Prologue

C'mon, Pops! Back me up here! You can't think summer without thinking about the beach, right!?

So what if we've been there before!? Just pick the beach! You know you wanna!

We could borrow Father's fancy ship and live it up in the middle of the Pacific Ocean grabbing killer waves AND eats!

Uh, I see. So, you're proposing a cruise on a...luxury liner? I...suppose you make a good case.

Don't be absurd. You're not thinking this through.

The cruel summer heat is the very reason we should choose a vacation destination where we can hide from the sun's rays and enjoy a cool summer retreat.

If you feel like wearing a swimsuit, you can always go to a pool. But you can't beat the comfort and convenience of a city.

So I say we go with a resort in a city.

Uh, yes, right. I suppose that's also one possible approach...

(Glancing at the technical advisor in a silent plea for help)

Personally, I'd prefer a destination other than the beach or the city. Somewhere entirely different for us to enjoy.

Like that time we went to a deserted island. Who knows what kinds of opportunities for discovery somewhere new may offer?

(Glaring at the technical advisor for being manifestly unhelpful by adding yet another option)

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Oh! Good morning, Senpai!

Um, to answer your question, you know how our summer break is just around the corner?

The director was just discussing possible special simulator settings for our vacation...

...but then Mordred and Tenochtitlan happened by, which was when things started getting heated.

Yes, exactly.

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I'm still hoping we can find some way to resolve this peacefully, but so far...

I'm only seeing one answer here.

Really? What is it? Please, tell us.

If we can't find a way to breach this divide soon, the director could end up literally divided as well!

(I really wish Kyrielight would stop voicing such horrifying truths so casually!)

Heh heh heh. The answer is...just forget the whole thing!

Who says you have to go outside just 'cause it's summer, huh!?

Just stay home. Home's the best. "There's no place like home," right?

All you need's a great game and working AC! What more could you ask for?

Yes, that's all well and good...IF they're willing to go with that!

But see!? They're not even listening!

Beach!

City!

Hm? What's this?

Huh? I failed!? But all I did was offer some advice!

The auto-scan program's running?

Hmm, let's see... "Spirit Origin graph data anomaly detected"?

Huh, it's true. There IS something weird with your Spirit Origin graph, Ganesha. Well, more than usual, I mean.

Y-you mean there's something wrong with me? But I feel fine! Please, don't autopsy me!

Hmm. It is a pretty big anomaly, but it's also not all that big a deal?

Could just be a bug in the scanner.

Here, take a look.

It's saying every Servant of your particular classthat is, all the Moon Cancers...

...are currently showing up as "Unmeasurable."

Again, it's not just Ganesha. This anomaly appears to be occurring with every Moon Cancer's Spirit Origin graph.

Of course, Moon Cancer is a pretty mysterious class that we still don't know much about, anyway. Hmm, I wonder why this is happening...

I see. So you're saying we might be facing a dire situation, yes?

Then let's table the topic of summer vacation for the moment and

Wait.

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Heh heh heh. Hello, good people of Chaldea. How are you all doing on this fine midsummer day?

That gentle yet mischievous voice, eminently rational even as you are sure it's hiding something...

You must be Devil BB! The dependable health management AI!

Thaaat's right, Mash! I think you and I are going to have to have a nice, long talk later!

Ugh, as if this weren't already complicated enough! Did you learn nothing from Luluhawa? We're not falling for your tricks again!

No sane person would trust a shifty AI like you! Go enjoy your summer in the digital sea you crawled out of and leave the rest of us in peace!

You know, I could understand that from Master. But now you're saying such slanderous things about me too, Director?

And after I brought you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity all of humanity would kill for, too...

I guess an AI just can't possibly earn a human's trust, no matter how cute, attractive, or advanced we may be...

H-hm? N-now, now, I wouldn't go THAT far.

I'm sorry, BB. I let my prejudices get the better of me there. If you have something to share with us, we'd love to know what it is.

Now THAT is how Chaldea's leader should be talking! I'm touched by your gullerm, magnanimity!

Ahem. Anyway, as I was about to say, I just happened to overhear your discussion a moment ago.

The beach? The city? The wilderness? Those are all great ideas, but they've all been done to death, don't you think?

