Fate/Extra: The Midnight Sea

[Alternative Ice]

No matter how long the wait, I'll still read the update when it comes.

I love infodumps on magic system mechanics and world building, as well as the references to other TM works.

[Rocket Burrito]

Oh don't worry, he got a new beta, he should be able to churn things out faster now if all works out.

[Numbers]

Don't worry Xyphos, I'm still here as well. Loved the new chapter and even though I've played through Extra a few times at this point, the way you had the information provided was very well done and still felt fresh.

[Xyphos]

Act 2: Scene 6

2 Days Remaining

Morning

_______________

“That’s probably as good as it’s going to get.” Mihara said as he stood sideways, a hand by his Interface and the other outstretched towards a honey-coloured shield of hexagons. Around it, clouds of black noise slowly rose upwards, soon dissipating into the air.

“I think we can take a break now, Caster, thank you.”

“No problem, goshujin-sama!” The foxgirl said from the opposite end of the small garden, a hand of hers full of various dining utensils. “If you need any help with training, you can always find me!”

“I don’t really want to impose on either you or Saber too much though.” He said as he closed his Interface, before walking over to the porch just outside his and Caster’s room. “I’m sure you have your own things to practice on, just like Saber does.”

“Hmm, well I’m not really into excessive body-building work like that Servant is.” Caster said as she followed him. “She’s up even today on the other side practicing. Given the choice, I’d rather spend time helping you practice!”

“I’m not sure if I should be happy or troubled by that.” He said as he sat down on the wooden floor with a deep breath. “Well, I’ve been able to test that new Code Cast thanks to you though, so thank you again.”

“No problem, Master!” She said with another beaming smile, the bushy tail behind her wagging energetically. “That’s quite ingenious of you though, combining your shield program with whatever you did in the Coliseum Fight last week.”

“The idea kind of hit me during Archer’s ambush a few days ago, ironically.” He said with a crooked smile. “With this, items with simple coding shouldn’t be able to break past the shield anymore. More complex items are another matte though.”

“Well, we can worry about that later.” Caster said, waving a hand. “Oh, would you like me to get those fruits you prepared earlier? I think Saber already took her share.”

“Yes please then, Caster.” He said with a nod in response. “Thanks again.”

“Oh, don’t mention it!” She said, before walking into the house.

Mihara gave a smile as he watched Caster leave the area through her room, before his eyes slowly drifted to observe the layout of her oriental-style room.

The accessory program that Fujimura Taiga had given them yesterday turned out to code for potted plants. Much like last week when he used Taiga’s programs to customise his Servant’s rooms, there was a large variety of styles to choose from. Caster ended up going for a variety of bonsai trees scattered about the room.

‘She did a little bit of rearranging since last night it seems.’ He thought. ‘Disregarding what she said earlier, I don’t think I’d mind living in a house like this. But I guess that’s only if I can get through the fight the day after tomorrow.’

At this he turned around to face the yard, his feet hanging off the edge as he activated his Terminal again, looking over the data he’s gathered so far on his opponents.

‘I’m not sure how close we are to finding out Lancer and Archer’s True Name.’ He thought. ‘There’s quite a bit of background information on their Masters instead though.’

“Yet even then, there’s still a ridiculous gap between me and them.” He whispered, before giving a sigh. “Even this mashed up Code Cast might not be enough to survive the two of them.”

‘And even if it’s enough to let me live for more than a few minutes under their attacks...’ He continued thinking. ‘I’m not sure if my Servants can go toe-to-toe with theirs. We’ve closed the gap a bit, but it still might not be enough. And that doesn’t even mention the ultimate fate waiting the defeated of the Holy Grail War.’

At that thought, the painful memory of what had happened at the culmination of last week’s events resurfaced itself, having been buried for so long.

‘Dammit.’ He thought as he shook his head vigorously. ‘I can’t ignore what may await them this time. What may await me, and my Servants.

I don’t want to die.

I don’t want them to die.

But, inevitably, one of us must-

“Here we are, my dear Master!” Caster’s voice cut his thoughts off as he jerked his head around to see Caster hopping over, easily balancing the tray of mixed fruits in her hands.

“Thank you, Caster.” He said as he gave the foxgirl a smile, one she returned as she sat down on the platform near him, the tray placed between them.

“It’s good to take a break like this once in a while, isn’t it Mihara?” She asked as she picked up an orange and begun peeling it carefully, her fluffy tail wagging behind her gently. “At least here in our little love-nest we don’t have to worry about any bad, bad people getting in the way! Well, there’s that child to think about but we can just ignore her!”

“I don’t think Saber would be happy hearing you say that about her.” Mihara said, giving a twisted smile as he stared at his watermelon slice, before nibbling it. “Though, I guess even now she’s still busy with her own practice right now.”

“Well at least this way, the both of us can enjoy some quality together time, right?” Caster said, before eating several orange segments. “Still though, it seems like you’re starting to get the hang of fighting now, isn’t it?”

“Mmm, I’m not really sure about that.” He said, rocking his head from side to side as his free hand flipped through his holographic Interface. “Well, at the very least I’ve been starting to enjoy exploring the Arena with you and Saber. Fighting itself however, well, I probably won’t feel comfortable with it until the end of the whole tournament at minimum.”

“Aww, don’t say that!” Caster said, turning towards him. “As your Servant, I can tell that’s not true at all! You’re getting a lot more confident with your commands now, and you’ve started contributing a lot more to the fights nowadays with those pesky programs!”

“Really?” He asked, surprised at her declaration.

“Yep yep!” His Servant said as she nodded, a large smile on her face. “Just comparing how you were back then and now warms my heart, you know Master?

“Well, if you say so Caster, though I don’t really feel that way myself.” Mihara said as he gave a shrug.

“Boo.” Caster pouted. “Why would I lie to you about something like this, Mihara?”

“It’s not that you’re lying about it, Caster.” He said as he turned off his Interface, before he picked up another slice of fruit. “It’s just the feeling I have really.”

“Hrm.” Caster mumbled as she drew back, a hand on her chin. “You really shouldn’t be so hard on yourself, Master. I find being positive can help overcome even the worst situations you know!”

“Well, I can’t deny that, though I’ve been leaving positive-ness to you quite a bit this week, haven’t I?” Her Master said as he leaned back slightly, his gaze towards the digital sky. “Thanks for that, actually Caster.”

“Eh?” The foxgirl asked, apparently taken off-guard.

“Thanks for always being so cheerful and encouraging me like this.” Mihara continued, giving her a smile. “Saber’s tactical advice is always helpful, but being able to hear you speak what’s on your mind about things helps soothe my nerves.”

“Master, please, you flatter me!” The foxgirl said as she turned to look at the wall across the yard, her two hands clasped beneath her chin. “Though, well, does hearing me speak my mind out so clearly help that much? Even I know sometimes it isn’t conversation to keep for good company…”

“Well, as long as it’s kept between us three, it doesn’t really matter too much though, now does it?” He said as he continued to look upwards. “Well, thank you for being who you are right now, Caster. I’m not sure how well I’d have been able to handle everything in the Holy Grail War on my own.”

“I see…” Caster said, her voice slowly quietening. “It’s a bit embarrassing to hear that, but thank you, regardless.”

‘Hm?’ Mihara thought as he looked at his Servant. ‘That smile again… Like when we first talked with Lancer. Was there something wrong with what I said?’

“Well, anyway!” Caster said with her usual volume, hopping onto her feet before Mihara could continue his train of thought. “As a reward for all the hard work my dearest Master has been putting into improving his abilities, your lovely Servant would like to give you a treat! Just hold on for a minute, okay Master?”

Before he had a chance to reply, his Servant had jumped back into her room. As he turned around to look, he heard the sound of rummaging papers and a few clacks of stone coming from within, though he couldn’t see her from this angle.

‘Well, like before I guess I shouldn’t pry too much.’ He thought as he shook his head to clear his mind of those images, before finishing the rest of his watermelon slice. ‘I should trust in her to tell me more on her own terms. Anyway, what’s she looking for?’

After several more seconds his Servant hopped out of her room again, carrying several sheets of paper, two calligraphy brushes, an inkstone and a small cup of water with her.

“…Where did you get those?” He couldn’t help but ask as she set up the items on the veranda between them.

“Oh, you know, there were a few stalls in town selling some calligraphy supplies.” She said as she sat down, her Master turning to face her directly. Picking up and flourishing one of the calligraphy brushes, in elegant script she wrote down a single sentence on a piece of paper:

‘Just one question, okay?’

“Hm?” Her Master asked as he read, before turning to look at her. “One question?”

“Yep!” Caster said. “As this is one of those rare times for a one-to-one bonding session, I thought I’d let you ask anything you want about me, and I’ll guarantee an answer!”

“One question is it?” He asked, cocking his head to the side as he picked up the other calligraphy brush in his hand.

‘Still, what should I ask?’ He thought as he wet the brush on the inkstone. ‘…I said I shouldn’t pry too much just a minute or two ago. So what else should I ask?’ At this he looked up at his Servant, who tilted her head before giving him another one of her beaming smiles.

“Alright…” He murmured afterwards, before turning down to the piece of paper and writing out his question:

‘Why do you like using your mirror as a blunt weapon?’

“Eeh?!” Caster gasped as she drew back. “Is that what’s been on your mind this whole time?! Even for my prude of a Master, that’s the last thing I could have expected!”

“Well, I mean, you’re supposed to be a Caster, aren’t you?” He asked at her sudden outburst. “I wouldn’t normally associate bashing people over the head with Casters.”

“Well, sometimes reality can’t really live up to expectations either, you know Master?” She said, turning her face away as her ears and tail stood erect.

‘Ah, she got angry.’ Her Master thought as he watched. ‘Well, I guess I should have seen that coming, since Caster herself knows just how mismatched her skillset is.’

“Fine, I admit, I’m supposed to be an alluring, mystical, physically-weak and good-for-nothing Caster!” The foxgirl continued her rant.

“So if I can’t depend on my spells in close-range, how else am I supposed to defend myself against those stupid Knight-Class Servants when they get up close?! I’m relegated to beating them over the head with something, that’s what! If I actually had a choice in my Class, I’d be a Saber!”

‘Replace that Sword with a Mace and then we might be able to talk.’ He thought, before shaking his head.

“Well, I can’t really deny that getting into close-range combat would be troublesome for someone like you.” Mihara said quickly. “But, that mirror must be important to you to keep it so close all the time right? Using it as a blunt weapon is a bit-”

“Hmph, if you knew how bad I was at close-range and that the only thing I have on hand for close-range defence was this mirror then at least show me some sympathy!” Caster snapped.

“We’re not even good against other Casters, since our fighting styles all rely on similar basic principles! Yes, without exception, we’re all doomed to be the first ones eliminated! Yes, without a doubt, Casters are doomed to play second-fiddle in the Holy Grail War, just like that shrimp said last week!”

‘Caster feels really strongly about this.’ He thought as he recovered from the sudden noise. ‘Though, her complaints don’t really match up with what I’ve seen in the field; she’s more than pulled her weight during the last two weeks of Arena exploration.’

“…Well, I guess there’s really no point to me complaining.” Caster continued as she gave a sigh, turning to face the garden wall across them with a frown. “I’m not made for close-combat anyway; seeing the broader picture’s where it’s at. So at the end I didn’t really have much of a choice about what class-container I was put in, what with that sort of skill-set.”

“Your skill-set’s served us well all the way until now though, Caster.” Her Master said as he followed her gaze. “Sorry, I didn’t mean anything negative by that question.”

“I guess I could forgive you, as long as you can understand how things are from my viewpoint.” Caster said after a pause, turning to look at her Master with a pout.

“I promise to try and not be so insensitive in the future.” Mihara said as he raised a hand with his head bowed.

“Then I’ll forgive you, just this once.” Caster said after a sigh, before turning away.

“Thank you, Caster.”

“Well, if you want to know I can at least say I have one thing going for me.” She continued.

“Care to share?” Her Master asked after a pause.

“Hmm, if you were to look at it in a certain way, all of Japan’s spirits are clones, or offshoots of me in some way or another.” The foxgirl explained, her Master’s eyes widening at her declaration. “I’d like to think I’m the equivalent of eight million soldiers, or one invincible entity against humans!” She declared, raising her fist for emphasis.

‘That’s a pretty significant bonus for being a Caster.’ He thought as he looked at her, a smile crossing his lips despite himself. ‘I suppose it’s true when she said she was only using a fraction of her power some time ago.’

“…Though, at the same time I guess that’s another reason why I’m so weak against those hero-types who end up in those Knight-Class containers.” Caster continued after a pause, her voice quietening as her form shrank back.

“Hm?” He mumbled, tilting his head at his Servant’s sudden change in tone.

“Has anyone ever told you about the deadlock between heroes, humans, and monsters, Mihara?” Caster asked.

“Well, I remember hearing about deadlocks like that, but only between snakes, frogs and slugs in fables.” Her Master said after a pause, hand to his chin. “Snakes eat frogs, frogs eat slugs, and slugs eat snakes. A bit like rock-paper-scissors.”

“Well, it’s a similar case with different names.” Caster said, her voice still contained as she folded her arms while looking across the yard. “Humans can’t beat monsters. Monsters can’t beat heroes. And heroes can’t beat humans.”

‘Hm?’ He thought as he heard Casters statement, a pause in the conversation accompanying it. ‘Humans can’t beat monsters. An‘invincible entity’ against humans. Does that mean… That Lancer’s statement earlier in the week was at least partially true? Maybe that’s why-’

“Oops, sorry!” Caster said, the energy returning to her voice returning as she slapped her cheeks lightly. “I got a bit off-track there. Going back to the issue at hand, Casters like me don’t really have much to use when in close-combat, so we’re just forced to make due.

“And anyway.” She continued, turning to her Master with her usual bright smile, her tail wagging energetically behind her. “Even if our opponent was Susanoo himself, none of his attacks would matter if you dodge them!”

‘Tch, what am I thinking.’ He thought, a smile spreading over his own face as he saw Caster’s energy return. ‘Monster or Hero, Caster is still my Servant. There isn’t any reason to doubt her at this point, not after what all three of us have been through. I just hope that I’ll be able to keep up-’

“The volume of your quarrel is enough to echo to the other side of our residence.” Saber said, the sound of her booted feet reverberating against the wooden porch indicating her presence as both Mihara and Caster turned to look at her.

“Good morning, Saber.” Her Master greeted first. “And, sorry for being so loud.”

“Well knowing you, you probably needed something to distract you, just to see how good your concentration is.” Caster said.

“Hmph, do not worry, Caster.” The swordswoman said as she leaned onto a pillar. “I am more than capable of ignoring incessant droning, should it not be involved with the matter at hand.”

“Still, Praetor, as our morning warmups appear to be complete for the day.” Saber continued. “What are our intentions for today?”

“Yeah, that’s a good point.” He said as he activated his Interface again. “We’d better go to the Chapel first today, before something else decides interrupts us. Afterwards, we may want to look at delivering all those things we picked up yesterday.”

“While I do enjoy a challenging fight, the knowledge that the fight was only challenging because of my own limited power does tend to create a sour aftertaste.” Saber said, nodding.

“Speak for yourself.” Caster said, pulling a face. “Bleh, I’d prefer to just stomp on those bugs and get everything done with. Less time wasted, more time for exploration! It’s a win-win situation! Well, except for those eight-bit programs, but who cares about them.”

“On the note of exploration, we have many things to take care of regarding the items we have found in the Arena today, do we not, Praetor?”

“Yeah, you’re right Saber.” Mihara nodded as his hands reached out to touch his Interface, bringing up his Inventory screen. “I guess I should say we were fortunate that we did manage to collect everything we wanted to yesterday, what with the jump in strength of the Arena Programs.

“We’ll probably want to visit Rani afterwards.” He continued, a screen splitting into two to display the still-intact arrow they had found in the Arena from Archer, as well as the red Rosary bead given to them by Shane. “For the time being, there is no guarantee that the bead is from Zhang’s Servant though.”

“There should be little harm in asking that dark-skinned woman for her analysis of the object.” Saber said, giving another nod. “Just as long as we ourselves ensure that the information extracted by her is in line with what we ourselves know.”

“Well, little harm or not, I admit I don’t really feel comfortable asking another Master for help like this though.” Her Master said, rocking his head side-to-side. “Nevermind. Afterwards, we should probably go and check with the Librarian.”

“Hopefully he’s got something else that can help out with our fight at the end of the week.” Caster said, leaning forward slightly as an image of a compact disk appeared on the Interface screen, the three letters ‘F-G.O’ written on its surface.

“To think the NPCs are busy playing MMOs on the side.” Mihara muttered as he shook his head slowly. “Anyway, I don’t know if we can find Ms. Fujimura before the end of the day, but it sounded like she urgently needed these… Glasses.”

“Ugh, well, ‘glasses’ is kind of mundane, isn’t it?” Caster asked as the image on the screen switched to display a set of square-rimmed glasses. “The thing’s called ‘Demonic Eye-blockers’! What sort of intimidating thing is that supposed to be?!”

“Are you not supposed to be the expert in such enchanted items, oh mystical Caster?” Saber asked, turning to look at the Servant.

“Weell, I can’t say some Casters are good at making enchanted items, since I’ve known a few directly actually.” Caster began as she fiddled with her fingers. “But then again there’s this really, really big difference between ‘their’ focus, and ‘my’ focus, y’know?”

“Oh ho.” Saber said, raising her eyebrows as a smile crossed her face. “Then it is no wonder a third-rate Legendary Soul like yourself, who cannot even fashion enhanced items, ended up in the Caster container. You’re even worse than the majority of your class, who are already doomed to play little more than back-stage extras!”

“Buh!” Caster grunted, as though she had been hit, before leaping up onto her feet with a finger pointed at the crimson swordswoman. “You were eavesdropping again! No, no, that’s not the point here-! I won’t suffer an insult like that again! And for that matter, what are you supposed to be yourself, Saber?!”

“Hmph, I am but an exemplary member of what is otherwise the best class in the Holy Grail War.” Saber said, giving a smirk as she puffed her chest. “I said so last week, and I shall reaffirm it again: My Praetor should not bother himself with second-string Servants like you whilst I am by his side.”

“Huh, says the little plankton who just swings her oversized sword around like a club!” Caster said with a huff, folding her arms just as Saber glared at her. “Here I thought all you Knights-of-the-Sword with your holier-than-thou attitudes would be much more elegant in a fight. In fact, you should go talk to that Priest guy and get your class changed from ‘Saber’ to ‘Berserker’!”

“I think I’d better let the two of them shout it out.” Their Master said to himself as he slowly slid himself back from the edge of the porch.

“Come to think of it, apart from yesterday they haven’t been arguing as much as last week. I guess that’s a good sign. Though, with how harsh some of their insults are, I hope I don’t end up having to use a Command Seal to stop their fighting like Dan did two days ago.”

_______________

Noon
_______________

“Well, that should tide you over until the Elimination Battle this week, Mihara.” Aoko Aozaki said as her Interface closed, the pillars of light surrounding the Master and his two Servants dissipating. “You brought quite a bit of scrap data for me this time, though then again you haven’t visited me for a while now.”

“Yeah, we’ve had several, ‘incidences’ over the last few days.” The Master said as he rubbed his forehead, closing his eyes as he checked the newly-strengthened connection with his Servants.

“Ah, I heard some of the Masters were starting to get a bit rowdy this week.” The fiery-haired Magus said as she nodded. “Must be tough for the NPCs, running around trying to douse all the fires. I take it you ended up being a target?”

“Our Master was targeted several times over, Aoko Aozaki.” Saber said, clenching her fist as she brought it up to her chest. “A select few of our opponents have no sense of battlefield decorum. It is only fortunate that the SE.RA.PH’s NPCs were on watch, as were I and Caster for our Master’s safety.”

“Hmm, I see you’ve got it quite rough this week Mihara.” Aoko Aozaki said as she stood up from her seat near the Chapel’s altar. “Though at the same time, you’re quite fortunate to have two capable Servants on hand.”

“Yes, on both counts I agree.” The Master said, looking at both Servants next to him with a smile, a gesture that both returned.

“Well, if that’s all for today I’ve got something to look at.” Aoko said as she looked at the wooden table next to her seat for a moment, the blue cube still spinning endlessly above it. “Don’t be a stranger now, alright? If you need another Alteration, feel free to come by.”

“I will, thank you again Aoko.” Mihara said as he gave a nod. Waving her hand goodbye in response, the Aozaki sister turned around and walked to the back of the Chapel, soon disappearing behind a heavy wooden door.

“Uwah, I feel alive again!” Caster said as she twirled several times on one foot. “I think our connection’s just progressed to a completely new level!”

“Indeed, that Aozaki sister does good work.” Saber said, giving a nod before she folded her arms. “Although, I am curious as to where the blue sister went- she was not here on our arrival. Perhaps she has something else to take care of, like the red sister?”

“Finding out would probably be a bit complicated for us though.” Mihara said as he shook his head, before turning around to leave.

“Yeah, and we have our own things to worry about anyway.” Caster said, following suit as did Saber. “Not to mention that you have enough women in your life already…” She added quietly.

But before her Master had a chance to retort however, a bright beam of light cut through the Chapel’s dark interior. Blinded for several seconds, Mihara’s eyes clenched shut automatically, before slowly opening to see that the Chapel doors were open.

And standing between the two solid wood pieces, was a familiar wizened old man.

“Dan Blackmore.” Mihara whispered, just as the old man closed the doors behind him, plunging the Chapel into darkness once again.

“Mihara Hakuno.” The Knight said after several seconds of silence. “My apologies for not recognising you there; the change in ambient light is quite abrupt, especially for one as old as I.”

“Oh, no, don’t worry about that.” He answered awkwardly. “Even I have problems at my age adjusting to the change.”

“You are too kind.” Dan Blackmore said as the two Masters met at the centre of the Church, the old Knight bowing his head slightly. “Yet despite that, I must again apologise for the other day, Mihara Hakuno. The only saving grace of the entire debacle was the Caretaker NPC’s quick response in treating your wound, as well as your Servant’s more than competent response to the situation.”

“Admittedly, I can’t really say ‘don’t worry about it’.” The young Master said slowly. “But at the very least, I’m still standing. And despite that incident, well, I can at least guarantee you that you will get the fair fight that you seem to wish for at the end of this week.”

“My sincerest thanks.” Dan said as he bowed his head again. “I only wish that my Servant would share the same mentality.”

“Sir Knight.” Saber said as she gave the Master a brief nod. “I care little for the actions of your Servant, but you yourself have shown great strength of character that I find difficult to remember equal.”

‘This is a first…’ Mihara thought. ‘Saber’s actually praising our opponent.’

“Yet even chivalry must have its limits.” Saber continued. “Essentially throwing away one of your most powerful tools in this War to help an enemy… What is it that makes you feel such a drastic decision is warranted?”

