Opening Act: The Submerged Voyage, Deep and Far

Senpai. Senpai?

You've been standing in the hall staring into space for a few minutes now. Is everything okay?

Do you have a stomachache!? Is the stress of tomorrow's special mission wreaking havoc on your insides!?

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Are you sure? Well, that's a relief.

Since we enhanced Captain Nemo's Spirit Origin in India...

...he can keep his Noble PhantasmNautilus, the ultimate submarinein reality indefinitely.

And a good thing too, since a ship that can cross an ancient sea of gods will be absolutely crucial for the Atlantic Lostbelt mission we'll be undertaking next.

However, while we do need to put Captain's ship through its paces to make sure it's all ready for the upcoming voyage, there's also a lot of other essential gear and equipment we still have to procure.

So since the rest of Chaldea's staff will be working on that...

...Captain, you, me, and a few Servants will be taking the Nautilus out for a test run by ourselves.

But don't relax just because it's a test run! It's going to be an intense training exercise covering many scenarios, including a Void Space dive!

So I wouldn't be at all surprised if you were feeling nervous about it, especially since we'll be conducting the exercise without many of our usual crew on the bridge.

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Right. To tell you the truth, I'm excited about it too. The idea of sailing the Void Sea is a little nerve-racking...

...but if it means getting to be on the crew of Captain Nemo's famous Nautilus, I'm more than happy to do so!

Oh, speaking of which, have you heard which Servants have been selected to go with us yet?

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Well, I'm told the final decision was to bring Osakabehime, Scáthach-Skadi, and Xiang Yu.

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Some of them are relatively new additions, so I admit, I'm a little concerned about how well they'll be able to work together.

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Yes, that's right. Abby did make it to the final round, but Sion ultimately decided she wouldn't be a good fit.

Trismegistus II's suggestions this time were basically incomprehensible though, so they were difficult to interpret...

Still, Da Vinci said the data made it clear that this mission would just be too much for Abby, and she wouldn't be a good fit for the kind of battles we're likely to face.

Sion couldn't argue with that, so she agreed to take Abby off the roster, especially since doing so would also help conserve magical energy.

It's too bad. Abby was so disappointed when they told her she couldn't go...

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Anyway, Sion said she was going to pull an all-nighter so she could search all of Trismegistus II for entropy...

...but if you're ready to call it a day, Senpai, you're more than welcome to turn in.

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(Staaare)

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(Staaare)

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Master... I really am a naughty girl.

I understand being taken off the mission, since it sounds like it would just be too much for me...

But I still can't help but want to ride that big metal ship with you...

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Really? Do you mean it?

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That's wonderful...but...

...I still won't be able to see you for so long, and I'm really going to miss you...

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Oh hey, if it ain't Master and Abigail. What're you two doin' up this late?

Oei? What are you doing here?

Well, y'know how Master's settin' off in that big ol' metal whale tomorrow, right? So I thought I'd paint 'im a treasure ship for good luck.

But I sure didn't think I'd find a fellow Foreigner lookin' so blue. Say, how 'bout you paint with me?

Me!? But, I couldn't. I'm just a child, and you're a famous

Don't you worry 'bout that. Ain't nothin' quite like a picture painted by a kiddo.

Sides, collaborations can be a blast, too. Now go get your pastels and let's make some art!

Ooh, that does sound like fun! Are you sure? Can I, Master?

Hmm. A treasure ship, huh... This would let me make a wonderful good-luck charm for you, Master!

...Hey, Master? Sorry to ask ya this right before your big practice voyage, but do ya think you could stay up with us for a while?

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Ahahahaha! Well, that's a load offa my shoulders, hearin' you say that. But hey, it's no biggie. Me an' Toto-sama are just big ol' kids at heart anyway.

Besides, this Foreigner class we are's on a whole 'nother level, right? I mean, we're s'posed to be a threat to all humanity, right?

So if one of us Foreigners is in a bind, best thing we can do is help each other out.

Anyway, now that that's settled, let's get goin'! Oh, and if you get bored, ya can always take a gander at the picture scrolls I painted myself.

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Morning, Fujimaru! Hmm. Looks like you're right on time!

Well, technically, you were late by 0.008 seconds, but I'll be nice and let that slide! Now go on, get on board!

Hmph. Cutting it awfully close, aren't we, Fujimaru? Did you even make time for breakfast this morning?

Really now, any Master worth their salt would have arrived at least ten minutes ahead of schedule.

Seems that means you've got a ways to go before you can call yourself a fully-fledged Master. Remember, you should be graceful and diligent in all matters.

That is all well and good, Goredolf, but if I am not mistaken, I believe I saw you at the dock over an hour before departure.

Nearly arriving late may be bad, but is it not also a problem to be too early?

Gah! You saw me here, Sion!?

