Prisoners

Wh... What is this place...?

It seems we were brought somewhere.

Uh. I don't know this place...

We are surrounded by massive walls on all sides, and an inexplicable pressure permeates our surroundings.

What a terrible design for a courtyard. How is one supposed to relax and enjoy a cup of tea like this? It seems more like a prison than anything else.

I think that's because it IS a prison. I'd say we've been arrested.

Never mind that. Get a load of that giant statue! LOL! Lady's got a pretty high opinion of herself!

I could easily see you building a statue of yourself like that. At any rate, it does make it easy to tell who's in charge of this place.

Quite frankly, I approve of building statues like that.

We pharaohs have an obligation to preserve our noble forms for future generations to behold, after all.

...Having said that, I must admit that this statue is a bit...too large, really...

Hmph. Here comes the statue's model now.

About time you all woke up! This is Medb's Prison, Connacht's ultimate correctional facility!

...Uh! It's the monster queen!

Just so you all understand, you criminals have been arrested for disturbing the peace of Connacht.

As if running around putting weird things on my land wasn't bad enough, you even went racing about like you owned the place! Your crimes are more wicked even than the Land of Shadows!

In this country, my word is law, so we'll go ahead and skip the trial. Make yourselves comfortable, because you'll be staying here for a long time so I can see that you're reformed.

"Correctional facility..." as in prison!?

Assuming we have a right to three meals a day, how long is our sentence going to be!? Two nights and three days!?

Are you keeping any good-for-nothing fake Sabers here?

Hm? Your sentence? As long as I'd like it to be, of course!

Wahaha, how delightfully deluded you are. Why would we go along with that when it's all of us against one of you!?

Agreed. If you were attempting to make me laugh, you'll need a Roman joke much better than that!

Khh...!?

Hehehe... Don't even bother!

This domain was built in the very center of my country, and given shape by the power of my authority alone. My rule is absolute...

And that rule has manifested in the form of the Prison Field surrounding this entire area.

All of that is to say that the instant you entered my domain, you lost any hope you ever had of defeating me! The best thing you can do now is give up!

Hmph. I am not sure what the point in removing your coat was, but you do seem to be stronger than we are.

More to the point, it seems we cannot use our own powers here.

Oh, hey, we're also still recovering from that fight with the doggo, but there's definitely more to whatever is going on here.

It seems this Prison Field thingy is draining our power.

Naturally, it also serves as a simple way to prevent prisoners from escaping.

I sensed some strange kind of power coming from your vehicles, so I've got them locked up nice and tight somewhere outside these walls.

Basically...none of you have any hope of escape, so you may as well resign yourself to doing your time.

Don't worry, I'll see that you're all put through a wonderful reformation program. When you're done, come rain or shine, day or night, you'll only be able to say "You rock, Medb!"

And if that ends up taking years, or decades, so be it!

(She put her coat back on!)

(I guess she didn't have any particular reason for taking it off...)

All right, that's the end of my hospitable warden spiel.

Come with me. I'll show you to your lovely new cells.

You understand how well my Prison Field works now, right? So don't bother trying to resist. The sooner you resign yourself to your fate, the better off you'll be.

Because I promise you, no one is coming to help you.

Master...

？！

I'm afraid not. I sent one of the surviving drones off in Medb's direction, but its signal just disappeared.

There appears to be an area there protected by a special kind of barrier, so it must have run into that.

I wonder if that's the prison Medb mentioned...

Almost certainly.

？！

Agreed. The problem is how to go about it. I've been mulling over various possibilities, but

No need for that. I'll take care of it.

I can't believe this. How could she possibly think this is okay?

Why is she confining everyone by team? What was she thinking, keeping men and women in the same cell!?

At least we're Servants, so we don't have to worry about food or relieving ourselves too much...

But if we weren't, this would be a huge problem!

I understand how you feel, but I'm still a bit taken aback by how indignant you are about it.

There doesn't seem to be anyone else here capable of getting indignant about this, so I felt like I should get upset on their behalf as well.

Fran is the only other girl in a coed team, and she's not yet capable of seeing why this is a problem.

At any rate, I still can't get over how thoughtlessly Medb runs this place.

"Cell assignments? They're already divided into six groups, so just stick with those." Seriously?

I mean, it's not that it's BAD for us to be kept in the same cell with others we know, but it seems really careless on her part.

