Lostbelt 1 Summary: Section 1 (Part 1)

Section 1: Empire of Beasts



In the wintry landscape, someone is hunting. It is a matter of life or death - if no food is hunted, they will starve and perish. They come across a Krichat* and take it down, complaining of the hunger. Soon after, an earthquake occurs, and with it, the hunter sees a tall tree appear, akin to a pillar reaching into the heavens.

This history is one that walks with magical beasts. In this land, man has taken on a peculiar evolution to withstand the endless blizzard and the magical beasts born from it. Weakness is evil, death is defeat, and tenacity is praised as justice. This is a world of eternal permafrost where the theory of survival of the fittest is explored thoroughly. And right now, Guda and gang are about to set foot in this strange history...

*Krichat (кричать): Cryer, or Shrieker




Fou wakes you up. You are in your room in the Shadow Border, and it has been a week since you escaped from Chaldea. Mashu gives the door a couple of knocks and enters, bringing you your breakfast. It's military-style rations today too. Mashu reports to you that there are only 6 more days of rations left. Thanking her, you tuck in.

Since your escape, the enemy has not been able to give chase. Even so, Mashu explains that you're not out of the woods yet. She begins giving a lecture on how [Time] is something that has neither a past or present; that is merely an axis that people travel along. As long as time is accumulated, it's no problem even if you get confused about which comes before or after. However, in Imaginary Numbers Space, time does not accumulate. In short, the time you spend in here might not match the time that passes in normal space. When you exit, a second may have passed, or centuries may have gone by. She equates it to the story of Urashima Taro. As such, the Shadow Border has to correct the time difference with normal space before exiting Imaginary Numbers Space. As she finishes her explanation, Mashu and you decide to go to the cockpit to hear more about the situation.



Mashu:
Still, the interior of the Shadow Border is larger than imagined. That's been a great help. By distorting the internal space, we've secured twice as much room as would be normally possible.



Thanks to that, it's become a barely livable habitat, although the staff have been forced to bunk up four to a room. Since Mashu has her maintenance as a Demi-Servant to worry about, the infirmary has become her private quarters. Gordolf has occupied the captain's chambers, Da Vinci is usually in the capsule at the computing room, and Holmes has made his home in the workshop. There is also the air-conditioning control room, the warehouse and the arsenal, but Gordolf has restricted entry to these. The Shadow Border is about twice the size of a large cruiser, but thanks to that, getting to the command center and cockpit will need you to walk several meters.

The moment you enter the cockpit, you see Gordolf arguing with Holmes. He's asking why the Shadow Border cannot surface, since things should be all clear. Holmes rejects his assumption firmly.



Holmes:
Should we say that the situation is safe as we are now in Imaginary Numbers Space, with no enemies around us? No. The answer is whole-heartedly no, Mister Gordolf. In the first place, there are no enemies in Imaginary Numbers Space. There is no need to even ponder the enemy's pursuit. Rather than such visible threats, there is in fact a greater danger enveloping us. Yes, this is what I speak of: the problem that we should puzzle over is not "when shall we surface?", but "how do we surface?".



Gordolf grows pale and begins to shake. He forces out a laugh and accuses Holmes of just trying to scare him. Meanwhile, Mashu whispers to you.



Mashu:
(Senpai. It looks like the new director is deepening his friendship with Holmes-san. Though I feel bad about interrupting...)



She greets Gordolf and Holmes, and so do you. Holmes asks if you have eaten breakfast, and Mashu replies in the affirmative: rations in the style of Italian cuisine.



Gordolf:
Heh. So the lower-class staff had rations. How sad. I, on the other hand, enjoyed a warm French toast and considerably milky tea. Well, this is the duty of the captain. The duties of managing the crew do require me to take in many times more calories after all.



Muniere sighs about Gordolf hogging all the food, but Holmes laughs and says it's fine. The quality of the food will affect one's mental state. People with no patience should be fed good food regularly. Exchanging a cup of tea is a good trade off to ensure that potentially troublesome factors are calmed, Holmes says.



Muniere:
Huh... well, if Holmes says so... even the most impatient guy of all is being patient here, so...



