1: Does Master Dream of Luluhawa?

...Fo. (Special Translation: Welp, Fou out.)

Huh? Wh-who are you!? You look like Altria, but

Hehehe. I'm Altria Caster. Nice to meet you, Chloe.

The whole story would just take too long and probably be more confusing anyway, so just think of me as a new addition to the Altria roster here.

All you really need to know is that I'm not a knight, and I never wielded the sacred sword as King Arthur.

I prefer to spend my days away from the din of the palace, staff in hand, searching for new and exciting magecraft.

Please, call me Alcas for short.

That goes for you too, okay, Fujimaru? That was pretty much all correct, right?

D-don't you think that's a little TOO casual? Besides, it leaves the whole "Caster" part out.

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Anyway, there's no time like the present! We can talk more once we're there!

You Rayshift from the Command Room, right!? Then let's go! Oh boy, I always wanted to visit the tropics!

She just grabbed Big Brother by the hand and ran off...

Oh well, at least her timing was good. I need to go get changed, too!

I feel most reassured having both of you at my side for this mission, Sir Gawain. Sir Tristan.

Together, I am certain there is nothing we can't handle.

Really, my only concern, if you can even call it that, is having little to do with both of you around.

You're far too modest, Sir Lancelot. We all know that on the battlefield, no one strikes faster or deeper into enemy territory than you.

If anyone here will be lacking opportunities for glory in battle, it is I.

Hehe... I suppose I'll have no choice but to pluck these strings as a bard, rather than an Archer...

I see both of you are as sharp and skillful with your weapons as ever. How wonderful.

Perhaps that's because we were a bit free with ourselves in Luluhawa and Las Vegas before. I still remember how our king scolded us last time...

"When did the Knights of the Round Table become the Knights of the Swimming Pool? This is your first and final warning: do not disgrace yourselves during summer again."

We have been on our best behavior ever since, but now, we finally have a chance to truly redeem ourselves.

Whoa, those definitely look like seasoned knights. Who are these guys, Fujimaru?

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Whup. That's enough small talk, men. Master has arrived.

Oh? That lady accompanying him is the spitting image of King Arthur...

Hahaha. I had the same reaction, Lancelot, but I'm sure it's just our imagination.

Our king entrusted us with Master's protection, and she is not the type to change her mind lightly.

I'm guessing you must be a relative of hers, young lady?

Allow us to introduce ourselves. I am Gawain, and my fellow knights here are Lancelot and Tristan.

We have been tasked with keeping Master safe on this mission. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Eep! (Actual Knights of the Round Table!)

Uh, y-yeah, something like that, I guess?

I'm Altria Caster, but please, call me Alcas. I have basically no connection to King Arthur whatsoever.

...

Is something wrong, Sir Tristan?

Oh, no, not at all. I was just thinking how glad I was to be assigned to this mission.

Whoa, I thought I was, like, the only Servant still here.

Morning, peeps! I'm Suzuka Gozen, and I'm totes here to guard Master!

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Right!? You so get it, Master!

That stupid fox was all like:

"What's this? Don't tell me the great Suzuka Gozen still doesn't have a swimsuit Spirit Origin."

"Then again, I suppose it must be hard to have your hair sparkling in the water when it's tied up behind that dowdy hat."

Well, of course I had to take that smug bitch down a peg, so I used my divine powers to whip this baby up.

I've actually got another outfit that's my main deal, but I've gotta kick things off by being the hottest babe at the beach first, right!?

This summer's totes about joy more than love. I'm gonna make this, like, the best summer EVER, for you, Master!

How beautiful. How stunning. I feel as though I am gazing upon the sun itselfNay, a flower of eternal summer.

It is truly a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Suzuka. Indeed, I have never been more grateful for summer than I am in this moment.

Damn, already laying down the smoothest rap you got? Nice. I kinda figured you Knights of the Round Table would all be stiffs.

Hahaha. Please don't pay him too much mind. He's just being polite.

But just in case, let me remind you that our primary duty is to protect Master, Sir Lancelot.

The same goes for you, Sir Tristan.

Why are you warning me, too? I'm not about to let my fondness for married women lead me astray forever.

Still, her tan is lovely. I would go so far as to say it radiates vitality.

Hmm. Perhaps Isolde could...branch out into Isolde of the Tan Hands... Hehehe.

