Section 9: Desert Dubai (Ⅱ) / Queen and Camel

You see? There are plenty of dates for everyone. Go on. Don't be shy.

Dates are a staple here, just as they are in my homeland.

They're made by drying out date palm fruit.

Of course, there may be no need to tell you about them, since I'm sure you've all had them many times before.

My point is merely that you're free to eat as many as you like. I'm quite fond of them, too.

Mmm, delicious.

Agreed. This simple sweetness and texture reminds me of dried persimmons.

I could eat these all day. (Munch, munch)

？！

Indeed. I suppose it just goes to show how seriously she takes her daily exercise routine.

Hup! Hup!

That's it! You're doing great!

But I think it's time for a break. Your muscles should be feeling the burn pretty well by now.

I can't stop here!

My summer duty is the protection and preservation of nature. I must remain in top physical form.

You really do take this seriously, huh?

Seems I shouldn't be using the usual metrics for someone like you.

All right, time for the hard course. Let's find out where your limits really are.

Give me another set!

Absolutely! You know, you have the makings of an excellent Master!

Hehehe. Such unwavering commitment to her principles...

She is a true guardian of nature and the desert, in every sense of the word.

She can be a little too earnest at times, but I would still love to have someone like her as a general in my army.

So, what happened with Molay after that?

Teehee. Don't worry, we were more than fair.

Once we've collected her fines, we'll arrange a legally binding contract with her and have her run a bank for us.

The only problem was that her moneylending operation wasn't legally authorized. As long as everything is aboveboard, there should be no issue.

There's no denying how high the cost of living is here.

And when customers are trying to decide what to buy, well... Hehehe, the more choices, the better, right?

She was happy to agree. Said it beat just sitting around a jail cell twiddling her thumbs.

I can't tell if you're being magnanimous or devious.

This desert feels a little different from my homeland, but it is still a fine desert indeed.

So as a queen, it is incumbent upon me to enjoy this desert and ensure it remains peaceful.

And economic stability is a critical component of peace.

That is why I have brought the Queen of Sheba in to serve as my financial minister. She has been a great help in that department.

Teehee, well, I do know a thing or two about making money in the desert.

...What do I know about the rumored Beast?

I have been vigilant. However, I have not noticed anything strange thus far.

If we did have to contend with a Beast, we would not have had time to concern ourselves with a loan shark.

I see...

？！

Hmm. I...don't know if I would say that...

Why? IS there a problem?

Not exactly. It's more of a...request I have for you. Though, I confess, one I am embarrassed to make.

Good point. If anyone's up to the task, it'll be Master and his crew.

Indeed. You see, we have been holding camel races to help drum up business.

Camel races! Right, I remember now! In the Middle East, they tend to race camels instead of horses!

That's right. I read about them as well. They're quite popular here.

？！

We do not take bets, but we do offer prize money, and of course, the jockeys' honor is on the line, too. They are very engaging to watch.

At any rate, we have received word that some jockeys will be unable to participate in the next race.

Their reasons are understandable. A sudden illness, a camel injury... Things of that sort.

Whatever the reason, we now need to fill... How many slots are we missing now?

Three, I believe.

Right.

We need to fill three slots. I am hoping you might be willing to do so yourselves.

You are all well-known around here, and having skilled competitors in the race will make things more fun for the spectators.

I know this is quite a lot to ask, and so suddenly to boot, so I certainly will not demand you claim first place.

Though of course, if you do manage to place high, you will be rewarded accordingly with prize money.

？！

That does sound like a great way to have fun in the desert, as much for riders as for spectators.

Speaking for myself, I prefer oceans of water to seas of sand. I will enjoy this from the stands.

Hm, sounds fun...but I don't have a camel.

I don't suppose I could ride my own steed, could I?

Oh sure, that would be perfectly fine.

My camel race is special, you see. Anyone who has a horse or mount of their own is free to use it.