‘The Command Seals.’ Mihara remembered, thinking back to the Infirmary, and the bright red light he saw from Dan’s hand as he gently rubbed one of his own. ‘Three irrefutable commands given to all Masters in the Holy Grail War, each guaranteeing an action will be performed, as long as it obeys the SE.RA.PH’s rules.’

“You are correct, Servant Saber.” Dan Blackmore said, bowing his own head. “To use one of the three Command Spells given to me, to help my enemy, of all things would be the definition of drastic. And even I myself have been questioning that act throughout the whole of yesterday.”

At this, the old Knight looked up to the altar, to the wall beyond the pulpit at the raised platform.

“Ultimately however, I believe that it was the right thing to do.” He continued speaking as Mihara turned sideways to look at the large wooden cross, hung across the entirety of the wall that Dan Blackmore gazed at.

“I had been called to this battlefield by her Majesty, the Queen. Having said that, it has been a long time… No, this is the only time I can remember responding to such summons due wholly to my own personal reasons behind it.

“Were I fighting for ‘King, Queen and Country’ as a mere soldier, I would have praised Archer’s actions. Yet as a Knight… And, as a human, I must condemn them. As I did, for the first time in so many years I remembered the day I received notification of my nomination for Knighthood, as well as the silhouette of my wife’s form, watching me with pride. Haha, I’d like to think her spirit looked upon me with the same face and approval in that moment.”

At this, the young Master heard a soft gasp from beside him, and saw Caster place a hand over her chest out of the corner of his eye.

‘Come to think of it, she’s been very quiet so far actually.’ He thought, just as he saw Dan give a sad chuckle, before shaking his head and turning to look at the young Master and his Servants.

“It’s the same story every old man has.” He continued, before holding up his hand and gazing at it. “It has been so long since that day I last saw her. The sound of her voice…. the features of her face, all lost to me in the sands of time. The only thing I can remember vividly was the warmth of her hand, before her soul departed to the Lord above.”

At this the old Knight paused for several long seconds, before he clenched his hand for a brief moment, eyes closed. Quickly opening them again however, he let it fall to his side, before resuming his explanation.

“But so are the responsibilities of a soldier, and our only truth. At all times we are required to abide by military regulations, and no allowances are made for even one such as myself to overstep my bounds. That sort of resolve has outlasted everything else in my life, and is the one torch I carry to light the way through the remainder of my life.”

‘So, even after he’s lost his wife, his resolve to fight is still as strong as ever.’ Mihara thought as his eyes turned downwards in the face of the soldier that stood before him. ‘Yet here I am, my own ‘resolve’ crippled after just one fight.’

“It is clear to me that you are still lost, though.” Dan said, Mihara looking up just as the old man caught his gaze. “Though reflection on the past is good, you should not let that distract you from deciding on how you wish to live for the future.”

“For the future…?” The young Master asked, just as the old Knight nodded.

“For you, for me, for everyone that fights in this Holy Grail War, and for everyone who lives in the world, regrets for the past are an insidious thing.” Dan continued. “Observing it can help to build new paths into an uncertain future. But if you let it, it will also lead you astray, and blind you to what that very future holds.”

‘Regret…’ Mihara thought, his eyes turning downwards again. ‘What sorts of regrets do I have, when I cannot even remember why I entered this entire ordeal in the first place? The one and only regret I could have right now is joining this entire thing in the first place.’

“Seeing you reminds me of another man I had met.” Dan said after a pause, the two exchanging gazes once more. “He was a man just as lost as you were, a doctor lost in the ravages of war.”

‘You would expect medics in a warzone at the very least.’ Mihara thought as he quietly listened, his gaze never leaving the old Knight’s.

“To friends that were brought to his operating table, the man would quietly stitch or repair whatever wounds that had been inflicted on them. To foes that he found bleeding to death on the roadside, he would quietly stitch or repair their wounds even as they screamed, shouted, and poured their hatred upon him. And, for those on both sides who didn’t survive the countless battles, he would grieve and mourn their passing.”

“The man’s excessive dedication to his duties is impressive.” Saber said, through the mental connection as her Master gave a slight nod in response.

“I had met him several times on different battlefields throughout my career, and each time I met him, his actions puzzled me even more.” Dan continued. “So one day, I asked him: ‘Why is a man like you in this hellhole?’ I remember, he paused at my question, busy as he were with something. Eventually, he answered - ‘Perhaps, to better understand that ‘why’ myself.’

“‘The reason ‘why’ I’m here is linked to the reason ‘why’ War itself is here. Despite knowing the tragedies that War causes, humanity is stuck in an endless cycle of conflict. What does war steal away from people? What does War give to people that this endless cycle is perpetuated? To not understand the basic nature of War is to deny the very existence of War. Hence, that why, I must know.’”

At this, Dan stopped recounting his story to look the young Master before him over.

“It was a conversation I had many years ago, but when I see you I can somehow remember those words he spoke very clearly.” He continued with a sigh. “I know not what had become of him; I believe that conversation was the last time I saw him on the battlefield. Perhaps he found his answer on another field of conflict, or he had joined the many he once mourned over. But just like him, you too will need to understand the nature of this War, and come to terms with it.”

“Come to terms with killing other Masters? The fact that ‘only one’ wish can be granted?” Mihara asked quietly as he remembered the words emblazoned upon that red firewall in the Elimination Battle.

“Exactly.” Dan said as he nodded. “This wilted path that we all take here will be harsh, no matter how we choose to walk it. But no matter what happens, you mustn’t feel shame nor regret in what you have had to do to come this far. Instead, carry on with your head held high for the future, so that those which you will have walked over to get here will not have died forgotten.

“And with all that said, Servant Saber.” He continued, turning to look at the crimson swordswoman by Mihara’s side. “To answer your question earlier finally. For a fight that I engage in for personal reasons… I cannot, and will not, condone any conduct that would stain my conscience.”

‘To fight in a way so one won’t have any regrets, in memory of those who’ve passed on.’ Mihara thought as silence slowly covered the cavernous Church hall. ‘That’s the way this Knight fights. For me though, who fights just to live… With such a simplistic reason like that, how can I not regret taking the lives of others? How can I not regret breaking livelihoods apart in the palm of my hand? ‘

“Haha, well this isn’t like me.” Dan said with a chuckle, breaking Mihara’s train of thought. “Maintaining such an uninteresting conversation... I wouldn’t blame you if you were laughing at the musings of this old man.”

“No, Dan Blackmore.” Mihara said automatically, giving a bow from the hip. “Thank you very much for your advice, and telling me your story.”
At this, the old Knight looked at the bowed Master for several seconds, before giving a nod.

“Then I hope by this time two days hence, I will see you with unclouded eyes upon the field of battle, Mihara Hakuno.” Dan said with a nod of his head, before stepping past the young Master and his two Servants.

Turning around to watch him move, Mihara saw the old Knight walk into the pews of the Church, before sitting down and clasping his hands together.
‘Even something like that is a pretty big ask though.’ Mihara thought as he kept silent, diverting his gaze for a moment before shaking his head. Giving one final bow towards the old Knight, he turned around and left the Church building, his silent Servants following suit.

_______________

“Greetings, Mihara Hakuno.” The Master known as Rani the Eighth greeted as he approached her at the end of the corridor, his two Servants in their invisible form following behind him. “I trust that your presence here means that you have been able to acquire something of your opponent, as I had requested.”

“Yes, for both actually, Rani.” Mihara replied as he took out his Terminal, activating his Interface as he cast a glance behind him.

“Please do not worry about others appearing here on the Third Floor.” Rani said, tilting her head slightly as she watched him with her impassive eyes. “Rarely anyone climbs to the top of the School Building during normal occasions; there is a statistically insignificant chance of there someone doing so today.”

“Well, I can’t really deny that.” He replied as he turned back to face her, his fingers running along his Interface to bring up the two items in his Inventory. “But, after seeing how the School Grounds have become this week, I can’t help but feel a bit uneasy…”

‘Asking another Master to help me feels as though it goes against the very basics of the Holy Grail War’s system, after all.’

“Your worries are not unfounded.” Rani said, nodding her head at his half-finished sentence. “But I must again reiterate that you have little to fear from me.”
At this, she placed a hand over her bare chest, her eyes closed as she paused for a short while, before speaking again.

“My Professor’s words are my guide. Her instructions specifically told me to learn about humans as and how I can. Given the very short period we are given to learn about our adversaries, I find that reading a person’s star is the most direct way of learning about their past, and the driving force behind their actions.

“So please, I ask you to put your mind at ease.” She continued, opening her eyes to look at the Master before her. “My objective is to carry out my Professor’s wish only; the information I gather from today would in no way hinder your cause. Rather, they would help it, is that not correct?”

“Admittedly, I can see no reason to contradict that.” Mihara answered, bobbing his head side-to-side as he held his hands outstretched, two columns of light appearing from them as his Interface closed down.

As quickly as they appeared, the two columns disappeared into pixels, leaving behind a snapped arrow in one hand, and a small red bead in the other.

“This arrow comes from Dan Blackmore’s Servant, Archer.” He said, putting the hand forward as Rani carefully took it from him, her slender, tanned fingers brushing it softly. “This bead, apparently, is from Zhang Zhaobang’s Servant, Lancer. I’m not sure if this is what you need; I’m not sure how knowing about their Servant would help you know about the person in question.”

“Please do not worry about that.” Rani said calmly, closing her eyes as she turned her face towards the window, up to the clear blue sky. “Just as a tapestry is woven from many threads intertwined together, reading the story of one star will ultimately lead to many more afterwards.”

‘I see…’ He nodded his head as he turned to look up towards the sky himself, though at this time of the day none of those faint, white spots could be seen.

“Astrology, is it?” Saber’s voice echoed in his mind. “The night views of my villa were truly spectacular. The many stars dotting the night’s sky could be a painting unto themselves, with a deep meaning behind each and every one. Or at least, that’ what scholars of my time tell me: I personally could not see any rhyme or reason behind any of their tall tales.”

“Well, that’s only to be expected though, coming from a meathead like you.” Caster said, chuckling.

“I dare you to say that again, you faux fox.”

“Well, this’ coming from another Astrology expert though, so you shouldn’t feel too bad.” Caster continued, her tone darkening for a moment. “Not really boasting, but I’m pretty good at it. Though, looking at this dark-skinned girl I’d say she’s in a completely different league from me!

“Well, her knowledge of Astrology aside, I’m kind of curious about her Professor that she keeps talking about.”

“I shall give that you are not the only one curious about her mentor.” Saber said after a huff. “Yet such questions shall have to be ignored for the time being, in favour of the information she can give us.”

“I find myself…” Rani spoke finally, interrupting his Servant’s conversation. “In a forest? Someplace deep… And equally as dark.”

Her eyes still closed and faced towards the clear sky, her fingers slowly ran along Archer’s arrow as she spoke in a quiet voice, as though even the sound alone could break her concentration.

“A canopy so thick that no light may pierce through. A harbinger of tyranny, striking out from the shadows. Protecting those wrongfully persecuted, yet shunned by them, all the same. A solitary path, green like the forest he lives within.”

“…A man who always hid in the shadows as he attacks his enemies from afar.” Mihara said softly, seeing Rani turn away from the window, though her eyes remained closed. “It’s no wonder he and Dan Backmore, a man who insists on fighting with dignity, always seem at loggerheads with each other.”

“That is to be expected, yes.” Rani spoke, opening her eyes to look at him as she kept her hand on her chest. “Yet at the same time, I feel a deep sense of longing, of a desire left unfulfilled. Perhaps, the Servant too wishes that he could walk with his head held high, out in the full light and warmth of the sun.”

“Hmm.” Caster mumbled. “Well, strictly speaking I’m not really a hero either. A diabolically cute and perfect wife though, definitely! Though, despite all he’s put us through this week, I can’t help but feel a bit bad for him...”

“Ignoring the mad ramblings of this spinster fox-” Saber began.

“S-Spinster?!”

“I believe I understand what drives our rat of an Archer. A man who hid in the shadows, while dreaming of a role he could never achieve. Yet like a fool, he dons a fake mantle, and proceeds to imitate said role with all his might until the day he died. Hmph, what a sobering tale.”

‘…This is curious.’ Mihara thought, after hearing his Servant’s comments. ‘That hint of melancholy… as well as our discussion earlier this week. It’s the same with Caster earlier too- could both of them share similarities with Archer?’

“A Servant who was active in a forested area, and whose actions may not necessarily what one considered ‘heroic’.” The Master said out loud, a hand to his chin as he thought. “I’m not really sure what to think about that. There’s a fair number that come to mind, and I’m certain a bit more research would reveal even more names.”

“Perhaps, this is not the one whom my Professor spoke of.” Rani murmured, placing a lock of her violet hair behind her ear as she adjusted her glasses. “Though, I’m not completely certain. A sense of longing is the cause of the gap that spans between Master and Servant: An intrinsic part of human nature that my Professor had told me about, and something that I already understand well.”

“I guess that means this information wasn’t particularly helpful for you, Rani?” Mihara asked.

“No, everything that I can gain would be helpful to my cause here.” She said as she nodded her head, before handing the broken arrow back to him. “Now, if you please, I would like to take a look at the item belonging to Zhang Zhaobang’s Servant. Lancer, was it?”

“Yes, he is, and thank you.” He said, carefully placing the red bead into her outstretched hand as he placed the arrow back into his inventory with a flash of white pixels.

“I see…” The astrologer said softly as she stared at the item, a finger rolling the bead around the palm of her hand slowly for several seconds.

Once done, she closed her eyes and turned her face skywards once again, her finger still gently rolling the bead around the palm of her hand, never once coming close to falling off.

“I find myself…” She began, her voice barely audible once again. “On a bridge? The sound of flowing water roars beneath me, like a torrential rain. And the thunder that accompanies it… Is the sound of steel striking upon steel.

“Yet after this… I can see various landscapes passing me by. All at different places, during different seasons, and always accompanied by the same figure. A duo of outcasts, discarded by former companions, brought together during a time of war, and separated only by their deaths.”

“…A Servant who spent most of his life travelling?” Mihara asked, just after Rani turned towards him and opened her eyes. “And with a companion throughout the entirety of that trip?”

“I believe so.” Rani said at her normal volume as she gave a brief nod. “Although, the first image seemed particularly vivid in my mind, I would not recommend ignoring it completely. Why that is I don’t know, but perhaps, something about that memory could contribute to the Servant’s ultimate strength.”

“Hmm, so the astrologer believes that the bridge in her vision is in some way tied to Lancer’s strength?” Saber asked. “Perhaps she is implying that it is related to his Noble Phantasm in some way, shape or form?”

“Well she herself doesn’t really sound so sure.” Caster said. “Well, it’s a good an idea as any other though. I’m a bit more interested in his ‘companion’ though. If I had a name for him I’d definitely be able to nail down that oversized snail’s True Name.”

“I do not believe something so important would be obtained so easily, Caster.” Saber said. “While this astrologer’ words have been enlightening, there have been very little in the way of specifics about our opponents. Something as important as a name would likely have escaped her too.”

“That is, if she’s actually telling us the whole truth.” Caster said. “Though, as she said before, there’s no real reason for her not to tell us everything. And, well, at least for Archer, most of what she’s said seems to be related to what we know. Kind of anyway.”

“Alright, thank you, Rani.” Mihara said, as he listened to his Servant’s analysis. “Though, I guess I can see why both he and Zhang have difficulty seeing eye to eye, vaguely at least. I hope that this was a bit more helpful than the last one, Rani?”

“The core behind this star, is a need for companionship.” Rani began after a pause, her eyes downcast. “Again, another intrinsic part of human nature that my Professor had taught me about before I came here. Unfortunately, like before, I do not believe that he is the one I am searching for.”

“Ah, umm, that’s a shame.” He said, scratching his head. “Um, I’m sorry that this event wasn’t really helpful for you.”

“Please do not apologise.” She said, holding out the red bead in her hand as Mihara took it. “As I said before, everything I learn will help my cause. Although, with your statement before... I feel as though both Master and Servant, have more in common with each other than what may appear on the surface.”

“Is that so?” He said.

“Yes, although, what that might be exactly, I do not know.” Rani replied, before bowing her head. “Regardless, thank you very much for your time in collecting these items for me. I am quite certain that the knowledge you have gained during this exchange will help your cause, just as it has helped mine.”

“No, thank you very much for sharing this with me, Rani.” Mihara said, returning the gesture. In the place of a reply, Rani closed her eyes for a moment in acknowledgement, before she turned her eyes skywards once again.

“I believe that this is our time to leave, Praetor.” Saber said. He gave a nod, both in acknowledgement of Saber’s words and as a last farewell to Rani, before he returned don the corridor, to the centre of the school building.

“Well, that was certainly a lot more information than what I was expecting to get!” Caster said as he reached the main staircase. “Though, for the time being it’s all speculative.”

“Indeed.” Saber agreed. “For Lancer in particular, we cannot be certain that that red bead belongs to him- the Astrologer’s deductions from his item seem to be segregated from what we know. That slippery man from yesterday might have given us a trinket completely unrelated to him, hence throwing us off in our investigations.”

“I suppose the simplest way would be to talk to them directly?” Mihara said softly. “A few weighted questions might let them slip something important.”

“As expected of my Master!” Caster said, her voice as energetic as always. “You’re really starting to get the hang of information gathering as well it seems!”

“I would be more surprised if you were unable to think of such a simple solution.” Saber said. “But regardless, following that train of thought, we should make every attempt to find them before the end of this week. The sooner, the better.”

“I guess that’s true, but there’s still a couple more things I’d like to take care of today too if possible though.” Their Master said.

“Then we had best make haste with the remainder of today’s chores, so that we may interrogate them on the specifics.”

_______________

“Well well, ain’t yous a sight fer sore eyes.” The Librarian said with a grin as he saw Mihara slide the doors to the library open. “Kinda shocked yous came back so quick. Got lucky down in the Arena then I take it?”

“Yeah, I managed to find your profile in my Arena yesterday while I was exploring.” Mihara said, looking around the library as he slid the door closed behind him. He couldn’t help but notice the comparative lack of Masters today: He was the only one there today.

“Most ‘o the other Masters I’m guessing already scampered off to the Arena.” The Librarian said, noticing his gaze. “Well, none too surprising that, only two more days after all!”

“Yeah, I need to get down to the Arena myself after this.” Mihara said, giving a tired smile as he rubbed the back of his head.

“Aye, that yous need to do if yous thinkin’ ‘o staying alive.” The NPC continued as he stood up from his workstation. “That bein’ said, am deeply grateful for yous picking that file up for me at such short notice.”

“Don’t mention it.” The Master said as he brought out his Terminal and activated his Interface. The NPC leaned forward on his desk, his eyes watching the transparent digital screen closely as a single file was brought up, labelled ‘F-G.O’.

“Here it is, as promised.” He continued as he stopped at the screen.

“Beautiful.” The NPC said with a wide grin as he reached out a hand to touch the transparent screen from behind.

At the point of contact, several ripples began to emanate outwards on the screen, as the words ‘Data Transfer in Progress…’ appeared. For several seconds this continued, before the NPC sat down at his desk and brought out his game console.

Mihara couldn’t help but peer over the edge of the counter, just in time to see the Librarian clear a login screen, and a woman in white appearing on the screen.

“Excellent!” The Librarian shouted, punching the air as he jumped to his feet. “Jeezus, I nearly thought I’d lost my game profile for good there!”

“I’m glad you’re satisfied with what you see.” The Master said with a smile, though he couldn’t help but notice the other NPCs in the room glaring at them.

“’Satisfied’ would be putting it mildly!” He continued “Man, I’ve been watchin’ the news feeds ‘bout this game ever since it came out a few years back, ‘n losing my pre-register rewards would’ve made me pissed enough to make me set my core to overload!”

“…Your games mean a lot to you I see.” Mihara said as he gave a sigh.

‘Is it really safe for the SE.RA.PH to entrust its functions to NPCs like this?’ He thought, remembering how at least one other NPC thought it was a good idea to bet on the outcome of Coliseum Fights.

“Oy, oy, don’t lookit me like that!” The Librarian said. “Gaming’s just somethin’ I do on the side after all. S’not like the SE.RA.PH’s got a job fer me to do every wakin’ second after all. Though, I gotta admit that this Holy Grail War’s been a smidge more crazy than the last few. Well, not like that’s a bad thing though.

“Oh, before I forget, yous probably looking fer compensation fer this.” He said as he waved his console for emphasis.

Before Mihara had a chance to reply, the NPC had already activated his Interface, several screens flipping by as the Master watched. After several moments the Librarian stopped on one screen, before his free hand tapped several points on it.

And in response, a small chip solidified at the centre of the screen, falling down into the Librarian’s open hand.

“And this…?” The Master asked.

“It’s a special somethin’ I cooked up in one ‘o the earlier Holy Grail Wars.” The Librarian said, stretching his hand forward as his Interface closed. “Was custom-built fer a good Master friend ‘o mine.”

“Really?” Mihara asked, blinking several times as he looked at the small chip in the NPC’s hand.

“Yeppers.” The NPC said as he nodded his head, giving a tired smile as he looked the chip over himself. “Only Lord Almighty knows what’d happened to him though: This chip ‘o mine I gave to him just before his last Battle. Never did manage to find out if he won or not.”

“I see.” The Master said slowly, before pausing for several seconds. “And, you want to give this to me then, is it?”

“Heh, call it nostalgia.” The Librarian said. “Yous reminds me ‘o him quite a bit, y’know? Started up lost like a country boy in the big ‘ol city, though it’s been some several decades since that War happened. ‘N if my instincts are right, this ought to help yous ‘n yer battle tactics by leaps ‘n bouds. Besides, ‘m not sure if I’ll get another chance to give it to yous after this.”

“…What does that mean?” Mihara asked as he slowly took the item into his own hands.

“I’d install it fer you ‘n give yous some instructions myself, but unfortunately I’ve gotta jet soon to handle some patrol work.” He continued speaking, ignoring the Master’s question. “That, ‘n you’d prolly want someplace private to tinker a bit. I’ve left an instruction manual fer yous in the file though, you oughtta have no probems using it yourself.”

“Alright then, thank you very much for this.” The Master said, looking the item over one last time before storing it in his inventory. “I’ll make sure to treasure this relic of yours, and use it wisely.”

“Hah, don’t stand on ceremony with it.” The NPC said as he waved a hand, before he pocketed his gaming console and walked around the counter. “Just use it as yous see fit. I heard yer Servant’s are in a bit of a predicament anyways, this ought to help alleviate that problem a teensy bit.”

“Still, thank you for giving me something like this.” He continued. “The Master you made this for must have been a good friend of yours.”

“A good friend…” The NPC said softly, a confused smile crossing his lips for a moment. “Yeah, he was a good friend. A good man too, though, in his own way a bit twisted as well.”

“Hm?” Mihara asked, just as the Librarian shook his head and looked at the Master, a hand reaching out to pat his shoulder as he walked by.