Holmes:
Hahaha, are you perchance referring to me? Why, I do have my secret stock of medication after all! In a state of emergency, those will effectively stabilize my mind! I can keep on going in such a situation for another month!



Gordolf loudly brings the conversation back to the topic of surfacing. As it turns out, he's appointed Holmes to be Chaldea's new managing consultant. Holmes himself appears eager to rise to the challenge. Mashu, on the other hand, is confused. She whispers to Muniere, asking if Gordolf has some sort of desire for ruin. Muniere explains that Da Vinci's already the technical consultant, so this was the only job available.

Holmes begins to clarify that there is no place for you to surface. In order to return to the real world from Imaginary Numbers Space, a [Bond] with reality is necessary; in other words, an anchor. Originally, anything that exists in the real world can serve as a [Bond]. However, it is impossible right now, as the world has fallen into a state of bleached white. Gordolf finds it hard to believe. Certainly, he did see the seven objects falling from the sky, and from their scale, each landing would be several times that of the Tunguska impact. However, that would be all there is to it - it would be unimaginable to think that those could wipe away every single country on earth.



Gordolf:
Most of all--- yes, most of all! There is no way that the Clock Tower, which has existed before the start of the AD calendar, could be destroyed! The Clock Tower in London is the largest magical fortress protected by hundreds of defensive contraptions! It wouldn't be destroyed even if the Earth itself was!

Guda:
(...Maybe he wasn't briefed about the incident in the City of Demonic Fog...)



Holmes assures Gordolf that the Mage's Association has indeed been destroyed. All countries on the planet have been wiped away. Still disbelieving, Gordolf turns to you, asking for your opinion. Apparently, even though he thinks you're a cheeky brat, he also believes that you should feel quite close to him. He asks you to refute Holmes, to say that it isn't true.



Guda:
Unfortunately, there is precedent.



Gordolf's face grows even paler.



Gordolf:
Eh? No, did you just say that with a straight face? Weren't you the same type as me?



And with your words, it seems that Gordolf finally believes it.



Gordolf:
That can't be--- does that mean everything on earth is gone...? My beloved Hawaii islands! The Monaco GP too! Even the Suzuka Circuit of my dreams!?



While bemoaning the tragedy, Gordolf wonders if he can't use this chance to set up a new Mage's Association and have a comeback. Muniere brings him back to reality, telling the uncle that with humanity extinct, he can't even find any members to join his new organization.



Gordolf:
I'm no uncle! I'm a handsome youth who's just a little older than you!



Holmes takes this time to mention a single opportunity for the Shadow Border to resurface. Even though everything else on the planet is gone, there is something that still remains: the Oprichniki that attacked Chaldea. You know of them, and they know of you. It is a real, solid bond. Should you surface now, chances are very high that you will appear where they are. Even though you will be appearing in the enemy's grounds, it is not like you can stay in the Shadow Border for much longer either. The available food, water and electricity are all running low. So, you have to surface. However, the timing is paramount. Thankfully, you have the Paper Moon, which can measure both real space and imaginary space simultaneously - using it, you can find a safer location to appear.

Da Vinci, still in the capsule, agrees. She reminds Gordolf and Holmes that while she is within the capsule, she knows everything that goes on within the Shadow Border. There's nothing they can hide from her. At any rate, she's prepared the submersible to surface on the next tide, Which happens to be in 5 minutes. The tide after that would be 10 days later, and by then the power would have almost run out. In other words---



Guda:
We have to do it now if we want to surface---!?



Da Vinci is pleased with your reaction and says she'll praise you later. She notes that riding on this wave will create a time lapse of 90 days in comparison to real space, and that you will appear in April 2018. An acceptable gap, all things considered: if you're unlucky, it could've been a wave that sent you out hundreds of years later. If that was the case, everything would've been long over by the time you reappeared. Holmes reminds everyone of the danger once again - you could be pursued by Oprichniki the moment you reappear. Still...



Guda:
...We've got to do this.



Gordolf:
Are you a thrill-seeker!?



