Section 5: Graceful Life-Forms Gone Mad

The blizzard...it's disappearing...

We've won!

？！

Way to go!

You did great, Master and Mash! So did you, Taigong! And Nikiti and Habbycat!

Ahh, I could really go for a drink.

Oh yeah, a little after-work drink always hits the spot! I love kicking back with an apple water after an all-nighter!

Make sure you call me the next time you're celebrating, okay? Anyway, I'm going back to sleep! Night!

Fouuu!

Fo?

...

Fou!

Aah! Fou.

？！

Oh, um... I was just thinking...

The fact that Ivan the Terrible's body was recreated here...

...means Koyanskaya managed to add a Lostbelt king to her stock of weapons back in the Russian Lostbelt.

Not that many.

Taigong Wang and I took a bunch of them down.

Hmm, good question. I have no idea.

？！

Well then, why don't I start with the information I have on the hostile creatures populating this place?

As you've already seen for yourselves, there are, broadly speaking, two types of creatures here.

First, mass-produced ones which reproduce on their own as a species.

？！

Yes, that's right. Yagas and kali, was it?

And of course, you ran into Scandinavian giants, too.

We call mass-produced units like those "Lostkin."

While you do see the occasional rare variant, like those more advanced giants...

...it's generally safe to think of them as the common foot soldiers.

Oh, by the way, I coined the term "Lostkin." You're welcome to use it.

At any rate, they can be categorized as species that inhabit this place.

Next, we have reproduced super units! That reproduction of the Lightning Tsar we just fought is a perfect example.

I've categorized units like those as "Lostweapons": singular threats that aren't part of any species.

So, we have Lostkin, which are hostile species, and Lostweapons, which are hostile, individual beings.

Simple, no?

To date, Daji has added six types of Lostkin, and six types of Lostweapons. Six species, six units.

I wonder how many she's planning to collect when all's said and done. There are seven Lostbelts, after all.

But seven wouldn't be a very fitting number for her, would it?

Fou, fou.

At any rate, our work here is done.

This should put a real dent in her fighting forces. Now, shall we move on?

Let's!

Here we go! Dragon, you carry Mash and Fujimaru!

Sure thing!

Hmm...

Yes, this should do nicely.

Now, let's continue where we left off. Lostkin have two distinct behavioral patterns.

Either they remain on standby in a given area, or they patrol a predefined route at regular intervals.

But this place is far away from both any areas they populate generally and their patrol routes.

So it should be relatively safe.

Fou, fou.

Fou, you shouldn't get too close to the riv

Fish fou!

Ah.

Oh wow, there really are a lot of fish here...

Yup. They're tasty.

I-I see.

Want one?

Ooh, really? Gosh, how can I say no to an offer from a pretty girl!?

Remind me, Lemon: Do dragonkin eat fish?

You were just thinking of sole meunière, weren't you? Anyway, how the hell would I know what a divine dragon eats!?

Gun to my head, I'd guess meat though. Oh, and booze. I think they really like booze.

If you're going to do some fishing, would you like some help? I'm a fairly good fisherman myself.

Oh, right!

You were famous for your fishing, weren't you?

In some parts of the world, your name is even closely associated with fisherfolk and fishing enthusiasts.

？！

It's true!

True, but of course, I didn't come here to fish. I'm here to hunt a foxa Beast who has it out for all of humanity.

Huh... You don't see that every day.

Even though you've materialized as a Rogue Servant, you're obviously also fully cognizant of your directive from humanity.

Does that mean it was the world itself that summoned you, not just this place?

...Yes, something like that.

Then, does that mean you were sent by the Counter For

Oh, no, no! It's nothing as clearly defined as that.

Hmm...

All right, this may not be the time to be modest, so I'll just go ahead and say it!

The truth is, given everything I can do...

...it would have been entirely plausible for me to have materialized as a Grand Caster.

Huh?

Wha...?

Seriously?

What's up? You catch a fish already?

No, not yet.

？！

That's right. A Grand Caster.

Though I suppose a Grand Rider wouldn't have been out of the question, either.

Point is, I easily qualify for some form of Grand Servant, but for some reason I materialized in an ordinary Rider Spirit Origin.

And furthermore, since I'm constantly using fangshu to bend the rules so I can just barely avoid being sent away...

...I'm afraid I'm currently a far cry from my true strength, embarrassing as that is.

So you really are a serious Beast hunter... A professional Beast exterminator.

But right now, you've materialized in a standard Spirit Origin. Still, having you on our side is going to be a big help.

Fou!

Regardless of my Spirit Origin's state, there is still just one thing humanity wishes of me.

My job here is to eliminate the Beast IV candidate who's been running around doing whatever she pleases.

