Second Casino "Farewell My Loving Pyramid"

So we're finally talking strategy? Come on then, get to it already.

I do apologize for the delay.

Nonetheless, I need you to pay especially close attention, as you truly do play a key part in the plan.

Yeah? Then I hope you've got something better than that purple-haired so-called tactician's "blow yourself up near the enemy" go-to.

...

Say something, dammit!

N-now, now, let's all just settle down and hear what Carmilla has to say, all right?

？！

Fou fou!

No. We're going to MAKE it work.

It doesn't matter how tight their security is, or what manner of obstacles lie in our way.

I'm Mistress C, the great phantom thief. A shadow in the dead of night, I always get what I'm after.

And now, there's just one last thing to do before we can begin.

You mean we're still not done?

Don't worry, I'll handle this part myself. It's an essential part of any phantom thief's plan.

I may have gotten in the habit of using these for other things...but now, I think it's about time I use one for its intended purpose.

All is peaceful now. All is right with the

Huh!?

What is this...?

That...insolent...!

Uh-oh! What happened, Great MEDJED?

...A calling card? Whoever this Mistress C is, she certainly is impertinent.

What would you have us do, Great MEDJED?

Nothing. We would not be who we are if we were to fret over provocations such as this.

This casino is meant solely for pharaohs and pharaohesque socialites. We cannot lose our composure.

Besides, our security is already airtight. We even have fail-safes for our fail-safes.

I can say with complete certainty that no phantom thief can possibly break in here.

Well, yes, you're absolutely right about that.

All right then, I will keep an eye out for any would-be troublemakers, but otherwise, it will be business as usual.

That goes for you too, Scheherazade. Make sure the security guards do their jobs well.

Understood...

Phase One couldn't be simpler. We simply enter the casino like any other customer.

I highly doubt the higher-ups will be scrutinizing the faces of everyone who comes in, so we shouldn't need more than the barest disguise to get through the entrance.

Question! This casino's just for rich socialites, right?

Are you sure it's gonna be okay if I'm dressed like this and not in my usual princessly attire?

That won't be a problem. In this world, swimsuits actually appear to be something of a status symbol.

As proof, you and your patron goddess all got in without issue while wearing them before, right?

Oh yeah, good point. I wonder why that is?

Why else?

Because only a true socialite would think to wear a swimsuit in Las Vegas!

？！

Hm? Wh-whoa, check them out.

Damn, they're beautiful! Is there some kind of photo shoot going on today?

(Gulp) They've got such an aura about them I can't even bring myself to chat them up. They must be crazy rich!

W-welcome...?

Good day, little boy, or girl, whatever. We're looking to enjoy ourselves tonight. Have we come to the right place?

Oh, yes, you require a cover charge for collateral, don't you? Will this do?

(She just plunked down that cash like it was nothing! Man, these socialites really do live in a different world...)

...Yes, that will do just fine. Please, go on in.

(They seem really excited about this. Amazing. They're not even batting an eye at the betting rates...)

(Wow, her eyes are ice-cold! You can tell looking down at others comes as naturally to her as breathing!)

(Huh. These guys seem surprisingly normal.)

Good, we made it inside without raising suspicion. Hehe, so far, so good.

Now it's time for Phase Two: "Secure a Route to the Vault"...

Broadly speaking, there are three major obstacles we need to get past before we can enter the vault.

The first is the multitude of Medjed security guards.

Right. I remember it isn't just the regular employees we have to be wary of, either.

There were also a large number of beings that seemed like familiars draped with sheets.

The ones we fought weren't too tough, but there sure were a lot of 'em...

Given the circumstances, I expect those familiars are most likely "characters" summoned by Scheherazade from her stories.

Well, I'm sure some of them are probably actual Medjeds...

...but I doubt there are enough of them to warrant our concern.

So, what do we do about them? We're not just gonna go around squishing them one at a time, right?

Of course not. A true phantom thief always finds a beautiful, elegant solution to her problems.

According to my calculations, this first step should greatly weaken Scheherazade's stories, if not cause her to outright lose control of them.

And the key to it is...you.

Hey, you.

...Yes? Can I help you?

I feel sick.