“Anyways, I’m wishing yous good luck in your Coliseum Fight this week.” He said. “Gotta go now, and thanks fer getting my pre-registration reward back fer me!”

Before Mihara could give any reply however, the NPC had already slid the door to the library open and left, the sound of sliding wood the only indicator of his passing.

“Hmm hmm, that was interesting.” Caster said, having stayed quiet until now. “I wonder what is it that he got for us? He said he made it for a friend of his from a while ago, so it ought to be something good…”

“Are you able to ascertain its function, Praetor?” Saber asked.

“Not really.” He answered through the mental link. “We’d probably want to have a look at it when we enter the Arena, rather than out here on the School Grounds.”

“A wise course of action.” Saber said.

“I have to admit I’m a bit curious as to who his ‘old friend was…” Caster said, her voice trailing off.

“Indeed, I am curious as well.” Saber said. “’Tis be the first Holy Grail War I have participated in, though I have let pass many Masters before this during prior Preliminary Rounds. If this NPC is a good a judge of character as I believe him to be, I doubt it was any of those plebeians.”

“One has to wonder where did he get that sort of information from though.” Her Master said, before he gave a shrug. “Then again, NPCs can probably watch a few more things than we can normally.”

“Regardless, such information we will not be able to obtain without asking him directly.” Saber continued. “Instead, let us continue with today’s chores, so that we may attempt to confront our enemies directly.”

_______________

Evening
_______________

“Hmph, I wish all the Arenas sported as inspiring a landscape like as this.” Saber said, a smile crossing her face as the white pixels surrounding their entry to the Arena faded out. “Though we have already explored much of this ‘second’ floor yesterday, I know not if I would ever get tired of seeing such scenery.”

“I suppose it reminds you of your home somewhat?” Mihara asked.

“Umu!” She nodded vigorously as she swept a hand over the view. “The remnants of a Roman Metropolis submerged under the sea, its ruins still standing proudly despite the chaotic waters that swirl around it. Is there no more a beautiful sight than this? And there in the distance- a solidly-built Amphitheatre that stands proudly overlooking the city, the definitive centrepiece of any Roman city.”

“It looks a little bit odd from here though, floating in mid-air just above everything else like that.” Her Master continued, before looking the landscape over. “Well, it isn’t really that odd when we consider how the city’s been broken into pieces and floating about randomly.”

“Well I guess beauty’s only in the eye of the beholder though.” Caster said, a hand to her hips as she looked the scene over. “It all just seems like a creepy ghost town to me from here.”

“Why should I not take pride over such a thing?” The swordswoman asked, her chest swelling as she nodded with pride. “It is but a testament to the enduring legacy of an Empire that I was responsible for, in no small part.”

“Ah well, I suppose that’s just how Westerners see it.” The foxgirl shrugged. “Well, I could make ten more different additions to that statement if I wanted to, but there’s a few other things I’d like to take care of first.”

“Indeed.” Saber said. “Though it is unfortunate we did not manage to find that ‘Ms. Fujimura’ of yours Mihara, to claim our reward. A pity, but it appears that our rush to the Arena has yielded a similar dearth of results: I do not sense our opponents in the Arena.”

“Seriously?” Mihara asked. “This is going to make putting Rani’s divinations to use a lot more difficult.”

“We didn’t have any luck finding them outside either while looking for that teacher.” Caster continued. “Though, I suppose that old man might be busy praying at the Chapel even now...”

As her voice trailed off, her Master notice the foxgirl quickly wipe her eye and shake her head, as though trying to forget about something.

“I shall admit that I, too, am moved by his devotion to his late marital partner.” Saber said as she crossed her arms, nodding several times. “Yet even now without our opponents being physically here, this is not the time for sentimentality.”

“Yeah, let’s not focus on something so depressing for the time being.” Caster said. “Anyway, Mihara, what do you think we should do for the time being then?”

“Unfortunately, we don’t have an idea of where Dan and Zhang are now.” He said, a hand to his chin. “They’re definitely somewhere in the city, but searching for them blindly, even with all three of us split up, probably won’t yield much results.”

“Do not forget also, that both sides have at least one member who had sought to take your life at least once, against the system’s rulings.” Saber said. “Splitting up, even while mingling with a crowd, is a very dangerous proposition.”

“That too.” He said with a deep breath. “Rightfully, they should end up coming to the Arena to train at some point today, unless they already have. We can probably work off the assumption that they will, and just stay here as per our usual schedule for the day.”

“That plan is sound.” Saber said, nodding. “Though there is always a possibility that they will not come today.”

“Then I guess we still have tomorrow to try and catch them again at least.” He continued. “It’s probably not a good idea to wait until so late, but we don’t have much of a choice in the matter.”

“Well, even if we can’t find them today there’s still a lot of training that we could do to toughen you up a bit, isn’t there Master?” Caster asked.

“Yeah, that’s true as well.” Mihara said as he pulled out his Terminal. “First being that new program the Librarian gave me today.”

“Yes, I am curious to see what he has given to you as well.” Saber said. “He mentioned that this was made specifically for a good companion of his, long ago. If this is so, it ought not to be something half-heartedly made.”

“The earlier program he gave us was quite helpful already.” Caster said, leaning forward as her Master activated his Interface. “I’m fairly confident he’ll give us something good again.”

“The fact that he’s giving me something so important for such a simple job as picking something up from the Arena still throws me for a loop though.” Their Master said as he shook his head.

“Well, what’s it they say?” Caster asked. “Don’t look a present in the mouth! Although… if you didn’t, you wouldn’t exactly know what the present is though, would you?”

“I think you missed out a part of that saying.” Mihara said as he sifted through his Interface’s Inventory. “Well, I won’t be ungrateful anyway. He said something about leaving an instruction file in this though… Here we are.”

At this he selected the chip that the Librarian had given him, which promptly opened up a small window with the words ‘Extracting Program Files…’ written on it, a thin bar below it slowly filling up.

‘I keep forgetting that there’s a computer behind all of this at the end of the day.’ Mihara thought as he watched the bar fill. ‘An amalgamation of technology and magic… It’s the same with these Code Casts as well isn’t it?’

The bar that occupied his screen filled out before he had a chance to delve further however. And replacing it, was a large number of empty windows that filled his holographic Interface screen. And at the same time, the Terminal in his hands began to vibrate.

Instinctively he held it flat aloft, just as the pixels on its screen burst upwards a short distance like a fountain. And over several moments, the shower of pixels solidified into a familiar looking person, barely a foot tall standing atop his Terminal.

“Yo, Mihara.” A holographic version of the Librarian said as it waved a hand. “If you’s seeing this, it means you’dve gotten my profile file for me- thanks fer that again.”

“The Librarian?” The Master asked, leaning closer. “I thought you were off on patrol duty or something?”

“First things first, this ‘er hologram’s just a very bare-bones AI with basic instructions on how to use this here program.” The avatar continued. “It’s also dumber than a rock, so don’t go expectin’ it to answer any questions now!”

“Ah, that explains things.” He said with a sigh.

“Praetor, it would be wise to pay more attention to the NPC’s words.” Saber said, looking the avatar once over, before returning to her vigil of the area.

“N’yways, ‘m not sure how much I’dve told yous but what this program does, but basically, it’s a buildin’ kit that’ll let yous do some fancy stuff with your Servant that ain’t possible otherwise.” The avatar continued. “As yous ought to know by now, Code Casts’re the stuff that Masters like yerself use in the SE.RA.PH while participatin’ in the Moon Cell’s Holy Grail War.

“The Code Casts this program specializes is in forcing some extra prana down through the connection between yous ‘n your Servant. One prime example’d be augmenting their Parameters slightly. Think ‘o it like a hot fixup ‘Alteration of the Soul’, or somethin’ like those Aozaki Sisters do back in the Chapel.”

“Wait, something like that’s possible without asking them?” Mihara asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Weeell, it isn’t exactly impossible.” Caster said as she rocked her head side-to-side. “It’s normally kind of complicated to do though, and an inexperienced Master risks making some pretty big ‘uh-ohs’ if they screw up. That, and it’s only a temporary measure without their specialised equipment. Well, that’s my guess anyway.”

“That’s not really comforting…” Her Master said as he remembered the conversation the Aozaki Sisters had when he first met them.

“Now now, I know whatcher thinkin’.” The avatar said as he put up both hands. “It’s about as risky as insultin’ an omnipotent, idiotic AI who’s drunk on power to the face ‘n throwin’ a pile ‘o slime at ‘em afterwards fer good measure.

“But! That’s only if yous got no idea what the fuck yous’ doing.” The avatar finished as he jabbed his finger directly forwards towards the Master.

“So I’m assuming that this program will at least prevent me from making those supposed blunders then?” Mihara asked as he drew back slightly from the avatar’s actions, before looking at the holographic screen behind it.

“Well, now that’s ‘nuff fer the intro; time to get to the juicy bits.” The avatar continued, rubbing its hands. “Now, we’ll be needin’ a volunteer to run this thing. Oh, don’t worry: You ‘n your Servants have my solemn promise that this ain’t gonna screwup their internal systems. At least, not too badly. If something goes wrong.”

“Did you have to add the last two sentences?” Mihara asked as he rubbed his forehead, before he looked over at Caster and Saber.

For a moment the two Servants looked at each other, their faces impassive as though they were silently conversing as to who was to take up the challenge. And for a moment, their Master half expected them to start playing rock-paper-scissors to decide that.

“Weeell, I guess I’ll go for it.” Caster said, promptly breaking her Master’s expectations as she stepped forward. “I’ve kinda got a good idea how this ought to work anyway: Saber’ll probably just end up walking right into problem after problem anyway.”

“Hmph, do not think me so dense as to not understand how something of such nature works.” The crimson swordswoman said as she crossed her arms. “Though, I must admit the NPC’s words make me pause for thought. If you declare yourself as having some experience in such matters however, it is not my place to dissuade you from this.”

“So long-winded as always.” Caster said quietly, just enough for her Master to hear, as she hopped forward. “Alrighty then, my dear Master, is it time for us to play doctor now? Ehehe, though we’re a bit too old to start the ‘childhood friend’ route, it’s never too late right?!”

“Could you please focus for at least more than a few sentences, Caster?” Mihara asked.

“Well, I’m hoping yous gotten a volunteer by now Mihara.” The avatar said, cutting the conversation. “It’s completely painless for the Servant anyway. As long as yous followin’ my instructions’ all.”

“Alright, Caster, are you ready?” Mihara asked.

“I’ll always be ready for you, Mihara!” She shouted in reply, just as the avatar booted up a new screen on Mihara’s interface.

_______________

“Code Cast: Gain Strength.” Mihara said to himself as he typed the lines of code onto his Interface, before looking up and executing his program.

At his command, several strings of orange code began to emanate from his Interface, encircling and rapidly spinning around his clenched right hand as he raised it to shoulder level. After several seconds, he swung the hand forward, the strings of code reaching forward to encircle Caster, who stood still with her eyes closed several paces away.

Just before reaching her however, the lines of code hit an invisible wall. Like water flowing around an obstacle however, the lines of code began to form a column that surrounded the Servant.

Just as the circle was drawn it began to pulsate several times in quick succession, before it began to fade as the last of Mihara’s code was absorbed into the circle.

“Right-o, looks like yous gotten the hang of it.” The avatar said as the orange circle dissipated. “Yous ought to practice a bit on some unsuspectin’ Arena Monster a few times today though. Hehe, ‘m sure your Servant would enjoy showin’ ‘em there’s a new Mafioso in town!”

“This system is a lot more tiring to use than I thought though…” Mihara said as he slowly sat down on the broken remains of a nearby pillar, a hand to his head. “Though, I suppose I’m basically channelling what little energy I normally have for a boost- I hope it doesn’t take this long to execute every time I want to use it though.”

In contrast to her Master however, Caster was busy hopping up and down energetically a few paces away.

“Wow!” She said with a large grin, her tail wagging just as vigorously behind her. “Those Aozaki Sisters did an amazing job earlier at getting my stats up to normal, but with your added extras Master, I feel like sprouting another tail already!”

“And here I only just managed to raise your strength stat to D.” Mihara said, shaking his head. “That was probably more difficult than trying to get Shinji to keep quiet…”

“I get the feeling that there was a very carefully hidden insult somewhere there…”

“Remember though, the stat buffs ‘o this thing’s only temporary.” The holographic avatar interrupted, looking off at the holographic screen arrayed before Mihara.

On it was a portrait of Caster, as well as an array of information about her physical condition, prana store, and her location in the Arena. There was also a list of her basic Servant parameters printed in a pale, neon-blue font. Apart, however, from her strength parameter which had been recolored in bright gold.

“It’ll wear out after a couple ‘o minutes, ‘n you’ll need to recast it, as one’d say.” The avatar continued speaking. “Though, there’re other modifications this program can do too, when yous get a bit more proficient at workin’ the thing.

“So I suppose there’s several tiers of experience to go through with this too then eh?” Mihara asked, shaking his head slowly as he looked the screen over several times.

“Havin’ said that, with the preparatory stuff outta the way, this program’ll already help yous augment your Servants faster than most Masters could normally already.” The avatar said. “All that prep work helps that digital avatar ‘o yous to assimilate the code some. This way, yous won’t needs to startup your Interface each time to cast it.”

“Hmm, that seems to be an interesting side-effect.” Saber said as she stood beside him. “It might be worth analysing his instructions before, and try to adapt it to other aspects of your Interface Praetor. I understand that you have been having difficulty using it as proficiently as one would like.”

“Yeah, I’ll probably want to take a look at that when we get back home today.” Mihara replied. “Not sure how well it’d help though.”

“I went ‘n saved a couple ‘o templates in this program for yous to use Mihara.” The avatar continued. “Practice a bit with ‘em today, ‘n later we can move on to a bit more complicated stuff. Though, for that stuff I ain’t botherin’ to put up instruction avatars like this: They take too damn long to make for your sorry ass!”

“Well I guess this much already’s quite amazing.” Mihara said, even as he reminded himself that this avatar was just a recording.

“Yous can probably figure out how to use ‘em yourself anyway.” The avatar continued, before raising his arm in a salute. “‘N in the meantime, this guy’s job’s done now, so we’ll be signin’ off. Good luck, Mihara, ‘n have fun watchin’ yer Servants bash some skulls in!”

At this, the solid holographic avatar began to crumble out, like a tower of sand collapsing onto itself until all that remained was the flat screen of Mihara’s Terminal.

“Our expectations of the NPC continue to do well it seems.” Saber said, her Master turning to look up at her. “This will certainly augment our performance in future Coliseum battles. Quite significantly as well should you gather enough experience using it, if his words are to be believed.”

“Yeah, it sounds quite promising, if tiring to use as well.” Her Master said with a deep breath. “Still though, may as well follow his advice and practice with it a bit for the time being. Especially since Dan and Zhang haven’t shown up yet, I’m guessing?”

“Yep, those two old geezers aren’t anywhere to be found with their Servants, even now.” Caster answered as she hopped towards him.

“Then I suppose the first thing we should do is get the prep work for you out of the way, Saber.” Mihara said, his fingers tapping his Interface to clear all of the windows on it.

“Yes, I believe such procedures will be necessary for me to utilise the Code Casts this program should provide.” Saber nodded as she stepped forward to Caster’s former position. “After this, we may proceed to experiment with our newfound parameters on the tirones that wander this place.”

‘Well, that’s all well and good.’ Mihara thought as he waited for Saber to take position, before he began repeating the process the avatar instructed him on earlier.

‘This would definitely boost the capabilities of my Servants so that they’d be a better match for Archer and Lancer. At the very least, this lets me sit on the sidelines buffing my Servants while they fight. But at the same time, the weak link between us three still remains…’

For a moment he looked up, switching several times between Saber and Caster.

‘I’m supposed to wield my Servants as weapons to kill my opponents, to claim the final prize- The Holy Grail. For the whole of last week, I blinded myself to that truth. But this week, I can’t hide from that. Not after what I’ve seen. And with the Coliseum Fight looming, the question begs itself heavily in my mind once again-

‘Will I be able to survive their onslaught, and kill them just as I killed Shinji, and Shun? Two men with a lifetime’s worth of memories, with nothing left to hold them back…’

“I don’t know if I can do that.” He muttered under his breath, just as he buried himself in the code that crossed his Interface screen once again. “Even with this augment, and that mashup of a Code Cast I finalised this morning, I don’t know if I can bring myself to do that again…”
_______________
A/N
Fate/Grand Order hype nearly made me forget to put this up today. Now I know how the Librarian feels even more, though after rerolling for so many times I question quite a number of the game designer's decisions. And not because I'm frustrated at my failed attempts at either Elizabeth or Nero. Or Tamamo-Cat.
Anyway, with the recent translation of Fate/Extra's glossary, I'm kind of surprised that at least 70% of my headcanon seemed to match up correctly, like the 'Servants aren't allowed to attack Masters' bit. The other 30% I never actually bothered to take into deep consideration. Anyway, it's given a lot of things and information that I might be able to use in future chapters.
I stil haven't had a chance to update the Servant sheets unfortunately; I'm thinking of redesigning them a bit too from the original, which means even more delays. Hopefully they'll be out by the next chapter. Hopefully.

[Rafflesiac]

Lancer's definitely Benkei.

[Laith]

well this fic had a good run but we know rerolling it's never gonna let you write again

[ProtoSaber410]

You know, I have to ask. Has there been or will there be a mana transfer ritual?

If there hasn't, PLEASE!

[Xyphos]

Lancer's definitely Benkei.

Not that inspiring is it? Sorry
I just hope the NP I have ready for him is significantly unique from all the others that are out there. Hopefully.

well this fic had a good run but we know rerolling it's never gonna let you write again

Surely you jest Laith! I've already been able to get a bunch of

equips

4* and 5*

, so I can quit the vicious cycle anytime I want :V
Realtalk though: It's nearly ready. I've just completely forgotten how to choreograph a fight.

You know, I have to ask. Has there been or will there be a mana transfer ritual?

If there hasn't, PLEASE!

If you've read fully you'd know that there hasn't been any, nor will there be any since all the characters in the story know full well that this thing's meant to stick to T-ratings
Try asking Elf maybe. I've never written a lemon.

[Xyphos]

Act 2: Scene 7

1 Days Remaining

Morning
_______________

“Hmm.” Mihara murmured as he watched the lines of code work on his holographic Interface, his head nodding slowly as he held out his left hand. “So that’s how it works. Now that makes sense.”

He was seated on the porch just outside his room, the morning light shining over the outer walls of his Private Residence.

‘By embedding part of the initialization code into my digital avatar, I only need to do a short activation sequence to perform a particular Code Cast.’ He thought as he leaned back, a hand resting on the holographic keyboard as he began to look carefully at the other.

‘Though I can only load so many Code Casts before I exceed my avatar’s memory. Judging by the numbers that stands at about two for now. But this way I don’t need to prepare the entire Code Cast from scratch via my Interface. Huh, I can see why his tutorial avatar said that bad things could happen if I mess up with it without some help.’

At this he gave a wry smile as he tilted his head, his gaze locked onto the bandages that wrapped the palms of his hands, hiding his Command Seals.

“I keep forgetting that everything here is still based on a computer.” He said, still fixated on the back of his hand. “Even the Command Seals themselves… They’re another form of code embedded into my avatar, just like all the magecraft Masters perform during the Holy Grail War. Imitations of the real world they may be and all.”

At this he balled his raised hand into a fist, his eyes closing at the same time as he remembered the day he had received his Command Seals.

The dozens of corpses he saw, beckoning him to an early grave.

The confusion he felt as Saber and Caster appeared in front of him.

The searing pain he felt as the code was carved into his digital avatar.

“So they’re essentially the same thing then?” He asked, eyes still closed as he leaned backwards. “A line of code embedded into my hand, tying me to my Servants, who are all that stands between me and my demise.”

‘And in the same breath, that deciding moment is coming up just around the corner.’ He thought, his eyes opening as a cold shiver ran down his spine.

“One more day.” He whispered. “And then more people have to die. Either by my hand or by theirs.”

At this he allowed himself to fall onto his back, the beams of light from the rising sun just missing his vision as he held up his hands, palms facing.

‘I’ve already bloodied my hands once.’ He thought as he bit his lips staring at them, his muscles shaking involuntarily. ‘I’ve killed an eight-year old child, and killed the relationship of two lovers. Can I really do that again?

‘And this time, I’m against seasoned veterans. Unlike Shinji and Shun, they have nothing left to lose in life. Both have already lost their loved ones… But that doesn’t mean they will go down easily without a fight. And neither does it mean my mind can rest easy if I kill them.’

“What right do I have?” He whispered, remembering the aftermath of the First Round. “Even these two old men have their own hopes, their own dreams, their own wish of the Holy Grail. What right do I have to take that away from them- a young man with no memories, or no wishes?”

“Again with this conversation.” A voice said as Mihara quickly sat upright, before turning to see a familiar Red Servant standing nearby, a hand on her hips as she shook her head. “Sometimes when I listen to your musings I cannot help but compare you to the likes of some theologians of my days, discussing pointless things ad-infinitum.”

“It’s not like I can help myself Saber.” He answered after giving a sigh. “And good morning.”

“Indeed, it is a good morning, Praetor.” She replied as she stepped forward, the clack of her metal boots ringing out as confidently as her stride. “And yet on such a morning I find my Master brooding about events long past whilst he should be focused on the present.”

“Well, I’m kind of focused on the future actually.” He said as he tilted his head and gaze away from his Servant.

“Were that be the truth I would not scold you.” Saber replied as she stood next to him, her arms crossed and her expression devoid of any sympathy. “However, your thoughts are clouded by what has happened and do not allow you to properly focus on what will come. Then allow me to make it simple for you Master. There are enemies that stand in our path and we are fated to cross swords with them regardless of our feelings.”

At this she paused for several seconds, before she let out a sigh and shook her head.

“Or, perhaps, you have forgotten what fate awaits those who are defeated in the Holy Grail War again?” She asked finally.

At the question her Master’s body stiffened, the various near-death incidents he had experienced through the entire week flooding back into his mind.

And to complete the image, he remembered the desperate, wretched cries of his opponents the week before as their forms were torn into scrap data.

“Unlike the two opponents that we faced last week, the ones that we have been pitted against this time are seasoned war veterans.” Saber continued. “They entered this fight knowing full-well what to expect. One should not feel shame in triumphing against champions of their age. Indeed, you should feel honoured to be able to have this duel with them.”

At this another moment of silence descended upon the Master-Servant duo for several seconds. One that was eventually broken with Mihara’s sigh, his head bowed forward as he brought his hands up to his temples.

“You’re right Saber.” He said with a tired smile on his face. “Unlike Shinji, Shun, and Manaka, Dan Blackmore and Zhang Zhaobang understand fully the consequences of entering this war, and are already prepared for it. Unless I want us to end up as scrap data by the end of this week, I cannot hesitate in front of them.”

