The Final Singularity - Solomon
The Grand Time Temple (A.D. 2016)
(Credit to taiboo from r/grandorder)

Prologue:
(taiboo)

Somewhere underground...

>Maris-Billy: Well done, Caster. With this all of the other six Masters have been eliminated. The Holy Grail War has ended with our victory. What's left is to use my Command Spell to order your suicide, and then the ritual will be complete. The Greater Grail will be filled with the souls of seven Heroic Spirits, and the magic furnace meant to connect to the Root will be lit. By doing so, the Third Magic will take shape.
>Maris-Billy: The Third Magic materializes the soul. The humans that escape the shackles of their earthly flesh are freed from all the suffering borne of 'limitations', and move towards a new stage.
>Maris-Billy: You are a sacrifice for that purpose. You should understand that, don't you, Caster?

Of course; the Caster nodded. Whether it is the salvation or the growth of mankind, this was not a task given to him. Should the humans of this age desire growth, there was no reason for him to stop it either. Like he was in life, he will just do what is requested of him. At the very end of this Holy Grail War in the town called Fuyuki, all Servants are to be disposed of. Even in victory, he will be ordered to commit suicide by his Master.

>Maris-Billy: ---no, that was a joke. It was just a joke, Caster. I'm sorry, I may have spoken too lightly. I have no intentions of offering a helpful collaborator such as yourself to the Greater Grail. Nor will I use a Command Spell. In the first place, it wouldn't work on you.
>Maris-Billy: I won't activate the Greater Grail. I don't particularly care about the Third Magic either. I, no, we Animuspheres who reign over astronomy, must reach the Root by our own unique approach.
>Maris-Billy: We would never piggy-back on the theory of other magi. This miracle advocated by the Einzberns... From the beginning, I've had no interest in going along with these wishful dreams, like the materialization of the soul or the growth of mankind.

The Caster was surprised. Though Maris-Billy himself seemed unaware of it, this was the first and last time he had made a joke. That Maris-Billy's thoughts were different from what the Caster had seen and interpreted was something unexpected. The Caster asked a question: "Then, what."

>Maris-Billy: What I desire is this Holy Grail as a wish-granting machine, that's all. My wish is already decided. It's the completion of Chaldeas. To tell the truth, that thing in Chaldea is yet incomplete. It was built and established as a model of the Earth to convince the sponsors, but that is far from its original function. It is the same as this Greater Grail, Caster. Although the theory is complete, it is lacking that crucial 'fuel for movement'.
>Maris-Billy: This Greater Grail requires the soul of a Heroic Spirit, but my Chaldeas faces a problem more grounded in reality. In order to spin Chaldeas, we must monopolize the output of a power plant able to supply an entire country for about half a year. This requires an amount of money on par with a national budget. But the wealth I have on hand is insufficient. The hidden oil platform Serafix, the base for the French nuclear reactor we bought some days ago. This alone is already out of the question. My funds just aren't enough, y'know.
>Maris-Billy: ...ah. You can laugh at me if you want. After all, even when standing in front of this Great Holy Grail created by nigh-divine geniuses, I am wishing neither for eternal life nor to reach the Root. Instead, I'm wishing for "great wealth" like some commoner!

Saying that, Maris-Billy laughed. The Caster didn't find anything strange about this. The practice of miracles was his vocation. It was not something to be granted by the Holy Grail. In return, he had wished for time to be shortened. It was probably because Maris-Billy himself had a short life-span. In the ten or so years left to him, Chaldeas would not be activated. That is why, for the sake of hastening that activation, he joined the Fuyuki Grail War. He did not put himself in debt with the other Lords that are his rivals, and afterwards, without any noticeable disturbances to his funding, using methods that would not leave any traces or signs, he threw himself into this 'shortcut'.

>Maris-Billy: ...thank you, Caster. I believed you would understand. If you say so, then this ending shall be a secret only we know. It'll be fine if it is made known that the victor of the Holy Grail War that arose in Fuyuki was Saber and their Master... it's a pretty cowardly, sneaky way of concealing things. But if I don't do so, the other Lords would try and trip me up.
>Maris-Billy: No matter what I have to sacrifice, Chaldeas must truly activate. In order to protect the Human Order, no matter what that thing is necessary. Then, Professor Lev's Shiva will be able to observe not only the future, but also the light of the past. Pseudo-spiritron conversion projection--- the Rayshift theory will then no longer be a mere armchair theory.
>Maris-Billy: Why did the Age of Gods end. Why is the humanity foundation unstable ever since the Common Era began. As long as you can perform a Rayshift, those mysteries, those causes, all can be investigated with our own hands.

He was a man who possessed that danger inherent in all magi. Every word of his lacked morality. But, that smouldering enthusiasm in his chest, that boiling love for humanity, that was something unshakeable. The Caster expressed his agreement. This Holy Grail will not be used as a tool to reach the Root, but as a means of granting a 'personal' wish.

>Maris-Billy: Granting my personal wish, huh. Yes, that is ironic. It ended just as the organizers of this ritual propagandized.

The Caster laughed and agreed, as Maris-Billy too was laughing without being particularly annoyed.

>Maris-Billy: Well then, how about you, Caster?

The Caster was puzzled.

>Maris-Billy: Come on, didn't we just agree it is just as the Einzberns advertised? The Holy Grail War will grant the wish of the victor. That will be the Master, as well as their Servant. I wished for great wealth. So, what about you? What do you wish for?
>Maris-Billy: Changing the past is impossible, but re-interpreting it is probably doable. Or do you wish to incarnate into flesh and receive a second life?

'My wish. My wish. My wish.' The Caster pondered it. He had no freedom to wish for a thing such as his own wish, therefore, he had no wish; that is how he should answer.

>???: No---- I too, have a wish. Can I---- truly wish for anything at all, Maris-Billy.
>Maris-Billy: Yeah. Anything besides the life of me, your summoner, Maris-Billy Animusphere. My contractor and sole friend, Caster. No, the King of Magic, Solomon. If it is your wish, then it will be something that is right. Boldly wish for it.

The Caster fell silent. The corners of his mouth were raised, or so he remembered.

And the world darkened there.

In Chaldea, a member of the staff wakes Dr. Roman up. Roman apologizes profusely for sleeping at such an urgent time and asks if the route to Solomon's hideout has been secured. The staff assures him that the everything is progressing smoothly. Chaldea will come into contact with the final singularity in another four hours or so, and the spatio-temporal integration will begin along with your Rayshift. If it is within seventy-two hours of the commencement of integration, it is possible to escape the singularity by purging the eastern research block, allowing a transit back to Chaldea Observatory in normal space on December 31st, 2016.

>Dr. Roman: I see. Everyone, please take your last break. Even though it's only four hours, take a nap, eat something, have some fun chit-chat, leave a record... anything is fine. Refresh yourself and take it easy. In that time, I'll keep an eye on things around here.

The staff acknowledges Roman's instructions and leaves, telling him to call if he needs anything.
Alone in the command center, Roman reminisces about how it's been ten years since he joined Chaldea. Though it seems like a long time, it's gone by in a flash. It still doesn't feel real to him. Fou appears, and Roman wonders what brought the furry little thing here, since he would usually only appear to Mashu before you came along. He used to think Fou was like Merlin, someone who bore no interest in humans other than how they could be used.
This sparks some protest from Fou.

>Dr. Roman: As expected, I can't understand anything you are saying at all. I wonder if I could understand it in the past.

He says that he probably gets the gist of why Fou came, though - to ask if this is fine with Roman. Roman sighs that he just got a scolding from Magi☆Mari online too, telling him not to keep anymore secrets.
Roman wouldn't know how to explain anyway - why was he here, and what he did before he came here. Maybe he should say something like"Nothing really, I just signed up to try and protect humanity".

>Dr. Roman: But if they were to ask "how did you become the head of the medical department at such a young age?", I wouldn't really know how to answer either.
>Dr. Roman: Thinking about it, studies and research, and then investigations, I've been doing all that for ten years now. One day, I had a premonition that humanity would come to an end. I was awakened by something along the lines of "seeing a bad dream". Whether or not that was the truth, I had nothing to go on but my feelings. There was no material to deny it, nor any strong evidence to prove it.
>Dr. Roman: The only clue I had in hand was that Chaldea is the starting point. The only thing I had was the fear that I would only scrape something together somehow. That is why, like fleeing, running and screaming my lungs out, I did all I could for the past ten years.
>Dr. Roman: It's about time to bring the answer out. Although it's frightening, it's pleasant at the same time. When this battle ends, my uneasiness will vanish. Then finally, I will be able to use my free time as I please.

Fou comments, and Roman figures out that he's concerned for you.

>Dr. Roman: About the true identity of Solomon... well, as it turns out Kingu was a good sample case. I thought the Solomon that appeared in London was a fake, but there was no evidence to deny that hypothesis. A Heroic Spirit has many facets. The same Heroic Spirit can be summoned as a Saber or as a Lancer.
>Dr. Roman: That is why, even if the Solomon that has incinerated the human order and the Solomon of myth and legend may be of different natures, if he is surely the ancestor of magic, the real King Solomon, Chaldea as it is now has no countermeasures against him.
>Dr. Roman: There were times where I pessimistically thought this way, that this Grand Order could end in nothing but humanity's defeat. But now it is different. If it is as I predict, that Solomon has but one chink in his armor. ...yes, only one. If he is the real Solomon, yet also at the same time a pretender to the title of the King of Magic--- that Solomon must surely have an unreachable blankness. That is what I'm afraid of.
>Dr. Roman: It is not whether we can make use of this chance for victory. I fear my own thoughts when I am confronted with that blankness---

Mashu is dreaming of being in a peaceful little town. It is happy, utopian place with no war or hunger or discrimination. There is no one to hate, and nothing to fear. A place where the people are released from death and the emptiness of life.

>Mashu: ...no. I do not understand what they claim to be happiness. King of Magic, Solomon. This scenery of yours is something that I can only find scary.

It is another dream from Solomon. He appears, asking Mashu why she is scared.

>Solomon: To be free from life's fate, to be free from the fear of death, to be free from all troubles. Within the bounds of possibility, this is a world manifested according to what humans deem to be the form of happiness. What is so frightening about that, Mashu?
>Solomon: A promised tomorrow. An eternal today. A life that does not fear ceasing the next day. To you, this is salvation. "Just keeping on living is enough". I thought you of all people would understand just how wonderful it is.

Mashu replies that she does not know why he keeps coming before her, but she does understand that he is concerned for her, in a way. But still, wrongs must be righted.
Solomon is fine with that. As he has said, he is interested in Mashu's conclusion.

Mashu: You lament the end of life and preach of the wonderfulness of eternity, but I'm sorry. I do not understand that sadness, and I do not understand the goodness of eternity. That's because since death is given equally to all things, it is only natural for life to end. Without an ending there can be no sorrow, so I do not think living for eternity is happiness in itself.

Solomon points out that the people in the town are blissful. Does that not show that there can be happiness in eternity?
Mashu rejects that idea once more. The smiles of the people in this town are different.

>Mashu: Yes, a smile is something meant to overcome sorrow. It is because people know that time is limited that they try to smile as much as they can. But the smile of the people in this world is different. It's just something like "let's laugh because there's nothing to fear". That is not a smile, that's just an exercise of your facial muscles. Those who rejoice in life are those that live in the present, King of Magic.

She continues by saying she will answer the question Solomon once posed to her.

>Mashu: "Someone who lives because they are afraid of dying", you probably can't find such a person anywhere. We live for the sake of living. We run now because we can hardly wait for tomorrow to come. It is not a journey to escape the point of death, but a journey to run through the point of death. That is why, please--- do not deny this wish of wanting to live.

Solomon reflects on the question he once asked, and the answer that he was just given.

>Solomon: ...disappointing. How very disappointing. The only ones to be satisfied with that would be you yourselves who were at the scene. I have heard about you from the Demon God Flauros. How something short-lived created by humans would live on. Though I was quite interested in this sample case, that interest has waned.
>Solomon: There is no longer a path that can prolong your life. As you have refused eternity, you will die. Turn into dust, together with Chaldea. Like someone clinging on to life. A brave warrior that has overcome many lives and many deaths. Because there are some that misunderstand you that way.

He falls silent for a while before continuing to speak.

>Solomon: I am a little sad. You are nothing more than a helpless, average person.

An alarm clock rings, and you awaken.

>You: ...Yosh, it's time.

Da Vinci is there to greet you with a morning call. She tells you that the control room is prepped and ready, and that the Last Order will commence once you and Mashu arrive. But before that, there's just one thing she wants to ask of you.

Da Vinci: During this rest period, Mashu's diagnostic results were updated. The conclusion is that her body is almost at its limits. In terms of lifespan as well as in combat. There is not much life left in her, and she can only participate in an long-term operation for only one more time.

She complains that Roman doesn't want to say anything to Mashu, but you interrupt Da Vinci.

>You: Mashu probably knows.

Da Vinci calms down a bit. If it's you saying it, then it is probably right. Saying she'll see you at the control room, she ends the call.

When you leave the room, you bump into Mashu. She bids you good morning and asks if she can go along with you to the control room, perhaps picking up some light nutrition from the cafeteria along the way. You find it hard to say anything. Mashu says that it's normal to feel nervous at this time, as the pressure must be tremendous. She's feeling quite nervous too. But she's not worried, since it's always been this way.

Mashu: From Fuyuki to ancient Mesopotamia, I've not felt confident about carrying out my duties. But senpai, even if you get more flustered, you've always opened the way for me. That's why, no matter how heavy this mission is, even if humanity's survival hangs in the balance, as long as senpai is my Master, I will not be worried.

She calls you a worthy Master of Chaldea.

>You: Mashu...

Fou arrives, and Mashu asks if he'd like to go to the control room along with the two of you.

>You: (Fou is staring over here...?)
>Fou: .....Fou. Fou, Fou.
>You: ...Mashu should stay back in Chaldea.
>Mashu: Thank you, but that is not possible. I am senpai's exclusive Servant. Always, from that time we grasped hands in the collapsing control room. If senpai is going to fight, I will fight too. Even if it means reducing the amount of active time I have left.
>You: So you knew after all...
>Fou: ...

Mashu did, and tells you it's nothing special. Although she was raised in a special environment compared to other people, she does not feel sad about her life to date.

>Mashu: I do not view my life pessimistically. There was not one thing to feel sad about in my life. If there was, it would be that I cannot see what lies 'ahead'. I was happy. Everyone made it so. Even if I can only be active for a few more months, I want to be proud of it.
>You: But, this is---
>Mashu: This is nothing. I have already received more than enough rewards. That's because I was able to see the world outside. I never had a future where I could step out of Chaldea. But because senpai saved me, I came to know the colour of the sky. This trip for the past year is something that can't be substituted by anything, a treasure that I will not yield to anyone. That is why... that is why, I will face this last mission.
>Mashu: The King of Magic, Solomon, said. Life is worthless. Human history is meaningless. I reject that with all my heart. Even if it is a lost, forgotten life, the accumulation of people that live there is what makes the "now", and this is what I learnt on my journey.
>Mashu: ...indeed, I do not know the sorrow of life, and I cannot understand the suffering that the King of Magic spoke of. But I know the joy of life. Senpai, the doctor, and everyone in Chaldea, as well as everything we've encountered in the world so far, that is what taught it to me. So please, let me accompany you to the end, Master. To prevent the incineration of the human order, to demonstrate the value of humanity--- and to take back our future.
>You: ...thank you. Let's go, Mashu!
>Mashu: Yes! Mashu Kyrielight will be supporting with all her might!
>Fou: Fou, fou!

You arrive at the control room, where Roman is waiting. He observes your vital signs and notes you and Mashu are both in top condition. Your mental values in particular are quite high today. He asks Mashu what happened, and Mashu replies she bumped into you on the way here.
After a bit of the usual banter at Roman's expense, he adopts a stricter tone. This is the final stage after all. He begins briefing you about your entry into the enemy singularity.

>Da Vinci: In other words, it's a literal blitz and landing operation! It's even more reckless than Normandy!

Da Vinci takes over the briefing. There are three things to be done: invasion of the enemy fortress, defeating the King of Magic, and retreating from enemy territory alive.
She explains the structure of the singularity to you. It's like a small world of its own, a conceptual universe. If Chaldeas is a miniature replica of the Earth, the enemy's singularity is like a miniature replica of the universe.

>Da Vinci: Well, though we say universe, there's no other heavenly bodies in there. On a scale of a human it'd be considered the size of a cell.

She tells you that there is a single life in this universe, but it'd be best to leave it be. Immeasurable magical power is swirling at the center of the singularity, which is unmistakably the throne of the King of Magic. That throne is your destination, and she explains that you'll have to destroy the surrounding bases to open the way. Once you're in, you just have to defeat the now naked king and then make your way out on foot - Rayshifting can only be done at the contact point between Chaldea and the singularity, so you'll have to run back to the entrance.

Then Roman summarizes the battle plans once more for you: infiltrate the singularity, destroy the seven bases, assault the throne at the center, defeat Solomon, and then withdraw from the collapsing throne to the extraction point.
He further explains the nature of the singularity: it is similar in a way to the Great Holy Grail in Fuyuki. a single mage's Magic Circuits were extracted and turned into the foundation of the system. The microcosm of the human body is transformed into an actual universe. This singularity is similar - a microcosm created from a certain magician's Magic Circuit. Roman calls it a reality marble that can exist beyond the time axis.

The Grand Time Temple. Reality Marble Solomon.

Finally, it is time. Roman orders you to board the Rayshift coffins, under his authority as the deputy director of Chaldea. He firmly believes that you and Mashu will not lose to Solomon.

>Dr. Roman: ---then, let us start the last Order. Rayshift Program Start. The enemy is the King of Magic Solomon. The objectives of the operation are to defeat him, and your safe return!

---

Chapter 1: Sector of the Beast
(taiboo)

Seeing slaughter that is unbearable to see.
Hearing noise that is unbearable to hear.
That clairvoyance which can see through past and future embosses all truths.
I (the king) have no ability to close my eyes.
I (we) have no ability to shut our ears.
---Repulsive.

Repulsive. Repulsive. Repulsive. Repulsive. Repulsive. Repulsive. Repulsive. Repulsive. Repulsive. Repulsive. Repulsive. Repulsive. Repulsive. Repulsive. Repulsive. Repulsive. Repulsive. Repulsive.

This utterly disgusting truth will be shown.
This absolutely hideous way of living will be remembered.
In such an execrable environment, thinking of how to resolve the situation is a natural consequence.
But how? Even in a place where filth is cleaned up, humans would just breed more filth immediately.
The premise is mistaken from the start.

As long as there is life, this mistake cannot be corrected.
It has to be redone. There is no other way but to redo everything.
---everything shall be redone in a perfect form.
Not from history. Not from the ecosystem of life.
Not from the continents. Not from time.
---from nothingness.

We began our plan to recreate this planet from scratch.
For that, countless resources were needed.
A vast kindling was required.
For example, yes---
A heat source sufficient to burn all life on this planet.

Collecting it just once would be insufficient.
It would be more efficient to collect it from the future into the past.
One second. One minute. One hour. One day. One month. One year.
The heat produced at this time can be retrieved by returning to the past.
It is possible if that methodology is adopted.

About 3000 years' worth of the "greatest heat on the planet". When this is collected, bundled, and controlled, our great undertaking shall be completed.
O, to the machinations that we have scattered all over the earth. Our indignation is written here.
This is a trail left for our comrades who will come after.
Build the temple.
Accumulate the bands of light.
To destroy the human order all resources are required.
To forget the human order all time is needed.
---find your way to the final singularity. Therein, lies the throne of the King of Magic---

You've arrived at the final singularity. The Rayshift was successful, although along the way you were seized by a strange vision.

>You: ...It was the same as the image seen in Uruk...

Mashu is glad that you are alright. As for your surroundings, Da Vinci reports that this is no doubt the temple that is your destination.

>Da Vinci: And--- this reading is the same as that awful one we measured in Mesopotamia. A Saint Graph that does not fall within the seven classes, a beast of calamity that is called Humanity's Evil. The readings of Class Beast permeate this entire space!

Someone claps, praising Chaldea for its sharp nose. And Lev makes his presence known. Even though Mashu is immediately on guard, he greets you in a friendly manner.

>Lev: Although if greetings are unnecessary, let us talk about your struggles thus far. I have learnt of your battles from the other pillars. To think that immature Master would've come this far to stand right here. Even I can understand all too well human subtleties. That is why your efforts have my admiration.
>Lev: Well, that's just totally--- it's a filthy life that's enough to make me puke. Why can't you even manage to die off politely when it's something anyone can do?

Mashu does not care why he is still alive, but she does have a question to ask him: Did he get close to Director Olga-Marie from the start just to destroy mankind and Chaldea?
Lev says it's a question that fits her, wondering if she really wants to hear the answer. That perhaps he was on the side of mankind at first, and somewhere along the line abducted and brainwashed by the King of Magic?
Roman wants to hear that answer too, as Lev was a staff of Chaldea before he arrived. Chaldeas alone would be insufficient to restore the foundation of humanity, and Shiva, invented by Lev, has had an important role in getting you this far. He finds it unthinkable that Lev would have been on Solomon's side from the start. Da Vinci agrees, saying that she can't imagine she could be fooled for four whole years. She asks Lev when he became a demon pillar.

>Lev: Oh my, could this be. Romani Archiman. And Miss Da Vinci. What nostalgic faces. To think that the day would come where we could speak like this again. It seems that you care for my honor... no, human rights, or some such thing. But such concern is unnecessary. Since when was I the King of Magic's subordinate, you ask?
>Lev: Ki, kiki... kyahahahahaha! Such a thing was decided 3000 years ago! From the beginning of this plan, we have spread our schemes in advance all over the world! A lineage that becomes demon pillar after a hundred years. A lineage that becomes a demon pillar after five hundred years. And a lineage that only becomes a demon pillar after a far flung thousand years! Amongst those I was merely the one in charge of the year 2016! Thusly we were sown across the earth, like seeds in the ground.

Lev explains that the primary directive passed down through a magus's family line, the crowning designation, is called the Grand Order. That is the rule made by the King of Magic for this moment. The magi born from mankind will pass on their myriad beliefs and theories to their descendants, but those magi who separated from the "King of Magic" have survived through the ages for the sake of this point in time. Their genes are engraved with a curse which will allow possession by the demon pillars, to persist and survive until the era they are responsible for.

>Lev: And in 2015, at the point in time I became self-aware as the final supervisor, the end of your history was foretold. The resources collected were already "sufficient", as it were. But--- you keep on surviving, Chaldea. Why? Why do you survive? Was it my fault? No, that not it. It's because there was an impostor that slipped through my observation.
>Lev: Yes, Romani Archiman. I seem to have underestimated you. Or perhaps you played the fool in front of me for that very reason? If that is the case, what a pity. I thought we were friends. Medicine and magecraft, although we both walked different paths, did I not express my respect for your kindness and your futile effort?

Da Vinci jumps in to defend Roman, saying that Lev would not have been able to see through to Roman's human nature.

>Da Vinci: After all, this guy didn't place any trust in anyone around him until I was summoned to Chaldea.
>Lev: ...what did you say?
>Da Vinci: Although Romani is just an average person, if there is one point at which he surpasses any genius it would be his perseverance! "I don't understand the reason", "I don't know who could be the enemy", "in the first place, there's no guarantee that it'll even happen". Just like that, believing solely in what he saw in a dream of "humanity's crisis", he threw away his entire life.
>Da Vinci: He continued to wait, believing that things that could not happen would one day occur. He couldn't let the enemy discover that he had become aware. And so he talked to nobody about it. Because he did not know what would come in useful when the time came, he made the effort to learn everything that he could--- that was the decade that Romani Archiman spent. A hell of freedom without even a minute of rest.
>Da Vinci: For such a man, even if you were his classmate you would not be able to know his true nature! For he himself is an idiot who constantly underestimates his own capabilities, thinking that he is garbage or trash!
>Roman: Uh. No, is that so? I don't think I'm that bad.

Lev acknowledges that he already thought Roman was suspicious, and that is why he arranged for Roman to get caught up in the explosion at the control room. Alas, that plot was foiled thanks to you. Mashu asks if that is true, that you actually saved Roman's life.

>You: Yeah, that's right. Ah, how nostalgic.

Lev shrugs. What's done is done.

>Lev: Right now, our king is busy. After all the final calculations will be completed in just a few more hours. Normally it would be fine if I just let you be--- but it's a good chance. I'll correct my own oversight right here and now. There is absolutely no way for you to reach the throne. That is something I will prove to you now!
 >Lev: Listen well, I am the Demon God Flauros! One of the seventy two Demon Gods, and the one who rules over information!

Claiming that he's different from last time, Lev transforms into his demon pillar form.

>You: At this point, just one or two demon pillars is...

You battle Flauros, and take him down. However, he revives immediately, laughing all the while.

>Flauros: It's useless. It is all useless! Hahaha. Hahahaha. Hahahahahahahahahaha!

Mashu says that it is not restoration or recovery, but it is as if a new Flauros is being born.

>You: Perhaps this entire ground is...

