Section 6: Morning, Day, and Night for the Living Dead (1/2)

Well, we spent the whole night searching for her, and there's no sign of Sessyoin Lily anywhere.

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So much for that possibility...

Anyway, I know you're all worried about her, but let's just calm down and think for a moment.

Let's be honest: Isn't there something about that girl that gives you the sense she'd be fine on her own?

What do you think, Master?

Agreed.

Plus, let's not forget that she's Yaobikuni's Pseudo-Servant.

So if nothing else, we can be pretty sure we don't have to worry about her getting hurt easily.

Good point. We may not have seen how she fights, but I think we can say that as a Servant, she's optimized for survival above all else.

Plus, she speaks more maturely than a lot of adults, and she genuinely doesn't seem like she'd be afraid of anything.

That doesn't mean I'm not worried about her, but I do think it means we don't have to panic.

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...Was that the phone?

Um... Do you think we should pick up?

I suppose that may be better than just letting it ring constantly, but even so...

I'll answer it.

There could be a curse on the other end that's only activated by having Master listen to it.

Good idea. I agree, it's best if you handle this.

Very well then...

Hello?

...Oh! Lady Sessyoin! Thank goodness you're all right!

We've all been worried sick about you, you know. Huh? You want to speak to Master?

All right.

Yes, he's right here. Here you go.

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Good morning, Master.

Did you have a good dream last night, or a bad dream?

Oh, if you're worried about me, don't be.

I realized there was something I wanted to look into, so I went off on my own to do that.

Oh silly, hehe. You don't have to worry about me. I've still got a trick or two up my sleeve if I need them.

But I am very happy that you're so concerned about me.

I'll make sure to be nice to you even if you end up hopeless and worthless.

Thank you. Hmm. Although...

Just...don't get upset with me if you don't like where what I'm doing leads, okay?

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Anyway, now that you know where I am, you and everyone else can go about your business like usual.

You all enjoy days spent thinking about your hopes and dreams as much as the next person, right?

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Hmm.

Well, unless and until we find some new evidence, or some new structure pops up seemingly out of nowhere, there isn't much else we can do for now.

I feel a lot better now, probably thanks to all that sleep I got.

Me too!

Then why don't we go investigate the nearby area...

...while Master, Lord Emiya, and the others who stood guard yesterday stay here and recuperate until the afternoon?

That's fine with me... but are you sure you don't mind?

I don't have a problem with it.

And with these two around, anyone who's not me shouldn't have to worry about dying. Probably.

All right. I can't say I'm entirely unconcerned...

...but if you insist, I have no reason to stop you.

Okay then, Fujimaru, enjoy your relaxing morning!

Yeah, just focus on taking it slow and easy. Maybe go catch some cicadas or something.

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Huh? Why would you want to catch something that loud and annoying? They can't be any more pleasant to listen to when they're right up in your face.

There's all sorts of ways to enjoy summer vacation. You can make some great memories just by playing and having fun.

Hmm... If you say so. All right, we're gonna get going.

We'll be back around noon.

You know, if there's some kind of summer treat that's not soumen waiting for us when we get back, it might just help encourage us to really give the investigation our all♪

Haha, got it. I'll think about what to make while you're out.

Yay! Okay, see you later!

Later.

... ...

Something wrong?

Oh, no, it's nothing. Ehehe.

All right, I think I'll go get started on lunch prep. What're you guys going to do?

What do you say, Master?

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Understood. If you run into anything that looks even remotely dangerous, make sure to run away the first chance you get.

Yes, we know.

Ahh, Christine... My ray of morning sunshine...

If you are going out on a walk, then please, take an apple with you.

According to a Welsh proverb, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

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May luck be with you.

It's not often we get to spend time alone together, is it, Master? So, what would you like to do?

Oh, Master! There you are. I am glad I finally found you.

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Yes, it is I.

I have not been able to get ahold of you since Rayshifting here...

...but I have been watching over the younger Servants in the meantime.

Fortunately, they have not been especially scared, since they are Servants and all.

How have you been faring?

I see... Sessyoin Lily, huh.

Yes, I will keep an eye out for her as well.

Servant or not, it cannot be safe for a child to wander the mountains alone.

All that aside, it is exceptionally hot here...

Would you happen to know of a place where I could cool off?

Is there something wrong with the cottage?

Oh, well, um, let us just say I am not overly fond of places like that...

At any rate, all I wish to know is whether or not there is somewhere nearby where I may cool off. Do you happen to know such a place?