The Shadow Border shudders. Muniere does not know what's going on, only that the left screw has stopped working and the armor has been damaged. It seems that you've run into a boundary within Imaginary Numbers Space. Regardless, you need to surface right now. The repairs can come after that. Gordolf is still panicking about the Oprichniki and stammers that perhaps you should wait for the next wave.



Holmes:
You would have starved to death by then. In your case, that might be a more painful way to perish than dying in battle.



Gordolf refuses to listen to Holmes and asks for Mashu's opinion instead. Mashu resolutely says that she'll follow your orders no matter what, and if you do end up in the middle of the enemy, that's something to think about when it happens. Gordolf exclaims in disbelief, wondering why everyone in Chaldea is so reckless.



Da Vinci:
Finished talking? Then, the Shadow Border's about to ride the wave!



Gordolf:
Hey, you've already decided on your own!? W-W-Wait, seatbelt, seatbelt! All hands, return to your seats! Don't fall and hurt yourselves! Guda, you too! If you're in a vehicle, the seatbelt's the most important thing of all! I'm speaking from experience here!



The Shadow Border shakes again, and Da Vinci makes the leap.





You make it out safely, to Gordolf's delight. Since the Border's armor was damaged, you will not be able to dive back into imaginary space until it's repaired. For now, you should scout out the area, procure supplies, and begin maintenance on the Shadow Border. The staff, stuck in the vehicle for a week now, rush for the door to finally get fresh air and see the great outdoors once more. You and Mashu go too, and Muniere wants to follow but Holmes denies him permission, saying that he has to man the monitors.

The emergency exit is opened, and immediately you feel the cold. Outside, a blizzard rages.



Holmes:
T-This, this is bad! Frost is sticking to my coat! Everyone, do shut the door immediately!



Da Vinci walks out and smirks, saying that this should've taught everyone a lesson to check the exterior thoroughly before venturing out. She reports that though there are no enemies around for now, you are stuck in a blizzard and the temperature outside is negative 100 degrees. Without proper gear to protect from the cold, you wouldn't last two minutes out there. Da Vinci also shows you the images of a vast storm surrounding Russia, a wall of horrific weather that is physically impenetrable. The storm has energy rivalling that of nuclear weapons, and Da Vinci claims there is no weapon or vehicle that can penetrate it with mankind's current level of technology. In other words, even if the Shadow Border is operational, you cannot get to the outside from within this Lostbelt.

While consoling a depressed Gordolf, Holmes asks if the Shadow Border's camouflage function can be put into play. Da Vinci says that there's no problem with that - it appears that the vehicle can utilize both light camouflage and also conceptual camouflage. There is no danger of being seen from the outside. On the inside, though, the temperature is growing cold. As you have to ration electricity, the Border cannot afford to spend too much power on heating up the internal environment. Your food situation, however, is even more pressing, as supplies are at a precarious level.



Guda:
In such a situation, the new director would definitely be the last one standing.



Gordolf:
Hohou. You're saying that I'm a man who won't yield right to the end, then. Heh. I won't fall for your flattery, youngster. But well, seems like you have good eyes. I am Musik of the Phoenix. Not someone who would fall so easily. Overflowing guts. Pervading bravery. And an unshakeable will. Equipped with all three, certainly I am the one who will be the last man standing!



Mashu:
I think Senpai is talking about how you have the most fat reserves, though...



At any rate, you begin to ascertain the current situation. You are in Russia, and Gordolf seems amazed at how you could have entered imaginary space in Antarctica and surfaced all the way here. Da Vinci explains that distance has no meaning while in imaginary space. She brings up a cylindrical projection of the world map using the Paper Moon. At seven locations, the texture of the map appears to be different, as if the layers were different. Gordolf claims he didn't notice because the map was rotating like a drum roll. Holmes is reminded that there were also seven singularities that sparked the Incineration of the Human Order, but of course, this situation is wildly different.



Holmes:
Then, there were seven singularities that existed vertically along the axis of time. But here, we have seven abnormal zones emerging at the current point in the time axis.



