Opening: Showtime (1/2)

Well, SenpaiI mean, Master, it's summertime again.

Fooou...

？！

Yes.

If you think about it, our summers have always been very, um, eventful, haven't they?

Senpai, you're starting to drift away! Please, come back to us!

I know what you mean. Each of them was memorable.

？！

Personally, I wouldn't mind at all if this year's summer turned out to be much calmer and cooler than previous ones.

Hey heeey! How's my favorite Master and Demi-Servaaant!

I see you two are up nice and early, rather than using summer vacation as an excuse to sleep late. Bravissimi☆

So, now that you're up, I can share some big news!

I suggest you pull up a chair, 'cause you'll probably want to be sitting down for this.

Uh-oh. I don't like the sound of that...

？！

Spoken like a Master who's seen his share of summer action. I'm molto felice that you're keeping up!

You guessed it: we have another minute Singularity on our hands! And just when we've got our hands full analyzing the Trees of Emptiness, too.

Anyway, I'll give you guys a proper briefing up in the Command Room.

Oh, I almost forgot: no beach this year! I hope you have some experience with summer camp, 'cause this one's up in the mountains!

And just like that, she's gone again... So, not the beach, but the mountains?

？！

That's right. The beach isn't the only place to hold summer-themed events.

Trips to the mountains, surrounded by nature's beauty, have been a beloved kind of vacation for generations.

Getting away from all the noise and din of the city... Camping out in cottages and cabins... Playing tennis...

Getting soft-serve ice cream at the gift shops filled with weird local knickknacks and accessories...

Rafting... Ropeways... Spelunking... Everyone roasting marshmallows together over a bonfire!

Yup, summer camp might be the ultimate leisure activity, with something for just about everyone.

I see... Chaldea's a very unusual environment, so it doesn't have much in the way of leisure activities, but the woods on a typical, verdant mountain would be perfect for camping out.

There are even some famous places whose primary industry is camping tourism, like Karuizawa in Japan.

Funny you should mention that, because that's exactly where this latest minute Singularity is: Japan.

We still don't know exactly where in Japan it is, though, since there's a Bounded Field preventing us from pinpointing its location.

Fujimaru, you're something of a Japan nerd, right? Have you ever heard of any mystery spots there that would generate their own Bounded Field like this?

？！

Hmm. Japan's not terribly big as countries go, right? Surely this Singularity can't be that hard to find.

Can't you put up a visual on the monitor and determine its location from the surrounding landscape or something?

It's not that easy, Goredolf. Japan might look small on a map...

...but it's actually about the same size as your homeland, and it's also home to over a hundred million people.

On top of that, it's got an absolute ton of mountains!

Those mountains are pretty much impossible to tell apart for anyone who lives in a metropolitan area...

...so a single person's memories and usual haunts aren't going to be enough to figure out which campground this is.

As luck would have it, we do have some video footage from the site. Take a look.

It looks like...a lake?

From what we can tell, this lake is right in the middle of the campground.

It looks like it's been closed for maybe a few years since there doesn't seem to be anyone using it.

？！

Ehh, you say tomato, I say tomahto. Don't worry, I already sent an advance team on ahead.

They've got the food situation all handled, and they're running security checks on the perimeter as we speak.

An advance team? So there are Servants who went to this Singularity ahead of us?

That's right. Broadly speaking, we'll be dealing with three types of Servants this go-round.

The first is Servants summoned by this Singularity directly who have nothing to do with us.

Thanks to Sheba, we've been able to observe at least a few of those there.

We can't tell who any of these Heroic Spirits are yet, but luckily, none of them are showing up as hostile.

So I'm pretty optimistic that they'll be willing to help us out once we explain the situation.

The second is Chaldea Servants that were drawn into this Singularity when it first spawned.

Cú Chulainn was one of them. The moment he found out the Singularity was calling to him, he was all,

"Hunting in the mountains!? Now you're talkin' my language! I'll go on ahead and set up the campsite!"

...and heroically ran off to join the advance team.

He's probably getting food, shelter, and camp-appropriate clothing ready for you and Mash at the campgrounds even as we speak.

