2: Too Many Questions

Ghh, so bright... It didn't actually hurt, but it felt like I was being broiled in pure light.

Mmm...broiled... Broiled ham... Broiled steak... Broiled chuck roast...

...(Gasp!)

Are you okay, Fujimaru!? What in the world was that beam of light!?

Phew... I'm so ashamed. I didn't have time to cast even one protective spell.

Huh? Oh, yeah, everything seems fine with me, too. I'm impressed you thought to check in with me so quickly!

？！

Oh, but now's not the time for that. Where are the others!? Everyone, sound off if you can!

...It looks like it's just Fujimaru and me here.

Well, they're all really strong Servants, so I don't THINK that wiped them all out, but

Wait, wait! I'm here! I'm in the next room! Nnn, oh, forget it! I'll just come out in my regular swimsuit!

Sorry, guys! It was taking me longer to change than I expected!

I wanted to match your outfits so I'd seem like I belonged on the field ops team, but I guess I missed my chance...

You were worried about that, Chloe? Gosh, for someone so close to being totally naked, you're really earnest, aren't you? It reminds me of Muramasa!

But don't worry about that! That swimsuit looks super great on you, too!

It's cute AND cool all at once! Isn't it, Fujimaru!?

？！

Really? Well then, maybe I'll stay like this a little longer♡

Okay, why don't we check out the lobby for now? Especially since it doesn't look like anyone else is here.

Yeah, sounds good. I'm curious how we ended up in this room...

...but if we're lucky, maybe someone will know where everyone went...and what happened to the city!

Hmm, another reset. I suppose I should not have let my guard down just because it was still day five.

I even set up a base on the beach along with our mishmash team of Summer Tamamo, Red One Chance, Altera, and Runaway Arc, even though we are always at each other's throats...

How about you, Hokusai? How did you do?

We had our hands full, too. We could tell there was a big ol' fire bearin' down on the main street from up in the mountains...

...but we couldn't run anywhere without those damn fire spirits gettin' in our way.

Soon as we got down from Diamond Head, that damn flash kicked in, and here we are.

Some Swimsuit Swordmaster, some summer fairy I turned out to be. Couldn't even get to the fire in time, let alone put it out.

Please don't be so hard on yourself, Oei.

You're the reason the fire didn't spread into the forest.

Yeah, exactly. Even if you'd run the whole way, you'd never have made it to the city in time.

I think putting out fires on the mountain was the best we could've done. I mean, we still managed to protect the tourists in the end.

Now, more importantly, we need to figure out what we're going to do next.

I mean, those fire monsters were too strong even for you two. Right, Kiyo-yo? Yu-Yu?

I'm afraid so. I could tell they were grudge spirits similar to my flames of passion...

...but there was so much noise, I simply couldn't determine what sort of emotion gave rise to them.

How about you, Yang Guifei?

I can't say anything for sure yet, either.

At first, they seemed like my ladies-in-waiting, but when I actually touched them, they were nothing alike.

They're not monsters, or oni, or Western spirits... Seriously, what ARE they, anyway?

So neither the beach team nor the mountain team had any luck. Now what are we going to do?

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that in a bad way. My convention center team didn't fare much better, either.

Even though I gathered together Servants who were still motivated to keep trying, we failed to capture that infuriating priestess.

I feel terrible about it. They would never have failed if I hadn't convinced them to join the team in the first place.

Now I wish we had just picked a single point in the city and bet it all by concentrating our firepower there.

Please don't be so hard on yourself, Saint Martha. It's nobody's fault that we failed, least of all yours.

The enshrined deity's priestess comes and goes at a moment's notice.

There's no telling where she'll be until she's already there.

Yeah. The other time, she set fire to Blackbeard's whole PaiKet fleet at anchor in the harbor.

Even though the enshrined deity is huge, it shows up out of nowhere. Just pops right out of the ground.

Someone's definitely summoning it. That's why we should focus on trying to defeat the priestess.

...

Whoa... This pressure from the swimsuit Servant veterans is nuts. Now I'm really glad I went with something more flamboyant for mine.

？！

Th-that's for sure. Everyone's so gorgeous and gets along with each other so well that it kind of...fills me up just watching them.

Fujimaru, Altria, Chloe. I'm so glad to see you're all okay.

'Course they are. They had three idiots from the Round Table with 'em.

They weren't gonna let anything happen to Master, no matter how crazy strong the priestess might be.

...Hold up. Uh... (That's the chick who looks like Pops but isn't. What was her name again...?)

Ah, screw it, I'll just call you Manny. You punks the only ones who came back to your room?

Manny? Are you saying I look like a man? Hey, you're the one who

You're Fujimaru's manager this time, right? Since Mash was taken and all.