What about a riverbank? Or the lake?

I have already been to both numerous times.

Besides, even I can tell that there is a powerful curse on that lake.

And that is not even getting into the strange creatures that emerge from it.

Hmm.

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That seems like a good idea to me. What do you think, Lady Atalante?

That sounds perfect, thank you.

...By the way, I have not seen some of the Servants who came here on the first day in some time.

Did you already finish repairing this Singularity? If so, they may have returned home ahead of us.

I very much doubt that's the case...

Hmm. Then I suppose it is just my imagination playing tricks on me.

Surely they cannot ALL be abandoning their duties to go off and play, after all.

All right, shall we go see what we can find in the way of places to cool down?

I suppose this bamboo forest is cool enough, but

It's still contaminated with curses?

Indeed. It is very pungent for me, perhaps due to my strong sense of smell.

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Is something wrong?

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Really? Where did it come from? I see.

Very well, let us go see what is over there. I will lead the way.

A cave, hmm. And a fairly spacious one at that.

Now I see.

No sunlight reaches this cave, so it's oddly frosty, isn't it?

This does seem like it would be a pleasant place to hang out during summer.

Indeed. Apparently, it is so pleasant...

...that it has attracted Demonic Beasts seeking refuge from the heat as well. Shall we dispose of them?

Very well.

Master, why don't you just sit back and relax? These creatures won't even be a challenge for us.

Come, let us begin!

Phew. Good, the stalactites are still unharmed.

(Yaaawn...) I think I will lie down for a bit.

Do not worry. I will be awake in a moment if necessary.

Lady Atalante must have been exhausted. She's already fast asleep.

What shall we do in the meantime, Master?

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That sounds nice.

In fact, this should be a perfect opportunity to eat the apples we brought with us.

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Ah, so you haven't heard that story then.

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Ah, so you know about that.

Yes, I did know her back when I was still alive. That was also when I came to know what sort of person she is.

Though it certainly was hard to believe upon first meeting her.

Huh? Did I have feelings for her?

Hahaha, not at all.

I'll admit to admiring her in many ways, but definitely not in a romantic sense.

I'm as human as anyone else, after all, so I like to think I know what genuine love and affection look like.

And Yu Mei-ren is, in a word... Um...

Master, can I ask that you please not tell her what I'm about to say?

All right. Yu Mei-ren is, in a word...

Entertaining.

Yes, I think that's the word that sums her up best.

Come now, Master, you don't have to laugh THAT much!

Maybe there is a better word to describe her, but if there is, I don't know it!

She may look like a beautiful woman, but as she is not actually human...

...she made a huge impact wherever she went simply by living her life.

In the last moments of my life, right before I drank that poison...

...the visit she paid me gave me the strength to face my end without fear.

Um... I know she's not here right now, but it's still rather embarrassing to talk about this, so...

Would it be all right if we discussed something else?

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Thank you, Master.

Very well then, why don't we discuss our next course of action for this Singularity?

So then... In other words...

Come to think of it... On another note...

...I can't tell you how much trouble her lack of filter caused me that time...

... ...

Hm? Now what was I talking about again...?

Master? ...Master?

Huh!? Why would you insist on that now!?

...Th-that said, I suppose it wouldn't be too much trouble to oblige...

(Yaaawn...) Mmm, that was a good nap.

Hm?

And then there was the time when she

Hey. Prince of Lan Ling. Hey.

Oh, good morning, Lady Atalante. What is it?

Well... I do not know what you are talking about, but it seems to have put Master to sleep.

Huh?

Ah! Y-you're right!

I-I'm so sorry, Master! I didn't realize how much I was rambling!

Then I DID talk too much! While I won't say I'm so embarrassed I could die, I'm definitely embarrassed enough to scream!

I feel like I've just given you the complete opposite impression I wished to impart!

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All that aside, this cave seems to go on much farther than I thought...

It looks like we still have some time. Shall we try exploring a little further inside?

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All right. I will take the lead.

Here, Master, you should hold my hand, just to be safe. We do not want you tripping and hurting yourself.

Thank you, Atalante.

Not a problem. Although... Hehehe.

Yes?

Oh, I was just thinking about something someone once said about summer vacation being the time for exploration.

I see. Well, we are certainly doing that now, aren't we? You know, exploring this cave does kind of make me feel like a child again.

Have you ever gone spelunking before, Master?

