Final Section: Sequel to the Aftermath of Sadness and Joy

Well, well. Sounds like you had a blast.

... ...

How do we not remember ANY of that shit?

I'm so sorry. You were dead, so...

You think I'm that easy to kill!?

Oh, well, maybe...

From everything you've said, it sounds like that Singularity would've been a really bad match for me.

I think I would have managed fine, but I could see myself getting lost in a dream...

That's exactly what I did? So I was right then.

...Ahem. At any rate, I'm so glad you completed your investigation successfully!

...So what about your hubby? He ditch you or what?

Alter!

There are some things it's just not polite to ask about, no matter how much Ier, you, may want to know!

Well you're doing a shit job of pretending not to care, Ms. High and Mighty.

Hehe.

Let's just say things between us are...the same as ever.

(So that's how a mature woman handles these things!)

...And that is the whole story, Lady Osakabehime.

Phew. Sounds like things were pretty taitough over there.

Not that I had to worry about them myself, since I've been shut up in here this whole time.

Ah... Is that not kind of a bad thing in its own right?

I couldn't help it! No matter what I did, all the hopes and dreams I had for my draft just never seemed to come true!

I told her truthfully over and over,

"You'll never finish in time for this summer's Singularity like that, you know"...

...but Batty still ended up running behind with her latest draft. Again.

But that aside, you say I fought a fake version of Master at one point?

I don't remember that at all, but I'm glad she at least turned out to be a fake.

Not that there's anything good about fakes, of course, since they're personified lies who deserve nothing better than a fiery death.

You were hardly the only one. The imposter had us all fooled.

At any rate...

I'm a little cross about how I have no summer camp memories with Master.

At this point, I think my only choice to make some is to have someone create another summer vacation Singularity!

Ahh, summer. The season when fair-hearted maidens wish to spend a romantic night with the object of her affections!

And by "a night," I specifically mean "at least one googolplex's worth of nights."

A googolplex's worth of nights? Is that a long time?

Well, a googol is a one followed by a hundred zeroes, and a googolplex is a googol times itself, so...yeah, it's a ridonkulously long time.

Hey, Kiyo-yo? You ever think you might be just a bit too attached to Ma-chan?

Not at all. I think it's a wonderfully romantic expression of love♪

Ooh, speaking of Rome-antics, have you seen that new Roman guy yet!?

Oh yes, you mean Lord Romulus! The young one!

Oh?

So, there's a younger one too? Not just the one with rock-hard abs?

If that gorgeous golden armor of his is any indication, it's no wonder Rome became so famous!

We citizens of Japan certainly do not have anything so ostentatious.

Oh, I don't know. I hear it did used to be known as the golden land of Zipangu at one point... Yatta! COMBOOO!

Oh no!

One unbroken string of expert parries leading into... a friendship love-ality!

For a special move with "friendship" and "love" in the name, it seems much more focused on unadulterated hostility.

I guess it does... But anyway, I win!

Yes, yes, good for you, Batty.

Now...what about the camp?

Ulp.

...You know, Master did miss having you around, Lady Osakabehime.

He did!?

Did he now?

He did. Especially when we were all playing video games together.

So he just wanted another player!?

Hehe, I am joking. Still, that does motivate you, yes?

... ...Gnnn.

All right. I'm not gonna stop playing games, but I AM gonna change to one that's all about getting into shape!

Once I've slimmed down a bit with that, THEN I'll go hang out with Ma-chan!

I know this may be rich coming from me, but are you sure a video game is really going to help you get into shape!?

It's just like I always say. Nothing beats burning, whether it's romance or calories!

Um, just to reassure myself... You're not one of those people who likes to put the "die" in "diet," are you?

Why yes, I am! And you know I would never lie!

Eesh, there has to be a better way to lose weight. Hmm. I wonder if there's a good fitness game in VR...

Why are you looking at me like that!?

...And that is the long and short of it.

Gotcha. Sounds like these other versions of us went through a hell of a time.

So this William guy shot someone he never should have, huh. That's rough. No wonder he had a breakdown.

You say this other me liked to submit, and to lick shoes, hm? Now that is truly the ultimate oppression.

Nonetheless, this nightmare of mine was just that, a nightmare. Now that I am awake, it has no more power to oppress than a glass figurine.

You know, for a Berserker, you've got a real poetic side to you.

Anyway, my nightmare was about failing due to a lack of funds and connections, huh? But so what? It was all just an illusion.

Dreaming big is all well and good, but it ain't in my nature to leave my dreams unfulfilled.

Changing the kind of dreams others would love to have into reality is how you change the world!

So I'm gonna make them happen and change the world, no matter what it takes!

Hahahaha. Chasing one's dreams is indeed all well and good, Columbus, but be warned.

If I should find you oppressing others in the course of pursuing your dreams...

...I will gladly do all I can to rebel against them.

... ...

Hahaha, me, oppress others? Don't be ridiculous!

Besides, I've got God guiding my way in alluh, most of my endeavors, you know?

I don't even know what oppression or immoral behavior looks like, so how could I ever do it myself!? Hahahaha!

Well now. Is that so?

Sure is.