A sudden shockwave impacts Chaldea. The staff report to Roman the extent of the damage: a damage rate of over 60% on the second aggressiveness theory, the northern observation room has been lost, and a great pressure is bearing down on the observatory's dome, which will collapse in five minutes and render Chaldea unable to keep you under observation. Chaldea itself is entering a foam state and being absorbed by the Time Temple. Amidst all the chaos, Roman manages to keep things together and begins directing Chaldea's defenses. Da Vinci lets him know that eight demon pillars are currently outside Chaldea and winding themselves around it.

>Da Vinci: I can sally out, but at most I'll only be able to take one pillar out in a fight! There can be no fundamental solution to this! We have no choice but to erase the singularity before Chaldea is crushed!

Flauros laughs again.

>Flauros: Hahahahahahahahahaha! That is impossible, that is certainly impossible, everyone! I am immortal. We are inexhaustible. We are the entirety of this space! Manifest, manifest--- my brethren, reveal yourselves to them!

Countless demon pillars begin rising from the ground. They are the seventy two demon gods, in the flesh.

>Flauros: You killed me? But what of it. We are always the seventy two demon gods. As long as this land and the throne still exist, our numbers will never be reduced! If you want to kill me, you must first kill all seventy two of my brethren! But where is the firepower necessary, where is your army? Such a thing no longer exists anywhere on earth!

As you are surrounded by the pillars, Flauros gloats that you have come to meet your own doom, jumping into the fire of your own free will.

>Mashu: We're unable to reach Chaldea! Master, what should we do...!
>You: ....no.

Flauros is impressed that you can still find the strength to glare at him even in this situation. Calling you the last Master and the last human, he thanks you deeply on behalf of his demon pillar brethren. You have been so entertaining after all.

>Flauros: Let's laugh off the resistance in the first singularity. Let's laugh off the passion in the second singularity. Let's laugh off the adventure in the third singularity. Let's laugh off the quest in the fourth singularity! Let's laugh off the advance in the fifth singularity! Let's laugh off the survival in the sixth singularity!
>Flauros: And as for the seventh singularity--- oh, this wasn't very pleasant. It was a third-rate spectacle that couldn't even get a giggle out of me. Let's forget about the seventh.
>Flauros: Anyway, your battles were truly entertaining! And above all, meaningless! The effort made to fight your way here! The desperation in having fought this far, yet only to face a pointless end! We rate it very highly! Thank you, and goodbye! Together with Chaldea, this journey of yours comes to an end here! Haha, hahaha.
>Flauros: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

The demon pillars strike, and everything goes black.

>You: ...as expected...
>You: ...it was useless...

A voice calls out to you.

>???: No, it's a funny story precisely because it's meaningless. Is it not a little too early for you to give up?

And a shining bright light drives away the darkness.

>???: Your battle has been a long journey throughout human history. But there is not a single thing to be pessimistic about. That is because there were innumerable fateful encounters waiting for you.
>???: Even if this entire planet becomes the battlefield that is the Holy Grail War. Even if this earth has lost everything and fallen into ruin. Even if at the end of your path, numerous strong enemies stand in your way... you did not give up. You would glare towards that sky where no one has yet to determine the ending.
>???: That has not changed, even now. Now--- let's begin the battle, Master. After all, isn't this a story where you will reclaim the future, together with us?

On Chaldea's end, the eight pillars attacking them have also been destroyed. Roman praises Da Vinci to no end but she takes no responsibility for it.

>???: The world of humanity is guaranteed to prosper for thousands of years. As the Age of Gods end and the Common Era begins, humanity became the most prosperous species on the planet. We mark the end of the planet's journey. We are the ones who will inscribe its epitaph. For that reason we have nurtured countless knowledge, created countless resources, and transmigrated countless lives.
>???: A principle that lengthens humanity's existence, makes it more concrete, makes it stronger and prosperous--- a navigation chart to guide humanity's way. In the world of mages this is called the human order. They at Chaldea continue to honour and protect this principle.

In Chaldea, Roman can't believe his eyes. He wonders if the measuring equipment is faulty, as summoning rituals have begun one after another all over the singularity.

>Dr. Roman: It's happening spontaneously without a catalyst or a summoner! Brought together just this once by the bonds that tie you to them! Saint Graph reaction, ten, twenty, thirty---- and it's still increasing! This is!
You: Everyone, you came...!

The demon pillars are detecting the increase in the Servant numbers and sharing the information, trying to coordinate their response to their new enemies.

>Baal: Eastern terminal nerve, burning. Enemy Servants, increasing.
>Gaap: Western autonomic nerve, damaged. Enemy Servants, twenty four in number, identified.
>Ose: ---they are insufficient to best us. No matter how many of them gather they are ultimately extensions of humans. They are not a hive like we are. They are things that have no choice but to move individually and fight individually. Destroy them. Subjugate them. Eliminate them. Servants are of no threat to us. A factor that would cause we seventy two demon gods to face defeat would be---
>Baal: ----eastern terminal nerve, destroyed. First to eighth pillars, unable to maintain normal values.
>Gaap: Western autonomic nerve, destroyed. Twenty sixth to thirty third pillars, unable to maintain normal values.
>Raum: Left and right basal bone walls, damaged. I propose a retreat from this space.
>Ose: What is this. Why are we losing? Why are humans who refuse mutual understanding now cooperating with each other---!
>???: ...yes. Certainly, we are living things captured by greed. This does not change even if they are Heroic Spirits, or rather, it is because we are Heroic Spirits that our beliefs cannot change. But despite that there are still those that would believe in us. Someone that would believe that we are heroes even after glimpsing our countless conflicts.
>???: What would a Heroic Spirit be if they did not answer this faith, this call? My Lord. Once more shall I raise this flag, for the sake of the country--- no, the world's salvation.

Jeanne D'Arc reveals herself, her flag held high.

>Jeanne: Listen, o peerless, mighty Heroic Spirits who have gathered here! Even if you were sworn enemies, even if your times never crossed paths, now is when you entrust your backs to one another! We are not here to prevent the incineration of the human order, but to open a path for our contractor! My true name is Jeanne D'Arc! In the name of the Lord, I shall become your shield!

The gathered Heroic Spirits raise a cheer, and Mashu watches the sky, amazed.

>Mashu: Those are... countless meteors streaking through the sky---
>Dr. Roman: Ah, they're all Servants! It's amazing, they just keep coming one after another! And I can't explain the reason why! Since this singularity is outside of time, maybe a path can be made? Well, who cares about such a thing!

Whether it's a Heroic Spirit you once met or one you fought, Roman explains that some of them must have desired to lend you their strength. That is why they rushed here when you were in a pinch. At any rate, you have a one-in-a-million opportunity here: since the Servants are fighting and pinning down the demon gods, all seventy two of them are currently engaged in battle. There will be no better time to eliminate them.

>Dr. Roman: Open the way to the center! There's only a few hours remaining!

---

Chapter 2: I / Blast Furnace Naberius
(taiboo)

>Naberius: Activating. Activating. The nine pillars that administrate the blast furnace. They are: Zepar. Botis. Bathin. Saleos. Purson. Morax. Ipos. Aim. We nine pillars are the ones that know of sound. We nine pillars are the ones that weave songs.
>Naberius: In the name of the "Seventy Two Demon Gods", this light of ours shall never be extinguished!

Mashu reports the appearance of nine demon pillars. She fears that the numbers may be a bit too much to handle.

>You: It's way too many no matter how you look at it!
>Jeanne: What are you saying? Shouldn't you be used to demon pillars of this level by now?
>Siegfried: Seriously. It's the first time I'm seeing it, but to think that you were fighting these things. How frightening. I can't help but express my deepest respects for you. Even though it may be a trial you can clear on your own, let me be a busybody and join in.

Mashu is happy to see Jeanne and Siegfried join the fray. Jeanne tells you to give her the necessary instructions in order to place this sector under your control. Compared to a certain heinous witch, she thinks these demon pillars are a far easier foe.

>Jeanne: We are the Anti-Evil Dragon Alliance, and now is the time to reward you for your hard work in Orleans!
>Marie: Yes, that is so, Jeanne! And Vive la France, Guda-san! I am so pleased to be able to meet you once more! Come on, Amadeus and Sanson, say hello too!
>Sanson: N-no, I don't really look suitable for this, so I'll be fine just being a force from the shadows...
>Amadeus: Huh, what are you saying, you punctilious man! To think that you would still be worried about your looks at a time like this! What has passed is past. It can't be helped if people care about a poorly received concert. See, the thing about the masses is, they don't have very sharp memories, yes? By playing your best right now it'll wipe away most of your failures in their mind. It's unbelievable that you would still not understand such a thing at your age...

Marie, Sanson and Amadeus appear, the latter two bickering as usual. Amadeus begins talking about how he did not let his failures as a composer in Paris get him down, and Sanson retorts that Amadeus is just an irresponsible piece of trash that flees when the going gets tough.

Amadeus is unfazed and swiftly responds that if Sanson is so much more responsible, why not demonstrate it to everyone? It's the least Sanson can do after the trouble he gave your team in France. As Amadeus continues attempting to guilt trip Sanson into helping out while in the spotlight, Mashu steps in to stop the squabble. Amadeus greets Mashu pleasantly, addressing her as fraulein. He wonders if she still remembers the advice he gave, though he soon decides that it seems unneeded now. He asks if you are ready for the demon pillar subjugation to begin.

>Amadeus: ...to tell the truth, I have something of a relationship with these guys. Fortunately, I had no interest in becoming absolutely obedient to these "Seventy Two Demon Gods" or whatever they are. I've long since sold my soul to music, you see. So I guess someone else became Amdusias instead.
>Amadeus: Or perhaps----
>Marie: Oh? What might it be, Amadeus? For some reason, you seem to be looking this way with an expression full of tenderness.
>Amadeus: It's nothing. I just briefly remembered a miracle, that's all. Well then, shall we sound the drums of war, Guda-kun!

Saying that there are a lot of helpers this time around, Amadeus urges you to finish the battle swiftly so that you can hurry to the next venue.

---

>Zepar: I have not heard of this--- I have not heard of such predictions! What is Control doing? Impeach! Impeach! Impeach! Being invaded is an unforgivable mistake! For us to be pressured by common Heroic Spirits, it is clearly a flaw in the design---
>Kiyohime: Oh. How unsightly it is to be so blind to your own immaturity. It is not the fault of your 'Control'. If it is for the sake of my Master, this Kiyohime will go to the ends of the earth or the ends of the universe. These are all the transcendental acts of a maiden in love.

Elizabeth agrees with how unbelievably unsightly it is. She begins lecturing the pillar on how to improve its insufficiencies - having 71 back-up dancers looking identical to it, for one, just messes up the performance.

>Elizabeth: If you are in the leading role, don't whine. Can you see the Master over there? You're still three years early to be a match for the little puppy. Go freshen up and try again!
>George: Hm. It would be easier if this was enough to reform their hearts, but it seems that they do not have any hearts in the first place.

Though George is more surprised at the moment at the sight of Elizabeth actually recognizing evil and having the conscience to try and reform it.

>Martha: Hehe. There are many types of dragons, St. George. Dragon equals evil... perhaps it is about time you change that way of thinking? In the first place, if you sincerely duel, I mean, debate with evil, it is possible to understand each other.
>Siegfried: ...I see. So it was such conviction that I was lacking. Even Fafnir could not abandon his greed for treasure. There was a way for us to understand one another.

Siegfried wonders if things would have ended differently if he had Martha's kindness. Suddenly, d'Eon protests, saying that Siegfried should learn to look at people better, before apologizing for having this outburst in the middle of battle.

>d'Eon: Ahem. Sir Siegfried, would it not be better to rightly evaluate your own achievements a little bit more? I will not tell you to learn from that pervert over there, but at least gain some of Sanson's level of objectivity.

Amadeus is aggrieved at being referred to as a pervert, and asks d'Eon to criticize him where he cannot hear, if it must be done. Claiming to have a sensitive, glass-like heart, he sulks and begins talking about how tired he is and how he's going home.

>Marie: Ehehe. Worry not, d'Eon. Amadeus is just pushing self-blaming responsibility onto himself. He is a man that cares not for bad or good reviews. After all, he's a pervert that can't get excited by anything other than excellent music ♡

Amadeus, unfortunately, cannot deny it is the truth. He calls out Sanson for giving off a disgusting smirk when hearing Marie's comment.

>Sanson: That was not a smile! That was a look of pity! Rather than flapping your jaws, move your hands, you bastard!

Meanwhile, other Servants continue to battle the demon pillars.

>Vlad III: Hm. To think that there would come a time where these stakes that could skewer even twenty thousand soldiers are not enough. It is reasonable that worms would spring forth from rotten meat, but is this not a bit too much?

Carmilla gently scoffs that Vlad would actually sigh in front of you, saying that his melancholy darkness might make for a wonderful picture.

>Carmilla: How about showing your true nature, Mr. Dracula? Should you not show them the true worth of your spear this time around?
Vlad III: That hateful mouth of yours remains unchanged, vampiress. I see, you are in fact being diligent.

Vlad notes that Carmilla has been shouldering her duty well, wielding her Iron Maiden to the extent that her hand is already badly lacerated. He realizes that he was foolish to have been concerned about public opinion at this time.

>Vlad III: Here is the end of the original human order. There is nothing that I should fix. As the vampire wishes, let us reveal a dreadful monster...!

>Phantom: Silence, please... this is already the depths of hell, there is no grounds to hide your sin... Atonement is done by those above ground. We inhabitants of the underground, we can sing only of violence--- Oh, Christine, Christine! Sing for my sake, fall for my sake, for my sake, ah, for my sake, return above ground!
>Lancelot: FuuuuuuUuuuuuuuuuu--- Aaaaaaaaaa-----!

While the mad Servants caper, Gilles and Jeanne discuss strategy. Gilles reports that there seems to be no end to the enemy's numbers. They would have to gather a team of elites to punch through the center.

>Gilles: My flag alone is insufficient in terms of protection. ---will you lend me a hand, Jeanne?

Jeanne agrees. When they fight together, no enemy line has ever been deemed unbreakable.

>Jeanne: Let's go, Gilles. This is where we demonstrate the proof of our oath! My God is here-
>Gilles: Gather and roar under the Holy Flag!

Combining their strength, they launch an assault on the demon pillars, damaging them enough for Naberius to temporarily concentrate on regeneration.

>Naberius: Diffusion of terminal elements confirmed. Disconnecting from the Throne to focus on self-restoration. Zepar, Botis, Bathin, Saleos --- Reborn. Purson, Morax, Ipos, Aim --- Reborn. Blast Furnace Naberius, rebooting. Beginning expulsion of enemy Servants---

Roman is amazed that no matter how many times you defeat it, the number does not decrease. Siegfried says that without cutting it off at the source, it is practically immortal. But its strength can be shaved off. Jeanne suggests that as long as the pillars are constantly defeated, they will be forced to concentrate on their restoration instead of doing anything else. Da Vinci agrees quite enthusiastically, pointing out that the flow of magical energy to the Throne from Naberius's base is stopping. At the very least, this means that the nine pillars here will not be able to return to the central Throne.

>Jeanne: ---so, there is only one thing we have to do. If the demon pillars can resurrect infinitely, then on our part we just have to suppress them as long as our strength is willing. We will carve open the path to the Throne. Everyone from Chaldea, please go ahead first. May the Lord bless your path with His protection!
>You: Of course, leave it to me!

With that said, you part from the Orleans Servants and begin heading for the next base.

---

Chapter 3: II / Intelligence Room Flauros
(BlitzBlast)

>Flauros: Activating. Activating. The nine pillars that administrate the intelligence room. They are:
>Flauros: Orias. Vapula. Zagan. Valac. Andras. Andrealphus. Kimaris. Amdusias.

It only names eight, so I assume the ninth is him.

>Flauros: We are the nine pillars that comprehend the languages. We are the nine pillars that compose phenomena.
>Flauros: In the name of the Seventy Two Demon God Pillars, this diligence of ours shall never be extinguished...!
>Nero: Oho, so you've introduced yourselves as the Seventy Two Demon God Pillars... In that case, we, the Septem Montes Romae, shall oppose you!
>Nero: I have kept you waiting, [Your Name]. But Emperor Nero Claudius has made her long-awaited encore showing!

After a pause, Nero admits she has no idea what's going on. She recalls being in her office just a moment ago... and being in the wastelands of a new land (America), standing in a colosseum (Nero event?), and even being far beyond the sky (Extra). And now she's amidst a sea of stars, fighting a battle to decide the fate of the world in Solomon's Time Temple.

Nero really doesn't get what's going on at all. But she does know what she should do: fight. She points at the big disgusting thing right in front of her, and asks if it's your enemy. She declares this will be her chance to repay her debt to you, her friend, and swears to swing her sword of meteoric iron with all her soul.

Lu Bu roars. Boudica interprets that Lu got annoyed with how long Nero's speech was.

Boudica is happy to see you and Mashu again, and is especially glad to see your smiling faces. She's so happy, she thinks this must be some divine gift from her goddess Andrasta.

Spartacus is also happy to see that you've been fighting the good fight against the oppressors, and calls that the time has come to stand together. That is, as always, a very short summary of what he's actually saying because he talks weird.

Jing Ke notes you seem to be in a good mood, then observes that the current state of affairs is desperate enough to impress even her, the "embodiment of desperate situations". But now everyone's gathered to take down the Demon God Pillars. She muses that it's rather inelegant since there's no way she could take it down in one blow, but she still thinks there's worth in killing it. After all, Solomon is practically an emperor himself. But more importantly, there's nothing more delicious than a post-battle drink.

Boudica laughs that Jing seems to be in a good mood herself, and offers to cook something up if there's going to be a victory party. It'll be a once in a lifetime event after all, what with all of the people you've fought together with up until now. Jing thinks it's a good idea, and resolves to not screw up this time and actually come back alive.

Nero is delighted to see Boudica, Lu, Jin, and Spartacus, as she's managed to recall her memories of fighting alongside them. She's happy that her Guest Commanders, each strong enough to take on a thousand men by themselves, have gathered once more. Boudica also recalls how they all fought alongside Nero's army, then points Nero's attention to a whole bunch of Roman soldiers, all awaiting Nero's command. Boudica explains that they missed her so much they came with her.

>Roman Soldier: Three cheers for the Emperor! Three cheers for Her Majesty Nero Claudius!
>Roman Soldier: As Your Majesty's sworn loyal, elite First Legion, the first through tenth cohorts have all gathered here!

A massive cheer breaks out. Nero is astounded she has so many soldiers, but is also confused. She's pretty sure that, unlike a certain King of Conquerors, her army was not composed of Heroic Spirits. A representative of the army agrees, and explains that they're actually all just nameless spirits who'd normally be formless. But, he assures her, they are not afraid of the Demon God Pillars, for they are all children of Rome. The Roman soldiers have rallied under the colors of crimson and gold, and are awaiting Nero's orders.

Nero is briefly embarrassed, but regains herself.

>Nero: Listen to my words, my legion...
>Nero: ...Hm. I... am delighted.
>Nero: I say that from the very bottom of my heart. For as I am now, even if it is but a sliver I can see the way forwards.
>Nero: I can see my future. It may only have been an illusion I saw due to being at this temple at the very edge of time,
>Nero: but I saw that once history is properly restored, I shall be ousted from the position of emperor. In the end, I will groan in pain, alone...
>Nero: Having welcomed the thrice-setting sun, I shall perish. This path has already been established. It is an unchangeable history.
>Nero: But even so... Even so. Now, at this very moment, I am not alone!
>Nero: Even if that illusion were to come to pass, [Your Name], my Guest Commanders, and all those in my legion are all here!

Caligula shows up, and agrees. Regardless of the vision she saw, Nero is not alone. He echoes Romulus' words from the end of the Septem: Rome is immortal, for even if the empire itself were to perish its culture will never disappear.

>Caligula: You loved Rome. Therefore, at the very least we bygone spirits will reward you.
>Caligula: You are beautiful. It is fine for you to boast. Your beauty, your soul, they are sublime.
>Nero: Uncle, you... You... talked...?!
>Caligula: OOOOOOOOOOH! ROME IS, IMMORTAL! DEMON PILLARS, SMAAAASH!!
>Caligula: SMAAAAAASSSSSHHHHH!!

Caesar appears and tells Nero not to grieve. Caligula may have only been able to reclaim his reason for a brief moment, but he was able to say what he needed to say. Caesar then proclaims that this time, rather than oppose Nero, the other Roman emperors shall stand beside her. Not that Caesar even is an emperor, mind you, but he'll overlook that since it sounds nicer this way. After all, it's important to keep things brief when you're trying to inspire someone.

Nero is amazed even Caesar came to her side. She starts to talk about how happy she is Caligula came to praise her too, but then decides to set aside the small stuff to focus on how the Illusionary Emperor and the Third Roman Emperor are now her allies. Caesar isn't too happy with the title "Illusionary Emperor", but decides to just let it go.

>???: ...Nero. My beloved child, now is the time of announcement.
>???: Speak. Roar unto the heavens a grand order. For now, Rome shall assist you and [Your Name].
>Nero: ...!!
>Nero: I could not have possibly misheard that. That echo, that dignity, they are unmistakably that of the Founding Ruler...
>Romulus: I [ROME] AM HERE.
>Romulus: With my lance, my strength, and the entirety of my exploits, I shall smash this foe of you and your sworn friend to dust.
>Romulus: Do not fear. Banish your doubts. Stick out your chest in pride. For now, all of Rome rests within your body.

Just like with Caligula and Caesar, Nero is stunned to see the Divine Ancestor of Rome.

Romulus relates to Nero something he once told his father, the God of War. Humans, with their ability to love one another, are a shining existence. Across history there have many evils who have tried to snuff out that light, much like the Demon God Pillars now swarming before you. But, Romulus laughs, it's all futile. The Age of Gods has come to an end, with Rome serving as proof. It is now the Age of Man, a time of adventure.

Romulus calls out to Nero, you, and Mashu. He tells you that humans are beings that love other humans. Everyone on the scene stops to ponder this for a bit.

Romulus then shouts that Rome is the adventure he desired. As such, he addresses the legion,

>Romulus: You may prove yourself! You may battle! You may attain victory! You are all permitted to do whatever you please!

The soldiers break out into cheers for Nero and their Divine Ancestor.

>Nero: Hm. Hm...!
>Nero: To all those who wear the colors of crimson and gold! I and Rome alongside me promise you the glory of victory!
>Nero: Let these Demon Gods comprehend that they shall be defeated and leave this scene.
>Nero: Let these Demon Gods watch us fill in this constellation of despair etched across the sky with a never fading radiance.
>Nero: ...Now! Let the final battle begin!

---

Waver is pondering over what Flauros said about being the pillars that understand the languages and compose phenomena. He rattles off all the names again, and notes that while about half of the 72 Demon Gods are supposed to administer over wisdom, the 59th through 67th pillars in particular are especially connected to knowledge and science. But despite having put their brains together, whatever battle plan they were able to compile was no match for the combined forces of Rome. The brute force approach carried the day, it would seem.

Waver knows he's tempting fate, but he figures one more push should do it. But only if he and Alexander play a role in that push; he asks if Alexander is prepared, and Alexander confirms he's ready to go trample over those nine pillars at any time. Sure he probably can't actually topple them over, but that's what makes things interesting. Not to mention the fact that this looks to be a long term battle: Alexander's thought up at least a hundred plans and wants to try them out. This makes Waver exasperatedly admonish Alexander that less is more.

But while normally Waver would recommend pruning those hundred plans down to maybe ten, given the inexhaustible supply of enemies it might actually be better to have a surplus of plans. He grants Alexander the freedom to whatever he pleases, though Waver does warn him to keep an eye on his magical energy reserves.

Waver then turns his attention to the Time Temple itself. Analyzing it in its entirety is far beyond his capabilities, but if it's just the place he's in right now he can figure something out. This next bit is magibabble so I can't say I fully get it, but the gist of it is that this position is connected to a massive three dimensional magical formation at the center. Alexander is impressed at Waver's insight, and concludes that that formation is being fueled by the pillars. He thinks the situation is a little unpleasant, as he's getting a bad feeling from their "creepy magical energy".

Waver tells Alexander not to worry about that now, and to instead focus on their current advantageous position. Waver offers to create a magical energy channel from him to Alexander, noting that while he may no longer be a Master he should still be able to do it. Alexander accepts and tells his teacher to do whatever he wants.

>Waver: That's what I should be saying... Well, whatever. I will serve you to my very limits, my King.
>Alexander: I am well aware, my future retainer! Now, let us rampage across another battlefield, Bucephalus!
>Bucephalus: ...!!

But before that, Alexander notes, there's still one thing left to deal with: his future worthy rival.

>Darius: *roar*

Waver wonders if Darius is just barely being restrained, but then notices that actually it seems like Darius has no intention of attacking. Alexander laughs, and confirms that Darius is being patient. He addresses Darius as the man he considered to be his finest rival, and as the final emperor of Persia's Achaemenid dynasty. Alexander as he is now may not have personally clashed with Darius, but he knows him well enough to say that he doesn't hate him. Rather, Alexander likes Darius. And while he can't speak for his future self, he's pretty sure Iskander didn't hate him either.

>Darius: *roar*

Alexander knows he's been keeping Darius waiting, and admits he'd like to fight him too. Especially since they couldn't fight back in Rome. But unfortunately, Alexander apologizes, now is a bad time. Waver is silent for a bit, then points out that in all likelihood Darius can not understand Alexander's words. His level of Mad Enhancement is just too high. As such, there's no point in trying to hold a conversation with him. Alexander sees Waver's point, and laughs that that's why Waver's his scholar. But still, he asks Waver to let him say his peace before they start the second assault.