‘And for your and Caster’s sake, I told myself that I would do everything I could do to prevent that.’

“Umu, that is more like it.” Saber said as she gave a deep nod. “Indeed, I am always correct. But above all else, on the battlefield that is the Holy Grail War, it would be rude of us not to entertain our opponents with the most exhilarating fight that they will have seen in the span of their aging lives. More so, if it is the final duel that shall send them over the river Styx.”

“I suppose that’s true.” Her Master said, still smiling. “Yes, Dan, at the very least, asked that I bring such a fight to him. If nothing else, I cannot disappoint him, not after he shared his story yesterday.”

“Then we should commence with our training quickly today.” Saber continued a hand to her hips as she gestured to the sky. “The sun already rises towards its apex, and we still have a few questions to dig about our opposing Servants.”

“Yeah, the things that Rani said.” Her Master nodded. “I just hope that that, as well as everything that’s happened this week, will help to cover the gap of experience between us.”

“Both of our opponents have already received penalties from the SE.RA.PH regarding their actions this week, and one has even sacrificed a Command Seal to aid us.” Saber noted. “Unfortunately, with things as they stand, that might still not be enough.”

‘She has a point.’ He thought, nodding slowly as he bit his lip. ‘Though I can say all that, I don’t know if I can keep my mind clear when the time comes. I’m sure Saber knows how easy it might be for me to slip back into that endless loop.’

“It would be a waste to see the young tree before me felled long before its time however.” She continued after a pause. “Should the need arise to ensure that your efforts so far have not gone to waste, it may become necessary to display my true abilities.”

“Your Noble Phantasm?” Her Master asked after a long silence between them.

His Servant nodded wordlessly at his question, her gaze pointed towards the ground. And yet, in sharp contrast the tirade she had given him earlier, he couldn’t help but feel hesitation lingering around her.

“Well,” He began again after another long silence. “I guess, what comes around goes around. If we give it our best then we can die with no regrets to such ‘Champions’, as you put it.”

“Hmph, such a frivolous thought is unbecoming of you Praetor.” Saber said quickly. “Indeed, regardless of what may happen, I am still the weapon bestowed upon you by the SE.RA.PH, and the Holy Grail. Should the time come, I will use it without hesitation.”

“I suppose we should just leave it at that.” He said after another period of silence overtook them as he looked towards his Servant. Her arms crossed and gaze cast at the wall that surrounded their Residence, ignoring his gaze as a strange melancholic smile spread across her face.

‘After all that pep-talk she just gave me, now it’s her that looks concerned.’ He thought as he kept silent. ‘Both of my Servants seem to really want to keep their identities a secret from me for now. Fortunately for us I don’t really have reason to question why, nor do I feel like it’s correct to pry. I guess all I can really do is keep silent, and wait until they choose to say something first.’

“Anyway then.” He said out loud as he stood up, his Servant turning to look at him as her hands dropped to her side. “We’d better get moving then; there are still a few more things we need to take care of today.”

“Umu.” Saber said with a nod. “We should begin without delay. With knowledge on our side and our best-efforts put forward, we need not worry ourselves about the prospect of defeat.”

‘I owe a lot to both Saber and Caster.’ Mihara thought as he gave a smile at Saber’s declaration, before turning to walk into the house as Saber followed.

‘Regardless of any doubts I have, I need to find a way to make sure I don’t falter in the crucial moment. At the very least, so that I may make sure their faith in me isn’t wasted.’

_______________

Noon

_______________

“Right.” Mihara said as he looked around the School Grounds.

The sun was about to approach its zenith up in the sky, the weather in the digital city clear as always.

Having made his way through the main city once again without any problems, he now stood before the School Gates. He couldn’t see that many students out in the open. He saw a number of heads walking around the corridors of the main school building.

‘No, Masters.’ He reminded himself as he shook his head slightly, before taking a quick look skywards, a hand covering his eyes from the sun. ‘Even after everything that’s happened I still make that mistake it seems. Though, on another note, what season is it exactly? The town and park looks as though it’s in the middle of Summer, but the temperature seems cooler than that.’

“Ah, never mind.” He said as he shook his head, before turning to look at the main building entrance. “I hope Ms. Fujimura doesn’t forget to collect these off me.”

“It would be quite the pity if we were unable to claim the rewards we are due, if the requester herself forgets about the request in the first place.” Saber said, her form invisible.

“I’m with Saber on that one.” Caster said her form also invisible. “I’m curious as to what that strange NPC got to help spruce up that house. What do you think about a fishpond, Master? That would be nice, wouldn’t it?”

“To be honest I’m not looking for anything in particular.” He murmured. “Still, it would be a waste not to hand this in after finding it. Though, what sort of person wears something like ‘Demonic Eye Blockers’, I have no idea.”

“Then how about we check inside?” Caster asked. “I suppose waiting in some place like this where it’s easy to see around us is another idea, since we have no idea where the heck she is right now.”

“That is one way to go about it.” Her Master said, just as he noticed a pair of familiar figures exit the main school building. “Hmm? Is that…”

One of the figures he recognised fairly quickly was that of the black-clad NPC, Issei Ryuudou. And his companion was Shane Liao, dressed in a business suit without a tie.

Deep in conversation, neither of the two seemed to notice him as they walked along the side of the main school building.

“Oh ho.” Saber said, apparently noticing what her Master was looking at. “It appears as though our previous benefactor is on good terms with that NPC. Perhaps they have struck up some sort of mutual agreement with each other?”

“It wouldn’t be too surprising.” Caster replied. “Just like we’ve been getting help from that Librarian, there’s probably other Masters who’ve struck deals with some of the NPCs too. Well, they’re probably going to be the ones living a little longer if they got that extra help anyway.”

Just as Caster finished her explanation, the Master and NPC stopped walking at the Arena Entrance in front the Gym building. For several seconds they continued their conversation, before bidding each other goodbye, the Master heading into the Arena as the NPC stood still.

For several moments Issei Ryuudou stood still, before turning slightly to look straight at the Master, before raising his hand in a wave.

Taken by surprise, Mihara couldn’t help but blink several times before he managed to return the gesture. And apparently satisfied with this, the NPC turned and disappeared around the Arena building.

“We should be careful about getting too close to the Master.” Saber said. “Regardless of whether he has helped us or not, he will one day become an enemy. If he is able to live long enough until then that is. Though I cannot help but ponder as to how the two are helping each other. If we may figure that out, we might gain an advantage against that Master.”

“All sound ideas, I guess.” Her Master said, just as a familiar shout echoed across the courtyard.

“Miharaaa!” The NPC known as Fujimura Taiga shouted from across the courtyard, her figure already coming closer and closer towards them. And within moments she was several feet away, her form skidding to a stop before the Master.

“Long time no see- how’s my favourite student been doing?” She asked, giving him a large smile.

“Well enough, considering everything Ms. Fujimura.” He replied. “I hope your duties haven’t been too strenuous either.”

“Mmmrh, unfortunately that hasn’t really been the case.” She said, putting a hand on her hips as she pouted. “I’ve been running around with all the other NPCs trying to solve problems that keep on popping up. At least Master assaults on neutral ground have stopped already. Maybe they got the message finally?”

“One would hope so.” Mihara said, bobbing his head from side-to-side. “Oh, I managed to find the set of glasses you asked me to find for you.”

“Oh wonderful!” The NPC said as she clapped her hands, the Master pulling out his Terminal to activate his Interface. “Thank you so much, you’ve really helped me out!”

“Don’t mention it.” He said with a smile as a pair of circle-rimmed glasses appeared in his hands through a cloud of white pixels. “As long as it helps take a bit off your workload I’m happy to help.”

“You have no idea how much of hassle I’d have to go through getting Arina to comb all of the Arena floors for me, so this is more than a ‘bit’.” Ms. Fujimura said as she took the pair of glasses in her hands, before it promptly disappeared into a cloud of pixels again. “Ah, and of course I can’t leave without giving you your promised item.”

At this she began to rummage in several of her dress’ pockets, before handing out a small, rectangular light-blue chip, one side lined with gold plating.

“I hope you’ll enjoy this decoration as well with your Servants!” She said. “Although, don’t stay in it too long otherwise you might get a little light-headed.”

“Light headed?” Mihara asked, tilting his head as he took the item in his hands and plugged it into his Terminal.

“Well, have a look and you’ll see for yourself.” The NPC said. “Anyway I’ve got to get back to work. Thanks again for finding this for me, Mihara!”

“No, don’t mention it.” He said, shaking his head as he dropped the question.

“Oh, before I forget.” Ms. Fujimura said, halfway between turning herself around towards the school building. “Depending on what happens next week, I might have some more things I need you to find for me. When that happens and you need to contact me again to deliver them, just find another NPC and ask them to bring me over.”

“Ah, I forgot about that.” Mihara said as his eyes opened. “Yes, I forgot all of you are linked, sort of.”

“Mmhm, actually I got called over by Issei.” The NPC said with a nod. “I was telling him earlier today how I needed to check if you found these glasses for me. Anyway, I’ve got to go- good luck in your Elimination Battle tomorrow!”

With another cheerful wave the NPC ran back towards the school building, disappearing through its doors soon afterwards.

“As strange as always” Caster said. “Anyway, we should get to seeing if we can dig up some more answers about our opponents.”

“Indeed- we should press forward to the Arena now.” Saber said. “I must admit I am exceedingly curious as to what that NPC has given us as recompense for our hard work. It is unfortunate it will have to wait until this evening.”

“Maybe it’s a set of clothes?” Caster said. “Hmm hmm, the anticipation of finding out what’s inside is really the best part of getting presents, isn’t it Mihara?”

“Perhaps for you.” He answered as he shook his head. “You already got a new set though, right?”

“Oh please, Master, just the few aren’t enough!” Caster said, her Master making his way towards the Arena entrance. “A woman must have clothes to suit every occasion!”

“Then some other time when we aren’t engaged in a fight to the death we can go shopping.” Mihara replied.

“Boo, you can be such a prude sometimes, Master.” Caster continued, even as her Master activated the Arena Entrance. “There’s always a way to make time for shopping and consumerism you know?!”

_______________

In the moment that the three disappeared into the Arena, a pair of figures chose to approach the school gates from the outside-

A young woman dressed in a dark-blue kimono with a red biker jacket, as well as a young man dressed in a blue school uniform.

What was particularly unusual of the two was that the young man’s eyes were wrapped in several thick layers of cloth- more than enough to blot out the sun’s rays. And although he had a companion with him, he needed no help in finding his footing, and entered the school grounds without bumping into the gates.

“Let’s take care of getting your glasses back first, Shiki.” The woman asked as they walked forward, glancing at her companion who kept apace of her.

“That would be good, thanks Shiki.” The young man answered as he nodded.

“Just make sure you don’t lose them again.” She said.

“I know, and I’m sorry about that.” He said in reply. “Afterwards, we can go back to the Arena again. We have to start finding another target to fill our quota before the Elimination Battle happens tomorrow.”

“I can’t wait to get out of this place myself, but one-hundred is a large number to kill.” She said as she looked at the entrance to the Gym.

“Well, at least there’s a lot of Masters in this Holy Grail War.” He replied. “It sounds like this time it was exceptionally high. Though, I don’t really understand what they’re thinking, giving us quotas yet telling us some ‘targets’ are out of bounds.”

“What about that woman you’re supposed to be looking for?” The female Shiki asked, giving her companion another look as the two stopped in front of the school building.

“…If we keep killing Servants to fulfil our quota, I am bound to find her eventually.” The male Shiki replied after a pause as he turned his face upwards.
Giving a nod at her companion’s answer, the two entered the school’s main building, the glass doors shutting behind them quietly.

_______________

“Well, well.” Saber said as her feet resounded upon the stone floor as she stepped forward, her crimson blade appearing in her hands as she flourished it. “It appears as though our opponents have deigned to show their faces one more time after all.”

“Yep- this place reeks of their presence.” Caster said as she swung her arm, her mirror appearing in the air.

“Good to see that we can at least remember that there could be a fight coming up.” Their Master said with a nod, his hands rotating the holographic map. “Still, please be careful when we find them; the Elimination Battle is tomorrow.

“Dan and Zhang are apart for now; they seem to have spread themselves out in opposite sides of the Arena floor.” He continued, his fingers tracing a line across the map. “Looking at where they’re going now, I think… Yes, their paths should intersect at a small plaza here.”

“Then we should intercept them there.” Saber said, heaving her weapon. “As long as we can meet one of our opponents, the other should follow soon to confront us.”
“That map’s really handy though.” Caster said, looking at the white cloud of pixels as her Master closed his Interface.

“Yeah, I owe a lot to the Librarian for what he’s given me.” Mihara said with a smile. “Anyway, we’d better get going.”

_______________

Evening

_______________

“Hmph, there they are.” Saber said as the Master and two Servants stopped mid-stride, a familiar wizened Master and a Servant in Green appearing some distance down the narrow street.

The encounter happened earlier than they expected. They were still a few minutes away from reaching the plaza, and were still traversing the maze that of streets leading to it.

Around them stood the hollowed husks of long-abandoned buildings, the unpainted stone showing no signs of age or wear and tear that would have been expected. Still, the many weaving side-passages meant that it would have been easy to set up an ambush.

‘Not necessarily the best place for a fight, considering Archer’s forte.’ Mihara thought as he moved his Interface map to the side, giving him a clear view of the metres of cobbled pathway that separated the two sides.

“Hmph, we’ve finally found you, Mr Knight.” Caster said. “No greetings for that Green Man you call a Servant from me though.”

“Tch, like I’d need to be greeted by a fox anyway!” Archer said as he shook his head, though he kept his eyes trained on the three people that stood on the opposite side of the plaza. “Well then bossman, whaddyou want to do now? They did show up in front of us in the Arena after all now.

“Though, honestly if you’d just let me have my way they’d be dead long before they even figured out how to get to this part of the Arena.” He added in a quieter voice.
“Such actions would only make any victory gained a hollow shell.” Dan said curtly, looking at Archer who responded with a shrug.

“Yeah, yeah I know.” He said as he rolled his eyes. “Going on and on about chivalry and all that, you’re starting to sound like some of those news boys with their endless yelling.

“Still, I really don’t get it.” He continued after a short pause, giving a smile as he shook his head. “You do realise who I am, right? You’ve gotta be drunk or just plain mad to ask me to fight toe-to-toe. Without the element of surprise what else is there left for me eh?”

“Hmm, so the renowned hunter of the forests is so dependent only on stealth and traps then, is it?” Dan asked, glancing at the Master and Servants on the opposite end of the path. “And here I was lead to believe your marksmanship to be of unequalled calibre.”

“Err…” Archer hesitated. “Well, no, but… I mean, I do have confidence in my archery skills, but that doesn’t really help if someone’s busy trying to bash my face in.”

“Then fight according to your strengths.” Dan said, tilting his head. “A marksman can still be just as dangerous at close range as he is at long range. Though, with your skillset, lengthening that distance would be but a simple task.”

“…I still really don’t like it.” Archer said, shaking his head. “But then I don’t really have much of a choice in the matter though, do I?”

“A sniper such as myself knows what someone like you is capable of, Archer.” Dan continued. “I have every confidence in your abilities.”

“Confidence doesn’t really get me much if it’s a two-on-one fight though.” Archer continued, before raising his face to look at Mihara directly.

“A message to the little Master over there: Would you mind calling off one of your Servants so that I can satisfy my boss for a little while?” He shouted. “I think he’d probably ask for that too. Oh, preferably I’d ask for that red Saber of yours to stand to the side.”

‘I’d prefer it if we could fight both Lancer and Archer at the same time though.’ Mihara thought as he glanced between Saber and Caster beside him. ‘But like this, it’s questionable if they’d be able to stumble in on this fight at the same time. We might have to settle for just asking Archer about what Rani had to say.’

“Hmph, you know not your place, Archer.” Saber said as she held her blade to the ready. “Spouting off such demands like that is truly the height of pretentiousness. Though, I will agree that a weighted fight against you in our favour will only diminish what little glory there is in fighting a rat like you.”

“Huh?!” Archer gawked.

“That’s true.” Caster said, performing a somersault. “If he intends to act all high-and-mighty like this, even after the penalty the SE.RA.PH’s dealt to him, one of us would be more than enough to tear him in half.”

“Hah, you talk big for an oversized fox, don’t you?” Archer said as he shook his head. “Then again, I suppose your move up the evolution scale means that you’ve lost quite a bit of your edge: You had a hell of a time getting through all those traps I set before. After seeing that pathetic display, I won’t need any of those traps to fill your tail and body up with arrows again!”

“Do you have any idea how much of a pain that was for me?!” Caster shouted. “Having to take those things out one by one before I could even think of sleeping was the worst thing I could remember in my life! Not to mention my Master would have had a heart attack if any of them caused lasting damage!”

“Such fanciful acts get nothing done at the end of the day though, Archer.” Saber said. “Or perhaps your only strong point is excelling at such pointless acts meant only to intimidate?”

“Look who’s talking.” Archer replied. “I distinctly remember a Servant whimpering at her Master’s bedside like a lost dog- you were really helpless without him weren’t you? And anyway, watch your step carefully today otherwise you’d be doing more than just whimpering today!”

“Do not even presume you have the right to insinuate such things!” Saber muttered, pointing her blade at the man in Green. “A Servant’s duty is to protect their Master at all costs, and knowing that you scurry around in dark corners like a wraith meant that a second attack was inevitable!”

“Huh, so you were actually waiting for me to show up then, was it?” Archer said, taking several steps forward and opening his arms out. “Well here I am- I don’t really mind who I fight between you two to be honest, since I’d just fill either of you with more steel than a Knight’s plate armour in seconds.”

“So I see that you’ve already taken to trash-talking each other before a fight’s even begun.” A third voice asked.

Abruptly, the two groups turned their attention to the giant of a Servant walking slowly into the cobbled street, his older Master easily keeping pace beside him.
“Hmm, did we interrupt something?” Lancer asked, tilting his head.

“Nothing yet Servant Lancer.” Saber said as she stepped past her Master, blade at the ready just as Caster followed suit. “In fact, we were just about to initiate a friendly duel.”

“Looks like this is something you’d have fun with, Lancer.” Zhang said, tilting his head at the two Servants.

“Apart from seeing how you fought against Arena programs, we have yet to cross blades.” Lancer added, before raising his hand as a large polearm materialised in it. “Hahaha, I distinctly remember that you had specifically asked for such an opportunity, Servant Saber.”

“Your memory seems to match your bulk, Lancer.” Saber replied. “Though, you may very well be losing some of it today. For pouring unwarranted scorn on my companion, it is only right that I take blood in payment!”

“Your declaration puzzles me, Saber.” Lancer replied. “I only speak the truth- or perhaps you too have been brought under her bewitchment? But that does not matter. Though I wish to exorcise that spirit first, I shall honour the duel that we both have been waiting for first!”

“Huhu, so it’ll be just you and me then, little mouse.” Caster said, giving a toothy grin as she glared at Archer further down the path.

“So it’s either the hunter and the fox, or the fox and the mouse then is it?” Archer asked, tilting his head as he smirked. “Well either way, just be careful you don’t get bitten- it might make all that fur on your tail that you’re so proud of fall off!”

“We really need to scrub that mouth of yours don’t we?” The foxgirl asked. “And not only to get rid of the poison you spit around endlessly. Still, what Saber said at the start of all this does hold some water.”

“Ho?” The Servant in Green asked. “And what’s that?”

“Even when you were a living hero, you always liked to hide in the shadows like a rat, didn’t you?” She asked directly.

At this, Archer’s eyes widened abruptly.

“Though I respect that old Master of yours, I have to disagree with him about having confidence in you fighting out in the open like this.” Caster continued, waving her hand before her face. “You should just go back to hiding again like you used to; maybe you’d stand a better chance of living to see the Elimination fight tomorrow.”

“Why you…!” Archer hissed.

“Oh, maybe this whole charade is just to try and cover up your injured ego from life?” Caster continued. “Maybe you’re so jealous of the old man that you’d stand alongside him and face us like this. But shadows like you are just pale imitations of real heroes like him. Daring to stand out in the sun like this, all you’ll end up doing is evaporating like water in a drought.

“So just go back to the shadows like you’ve always done- otherwise the true suns that surround you’ll only burn you to a crisp!”

“Tch-!” Archer spat as he stood up straight, his hand flourishing his green cloak even as he glared daggers at Caster.

“Fine then, since you so insist, I shall hide myself just as you ask.” Archer continued as he took a firm hold onto the hem of his cloak.

“Now, experience the slaughter of Sherwood Forest-!”

“Archer-!” Dan shouted upon his Servant’s words. Yet his call was too late-

In an instant the Servant wrapped his body with his green cloak, a thin white mist rising up from the ground to obscure his figure. And just as quickly as the mist appeared did it disappear-

Along with the form of the green-clad Archer.

Just as the echo of the Servant’s words faded into the air, the sound of a thunderclap engulfed the area. From above the stone buildings that surrounded them, Mihara spied a familiar red barrier that had sprung up, encircling their entire position.

And upon that barrier, he could read a familiar declaration:

Attention: Hostilities between Masters will be terminated within three minutes.

No outside forces may enter, and no forces may escape until the full period is complete.

“Saber, can I ask you to take Lancer on here?” Mihara said, even as his vision darted all around the cobbled pathway at Archer’s disappearance, before turning to the Arena Map by his side.

“I shall.” She said, flourishing her blade. “I have an interest in seeing how much I can pull from his tongue, before I cut it off.”

“Alright, Caster, you’re with me.” He continued as he looked towards the foxgirl, the both of them nodding in response as they disappeared down one of the side-streets. No sooner had they left did Lancer give a resounding battle cry, his tremor-inducing steps echoed behind the two soon afterwards.

“We need to find Archer and stop him from interrupting Saber.” Mihara said as they ran, his Interface map following the two. “By the sounds of things though, he’ll probably try to target you for goading him like that.”

“He did let something important there slip though.” Caster said in response as she kept pace with her Master, looking at the map beside him. “Anyway, for the fight at hand I’ll need some high-ground first.”

“Then- hey!” He began, before being abruptly lifted up from his feet by Caster, who leapt atop one of the abandoned buildings that lined the roads.

“Sorry about that Master!” She said with a smile before putting him back onto his feet.

“Efficiency and all, I know.” He said as he shook his head, before opening his Interface again. “Damn, whatever skill Archer just used has wiped him from the map- I can’t see him.”

“But I can see you just fine!” The Servant’s voice shouted from across the rooftops as the Master felt himself pushed unceremoniously to the floor, just as he felt a sharp blade of air whizz pass him.

“Shit-!” He cursed as he landed on the floor, before immediately rolling over to look in the direction of the voice.

Yet all he could catch a glimpse of was a familiar cloud of mist hovering over a green figure, before Archer disappeared again.