Hey Master, you sure these guys are knights? You didn't, like, grab a buncha Blackbeard's pirates by mistake, did you?

Oh good, you haven't Rayshifted yet. Sorry, it took me longer to change than I thought.

I thought long and hard about what would be in demand at ServantFes, and this is the Spirit Origin I came up with to replace my impish angelic Archer...

That's right. I've read more comics than you can possibly imagine.

Say hello to the newly grown-up Chloe von Einzbern, the beautiful and talented editor in chief♡

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Thanks, Master! I love your new summer outfit, too!

But yeah, I decided I'd protector rather, help you out on this mission, too.

Glad to be working with all of you. ...Although...

(Wow, Suzuka. That swimsuit is absolutely banging! I'm so glad I'm not competing with you!)

(Seriously, that tan and pink bikini combo is a feast for the eyes!)

(Ah, you say that, but I bet you haven't shown your fangs yet, have you?)

(I wonder what kind of swimsuit you're packing in that suitcase. You little imp, you!)

Ahem. Are you all finished?

Oh, no, please, at ease.

While I am entrusting all of you with Master's safety, that doesn't mean this is an official mission.

I know our field ops team has been fighting almost nonstop, so this should be a well-deserved opportunity to rest and recuperate.

There should be no danger on this trip whatsoever, let alone any threats to human history. Isn't that right?

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Yes, of course! This is just a holiday. No world-ending plots or evil masterminds this time.

(Though we will be looking for a thief!)

(Whoa, she just lied right to his face! She's got way more guts than I would've guessed!)

Very good. All right, your Rayshift is officially authorized!

Go ahead and enjoy this, er, ServantFes all you like!

Incidentally, if you want to get me a souvenir, I wouldn't say no to a nice ukulele.

As for the rest of the staff, I think matching leis will do nicely. Just make sure you save the receipts!

I-it's definitely a lot more contemporary than I was expecting. Especially compared to everything I've learned about the tropics.

Also, um, isn't it kind of creepy how there's no one else in this entire giant building?

There's a bunch of electronic signs that say "Day 5"...

...so if this is the fifth day of ServantFes, everyone else must've just gotten here way ahead of us.

I bet it was packed that first day! Just leaving the airport could have taken hours!

Having to go through customs at real airports sucks, but we don't need to do that 'cause it's just a fake in a Singularity.

We prolly just Rayshifted here first 'cause this Singularity's, like, intentionally copying the first Luluhawa.

But hey, that feeling you get when you first arrive at the airport IS pretty sweet! I gotta say, BB totes knows how to make a trip feel special!

I couldn't agree more. While she does tend to cause problems wherever she goes...

...I suspect this Singularity will be enough to make up for the past Luluhawa incident and the time she took over a Holy Grail front.

(Shine)

I find these bright, cheerful seas in the tropics intimidating.

As the Knight of the Lake, I personally prefer the calm, still waters of Marseilles.

But, since we are here to guard Master, I will simply have to adapt.

(Shine)

Forgive me for arriving alongside these delightful, if noisy, wild chickens, Caster.

These feathered friends of mine have kindly come along out of concern for me and my poor diving skills.

Rest assured that I, Seabird Knight Tristan, am now fully prepared for whatever we may face.

(Shine)

Hmm. Judging by the looks on their faces, it seems we may have startled them more than we expected.

I think we need to introduce ourselves properly, just as we planned. Let's do this, men!

Right!

Even in the tropics, we never let the sun get to us!

We uphold the tenets of chivalry no matter the time or place!

We are knights among knights: the Three Round Knight Brothers!

Skin! (Landing sound)

... (Maybe I should say something, since we're more or less from the same legend...)

... (Was that supposed to be funny?)

... (Questionable taste aside, that's quite an entrance!)

You have a point, Master. However, we are still youths at heart. And the more you try to restrain those hearts, the more they swell to the point that is no longer possible!

Hahaha, it's just a figure of speech. Strictly speaking, we're a union.

Our job is to ensure your peaceful enjoyment of summer, which means keeping the summer peace. That is why we wear these swimsuits.

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Hahaha, it's just a figure of speech. Strictly speaking, we're a union.

Our job is to ensure your peaceful enjoyment of summer, which means keeping the summer peace. That is why we wear these swimsuits.

？！

You have a point, Master. However, we are still youths at heart. And the more you try to restrain those hearts, the more they swell to the point that is no longer possible!

