Section 6: Sanctum Diving

Yes, thank you, Da Vinci! It was delicious!

Ahaha. Well, I couldn't have done it without everyone's help.

Aw, it was nothing. We're just glad Steggy's feeling better.

Thanks!

Gonna go on patrol. Thanks for the grub.

Heeey! I'm back!

？！

Good news is I found the coordinates from the map easily enough.

Bad news is they are way off from the islands, out in the middle of the ocean.

I knew it.

Okay, this seems like a good time to bring up something important.

As spirit bodies, Servants usually don't need to worry about things like breathing all that much.

Buuut in this Singularity, even natural phenomena like the oceans and land are affected by magecraft.

So there's a chance that even Servants could drown here.

I had a feeling something like that was happening here. That's why I didn't go into the water to check it out more closely.

Okay, then...how do we find the sunken treasure?

Heh heh heh.

Underestimate beautiful, genius inventors at your peril, Achilles! Check these out!

？！

I had a feeling something like this might happen...

So I invented these underwater breathing apparatuses that both you and the Servants can use!

I call them...Siren Tank Model 3!

I see. So we can wear these to explore underwater.

Yes! I will now accept all your praise and head pats.

You really are amazing, Da Vinci!

Ehehe.

Ehehehehe.

Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be hogging all the pats?

So you want pats too, huh? Here, Fujimaru, don't forget to pat Steggy, too!

？！

Although...don't you need at least some training to go scuba diving?

I know I've heard that beginners shouldn't be too quick to dive deep.

Very true.

There's much more to scuba diving than simply going into the water. It's a marine sport positively rife with danger.

All new divers must absolutely be trained by a professional first.

I happen to be something of an old hand at it myself. Why, I've made it all the way up to the expert ranks.

I haven't learned how to scuba dive. How about you, Senpai?

Really? Gosh, you're even more worldly than I thought, Senpai!

？！

Oh, don't you worry about that. These basically work the same as any other Mystic Code.

These aren't like typical diving getups where you breathe air from the tank and move around with flippers.

Here, the air tank produces a giant bubble that envelops your entire body...

...and lets you breathe just as normally as you would on land.

Ah, I see. That certainly explains why your tanks look so unusual.

I also gave them mass control spells, so you can switch from swimming to walking around on the ocean floor at the touch of a button.

So even the most hopeless swimmer should still be fine with one of these!

That said, they're not without some concerns.

I think they should be okay...but I haven't fully tested them yet.

So I can't say for sure that they're completely safe.

...Well, that's certainly concerning.

Sorry about that. Anyway, since even a small malfunction on the ocean floor can mean a quick death.

I want to include another way for the team to breathe underwater as a kind of safety net.

So, I'd like a mage who knows underwater breathing spells to go with them.

I see...

Great! Thanks for volunteering, Gordy!

Say whaaat!?

You're an expert at deep-sea diving, right? So you're the perfect choice!

We need to make sure Fujimaru comes back alive, no matter what.

And since there's no telling what could happen underwater...

I think it'd be safest if a mage who can think on his feet goes with him.

I... But...

What're you waffling about, Gof?

They need your help, right? You're the only one who can do it, right?

Then you've just gotta do it! 'Sides, how often do you get a chance to show them what you can do!?

Gh...! Hmm... I suppose you have a point. They DO need my help here, don't they?

Haha, hahahaha! Well then, how can I refuse!?

We have but one Fujimaru! As I am the director, I am obliged to lend a helping hand when I can!

Now, um, as to the matter of my personal safety...

Ugh.

There's nowhere I'd rather be less than the bottom of the goddamn sea.

But if you're sending Gof, I guess I gotta go too.

'Sides, I AM Chaldea's interim safety officer!

Phew...

Great! Now, here's our next problem: I was only able to make seven sets of Siren Tank Model 3.

Obviously, I have to go along to make sure everything's working right.

So between me, Gordy, Caenis, and Fujimaru, that only leaves three sets to spare.

Since we've got double the dead weight (read: humans) this time, we're gonna need more shields.

I'll mainly be watching over Gof, so Mash, you watch over the other one.

Right! I've never been to the bottom of the ocean before, but I'm glad to accompany you on this mission!