O-oh! So it's a nickname for "manager"! I'm so sorry! I wasn't thinking!

(I can't believe how meek this Mordred is! They're nothing like the Knight of Treachery I read about in the library!)

Hm? Eh, whatever. Look, none of the Round Table idiots were in your room, right?

Dammit, I can't believe this. Maybe the enshrined deity's flames reduced them to ash, or MikoCer's hammer turned them into stickers.

Either way, guess they went softer than I thought if they bit it on their first run. I'd laugh at their dumb asses if it wasn't so sad.

？！

I see... I'm sorry. I didn't see her either, so she probably isn't anywhere in the hotel.

Still, the Knights of the Round Table and Suzuka are all exceptional Servants.

I'm sure they're probably just restarting in a different location.

Yeah. There's no way Suzuka was hurt. She was more fired up for summer than anyone.

Um, people have been mentioning resets and restarts for a while now, but we still don't know what they're talking about.

Oh, right. You all just got to Hawaltria, so you still don't know about the island's new administration.

Let me give you a quick rundowNever mind. Here's someone who can explain it much better.

What do you all think you're doing gathering here!? A hotel lobby is still a public space!

ServantFes Normalization Regulation, Number Six!

"Any gathering of Servants with more than thirty in attendance must be reported to the committee."

So unless you want to be classified as a sect, I suggest you all go your separate ways right now!

Good, good. I'm glad to see you're all so reasonable. It wouldn't be very elegant to force you to leave, after all.

？！

Sorry for the disturbance, Manager. I hate to do this, but it's my job.

Oh. Are you three new guests here? I didn't think we'd be getting any new additions.

Ah, I see. You must be general admission here for the finale on the final day. That's not a problem.

I'm Yaraändoo, the head of the executive committee in charge of keeping this event safe and peaceful.

I hope you enjoy your time here at the new ServantFes convention in this Hawaltria Singularity.

Ya... Yaraändoo? Are you sure you don't mean Cnoc na Riabh?

Yes, I'm sure. Is there something strange about my name? I can assure you I'm a Hawaltrian spirit of good lineage.

You're a wind and dance faerie, right? The kind that dances nude, plays bone drums, skins animals, and performs other primitive religious rituals deep in the woods?

Although, you ARE dressed pretty fashionably for a member of that clan.

What!? I've never skinned an animal or done any of that other stuff in my life! YOU'RE the only primitive one here!

And what's up with that swimsuit, anyway!? Cnoc na Riabh's a warrior, not...whatever that is!

You should be showing off your annoying, perfect natural figure, not just your skin!

Right! Something like a full-body diving suit!

Warrior? Me?

What a bizarre accusation to make. I can't say I mind, though.

But I'm definitely no warrior. I'm a musical spirit, just like you are.

Now, who might you be? Oh, wait. Are you a human? Did you come from the world outside?

We've invited plenty of tourists from other Singularities and fae realms, but I've never seen one come with Servants before.

Are they your attendants? Your lovers?

No, that can't be right. If anything, they must be more like pets.

Both are clearly wild animals, so I'm guessing they are your guardian beasts. Am I wrong?

What was that!?

Yeah! You hear that!? We're intellectuals, dammit!

？！

Well, either way, there are a lot of troublemakers here during ServantFes, so fragile creatures like humans should be careful.

You seem pretty harmless, so I won't ask about your lineage.

Although...I can see from your expression that you know me, too. Or rather, this Cnoc na Riabh person I supposedly look like.

？！

I see. I guess it just shows how big this world really is.

I can't say I love the idea that there's another spirit who looks like me out there, though.

I mean, what am I supposed to do with that information? It's neither a compliment nor an insult, right?

No, I guess not... Although the way you're reacting only highlights the resemblance even more.

Anyway, unless there's something else you want to talk about, I'd better get going.

I have to keep up with my patrols to make sure everything with ServantFes goes smoothly.

We want to have an incredible, and incredibly big, finale on the seventh day, after all!

So in the name of the ServantFes Normalization Committee, any illegal clubs breaking the rules...

...and any Servants doing whatever they feel like with no regard for others will be purged without exception!

Of course, I know I don't need to give any threatening speeches like that to you three, but it IS my job, so I thought I'd just cover my bases.

Oh, you can read all about this year's ServantFes rules in that pamphlet, so be sure to give it a look☆

"Every ServantFes to date has been far too lax. Even free expression needs firm rules to flourish."

"That is why the ServantFes Normalization Committee, aka AAA, was created: to prevent ServantFes's further degeneration and restore it to its position as a place for healthy cultural expression."

"AAA's rules and regulations are as follows."

"One: fighting with other clubs is prohibited. Two: all creative works must conform to committee-approved genres."

