya of Dark

You took the words right out of my mouth. One moment, you're gawking at that Japanese killing machine inventor we heard would be here...

...and the next, we're on the obstacle Servant roster.

This is the last thing I needed today. I'm just waiting until I can finally go home.

Koyanskaya of Light

Huh!?

Well, that's not how I remember it! If anyone was gawking at that inventor, it was you!

Koyanskaya of Dark

What was that!?

Thrúd

Roll call! Rindr!

Rindr

Present.

Thrúd

Hildr!

Hildr

Present!

Thrúd

Rún!

Rún

Present!

Thrúd

Ortlinde!

Ortlinde

Present.

Thrúd

Irs!

Irs

...Present.

K:Thrúd

With me here, that makes six!

Gosh, this is amazing. I never thought we'd ever get a chance to fight together like this.

Hildr

Yeah, those Holy Grails sure are something. Having all six of us out at once like this would usually be impossible.

Irs

It should be a good experience for all of us, especially once we sync our memories.

Rindr

For sure.

Ortlinde

It's really nice being able to do something together like this.

K:Thrúd

... ...

F:Irs

That look on your face tells me you just wish Master was here, too. Am I right, Thrúd?

K:Thrúd

!?

G:Rún

I-is that true, Thrúd!?

K:Thrúd

Of course not. Now stop joking around and let's get in formation already!

All Five

Okay!

Ozymandias

...

... ...

Hmm.

At ease, embodiment of the heavens and proxy of the underworld.

You may not know Chaldea's Nitocris, but I do.

As far as I am concerned, each of you is every bit as much Nitocris as the other.

Relax. I will allow this.

In fact, I will even allow you to treat me not as Ozymandias, king among kings, but as a younger brother figure!

Nitocris (Alter)

...I-I see.

I'm glad to hear that. I-indeed, I do think of you as a...

...younger...

...brother...

So... I... Uh...

Arash

(Burst out laughing)

Nitocris (Alter)

!!!

You there! Archer! How dare you!?

In this Spirit Origin, I am essentially the avatar of Lord Anubis himself. I will not tolerate any insolence!

Bear that in mind, and be sure that sort of thing does not happen again!

Arash

Sorry 'bout that. I just couldn't help it.

But while we're on the subject, can I just say one thing?

Nitocris (Alter)

What is it?

Arash

I think it'd be better for you if you didn't keep trying to act like a big shot all the time.

Just be yourself. I bet that's what the pharaoh guy would prefer, too.

Nitocris (Alter)

...!

Silence! I-I am always myself!

Shuten-Douji

Well, well. This looks like it's going to be a veeery fun team up.

Hessian

(Thumbs up)

Lobo

(Low growl)

Gorgon

I don't see what's so fun about it myself...

...but I suppose it'll be easier for that four-legged beast to deal with us than human Heroic Spirits.

Lobo

... ...

Shuten-Douji

Oh, I looove wolves. I used to ride them up in the mountains all the time.

There, there. Come here, boy. Hey, do you drink wine?

D:Hessian

(Raises hand eagerly)

Shuten-Douji

I was talking to the wolf, not you.

C:Lobo

(Sniffing the wine)

C:Lobo

(Turns away in disdain)

Shuten-Douji

Aww, you're no fun.

Fufu. Well, that's okay. I think we're all going to get along juuust fine!

Lady Avalon (Reporter)

...W-wow♡

A-as you can see, the obstacle Servants are ready and raring to go! It should be quite a fight!

I don't envy the challengers, that's for sure. Good luck, everyone!

That goes double for you, Master! Be very careful you don't end up dead, okay♡

Taigong Wang (Play-by-Play)

Hmm, maybe we should look into backing up the Bounded Field. Hahaha, I'm getting a little bit scared myself!

I think I'll talk to OdiI mean, Caster Cú Chulainn about this later!

Merlin (Color Commentator)

Oh, don't worry. I always put down a dream safety before any seriously dangerous events like this.

It's a pretty big spell, so I can't use it all the time, but you should always be prepared, yes?

K. Rasputin (Guest Commentator)

I see. So if something goes very wrong, it will all turn out to have only been a dream, hmm. I can only imagine what kind of karmic debt that sort of spell racks up.

Sitonai

It looks like everyone's ready to go. This should make for a good obstacle course.

Hm?

What is it, Kashin Koji?

Kashin Koji

(Whisper)

Sitonai

Huh? You think this might have gotten out of hand? I don't know about that.

Kashin Koji

(Whisper, whisper)

Sitonai

Hmm, hmm.

You're worried because Danzo is taking this more seriously than you expected?

I see. Well then, I don't mind explaining everything right from the start

Kashin Koji

!

(Whisper)

Sitonai

That's still too embarrassing? You'd rather wait until you can face her properly?

I see.

Merlin (Color Commentator)

Hmm, I wonder what's going on with that karakuri lady there. Perhaps she's less mechanically refined than we were led to believe.

Taigong Wang (Play-by-Play)

That's certainly possible!

Illya

S-so, um, it looks like there are already lots of Servants taking part in this obstacle course...

...but I'm guessing we're going to participate as our own team too...right?

Your choice

Of course!

Hey, this Singularity isn't going to fix itself.

Illya

?!

Both

Understood!

Fuuma Kotarou

No matter the foe or obstacle ahead

Danzo

We shall overcome them all and make our way to Kashin Koji with you, Master!

C:Ruby

You heard the ninja, Illya. It's time to get ready for a nice, fun death game.

Illya

Why are you so excited about a game where we could literally die!?

Well, I guess we do still have to do something about this Singularity, so...I'll do my best, Fujimaru!

Miyu, Chloe, will you two help me, too!?

Miyu

Don't worry, Illya. If you're going to give this your all, I'll be right there with you.

Chloe

Sure. Besides, I AM your big sister, so it's only right that I help my little sis out now and again.

Illya

What!? I don't remember agreeing that you were the big sister!

Your choice

All right!

Illya

?!

Your choice

Let's go clear every last one of these stages!

Illya

?!

All

Yeah!