“Tch, if he intends to keep this up he’ll be more of a fox than I am!” Caster said, her Master turning to look at her to find a red gash across her bicep. “Not to mention the stench of poison’s thick in the air already-!”

“This might not end well.” He said quietly as he shook his head, a hand already working on his Interface to summon a small, dark-brown glass vial in his hands.

Quickly he tossed it to his Servant, who easily grabbed it mid-air before crushing it in her hands. In an instant several yellow sparks emanated from her fist, engulfing her momentarily before disappearing.

“Hmm hmm…” She sniffed several times. “Yep, that seems to do the trick, Master! Thank you for always looking out for me!”

“Good to know that it works, but we only have a limited stock of them…” He answered as he got up to his knees. “And with him somehow being able to turn invisible like this over and over again, it’s going to be near-impossible to track him.”

Just as he turned towards his map, he heard the resounding crack of splintering stone echo throughout the area, reminding him about another ongoing fight.

“Okay then, let’s try to change things a little.”

_______________

“Calm down, Archer!” Dan’s voice echoed in the Servant’s mind, the Master's physical form a distance away. “This is completely out of character for you. Has that Caster’s words flustered you so much that you’d immediately resort to becoming the Faceless King so quickly?”

“Hah, what are you talking about, boss?” Archer said, giving a smile as he shook his head, his form hidden and attention focused on the rooftops that surrounded his shaded, crumbling alcove.

“It's just like that Caster said- I've always fought like this anyway. It's only because of you that I've been playing goodie two-shoes for so long. Oh, thanks for that as well by the way- being such a pain in the ass."

"Listen to yourself and the battle, Archer." Dan continued regardless. "This is not the time for petulant language- at the very least have the self-confidence to participate in a meaningful manner!"

"And what would you consider to be a 'meaningful manner', eh Mr. Bossman?" The Servant asked, grinding his teeth.

"Hitting from the shadows is literally the only thing I have. Take that element of surprise away from me, and then what else do I have left eh? Y'might as well just cut off my arms and legs and be done with the entire thing! That's basically what you did with that Command Seal anyway!"

"And I still stand by my actions." His Master replied. "Regardless of what you might think of yourself, or your capabilities, I have every confidence that you are a capable combatant in the field. You are capable of more than just tricks which rely on concealment and surprise.

"I just ask that, at least for this fight and tomorrow, you overcome your sense of self-doubt and see for yourself what your real potential is."

"Your pep-talk needs a little bit of work." Archer scoffed. "But fine then, I'll hear you out. That fox is busy playing hide-and-seek with me, and even I'm not willing to let this chance to turn that bitch into a pincushion slip away."

"For the time being, such motivation will be more than enough." Dan said, though the Servant could still detect a hint of exasperation in his voice. "Where are you now?"

"On the rooftop of a three-story building, South-South East of where we first met up with that Master and his two Servants, in-between a five-story and four-story building." Archer answered after he took several seconds to confirm his location.

"An excellent position." His Master replied. "Very good- one of my programs is en-route to your position now. I will be your spotter, and provide distractions while you engage the enemy."

"At least you're starting to walk the talk." Archer said with a smile, as he saw a small, spherical object, about as large as a golf-ball, weave its way through the buildings below him.

As he stepped out of the shadows, he saw the object pause for a moment, before automatically rising towards his position. Intricate, glowing blue lines became more visible on its surface, imitating the veins of an eyeball that surrounded its iris- a perfect circle dead-centre facing the Servant.

And as Servant and program met, the program emitted a holographic screen to show a digital map of the area.

"Well, I suppose even Knights go hunting for sport once in a while." He said to himself as he grasped the program, hiding it within his cloak as his form turned invisible, just as the text that surrounded the battlefield changed:

Attention: Hostilities between Masters will be terminated within two minutes.

_______________

“Hmph, your size truly is matched only by your brute strength, Lancer.” Saber said as she leapt back down one of the side-paths, smoke and dust following her as it dissipated.

“Do not think that because we have been penalized by the SE.RA.PH we will be so easy to overcome.” Lancer said as he straightened himself, before embedding the pole of his weapon into the shattered ground that he stood on, the fragmented tiles cracking even more.

“Your weak attempt at philosophy does little for you, lonely Monk.” Saber answered, taking a battle-ready stance with her blade. “Were you able to actually hit your target, then perhaps I would be able to take you more seriously. Yet as it stands, I cannot help but think of your thoughtless threats earlier this week- would one such as you actually be able to carry them out?”

But instead of giving a verbal reply, Lancer leapt straight into the air, his polearm held above him ready to strike.

Saber had little trouble seeing the attack coming and leapt backwards once again just as the full force of Lancer’s attack landed onto the tiled ground. An ear-splitting crack echoing through the area as dust erupted into the area, blocking the Servant’s line of sight as she turned away to cover herself instinctively.

But as a result, she had barely a second to react as she spied a glint of steel through the cloud, a giant polearm quickly being thrust forward.

“Tch-!” She spat as she recognised the danger, before allowing herself to roll backwards, a gust of wind passing over her back just before she got onto her knees.

And seconds later, the sound of splintering stone emanated from behind her as she realised the weapon had been thrown at her direction.

Yet even after coming to that realization, she could still see the tell-tale shine of metal through the slowly dissipating cloud, as a small variety of swords and polearms came flying through the thin alleyway in her direction like a swarm of arrows.

“You speak of falsehoods and assumed images, yet you yourself-!” The Servant shouted as she leapt forward, several of the weapons passing harmlessly beneath her feet, before her feet gained purchase on one of the flying polearms.

Wasting no time she quickly leapt higher still, clearing the last few weapons as she approached Lancer’s position. Her blade was already cutting down through the air as she finally made out her opponent’s silhouette through the dust, another polearm already gripped in both hands.

Yet even with her momentum, Lancer barely moved backwards as her crimson sword clashed the shaft of Lancer’s weapon, it too refusing to give way.

And in the next moment, Lancer swung forward with all his might, his still-considerable strength sending Saber’s smaller figure flying backwards through the air-
Saber had scant moments to align herself, just before her feet landed on the wall of a building at the end of the street, the stone cracking slightly under the pressure, before she leapt back down onto hard ground.

“-Saber!” A voice echoed in her mind. “Are you alright?!”

“I am fine, Master.” She replied, just as she saw her opponent lumbering towards her. “Our enemy is quite the capable warrior, even despite the penalties that have been imposed upon him.”

“I wouldn’t have expected otherwise.” Mihara said. “But do you need any help? We still can’t find Archer. I’m having Caster focus on finding him and making sure he doesn’t cause trouble, but I can ask her to help-”

“No, that will not be necessary.” The swordswoman replied as she nimbly dodged to the side, Lancer’s polearm smashing the wall that she had hit earlier as a cloud of smoke once again engulfed the area. “This fight is a good opportunity to learn more about this man myself- Caster’s interference would only muddle any assessment I make.”

“Alright then, if that’s what you think.” Her Master said, just as she dodged under a wide swing of Lancer’s naginata. “See if he responds to anything Rani said yesterday. I have CodeCasts ready to use if you need- just give the word.”

“Hmph!” Saber grunted as she leapt forward into the dissipating cloud, Lancer’s naginata caught in mid-swing and unable to block her strike.

Yet Lancer barely grunted, even as her crimson sword bit into the Servant’s side, dying white cloth in the blade’s colour. His response instead, was the materialisation of another weapon- a katana- in his opposite hand, before attempting to strike at Saber’s position.

Barely, she had the time to disengage though she felt a slight pain as the blade cut lightly into her arm.

“Hmph, blacksmiths have no place upon the battlefield.” Saber answered, ignoring the wound as she leapt back, before turning to face her opponent. “Your class is ill-befitting for your abilities, Lancer. Are you perhaps summonable as Archer as well?”

“Nay, Saber!” Lancer replied, turning towards the smaller Servant while completely ignoring the wound in his side, blood leaking from it. “These weapons I wield are simply the spoils of the many battles I had been part of- A collection that yours shall soon be joining when I take your head!”

Just before Saber began to reply, a single ping echoed through the ghost town that surrounded them, both Servants noticing the words written on the holographic wall changing in tandem-

Attention: Hostilities between Masters will be terminated within two minutes.

“What foolishness is your inebriated brain thinking now?” Saber said as she flourished her weapon, pushing the change in signs away from her attention. “Do you believe me so easy a foe to fell? My blade has already tasted your flesh, and I would loathe denying her a full-course.”

“Hahaha, you will have to do better than that if you wish to fell me!” Lancer declared, opening his arms wide as he brandished both his weapons. “But I must ask you something Saber. Why is it that you are so quick to defend that ignoble Caster?”

“Hmm?” Saber asked, her feet shuffling on the ground as Lancer stood still. “What choice do I have? In that enclosed space whereupon I first gazed on my current Master, the SE.RA.PH saw fit to summon her as well in his time of need. How that may be, or why that may be, is not my place to answer. The only thing that matters is that I fulfil my duties splendidly, and bring to him the Holy Grail.”

“That is indeed quite admirable of you.” Lancer said as he nodded. “Yet you appear to have misinterpreted my question. Though you might have been summoned together, through whatever method that may be, that does not mean you must stand beside her, even with the SE.RA.PH’s ruling. A being as unnatural, a being as treacherous as her, deserves not to stand beside your sword.

“Yet I remember the words you shouted back to me in response back when we first spoke. You stood beside that deceitful fox as though she were your blood-sister. I have, however, seen enough over the last week to know that the two of you are frequently at odds with each other’s personality. It is why I must ask you- Why?”

“Hmph, to an extent, I cannot deny the logic of your statement.” Saber said as she shook her head. “Indeed, the link that has slowly been forged between us has been built on insults and rivalry that stems from the knowledge that, rightfully, one Master should only have one Servant.

“But at the same time...” She continued, shaking her head again. “’Why do I stand beside her?’ Hah, what a foolish question. The reason is simply because I despise those who have been blinded by their preconceptions like you!”

At this declaration she raised her sword, pointing it forward to the opposing Servant down the alley.

“You, who dares to defame another despite knowing nothing but your own misguided judgement and beliefs!” She continued, her voice rising as she glared at the Servant. “You do not even know who she is, yet you dare spout such despicable nonsense straight to my face! As one who understands what it means to have one’s name be tarnished and ravaged over the ages I shall not, will not, stand idly by and listen to the slander you dare heap upon another!”

“I know not who she is?!” Lancer asked, his already loud voice rising even further. “Hah, it appears it is you who are mistaken then, Saber!

“Clearly, you know not the true power she wields, the sort of power that has given her the right to run amok within the SE.RA.PH- and that sort of power corrupts as easily as liquor goes sour in open air! Have you, too, become victim to whatever enchantments she has wrought upon your Master?”

“Even after all this you continue to speak such incomprehensible ideas.” Saber said. “I could even ask the same of you and your own Master- clearly the man knows not the conduct of a warrior. He carries with him the weight of countless sins and innocent lives taken. How can one like you stand beside him without wanting to cut him open?”

“So the question is turned to me is it?” Lancer asked. “My answer is very much the same as your own: The SE.RA.PH has chosen me to be his blade in this battle-royal, and regardless of my own opinion, I am not one to deny the Great Observer’s judgement.

“Is it truly that simple?” Saber asked, tilting her head at her opponent as she dug the tip of her sword into a crack, leaning on it slighty. “Then I must have grossly overestimated you. Was the bond you shared with that warrior you met on that rainy bridge equally as weak?”

At this, Lancer inhaled sharply as he glared at Saber, a response that only caused a sly grin to appear on the swordswoman’s face.

“Perhaps they truly were a fool as to trust in someone like yourself, a savage of a man who only enjoyed fighting as and when it suits you. A man who makes alliances and saps off the unwitting party like a tick until there is nothing left but a worn-out shell.

“Truly, I am interested in how your companion died.” She continued speaking, even as she saw her opponent’s grip on his weapons shake more and more, his face slowly taking on a shade of fury red.

“Perhaps all of it was due to your machinations? Working behind the scenes to establish their downfall while you sucked them dry? Indeed, you are worse than that vixen in every imaginable way. At the very least she makes her plans much harder to detect!”

“You insult my name, my honour and the life of Ushiwakamaru in one fell swoop!” The monk screamed as he rammed his foot into the ground, causing several more cracks to appear in his rage. “No man or woman will I leave in one piece after such an insult! I will have your head on my weapon by the end of this day or next!”

“Then so be it!” Saber shouted in return as she uprooted her blade with a flourish. “Have a taste of the anguish you cause others with your accusations of sins non-existent! And if that were not enough, my blade will be more than willing to carve that knowledge straight into your flesh!”

With another almighty roar, Lancer charged down the alley towards Saber, his weapons ready as she noticed more appearing through the ether on his back.
Yet she continued to stand her ground, unperturbed by her opponent’s frenzied charge even as the text that adorned the wall surrounding their battlefield changed once more-

Attention: Hostilities between Masters will be terminated within one minute.

_______________

“Tch-!” Caster spat as she heard another arrow whizzing through the air, barely missing her as she saw the wooden piece fly by.

‘This isn’t good-!’ She thought as she glanced behind her. ‘I still can’t see him, and he just suddenly started firing at me after staying so quiet for the first half of this fight!’

As she began to turn a corner, the foxgirl managed to catch sight of a figure standing in the shadows up above.

“Hya!” She cried, pausing in her tracks to throw out several of her charms in Archer’s direction, just as her opponent let loose with another of his arrows.

The attacks connected, causing a fiery explosion that rocked the area. But not stopping to admire her work, Caster quickly continued down the street.

‘I can’t get a chance to hit him!’ She thought, just before she saw the figure appear again in the stories above her. ‘And it feels as though he knows exactly where to find me-!’

Gritting her teeth she quickly threw another one of her charms forward before the figure could react.

But before the charm could make contact with Archer, it exploded in mid-air, just before a plume of thick, white smoke engulfed the area and obscured her vision.
‘Wha?!’ She thought, reeling backwards just as she heard the twang of an arrow being fired. ‘I’m sure my spell didn’t do that!’

Leaping backwards through the thick smoke, she could just barely see the shafts of arrows embed themselves into the ground where she once stood. She shook her head quickly, before turning around.

“Caster, are you alright?!” A familiar voice echoed in her mind as she jumped out of the smoke cloud at full speed, rushing down another side-passage.

“Fine for now, Master.” Caster replied, glancing over her shoulder before making another turn. “But that Green Guy’s gotten a lot more annoying now. I think his Master’s finally helping him out.”

“I’ve noticed.” Mihara said. “There’re a lot of red pings on my map, and a lot of them are converging around you. Have you seen what they might be?”

“No idea, I have been a bit busy playing hide and seek.” Caster continued as she continued running, her ears listening out for any foreign movements. “I don’t have enough time to cast my spells on him.”

“Alright.” Her Master said, before going silent for several seconds. “Those pings are probably what are making it much more difficult to throw Archer off of your trail- they’re likely controlled by Dan. If possible, I need you to confirm for me what they are.”

“Well as long as I don’t need to stop for too long that shouldn’t be a problem.” Caster replied.

“No, you shouldn’t need to stop.” He replied. “But you may have to do a bit of running to catch up to one- they’re pretty fast.”

“Well it’d be nice to be the hunter for a little while.” Caster said.

“Alright, I’m seeing one of those unknown pings near you already.” Her Master said. “Down the street you’re currently on, about four buildings down. It’s a three-story building.”

“I see it.” She replied, looking up the street just as she heard the faint ruffle of cloth somewhere nearby. “Give me a moment.”

At this she leapt up mid-stride, twirling around and throwing out a set of four charms randomly down the path, each one flying as straight as an arrow.

She didn’t waste any time watching the results of her dispersed spells, but instead continued running down the path. She managed to catch a glimpse of an arrow heading her way- one that was intercepted by her charms, resulting in a resounding explosion that sent heatwaves scorching her back.

She also heard the barely audible, abrupt gasp of her enemy, hidden somewhere down the path.

It was a response that made her give a small smile, just as she leapt to the ledge of a nearby building’s window. Using this, she jumped again to the third floor of the building Mihara had described, just in time to see a spherical object leap down the opposite side of the building.

“You aren’t getting away!” She said, a toothy grin on her face as she continued her pursuit.

Just as she leapt down onto the new passage, she saw the object quickly fly up another set of two story-buildings, faint glowing lines just barely visible on its surface. Leaping forward she continued the chase along the roofs, both her and her target dodging and weaving through the remnants of shattered buildings.

“Caster, watch out to your left!” Her Master’s voice shouted suddenly, the foxgirl stopping in her pursuit to hide behind a broken wall.

And just in time, as a flurry of arrows passed through the gap in the wall just a few steps forward.

“That guy’s getting in the way again-!” Caster said, biting her lip as she slowly made her way forward to look around the corner.

Only to quickly retract herself, another flurry of arrows passing by immediately afterwards.

“That thing’s getting away!” Caster said through the mental connection.

“Never mind about catching it then.” Mihara said. “Did you manage to see it?”

“Yep, I did.” She replied. “I think it was program. Some sort of spherical thing.”

“A spherical program…” Her Master said, his voice pausing for a while. “Okay, I’m somewhere to the North of your position. There are a couple more of those programs around you, and Dan’s clearly trying to keep them out of your reach- I’m thinking if you can try herding them towards me.”

“I can definitely try for you, Master.” Caster replied. “Just give me a second to distract Archer a little bit.”

“Okay.” He continued. “I’m not sure, but I’ll try and see if I can disrupt Dan’s control over one of them. Though this won’t help today, I’ll try to get a chance to study it tonight for tomorrow’s battle.”

“Good idea, Mihara.” Caster said as she pulled out several charms from her sleeves. “I’m so glad you’re thinking so far ahead already!”

“You can say that to me if we live past today.” He replied.

Caster didn’t give a reply however, instead rushing out of her hiding place at full speed.

And sure enough, the sound of Archer’s bow firing followed suit.

“Tch!” Caster spat, twirling around again to throw her charms out in a fan-pattern, the sound of explosions ringing out behind her as she continued her escape.

Only a few steps late however, did a sudden plume of smoke begun to pour out of one of the side-buildings, causing her to pause for a moment in surprise.

And following suit afterwards, she heard several more of Archer’s arrows being fired.

Blindly she spun around, her mirror appearing out of the ether at her command. Frantically it slashed the air, the object cutting through both smoke and wooden shafts as the foxgirl heard the connections.

Yet even that frantic defence wasn’t enough to stop all the arrows, several managing to weave through Caster’s defences as she felt their steel tips scrape just past her skin.

“Now I’m really getting frustrated at this!” Caster muttered, before throwing down another charm onto the floor and leaping backwards.

Moments later, a powerful gust of wind erupted from the charm. The smokescreen was instantly forced to cover every direction as more spewed out from the building’s windows, covering her escape.

‘I think those arrows were poisoned.’ Caster thought as she sniffed the air, gritting her teeth at the thought as she continued running down the path. ‘That should have been enough of a distraction to buy me a bit of time-’

Her train of thought was interrupted by a flash of red however, her gaze switching momentarily to the digital wall that surrounded the Arena.

Attention: Hostilities between Masters will be terminated within one minute.

‘I hope it doesn’t spread through my system too quickly.’ She continued thinking as she switched her attention back to the path. ‘Hopefully I’ll have enough time to get an antidote after I force one of these things towards Mihara. Or that this fight will finish before then.’

At this she leapt up to one of the nearby buildings, before spotting another spherical program nearby. Quickly she leapt forward in pursuit, the program quickly levitating itself away from her.

‘Okay, I think this path looks familiar.’ She thought, glancing around as her feet kept running. ‘Mihara should be down this path somewhere-’

“Master, I have one of those programs coming your way!” She shouted through the mental connection after several more seconds of running.

“Alright.” The reply came quickly. “…Yes, I see it. I’m nearly done-!”

“Master?” Caster asked out-loud, the mental connection between them severed abruptly as her eyes widened. “Oh no…!”

_______________

Attention: Hostilities between Masters will be terminated within one minute.

The message blinked all around the Master as he kept his attention focused on his keyboard, his hands frantically typing in code in preparation for his ambush.

“Saber, need some help?” He asked after several seconds, his gaze switching for a moment to the map as he heard the sound of a collapsing building in the area.

“It appears I have said a bit too much.” The Swordswoman replied. “His behaviour is more fitting for a Berserker than a Lancer now!”

“That’s what happens when you practice too much with Caster I’d say.” Her Master replied, rolling his eyes as a hand quickly swiped another screen containing Saber’s parameters in front of him.

“Code Cast: Gain Agility.” He said, closing his eyes as he clenched his fist before his face, lines of green-coloured code erupting from his arm to form rings. Snapping his eyes open he thrust the arm forward, breaking through one of the holographic screens as a flash of light erupted from his fist.

“Thank you.” Saber said after several seconds, the sound of splintering stone cracking through the area again. “There is little point behind the strongest of hits if none ever make contact!”

“Just less than a minute more, Saber.” Mihara said. “Just hold out for a little longer.”

“Master, I have one of those programs coming your way-!” Another voice echoed in his mind.

“Alright.” He answered, swiping Saber’s parameter screen away to replace it with the map of the area. “…Yes, I see it. I’m nearly done-!”

Caught mid-sentence, the sound of breaking glass erupted on top of him, his body jerking from shock.

“Shit!” He cursed as his concentration broke, his gaze pulling away from his Interface screen to look behind him-

Only to be greeted by his yellow honey-comb shield, one of the glass hexagons having a clear bullet-hole in its centre as black noise rose up lazily from it.

And even further away, in a neighbouring building, was Zhang Zhaobang in a black, long-sleeved shirt and trousers, a smoking pistol in hand.

“Oh, no, no no-!” He muttered as he felt shivers freeze his spine. Yet even then, adrenaline forced his feet to move as he began to run, his Interface closing behind him as the sound of splintering stone was joined by gunfire.

_______________

“Hmph.” Zhang grunted after his weapon had finished discharging several more times into the disintegrating honeycomb shield. “You’ve improved a little bit.”

‘That shield must have some sort of deletion enhancement on it.’ He thought as he leaped off the shelled-out building he was in. Landing on his knees on the stone pavement, he began to run forward as he discharged the bullet cartridge from his weapon.

‘Clever. After the initial impact, items with simple coding, or just pure metal, like regular bullets won’t be able to pass through in time without being deleted, even if they’re travelling at high velocity. He must have learned that deletion technique somewhere else and applied it to the shield as a trial.’

“But that’s only for regular bullets.” He muttered, clicking his fingers as his spherical Interface appeared hovering over it, before a pistol cartridge fell into his open hand.

“Let’s see how that deletion program deals with something a little more complex.” He continued as he slid the new cartridge into his weapon, the chilling click as it locked in place echoing around him as the Master continued his chase.

_______________

“Shit-!” Mihara cursed again as he stumbled momentarily over one of the bricks in the path. “Dammit, I just needed a few more seconds!”