And last, but definitely not least, there's you guys

The survey team you're going to lead that will head there soon.

Really, "team" is a pretty loose term for the guys that went there in advance, so you'll still have to do a lot of info-gathering for yourselves once you get there.

But don't worry. The survey team I'm putting together will consist of Servants who know their way around Japan...

...so all you'll have to do is investigate this Singularity as usual.

？！

Good, good.

Now then, make sure you keep your reports accurate and concise, that you contact us right away if necessary, and that you be honest and forthcoming if you should need to consult us about anything.

Good communication should be a basic skill for any responsible adult, after all.

What Gordy said. Now, on a different note, I've got a little present for you.

See, I figured you'd want to make a splash for our first summer camp excursion.

Sooo...

Ta-daaa! Check it out! It's the latest in Chaldea fashion: a summertime-only leisure Mystic Code!

I modeled it after youth scouting groups' uniforms, since they're all about camping.

Yes, it's wonderful! I think a Mystic Code like this that places more emphasis on survival and learning than combat is perfect for you, Senpai!

Hehehe. Well, Mash, as it turns out, Fujimaru isn't the only one with a new outfit.

I whipped up some new swimsuits for you too while I was at it. They're a bit more in line with my personal tastes.

I gotta say, making clothes can be a whole lot of fun!

Oh, please don't worry about me, Master. We Demi-Servants are pretty tough, so I'll be fine with my current outfit.

I'm so glad you asked, Fujimaru! You bet I do!

You'll be going to a mountain this time and all, so wearing the same summer clothes as last time just wouldn't quite be right, now would it?

？！

Yes, it's wonderful! I think a Mystic Code like this that places more emphasis on survival and learning than combat is perfect for you, Senpai!

Hehehe. Well, Mash, as it turns out, Fujimaru isn't the only one with a new outfit.

I whipped up some new swimsuits for you too while I was at it. They're a bit more in line with my personal tastes.

I gotta say, making clothes can be a whole lot of fun!

Oh, please don't worry about me, Master. We Demi-Servants are pretty tough, so I'll be fine with my current outfit.

I'm so glad you asked, Fujimaru! You bet I do!

You'll be going to a mountain this time and all, so wearing the same summer clothes as last time just wouldn't quite be right, now would it?

？！

Hang on, just a moment. A Mystic Code I can understand, but a swimsuit?

Yes, Mash may be a Demi-Servant, but she's also a member of Chaldea's staff.

And while I can understand your desire to enjoy your time off, this is still a special mission, not a vacation.

Mash needs to be focused first and foremost on Fujimaru's protection. Surely there are much more important things to prepare than new swimsuits.

？！

Yeah, Gordy, lighten up! Besides, while they might show some skin, these swimsuits totally have defense covered!

Now come on, Mash, let's get you down to my workshop and into some new clothes☆

I've got around twenty suits to choose from. Bikinis, one-pieces, you name it!

Just let me know which one you like, and I'll turn it into a nice new Mystic Code for you!

Oh, I should let you know that some of them are more...risqué than others...

But if you ask me, that just makes this summer a perfect opportunity to knock Fujimaru dead!

Th-thank you, Da Vinci. That all sounds great!

What do you think you're doing!? This is a Singularity we're dealing with, not a fashion show!

What's more, this one is up in the mountains! Have you forgotten what sort of hell we (read: I) faced in the last mountain Singularity? I still can't look at a hot springs inn pamphlet without trembling!

Fujimaru! You're a Singularity pro by now, aren't you? Go on, man, say something!

Tell the technical advisor and Ms. Kyrielight that they need to take these matters more seriou

...Huh? He's gone!? Where did he go!?

Fujimaru? He ran off to his room with his new Mystic Code, looking pretty excited.

Can't blame them, really. At their ages, they'd usually be spending summer vacation living it up instead of saving the world. Seeing how you're the resident father figure here, maybe you ought to cut the two of them some slack?

Father figure!? I'm only in my twenties!

Hey, you two. How's it going? Enjoying your summer vacation so far?