Is that so? That is a bit of a surprise.

For one thing, I was not even sure people today had any opportunities to go spelunking, even if they wished to.

Well, that is no surprise. Come on then, now is as good a time as any to try.

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Hmm. Perhaps it is because the cave seems to be sloping deeper underground, but it feels as though it is getting even cooler in here...

It does, doesn't it?

...I can also sense someone here. Prince of Lan Ling?

Right.

You there! Show yourself!

Uh... S'up.

Lord Mandricardo! What in the world are you doing all the way down here?

Uh... Nothing, really.

(There's no way in hell I'm telling them that I happened to find this nice gloomy place after saying goodbye to the sumo group and wandering around aimlessly for a while...)

(...and decided to just live here from now on.)

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How the hell did you figure that out, Master!? Yeah, you're dead on! Great, now I wish I'd never materialized!

Hmm. And here I had thought we were the first to explore this cavern.

Oh, nah, I definitely don't think we're the first by any means.

Really?

Oh, it also gets way darker from here, so if you just wanted to explore this cave, you'll probably want to call it a

...Hm?

... ...

... ...Wha?

I... ...Um...

Is that...a doll?

...(Beep) (Clack clack clack clack...) (Clack clack clack clack) (Beep...)

Preparing to...excavate...intruders.

...Excavate?

Did this...thing just speak? And did it say "excavate"?

F-for the moment, we should probably assume it's hostile and prepare for combat...

Initiating...self-destruct... (Clack clack clack)

The hell!?

I guess it wasn't kidding when it said "self-destruct"...

Th-that really startled me. I can still hear the explosion ringing in my ears...

Where in the world did this doll come from?

I would suggest bringing it back to study, but there may not be much point now that it is in so many pieces...

Then there would seem to be little point in our remaining here.

Why don't we go back to the cottage now and discuss this with everyone there?

Besides, I'm curious what the others may have learned.

Good point. Very well then, let us call an end to this spelunking expedition.

Sure thing.

How about you, Mandricardo? What will you do now?

Good question...

I've got a bad feeling about staying put here any longer, so I'll go find somewhere else to chill.

I will return to the children.

They may be safe during the day, but night is another story.

I see. So you've been encountering enemies as well, then?

Yes. Though I have, of course, sent them packing, as they say nowadays.

In that case, it would probably be better if we don't merge our groups.

We'll need another safe place we can go to if anything should happen to the cottage, after all.

So if the worst-case scenario comes to pass, we'll come meet up with you then.

I see. In that case, the children and I will also look for another, safer area.

Thank you. That would be a big help.

So you are going to return to the cottage now?

Yes, we are. Besides, it's almost lunch time.

All right, I'll go with Atalante then.

(I'd much rather go with Master instead, but I feel bad about Atalante being the only one to look after the kids.)

(Well, I guess they're not technically kids, but either way, sticking together seems like the way to go right now.)

Understood.

If any of you should run into any trouble, please don't hesitate to come to the cottage yourselves.

Much appreciated. Come on then, Mandricardo.

Right.

All right, Master, why don't we head back now, too?

There you are. Yu Mei-ren's group is already here.

Welcome back.

Th-thank you. It's good to be back.

Hm? What's up with you?

...Ahem. Nothing. It's nothing.

Hmm, okay. Anyway, we found a new building.

!

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Eh, it's so absurd it's easier if you just see it for yourself.

I knew there was something weird about this Singularity, but I still didn't get just how weird.

How's that one movie quote go again? "We're not in Kansas anymore, kou-kou"? That's kind of what this feels like.

If Lord Xiang Yu was here, he'd probably say something like "The usual rules no longer apply. We must approach every part of this world with caution."

Right? It's so nuts I can't even be creeped out anymore.

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I can forget about that creepy house, and we can almost just not count the crazy dream hotel...

...but I don't believe we could've been missing this place the entire time.

...You're not wrong.

Hell, I'll go further: there's no earthly way a building like that would ever be built in a remote place like this.

Which probably means this is one of those collections William mentioned in that dream hotel.

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Right. That seems pretty likely.

But what's so scary about a place like that? Explain, Murasaki.

Well, um... At the moment, all I can say is that it's a very big building...

Well, yeah, sure.

Still...I suppose I can also say that buildings like this...

...tend to be a sign of you-know-whats showing up.

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You know, those creatures whose name starts with "zom"...

...and ends with "bie."

Gotcha...

"Zom" and "bie"... So, zombie? What's a zombie?

