Opening: Showtime (2/2)

Okay, I'm all ready to go.

I've got everything I need to tackle this Singularity, and to enjoy all of the campground's leisure activities.

That's great. We might be going there on a mission, but we're still talking about summer in the mountains.

So the more camping gear we have on hand, the better. I've got plenty of stuff I'm planning to bring, too.

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Since this Singularity is in Japan and all, I was assigned to go along with you.

But I knew my usual outfit would stand out too much, so I had this new one made up just for summer.

I know I can be kind of a stick in the mud when I'm in my usual red Mystic Code...

...but in this one, I can relax and go with the flow. Just think of me as your friendly college upperclassman.

It's not every day we get to go to summer camp, after all, so we might as well enjoy roughing it.

Glad to hear it. I've always been more of a mountain man than a beach guy, so if there's anything you want to know about having fun up there, I'm happy to share what I know.

How about the fishing club? Assuming they clean and cook everything they catch, naturally.

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I'm thinking we can enjoy the mountains while we investigate during the day, and learn about them while we investigate at night.

Though of course, we'll need to be careful not to relax our guard too much.

All set. Come on, let's get going already.

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Something to say? Save it for someone who cares.

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You can, Kouhai. In fact, I'm glad you did.

I'm holding onto this spear for Lord Xiang Yu, so you'd better worship it as much as you do me.

As for how I ended up with it...

By the way, Beloved.

Yes, what is it?

My calculations have informed me that I should give this to you.

Your spear? Is the enemy we're going to be facing there that powerful?

To make a long story short, I expect you will find yourselves in danger more than once.

Furthermore, it is now summer.

Um... I'm not seeing the connection.

While my own definition is still incomplete, I have learned summer resorts contain threats called "summer monsters."

When I added them to my list of variables, I arrived at the conclusion that it was better to be safe than sorry.

(Summer monsters, huh... Maybe there are Phantasmals native to Japan? I'll have to look them up myself later.)

(There's no way I'm letting Lord Xiang Yu's kindness go to waste, after all.)

All right. If this is what you think is best, I promise I'll take excellent care of it! I'll think of it as a part of you being by my side at all times!

Not that it'll matter much in practice, since I won't be leaving your actual side at all even after we get there.

Ahh, wielding Lord Xiang Yu's own spear next to Lord Xiang Yu himself... It'll be a whole new kind of...private collaboration... Hehe. Hehehehe!

...

Yes, as for how I ended up with it... Hehehe, that's between me and Lord Xiang Yu.

Really, the fact that he trusted me with this just goes to show how much he cares about me.

Ahh, just holding this spear feels like Lord Xiang Yu is wrapping me up in a tight embrace... (Entranced)

True, that's a magnificent spear. Hmm... I wonder if we could use it as a fishing rod.

You there. Don't you dare lump in Lord Xiang Yu's one-of-a-kind spear with your everyday fishing gear. Besides, Lord Xiang Yu would need neither bait nor line to catch fish.

Oho, a harpoon. One of the first types of authentic fishing gear ever invented. Awesome. Here's hoping we find some good rivers where we can use it.

...I'll let you off the (figurative) hook this time since you're clearly admiring it, but don't interrupt me again, Nameless Heroic Spirit.

Hmm. I guess I can at least call you Emiya.

Call me whatever you like. Though personally, I would prefer to go by Emiya this time around.

My beloved.

Yes, Lord Xiang Yu!?

(Did I actually just see hearts floating around those two, or have I finally lost my mind?)

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Yes, Senpai. I saw them clearly, too.

As did I.

I wonder... Does this mean I can visually express how I feel towards my own beloved in a similar way?

Hmm, fascinating. I might have to practice to ensure I get it right.

Indeed, it is I.

I, too, have been chosen to accompany you on this minute Singularity campaign.

So you recognized me from the affection I hold for my beloved... Nothing could make me happier.

You, uh, don't say...

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And just like Lord Emiya, I, too, asked Lady Scáthach to arrange a summer outfit for me.