His Interface hovered dutifully beside him, his gaze glancing to it from time to time as he continued running. But with the confusion earlier, he had unfortunately lost track over which blip represented what, and which blip represented the opposing Masters.

He could tell that Saber was still in close combat with Lancer, and that Caster now was running in a direction heading away from him, still accompanied by Dan’s mysterious programs.

“Code Cast: Fortify.” He said softly as he clenched his fist, rings of yellow code appearing around his arm before a flash of light erupted from his hand.

On cue, a familiar honey-comb shield appeared around the Master, solidifying for a few moments before fading out of view again. Checking his Interface for a few moments, he nodded his head before quickly establishing another mental link to his Servants.

“Caster, turn to your left- I’ve had to change positions!” He shouted through the mental link as he continued running, his Interface screen switching to one filled with lines of code.

“Mihara!” Caster replied. “Are you alright? What happened?!”

“Zhang found me.” He replied, nearly tripping over another brick again. “I’m still running away. I should be able to avoid him until combat finishes, but I want to try and get this damn code done!”

“If you believe so Master, but please, don’t take too many risks!” Caster said in reply as he finished typing the last few lines of code into his Interface.

“There we are-!” He said, skidding to a halt as he switched screens to the map again.

Taking several seconds to plan routes, he quickly ran to a nearby intersection, before embedding his newly-written code into the ground.

“I hope this works…” He muttered, before he ran around a nearby building and switching to his map again.

‘There’re a lot of red blips nearby.’ He thought as he shook his head. ‘And I have no idea which one is Zhang or Dan.’

Before he could think further however, his eye was drawn to the red blip that Caster was chasing on his map. Already the two points was just several metres away, down the path he had placed the code on and around a bend.

Looking around the building he was hiding behind, he soon saw the spherical object that Caster had been talking about-

It was a solid, deep blue in colour, its surface criss-crossed with several glowing cyan lines, all of which converged to surround a purple circle at the program’s ‘front’ end. About as large as a football, the program floated effortlessly through the digital sea, levitating as it were several metres above the ground.

“Hope this works-!” He muttered as he saw it fly closer and closer to where he had embedded his code.

“It won’t work this time.” A voice shouted from behind as the Master swivelled around, just in time to see Zhang pull the trigger on his weapon.

The bang of gunfire was soon accompanied by the sound of cracking glass, Mihara’s honeycomb shield solidifying around him as the bullet made impact. And as the Master saw the hexagon shatter, he leaned back instinctively, though he knew something like that would have been pointless if the bullet had managed to penetrate.
Instead, he saw the familiar black noise begin to rise up from the impact point, a feeling of relief enveloping him as he took several deep breaths.

Yet only a moment later, a sharp jolt of pain was sent throughout his entire body as he screamed.

‘Shit-!’ He thought as he collapsed forward, just as a bright white light erupted from the corner of his eye, behind him. ‘What the hell was that?! It feels like there’s lava in my veins suddenly! Ugh, no, forget about that, I have to move, move!’

“It’s my corruption code.” He heard Zhang’s voice echo through the street as he struggled to look up, his muscles still out of control from the scorching pain. “You’re not the only one who can embed codes like that.”

“Goshujin-sama!” A familiar voice shouted from behind the Master, his eyes opening.

‘Caster!’ He thought. ‘And not a moment too soon-!’

“Oy, oy, don’t forget about me!” A fourth voice declared, the sound of a bow being fired echoing several times in the area.

“You damn, slimy Archer!” Caster screamed, the sounds of explosions following, before being replied with several more shots from a bow.

‘Oh, god no-!’

Slowly the Master managed to force his gaze upwards, to see Zhang Zhaobang slowly walking forward towards him down the street, weapon in hand. And closer to home, he saw his Interface-

Barely able to maintain itself anymore, its once translucent white surface was flickering on-and-off rapidly. Lines of random code criss-crossed its surface as black and red patches slowly began to appear, as though it’s surface were slowly being burned.

‘No, no no!’ He thought frantically, looking around himself more to see his honeycomb shield. ‘What the hell’s happening?! Goddamnit, where’s the end of combat announcement?!’

Yet it too, was in a similar state as his Interface- barely able to maintain itself, with cracks and lines of black code appearing spontaneously along its surface.

“My corruption code hacks into anything my bullet touches, mercilessly tearing the code that makes it up into shreds.” Zhang continued as he stepped closer. “And I’m afraid that it’s a little bit too complex for your little parlour trick to work.”

‘…I suppose experience trumps ingenuity.’ Mihara thought, gritting his teeth as he saw his opponent close in, his muscles still spasming. ‘Dammit, I can’t die here! But I can’t even move anymore! What can I do here?!’

“Well, you put up a good fight for a while.” Zhang said as he stopped several paces away. “Unfortunately, small-fry like you should have stayed out of a war like this.”

At this Mihara saw his opponent slowly raise his weapon, a sick feeling in his stomach slowly overcoming him as he felt the senses of his extremities shutdown, in contrast to the pain he had felt earlier-

“It’s the end of the line for you, Mihara.” Zhang continued, his eye gazing straight at the Master’s face. “You’ve survived for longer than I gave you credit for. But ultimately, it’s nothing personal. But I want something for my friends from the Holy Grail- and I’m not letting you or anyone else take it away.”

At this Mihara saw the man begin to squeeze his trigger finger, and could only instinctively clench his eyes shut as he tried to prepare himself in the last few seconds-

‘There really is no way out from this dead end, is there?’ He thought.

Just in time for his ears to hear the bang of gunfire thunder around the area.

Only to be echoed by the sound of steel striking steel.

And accompanying it once, was a familiar ping as the Master opened his eyes-

Attention: Hostilities between Masters will now be terminated.

Further fights for the duration of this day are prohibited.

Failure to comply will result in action taken by the SERAPH.

_______________

“-The hell?!” Zhang shouted, just as he saw the spherical object before him clatter to the ground, a clear bullet-hole in its side as he saw Mihara Hakuno, still crouched at his position unharmed.

Yet before the Master had a chance to get a second shot off, a ping echoed through the area. Following it, a clear, red shield was put up along the whole stretch of the street he was on, separating the two Masters from each other.

“Fuck!” He cursed as he saw the message that adorned the shield, his target scrambling backwards and up to his feet moments later.

“Well. Looks like you got off by the real skin of your teeth, Mihara.” The man said as he took a deep breath.

“Dan Blackmore.” The man just barely heard his opponent whisper.

“Heh, don’t think he’ll come to save you all the time.” Zhang continued as he looked down at the spherical object. “The Elimination Battle’s tomorrow- he won’t be able to pull something like that again.”

“Honestly, I’m not counting on it.” Mihara said after a long pause, just as one of his Servants- Caster- ran up to his side.

For several moments the foxgirl fussed over the young Man, before giving Zhang one of the more intimidating glares he could remember receiving. Soon afterwards however, she pulled her Master away, Zhang content to stand and watch them leave.

-That is, until an unwelcome voice broke the silence, just as the red shield that had separated him from his target disappeared.

“I cannot believe you, Zhang!” The voice of Dan Blackmore shouted as the Master turned down to his feet, seeing the spherical program there as well as a holographic image of the Knight’s face.

Though, having been hit by Zhang’s corruption program, the image was filled with static, frequently fading in and out as he saw the spherical program emitting the image slowly releasing black noise.

“Cannot believe what, Dan?” He spat. “I cannot believe you’d actually go so far as to save your opponent. Twice even! You had no right to interfere in our fight!”

“I had every right and a responsibility to!” Dan said curtly. “Our opponent is little more than a boy! He knows not even how to wield a weapon, let alone what it means to take a life!”

“He should know full-well by now!” Zhang shouted. “Only warriors and fools enter a fight to the death like the one we see here in the SE.RA.PH, and it is fools who are destined to die first!”

“If you believe that is so, then why do you insist on bringing such overwhelming firepower to a fight?” Dan asked. “Do you not trust in your own abilities, in your own Servant, to have to resort to such methods?!”

“It is because I trust in my own self that I resort to such methods!” Zhang replied. “This is how I fight, Dan, and you have no right to either interfere or force me to try and change my ways! Were this fight a battle just between the two of us, I would gladly show you the extent of my ‘methods’!”

“And here I had believed better of you.” Dan said as the static-filled image showed the Knight begin to shake his head. “Has the honour of your clan sunken so low that you would resort to such extreme methods so quickly? What would your Sworn Brothers think, seeing how quick you are to resort to shooting such helpless combatants who-”

“Enough!” Zhang screamed, turning his weapon onto the program as he began firing again, the sound of bullets thundering over and over again through the street, stopping only to be replaced by the timid click of an empty weapon.

The man took several deep breaths, his gaze fixated at the broken shell of a program at his feet as it finally dissociated into black noise.

Finally, he heard the sound of heavy footsteps approaching him from behind. And only then, did he break his gaze to see the imposing figure of Lancer, a variety of cuts and bruises adorning his sides, arms and limbs.

Yet the Servant seemed barely fazed by his injuries, instead gazing silently at his Master.

“Nobody is allowed to dishonour the name of my clan.” Zhang Zhaobang said. “They conducted themselves with honour. My Sworn Brothers died that day fighting to prevent a corrupt regime from taking over their homes and their lives. And for that, they deserve a better fate.”

“It is not my place to question your wish, Zhang.” Lancer said after a pause. “But at its heart, I respect the oath you have sworn to uphold your sworn brother’s honour.”

“It is for that reason, that we will win the Coliseum Fight tomorrow, Lancer.” Zhang continued. “We must win.”

_______________

Night
_______________

“Ahhn~” Caster moaned as she sunk into the steaming hot waters. “Nothing like a good bath after a day of rat-hunting.”

“It sounded more like you were the one being hunted if we are being truthful.” Saber replied as she leaned back onto a rock, letting the hot water soak into her joints. “But indeed, this ‘hot spring’ is an excellent addition to our Private Residence. Though, I lament the fact that it could not be designed in a Roman fashion, it will suffice.”

“Huhu, this is a traditional Japanese hot-spring for you!” Caster declared, puffing her bare chest with pride. “I don’t really know much about your Roman Baths, but I doubt that they would be able to compare at all!”

“Hmph, ‘tis only because you have yet to experience the facilities there first hand, Caster.” Saber said.

“Although, I’m kind of surprised it came bundled with the changing rooms as well. Though, they’re kinda small, I guess they’re big enough.”

“The house already has limited space.” Saber noted. “It is quite a wonder that it was able to fit in, between the kitchen and the empty rooms. Though, its occupancy means that I will not be able to train here any longer, that might be an acceptable trade-off. I had been asking our Master for a bath like this for a while after all.”

“Well, you could always use the front yard anyway.” Caster said. “God knows, it sounded like you were being tossed like a ragdoll with that Lancer around, so you’d need the extra training.” Caster said, before moaning again. “Or maybe you should just put on more weight.”

“I dispute your statement that I was being ‘tossed about’.” Saber said. “I was simply observing Lancer’s fighting techniques, though clearly he is quick to infuriate. No wonder considering how little control he has over his mouth, his fury is likely to be as loose too. Still, there are other things we should discuss. We’ve learned quite a bit about our opponents today, do you not agree?”

“Mmhm.” Caster said. “Though, I’d prefer if we could discuss this with Mihara present.”

“Indeed.” Saber said as she sat up properly. “Praetor, why not come and join us for a while?”

“Sorry, Saber.” Their Master’s voice shouted from inside the house. “Dinner’s half-ready, and I’m not really one to leave the kitchen like this.”

“Aww, come on, goshujin-sama!” Caster said. “You should take a bit of time to immerse yourself in hot springs! Especially after all the bad, bad things those men did to you today!”

“I think I’d feel better immersing myself in my cooking.” He replied. “And anyway, there’s only one bath, and mixed-bathing is forbidden.”

“Who said that?!” Caster cried.

“Taiga’s Terms and Conditions said so!” Her Master shouted.

“Nobody ever reads that stuff Mihara!” Caster replied. “And anyway, she wouldn’t know now, would she?”

“T and C’s are still T and C’s.” Came the reply.

“Boo!” Caster cried again.

“That is how our Master is Caster.” Saber said as she leaned back in her position. “Do not bother him anymore than you have to on this issue.”

“Well, it’s a pity he doesn’t want to join us.” Caster continued. “Let’s just enjoy the baths like this then by ourselves.”

“Umu.” Saber said. “We may take it as a reward for our hard work today. Though, it might be premature to say, I do believe we can treat ourselves the same tomorrow, after our return from the Coliseum.”

_______________

“Dammit, Taiga.” Mihara cursed as he shook his head, before looking into the pot of miso soup on the stove as he stirred. “Of all the things you could have given me as furniture, you gave me a hot spring geyser? How does that even work?! And I think this could use a little bit more tofu.”

‘Though, that T and C bit was a bluff actually.’ He thought wistfully, before shaking his head.

The Master was standing in the kitchen, accompanied only by his Holographic Interface that stood dutifully by his side. The lamps that hung from the ceiling illuminated the seasoned Pacific Saury he had prepared earlier, while nearby he could hear the rice-cooker counting down the minutes until it had finished.

After he had finished adding to his soup, he turned to look at his Holographic Interface, the newest addition to his Private Residence still on display. Unlike the lamps, plants and other previous decorations, this came with only one option of a traditional Japanese hot springs bath, alongside the default sand garden that used to stand outside of Saber’s room.

“To be honest I’d really much prefer something a little bit more useful than this.” He said, staring at it with a flat face. “Something completely superfluous is beyond what I would have expected.

“…Though I will admit that’s not entirely true.” He continued as he shook his head, before glancing at his cooking and walking towards the dining table. “Saber and Caster are more than happy with it, which is a definite plus.”

‘Saber still complained about there not being any perfumed oils to add to the water, but what can you do.’ He thought as he sat down to wait for his Servants to finish their soak, before finishing up with the last stages of cooking.

“Well, they deserve it after today.” He said, rocking his head side-to-side as he manoeuvred his Interface to the table, looking at the details that they had gained from their confrontation today. “I just hope I’ll be able to make use of all this tomorrow, otherwise their hot-spring enjoyment will only last for so long.”

“I’ll have to remember all of these details and go over them with my Servants tomorrow morning.” He said after several minutes of reading just as he leaned back. “And afterwards, I’ll have to leave the fight to them.”

‘And hope I can stay alive long enough to see the end of it.’ He thought, as he listened to the new sound of flowing water just outside the room. ‘But even today, I came inches to losing my life. I found fragments of that code still embedded into my Interface- that thing’s really vicious. Man, the only reason why I’m still standing now is thanks to Dan Blackmore’s intervention.’

At this he felt a cold chill grip his spine, his mind remembering the pain he had felt during the final moments of the day’s fight.

‘Can I really hope to be able to win a fight similar to today’s again tomorrow?’ He asked, staring at the Interface just as he heard a metal ting go off from the rice cooker behind him. ‘I almost died again. How can I hope to compete against someone with such strong convictions driving behind them?

Even though they’re at odds with each other, both historically and ideologically, they both share a strong desire for the Holy Grail at the centre of all this. But me…’

“What would I wish for?” He asked. “What sorts of desires do I have that warrants me killing and trampling over everyone else?”

A question that he didn’t expect an answer to as he sat there for several seconds in silence as the grim memories of the last Elimination Battle came to the fore once again.

Yet he remained in the past for only several seconds, his memories interrupted by a familiar buzz from his Terminal.

Looking up, he saw his Interface displaying an incoming call from an unknown source. For several moments he stared at the notification, his brow furrowed as he felt his muscles tense.

‘Who could be calling me now?’ He thought. ‘An NPC? I don’t think it’s a Master. Well, I don’t even know how Masters can contact each other through this thing. Still, I guess I’d better answer.’

Slowly he reached his hand out to the white holographic surface, his fingers softly touching the translucent screen.

And on cue, a rain of pixels began to shed from the screen, falling onto the dining table only to accumulate into a solid figure of a young girl dressed in the familiar black uniform of Tsukumihara.

“Suzuha?” He asked, blinking several times and tilting his head as he recognised the figure. “Suzuha Ikuya?”

“Yep, it’s me!” The figure said with an energetic smile. “How’ve you been, Mihara? Feels like I haven’t seen your face in aaages.”

“As well as can be, I guess.” He said with a sigh, nearly collapsing backwards as he felt the tension within him disappear. “Though, from what I’ve been hearing the NPCs are having a much harder time.”

“No kidding.” She replied with a shrug and shake of her head. “Me and Arina’ve been running around the School and the city all week! I really should have saved some of that ice-cream from last week…”

“What, you ate an entire tub within two days?” Mihara asked, giving a wry smile as he remembered what had transpired after the Elimination Battle last week.

“Uhm, let’s not talk about that.” Suzuha said as her miniature avatar broke eye-contact for a while.

“…Well, the Elimination Battle’s coming up tomorrow.” Mihara said with a smile after waiting for a further response. “Knowing you, you’ve probably already made another bet with an NPC for more ice cream on tomorrow’s fight.”

“About that…” Suzuha continued slowly.

“Wait, you actually did?” He asked.

‘Still as carefree as always. I really have to wonder how these NPCs get by making bets on who dies and who lives. It’s like everyone’s a part of some dark, underground and illegal betting ring or something.’

“I did, and I put my stakes on the underdog of this round too!” She declared as she raised a fist to the air. “That means I’ll be rooting for you tomorrow y’know?”

“No, I didn’t know and neither did I want to know.” He replied quickly. “I really just can’t see what’s the point of you and other NPCs betting on something like this.”

“Well, if you end up losing maybe you can join our ranks next time?” Suzuha asked. “Maybe you’ll know the thrill then?”

“Thanks for the offer, but I’ll have to decline.” He replied.

“Boo.”

“Anyway.” He continued as he shook his head at Suzuha’s pout. “I doubt this call was just for catching up.”

“Well, I’ll have to be honest and say that I’m trying to look out for my own interests.” Suzuha said.

“You mean you want to weight the dice in your favour.” Mihara corrected.

“It’s not really weighting per say, just a little bit of a pep-talk.” She replied quickly. “Anyway, from what I’ve been seeing you seem to be losing a bit of steam the last few days.”

‘Not really surprising.’ He thought as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. ‘With the Elimination Battle just tomorrow, and our opponents raining steel on us from all directions, I’m not really sure I even know how to conduct the battle tomorrow. Even after today’s preview.’

“So I tried to think of a way to ‘push’ you a little bit.” She continued, the avatar’s hands reaching out to type on something.

“Oh?” Mihara asked. “Not really sure what would motivate me anymore than I already am.”

“Well, I remember you used to have a very, very good friend.” Suzuha said.

For several moments he sat frozen, blinking several times as he processed what Suzuha was getting at.

“A friend that died without anybody ever knowing who he was.”

Her calmly spoken words sent a shiver up Mihara’s spine as he sat upright.

“A young man that we both knew as Club Ace #1.” Suzuha finished, a familiar portrait appearing on Mihara’s Interface above her avatar.

And upon seeing it, the Master couldn’t help but widen his eyes as memories of a more peaceful time returned to him.

“A nameless Man amongst the nameless dozens who had died during the Preliminary Rounds of the Holy Grail War.” Suzuha continued. “An anonymous person that stood out amongst a mountain of corpses in that Glass Room.

“If you can win tomorrow’s fight, then I will disclose all of his details- including his name.”_______________

A/N: Yaay, another chapter done! Now we just need the Elimination Fight and I can call it quits for this week! Not like that's going to be an easy job. Moreso since RL is probably going to prevent me from writing the Coliseum Fight for the next month. So expect another hiatus, hopefully lasting at most two months. Fingers crossed we'll get through this week before the end of the year. Or by New Years latest.
Anywy, I had a lot of difficulty trying to cough out some semi-original dialogue between the Servants. I'm even more worried about the Elevator ride; turning Lancer and Zhang into wall decoration like what happened last week is the last thing that I want. A few more character (?) developments and reappearing NPCs here and there. Hopefully they all don't seem to be illogical leaps in whichever direction.

[Alternative Ice]

Yay Update!

So Mihara has been making new codecasts, Shiki and Shiki are still trying to kill 100 servants, and we're going to learn the identity of that guy from the prologue.
So Lancer is Benkei then? Can't wait to see what he can do.

[Rafflesiac]

The Shikis were interesting, though Mihara's angst is beginning to grate. I can't say I'm particularly interested in nameless protagonist guy either, but eh, if it gets Mihara motivated then okay.

[ItsaRandomUsername]

Well, that's probably the most tense and content-packed three minutes that I've read in any /EXTRA-related fic. Lots of thought went into that, and good on it, since it took up a meaty portion of th chapter. As for the double dosage of Shikiness, I imagine that that'll become even more relevant as the fourth week approaches.

I honestly have no idea what could be done regarding Club Ace, so I guess I'm kind of interested in seeing if something meaningful can be gleamed from such a tabula rasa of a guy. Regardless, big fight next time, so that's something to look forward to. The joke about terms and conditions was also worth a chuckle, so good for that.

[Laith]

though Mihara's angst is beginning to grate.

He should be getting used to the tournament. I mean it's not like he has to kill a child next or anything =V

[Xyphos]

Act 2: Scene 8

0 Days Remaining

Elimination Battle Begins

Morning
_______________

“I’m not sure what’s going to happen when I start it back up.” Mihara said from the side of the garden, the shade of his Private Residence covering him from the morning sun.

“I’ve hacked into its command protocols to treat us as friendlies, so it shouldn’t attack. But we’d better be prepared for the worst. For all I know Dan’s droid might wake up and go berserk due to my mistakes when I re-activate it.”

Arrayed just in front of him were the holographic screens of his Interface showing an operation paused just before being completed. Under the sunlight and resting on the grass laid the inert, spherical remains of Dan’s droid that the Master had salvaged from yesterday’s conflict.

“Regardless of what may happen ‘tis still just a program; we will be able to handle it.” Saber said in response, the blade of her crimson sword embedded upright into the ground as she grasped its hilt.

“Yep yep, Saber’s right!” Caster replied, her ears and tail standing upright as she watched the program sit silently. “Start it up whenever you’re ready Master!”

“Alright, here goes.” He said as he turned to his Interface, his fingers flitting about the screen as he completed the reactivation operation.

Several seconds passed after he finished typing, an awkward silence covering the garden as Master and Servants waited.

Then, several lines and circles of lights scattered across the program’s dull surface began to flicker on. Seeing this, both Servants assumed a battle-ready position, just as the spherical program slowly began to levitate itself into the air.

And once it reached high enough, it stopped.

Motionless in mid-air.

Silence reigned in the garden as Master and Servants watching the program, just as the lights on its surface watched them.

Finally, the program emitted two short beeps, as Mihara released the breath he unconsciously held in.

“Alright, it doesn’t treat us as hostiles.” He continued, his eyes carefully scanning his Interface as his Servants lowered their weapons. “First step done. It shouldn’t treat Dan and the others as friendlies either from here on, but I’ll only know for sure when we take it into a fight.”

