Section 4: Downtown (Ⅰ) / Dubai Mall

... ...

Hehe, hehehe.

I have no clue what is happening. None. Zero. Zilch. But also...so what?

Stay calm, Ereshkigal. Just stay calm. Freaking out isn't going to help.

Mene, mene, tekel, Ereshkigal. Mene, mene, tekel, Ereshkigal...!

...Okay. Now I know what's going on. So, yeah, I need to figure out what to do next.

Yes, that's right. Now that I'm calm, the answer is obvious.

I need to destroy humanity.

I mean, I'm a Beast now, right? And destroying humanity is, by definition, what Beasts are supposed to do. (Earnestly confused)

Well, look at me go. Even in a crisis like this, I know how to keep my head. Maybe it's my new Beast instincts at work.

Now I just have to come up with some sort of villainous catchphrase like "Tremble before me, foolish humans"... Oh, and I ought to think of a pseudonym, too.

Ehehe, so much to do, and so little time... Oh, maybe I should change my laugh, too. Shhh shh shh shh

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Oh, good morning, Fujimaru. I'm a Beast now. I was just on my way to eradicate humanity.

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Y-y-you just grabbed my shoulders so passionately! I've dreamed of this sort of thing! This must be the power of summer!

Ahahaha, actually, IS this a dream? Who am I? I'm a Beast. You're my Master. My goddess cred is completely shot.

I have no idea what's going on. I'm scared. But, I'm a Beast now.

So, this must be the end for me, you, Earth, the world, and this delightful summer break... Teeheeheehee...

Oh, something about the way you said that reminded me of Tenoch.

Teehee, if only I could follow her example and be more open with my feelings...

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(Sniff) I understand if you don't believe me, but it's the truth!

I wish I could tell you more, but that's all I know...

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O-oh. Thank you...

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... ...

Actually, um...I'd rather you kept this to yourself, if that's okay...

I'm sorry. I know it's a lot to ask.

But there's just so much I don't know right now, and so many things I can't explain.

So, I'm hoping you can give me just a little more time to calm down, gather my thoughts...

...and see if I can think of anything that might explain what's going on.

Besides, um...this summer vacation is...fun.

I mean, uh, I'M not the one saying that, you know. It's just kind of...the general consensus. Right?

So, I wouldn't want to ruin that by getting everyone worked up over what might turn out to be no big deal.

I mean, who can say? This just happened overnight with no warning. Maybe tomorrow, I'll be back to normal again!

...I guess that's probably just wishful thinking, huh?

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R-really?

...If that's okay.

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... ...

I think...I'd rather you didn't tell Mash about this, either. I don't want to force her to lie to everyone else.

I mean, I know I'm already asking that of you, but, I figure the fewer, the better.

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Yes! Exactly! That would be ideal!

So, I don't know if you'll believe me, but, what I said earlier, about eradicating humanity...

I was just so confused about everything, and...I thought I'd calm down if I acted how a Beast should.

But that's all. I promise. I don't actually have any urge to eradicate humanity.

...Huh? You were never worried about that? Why not?

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O-okay... Th... Thank you...

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...Ahem. No. I'm afraid not.

I may not feel any urge to eradicate humanity but...strange as it may sound, I can just tell I'm a Beast now.

Anyway, I can't go out like this.

I'll need some kind of spell to hide my aura. And I'll have to find some way to hide the horn, too

Good morning, Ereshkigal. Are you awake yet?

It's Mash! Wh-wh-what do we do!?

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Oh, it looks like a ribbon now... Yes, I think this could work.

Now I just need a spell to fool other people's senses, and quickl

Ereshkigal?

J-just a minute, please! I'm getting out of bed!

Actually, why are you looking for me? Is something wrong?

I-it's not like humanity is facing some existential crisis right this minute... Right!?

Huh?

Uh, no, nothing like that. I just went to invite Master to breakfast, only to find he wasn't in his room.