And right now you are in Russia, which is one of those abnormal zones. You ask Holmes if this is a singularity. From Kirschtaria's message, Holmes has deduced that this abnormality is not somewhere in the past. Before he can complete his explanation, a Chaldea staff comes in from the outside, shivering from the cold. It looks like they've finished checking the Shadow Border; the conclusion is that it cannot be repaired at this moment. Da Vinci offers them 10 minutes in the hot shower as a reward for their hard work, but they turn it down, saying that a hot towel is enough and that electricity should be conserved.

Returning to the problem at hand, Holmes says that this singularity-like place needs to be resolved. You volunteer to go immediately. As there are no other Servants that can serve as combatants around, Holmes is to be your escort. Mashu looks rather depressed about this. Gordolf cuts in and forbids Holmes from departing with you. As the only combat-ready Servant at the moment, he needs to remain at the Shadow Border to protect it. After all, it can be said to be humanity's last fortress.



Da Vinci:
Oya. If you're talking about Servants, then there's one here too, okay? Have you forgotten about this genius Da Vinci-chan?



Gordolf retorts that she's lost her former strength. It is too risky to send out their greatest combat potential into this unexplored, unknown region. Turning to you, he asks if you remember what you said to him during the interrogation, back in Chaldea. "The information in these reports are false, right?" "You guys didn't save the world at all, did you?" At that time, to these questions, you had answered: "Chaldea has fully accomplished those duties."



Gordolf:
Hmph. Though you may be a cheeky brat, those words were well said. They're worthy of commendation. Then, my decision will not be wrong. You already have prior results in resolving singularities. Is there any director who would not place his trust in such a Master? Of course not. I believe in you. Got it? You'll head out to investigate on your own. We'll convey our instructions from this operations room.


Mashu:
No way! Senpai... Master can't bear this task alone!


Gordolf:
...Then, do you retract the words you said to the interrogation committee? Were you just lazing off and snoozing in Chaldea for a year?


Guda:
...Of course, I'll go.



Holmes speaks up in support of Gordolf, saying that if the Shadow Border is destroyed, then there is no more hope. Even though investigating this abnormal region is important, protecting the Shadow Border is even more so. The Paper Moon itself needs to be defended well. However, he does not agree that you should go out alone. The temperature is too low and you know too little about the environment. Gordolf grimaces and says that of course he'll be sending a buddy along with you. He begins trying to pick out the guy who had called him an uncle earlier, though unable to remember his name. While Gordolf mulls over whether it's saute or piccata, you point out that it's the one where you cook it with butter and lemon juice.



Muniere:
Uwah!? Are you a devil, Guda!?

Gordolf:
That's right. Muniere. Mu-ni-ere! You, get armed and depart along with Guda!



Though Muniere protests, Gordolf says that since he's the driver and monitors operator, he has nothing to do while the Shadow Border remains immobile. Mashu shouts out to wait, as she wants to go along too. She says that she has even less to do here than Muniere does, and if need be she can fight for short amounts of time, just like when Chaldea was attacked. You are reluctant about that. Holmes is against the idea too. He asks Da Vinci what she thinks. On Da Vinci's part, she says that like you, Mashu is well-experienced in such expeditions by now. She agrees to let Mashu participate on the condition that she does not engage in battle and act only as your support. Mashu smiles happily.



Guda:
Mashu.

Mashu:
...Yes.

Guda:
Let's go!

Mashu:
...Yes, Master! Mashu Kyrielight will accompany you on this field investigation!



Gordolf reminds you not to waste your lives. If you're to die, at least make it worth something. This causes Da Vinci to chastise Gordolf's way with words. Gordolf himself doesn't seem to be aware that he said anything wrong, as he was only trying to encourage you. Da Vinci is amazed that he hasn't died of loneliness so far, and Gordolf rejects the possibility of that. He's had a spartan education after all.



Gordolf:
Even though you look adorable, what a foul-mouthed familiar you are!





Muniere is prepping you for the expedition. He tells you that regardless of what Gordolf said, you should prioritize your own life first and foremost. You agree, it'd be a waste to die after all. There's a lot more interesting things in the world that you haven't seen.