I then use illusions and perception blocker spells to make them seem like they're riding camels.

So anything goes then. In that case, could I compete with my city mechanism?

A whole city is probably pushing it.

A car? Sure. But I can't really allow something to enter the race if it's too big to even qualify as a vehicle.

Damn. Well, I suppose a city my size could cross this desert in a single step, so it wouldn't be much of a race.

Hold on. If we can use any kind of regular-sized vehicle we like, wouldn't anyone driving, say, a car or a rocket ship have a huge advantage over anyone riding an actual camel?

Teehee, don't worry, I've got that all covered.

Whenever I cast the illusion that makes your ride look like a camel, I also apply a modifier that converts it to camel speeds.

Hm... I guess when you think about it, it's more of a curse, really.

At any rate, the modifier ensures that every racer moves at the velocity their vehicle would have if it was a camel...

...which means that everyone gets to enjoy a fair, pulse-pounding, super darling camel race!

All that said, I'd really rather racers competed with a camel wherever possible.

That's great! Then my steed and I can race after all. We're gonna go so fast!

Come to think of it, don't you have a camel of your own now, Xu Fu?

Wh-who, me?

W-well...I guess one did spawn when I got this swimsuit Spirit Origin. No idea why, though.

Really? That's perfect! Then you simply HAVE to compete!

I always love meeting darling new camels! (Starry eyes)

Damn, talk about pushy! If I had to choose, I'm actually more of a sailor than a jockey, you know!

All right, if Nikitich and Xu Fu are going to compete, that just leaves one more slot...

Why don't you take it, Mash? You should have no trouble thanks to Sir Galahad's Riding Skill.

I-I suppose... But, isn't that also true for you, Percival?

Well, yes.

But on the matter of enjoying camel races, the jury is still out as to whether it is better to spectate or participate.

Besides, if you do it, you and Master could team up and race together.

And since this is more of a festival event where it doesn't much matter who wins, then arguably, the best way to enjoy it is to take part in it.

I'm sure you'll have much more fun if you do so with Master than by yourself.

You can absolutely ride tandem if you like. Camels carry two people at once all the time!

？！

You too, Master? I didn't expect you to be so interested!

Still, I'm afraid we don't have a camel ourselves, or even anything we could use in place of one.

Oh, if that's all, I can just rent you one from my special flock. I have plenty to go around.

(Well, letting Master have a truly relaxing vacation IS one of our main objectives. So, I guess...)

All right. I'll do it.

I'll compete in the camel race, along with Master!

Hehe, so you're going to be one of my opponents? Now I'm really excited!

Dammit. Why'd I have to get stuck with some random-ass camel in this Spirit Origin...

Oh well. If you two are competing too, then I won't have to worry about trying to win.

I don't care about races, so if you only need me to fill a spot, I'll just plod along at my own pace trying not to get injured.

Besides, if I'm going to be riding my camel anyway, there are other things I'd like to do while I'm at it. Hehehe.

Wonderful. Then I'll show you to the starting line.

We'll begin the race once all the jockeys are ready.

So I suggest you take this time now to

... ...

Ah, a moment. Are you three planning to race dressed as you are?

Y-yes. Why? Is that a problem...?

Hmm... I suppose it's not my place to say anything, but you should know that around here...

...people can be criminally punished for unchaste behavior...

...so I advise you to pay close attention to your appearance and be careful not to dress inappropriately!

(Staring wordlessly at the pot calling the kettles black)

Yes? What is it?

All right, folks, this is it! The moment you've all been waiting for!

I'm Ms. Jaguarmura, your resident, famously beautiful jungle idol who for some reason prefers doing play-by-play at this table.

And with me to provide color commentary is the race's own executive producer, Sheba-nyan!

Thanks for having me.

I'm mainly here so I can watch my adorable camels giving their all from the best seat in the desert...

...so don't expect much from me.