"Three: use of BB Bucks, the root of all evil, is prohibited. Four: excessively taxing all-night creative sessions and hangouts are prohibited."

"Five: staying in Hawaltria for any purposes other than club activities, general attendance, or staff duties is prohibited."

"Six: gatherings that disturb the island's peace are prohibited, and all barbecues, outdoor concerts, game tournaments, and other such events require approval in advance."

"If any of these rules are broken, ServantFes will be canceled immediately..."

"...and the event schedule will revert to day one."

"There will be no exceptions, even for the seventh and final day of ServantFes."

"AAA encourages all attendees to maintain pure, righteous, and healthy minds as ServantFes comes to a close."

So...basically...

What this is saying is...

？！

Y-yeah. That's pretty much what it boils down to, isn't it?

Yup. This year's ServantFes is strict as all hell.

The whole damn island gets upgraded to Hawaltria, makin' it bigger than ever, but we can't enjoy it with the committee clowns running everything like the tight-asses they are.

We all resisted at first, but then that big flash hit, and the next thing we knew...

...the island was back to its old self like nothing had happened, and the ServantFes day count had been reset.

Reset? So you're actually repeating the same seven days over and over?

Nah, it's not some weird, fae bullshit like that.

The island's condition and the day count get reset, but time's still moving forward.

They're just pushing ServantFes's end date back each time is all.

？！

So, if ServantFes has been reset a bunch of times already, does that mean several weeks have passed here?

Yes, that's right. I'd say it's been around thirty days since we arrived.

Let's see... Fujimaru, you finished your work and Rayshifted here on the fifth day of summer vacation...

...so that would mean roughly seven days pass in this Singularity for every one day in Chaldea's standard time.

Yeah, looks that way. The pamphlet says as much, too.

So the result is a summer break that feels like it'll never end!

I think Chaldea's summer vacation was around twenty days, so we could still have a lotta resets in our future.

Oh, and it's not like we're trapped here or anything. Anyone can go back to Chaldea whenever they want.

Yes. So most of the Servants who came here are out enjoying the island on their own terms.

The committee's rules may be strict, but you can't argue that they have a point.

Now that the island is bigger, we DO need a new organization to maintain the peace.

Though I do think it takes its job a little too seriously, especially for something BB put together.

I see. That explains some things. ...Um, Fujimaru? Chloe? Can I talk to you in private for a sec?

(BB said she wanted us to find out who took over the Singularity and make sure ServantFes succeeds on top of that, right?)

(So how do we square that with this new information?)

(Maybe we should just ask these two who this Singularity's ruler is?)

Hmm... I really want to, but I don't think we should.

BB also asked us to handle this while keeping the fact that this Singularity's been taken over a secret, right?

I know she's always acting like she's some kind of final boss...

...but she's a really good person at heart, so I don't want to make more trouble for her than we have to.

(That, and she's the type who'd blow herself upand the whole world along with herif she ever felt backed into a corner.)

？！

In that case, maybe we should ask these two if they've noticed anything suspicious?

Okay, let's go with that. Go on, Fujimaru, you ask them.

？！

Well yeah, those assfaces who keep showing up to mess with ServantFes. We'd have reached the finale ages ago if not for them.

True. The enshrined deity's priestessthat is, the one who was causing chaos earlieris certainly a problem...

...but I'm more worried about them, and when they might explode. If it becomes war with the committee, that would be my biggest concern.

So...it sounds like there are Servants who are against the committee's rule?

Yes. During the second finale, there was a club that physically stopped the market from opening.

Ever since, they've been working underground to try and bring back the old ServantFes administration.

They call themselves the Anti-ServantFes Alliance, and their stated goal is to overthrow Hawaltria.

You want to meet with the Anti-ServantFes Alliance yourselves? I'm sorry, but I can't help you there.

We have no idea where their base is located. I'd guess only fellow alliance members know that.

That being said...you could still try exploring the island's eastern side, Waikiki.

Your blonde friend there's never been to this island before, right? You could show her around town while you look for alliance members.

If you're lucky, you may even run into one of the Knights of the Round Table or Suzuka Gozen.

...

Hm? What's on your mind, Chloe? You look like you're really worried about something.

Wait, really!? Was it that obvious!? Man, and here I thought I had a killer poker face!

Oh. Uh...n-no, you weren't showing it on your face.

I-I could just tell because I'm, um, a great detective. Like, your behavior gave you away in ways you didn't realize and stuff.

I see... Then I guess I can't keep this a secret any longer.

Alcas, Master, I have to ask you to handle this on your own for a while.

There's something I have to do here, and I just picked up a lead on how I can do it.

Well, more like I'm sure Jekyll will help me once I tell him what it is, anyway.

I'm sorry to spring this on you out of nowhere. I know I said I was going to be your assistant and everything.