Ooh, I want to go, too! You don't mind, right? Especially since I missed out on the ruins?

Oh, very well. I'd love to explore the ocean floor too, but I can let you have this one.

So for the final slot...we should probably just include one of our strongest fighters, no?

That's me!

I'm great at guarding things, but I think I'm actually even better at fighting.

True, your katana looks like it'd be a lot more usable underwater than my chariot.

All right, this oughta work. And I'll stay nearby again in case you need me to help out with anything.

...Although, what about you, little one? Are you going to be okay underwater?

My name's not "little one." It's Rengoku.

We'll be fine! If I carry Rengoku on my back, it'll be no different than if I were on my own, right?

Uh, that might look kind of silly...

And besides, isn't there a limit to how many people can go?

Nnn, I think it'll be okay. I threw in some extra air to be safe, so the devices should be able to accommodate one and a half people.

I mean, I'll be bringing Steggy here along with me as well.

Well, that's good to know. That means I can go with Master as long as I stay small and stick close to him, right?

Sorry, but no. You still definitely count as one person.

Tch.

Well, that's okay. A little time apart should help you see how indispensable I really am, Master.

Hehehe. So do run into a little not-too-life-threatening danger for me...

...and come back to me swearing you'll never go anywhere without me again, okay?

I'd especially love to see you cling to me and say something pathetic like:

"I should've known a life without you isn't worth living, Kammy. You're so strong and beautiful..."

Heh. You're cocky as shit, aren't you?

Well, don't worry about Master. I'll make sure he and Gof come back safe and sound.

Can't promise they'll be completely intact, though.

Can't you promise that, too!? There's more to protecting someone than just making sure they come back alive, you know!

?

There is?

ABSOLUTELY YES!

Okay, now that we've decided on our underwater expedition team, let's get ready to head on over there!

Well? Any problems with air or visibility?

？！

Great, looks like the Siren Tanks are working! That's a relief.

...This friggin' sucks.

Why'd it have to be the bottom of the goddamn sea?

Still, at least these bubble tank things are kind of nice. It lets me move around here just like I can on land.

Heh. Not bad.

Oho. So we have air, mass control, and even sight correction, huh?

I was a little nervous about using these before we got here, but I must say, you've outdone yourself, Technical Advisor. These will let us explore the seabed at a much more leisurely pace.

Hehe. Yesss. I'll take all the praise you've got.

Really though, I'm glad to hear you say that. Each of these bad boys cost a fortune to make!

Huh? They did?

It really is beautiful down here, isn't it?

Ooh, look at that pretty fish, Master! Wow, this is amazing!

I never knew a walk on the seabed could be so romantic! I'd love to come back here just with Master sometime.

(I'm just going to pretend I didn't hear that...)

We really are close to the fishes down here, aren't we?

Some of them look beautiful, some of them look tasty... There's always something fun to look at.

You could have skipped the tasty part, Wielder.

I think it's supposed to be the majestic beauty of the sea down here that moves you.

Hmph. There you go treating me like your younger sister again, Rengoku.

How did that go again? Hmm... Oh, right!

That's not relevant to this situation!

Yeah, yeah. I swear, why do you always remember the things I wish you would forget?

Anyway, make sure you're tied nice and tight to my back.

You'll be in deep trouble if you get too far from me.

Nnn. There's something both comfortable and embarrassing about this position...

Good, it looks like everyone's tanks are working as intended.

Then let's go the point marked on the map!

？！

I know, right? Hehe, talk about perks of the job.

Sightsee all you want, but don't go off on your own, you hear?

Everyone still in formation? ...Okay, looking good. Come on, let's move then.

Hmm. It seems my concerns were unfounded.

If anything, I feel like I'm enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime leisure activity.

Hmm. I wonder if there's some way I can record what I'm seeing so I can show it to the homunculi back at home

Hey, watch yourself.

I'll keep an eye out for danger. I'll protect you in a fight.

But you lot gotta do your part and stay sharp down here, too.

Never underestimate the sea. It's no friend to humans. Take it from me.

H-hmm. I do get your point...

But just look at how beautiful it is down here! It's like an underwater paradise!