Oh my... I'm sorry to hear that. Let's get you to the infirmary before you die...

How come no matter where I look, the only thing to see is ghosts, ghosts, and more ghosts?

Don't you have any tall, dark, strong, spikey, perfect-from-every-conceivable-angle guys working this place?

I'm sorry?

Ugh, I feel sick. Really, seriously sick...

......

Wait. Now that I think about it, this really is just a different take on the whole "blow yourself up" thing, isn't it!?

(Stick to the plan!)

Ugh, fine! It's not like I can do anything else, right!? The only thing you need me to do is blow up, right?

Okay then, I will.

Eternal Lament!

I-I'm going to diiiiiie! No, wait, she's the one who died!!

I didn't even know spontaneous combustion was a real phenomenon... It just goes to show death really can come for anyone at any time!

Oh gods... What can I possibly do to avoid such a dreadful fate myself!? (Stagger)

Hmm, I was hoping the shock would cause her to faint on the spot. Oh well.

All right. I wanted to do this clean, but let's get closer under the guise of caring for her, then we can put her to sleep ourselves!

Hahahaha! Yes, that's it! Run away in terror, stupid humans! Death to casinos!!! (Lashing out)

It looks like the effect of Scheherazade's Noble Phantasm wore off, since the characters from her stories have disappeared.

She must have been putting sheets over her bandits and genies, putting them to work as security guards.

That takes care of the physical and personnel obstacles.

We may still have to deal with some sphinxes, but the fact remains that the casino's security detail is now effectively crippled.

All right, let's take advantage of the confusion and move on to the next phase of the plan.

The second obstacle is one you already experienced yourselves: the many traps hidden throughout the casino.

Those are the same kinds they put in the pyramids to keep looters out, right?

I might be a castle monster, but I still don't wanna get cursed.

Those traps have been placed in every corner of the casino. Needless to say, that includes the area near the vault.

However, their sheer number is also a clue to their key flaw.

With so many traps, you would think their customers would get caught in them all the time.

And yet, that never happens. Why do you think that is?

You already looked into this, right? Just tell us already! Jeez!!!

Hehe, fair enough. From what I've been able to tell...those traps are linked to the security cameras.

Oh, MerEr, Mister Mystery mentioned something about that.

I think he said all the Medjed decorations also served as security cameras of a sort.

Right. So we won't have to worry about the traps as long as the security cameras don't think we're a threat.

And that means...

Now that things are in disarray, it's time to make use of you-know-what.

Yes. The items we got from Vlad.

I've got them right here in one of Da Vinci's custom-made spatial compression handbags. Here you go...

Aw man, I can't see a thing. Well, I guess I can see one or two things, but it feels like nothin'!

I wonder if this counts as cosplay...

How about you, little boy? Are you ready?

？！

It looks great on you, Senpai!

I knew I made the right choice asking him. He's very good with his hands.

Anyway, now the other people here can't easily identify us.

But of course, our cover will be blown once things calm down, so we need to slip past now.

Guess that means it's my turn then, huh? Yosh, I got this!

Thousand Origami of Hakuro, Milli-Mili Night Fever!

It's working! Osakabehime's origami soldiers are sneaking into the other Medjed sheets Vlad made for us...

Ooh, while I'm at it, I'll reuse the sheets Scheherazade's stories were using too. Ike ikeee!

Hehe, our decoy plan's workin' great! Way ta go!

P-please stop slapping me on the back? This takes a lot of concentration!

I see. Just like a forest is the best place to hide a tree, the best place to hide Medjeds is among other Medjeds.

This should indeed help you lot remain undetected.

Indeed. But we still have one last major obstacle to get past. And for that...

Finally, there's the third major obstacle...this!

Lemme see...

Huh? This just says "Cleopatra"!

Yes, it does. It's always the simplest walls that prove the most obstructive...

Cleopatra tends to stay right in front of the vault's entrance.

We need to get her away from that spot...

...or we'll never make it to the jewel.

I see... What about NitoI mean, MEDJED? Don't we need to watch out for her as well?

No, MEDJED never leaves the VIP area except for matters of utmost importance. You were unusually lucky to have met her on your first visit.

At any rate, we will be racing against the clock regardless, so if all goes well...

