Intermission: What the Forest Light Captures

Welp, this is bad. Really bad.

I guess I should probably apologize again, huh? I'm sorry.

It's okay. What's done is done. Just remember this next time something similar happens.

Besides, we still don't know for sure that this wouldn't have happened even if we'd been more careful.

We've returned safely. On top of that, we discovered something strange on the way here...

...but I think that report can wait until later. Can you tell us what's happening now?

Broadly speaking, the whole Border's gone nuts.

It's as if the simulator, which was already partially transformed into a whole other world, came spilling out into reality.

However, since reality isn't exactly easy to overwrite completely...

...the Border is currently half fused with, half being eroded by the forest we saw in the simulator.

Some places are more affected than others, though. As you can see, the Command Room is still relatively unscathed.

？！

Yep. And we haven't even gotten to the craziest part.

As you know, the Storm Border is actually bigger than it looks from the outside.

It may be a single ship, but in order for it to sufficiently fulfill its role as a flying base of operations...

...we use magecraft to expand and contract its different areas as needed.

Oh no. Then, does that mean

Yup. Those magecraft-modified areas and the haywire ones spilling out from the simulator mixed together...

...and have left the Border's three-dimensional spatial layouts all screwy.

Now, none of the rooms or facilities are where you'd expect them to be in relation to each other...

...and we don't even know which hallway leads where.

The good news is, nothing seems to have blown up, sheared off, or anything like that...

...so we've had no fatalities among the Border's staff and Servants.

The worst that's happened is some of them are just lost somewhere on the ship.

It's a real stroke of luck that you three were able to make it here from the simulator.

As for Gordy, he's, well...

Wahaha, what in the world? My usual route isn't taking me anywhere near the Command Room.

What's more, it looks as though there's been a huge outgrowth of plant life all over the corridor.

Ah, of course. This is a dream.

I mean, there's no possible way II mean, the Storm Border, the last bastion of humankind, could ever fall prey to such a strange anomaly.

Which means this can't be happening. So this can only be a dream.

If that is what my cool, rational mind tells me, then it must be true. Another astute analysis, Goredolf. Well done.

So if I go back to bed, snuggle under the covers, and close my eyes, everything ought to be back to normal by the time I wake up.

Hahaha. Very well then, on that note, I'm entrusting this dream anomaly to all of you in my stead.

See you again back in reality...please let it be a good morning then!

...Yeah. Well, I guess I can't blame him, since this happened just as he was waking up.

At least it's preferable to him wandering every which way and possibly getting into danger.

？！

That's the question.

Right now, we know the simulator is still going haywire, and the forest that used to be there is gone.

That's it.

So my guess is, the clue we need to get ourselves out of this mess...

...is somewhere in this newly chaotic ship.

I guess this means that giant tree core Medusa destroyed wasn't the key to solving this problem after all.

Even though Baobhan Sith admitted the forest would disappear if we destroyed it.

... ...

Hey, I wasn't lying.

You guys wanted that forest gone, and that's exactly what happened.

Ahahahaha! But I never said a new one wouldn't show up in its place!

Baobhan Sith! Where are you!?

Like I'd tell you. You've gotta save the big reveal for the end, right?

But I will give you a little hint. A good ruler's gotta be fair and all that.

Want me to tell you how to reeeally solve this problem?

You bet. If you really are a fair ruler, we'd love for you to tell us.

Okay then, let me just make sure of something first. You still have those valuables, right?

Master, I think she may be referring to those items.

The ones the simulator ejected along with us when we made our escape.

Yeah, maybe she means those items we found when we left the simulator. The ones that just showed up out of nowhere.

？！

That's them! Looks like they all turned out just fine!

It appears to be three instant cameras, like the kind I've seen in the library...

...and a binder.

I've confirmed that the binder is currently empty.

Hey, I know a thing or two about magecraft equipment. Let me see that for a sec.

Hmm, hmm. Hmmm. Hmm? Hey, is this

I'll start with the binder.

That right there is the heart of this situation. I'd be careful with it if I were you.

Anyway, all you have to do to resolve this situation peacefully is gather what I tell you to and put it in that binder.

I specifically programmed it that way. You know what I'm talking about, right, Da Vinci?

Once you do that, its connection to the Holy Grail I'm using to do all this will be broken. Then you can collect it for yourselves.

Huh!?

And make sure you don't take it apart. I went to a lot of trouble to make it.

In fact, it'll explode if you mess with it too much. If you want to get the Border back to normal, make sure you do what I say.

？！

Can't you tell from the cameras? I want pics.

And not just any pics. Those cameras have a very special feature.

Hmm, let's see...

(Oh damn, did she just look at me? Does this mean...it's my turn to be the star!?)

(Of course not. She probably doesn't care who she picks.)

(Fou, fou.)

Hmm... Yup, it's gotta be you! The one with the Mystic Eyes!

Me?

Yeah, you. You're going to be the photographer.

Don't worry, they're super easy to use. Just point and shoot.

The only catch is, you've gotta take pictures of feet.

...Huh?