There's no way an ocean this beautiful could be bad! I'm sure nothing terrible will happen today.

What if we see sharks?

Sharks, huh...

W-well, that's all right! If sharks show up, I can drive them off with a single Everlasting Summer Gof Punch! ...I think!

I've also heard you can use batteries on them!

Sharks, huh... I don't think sharks would pose any problem for us, but...

Wh-what do you mean by that?

？！

Nnn. I can't quite tell what it is, but it feels like there's something here. Something close.

It's almost like there's something...buzzing nearby...

I can sense it, too. What about you?

'Course I can. Can you not tell that I'm on guard now?

You can!? (Said while moving to hide behind Caenis)

Yeah. Stay sharp, dipshits.

If both you and Okita Alter feel that something's off, then something must be off.

Please be careful, Master.

...I'm not seeing anything.

Haha, hahaha. I guess you were just mistaken? You really had me go

Wait. Who's picking me up!?

Hrah!

I can sense it, but I can't seeNo, wait!

There! It's camouflaging itself!

You're right! I'm impressed it managed to pull the, uh, coral(?) over this magician's eyes!

I saw a tentacle... A giant octopus!?

Devilfish!?

Um, I appreciate you cutting me free, but I'm still all wrapped up in these awful tentacles! Blech!

Deal with it! I'll help you out after we've handled the source!

There are even more of them!?

Whoooa. So this is the ocean floor... Humanity's final frontier...

So much mystery! So much danger! I love it!

What a lovely smile! But I really don't think now is the time to be celebrating!

We didn't come all the way down here to be octopus food! Let's drive them away!

Understood. Let me and Rengoku handle this! This is exactly why I asked to come along!

We'll show you what we Little Alters can really do!

What was the name of that dish again...? Oh, right. We're gonna make takoyaki out of these tentacles!

Forget the trash talk! Just get ready to fight already! Also, what's this about "Little Alters"?

Hmm...

？！

Oh, no, it's no big deal.

It just felt like there was something strange about the way those octopuses moved.

They didn't seem to be attacking us because they were hungry. More like...they were afraid of something?

So you think there are even more terrifying monsters out here? Ha...hahaha. You're just imagining things...right?

Yes, it could be. It probably is just my imagination.

Are these things even octopuses?

'Cause I've seen them somewhere before. I think it was with Gilles de Rais? The Caster one?

True, they do look like his Sea Fiend form. What do you think, Technical Advisor?

Hm, I certainly see the resemblance.

But my scanner says they're made of the same things as ordinary octopuses.

So that means they ARE octopuses!

Then maybe they would be a nice addition to our lunches?

Why don't we cut a few tentacles off for safekeeping? There's no telling what we'll find up ahead, after all.

Hmm... You really want to eat these things?

I know it's important to keep our energy up, but is this really the best option?

Don't worry. The Sixth Something-or-Other thought something like this might happen, so she gave me some soy sauce!

That's really not the issue.

For that matter, why is she giving you soy sauce, of all things?

She offered me wasabi too, but I turned that down. I don't really like spicy foods...

To use your favorite phrase, that really isn't relevant either...

Okay, this should be the place...

Oh! Look! Over there!

？！

That must be the place on the map. Let's see what's inside! But be careful!

An underwater cave! This will be so fun! I wonder what we'll find inside.

Mmm, this is feeling more like an adventure than ever!

Oh boy, oh boy.

Are you sure this is a good idea? What if it's a giant, hungry moray eel?

Then we'll just kill it. C'mon, Gof!

So this is where that cave entrance leads...

And it looks like there's air in here. I can't believe it.

Stage magic truly shines when it hides the most important trick in something seemingly impossible.

So it doesn't surprise me that some pirates would choose to hide their treasure down here. In fact, I'm convinced it's not far at all!

Scanning the immediate area now...

Atmospheric analysis...complete. Yup, the air in here is clean and breathable. And there's plenty of it, too.

Go ahead and turn off your Siren Tanks, guys. I want to take this chance to do a little maintenance and fine-tuning.

Besides, I'm sure you're all tired after walking along the seabed, so let's take a quick break here before moving on.

Hehe. I think Steggy here wants a snack break, too.