You are? In fact, you were just enjoying a nice chat? Great. Wonderful. Glad to hear it.

So! On a different note, I suggest you pull up a chair, 'cause you'll probably want to be sitting down for this.

Uh-oh. I don't like the sound of that...

？！

Spoken like a Master who's seen his share of summer action. Glad you're taking this in your stride.

I'm glad to see that, because we've got another minute Singularity on our hands.

Come on up to the Command Room and I'll fill you in☆

Oh, right. This one's up in the mountains instead of near a beach, so make sure you're all packed to go camping!

And just like that, she's gone again... So, not the beach, but the mountains?

？！

That's right. The beach isn't the only place for summer-themed events.

Trips to the mountains, surrounded by nature's beauty, have been a beloved kind of vacation for generations.

Getting away from all the noise and din of the city... Camping out in cottages and cabins... Playing tennis...

Having a barbecue by a placid lake... Boating... Fishing... Even just going for a dip...

Yes, summer camp is truly the ultimate leisure activity, with something for just about everyone.

I see... Chaldea's a very unusual environment, so it doesn't have much in the way of leisure activities, but the woods on a typical, verdant mountain would be perfect for camping out.

There are even some famous places whose primary industry is camping tourism, like Karuizawa in Japan.

Funny you should mention that, because that's exactly where this latest minute Singularity is: Japan, that is.

We still don't know exactly where in Japan it is, though, since there's a Bounded Field preventing us from pinpointing its location.

Fujimaru, you're something of a Japan nerd, right? Have you ever heard of any mystery spots there that would generate their own Bounded Field like this?

Oh, right, I forgot you were also a boring Goody Two-shoes before you came to Chaldea. Silly me.

Oh yeah, Mt. Osore! That's the sacred mountain every itako spiritual medium worth their kimono knows about!

That one does sound interesting, but I'm pretty sure it's not it. The mountain we're dealing with has a campground.

？！

This looks like...a lake?

Yup. It's a lake smack-dab in the middle of the campground.

Though it's probably been closed for a few years or so, since there doesn't seem to be anyone using it.

？！

Hahaha, hey, pobody's nerfect. Don't worry, I already sent an advance team on ahead.

They've got the food situation all handled, and they're running security checks on the perimeter as we speak.

An advance team? So there are Servants who went to this Singularity ahead of us?

That's right. Broadly speaking, we'll be dealing with three types of Servants this go-round.

The first is Servants summoned by this Singularity directly who have nothing to do with us.

Thanks to Sheba, we've been able to observe at least a few of those there.

We can't tell who any of these Heroic Spirits are yet, but luckily, none of them are showing up as hostile.

I'm confident they'll be willing to help us out once we explain the situation.

The second is Chaldea Servants that were drawn into this Singularity when it first spawned.

Cú Chulainn was one of them. The moment he found out the Singularity was calling to him, he was all,

"Hunting in the mountains!? Now you're talkin' my language! I'll go on ahead and set up the campsite!"

...and heroically ran off to join the advance team.

He's probably getting food, shelter, and camp-appropriate clothing ready for you and Mash at the campgrounds even as we speak.

And last, but definitely not least, there's you guys.

The survey team you're going to lead will head there soon.

I'll put together a team of Servants that know their way around Japan. They should help you get rid of this Singularity.

According to Sheba's readings, we shouldn't have to worry about this Singularity causing any historical distortions.

But don't let down your guard just because it only poses a minor threat to human history.

This Singularity is actually pretty big as far as minute ones go.

That's right. Let's see, how can I put this...

Basically...I guess you could say it had everything it needed to be a Singularity even before it became one?

Anyway, you can figure all that stuff out while you're doing your thing in the field.

？！

Now then, while I was making up the Servant roster for this mission, I also made you a little present.

Since this is your first time at summer camp and all, I wanted you to have an appropriately-themed Mystic Code.

This is the latest in Chaldea fashion: a summertime-only leisure Mystic Code!

I modeled it after youth scouting groups' uniforms, since they're all about camping.

Yes, it's wonderful! I think a Mystic Code like this that places more emphasis on survival and learning than combat is perfect for you, Senpai!