You want to go somewhere new. Somewhere the excitement has only just begun.

You want to go to a beach you've never seen, a city you've never visited, a tourist spot with blazing hot sun and a snazzy hotel.

So what would you say if I told you that all you have to do is say the word and I can take you to exactly such a dream spot?

So...are you saying this place can also satisfy the Servants who have me caught between a rock and a hard place?

So we're talking...what, a city on the beach? Something like that?

Long as there's somewhere I can catch some gnarly waves, I don't mind if there's a city nearby.

...I'm not denying the pleasures the ocean has to offer, either. Water and cities complement each other very well.

So if this dream spot of yours manages to fuse both in a pleasing way, it should be adequate.

Hmm, I don't know. Can you really take us somewhere as incredible as you're saying?

Of course I can! I'm a super capable, ultra advanced health management AI!

This is the year I'm going to show you a summer spot so mind-blowingly good...

...that you'll all be shouting "BB's the best!" at the top of your lungs before you know it!

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I know what you mean, Senpai.

The other summer venues BB prepared for us were both wonderful...

...but they also had enough, um, quirks, I can't help but be hesitant about this new one...

Oh? You think I'm all talk again?

Fine then, I'll just tell you. This year, I'm inviting Senpai and the rest of you to...

A.D. 2030! Dubai, but in the future!

(Did she really need the spotlights when she's the only one talking?)

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Dubai... That's in the Middle East. It's one of the emirates of the United Arab Emirates, or UAE for short.

I'm afraid I don't know much about it other than the fact that it's supposed to be an enormous city undergoing rapid modernization. But more importantly

Hold on. Did you say this is Dubai in 2030? How are we supposed to get there then?

You'll Rayshift, of course.

I know what you're thinking. "Rayshifting to the future? But that's supposed to be impossible!" Right?

Well, it might be impossible with Chaldea's system, but it's not for me.

Or rather, it's possible because I'm a one-hundred-percent SE.RA.PH-made AI created in the year 2030.

So even if we're from different worlds, it won't violate my directive to manage your health if I just invite you to my time period...

...and a little pleasure trip to the future won't be a problem on the bleached Earth.

So don't worry! Speaking as the OG Moon Canceras the ONLY and NUMBER ONE BB, in fact...

...you can rest assured that you're in good hands!

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Well, I must say, someone's sure talking big today.

You're saying the only reason we can't observe the future is because Chaldea's Rayshift system isn't up to it.

And you're going to use that same system to take us there? Are you really sure that's safe?

I'm sure. It won't be a problem at all.

I will be using the Coffins, yes, but the Rayshift will be performed with a different system only I'm familiar with.

So don't you worry about a thing, Senpai! All you have to do is get packed and thank your lucky stars for little old BB's greatness!

Dubai of the future is a sight to behold. I guarantee that boredom will be the last of your worries♡

And of course, you won't need to find your way on your own, either. I'll send you a guide as soon as you arrive.

Oh, and while Dubai would normally subject you to a bunch of strict rules, my special BB tour package will get you off the hook.

So feel free to wear whatever summer gear or swimsuits you like. Ta-ta for now, my little celebs!

Hey, wait! I still wanted to ask you about these Spirit Origin graph anomalies we've been

And she's gone. Dammit.

Looks like we've got our primary suspect. This IS BB we're talking about.

But hey, maybe it wouldn't have made any difference. It's not like she would've told you just because you asked.

I didn't get most of that, but it sounds like we're getting a new beach to hit this summer, yeah!?

Hell yeah! I gotta get ready so we can leave A-S-A-freakin'-P!

Hmph. An enormous city undergoing rapid modernization, huh? The nerve of her, saying such a thing in my presence...

The UAE's in a desert, as I recall. We didn't have anything like that back in our world.

Heh... Hehe, hehehe! I look forward to seeing just what this new city has to offer.

I'll admit I'm a little concerned, but overall... Well, what do you think, Gordy?

Sure, why not? Dubai ought to be quite safe.

I, the commander, know very well how hard our Servants work each and every day...

...so I am, of course, in favor of letting them relax and enjoy themselves.

Besides, BB's primary directive is driven by good intentions, yes? She may have her share of...oddities but those things are always the first to fail.