That's more instinct than knowledge on your part, isn't it?

Ehehe.

I'm gonna take a look around. You all rest up and get your strength back.

I can't believe we're building a campfire in an underwater cave.

Fortunately, it looks like we don't have to worry about ventilation. This should be quite the experience!

？！

Are you hungry, Master? I have rations if you'd like one.

I'll boil some water, too.

Look! My hat's empty, but nooow... Ta-daaa!

Coffee! I mean, it's instant coffee, but still!

？！

Heh. Even with bland rations and instant coffee...

...there's something about eating at a campfire that makes everything taste different than usual.

Indeed, there's a charm to this sort of thing that only proper adults can appreciate. In Japan, I believe they call this concept "wabi-sabi"...

Wait! What is that!? And why does it smell so good!?

Oh, this? Well, nobody seemed interested in trying any of the octopus, so I thought I'd try making takoyaki.

I can't make actual round, yummy takoyaki, of course, so I just put soy sauce on the octopus and roasted it on a skewer.

Hmm. It does smell tantalizing. But, well, you know... It's those imitation Sea Fiends we fought earlier, right?

Yes, but Da Vinci said they were made of the same stuff as regular octopuses, right? Conclusion: they're octopuses.

Gosh, that's a great attitude. I wish I could look at things that way...

Tell me about it.

Hmm. Is it done? I think it should be done by now, no?

Oh for... Here, give me that. Spit-roasting on an open flame may seem easy, but it takes a surprising amount of skill.

I'm still not sure these tentacles are safe to eat, but my inner chef refuses to let them go to waste.

Wow. You're so good at this! You must be a takoyaki Heroic Spirit!

I am, in fact, human.

Hehe. That being said, I AM a bona fide elite, so I can do most things as well as any professional.

...There, it's done. A perfectly cooked octopus skewer.

Here, Rengoku, you first.

Why me!? You want me to be the one to find out if it's safe to eat!?

That wasn't my intention... I just wanted you to enjoy it while it was warm and fresh.

Aw, geez, I'm sorry. Please don't. I feel guilty enough.

Perimeter's all clear!

Guess you could attract more monsters if you make too much racket, though.

Hm? What's that smell?

You cooking something?

W-would you like some? I haven't tasted it yet, so I can't vouch for its fla

Yeow, that's hot!

Aah! Why did you eat it all in one bite!? I could have told you that was a bad idea!

Here, Caenis! Have some water!

...(Glug)

Too damn hot for my liking, but it tasted pretty good. Not bad, Gof.

So...you liked it then?

That's great. Really great.

？！

I-if you're going to try some, Master, then I'll join you!

I guess it's do or dieI mean, try then!

Make sure you wait for yours to cool off, Master, or it'll melt your tongue off. I'm serious.

Huh? Come now, it couldn't possibly have been THAT hot!

Say, sometimes they put octopus in oden too, right?

Does that mean you can make oden as long as we have octopus? If yes, could you make some?

How does that make any sense?

Oden is all about the broth. I certainly don't have the ingredients for that.

Haha! Then why don't we just look for them?

Hm? What do you mean by

Take a look! How's that for timing?

More monsters!?

Bipedal sharks! Could this be their, uh...nest!?

I guess these sharks are like the trained doves we use in stage magic...

I don't know what you're talking about, but who cares!? Let's just crush 'em!

Can you use sharks to make broth?

Let's not find out.

We've been walking for a good while now. I'd like to think we're almost at our destination... Hm?

What the...!? A dead end? After coming all this way!?

Hang on. Let me scan it.

Let's see...

Aha! It looks like there's a big open space just on the other side of this wall!

So it isn't actually a dead end.

Maybe there's some kind of hidden door around here somewhere?

Ooh, so the pirates who hid the treasure here hid it behind a secret door? Now it's a real treasure hunt!

？！

We could just break it dow

No! No way!

This is an underwater cave! We need to be careful, or the whole thing could collapse or flood.

Fine, fine.

Let's see. What happens if I scan more closely...?

Hmm...

I've got it. There's a hole that looks like a hollow with water in it over in those shadows, right?

Um... Oh, yes, there is!