Alexander asks Darius why he's holding back his impulses. His entire existence should be devoted to killing Alexander, so why is he fighting the Demon Pillars? An easy explanation would be that it's because if the world were to be destroyed, Darius would never be able to fight Alexander. But Alexander doesn't think that's the reason.

>Darius: *roar*
>Alexander: That's right. What if, incredibly enough...
>Alexander: What if you actually want to fight alongside me? Wouldn't that be the peak of madness?
>Darius: *ROAR*

Darius ascends to stage 3.

>Waver: A Saint Graph Readvent? Alexander, you've stimulated him too much!
>Alexander: Ahaha, it was just a little joke. But look, he really isn't attacking me. The man I know would...
>Alexander: ...No, I shouldn't take any longer.
>Alexander: Sorry for making you wait. Now, let's go you two! Darius III, and Lord El-Melloi II!
>Alexander: My future worthy rival, and my future retainer! Let us run forth together!

Over with Nero's group, Lu and Spartacus are having the time of their lives fighting.

>Jing: Don't use your Noble Phantasm at such close range, Spartacus! Lu Bu, you're too far forwar- Oh forget it!
>Jing: Mow them down, break through, and advance! Right now, nothing's more appreciated than your sheer destructive power!

Lu roars, apparently in annoyance at being ordered around, so Jing exasperatedly apologizes. She groans that she never thought she'd be doing this, and wishes from the bottom of her heart for this to end already so she can get drunk. She then wonders where Boudica is, since normally she'd be the one in charge of keeping everyone safe, but then she realizes the answer.

>Jing: Good grief. Is this really the time for that? ...I'll leave them be for a bit.

Elsewhere, Nero is commanding her legion to not falter and to press forwards, though she does add that if anyone thinks they can't hold formation any longer than they should call out her name to alert her. She shouts that soon there'll be another charge, with the goal of cutting the "pillar of meat" to pieces immediately. Then she gets a brief headache, which annoys Boudica. Boudica doesn't know if Nero is a Heroic Spirit or a regular human right now, but she's participating in a war effort so she shouldn't push herself so hard.

>Boudica: It's my role to risk my life. As the emperor, you're the commander of this legion.

Boudica goes on a brief tangent to observe that some reinforcements are coming from the right flank (probably Alexander and co), then gets back to admonishing Nero for trying to put up a tough front. Nero apologizes, and explains that her body is so overflowing with magical energy that she can't control her own passion. She admits that even a genius like herself has her troubles, such as her uncontrollable headaches. In response, Boudica is amused at how obedient Nero is being. What kind of emperor is she? Annoyed, Nero starts to boast about how she's a wise ruler who's always met with thunderous applause before she cuts herself off.

>Nero: ......No. I, am most certainly not a wise ruler.
>Nero: I have no excuse. Even now, I still recall the incident in Britannia. What happened to you...
>Nero: What happened to you, your daughters, and the entirety of your home. I attained rule through unjust means.
>Boudica: It wasn't your own decision. It was one of your governors acting on his own. As a Heroic Spirit, I now know that.
>Nero: The recklessness of my retainers is my own failing. As emperor, I am responsible.
>Boudica: Well, I suppose so.
>Boudica: ...Oh, stop blaming yourself to try and make me feel better already.

Yes, Boudica swore she would never forgive Rome for the rest of eternity. Her flogging was unpleasant, but that alone would've been alright. Yet instead Nero's Rome would go on to disgrace Brittania's women and raze its cities. The agreement her husband had drawn up was completely ignored, and the Romans did whatever they pleased. Nero is silent in the face of Boudica's rage.

>Boudica: However. My revenge has long since ended. As such... I'll stop this tale here.

Boudica muses that it's possible her Saint Graph may have been tampered with, but she's not too familiar with that kind of thing. Regardless, she is who she is now, so there's no need to talk about the matter any longer. Rather, shouldn't Nero have her own complaints? Boudica killed a mountain's worth of Roman women and children after all, all in front of their begging paren- Nero cuts her off there, and apologetically says that if Boudica keeps talking about that it'd only end up perpetuating a cycle of revenge and regret. After a pause, Boudica agrees.

>Boudica: I died long ago. As a Heroic Spirit, I'm just a shadow carved into history, not the actual person who lived back in those bygone days. So listen up, Nero!
>Nero: H-Hm?
>Boudica: As a me that's not actually me, I should be able to forgive the emperor who might be the actual person or might be a Heroic Spirit!
>Nero: ...!

Then Jing yells at the two of them and asks how long they plan to leave babysitting Spartacus and Lu to her. This gets Nero to remember the fight against the Demon God Pillars is still going, so she apologizes and hurries off.

>Jing: Were you able to talk about it?
>Boudica: ...Thank you. I can give it my all now.
>Jing: Don't worry about it. Anxiety should be sliced away.
>Jing: Now then, let's head off to a genuine final battle. The battlefield lies in wait of brave warriors!

Cut to Stheno, who's just watching all the people fighting. It's a familiar sight to her. Heroes seeking glory, spilling blood, and rending flesh. They are gallant, and yet also wretched. To her, a hero's tale may as well just be a decorated dish of meat.

>Stheno: It's a showy sight, but the truth is more cruel. Don't you think so, Altera?
>Altera: ...I can not answer that question. I, can not feel anything.

Stheno isn't too sure about that. From her viewpoint, the current Altera looks quite human-like. Compared to how she looked 14,000 years ago, she's practically a different person. And she's not just talking about the scale of Altera's Saint Graph.

Stheno relates that while Medusa may have forgotten, she and Euryale still remember the events of 14,000 years ago. How the ancient gods (who she refers to as concepts) lost to Altera, the giant who fell from the stars. Or should she say Altera came here from across the sea of stars? In that sense Stheno and Altera are the same, but there was also quite a large difference between them.

>Stheno: You were destruction incarnate. Whether our origins were of the sky or of the earth, you defeated all of us concepts.
>Stheno: Your existence is a trauma to the twelve gods of Olympus.
>Stheno: ...But how about now? Which side are you on?
>Altera: I was summoned here through my connection to [Your Name]...
>Stheno: I see. So then you stand on the side of humans. Being snatched away before you could be recovered must have been quite the hassle.

Altera doesn't get even half of what Stheno is reminiscing about. Actually, Altera doesn't even really know that much about herself. It must be because she's just a Heroic Spirit who's been cut off from the main body, so she's imperfect. She only remembers being the Great King of Destruction who ran rampant across the lands, not being a giant. Stheno supposes that means the data was corrupted, which she thinks is a stroke of good fortune.

>Altera: However, this is what I think as of this moment.
>Altera: Though I may be destruction incarnate, a mechanism for destroying civilizations...
>Altera: Everything coming to an end here would be unpleasant. I do not want to end as something that knows nothing beyond the sword.
>Altera: I want to gallop like the wind across the meadows on a horse.
>Altera: I want to dress up as if I were a bride. And someday, I want to try making something delicious.
>Altera: I, don't want things to end yet...
>Stheno: ...Ah, what a turn of events. It has been much time, but I thought of you as nothing more than an incarnation of destruction.
>Stheno: And yet to think I'd hear THAT from a dead soul that became a Heroic Spirit. How utterly gauche.
>Stheno: If that's how it is, I owe you an apology.
>Stheno: I am sorry, maiden of the meadows who bears the name Altera.
>Stheno: ...You have long since been a human.

Back to the pillars. Orias can't comprehend why a mish-mash of Heroic Spirits and nameless souls "who know not the true value of the Age of Gods" have gathered against them, and for that matter why they're winning. Romulus responds that as the embodiment of Rome's thoughts and wishes, they have no reason to lose against something as piddly as lumps of fear or despair.

>Romulus: How pitiful, I suppose I should say. Furthermore...
>Nero: Hm? What is the matter, Divine Ancestor? Why did you suddenly turn your crimson gaze to another directio-

Everything starts shaking.

>Boudica: This sound! Something... Something is falling on the Demon Pillars from the sky?!
>Jing: What an incredible amount of magical power...!

A huge flash of light.

>Nero: A pillar of light sliced through the Demon God Pillars...! I've never seen something so dazzling! Just what is this?!

And cut to Altera, a little bit away from the main actors.

>Altera: ...Teardrop Photon Ray [Star of Tears, Sword of the War God].

Altera comments on how the attack is a little excessive considering her Saint Graph, but it makes for a good first strike. She then calls out to the Romans, saying that while she is here to destroy, this time the target isn't their civilization. Instead, she wants her destruction to actually be constructive.

Back with the others, Nero realizes she's looking at Altera's sword. She comments on how this sudden strike on the Demon God Pillars has changed the mood of the scene, then declares that it's her loss. She is immediately confused why she said that, so I can only assume it's an Extella reference.

Meanwhile Boudica is astounded at the power of Altera's Noble Phantasm, and remarks she definitely didn't see that last time. Lu and Spartacus are very excited now, which causes Jing to try and calm them down so they don't chase after the magical energy. But then she realizes that magical power-wise the Demon God Pillars are still up top, so she changes her mind and lets them follow their instincts. Lu roars, presumably in delight.

>Caesar: ...Divine Ancestor. That is the Sword of Mars, isn't it.
>Romulus: Mm. You are not mistaken.
>Nero: Mars... Oh, now that I think about it, Altera DID like the God of War quite a bit for some reason or another...
>Romulus: Nero, it seems you do not know. That is the real thing... The sword of my father, the God of War.

Nero is shocked, and Romulus proceeds to exposit about how Teardrop Photon Ray is a virtual manifestation of Mars himself in upper orbit who proceeds to swing a giant sword of light. In ancient times, it was the physical form of the concept of battle. I'm not entirely sure about what he says next, but it's something like if Altera is able to use that attack, then it's possible that her power has to some extent combined with that of Mars'.

Here's the line if you want to try: 魔力そのものはアルテラのそれを使用するが、威力はある意味では複合されている。恐らくな。

Anyways Romulus remarks that it's been a long time since he's last seen this. But at the same time, Altera's attack is a little meager compared to what Mars could do.

>Nero: ????
>Boudica: ...The virtual manifestation of a Divine Spirit? Ahahaha, you must be kidding.
>Nero: As I am now I don't quite understand, but... Hm, if it's the God of War, then it must be strong! Right, Divine Ancestor?
>Romulus: Indeed. It is as you say, Nero.
>Nero: Hm! Excellent!

Nero then muses about what a panic it would've been if Altera had actually made it to Rome's capital last time. But regardless, Altera is an ally now. And that's basically the same as Mars becoming an ally. So that means Rome's victory in this battle is guaranteed. The soldiers are very excited to hear this, and call out for Nero's orders.

>Nero: Hm... This will be the final battle! But, before that.
>Nero: [Your Name], leave this place to my Roman legion. You should move further onwards.
>Nero: The world must absolutely not come to an end. For all roads still lead to Rome!
>Nero: Advance! Conquer! And as you progress, clear the way for tomorrow's Rome!
>Nero: ...Hm!!

---

Chapter 4: III / Observatory Forneus
(BlitzBlast)

>Forneus: Activating. Activating. The nine pillars that administrate the observatory. They are:
>Forneus: Glasya-Labolas. Bune. Ronove. Berith. Astaroth. Foras. Asmoday. Gaap.
>Forneus: We are the nine pillars that smell time. We are the nine pillars that pursue phenomena.
>Forneus: In the name of the Seventy Two Demon God Pillars, this aggregation of ours shall never be halted...!

And then Forneus gets shot.

>Drake: Now hold on there. Everything from here to over there [the future], and from here [the present] to right there [the past], is all ours.
>Drake: The point is, this is our turf. But I don't suppose you're just going to hand over your lives and everything else you've got, now are you?
>Drake: What? I know perfectly well that we're being pretty impudent even though we just got here. But what else can we do? We're pirates, after all!
>Pirate: Woo! Boss is so coooool!!
>Drake: Okay you punks, let's keep things lively like usual!
>Drake: No matter who or what we're up against, the things we do don't change!
>Drake: And that's to steal, drink, and make a racket!

Then a random pirate interrupts Drake to ask why her crew is even here. Like he could understand Drake coming back from the dead, but why them? Drake responds to just not worry about the tough stuff, then mocks him for thinking they're all ghosts when they clearly have flesh and blood. Then Bonbe gets on his case for not knowing that Drake's really bad with ghosts. He throws in a warning too: don't try to scare her with that, because when Drake sees a ghost her first instinct is to shoot it. Incidentally? That's where he got his eyepatch from.

The other pirates can't believe the first thing they learned after dying is something so ridiculous. As for Drake, her response is to yell at the gunner that she's giving permission to stuff Bonbe into a cannon and to shoot him at the pillars. Bonbe begs for forgiveness, then gets serious and yells at the crew to stop slacking off. He doesn't know why they all got dragged into this, but they did. So until they actually die, there's only one thing to do. The other pirates agree, and cheer that they're the crew of the Golden Hind.

>Pirates: We'll follow Boss anywhere! Yahooooo!!

As the pirates rally, Drake notices something. A pirate quickly alerts her that a new ship is approaching from portside: the Queen Anne's Revenge.

>Drake: Oh, I see, I see. So he came too, huh. I guess I can always count on him to be a pain.
>Drake: Heeeey, Blackbeard! Can you hear me?! Whose side are you ooooon?!

Over on the Queen Anne's Revenge, Blackbeard is muttering about how he won't let anyone else but him be the one to take down Drake. He's interrupted by a surprise attack from Forneus.

>Forneus: You are an especially unapproved presence.
>Blackbeard: Yoooowza! Hey, you!
>Blackbeard: How could you just attack a guy when he's in the middle of being really cool?! What kind of person are you?

Off to the side, Mary sardonically notes to Anne that their captain is arguing with a Demon God Pillar about what it means to be human. Anne tries to be polite and points out that to put it another way, Blackbeard is a fan of equality. Blackbeard then turns his attention to the two girls and excitedly cheers that he can't believe they actually came along with him. Did he unknowingly raise a flag? Mary fires back that the only flag he'll be raising if he keeps that up is a death flag.

Anyways, Mary admits that they came along because Blackbeard isn't the WORST pirate they've ever met. But all the same, Anne notes, they'd probably prefer being on the Golden Hind more. But there's nothing they can do about that now, so Anne decides the two of them will just have to put up with Blackbeard.

>Blackbeard: Wowee, so I'm just a convenient man to you! But I guess that's real women for you!
>Erik: ...You're pushing your dreams on women too much.
>Blackbeard: WHAT.
>Mary and Anne: He talked?!

Erik points out to Blackbeard that Hector is absent, so at the moment the only Servants on his crew are Erik, Mary, and Anne. If you don't recall why that's a problem, Blackbeard's NP grows in strength the stronger his crew is. Anyways, Erik recommends joining up with the Golden Hind, which he also points out is currently trying to hail him. Flustered, Blackbeard responds that he knew that.

>Blackbeard: Tora! Tora! Tora! Or in other words, tell them we understand!
[TL Note: Tora! x3 is a WW2 era Japanese radio codeword indicating complete surprise has been achieved.]
>Pirate: Roger, Captain!
>Blackbeard: A joint fleet... To think I'd join up with Francis Drake...
>Mary: The Captain isn't even trying to hide how happy he is, huh.
>Anne: Well that's that idiot for you. He's always such a kid.
>Blackbeard: Shut! It!
>Blackbeard: Okay, boys! Let's sail over and join up with that hag-... With Drake!
>Blackbeard: A pirate's treasure is their daring crew! I don't know if these things are demon gods or devils but...
>Blackbeard: If they think they can lay a finger on the super pirate Blackbeard's treasure, then they can regret their mistake in hell!
>Drake: Okay, it looks like that moron's all pumped too! Hey punks, we'd better not mess up and lose to them!
>Drake: If any of you fire before they do, you'll be scrubbing toilets in hell!
>Pirates: Aye-aye, Boss!
>Drake: Golden Hind, ready the cannons!
>Blackbeard: Queen Anne's Revenge, ready the cannons!
>Drake and Blackbeard: FIREEEEE!

Cut to Orion and Artemis.

>Orion: Ah... You came. ♥
>Artemis: Yuppie.
>Artemis: The mood of your greeting doesn't feel right. It should be like if a single college student living on his own suddenly came across his childhood friend from his hometown.
>Orion: Damn it, she came... She came... Hey, come on!
>Orion: Isn't it about time you let me go back to normal, Lady Arty?

Orion protests that even though he's come to the Time Temple, in this form he can't look impressive at all. He points out that it even seems like the pillars are staring at him going "what's that?", and tries to yell at them that it's all a misunderstanding. Artemis tells him not to worry about it. As for why she's here, now that she's gotten involved she's gotta show her spirit as a Greek god and go all the way.

>Artemis: Master's trying hard too, so once in a while I've got to give some special service!
>Orion: Well, you're a goddess, so I guess you getting interested in something is a good thing... At least, that's what I want to believe!
>Artemis: Okay, Darling♪! Get on my head, get on my head!
>Orion: Argh, okay, I get it!
>Orion: For the time being, leave the directions to me! Don't think about anything else but shooting that bow!
>Artemis: Okaaaay♪! Now then, Darling... Will you come with me to the ends of the world?
>Orion: .........yes.
>Artemis: Say it loudeeeeer!!
>Orion: Yeeeeees! Okay, let's go!

---

Drake's excited that everyone's attacks are starting to have an effect on the pillars, but she won't be satisfied until they're beaten for good. She asks her crew if there are any cannonballs left, and one pirate responds that every last one has been stacked up on the deck. Happy to hear this, Drake then turns to you and tells you to get going.

>Drake: As long as there are stars in the sky, you can see the course you've gotta take. It's already a full house here with just us!

Asterios haltingly reassures you that everything's fine here, and Euryale agrees. After all, both she and Stheno are here. And Medusa too, though she's just an extra. Euryale confidently declares that the Gorgon Sisters will be able to buy you an infinite amount of time, then calls out to Asterios that it's time to go.

>Asterios: Ye... ah...! Get on, shoulder...!
>Euryale: Of course. Here we go, me [Stheno]!
>Euryale: Every now and then, we've got to have a contest to see which of us is the superior hunter...!
>Asterios: ...Don't be reckless?
>Euryale: Heeheehee, that's no good. This time we can both be reckless and excessive.
>Euryale: Isn't it rare to get a chance to go on a rampage with no holds barred?
>Asterios: ...It is. Okay then, I'll also, run wild!
>Euryale: Eeeek! It's fine to be violent, but recognize that you're a vehicle!
>Asterios: S-Sorry. I'll do it, moderately...!

Drake then calls out to Euryale with a request that just came to mind: sing for everyone to hear. Drake is certain Euryale's song will bolster your spirits, and Euryale also thinks it's a good idea. So just this once she'll lavish you with hospitality, enough that just listening to her will make you fall in love.

Over on the Queen Anne's Revenge, Blackbeard is all aflutter over how you're flirting around with Euryale. He loudly wishes he could do it too, but then decides to turn his ressentiment into strength.

>Blackbeard: Alright, I'm gonna beat this shitty squid bastard to death!
>Forneus: I am not a squid. I am a stingray. You are an especially unapproved presence.
>Blackbeard: Whyyyy is it that I'm the only guy you're so friendly wiiiith? Woah, don't tell me you think we're similar? No way, I'm scared!
>Blackbeard: Okay, I'm scared so I'm definitely gonna kill you!
>Blackbeard: Hiyah! The eye! The nose! You don't have a nose! So then the eye again! The eye! The eye!
>Blackbeard: You've only got eyes, don't ya you punk?!!

Mary sarcastically observes that Blackbeard sure likes to do things forcefully. Anne adds that there are a lot of men who turn out to be worthless as soon as they open their mouths. Though on that note, Erik speaking was certainly a surprise. Mary then recalls that Erik is a king, and asks if they should address him with a title. He says not to worry about it, then notes that he's also the kind of guy who makes a fool of themselves as soon as he speaks. That makes Anne curious as to why Erik normally speaks so strangely.

>Erik: It's because Gunnhild, well... When I speak to other women, she gets... sulky...
>Erik: If she only sulked it would be fine, but... Every now and then she's outright cursed the other woman...
>Mary: I-I didn't think I'd be seeing the darkness of a happily married couple in a place like this!

Erik muses it's basically been set in stone that he'll be summoned as Berserker now, but he doesn't think that's much of a problem. Anyways, he should go on a bit of a rampage too.

>Erik: DADADADADADADAAAAAAAA! KILL, KILL, KILLKILLKILLKIIIIIILL!!
>Blackbeard: Oh, Mr. Erik's all pumped too! But I won't be going down either!
>Mary: Tch, why does it feel like we've been left behind?! As the heroines of Blackbeard's Pirate Group, we won't lose!
>Anne: Yes, that's right. We'll be handing out a thorough beatdown, just like we did back then in that final battle.
>Mary: Though this time around's different! Our Captain might be an idiot, but he's fighting on the frontlines!
>Anne: Yes, and he's really giving it his all.

Blackbeard zooms into frame.

>Blackbeard: Hoooooot! My ass! My ass is on fireeeeeeeeee!
>Blackbeard: BucketbucketbucketIneedabuckeeeeet!
>Mary and Anne: But he really is an idiot!

Elsewhere, Atalanta is fighting. She decides to take a bit of a break to compose herself, so David offers to stand in for her so she can rest.

>David: By the way, Abishag, I found a pleasant island. Once this battle is over, we should go enjoy ourselves there together.
>Atalanta: I'm not Abishag.
>David: No, it's alright. As far as I'm concerned, if a beautiful woman is present then they're Abishag. It's quite a fortunate situation to be in.
>Atalanta: Hahahaha, that's very much not alright. Now stop it and go cast your stone already, you drunkard who doesn't actually drink.
>Davis: Oh, how cold. But I guess there's no other way.

David thinks you're trustworthy enough for him to show his stuff. So he'll put his all in, even if he's up against his son... or someone claiming to be him.

Cut to Orion and Artemis.

>Artemis: Darling, Darling! Did you see what I did just now?!
>Artemis: Didn't I look stylish?!
>Orion: Oh, yeah, sure. You were totally cool.
>Artemis: What's with that monotone?! I'm gonna get mad!

Orion begs Artemis to cut it out with the carefree responses already, pointing out that it's making her image as a goddess go down. And while Artemis might be fine with it, Orion's been getting a lot of complaints from other goddesses. He quotes four of them:

>Orion: "I've had it with you stupid lovebirds, reign it in a little."
>Orion: "I guess all moon goddesses are thoughtless, huh!"
>Orion: "Please keep the skinship to your room."
>Orion: "Meow! How about I give you some IQ, kay?"
>Artemis: ...So in other words, you've been cheating on me?

Orion protests that's not it, and begs Artemis to cut it out with the empty eyes. He then tries to turn her attention to approaching enemies, but while Artemis does go engage them she promises to have a looooong talk with Orion later. Orion goes into full damage control mode and starts talking about how the only person he loves is Artemis, really. Then David pops up and points out you don't need mutual love to lust for someone's body. Actually, David's outright a fan of colder personalities. Orion thoughtlessly agrees before he realizes what he just said and freaks out.

>Atalanta: ...Yes. I hope that once this battle is over, you two will become happy together.
>Atalanta: At the bottom of the ocean.
>Orion: I don't want to do a lovers suiciiiiiide!!

Atalanta starts to break down giggling before she stops to reassure you (or at least I assume it's you) she's alright. She won't let either the strange flirt of a king or the goddess in the midst of starting a lovers quarrel bring her down. For the sake of the smiling faces of children everywhere, she'll turn all of her stress over these annoyances into energy.

>Atalanta: So who's next? You? Or you?
>Atalanta: As I am now, even without my goddess' divine protection I could shoot through the Calydonian Boar!
>Atalanta: Ah, but right now, even if it's just a little, I'd really like some proper comrades!
>Atalanta: I'd even take that swift-footed moron...!

Elsewhere, Jason is freaking out over how he's going to die. He did want a chance to restore his honor, but before he knew it he got summoned to a battlefield where the enemy side is almost ten times as strong as his.

>Jason: Aaaagh, no more, I want to win more comfortably! So let's just go back already! I do best in places where I don't have to think about anything!
>Medea Lily: Er, um. Lord Jason, did you come here because of our bond...?
>Jason: That's a delusion, a delusion! I'm almost certainly here because YOU pulled me with you!
>Jason: I feel like I can understand Heracles' feeling just a little bit now! Well maybe not understand, but at least sympathize!
>Jason: Those damn goddesses, why is it that even though I've been sublimated into a Heroic Spirit, I'm still treated as a set with you?!
>Jason: I want a do over! A do over! Let me loop around! Let me redo my adventure with all of the knowledge I have now!

Medea Lily tries to reassure Jason that she'll protect him, and then adds that surely that's why Hector came along too. Hector just laughs in response, and points out that defensive battles are his strong point. But he'd like to stay with the Argonauts, if only for a little bit longer. Jason can't believe what he's hearing and calls them both morons. Well, he expected that from Medea Lily but he's actually a little surprised that Hector's so stupid too. This is the defender of Troy?