？！

These Knights of the Round Table are sure...friendly. Want me to give them a talking-to?

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P-perhaps we did take this a bit too far, Master.

We thought this formation was a bit much, so we resolved not to use it...

...but your new summer look was so much more stunning than we had imagined that we couldn't help ourselves, haha.

Indeed, it was as though my Arondight was whispering to me that we needed to look our very best.

THAT'S what you're going with? You expect us to buy that!?

Watch yourself, Fujimaru! Even in this day and age, Lancelot's still a shameless flirt!

All right, why don't we save the chitchat for later and head outside? I want to get some sun already!

Agreed. We should also see a great number of Servants out on the main street.

Perhaps they're even in the middle of some sort of fun event. We can join them after we say hello.

Whoooa!

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The sky is so blue! The sun is so bright! And the sea breeze is so fresh and salty!

Wow, I can't believe how different this place is from Faerie Britain! You were right! It's so nice here!

Oh yeah, this is your first time here, huh, Alcas! Yup, this is Waikiki! The most astonishingly, like, liberating tourist spot ever!

Gods, I love how it feels when you get out of the hot sun into the cool shade! It's the best!

Although, I guess you can also feel, like, TOO liberated. Look, check 'em out.

Huh? What is that? Is the ground...rumbling? And I can see what looks like a cloud of dust headed towards us from across the street, too...

So, they've come. I trust you're all ready to go, everyone?

Of course. With numbers like these, I think I will be better equipped to handle them than you two.

Heh. Did you truly think I would chicken out and let you have all the glory of our first battle in Luluhawa, Sir Gawain? Perish the thought.

Let us handle this, Fujimaru, Caster.

As unworthy as our opponents may be, this is still a chance to show what the Knights of the Round Table can do.

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Why!? I can fight, too!

They're tougher than you'd think when you're seeing them for the first time.

It's better to observe Luluhawa's famous monster chickens from a distance before you fight them yourself!

Monster...chickens?

W-wow, I didn't know chickens were so strong here! I guess Hawaii's a pretty strange place!

That's not really the strange thing... Were Luluhawa chickens always like...that?

Kinda thought the boys would, like, do better than that, too.

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Well yeah, can you blame them? Those chickens never did that kind of damage before! They've gotta be a new species!

Did the ahoge cowlick do this!? Is that how they seemed to have special attacks against the Round Table!?

Do you think this might be a clue to the thief's identity, Master!? BB never said anything about this!

Y-y-y-you really think so?

Maybe they were just some super weird chickens and it was all a coincidence?

How this confounds me... I thought I was going to clear my name, only to sully it all the more...

Still, our defeat wasn't entirely for nothing. I picked this up after those chickens dropped it.

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That's a Morpound bill! Look, it's got Morgan's face and everything!

What in the world is Faerie Britain currency doing here!?

Hohoho. I'm afraid you're mistaken, young lady. That's this Singularity's new paper money.

All the money we had before's completely worthless now. Hmph! Can't even exchange it for the new kind!

Everything about the old administration is vilified now. That's why even the chickens changed into a new species.

Those chickens that attacked you just now are called Monster Caster Boars.

They're three times as violent, three times as hungry, and deal three times the Special Attack damage to Round Table Servants as the old Luluhawa chickens.

Any of you with Round Table ties ought to watch your backs. It's peck or be pecked out there.

Hang on. Did you say old administration? So there's a new administration running things here now!?

What about ServantFes!? And who are you, anyway!?

That's right. This isn't Luluhawa anymore. Under the ServantFes Normalization Committee, it has now become known as...

...Hawaltria.

Aka Mysterious Tropical Island X, where every Altria face Heroic Spirit gets a twenty-percent-off blessing.

Ha...Hawaltria!?

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Oh come on, it can't be THAT simple! Besides, we don't have nearly enough evidence to be drawing conclusions yet!

Hm? Did you say thief? Is something going on here?

Oh, right. We still haven't told you guys.

The truth is, Master, me, and Alcas are all here to investigate Luluhawa.

Let's go somewhere we can talk without more of those M.C.B.s attacking us.

Investigate? So, like, you're here to work, not have fun?

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...

How careless of me. I am deeply ashamed. I simply couldn't muster my true strength in the face of that flipped up hair...

Still, it seems as though there's more to this place than we thought. Why don't we head to the hotel for now?