Whoa there, slow your roll, Mash. As it turns out, Fujimaru isn't the only one with a new outfit.

I would never leave you out of the new swimsuit fun, especially when it's your first summer camp.

Oh, please don't worry about me, Master. We Demi-Servants are pretty tough, so I'll be fine with my current outfit.

Of course I do. Be honest, Mash, you've been wanting a new swimsuit for a while now, haven't you?

？！

Yes, it's wonderful! I think a Mystic Code like this that places more emphasis on survival and learning than combat is perfect for you, Senpai!

Whoa there, slow your roll, Mash. As it turns out, Fujimaru isn't the only one with a new outfit.

I would never leave you out of the new swimsuit fun, especially when it's your first summer camp.

Oh, please don't worry about me, Master. We Demi-Servants are pretty tough, so I'll be fine with my current outfit.

Of course I do. Be honest, Mash, you've been wanting a new swimsuit for a while now, haven't you?

？！

Just stop by my workshop before you head for the Coffins. I've got all sorts for you to choose from.

There's bikinis, one-pieces, and plenty in between.

Just let me know which one you like, and I'll turn it into a nice new Mystic Code for you.

Of course, some of them are more...risqué than others...

So this could be a perfect opportunity to knock Fujimaru dead.

You don't mean...you have a Brazilian-style one, too!?

Hahahaha, I've got everything, of course! They didn't call me the Renaissance Woman for nothing!

That said, the choice is still yours, Mash. I'm guessing you'd still prefer an orthodox one-piece?

Don't you agree, Fujimaru?

？！

Bene, bene. This is a summer event, after all, so you've gotta make sure you enjoy it!

？！

Fou fou.

？！

My apologies for not being Mash, Master.

If you know what's good for you, you won't treat Lord Xiang Yu badly just 'cause he's not Mash!

？！

I can see you are already changed as I expected, Master, so we are coming in.

What, you've already changed? You've got a knack for picking boring outfits, hm?

？！

We are letting you know that we've decided to travel to this latest Singularity as well.

Fou...?

I requested that we do so.

I'm guessing that you will need my beloved for this next mission, both for her abilities and to aid humanity.

... ...Beloved...

...Ahem.

So yeah, just let Da Vinci know, got it?

... ...Look, I've got a lot going on, okay?

Good. At least you know to respect your senpai.

You're my kouhai, so it's incumbent on you to honor me and worship the very ground upon which I walk.

？！

Thank you for your implicit trust in my calculations, as well as for granting our request, Master.

If I could be so bold as to ask one more thing of you... I am hoping you could give this letter to Da Vinci.

？！

You wrote a letter, Beloved? What about?

I described the tools we will need in order to resolve this new Singularity.

One must be prepared for every contingency before setting foot into enemy territory, after all.

Oh my, what an excellent point. You're so smart, Lord Xiang Yu!

Here we fou again...

Fujimaru? What's up?

A letter from Xiang Yu? Great, thanks!

？！

Sounds good!

Now then, what did he have to say...? Hmm...

What's this about now?

A request from Xiang Yu.

Hmm, I see.

... ...

Are you sure this last one is a good idea?

...Eh, this is Fujimaru we're talking about here. I'm sure it'll be fine!

So, Xiang Yu wrote this, huh?

Let's see... Hmm, so that's how it is, huh.

I can see you're going to have your work cut out for you.

？！

Oh, you'll see when you get there. For now, just focus on getting ready to leave.

Looks like it's back to the drawing board for me... Oh well, I'll just chalk this up to some good advice.

Oh, it's you.

We are told you are about to head off to repair a... Singularity, was it? All very good.

...So.

Ordinarily, we would grace you with our presence and accompany you in bringing this Singularity to heel, but...

？！

Yes, well...

It seems we are unable to Rayshift for reasons that are beyond our control.

However, we have also selected someone to go in our place, so be confident, like a ship's captain!

...Though, we wonder what sort of ship this will turn out to be.

One with a crew of about three thousand people, perhaps? Ha ha ha!