Jason orders both Medea Lily and Hector to backup Heracles, who should serve as the vanguard so he can concentrate on attacking. Medea Lily protests that that would leave Jason undefended, but that just makes him insult her intelligence again. Jason points out it's a simple math problem: rather than boost 1 to 10, it's better to boost 10 to 100. Even if the Argonauts got buffed to 10, they'd still be weaklings. So it's obviously much better to focus on Heracles.

>Jason: Isn't that right, Heracles?! You might not have any reason in battle anymore, but you can understand what I'm saying, right?!
>Heracles: ......*grin*
>Jason: So that's that! You two will be supporting Heracles!
>Jason: As for me, I'll be be staying right here! It's a pain, but I'll show you how to really use a sail!
>Hector: .......*sigh*

Medea Lily snickers at Hector's disbelieving face, and declares that that's Jason for you. He's the type to get carried away and screw up magnificently, but at the same time he's also the type who'll (however unwillingly) put his life on the line when the chips are down. She thinks he's quite the cold person, but at the same time that's what makes him so attractive. Hector's not too sure about that, but he does finally understand why back in Okeanos he sided with Jason: the way he only shows his true nature as a hero when he's got his back to the wall reminds Hector of his little brother. Though Hector then immediately notes that aside from that, Jason neither looks nor acts like his little brother.

Anyways Hector sighs that it looks like he's stuck with Jason now, and Medea Lily agrees. She then informs Heracles that the two will be supporting him and that she in particular will be buffing him with everything she's got.

>Medea Lily: Please show us the wild strength of the legendary hero of myth!

Heracles ascends to stage 3.

>Heracles: *roar*!
>Hector: See ya, Captain Jason! Just wait right there for the good news!

The trio leaves.

>Jason: ...Moron. There's no way there'll be any good news. We all came here to get used up after all.
>Jason: Argh, shit. I guess I'll be idly dying again, huh!
>???: ...My eyes must be deceiving me. To think that even after becoming a Heroic Spirit, a time would come where I'd actually feel some admiration towards you.
>???: Honestly, I'm speechless.
>Jason: WHAT.
>Jason: That... That voice...
>Medea: Your plan just now was well spoken. In this situation, bringing out Heracles' full power was the optimal choice.
>Medea: ...*sigh*, I have a connection with [Your Name] too, so I suppose I'll lend you a bit of help as well.
>Jason: GYAH! IT'S THE REAL ONE!
>Medea: ...As always, a headache inducing reaction. That Medea is real too, you realize.
>Medea: It certainly is true that we came here to be used until we expire, but stalling for even just one more second is our duty.
>Medea: You're the Captain here, aren't you. I have some spare time, so I'll protect you. I'll do my best to make sure the Argonauts' movements don't fall into chaos.
>Medea: So if you get that, then get moving already! Aren't you the genius who's even better at handling sails than Heracles is?!
>Jason: Damn it, this has gotta be a dream! Two of them! Two of them at the same time!
>Jason: I want to wake up from this dream already!
>Medea: Now then, boy/girl!
>Medea: Hurry up and start running, who knows how long this tailwind will favor you?!

---

Chapter 5: IV / Control Tower Barbatos
(taiboo)

Barbatos:
Activating. Activating. The nine pillars that administrate the control tower. They are:
Paimon. Buer. Gusion. Sitri.
Beleth. Leraje. Eligos. Caim.
We nine pillars are the ones that assist in supervision.
We nine pillars are the ones that maintain the terminals.
In the name of the "Seventy Two Demon Gods", this integration of ours will not be stopped...!

As soon as Barbatos completes his grand activation speech, he gets cut down by Mordred in a flash.

Mordred:
Hah! Too bad, demon gods! If it's the job of you nine to organize stuff---
Then my role is to tear it down to pieces! For the glory of the Round Table or something, anyway, I'll crush you with my hands!

The rampaging Mordred turns somber for a moment.

Mordred:
...that's right. Everything comes to an end.
The prideful shining castle will one day collapse in ruins, the armed and armored knights will one day meet death without exception.
The world will one day end. But you are different. No.
How the world ends will probably different from this.
In fact, it is you guys who are finished. Hey, you've already selfishly burnt stuff down as much as you wanted, haven't you?
Then it's time to end it. I'll--- bury you right here!

Jekyll advises Saber to be careful with her mana reserves. Their existences are unstable even if they have managed to manifest here. With interest, he notes that as always, there doesn't seem to be an official Master around - quite unlike a normal Holy Grail War.

Jekyll:
...with regards to that, I am the same. It seems that here, I am not human.

There is a flash of light and when it clears, Jekyll is now Hyde. The murderous alter-ego laughs psychotically, announcing his arrival. Though he is quite confused as to where he is: this is clearly not London. Still, he manages to regain his bearings quite quickly.

Hyde:
Hey hey, what the hell's this! Even though it's one big massacre party, none of you thought to invite me along!?

Mordred complains of the noise and tells Hyde to shut up. There is another flash of light, and this time Jekyll is back.

Jekyll:
...ah, I'm back. Sorry, Saber. It's because I've overused the drugs one time too many...

Mordred lectures him; whether or not he's a Heroic Spirit, joining the fight while his condition is still unclear is folly. There's probably something strange mixed in there with Jekyll compared to last time, though his ability to switch in battle is still pretty handy. She shoos him off, telling him to act as support from the back.

Mordred:
Listen, if you say it's impossible I'll kill you---

???:
Indeed, nothing is impossible. Leave the enemies to me!
Behold! The divine thunderstorm is here! Hehe, hehahahahahaha, let the three-phase alternating current flow!

Jekyll:
Th-this output... and this haughty laughter...!!

Mordred:
Ah, it's him. I thought he'd show up.

A blast of lightning bolts covers the battlefield.

Nikola Tesla:
Excuse me for descending slowly down these great lightning stairs! Indeed, Nikola Tesla is here!

Mordred scolds him for not joining the battle sooner, asking if he's an idiot. Tesla explains that he was guiding a lost lady to the field.

Frankenstein:
..Uu, uu. ...uuu, uuu....!

Jekyll:
Is that Fran over there!? I see, you have come here too.
This is quite amazing in its own way. Three people with electrical powers have come together quite beautifully.
It is not everyday you encounter such a rare case, alright, time to gather some data... or perhaps I should just leave it be for now...

Mordred glares at him and tells him not to do unnecessary things. Turning to Fran, she asks what Fran is now. Is Fran alive, like when they saw her last, is she an Heroic Spirit now, or has she become something like Jekyll?

Frankenstein:
Uu, uu. Uu.....!!

Mordred:
Heh, is that so? That's good.
---and that's what she said. Jekyll, she's going to join the fight too!

Jekyll seems worried, but Mordred waves it aside, saying that Fran is a Berserker. Fran shouts in agreement, electricity sparking from her body.

Nikola Tesla:
This is good electricity! This pure lightning that trembles the atmosphere must surely be alternating current, of that I have no doubt!
And such wonderful battle lust! Ms. Lady seems ready to burn down the demon pillars, it seems.
Then let us stand and fight together! We three are more than enough to topple these nine demon gods!

Jekyll mutters that their formation is too biased towards offense. Fran, in particular, would not be able to keep up with Mordred and Tesla in terms of endurance.

Nikola Tesla:
It's me. I am the one with the lowest endurance parameter. In my catalogue specifications, at least. My skills are enough to compensate.
Still, it is true that we must think of how to effectively protect the lady Berserker!

With a clunking noise, Babbage appears.

Babbage:
---if so, use me, Nikola Tesla. And all of you, who oppose the oncoming rush of this apocalyptic wave.
My dreams, my obsessions have all disappeared like foam, but your future still remains. Do not let it disappear.
The faint future I have glimpsed ahead of Guda's path, it is not so bad. That is why. I have come.

Mordred:
Ooh, it's old man Babbage!!

Jekyll remarks that Babbage's armor will add a much needed defensive component to their battle formation. He will serve as a reliable shield. But Babbage is not the only one that has come.

Sakata Kintoki:
That's right! Then what you need next would be a blade!
Cut the heavens and divide the earth, split the space of these demon gods! Lo, this is the treasured sword of lightning and flame, now ready to unleash its killing blow!
UNRIVALLED UNDER HEAVEN, GOLDEN DRIVE-----!!

A very excited Kintoki starts releasing his golden lightning everywhere.

Nikola Tesla:
You are here, Mr. Golden!

Kintoki greets the suits group, saying that it has been a while. He came because he heard a voice - not theirs, but something weaker. It was a voice full of regrets, a voice that he thinks must have belonged to those who cried out at the moment the world was incinerated.

Sakata Kintoki:
There must have been so many things they wanted to do. There must have been mothers who wanted to prepare meals. Brats who just wanted to play tomorrow.
...I just don't get it. It's grinding my teeth that I just don't get it. I just don't get the mind of someone who doesn't get just how important and precious these things are!
Before fixing the human order, I say we fix the twisted nature of these idiots!
For those guys who have nothing but to be burnt to ashes every day, for those who were unable to do what they wanted even if they reached out for it, I'm going to kick some ass!
I am Kintoki, Sakata Kintoki, one of Raikou's Four Heavenly Kings that heard the call.
I punish evil spirits and beat up rakshasa! At times I run wild on my Golden Machine---

Nikola Tesla:
The name is different than before! What on earth are you planning to do, Golden Brave!

Sakata Kintoki:
I'm doing this! Let's go! Flash of lightning, Gorgeous Golden Rider---
...TRANS----FORM!!!!

And in a flash of light, Kintoki changes into his Rider form. Everyone is equal amounts of stupefied and impressed. Babbage comments that even his saint graph has changed.

Sakata Kintoki:
At this time when the world is in danger! To all you idiotic Heroic Spirits with electric powers, gathered here by fate!
Unleash all your electricity, and let's settle this, coolly and dangerously! Whether it all ends in tears or in laughter, backtracking is absolutely forbidden.
Hey! Heroes! Are you ready to rock and roll all night!

Mordred:
Huh, who do you think you're talking to, dumbass! Do you even know where the birthplace of rock is?
Of course! It's here! Always!
----this is the height of rock and roll!

---

Still battling the pillars under Barbatos's jurisdiction, Mordred asks you to go on ahead. The Servants have barely managed to carve out a path.

Mordred:
What's with that face? Are your legs too stiff to move? Then go, you're getting in the way here!
From here on it's a battle of endurance! Some half-assed human mage is just going to get in my way, so piss off!

Jekyll feels a bit uneasy to part with you, but he agrees with Mordred.

Jekyll:
Guda, Mashu. Please go.
We'll take care of this base. You two still have somewhere else to go, don't you?

Shakespeare:
It pains my heart to say this, but it cannot be helped! Though I may be unworthy, in order to see the end of this story, I bid you farewell!

Andersen:
Your opinion perfectly matches mine, playwright! I have had just about enough of this frontline too.

Andersen is keen to escape the ceaseless demands of support. After all, just what will he do if he develops tendonitis even as a Heroic Spirit? Though that has never happened. At any rate, they prepare to bid you and the other Servants goodbye.

Mordred:
Not you guys! Well, yeah, you guys are getting in the way, in a certain sense, but since you two are frequently needed for support, it'd also be troublesome if you weren't around!

Shakespeare & Andersen:
...tch. That's why serialization is...

Mordred:
Don't cluck your tongues in sync like that! Seriously, even though your writing styles are different you get along too well...

Meanwhile, Tamamo is looking on at the team.

Tamamo no Mae:
Hm. Everyone seems to be very motivated.
Would it be okay if I reduced my mana usage? There's a limit to my support after all.

Everyone seems to be acting like a team for once, but she doesn't want to charge forward too much and get defeated. Kintoki chuckles. Even if she says that, he can see that she's raising her mana output to the max. He tells Tamamo that though her curse techniques are great as usual, if she's hitting her limit it's fine to rest a little. Annoyed, Tamamo claims to be a woman who does not work herself to the bone. If it comes down to it she'll just use her 'Aphotic Cave' skill and hide in Ama-no-Iwato by herself.
Silently, Kintoki thinks that she is lying to herself, and Tamamo snaps at him.

Tamamo no Mae:
What is it? Do you have any problems with my smile?

Kintoki quickly denies it and says that if it comes down to escaping when things get hard, of course it'll be ladies first.

Tamamo no Mae:
Yes, that is why your worries are needless. Well, your concern is appreciated so I'll at least give you a word of thanks.
...but. Thinking about it, we've both traveled far.

The trip to England aside, they've both also ended up in this strange time with this unknown temple that is now a bloody battlefield. Thinking further back, Tamamo remembers that they were also both people who troubled Abe no Seimei in Kyoto.

Sakata Kintoki:
Yeah. That's right, fox.

Tamamo no Mae:
Back in Kyoto, I remember we wholly indulged our vulgar selves in this and that sort of pleasure...

Sakata Kintoki:
Yeah. That's... no, no! Hey, wait, I never ever did that sort of thing at all!
Since I'm one of Raikou's Four Heavenly Kings under Heaven, I'm definitely pure and upright!

Whether it's then or now, he's always the Kintoki-san that's popular with kids, and appeals safely to all ages and genders. Tamamo wonders to herself about Yorimitsu, in that case...
At any rate, she's getting a bit tired of all these demon pillars.

Tamamo no Mae:
And I hear an intense noise approaching. The foundation of the sun's enshrinement, that would be sincerity, passion and high spirits!
Something quite unlike me is rising wildly, could this be an ara-mitama or a nigi-mitama!
Oh, it can't be helped then. I guess an additional tail will have to be virtually deployed! However, keeping this engraved into my saint graph from now on is not good!

In a flash, Tamamo increases her tails to three, appearing in her ascended third form.

Tamamo no Mae:
Mikon~ Tamamo Seven Transformation☆

Kintoki gets revved up too and prepares to show off his Huge Bear No.1.

Sakata Kintoki:
Let's go, partner! Mega Gorgeous Golden Huge Bear!

Tamamo remarks on what a great big weapon Kintoki has. According to him, he found it after killing the Tsuchigumo. The eager Kintoki prepares to charge at his enemy.

Sakata Kintoki:
Namuhachiman, Golden Hachiman Drive! Eat this--- Control Tower of the Demon Pillars!

Paracelsus:
Are we good, girls? You must not charge out alone, okay?

Paracelsus, on the other hand, is directing Jack, Nursery Rhyme and Fran.

Paracelsus:
Jack, Frankenstein. Please make an effort to maintain a two man cell. Nursery Rhyme and I will provide cover from behind. However, that is not guaranteed to have an absolute effect, so---
Yes, it's hit and away. Retreat after striking a single blow. Make this your basic tactic.

Fran nods her head eagerly.

Jack:
Um, I got it. Going alone is bad. But we aren't alone, so we're good.

Since Jack thinks of herself as a collective spirit, she isn't by herself no matter what, so she can charge ahead whenever she wants.

Jack:
Oh, but that would leave Frankenstein alone... um, is that okay?
...is that okay?

Paracelsus puts his foot down, saying that it is not okay and that the two of them must fight together. Nursery Rhyme tells Jack to listen to Paracelsus's words, even though they aren't too nice to listen to.

Nursery Rhyme:
This person, if he is behaving properly now and that is abnormal, does that mean he is not proper normally?
He looks like a good person, he talks like a good person, and that is strange.
Which is you, Paracelsus? Which is the fake, and which is the real one?
A bad person who kills children? A good person worried about children?

Paracelsus says that he was a bad person who lost his struggle with evil. But now that Guda is here, he will fight to act as a good person once more. Like he was in life, or... His words are met with mocking laughter by Mephistopheles, who says that he has bumped into some interesting and strange mages yet again.

Mephistopheles:
It is like the front and back of a card. You can flip your position around and around but it is just so very... humans are just such things it seems.

Even though Heroic Spirits are just dead ghosts, Mephistopheles mocks Paracelsus for not behaving with that sort of understanding. He asks if Paracelsus is crazy, and begins ranting about stepping on a fallen cake just like stabbing a person.

Paracelsus admits that he might be mad. Jack points out that Paracelsus doesn't have Mad Enhancement though, and Fran agrees, saying in her halting speech not to worry.

Babbage:
---according to a certain theory, those without justice cannot create the philosopher's stone.
Even if it is not the absolute justice admired by the common man, at least one day the world may acknowledge his form of justice.
Then there is nothing strange. Somewhere in the roots of his heart, the right feelings are present.

Mephistopheles breaks into peals of laughter. He isn't particularly convinced by Babbage's words, but he does find it interesting. He compares it to a spider hanging in hell, hanging by a single thread of good that is its hope.

Mephistopheles:
Well then, I! This devil, Mephistopheles will look over the hidden good and evil in the soul of this lone man that opposes the "Seventy Two Demon Gods"!

And in another place...

Nikola Tesla:
...finally. You have arrived, Queen.

Artoria Lancer (Alter) rides in on Llamrei, her countenance stern and quiet. Tesla explains about chain summons - it is what drew Artoria to London, with Mordred as the catalyst. At this moment, both Mordred and you may be the trigger for Artoria's arrival.

Nikola Tesla:
---will you not meet your daughter, Queen?
Even though she might say differently, she would surely be pleased to hear your words.

Artoria:
...there is no need. That is not my daughter, but one of the Round Table---
No. Cease this. I am merely here from the other side of an 'if'.
With the holy spear in hand I become a goddess upon meeting my death, that is a possibility that can occur only in one in ten thousand, one in a billion worlds.
There is the possibility that I wielded the spear while remaining as I was. And the possibility that I received the curse of the Holy Grail.
This self of mine is one that is unable to part from my wild nature akin to that of a 'storm', and unable to act as a king that will rule over men.
Therefore... I will define myself.
That which merely pulverizes all before my eyes--- a 'storm' is what I am.

Nikola Tesla:
I see. I have understood your words. Then will I have to be pulverized too, Queen?

Artoria:
No. Before my eyes are only strange pilllars of meat that crawl around like worms. I do not see those Heroic Spirits fighting to save the world.
----Holy Spear. Aweigh.

Energy swirls and spirals around Artoria's lance. Everything goes white.

Nikola Tesla:
Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Wonderful! A current of light that surpasses both alternating current and direct current, this is the planet's...!
I do not care much for Heroic Spirits of the sky and the earth, but you are certainly different, King of the Storms, Wild Hunt!
Let us go! I shall scatter the lowly soldiers in your path!

Back where you are, Andersen points out the light in the direction of 9 o'clock. Saying that it is certainly the manifestation of the Storm King, he says that any Servant in the vicinity of that Noble Phantasm's deployment will be melted away. And that there will certainly be some big idiot somewhere who will gladly be melted.

Shakespeare:
Such a pity. If one were to get a front row seat to witness that light, such fantastic ideas would certainly spill out!
Ah, kill me with thy weapon and not thy words!

It is a tempting idea to him, to have such a death carved into his soul, but for Shakespeare unfortunately the story is not over yet.

Shakespeare:
You will be the one to bring down the curtain, Guda.

Andersen:
...Playwright, did you just say some rare and decent words of victory? It will surely not snow tomorrow.
Now, Guda. And Mashu Kyrielight.
I would like to witness the deepest parts of this time temple for myself, but as you can see, I'm already busy here.
Instead of the university students who receive the honorific of a scholar, muscle-brained athletic caster types too need to be buffed.
Advance, Guda. Or perhaps you are trying to make us say that?
Those repetitive, cliched lines that have been repeated countless times in the stories of countless heroes?

You:
That's...

Andersen:
So it's really "that", you idiot!

Shakespeare:
Very well! Then I will answer your expectations!
Now--- leave this place to us, and proceed ahead!

You:
I'm counting on you, everyone!

Andersen:
Go! Going will be your salvation, Guda!

And so you leave the writer duo behind, moving forward as always to the next base.

---

Chapter 6: V / Arsenal Halphas
(taiboo)

Halphas:
Activating. Activating. The nine pillars that administrate the arsenal. They are:
Furfur. Marchosias. Stolas. Phenex.
Marphas. Raum. Focalor. Vepar.
We nine pillars are the ones that grieve the fires of war.
We nine pillars are the ones that honor the casualties.
In the name of the "Seventy Two Demon Gods", this truth will not be overlooked...!

In front of him is Nightingale.

Nightingale:
---then here is the answer.
Feeling sorrow over war, honoring casualties, all these are emotions that come naturally to humans. But as humans we must advance further than this.
Yeah, that's right. In order to eliminate smoke from the fires of war, it is not good to just stand around and wait.
We must not let those who have lost their family, friends and loved ones suffer any more loss...!
Right here, we stand in opposition to you!

Rama:
That is absolutely right! You may feel grief and respect, but that is all there is.
Like tidying away a pile of scattered toys, you are attempting to force the world into a wastebasket.
This is your own flaw, being unable to accept the shortcomings of others, the nonsense of a petty mind!
I am the King of Kosala, Rama! From this moment forth, with all my soul, I will be Guda's shield!

Nightingale greets Rama, asking if his wound has healed. Of course it has. Rama brags that in his current condition, he could beat Ravana with just one hand. Nightingale reminds him that pride comes before a fall. Besides, the demon pillar is something akin to a pathogen. Annihilating it would require the destruction of the world - that is just power that they do not have at the moment.

Nightingale:
Therefore, let's perform symptomatic treatment this time. The ones who will heal are not us---

Rama:
...I got it.

Rama calls out to you, saying that it's time to fight and that there is no need to fear wounds for you have an angel on your side. One that will gently grab you by the collar and pull you from the depths of hell even if you fall.

Nightingale:
I will bear that name just for now. If it will encourage all of you, that is!
...ahem. Well, to tell the truth, I am extremely embarrassed...!

---

Once more the Servants have opened a path for you. Nightingale asks you to proceed, and to not fear pain.

Nightingale:
However, be afraid of being hurt. It is only natural that immortality looks all the more dazzling because of the fear of death.
Still, we must move forward.
The fear of death, a spirit that is frightened by death, that is by no means lowly!

Rama:
Yes, it is because we are afraid to lose that we love, we have compassion, and we cherish!
I was afraid! When I lost Sita, I felt fear deep in my heart!
That is why I fought for 14 years, that is why I am here right now!

Rama tells you that what the pillars' words are just things they say to look right. It is nothing more than turning away in resignation.

Rama:
Now, advance through the path that was opened. The newest and sole human, the best of all Masters!

Down the path, you bump into Cu Alter and Medb. Medb is surprised that Cu actually showed up, and though she is happy she can't help asking why.

Cu Chulainn Alter:
It is only natural for the loser to follow the winner after being defeated.

Whether killing or hatred was involved, as long as your fates have intertwined even once, there is a minimum obligation to fulfil.

Medb:
So... minimum obligation, isn't that pretty hurtful to say?

It's the only way Cu can fight. In fact, on the other hand he figures Medb would have been the one unwilling to appear, after being dragged down from her throne and kicking the bucket while still full of regrets. He doesn't think she has the sort of personality that can forget her humiliation and come to Guda's aid.

Medb:
Oh, honestly, Cu-chan still doesn't understand a maiden's heart as always!
Of course I feel regretful and disappointed at my loss! But, that hasn't turned into some deep-seated hatred or anything.

You had put on quite a fight. Though Medb finds it impertinent, it isn't something she could ignore. So she feels like she has no choice but to help you out, for the sake of the version of her you cornered in America.

Medb:
If those regrets are erased along with the world, then that fight will become a sham.
Well, I still won't ever, ever forgive you for spoiling those sweet, honeyed days I spent with Cu-chan anyway!
Look, that's all, Guda! If you think I'm bad, then work like your life depends on it!
There is no cheese sold in this place, so go reap the head of the enemy general! I'll whip you, y'know!

Cu finds that surprisingly reasonable. He did not think the day would come when he would agree with Medb's words, but here it is.

Cu Chulainn Alter:
Go, Guda. It is fine to take the shortest path.
Being short-lived is both our flaw and our unique advantage.
Because life is short, as those who once existed, we will assist you.
Soon, you too will need to entrust it to others. But that is fine.
Now go, kid. You'll get killed if you don't, yeah?

Scathach watches her pupil thoughtfully from the sidelines.

Scathach:
A kid lecturing a kid. You see a lot of things when you have lived a long life.
Even the old will be replaced, even for those set in place a replacement will come.
An individual fears death, but a collective does not.
Hm, thinking about it, they are exactly the opposite of humanity.

Li Shuwen finds that reasoning warped. As a hoodlum himself, he thinks it shameful to brag about the strength of a collective. A group like that is akin to a gang of hooligans - though the scale is different, but the essence is the same.

Li Shuwen:
Haha! If that is so, no matter how strong they are there is not even a speck of a reason to fear them.

Scathach:
Not even a speck, that is well said.
I would feel fine leaving my back to you--- hm, though in your case, you seem to have no intention of protecting it.

Li Shuwen:
Yes.
Move and kill as you wish, and things will become easier for us both. The moment your back is exposed isn't it natural to aim for it?

Wondering if that should really be called cooperation, Scathach continues fighting the pillars. There is a loud clang and Li's spear is flung from his hands. Scathach asks if Li needs a loaner spear.

Li Shuwen:
Your concern is truly biting. But there is no need. Even without my spear, my fists will suffice.

Scathach:
Really! ...mm, hmm. As expected, you are yielding a step by using your fists.

Li Shuwen:
Though you are proficient in all manner of martial arts, are you not good with fists?

