Oh yeah, anything about Seimei in the event? He said he was keeping an eye on Douman to make sure he doesn't cause too many issues.
Oh yeah, anything about Seimei in the event? He said he was keeping an eye on Douman to make sure he doesn't cause too many issues.
That's what Nagiko is there for, though.
(I am only half-joking, I do have a Seimei copium theory involving her though.)
NGL, if it turns out Lady Avalon is a Beast pretending to be a Servant, that'd be insanely pog. My only wish is that Arthur gets involved too.
Thank you Douman for confirming all my suspicions of you, you never let me down
funny thing about Doman is he's desperately trying to be no.1 (surpassing Seimei) or villain boss but he's not suited for that role.
he's better at being right hand man.
You are approaching Skadi's castle. There haven't been any interference from the ice fishes as last time. Strange, given how they're closer to Skadi than ever... Well, Servants with Grails are fickle things: they sometimes even use it to cook rice. Speaking of rice, Gareth is hungry. Not to worry, Goredolf will pack extra. Percival's figure overlaps with Goredolf for a second. Oh, younglings and their appetite. Lady Avalon protests she's young too, you know, Merlin's younger sister. Goredolf is a bit perplexed, but agrees to pack some more food for her too, before going off to the kitchen.
A bit later, Douman walks in on everyone eating, happily taking for himself a coffee. That said, Douman wanted to propose staying behind on the ship again. Asclepius looks suspicious so Lady Avalon offers to keep on eye on him. This prompts Fou to insist on staying as well. The Valkyries on the other hand wish to come with you, as to not be outdone by the new Valkyries. And, to everyone's surprise, Goredolf wants to come along for this area. He feels responsible given it was Chaldea's Servants who created this Singularity. He is a specialist when it comes to negotiation!
---
You arrive at the gates of the castle, where there is a plaza. Mashu reports a magical energy detection right ahead. Skadi shows herself in the flesh, a bit incredulous you'd head straight for her instead of enjoying summer some more: couldn't you take at least a week, or maybe even a month, per area? Anyway, she knew they'd head for her, that's why she put up the seals, at least 3 of which needed to be breached before they could arrive at her castle.
You ask Skadi about her motivations: she decided to create eternal summer. Or rather, it was decided she had to do so. Everyone gets caught up on her correction. The Valkyries realize Skadi hasn't changed her mind, and are about to engage in combat. Skadi wants nothing to do with fighting: this place is for enjoying summer. Sadly she doesn't have enough resources right now for hosting them, so she kindly asks they go to some other area for now. Please leave.
You refuse, approaching her steadily. Skadi gets a bit flustered, but eventually summons her Valkyries in response. They said they wouldn't fight you in Ericeland, but Skadi is in trouble, so no choice. She's not used to being so exposed like in her current swimsuit; easily embarrassed. Skadi blushes, telling them they've said too much. You compliment Skadi on her swimsuit, who gets further flustered. Asclepius bitterly comments on how this thousand year old goddess is acting like an innocent maiden, to which Skadi has finally had enough: go forth, my Valkyries!
Your Valkyries get ready to answer the new ones when... Goredolf shouts to not fight for such silly reasons. He continues interrogating Skadi: how come this isn't a Micro Singularity that'll disappear on it own, but rather something they have to deal with? That's a pretty big difference. Just what did she do? Skadi stays quiet, an uneasy expression on her face. Finally, she starts her evil cackling. She is the Polar Queen of Summer, the one who brings eternal summer. That won't change by a little talking! Go forth, Valkyries! Ortlinde answers dutifully to her call! No, not you.
Before battle can break out, a voice calls out to Skadi. It's Caenis! Following closely behind is Caster Cu. They'll help you out in the battle.