Muniere:
When this is all over, I'll invite you to my hometown. Japanese culture is great, but French culture won't lose to it, yeah?



He also reminds Mashu not to do anything reckless. She thanks him for his concern. Then, Muniere hands over the suitcase containing the Saint Graphs to you. Once a leyline has been identified and secured, you can summon Servants using the suitcase. As for powering it, you'll need to get your hands on a source of electricity, whether by artificial or natural means. Since you've had a history of being in singularities, no matter what, something will respond to your summoning. By sending a minimal amount of energy to the Saint Graphs, you can summon a single Servant. Summoning someone too strong would be difficult, however, as you do not have the mana supply that Chaldea once did. Still, Heroic Spirits are your best helpers, and it is definitely worth a try.



Muniere:
To be honest, I still don't get what's going on. The Doctor's no longer with us, and there's less than half of us staff remaining now. I think we're in an even worse situation now compared to Orleans. Still, we've got no choice but to count on you. So, do your best.

Guda:
Leave it to me!



Before you leave, Muniere tells you to grab some fish back if you can. He'll show off his cooking skills with them.

Out in the snow, Fou's tagged along too. He appears to be perfectly fine even in this weather. Da Vinci contacts you over the comms and directs you on where to go on your search. First to the north, then east. If you still don't chance upon one then, you should head back west. Once you're done, you can return to the Shadow Border, and then extend your search to the south.



Da Vinci:
That's the plan, so what do you think? How's it? Am I better than me?

Guda:
You're really reliable, just like the usual Da Vinci-chan.

Da Vinci:
I see. I'm happy to hear that, then.



Gordolf says that if you encounter any natives, to leave the negotiations to him. He plans to use a charm magecraft to brainwash them over the comms. Holmes talks him out of this idea, saying that it should be the last resort due to how unreliable it is.



Holmes:
Rather than take that risk, it would certainly be much safer to win their trust through your force of personality, Director. If we do encounter the natives, Mister Guda should take the lead in the negotiations. After they have established mutual understanding, the natives can be brought near the Border.

Gordolf:
Oh, hm. I see... with my personal virtue, this method is indeed... Of course.



Gordolf proceeds to ask Da Vinci if there is any pomade in the Shadow Border. He wants to style his hair in order to leave the best first impression on the natives. Da Vinci says she'll make some, and whispers to Holmes that he's pretty good at manipulating Gordolf. Holmes replies that he's the best detective in the world after all, and that it was not all lies. As a scion of a famous clan, Gordolf does carry himself with some gravitas, something that you don't.

Outside, you are still trudging around the icy land, searching for leylines. You've finished heading north and are now proceeding east. Through the falling snow, you catch the glimpse of a strange tower... or perhaps, a tree. Just then, you hear a growl. Magical beasts have encircled you, cutting off your path of escape. You are forced to allow Mashu to go into battle so that you can break through and retreat to the Shadow Border. Just as you are about to make it, one of the monsters catches Mashu off guard and lunges at her. Before its claws can reach, however, it is shot and collapses.



Holmes:
From the sound it made, that was a rifle. The target was taken out of commission with a single headshot. Beautiful!



Your mystery saviour shouts that you must be mad to try and break through a group of Krichat. As he draws closer, you see that it is a wolf-like being, standing upright and clothed. On his part, he too seems surprised at your smooth faces. He raises his gun and aims at you.



Guda:
Calm down!

???:
...You, could you be... mages...?



There is a cry in the distance. The wolf-man curses and tells you to follow him before the monster's comrades arrive. Casually lifting the large beast he felled, he urges you to run. You can do nothing but follow. He curses again, saying that the Krichat are noisy today, and wonders if it was your fault. You have no idea.



???:
Move, move! If not, you'll be eaten by the Krichat, and while crying out even the "Javol Troan" might appear!



Mashu asks him what it is - apparently it's a vile snake with many heads that can easily crush an entire village. The wolf-man seems disbelieving at how little you know. Finally, you make it to the village. However, there are Oprichniki there, confiscating possessions of those who are unable to pay taxes. You try to find a place to hide, leading the wolf-man to realize that you're an enemy of the Oprichniki. If that is the case, he says that you are an ally of his. He says that you're surprisingly bright for a Cordoon, when you agree to accept his help.