Well, it looks like there's another passageway just past it that runs beneath this one.

Though I don't know if it was always underwater, or if it got flooded later.

It kind of reminds me of the flooded passageways we saw on our way into this cave.

Anyway, I bet we'll find a lever past there!

And that lever should open the hidden door here, huh? Got it!

Good. Then we know what we need to do.

Someone has to go find that lever and pull it.

...Hm?

Hmm!? Hang on. This could be bad.

What's wrong?

I just took a closer scan of the flooded passageway.

And, well, we have two big problems!

First, there are some surprisingly complex currents in there. Maybe because of this cave's construction?

Anyway, swimming through them won't be as easy as swimming in a pool. Whoever goes will need to be careful not to get swept into rocks.

As for the second problem...

Maybe it's because there's a leyline here, but whatever the reason, there's a magical energy distortion in there.

That could do a lot to mess with both magecraft and Mystic Codes.

Unfortunately, that means we won't be able to count on either the Siren Tanks or breathing spells.

So then, whoever goes won't be able to breathe?

Nnn, I don't think they'll be completely without air.

It's more like they'll only be able to breathe for a very, very short period of time?

And unfortunately, I don't know if that time is long enough for them to reach the end of the passageway and pull the lever.

Going by my scans, they'd be cutting it pretty close.

Still, I think...

They could probably make it...though just barely.

Hmm.

Tch. Fine. I'm probably the best swimmer here, so I'll

Never mind. We've got company!

Hah! Hah hah haaa!

These guys again!?

I see. They really ARE kind of cute when they're all lined up like this.

Pretty sure no one ever said they were cute.

Hah hah haaa! Hah hah haaa!

Khh... There's so many of them. And there's no way we can make a run for it in this narrow cave!

Tch. Yeah, we're way outnumbered. And the worst part is, we're blocked off on both sides.

If we don't open that hidden door soon and get some more room to fight, they'll crush us under sheer weight of numbers.

But if I go off to pull that lever, you guys may not be able to hold them off without me. What do we do...?

...I'll go pull the lever. Please do your best to hold out in the meantime, everyone.

？！

Yes. I think right now, I'm the best person for that job.

Don't worry, I'm sure I can do this! I wouldn't have volunteered otherwise!

Well, we don't have time to weigh our options... Okay, Corday, we're counting on you.

But be careful in there, okay?

Just so we're clear, the underwater breathing mechanism will only work temporarily down there.

I'd say you have ten minutes at most!

？！

I will! Okay, see you soon!

All right, now we just gotta hold off those musty old bearded guys until she opens the door!

Khh, it's not going to be easy fighting this many beards.

Now I wish I'd attended Izo's lecture on proper man-slaying technique.

Why don't we go to the next one together, Rengoku?

I don't really see his brand of swordplay helping you much, Wielder.

For that matter, I'm not sure his technique would even work on them.

(The current's stronger than I thought. I've got to be careful, but I've also got to hurry!)

(You can do this, Charlotte. You're a great stage magician now. You know all about being bold and cautious and in love all at once!)

(Hey, it's the lever! Now I just have to pull this, and)

Dammit, there's no end to these chumpsOh?

There! The hidden door opened!

？！

Get ready! As soon as Corday gets back, we'll head in!

It should be a lot easier to fight in there, since we can use our Noble Phantasms without worrying about the cave!

(She's taking longer than expected, though... Are you okay, Corday?)

(Huff, huff... It's getting...a little hard to breathe...)

(The water's so heavy. The currents keep tossing me around.)

(But it doesn't matter. I'm getting back to Master...no matter what!)

Where the hell is she!? We can't hold out any longer!

？！

This is bad... It's been almost thirty minutes.

Her breathing device will only last for ten minutes down there, and the longest any human has ever managed to hold their breath is twenty-four minutes.

And like I said before, even Servants can drown in this Singularity!

Hah hah haaa!

Tch, that boulder's coming down! Move!

Master, that boulder's blocking the passageway now!

？！

Dammit. Talk about bad luck!

Oh no. This is terrible!

That boulder is much too big to lift... S-so I'll just have to shatter it!