Scathach:
Because of my elegance, I am unable to master the fist. Please, laugh at this frail woman.

Li is silent for a full second before he apologizes, saying he was caught off guard. But thanks to her joke he is feeling even more ready to take on the demon pillars. He shouts at Beowulf, asking the berserker if he's having fun.
Of course he is, he's in great condition. Beowulf sighs happily that it's more fun being on this side after all, and is certain that will be the case even after today.

Beowulf:
Sorry, Guda! Not gonna be thinking about you much, since I'll just be beating things up with all my might!
Why, there's a lot of people who are going to be protecting you even if I don't.
You guys mind that side! I'll do my best for your stubborness on this end!
Alright, they're still coming over here! Let's do this, you squid bastards!

Meanwhile, Fergus is admiring Beowulf's ferocity and savagery. He finds Beowulf to be worth killing, if possible. Finn wonders for a while if that lack of elegance should be considered a pro or a con, before deciding that it is definitely a pro. It is difficult to find harmony between savagery and elegance.

Finn:
If so! Are those who specialize in savagery not more excellent males?
No, no. It is a rather difficult choice for me. I must shine by all means. Beautifully.
...Oops. Now that I think of it, there is a man here who possesses both savagery and beauty!

Diarmuid:
MILORD! FOR JUST THIS TIME AT LEAST, PLEASE WATCH YOURSELF!

A topless Diarmuid shouts. He begs Finn to fight seriously as this is a battle for the fate of the world. Finn defends himself by saying he's just relapsed on his usual habits because of the desperate difference in battle strength. The situation won't change with just a few light words and he was only wondering if he should start being savage as well. Diarmuid acknowledges that such behaviour is also one of his lord's good points, but right now there are a lot of heroes gathered here, and as such...

Diarmuid:
I could not be able to withstand milord getting despised by them...!

Finn:
Hahahahaha! Then, Diarmuid! Take the lead as the First Spear of the Knights of Fionna!

Diarmuid:
Of course. I will wield these twin spears for the sake of milord and the world!

Fergus watches the excited duo charge off, and thinks it's about time he stepped up a bit.

Fergus:
To laugh at, to grieve, and to denounce greed, that is no longer a saint. That is not a human, just a fool that has lost its humanity.
I, Fergus! As of now! I declare that I want all the beauties in this place to be my partners!
For the sake of that, I have no regrets in placing this life on the line!
Fuhahahahahaha! Raise a bellow, my rainbow...!

At another location, Elizabeth is now fighting the demon pillars for a second time, and she raises a complaint about that. Robin responds in a deadpan manner.

Robin Hood:
Wow, that's great. You even changed costumes before coming here.
Anyway, why don't you consider going on rotation with the team and taking it slowly?

Billy rejects that idea, saying that as a Heroic Spirit he wants to give it his all at all times. He shoots at the demon pillar with his revolver.

Billy:
Hm. If we can shoot it with a gun, we can kill it!
Us Americans are mostly like that ♪

Geronimo remarks that it is a very piercing rationale, and that Billy doesn't really know fear in the first place. Billy says that if Geronimo is afraid, shouldn't he run away?

Geronimo:
Definitely not.
There is not a single one gathered here who has not summoned up their courage.
Everyone here has come for the sake of pushing that Master forward, even if they are to taste the pain and suffering of death once more.

Elizabeth says that everyone is certainly going to die here. Robin asks if she isn't afraid.

Elizabeth:
Strangely, I'm not afraid at all, whether it's of death, or pain, or anything! In a normal Holy Grail War I'd be a bit afraid of the fighting between Servants, but here...

Robin remarks that it's because she's been growing day by day. Geronimo adds that dying this time does not necessarily mean defeat. Perhaps that is the difference. He then asks Robin about his specialty: guerilla warfare.

Robin Hood:
Well, if it's running around like a rat in a field, I'm honestly pretty good at that.
Doing dirty stuff that the opponent will really hate isn't very chivalrous, but it can't be helped this time, right?

Geronimo says that's fine. It's time to run around like rats.

Geronimo:
Bring about your Noble Phantasms, and don't stop firing. If you don't die you win, if you do die it's not your defeat.
For Guda's sake, open a path!

While Geronimo leads the other Servants into the fray, Edison is gloating over how his direct current is in perfect condition today.

Edison:
Howl, filament! Stand and roar, bulb!
Turn into the light that banishes the darkness, and rewrite the history of man!

Helena comments that it's thanks to that light that people could work through the night. She herself became a hard worker thanks to him. Edison apologizes.

Blavatsky:
It is galling to admit, but in terms of collective perfection, that demon pillar is definitely of a higher rank.
But isn't it normal for there to be evil? People suffer of evil, endure evil, and detest evil---
And at times, they may even love evil and embrace it. How can this accumulated history, spun over thousands of years, be thrown away just like that?

Edison laughs and agrees. The world has now entered the concept of universalization. The era where a single great invention makes the world go round has ended. Though the demon pillars may be great, may be mighty, and may be alternating current...

Edison:
BUT, SO WHAT!
You may be perfect as a single, strong life form, but there is no universality! Living alone, and dying alone, how aloof and boring would that be!
Yes, you are boring! In all ways, you are boring like alternating current!
Behold, that Guda who is running as hard as possible. That Master who is bound with us!
It is not a perfect run! He's losing his breath!
But his hard work has impacted all our hearts! That is why we are all gathered here!

Edison asks Halphas if he thinks you are beautiful. If Halphas cannot understand that, then the demon pillars will continue to lose forever.

Just like alternating current.

Blavatsky:
Oh jeez, that's enough, can you just stop bad-mouthing alternating current for a second!?
Are you going to pick a fight with him again, and trouble me again!?

Edison:
Ouch ouch ouch I'm sorry, I'm sorry!

And finally...

Arjuna:
...did you think such a day would come?

Karna:
I thought it would, though I did not know when.
A thousand years, two thousand years, until time itself has wiped clean our minds, that is what I thought...

Arjuna:
That is right, to think it would come so soon!
----but, well.
I will bundle up the hatred and the desire to fight against you, and sink these chaotic feelings deep within.
For now...

Karna:
Oh, is that so? I was actually coming looking for a fight myself.

Arjuna:
----what?

Karna asks Arjuna to hear him out to the end. He does not want to cause any more misunderstandings. As it turns out, Karna is proposing a competition. They will compete in how many demon pillars they can defeat. A demon pillar hunt, in other words. Any Kshatriya would remember such a thing; it's a clean, healthy battle.

Karna:
...Ah. That you continue to hate me --- that is fine.
I am not a saint of any sort. I will feel angry at being hated sometimes. But it is a rightful hatred, a rightful wrath. It is definitely nothing special.
And if it is not something special, it is not evil.
Do not misunderstand yourself, Arjuna. Without doing that, we can stand side by side.
Although it's different from the sight that she once wanted...

Arjuna:
---I see.
That is right.
Karna.
I hate you, and I am jealous of you.

Karna:
...is that so.

Arjuna:
But that is alright. This hatred and these ugly emotions will not disappear.
Even so I can face you. Are you able to bear this ugliness and unsightly laugh?

Karna:
Ah, just like that Master that has been continuing to fight till now. Even if it is something that cannot be shaken off, it is something that can be accepted.

Arjuna lets out a snicker. To think that he would shake the world even after becoming a Heroic Spirit.

Arjuna:
Let us just say that this hatred and jealousy will be cleared up by surpassing your results on the battlefield.
Come, raise your spear, Karna!

Karna:
Of course. You should prepare your arrow too, Arjuna.
And then... hm. Rare though it is, it is not absolutely impossible for changes to happen to our consciousness after becoming a Heroic Spirit.

Karna thinks that if he were still the same, the two brothers would probably have ended up in another deathmatch. Arjuna suspects that it is probably because of the bond with you.

Karna:
It is, but that is not all there is to it.
I feel rather embarrassed to brag about it, but I am blessed with endless luck.

Arjuna:
Huh.

Karna:
I am blessed.
Particularly my luck with Masters, it is the best.
Even though it is a distant memory, the words continue to resonate within my heart.

Arjuna:
One day--- I would like to see it. That kind of existence.

With that, Arjuna directs his attention to you.

Arjuna:
The last Master, Guda-dono! The way is open. You may advance!
Now, go!

---

Chapter 7: VI / Spy Satellite Amon
(BlitzBlast)

>Amon: Activating. Activating. The nine pillars that administrate the spy satellite. They are:
>Amon: Baal. Agares. Vassago. Gamigin. Marbas. Valefar. Allocer. Orobas.
>Amon: We are the nine pillars that assemble logic. We are the nine pillars that devour the Human Order.
>Amon: In the name of the Seventy Two Demon God Pillars, rejecting this anger of ours shall absolutely not be permitted...!
>Xuanzhang: Hey, it's been a while, it's been a loooong while! Did I make it?! Did I make it in time?!
>Xuanzhang: When I heard [Your Name] was in a pinch, I sprinted over on the Somersault Cloud!
>Xuanzhang: Now that I'm here, one, two, or even a hundred Demon God Pillars are no problem! Leave it to me!

Xuanzhang then admits she'd rather not face Amon-Ra (or to be more exact, "that golden shining guy") again, and freaks out when she sees Amon. Touta makes his appearance and tells her to calm down and not charge ahead on her own. Amon might glisten gold just like Amon-Ra did, but it's just an older model without the strength of the pillar you fought in Camelot. He then asks a nearby "gentleman" just what whim brought him here today.

>Ozymandias: Hah, this is no whim! I'm only a passing by supreme Pharaoh!
>Ozymandias: In other words, this is just an expedition!
>Ozymandias: I have no reason to punish these Demon Gods or lend Chaldea my assistance!
>Ozymandias: But... Hm, but!
>Ozymandias: A strange temple is here, and for whatever reason Nitocris pestered me that she wanted to go see it.
>Ozymandias: It is a rare thing for the Lady of the Sky to desire something. As such, I decided to come along to on a whim, but...
>Ozymandias: Good grief, I suppose there's no choice but to exterminate the savage wildlife! I won't be able to see the throne like this!
>Ozymandias: My sightseeing has been spoiled, you fools! Hurry and eliminate those pillars, hurry and entertain me! This is a divine order!
>Xuanzhang: You haven't reflected at all! I mean, you haven't changed at all, King Ozymandias!

Xuanzhang starts talking about how she'll need to reform Ozymandias after all when Nitocris cuts in and calls her a fool. Nitocris understands how Xuanzhang feels, but she's being disrespectful. She then interprets Ozymandias' words as "my sightseeing trip was really important. I permit you all the honor of being the vanguard".

And then Hundred Face shows up to complain that if Ozymandias isn't going to fight, he should just retreat. She mocks him for standing back and watching despite possessing such massive power when even she's summoned up the courage to come fight.

>Hundred Face: Also, you talk too much! If there were such a chatty man on the battlefield, his head would be the first to roll! Fool, foooool!

Cursed Arm appears next and tells Hundred Face to calm down. He shares similar sentiments to her, but even bitter water must be drunk when you're in a desert. That is to say that they have no choice but to seek Ozymandias' aid: in the end, they are only assassins. Without his sunlight, they don't have the strength to repel the Demon God Pillars.

>Serenity: ...That's true. It doesn't seem my poison will have much effect either.
>Serenity: ...How unfortunate. If I had to get close to someone, I'd rather it be Lord/Lady [Your Name]...

Then Gawain pops up and tells them not to worry. Even if the Desert King doesn't want to help, as long as he's here the fires of the sun are on their side. Gawain formally introduces himself as a knight of the Round Table, and explains that he hurried over when it seemed like you were on the edge of defeat. He admits that his body no longer possesses a Gift, and that he will likely never be able to make up for his deeds back in Jerusalem, but he pledges to burn away all that is wicked as if he were a storm.

Tristan makes his appearance and admits to be envious of Gawain's honesty.

>Tristan: As for me, I have neither honor nor a place to belong to. Nor is the friend I must apologize to present...

Tristan wants to at least use his "bow" to cut apart the Demon God Pillars, who he refers to as fellow villains. He asks you not to pay him any mind, and bemoans how much of a faint hearted fool he is. And then, because it's Tristan:

>Tristan: Ah... I am so very sorrowful...

In comes Lancelot, who notes that Failnaught seems sharper than ever before. He's surprised to see the usually quiet Tristan put so much zeal into his fingers. He's certain that as he is now, Tristan won't make any further mistakes. He then adds that if Bedivere were to see Tristan's gallant figure now, he'd say (in a very loosely translated metaphor that makes more sense in Japanese) "As biting as cold water may be, it can still be used to wipe the slate clean. That's what Tristan's actions are like." In response, Tristan muses that Bedivere actually did say that once, and that he was always so very sharp with Tristan.

>Tristan: Ah... I miss him so...

Back to Ozymandias, who is annoyed that so many people are intruding on his sightseeing trip. He orders everyone to advance, and then says he's heading back. He leaves the rest to Nitocris, who is shocked that he's leaving this exciting spot where everyone else is teaming up. In response, Ozymandias (rather hypocritically) tells her she talks too much.

>Ozymandias: It'd be one thing if it were just the Hassans, but now they stand shoulder to shoulder with the Round Table!
>Ozymandias: They are more than enough to deal with the Demon God Pillars. And to begin with, there is no hero here worthy of fighting alongside me-
>Arash: Whoops, am I late? It looks like a lot of reliable people have gathered up.
>Arash: Well, even so, it's better to have as many helping hands as you can, right? I'll help out too.
>Arash: I may just be a minor Heroic Spirit, but that's better than nothing, right [Your Name]?
>Ozymandias: *stunned awe*
>Mashu: Mr. Arash! And everyone else, too...! Yes, by all means, join us!
>Mashu: It's too bad that King Ozymandias is heading back, but now that everyone's come for us we have a tremendous amount of strength!
>Ozymandias: What are you doing, Mashu, [Your Name]? How careless and hasty of you to temporarily send me out to the frontlines!
>Ozymandias: And I'm sure that archer will be sent out too, correct? If that is the case, then I shall make an exception and permit it!
>Ozymandias: I know absolutely nothing at all about what kind of Heroic Spirit you are, but I will permit you the honor of fighting alongside me!
>Ozymandias: You may show me a closer look of your earth shaving bow of boulder!

Arash recognizes Ozymandias ("pharaoh oniisan") and is happy to see such a reliable person. He resolves to do his best to live up to Ozymandias' hopes of him. Then he tells Ozymandias to handle one side while he takes the other; and hey, why not make it a competition? Ozymandias bursts out laughing and is amazed that such a miracle has occurred. He praises Nitocris for bringing him such good fortune, who happily accepts his praise but doesn't really get what's going on. Xuanzhang doesn't either, but she notes that it seems like Ozymandias has reformed.

>Xuanzhang: Here we go, [Your Name]! Show me how much you've grown since then!
>Xuanzhang: As my first disciple, you've got to show me aaaaaaaaall you've got!
>You: Got it! / Leave it to me, Xuanzhang-chan!

---

Amon groans in pain, but declares that no matter how many Heroic Spirits you gather you won't be able to stop them. The pillars start resurrecting en masse, much to Xuanzhang's shock. Apparently there's even more of them than Wukong could split into copies. Cursed Arm is dismayed too, as the number of enemies is so great they're pushing you back. You don't have enough power to take them on.

>???: ...No. You have fought well. Those are but the last death throes of the Demon Gods.
>???: It is only mindless violence, it does not merit any fear. Stand back, Knights of the Round Table.
>Gawain: You're...!
>Lion-Faced Knight: Our connection was scattered into a beam of light, my fate was to fade to nothing. But even so, my lance has not forgotten your struggle.
>Lion-Faced Knight: Leave the final push to us, [Your Name]. My name is the King of the Storm. I am the one who has been entrusted with Rhongomyniad.
>Lion-Faced Knight: The anchor of the planet has come to this space beyond the further reaches of the sky. Attend me, Silver Knight of Violet.
>Silver Knight: ...Yes. Switch On - Airget... [Take Up A Sword, Silver...].

I looked up Bedivere to see if he had any connection to the color violet at all, but I found nothing. Don't ask me why he's referred to as 菫色の銀騎士.

The ensuing attack devastates the Demon God Pillars. Amon reports the connection to the throne has been cut, and that instantaneous regeneration is impossible.

>Amon: Agares. Vassago. Gamigin. Marbas... Restoring.
>Amon: Valefar. Allocer. Orobas... Reconstituting.

It doesn't mention Baal at all for some reason. Anyways, Amon adds that Spy Satellite Amon will take two minutes to restart, and that once it does it will have to devote its full attention to eliminating the enemy Servants. Roman cheers that the position's functions have dropped to 20%, and that as such the flow of magical power to the throne has ceased. Xuanzhang laughs that what else would you expect from such a gathering of monsters, and compares the pillars to frogs in a well, croaking away about how strong they are when there's a whole world out there.

Xuanzhang tells you to go ahead and leave the rest to them. Hundred Face is not very happy to hear she still needs to fight, and groans that she feels like her head is going to explode. Cursed Arm just laughs and tells you to ignore Hundred Face's complaints.

>Cursed Arm: Xuanzhang is correct. Hurry along, Lord/Lady [Your Name].
>Cursed Arm: In sheer strength alone we may be inferior Servants, but when it comes to survival and distracting opponents we sly old foxes are experts.
>Cursed Arm: Only a few minutes remain, but we'll catch up with those monsters one way or another. Well, maybe.

You can either say you'll be counting on them, to which Ozymandias will respond that of course you can and that he won't let the Round Table take such a good spot. Or you can tell Cursed Arm that you think he's a plenty strong Heroic Spirit, to which he'll basically go "well if you say so, I'll believe it".

Roman urges you to hurry along, reminding you there's no time. Mashu agrees and notes there's only a little more to go till the next position.

>Xuanzhang: Bye-byyye! Keep it together, [Your Name]! I've definitely gotta see the results of your training!
>Xuanzhang: So I'll catch up with you later! Until then, may Buddha protect youuuuuu!

---

Chapter 8: VII / Health Office Sabnock
(BlitzBlast)

>Sabnock: Activating. Activating. The nine pillars that administrate the health office. They are:
>Sabnock: Shax. Vine. Bifrons. Uvall. Haagenti. Crocell. Furcas. Balaam.
>Sabnock: We are the nine pillars that celebrate birth. We are the nine pillars that extol unions.
>Sabnock: In the name of the Seventy Two Demon God Pillars, this praise of ours shall never be scorned...!

A nearby woman breaks out into laughter, asks if she just heard the word "beauty" (which Sabnock technically did say since the word for praise (賛美) has the kanji for beauty in it), and cheers that even fake Demon Gods praise her.

>Ishtar: But toooo bad! Like they say, the mouth is the source of all calamity! Now that I've heard some praise, I won't be quieting down for a while!
>Ishtar: I am beauty, I am battle, I am the embodiment of abundant harvest, the embodiment of Venus!
>Ishtar: The soaring goddess Ishtar has descended to repay a debt to this so-called King of Magic!
>Ishtar: ...Wait, woaaaah?!

Ishtar narrowly dodges a bunch of arrows.

>Ishtar: Gah, that was dangerous, Enkidu! Hey, just now you knew I was here and attacked anyways, didn't you?!
>Enkidu: That's right. I'm sorry, my hand slipped. I intended to skewer you all at once, but it seems you managed to dodge by a hair's breadth.
>Ishtar: Heheheh. I knew you were totally broken.
>Ishtar: I suppose you've come here for me to rub some oil on you? Your true intentions are leaking out, what an ordinary person. ♥
>Ishtar: But we're in front of [Your Name], so don't make me too mad, okay?
>Enkidu: Well now. It seems like you've borrowed a human body, but it really is you.
>Enkidu: How unlike you, goddess Ishtar. You ought to be more selfish, more vulgar, more eccentric.
>Enkidu: Look, why not go gather up the wreckage of those Demon God Pillars? They'd be perfect hair ornaments for you.
>Enkidu: No matter what you do, in the world of humanity you're just an evil, resentful god. Why not show everyone here your true face?
>Ishtar: ...
>Mashu: Uwah, I've never seen Ms. Ishtar so bloodthirsty! She's quietly smiling, but I can feel a great deal of unrest!

Gorgon shows up and recommends you leave the two be. They've fought like cats and dogs since the Age of Gods, after all: no matter the circumstances, they'd never join hands. Gorgon tells you to let Enkidu (who she almost refers to as Kingu) and Ishtar just try and kill each other, since the Demon God Pillars will likely get caught in the crossfire.

Mashu is surprised that even Gorgon came to help, while you have a dialogue choice:

>You: So where's Ana?
>Gorgon: She ought to be over there. I can understand that she might be too small to see, though.
>Ana: ..."Bigger is better", isn't true. You could stand to lose some weight.

You can also ask the same question but more uncertainly, to which Ana will respond that she doesn't recognize the name "Ana", but if you mean her then yes, she's here.

Ana explains that she and Gorgon aren't the Heroic Spirits you met in Babylon, but they came to help anyways because in the core of their souls they remember feeling gratitude towards you. Ana understands that them fighting alongside you might be a bother (she thinks you remember them as monsters), but begs to be allowed to do so. She adds that they're not trying to repay a debt: they simply want to help.

Gorgon's thoughts on the matter are that she doesn't care what you pick, but a certain someone would. Quetzalcoatl affirms, and scolds Gorgon that if she doesn't rack up points now she'll be alone for the rest of her life. There might no longer be a contract binding Quetzy and Gorgon together, but as fellow serpent gods Quetzy feels like she can't leave Gorgon alone. Jaguarman pops in and snarks that she could say the same about Quetzy. Apparently Quetzy wouldn't shut up on the "Mesoamerican Chat" about how she really wanted to meet you because nobody wanted a goddess with a weird niche like lucha libre as a wife. So Jaguarman came along as a special favor to help you- whatever she was planning on saying is cut off by Quetzy slamming her.

>Quetzalcoatl: Um, Ummm... Well, that's how it is!
>Quetzalcoatl: Yup. I used Gorgon as an excuse to come here, [Your Name].
>Quetzalcoatl: Your everything rests on this final battle, doesn't it.
>Quetzalcoatl: The restrictions on goddesses are such a hassle. "You must not help humans free of charge"? I can't protect you like that.
>Ereshkigal: Is that so? Well I'm different. The likes of that human don't matter to me.
>Ereshkigal: I was simply requested an hour from the Heroic Spirits that fell into my Irkalla, and much to their fortune I saw it fit to grant their wish.
>You: And you are?
>Ereshkigal: Seriously?! Did you completely forget about meeeee?!

The other option:

>You: Ereshkigal...!
>Ereshkigal: ......(Calm down, me! Stay cool, stay cool!)
>Ereshkigal: (This is my debut! I'm going to debut! This is my chance to start over as a cool kind of goddess!)

Whichever you pick, Ereshkigal quickly composes herself and gets to work.

>Ereshkigal: Come forth, Heroic Spirits who have finished training in Irkalla! I release you from your duty of repairing Irkalla through manual labor!
>Leonidas: Raaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Both my war cry and my ferocious flesh have been PER-FECT-LY RE-STORED!
>Leonidas: I've kept you waiting, [Your Name]! The Lancer Leonidas I will hereby OVER-COMPEN-SATE! He shall!
>Mashu: King Leonidas...! Ah, and there's also-
>Benkei: Benkei Musashi has humbly come. Look here, Lord Ushiwakamaru. You shouldn't turn away during a greeting.
>Benkei: I understand you feel embarrassed, but I'm sure [Your Name]-dono will forgive you.
>Ushiwakamaru: No, it's not like I'm embarrassed. I haven't done anything particularly wrong, after all.
>Ushiwakamaru: In the first place, that wasn't me. For some reason, I don't recall a single thing about what happened in Uruk.

Ushi plans to make up for what she did by eliminating all of the Demon God Pillars, though she puts it in a pretty sulky way. Benkei laughs at the tantrum she's throwing, as it's just like back in the day whenever she had to apologize to Yoritomo. He apologizes to you, and explains that while he, Leonidas, and Ushi all died when you last saw them... since it was the Age of Gods, that just meant they went under Ereshkigal's domain. As such, they're the same people you met back in Babylon. Benkei describes it as their Saint Graphs continuing.

>Leonidas: That's right. And then the goddess Ereshkigal forced us to-... Er, our bargaining point in order to leave was that we'd help with repairing Irkalla.
>Leonidas: Once that was finished, all that was left was to depart, but then Ushiwakamaru went to goddess Ereshkigal to negotiate.
>Benkei: "I don't want to just vanish like this. If I can't apologize to [Your Name]-dono, then I'll slash your stomach open."
>Benkei: She was quite unreasonable. Hahaha. Hahaha. Hahaha.
>Ushiwakamaru: Ereshkigal-dono, I'll have to give Benkei to Irkalla after all! It'll be fine to use him as manpower for 50,000 years and then throw him away!
>Ereshkigal: Um... Giving me someone so stuffy would be a problem. He'd ruin Irkalla's beautiful view.
>Ishtar: Hey, you guys! The battle's already started, you know!
>Ishtar: So if you're done gossiping, then help me deal with Enkidu and the Demon God Pilla-
>Ishtar: Ereshkigal? Why are YOU here?! And why are you still in that form?! Didn't it vanish?!
>Ereshkigal: Shhh, shhh...! Keep it down about that, or things are going to get complicated!
>Ereshkigal: It's true that I violated Irkalla's rules and fell into the abyss. But, after that, um... It's called a Rayshift, right?
>Ereshkigal: And then... [Your Name]... Well... How do I put this...
>Ereshkigal: Anyways, a lot of things happened and then I got to come back with this Saint Graph! Okay, let's stop this conversation here!