But he left a note on his door saying he'd gone for a walk and that he'd meet us in the lobby before breakfast.

So I'm just going around making sure everyone is invited. Would you like to join us?

O-oh, yes, of course. I'll be right there. Just...give me a moment, please.

Okay! I'll go on ahead!

You show up later like you were just going to the bathroom or something and act like nothing happened. Got it?

Good morning, Ereshkigal. Hehe, that's a lovely ribbon you're wearing.

Oho, so you're finally getting serious, huh? Trying out a new accessory to catch his eye?

Hm? ...(Sniff, sniff)

I smell something. Something...bestial...

You mean, like an animal? Maybe one of the other guests brought a pet with them?

Hm. An animal?

Right. ...Huh?

Y-y-you think? M-m-maybe you're just imagining things?

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Dammit! I was really hoping to not have anything unforeseen to deal with this time, but I guess that was asking too much!

Are our comms still not working? No change, huh!?

All right, got it. Then our next step is

Things seem to have escalated quickly.

You can say that again! Have you been briefed!?

More or less.

So you lost contact with not just Fujimaru's group, but pretty much all of Dubai, huh.

Sounds like an emergency to me. How bad is it, though?

Fortunately, existence verification isn't an issue. That's the most important thing.

Thankfully, Sheba can at least tell us Fujimaru is safe and sound.

So for the moment, it's pretty much just our comms. That being said... Destiny is a cruel mistress.

It's rare for future guarantees to exceed ninety-seven percent.

No matter how safe an environment might be, accidents are inevitable.

So for this guarantee to reach one-hundred-percent...

You think it's strange? I don't see the problem. It just means BB did her job perfectly.

We're talking about a city in the future! 2030, yes? Surely they've found a way to manage everything by then.

Imagine a world with no traffic accidents or burglaries! I could hardly think of a better place for a resort.

You're here too?

I thought your plan was to spend summer in your room, catching up on your backlog of driving games?

I was, but plans change when there's an emergency.

I wasn't merely holing up in my room. I simply wanted to ensure I didn't mess up Fujimaru's vacation.

How can I put this... I suppose I felt that, as his boss, it was the best thing I could do for him this summer.

He's been through...quite a lot lately...

And, well, I thought what he really needed right now was a real holiday.

In other words, an opportunity for rest and recuperation in a new land with companions he knows and trusts.

So while our comms not working is certainly an issue, if the choice of destinations for this holiday is completely safe, I could ask for nothing more.

...Good point.

I guess it's never not been true, but lately things have felt especially precarious.

I agree with everything you said there. You really are keeping a close eye on him, aren't you?

Hmph. The Storm Border only has so many personnel. It would be stranger if I hadn't paid any attention to him.

Besides, I'm the head of the illustrious Musik family. I'm not about to get emotionally attached to a mere field operative.

If you say so. Anyway, I guess this means there's no need to raise the alarm then.

If we know for certain he's safe, then there's no emergency to

NOW what!?

We're detecting a new signal at Fujimaru's Rayshift destination!

Let's see...

...Huh? Oh, come ON. You've gotta be kidding me.

This is...a seventy-two percent match for a Beast.

Trismegistus has confirmed the appearance of a Beast in Dubai...!

Record keeper!

Yes, sir. I'm cross-referencing the data with past records now.

Analyzing...

...There. Simplified comparison complete.

Huh? This... This can't be right, can it?

This is...a seventy-two percent match for a Beast.

Trismegistus has determined that a Beast has appeared in Dubai.

G-good morning!

I made sure to wake up early today, so I could prepare the day's itinerary AND get here on time!

It'll be my honor to guide you around Dubai's second major tourist area!

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Oh, yes! You were so kind to buy it for me, after all!

And, well...I didn't love the stuck-up way she said it, but Melt did mention that swimsuits are the formal attire of summer!

Oh, but, never mind that. Is there...a problem with me wearing this?

Of course not. A bunch of Servants spend summer in swimsuits. Lady Yu's one of them.

