Formed! We the Chaldea Kaientai!

So this is all that was left in their room, huh...

That's right. It seems pretty clear that this is responsible for their disappearance.

What is this thing, anyway? It's obviously not an ordinary box.

This is a generic version of a certain Atlas alchemist's device for conducting thought experiments.

It's official name is "Logos Reenactor Generic."

Once you input your desired conditions, it simulates a limited observable environment in which to conduct the thought experiment virtually.

One that's essentially indistinguishable from reality.

Actually, when you consider that you can set its parameters however you like, you could say it creates real experiences through a dreamlike state?

Well that's impressive. So even if it only works on a limited scale, could you use it to see how hypothetical versions of history would play out?

Theoretically, sure. But in practice, it doesn't seem to have worked too well.

I checked out the records for its test runs, and the inventor doesn't seem to have been able to fix the setting meant to smooth over the discrepancies between the simulation and reality.

So as more paradoxes, inconsistencies, and bugs in the created world pile up, its environments eventually become Singularities.

Which, as you can imagine, is a pretty serious flaw.

Huh? So, it's basically a Singularity generator?

What was something that dangerous doing in Chaldea's storage room to begin with?

Hmm, it was probably a gift or something. I'd guess it's from when Marisbury was still the director here.

Of course, I'm sure he knew it was dangerous, and would've made sure it was sealed away tightly...

...but at any rate, what matters now is resolving the issue facing us now.

Namely, the fact that an Atlas artifact meant to simulate alternate histories is now generating a Singularity.

So what you're saying is, this box turned into a Singularity and sucked everyone else in?

So how do we bring them back? Does Oryou just need to smash this thing?

I wouldn't recommend that. That'd be like destroying a Coffin during a Rayshift.

Besides, there's no telling what could happen if we forcibly shut down its simulated world.

I tried running the suspension spell in its emergency manual, but it gets deflected.

That could mean there are some seriously dangerous bugs in the system.

So it's throwing up errors somewhere? That doesn't sound good...

The point is, destroying it could end up killing everyone inside.

It'll take some time, but it might be that our only option is to have someone inside the simulation see it through to the end...

...and essentially beat the game by containing the Singularity and returning its world to proper history.

I see. In that case, someone'll have to go inside and fulfill those objectives.

Either that, or find a way to get the message to the people already inside so they can handle it.

True... Unfortunately, interfering with the simulation too much will end up generating even more serious errors...

...so realistically, I think sending in two, maybe three Servants is probably the best we can manage.

Okay, now I get it. Then I guess me and Izo'll be the ones going in.

Whaaat!? Where the hell do you get off ropin' me into this, Ryouma!?

Why should I stick my neck out when there's no upside for me at all!?

Yeah, Ryouma, even a frog would be more helpful than him. You should choose someone stronger.

What about that lady eating udon in the cafeteria? She seems tough.

What was that, Oryou!? You saying I'm weaker than the udon lady!?

Uh, yeah. Have you not seen the scary guy with four swords she summons?

Besides, you know those shiny light thingies? Laser beams or something like that...

You can't fire them from your sword.

Most of the other Sabers can fire them from their swords. Not you, though.

Don't be stupid! Swords aren't SUPPOSED to shoot freakin' laser beams!

In that case, I will go with you instead.

Worry not. I can indeed fire lasers from my sword.

You may be strong, Izo, but if you can't fire lasers, you probably won't be much help here.

What would you know!? I don't need lasers to cut my opponents in half!

Hey, Ryouma! If you're gonna bring her along, you'd better bring me, too!

Fine with me. Having your totally unparalleled skills with us would be a huge weight off my shoulders.

Looks like it's settled now, Da Vinci. You can send me, Izo, and Okita Alter in there.

Wait. Did you... Oh, forget it!

Then what're we waiting for? I'll set the Rayshift coordinates for this Singularity and send you right now!

Oh, and don't forget these tracking devices I made just in case something like this inevitably happened!

W-wait! This is all happening way too fast! Besides, I don't like this Rayshifting nonsense!

Come on, it'll be fine. I'll even buy you a drink after we get back.

This Majin is all ready to go. I have my lunch box and everything.

Then let's get this Rayshift started!

I said waaaaaaiiit!

...then I found this in their room.

Hmm. Given everything you've told me...

...it seems pretty clear that this is responsible for their disappearance.

Well that is just great. This is exactly why they say curiosity killed the cat.

And after the trouble I went through to seal this away in the storage room, too...

What is this thing, anyway? It's obviously not an ordinary box.

This is a generic version of a certain Atlas alchemist's device for conducting thought experiments.

It's official name is "Logos Reenactor Generic."

Once you input your desired conditions, it simulates a limited observable environment in which to conduct the thought experiment virtually.

...albeit one that is essentially indistinguishable from reality.

Actually, when you consider that you can set its parameters however you like, you could say it creates real experiences through a dreamlike state?

Wow! So even on a limited scale, could you use it to see how hypothetical versions of history would play out?

Theoretically, yes.

In practice, though, its inventor was unable to get the setting meant to smooth over the discrepancies between the simulation and reality working properly.

