Fate/Apocrypha Vol. 2 + 3 (no spoilers)

[Iceblade44]

When I read that, it just hit me that so much happened and it's only been like 2-3 since the Great Holy Grail War started.

Well that's normal ain't it, since this isn't like SN where the first few days is just spent sorely on cooking and it actually has people doing stuff.

[Laserman]

Amakusa Shirou Tokisada knew this Grail well. The Tohsakas had abandoned the Holy Grail and attempted a different approach to reach the Root; meanwhile, the Makiris had decayed, passing down knowledge of the Grail only as an oral tradition. Shirou had managed to buy the information from both of these families.

He just bought it? They gave up the info just like that?

Related to this, he had also read of a “back” to the world – the underside, an alien realm where phantasmal beasts which had already disappeared from the world now reside.

I've heard of this before, but how is it related to the grail? I'll just have to read on.

[Laserman]

Okay, I've read everything that's translated of Fate/Apocrypha up to Chapter 3 part 7. I've seen screenshots of the next anime episode and I think it's up to this point of the LN. So I'm wondering two things. Will the spoiler policy still cover the anime since the LN isn't finished and what happened to the translation itself? Is CanonRap sick or dealing with some personal stuff that he can't finish translating the rest of the LN?

[GundamFSN]

Ask mew for Canon's daily gaming report.

[mewarmo990]

you think this is a game?

[Amazigh]

I think that after December, it should be pretty obvious Canon has lost interest in translating. And I can't totally blame him, since he's been having people nag him (myself included) on when the next part is going to come out. But, if he was going to do it, he should have stuck with it through Volume Three and been done with the whole thing. Or not started Volume 3 in the first place. OR, given the project to someone who actually WANTED to do it a long time ago. I understand he doesn't owe it to us, his readers, or anything. But at the same time, when you say you'll do something, it's making a commitment. And doing something like this, posting it online for all to read, clearly was not just to do it for himself. Which means he was doing it for us. I understand that needs (and has earned) respect. But giving up on the project after people are eagerly wanting more (which is usually seen as a good thing) is what loses every ounce of the respect you've earned. Ignoring questions like "Are you still interested?" loses the respect you've earned and enrages your readers. Yes, I do believe nagging should have stopped, and I accept that I am also to blame for it. But I will also acknowledge that, unless proof is seen to the contrary by december, I consider Canon to have given up in favor of his games. And yes, Final Fantasy 14 is a game.

[Laserman]

I think that after December, it should be pretty obvious Canon has lost interest in translating. And I can't totally blame him, since he's been having people nag him (myself included) on when the next part is going to come out. But, if he was going to do it, he should have stuck with it through Volume Three and been done with the whole thing. Or not started Volume 3 in the first place. OR, given the project to someone who actually WANTED to do it a long time ago. I understand he doesn't owe it to us, his readers, or anything. But at the same time, when you say you'll do something, it's making a commitment. And doing something like this, posting it online for all to read, clearly was not just to do it for himself. Which means he was doing it for us. I understand that needs (and has earned) respect. But giving up on the project after people are eagerly wanting more (which is usually seen as a good thing) is what loses every ounce of the respect you've earned. Ignoring questions like "Are you still interested?" loses the respect you've earned and enrages your readers. Yes, I do believe nagging should have stopped, and I accept that I am also to blame for it. But I will also acknowledge that, unless proof is seen to the contrary by december, I consider Canon to have given up in favor of his games. And yes, Final Fantasy 14 is a game.

I understand he doesn't owe us anything, but it's been 3 years since he started. I like this story and I'd like to finish it. So yes, I'm a little annoyed, maybe even mad.

[Amazigh]

I understand he doesn't owe us anything, but it's been 3 years since he started. I like this story and I'd like to finish it. So yes, I'm a little annoyed, maybe even mad.

As am I. I'm legit tired of waiting, and watching the anime to fill in the gaps is aggravating, especially with how horrendous it's been by comparison.

[castor212]

Dont wait and do something else. Work, life, smtg.

Im sure before you know it time wouldve passed and vol 3 had progresswd.

[Zurvan]

Or, you know
It's time to learn japanese™ [ this is a joke]

[Sarn]

Im sure before you know it time wouldve passed and vol 3 had progresswd.

I get why you're saying that but giving people false hopes is cruel

[Amazigh]

Dont wait and do something else. Work, life, smtg.

Im sure before you know it time wouldve passed and vol 3 had progresswd.

I have worked and lifed. And returned every so often to check. Nothing has happened, and time has passed.