--- [Battle against <Valkyries + Skadi (afflicted with <Weakening>)+ Arctic Fish>] ---
Wait, how come Skadi is so weak? More than happy for the win, Yan Qing is worried about her. Honestly, the fishes were the strongest ones here, more so than even the Valkyries. Caster Cu compels her to spill the beans, better than disappearing. You're shocked to hear her situation is so bad she's about to disappear. But instead of complying, Skadi goes into spirit form and runs away. The new Valkyries remain, and confirm Cu's words: Skadi is indeed so low on magical energy she's on the verge of death.
---
You go back to your ship, Douman surprised that you've brought what was supposed to be your enemy in the new Valkyries with you. Lady Avalon continues to keep an eye on him.
You begin questioning the new Valkyries about Skadi's condition. They explain Skadi left the development of the areas entirely to the other Servants, putting no limit on the amount of magical energy they could use. Not even the Holy Grail could keep up with the sheer demand, so Skadi had to stand in for what was missing. What a reckless notion. Yet Skadi persisted in her dream of making sure everyone could enjoy summer to the fullest.
There must be some reason Skadi is so obsessed with that, but the new Valkyries don't know what it could be. In any case, this is why they had to inspect each area to make sure the magical energy was being used properly. She was so weak she didn't even eat her shaved ice souvenir from last area... They really want to do something. She's not quite the Skadi they're used to, but she is their Master, and has a tint of their father (Odin) to her. Almost like a foster parent.
Asclepius brings out his diagnosis: if this goes on, she'll die, and then her Chaldean Saint Graph will go with her. That said, the treatment is obvious. They just have to stop the flow of magical energy from her to everyone else. To be more precise, they have to cut off the magical energy routes from Skadi to the different areas. They're maintained by Skadi's powerful runes, so that's difficult. But there is an easy way to circumvent it: just retrieve the Grail and everything will solve itself. Truly simple.
Cu agrees with the reasoning. There's only one problem: the Grail isn't in the castle! Dantes appears out of thing air, cackling madly as usual. Indeed, the Grail is not with Skadi's castle, it is in the tower at furthest end of the Singularity. He hasn't tracked down the identity of the actual culprit, but they are no doubt there. The tower repels even his black flames: surely a worthy foe! You must pursue the queen about it further! Dantes disappears.
Asclepius thinks back to how Skadi couldn't quite say she decided on making the Singularity herself: it was decided, etc. He asks the new Valkyries about it. They say Skadi felt happiness at making people enjoy summer, but always had a sad look on her face when it came to this "was decided" thing. Regardless, it seems someone else is behind the Singularity, rather than Skadi. Why'd she have to pretend to be a villain?! This is that whole Shakespearean thing about how poor communication kills! Back in Chaldea, Shakespeare sneezes, someone must've been criticizing him!
To summarize: get the grail, solve the issue. The grail isn't in Skadi's castle, but in the tower: let's call it "Arctic Tower".
The new Valkyries reveal that to get there, you need to unseal 3 more areas: including the castle. By the way, this area's seal also corresponds to the castle gates, so you'll be able to get in after that. Well, we know what to do. so let's get going! Caenis and Cu will go to the tower directly, using Caenis' Ocean Authority. Maybe they'll be able to accomplish something on their own.
Douman and Lady Avalon have been quietly observing the proceedings...
Dantes really appears, makes a comment, then disappears in no time flat is just so wow lol
Par for the course with him.
You get back to the castle, Goredolf still in tow. The new Valkyries explain that this area wasn't meant to be an entertainment facility, more a landmark. Wait, doesn't that mean we're screwed? But it's still too early to give up! The Valkyries recognize the voice: it's Brynhildr! The new Valkyries squeel in excitement, their first time meeting her. And wherever Brynhildr goes, so does Sigurd. He's got a plan! You can count of the strongest Germanic couple of the north! Back at Lady Avalon's park, Kriemhild together with Siegfried sneezes. Siegfried explains its an eastern saying that one sneezes when being spoken of elsewhere.