Dammit, this is not what I signed up for! Everlasting Summer Gof Punch! Beguiling Gof Punch! Passionate Gof Punch!

Khh... It's starting to crack, but there's still a long way to go.

Dammit! We were already cutting it close! We don't have time for

...Hm?

Ta-daaa! I'm okay! ...(Cough)

Corday! Thank goodness!

Did you just come out from between the cracks in the boulder!?

？！

Phew... It was a little close for comfort, but as you can see, I'm fine!

You know I'm a stage magician now, right? So of course I know how to make daring underwater escapes!

I got no idea what you're talking about, but at least you're back!

Now c'mon, let's get the rest of these clowns somewhere we can fight 'em properly!

Hold on. How did you pull that off? How in the world did you make it out from behind that boulder!?

A magician never reveals her secrets♡

I'm glad we finally managed to destroy all those, um, mass-produced Columbuses(?) and keep moving, but...

Brr. It's getting really cold in here.

Probably because you're not exactly covering up, Wielder. Though I guess that's normal in a swimsuit.

Just make sure you keep your hood up and your cloak tight so your tummy doesn't get cold, Rengoku.

You're not wrong. There's something...creepy about this place.

Or maybe it's just strange?

We should be extra careful.

...Hold up. Something just moved up ahead.

I think I saw it, too. I think it was wriggling. Don't tell me it's more devilfi

...

No... It's Hokusai!

It looks like...she's painting a picture of the treasure in front of her...

Oh, hey. Y'all come ta paint this treasure too? That's fine.

Don't even think about takin' it, y'hear? I ain't done paintin'.

Hmph. Look at her eyes. She's enthralled by treasure. She's not her normal self.

It looks like she's enthralled by her desire to paint the treasure rather than own it, though.

I guess that's why she's an artist.

Just painting the treasure would be one thing, but...

This whole place just feels...ominous. Maybe that's why the octopuses were so scared?

？！

Eh? Hell no! I wanna paint this scene exactly the way it is right now.

This shiny treasure's been waitin' down here in this underwater cave for decades, maybe even centuries.

I gotta capture all its transience and resilience without missin' a thing.

So if y'all are gonna ruin my work...you'd best be ready for the consequences.

Oh no. Hokusai is completely entranced!

Now what do we do? Ugh, we can't even be sure more of those bearded guys won't show up.

Nnn... All right! Since this is an emergency, I'm authorizing you to subdue her by force!

Just make sure you only use nonlethal means!

Ha! That's the spirit, Gof!

Understood.

I've gotten used to fighting tentacle creatures like that, and I still have plenty of soy sauce.

It won't be long now before Rengoku becomes known as "Rengo the Octopus-Slayer."

Ooh, I like that.

Gyaaah! You got meee!

There! We've taken Hokusai down!

Excellent work. Then let's see what's inside that treasure chest.

It's a Holy Grail fragment. Retrieval confirmed!

I see we have another map with a mysterious message on it, too. Well, we can work on deciphering that later.

Make sure we store that securely, so it doesn't get wet on the trip back.

Yes, sir!

Okay, I think that means our mission is comple

...Hey!

Hello! So, um, are you guys done here?

'Cause if you are, I'd like to do what I came here to do, too.

Light of Hope, locked and loaded.

Wh-what the...!?

A flash bomb!

All of you, get over here! Now!

...!

Wait! Steggy's not here!

Where did he go!?

Hah hah haaa!

A mass-produced Columbus got him with a lasso!

Does that mean someone's controlling them?

Who could it be?

Yaaay. I finally got the treasure I wanted☆

You...

Who...are you?

...?

No, that's not important right now! Give Steggy back!

Huh? No way. I have him now, so that makes him mine, right?

Why should I give him back?

So you're the jackass behind all this? Who the hell are you?

You want to know who I am?

Even I don't know that.

Hmm. But I don't think that's really what you want to know.

You just want to know what I want, right? Well, I think you can figure that out yourselves.

I want treasure. That's why I want this dinosaur. And it's why I'm commanding these things to help me.

Simple, right?

？！

Oh come on. Isn't it obvious?

It's the stuff of dreams. And I'm all about chasing my dreams.

Huh?