(Damn, that was close. I nearly got myself labeled an oppressor!)

(His oppressor stat is currently at eighty-nine percent. Should it rise to ninety, that is when I will begin my rebellion.)

(Man, those two are both hanging on by a thread, aren't they?)

Um... Is there a reason all three of you went silent so suddenly?

(Silently shrugging in unison)

Come to think of it, Prince of Lan Ling, have you seen Yu Mei-ren at all since you got back?

No, I haven't. Given everything I said the last time, well...

I'm too embarrassed to show my face around her now!

Shame is but temporary oppression. Liberate yourself from its yoke.

Let Dark Lan free once more!

Gah! (Collapsing onto a nearby table)

(Playing a song)

And so...we have returned.

Now is the time to celebrate our king's triumph!

Wow...

What an amazing adventure you all had! So what did you do while this was going on, Mordred?

Well, all I know is that, at some point, I started having this crazy awesome dream! Apparently it was all a complete crock or some shit, but who cares!

Oh for... Come on, Mordred, this is no laughing matter!

You're a Knight of the Round Table! You should have resisted that lie with honor, like they

... ...

... ...

... ...

How 'bout it, assfaces? Say somethin'.

Nooo

weee

gooot

nooothin'!

Quit harmonizing!

Ahh, beautiful knights in shining beachwear. Ahh, knights who met their end in death and dreams alike.

Now that you are awake, all is well once again.

O happy day, O happy day♪

I'M not happy about this! Not one bit!

Oh, I don't know. I think there is cause to be happy here.

Oh yeah? And why's that?

We now know that even if we should face a foe we Knights of the Round Table simply cannot overcome...

...Chaldea will still emerge triumphant in the end.

We can now rest assured in the knowledge that our comrades from other lands and worlds have proven to be just as committed to this fight as we are.

That is both encouraging, and a source of pride for us all.

...!

Indeed, Sir Lancelot speaks the truth.

We have comrades here we can trust to watch our backs, even if they are not fellow Knights of the Round Table.

That is just as true in the tavern as it is for the battlefield.

That trust gives our sword arms strength, regardless of what manner of predicament we may find ourselves in.

As such, there is nothing we need fear, regardless of what may happen to us.

Gotta hand it to these guys: they're not complete dumbasses all the time.

But of course. A true knight must be as chivalrous and wise as they are adept in battle, Mordred.

Which is why it might serve you well to spend a little less time at the beach and a little more at the library.

What was that?

Okay, that's enough! I, for one, don't want to get in trouble for fighting in the cafeteria again!

Then allow me to lighten the mood by singing a song.

By all means, Sir Tristan.

Are you ready, Phantom? Then let's begin.

...♪

Okay, we're gonna go now. Bye-bye, Atalante!

Come on, Lily, let's be on our way.

I-I'm surprised you're all handling this so well. I don't know WHEN I'll be able to sleep without a night light again...

Don't worry, it's okay. If any monsters show up, we'll just dismember them!

I guess the fact that we really are fine even after everything that happened is one of our greatest strengths.

I suppose I have the Brothers Grimm to thank for that, for better and worse...

... ...Phew.

I-I am completely exhausted.

I do enjoy playing with children, but it is also a lot of hard work.

In fact, I think energetic children may be even more frightening than ghosts or zombies!

Tell me about it. Oof...

True, you did a wonderful job entertaining them as well.

Thank you.

Oh... Uh... Don't mention it...

Could I ask for your assistance on the next playdate as well?

...You serious?

Very.

(Honestly, I really am fricking exhausted... But it was also a lot of fun, and I can't let them down if they're depending on me.)

A-all right, I'll be there.

Good.

Incidentally, you should know there are other children's playmates who would have joined us if they had not been otherwise indisposed.

...Like who?

S'up. Oho, so you're the new guy, huh, Mandricardo?

I'm Achilles, the invincible hero of legend. Glad to meet ya!

I am Chiron, the head teacher. It would be wonderful to have an assistant during class.

Oh my, oh me, oh my. Aren't you just absolutely darling, child?

There's a good boy. Would you like a candy?

... ...

Requesting a transfer, ASAP!!!

I sure am glad to be back. That mission was really tough.

...You don't say.

Hmph. Is that so?

... ...

Huh? What's going on? Why do you two sound upset?

Probably 'cause they just finished listening to you tell them all about your once-in-a-materialization summer vacation.

Vacation!? I was frightened out of my wits almost the whole time!

Don't give me that!

I would've given anything to be snuggling up with Master as we solved a Singularity together!

Snuggling...!

I-I wasn't snuggling anyone, Kuro!

And would you please stop standing up and waving your wand around, Miyu!?

Wait. You're waving it AT me!? Why!?

I searched for you all over there, but I never managed to find you.

I think it's because Ruby never responded to any of the messages I had Sapphire send out. Now, you've got to pay.

I already told you, our communications were jammed! We couldn't contact anybody!

Would you children please be quiet, if you can?

Oh. Hi, Abigail-senpai.

Senpai?

That's right. Senpai. (Accepting it)

She's right, you know. This Singularity was a lot for a child to handle.

It's better for all of you that you stayed out of it like you should have.