Corpses.

Well, that doesn't sound so bad.

MOVING corpses.

Oh, you mean like jiangshi?

Yes! Sort of! They're very similar...

But they're not the same thing at all!

Okay, okay. Damn, never seen her so worked up before...

I wish I could just stay in the cottage with Phantom...

I understand, but we have to take action if we're going to resolve this Singularity.

We'll either have to go back there before night falls, or we'll have to barricade ourselves in here once it does.

Yeah, you're right. ...Okay! We can do this!

Yeah, maybe, but don't forget: I've been dying every day since we got here.

W-we can do this...

Well, what else am I supposed to say!?

That makes one of us.

She's not even pretending to care anymore...

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Well, we'll never get anywhere just standing around here.

We may as well go in and see what we're up against.

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Seems like a big-box retail store, or a wholesale supermarket.

Wow! That's the biggest carton of ice cream I've ever seen!

Ah yes, ice cream by the gallon. The stuff every child dreams about.

Of course, most kids who actually get one usually get tired of it by the third bowlful and end up throwing most of it away, but hey, at least it's fun while it lasts, right?

Hey! Just because you don't have any dreams doesn't mean you have to ruin everyone else's!

Fou fou... Fou.

Now Fou's nodding along as if to say he gets it...

If we're going to barricade ourselves in, this is the place to do it. It's already got everything we could need.

...Um, excuse me, everyone, but I have some good news, and some bad news to share.

...All right, let's start with the bad news.

The bad news is, it looks like our entering this place has served as a trigger of sorts.

As such, I have to ask that you all prepare for the upcoming battles.

So...what's the good news?

The good news is that we're now one step closer to solving this case! I think!

I-I guess that's one way to look at it!

So we've gotta fight these zombie things, huh? Okay, where are they?

Right over there.

Rrrrrrghhh... Ghhhhhhhhh...

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Wait, those are corpses? And they're moving?

So, zombies are basically moving corpses?

In essence, yes.

So then, they basically ARE jiangshi. Why didn't you just say so?

At any rate...

We should begin by taking care of these zombies.

From there, we should be able to see what our opponent... Or rather, this story, is up to.

Are they walkers? Runners? Something else? Oh, I hope they're only walkers...!

Rrrggghhh...

Fooou...

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Good, walkers. That makes this easier!

Everyone, be very careful not to let a zombie bite you, or the consequences could be disastrous.

That especially goes for you, Master!

If their undeath is the result of some chemical exposure, and your body registers their contamination as poison, then their bites may not affect you...but we can't take that chance!

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If you want us to be careful about being bitten... I'm guessing you're concerned about you-know-what?

Yes. Exactly.

Ordinarily, something like that wouldn't affect a Servant...

...but in this Singularity, we can't take any ordinary rules like that for granted.

If it should turn out we were worried for nothing, well, the additional caution won't hurt.

Understood. Given how slow and lumbering they are, I'm confident they won't so much as scratch us.

There may be a lot of them, but it's nothing we can't handle!

... ...

... ...

... ...

... ...

...Well? If you've got something to say, spit it out already!

I know, I know. I was too careless and I got sloppy, okay!?

...I got careless...

I guess all Murasaki's exhortations of how important it was we not get bitten had no effect on you at all, then...

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Well how was I supposed to know getting bitten would kill me!?

Well, maybe it was for the best that Lady Yu Mei-ren was the only one to be bitten, since she'll eventually return to her old self.

If anyone else had been bitten instead, the outcome would have been much worse.

Excuse me, Lady Murasaki, but what exactly would this theoretical worse outcome have entailed?

Well, this is a zombie movie we're in now, right?

Usual rules say that if a zombie bites you, you become one yourself♪

I see... That sounds positively nightmarish.

It is. Zombified Servants have no business existing in our world... Maybe in X's world, but not ours.

I completely agree.

Imagine one of your loved ones losing their soul...

...and you having to destroy the animated remains of their body.

That sort of inner conflict is key to what makes zombie movies terrifying.

Oh man, that sounds awful.

In the unlikelyokay, extremely unlikely case that Lord Xiang Yu were to ever end up a zombie...

...I'd sooner kill myself than harm him!

Shut up before I haunt your ass to death, Kouhai.

I don't think you'd ever have to worry about that. I mean, Xiang Yu's body is mechanical, right?

Shut up, Archer. Why even ask me something like that?

O-oh. Sorry.

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