But it shouldn't take me long, and I'll let you know as soon as I'm done!

？！

Y-yes, I know. I've heard that gathering information is the most basic part of working a case.

So we need to ask around for anything we can learn while we look for our lost companions.

There's still a lot we don't know about what's going on here, but the other Servants who've spent longer should know plenty.

So let's go talk to them, peacefully of course, and find the thief who took over this Singularity!

Hey, there you are, Master. About time you showed up. Finally get all your homework done?

I wanted to help you out, but the Commander was very clear about you needing to handle it yourself.

Still, this Singularity's just a vacation. There's nothing urgent going on here, and it's not like it's going to end soon.

Besides, it feels better to kick back when you know you did all your homework on your own, right?

Exactly. No matter how boring, annoying, or difficult a job might be, you should never pawn it off on someone else.

The more you slack off, the more it will eventually come back to bite you. That's why it's best to do what you can, when you can.

Indeed, it's just like preparing for a battle. You can't let your guard down, no matter who or what you're up against.

In war, the first one to cut corners and try to take the easy way out always loses. If you want to beat your foe, you need to beat yourself first. After that, you can hang out all you want.

But I see you clearly already know that, Maître. I'm not surprised, as seasoned a Master as you are.

Now, who might this beautiful mademoiselle be, Maître? I would remember having seeing her around here before.

Now, who might this lovely mademoiselle be? I can see she's every bit the beauty you are, Maître.

If she's here with you, then she must be a Heroic Spirit of great renown, no?

Oh, uh, hi. I'm Altria Caster. I-it sure is a lovely day, isn't it?

It, um, must be especially good tanning weather for those of you who prefer to wear your shirts so, uh, wide-open.

Oh? This girl doesn't look like she's well. Maybe she's a little dehydrated.

Robin, Napoleon, would you mind if we went our separate ways for a bit?

Here, young lady, why don't you come with me? I know a great terrace café nearby where you can get something delicious to drink.

You're welcome to join us too, of course, Fujimaru. The more Abishags the better, I always say.

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Hm? I thought you were here 'cause you finally finished all your work. So you're still not done then?

Doesn't seem like you're talking about club activities, either.

Making a doujin definitely isn't easy, but you certainly wouldn't call it "work."

I'm guessing this has something to do with BB then?

I thought she was being weirdly quiet. I should've known she was plotting something again. Ugh.

Oh, uh... I mean, BB is technically involved, but she's also kind of, not?

Because the job is, um, really just putting together a brochure on the island.

Aaand...since you guys are such notable Heroic Spirits, we figured we could ask you some questions about it.

Ah, I see. Then you ARE involved in a club activity, as well as public service.

So letting all those reports pile up really taught you a lesson, huh? Decided to get this one done ahead of time, did you?

Hmm. What do you think, my fellow Archers? Doesn't that sound like an endeavor worthy of our aid?

Of course, King David. This kind of thing is what all bookmaking starts with, no matter the sort of book.

Damn, seriously? But, I guess you're right. We do need to tell them what's up, for their own good.

Master. First thing you need to know is that this is Hawaltria, not Luluhawa.

You're gonna need to know some things to survive here, and we're gonna show you what they are.

Huh? Um, why are you all taking up your weapons? Are we...about to fight?

Damn, you really got us good. But I guess a team of nothing but Archers isn't exactly balanced, is it?

I'll say. Since Lancers are so strong against us, we really need a Saber to counter them, as well as some Caster support.

If we need a Caster, we could always ask Merlin who's enjoying himself in his summer outfit but...

(There's no way David and him would get along. They're so damn alike they'd be stepping on each other's toes all the time.)

I-I'm glad we managed to win, but what was that all about!? And didn't the Normalization Committee prohibit fighting, anyway!?

Oh, no. The clubs are forbidden from fighting. Individuals can fight all they like.

Anyway, check it out. You just picked something up, right?

？！

Haha, so we're curry, huh! Guess this means we needed more brains than brawn to survive out here.

Well, we can think about what this means later, when we've got more time.

All you need to know is, that's this ServantFes's special resource: material composed of a core trait of your opponent.

They say collecting those'll help with your "creative direction," so you'll probably want to do that.

Yup. The more you fight, the more your sensibilities get refined. At least, that's how I interpreted it.

So you should expect Servants involved in serious club activities to challenge you to battles.

As for us, we're part of the security staff, so our job is to keep the convention center safe.

You seem like you'll need these trait items a lot more than we will, so we thought we'd show you how to acquire them.

So, what else would you like to know? Since you beat us, we'll answer any questions you have.

For instance, my hotel room number is

？！

The Anti-ServantFes Alliance, huh. Sorry. We have heard of them, but we have no idea where their hideout could be.