I-I mean, I was just taking a walk, that's all. Yes, that's it. A little constitutional.

It, um, certainly had nothing to do with any concern I have regarding the successful completion of the Nautilus's test run. Nope.

Anyway, listen well, Fujimaru.

The success of this test run will be the clearest indicator of whether we are actually able to infiltrate the Atlantic Lostbelt.

It is therefore imperative that you not let yourself be distracted by thoughts like, "Oh boy, this new Nautilus is so much fun to ride!" or, "Man, submarines are so cool!"

...And that you maintain your focus at all times to ensure the mission's success!

You certainly haven't made it this far by neglecting your responsibilities, correct?

Then you must continue in that responsible vein which includes being punctualuntil you've made it back safely! That's all!

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Thank you for that masterful display of leadership, Goredolf. I especially appreciate your knack for brevity.

If you had gone on any longer, I would have had to remind you that further remarks, inspiring though they may be, would only end up delaying the operation's commencement...

...but it seems I needn't worry about that today.

Haven't I already told you I've had enough of you mean-spirited interjections!? I may be a devout oligarch, but I'm also a staunch pacifist!

The fact that you are all exchanging such witty banter this early in the morning just goes to show what seasoned veterans you Chaldeans truly are.

If you are able to be so jocular under these circumstances, then it seems clear you do not need any advice from me.

Yeah, we haven't known each other all that long, but we've still managed to overcome all sorts of hardships together.

I see, I see. So you have shared good times and hard times alike. I suppose that is what comes from being stuck in the same boat, pun intended!

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But of course, that is also exactly why this training exercise is necessary.

After all, as newcomers, neither Captain nor myself are at a point where we can joke with all of you as you are able to with one another.

This trial run is an important mission to test the Nautilus's performance and limitations...

...but its secondary purpose is for Fujimaru and Captain to get to know and trust each other better.

It is my hope that they will end up with just as strong a relationship as all of you, if not more so.

Hmph. Well if nothing else, I can tell you there's at least one idiot among our crew who already trusts Captain more than the rest of us.

At any rate, Captain may be reticent, cold, and more likely to oil his gun than join in a conversation...

...but given that he and Fujimaru will be working together to test the Nautilus's top speed and cornering capabilities, they simply won't be able to avoid becoming better friends.

Trust me, I went through the same thing with my navigator back in the Safari Rally.

He did end up canceling on me at the last minute, though. I never did find out why...

Well, it seems to me like Fujimaru is already pretty fond of Captain, so I'm sure this training exercise will go great.

Oh? Then you do not find him off-putting, Fujimaru? I guess you really are a seasoned veteran Master.

I must say, I am a little jealous. Let us not forget, Captain is still my Servant.

Oh? I'm surprised to hear you of all people admit to jealousy, Ms. Sion. I do hope the all-nighter you pulled wasn't too arduous.

Oh, no, I do not mind working all night. I am just a little concerned about the choice of Servant companions.

I simply cannot figure out why Trismegistus II decided they were the best fit for this mission.

Er, just to be sure, are you quite certain we can trust this machine's analysis?

Oh, I am not worried about that. I do not have to understand the equation to have faith in the results.

Besides, if we were to have Trismegistus II write up its reasoning in a report...

...it would take us over half a year simply to decipher it.

So no, my concerns are not about Trismegistus II, but about the environment in which such Servants will be necessary.

For example, what sort of environment would lead to Abigail Williams being a recommended addition to the crew?

Was removing her from the roster ultimately the correct choice? Those are the sorts of things I am worried about.

Hmm. I see your point, but since we can only afford to have three Servants come along, including her really wasn't an option.

Anyway, we should probably start getting ready for the next operation. It'll be a little while until we're done, so spend this time as you see fit.

All right, I think I've said everything I want to say for now. You're lucky we only have so much time until launch.

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I understand that, as a Master, caring for the younger Servants is an important part of your duties.

But that's no excuse for tardiness. In the mission we're about to undertake, punctuality is of the utmost importance. There's no way to save a sailor who missed the boat, after all.

So while you're on my ship, make damn sure you're on time for everything from now on. Is that clear?

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"My captain"? Never mind. Just get to your post...Acting Commander.

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Consider it a little payback.

Okay, Mash, stop clinging to Fujimaru like a remora and get to your post.

A remorI mean, I'm sorry, Captain! I was just reflecting on my failure to ensure Master got enough rest last night! It won't happen again!

How about the other passengers? Are you all ready to set sail?

I am. As I have no Authority over the sea, I am happy to follow this child sea-god's instructions. Indeed, I am looking forward to being treated as just another passenger.

No! No, I'm not ready! But if Ma-chan wants me here, then I'm gonna do my princessy best to be my usual hiko self, even in a submarine!

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...No. I am still operating within standard parameters.