[castor212]

do more

[Zurvan]

There really is no point in complaining, it's not going to change anything

[Rafflesiac]

If everyone could stop necroing this thread that would be great.

[madarra]

If everyone could stop necroing this thread that would be great.

im sure Canon will take you up on that request

[Canon]

"But it's not like we can just let them be. Right, Sis?"

"Well, yes... but we are dealing with an Assassin. They are simple to defeat once you survive their ambush, but naturally it is more difficult to go looking for them yourself. Even more so considering that we have no information on them at all."

"You mean to say that we must first find a way to track them down."

"Let's begin our search in the afternoon. We'll prepare some modern clothing for you so that you can blend in."

"Ah, that will not be an issue for me."

Magnificant True Heroine already had Leticia's own clothes, so she simply needed to change into them.

"Oh, oh, I want some! I want whatever that's newest and freshest and everyone will love! And playful, too, that'd be even better!"

Undeserving Usurper perked up and leaned forward excitedly at the mention of clothing. With a cool gaze, Fiore said.

"Excuse me, but do understand that this isn't an excursion..."

"Yeah, yeah, I know! Mm... well, we can bring Master, too, right?"

"Rider..."

Fiore's gaze had only eminated a slight chill compared to Magnificant True Heroine's tone which had dropped to absolute zero. She glared at Undeserving Usurper like her eyes shot icicles.

"I did not think it even needed to be said, but do not drag Sieg into this."

"I mean, it's going to be the afternoon, right? So we have until nighttime. We can have a bit of fun, at least..."

"No fun."

"Just a little..."

"Not even a millimeter."

His proposal utterly and thoroughly torn into so many shreds - and by Magnificant True Heroine herself, his last hope of reinforcement - Undeserving Usurper sulked and buried his face into the desk.

"Well, there goes all of his motivation. I can't help but begin to feel a sense of concern."

"Seriously..."

Both siblings were at a loss, and Chiron gave a wry smile.

"Caules and I shall change in another room, then."

"What about the clothes for us?"

"I will request that the homunculi bring you some. Oh, and Archer, your mana supply will be handled by me and Caules for the time being."

The system of mana provision set up by Gordes had been transferred to Caules, with Fiore using her own supply to make up for any shortfall. This should pose no trouble given the low chances of a battle taking place between Masters at the point. As for the homunculi, it was agreed that in exchange for residence at the castle, they would be responsible for various menial tasks - not that that would prove much different from how they had lived before.

"That is good to hear. This is the proper relationship between Master and Servant."

"Thank you."

Fiore smiled with some faint pride. Chiron and Caules walked shoulder to shoulder as they proceeded down the hallway.

"If I may ask, how much of this mana supply is provided by you, Caules?"

Caules answered sullenly, as though the question annoyed him.

"I can only provide a fifth of your total supply at most, even if you take everything I've got. Think of me as the spare battery."

"I see. It's little wonder that I do not feel as strong a connection to you."

Chiron's show of understanding and acceptance only irritated Caules more.

"Just leave it... I know she's on a completely different level when it comes to circuit quality, or quantity, or storage. I'm just a jerrycan, she's like an entire oil plant."

"Hmm. And are there any qualities where you surpass my Master?"

"Yeah... I know how to use a computer."

Chiron would have asked him how that related to one's capacity as a magus, but had decided against it. At times, a man must find his victories, no matter how small.

* * *

After a short while, some homunculi trooped into the meeting room where Magnificant True Heroine and Undeserving Usurper were waiting, carrying some modern-style clothes fit for the latter.

"We brought most of it here, but they might not match you."

"Nah, it's no problem! Hey, this is pretty cute. This, too! Let's show Master this later!"

"Where is my uncle?"

"He started drinking in the early hours in the morning, claiming that his job was done. We thank him for saving many of our kin, truly... but he is in quite a sorry state."

"I'll have a word with him when I see him..."

Fiore answered apologetically.

"Well, you two should get changed."

"Huh? And what about you?"

"Are you not coming with us, Fiore?"

With a troubled smile, Fiore turned her gaze downwards.

"As you can see, it will be somewhat difficult for me to participate in the investigation in daytime. Of course, this will not be an issue if I can use magecraft."

Fiore applied her evocation techniques and used her Bronze Link Manipulators in order to cover for her legs. But of course, it was not a Mystic Code that she could use during the day.

"Besides, I can analyse findings just as well in my own room."

"I see. So we will be acting in your place physically for the investigation."

"Correct. A homunculus well versed in magecraft shall accompany you."

At her words, a homunculus who had stayed in the room lowered her head at the two Servants. She was in the form of a young girl, greatly resembling Sieg in her features but with long hair.