It's not easy, let me tell you.

Between humanity itself and Lord Yuanshi Tianzun, it seems I always end up working for total slave drivers!

... ...

...I-I see. Is that some sort of Kunlun Mountains joke?

Because otherwise, I'm afraid I'm not sure how to respond to a sudden reference to one of the most supreme beings in all of mythology.

If it was a joke, I can't say it was all that funny...

All that being said!

I'm afraid I've also lost a fair amount of magical energy. Which is why I would like to ask for your help.

Oh, uh, not at all. We're the ones who would be grateful for your help!

？！

Well said. It would be my pleasure.

Same! As for the fish, I should catch some soon.

(Waiting impatiently)

All right, while Nikitich handles the fishing, why don't we get to our information exchange?

Hmm. So the Yagasthose beastmen, are from the Russian Lostbelt.

And the giants are from the Scandinavian Lostbelt. So what did she collect from the Chinese Lostbelt?

We still don't know. We haven't encountered anything from there yet.

Hmm.

Let me hazard a guess... Was there by any chance some sort of tiger-headed tank in the Chinese Lostbelt?

Y-yes, there was...

？！

I see.

I had a feeling those Lostkin were from the Chinese Lostbelt...

B-but those were machines, not living creatures!

Well, they're living creatures here. Or at least, the tiger heads I saw in this territory were.

They growled and everything.

!

So, from what we've seen, and what you've told us...

...Koyanskaya's forces here are basically a smorgasbord of things she scooped up from the Lostbelts.

In general, yes.

The six types of Lostkin mostly stick to their own territories, except for the few that go out on patrol.

The Lostweapons, on the other hand, exist to defend their bases and provide additional military power when the situation calls for it.

Just like that reproduction of Ivan the Terrible was doing earlier.

Indeed. Both the kin and the weapons have been positioned extremely effectively.

Koyanskaya knows exactly where this land's leylines are, so even after you kill some kin, new ones come to replace them at regular intervals.

So the kin basically respawn infinitely...and you two have been fighting them all on your own.

That's all the more impressive considering you've been in the middle of enemy territory this whole time.

We owe it all to my amazing talent for turning tail and running from danger!

Indeed. But fortunately, I've always had a knack for staring danger down...and running away!

？！

That said, thoroughly exterminating the kin does give you some time to breathe, so fighting them is hardly meaningless.

...So, Koyanskaya completely controls the leylines here, huh? That's gonna make it pretty hard to put down summoning circles.

I'm afraid so.

Still, like I said earlier, neither the kin nor the weapons have any sort of data connection to Koyanskaya or her headquarters.

They're disconnected from her magical energy, too. They're all completely independent.

So unless you get extremely close to Koyanskaya's "castle" at the heart of this place...

...it's very unlikely she'll even know you're here.

Her "castle," huh...

There! I caught some fish!

？！

Oh no, you're completely soaked! A-are you okay?

I'm fine.

(Drip, drip, drip, drip, drip, drip) (Shaking herself dry like a dog.)

There. All dry.

Ahahahaha. ...Wait. Now I'M all wet. Ahaha!

That reminds me: Do those ears mean you're the personification of some kind of animal, Nikiti?

You're really good at shaking yourself dry, too.

(Wow! You just...went there, Ibuki-Douji!)

Oh? You wanna know about my ears?

Um, yes, I've been wondering myself, Nikitich... Are you a beastman?

No, I'm not.

(She's not?)

But my beautiful wife was a brave giantess hero, and she was closer to beasts than humans.

？！

Aww, so you're keeping your mate's love as a protective charm now that you're a Heroic Spirit? That's so sweet.

Aha! So that's why you're in female form!

Nope.

Oh...

Then again, maybe not.

O-oh? Then, your ears and appearance ARE some form of protection from your wife?

Hmmm.

...Well? Which is it?

Now then, I have a hypothesis I'd like to share with you.

It pertains to what exactly is keeping human history's Heroic Spirits out of this place.

... ...

Easy as it would be to tell you now, I'd like you to give me some time to prepare.

Oh? Why's that?

Because there are some things I need to explain for you to fully understand.

That's why you need to learn more about this place. And to do that, there are two spots in particular I'd like to show you.

Seeing them for yourselves will be much faster than me just explaining things.

But most importantly...

...it will greatly change your understanding about the ruler here, Koyanskaya.

What's more, it should also help you understand why Heroic Spirits like Nikitich and Lady Ibuki-Douji are able to stay materialized here.

Man, you really do like to take your sweet time getting to the point, don't you, Taigong Wang? Or would you prefer "Lord Taigong Wang, Grand Servant candidate"?

When you put on a presentation, you should make every point count, right? I've always been a stickler for these kinds of details.