...we'll be in and out before she's even had a chance to notice anything is wrong.

Which brings me to the last part of the plan.

Your job will be to draw Cleopatra away from the vault, and to keep her attention focused elsewhere...

I have come to challenge you!

What the!? What's going on out here!?

All the customers are running around screaming about meat chunks...

...and all the Medjed-style security guards are floating about seemingly without a care in the world!

Never mind all that.

I am here to challenge you to a gambling match, one socialite to another.

I am told you are this casino's assistant manager. Thus, you would surely never run from a challenge, would you?

Oh? And just what sort of gambling match did you have in mind, Queen of the Land of Shadows?

What else? The perfect contest for socialites like you and I.

I speak, of course, of...

"Which of Us is Stronger!?"

？！

What in the world are you saying? How could a contest like that have anything to do with gambling?

Hear me out. This contest would not only involve fighting, but another element as well; one especially fitting for a stage such as this.

This element is one even I cannot escape, and one that holds great significance for you.

That is to say...beauty.

Beauty!?

I am challenging you to a contest in the center of a casino, all while wearing a swimsuit. If I cannot defeat you in beauty, then I cannot defeat you at all.

While I may be confident in my chances, my victory is certainly not a foregone conclusion.

Yes, this should be a most interesting challenge. In some ways, it is not unlike fighting while surrounded by an electrified fence.

At any rate, given its unusual fighting conditions, it qualifies as a gambling match. I think.

Whoa, this sounds awesome! I'm going all in on the bikini babe! What I wouldn't give for her to step on me!

What are you, stupid? There's no way she can beat Queen Cleopatra! I'm putting five...no, ten large on Cleo!

Right this way, sirs! Easy there, no need to shove! At the current rates, I can offer fifty-fifty odds!

Oho... So you wish to challenge me to a battle of strength AND beauty? You certainly are fearless.

However, unlike you, I have no doubts about this battle's outcome. I am already certain I would win easily.

Why should I accept your challenge?

Oh? Then you don't need to show what you are capable of?

And here I thought there was someone special to whom you wished to prove your beauty was unrivaled.

(Gasp) You don't mean!?

Is Lord Caesar here!?

He's certainly enough of a high roller that he wouldn't be out of place here...

And, if he is here...

...I can't let him see me backing down from a challenge, even one I'm utterly sure to win...

That's right! I must never stop proving to him that I am the most beautiful woman in the world, and by extension, that he was right to choose me!

Very well! You're on! Hyah!

Heh. That's more like it!

？！

Hehe, it doesn't matter if I did or not. All that matters is whether she thinks he might be here.

But more importantly, the plan to lure Cleopatra away from the vault worked. Come, now's our chance!

There, it's open. Now's our chance.

Huh, you're an old hand at this, ain't ya?

？！

That's because I'm a genuine phantom thief, of course. Trust me, little boy, this isn't as easy as I make it look.

To be a phantom thief, you need the right skills and the right equipment.

It wasn't easy getting ahold of this lockpicking set and learning how to use it.

That makes sense. You certainly did make it look easy, but I noticed you had to crack a magecraft lock at the same time you cracked the physical one.

That set must be much more advanced than it looks.

The only people I know of who could make something like that are Da Vinci and a certain criminal math professor...

Ho ho ho. Mistress C's seven thieving tools hide many secrets. One is how I acquired them to begin with.

At any rate, that's enough idle chatter. Come, we're going in.

All right, I think we can drop these disguises now.

Whoa! When did you change into that outfit!? That is some truly epic gear!

Hehe, this is Mistress C's formal dress. I just don't feel right stealing priceless treasure without it.

Speakin' of treasure... Ooh! That must be it!

Hehe, I don't usually approve of stealing, but if we're just returnin' it to its rightful owner, that's being a good samaritan.

All right, let's just grab it and

Wait!

？！

Oh, that would be Spielsdorf and Rheinfeldt here.

Are those...mechanical dogs?

Think of them as familiars of a sort. Fitting for one so glamorous as me, no?

？！

At any rate, their sensors are picking up something odd. Take a look.

Whoa, what? How'd the card get cut in half!?