(Wh-what's with this girl?)

(She looks the same age as us...)

(But she's so grown-up!)

In that sense, I suppose you could say Illya's even climbed the staircase to adulthood herself now.

Y-you think? I guess so. Or, I hope so. Hehe.

You may be on the staircase now, Illya, but you're barely halfway up the first step. Suffice to say, you've still got a long, loooooong way to go.

I-I know that! You don't have to tell me!

Oh! Speaking of the staircase to adulthood, I wonder where Sessyoin is now?

...After we came back to Chaldea together, I believe she was punished somehow.

I had to get my Spirit Origin sealed away too, so I'm only at half power now.

Though I must say, it was very strange.

Sessyoin seemed so happy about her punishment it was almost creepy...

Huh. I wonder why that is?

Beats me.

Congratulations on a job well done, everyone.

Well, well, if it isn't the hero of the Singularity. Enjoy your summer stint in the mountains?

S-stop that, Lord Andersen. You're embarrassing me.

We may not have been part of this latest Rayshift...

...but we are told that your contributions were enough to make any author Servant proud!

I-I don't know about that. I had to depend on my movie knowledge much more than I did my storytelling skills.

Really, the whole Singularity would never have been resolved without the efforts of everyone else who Rayshifted there with me.

I see, I see. On a different note, might I ask what has become of your swimsuit?

Oh, that? Well, um...

I thought it might not be the most, um, appropriate attire with which to walk around Chaldea.

Oh, but perhaps my literary girl outfit would be another story...

Well now, that sounds fascinating.

Oh, yes, I almost forgot. Could I ask you something, Lord Andersen?

Hm? What is it?

...So.

They said I'll need to be kept under close supervision for a while to ensure I don't engage in any further...undesirable Independent Action. I can't say I blame them.

After all, I've never truly been fully present here. Better for them that they not include me as part of the regular roster.

Now, more importantly...

Hehe. Hehehe. Hehehehehehehehehe!

I did it! I did it! I really did it!

After all these years, the dream I had all but abandoned has finally come true!

Hehehe. Hehehehe.

Okay, time to make some tea☆ And I'll get some cookies while I'm at it☆

All right! I'm off to my own private Shangri-la!

You met an adult version of me?

And you say he was writing? In a decrepit old building, no less?

Yes, that's right. Which is why I simply had to ask.

Tell me, Lord Andersen...

Would you be able to write in such an environment?

...Hah. Who do you think I am?

You're talking to a man who continuously bemoaned the state of the world and said he was sure to die any moment...

...even as he ultimately ended up living to the ripe old age of seventy.

Even if this other version of me had been motivated to do so...

I could never have gotten any writing done in such an overwhelmingly hospitable environment, you moron!

Oh?

I say, Andersen, am I imagining things, or do you hear faint echoes of someone cursing your name too?

Hahaha, of course it's your imagination! Chills down my spine? Absurd!

(What incredible confidence! But I don't believe him about the chills!)

The only thing I'm afraid of is readers telling me to my face that they want to read a sequel.

Besides, when you're a writer, people are going to gossip about you no matter what, right?

So you can't pay attention to endless rumors. Those kinds of groundless musingsmirages, if you willcan be a writer's downfall.

...Hmm.

So the summer dream has come to an end. Now that the nightmare is over, all that remains is the reality of tomorrow.

The situation may have been a bit more of a hassle than expected, but now that it's over, all's well that ends well.

Still...a sequel to "The Little Mermaid," huh.

I can't say I'm not intrigued...

But I know better than to ask for the impossible.

Now then, since our paths have crossed like this...why don't we take this opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee?

...Hmm.

Lord Xiang Yuuuuuu!

Hello, Beloved. You arrived five minutes earlier than I'd calculated.

Of course I did. Every good woman knows to be ready five minutes ahead of schedule.

...When did you get here, Lord Xiang Yu?

Two and a half hours ago, according to the simulator log.

Th-that long ago!? Does this mean I've been making you wait for two and a half hours!?

Please, pay it no mind.

I was simply taking in the sea while I focused on looking over your records.

M-my records?

Indeed.

Though things did go better without me around, as I'd calculated, there was never any doubt that I would pore over your records as well.

There wasn't?

Calculations drive everything.

Even before this latest incident began, they told me that you would be standing here today, and they were right.

They were, weren't they?

But nonetheless, I was worried I may have made a mistake somewhere, or that perhaps an unknown variable might have worked its way into the scenario.

So to ease my concerns, I went over the records countless times to check and recheck my calculations.

You did!?

Fortunately, my calculations returned identical results every time, thereby proving themselves correct.

But even so

Oh, Lord Xiang Yu... You really were worried about me, weren't you?

No, I was not. All I did was repeat my calculations.

There was no room anywhere for my personal feelings to factor into the equation.

You're wrong. I've made up my mind.

I've decided that my precious Lord Xiang Yu was worried about me...

...and I'll be damned if I let some calculations change my mind.

Hmm. Is that so?

Yeah. It's so.

Lord Xiang Yu?

Now that we're here together, I'd like you to watch me dance...

...just like you used to watch over me a long time ago.

...Of course.