I'm very pleased with it. It is already helping me stay cool, and it is easy to move around in as well.

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Senpai is right. It suits you very well, Sigurd.

Heh. I suggest you save those sorts of compliments for Master, Mash.

Eep!

That goes for you as well, Master.

It is only proper that you begin by praising your first Servant.

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Fou fou...

... ...

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I-I see... Right... Thank you, Master...

... ...

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Ahh, youth. Nothing like it. Watching you two makes me feel like a guardian again.

Ahem!

If you're all done, shall we get this Rayshift underway now?

Ahem!

If you're all done, shall we get this Rayshift underway now?

!?

Fooou!? (Special Translation: You can't just lead with that! Give the girl some warning!)

I-it's okay. I'm okay. It's okay because...I'm okay.

Too direct, Fujimaru. You've gotta save that kind of thing for when you two are all alone.

Hahaha. Well said, Lord Fujimaru.

That is exactly what I would expect from our Master.

...Is it just me, or are those two way more relaxed than usual?

(It's not just you.)

Well everyone, as you can see, those two Servants have good heads on their shoulders, so I've entrusted them with leading this operation.

I've also got a list with the rest of the crew who'll be coming along. Here you go, Fujimaru.

Wait, let me see that.

Sure thing.

Well everyone, as you can see, those two Servants have good heads on their shoulders, so I've entrusted them with leading this operation.

I've also got a list with the rest of the crew who'll be coming along. Here you go, Fujimaru.

Wait, let me see that.

Sure thing.

You're sending FOUR other Servants who changed into swimsuits so they can blend in better?

Isn't that a bit much?

Between Fujimaru, Mash, Emiya, Sigurd, me, and Lord Xiang Yu...

...don't you think we have more than enough firepower to handle whatever we find there?

I'm afraid not.

I expect we will need at least this many if we are to successfully complete this mission.

But worry not, Beloved. I have absolute faith in your ability to guide this conflict to a resolution.

?

Y-yes, of course!

And, um, once I have, and everything is nice and resolved, maybe you and I could...

Of course. Once this is over, you and I will enjoy a luxurious vacation together.

Yay! I can't wait!

Now come on, Mash, Kouhai. Quit making googly eyes at each other and let's Rayshift already!

Shut it.

(Hunching down and hiding her face)

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All set? Great.

Okay guys, I'm about to start the Rayshift. Let's make sure this summer's another one to remember!

Very good.

Okay, everyone, I'm about to begin the Rayshift. Good luck making it through this year's summer!

Are you all right, Master?

Oh good, you're awake now. Thank goodness.

...Oh, this? I thought I would try my hand at creating a swimsuit Spirit Origin this summer, too.

I must say, it's much easier to move around in this than it is my usual outfit.

Thanks to that, I was able to support you more, um, directly than usual. Hehehehe.

Can you stand? Here, let me put you down.

Oh good. I'm so glad you're all right, Master. That's the most important thing.

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Hehe, thank you, Master. That makes all the time I spent choosing just the right one worthwhile.

Okay, that's enough of that. I know all this natural beauty is very moving, but we still need to make sure we're safe, and then inspect our surroundings.

Did everything go okay with the Rayshift? Feel free to lean on me if you're having trouble standing up.

Oh, hey, Lady Murasaki. I didn't know you were coming along, too.

Yes, I'm also from Japan, which is why I was chosen. I hope I can be of assistance to you on this mission, Master.

It's a little embarrassing to be wearing a swimsuit for the first time... But I figured there was no time like summer to try something bold and daring!

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Thank you, Master. Now, where could everyone else be...?

What? Don't tell me our coordinates are off again?

Ugh, I swear, you'd think Da Vinci would know how to work the Rayshift equipment by now.

... ...Hm?

Where's Lord Xiang Yu?

That's strange. I can't sense him anywhere.

Is he using Presence Concealment like an Assassin or something?

...Are you there, Da Vinci? Do you read us?

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No luck, huh? Great. No sooner do we get here than we're already cut off.

What do you make of this, Fujimaru? I'd like to hear your opinion.