Damn... It figures there would be something in here I couldn't have anticipated. Their security is even tighter than I thought.

They've got high-powered defense lasers surrounding the jewel, and pressure sensors on the floor all around its pedestal. That means even one misstep will end us all.

？！

Yes, but it's going to take some time.

And unfortunately, we don't have time to spare, as there's no telling when Cleopatra or MEDJED might show up...

Hey guys! Good to be back! How're things going here?

？！

Well, you know, I was getting pretty tired of trying to get away from the security guards, so I slipped back into the casino, and I've been hiding out here ever since!

Like they say, sometimes the best way to hide is in plain sight!

Luckily, I happened to see you guys coming in here, and the rest is history.

I knew you were a skilled swordfighter, but I didn't know you were something of a ninja too... Anyway, I'm glad you're safe.

It's a long story as to how we got here, but essentially, we're trying to get ahold of that jewel there.

Hmm, I see, I see. Invisible blades, and a floor you can't step on, huh?

Well, that's perfect! Your swordmaster can handle this easy-peasy!

？！

What?

...Ohhh, gotcha. I guess Hokusai's not quite at that level yet, huh?

A real swordmaster keeps their mind as clear as a polished mirror, so they don't have any trouble handling even the toughest predicament...

...they could just cut through the lasers or will themselves to be lighter or something, but I guess Hokusai isn't quite there yet.

Oh...

Oh yeah!? I'll show you, missy!

No Edoite worth their salt would take an insult like that lyin' down!

Stop! What do you think you're doing!?

Hraaah! Who cares about lasers! If one sword won't do the trick, I'll just use all four!

As for the floor... I gotcha. All I gotta do's take a page from Toto-sama's playbook and slip around like he does!

I call it...Octo-Walking!

？！

She sure is, partner! Sometimes, instead of hemming and hawing, you just gotta jump in with both feet and see what happens! Yeehaw!

(Gasp, gasp...) There, I got it...

Way to go, Hokusai! You're really getting the hang of that four sword style!

So this is the Eye of Medjed... Magnificent.

It's just as dazzlingly blue as the eyes of that girl I once met. I feel like I could lose myself in it.

And its gleam... It's as vivid and vibrant as freshly spilled intestines...

？！

I'm here! Did you get it? You did? Yesss!

There you are, my precious jewel! Ahh, how I've missed that beautiful shine of yours...

It's just like that dream I had when I lost consciousness after falling off Maanna in the hallway...

It really is the perfect seventh colored gem to fill out the crown on the figurehead of Maanna...

I'll never lose you again, I promise... In fact, you're just what I need to power myself up...

Oops! Pretend I didn't say that. Talking too much about your goals before you accomplish them is a good way to make sure you never will, after all.

Fou fo fo fo. (Special Translation: You can say that again.)

Anyhoo, here's the letter of challenge I promised you. As for the money, I'll wire it to a Swiss bank account for safekeeping.

Well, see you later!

She certainly showed up here sooner than I expected. She must have really wanted that jewel back badly...

Anyway, this is great! We finally have the letter of challenge we need!

And assuming that goddess is as good as her word, that leaves me a good deal richer now than I already was before.

It's a shame I didn't get more time to admire my plunder a bit more, but, easy come, easy go.

You know, I've been meaning to ask you about this for a while now: Why'd you decide to become a phantom thief in the first place, Carmilla?

Since you gave up the jewel in favor of money without a second thought...

...is there something you're saving up for or what?

That...

...is my little secret. Every fine woman has her share of secrets, after all.

Aww, you're no fun.

Still, I really admire the whole woman of mystery thing you've got going for you right now. It suits you way better than your usual thing.

I'll have to try taking a page from your book myself sometime.

Well, we'd better regroup so we're ready to challenge MEDJED to a Swimsuit Swordmaster duel.

How about you, Carmilla? What are you going to do now?

Once a phantom thief's work is done, they don't stick around for long...even if it means leaving the object of her affection behind.

We're like a fleeting mirage that disappears the moment you turn away... Or a message written on a mirror in lipstick...

And on that note, I'd best be on my way. I'll admit... I enjoyed doing this job with all of you.

I see. We're going to miss you, but I think I speak for everyone when I say we understand. Good luck, and thank you!