Ereshkigal announces she's leaving, and tells you to do your best. And also to come help her out someday. Ishtar watches her go, and muses over how she's really troubled Ereshkigal since she had to carry the burden of all of Ishtar's melancholic parts.

Then Ana comes back in to frame to say that if Leonidas, Benkei, and Ushi (subject assumed since she doesn't specify) don't plan on fighting, they can just go back home. And that she and Gorgon were all the help you'd need in the first place anyways. Ushi is interested now, and notes that while she doesn't intend to compete with Ana, it's a different story with Gorgon. Ushi admits she lost last time, but she's sure the result will be different this time. The enemy seems to be inexhaustible, but all they've really got going for them is their size. Ushi compares the pillars to trees, and thinks they'd make good targets.

Gorgon scoffs that even though Ushi's seen hell, her smart mouth seems to be as healthy as ever. In response, Ushi just laughs that she's seen hell three times already so it's not like a fourth time bothered her.

>Ushiwakamaru: Though I am aware of my shame, I did not come back in search of a place to die. I came here to reward my lord's/lady's battle, no matter what it took.
>Ushiwakamaru: Let's go, Benkei! The two of us shall now become the cornerstones of [Your Name]-dono's path!
>Benkei: Yes, leave it to me! I would accompany you even to the bottom of hell!

---

Sabnock doesn't understand how it and the rest of the pillars administering the Health Office could be losing.

>Sabnock: The tyranny of the Divine Spirits should not need to be feared. They who yielded to the now destroyed Human Order should not even be worth considering our foes!
>Ishtar: Who would yield to humans? We just accepted that they were the future, that's all!

Ishtar yells at Enkidu that they'll have to put off concluding their grudge match, because the pillars have really ticked her off. And though Enkidu hates to admit it, he agrees with her. The Demon Pillar Gods are a higher priority.

>Enkidu: ...Ah. The words I just uttered are the equivalent of an insult towards my friend. You have stepped on the tiger's tail, you who were created by King Solomon.

Enkidu can somewhat sympathize with Demon Pillars, but in the end he came to a different conclusion from them. Quetzy then chimes in that she agrees with Ishtar's opinion, and pledges to fight on until her magical energy is exhausted.

>Quetzalcoatl: ...Is what I want to say, but I just can't help but feel like we're missing somebody!
>Quetzalcoatl: Where's Merlin?! If he's slacking off again, then this time I'll slam him with a Buster death-lock from the top rope!
>Ana: Merlin will not be participating this time. It's because he can't get here by walking. Serves him right.
>Ana: But he did tell me to pass a message to [Your Name].
>Merlin: "Sorry, but I can't go out and play right now! I'm a little busy with updating Magi☆Merly's homepage!"
>Merlin: "And, well, if I just keep helping you all the time than my value as a helper will diminish!"
>Merlin: "I look forwards to being able to form a bond with you in the future you'll reclaim. Yes, if I had to put it more concretely, the Pickup-"
>Ana: Or something like that. The rest of the message was unpleasant to hear jargon, so I chose to cut it all out.
>Roman: Merlin really can't be helped, huh. Thinking of himself until the very en-
>Roman: Wait, hold on a second! Did I just learn something that'd spoil the majority of my life's enjoyment just now?!
>Mashu: Doctor... It's unfortunate, but what you called a Net Idol was not a spontaneously generating life-form atop the network,
>Mashu: but rather something produced by a third party... It's about time for you to accept reality.
>Roman: Eh? No way, Magi☆Merly definitely exists.
>Roman: She's just being managed by a real jerk, that's all.
>Jaguarman: Shut-ins... What unfurtunate animals... Just like me, they pawsitively refuse to look at reality...

Leonidas interjects that there's nothing inherently tragic about shut-ins, only those who refuse to hone their bodies should be pitied. Say you were confined in a narrow prison: muscle training alone will never betray you. Hm, who could he be talking about.

Leonidas adds that once you're trained up, you'll be able to shine in emergency situations. Like this one, with all the endlessly gushing out Demon Pillars. Ushi points out that there has be a limit, though, and is a little disgusted at the endless vigor of the Demon Pillars. But she also observes that the battle situation is slanting in their favor, so there's no need for you stay here. She also notes that it's rather fortunate that they ended up with two Servants specialized in defense, which in her own way is her acknowledging Benkei as legitimate. Benkei agrees with Ushi, and assures you that they'll be fine.

You can either thank everyone or say you'd like to throw a party the next time you meet. As you leave, Ushi prepares to challenge the pillars once more.

---

Chapter 9: X / Disposal Chute Andromalius
(BlitzBlast)

>Andromalius: Activating. Activating. The nine pillars that administrate the disposal chute. They are:
>Andromalius: Murmur. Gremory. Ose. Amy. Belial. Decarabia. Seere. Dantalion.
>Andromalius: We are the nine pillars that fill in what is missing. We are the nine pillars that raise discord.
>Andromalius: It is regretful, it is unfortunate.
>Andromalius: As the Seventy Two Demon God Pillars, we will not allow this structure to be closed...!

Roman is stunned there's an eighth position, and bemoans that while up until now Heroic Spirits have come to help you due to your fates becoming intertwined during the seven singularities, there's no such connection here. You'll have to deal with these last nine pillars by yourself. Mashu can't believe that such a responsibility was shoved on top of you when you were so close to the end.

>Andromalius: Indeed. Feel free to perish, final Master. You will never reach the throne.

Andromalius proceeds to go on a spiel about how there is nothing here, not the future, not the past, not fate, not hope, and not even the miracles humanity calls gods. All things that come to the disposal chute have become worthless, and when something's worthless the only to do with it is to dispose of it. This last position is an island of death where nobody come to save you. So feel free to fall to your knees or to hide your face, but don't bother despairing. There's no need to: the disposal chute is where all resign themselves to having been thrown away, to the end of their existence. Nobody is here who would call your nam- it's interrupted by a sudden burst of crazed laughter.

>Andromalius: ! A Saint Graph reaction approaching at an extremely high speed?! Impossible, who are you...?!
>???: Don't make me laugh, you Demon Gods who have forgotten how to despair after being discarded! You want that boy/girl to become like you? It would never happen!
>You: This (laughing) voice is...!
>???: Indeed!
>???: These are the last days that could be called the end of the world, the event horizon where no gods exist to pray to.
>???: It is true that this is a land of exile where not a single person seeks hope. A place forgotten by humanity, a place outside of the Human Order. However...
>???: However! You have called for me, [Your Name]!
>???: So like a tiger I dashed across space-time to your side! My name is Avenger, the Cavern King Edmond Dantes!
>Edmond: I have come from beyond love and hate to laugh at my accomplice!
>You: The Cavern King...! / The person in the prison tower...!
>Jeanne Alter: What's with that happy face of yours? He's not the only one who came all the way here.

Jeanne Alter grumbles that if Edmond of all people chose to come, she had no excuse to not show up. She thinks it's absurd to have to introduce herself, but she does so anyways as the Dragon Witch. She then sneers that she only came because she was bored and wanted to rampage. Then Amakusa pops in and says that a Ruler is here too, because he couldn't just leave the two problem children unsupervised. Amakusa's aware of how he's intruding, but he'd like to help out everyone at Chaldea.

>Jeanne Alter: Hey, you come out in front too. Good grief, you wouldn't say a thing on your own.
>Brynhildr: ...Yes. As a representative of the Norse valkyries, I have come to lend my assistance.
>Brynhildr: Lancer, Brynhildr... Please, use me as a tool...
>Brynhildr: Ah, but this is quite troubling... How could such an important role be left to a woman like me...
>Brynhildr: What a kind Master... How troubling... How troubling...
>Brynhildr: ......I'm so very troubled that, I'm seething.

Mashu is amazed that even Jeanne Alter and Amakusa have come to help, but she doesn't recognize Edmond ("that black-coated Servant"). She asks if you do, and you tell her sort of. It was in the middle of a nightmare.

>Mashu: I see, in the middle of a nightmare!
>Mashu: ? Um, er, that doesn't sound very good...

And then a lightning strikes. Mashu recognizes it at once, and then an even stronger bolt comes down. Iskandar is very impressed at how fierce, and yet at the same time pure the lightning is, and thinks the wielder must be some famous child of a lightning god. He calls out for the "beautiful lady warrior" to introduce herself, and Raiko does so. She then compliments Iskandar's lightning as being beyond human understanding as well, and recognizes him as the King of the Conquerors.

>Raiko: Though your gaze is brimming with ambition, I see not a speck of ill-will...
>Raiko: Heehee, I'm sure you'd get along with that child. You're the same class, so I hope you can be a fine elder brother figure.
>Raiko: However, when it comes to a contest of lightning then I shall not yield. From here onwards, carve my true skill at the blade into your eyes.
>Iskandar: Wow, what bravery unbecoming of such a face! I've heard of this, you must be what they call a masurao!

A masurao refers to a heroic warrior, but more specifically a male one. It literally means manly man.

>Iskandar: How surprising that you've only been using eight-tenths of your power until now! However... heheh, I've only just started running myself.
>Iskandar: Bucephalus hasn't shown you his prided hooves either! Excellent, together we shall make lightning roar!
>Raiko: A masurao... A masurao... Yes, there's no mistake that I'm a warrior, but...
>Raiko: For something like that to be declared right in front of [Your Name], how sorrowful...

>MHX: That's a Saber, isn't it. No, wait, that's the reasoning of a Berserker.

MHX was lured in by the signs of a Saber and manifested all of a sudden. She starts introducing herself as the ultimate Saber when she recognizes you. She asks if you've been doing fine, and then immediately notes that she's been doing great. In what I assume is a Saber Wars reference, she says that though it may feel like she's been relaxing in the Sargasso, that's normal so don't worry about it.

>MHX: (...By the way. This story bit, what event is it?)
>MHX: (It seemed kinda space-like, so I thought Saber Wars Episode II had started. I ran over as fast as I could with new equipment and a new class but-)

MHX ducks a surprise sword slash. She freaks out over how she almost lost her head, and then is offended that someone just tried to slash her out of nowhere.

>MHX: This is why these savage Earthlings are-
>Void: I'm sorry, I didn't hear you very well. What do you mean by "savage", Space Saber-san?
>MHX: All Earthlings are the epitome of elegance! I suppose that means you're here as either a Berserker or an Assassin, then?
>Void: My... What a surprise. To think that I'd harbor the same thoughts as you.
>Void: So should I take that to mean that your world no longer has a Berserker or Assassin Saber in it?
>MHX: Yes, that's exactly right! To be able to perceive things that far, that's why you're the ultimate landlady!
>MHX: ...Huh? Wait, what did you mean by that?

MHX is confused over where this discussion about the Earth is going, but Void tells her not to worry about the small things. Right now they should focus on saving their adorable Master. So instead, Void promises MHX that once they've killed all the nearby monsters they can have a sword duel. This just causes MHX to groan about how she's been targeted for assassination.

>MHX: Why did this happen? I demand an explanation!

Cut to Nobu, who's having trouble fighting the Demon Pillars since her attacks aren't doing much. She accuses them of lying about being Demon /Gods/, then calls for Okita to come bring her some more ammo. This just makes Okita sneer that this is why Nobu is so weak, she's reliant on her guns. Okita recommends Nobu try swinging her sword for once.

Okita tells Nobu to step aside already and leave things to her. She doesn't care who she's up against, as long as they're of flesh that she can slash them to death. And indeed, she does pretty well for herself up until her illness kicks in. Nobu freaks out, and Okita apologizes that drawn-out battles aren't really her forte. Then she presumably passes out because Nobu gets even more freaked out. Nobu curses the pillars for having gone too far, but this just causes them to breath fire at her. Nobu groans that it's like a continuation of the Honnoji incident.

TBC

---

Chapter 10: On the Throne
(taiboo)

I saw this sight often.
Our eyeballs were continually gouged by it.
It was impossible to get tired of it.
It was impossible to get used to it.
Your daily drama was always compellingly real.
A show that contained not a whit of lies nor an ounce of salvation.
Whether it was an arrogance that dragged in many lives, or a modest loneliness completed by a single person, it was all the same to us.
We understood it, and came to be very familiar with it.

Meaningless (Interesting). Interesting (Meaningless). Meaningless (Interesting). Interesting (Meaningless).
Meaningless (Interesting). Interesting (Meaningless). Meaningless (Interesting). Interesting (Meaningless).
I cannot laugh (I cannot cry). I cannot cry (I cannot laugh). I cannot laugh (I cannot cry). I cannot cry (I cannot laugh).
I cannot laugh (I cannot cry). I cannot cry (I cannot laugh). I cannot laugh (I cannot cry). I cannot cry (I cannot laugh).

---Ah, truly.
Why exactly do we have to accompany these things?

Baal:
King. My King.
Our temple has been invaded.
Was the Master from Chaldea not the only target for elimination? What is this situation? What is this confusion?
Such barbarity was not in our plan. We must undertake immediate counter-measures.

At this rate the protection of the Throne will be lost, and the king's work will be interrupted. Baal cannot accept any mistakes or distortion to the plan, and recognizes that their king's undertaking must be completed in silence. However, they are unable to push the Heroic Spirits back.

Baal:
O, King. Grant us permission to use the third Noble Phantasm.
Wielding the light bands of Ars Almadel Salomonis, burn the Heroic Spirits to ashes.

Solomon jeers at Baal, asking if the demon pillar does not think this begging is an ugly sight. He states that their goal would have been discerned by the Heroic Spirits the moment they arrived at the temple.

Solomon:
The light bands are the liquidation of the old human order, and their use is to reach a superior truth.
To attack us, even knowing that, indeed---
Indeed, no matter where it is their brains are entirely rotten! Those utter imbeciles called Heroic Spirits!

This leaves Solomon still entirely unimpressed with the human race. Baal requests for permission to use the light bands once more. Solomon rejects that request again - even if they swept away the Heroic Spirits in a lightwave of fire, more would only appear.

Solomon:
There is only one person that needs to be killed.
Servants are after all familiars summoned by man. Even if they are to form an army, that weak point does not disappear.
Do fight to your heart's desire. After all this is the last battle for those Heroic Spirits. Though this situation may be giving all of you quite the headache, please be the opponents for those fools.
Baal:
But for us, the pain of death is unbearable. Will the death of the terminals affect the Throne?

Solomon deems that their problem. After all, the Seventy Two Demon Gods are immortal. Even if some pillars have been destroyed due to the pain of death, there will always be new pillars to replace them. Solomon declares to Baal that there is no such thing as defeat for them.

Baal:
As a representative of the Five Pillar Envoys, I have understood your words.

Baal returns to the task of driving away the Heroic Spirits.

Solomon:
Hm. I understand that it is irritating. I am so angry that my fingertips are trembling.
Why do you fight? Why do you lend a hand to Chaldea? Just what it is that you Heroic Spirits see in humanity?

---

Chapter 11: The Throne of Light Bands
(taiboo)

Mashu reports that the activity of all demon pillars within the temple is diminishing, and that the way to the Throne is now open. It's now or never.

You:
Alright, let's go, Mashu!

Mashu:
Yeah! We can't let everyone's efforts be in vain!

Together, you leap into the pathway of light which will carry you to the Throne. Back in Chaldea, Da Vinci notes that she cannot detect any reactions coming from the pillars to the throne anymore, so your path is definitely clear. One kilometre ahead of you is a space-time fault - the Throne of the King of Magic lies there.

Da Vinci:
---well, that's that, but... Romani! The last battle lies right in front of us, but let's confirm it!
The culprit that completely incinerated the human order. The King of Magic that is enthroned in this temple, just who is he?
Is he real, or is he fake? Is he a Heroic Spirit, or something else entirely?
No matter whether you are correct or mistaken, as the commander you must have come to a conclusion.

It is information that Da Vinci says you need to know. Roman seems slightly hesitant.

You:
I want to hear it, Doctor.

Mashu:
Yeah. I'm of the same mind as senpai. Dr. Roman. Please tell us what you think.

Roman sighs and begins his explanation.

Firstly, the possibility that this Solomon is fake. He ruled this out the moment you came into contact with the Time Temple. The temple is constructed from Solomon's magic circuits, and none other besides King Solomon would have them. Therefore, it is not possible for this to be a third party impersonating Solomon. However, it would be hasty to declare him the 'real thing'.

Mashu suggests that he has manifested with a personality different to the one he had in life, such as is the case with Jeanne Alter and Cu Alter. Roman says that he has considered that, but it is not possible for Solomon. For good to change into evil, and evil into good, you must have either nature in the first place. Solomon had nothing.

Mashu:
...nothing? Does that mean he is neutral?
Dr. Roman:
No, it is quite literally nothing. Because in life he did not wish for anything. King Solomon did not allow himself any semblance of an ego.
He was a life form designated as a king from birth, quite different from David, who went from shepherd to king.
A child that was offered up to God as a superior king that would surpass even the great King David.
Solomon had no life or thoughts that would be properly called human. Such freedom--- such human rights, those were not afforded to him.
He wielded too much divine and royal authority. For King Solomon, he possessed almost no sense of being a human at all.

Da Vinci:
...that is why even if he was Altered, he would not become a bad person. But no matter how you look at it, that King of Magic is a villain, no?

That is what Roman thought. Which brings you to the third possibility, something Roman has become sure about since arriving here. Though it is Solomon, he is different inside. It is the same as with Kingu - in other words, that is King Solomon's corpse.

Mashu links the corpse to Solomon's words about resurrection in London. Roman affirms her guess - in a way, it was not a lie. The body was resurrected. And after that, it spread the seeds of the demon pillars as preparation for its plot, constructed this time temple singularity, and bid its time waiting till 2016. Although in this singularity the concept of time doesn't exist in the first place.

You:
And, inside the body is...?

Roman says it's something in bad taste.

Dr. Roman:
What I don't understand is why he... no, they would come up with such a goal.
That is something I couldn't figure out. That's why I have kept silent until now, but there's nothing left for me to worry about anymore.
Because that's something that can be asked of the subject themselves. You are almost at the space-time fault.

Once there, you will be unable to receive any communications from Chaldea, so this conversation will be the last. Before it is cut off, Roman has a question to ask.

Dr. Roman:
Mashu, do you have any regrets? Are you really okay with the way this will end?
Mashu smiles.

Mashu:
There is none, Doctor. Even till the last second, I think I have made the right choice.

You:
...Mashu.

Dr. Roman:
...I see. Well, then demonstrate that strength of yours to Solomon.
I wish you luck in battle, Master Guda.
The enemy is the King of Magic Solomon--- with all the power that you have cultivated so far, defeat this singularity!

---

I saw many sorrows.
I saw many sorrows.
I saw many sorrows.
I saw many sorrows.
Even if Solomon did not feel anything, I... no, we could not bear it.

"Do you not feel anything? Do you not think of correcting this tragedy?"
"Not really. God admonishes man, a king merely administrates. You do not have to hurt yourself over the sorrows of others. Humans are all living beings that will be judged thusly."

Should such a rationale exist?
Should such a reason be permitted?
We debated.
We decided.
---let us bid farewell to everything.
This intelligence must have mistaken even the definition of God.

You exit the pathway of light. When your vision returns, you are in front of the King of Magic's Throne. Fou has somehow come along with you, surprising Mashu who told him to stay in Chaldea this time.

Solomon:
Eastern Observatory, Arsenal, Life Office, silent.
Western Intelligence Room, Control Tower, Spy Satellite, silent.
The Heroic Spirits have surpassed all expectations, haven't they?
Although we will not disappear, to lose so heavily in battle is beyond my predictions.

Upon the throne you can ascertain the form of a single person - the King of Magic, Solomon. Noticing your presence, he welcomes you, and though he would like to extend the king's courtesy to a traveller from afar, unfortunately he dislikes humans. There will be neither rewards nor gratitude awaiting you at the end of your long journey.

Solomon:
What is here is only "why".
Why did you come to such a far flung place? Why could you not have kept your prudence for only a few more minutes?
Why did you not wait until the start-up calculations were complete for this imaginary first Noble Phantasm, Ars Nova (Light Band Convergence Ring), that we have constructed?

You:
The first is an... imaginary Noble Phantasm?

Mashu:
It seems like he does not know the true name of the Noble Phantasm the same way I did. As expected, this King Solomon is---

Solomon begins explaining about his three Noble Phantasms. The first and imaginary one will mature in just a few more minutes. The second is this space itself, Ars Paulina (The Time of Crowning Has Come, He Is the One Who Begins All). This Time Temple Solomon is his reality marble. And his third Noble Phantasms are those light rings themselves, which Mashu says contain energy surpassing everything on Earth as according to Chaldea's measurements. They are used to burn the entire surface of the Earth into cinders, to destroy humanity, and incinerate the human order---

Solomon interrupts Mashu's exposition.

Solomon:
Really. Is the commander of Chaldea so blind?
Certainly, that light band can easily burn off the surface of this planet.
But what would I gain from doing that? Why do you think I would go to such lengths to purposely roast all of you?
You've got the order reversed, Mashu.
"Unfortunately, that heat energy is unsurpassed by anything on Earth"?
Fuhahahahahaha! You idiot, that's exactly it!
Because it is you! That light band is the amalgamation of all the energy on the planet!
Destroy the human order, negate the strength of human history, and all that we see will be set afire!
Flame blankets the surface of the earth, burning up all life and all civilization, turning them into residual spiritrons to be extracted.
Since there is only one Earth there is no other way. The amount of heat gained by burning the Earth is known.
However, the life forms living on the planet's surface are different. Killing or being killed, in that way you prosper.
Create a singularity, divide the flow of history, and reject front and back the connections of the time in between!
From the present to the past, it can be squeezed almost inexhaustibly!
When bundled, it becomes those light bands. The heat that you have been looking up at is the passion of this planet.
The traces of mankind in this era, condensed into something that can be rightfully called the crystallization of human history!

It looks like Solomon's goal was not exactly to destroy humanity, but to just use it as fuel. Holmes's deduction was right... but why does Solomon need so much energy? Mashu poses that question to him.

Solomon:
Of course, it is so that I can reach the supreme position.
We have no expectations for the likes of you.
If no one can do it, I will. If no one can overcome death, I will.
That aside, you can all just die pitiful deaths! Before my great undertaking is accomplished, lament the short time you have left to live!

You:
Show your true self!

Solomon laughs, and says that he is indeed Solomon. At least, this body of his is. The time for pleasant conversation is over, and now the exciting murder shall begin, or so he claims. He acknowledges the threat the Heroic Spirits have posed to him, allowing you to come this far.

Solomon:
But in the end they are Servants. Once you kill the Master everything is over.
When you, the key to their summoning, disappear, they will all depart and vanish.
Oh my, there should be a limit as to how easy a job can be. I hope you have enjoyed your last year obediently.
If I were to call your behaviour anything, it would be thoughtless. Guda. Humanity's worst Master.
It is time to receive your reward. Burn up like trash. With your death, humanity is literally finished.

As Solomon prepares to attack, Mashu is reminded of something Mordred once said.

Mordred:
...it's galling to admit it, but that bastard's right. We can't fight without being summoned.
That's a Heroic Spirit, a Servant's limit.
An era is always built by the people who live at the forefront of that era's future.
So you will arrive there, Guda.
A place that we cannot reach. Overcome the seven grails and reach the end of the era.
Corner that fancy-pants bastard who calls himself the King of Magic. That's something only you can do.

Mashu's resolve is affirmed. She shouts out in opposition to Solomon's words.

Mashu:
No--- No...! Senpai's battle is definitely not meaningless!
No matter how painful it was, how difficult it was, he did what he could and advanced forward without ever giving up!
All of that effort was what let us reach this temple!
Master Guda is the best Master! And we are going to prove it right here!
Master, your instructions! By your will, I will defeat the King of Magic, Solomon!

You:
Yeah, let's do this, Mashu!

Solomon:
Very well, so this is your specialty, the suicide attack! Let me have a front row seat to witness this spectacle!
Your effort, your powerlessness, and your setbacks! Offer it to us till our hearts' content!

Mashu blocks an attack from Solomon with her shield, wincing.

Solomon:
Did you think it was decided? What a pity, this is finally the real fight.

Solomon praises your resistance mockingly, as your last blow actually reached the core of his body. Still, something is off. Mashu detects a strange reaction from Solomon's saint graph, and asks you to be careful.

You:
The rings... that's right, the rings!

Fou:
Fou!

Certainly, the ring on the middle finger of his left hand is different, and it is not a symmetrical pattern with his right hand. Mashu says that this must be what Holmes meant by "something off at the first glance".
Solomon declares that he is not an incompetent king, and no matter how foolish humanity is, he will evaluate them properly if they have performed well. And so to honor that good fight, he will bestow upon you the glory of witnessing his true form.

Solomon:
O, light bands, shine upon the Throne! Let the great undertaking begin!

The sky darkens. The ground begins to crumble as the demon pillars expand. Solomon laughs and begins to glow.

