Deadline Climax

...

No, that's not it.

That's something everybody wishes for to some degree, but only a select few can ever succeed at doing.

Imagination may not have any limit, but the act of creation does.

For you too?

Of course.

I don't think any creator is ever fully satisfied with their work.

Huh. Sounds a lot like being a Servant.

...That's very deep.

Whatever you say.

...I've got an idea for a story I kinda want to draw. Wanna hear?

...So, you know the book I'm drawing now?

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Do you think it's interesting?

...Well that's good.

But, don't you think it's still missing something?

...You're probably right, annoying as it is. As it stands now, the ending is kinda cheap.

It's not about whether it's a happy ending or a "bad" one. It just doesn't feel earned.

...That part, huh. Yeah, it is kind of a dead horse now.

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All right then, what about this?

If the monster stays a monster, and the princess stays a princess...

...do you think they could still understand one another?

So you don't think they need to know everything about each other? Can you really call that true love?

...Ugh, this is complicated. But then again... Yeah, you might be right.

...You really know this character well, don't you? But then, I guess you would, after all these loops.

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...

Hey.

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Do you REALLY think this is interesting?

...Yeah, makes sense. You and I've both been too close to it for too long.

...Huh. Well, I appreciate that, even if you are just being nice.

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Sure is noisy outside. But I guess that's to be expected, what with the beach right below.

...Ugh. Why am I even doing this?

I wish I could've just enjoyed ServantFes like a normal person.

...Nah. Just thought I'd say that out loud and try it on for size.

I swear, this is all her fault...

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...By the way, I just had a thought.

What do you think of adding a scene like this to make the new ending more convincing?

But what?

It'll increase the number of pages we need to draw? ...Well, yeah, that's true...

Ugh. Yeah, that's true...

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I guess it would be pretty tough to add another page or two now, when we're only just squeaking by as it is.

...But...the story needs this scene.

...W-well yeah, I know it's not one of those fun action scenes...

...but if the monster's body and soul are gonna end up all battered, there has to be a battle here, right?

It's not enough to just tell the reader about it. We have to show it.

...Y-yeah, I guess so, huh.

We'll have to go over the draft again... Restructure the pages... Tighten up the panel layout...

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...Guess it's no use. We'll never finish in time.

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You and I are already doing all the heavy lifting. I'd say Mash is the only one who could help out at all.

So we'd have to adjust the panel layouts, add background characters in the battle scene, and...and...

...Ugggh. I'm sorry, I need to go out for a bit.

I'm gonna go pick a fight and clear my head. Come with me.

Oh, hello there. Is there something I can do for you?

I'm looking to pick a fight. Any recs? Say, the overgrown brat you've got working for you?

You rang, assface?

Let me remind you, fighting is strictly prohibited.

Then let's take this outside. There shouldn't be any problem with a street fight, right?

What are you, some sort of mad dog?

Takes one to know one.

The hell'd you say!?

Come on. Let's do this.

You take that back! Where do you get off calling me a mad dog!?

...Uh, cause that's literally your whole deal? And what're you whining for? You started it. ...Right, Fujimaru?

You do know that's basically as good as an affirmation here, right?

Master! (Grrrrrr)

Then what way would you put it!? Hey! Look at me when I'm talking to you, asshole!

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All right, that's enough. Back to work.

GRAAAH!

And in the future, please refrain from taunting my employee, if you wouldn't mind.

It was just a little teasing. Lighten up already.

Oh, hello, Alter. What are you doing out here? Is your final draft coming along okay?

I could ask the same of you.

Oh, I'm all done, thanks!

...You don't say.

You too, huh? Yeah, my own final draft came together pretty quickly.

At last...the wings of freedom...

It was way harder than usual this year, but I somehow managed something I was much more satisfied with...

You don't say!

(Psst... Why is Alter in such a foul mood? Is something wrong?)

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So...it's not because she's feeling bad?

You want to go back to the drawing board? NOW?! Are you insane?!

But it'll make the whole thing way better!

What's the point of that if you don't finish in time for the con!?

I've made that same mistake more than once, so I know what I'm talking about!

Trust me when I say that missing the deadline sucks a lot more than putting out something you're not fully satisfied with!

This is your first con, so I get that you don't really wakarunderstand that yet, but

I know it, believe me!

I've already drawn a ton ofUh, I mean, first time or not, I get it!

In that case, maybe you oughta just accept what you got and put it all together as best you can?

...Yeah, I guess.

...Hmm. Now I see.

By the way, Alter, why did you come out here in the first place?

I was looking to pick a fight so I could blow off some steam.

Fighting as stress relief? I just get up and stretch for a while, but you do you, I guess.

...All right. In that case, we'll be your opponents.

Huh!?

...You? Really?

Yes, me. Don't worry about it.

Hold on, let me just go get my partner.

Are you all set?

...I've got no idea what's going through that empty head of yours...

...but if you're offering to help me blow off steam, I'm not gonna pass up this chance.

Get ready, 'cause I'm gonna sock you good!

Wait, I'm doin' this too? Ah well, I guess them's the breaks.

Now that my final draft's all done, breakin' a finger or two oughta be good for a laugh!

If you think that's funny, I don't wanna know what you find tragic!

Phew! It feels good to work out again.

My back... My hands...

Gotta say, that was a pretty good sweat I worked up.

Why'd you agree to do this, anyway? I still don't get it.

Not that I really care, since I got the fight I wanted.

Oh, don't you worry about that.