“We may worry about such things later.” Saber said, her sword disappearing from her hands as she stepped towards the program slowly. “As long as it takes defence of your life as its prime directive, it matters not if it treats our opponents as friend or foe.”

“Okay, there shouldn’t be any problem about that at this point.” Mihara continued as he watched Saber observe the program up close. “Unless someone hacks into it again, it should place my safety first.”

“As long as you are confident about it, then that should suffice.” Saber continued, arms crossed as she turned to look at him. “With this you may mount a credible defence against that Master’s enchanted weaponry.”

“A pretty flimsy one but still a defence I guess.” Mihara said as he rocked his head from side-to-side, a hand bringing up another Interface screen with charts and lines of information.

“After analysing the remaining fragments of Zhang’s code that were eating into my avatar yesterday, it seems as though my modified shield ends up being a liability. Whatever that Code Cast is, as long as it has a connection to my avatar it’ll follow through and start deleting things very quickly. It seems like the only way for me to avoid it, is to using some sort of proxy to hold the shield up.”

“Yet in turn your proxy becomes at risk.” Saber said. “So it would only work once.”

“Yes, and no.” Mihara said, his fingers typing into his Interface. “Yes, the program Zhang uses can tear through the droid as it did me yesterday if given the chance. At the same time, this droid has better reflexes than I do.

“So if I tell the droid to drop the shield before Zhang’s Code Cast has a chance to start tearing into it, it’ll have another chance to reconstruct the shield. And any bits of code that gets through, I can try clear it up before it becomes a problem.”

“And you thought up of all this just last night?” Caster asked as she bounced towards him. “You’re a genius, Mihara! I can’t wait to see the look on that ugly guy’s face when he figures out that dirty trick of his turns out to be little more than a joke!”

“Honestly, I can think of several other ways he could use to break through.” Mihara said with a shrug.

“Now, now goshujin-sama, you really should start taking pride in the little things.” Caster said. “Even little achievements like this mean a lot in the grand scheme of things, y’know? Well, it actually gives you a fighting chance now at least!”

“I guess that’s an improvement from what happened yesterday.” Mihara said with a wry smile. “I’ll take your words to heart, Caster.”

‘Having said that.’ He thought as he lowered himself onto the porch, his gaze fixated onto the flying sphere before him. ‘I really don’t know if I can survive today. By skill level alone, my opponents outstrip me. Just looking back at what happened in the first half of this week is enough to remind me about that gap. And if I were stupid enough to ignore that, what sort of conviction could I muster knowing that I have to repeat last week all over again?

‘For that matter, I really don’t know what Suzuha was thinking, sending me that message yesterday.’ He continued as he closed his eyes and remembered the short conversation he had with the NPC the night before. ‘To know the name and identity of a Master that couldn’t survive through the preliminary rounds. Truthfully something like that shouldn’t matter to me- it would have just been like Shinji… if he had managed to survive.’

“And yet, why?” He muttered aloud as he opened his eyes. “If she’s been keeping such a close eye on me why didn’t she know that? Why did she mention him all of a sudden, when I’ve all but forgotten about him amidst the chaos of the last two weeks?

“Come to think of it, the people who die during the actual Coliseum rounds are only a fraction of the number of people that die during this entire event. We haven’t even thought about the other tens of thousands who died during the preliminary round…”

“Goshujin-sama, is something the matter?” Caster asked as she came over to sit beside her Master. “You’re busy thinking of complicated things again aren’t you?”

“I guess I can’t deny that this time.” Her Master replied with a tired smile. “But, well, I’m just a bit too wrapped up in the thought of killing people… again.”

“Do you need me to remind you of our discussions just yesterday, Praetor?” Saber asked as she stood before them, arms crossed.

“No, no my amnesia hasn’t gotten that bad Saber.” Her Master said as he shook his head. “But there’s only so much remembering that alternative can do.”

“Then perhaps it would be a good idea to discuss our opponent’s strengths and weaknesses instead.” Saber said as her arms fell to her side. “That way you may begin to piece this puzzle together, and put things into perspective.”

“Saber does have a point.” Caster said. “Though as usual it’s covered in so much fancy-talk one could barely make out what she’s saying.”

“Does it say something that I can actually understand her clearly after the last two weeks in that case?” Their Master asked.

“It is only appropriate for my manner of speech to be like this, lowly Caster.” The swordswoman said with a smirk. “It is only befitting my status as an Emperor, and a representative of the Saber class. Of course, trickster foxes like yourself should just resign yourself to simpler talk, as befits you. Truly, our Master has a better sense of class than you ever could.”

“Hmph, you should just be grateful our Master’s such a nice and understanding person that he’d actually take the time to try and understand all that moon-speak you keep using.” Caster said, giving her a sidelong glance. “Though I’ll let that slide since you’ll probably be doing a lot of that heavy lifting today against that brute we have to call a Lancer.”

“Indeed he is little more than a muscular brute, yet at the same time it is clear to me that he is a noble warrior at heart.” Saber said as she nodded. “Were our situations somewhat different, I would be quite honoured to cross blades with him. Unfortunately he has aligned himself with one of the most ignoble of Masters, whilst his short temper and preconceptions does him little good.”

“Hmm, I’m surprised you can come to an understanding with each other.” Caster said, a hand to her chin. “Well let’s forget about that part. Do you have any ideas as to who he might be, this foul-mouthed, muscular brute Mihara?”

“Not really sure how either of you get off on calling him ‘just’ a muscular brute with a sharp tongue.” Their Master said as he shook his head with a small smile. “Though having said that-”

Before the Master could finish his sentence, he began to feel the floor vibrate beneath him, just as a chill crawled up his spine.

“Ugh, it must be that tall, dark and scary Priest.” Caster said, looking over her Masters shoulder as he sat rigid.

“’Tis about the right time.” Saber said. “You should answer it, Praetor.”

“I know, I know Saber.” He said as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Afterwards he turned to look at his Terminal, the large exclamation mark on its flat blue screen calling out to him as it continued to ring incessantly.

Slowly he reached his hand out to the device, before picking it up and placing it in his lap. And here, he couldn’t help but pause for another second as he heard his heartbeat slowly pick up in pace.

Yet his moment of hesitation only lasted that second, as the Master shook his head, and let his hovering finger gently tap the screen.

Upon release, small ripples began to emanate from the point of contact on the Terminal’s screen, before taking a life of their own as they rose up like a fountain. Soon the mass of blue pixels solidified into the clothes and features of a certain Priest, clear to both Master and Servants.

“Greetings, young Master.” The small holographic model said as the Priest’s characteristic smile crossed its face. “I am pleased to see that you are in good health, Mihara. All things considered, the resilience you have shown is quite remarkable.”

“Remarkable or not, I guess the only thing that does matter is who’s left standing at the end of this week though correct, Father Kotomine?” The Master replied with a deep breath.

“Indeed; it is good to know that you continue to take the Holy Grail War seriously.” Kotomine continued. “Quite a number of your peers last week seemed to take this course of events as ‘just a game’, and hence failed to collect their cipher keys in time for the Coliseum Round.

“It was disappointing really; I was looking forward to seeing them and their opponents cut each other apart. For the time being, I must content myself with seeing their despair as they were disqualified, their digital models being torn to shreds by the SE.RA.PH for their negligence.”

‘And yet you say this with such a happy face.’ Mihara thought as he watched the holographic model, face impassive as he tried not to think of the scene described by the Priest.

“Regardless; I am looking forward to this week.” The Priest continued. “Now that the gravity of the situation has set in, I expect more exhilarating fights to make up for last week. Especially from Masters such as yourself, who have been dealt such a serious insult during the course of this week.”

“We would appreciate it if you would leave the idle banter alone, ‘Father’ Kotomine.” Saber cut in. “The appointed time of our duel is today; that should be the only thing that matters to us, as participants, and you, as the overseer of proceedings.”

“Hmm, quite true, Servant Saber.” Kotomine said with a nod. “Then let me start from the beginning.

“Today is the day of your Elimination Battle, young Master. I hope you have prepared yourself well over the past week. All participating Masters are asked to report to the Arena Entrance at the designated time attached to this message.”

As the miniature avatar spoke, a digital time appeared over his head, Mihara’s Servants looking at it as the Priest continued his spiel.

“You must bring your Terminal to the Arena Entrance, on which should contain your two Cipher Keys.”

‘The same canned announcement as last week.’ Mihara thought. ‘Guess that’s still the hallmark of an NPC.’

“Failure to bring both Cipher Keys at the designated time will result in immediate dismissal from the Holy Grail War, and deletion from the Moon Cell. You have already been given ample warning as to the
consequences of such failure, and there should be no reason for tardiness on arrival.” At this he paused for a moment, before continuing.

“And, with those instructions, I look forward to welcoming you to your Coliseum Fight.”

Finished, the miniature avatar took a short bow as his digital form began to dissipate, the various pixels that made him dropping back down into the Terminal like grains of sand. Eventually, all that remained, was the designated time still hovering over the Terminal, the numbers printed in bold, blue, neon font.

That Priest’s got some scary timing.’ Mihara thought as he watched the pixels collapse back into the flat screen. ‘Though come to think of it I could have just opened my Interface up directly now can’t I? Guess it’s still force of habit.’

“So it appears we are to head to the battlefield this afternoon.” Saber said. “Very well then; we should take this time to prepare.”

“Yep yep.” Caster nodded in agreement. “Well backtracking a little, that guy did say something quite important yesterday, right Saber?”

“From what I can infer, he mentioned the name of the Lord he served whilst he was still of flesh and bone.” The swordswoman said with a nod. “Ushiwakamaru was the name.”

“Oooh, I remember that name!” Caster said, her ears and tail standing rigid.

“Ushiwakamaru.” Mihara repeated, his eyes going wide after several seconds in realisation. “The childhood name of Minamoto no Yoshitsune.

At this he opened his Interface with a click of his fingers, the holographic blue opening before them as window blinds would. Wasting no time his fingers began moving across the keyboard that had appeared in front of him as he spoke, listing out the information they had been able to gather this week.

“A supposed life-long companion of Yoshitsune, with some sort of connection to a bridge. He also appears to have dozens upon dozens of melee weapons at his disposal- as we saw in our fight just yesterday. Considering all of this, especially the man he appears to hold in such great esteem, there’s only one person that Lancer can be.”

As he finished, his Interface stopped on the profiles of their opponents, Zhang Zhaobang and Lancer.

“Musashibo Benkei.” The Master said with a deep breath, a shiver crossing his spine as he and his Servants watched to the screen.

“One of the more, if not the most, famous warrior-monks of Japanese history.” He said. “Branded as an ‘ogre child’ from birth, he joined and trained at the Buddhist Monasteries of Japan from young age.”

“Indeed, he meets such expectations as an ‘ogre’ with his size and strength.” Saber said, nodding. “And it is quite clear where his blind fanaticism comes from- such a troublesome combination. ‘Tis a wonder why more discipline was not instilled into him during his years of training.”

“Perhaps he was just a bit too much of a ‘brute’ for even his teachers to handle?” Caster asked. “Certainly with that hunk of meat I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t be intimidated at least a little!”

“Perhaps he was kicked out of the monastery for misbehaviour, I’m not really sure.” Mihara answered. “I’d probably have to dig in the school library for full information, but he definitely left the monastery at some point in his life. Instead, he joined a group of mountain ascetics, known as Yamabushi.”

“Oh. Them.” Caster said, making a face for a moment upon hearing the term.

“Well, while he was part of this independent group, it is said that he placed himself at Gojo Bridge outside of the then-smaller town of Kyoto.” Her Master continued. “Every passing warrior he disarmed, and eventually he collected nine-hundred and ninety-nine blades.”

“That is a lot for one man.” Saber said. “Hmph, so clearly even a life of refrain was not enough to cure him of his more violent disposition. What for he collect so many however?”

“I don’t think anyone really knows.” Mihara said as he shook his head. “Some said he wanted to melt down the metal of a thousand weapons into a new one for his own use. Well, that’s just speculation, but since he’s here in the flesh why not ask him yourself?”

“T’would make at least some interesting chatter for us during our duel.” Saber said. “At the very least, listening to a man blinded by his own rage is only entertaining for so long. ‘Tis lucky he is not a Berserker- those are truly the most boring of the lot.”

“Still, if that weapon was his desired goal, he missed it by a hair’s breadth.” Mihara continued. “The thousandth weapon was the first time he had suffered defeat, at the hands of the then-young Yoshitsune, Ushiwakamaru.

“So he decided to stop being such a hermit from here on out is it?” Caster asked.

“Not exactly.” Mihara said. “He actually challenged Ushiwakamaru a second time on the grounds of a nearby temple-”

“Before losing, again, and then deciding to tag along?”

“That sums it up, yes, Caster.” The Master said, bobbing his head side-to-side. “He was loyal to a fault from here on out, accompanying Ushiwakamaru throughout his travels, and battles as lord and retainer.”

“It was quite a chaotic period then, for sure.” Caster said. “Though that’s kind of miffing for me…”

“What is, Caster?”

“Well it’s just that I said before that they should have come after the time I was active, but to think that it was literally just…” Her voice began, before trailing off at the end as she paused for several seconds.

“Well, nevermind about that for now.” Caster continued with a smile. “Now that we know who he is, we can start planning what to do against him, right?”

“Indeed, although just after our fight yesterday I have already taken a good grasp of his abilities.” Saber said. “Knowing what we know now, as well as taking our opponent’s penalties into account, his cumbersome and slow movements should prove no trouble for me. Though, it remains to be seen as to what effects his Noble Phantasm may have.”

“That’s true, isn’t it?” Mihara said, a hand to his chin. “We nearly got caught out, last time. But the Matrix isn’t sharing any more information than that however- any information about Benkei’s Noble Phantasm isn’t being shown.”

“We will have to deal with it when it comes in that case.” Saber said as she shook her head. “But keep what we know in mind, Praetor. An idea may come to mind later in battle. If we know what it is, we may prepare counter-strategies. Or perhaps, it may reveal an abrupt weakness in his form that we may exploit, and lead him to defeat.”

“I’ll try.” He said with a sigh.

“Well then, well then.” Caster said. “Enough about that hunk of muscle; what about that slimy green moss we’ve had to deal with so many times this week?”

“He mentioned something very important as well yesterday right, when you pushed him right Caster?”

“Yep yep.” The foxgirl nodded. “Something about a forest… Uhm, Sherwood Forest, yeah that’s it.”

“And another dead-giveaway.” Mihara said after a pause and a deep breath. Despite that realisation however, he felt another chill crawl up his spine as he placed a hand to his forehead, the true extent of the uphill battle they faced appearing to him.

“If he values Sherwood Forest so highly, there is only one person that he could be.” Mihara continued as he shook his head, a hand reaching out to his Interface screen and pressing several buttons on there to reveal the profile page of his next two opponents.

“Without a doubt he is perhaps the most famous, or infamous, bandit of Medieval Britain, Robin Hood.” He spoke as he bit his lip, all three pairs of eyes turning to the screen once again.

“Hmph, my instincts were clearly spot-on.” Saber said with a huff. “As we had made abundantly clear yesterday, he is little more than a scoundrel who cowers in the shadows of forests then. He should have no place here, but we will see whether he can fight as spiritedly as his words seem to indicate.”

“His origins are a subject of debate, but it seems as though the ‘Robin Hood’ we know is not the person who is the actual originator for the name.” Mihara continued.

“Hmph, so not only a scoundrel, and a coward but also an imposter.” Saber said as she crossed her arms. “Truly the worst of many worlds rolled into one.”

“Not exactly an ‘imposter’ as such.” Mihara continued. “More like, the inheritor of a title?”

“So even the thiefs of his time have ascended to the level of adopting hierarchical titles is it?” Saber said as she shook her head. “His legend originates from Britain, you said Master?”

“He’s more of what they’d call a ‘chivalrous’ thief, Saber.” The Master said, as though defending his opponent. “The time period that Britain was supposedly in when he was alive, was one of great instability characterised by oppression and tyranny of the ruling Lords.”

“So is that the excuse?” Saber asked with a huff. “Then I presume this title of ‘Robin Hood’ is also synonymous with ‘chivalrous thiefs’?”

“Basically, yes.” Mihara said. “The ‘original’, was believed to have shared the same beliefs as all those who came after him; protecting the common people from the tyranny of the ruling class. Unfortunately, this original was believed to have been bled to death by his aunt, the Prioress of Kirklees, for some unknown reason.

“After to his death, there have been several different people that took up the title, and name, of Robin Hood. In turn they supposedly threw away their original name in favour of anonymity- even those that they helped never knew much about them. The SE.RA.PH’s records say that is also true for the ‘Robin Hood’ we are supposedly facing as well.”

“Hmm, I see.” Saber said after a short period of silence. “So as ‘Robin Hood’, the man truly became nothing more than a practical shadow, rarely recognised for his supposed ‘good deeds’, and is only notable for the ire he causes for the local Lords of the time?”

“Yes.” Mihara continued before he turned to the screen. “His choice of weapons and tactics didn’t really help with his image, as I’m pretty sure you know. Sharing another similarity with the original Robin Hood, ours is very well-versed in all manner of chemicals that can be found in the forests, both poisons and medicines.

“As the son of a Druid family, he also maintains a strong relationship with spirits known as ‘faeries’. I suppose that didn’t really sit well with everyone during the time either- Christianity had a strong grip in the country during the time. Their phobia to forms of religion other than their own during this time was fairly well-known.”

“So Britain was also swallowed up by religious fanatics of their own time then eh?” Saber asked. “To think that the rubbish all those men and women spewed during my time ended up becoming such a large cult as it is…”

Saber’s voice petered out slowly, her eyes deep in thought as she looked down at her feet. Several long moments of silence ensued, before eventually being broken by Caster-

“Well, knowing all those nitty-gritty details is good and all, but his little sob-story of being ostracised doesn’t change the fact that I have a very, very big grudge against him! That, and the fact that we’ll have to grind him into fertiliser within the next twelve hours doesn’t change things either.”

“I suppose that’s true.” Mihara said as he took a deep breath.

“One good thing though is that his choice of tactics means he’s already shown what his Noble Phantasm can do long before the main event though!” Caster said, clapping her hands.

“Yeah, that’s true.” Her Master said with a nod. “Though, I don’t really expect the antidote we have bought to confer permanent immunity and he’ll likely be using it a lot. We’ll have to keep an eye out on ourselves to make sure we take another dose of it, before we begin to suffer too severe symptoms. Whenever he decides to use his Noble Phantasm as well, we should make taking that tree down our priority as well.”

“Umu, a sound plan.” Saber said. “Very good. Now that we know all that we can about our opponent, we should complete preparations for your defence against the opposing Masters. There should also be an opportunity to talk with Aoko Aozaki about another Alteration. The data we may have collected since our last venture may be small, but every opportunity should be exploited.”

“…Alright.” Mihara said with a nod after a short pause. “Let me try and finish up my program and uploading it into the droid, then we can start moving. Shouldn’t take too long- an hour at most.”

“Very good.” Saber responded as she stepped onto the porch from the grass. “In the meantime I shall return to the kitchen to enjoy more of those fruits that you had prepared beforehand.”

“I think I’ll join you for a few of those.” Caster said as she stood up. “We can plan for what we sort of tricks we can pull over those two sleazebags in the meantime.”

As the Master sat at the porch for a few more seconds, he couldn’t help but look at the forms of his Servants as they turned into the house.

‘I wonder… should I have told them about what Suzuha told me?’

“But it’s not like knowing those sorts of details would make a difference in this fight though.” He said as he shook his head, turning back to the garden before him, and the reactivated droid that had been silently, patiently, floating there all this time.

‘Yeah… knowing the details of the dead can’t change anything about the living.

‘But why do I seem to be thinking so much about it, if that’s the case?’

_______________

Afternoon
_______________

“Aoko Aozaki appeared to be very busy this afternoon.” Saber said as the Master and his two Servants stepped around the main school building towards the gym.

“No kidding.” Caster added. “Rushing through the Alteration like that, before jumping into the back of the Chapel then out again before we even had a chance to leave ourselves!”

“Perhaps it has something to do with why she is here within the Moon Cell?” Saber asked. “I should remember to ask her about it next time we need to see her again.”

“Well, that’s only if we can actually catch her.” Caster said. “I guess we’ve been fortunate enough to find her in the Chapel all this time. She may be out next time we need her for an Alteration.”

“That is true.” Saber said. “Though with the agreement those Aozaki Sisters have with the Moon Cell, I would assume that there would be at least one present at all times. The other… Touko Aozaki, if I remember, seems less inclined for idle chatter, but perhaps her story can be just as interesting. Would you not agree, Praetor?”

“Huh?” Mihara asked, pulled out of his train of thought. “Well, I guess it would be interesting, if they’re willing to share. Though, for someone like me I feel as though it’d be too complicated to understand.”

“Hmm, perhaps that is for the best.” Saber said. “For one such as yourself, worrying about the next fight is the most imperative matter, yes?”

“Indeed.” Her Master said with a sigh. “Though I wonder about what she said with ‘staggered’ fights. I haven’t heard about that before…”

“Well, if it’s about that it’s kind of simple, isn’t it?” Caster asked. “I mean, sure the Moon Cell, and in turn the SE.RA.PH are all-powerful and all that, but they’re still computers looking for efficiency right? With all the Masters that are in the Holy Grail Wars, splitting the number into two, more manageable chunks lessens system resources when the Coliseum Fight happens.”

“Indeed, there would be a distinct surge in conflict due to the week’s finale.” Saber nodded. “So as Aoko said, splitting the candidate numbers in two and staggering them by a day allows for optimal use of resources, especially considering the sole Arena that has been built to accommodate us all.”

“The Moon Cell’s surprisingly stingy like that huh?” Mihara said as he furrowed his brow. “I would think creating another Arena would be easier. We happen to be in ‘group A’ then, wasn’t it?”

“Well, it matters not which grouping we have been put in; eventually the two groups will be recombined, and we will have the opportunity to face off against the remainder, come what may.”

‘More like we may have the opportunity to face them.’ Mihara thought as he turned his gaze forward. There, his gaze focused on a tall man in a priest’s sombre cassock, standing before those foreign, yet familiar, metal doors embedded into the side of the school gym. And as before, the digital chains criss-crossed its surface, shimmering ever so slightly.

“Welcome, young Master.” Father Kotomine said as the Master and his two Servants approached. “I was beginning to think that you were having second thoughts about arriving for the appointed time today. I am glad that such thoughts were mistaken.”

“To die either in the Coliseum, or by defaulting on the Moon Cell’s rules.” The Master said. “All things considered, at the very least one of the options involves a small chance of survival.”

“It is just as my Master has said.” Saber said, her arms crossed. “But to add to it, our opponents have slighted us in a most reprehensible manner. It would reflect poorly of us to forfeit this battle on a technicality, rather than give them the thrashing they deserve.”