That dinosaur is in MY custody.

You have no right to take him!

Well, that's just silly. Rights have nothing to do with this.

It's just first come, first serNo, wait. That would put me at a disadvantage... Let's just go with "might makes right" instead.

And since I'm stronger than you, this thing belongs to me now. See?

I don't give a damn about treasure...but I am Chaldea's interim safety officer now.

And that thing's Chaldea's property. Give it back right now, you little shit.

Glare all you want; the answer's still no. Or do you want to try taking it by force?

Give it a shot, if you want. Persistence is a virtue.

But...can you actually do it?

Ha.

Unfortunately for you, I'm used to fighting these things now! I don't care if you've got a hundred Columbus

...Hm?

Tch! Why you...!

Who the hell're you!?

Mmm, mmmmmmmmm...

Well, now that you have asked, I feel obligated to answer.

You don't mind, do you?

'Course not.

Huh!?

What the hell!?

Gaah!

？！

Good day, everyone. I am a mysterious Caster who has been lending his talents to this young man.

Hmm, let's see. For the time being, you may call me...

DOUMAN.

Yes, that will do nicely!

？！

Um, Douma

My name...is DOUMAN. (Overenunciated)

Okay... DOUMAN.

Are you, by chance, a Servant who was summoned to Chaldea?

Mmmmmm? Chaldea, you say...?

Hmm... No, I can't say that rings a bell... Mmm, no, no...

Oh come on! Of course you know about us!

Mmm, mmm, mmm♪

Now you're just humming!

(...Weird crap, there's something real nasty about this guy, Master.)

(Good. Just as long as you're aware of it.)

(Never let your guard down around guys like this, no matter how much they clown around.)

(That rat bastard Douman...)

(I oughta tear him limb from limb right now, just so he can't mess with us anymore.)

(But Chaldea'd never let me hear the end of it! Ugh, dammit!)

？！

Well, he may be Mr. Shady from Shady Street on planet Shady...

But shady as he is, his skills are top-notch!

Sometimes he disappears without a word so he can get up to even more shady nonsense...

But what're you gonna do with a guy as crazy strong as he is!?

Mmmmmm.

Was it really necessary to work "shady" in quite so many times? (Now I am terribly hurt.)

Nnn... Gnnn!

Nobody cares about you, DOUMAN! Just give Steggy back!

Oh my! Nobody cares, you say!?

Just shut up and give him back!

...Wielder, let me ask you something. Do you want to get the dinosaur back, too?

Of course! It would be one thing if he wanted to go with that boy, but I refuse to let him be taken against his will!

I see. Then I have a plan. It's dangerous, but it should be better than doing nothing.

...It's something only I can do, since my height makes me less obvious.

Take a look up and to the right. Don't move your head. See the water leaking in from the ceiling there?

If my guess is right... (Whispering) What do you think?

Not bad... But it sounds like a real all-or-nothing gamble, no?

I'll do it if you want. It's up to you.

...Then do it! Please!

We might never get him back if they leave with him now! So please, Rengoku, do whatever you have to!

Got it. Just make sure to keep those guys distracted.

Easier said than done... Oh, fine!

Ahem! You two! Hold it right there! Speaking as the only adult in this room with a good head on his shoulders

Huh? You calling me stupid, Gof!?

I meant as the only non-Servant human! Don't bite my head off!

You guys look like you're all having fun over there. Mind if we leave now, then?

Ha ha ha. Ha ha ha ha ha.

I have done my due diligence on modern youths, so I know this is the time to ring the "school's out" bell!

BRRRIIING!

...There!

Come now, not so fast! I haven't even said anything yet! Er... Um... Oh, right! Your name!

We may be enemies, but we should still know one another's names.

I'm Musik. Goredolf Musik the Phoenix. Now go on, at least tell us your name!

My name? My name, huh...

...Christopher. My name is Christopher.

But you guys can call me "Chris."

？！

Hehehe, and this dinosaur belongs to me now. You can't have it!

Now!

Ack! Wh-where'd that come from!? Gah, it's cold!

Huh? Huh? Waah!

(There, he dropped the dinosaur. Now's my chance!)

Wielder! Catch!

...Got it! Da Vinci!