As long as Fujimaru is there, I expect everything will be fine.

And I'm not just saying that because I couldn't take another minute sandwiched between the outdoor camp and the city camp.

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Yes, me too!

Hmm. If it really is just regular Dubai, I guess I can't pass up a chance to see what it's like in the future.

And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested in BB's approach to Rayshift technology...

So if the rest of Chaldea is on board with this plan, I'm definitely not about to speak up against it.

Besides, BB's actually been an invaluable computational resource. She deserves a reward as much as anyone else.

But! I get the sense there's still no shortage of funny business afoot...

...so I want you all to TAKE EVERY POSSIBLE PRECAUTION on this excursion!

To that end, I'm going to be choosing even more Servants than usual to go along with you, so make sure you're ready for that!

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Hahaha, I'm glad to see you in such high spirits. Go on! Enjoy yourselves!

(As for me, I think I'll take Ganesha's advice and indulge in some driving games in my nice, air-conditioned room. My nerves could use it...)

All right, it looks like you're all ready.

Sure am!

I've never worn a swimsuit before, but I like it. It's so easy to move around in!

Umm, I'm still not sure why you chose me for this...

I only got this swimsuit so I could hang out with Lady Yu...

Oh well. Now that I'm doing this, I might as well enjoy myself!

Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime promotion!

I am the Queen of Kur, so I'll have to make extra sure I don't embarrass myself!

(H-hmph. I doubt summer on the surface has anything going for it besides heat, but I've been chosen to protect Fujimaru, so I can at least do that much.)

Heh. As Chaldea's foremost representative of cities, it is only sensible that I was chosen to accompany you.

Forget about Tlāloc and Huītzilōpōchtli. This time, I'm going as Tenochtitlan and Tenochtitlan alone.

So, where's that other Servant who was yammering about the beach and surfing?

If you mean Mordred, they tend to be even more, um, rambunctious than usual during summer...

...so I think they probably went on ahead rather than wait for us.

On which note, I'll be joining you this time as well, Master.

I'm having her bring along even more accessories for her shield and Mystic Codes than usual, so you're ready for anything.

If anything happens, don't be afraid to lean on her even more than usual.

Anyway, Fujimaru, these are all the Servants who'll be accompanying you this time. Just kidding!

Come on in, guys!

Heh. Summer hidden eyes...

Doesn't that just roll off the tongue, girl with one hidden eye?

Step back, you pervy weirdo! If you don't, I'll keep stomping on you until there's nothing but a fine paste left.

It will be my honor to keep you safe this summer, Master. Sir Percival, at your service!

Oh, if you're wondering about this outfit, Lord Merlin gave it to me for the summer.

While it's not as durable as my usual armor, it's much lighter and easier to move in.

So please don't worry. If I need to fight, I'll be just as capable as ever.

"A true hero dresses up for the summer. At times, they may also remove their armor to beat the heat."

I got that from Ganesha. It's really quite profound when you think about it.

？！

I know you've got a few more companions than usual, but for this trip, I figured "strength in numbers" was the right approach.

Anyway, that really is everyone now.

As soon as we're done double-checking things, you'll be off to Dubai!

Indeed. Remember, this is a vacation, not a mission. Your only duty is to relax and have a good time.

Yes, certain parts of this excursion elude me and leave me a little nervous...but that's true of international travel in general.

But as long as you all stick together, everything should turn out all right.

Now get out there and have yourselves some fun!

S-so this is Dubai... Or rather, Dubai's airport.

Indeed. It's easy to feel at home when everything is so well-kept.

Indeed. It seems like everything's been freshly made for this occasion.

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Fascinating. It all lines up with what I read before we left.

Yes, of course!

That said, I was only able to read the entry in Chaldea's database, since we didn't have much time.

Of course, I was only able to read the entry in Chaldea's database, since we didn't have much time.

？！

The truth is, I rather enjoy learning about other countries' cultures and climates.

So while I'm certainly committed to keeping you safe, I still intend to enjoy myself.

I plan to take in as many sights as my duties will permit. I hope we can share some fun times together on this trip.

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No way...!

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What do you mean? That was an outburst of joy, my tlamacazqui.

An airport is the gateway to the modern city. It declares the city's caliber for all to see.