Let's go with Mash for the momentous first pic. Now listen up, 'cause this is important.

See, taking the picture is just part of it. The subject needs to do something special, too.

Hmm... Asking you to walk like you're on a runway would probably be too much.

But it is better to clear the magical energy flow, so try to move around as much as you can.

If it doesn't work here, you can take the pic during a practice battle, too. Just try to make it as cool and natural as you can.

I-I'm not really sure what you're talking about, but I'll do my best!

That's it. I knew yours were something special. Glad I kept an eye on them.

As for you, photographer, I want you to take a pic of Mash's feet. Specifically, her high heels.

Those lenses are designed to generate an effect similar to Mystic Eyes petrification when magical energy is passed through them.

Zip it! It's fine! Those cameras are designed for exactly that!

Relax, she's not getting petrified! I told you, the cameras are specifically designed for that!

？！

They don't petrify, they just hold the subject in place! You'll see what I mean once you take a damn photo!

...So, what should I do?

Hmm. At first glance, they don't seem lethal.

And there's pretty much no way they could output the same kind of effect as Medusa's Mystic Eyes.

I can't imagine Baobhan Sith lying under the circumstances.

And even if she is, I'm confident this won't be anything the rest of you can't handle.

So, I'm willing to be the guinea pig for these cameras! Ready when you are, Medusa!

Phew...

Hm? You just used magical energy, didn't you?

Yes. It felt like it was automatic...like this machine was sucking the life out of me.

Hello? Vampire? Remember? Deal with it. Mechanisms like that always end up being my power sources.

？！

Y-yes, I am! My feet tingled a little, but that's all!

See? I told you it'd be fine. Now shut up. Should be any moment now.

What is it?

There we go. It's an instant camera, so it prints out a photo right on the spot. Isn't that the best?

Now, as for the contents... All right, it's perfect! Awesome!

Let me see that.

... ...

Wow! This isn't just a photo!

It's an entire file archive that contains all the 3D and even magecraft data related to her shoes!

So you're just copying the localized magical energy patterns directly? That's such a convoluted process for an output like this, it circles all the way back around to incredible!

You're using the ability of petrifying Mystic Eyes to freeze something in place in a whole new way! It's so stupid! I love it!

Was that a compliment? Sounded a lot more like an insult to me.

Don't worry, it was a good stupid. I hate to admit it, but this is a masterpiece!

So, you're saying it's a breakthrough design? Well, I guess that's okay then.

All right, listen up. That is a point-and-shoot camera. Anyone can use it to capture the data of Servants' high heels.

It's made to be easier to handle if you already have Mystic Eyes...

...but pretty much anyone can use it.

Since I'm so crazy generous, I even made three of them for you. So make sure you take full advantage of them, okay?

Now, how long are you gonna stand there flapping that photo around?

Hurry up and put it in the binder already. Those pics are the whole point of all this, you know.

As an added bonus, I'll even give it a quick rating, since I can technically see it remotely.

This is what you want?

That's right. I want data on every Servant's high heels.

And even if a Servant doesn't wear heels, their shoes can still be a good reference for what makes a good heel.

At least, that's what I've come around to thinking lately. Heels are still the best, though.

All right, that should cover it.

I set it to open up a path to my location once you've collected a certain number of files.

Once you bring them to me, I'll end this whole anomaly business.

S-so then, your objective...

...is to gather data on every Servant's shoes?

Well, duh. What else would it be?

R-right. Of course. You've always, um, had a thing for shoes.

Oh. Then, is that why Galatea was helping you?

Galatea? Oh yeah, she's one of the few people who gets me. Know what she said with a straight face?

"I'd like to study more about shoes, too. Feet are a crucial part of the human figure, after all."

Maybe that's why we get along so well! Man, true designers really are on a whole other level!

Oh, speaking of designers...

I sent another fellow shoe aficionado there as a kind of chaperone. She should be there any moment now.

Chaperone?

Yeah, she's there to make sure you losers don't slack off. I don't want to spend all week waiting for you to get me my pics.

Oh, speak of the devil.

？！

Hello. I'll be your chaperone, Miss Boot Line.

Miss Crane!?

Non, non! I told you, I'm Miss Boot Line. Doesn't the mask make it obvious!?

Hehe, right? I knew you knew your stuff, MasP.

？！

Anyway, I'll just say I have my reasons for helping Baobhan Sith.

So I'll be tagging along and doing my part to make sure everything goes smoothly.

I also helped a little with designing those cameras...

...so I should also be able to help with any simple technical problems you might run into.

So what are these reasons you have for helping her?

Hehe. I can't be too specific, but here's a hint:

Clothes highlight the beauty of shoes...and at times, shoes highlight the beauty of clothes.

The two go together perfectly!

So as one devoted to the pursuit of wardrobe perfection, I am of course willing to lend a hand to those who seek aesthetic perfection.

Hmm. Yeah, that's about what I expected.

So this is just because you have similar interests, like Galatea...

Hm? Hang on. You and Galatea, I can understand, but why did the other Medusas help you?

... ...