Okay! Now that we've got the letter of challenge, I can finally have my rematch with the baldy lady!

This is outrageous. I can scarcely believe you would steal the Eye of Medjed.

This disrespectthis act of insolenceis as bad as raiding a pharaoh's tomb! How dare you!?

Hehe, sorry 'bout that. Let's just say we had our reasons. Like how it was the only way I could get the letter of challenge I needed to fight ya.

'Sides, from what I hear, it was never yours in the first place, huh?

You know not of what you speak. Before we do battle, you must be punished for your crimes.

Come forth! Come forth, my pyramid guardians!

？！

Senpai, look! Something's coming up from the ground!

Behold.

These are the three guardian statues I summoned to guard my casino.

Hear me, my guardians! Use your great power to punish these insolent pyramid robbers for their crimes!

Hmm. That crawl space in the pyramid was pretty relaxing...

And the ultrafancy potato chips I got for offerings (more please) were pretty good too... Very well, I suppose I should pay you back.

I have been summoned once again, this time to deliver the punishment that those who would defy nobility so richly deserve.

Iskandaaar!

？！

We have all seen enough sphinxes, so I thought I would "mix it up."

Damn, they got us surrounded! Looks like we'll hafta do somethin' 'bout these three first!

So this is where I find you; watching the show unfold from on high with but a glass of wine for company.

...This is my own special seat. You could at least pretend you asked permission to join me.

The night sky belongs to no one, with the possible exception of royalty.

What do you want? I already paid you for your handiwork.

That is nonsense, and you know it. I came all this way here of my own accord because your payment was insufficient. You should be honored I would make such an effort.

Your reason for doing this should suffice to make up the difference. So tell me...why are you doing this?

......

Don't bother playing dumb. Knowing you and your poor taste in pastimes, I'm sure you already have your suspicions.

Hmph, I see. So this stems from your rivalry with your dragon girl self.

You have taken on the farcical role of phantom thief...

...in order to acquire the one thing she possesses that you do not.

Go on then, tell me what that thing is. If you're right, little boy, I'll give you a reward.

Haha, spoken like a vampire with no regard for her life. But I suppose that manner of conduct suits this city well.

Very well then... It is a castle. Am I correct?

...Well? What are you waiting for? Go on, laugh at me.

Your means may be boorish at best, and your ends may be shallow and insignificant...but I will not laugh.

For regardless of what you seek, you seek it out of your pride as a ruler.

Well now. Why did you throw your glass at me? I hardly realized I caught it.

To shut you up, obviously.

But I suppose that cocktail alone won't be enough to keep you quiet until morning.

All right, you win. You can have this seat.

Then allow me to give you just one word of warning.

A true castle cannot be bought with money alone. It also requires subjects to rule.

A castle with only a lord is a castle in name only. In that sense, you and the dragon girl are the same.

As long as you ignore that, it's still a long way until you get what you truly desire.

......(Sigh) Oh, all right.

But don't misunderstand. I'm not doing this because of anything you said.

I am doing this because I forgot to steal something earlier.

N-now what?

I just kinda came along for the hell of it! I don't wanna end up a hime pancake!

？！

Aah! Senpai, look! Over there!

Th-there's a red sports car driving up the pyramid!

Whoa! It just drove right off it, and now it's... headed straight for us!?

Not even a tsar is immune to being run over! This is why traffic regulations are so important!

You look like you could use some help again, little boy.

What are you doing back here, Carmilla!?

Oh, I just remembered there was one more thing I meant to steal.

The sort of thing any true phantom thief could not help but steal, even without meaning to, and would deeply regret if they failed to do so.

？！

Besides, you're going to try your hand at the other casinos once you've finished with this one, no?

If I stay with you, I should have more prime phantom thief opportunities. So I'm here to put you in my debt yet again.

Hehe, long as this means you'll handle the big guys here, that's all fine with me!

'Cause that means I can finally get the duel I've been waitin' for!

Foolish girl. None can escape the wrath of the gods.

Even if you avoid the guardian statues, you will still be judged by mine own hands.

I am there when you gaze up at the heavens. I am there when you place your heart upon the scales of justice.