"I look forward to working with you. My name is Althea."

She moved forward to shake the hands of Magnificant True Heroine and Undeserving Usurper.

"If you two could search for clues, the presence of Servants or evidence of such, then Althea could handle matters related to magecraft. I can listen in via telepathy and assess whatever you find."

Although there were many experiened magi positioned around these lands governed by the Yggdmillennia, they were not so skilled as to be able to track down or discover Servants.

It would hardly be surprising if Assassin and their Master had already infiltrated the city. The three of them had to find something, anything that could lead to Assassin before nighttime - or better yet, capture the Master.

* * *

Jack was lying in wait. Given her small frame, she could slip into well any place to begin with. By wearing the clothes that her Master had bought her in Bucharest and using her Presence Concealment, she could melt away and become a part of any crowd.

However, the streets of Trifas were narrow and there were few tourists. With the magi alerted, she could not act recklessly. In spite of that, she had already slaughtered ten magi by the end of the previous day.

She and her Mother were moving separately at the moment. They had each found perfect hideouts and would not be leaving them for the time being. In truth, she wanted Reika to play the piano for her again, but she could bear that. After all, she was skilled in ambush and as such, could keep her patience.

The enemy Servants numbered three - or was it four? There was Chiron, Undeserving Usurper, one that did not belong to the Black camp, and Siegfried. The last one was the problem, a vague enemy who was sometimes there and sometimes not.

Unlike what her appearance or speech might suggest, Jack moved with care. As a collective of revenants practically born to murder human beings, killing was neither a profession nor a hobby, but their very reason of existence - their driving purpose.

Just as others needed to prove that they stood upon this earth, so too did she kill to show that she truly existed.

Jack waited, guardedly and prudently. Her victories were always decided at night. She would never make the mistake of gambling with her life. In essence, the only question was how many windows to kill existed, and how many of them she could open.

Battle was something conducted between two individuals, but murder was a one sided affair. As such, her battle with Mordred came as a surprise even to herself.

"I lost that one, huh..."

The thought of it was enough to cause frustration to rise within her. When Jack had faced Mordred, she was certain beyond a doubt of her own defeat. Her strike could not find Mordred's throat, while the knight's sword would have split her head in two. Their differences in parameters, the disadvantageous battlefield, their ranks as heroic spirits - these elements and more all converged to work against her.

However, she believed that the situation would not have been impossible to overturn. Raw strength could be overcome by technique and skill. Once night arrived and she faded away, there was no one who could recognise her.

There was one more thing she knew. No hero of any stature would stand a chance against her once she had killed their Master - and to her, magi were no more difficult prey than the prostitutes of London.

* * *

Achilles yawned the long drawn yawn of a man with too much free time.

"Sure is a lot of nothing going on."

"Indeed."

The one who answered him was Atalanta. Given that they were in a garden floating in the sky, they could not simply go for a stroll outside. It had been barely half a day and both Servants were already overwhelmed with boredom.

"Too monotonous, is it?"

It was Shirou Kotomine, the one who had become the Master of the two, followed by his original Servant, Semiramis.

"Pretty much. And you said that the Black camp will arrive in three days' time?"

"That's right. Most likely, they need to acquire mounts with which to pursue this garden... so depending on the situation, it may take them even longer than that."

Both Servants began to voice their discontent. Semiramis sighed as she said.

"A mere three days, nothing more. But I suppose it is the same lack of forebearance what makes the stuff of heroes running headlong into battle."

"If you're picking a fight, you've got one."

Shirou calmed the two as they glared at one another.

"The both of you, please. And Archer, on that note, there's something that I want to ask of you."

"Hm...?"

Atalanta frowned at the appointment, her face one of suspicion.

"I would like for you to act as a scout and observe the Black camp. Normally, the Assassin class would be most fitting with their Presence Concealment skill, but... well..."

Shirou glanced at Semiramis, who averted her gaze with some displeasure.

"Ah, yes, if you could even call <em>that</em> an Assassin."

"Does she even have that skill? I suppose there's no other choice!"

Semiramis scowled at the laughing pair, becaming more and more aggravated. Shirou placated her as he spoke again.

"As such, I believe that you are the most suited for this task."

"And me?"

"Unfortunately, I can say with some certainty that there is none among us less suited to a reconnaissance mission."

Shirou maintained his pleasant expression as he promptly rejected Achilles' suggestion.

"I see. And how will I return?"

"As your Master, we are connected spiritually. Call for me in your mind, and I can recall you. Even if the Ruler on the other side gives you a command, I can use my own Command Spells to cancel them out."