I'm also sorry we haven't heard anything about Mash, Suzuka Gozen, or the three Knights of the Round Table.

I'm worried about where Mash could be, too. Knowing her, I'm sure she's fine, but still.

As for the biggest threat I can think of here in Hawaltria, I'd have to go with the enshrined deity's priestess:

Cait Cú MikoCer, the wicked forest witch who worships the god hiding in the western woods.

She always shows up alongside the deity on the last day of ServantFes, sets fire to the town, and gets ServantFes canceled.

We still don't know who she is. All we know for sure is that she's ridiculously strong.

Everyone she hits with her hammer becomes a sticker to be added to her collection.

And now there just aren't that many Servants trying to stop her, out of fear.

Me? Of course I'm not going to fight her. I'm a pacifist, after all. Hahaha.

That's rich, coming from a king who's never actually lost a fight...

As for me...I'm worried about how there've been so many human tourists around lately.

Apparently, it's 'cause of the Earthman Race happening on the western end of the island.

They say they're living spirits from different historical periods and Singularities, but wherever they come from...

...I don't think I could live with myself if the priestess or the reset flash killed 'em.

？！

I'm glad you asked! The Earthman Race is the world's best and biggest triathlon!

The pinnacle of human competition where contestants vie in swimming, cycling, and running, one after the other!

It's held in different places all around the world, and the final competition takes place in Kona on the island of Hawaii.

And this year's ServantFes has added it to their event roster.

Since Servants use their superhuman abilities to compete, it's no wonder so many tourists are showing up to watch.

Huh. I had no idea there was something like that going on here. (BB certainly never said anything about it...)

Oh, right. Speaking of shortages, I'm also worried about what's going down at the Queen of Sheba's printing press.

Obviously, doujin are the main attraction at the ServantFes market, and you need paper to make them...

...but word has it that her employees are about this close to going on strike.

I can't imagine the Queen of Sheba of all people skimping on salaries, so there may be something more going on.

So, the enshrined deity's priestess, the Earthman Race, and a strike at the local printing press...

Thank you. This was really helpful.

Don't mention it. If you want to keep going with your research, I'd suggest visiting Diamond Head next.

That's where the UDK branch office is, so there's a good chance you'll find a Knight of the Round Table there, too.

？！

Wooow, it's so spacious out here! It feels more like a wide-open prairie than a mountain! I love it!

That bus made it so quick and easy to get here, too! It was amazing how little wind resistance it had for something so big!

And don't even get me started on how cool it was to look down at the beach on the ride here!

I think they're called "trolleys," right? Let's take one back to the hotel, too!

Oh, don't be silly. The scenery's only going to get prettier from here on, right?

Now come on, let's go buy our tour bus tickets!

？！

Well I'll be damned. I never thought I'd see such an overtly touristy couple out here in this southern savannah.

I can see it now: the two of you out here touring nature with all the conveniences of modern civilization, making memories and streaming them live on ServanTok.

Ahh, youth! The sheer concentrated sweetness of youth! It's even sweeter than one of those rainbow shaved ice bowls!

Well I, for one, am grateful! I've been waiting for bastards like you with brains stuffed full of sugar to show up!

I mean, that just sounds delicious, doesn't it!? Anyway, hi there, city slickers!

It's time for you to learn the harsh realities of nature...and just how fragile humans are!

Meaning, I'm going to pound the snot out of you and take all those lovely artistic traits of yours for myself!

Sad? I know. This jaguar is, too. This will be very nearly as hard for me as it'll be painful for you.

Deep down, we're all beasts at heart, right? So why can't we all just get along?

But, Hawaltria is a cat-eat-cat world. If you can't get those sweet Likes on your own, you've just gotta TAKE 'em!

And for MY forces, today I've got two special guests from the UDK: Karna, who grew up in a southern land of unforgiving sunlight...

I can't abide to amateurs who don't even use sunscreen. Is YOUR sun protection strategy sound?

And Yu Mei-ren, the beach bomber who destroys would-be Heroic Spirit pickup artists on sight!

Heh. Is that your way of saying I'm dynamite? You really know how to sweet-talk a girl, spirit.

Wh-what're we going to do, Fujimaru!?

They may not have the same kind of aura as the famous Heroic Spirit club, but there's something unusual about them and it's making me feel like I should keep my distance!

Jaguaguaguagua! That's our strategy! First we beat you down mentally, then we beat you down for real!

Now, who the hell do you think you are, entering our turf without permission!?

This here's UDK territory! If you want in, you've got one hell of a cover charge to pay!

？！

Gwaaah! Such sensitivity! Such productivity! Such expressiv...ity!

Truly, it is as though a whole universe of creativity has big banged into existence! Every last thing these economic animals create is fuel for their money fire!