I was simply thinking about my beloved, and how she thrashed about on the floor in a tantrum when her fervent requests to accompany me on this mission were denied.

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Rest assured that I am perfectly able to carry out my primary directive. Master, Captain, I suggest we embark on our voyage without delay.

Excellent. Then let's get going!

This is the assault submarine Nautilus. Sion, report your final assessment of the shell's pressure-resistance.

This is Sion at Novum Chaldea. The hull is in perfect shape, of course.

So, how are you feeling now, Captain?

Would you say that my promise to provide a ship worthy of you has been fulfilled?

...Yeah, it has. Thank you, Sion of Novum Chaldea.

I have not a single complaint about the ship. It's got the same amount of tension as a right whale's whiskers, perfectly balanced.

And so I believe we're ready to set sail. That is all!

Wooo! It is good to see you in high spirits, Captain! I am also very glad that I was finally able to keep my promise.

All right then, I wish you an excellent maiden voyage. Do not worry about anything here while you are gone; I have your room locked up tight as a clam!

Fujimaru, I am counting on you to take care of Captain for me while you are out in Void Space!

While we will be unable to provide support this time, we will be rooting for you to have an experience that is truly out of this world!

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Open the vents! Commence standard dive!

Damn, no wonder Xiang Yu used to be the Hegemon-King of Western Chu! And with me and the goddess backing up his OP NP, I don't think anyone can touch him!

Between the goddess buffing him with her powerful rune magecraft, and me filling in the gaps, I'd say we've got a killer team comp!

I'm not so sure. Such a diverse makeup can easily lead to one becoming the proverbial jack-of-all-trades, master of none. Is there anything you can do to improve your Noble Phantasm's turnover rate, Osakabe?

As a Berserker, Xiang Yu requires precision support to keep fighting at his peak, so I expect you will need to vary your approach in battle until you find what works.

Ouch! Direct AND accurate constructive criticism! Okay, I will do my ganbest!

Sooo, Lord Xiang Yuuu, how did you like my NP? If you like, I would be mooore than happy to let you and your beloved tour Himeji Castle sometime.

...If we have reached the end of our training exercise, I would like to request a ten-minute break.

...Perhaps he did not care for your calling him "Hegemon-King," Osakabe.

Also, your castle's defenses and Yu's Noble Phantasm are a poor match. Really, they do not fit together at all.

Nooo! My plan to ingratiate myself with him!

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Do you think so? Truth be told, I still have trouble making sense of the expressions of metal men.

(Sniff) Well, if you say so, Ma-chan, you're probably right...

While Xiang Yu is clearly a cut above most Berserkers, I nonetheless cannot tell what he truly thinks, as I never encountered his like in Scandinavia.

I will therefore be relying on your judgment even more than usual, Fujimaru.

Anyway, guess we might as well take a break too. Plus, when we're done, it'll be the perfect time for an incident.

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Great job, Master!

I saw the whole simulation from here in the cockpit, and everyone's teamwork was impeccable!

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Right. This next phase will require even more caution than usual.

We're going to simulate encountering an unexpected hostile marine force during a shallow water dive, and practice making an emergency dive to Void Space to evade it.

What's more, we'll be doing so entirely on our own.

At this point, everyone back at the Wandering Sea Chaldea Base is still able to observe us, but once we make the dive into Void Space, we'll be completely cut off from them.

It's a little nerve-racking, but I know we'll do our best to handle anything that comes our way!

On that note, I think I'll go over the navigation manual again, just to be sure. Please go ahead and relax, Senpai!

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(Bustling around)

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(Bustling around)

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(Bustling around)

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Master, I recommend you do not interfere. As you can see, even four hands are not enough to handle everything that must be done.

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Unfortunately, I have neither the time nor the processing power to explain at the moment.

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Thank you, Master. Now, if you will excuse me.

And just like that, he's gone... I wonder what those scribbleser, symbols he wrote on the wall mean?

W-well, knowing Xiang Yu, I'm sure it has something to do with his prognosticative abilities.

His actions may seem bizarre now, but in time, we'll find out there were good reasons for them...right?

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What's wrong with that Berserker!?

The moment I take my eyes off him, he's scurrying around like some kind of oversized spider crab and messing up my ship!

If we weren't about to undertake an operation, I'd have him swabbing the deck all day!

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...Ahem.

I'm sorry. I'm usually much better at keeping my cool than that.

Don't worry. I always make sure I know who my passengers are before they board.

I understand that Xiang Yu is actually much more intelligent than he looks. I do. But...

Having a Berserker walking about doing whatever he pleases in my delicate ship still really gets on my nerves.

And I mean that in a literal sense, since this Nautilus actually IS a part of me. Just keep that in mind, if you would.

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So it is. Then let's get this emergency underway.