Spatial displacement via magecraft was a mystery that was practically magic. Of course, it was a craft utterly beyond Shirou, whose only magical learnings were baptismal rites. However, the Command Spells could make up for that.

"You would use a Command Spell for such a petty matter?"

"I don't mind. The Command Spells from the other Masters have been passed on to me. Unlike her, who was summoned as a Ruler, I can even use all of my Command Spells on a single Servant. We still have spares from Berserker, so it won't be an issue."

In other words, it meant that no amount of Magic Resistance would allow them to oppose him.

"Hmph. Very well. If it could help stave off this tedium... acting as a scout will prove no trouble for me."

"Thank you. Then I shall leave the matter to you."

With a light nod, Atalanta faded away in spirit form.

"Well, Master? Isn't there anything for me to do?"

"Hm... I do believe Caster is looking to recruit an assistant."

"No."

In this case, being an assistant meant picking out the selected resource out of the mountains of books and then standing there with it open for him to read.

"How about some light sparring with Lancer, then?"

"That's another no."

"Oh? And to think the brave Achilles would ever turn away from a fight!"

Semiramis laughed merrily, perhaps as revenge for the slights earlier. Achilles snorted and grumbled.

"For your information, there's no such thing as a 'light sparring' with Lancer. Once we start, it won't end until one of us wins and kills the other."

"Could you not hold back your strength a little?"

"It would be the gravest of insults to hold back against the greatest hero of India. When our spears cross, it <em>will</em> be to the death."

Acknowledging his words, Semiramis stopped laughing. As an empress and a schemer, there was no way for her to understand whatever it was that the two Servants felt. However, even if it appeared from her perspective two fools clinging to nothings, it would not do to bruise them with her laughter. A true fool was she who would sully the pride of a hero.

"I see... but we can't have you leaving this garden in case the unthinkable were to happen. I do wish we could do something to relieve your boredom."

"I can hold back just fine if <em>you</em> fight me."

With a chuckle, Achilles challenged him. There was a gulf of difference between the globally famed Achilles and Amakusa Shirou Tokisada, minor hero of the Far East. Everything from their deeds in life to their very origins were incomparable in scale. Achilles was about to laugh it off as a joke to the glaring Semiramis.

"I'm all right with that. After all, I also have little to do until the Greater Grail stabilises."

They froze. For a moment, neither Achilles nor Semiramis could comprehend their Master's words.

"Assassin, if you could lend me a spear and a sword from your dragon tooth warriors. Far better than using our own weapons."

"Wait, wait, hold up... are you insane?"

"Well, even I'm not too sure about that..."

Answering in an even tone, Shirou held out a hand to Semiramis. Achilles was utterly dumbstruck, and it took a while before he started roaring with laughter.

"Are you stupid, Master?! I know you're a Heroic Spirit, but you really think you can face me? Me, who outfought the armies of Troy?"

His words contained no mockery, only honesty - and anger. Achilles knew of the particulars of the hero they called Amakusa Shirou Tokisada, but not so far as his combat abilities. However, Achilles took pride in knowing that he had fought and won against greater odds than would be possible for anyone else. Shirou facing him was nothing less than an assault on that pride.

However, Shirou received Achilles' rage with an air of impassiveness, and took the sword prepared by Semiramis in his hand while tossing the spear to Achilles.

"I apologise if I have damaged your pride. But if you still wish to be relieved of your boredom... I am always ready and willing."

Shirou brought the sword to bear. An ill tempered Achilles faced away and turn his back on Shirou.

Before one could even blink, metal was grinding against metal.

With no buildup, the spear was thrust like a bullet fired from a gun. That Shirou could even react in time to receive it was shocking enough on its own. Achilles sighed, sounding slightly impressed. He pulled back on the thrust spear and twirled it as he slid into a stance.

"So you managed to deal with that one, huh... all right. Let's do this."

"I do hope you will go easy on me..."

"Oh, I don't know about that. I was born like this, you see. I can count the number of times I've ever held back in a fight!"

'Instant' was all too long a word to describe the speed at which Achilles stepped in to attack. The spear had shot forward and already reached Shirou before his brain could comprehend what was happening. In place than his mind, his body reacted, barely managing to turn aside the blow. Their game of death had begun.

[Iceblade44]

God damn it canon.


Very grateful for the translation, thank you very much. But the edits...

I dont know who to blame for this, you or Raff.

[Phil12]

Thanks for the translation. I'd imagine Rafflesiac is crying right now

[Rafflesiac]

<em>huh, I might have to change my sig at this rate</em>

<em>but it wasn't every remaining portion at once, only 3/10 I'm afraid</em>