This Melt person is right. Swimsuits are indeed the formal attire of summer.

I, on the other hand, am in my summer maiden mode, as befits the time, place, and occasion.

(Fidgeting nervously)

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Hm?

Oh? Are you looking for something, Karna? Perhaps you sensed some cuties with hidden eyes nearby?

If you did, I hope you'd tell me where each and every one of them are!

No, that is not it. I felt a fire suddenly blaze to life in my soul.

It's as though I'm standing on a battlefield that demands every bit of my strength... Or facing an enemy I absolutely cannot abide.

I don't get it, but I get it!

For me, it's like my ears keep pricking on their own, or like all my animal instincts are trying to warn me about something.

I've been smelling something funny all morning, too.

I suppose there's no preventing bad odors completely, even in a city as clean and well-kept as this one.

Especially when there are animals like camels running around, like the ones we saw other tourists riding at the beach yesterday.

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Gosh, Master, you still have so much energy even after that walk this morning. You must be really excited about this trip!

Today, we'll be touring the Dubai Mall in the downtown area!

According to what I read...

...it's a huge shopping, dining, and entertainment complex that sprung up around the Burj Khalifa.

Okay, everyone on board the bus!

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(I-I'm...fine. I might not be able to completely hide my scent...)

(...but the fact that nobody has found me out even with all these Heroic Spirits here is actually a good sign.)

(Basically, it means that until and unless they notice, I'm totally fine.)

(So please don't worry about me, all right? Just focus on enjoying your trip!)

(I'm sure. Now hurry and get on the bus! Go on!)

(Of course I do. Now go on, get on the bus already.)

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Hm? Haven't we been down this street?

Oh, right. You already visited the Burj Khalifa once before, didn't you?

The Dubai Mall is right next to the water fountain plaza at the foot of the Burj Khalifa...

...so I guess we'll be going to basically the same place.

If we're just going somewhere we've already been, I wish we'd toured it back when we were first there.

I-I'm afraid I don't think that would have been possible. You see

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The Dubai Mall isn't just any shopping mall.

The main building consists of three floors aboveground and one below, with a total floor area equivalent to...fifty soccer fields! Wow!

It has over twelve hundred shops, over two hundred restaurants...

...a museum, an aquarium, and a skating rink!

It's one of the largest, grandest shopping malls in all the world! (Reading right from the guidebook)

It's so big, I'm not sure you'd be able to see everything you want even if you spent all day here...

...and I definitely don't think you could have just checked it out while on your way somewhere else.

I knew from my reading that this mall was supposed to be big...

Standing here now, though, it's far more so than I could have imagined. I'm glad I got the chance to see it in person.

...

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(Gasp!) U-uh, no. Not at all.

We don't believe in making buildings so extravagant. It shifts the focus from where it ought to be: the people.

You can't just make things taller, more beautiful, and more magnificent, and call it a da

...Day...

...Well, then again, as the street leading up to the city's central building, maybe they had no choice but to go all out for it.

Good point. This mall is right beside the Burj Khalifa, which we visited on our first day.

And arguably, this mall is SO big that its interior does somewhat resemble a beautiful city street.

Maybe that was the part that tugged at your heartstrings, Tenochtitlan.

Anyway, we should figure out where we go from Huh?

Whoa, it's Lady BB! Lady BB is here in person! Does she not have anything better to do?

Lady BB! Our liberator and innovator! What's our next event going to be!? Please, tell us!

You should relax, BB! You work too hard! You deserve a break!

Is it true a single one of your shoes is worth as much as a spaceship!? Do you carry the moon with you wherever you go!?

A glamorous glow that tugs at my heartstrings. A golden hue that pairs perfectly with your jet-black dress.

They say diamonds are forever, but you haven't lost your touch at all, BB Dubai.

Huh? Um, you do know we just met the other day, right? Did you eat something funky?

No, that's just Karna being Karna. I know it can be tough to untangle what he means, but he's just paying you a compliment.