Now then, if you'll excuse us, we have to go adjust our schedules a bit.

Come on, Osakabehime, Hokusai!

...What is her deal?

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Huh? What are you talking about?

Uh, M-Master?

I thought we were just going to give up for this loop and go with what we've got, like they said.

So why are you messing with the panel layouts? And why are there so many more tablets now?

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Hey, this is my roo

Good evening!

Oh wow, you really do have everything all set up. Oh well, guess I'll just have to help out then.

Mmkay, where did you want us to start?

Waaaiiit, wait, wait!

The hell? What's going on?

Alter, we had a fight, and you beat us, right?

Uh... Yeah, that's true...

So as the losers, we thought it was only fair that we help the winner.

Awww, and here I was planning to spend what's basically my last day here swimming at Waikiki Beach.

...Fine, my lie in summer. I was just gonna lock myself in and take it easy.

I guess I can take some time to help. What panel layouts need the most work?

That many!?

Hmm... At this point, it might just be better to start over from the rough draft.

Well, let me see.

...I think you're right. It probably would flow a lot better if we just started over.

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Come on, you don't have to do this. I-it's not like I asked for your help or anything.

No, you didn't. But we're butting in anyway.

...Well, you may not have asked for our help, but Master did.

You, Fujimaru?

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...

... ...Nghhh...

Please, Jeanne Alter. Let them help.

I've been reading the draft...and I think you should go for whatever you need to do to be happy with it.

You made this call, Master?

...Without even asking me?

I mean, I'm sure we can, but...

Even if it kills us...huh.

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...You're not wrong...

I do think this one's worth killing ourselves over to try and make it perfect, but...

...What about you guys? Are you really okay with helping? What if this book ends up taking first place?

Fine with me.

I see ServantFes as a type of conversation. We all get together, and converse with words and books alike.

Sales are important, of course, but I'd much rather there be another great book in the mix.

...As for me, I can't say I don't have my pride as one of the older clubs here.

But if I'm being honest... I just really want to read this story's finished version.

And if I have to help make that happen, then it can't be shikata'd.

Me, I'm already done with my book, and I do owe you guys a lot.

And I gotta say, these tablet thingies are really darn useful.

With tools like this on our side, finishin' this thing might be rough, but it ain't impossible.

All I gotta do is match your art style, right? I could do that in my sleep.

Now why don'tcha show me how to use this thing, Princess? You oughta know a trick or two, right?

Yes, yes.

I swear, how did I end up teaching a world-renowned artist how to use a tablet?

So you see, Alter? You don't have to worry. Now let's make a great book, shall we?

...What is it with this place? Nobody here can mind their own damn business.

So? What do you say?

...Of course I'm gonna take them up on it.

All right, Head Assistant, let's do this thing!

This needs to be redone.

Wha...

After a long and bloody fight, both the monster's body and soul are bruised and battered.

And the princess's love... wouldn't be enough to revive him.

It should be something more all-encompassing, something that transcends love altogether. Don't you think?

No, I don't.

Something bigger than love would be way too good for this monster. It'd just be a waste.

Because he's been doing everything he can on his own up to this point.

Do you really think he'd be happy to be loved by something intangible like a country or community?

...No, he wouldn't. And the princess's love for him isn't given freely, and it isn't platonic.

It needs to be more self-righteous and possessive... Like she wants to keep him all for herself.

...I see.

In that case, I withdraw my objection!

...I get the feeling you just played me.

Don't be silly. It just goes to show that talking things out can help you see a new side of things.

There you go. How's this for the background?

Let me see... Crap.

Uwaa. This is, like, real art.

But it still works as manga art, if only just.

It was real touch and go for a while, I'll tell you that.

...Dammit. Famous artist or not, I was all set to nitpick...but the damn thing's perfect.

This background is exactly what I had in mind.

I couldn'ta done it without your vivid description of the battlefield.

Glad I could be of service!

How 'bout a little pick-me-up? These energy drinks'll even replenish Servants' magical energy!

Oh yeah?

(BEEELCH!!!)

Goddammit, I think I'm gonna hurl.

If you must, could you do so from the balcony? We all have to share that bathroom, after all.

I-I'll do that!

Was it really that bad? She said it was a famous elixir down at the

Wait. Don't tell me she made it herself...?

Achoo!

Hurk. God, that was foul...

And the worst part is that I actually do feel less stressed now...

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You mean hurled!? Yeah, I did! I spilled my guts out there!

Stop that. You ought to at least act embarrassed after a display like that.

Too late. That train's long since left the station.

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...You were awfully quick to agree to that. A little too quick...

All right, which one of you numbnuts just barfed on a customer!?

He did.

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Dragons aren't exactly known for being responsible...

You're hopeless, you know that! Here, I brought him up so you can apologize in person!

... ...

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General says he forgives.

General also says, "But my God Force will not!"

Tch, all right, fine. Step outside so we can get this over with!

I don't have time for this shit!

He's saying you must be the culprit.

...Am not!

She's stubborn, I'll give her that...

General says, "Fare. Thee. Well."

...All right, come on! We're gonna keep going till the last second!

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...L-look, I'm sorry, all right? I really am.

How 'bout I treat you to something later? Emiya's cooking, Boudica's cooking, you name it.

There you go. Seeing how you've learned to apologize so sincerely makes your big sister proud.

You. Are. NOT. My. Sister.

Aww.

All right, we're in the homestretch now. Come on, Master, let's do our best to finish strong!