Perhaps it simply means she believes she can manage her prisoners without issue, no matter how carelessly she treats them.

And that she has complete confidence in this facility, and in the strength of her Prison Field.

Which is to say, she doesn't think we pose a threat to her at all...

Ugh, this is the worst possible place I could have ended up after enjoying the cool breeze on my face...

She's going to pay for this!

I'm relieved to see you're still ready to fight back. We'll be needing that if we're gonna get out of here.

...!? That voice... Is that the Mahatma's guidance I hear? Although, if it is, I'm not feeling too good about it.

No, I'm not the Mahatma!

H-hey, s-stop that! I'm a goddess, dammit! Watch where you're... H-hey!

？！

I...Ishtar? Is that you? Why in the world do you look like that?

Can't you see? I'm in disguise right now. Basically, I divided myself!

This area is really close to Medb's domain. If I showed up as my normal self, it wouldn't be long before she noticed me and we'd find ourselves in an all-out war.

So, to avoid that, I divided myself into seven simplified avatars. You two are talking to one of them right now.

The other six snuck into the racers' teams and infiltrated the prison that way.

Each and every one of my little avatars is still me, so I see, hear, and know everything they do!

It's nooot really ideal for a goddess like me to have to split into a buncha little avatars like this, but I don't really see any other options just now.

I'm still hosting this race, after all!

So since I wasn't able to stop the bridge from getting destroyed, the least I can do now is help all the racers!

Now I see... That's great, Ishtar! This is an excellent new way to divide and conquer!

Now we can learn what's going on inside the prison, and help everyone make their escape!

Hmm... I appreciate the vote of confidence, but I'm afraid it's not going to be that easy.

Huh? Is this prison really so formidable that you, a goddess, would have trouble with it?

...In a word, yes. If it was just Medb we were dealing with, I could take care of everything with a well-placed An Gal Ta Ki Gal Šè...

...but there's another strange signal coming from inside the prison too. If I go using something that powerful all willy-nilly, whatever's in there might somehow interfere.

So for now, we should focus on gathering information.

We need to learn more about the barrier around the prison, and about what sort of enemies lurk inside it.

We can't make a move until we know at least that much.

You're all very lucky that you get to keep all of your blood, prisoners.

Now come out. It's time for you to exercise in the courtyard.

...Carmilla. I certainly would not have figured you for the sort who would work for Medb as a prison guard.

What a dull and gloomy role you have in comparison to my idol rival who tried to become a grid girl.

Oho, say what you will, but this job suits me. In fact, I find it both fulfilling and enjoyable.

I am, as you know, all about imprisoning people, and I do so loathe when someone escapes.

More immediately, seeing a pretty young thing like you grind her teeth in frustration at being unable to escape is one of the greatest joys I could ask for.

As if to prove my point, you have been trying fruitlessly to pry open your cell bars all this time, have you not?

Grr! I hate to admit it, but you've got me there! I would be remiss not to heartily agree with your assessment of me as a "a pretty young thing" though!

Tch. You know damn well that we are attempting to escape. Yet you still open the cell door just like that.

I do not know who you are, but you appear to be a noblewoman of some standing. Is that why you have come to submit to this maid?

Don't be ridiculous. Whoever heard of a maid having higher standing than her employer!? What sort of twisted world do you come from that you would even think such a thing!?

What a fool you are... Not even a noblewoman can hope to survive without properly appreciating her maids.

Nonsense. Fear is all I need to keep the help in line. Appreciation of any kind would be a wasted gesture.

Besides, it's not as if they have rights. Household servants, prisoners like you...here, they're no more than tools for my use.

And with the Prison Field weakening you, it's quite impossible for you to leave.

So tell me, you who are too weak to so much as dent your cell bars, whyever should I be afraid of letting you run around the courtyard?

I see. In that case, I can only advise you to watch yourself when going around corners.

(...Huh? Where on earth did she get that...?)

...Ahem.

Incidentally, you're free to dress as you like here. Swimsuits are far easier on the eyes than shabby, old prison uniforms, after all.

As for that doll... Well, I suppose you can keep it if you like. Though I am surprised to see you two still have such childish interests.

Hehe, still, there is something to be said for that. Hehehe...

(Better keep a low profile for now. Best to keep the enemy unaware so their guard will stay down.)