I'm sure Lady Mash and the others who arrived before we did can fill us in.

With her keen eye and sharp mind, I'm certain she'll know what's happening on this island.

That must be the front desk! Wait here while I go check us in!

...

...

Man, it's so quiet for such a fancy hotel. I really thought the lobby would be, I don't know...busier?

It was. This place used to be open 24/7, with guests coming and going all the time.

After all, this place is also the elevator hall, so all guests would have to pass here.

And yet... Well, you've noticed too, right, Tristan?

...That I have. The guests here can easily be counted upon one hand.

And we did not pass so much as a single Servant on our way here.

This is nothing like the endless festival that defined our last trip to Luluhawa.

Hawaltria... As beautiful as that name may be, I sense a large and disturbing plot swirling just beneath the surface...

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...Huh? What are you TALKING about!?

Of course I've got a reservation! Miyu would never forget to make one for me!

Be that as it may, I'm afraid we simply don't have your name on the reservations list.

I'm sorry, but during this seasI mean, ServantFes, we can only admit guests with reservations.

I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to try your luck elsewhere.

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Fujimaru? Oh, I see. So she's with you.

Welcome to our hotel. What can I do for you today? Will you be having lunch with us?

Uh, no, we just, like, want a room. What, are they all taken or something?

No, we do have rooms available, but... Hmm. Did you only just arrive in Hawaltria, Fujimaru?

I see. That explains why you're leaving yourself so defenseless. The festival still hasn't hit its Day Seven finale.

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Oh, no, it's nothing. I'm sorry if I frightened you over nothing.

The festival's moving along towards its seventh day without a hitch. Enjoy it.

It's not as though saying anything will make a difference. Besides, maybe there won't be any trouble this time...

What're you mumbling about? Shouldn't we be showing these guys to their room?

Hiya, Fujimaru! Too stupid to stay away, huh!

Oh, and you brought the Three Dumbasses with you, huh? Ah well, they oughta be helpful, even if they're just meat shields.

I mean, even they wouldn't be dumb enough to get carried away at the beach after Lancer Pops chewed 'em out!

...Hm? That a new Servant? Hey, you, let me get a look at you.

O-oh, no, don't mind me. I'm just your average, run-of-the-mill mage.

Aw, c'mon, I won't bite. I was just curious, that's all.

(I thought I sensed my old man from her...or maybe even something closer. But it might just be my imagination...)

Well anyway, you wanna check in, right? Sure thing. Here's your key card.

Mordred!

What? This is Fujimaru we're talking about.

Besides, Mash already reserved a room for him under "Chaldea," right?

...(Sigh) Ordinarily, we really should check with Mash before admitting them, since she made the reservation.

But, I suppose we can waive that procedure this time. I know we can trust you.

You have the corner room on floor thirty-seven. It might be a little tight with so many people, but please, enjoy your stay.

Hmm... I still want to know why I didn't have a reservation under my name, but whatever.

Come on, let's go, guys. Mash and Jeanne Alter are waiting for us.

There's...no one here. I just see something scrawled on the wall... Hm, what's it say...?

"ServantFes is already dead. Alter will soon rise."

Isn't that, like, a declaration or something? Old man Zhang Jue says crap like that in his sleep all the time.

No prosperity under heaven here... Everything is already dead...

That sounds like a confession to a crime! Does this mean Mash has been kidnapped!?

？！

I'm sensing a huge magical energy signal outside! Something's definitely not right here!

Aah! Toto-sama!? You already bit the dust!?

Wait. Crap. I think I'm getting dizzy too...! Hey, you! Who the hell do ya think you are!?

None of your business! Die, Foreigner!

Aaaaaaaaahhh!

Never mind our room for now! We need to get to the street and rescue anyone in need of help if there's a fire or something!

Whoa, this is like, exactly what happened when Hokusai got killed! I know 'cause I saw it with Kenmyouren!

Hey, wait. XX is totes an Altria, too! Does that mean she's goin' nuts again!?

I swear, what is it with Altrias flying off the handle!?

Y-yeah! Don't be jerks, Altrias!

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Oh no you don't! You're not getting past me!

Something's coming out of the fire! Be careful, guys!

Gawain, Tristan, did you notice? Those things that looked like spirits we just fought were

Indeed. They were true fairies... Mystics on par with any dragonkin.

Singularity or no, one should not simply find such creatures walking around. Even many Servants would struggle against them.