Thanks, guys! Are you okay, Steggy? Thank goodness!

Nice work, Rengoku! Okay, you can come back n

...Huh?

Blub blub bluuub! Blub blub bluuub!

Oh crap, the water's coming in faster than I thought! Guys! Get your breathing apparatuses ready!

Rengoku!? Rengokuuu!

Stay back, Wielder! Or you'll get swept up in it, too!

...It's no use. I can't make it back anymore. You'll have to escape on your own!

B-but, I can't leave here without yo

You have to! We can't both drown here.

Besides, my Spirit Origin comes from a sword. I'm not like other Servants.

So I won't even drown...probably.

It's okay, Wielder. I promise I'll come back to yo

Rengokuuuuuu!!!

？！

I could, but I'm not gonna. Not now.

Temporary or not, I'm still a safety officer. My job is to keep you all safe.

Rengoku...

... ...

Look! The water's still coming in fast! We need to do something now, before this whole cave is flooded.

What is there to think about!? Right now, our escape should obviously take top priority!

Yeah... You're right.

Okita Alter...

Ghh...

Aaah!

Rengoku is the best partner ever.

And she said she was going to be okay! She promised to come back to me!

So I'm going to trust her. Rengoku's my partner. I believe in her!

Now come on, let's get out of here! Have you found an exit yet? If something needs cutting through, just let me know!

All right!

First off, escape! Everyone, prepare your breathing apparatuses!

Oh. What should we do about Hokusai? Can someone carry her?

(Yawwwn) Man, I had the craziest dream. Felt like I was paintin' the masterpiece of a lifetime...

Looks like we won't have to. ...She seems to be just fine.

Hokusai!

I wanted to ask you: How the hell did you get here?

Huh?

There's a little cave near the beach. I just kept going down it, and eventually, I ended up here.

Some parts were full of water, but nothin' I couldn't get past just by holdin' my breath.

...What, you're lookin' for a way back?

Well, there's some parts in that cave you might need to open up 'fore you can squeeze through...

But as long as you can do that, I'm pretty sure you can get back to the beach from here.

I'm an octopus, y'know. I can slip through tight spots easy as pie.

That's great news!

Can you show us the way? And quickly, please!

I'm just a small-time pirate♪ Ain't got no name of my own♪ But if ye want, ye can call me "Pirate C"♪

I really thought I was done for!

Aah! Where'd all you people come from!?

Huh?

The hell you looking at? You got a death wish or something?

Wh-what's yer problem? I didn't even say nothin', you big thug!

What'd you call me!?

Please calm down, Caenis! Please!

(Yawwwn...)

My shoulders are all stiff. I musta been paintin' longer than I thought.

Sorry 'bout that, Master! I'll buy you a shaved ice sometime to make it up to ya!

At least we found the fourth secret treasure. You all did great.

Huh!? Did ye say the fourth secret treasure!?

Oh, whoops.

Please don't tell anyone else, Mr. Pirate. Let's just keep this between us, okay♪

Oh, okay. (Does this gal like me?)

(Maybe she's a Demonic alignment?)

So Steggy's okay, AND we got the fourth treasure. All's well that ends well, huh?

I wish I could say that... But, no, I can't. Not in good conscience.

Chris... I wonder who that Servant is?

？！

Right...

So, between Chris...

And Douman...

AND the mass-produced Columbuses...

This is turning into another chaotic summer... ...Huh?

？！

Oh, sorry. I think I just had a flash of insight...

...But I can't remember what it was anymore.

Fou fou fou! Fou!

Ugh. Hey, little doll.

I wish you'd stop calling me that... Anyway, what is it?

Make sure you give those bastards a piece of your mind next time we see 'em.

They've gotta be Chaldea's enemies this summer.

Okay. I'll think about it.

...

？！

I'm sure.

If nothing else, she was definitely alive, and didn't look like she'd been hurt at all.

I'm sure she'll be back soon...but if it starts to seem like she needs help, I'll go look for her.

After everything that's happened, I have a lot to think about, but for now, let's get back to camp before it gets too dark.

Yeah. First things first.

And after today...

I hope I don't have to go scuba diving again anytime soon!