So as more paradoxes, inconsistencies, and bugs in the created world pile up, its environments eventually become Singularities.

What!? Then it's basically a Singularity generator?

I thought the Atlas Institute was full of geniuses trying to save the world, not a bunch of dummies halfway to destroying it!

...

Well, as they say, hindsight is twenty-twenty!

We could criticize the inventor all day, but that would not help us solve the problem we now face. Besides, those who test the boundaries of knowledge are bound to make mistakes. You and I are no exception.

At any rate, what matters now is resolving the issue facing us now.

Namely, the fact that an Atlas artifact meant to simulate alternate histories is now generating a Singularity!

So what you're saying is, this box turned into a Singularity and sucked everyone else in?

So how do we bring them back? Does Oryou just need to smash this thing?

No, no, no smashing! Generic version or not, it's still an Atlas artifact!

Besides, there is no telling what could happen if we were to forcibly shut down its simulated world.

I tried running the suspension spell in its emergency manual, but it gets deflected.

That could mean there are some seriously dangerous bugs in the system.

So now it's giving us errors? Well that's just great.

Why were you even keeping something this dangerous in the storage room, anyway? It's not like you to be so lax about risk management.

It may be dangerous, but it is also valuable to me.

It is one of the few presents my father gave me for my birthday. He was never a particularly good gift-giver.

Oh... I'm sorry, I didn't know. All the more reason not to destroy it then. Okay, what else can we do?

Good question. This will take some time, but at this point...

...our only option may be to have someone inside the simulation see it through to its end...

...and essentially beat the game by containing the Singularity and returning its world to proper history.

Gotcha. In that case, we'll need to send some people inside and have them fulfill the objectives themselves...

...or find a way to get the message to the ones inside and have them do it.

Unfortunately, interfering with the simulation too much could end up generating even more serious errors...

...so realistically, I think sending in two, maybe three Servants is probably the best we can manage.

Okay, now I get it. Then I guess me and Izo'll be the ones going in.

Whaaat!? Where the hell do you get off ropin' me into this, Ryouma!?

Why should I stick my neck out when there's no upside for me at all!?

Yeah, Ryouma, even a frog would be more helpful than him. You should choose someone stronger.

What about that lady eating udon in the cafeteria? She seems tough.

What was that, Oryou!? You saying I'm weaker than the udon lady!?

Uh, yeah. Have you not seen the scary guy with four swords she summons?

Besides, you know those shiny light thingies? Laser beams or something like that...

You can't fire them from your sword.

Most of the other Sabers can fire them from their swords. Not you, though.

Don't be stupid! Swords aren't SUPPOSED to shoot freakin' laser beams!

In that case, I will go with you instead.

Worry not. I can indeed fire lasers from my sword.

You may be strong, Izo, but if you can't fire lasers, you probably won't be much help here.

What would you know!? I don't need lasers to cut my opponents in half!

Hey, Ryouma! If you're gonna bring her along, you'd better bring me, too!

Fine with me. Having your totally unparalleled skills with us would be a huge weight off my shoulders.

Looks like it's settled now, Da Vinci. You can send me, Izo, and Okita Alter in there.

Wait. Did you... Oh, forget it!

Then what're we waiting for? I'll set the Rayshift coordinates for this Singularity and send you right now!

Oh, and don't forget these tracking devices I made just in case something like this inevitably happened!

Okay then, here we go!

W-wait! This is all happening way too fast! Besides, I don't like this Rayshifting nonsense!

Come on, it'll be fine. I'll even buy you a drink after we get back.

This Majin is all ready to go. I have my lunch box and everything.

Then let us get this Rayshift started!

I said waaaaaaiiit!

We've received word that the Lady Nobunaga from Echigo has been taking over nearby regions, my liege.

Well, well... And here I thought my Echigo self would be the first to fall.

It seems I truly am strongest when my back is against the wall.

What would you have us do?

Good question... Are you there, Gonroku?

Charge... Advance...!

H-Hideyoshiiiiii!

Calm yourself, Gonroku. Monkey is not here.

Go and perform a bit of reconnaissance. While you do, see for yourself what that other me is capable of.

Charge... Advance...!

M-my liege!?

V-very well... I will see it done!

...Are you sure about this, my liege? Once Lord Shibata goes berserk, there may not be much left to observe.

If Gonroku should end up squashing them, then so be it. It will just mean they were never worth my time to begin with.

Hehe... You know, Mitsuhide, if you ever wish to kill me in my sleep, you're free to try at any time.

...Surely you jest, my liege. I am but your faithful servant, now and forever.

Fuhahahaha! Does that mean not even you would dare try to kill me twice?

...

Relax, I was merely joking. Now then, tell me how things are progressing up north, in Oumi?

Yes, my liege. I'm afraid the entire land is surrounded by a barrier of golden magical energy...

...making it impossible to invade.

A barrier of golden magical energy?

My liege?

It's nothing. Continue your investigation.

As you wish!

So, this is where the true battle for survival in the Warring States begins...

I wonder which of us will be the one to destroy the world... I can't wait to see what happens next!