Training alert! Training alert! Silence on the line.

Hostile marine forces detected at zero-nine-zero! All sensors detect an A-class combat threat!

Commencing emergency Zero Sail evasive maneuver! I repeat, commencing emergency Zero Sail evasive maneuver!

We expect to emerge from Void Space in twelve hours! Do you read me, Novum Chaldea!?

This is Sion at Novum Chaldea reading you loud and clear! Good luck, Nautilus!

End transmission! Nautilus personnel, get to your emergency stations to prepare for Zero Sail! All compartments, brace for turbulence!

You got it, boss. Expanding Nautilus pressure hull shock wave resistance theory.

Removing existence verification for Reality Space. Time to go floating together.

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Here we go! Nautilus!

Go ahead. Void Space Dive, Zero Sail: unfurl!

Looks like the Zero Sail went off without a hitch. I'm especially glad to see Nemo's in good shape.

Me too. The fact that you are not there to provide the upward compatible computational services you usually do has made him about thirty percent more fired up than usual.

That is Captain for you. He has his own ways of handling responsibility.

How about you? Think you'll be joining the next boarding exercise?

No, I have my hands full taking care of Trismegistus II.

That said, once this is all over, I would love to go on a little boating trip.

But I would want to go before the Bleached Earth Phenomenon is resolved, since that would truly be going where no human has gone before.

Oho. An adventure with none other than Captain Nemo himself sounds truly delightful. Would you perchance have need of a great detective among your crew, Ms. Sion?

Don't you dare!

This is a matter solely between Master and Servant! Our only place is to send them off with a smile!

Aah! Where'd this Foreigner come from, and why does she look just like the one I saw during the strangest Hawaii vacation of my life!?

Me? I canceled a side gigAhem... I mean, personal matter to answer Master's summons.

But since now it looks like I won't be needed at all, I plan to drown my sorrows by spending this vacation diving into the sea under the dock!

...Huh? Why aren't you resident geniuses saying anything? Don't tell me I'm the one who has to point out the ridiculousness of this so-called plan?

Oh, well, Ms. XX there is something of a...special case. Let's see, how can I put this...

It's like...she's her own contextual Singularity? Impossible to analyze with anything approaching seriousness? Even attempting to do so just instantly devolves into a farce?

Agreed on all counts, Commander. Plus, as a Foreigner, things like logic and reason have little hold on her.

I see. Now I understand (read: no longer care).

Oh, but just to be clear, Captain is not subservient to me. He and I are equals.

Oh, really?

'Cause I thought I heard you say you were jealous of Fujimaru for getting along with him so well.

Only in the sense that I wish Captain and I could have a traditional Master and Servant relationship.

To be honest, I did not summon him to form a contract with him so much as to let the Phantom Spirit of Nemo materialize.

So if Captain has decided that the Chaldeans are worth entrusting with the fate of humanity, then I am not at all surprised that he has also decided to switch teams, so to speak.

All that aside, what is it you are doing here, anyway? You do know there is no space-time distorting Singularity active here, do you not?

Hahaha, c'mon, Sion, that's no fair.

You make it sound like I never show up unless there's a Singularity to be solved.

No, I'm just here for the same reason I always am: 'cause I sensed it'd be my turn soon.

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...Hey, Sion? Just to make absolutely sure: You ARE certain there's nothing off about this mission, right?

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...Well...

Hm? What are you so concerned about, Da Vinci? All the conditions for this test run were perfect.

Everything from the passengers' status verification to the cargo transport went off without a hitch.

The Nautilus is in excellent condition, and Fujimaru's crew is sailing the Void Sea, a place so dreadfully dull that the very concept of an incident taking place there is utterly unthinkable.

Now that our technology for navigating it is stable, I daresay there is no safer course in all of creation.

In fact, I'll go so far as to say that this training exercise is completely safe in every regard.

Yeah, exactly! I could tell as much just from the dashing figure Fujimaru cut as he headed off on the mission.

Trust me, every bone in this space cop's body is telling me this test run's gonna go perfectly!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off for some solo diving! Be back by dinner!

Hmmm?

Er... While I don't wish to split hairs, especially given how cautious you've all been thus far...perhaps it wouldn't hurt to try making double extra sure, just in case?

I admit...I do feel like a black cat just crossed my path as I shattered a mirror while walking under a ladder, but...

While I too am loath to say this, I must admit, it would be quite illogical to ignore the quite unintentional warning of a Heroic Spirit who was inscribed into the Throne for her intuition alone.

Oops, sorry about that. Trismegistus II just finished its analysis. I admit, the timing is...

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Um, guys? Holmes especially? You may want to sit down for this.

Oh? Please, enlighten us, Ms. Sion. What did our beloved Spiritron Calculation Engine have to say?

It would seem this is all a dream.

Huh???