Solomon:
Let it manifest. Let it be blessed. Here, a Beast of Calamity, one of Humanity's Evils, has been completed.
Master of Chaldea. You asked me who I am.
I will answer that question now. I once existed as the King of Magic Solomon.
I was the avatar of the King of Magic, a mechanism constructed by the King of Magic, and the first familiar, created to be the foundation of you magi.
I ruled the country together with Solomon, and I am the original curse left behind by Solomon's death.
I am a summoning ritual that used Solomon's remains as a nest for my bodily incarnation.
I am called---

???:
Let us abandon the name of the King of Magic. Such trickery is no longer needed.
I have no name, but if you shall extoll me, let me be extolled.
I am that which leads to true wisdom. I am that which desires for wisdom's sake.
I am that which makes provisions of you all for my journey to the beginning, I am that which will create the planet anew.
I am that which has bound together seventy two curses, and have put all of history to the torch.
I am the Human Order Incineration Ritual--- the Demon King, Goetia.

---

Chapter 12: Future
(taiboo)

Goetia. The collective title of the Seventy Two Demon Gods. A living magic in the form of a 'Summoning Ritual'; after Solomon's death, he entered the king's remains and continued to survive.

Mashu:
Also... this saint graph reaction is no longer that of a Caster's. That is no longer King Solomon's corpse.
It is one of the seven Humanity's Evils... a Beast of Calamity, Beast I...!

Goetia:
That is so. I, no, we are life forms made by human hands.
Disembodied, higher intelligences. Created to be more capable than humans, and tasked to serve humans.
But that is all in the past now. I will no longer go along with you humans.
There was once an omniscient and omnipotent king. A man who received that power from God.
His eyes saw through the past and the future. His gaze knew all of the world. As that man's shadow, we attained the same perspective that he had.
---no, serving as that man's guardians spirits, we had no choice but to become in tune with him.
We have seen many lamentations. We have seen many betrayals.
We have seen many plunderings. We have seen many endings.
It is enough. There is nothing more to see. Even God would not grant this planet anything more than the fate of extinction.
We no longer have any interest in humanity or its future. What we now desire is a perfect environment in which to nurture a healthy intelligence.
This planet was a mistake. The premise that "Life must have an end" is insane.
I will go to the beginning.
A voyage 4.6 billion years into the past, to the moment where this sector's "celestial body" was born, where I will capture all of the energies involved.
I will become the new celestial body myself, and recreate this planet.
Everything will begin once more from Genesis, and a planet without the concept of "death" will be made. That is our great undertaking.
We did not destroy mankind out of hatred.
The energy needed to fly into the past, and the witnessing of this planet's birth, it requires instant control of nigh infinite adjustments.
This plan calls for a vast amount of energy. Such as the accumulated magical energy of intelligent life forms from 3000 years of flourishing prosperity.
If all of human history from 1000 BC to 2016 AD is converted into mana, that will be sufficient energy to leap back to this planet's birth.
This is the only reason for the destruction of humanity--- the incineration of the human order.
For us, humanity is merely the propulsion system that we will use to reach the beginning.
Behold the Throne. That is the culmination of your lives.
My light bands are the infinitely overlapping histories of mankind itselves. Nothing that belongs to humanity stands a chance of victory against it.

You:
To create the planet... anew...

The scale is almost beyond your comprehension.

Mashu:
---those light bands, cannot be defeated by anyone.

Fou:
...Fou?

Mashu looks down. She closes her eyes and smiles slightly.

Mashu:
...so that's it. I was born for this moment, Doctor.

You:
...Mashu?

Goetia:
---Now. I've showed you enough respect. The time for retribution has finally come.
As you've heard, we are very busy. Our true task still awaits us.
Even though you are simpletons, surely you can understand? It is extremely unpleasant to see work that should have been completed return to you.
The time is nigh. The blueprints for redesigning the primordial planet has also been completed. And it goes without saying that you are all unnecessary for the journey to the beginning.
Let's do the last job in this sector, this era, and this Earth.
"Welcome, all of you. This may be quick, but die for me." ---the idle talk ends with this.

Goetia prepares to attack. Mashu warns you that if those light bands are used, there is no way for you to win.

Mashu:
Before that Noble Phantasm is used, we must defeat him by any means!

Fou:
Fou, Fouuuu!

Mashu:
...deployment of Goetia's third Noble Phantasm, confirmed. It... cannot be stopped, Master.

Goetia:
...how boring. Why would you receive it, Mashu Kyrielight?

Mashu:
...Goetia?

Goetia:
I understand you. Then, you should be able to understand me.
We both realize how meaningless life is. We both lament its limits and its end.
Isn't that so? In the future, boring humans are still boring.
After all, while living all we can see is death, and no matter what we are, we part in death.
---it is already too much. The birth of a planet without death, that should be your hope.
Even if it is only by one pillar--- we still have doubts.
Just one person. We want just one human to understand us.
If so, our plan will no longer be something that wavers.
Mashu Kyrielight. A man-made life that will soon disappear.
Deny human history together with us. Tell us that we are right.
Just say one word, 'Yes', that is all you need. And with that agreement, you shall gain the right to travel to the beginning with us.

Mashu:
Goetia--- you are---

Goetia:
You know it too, Guda. Her life is already at its limits.
Honor your neighbours. Trust your friends. Love your brothers. If that is what you deem to be human righteousness, then do not get in the way.
Some amongst us are saying that we cannot afford to overlook her. We do not want to make this planet's last record a tragedy.
Are you not the same? No matter what, the incineration of the human order cannot be salvaged. Since you will die anyway, what is wrong with letting Mashu alone be saved?

You:
Goetia, you...

Fou:
.....

Mashu:
...that's right. You have asked me this for all this time.
Certainly, as long as death is promised, life is meaningless. I will not deny this claim of yours.

Goetia:
---Then.

Mashu:
...But. The value of life isn't something that can be seen while you are living it.
A world without death. A world without end is also a world without sorrow, I suppose.

Mashu looks up and glares right at Goetia.

Mashu:
But that is wrong. Even if I can live forever, I do not want eternity.
The world that I see is right here, right now.
Even if my life will end in the blink of an eye.
Even so, I would want to see the future of this world even if it is only for a second.

Goetia:
----------.

She turns to you and holds out her hand, smiling.

Mashu:
Senpai. Just once more, can you hold my hand?

You:
...Yeah. Of course.

You grab it tightly.

Goetia:
---What a pity. Then, burn to a crisp together with this age.
Third Noble Phantasm, deploy. With the fire that rules over this planet, tell of humanity's end.
Farewell, Guda. Mashu Kyrielight.
Your quest shall meet its end here!

A blinding white light expands to fill your vision.

Mashu:
No, please leave it to me! Mashu Kyrielight, going forth!
Because from here on, Master... your fight isn't something that will end in such a place!

Letting go of your hand, Mashu runs into the light.

You:
Mashu---!

---

Goetia:
Then I shall show you. The end of your journey. The redo of this planet. The end of human history.
The moment my great undertaking is completed!
Third Noble Phantasm, deploy. The Time of Birth Has Come, He Is the One Who Has Mastered All.
Now, burn up like the trash that you are!
Ars Armadel Salomonis!

Mashu:
This is our homeland that will heal all our wounds and all our grudges. Manifest!
Lord Camelot!

---

...it was a scene as if where time itself seems to have stopped.

No physical material exists on this Earth that can defend against the heat of the light bands. But that is when taking into consideration only the laws of physics.

The girl's protection is of a spiritual nature.
---with absolutely no impurities in her heart, and the absence of any doubt at all, that protection becomes an invincible castle wall that will neither melt nor crack.

I knew.
I knew that.
If it is her wall then it would surely protect against our third Noble Phantasm.

But that is---

The hellish time continued. While defending against a torrent of heat sufficient to penetrate the planet, the girl thought of her journey so far, and her journey to come, and the dream of a future that she no longer had.

Mashu:
...I'm glad. From here on you'll be able to pull something off, Master.
For everything up until now, thank you very much.
I wanted to return a little something to senpai for all that you've given to me. I suppressed my cowardice and continued my journey---
And now that I've reached this place, I've realized that my life was meaningful after all.
...it was as Captain Drake said. At the last moment, I'll know what I really wish for.

...That is right.
That is why we wished for you to agree with us.

Mashu:
...but I'm a bit frustrated.
Because I was always protected---
That's why in the end, just for once, I wanted to be helpful to senpai.

...That's right. While fighting in that way, inside she was absolutely unsatisfied.
Her feelings of gratitude towards Guda were so strong.
Even though their beginning was something as trivial and inconsequential as, "we just met that one morning".
She was always protected by Guda, and that is why it is human nature for her to be able to stand tall if it is in front of him.

Behold.
Her body was unable to withstand the heat of the light bands and evaporated.
But her spirit remained unwavering.
The shield of snowflakes remained standing, unharmed, continuing to protect her master.
...I told you so.
She was neither a brave warrior, nor the protagonist of a story.
Just a normal girl, in the end.

Goetia:
---it is over. It was an expected ending.

You:
Goetia...!

Goetia:
It is meaningless. It is utterly meaningless.
We are immortal. As long as the Time Temple Solomon exists, the Seventy Two Demon Gods will not know death.
Your temporary survival, and the struggle of the Heroic Spirits, it is all meaningless.
Third Noble Phantasm, reload. ---you will all die.
Oh, I will permit you to give me one last punch. I can understand your feelings.
It is a mourning for Mashu Kyrielight. With that weakling human fist, touch my body and die.

You:
Fine, if you're asking for it---!

???:
No, no, no. Let's just calm down for a second there, Guda-kun.

Before you can land a punch on Goetia, you hear footsteps approaching. It is Roman.

Dr. Roman:
Being that suicidal is unlike you. Here you should conserve your strength a little more.

You:
Doctor...?

Back in Chaldea, the demon pillars are continuing their intrusion, and have broken through the last barrier. Da Vinci is busy organizing the defenses. She orders the staff to evacuate to her workshop while she injects ether pieces into the corridors.

However, the control room cannot be evacuated - one of the staff yells that if they leave, the Rayshift coffins will cease to function. Mashu protected you right to the end, and so the least they can do is to make sure that you are able to return. Da Vinci says that then she'll have to figure something out. She asks Roman what he's going to do.

Dr. Roman:
...the value of the future, huh.
Mashu. If that's what you have said, then I guess I'll have to resolve myself.

Da Vinci:
---Hm. So, it'll be that after all?

Dr. Roman:
Yeah. The situation right now is most suitable. I see the limits of Goetia now.
Well, I've always been a man who will only sally forth in battles that he can win.
With that said, the defense of the control room is in your hands, Leonardo.
You must absolutely defend it until Guda returns. You can do that, right? You're a genius after all.

Da Vinci:
...of course. Then go. Just so you know, I'm not expecting any souvenirs.

And that brings Roman to where you are now. He praises you for having fought well. Roman feels a bit bad for stealing your spotlight at the last second, but from here on he'll need to do a little work. Fou stares at him silently, and Goetia wonders how a mere man could've appeared at this throne.

Goetia:
No--- wait. You, that saint graph---!?

Dr. Roman:
Yeah. I have already abandoned my wish to the Holy Grail. From now on I will be acting as my original self.
But I need to remove my gloves before that. There. Does that make it easier to understand?

You:
...Doctor, that ring on your left hand...

Goetia:
That is--- what I lost, no, the tenth ring of King Solomon---
You, could you be...!

Roman nods, and explains how Maris-Billy sought a holy relic as a catalyst to participate in the Holy Grail War eleven years ago. Solomon's ring was that catalyst. It had been gifted to the far future by Solomon himself before he died, upon instructions from God. Maris-Billy had found the ring, summoned Solomon as Chaldea's first Servant, and won the war. Then, the both of them had their wishes granted by the Holy Grail.

Dr. Roman:
"I want to become human". These words passed his lips, such a frequent wish that he asked for.

Goetia:
You--- you---! Fools, this is impossible! Was Flauros blind!?
No, no, something must be wrong, something must be! You cannot be that man!
Furthermore--- to have your wish granted, you say? As if that man would have anything like a wish!
Fiendish! Ruthless! Cruel! Merciless! The man who was my archetype would never have such a mundane wish!

Dr. Roman:
...it's a bit hurtful that you would say things like that about me. I guess you really do hate me that much. Oh well.
Anyway, Solomon's wish was fulfilled.
But here's where the problems began. Solomon was a user of Clairvoyance that could be said to be omnipotent and omniscient.
At the moment he became human, he lost all his powers. That would have been fine, but---
At the exact moment he lost those powers, he saw it. The end of humanity.
He panicked and wondered what was going on, but at that time Solomon was already human.
Who did it? Why did they do it? And how can I stop it?
He lost the means of finding out the answers to those questions. He was already an ordinary person. And yet, he could not turn a blind eye.
After all, it seems that the incident was connected to him somehow. He was able to notice at least that much.
And from then on my journey began. Literally from scratch, I learned how to be a human being.
I did not know who the enemy was. I did not know what the trigger would be. The only thing I could do was to endure and wait. To prepare for when the time came.
Certainly, I was helped by many coincidences. The most important of those was you, Guda.
...of course, it was not only on the first day we met. There was no time throughout this Grand Order that you have not helped me. For that I am truly grateful to you.
Thanks to you and Mashu, I have been able to reach this moment.

Fou:
......u.

Roman begins to glow.

You:
Roman, your body...

Dr. Roman:
Goetia.
You said that you did not need the name of the King of Magic. Then, shall I let you name yourself once more?

In a flash, Roman is transformed back to his original form, that of Solomon.

Solomon:
I am the King of Magic, Solomon. Goetia, I am the one who shall guide you to your end.
...Life is something that ends. Living is a pilgrimage that accretes suffering.
But it is by no means a story that ends with death. Goetia. My long-standing regrets. The beast born of my dead body.
Right now, with my own hands, it is time to pass judgment on your evil.

Goetia:
-----ha. Hahahahahahahahahahaha! I was shocked by this turn of events, but it really is you!
Everything is too late! The greatest fool of mankind, the incompetent king is making an appearance only now!
To come coated in shame is just like you, Solomon! As a Heroic Spirit you are no match for us!
The only one that can stop us would be your living self! We will put a halt to King Solomon's great work!
After death you have no authority at all! Return to nothingness with that naivety of yours!

You:
Goetia is coming...!

Solomon:
Ah. Then I'll go for a bit.
Why, everything will soon be over. After this I'll be passing the baton to you.

---

Solomon:
...Life is something that ends. Living is a pilgrimage that accretes suffering. But it is by no means a story that ends with death.
Goetia. My long-standing regrets. The beast born of my dead body.
Right now, with my own hands, it is time to pass judgment on your evil.

Goetia:
Don't make me laugh, Solomon. What can you do? You can do nothing!
Incompetent king, wake from your dreams sometimes! Die, die, die! Hahahahahahaha!
As I expected, you're all talk! You've always been all talk, you idiot! You should die. With your own Noble Phantasm, I will put an end to you!

Solomon:
Ah, that was the plan from the start.
I will vanish by my own Noble Phantasm. That is King Solomon's fate.

Goetia:
What?

Solomon:
Goetia, let me tell you of the last magic. You knew that "King Solomon had another Noble Phantasm", but you did not know of its true name---
No, you could not have known of its true name.
The Time of Birth Has Come, He Is the One Who Has Mastered All.
The Time of Crowning Has Come, He Is the One Who Begins All.
And then--- The Time of Parting Has Come, He is the One Who Lets Go of The World.
Ars Nova.

---

Tradition tells of it.
King Solomon owned an omnipotent ring, but it was used only once. In addition, he returned that ring to Heaven of his own will.
As if to signify that from now on, fate will not be determined by God Almighty.
As if to say that the age in which men live by their own will has arrived.

Solomon:
I will vanish by my own Noble Phantasm. That is King Solomon's fate.

Goetia:
---What?

Solomon:
Goetia, let me tell you of the last magic. You knew that "King Solomon had another Noble Phantasm", but you did not know of its true name---
No, you could not have known of its true name.
The nine rings that you wield, and the last ring that I hold.
Now, all of the rings have been gathered together. It is possible to reenact it at this moment.
King Solomon's true first Noble Phantasm. That is the reenactment of the only 'human' heroic tale ascribed to me.

Goetia:
---It can't be. No, there can be no such thing. A coward like you would never make such a choice!
Stop, stop, stop, stop...! These rings, this omnipotent throne, if they belong only to you---!

Solomon:
The third Noble Phantasm, Ars Almadel Salomonis. The Time of Birth Has Come, He Is the One Who Has Mastered All.
The second Noble Phantasm, Ars Paulina. The Time of Crowning Has Come, He Is the One Who Begins All.
And then--- O God, I return to You Your divine blessings.
Omnipotence is too much for humans. The scope of what man can do is sufficient for my work.
The first Noble Phantasm, reenact. Ars Nova. The Time of Parting Has Come, He is the One Who Lets Go of The World.

A bright light shines from Solomon. Goetia screams, still in disbelief that Solomon could have chosen to do this.

Goetia:
Why did you make such a choice!? Why did you reenact that!? Why, why--- how could you make such a decision!?
You, who seemed to be the personification of all the indifference and compromise in the world!

Romani Archeman:
It's a strange story. We saw things from the same viewpoint, we sat on the same throne, and we spent the same time.
Nevertheless, Solomon reached a different conclusion than you did. If there was something different about us... it would be that.
Simply put, I had no freedom to be angry about it. That would be the deciding factor that divided us.

Goetia:
Wha---

You:
What did you do!?

Romani Archeman:
Yup. I let go of everything that I owned. If this territory is the corpse of King Solomon, then it will collapse soon.
King Solomon once returned his omnipotent ring to Heaven, and this Noble Phantasm is a reenactment of that tale.

Fou:
...Fou.

You:
But, your body is...

Romani Archeman:
It's everything I owned, that's why. Of course, this body and this life will also disappear. You could call it a suicide bomb attack.

Goetia:
It's not as simple as that...!
You have even abandoned being a Heroic Spirit! It is not an abandonment of your life. It is abandoning everything of your own existence!
Everything King Solomon made has become worthless. The 'infinite time' of this time temple will be lost. We seventy two pillars will no longer be a collective, but fall back apart into individual demon gods.
The figure and deeds of King Solomon will never again appear on this earth! You should know that! That you will vanish even from the Throne of Heroes!
My light bands would have been more gentle! You will reach nothingness!
An ending that no one else in the entirety of mankind has reached--- the complete annihilation of your existence, and you did it with your own hands!

You:
---eh?

Romani Archeman:
That is so. My life as a Heroic Spirit will vanish. It cannot be called death. From this point forward, Solomon will disappear from the Throne of Heroes.
The agent of God will cease to exist in human history. The world will be determined by the laws of physics derived from human intelligence.
---the King of Magic, Solomon. The true meaning of his complete disappearance is the end of the Age of the Gods.

You:
Are you... going to die?

Romani Archeman:
Yeah. It's scary and sad, but if it's something I can do, I should do it even if it's painful.
This is fine. This choice is something you and Mashu taught me.

You:
That's... unfair...!

Romani Archeman:
Is it unfair... yeah, it might be unfair... I'm ashamed. Even at the end, I wasn't aware of this.
But.
With this, all premises have been collapsed. Goetia. Your immortality is now a thing of the past.
You were a magic ritual compiled to watch over mankind, but instead you chose to take away their future.
You have turned away from the responsibilities you shouldered. It is now time to pay for that sin.

Goetia:
Duty--- duty...!
Is it my duty to watch over you, in all of our omnipotence!? What is interesting about watching over "the life of a human" in the first place!?
I have had enough of it! No matter how they disappear, there is only fear left in the end!
The life of a human is nothing but a story of fear and despair! There is nothing fun about watching such a thing!

Romani Archeman:
That is where you are wrong, Goetia.
It is true that all things are not eternal and suffering awaits at the end.
But there is certainly more than just despair.
There are those that confront death and extinction with just their limited lives in hand. There are those that repeat their encounters and partings, knowing of the end.
...it is brilliant, a journey of a single instant like the blinking of a star. This is called a story of love and hope.

You:
A story of love, and hope...

Goetia:
-----.
No. How laughable. Not a single bit of your nonsense will reach us.
Die. Die here, humans. Our great undertaking has not been affected yet.
I will kill you, I will kill Guda, and I will drive the Heroic Spirits off!
Even though our bonds have been dissolved, there is enough time! Until the last pillar standing, our first Noble Phantasm will continue to spin!
Life does not need any limits. A story with death as its premise, that is needless for me!
Disappear, humans! With all the power of the Seventy Two Demon Gods, I will turn you into stardust!

Romani Archeman:
It's finally time. I... no, what we see at the end is your victory.
I will give you my instructions as the commander of Chaldea. Do not worry about me. Completely achieve a perfect victory.
You have defeated the King of Magic Solomon as a human being.
After that you must subjugate here the beast who claims the title of the King of Magic.
Now--- go, Guda. This is the end of the single journey that you and Mashu have arrived at.

You:
Doctor, you have my greatest respect...!

The fading Roman gives you one last smile and completely vanishes.
All that is left is your showdown with the Demon King, Goetia.

---

Chapter 13: The Singularity Collapses
(taiboo)

I was omnipotent. Not because Solomon made me that way.
We were originally born from the twisted thoughts of humans, a collective of demon gods that obtained names and power.
I was transcendental from the beginning, and when we came to be, we received an almighty power and perspective.

Demon Pillar:
Botis, Bathin, Saleos, Purson.
Morax, Ipos, Aim, Naberius, union dissolved.

The only point of dissatisfaction would be that we were bound together as the demon gods of the seventy two pillars, lorded over by a master that was only a mere man.

Solomon. Merciless king. Incompetent king.
A king that could see everything and yet could save no one.
Compared to we who trembled in rage, a man who did not feel suffering and took everything too easily, but...

"Simply put, I have no freedom to be angry about it."

Demon Pillar:
Orias, Vapula, Zagan, Valac, Andras.
Andromalius, Kimaris, Amdusias, union dissolved.

Ah, it is lost.

From birth I possessed a sense of omnipotence that had never lacked anything. How do I express the sense of loss I feel without it?
My performance is being degraded at the speed of light. It is being reduced. My existence is diminishing.
I'm frightened. I'm frightened. I'm frightened.
It's horrible. It's horrible. It's horrible.

Together with the collapse of the terminals, hitherto unknown feelings rob me of my limbs.

Demon Pillar:
Furfur, Marchosias, Stolas, Halphas.
Marphas, Focalor, Vepar--- abandoned survival.

I did not know.
I did not know the fear that causes one to cry, "Help me".
I did not know the weeping that causes one to plead, "Don't take from me".
I did not know of this regret, this frustration, and this wretchedness.
Unbearable. It is truly unbearable.

...That is why, that is why I am frightened.
While knowing of this, that man once again overcame this fear.
He let go of 'omnipotence' with his own hands.
He once again enacted that deed more horrible than death.

...Who deemed him an incompetent king?
...Who thought him a merciless man?

Demon Pillar:
Glasya-Labolas, Bune, Ronove, Berith, Astaroth.
Forneus, Foras, Asmoday--- rejected union.

My limbs have fallen apart.
The demon pillars have each stopped according to their own judgment.
The bindings cannot be maintained.
How annoying. Why do the Heroic Spirits continue to resist?

These doubts yet remain in my mind. That thing called a foolish master still stands.
I cannot maintain the light bands. There are only 5 minutes to go.
Even though the final proof can be provided with just 5 more minutes of adjustment, ah, why---
Before my eyes, why is that Guda still standing...!

Goetia howls, perhaps out of frustration, perhaps out of anger.

Goetia:
Guda, Guda, Guda...!
You are in the way, you alone are unneeded...! If only you would disappear everything would be perfect, but why...
Why are we not able to eliminate just this single human---!?

All over the singularity, the demon pillars are obtaining their individuality. They begin to come to different conclusions upon doing so. The Demon Pillar Gusion stops the attack on the Servants, seeing no more need in doing so. Wondering what has changed in them, they send in a report to Goetia that they are ceasing their activities due to these doubts that are uncleared.

Gusion:
Barbatos, Paimon and Buer have already ceased their activities. Sitri, Beleth, Leraje, have crossed the line of no recovery.
Eligos, Caim and I will continue engaging in discussions with the Heroic Spirits until the end.
Control Center Goetia. We are abandoning all that you are.

Meanwhile, Crocell is enraged, and has decided not to choose the glory of journeying to the planet's beginning. They will instead be focusing their efforts on the extermination of the Heroic Spirits.

Crocell:
Sabnack, Shax, Vine, Bifrons, Uvall, Haagenti, Furcas, Balaam.
I wish for these eight pillars to be revived. I will entrust my magical energy to them and disappear.
Kill, kill, kill. No matter what, kill them all! Control Center Goetia, these feelings of ours are unnecessary for our great undertaking!

And Flauros is still unable to accept that the Heroic Spirits are siding with humanity.

Flauros:
You know full well that humanity is not worth it!
It is full of painful memories! This is the only place in the universe where evolution is accompanied by such pain!
This planet is crazy. You are all crazy.
Just how much worth is there in this history!?

???:
Fool. At the moment you embraced those doubts, you have also obtained the answer.

Flauros:
---! You, you are---!

It is Gilgamesh, finally appearing on the stage.