I knew it... That barrier has some sort of property that neutralizes Magecraft interference.

Indeed. We both tried sending out lightning bolts while the guard wasn't looking, but I'm afraid it had no effect whatsoever.

Uh. It didn't work. Ticked me off.

I wonder what's going on. At least we're able to contact the outside world now thanks to Ishtar, but...

I'm still trying to figure out where to go from here. Got any information? I'll take anything you can give me.

Wahahaha! Good day, everyone! Enjoying the highly regimented prison life?

Well, I'm sure you all having the time of your life now that everyone's favorite Demon King from the Warring States period is here!

What's more, I come with awesomely helpful information I got chatting with other prisoners while we were walking!

Naturally, I made sure to exercise my license to kill on every Saber-ish prisoner who refused to cooperate with us!

Talk about a mad dog...or maybe "mad sword" would be more appropriate? Thanks SOOO MUCH for your help...

Anywho, we learned there's a prisoner here who's been around a long time and nobody messes with her.

We were told she's a woman of few words and sharp eyes; that one super-tough nightmare prisoner that even the guards don't mess with!

Is that so...? A prisoner among prisoners, eh. Sounds like someone well worth cleaning up (read: killing off).

And what would be the point of that? If anything, I bet a prisoner like that could give us all sorts of useful information about the prison.

So, where is this prisoner?

Usually, she's kept in a special solitary confinement cell, and is only let out during exercise times like these.

So she could show up here at anysay, look over there. She certainly matches the description.

I think that may just be her. Female Prisoner 701, aka "Scorpion"!

She strikes me as more of a serpent than a scorpion...

Maybe it's more of a figurative name...?

Scorpions are arachnids, not reptiles. So, yeah, she doesn't even kind of look like one.

Her, huh. I can't say I care much for her given our different attributes, but she's definitely a big shot. Though I could have sworn she used to be even bigger.

(Could she be the source of the divinity I sensed from the outside? ...No, it's not her.)

(She has the Earth attribute, and she's a composite entity... No, I know there's someone else with even stronger divinity around here somewhere.)

Okay, let's try talking to her during the next break time.

...Newcomers, huh? What do you want?

Oh, we were just hoping you could tell us more about this prison.

No thanks. Too much trouble.

That said...as you can see, everyone around here knows me, and so they all keep their distance.

...And, your point is? I fail to see how that has anything to do with our request.

My point is that I've been a bit bored, as I have no one to play with during my precious exercise time. Not that that's unusual, of course.

But today...it seems things are different.

If you want something from me, the least you could do is help me get in a little long overdue exercise.

If you lot can satisfy me, I may even decide to listen to what you have to say!

I understand it is natural to expect compensation for labor, but having fun with an emperor such as myself would be a luxury for the likes of you.

...But fortunately for you, I am most generous.

My theater is always open to those who seek entertainment. Come, there is no need to be shy.

Once you hear this divine music and heavenly voice, your body will be powerless to resist. Soon, your lack of exercise will be a thing of the past!

What's going on here!?

701, newcomers, I don't know what sort of sport you were engaging in here, but it looks to be incredibly dangerous.

I want you to stop it right now, then let me examine you.

If any of you are injured...I will have you come to the infirmary immediately.

Don't worry. My infirmary is far stricter about keeping patients in bed than solitary confinement.

It's also far more effective than the scaffold at silencing patients' screams. Now, let's take a look at you, shall we?

...Tch, I hate dealing with her. I suppose we'd better call it a day.

Neither I nor the newcomers have any injuries whatsoever. Stay away from us.

Is that true? I'm glad to hear it.

Hmph. Well, at least I was able to kill some time.

...You seemed awfully fired up for someone just killing time.

In fact, it looked to me like you didn't even care if you died while you were fighting us.

My, my. Here I took you for a Berserker, but it seems you're not as dumb as you look.

You're right. I WAS fighting in desperation. I was determined to not let the battle end until I was dead.

In fact, didn't you see me disappear while we were playing?

...Yes, we did. I even confirmed that your Spirit Origin was gone, and yet, you're still here. How is that possible?

...Because that was merely a copy. In fact, we're speaking to a copy of you even now, aren't we?

Your real body is being kept somewhere else. You yourself are nothing more than a projection of sorts, an extension of your real self.

Well, well. I thought you were nothing but a bunch of fools, but it seems there's at least one woman of proper lineage among you.