And besides...there really are some things out there that words alone just can't do justice to.

At least, that's how I felt about it.

I can't guarantee you'll feel the same.

I see.

What do you think of all this, Fujimaru? Mash?

？！

Hm? Are we moving out?

That's fine. But let's eat the fish first.

I'll cook it.

Hmmmmm.

I'm sorry, Nikitich, but I don't think making a smoky campfire is a good idea.

Then use an art.

That's your solution!?

I don't remember if it was a sage art or some Taoist technique or what, but you had something that lets you cook fish, right?

You know the one! It even lets you season the fish perfectly, with as much salt, pepper, and anything else you like!

Now go on! Do it! I already stuck them on sticks and everything!

Oh, very well...

Ooh, that smells good! Those fish are cooking up so quickly!

？！

Oh, it's just something I came up with myself.

I do love fishing, and I figured it'd be so much better if you didn't have to wait until you got home to eat the fish you caught.

That's amazing, Taigong Wang. No wonder your name is synonymous with anglers!

Huh? It is?

Well gosh, now you're going to make me blush.

The fish are almost done. First we eat, then we get going!

You can't fight at your best on an empty stomach. Besides, you all look like you're really young.

So go on, eat up!

You need to eat to recover your strength, especially when you've been fighting one battle after another! Then, we go on to the next one!

？！

Hmm... This seems like a good chance for us to eat, too! Maybe I'll also make fish. A nice sole à la meunière could hit the spot right now...

You rang?

No, I didn't ring for you, Morning Call! Hmm, what to make, what to make...?

Fof, fof. (Munch, munch)

(Munch munch)

Oh wow, this IS delicious.

It's not too hard, not too soft...it smells great, too...

And it's just as light and refreshing as the best freshwater fish I've ever had!

(Munch, munch)

Oh my gosh, this is yummy! No, it's downright scrumptious! Ahaha, I think I'll have seconds!

Mo. Momo. (Munch, munch)

(Munch, munch)

...Huh, I guess dragons do eat fish.

？！

Foulked!

Fou!?

Let me introduce you properly. This is my faithful horse.

An evil dragon cursed him and turned him into a dragon, but he's still a horse at heart. Be nice to them, Dragon.

Huh, I didn't know that.

I'm Ibuki-Douji. I still don't remember all that much about myself...

But it's still nice to meet you.

(Ba-bump)

Damn, I can't believe how pretty this dragon is... The pleasure's all mine, Ibuki.

？！

Th-that's true. Though you certainly don't see, um, horses(?) this eloquent every day.

Although, we do have one of them in Chaldea. He's a perfect gentlehorse.

I see. Good manners are...well, good. Oh, that reminds me.

Be careful around my mount, Mash]. He's a bit of a lecher.

I'm sorry...?

He loves women. So if he ever nuzzles your butt or something, just do this.

(Making a fist and swinging it down)

Fo...

Oh, yeah, you do see male animals that have a thing for human women like that. Especially young human women!

Wait. Why do I remember that, of all things? That's weird.

I-I'll be careful, thank you.

？！

Aww, you're gonna be careful now? Damn.

Hmph. Phooey. And here I thought I could get to know some new hotties nice and intimately.

Ah well, who cares! You're still gonna end up straddling me in the end!

There? See!? He took the perfectly innocent act of mounting a steed and made it dirty.

You just earned yourself one of these. (Making a fist and swinging it down)

O-ooh, baby♪ Hurt me like you love me♪

STOP! IT! Stupid horse! That's it! No dinner for you today!

Wh-what!? Come on, Master, anything but that!

Fouweak...

... ...

Could I speak to you for a moment, Chamomile?

Come on, Chubs, don't leave the oven unattended. Anyway, what is it?

I don't think this is all my imagination, but just to be sure...

...we are not in Bremen and these are no town musicians, right?

Go, my mount!

You got it, Boss!

Let's go, let's go, let's gooo!

Wow, you don't see animals like that every day.

Though they do look like they're natural four-legged beasts.

Hmm?

Nope, I can't remember ever seeing animals like that before.

？！

Don't worry. I scouted ahead before I came her. We should be good.

I saw three groups of them on the ground, and none of them looked to be all that strong.

So what's the deal with those animals?

These are some of the things I wanted you to see. They're much easier to show than describe.

So, do you happen to know what those animals are called?

Fou...

... ...

...No, I don't. Physically, the closest animal I can think of is a goat.

But they diverge too much to be a species of goat.

A goat? Or maybe a sheep?

With those legs? I don't think so.

...I give up.

I have no memory of anything like them, and they don't match any entries in the Border's copy of Chaldea's database, either.