I am there in the Nile's endless bounty. I am there in every grain of sand across the indomitable desert.

I am MEDJED! I am the steward of the pyramids and the pharaohs alike!

Come then, tell me your name!

You want my name, god lady? You got it!

Me 'n the octopus here were both born and raised in Edo, in the Ryougoku district of the Honjo ward!

My given name's Oei, my pen name's Oui, and I'm currently tryin' ta make a name for myself as Swimsuit Swordmaster Katsushika Hokusai.

One day, I'll be an unparalleled master swordsman, eventually achievin' my goal of becomin' a great fairy with infinite varieties to her form.

Now, I'm gonna show ya that all my talent with the brush only makes me more formidable with the sword!

C'mon then! Let's have a good, clean fight!

Bring it!

Nnn... Hm?

Are you awake now?

Oh. Hi, Scheherazade...

Umm...my recent memories are a little hazy. Do you know what I've been doing up till now?

Oh good, it looks like your Divinity's rampage has finally stopped. I'm so glad.

Good morning, Great MEDJED... I mean, Pharaoh Nitocris.

You're here too, Pharaoh Cleopatra? What happened?

Well, after I was talked into a gambling match I should never have accepted...

...I was so distracted wondering if Lord Caesar was watching me or not that the match ended in a draw...

And to top it all off, I'm still worried about whether he was even there in the first place!

...?

Allow me to tell you a short story that should explain how we got here...

...The end.

Fujimaru's group is long gone by now, of course.

Hmm. I see.

So being appointed a Swimsuit Swordmaster caused me to forget who I really was...

I can't believe I let that happen!

Let me see... Oh no. My eyes really were clouded. This won't do at all.

I really am a failure of a pharaoh.

This casino is nothing like the true pyramids Pharaoh Ozymandias would build.

It's nothing but a pale imitation! Besides, no true pyramid would ever desecrate itself as a casino in the first place!

!!!

Now that you mention it...!

You managed this casino with such beauty and confidence that I had been turning a blind eye to my doubts, but you're absolutely right!

What shall we do then? Should we destroy this casino for the crime of impersonationer, impyramidization?

...No, there is no need for that.

Even if Pharaoh Ozymandias did not build this pyramid himself, it does still resemble one.

So I think I have an obligation to make it into a true pyramid; one he would be proud of.

Besides, it would be cruel to snatch it away from the customers who have come to enjoy it.

Yes, I've decided. My new task as a pharaoh...

...is to make this place into both a proper pyramid and a proper casino!

I remember Pharaoh Ozymandias once told me that pyramids harbor unlimited possibilities.

So I will trust in his words and do everything to bring it in line with the ideals of a true pharaoh like him!

I, um... You probably don't have a lot of faith in me to do that now, since I lost control of myself so easily...

...but would you two possibly be willing to stay and help me?

Fuhahaha! Right you are, Pharaoh Nitocris!

Every pyramid other than those I built myself are but the common masses' futile attempts to imitate my greatness.

It is not even worth my time to decry them as fake!

So as one who knows what a pyramid is meant to be, to guide these imitations closer to their proper form is the mark of a true pharaoh!

You could at least feign to ask permission to join me here at my special seat, ancient pharaoh.

That aside...this was quite the interesting show.

Hehe, phantom thief, huh? I wonder where your path will lead you.

Will you inevitably revert to the countess of blood, or will you gain a new persona when all is said and done?

Whatever happens, I will continue to observe from my seat up here...

So yes, I will be sticking around and helping you all out at least a while longer.

I look forward to seeing what sort of treasures you'll lead me to next. In fact, I can already think of one thing I would love to steal. Hehehe...

？！

I don't know what else you plan on stealing, but I get the feeling I need to keep it safe at all costs...

There could be a lot of espionage related overlap between a phantom thief and a ninja. I'll have to do my best to continue to prove my worth to Master...

It took many hours of mining gemstones in a cave out in the wasteland, but that goddess finally let me go.

I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you during this battle...

Ah, don't worry 'bout it! The important thing's that we brought down that swordmaster!

Now c'mon! We got another casino ta check out!

Yeehaw, just what I like to hear! Come on, guys! Let's keep this momentum going!