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Good answer. I can see your time fighting to save humanity has taught you a great deal.

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Exactly. It just goes to show how important fundamentals are.

Broadly speaking, there are two possibilities as to why we lost contact.

One is that a given Divine Spirit or Servant's aura is so strong that it is inadvertently jamming our signal.

While it's certainly a pain, this possibility can be dealt with easily and safely just by escaping their aura.

But the same can't be said for the second one: the possibility that someone is intentionally, maliciously jamming our signal.

Unfortunately, Master, it looks like luck isn't on our side. Guess we won't be able to kick back and relax just yet.

Huh? Who's there?

I'm very sorry about this, but might I interrupt for a moment?

Hm? Oh, it's just the Prince of Lan Ling.

What're you even doing here? I didn't see your name on the crew list.

I do like that new outfit of yours, though. Very summery. It looks good on you.

Thank you, Yu Mei-ren. I was told this would be more seasonally appropriate.

I initially tried to resist, saying there was no need for me to change my clothes just because it was summer, but

But you ended up caving, huh?

Yes. I caved.

Man, you were pretty susceptible to pressure even when you were alive, weren't you? It's about time you learned to stand up for yourself, if you ask me.

Ahem. I'd prefer we not dwell on that now, if you don't mind.

...Yeah, okay.

I actually come bearing a letter from Lord Xiang Yu.

Lord Xiang Yu!? Why didn't you say so!? L-let me see that!

"To my beloved"

Beloved? Oh gosh, oh gosh...

Yeah, yeah, I know. I'll get to it when I get to it.

Just because I've heard him say it doesn't mean it's not new and exciting to see it in his writing!

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Okay, let's see...

Wha

Wh-wh-wh

Whaaaaaat!?

So there is something getting in our way. At least the Rayshift itself was successful.

Here comes the second round of Servants now, Master.

Fujimaru!!!

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Yaaay! It's summer vacation, Fujimaru! I love summer vacation!

Look, look! I made a list of everything I want to do this summer!

This is gonna be so much fun, I just know it! What should we do first!?

Shaved ice? Watermelon? Fireworks? Oh, but there's also this, and that, and... And

(Gasp!)

It's okay, you can keep going. This isn't the military. You're free to behave how you like here.

I-I-I-I'm so sorry! I can't just run around doing whatever I like, can I!?

I was just so excited after getting a swimsuit and Rayshifting that I...I...

I forgot all about my job at Chaldea! I'm so ashamed, Master!

(Sniff...)

Even though Illya was relieved that Fujimaru was being so mature about this, part of her couldn't help but wish for a more thorough scolding☆

Hey! Where do you get off narrating people's inner thoughts!?

Ahahaha. I'm sorry...

Illya always gets a little needy when she's excited, Master.

I think you might just have to indulge her to help get it out of her system.

Ugh! Don't you ever shut up, Ruby!?

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It could be Rayshift sickness.

Servants don't get it, but my understanding is that you're a very unusual case.

Ehehe, I guess you could say that...

Well, don't worry about it. Hmm, it looks like the other Servants are here, too.

Once we get a base camp set up, we should...

Hm? Is that...a cottage over there?

It would seem so.

Hmm... It might be a trap, but it's still worth investigating.

First, though, we should make sure to secure our surroundings.

I've only taken a quick look around so far, but I've already seen glimpses of what appear to be Demonic Beasts.

I see. Then we should start by cleaning up the nearby areas.

Xia-Xia-Xia-Xia...

Um...what should we do about Lady Yu Mei-ren?

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Senpai...?

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Senpai! I'm so glad to see you again!

I was worried sick when I didn't see you anywhere after the Rayshift...

I don't know if you already know this, but we can't contact Chaldea right now.

In the meantime, I was just investigating this cottage, along with the other Servants who Rayshifted here.

Ahh, there you are, Master.

It sounds like you and Mash were just discussing this mysterious cottage.

I've been taking a look at it myself. It's quite a fascinating place.

Come on, I'll show you around the inside!