I-I see. Well, I'm always happy to be complimented, but...

Eh, never mind. Let's try that again. Welcome to the Dubai Mall.

This mall is, of course, the cornerstone of Dubai's shopping and entertainment...but it's also a gem of high society with an atmosphere to match.

Since so many of you come from humble backgrounds, I suspect you may struggle to fit in.

Which is why I have taken it upon myself to present you with another gift, in the form of a supplementary service.

...Hm?

Oh, BB. I've been doing what you said and studying hard to be a good guide, so

...Hm? Is there something different about you, Mother?

(Crap. I can't believe I messed up and assigned them two guides.)

(Oh well, I'm sure Passionlip will do fine. I'll just keep pretending I didn't notice.)

Of course there is. I'm part of society's upper crust now.

Hmph. There you go, making yet another weird version of yourself.

But that's okay. I've got a new version of me now too, thanks to this swimsuit I got yesterday.

So when it comes to new outfits, you and I are even!

Anyway, you were saying something about a supplementary service?

Hmm, right.

I believe keeping things fresh and unexpected is a key part of staying popular, sooo...

What would you say to a little battle?

Huh?

Man, you're so lucky, getting to see my awesome action moves so early in the morning! I almost envy you!

Attention, my fair citizens☆ I present to you the Master of Chaldea and his Servants!

I know they may look a little behind the times, but you don't get to see the likes of them every day!

So I invite you all to relax and enjoy watching them bravely, boldly battle yours truly in all my celebrity glory♡

But watch out. If you're not careful, you could easily end up hurt.

There's no true joy in play unless you take it seriously, after all.

I don't follow her logic at all but I can see she's about to attack.

P-please get ready to fight back, everyone!

Um... I'm sorry, but would you mind if I sit this one out?

I've had a headache since I woke up and I'm not quite feeling myself. Um, only a little, though.

I see. Of course that's all right, Ereshkigal.

You know, now that I think about it, you have been complaining about headaches ever since we got here.

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I'm sorry.

You don't have to apologize, Ereshkigal. Hold your head high.

Sometimes, you just need to rest before you can have fun!

Okay, that should do it.

It's over? But things were just starting to get good.

I'm sorry you feel that way, fluffy-eared Bogatyr, but my job here is done.

Fujimaru, distinguished guests, would you kindly extend your hands for me please?

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That's right. I decided to throw in another perk. Those credit cards you all have are specially made just for this mall.

As you've no doubt noticed, this complex of opulence and gluttony is filled with only the highest quality goods.

However, with that card in your hot little hands, you can buy just about anything here your heart desires, be it the most exquisite dresses, jewelry, or timepieces.

Damn, you're serious? And you're giving one of these to each of us? What is this, the second coming of Dong Zhuo?

Oh, don't get me wrong. There are spending limits.

Giving commoners access to truly limitless wealth would really throw everything out of whack.

So if you were thinking about, say, buying out an entire jewelry shop, I wouldn't get your hopes up.

That being said, if there's any one thing you have your eye on, you should be able to buy it no problem, whatever it might be.

Of course, the shopping habits of the elite might be too much for your little commoner hearts to handle, but oh well♡

The point is, in my generosity, I want to stop you from resigning yourselves merely to window shopping out of sticker shock...

...so you can experience the joy and nervous anticipation that comes with knowing you can buy any one thing you want...

...even if you don't yet know what that one thing might be. That's all.

Teehee. So, what do you think of my new perk, everyone? Incredibly generous, immaculately fair, wouldn't you say?

Bravooo! That's our BB for you!

You're so kind it's giving me palpitations! Please, govern us harder!

Right? Riiight? THIS is charisma!

Anywho, that's all from me. I'll go ahead and leave you all to it.

Enjoy your shopping, try the activities, and most importantly, experience all the joy you can!

Hm. Weird. Usually, she'd make some impossible demand of us in exchange for something so generous.