And this gateway is absolutely flawless. Not only is it immaculate, its architectural design is extremely well thought-out.

Ah, this whole place is brimming with anticipation and tension, brightening the heart and sharpening the mind of any unfamiliar traveler...

Honestly, the presentation has me reeling.

It's the same feeling you might get at seeing a young person in formalwear making an extra effort to stand up straight.

Let's see... I think there's a ceremony in Japan that involves young children dressing in kimonos? Shichi-go-san, was it?

Imagine seeing a darling young child doing their best to participate in a formal ritual, and you'll understand.

But I digress. It's still too soon to be completely won over.

This city makes an excellent first impression. That is all I can say for sure just now.

It's not as hot as I expected. They must have air-conditioning here.

Yeah. Now that I'm here and seeing how nice everything is, I'm actually getting excited!

True, the scale of this place is impressive. It's a modern building but it has the kind of solemn air I'd expect of a temple.

I was wondering what it would be like here. So far, it's surpassing my expecta

Ghh...

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I'm fine. It's nothing. Just a small headache; it's gone now. I guess the Rayshift made me a little sick.

(What was that just now...?)

Hey, I get it.

New places always bring on a sense of wonder, an exhilaration that's almost intoxicating.

So I'm pretty excited about this trip, too. That said...

...it looks like that exhilaration isn't all we're going to find here.

At least, not if that headache-inducing ad I'm seeing is anything to go by.

I'm not sure that's an ad; I think it's just BB being BB.

？！

I'll be blunt: I have no idea what we're looking at.

It looks like a poster with an electronic billboard...or maybe a calendar.

At least you can tell from the...art on the left that it's got something to do with BB.

But still, this is an international airport, right? Where does she get off acting like she owns it?

I don't know.

For that matter, we still don't know why BB invited us to this future Dubai in the first place.

But before we get to that, we should check in with Chaldea to let them know the Rayshift was a succes

Huh?

You can't reach them?

No, I can't. That's weird.

I know comms have been acting up lately, but we took extra measures to make them as stable as possible this time...

Just a moment. Let me use the sensors in my shield to run a scan and see if anything else is amiss.

...Huh? Wh-what does this mean?

What is it, Mash?

W-well, assuming I'm not mistaken...

...it appears that I'm unable to identify any of your Servant classes.

Is that a problem?

...Not necessarily. It's clearly an anomaly, but the fact that we're all here is proof our existence is still being verified.

So, I don't think anything has changed, either internally or more fundamentally.

It just means that we can no longer determine what type of Servant you are from looking at you.

I don't foresee it causing any problems in combat or elsewhere.

？！

I'm afraid I just can't say at this point. I'm sorry.

So we just don't know, huh.

I'd like to say, "No harm, no foul," here, but

Indeed. Between this, that strange BB billboard, and being mysteriously cut off from Chaldea...

...something definitely feels off.

Hmm. Does this mean we should be on our guard, or just not worry about it and focus on enjoying our vacation?

It's really hard to say.

Hm?

There he is!

You must be Fujimaru!

Welcome to Dubai! We've been so excited for your arrival!

Lady BB has told us all about you. We're thrilled to have you as our guests!

What the...? This isn't the welcome I was expecting!

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G-good point. Are you...?

Oh, no, no, no. We're only here to officially welcome you to our city.

Your guide is waiting for you over at the bus terminal. Come on, we'll show you the way!

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Hmm. It's definitely hotter outside...but still not as bad as I thought. Maybe it's thanks to this Spirit Origin?

Hehehe. The more I wear this swimsuit, the more I like it.

Would you look at that! Even outside the airport, it's all futuristic and tasteful!

Agreed. Architecture like this may not serve any practical purpose, but its focus on maximum visual impact is to be commended.

The mark of a truly great city is its ability to keep people enthralled.

Hehe, I suppose you could call this the impetuousness of youth. They're clearly committed to making everything bigger.

I have no idea what you're talking about, but I'm glad to see you're enjoying yourself.

So, where's our guide?

Hey! Over here!

Hm? Is that...?

You finally noticed me, huh?

Nice to meet you, everyone. I'll be your guide for your stay here in Dubai. You can call me...

BB Lily!