That's our Sheba-nyan for you! I wish I could finagle a job where I got paid whether I worked or not!

Anyway, please give us the rules!

Of course. They're very simple. Every racer must start the race on their camel...

...and whoever first crosses the finish line after passing through all the checkpoints is the winner.

Racers may not attack another racer's camel. They may, however, attack each other.

So please feel free to enjoy a bit of battling while you race, but keep it within reason.

Hoo baby! That's the kind of talk that gets this jaguar warrior's blood pumping!

And now, let's introduce the racers!

Here they come!

Contestant number one is, who else? Queen Zenobia!

Hahaha, I never said I wouldn't compete myself! I'm quite a talented rider of horses and camels.

Do not hold back! Give me only your best!

Contestant number two is none other than our very own Master and Mash Kyrielight!

Th-thank you! I'll do my best!

Um, Master, I know you're already riding the camel so you can get used to it as quickly as possible...

...but could you maybe try waving to the spectators a little?

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You could also use the thing that makes that big "BWOOON" sound! I'd kind of like to hear it myself!

I-if you mean the war conch, I'm afraid I don't have it with me right now! Maybe next time!

Phooey.

Oh, by the by, our introductions are starting with the more normal contestants first. So...keep that in mind.

Next, contestant number three! Xu Fu, the terrifying summer fearmancer!

H-hi. I'm just here to fill an empty spot in the lineup.

If any of you are thinking of placing bets on me, I strongly encourage you to reconsider.

Not to worry. Here, gambling is a criminal offense!

Oh, okay...

Aaanyway, I'm just gonna do whatever. So...there you go.

Next up, contestant number four, registered to "Some Random Camel Owner," is Robot Jockey!

Robot Jockey...?

Oh, I read about these when I was studying! So they really are using one. Wow.

Makes sense. Lighter jockeys have a significant advantage.

Huh. Reminds me of Servantverse surrealism.

Our next contestants are all using camel substitutes! First up, contestant number five, the assassin from the North!

Even now, I still can't tell if she's a fellow cat or not: Dobrynya Nikitich!

Hahahaha! I'm gonna have so much fun!

Remember, I used my spell to change your mount's appearance and restrict its capabilities...

...so don't expect your "camel" to take to the skies in this race.

These next two, I'm going to introduce together, since they seem to be rivals.

Contestant number six: Madam Carmilla! Contestant number seven: Takeda Harunobuuu!

I only agreed to participate in this race because I was told I could show off my machine's true capabilities.

I don't know if I'll ever get used to driving across the desert on something that looks like a scarlet camel...

And I thought we were here to prove which red sports car is the fastest. Seeing my Kurokumo transformed into a camel gutted me.

Still, appearances aside, my faithful horse-turned-car-turned-camel isn't about to lose! You'll be eating the Takeda camel's dust soon enough!

Heh. Confident, aren't you, little boy? Do hold tight to that confidence, or this phantom thief will steal it, and your honor, from right under your nose.

Oho. You've got guts, challenging a Takeda. I look forward to seeing what you're made of, phantom thief.

Remember, even cars are restricted to camel-equivalent speeds, so you can have a fair competition with all the other jockeys, too.

And last, but certainly not least, we have an...unusual contestant who will be running the race himself...

Contestant number eight, the terrifying speedster of China...Reeed Haaare!

What? No, no, you got my name wrong. I'm Lu Bu, snort.

Oh. Oops. Must've been a mistake in your entry form. Sorry about that. Take two...

Reeed Cameeeeeel!

No... Luuu Buuu.

I took the liberty of casting my illusion directly on the contestant in this case. I hope you don't mind, sir.

Not at all. If word got out that such a renowned figure as myself was taking part in this race, it could cause panic in the streets.

You simply did what had to be done. Neigh-heigh!

And that's all our contestants!

Yes, these are the eight racers who will be competing for your viewing pleasure today.