Oh well, at least she didn't try to take over as your guide. That's still my job.

All right, everyone, let's go take a quick tour of the mall!

O-oh my. I had no idea they had bookstores so grand in other countries as well.

What an incredible selection! Oh my, and they're all so beautifully bound!

I didn't think they'd have manga here. That's so sugoi. Maybe 'cause this bookstore belongs to a Japanese company?

But even then, they wouldn't carry it here unless it was popular, right? Hehehe... (Feeling good despite not being able to take any credit)

Oh my. Would you look at that.

Teehee, it's an authentic copy of "Alf Layla Wa-Layla." The very stories you once told centuries ago are still being published for children to read today!

How amazing, seeing something you created so long ago living on in book form even today.

Look, they even captured how beautiful you are in the illustrations.

Ghh. I-I hope I don't die of embarrassment...

Y-you're kidding me.

All this space...devoted exclusively to shoes!?

...No. No way. This can't possibly be real. It's a trap...somehow. It has to be.

It's got to be trying to lure me in, just like how faerie forests lure in humans with tantalizing scents!

Aha...ahahaha! Too bad! You'll have to do better to fool this faerie!

... ...

...Maybe I'll just check it out. To see what sort of tricks they're using to lure people in. Yeah...you know, for future reference.

What's an entire dinosaur skeleton specimen doing here?

I thought this was just a shopping mall.

Eh, who cares? I'm not gonna pass up an opportunity like this!

Wow! I can't believe this somehow exists right in the middle of a country that's mostly desert.

Indeed. It feels as though we're walking through the ocean itself.

What a beautiful place for us to spend time together. ...Beloved?

Hahaha. Another wonderful feature of this place: it's very dark.

We won't have to worry about standing out here, since no one will notice the blood.

...(Blush)

Nor, it seems, will I have to worry about anyone else seeing you so bashful.

Yes, I like it here. I like it very much...

What's going on!? How can there be magnificent jewels every which way I turn!?

They're as perfect as any I've ever seen! Is this paradise? Did they build paradise in the desert?

Ooh, diamonds! Gimme those, too! Ahh, I'm so happy I can hardly stand it!

We've only been walking for a little while, but it seems like each and every establishment is positively bustling.

Yeah, and I don't sense the typical hustle and bustle of a market. It's much more relaxed here.

Well, there was that one embarrassing Queen of Heaven who was so excited she'd completely lost all sense of composure...

...but I'll just pretend I didn't see her. She may as well have not existed at all.

There certainly are a lot of Servants buying things here.

I can tell they're all happy, but I can't understand why.

Shopping is merely a means of acquiring what necessities you currently lack.

But these stores are all encouraging you to buy things you do not need. It strikes me as excessive.

For example, if you saw a row of several excellent bakeries, you would walk out with a huge Swiss roll far too large to hold even with two hands.

No one could finish something so calorie-rich without bursting at the seams.

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Don't knock the joy that comes with buying luxury goods until you've tried it.

Most people don't get to be choosy about what they buy, not like that.

And that's assuming the shops they have access to even carry what they want in the first place.

But that's not the case here.

As long as you can pay, you're practically guaranteed to have access to the highest quality goods possible.

Getting an opportunity to truly experience that seems like a great time to me.

Oh, so you CAN talk about something other than hairstyles.

Changing things up now and then is good, yeah?

I wanted you all to remember that the best pirates are also talented merchants.

So, what did you buy, Master?

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I-I know exactly what you mean.

Still, now that BB's given us these cards...

...it feels like it would be a waste to just wander around without actually buying anything.

I wonder if... Oh, I have an idea.

What if, instead of buying something for yourself, you got someone else a present?

We could put people together into randomly selected groups and have them each buy presents they think the other members would like.

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Right?

Good idea. This might be just the kind of thing we need to get us over our reluctance to actually buy something.

Yeah, this just might work.

Understood! Give me a minute, and I'll put together a drawing!