Another wolf-man approaches. Although initially suspicious of you, his attention is directed away by your benefactor. The second wolf-man offers him a trade: food in exchange for information on hunting spots. Saying that he'll think about it, your benefactor makes to leave. The second wolf-man wonders if you aren't members of the rebels, and threatens to tell on you to the Oprichiniki. Hearing those threats, the first wolf-man says that he'll respond by telling them just how friendly he is with the second, causing the latter to back off and run away.

Finally, the wolf-man leads you to a cabin where you can hide. You thank him, but he says he didn't save you for free. You'll have to exchange something of equal value for his aid. Holmes pops up in a hologram, offering information and surprising the wolf-man. The information provided is that of locations where more Krichats can be hunted. The wolf-man calls those easy foes, which surprises Mashu.



???:
They're easy, aren't they? I mean, if you shoot them, they'll die. The magical beasts that don't die even when shot are a lot more troublesome.



Having searched the locations of the hunting grounds, Holmes begins the exchange of information. But first, you ask the wolf-man's name. He's afraid that telling a Cordoon his name will call down a curse. When Mashu asks what a Cordoon is, he explains that it refers to mages. You assure him that you're bad with curses, and he gives you his name: Patsy. You, Mashu and Holmes introduce yourselves too in return.

First, Holmes asks Patsy what year this is. He finds it a stupid question: it's the year 2018 AD. Holmes then asks about the wall of storms surrounding the country. Patsy replies that in his twenty years of life, he's never seen such a thing. When he finds out from Holmes that you came from outside Russia, this amazes him - he has never even thought about what lay outside of Russia. As far as he knows, everyone outside of Russia died a long time ago. Holmes then asks Patsy what the Oprichniki really are.

Patsy says that they are Ivan the Terrible's personal guard. However, if this is 2018, how is his personal guard still around? You wonder if he's a Servant. Patsy's not sure what you're talking about, but tells you that Ivan is alive, and has been alive for nearly five hundred years now. He is the oldest "Yaga".

Holmes gets the clarification that Yaga refers to people like Patsy. Patsy wonders how many hundreds of years have you been hidden away to not know such a thing. You ask for the history of Russia, which Patsy gives. As it turns out, 450 years ago, an asteroid struck and sent the world into an ice age. The extreme cold made the planet unsuitable for the old breed of "humans". All of the other countries could not withstand the cold, gave up, and perished. However, Russia was a country used to coldness, and was relatively better prepared. Even so, 90% of its population perished, and the country was one step away from extinction too. It was then that Ivan the Terrible and his mages came up with a countermeasure. That was the "Yaga". Hybrids of magical beasts and man.

This tells Holmes most of what he needs to know, and he thanks Patsy. Patsy asks just what you are, and you tell him that you are here to save the world. Or something like that.



Patsy:
Eh, that's cool.... are you an idiot? You're an idiot, aren'tcha?



Holmes assures him that it's not a joke. Anyway, Patsy finds you guys interesting. Still, he was promised information on hunting spots, and he wants that now. Holmes shows him the location to go to. Before he leaves, he says that although he hates the Oprichniki, he hates liars even more. He tells you to wait here until he returns. If the information about the hunting grounds are false, he'll chase you to the ends of the earth.

After Patsy has left, you feel that this is somehow different from the singularities you have encountered before. Holmes ascertains with Gordolf that the Oprichniki he defeated were indeed inhuman.



Gordolf:
Yeah, they melted away when defeated by my Fist of Steel, the Goff Punch. Those Oprichniki were closer to being familiars.



From here, you theorize that they could be Ivan's Noble Phantasm, or one of his skills. Holmes agrees. This seems to point to Ivan the Terrible as being the culprit behind the attack on Chaldea, and a Servant you must defeat. Mashu wonders if he might be like Nero instead, not a Servant, but a living being. Regardless, it's more important to secure a leyline right now. It would be risky for you to venture out alone so you will have to get Patsy to guide you when he returns. You can only wait until then.