Part 110: Update XCVI - Great problem at the archery club

Update XCVI - Great problem at the archery club

This update covers the events of Updates XV to XVII.

Music: School IV




He may look weak, but don't judge a book by its cover. Letting our guard down could prove fatal. This one's Master looks very capable; unlike poor El Draque whose Master was a jackass. In any case, I think this duo will prove to be a challenge. Do not stint in your preparations.







A confrontation with them is almost assured. Make sure that you're prepared before entering. If there is anything you feel needs your immediate attention, I advise you take care of it now.



Let us be on our way, then. Our opponents will not be the same as before, so do not be complacent.

Music: Breach




You have to keep it together, Master. You're just begging to be attacked, standing still like that.

The sound of Archer's calm voice brings me back to reality and frees up my previously paralyzed thoughts. I'm okay now. —I can move my feet and hands.



He conceals himself in order to fight from a position of unassailability— A wise tactic to use, enemy or not.

Archer furrows his brow for an instant, a silent criticism of my momentary display of anxiety.



That's a simple enough task. Once we destroy the source, all of this should disappear. Let's get a move on, Master. There's no reason to let this continue any longer than necessary.



This poison should clear if we destroy it.

See the tree.



Eavesdrop on Dan.







On one hand, rushing in blindly like this is a bit out of character for Archer.

On the other, giving his Master a chance to get herself killed to try and make her sharpen up is very in character for Archer.

Let's stay quiet.

While quieting my breathing I give Archer a meaningful glance, who raises a questioning eyebrow in return. Attacking now would be a bad idea, especially since I can probably get a lot of information just by listening.





but just randomly spreading poison around like he did was just pathetic, not to mention gross pollution.





And the tree.



Magic flows from where the tree towers over the Arena. There is so much of it that those who are unprepared would drown in poison.





Music: First Chimeric Lunar Sea - First Floor




Gain a level on the way to the Trigger.



You still don't have your memories, and you fought against a friend. I'm willing to overlook your flaws... I probably shouldn't have said that.

Talk to Archer.



Okay, we've found a Trigger.

Get the Trigger.



Gain another level.



Leave.



Music: School III


But, here's the good news, Master. The two of them don't trust each other, and we can exploit that.









Music: School IV


So you don't get slaughtered when it's time to face him, why don't you train a little in the Arena?



Meet Rani for the third and final time.



To be blunt, you are far too open about yourself. Think of this as a warning to be more cautious.



Spend SP.





The counterpart to Red Hound - Weaken, Red Hound - Fatigue needs another stack of Projection and trades the Defense debuff for a Strength debuff. Archer takes the longest to get his defensive Skill out of all three Servants, so being able to blunt enemy hits will go a long way until then.



And off to go grab that stuff for Rani.

Music: First Chimeric Lunar Sea - First Floor




Be careful. This enemy Servant lives to exploit weaknesses.











Gain a level.



Show off Archer's new move.



It has the exact same animation as the other, albeit with a different colored arrow, but that's just Extra being Extra.



Get the last of Rani's bits.



And leave.



Music: School III




Music: None




It'd be a poor joke if we were jumped from behind while you searched for hidden Folders. ...I hate being taken by surprise. But if we do go Folder hunting, we commit fully or don't do it at all.

Get an optional chat from Archer. This one is for opening 20 Folders.







Grab another Skill for him while we're at it.



Going along with Tamamo's Break buff and Nero's (inital) Attack buff, Archer gets a Guard buff.

Considering how Nero's three buffs breaks this neat little triangle, I wonder if the devs just couldn't figure out other Skills to fill her kit and just gave her more buffs to make up for it. Not a lot of ways you can simply smack an enemy, after all.

Anyways, Fortification is... decent? Like yeah, good use of it will let you cap out your Projection stacks for only 20 MP, but it falls for the usual Extra issue where you just aren't guessing on commands by end game. That means you're entirely dependant on Attacks being revealed to get the most out of this.



And go hit Robin's ambush.



Even if Archer hadn't warned me, I know moving will be fatal. I can feel someone watching me. There's no doubt that I am being stalked by a Servant.

There's no time to determine the extent of the threat. When I give you the signal, run.



I try to calm down and prepare for action as Archer and I make eye contact. One, two, three?



Music: Fear








Well, I'm not crazy enough to play along. Let's go someplace we can get a clear view, Master.













Bye, Robin.







But awe isn't what I should be feeling. I should be ashamed at my own incompetence. Sorry, Master. But, no true harm was done. Just rest for now. Holy Grail War rules protect Master safety on campus. As long as you're here, the poison won't get worse. First thing tomorrow morning, it's the nurse's office for you. We'll resume fighting after you're healed.



Next time: Archer on Archer violence.