I see now that a club made up of pure feral animals like mine never stood a chance!

But don't think this means you've won, greenhorns!

You'll be singing a different tune when the coolheaded ideals of the jungle Heroic Spirits' leader has you on the back foot!

？！

Sorry about that. I didn't realize my sunglasses were broken. They made you seem like the head of a club that walks around with vicious beasts.

Welcome to the UDK Diamond Head branch office, Master. Allow me to greet you on behalf of our absent captain.

So you made it, huh, kouhai? I figured you'd still be at your desk crying about how you'll never be done with your reports. Apparently not, hm?

Anyway, if you're here now, I think I'll go back to the beach. Not a lot of great summer memories in the mountains, really.

I see you two know Fujimaru too then.

Nice to meet you both. I'm Altria Caster. Now, I know we just met, but could I ask you a question?

A question? Are you hitting on me, tooWait. What are you doing here?

This might be the ocean, but it's not the kind of inner sea where you should be. Trust me, there's nothing for you at human resorts.

Unless you think they'll accept, "The food was so good, the facilities were so nice, and everything was just so pleasant that I forgot," as an excuse for why you failed to carry out your duty?

I-I see. I guess that would be kind of a problem for a spirit like that to be around.

Yes, it would. So if I were you, I'd turn around and go back to Chaldea now, before you cross the point of no return.

？！

Hey, you're the one who brought her here! If you're gonna be like that, you'd better be ready for me to show up to your nighttime beach barbecue!

I see. So that is your way of thanking us for answering these questions.

Then I suppose I had better answer them as well if I also wish to attend this barbecue event.

So, what is it you would like to know from that limited perspective of yours?

About Hawaltria, of course. Anything you can tell us about the Anti-ServantFes Alliance would be great...

...but we also want to know if you've noticed anything suspicious, dangerous, or criminal...ish.

(Criminal...ish?) The Anti-ServantFes Alliance, huh... Sorry, but I'm not saying anything about them.

But I can tell you about something dangerous. In fact, it's the whole reason we're here.

You still haven't been to the forest, right? For some reason, the forest here is always on fire.

You can't tell at a glance, but there are trees that are consistently smoking.

If you don't cut them down quickly, they'll start a serious wildfire that'll lay waste to the area and kill a lot of wildlife.

So we're out here, patrolling the woods, making sure that doesn't happen.

Anyway yeah, I guess this forest that is forever trying to burn itself down is our biggest concern at the moment.

That's not all. Strange happenings have been taking place in the city as well.

For example, a cumulonimbus cloud has been lingering off the western coast for several days now.

We're worried it could devastate Hawaltria's urban zone if it were to make land.

The residents on the western side are already complaining about weird plumbing problems due to the changes in atmospheric pressure.

So I would nominate the cumulonimbus cloud to the west of the island as another phenomenon to keep an eye on.

I-I see. Thank you. This is all really helpful.

(More things to investigate!? I thought we'd just have to look into the Anti-ServantFes Alliance!)

？！

Oh, yes. UDK is an organization formed to protect Hawaltria's forests and wildlife.

It stands for Union Defence Knights.

Our headquarters is in the west.

We joined because the organization's captain personally recruited us to assist in serving as Hawaltria's knights.

Taking a job at a resort isn't something one can do easily. Even I would have avoided it if I could.

But I couldn't very well ignore the sight of a fellow Heroic Spirit carrying out their duties so proudly.

So after a great deal of anguish and fretting, Dynamite and I swore an oath and joined the alliance.

As a result, we had to give up on any of the usual club activities.

It's too bad. I was hoping to make a book this year that would put Arjuna's pitiful curry recipe book to shame.

？！

I see. So you chose a duty to protect the forest over your own desires.

Oh, just for the mornings. Our afternoons and evenings are free to spend how we like. Besides, I also need to look after the hundred princes.

I see. So you trade posts to split your time between working and having fun. That sounds great.

UDK, was it? I love the idea of protecting the woods while also enjoying ServantFes.

Whoever this captain of yours is must be a great person. Since they're obviously a guardian knight, I'm guessing it's Percival?

Oh, yeah, probably. They're definitely the tallest of all the knights.

Well hey, if I run into them on patrol, I'll let 'em know the faerie of the sacred sword was really moved. That should be more than enough reward for a Knight of the Round Table.

We're heeere! At long last! The tropical ocean!

The clear, blue sky! The sparkling, blue sea! This is nothing like Faerie Britain! And then there's the searing sun paired with that cool breeze! What a great combination!

There's not a single pebble anywhere on this impeccably well-kept beach. And wow! So many people having so much fun all at once!

In fact...

...it's actually scary how absolutely every single person here is smiling so genuinely!

Is there some kind of particle going around here I should be worried about!? And if there is, why can't we get some for Britain!?