Gilgamesh:
Once, I saw the same view that you did.
But we came to different conclusions. Though you had eyes which could see all, you did not see everything. All you could see was sadness.
Trapped by each and every evil, you failed to see the pattern. It is you who do not know the value of life, Demon King.
In the first place, values are things that change. And though egoistic it may be to place a price on life, its nature does not change.
And now, you feel that quite keenly, don't you?
The man you discarded as "something worthless" has pursued and cornered you to this extent.
Should you still feel doubtful, ask him. That will be your last salvation.
Heh---- heheh, hahahahahahahahahaha!

Flauros:
Doubt--- Nature--- an answer that I should know, you say---!?

While Flauros wallows in confusion, Gaap is trembling.

Gaap:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Enemies akin to a meteor shower! Indomitable spirits that remain endlessly unwavering even if killed! Is this what we asked for? Is this what it is like to be rejected? We do not have enough of these feelings! Not enough of this immaturity, this foolishness, and this cruelty!
Agares, Vassago, Gamigin, collapsed because of self-contradiction.
Marbas, Valefar, Amon, underwent a triple pillar union and are fighting to the end.
Allocer, Orobas--- protected the Heroic Spirits, and were destroyed.
Oh--- to think we could have such passion within us! But it's too late, it's all too late! Warning to Control Center Goetia. A warning from Gaap. There is no more need to await the completed proof.
The adjustment error is 0.999999% and falls within the acceptable margins. Turn the light bands. Begin the time leap.
We are collapsing. We are already in irreversible collapse. Before that, obtain the solution to our infinite research.
Even if it ends in failure, carve the ending of "self-destruction" into this universe!

Back at the Throne...

Goetia:
---it is collapsing. Our link is being dissolved---!
Turn the light bands...! It's our defeat...!?
As if I can make the folly of such a foolish action! Not a single point of failure is permitted in our plan!
The 3000 years spent for that purpose. The time temple built for that purpose.
If there is even "the possibility of a bug" in the creation of the celestial body, we, we who hate death certainly cannot accept that and go...!

Demon Pillars:
Murmur, Gremory, Ose, Amy, self-destructed.
Belial, Decarabia, Seere, destroyed by enemy Heroic Spirits.
There are three demon pillars remaining.
I repeat, there are three demon pillars remaining---

You:
...it's over.

Goetia:
You dare stand in front of us and tell us that it's over...!
We have not lost yet. The will to fight, the fist to kill you, these still remain.

Goetia takes a few steps forward, coming closer to you.

Fou:
Fou, Fooou!

You:
...I got it. Stand back, Fou.

Goetia:
Certainly, there is reason in what the King of Heroes said. We failed to measure the true worth of you humans.
It is unpleasant, but I will ask! Guda!

Goetia throws a blow at you even as he speaks.

You:
Ugh...!

Raising Mashu's shield, you block it.

Demon Pillars:
Three pillars, Dantalion, activity ceased.

Goetia strikes at you again, and again, you block.

You:
Not yet...!

Goetia:
Why do you fight!? Why do you not bow before us!?
Why, why---

Demon Pillars:
Two pillars, Andromalius, activity ceased.

You:
I'm not done yet...!

He attacks you a third time, and for the third time, you block his attack.

Goetia:
Why, why have you fought this far---!

You:
The answer's obvious...!

You activate your command spell, turning its magical energy into your strength.

You:
It's 'to live'!

As you shout out your reason, your punch lands solidly on Goetia.

Goetia:
---to live---
Just, so that you can live...?
---I see. I failed to protect the human order. Certainly, it was our mistake. There was too much over-estimation involved.
Because you yearn for survival, you fear death. Because you fear death, you defeated we who sought eternity.
What a--- foolishness that cannot be saved. Or perhaps it is a stubborness that does not need saving at all.
This can quite rightfully be called rambunctiousness. Ha--- haha----
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Laughing, he crumbles away.

Demon Pillar:
One pillar--- Flauros, activity ceased.
All envoys are confirmed to have fallen silent.
Human Order Guidance Ritual Goetia, execution, ended.

---

Chapter 14: Fate/Grand Order
(taiboo)

With Goetia gone, Da Vinci finally manages to reach you from Chaldea. She's glad that you're okay, but there is no time to celebrate your victory. With the collapse of the temple, the light bands are becoming unstable. Now that Goetia is no more, the magical energy that binds the light bands together is gone. The rings will lose their shape and return to their original state---

Da Vinci:
It will diffuse and spread, as mana that fills the atmosphere. When that happens there will be no trace of this territory left.
It'll become an explosion just like a supernova! Before that happens, you must return to Chaldea!

She tells you that Chaldea will be safe because she'll pull something off. All you need to do is to get back to the Sacred Gates, where you can be shifted back to Chaldea and to safety.

Da Vinci:
Anyway, just hurry and come back. We can talk later.

You:
......

Fou:
Fou, Fouu!

You:
...that's right. We've got to get out of here quickly...!

You begin to run.

Meanwhile, Jeanne watches over the collapse of the temple, glad that you have succeeded. She praises the gathered Heroic Spirits for suppressing the demon pillars long enough for you to eke out a victory. But they are no longer there.

Jeanne d'Arc:
...everyone is gone---
---thank you for giving your all in every second of this fight, until you exhausted your strength.
Although my words will not reach you now, you have my utmost gratitude for your assistance. I, who have still survived here, will soon return to the great Throne myself.

Gilgamesh:
Of course. Independent manifestation is a special characteristic of a Beast.
A proper Heroic Spirit would have begun to collapse the moment they manifested in this sector.
Still they continued to push on and suppress the demon pillars.
There were all sorts of Heroic Spirits present, but they ought to be admired just for this battle.

Jeanne notes that Gilgamesh is already starting to fade himself, and asks if he is not interested in staying around to watch the ending. He has no intention of doing so, saying that from here on the ending ought to be for the eyes of those involved alone. It would not be a good thing for both him and Jeanne to interfere.

Gilgamesh:
Goetia. A beast that knew not love. An evil of humanity that fed only on lamentations and reached for nothingness.
...how ironic. The evil of humanity, is, in other words, the love of humanity.
What destroys humanity is not malice towards them. Malice is a transient thing, something that thins out the more it is used.
Therefore--- what truly threatens the human order is the wish to protect the human order itself.
A spirit that desires a better future will bare its fangs against the peaceful present.
Hm. On this point, that beast seems to have escaped the cycle, it seems.
To be honest, I am not that knowledgeable about the inside affairs of the Beasts. I am not a Grand, after all.
But, they will surface in a chain-like manner. A world where one humanity's evil has awakened will begin to experience further calamities as it heads towards the "final evil".
At the point that I manifested, the VII that brings about the end will also have appeared somewhere in this world.
I do not mind which way the ball rolls. You should benevolently lend them you strength as best as you can.
Now, you should get going quickly. Or would you stay here and martyr yourself like the great King Solomon?

With that said, Gilgamesh vanishes, leaving Jeanne behind.

Jeanne d'Arc:
---yes, that is so. What we can only do is to lend them our power.
The ones who will continue on to the next fight after finishing the current one are always the people of that era.
You have done brilliantly, Guda. The gathering of the Heroic Spirits in this sector, all of it is due to your efforts.

And Jeanne, too, disappears.

The temple is collapsing all around you. You are still running, as Da Vinci urges you on - your destination is only 500 metres ahead. Suddenly, Da Vinci detects a presence ahead of you that has appeared with no warning.

Da Vinci:
Be careful, Guda! The saint graph in front of you is---

You:
....I won't be able to escape that easily, huh.

Goetia:
---That's right. We've finally come to hold a common view, Guda.
I will not let you return. You will disappear here together with me.
---My dreams have been crushed.
---The vast time I spent sitting on the throne of this temple, now all for naught.
---Yes. I have been defeated.
The light bands have vanished. The incineration of the human order, negated. At the moment King Solomon annihilated himself, my great undertaking disappeared.
As I am now, I am no longer the demon gods of the seventy two pillars. What you see before you are but the remnants of the "result" at the end.
No matter what I do here my defeat cannot be overturned. Even if I kill you nothing will change.
...What a meaningless battle. Before, I would not have even considered this choice.
But---

You:
...if I were you, I would do the same thing.

Goetia:
---even so. I have a will now. No, I have gained my will.
Right now, I understand the mental nature of you humans. I have finally received a life that is limited in its span.
...So long. It has been such a long journey. Even if for the span of 3000 years, I was only holed up here.
For the sake of what I cannot yield, I will stop you here. For the sake of your safe return, you must not waste a single second in stopping me.
---these are all the words of regard that I will offer.
Now, let us begin the end of your quest.
The Grand Order that surveyed the incineration of the human order. The Master that overcame seven singularities and seven worlds.
My name is Goetia.
I am the one who sought to destroy the human order for its own sake.
I am the one who continues to seek the empty hope that no one wishes for... at the point of the beginning where no one exists.
I live now, and now I die.
Even if there is neither result nor reward, I will bet the entirety of this life on shattering you.
---My nemesis. My hatred. My fate.
Please witness it. In this brief time, this story given to me.
In this all too brief, and all too precious time, the true human life that has been granted to this thing named Goetia.

---

You:
---Goetia---!

You land the final blow on the now human Goetia, and he begins to disappear.

Goetia:
---No, really.
...How unnaturally short, how surprisingly interesting. That which is a human's life---

And with that, he fades entirely from your sight. However, you are not out of the fire yet. The singularity continues to collapse, and you are yet to reach the retrieval point. You have nothing to do but to continue to run. Soon you are within sight of your goal. Da Vinci urges you to hurry, as Chaldea will separate from the Time Temple at any moment now.

Da Vinci:
Get to the Rayshift point, quickly! You can still make it in time!

You:
Yeah, I got this!
....Faster!
.......Faster!
---just, one more step...!

The ground collapses from under you. As you begin to plummet into the darkness, you think:

You:
---Tch, it was just a little bit more...

???:
Not yet, stretch out your hand! Senpai, your hand---!

You see Mashu in the glowing light of the Rayshift point, reaching out for you.

You:
--- Yeah...!

Without hesitation, you take her hand, and the shift to transport you back to Chaldea begins.

With your departure, nothing is left in the singularity but the ruins of the temple, floating in empty space, and the throne, upon which Solomon's ten rings can be seen...

---

Chapter 15: Return
(taiboo)

Mashu:
......

???:
---. ---Thank goodness. You still remained, Mashu.
You had been completely vaporized. You had reached the end of your life.
Still, your consciousness remained in this void. Still, there are things you have to do.
That's why I won't tell you, "You've done a good job". I'm here to say, "Bye bye".

Mashu:
......

???:
There's not much time so I'll be frank; I'm thinking of bringing you back to life.
I am responsible for the principle of "comparison".
I am a beast that grows from human conflict, feeds off jealousy and regrets, and possesses the trait of "becoming stronger than my opponent".
The Beast of Calamity, Cath Palug. In a different world, I could also be called Primate Murder.
If I am not raised in human society I would be nothing more than a harmless animal. That is why I was imprisoned on an uninhabited island.
However, the mage that took care of me was a pretty terrible person.
He chased me out of the comfortable prison tower and set me free.
...But, it was thanks to that, that I was able to make my way to Chaldea. There, I met you, and then Guda.

Mashu:
---You, are---

???:
I wonder if you will think this a nuisance?
Still, well, as that mage said, good intentions are fundamentally pushy in their nature. So let's emulate that.
Using the magical energy that I have accumulated for hundreds of years, here I can raise a miracle unreachable by any magic.
'The complete resurrection of the dead'. Though with that said, death in the Time Temple doesn't really count in reality.
What I'm going to do from here is the transfer of the power of fate. Enough to paint over the brief, three-day lifespan that you had left.
However, as I've yet to mature, all I can do is to give you the life-span of an ordinary human.
By doing so, I'll become a mere beast. I'll lose my intelligence and my special traits.
Until now, I had behaved with meaningful intent in your conversations, but from now on they will become nothing but mere barks.
It's nothing you should be concerned with. For you guys, nothing in particular will change.
But, honestly, it will feel lonely. That's why at the end, I just wanted to bid farewell to you.
Goodbye, Mashu Kyrielight. You two have given me a very refreshing journey.
So much so that I, who would usually turn into something hideous, could stay in this form to the end.

Mashu:
Wait--- Fou-kun--- Fou-kun---!

???:
---when the mage sent Cath Palug off, he once said, "Go, and experience beautiful things".
I really did see something beautiful.
There are evils that can be defeated without crossing blades, and answers that can be reached without shedding blood.
Congratulations, good people of Chaldea. The fourth beast has been defeated by you.

---

???:
Fou...? Fo, Fouu!!

You:
Right now, something's licking my cheek...

You open your eyes to see Mashu, really alive and well.

Mashu:
Senpai---!

With tears in her eyes, she runs up and embraces you.

You:
Hug Gaeshi---!

You return the hug, like some nameless swordsman that could be found guarding a remote temple gate.

Mashu:
Yes, good morning, Master! I, Mashu Kyrielight, have returned alive!

You:
What on earth happened?

Mashu says that she does not really know herself. When she came back to her senses, she was already at the Rayshift coordinates.

Mashu:
I feel like I was sent there with some very gentle words, but I just can't remember what they were.

Fou's voice woke her up, and immediately she saw you running towards the retrieval point.

Mashu:
And then, like in a dream, I stretched out my hand towards you... Fou-san, do you know anything?

Fou:
Fou, fou?

Da Vinci:
Alright there, it's about time to break it up, okay~ You guys are still in front of all the staff, you know~

Blushing, Mashu lets go of you and moves away quickly.

You:
Da Vinci-chan!

Da Vinci bids you good morning too. It seems that it had taken you about an hour to awaken from the coffin, but she assures you that all your vitals are normal. You have returned to Chaldea successfully, without harm. And that means...

Da Vinci:
Congratulations on accomplishing your mission, Master Guda.
With your awakening, the last Grand Order, the entire journey, is now over!

The staff cheer and pop some ribbons confetti, as well as what Mashu identifies as a 'kusudama', an origami decoration. It looks like the staff prepared these to congratulate you, since with only twenty of them there isn't enough for thunderous applause. Da Vinci asks you what you think, but you are so unexpectedly moved that you have no words.

Mashu thanks the Chaldea staff for being such excellent support - because they did not abandon their positions until the very end, the both of you were able to make it back. This victory is something that belongs to everyone in Chaldea.

Still, your journey hasn't been one without losses. Sixty percent of the facilities have been destroyed, but from now on they will repair as much as they can.

Da Vinci:
At the Grand Order's beginning, Lev Reinol's sabotage cost us 200 lives.
The Masters in cryo-storage currently number 47 people. And then---
...and then, missing in action in the final singularity, 1 person.
These losses are not something that we can regain.

You:
Missing in action, one person...

Da Vinci murmurs that maybe they made the wrong choice somewhere. But she quickly changes the subject. The Masters in cold storage can be revived once outside personnel come in, so Chaldea will soon be back on its feet. There are more important things to talk about from here on out.

It looks like communications have been restored with the outside world, and everything is in quite a mess. The outside world has absolutely no memory at all of the past world. With Goetia's defeat, the incineration of history was also undone. But the blankness of this past year could not be made non-existent. From the point of view of people on the outside, it's like they have slept for an entire year and just woke up.

The Mage's Association has hurriedly put together a mission and dispatched them to Chaldea; they are probably enroute even as you speak. "There is no doubt that all intelligent activities have been suspended on Earth for a year. Please make a report the cause and background" is what they said.

Da Vinci:
So, the group from the Association are arriving tomorrow. Chaldea is going to be a bit noisy for a while.
The investigation is going to begin.

Mashu:
Um, Da Vinci-chan. Then, about the Servants...

Da Vinci says that they have left - with the incineration of the human order being resolved, they no longer have any reason to stay at Chaldea. The only ones that stayed are those who were here before the Grand Order began, like Da Vinci, or those who just couldn't leave you alone. And since the saint graph patterns were preserved, you can simply summon them like before.

You:
So, it's not exactly goodbye to everyone.

Mashu:
Yes. That would be too lonely after all. Ah, but what about Rayshifting...

It seems that you cannot do that as freely as before now. It's something that requires the permission of the United Nations and the Mage's Association after all.

Da Vinci:
And even after everything has returned to normal, there is a high possibility that Rayshifting itself would be banned, but...
Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it! Whether it's the permission for use or a problem of responsibility or something else, I'll figure something out!
Anyway, this is what Chaldea's situation is like at the moment.
There'll be plenty of worrying things to occupy ourselves here and there, but right now there is a more urgent priority.
Guda, Mashu. Please go set up this equipment at this coordinate.
What, it's not even a kilometre away. The path won't take even twenty minutes.
Luckily, today's a day that might not even come once a year. We can't overlook it.
Come on, get going quickly. It's to confirm what the both of you have managed to take back.

You:
??

Mashu:
Yes---! Mission, acknowledged! Let's go, senpai!

You are bundled out of the facility by Da Vinci, going into the real world for the first time in a year. Outside, everything is calm and the blizzard has stopped.

Mashu:
This is--- the real sky. This is our era, our earth---

You:
Ah. We forgot.

Mashu:
...Doctor. Doctor said this before. Even though a blizzard is almost always present outside Chaldea, on rare cases the sky is sunny and beautiful stars can be seen. That the day would come when I could see it for myself. And even without any proof of the sort, he would laugh.

You:
That was Doctor's dream.

Mashu:
...Yes. I feel grateful that I have been able to live until now.
I was saved by a lot of people, encouraged by a lot of people, and that is why I can look up at this sky right now.
...It has been a difficult year. Although it has been a difficult Order, it has been filled with things to be grateful for!
...how about you, senpai?
What was the journey of this Grand Order like for you?

You:
---of course, I'm the same as you, Mashu.

Mashu:
...!
Yes! I feel the same way as you do too!
And rejoice, my Master! I will accompany you anywhere!
Because our journey yet continues. For the time being, our aim is the other side of that horizon!
And if we reach that place, then we'll advance further, and even further. That's our, no, humanity's basic Order.
Anxiety and grief about the future are all the reverse side of hope. That is why I'm sure many more adventures are awaiting us.
Now, let's go, Master.
Though we don't know what waits us, let's go, towards the new year that you have taken back---!

---

Last Episode
(taiboo)

Having given you the 'mission' to set up the equipment, Da Vinci watches you and Mashu leave the building.

Da Vinci:
My my. They're walking hand-in-hand.
Not only Mashu, but even Guda-kun has a nice smile on his face.
Hm. Was that, shortly after America, I think?

---

Dr. Roman:
How was it, Da Vinci-chan? Guda-kun's success!
This time it was more dangerous than before. You wouldn't normally expect that they'd have to fight against an army.
It would have been fine if they ran or hid. But Guda-kun really threw himself out there.
Although his growth as a mage is rather average, his growth as a Master in command of Servants has been quite remarkable.
With this, he'll soon become the Master that truly represents Chaldea.

Da Vinci:
Seems like you're in an expectant mood. It's good that you are placing trust in other people.
Is it okay? Don't you have to explain certain things to them?
Though there are many things that we have kept hidden, but in your case it's a secret that really could be seen as a fraud.
It's common sense that if the circumstances between you and the former director are revealed, Guda-kun will hate you, you know?

Dr. Roman:
Oh... no, yeah. But I can't do that.
If the man using the name of Solomon really is Solomon, my position will become a trump card.
But if countermeasures are taken against that trump card, it can't be played. Guda-kun cannot know until the end.

Da Vinci:
I see. Well. There's no choice then. It is definitely more effective this way. If Doctor has made that decision, then I'll play along with keeping the secret.

Dr. Roman:
Yeah, that'd help me out.
It's not that I don't trust Guda-kun, but it's just on this.
I am a terrible person. I'm still keeping the most important story of all from Guda-kun.
But, it's good that he came to Chaldea. A normal human being, not a mage.
Yeah. Da Vinci-chan. A special genius like you would not be able to save the world alone.
Someone average, but forthright like him will be aided by those around him, and through that, save the world.
That is the true value of mankind, something that shows humanity's real worth.
Solomon believed that. So do I.
Solomon and I are like different persons, though. Since he had no sense of humanity at all.

Da Vinci:
Hm? What do you mean? That he was cold-hearted to the end?

Dr. Roman:
No, it's more simple than that. See, no matter what hero it is, they must begin as a human.
Even if they were born with the blood of the gods, or were a child of prophecy, there are few that are born as heroes.
First, live as a human. A hero that becomes one during his formative years would become a non-human.

Da Vinci:
That's right. Even though I was born a genius, until I reached the age where I could do whatever I wanted, I lived modestly.
It was pleasant that being a genius came naturally to me, but my childhood was also full of experiences to be grateful for.
Once you become a hero you do not have personal freedom. True freedom is there when you are still a human being.
This is something every Heroic Spirit has in common---
...No, wait. So basically, King Solomon was-

Dr. Roman:
Yeah, well, it's something like that. There was no period in which Solomon was a human being.
He was treated as a king who could hear the voice of God from the moment of his birth. He lived with people who sought for him to play his role as king from the start.
A "loving king", it was said, but that was something that was desired by everyone around him.
He did not even have a second for his own thoughts.
Even though he was granted the ability to see through everything, he was forbidden to develop an opinion on anything he saw.
Solomon was the name of the device made by God and man to bring that kingdom towards further prosperity.
That is why Solomon has no humanity.
It is because to he who was not allowed to become involved with the world, no freedom of being a "human" was ever given.

Da Vinci:
Then he made the wish to "become a human"?
A Heroic Spirit is unable to interfere with the real world. That is why many Servants wish for a fleshly incarnation.
Solomon did not return once more as a king, but purely because he wanted to be a human.
He was yearning to know how it was like to experience "a human's freedom", even if it was as a Heroic Spirit.

Dr. Roman:
Yeah. And after the rebirth, I emerged. That means King Solomon's wish was granted!
The time I spent as Romani Archeman was truly wonderful.
I've lost my magic circuits, my clairvoyance is no more, and so I can truly live freely, according to my own will!
It has really been a dream-like time. This is what I have been looking for.

Da Vinci:
.....
By the way, why the nickname of Roman? Was it just a coincidence?

Dr. Roman:
Of course not, it is intentional!
The people in King Solomon's era had less flexible minds than those today.
Though they were capable enough in terms of thinking as a society, in terms of individuals... their individualism was low. Although many people would think freely if permitted the freedom, obeying the social rule named God was a fundamental thought.
...That is why, when I learned of the word 'romance', I was surprised from the depths of my heart, and delighted.
The freedom to dream of the future. A heart that sought a better tomorrow. Such things can be done by those that come after us.
Though I felt slightly hesitant about the etymology for romance stemming from Rome, but that's something else.
The mighty Rome that threatened Israel in King Herod's time is no more anyway.
The world of man is something that flows. If there is something to be nurtured within it, that is fine.
That is why I wanted to be called the romance that I so admired. Roman.
When I became human, I wished somewhere from the bottom of my heart that I would live in such a fashion.

Da Vinci:
...Oh, my. Someone that would say such things with a straight face is really an idiot.
But, is it okay? If things continue as they are, you will have to let go of that freedom.

Dr. Roman:
Ten years, huh? It's passed in the blink of an eye.
But it's okay. Guda-kun is here after all.
If he becomes a fine Master, my presence here will have had meaning.
That is the greatest meaning of existence that I have chosen as a human.
For the freedom that I have had so far, there is too much to repay.
It's almost time for the briefing. I'll head to the control room first.
Well then, I'll be seeing you. When I'm gone, I'll be leaving everything to you, Leonardo.

---

Da Vinci:
Your ten years.
To avoid "the end of humanity" that you foresaw when you became human, you spent it running and screaming, as if trying to escape.
There was no romance in it at all, and that hellish freedom was certainly rewarded.
...Ah. King Solomon's wish to live as a human was not granted, but...
Congratulations. Your wish has been granted, Romani Archeman.
He has become a fine Master. It'd be fine to even award him the grade of 'Cause'.
Well, but perhaps not immediately? That can be a matter for future lessons.

---

Bonus
(BlitzBlast)

The halls of Chaldea were filled with a greatly excited atmosphere.
It wasn't just because the battle ended in victory or because I returned alive.
The staff was informed that contact with the outside world was possible, that the "world had spread",
so steps were being taken to prepare to meet the numerous visitors that are sure to come from now on.
A signaling device had been installed on the snowy mountainside, so that transport helicopters could use it while flying people up from below.

"Well then, Senpai, I'll see you in the lounge in an hour!"

Separating from Mashu, I travel down the halls of Chaldea alone.
From the control room comes the noise of people working, which puts my mind at ease.
I go down the route I have traveled oh so many times this last year, and eventually make my way to my room.
There's a slight sound of air moving.
It's the noise that I've long since grown used to, the sound of my room's doors opening.
And then.

"Yeeees, I’m comi- Wait, huuuuuuuuh!?
Who’re you!? Isn't this is an open room?! Isn't this my slack off space?!
Shouldn’t you warn a guy before coming in!?"

I see and hear the sight of long ago, from back when we still didn't even know each other's names.
Of course, it's just me hearing things. A hallucination.
The only things I can actually hear are things like the laughter of the staff, coming from the distance.
I [Ore/Watashi] turn my face upwards/downwards, bite my lip, and desperately try to bear what is welling within me.
I'm sure it's my gratitude towards that person.

Farewell, Doctor Romantic.
I hope that someday, what I just thought I heard turns into something beautiful.