Sigurd is about to explain his plan to the new Valkyries, who in return enter combat mode. No matter their relation in Chaldea, Sigurd and Brynhildr's outcome was a tragic one in legend. No wonder they'd oppose him, much like the original Valkyries used to do. Sigurd understands, he will accept their feelings, physically! He requests Brynhildr fight on their side. He must accept everyone's love! A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.
--- [Battle against <Valkyries + Brynhildr> (Sigurd forced Support with <Taunt>)] ---
Sigurd emerges from the battle covered in blood: no problem! All he did was accept Brynhildr's love, after all! She goes in for a hug, and once again massive amounts of blood comes pouring out of Sigurd. But he shall never fall to love! Gareth comments that love sure is amazing. Tne Valkyries give up: the great hero is too strong. They settle down, besides, they can't kill him anyway. Impossible! They apologize for the trouble.
Anyway, with that over, Asclepius asks about Sigurd's plan again. Right. First, he needs to you look around you. See the plaza? Given all the space, there's only one thing to do, right? They should hold a Hero Show!
---
To make the plan brief: gather customers through the hero show, but don't take entrance fees, instead, use the various stands and other accomodations to then serve the customers and so attain the sales you need. Asclepius isn't quite sure what this whole 'hero show' thing even entails. Erice explains its something like a play; theatre. It's usually full of action and popular with kids, and some adults.
Goredolf is absorbed in his imagination but comes back to reality to say that they can't exactly violate copyrights here, even if the Earth is bleached, it's gotta be an original scenario. Sigurd has already decided on his role, at least, and transforms into his red-eyed Surtr form. Brynhildr's glasses darken: she's got confidence in playing a villain too. The Valkyries might as well play the mooks then.
But who will play the hero? No problem, you have a good idea, but first, let's get some stands. Yan Qing notes there were a lot in the first area. He'll head over and negotiate. Gareth wants to come too. Though they should stop by in Raikou's area so they can get Murasaki to help transporting them; she's a Rider after all. Might as well get some manjuus to sell as well.
Some time later, MHXX has arrived and is going through the stands you've brought over. She's excited about the food, but like usual, has money troubles, this time because of bad multiverse accounting. You call out to Mashu: found her! Luring her out with some food stands worked. Now, this is a real hero kinda hero, admits Goredolf. You order Yan Qing to commence the plan.
Yan Qing walks up to MHXX, and offers her some fried squid, to which she happily obliges. Just as she's in the middle of enjoying it, you walk up on her and strike a job offer. She's immediately suspicious and refuses, but more offers of fried squid immediately breaks down her resistance.
The show has begun: Sigurd introduces himself as Death Sword Fire, of the Dark R.O.U.N.D.S, remnants of the evil Space Shinkageryuu. By some coincidence, he has ended up on Earth, and decided to unleashed a sealed demon: Chainsaw Girl! Brynhildr takes the stage. Not only that, but his squad of Robotic Evilkyries as well! Erice urges to crowd to call for their hero: MHXX!! The crowd is filled with child Servants, who call out for her. Melt has brought Taisui as well. His upbringing can't all be fine art, sometimes these easy to understand good beats evil stories are needed as well.
MHXX takes the stage: if there are children who call her name, the Galactic Policewoman must answer! She changes into her armored form. You have a right to choose how to get executed! The children cheer. Sigurd whispers to MHXX to fight as they've rehearsed.
--- [Battle against <Valkyries + Chainsaw Girl + Death Sword Fire>] ---
The Evil is defeated, for now. Death Sword Fire takes his mooks and retreats. For Polar Justice! MHXX is victorious. Erice calls for the crowd to thank their hero.
It appears the hero show is having its effect, tons of customers are showing up. They'll soon have hit their sales quota. Goredolf praises the special effects: good enough to even satisfy the adults the audience, no doubt! You must thank Lady Avalon and her illusions for the help with that. Anyway, she'll get back to the ship: she doesn't want to keep Gareth waiting, since she took over as Douman's watcher.