Hmm. I see. You needed to study how their Mystic Eyes work for the lenses' semipetrification effect...

...so you hired them to help you.

I'm not sure why you had them stall us too, but I bet it cost you quite the pretty penny.

Never mind that crap! Isn't there something more important you're supposed to be asking me?

？！

There we go. A seasoned Master always asks the right questions.

All right, let's see. I don't have an exact number...

...but I'd say about a hundred and fifty or so should do it?

A hundred and fifty!? You really need that many!?

Hey, I'm not about to pass up a chance like this. Believe me, I could've aimed higher.

'Sides, nitwits like you might mess it up if I make it too hard.

You're welcome to deliver more than that if you like. You can never have too many patterns.

Exactly. The more samples you've got, the more designs you have to choose from!

If you do an extra good job, there could even be a bonus in it for you! I know Mother used to give out special rewards all the time!

All right, get out there and work hard for me. Man, I could get used to this! Ahaha!

Well, at least now we know what we have to do.

Right. We need to use these cameras and collect data of Servants' feet.

Yup. We may not have had any choice in the matter, but it does seem like that's the fastest way of resolving this situation.

Now, let's discuss how we're going to tackle the specific challenges involved in doing that.

First off, in order to find all the Servants we'll need...

...you'll have to make your way through the Storm Border, even though it's been partially fused with a forest.

As I said earlier, 3D spatial connections here are screwy right now...

...and with all the trees getting in your way, there's no telling how long it'll take to complete this task.

The good news is, I don't think we'll run into too many walls that need to be kicked open anymore.

Why's that?

I learned something when I examined the camera.

That special lens appears to be made up of the same substance as that giant tree's glowing core.

So we can assume the whole purpose of the forest was to create these lenses.

My guess is, those walls that needed to be kicked open...

...were devices meant to gather the concepts of feet, footprints, and shoes, all through the act of kicking.

That's how she was able to complete these cameras that record everything there is to know about feet and shoes.

Am I right?

I can't reveal everything that went into the cameras' production, but I won't refute your deduction either. Well done.

？！

I see...

And while I'm at it, I'll tell you one more thing I learned about the cameras.

In general, anyone can use them because they automatically absorb the user's magical energy to power them.

But like Baobhan Sith said, users who already have Mystic Eyes get a little something extra...

...which results in less magical energy being used than someone without Mystic Eyes.

And that means we'll need to keep you on as a key member of the team tackling this situation, Medusa.

What do you say?

This job isn't going to end unless I say yes, right?

I don't like being treated like a tool, but I guess it's unavoidable here.

？！

... ...

Just to be clear, I'm only doing this because it has to be done.

So you don't need to thank me.

Even so, it'll take forever to get this done if we only rely on her.

Since we have three cameras, I think we'll have to divide and conquer to get this done in time, even at the cost of some magical energy being drained.

The photographers will probably need to rest up for a while to recover, but there shouldn't be any lasting damage.

I agree. I think the best and most time-efficient way to resolve this...

...is for all of the Servants, myself included, to share the load.

And that's not even counting Servants like Mr. Georgios who are already expert photographers.

I'm sure they'll be willing to help us out, too!

Exactly. We're going to have to keep relying on everyone for help getting through this.

We also can't forget that some Servants are probably going to resist us taking pictures of their shoes.

We have no shortage of misanthropes and Servants who play by their own rules.

So there might be times when we need to get a little more...persuasive than just a practice match.

Yes, that's true.

I also found that having my picture taken resulted in a little shock from the Mystic Eyes' effects.

Some Servants probably won't be willing to accept that. I only hope we can convince them to go along peacefully.

Okay, I think that covers everything. What do you all think? Does this seem doable?

Yes. We may have a long way ahead of us...

...but if we all work together, I'm certain we can gather data on the Servants' shoes!

It won't be a problem. Let's just hurry and get this over with.

Yes, I think that would be for the best.

We may not have a delivery deadline per se, but there's no telling what Baobhan Sith might do if she loses patience with how long it is taking us.

That aside, I've never been able to steal more than a passing glance at the Servants' footwear until now...

To think that it is finally completely okay for me to openly ogle them as much as I want...!

Ehehehehe...I can't wait!

Uh, it's not "completely okay." This whole situation is still a major pain in the ass for the whole Border, you know?

Oh, yes, I am sorry about that. I never wanted to make any trouble for Chaldea.

But since I couldn't stop her...

...I thought I might at least be able to help bring an end to all this sooner if I helped her reach her goal.

That said, I won't deny that I'm taking advantage of this opportunity.

I understand, Miss Crane. So Baobhan Sith is still the mastermind behind this, and you're only helping her out in a limited capacity.

That's "Miss Boot Line," please.

Hypothetically, even if I were already a relatively well-known designer...

...it would hardly be unusual to use a different name when experimenting with a different style, non?

Let's just leave it at that, if you wouldn't mind.

Regardless, I'm still here to help resolve this situation quickly, just like all of you are.

I'm also happy to help with photo-taking, so don't be afraid to ask. CranesI mean, birds of a feather flock together, right?

？！

Fou, fooou!