Who will be the one crowned Camel Speedmaster when the sand settles!? Stay tuned to find out!

All right, is everyone ready? Then here we go!

Welp, now that we're underway...guess there's only one thing to do.

(Inhaaale...)

Come forth! Imaginary Lady Yuuu!

Oh, hey, Xu Fu. Riding a camel, huh? Seems like fun... Okay, sure.

Go on then, take me with you.

Yes, my lady! Believe me, I would love nothing more! Ahh, so I'm happy right now. If only this moment could last forever... Guhuhu.

All right, now that this trip is guaranteed to be a treasured memory for me and (imaginary) Lady Yu...

...I'll just have to make sure our trip to our destination is as safe and luxurious as if we were on our honeymoon. Wooo.

It looks like one of our contestants is already off in her own little world...but that should be entertaining in its own way.

We're really just racing for fun out here, so as long as everyone's enjoying themselves, the rest doesn't matter.

Whoa, that didn't take long! The racers are closing in on each other! Looks like we're about to see some contact!

We'll be showing you live video footage of each likely clash as they occur.

And don't worry, everyone. Thanks to my spell, it may look like the contestants are fighting a typical battle...

...but they're actually all being very careful not to harm the camels even as they get in each others' way!

Khh. You're Red Hare, all right. I'm still impressed by just how strong and fast you are!

？！

But that doesn't mean we're going to lose! I can just about keep up as long as I make good use of my Knight of the Round Table horsemanship!

As I keep reminding everyone, I'm Lu Bu.

And while I'm at it, I have a question. Why do you refuse to look me in the eye?

If I didn't know better, I'd think there was something wrong with my face.

Uh... N-no, not at... Um... (Still not looking him in the eye)

？！

Behold, Lu Bu from behind!

Now from the side!

Khhh! (Trying desperately not to crack)

？！

Coward? I don't know what you're talking about.

Who but Lu Bu could fly across these sands!? They did call me the Flying General, you know!

While I, Lu Bu, will always enjoy galloping across grassy plains...

...there is also something to be said for running through the dry winds of desert dunes.

Let's keep this pace up!

Hmm. I just realized I no longer see the road signs.

Oh! This must be a cunning trap...the Qi Men Dun Jia!

Sorry, but no.

Yeah, this cat thinks you got so caught up in enjoying your run, you didn't even notice you'd left the course.

Huh. When did I end up surrounded by wild camels?

Hold on. I can't run with you sticking so close to me. You must be fans of mine, no?

I'm happy to sign autographs, but I need you to form an orderly line first!

Heh. Not bad, little boy.

I'm still just getting started. You underestimate the Takeda at your own peril!

Now I'm seeing the camels that sound like hot rods. But they still just move at camel speed.

Whoa! They're drifting on their camels!

They're incredible camel jockeys!

？！

Yes, it is. And they both overshot it by quite a bit.

It seems their rides have so much horseuh, camelpower, that they struggle with tight turns.

We can't hope to match their speed, but we can still compete by being smart about our route!

Haha! I can see how you made a name for yourself in the North, Bogatyr.

Keeping up with me is no small feat, especially when you're not familiar with the desert!

I'm used to navigating treacherous tundra! Compared to that, sand dunes are no big deal!

And that's not all.

We've caught up to them, Master. However...

My whole goal for the summer is to enjoy myself. This race is no different.

So I'm focusing less on winning and more on just having a good time!

Oho, nicely done! Hm?

I'm not about to pass up this chance to get in on the fun myself!

Of course. I already expected as much. I've been looking forward to fighting you!

It looks like we have another race battle on our hands, Master!

？！

All right, the front-runners should be visible any second...

Whoa, hold the phone! That silhouette looks like...

I can't believe it! The first one to reach the goal is...!

Robot Jockey!

Since he didn't get in anyone else's way, no one got in his way, either.

It looks like not having anyone paying any attention to him meant he could just run the race at his own speed.