Goredolf discusses the next phase of their plan: once the gates open, you'll rush in and secure Skadi. It's for her own safety.
---
You hit the sales quota, and the gates open. Only Skadi can be detected inside.
Once inside, you are confronted by Skadi not in her swimsuit, but her normal dress and glasses. Yan Qing speculates that Ascension takes less magical energy to maintain. Goredolf feels its a bit of a far-fetched notion that putting on glasses would help, but Skadi affirms. She gets so nervous in her swimsuit, that's all.
The Valkyries try to desperately convince Skadi to stop supporting the Singularity, but she can't let another world down. Suddenly, you are assaulted by something; a vision. It describes a scene where Skadi was given the Holy Grail by an unknown individual (with a very peculiar way of speaking, perhaps nnnnn-like), themselves commanded to do so by some other. They were to find someone whose love matched the vision of their master, and Skadi was most fitting. Skadi resists, saying it would cause Chaldea trouble, but the individual persists: if the world is gone, would it not be best to make a new one? Skadi can't let another world disappear! She'll take the Grail. The two of them wish for eternal summer, even if it will prove ephemeral.
You wake up, everyone gathered around you worried. But you're fine. You confront Skadi about what you saw; about how she got the Grail from someone else. So there was someone behind it... Enter: Douman. Why, if the goddess wished for eternal summer, why not let her? You promptly question him. Douman. Yes? Did you give the Grail to Skadi? Yes. Why? Douman asks back. Are you not surprised at his betrayal? Not a single person shows a single lick of surprise.
Goddammit Douman, this is the second summer in a row, do you never learn? He did learn, actually! The problem last time was that he didn't have any summer clothes! Surely things will go differently this time. Asclepius has long since prepared for this though, and unleashes a spell he's received from Medea and Circe. But to no use, the Douman just now was a mere puppet, a pinata puppet at that. Bad Aned, don't eat it! Seems Douman anticipated that Asclepius anticipated Douman's betrayal.
Goredolf wonders if Douman really is the true culprit. You mention the other person he mentioned in your vision, in addition, he didn't seem as worked up as he usually is. Douman wasn't just 'Nnnnnn' this time around, but 'Nnnmnnn', after all! There is something else going on.
At seeing this play out, Skadi finally agrees to give up supporting the Singularity. At the words, suddenly the castle doors swing open, and Nightingale rushes onto the scene. Doctor, patient spotted! Asclepius responds, but Nightingale points to Paracelsus beside her. They've been acting as medics for the whole Singularity. They'll take his help regardless. this patient requires immediate attention. Anyway, Asclepius will stay behind for Skadi's treatment. All Valkyries aside from Rindr and Ortlinde stay behind as well.
The rest of you will head out for the next area come morning.
I can't believe the lesson he took from being stuffed into a fucking jar was "dress for the occasion"
- - - Updated - - -
Also it is interesting that Douman doesn't seem to be as into it, usually he's always downright giddy for a good old betrayal
i do not know if asclepius ever really showed up before this, but between yuka kshetra, his interlude i just read couple days ago, and now this event, he's a really good character and ive really been liking him
Last edited by castor212; August 13th, 2022 at 10:53 AM.
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Currently (like, actually) finishing Apocrypha 3
He has some brief side stories in summers 4 and I think 5 as well. He's generally fun yeahOriginally Posted by castor212
I still remember the speculation he would revive someone in lb5.....
He's practically become Chaldea's Starscream at this point.
Oh, Ibuki banner becomes available before the next story chapter. I guess I will wait for videos to appear then, so far I'm 98% convinced I will roll her but I want to check her animations and ascensions first.
Omg those reactions during Douman betrayal lmaooo
Hilarious
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Currently (like, actually) finishing Apocrypha 3
The big bad has to be Merlin, right? I mean, since Douman is just a middle man, it's either her or Ed.
Ed?
Isn't that sad, Amakusa, Mephistopheles?
At least Eurice was caught off guard.
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