Part 105: Update XCI - So, it's strong

Update XCI - So, it's strong

This update covers the events of Update LXVII to LXIX.



Music: School II






Instead, you should speak to me. It is boring to be left alone. Inappropriate as it is for me to say, have not all your opponents up to now been greater than you? Yet, with tenacious persistence, you were able to overcome them! Why should you cower now? You are not alone. I am your companion, as is Rani. You can overcome any blows, as I will suffer those blows with you.

...That's right. Not a single fight has been easy. I just need to do the same thing one more time. Just once more. I shouldn't worry, because I have Rani as my ally.



Talk to Rani to start the next leg of the week.



Check the Multimedia Room.



Julius has barred the way so that no other may enter. Even in death he confounds our plans!



And off to grab the feather.

Music: Fourth Chimeric Lunar Sea - First Floor






I'm sure that it will have a number of his thoughts and memories embedded in it.



Done.



Music: School III




Music: School II






Talk to Rani.



See Leo.



And back in we go.

Music: Fourth Chimeric Lunar Sea - Second Floor








Gain a level.



It is nothing. It just reminds me of the sunset I saw in my last moments.

Talk with Nero.



...Praetor. As long as I am by your side, you will never meet such an end. And whenever your end does arrive, I wish for you to know no more than the feeling of peaceful slumber.

Another talk with Nero.



And Leo.



Your Servant only chimes in after this choice. Refusing Leo leads to:





Whatever sort of holy sword you have, I will show you how your boastful chivalry mishandles it.





Words cannot substitute for the truths in our swords. I will judge your loyalty!

While agreeing with Leo gets you:



However, his vision is dismal! He would have his people be as wretchedly stagnant as corpses. Struggle makes life beautiful— From the moment of birth, we fight to survive and grow.

Then after Hakuno refuses Leo:

You are wise, Praetor. We must give that youngster a bit of a scolding. With a king like that, no matter how his nation flourishes, it will be no more than a paradise for zombies!

And now everything links up.



Allow me a bit of entertainment. Besides, that pretentious knight needs a little chastising!













Hmph, you have nothing but your foolishness to blame.

Saber puffs out her chest in pride as she goads him.







So, this is the last cipher key. Praetor, I am so moved by our efforts I could burst into song! In the Coliseum, we shall sing a dirge for that miniature emperor— No, for the sun itself!

And that's every trigger for this playthrough.



I gain one more level.



And leave.



Music: School III




Music: Down to Dawn










Are you sure you haven't forgotten to glean the cipher keys or perform an Alteration of the Soul?

Hearing familiar words from my Servant calms me. I'd really like to save myself the embarrassment of losing by default in the finals. Just in case, I should check the cipher key display on my terminal. Also, I need to finish all my other preparations today. Visiting the commissary, performing an Alteration of the Soul, training in the Arena—it's all necessary. I should do everything I need to. I can't be too careful, either.



Go say hi to Rani and Leo.



Get the last room decoration.





The room at the start, for comparison.



Cash in that 6 SP.



In.



Gain one last level before Leo.



Out.



Music: School III


Much has happened since you chose me as your Servant, when I think back on it. —It was wonderful. Marvelous. Our story has a magnificent arc to it, one that my former self would adore. No! What gloomy talk! I cannot abide by it! Let us focus on the grand finale! Tomorrow, I will swing my sword in a blaze of glory for you! Let us present a grand finale that will dazzle all who see! Command me passionately until I am spent!





Music: None






We're just a bit off from maxing Strength...



And off to go fight Leo.

Music: Duel - Prelude to Confrontation


Thankfully, despite Leo having the largest pre-fight conversation, this is the only choice that has your Servant chime in.



Though we're both Sabers, I'm way out of that watchdog's league.







Petitioning my opponent for their agreement at the moment would only reflect poorly on your reputation.



Hey, guard dog. Can you not speak unless your Master allows you to?

No. I simply have no need to speak, red-clad tyrant. I belong mind, body and soul to my Master. Therefore, my Master's words are the same as mine would be.



Answer me this. If your Master ordered you to slay a dear friend, would you obey that command?

Without question. I would do any sort of thing my Master commanded, no matter how disgraceful. I fully trust my Master to steer my sword true. In your example, my friend would have done something to deserve my blade.

Hmnm! Fascinating. You've piqued my interest. Please, continue your nonsense.





I could not be pressed into the task even with the use of a Command Seal.

But listen, knight of the sun. It's pointless to direct that question at me.

Why is that?



You've deluded yourself. Hoping to see your desires carried out by your Master is nothing but disloyalty.



I'm enjoying being used as a knight, though my true rank is far higher.



Does that make you one of those avaricious swine who value fortune over loyalty?



...Well, your sense of loyalty is twisted. Allow me to straighten it for you on the battlefield.







Music: Duel - Kill Or Be Killed


Although I'm afraid I'll miss you, I have to keep going. This is it, Gawain. Utilize your sword's full capacity, for me.

I have waited for those words. My body will be your blade, and I will cut a path to the throne for you!



Because, the boy you call Master is far from being a true king.

You two are too innocent to win.





I pity you, hopeful heir, for you have never known defeat. Having never felt pain, your emotions are fragile and untested. If you were to suffer defeat, you would be devastated—

While Tamamo dances around what Leo was lacking, Nero goes right for the throat.





You see only "the perfect king." Unless you also support his politics, you're nothing but a faithful dog.



A knight is the sword of his lord, and perishes with him at the end of his time. You can't be taking issue with that. I've devoted my being to my Master. Any knight who would give less than that has impure motives.



Honorable as it may be to perish alongside your Master, risking your life blindly is suicide. Knight of the Sun, your righteousness prevented you from correcting your Master. A fatal mistake.





Therefore, no matter who I serve, as long as I stay true to myself, I see nothing wrong!





Rainbows shine because they are illuminated by the sun.

Perfect king, faithful sword. Let us see your limits!



Video: Week 7 Elimination Battle (Saber ver.)








Well said, king-in-training! My sword will tell if there's truly a sun that will never set!

We're playing as Nero, with a strategy that's been effectively unchanged throughout the entire game.



Take a guess how the fight turns out.



The only thing to watch out for is that Excalibur Galatine also ignores Guard, just like our own NP.





Bye, Leo.

Next time: The answer to an age old question.