No, wait. By that logic, there's another camel still in the running!

Hehe. Hehehehe... Me and Lady Yu, together forever...

It's Xu Fu!

Apparently, she's just been going at her own pace this whole time, and none of the other contestants have even noticed her!

Now, thanks to her employing the "Tortoise and the Hare" strategy, she's taken second place!

It's pretty clear from the look in her eyes that she's still off in her own world, but it's like they say...

The best place to hide a tree is in a forest. Maybe the best place to hide from reality is in fantasy!

Oh, wait. What's this?

Oh, by the way, I can see Lord Xiang Yu over there, so I'm gonna get going. Byyye.

Aah! Lady Yu, wait! Lady Yuuuuuu!!!

Waaah! I've been holding it in as best I can, but my imagination just couldn't hold out any longer!

My image of Lady Yu is so perfect in every detail that it wound up TOO real!

...Huh?

UNBELIEVFABLE!!! With a surprise burst of speed, Xu Fu surges ahead to claim first place!

The winner is...Xuuu Fuuu!

Congratulations to all of you on a wonderful race!

Now for the banquet to celebrate our contestants, our producers, and our spectators!

Please enjoy the pleasures of the desert at night for as long as your heart desires!

Oh, and of course, we mustn't forget to celebrate the race's winner. She is the true queen of tonight's festivities.

I am afraid we do not have any alcohol, but at least make sure she has first pick of all our best meats.

？！

Heh. All I did was enjoy my imaginary date with Lady Yu.

Hehe. I might have lost, but I still had lots of fun!

Me too! This was a wonderful experience!

(And it looks like Master enjoyed himself, too. This gambit worked out great!)

Camel racing was already on our list of possible activities...

...so I'm glad to see you enjoyed it, Fujimaru.

Though I was surprised to see you taking part yourself.

We even got some prize money thanks to Xu Fu's win, so I'd say everything worked out.

I couldn't see the whole race since I had some business to take care of, but I did see you cross the finish line.

You all did great!

I knew this going in, but the desert really doesn't suit me, at all.

With so little rain or water around, I didn't have enough magical energy to make a small city-style motorcycle.

I know what you mean. I miss being surrounded by water, too. Not to say getting by is difficult here.

It's nice that it's not too cold, even now when the sun's setting.

For a desert, the temperature doesn't seem to fluctuate all that much. I think it's because of the terrain.

As I thought, there are some things you just can't grasp until you experience them for yourself.

I'm looking forward to enjoying an evening at a campsite in a comfortable desert.

It looks like the food's ready, too. That meat smells really good.

I think I'll go get some. Better load up my plate too, since I'm still a growing boy.

Of course, I see there are also mountains of dates to enjoy, as well as other sweets I'm not familiar with. My hopes are high.

Then what are we waiting for? Let's take the queen up on her generous offer and enjoy the festivities.

I just wish there was some good old-fashioned pirate rum to go around, too!

These shish kebabs are great. I love nice, simple dishes like this. Feels like just the kind of thing you'd eat while off on an adventure.

Seems kinda like peasant food, not a treat for royalty. But they're sure tasty!

Hm? Something wrong, Mante?

(Sniff... Sniff!) I was just thinking about how Ruggiero used to eat skewers like this all the time...

(Gasp!)

If I'm thinking that, then Ruggiero might be somewhere close by again! I've got to go look for him!

Hope you find him! But you probably shouldn't run around holding a skewer like that.

And now for some entertainment, starting with...belly dancing!

Next, I'll be doing a little fire dance of my own.

Ha!

？！

And now, the finale!

？！

I don't think you should be using the show for your own personal agenda!

Whoooa! Coool!

This is fun, huh, Xing-Xing?

It's so sparkly and floaty and burny! More! Mooore!

Yaaay, dancing! Performance! It's beautiful! I love it!

Well, everyone? Are you enjoying yourselves?