Juuust kidding☆ This is no place to be comparing to Faerie Britain!

Honestly, this unparalleled feeling of freedom doesn't compare to anything! Right now, I'm just gonna enjoy Hawaii!

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Oh yes, it certainly does!

No matter the day or age, it all begins with the sun! It's both the fundamental AND ultimate object of worship!

In the face of its glorious rays, no living thing can restrain their animalistic instincts.

Dogs run gleefully along the shore, cats doze peacefully in the shade, and clever foxes like yours truly sidle right on up before you know it♡

That's right! I don't remember who first called me this, but I, the beast of summer, have reappeared most dangerously!

？！

Whoa. I just turned away for a second, and you've already got another beautiful woman keeping you company!

I see. So I guess that means any beach with you on it is a dangerous one then.

Heh. She's not the only dangerous one. As you can see, there are real live oni here, too.

Yesss. That, right there! That's the look of fear humans should have when suddenly confronted by an oni.

Normally, I'd snatch that snazzy hat from you in lieu of saying hello...

...but you're in luck today, girl who looks like a spirit-tamer. As it happens, I'm hungry right now.

So I'll let you and your hat off the hook for just threeno, two servings of the coconut ice cream that truck is selling. How about it?

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Hey, that's not how it was supposed to go. The whole point is to take stuff from people who don't wanna give it.

What's with that guy, anyway? Is he too pure to tell when someone's lying or something?

And I see that despite your haughty tone, you're very pure of heart yourself.

So pure, you actually think of a white lie as a real lie.

Huh? Lies are lies. The hell do you even mean?

To lie is to deceive. How's a white lie different from a real lie?

And lies don't fool me. I treat everything I can see in front of me as the truth.

Oho, a cone with three scoops of ice cream in a giant tower! You know my tastes wel

They're all the same flavor... Oh, I see. So they call this the Coconut Tree.

I'm no expert, but aren't cones like this supposed to have all different flavors?

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Yay, free ice cream! Mmm, it's so cold and yummy! Thanks, Fujimaru!

Okay, now seems a good time to ask: Are either of you part of the Anti-ServantFes Alliance?

Bwa!?

Wh-what are you saying!? Do I LOOK like the kind of oni who would throw her lot in with a buncha small-time villains like them!?

I-I see. Is that really so terrible?

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Yeah. I might be a villain, but I'd never make THAT much trouble.

Besides, having the festival shut down is demotivating for the food truck owners too, which means the food doesn't taste as good!

I-I'm sorry if I offended you. I still don't really know anything about ServantFes.

In that case, um...can you think of anything else going on that's disturbing the peace in this Singularity then?

Me, of course. As an oni of Mt. Ooe, I'm always ready to go on a raid.

But aside from me...well, I don't like the hotel that was just built on the island's west side.

I went there once to pretend to book a room, but they wouldn't even let me in 'cause they said it was members only.

I couldn't even sneak in thanks to the scary tight Bounded Field they put up around it.

It's suspicious as hell. I can just tell real villains are getting up to no good in there.

So there's a new shady hotel on the west side, and a Servant dressed in black talking about island domination. Got it.

(What's going on!? How can there already be ANOTHER new suspect!?)

Hm? That cheerful echo that sounds like it's ringing out from a dark cave... Is that

Yes, this world overflows with evil! Even on a tropical island paradise, there is no escaping it!

That is why Avengers like myself are needed; we save good and healthy entertainment from those who mean it harm!

But do not misunderstand or thank me, my accomplice. The reason we right the wrongs found in this tropical land...

...is that the sun is so bright!

Hey! I know you! You're that "Kuhaha" guy! I have no clue what you're talking about, though.

Indeed, it is I, the summer Edmond Dantès who has removed his usual cloak of black flame and has been watching ships go back and forth from the far reaches of the pier.

... (Oh man. Looks like we've got yet another, um, unusual figure here.)

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Heh. Don't say that, Master. I am well aware. I simply couldn't bear to watch anymore.

Now, take up your arms, for information is not meant to be acquired lightly.

If you get used to equating finishing your work with simply hanging out at the beach now, you'll have trouble when you grow up and start living on your own.

Which is why these summer monsters and I are going to whip you and your attitude back into shape!

Hmm. Since Fujimaru just bought me ice cream, I'd rather not fight him for a little while...

...but if that's what Kuhaha wants, I guess it'll just be easier to just go along with it.

Thank you both for your understanding and cooperation. I suppose this goes to show why friends are so important.

Now, take up the remains of the memories that lie on this beach. I am sure the two of you can use them.

Whoa! I can feel Kuhaha's power surging within me!

Well, I certainly feel cooler now, but I still don't know what this stuff is. It at least doesn't seem evil or anything.