“Well said.” The Priest said, giving his usual smile. “I assume that you all share the sentiment. Against opponents such as Zhang Zhaobang, who possess such overwhelming skill, capability and ruthlessness, such deep-rooted feelings of frustration may yet prove to be the greatest asset you possess.

“Yet such feelings would matter not if you do not have the required Cipher Keys for this week.” Kirei Kotomine continued after a brief pause as he raised a hand forward, palms open. “Present them to me, so that I may open the doors to your Coliseum Fight.”

Taking a deep breath, the Master closed his eyes for a moment to steel himself. Upon opening them he clicked his fingers, his Interface opened on command just as the outline of the two cards immediately formed on its surface.

The Priest gave a nod at this, his smile growing slightly wider as his hand reached out, the two yellow cards appearing between the two.

And just like last week, the two cards floated through the air towards the two steel blocks on either side of the Coliseum entrance. And upon contact, the chains that criss-crossed its doors quickly dissolved, as the steel doors slid apart moments later.

“Remember, young Master. The only way to leave the Coliseum is to win. It is kill, or be killed.”

Kotomine spoke his final words of warning as Mihara stared at the metal platform that stood just beyond the doors.

Wordlessly, the Master stood there for several more seconds even after Kotomine finished his parting words. He turned towards his two Servants beside him, both of whom gave him a nod of assurance.

And with another deep breath he stepped forward onto the metal platform, as the steel doors slammed shut behind him.

Without bothering to turn around to watch the door disappear behind him, the Master took a deep, long breath. And once finished he instinctively turned to look at his two Servants by his side, both of whom gave him a smile for his troubles.

Just as he returned the gesture, he felt the platform beneath his feet begin to move, just as the whirr of machinery began to fill the black void that surrounded them.

And, almost as though a fog was lifted, the blackness that surrounded him abruptly dissipated, revealing a large shaft with glowing lines criss-crossing its walls all around him.

And just like last week, he saw his two opponents standing several metres away on their own platforms, separated only by the gaping void that surrounded them.

And even though he knew that the SE.RA.PH had already put security measures in place between the platforms, the Master couldn’t help but shudder as he turned his gaze towards the floor.

At the very least, that way he could push the memories of what had happened throughout the week to the back of his mind for the moment.

‘…Damn, I can’t help but get cold sweat every time I see them.’ He thought as he clenched his fists in an attempt to stop their shaking. ‘Still, things are a little different now in the Coliseum. We’re better armed and know much more about our enemies. We won’t be pushovers this time. Right?’

As he finished the thought he took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself, before he took quick glances at his opponents on the opposite platforms.

In contrast, the two veteran Masters and their Servants kept quiet. Their forms barely moved as they all waited for the elevator they were riding to reach its destination, the sound of invisible, digital machinery the only thing keeping them company on this fatal journey. Eventually however-

“Hmph.” Saber huffed, the first to break the silence. “While I admire men who are made of stone for their tenacity and perseverance, statues such as these make for poor conversation partners.”

“No kidding.” Caster said added. “I mean, it’s interesting and all to watch the carver go to work, but just looking at the final product gets really boring after a while.”

“Huh, you two can say that since you don’t actually have to work with Masters like these two on a daily basis!” Archer said. “Cut me some slack and think about how I feel like, following Mr Knight here around all the time.”

“There is little sympathy to be had for one such as yourself, Archer.” Saber said as she folded her arms. “After all, your Master was lenient enough to allowing you to deploy your Noble Phantasm the first time. After being caught out the second time, you had simply got what you deserved.”

“Yeah, not to mention that that was the time you actually tried to kill my Master outside of the Arena!” Caster added, her voice rising slightly.

“Fine, fine, so I made a few bad calls in life.” Archer said as he shrugged. “But can you blame me for trying? ‘If you don’t try everything, you won’t get anything’ is a saying after all.”

“Your ‘anything’ borders on the level of inane.” Saber said. “Your Master has made this abundantly clear, I am certain. And there is only one prize to be claimed at the end of this tourney anyway: Conflict of arms in a clear battlefield is more than enough to decide who is worthy of taking it.”

“Saber does have a point, Archer.” Lancer said, his voice echoing slightly in the confined space. “There is little sympathy to be had for you, especially considering the lines to be drawn that one shouldn’t ever cross. Though, if circumstances differed I would offer you my condolences.”

“What, and here I thought you were as straight-laced and uptight as this statue over here!” Archer said, turning to the Servant and jabbing a finger at his Master. “Well then, mind enlightening me a bit as to what line’s a line too far for you?”

“At its core, this Holy Grail War is a battle between individuals and the dreams that they hold dear.” Lancer began. “Even the Moon Cell cannot put such nebulous things into numbers, which would be why it has designed the system we are participating in now. Since after all, only the one who holds on to their dream most dearly can hope to stay alive!”

‘The one who holds on to their dream most dearly… is it?’ Mihara couldn’t help but repeat, just as he saw Archer shake his head.

“That doesn’t really answer my question, big guy.” The Servant said with a shrug. “After all, is there any better way to prove that you’re willing to go the distance, than being willing to bend and break a few rules to achieve it? Well, your ragtag group’s been playing the meek little lamb for the last week, but what do you think, Caster, Saber?”

“I know not whether your ‘bending and breaking’ of rules encompasses more than just plain assassination and murder.” Saber said as she crossed her arms. “Since that is apparently all you are capable of doing outside of the Arena. And even then, your methods are as useless as they can be!

“Well, were this a field for playing politics and not a place for honourable combat, I would be more than willing to show you the finer art of ‘practical’ assassinations. Though, I suspect your grizzled companion over there wouldn’t be nearly as interested.” Saber finished as she brushed aside a lock of hair as she cast a glance towards Lancer.

“Well-said, Saber!” Lancer’s voice echoed through the shaft alongside the hum of machinery. “My place is only on the field of war, a place where there’s little time to worry about such irrelevant things. All that matters is whether you can out-wit and out-live the opponent that faces you in direct conflict!

“Yet though I must agree with your words, your conduct so far is anything but.” Lancer continued after a short pause. “I have not forgotten your insolent words yesterday, and I will seek to finish the duel that we had started.”

“It seems as though my message has yet to be able to get through that thick skull of yours.” Saber continued. “Then I assume your steadfast hold on your misguided beliefs is still as strong as ever?”

“Of course!” Lancer shouted as he cast a piercing gaze over his opponents, eventually settling on Caster’s much smaller form as he continued. “I have already made clear my stance throughout the entire week- a being such as her thrives off trickery and deceit!”

“Well for once I can actually say you’re correct on that, you big fat oaf.” Caster said as she stuck her tongue out. “With that loose thing you call a mouth, I guess it isn’t really that much of a secret that I’m better at the sneaky stuff, compared to all this fighting.

“Then again, it’s the brains like me and Saber here that actually gets things done- all you’re good for is just muscle that works best when he’s making holes in the wall! I wonder if someone with such narrow vision as yours ever thinks about what happens after the fight is over?”

“Oooh, scary!” Archer said as he put up both his hands. “Two wolves in sheep’s clothing- ain’t that shocking? Though, I’ll admit the only experience I’ve had with back-stabbing politics involve fat old codgers. Your Master don’t look half like that, nor does he look half keen on such tactics either. So, whaddyou say, Mihara, wasn’t it? What sort of dirty tricks are you up for, eh? How far’s too far for you?”

“Hm? Uh…” The Master looked up at the Servant, his mind having only paid half-attention to the conversation until now. “I’d suppose… it’d depend on the situation, right? Like both my Servants have already said, sometimes some situations call for a different approach.”

“Hahaha, there we go!” Archer laughed. “That’s more like it. Doing the same old thing gets boring after a while, don’t you think? All this fighting’s good and all, but spicing it up here and there makes it all the better!”

“That is enough, Archer.” Dan’s wizened voice echoed through the shaft for the first time. “Do not get carried away when we are so close to the final field of battle.”

“What the heck’s that supposed to mean?” Archer asked as he turned to face his Master. “Just having a friendly chat like this isn’t that big of a problem, is it?”

“Hmph, were it on a more appropriate topic then I would not mind half as much for your idle banter.” Dan continued. “Yet I am certain that the nature of this fight has already been made abundantly clear. Such underhanded tactics will not be employed during this fight, and neither will I tolerate your use of them again.”

“Maaan, you’re such a stick in the mud.” Archer said as he turned away, shaking his head. “What happened to all that talk of ‘knowing your enemy’ you were spouting on about earlier this week?”

“There is a difference between getting to know one’s opponents, and simply using them for sport.” Dan answered, his voice stern. “All you are doing is becoming careless around our opponents, and
carelessness is the one sin that has the potential to undo everything. Even the most carefully-laden of plans will come undone in an instant.”

“Psh, fine, alright already jeez!” Archer said as he shook his head, throwing his hands into the air as he turned to his opponents across the chasm. “Man, that’s my Master for you- always by-the-books, no-frills no-fluff. Though, knowing him he’s just like this because I’m the one who’s talking to him.

“Oy, Mihara, how’s about you try talking to grumple-stiltskin over here?” The Servant continued, crossing his arms as he jerked his head towards his Master. “He’s saved your life more times than I can count this week alone- he’s almost definitely got a soft-spot for you to do all that.”

“Eh?” The Master asked, caught off guard again as he instinctively made eye-contact with the green Knight.

For several awkward moments the two Masters stared at each other, the silence of the humming code surrounding them.

‘Shit… now what?’ The thought echoed in the young Master’s mind as he fumbled for what to talk about with the old Knight across from him.

‘I’m not even sure what I’m doing anymore. There is no reason for why I’m here. All these opponents are too powerful for me. And that message that Suzuha sent me last night is still confusing me… Although-’

As a thought occurred to him, the Master closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, before looking at the Knight.

“Sir Blackmore. I know that, due to the nature of the Holy Grail War, that this is the first, and likely the last time we’ll have a chance to speak to one another like this. So, I would like to ask you something that’s been weighing on my mind: Why are you fighting in this War?”

“Hmm.” The Knight said, his gaze never leaving his opponent. “That is a strange question to ask one such as me, Mihara. For at the end of the day, I am still a soldier. And for soldiers like me, there is no such thing as ‘why’ in War.

“At his core, a soldier can never have, nor ever need, such a reason. At the end of the day, our personal feelings, wants or desires matter not in the preservation of larger things. ‘For Queen and Country’, is a saying from where I am from, after all. Once soldiers enter the battlefield, the only way forward is to achieve our orders. Either that, or to die trying.

“And my orders, are to secure the Holy Grail for my Queen- nothing else need be said. Though my life has changed much over time, never have I needed a ‘why’.”

‘…Of course.’ Mihara said as he briefly bowed his head in the face of Dan’s answer. ‘That’s exactly the same thing that Rin Tousaka said to me at the start of the week. Asking him something like that is pointless.’

At this, his eyes couldn’t help but wander to the other Master within this elevator room, just in time to see him unfold his arms and stretch himself.

“As always the loyal soldier Dan.” Zhang Zhaobang said, his voice echoing across the shaft for the first time. “A person as shaken as him asks you for a reason to fight, yet you reply with an answer fitting only for a robot.”

“There is no shame in speaking the truth.” Dan answered curtly as he turned to his associate. “I am only making it distinct: The difference in reasons for why a Soldier like me would join the Holy Grail War, and why a Magus would join instead.

“But since you seem to take issue with my reason, perhaps you feel that you can answer this young man’s question better?” The Knight continued as he gestured to their opponent Master. “Considering the extreme lengths you are willing to go to, your reasons for participation must be compelling indeed.”

“Compelling?” The man asked as he scoffed. “Ever since the day of that cleansing of Hong Kong, there has only been one reason for me to fight. And that very same reason has brought me to the SE.RA.PH.

“I am certain you already know of what happened then.” Zhang continued as he swept his gaze over the other Masters. “I can still remember the events of that day as though it were yesterday- the sight of my home, my friends and my family. All burning, until nothing was left.”

“Though their propaganda machine may say otherwise.” He continued as he looked at Mihara, just as several white pixels began to emanate off the old Assassin’s tanned, cracked skin. “Though their collaborators may act in the name of ‘World Peace’, at the end of the day all they are looking for is a system of perpetuity, where the word of the Harway Conglomerate is Law.

“For them, all the nails that stand up, must be hammered down. So even if I may forfeit my life in doing so, that is a fair price to pay if it means the implosion of the Harway Conglomerate. And the scars that I bear ever since that day, will be a constant reminder of the reasons why I fight.”

“…So a man who has nothing left but his burning desire for vengeance.” Dan said. “It is somewhat ironic then, that at the same time you continue to use such brutal methods as did those who had wronged you.”

“Do not try to mock me, Dan.” Zhang said as he glared at the Master.

“That was not my intention.” Dan apologised quickly, although Zhang continued regardless.

“I have already placed my goal in my sights, and as long as I can achieve my goals, then that’s all theirs is to it. I never meant to take joy out of what I do, and rarely are my fights personal- all I do is just so I may reach my goal that much faster. That is true here in the SE.RA.PH, above all else.”

At this, an awkward silence once again covered the elevator shaft as the hum of the code that made up the elevator shaft slowly engulfed the area.

Before Mihara had much of a chance to dwell on the answers his opponents had given him, a sudden rumbling shook the shaft as Mihara noticed his surroundings slow to a halt.

‘…We’ve arrived already.’ He thought, cold sweat breaking out as he saw the beam of light appear along the ground behind him, and behind the other two Masters before him.

“Come, Archer.” Dan said as he turned around, his Servant following him. “The time has come to embrace the battlefield once again.”

As Mihara began to turn around towards the entrance to the Coliseum with his Servants, Zhang’s voice made him pause one last time.

“Though I’ve said that I never mean for these fights to be personal.” Zhang said, Mihara turning his head around as their gazes locked for the first time. “I couldn’t help but notice how lost you have been throughout the entire week, Mihara. I’m surprised someone like you was even able to make it through the preliminaries, where thousands of others have failed.”

At this, the Master’s eyes popped open as that fact struck him.

Without waiting for a response, the enemy Master silently turned around and left, Lancer following suit.

‘…That’s right isn’t it?’ Mihara thought as he glanced at his two Servants, both giving him a nod in reply as he took a deep breath. ‘I alone somehow managed to survive up until this point.

‘Why is it, that clueless me has succeeded, whereas thousands of others, like that ‘friend’ of mine, did not?’

And, given the empty question to arm his ailing conviction, the Master and his Servants entered the Coliseum battle.

_______________

Live or Die by the Sword.
What power do you hold in your hands…?
Dancing flames, Decaying Earth, Withered Ocean.
_______________

The seven figures stood at the centre of a small, empty plaza devoid of any signs of human habitation or use. All around them, stood the remains of a blasted-out, drowned cityscape- the remnants of its inhabitants long swept away by the vagaries of the currents that drifted endlessly through this infinite, digital sea.

Yet even though these crumbling buildings surrounded them, like the empty audience stands of a less-than-popular spectacle, all of that was dwarfed by another enormous construct in the distance. Its height alone made it stand head-and-shoulders above the rest of the city, yet even then the SE.RA.PH had chosen to make its presence even more pronounced.

Its pearl-white stone walls stood out, an incongruous fit amidst the endless grey ocean. The carved outer windows stood clearly in view even from this distance, in eerily perfect condition that stood out amidst the crumbling buildings that surrounded them.

Indeed, it was the unmistakeable presence of a Roman Coliseum.

“All will be settled here, today.” Dan Blackmore declared, his arms crossed and gaze fixed on the enemy Master and his two Servants, who stood at the opposite end of the plaza.

“You said it!” Archer replied from beside his Master as he stretched his arms. “Man, it’s only at times like this I can go all-out.”

“Hmph, it’s been a long time coming.” Zhang replied as he cracked his wrists, brows furrowed as he watched his opponents. “Let’s finish this cleanly, Lancer.”

“As always, Zhang.” His towering Servant replied as a naginata solidified in his outstretched hand. “Let us finish our duel today, Saber. I will answer your insult in the name of my current Master, as well as my Lord Ushiwaka with your head!”

“As meat-headed as ever, but I will play along.” Saber answered as her crimson sword appeared in her hands. “Since I will have made sure that your grating, incessant babbling ends today!”

‘…This really isn’t the best place to fight, especially considering our experience yesterday.’ Mihara thought as he surveyed the plaza and the surrounding town, not paying attention to the conversation between Servants. ‘For the time being, we’re best trying to stay in this plaza… Or finding a better place to fight that’s more open with less places to hide.’

“Well while those two smack each other silly, what about you, little fox-monster?” Archer asked as he turned to Caster. “Where would you like me to nail an arrow in you today?”

“Well, aren’t we confident?” Caster replied. “I don’t really see where it’s coming from though, considering how badly all your little schemes failed through the entire week. Perhaps you really are ‘just’ a pretty face- you certainly don’t have the brains to back it up, otherwise you’d have realised that my Master’s the one who’s winning this fight tonight!”

“Excuse me?” Archer retorted. “The last time I checked, the only one who won fights in the real world were the strongest. You and your lost Master are the last ones I’d put in that category!”

“Geez, and this is why I sad you were just a pretty face.” The foxgirl said as she shook her head. “Well, all the better then- you can treat this as a learning experience as to why a shady guy like you should’ve stayed lurking in the forest!”

“And you ‘ought to crawl straight back into whatever hole you came from, you monster fox!” Archer shouted as he threw open his cloak to reveal the crossbow strapped to his arm. “I’ll make sure you’re filled with more arrows than a pine has needles by the end of this!”

“Well said, Archer!” Lancer replied as the Servant smashed the butt of his polearm into the ground, the stone cracking as the two Masters behind them backed off slowly. “We shall let our weapons decide who is worthy of passing through to the next round! Servant Saber and Servant Caster- your Master is an inexperienced warrior, but perhaps the both of you will prove to be entertaining sport, before we take your heads!”

As Lancer’s declaration was issued, a jolt of magic could be felt evaporating from the area as Mihara instinctively leapt back, before activating his Interface as a cold chill ran up his spine.

-The barrier that separated them from the inevitable conclusion of the week had disappeared.

“Let’s begin!” Dan shouted from across the plaza, his green Interface already surrounding him like a protective column.

And upon the old Knight’s command, Red Saber and White Lancer leapt forward faster than their Masters could comprehend.

Their weapons connected in a thunderous clash of steel, just as Caster’s mirror swung before her to cleave through a flurry of arrows directed at her. In reply she called forth a stream of fire at Archer’s position, just before an orange CodeCast surrounded the enemy Servant as he leapt into a cluster of buildings to the side of the plaza.

Mihara could only grind his teeth as he attempted to keep track of the fight before him. The droid he had been working on last night solidified beside him meanwhile, as the honeycomb shield immediately formed around him as he prepared his CodeCasts on-screen.

And in the next instant, he couldn’t help but flinch as a jolt shook his body as he saw cracks and bullet-holes already appear in the shield that surrounded him, just before it shattered and a new one brought forth.

‘-Time to see how strong my convictions really are!’ He thought, as his vision darted around the battlefield to find where the enemy was sniping him from.

“It’s do or die now-!”
_______________
A/N: Right, well with official news of EXtella and what appears to be some Fate/Extra anime coming out, I thought it might've been appropriate to finally pull this thing out of its hibernation. And hopefully ride on a few coattails. Not that that worked before
It's a bit shorter than usual, but please bear with me for the second half, which should hopefully make up for it. Six months of reading papers and staring at manuals is a bit hard on the writing gears, which I hope to keep oiled up for a while.

[Alternative Ice]

“We may worry about such things later.” Saber said, her sword disappearing from her hands as she stepped towards the program slowly. “As long as it takes defense of your life as its prime directive, it matters not if it treats our opponents as friend or foe.”

“Okay, there shouldn’t be any problem about that at this point.” Mihara continued as he watched Saber observe the program up close. “Unless someone hacks into it again, it should place my safety first.”

“As long as you are confident about it, then that should suffice.” Saber said as she slowly stepped towards the program, her sword disappearing from her hands. “With this you may mount a credible defense against that Master’s enchanted weaponry.”

Her sword disappeared then disappeared again?

Other than that great update and I can't wait to see how the fight plays out.

[Rafflesiac]

Aww yeah, fighting time!

Now to see how Tamamo and Nero trash Robin and Benkei.

[Laith]

Her sword disappeared then disappeared again?

Other than that great update and I can't wait to see how the fight plays out.

wait she doesn't have two swords?

damn

=V

[Xyphos]

Her sword disappeared then disappeared again?

Other than that great update and I can't wait to see how the fight plays out.

wait she doesn't have two swords?

damn

=V

Well, I could have been talking about the Red/White versions of her sword >_>

Actually no that won't work. My gears are certainly more rusted than I thought they were. Thanks for pointing that out, should be fixed now.

Aww yeah, fighting time!

Now to see how Tamamo and Nero trash Robin and Benkei.

This is a bit of a divergence, but in FGO's Honnoji event back in November/December, Fake!Benkei kept on targeting my Tamamo and Nero whenever I brought them in, and ignored the assist Servant. I have no idea why, but I felt like it was a nice callback. Even if it was the fake one.

[Numbers]

Oh hey! First thing I see when I come back is that this has updated! Good chapter overall, although I'm now curious as to whether or not Mihara is going to end up with an army of drones or something.

[VirusChris]

Long time no see my friends! ^_^
It's been FAR too long since I last visited these posts. >_>;

Anyway I'm super glad to see the next chapter is up... even if it's here and not FF.net. I did sent a message to you Xyphos seeing as the last update on that site was September. Glad to see you continue it, though I have to update MY Fate/Extra story as it's LONG overdue for one and I have other stories to write as well. I've been VERY busy and had a LOT of games to play that took up a lot of time, but I really like to update my stories and finish them.

Seeing your story and listening to Fate/Extra music again it's really rekindling my passion to go back to Corona Fox and update it as well as write an alternate tale involving all 3 Servants summoned. I don't know if I should stick to having the planned only one of the Servants are permitted to fight in the Elimination Battle at the end of the week so my Protagonist has to choose which of the three to bring into battle on top of raising all three of them at the same time as well as learning about his opponent. Or do what you did have and have a 1 Master + 3 Servants VS 2 Masters + 2 Servants per week to balance out a 4v4 Team Battle. Though I might stick with the first one, but I like to hear other people's opinions on it.

Also, like you, I plan to add a small town like the first PSP trailer of the game had in the beginning before they scrapped it for the full game and I might give more NPCs personalities or more based on the other Type-Moon characters... maybe have Akiha or Ciel as the Liberian would be interesting. I do have some planned original elements to the story as well that covers both Extra and Extra CCC as two separate and a third original one to tie them altogether with an original Antagonist and storyline for the finale.

Well enough of that for now. I look forward to seeing the conclusion of the Week 2 Elimination Battle!