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Good. I am glad to hear it.

I tend to go to bed early, so just wished to check in before doing so.

Queen of the desert, I know I asked you this before, but...

You know how there's, um, supposedly a Beast somewhere around Dubai?

You still don't have any idea how that might have happened, or noticed anything else strange, right?

No, unfortunately. However...

I may have mentioned this before, but something does seem...off.

This is a good desert. There is no question about that. And yet, I cannot help but feel there is something different about it.

That may just be that it is not the desert of Palmyra I once called home...

...but for some reason, it also feels like the difference runs...deeper, somehow...

At least, that is how it seems at the moment.

I apologize for being so vague.

It may just be that the race has me overly excited and that is throwing my senses off.

You feel something is off, hm...

... ...

The opposite could be true. The excitement from the race could have sharpened your senses and helped you notice something you missed.

If your instincts are telling you something, it'd be a waste to dismiss them out of hand.

I didn't notice anything like that while I was racing. Though I guess I did imagine Lady Yu so vividly that she might just show up in my dreams.

How is that different from usual, you ask? It isn't! Wait for me, Lady Yu!

Oh. Speaking of dreams...

(Zzz...)

It looks like this fair lady has already set sail for dreamland.

Hehe, so she likes to sleep even earlier than I do. Good.

Do you have a ride back to your hotel? If not, I can arrange a car for you.

Unless, of course...

...you would prefer to take camels instead?

Here's today's report.

Molay seemed like a strong candidate...but it turned out she was only up to her usual tricks.

So, unfortunately, we didn't get much information from her.

Yeah. I wish we could at least determine whether this happened naturally, or if someone intentionally changed her.

Honestly, if it's natural, I don't think there's much we can do about it.

However, if it's intentional, then our top suspect is still

Yes, BB, the one who invited us here in the first place.

I know it might be late to be asking this, but...

...is it even possible to do what we believe she has?

Do we know of any technique, spell, system, Noble Phantasm, or law that could turn someone into a Beast?

And does BB even have access to any such ludicrous methods?

... ...

Methods, huh. Hmm...

I don't know what they could be, but knowing BB...I wouldn't rule it out.

She's basically always been a computer bug come to life, so... I'm sorry. I wish I could say for sure.

A computer bug come to life... What a scary thought.

In fact, my earlier rampage was caused by a computer bug. (Munching on chocolate dates)

I asked you to come too because I'm getting tired of keeping up this deception, so now that you're here...

Tell me this: What did you mean when you said I smell like the Servantverse?

Exactly what I said. I smelled it on you.

I don't know anything more than that.

Ugh. More questions are not what we need right now.

Anyway, let's set aside how this could have happened for the moment.

Should we look into BB again to see if she's responsible?

Oh, right. I thought I might learn something if I talked to her, so I tried to contact her when I had some spare time...

...but she never got back to me. Again, I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.

I can't even tell if our connection has been cut off, or if she closed it intentionally.

When you stop and think about it, we really don't know anything.

How did BB even end up ruling Dubai?

...Right, I just remembered. There's something I wanted to say about this city.

Its atmosphere feels...strange. And I don't just mean BB's additions.

There's something else. Something I only realized now that we've been here a few days.

I see... So what have you noticed?

Remember how Molay said she hadn't been able to perform her demon summoning ritual?

If she was telling the truth...then whatever is so strange about this world might have had something to do with it.

Yeah... The more I think about it, the more I'm realizing this place doesn't seem normal.

There's something that you'd absolutely expect to be here that I can barely sense.

No... Not just barely. I can't sense it at all. It's as though it just doesn't exist.

？！

...The scent of death.

I am the goddess of the underworld, so I can obviously sense the presence of death.

But I can't pick up even the faintest whiff of death in this city.

I don't know why that is or how it could have happened, but I can say this for certain:

There's something strange about this city.

So we still don't know whether BB is involved, or how she could have done this if she is. All right then, changing gears, I have a report of my own to make.