Now, come, my beach friends! Let us become the three calamities and test the Child of Prophecy for ourselves!

...Hang on, what'd you just say?

Impossible! Kuhaha's power... It's leaving me!

And that fever... I know that fever. It's a cursed fever that makes people mock and ostracize one another...

How could....such a thing exist...on this island....? Urk.

That was one of the three calamities. Or perhaps I should say, one of the three trials created on this island.

If ServantFes is to see another day, let alone its promised finale, these calamities must be addressed.

Furthermore, that man said:

That an anticalamity professional...the Child of Prophecy, would come from Chaldea to banish them.

...And you think this man meant me? That I'm the chosen one who's meant to deal with these three calamities?

No, I was talking about Fujimaru. Are you...a chosen one?

O-oh, no, not me! I should've known you were talking about him! I'm sorry for being so self-absorbed! Please, go on!

I have nothing more to say. This is the end of my warning.

Know that this battle was but a harbinger of things to come, Boy of Prophecy.

Although there may be only one situation you need to resolve, you will need to solve myriad mysteries to do so.

Think hard, for this island has become an altar upon which rests the fate of the very world!

"The island's name changed from Luluhawa to Hawaltria." "A mysterious light resets ServantFes."

"A new Normalization Committee is overseeing ServantFes." "An Anti-ServantFes Alliance formed to oppose the committee."

"The island's forests are constantly at risk of wildfires." "A mysterious luxury hotel has been built on the west side."

"A.P. Pounds have replaced BB Bucks as currency, and the latter are now completely worthless." "A printing company's staff is on the verge of going on strike."

"A mysterious cumulonimbus cloud can be seen off the western coast." "The urban areas are leaking water."

"Lots of tourists have come to watch the Earthman Race, and there isn't enough staff to keep up."

"A man with an industrial booth is plotting to make a killing at ServantFes." "I lost my swimsuit."

"The Enshrined Deity Priestess, who's obviously Baobhan Sith." "Yaraändoo, who's obviously Cnoc na Riabh."

"Supposedly, there are three calamities too." "The Child of Prophecy? Are they freaking kidding me?"

Y-you think? Y-you probably just misheard.

Anywho!

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What the hell!? That's WAY too many problems for two detectives to solve on their own!

And then there was that mock Cernunnos, all that three calamities talk...

If you wanna make this place Faerie Britain that badly, just get Aesc over here and be done with it, dammit!

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Oh yes, I know how you feel, Allie. But you do need to calm down. You're making Berserkers everywhere look bad.

In your circumstances, it's natural to feel like you're wasting your precious resort time...

...or that you'd like to just blow off work and have fun doing whatever you want, but nature is a harsh mistress.

Just like with the ant and the grasshopper, the only way to survive the winter of life is to really put those toe beans to the grindstone!

I know that every time this place gets another five-star review on Yolp, I get even busier and start reconsidering my life choices.

So on that note, here! When you're irritated, eating something soft is the way to go! Don't worry, it's on the house!

O-oh, uh, thanks. Well, if it's on the house...

Whoa, that's so sweet! What's it called? Cinnamon toast, huh!?

Thanks so much, Waitress! This is yummy! I'm way more motivated now!

Good, good. But save that gratitude for future you, since she's the one who will be putting in the work tomorrow.

Well, you looked like you'd been running around all morning! Oh, that's also why I threw in a liiittle more salt than usual!

Of course not! I was just being considerate of the people around me to a perfectly appropriate degree!

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Anyway, I take it you're investigating something, Master?

Sorry, but I can't reveal my café's recipes. You're more than welcome to try and replicate them yourself, though.

I actually would love to try that, but not now. We're investigating whatever's threatening this Singularity.

We thought it would be an open-and-shut case at first, but the more we look into it, the more problems we find.

One guy even said something about the fate of the world resting on this Singularity.

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The guy with the black cloak, huh. Yeah, he does tend to exaggerate, but I'm pretty sure he's never been wrong.

So if the fate of the world really is at stake, this cat's not about to sit it out.

Besides, this year's ServantFes is way too constraining. Not everyone goes for health foods, after all.

Some people are all about meat and potatoes dripping with delicious grease. You just gotta make sure you don't overdo it is all.

So you're pretty firmly against the Normalization Committee, eh? Hmm...

I don't suppose you happen to know anything about the Anti-ServantFes Alliance, do you?

Anything? Hell, I'm one of the founding members. Though I've stepped back from my duties lately.

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Of course I do.

It's a restaurant called the Chunchun-tei we were going to use for our launch before it became a withered husk of our failed dreams.

If you want to talk to the other members, head there. You'll find it by the trade center.

It shouldn't be too hard to track down. It's renowned for its exotic atmosphere.