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As you can see, Master, this cottage has everything we will need during our stay.

I can also promise you there is nothing strange about it, as I used runes to conduct my investigation.

Sigurd is right. I've been investigating it thoroughly too, and I can also confirm that this cottage is safe.

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Yes, Master, it's Brynhild, at your service.

Is that you, Beloved!?

Wow. I think I've fallen in love with you all over again.

S-stop that, Sigurd!

You know you're a heroic dragon slayer. You mustn't say things like that in public...

Hahaha, I'm sorry. I guess I did get a little carried away.

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I-I think they look lovely together!

And here's what the individual rooms look like.

There are other cottages just like this one, so we should be able to accommodate all the Servants who came along.

It may be worth asking who wishes to stay outdoors, as I'm sure some would prefer to camp out.

But first...there's one thing we need to take care of.

Lord Xiang Yuuu... Looord Xiaaang Yuuu...

Why... Why? WhatWhatWhat did I do to deserve thiiis?

(What is she doing? Some sort of avant-garde poetry?)

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Well, we have to do something about her, but I'm not sure what.

Wait, Sigurd. Let me handle Yu Mei-ren.

Really? ...Are you sure you'll be okay, Beloved?

I'm sure. As a Servant harboring deep feelings of my own, I can understand what she's going through very well.

All right...here goes nothing!

(Sniff) Lord Xiang Yuuuuuu...

Please get a hold of yourself, Yu Mei-ren.

Brynhild...?

I know it hurts to be apart from the one you love, but this current separation is only temporary, not permanent.

I'm sure you'll be reunited at Chaldea once this Singularity is repaired.

I'm also sure Lord Xiang Yu is waiting anxiously for you to return.

So the sooner we repair this Singularity, the sooner you can see him again.

... ...

Um... What else...?

S-so hang in there, okay? I know you can get through this.

Must be nice for you, having Sigurd around.

(Petrified)

I-I, um... Well... Th-that's not

Not only that, you get to wear a swimsuit around him AND have him compliment you on it. Must be nice... Must be reeeally nice...

Be honest. You're super happy right now, aren't you?

... ...

Overjoyed♡

Awww. Well, gooooood for yooou...

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I'm sorry. I tried, but to no avail...

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If it's all the same to you, Master, I think I'll refrain from commenting.

...Hm? There's some kind of commotion outside.

Oh, hey, Master. You got here sooner than I thought.

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No problem! Anything I can do to make your life easier.

So, an investigative mission, huh? Hell of a way to spend summer break.

Anyway, you picked a good time to show up.

I've been setting up some things to keep the wildlife away, but there's still some wild dogs around that went berserk thanks to some kinda curse.

You guys're all gonna spend the night here, right?

Then how 'bout getting in a little exercise while you get to know your way around?

Oh, don't worry about fighting yourself, shield girl. Just keep an eye one things from the sidelines.

You can see we've got plenty of firepower to go around, so why don't you just kick back and relax for a change!

O-okay! Thank you!

All right, everyone, good luck with the battle!

...?

Hm? It just me, or was there something off about that battle?

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...Never mind, it's nothing. I'm probably just a little off my game...

If I may share something...

I tried using my runes to examine not just the cottages, but also the land they're built on...

...and it looks like there's been some kind of curse placed on all of it.

I think we should analyze it and perform a countercurse to weaken it as soon as possible.

If we trace the spell that was used, we may even be able to find out what caused this Singularity.

Unfortunately...

What is it?

As a former Valkyrie of Valhalla, the magecraft I know is particular to Scandinavia.

So while I was able to sense the spell cast on this land, I could not grasp its true nature.

Given that, I think it would be best to ask someone more knowledgeable in spells and curses to investigate.

I see. Hmm...

In that case, Murasaki Shikibu and Tamamo-no-Mae would probably be our best bets.

I believe the advance team already arrived at the cottages, so I'll go look for them there.

I'll come with you.

Then in the meantime, maybe we could get the cottages ready for everyone who wants to stay in them?

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Thank you, Master!

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