This has been on my mind for a while now: there's something strange about this city.

So today, I decided to investigate further and see if I could discover what that was.

Really? I've been so taken with this lovely modern city. What could be so strange about it?

I'll come right to the point: there's been something off with the map this whole time.

Take a look at this guidebook I got at the Dubai Mall.

It covers Dubai's history, of course, but it also includes a map of what it looks like today.

Yes, that's the same map we've been seeing since we arrived. What about it?

Bluntly, it's wrong. I thought something about it was off from the start.

No matter how I think on it, it just doesn't match with the map of Dubai I studied before we left.

Not to say it's totally unrecognizable.

It's little things like the topography not being quite the same, or certain buildings being swapped around.

There is a plethora of minor inaccuracies.

Hmm. Maybe you're just misremembering?

Not to mention, I know it's easy to forget, but we're actually in the year 2030 now, too.

Isn't it more likely that, in the time that's passed, things have just changed a bit from what you studied?

That's possible, of course. But I'm not the only one who's noticed these discrepancies.

Think back to when Passionlip was telling us about Dubai.

She studied it just like I did, and there were moments when she was confused just like I was, too.

I think the difference between this map and what she recalled must have left her bewildered.

N-now that you mention it, um, I don't know anything about this supposedly absent scent of death...

...b-but I have thought there was something strange about this city as well!

Like, most of the city is the same as what I studied, but there are some things that don't quite line up with what I remember.

I figured I was just messing things up like always, but now...

Well, um, I suppose that's still very possibly the case... Anyway, I just thought I would let you know...

Anyway, things like that have been nagging at me for some time now...

...so today, I decided to ask these two Servants we ran into at the breakfast buffet this morning to investigate.

I went to investigate the enormous tower we believe to be BB's stronghold...

...but the Bounded Field was so powerful, I could not get close.

The same was true for the plaza and water fountain at its foot.

I was afraid that might be the case. So it seems we really won't be able to get in unless we play by her rules.

I accompanied Percival in a survey of the outer edges of the desert during the camel race.

Oh! Is that why you passed on your chance to participate in the race yourself?

That was one reason, yes. I was looking for an opportunity to investigate the desert, and that seemed like my best one.

I would have liked to race myself, but if I had, I wouldn't have been able to focus on anything else.

At any rate, I'll get right to it.

Neither Sir Kotarou nor I were able to find the edge of the desert.

Whenever we tried, we encountered a kind of lost woods phenomenon which kept us running in circles.

So even if they were to head across the desert in a straight line, there's no way for anyone to leave this Dubai.

That's...definitely not normal.

No, it's not. But it is useful information.

Now there is one more thing we can say for sure about the oddities with Dubai. We will need to keep it in mind.

Of course, we still don't have anything conclusive to go on...

...so I'm hoping you two ninja will continue to work for us as our safety net.

Can we count on you to keep helping Master from the shadows?

Indeed.

Yes, of course.

If things take a turn for the worse, and something bad does happen...

...we will end it in the shadows before Master even notices so that he may continue to enjoy his vacation in peace.

That is how a first-rate ninja operates.

...Of course. The best possible outcome of this is concluding the trip without anything unusual happening.

It's still entirely possible that Ereshkigal's Beast transformation was just a coincidence...

...and it will fade away on its own with no one the worse for wear.

Right. However, now that we've come this far, we can't afford to let our guard down.

Tomorrow is the last day of our tour. Our job remains the same.

And one aspect of it is to gather as much information as we can about Beasts...

...so we can deal with this one properly and safely if it comes to that.

If there's something strange with the city itself, learning more about that could be helpful.

However, even if nothing further happens with this Beast matter...

...we still have another Order we must fulfill at all costs.

We need to keep what we're doing here a secret from the others...

...and make sure everyone returns from this summer vacation refreshed and rejuvenated!