So why are there so many of them here!?

...

Ugh. These things might not have names or intellect, but they've still got about the same spiritual rank as our guardians.

That aside, I guess those Knights of the Round Table really do know their stuff. They fought those things head-on and, like, didn't even flinch.

Is this one of those "A skilled hawk hides its talons" things? Anyway, with us and those guys around, this'll be no problem atWait, what?

Cluuuck! We're gonna cluck you knights up, cluuuck!

Uh-oh.

？！

It seems the flames have driven them mad. They mean to reduce everything they see to ash. Knights especially.

They're definitely not about to let us escape. So much for summer...

Both of you, get back! Under the sun, my strength is without rival, so I'll hold them off!

I WILL hold this line, even if I should be run through with a thousand strikes!

Most impressive, cutting down all of those monsters flying towards us as fast and fierce as arrows!

May I have your name, my fair pink-haired lady?

Huh? It's me, Chloe. Could you really not tell?

Chloe? Really? But, you look so different from the business attire you were just wearing.

That's 'cause this is my vacation outfit. I was hoping to unveil it under calmer circumstances...

...but our safety comes first! Don't worry about the Round Table-targeting chickens! We'll take care of them!

"We"? Do you mean

Yeah, us! The tan girl tag team! You guys handle the flame spirits, and we'll handle these things!

Also, I KNEW you were hiding something special, Chloe!

It's especially sick how you can't get a clear view of what's beneath. It's, like, such a contrast with that other outfit.

You're like a tropical beast ready to pounce. Are you seriously trying to take Master's breath away this time?

Hehe. Don't be silly, Suzuka. It's just a rash guard. There's no deeper meaning behind it♡

Though I will say I did plan the hell out of this swimsuit.

Yeah? Damn, I had nooo idea they made fishnet rash guards to protect you from the sun. Today I learned, I guess.

C-chlo? Chlo...cluck? ...One of us...cluck?

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Leave it to us, Master! These chickens won't know what hit them!

All right, that was perfect! Did you see that, Master?

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No... It can't be...!

"Kneel before me. Celebrate me. Worship me. Submit to me."

"Mortals gathered here, surrender to your god."

"I am the enshrined deity. I am his proxy. My judgment is totes my hobby."

"All who fight amongst yourselves, cast your bodies into my flames. Those who compete to reach greater heights, gather wood to feed my flames."

"Sing my praises, for I am the god of beasts who has come from an ancient, faraway land."

"Oh, whoops. I almost forgot he's not a beast god anymore. Umm... Oh, right!"

"I am the enshrined deity of flame!"

Hm? (That's...not what I was expecting.)

"For that matter..."

All that punishment I put you through, and you weaklings still came back for more, huh♡

Did you really think you third-rate dumpster fires could defeat me, the Enshrined Deity Priestess?

If you did, then your brains must be as smooth as glass heels.

Or are you just here 'cause you've all got some kind of death wish or something?

Then I'll just squash you like the bugs you are. Gotta thoroughly exterminate the vermin and all that♡

Now, you there. Yeah, that's right. The Servant and weakling still sticking around.

Don't you run off on me now, got it? You should be honored. Know why?

'Cause I, the great Cait Cú MikoCer, am gonna personally turn you into living stickers.

Enshrined Deity Priestess, my ass! You're obviously just Baobhan Sith!

Huh!? How do you know my true identi

Wait, wait, wait. That freaking hick faerie!? Then, is that human with you

...

...!

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Well, EXCUUUSE ME for growing up in the sticks!

Ugh, you're such a killjoy! You just cooouldn't stand to see people having fun, could you!?

Huh!? YOU started this!

Besides, I'm not doing this 'cause I want to! It's only so the enshrined deity doesn't

Attention, everyone enjoying Hawaltria. I'm afraid we have some unfortunate news.

As a result of exigent circumstances, ServantFes has been canceled this year.

In accordance with ServantFes Normalization Committee regulations, we will now initiate a reset. We are all responsible for this state of affairs.

We advise all ServantFes attendees to reflect on their behavior...

...and hope you all continue to enjoy ServantFes.

Reset? What are they talking about?

Hell yeah! Looks like you're back to square one again! Sucks to be you! And it serves you all right♡

There won't be any ServantFes on my watch! If you're gonna run an event like this, make it a fashion show or go home!

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