...Though I can't say I am a fan of that lineage being tied to some god of thunder or other.

Well, no matter. It did keep me occupied for a while. So, what is it you want to know?

Anything you can tell us about this prison, of course. Especially the outer barrier.

...Ah, so you're plotting a prison break? I like that. Not the plan itself, mind you, but what will happen afterward.

That should certainly keep things interesting. Very well, then, feel free to ask me whatever you like about this place. I will tell you anything you wish to know.

So, it's not possible to destroy the barrier either from the inside or the outside, huh?

It's a very powerful construct. It is as important to Medb as Connacht itself.

...In theory, the barrier would disappear if we were to kill her, but that would be quite difficult for us to do now, as this place denies us our power...

Even if Master were to attack her outside of the prison, it would all be for naught if she managed to run back inside.

Uh... I'm not sure what we should do...

Ugh, I grow tired of this dull information.

Discussing negatives will get us nowhere. I wish to hear something positive! Anything will do!

Agreed. Let me ask you this: What could we do that'd give us the best shot of getting outta here?

I mean, aside from serving out sentences, however long those would be!

If we're speaking strictly of possibilities, then your best option...is to break out of this prison yourselves.

In other words, we're right back where we started, huh. Well, I suppose it's sort of reassuring to know that it's the only option we have.

But how are we supposed to do that with the barrier you told us about keeping us trapped in here?

Well, as it happens, it is the ONLY thing keeping you trapped in here.

You see, Medb is so supremely confident in her Prison Field that she's failed to pay attention to anything else.

And that means she still has blind spots.

If you could find a gap in the barrier...somewhere it doesn't reach, or maybe just a route the wardens would never expect you to take, then maybe, just maybe...

Oh! We could escape?

Hmm. Blind spots, eh...

Hmm... Now I see.

So you have hope now? Good.

I don't have any hope of breaking out of here myself, but watching you all try should be interesting.

That's enough exercise time! All of you, line up now!

Those of you who don't... Hehe, I appreciate your willingness to provide me with fresh blood.

I'm being kept in a special kind of solitary confinement cell. It's rare that I even get to send a copy of myself out into the courtyard like this.

I doubt I'll ever see you all again, but I'm sure I'll hear rumors of your exploits.

Good luck against Medb. I hope you cause her all sorts of trouble. All the commotion should keep me amused down in my dungeon for a bit at least.

...There you have it. Now we have a clearer idea of our plan of attack.

So, instead of trying to destroy the barrier, we need to find a crack in it and break everyone out, right?

Right. So, now that that's settled, let's go ahead and take care of business.

First, I'll link up the visual feed from each of my other avatars to the racing stadium screen, so that everyone can see what's going on inside the prison.

Huh!? Why would you do that?

Oh, c'mon. Isn't that obvious? The Ishtar Cup isn't over! The prison break will just be the next leg of the race!

？！

'Course I am. Just 'cuz I didn't see this coming doesn't mean I'm gonna reimburse everyone!

How else am I gonna please all those fans eagerly awaiting the checkered flag in front of the monitor?

This may be a surprise, and not the way we wanted things to go, but c'mon, let's make some lemonade here!

？！

You got it. When you get down to it, life's a competition. Why should a prison break be any different?

I'm not letting all the hard work I've put into this ritual so far go to waste. If anything, I'm more determined than ever!

So here's what we'll do: I'm gonna get each team try to escape before the others.

Once they're out, I'll have each team reacquire their vehicles from the warehouse outside the barrier, get back to the course, and burn rubber for the finish line!

Admittedly, I'm not quite sure where this'll go, but I'll make sure that the time it takes each team to escape is reflected in their final results.

Oh, and make sure you all get back to the race with your original vehicles, right? I won't accept any replacements.

Hmm. So she means for us to outwit the other teams, rather than cooperate with them.

She has a point. We have poured everything we have into our respective vehicles to come this far, and our competition is already surely fit for an epic!

What a waste it would be to stop the race just because we've all been incarcerated!

？！

I agree. It's hard to just stand back and not do anything to help...

What are you talking about? You two are going to be these teams' secret weapon.

The racers have just about nothing at their disposal right now, you know!

So I'm definitely going to require your assistance, Fujimaru. You have just as much of a role to play here as you have for the rest of the race.

Now, as for how exactly you'll be assisting...