？！

That's definitely possible.

They could well be paranormalbeings from the realm of Mystics, similar to Demonic Beasts and Phantasmals...

...while not belonging to any standard creature's genealogical tree.

Still, I don't know...

I get the sense that they're just

Ordinary animals from the natural world, in no way associated with Mystics?

They seem that way to me, too.

They do seem a little too...rustic to be Phantasmals. And they absolutely look like they have a place in the food chain as well.

Indeed, indeed.

Let me cut right to the chase.

Those animals are not native to Tunguska.

They're also not Phantasmals, nor do they have any notable amount of magical energy.

And yet, they are the predominant form of life here, with no predators to worry about.

So, they're at the top of the food chain?

They form herds, you see.

They start in very small groups, then expand into vast herds.

Let's see... I'd say there are several hundred of them to a herd just in this canyon alone.

You mean, out here? In this environment?

That's right.

Well that's strange. Regardless of whether these creatures are herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores, I don't see any food sources around here.

This is only a colony. They hunt for food elsewhere, primarily in rivers and woodlands.

...Or rather, those whose vocation is hunting do it for them.

!

Huh!?

I'm sorry, what?

Did you just say "vocation"?

Yes, I did. The first thing you should know is, these creatures have families.

They also form settlements, have different roles according to their profession, and otherwise contribute to their settlementsthat is, their society.

Though of course, the children are exempt from such responsibilities.

Incidentally, they have a very diverse set of professions.

And since they've formed a society, you could also say they are social creatures.

Wait, wait, hang on. That sounds like certain kinds of insects, or maybe even...

... ...

... ...

？！

...Right, Senpai.

In the Russian Lostbelt, humankind altered themselves to adapt to the harsh new environment.

If something similar happened in this area, then

No, no. I'm afraid that's not it.

Please don't misunderstand. Those creatures are absolutely not humans.

But, I suspect they have been designed to be the most humanlike creatures here.

Even if they do lack the capacity for self-awareness...

Take a look at that.

Those creatures have been designed to favor familial love above all else.

...You mean, like humans?

Good question.

... ...

Makes you uneasy, doesn't it? I felt the same way when I first learned about this.

Unfortunately, Nikitich just hasn't cared at all every time I tried to tell her how strange this is.

Of course.

You don't need to explain the obvious.

That's what obvious means!

See what I mean?

Now then, let me share another important fact with you while you're processing this new information:

These creatures are not the only oddity to be found here.

Huh?

Y-you mean there's still more? Like what?

To start, there's not so much as one creature in this entire place that we actually recognize.

Well, okay, that may not be true of the microorganisms, but I've not had the means to check on that.

However, it IS true of the insects, the fish, the trees...

Every single living thing you see.

Even those freshwater trout we ate earlier weren't actually trout.

They may have looked like trout, but their internal organs and such? They're arranged like no fish I've ever seen.

...!

？！

Exactly!

This place is a biologist's dream. Outside the Special Region, discoveries of new species are few and far between, but here, there's one around every corner!

And what's more, you can't even tell which genealogical tree they might have evolved from!

I'm not really up to date on modern science, but I can get by quite decently with my fangshu.

And even so, I have no clue how these creatures could have evolved the way they did.

Not even an inkling.

Nothing about their composition, or their ecology, makes any sense. As far as I can tell, they shouldn't even exist.

...You're sure about that?

I am.

？！

That is the question, isn't it?

Sadly, I am as clueless as the rest of you there.

All I can say for sure at this point is what I've observed for myself.

As to what this place's ruler might be up to...

It's like...

...a sanctuary for creatures that don't exist on Earth...

？！

...Yes. It is.

I'm not quite sure how to put this into words, but...

...I...

...I think there's something beautiful about this landscape, too.

Hmm.

Hmm, hmm. So that's how you two feel about this, huh?

You don't hate or fear these things because they're new and unfamiliar.

Instead, they excite you precisely because they're new and unfamiliar, much like explorers charting new lands.

Perhaps that's due to your unwavering bravery...

...or, to your youthful states of mind...

Hahaha!

Did you hear that!? Looks like these young people have good heads on their shoulders, Taigong Wang!

I'm not sure that means as much as you might think, coming from an eternally young warrior like yourself...

At any rate...

Now that you've seen this for yourselves, there's something I can finally tell you.

This primeval landscape you see here is only one side of this Special Region.

There's also a second, very different side to it.

A second side...?

I call the one you're seeing now the Life Zone.

The Life Zone is truly the cycle of nature writ large. It's a place where any form of violence other than what's strictly needed to acquire food doesn't exista place where life is rich and abundant.

A paradise.

？！

The other side is the exact opposite of paradise. In a word...

Hell.