Part 120: Update CVI - Morning in the Emiya Household

Update CVI - Morning in the Emiya Household







Hard to believe we're just a few updates away from finishing this!



Music: School I




The time has come, Master. Are you ready? That Leo boy is exceptionally talented. You can't fudge your way through this one.



However, the cracks you've always had haven't disappeared. You'll need more than luck to hold out.

It's like taking on a fortress empty-handed. Silly idea, right?

But a fun one. I'll make a confession, this being the end and all. I think our best weapon is creativity, Master. Seeing how far you've come, it's okay to believe in yourself. And hey, believe in me, too.



I believe in you.



Anyway, I'm just stroking my ego, getting you to say you believe in me so late in the game. But, since I know you DO believe in me, I will sunder that king's saber for you.

~

I'm stronger than you now.

Hahaha, tell me what you really think. I never expected you to be the type to hold a grudge. That's digging back to when we first met. You've been upset that long? But it's true, you've grown.

I'm glad you have. I'll try to blow away your expectations one more time, Master.

~~



At first, you were distressed and full of despair-



Let's go, Master. Life is short, so we have to live without regret.



And then, Archer quietly disappears. Right... This is the last time Archer and I will fight side by side. My Servant always tries to hide behind caustic words, but I know what he really meant. He's a tin soldier, a broken hero in a thankless role. You can't help but feel humbled by him. That's why I'll thank him in a way that doesn't rely on the slippery meaning of words. I'll give my Servant a send-off that will make him smile. I'll grasp victory so soundly that he'll be rendered speechless— I can think of no better gift.

Music: Down to Dawn


This is a normal chat for Archer today.

I'm not quite sure how that would even work, so I guess I'll just leave the topic alone for the time being. Being a Heroic Spirit, he must've done something spectacular in the past, like kill a leviathan.



Sadly, none of my achievements have ever reached such lofty and mythological heights. Most of the things I did were well within my capabilities, but... Actually, I'm kind of overlooking the event that got me recognized as a Heroic Spirit after I died. It was one of those situations where it was impossible to go it alone— you'd need someone's help. It also marked the last time I was able to save everyone. There must've been ten thousand people all told—

Ten thousand...! I can see why he became a Heroic Spirit...but what exactly did he do?



All I did on my own was get inside the core. Including bypassing security, it was a lot like... Well, picture running through ten levels of the Arena in less than an hour.

He says all of this like it was no big deal. I can't quite imagine how deadly the situation was, but the words "nuclear meltdown" are a pretty good indication that any sensible person would've run away.





I got like this using thaumaturgy, not because I was toasted by radiation. Are you done insulting me?

He seems genuinely angry. It's times like this that I have to endure Archer's grizzled old man lectures. ...But at least I got an answer out of him. Archer is actually a hero, even if he doesn't think so himself.

~

So our next opponent is that young king? He doesn't seem the type to use cheap tricks. I guess it's one of those "things have come to a head" situations. At this point, I have nothing left to say. Whether we live or die is all up to you. All I can do now is follow your lead.

And his generic chat.



A chat by the Arena.



If you're not up to this yet, you can always go back to your room.

Jeez, Archer! He has always come off sarcastic, but I know how much he cares, deep down. He's stood by me through a lot of challenges. I wouldn't be here if not for him. We've shared so many things. That makes even this scenery I've seen thousands of times special.



Do you expect to function properly in that state? This is serious... ...Oh, now that I think about it, you haven't had a single day off since this tournament started. Rest for a day. It's okay, I don't mind. And I don't think you'll be disqualified as a Master.

I should say something. I feel bad for Archer, getting more and more off target. What if I stay silent like this? I bet he'll talk himself into a corner. Haha...



Let's hurry to the Arena, Master. If you're feeling that well, the battle will go in our favor.



There is a gleam in Archer's eyes as he disappears, leading the way. This past week has been enjoyable because I've been with Archer. I sincerely believe that. But still the hour of battle draws ever closer. The final battle. No matter how the Holy Grail War ends, I'll be parted from him.



And off to go kill Julius.

Music: Fear




Archer seems really on edge. But they're right; this feeling isn't coming from either Leo or Gawain. In fact, I'm almost sure that I've felt this feeling of hatred before. But, how is it—?

Could it really be—? You can never be too prepared. Proceed with caution, Master.





Bing.





Bang.





Bong.





And here we are.



Master, once we go forward, you will be fighting the most dangerous opponent you have ever faced. This battle has nothing to do with the war. It is all about one person who wants to take your life at any cost. There is no escaping from the Arena now. This is a do-or-die situation, Master.

lol



Music: Duel - Kill Or Be Killed


My Servant mumbled mysteriously under his breath.

...Oh, I see now. That arm isn't his. Julius must've taken another Master's arm—!

Julius must've ambushed a great number of Masters and killed them. He somehow managed to preserve one of his victim's arms and appropriate their Command Seal. I wonder which Master's arm he stole. What if that arm belonged to the Master of Berserker?

...This isn't good. It seems Assassin somehow managed to weasel his way into the Berserker class as well. Anyway— The other Servant probably wasn't an assassin, but a crazed warrior of some kind.





SHUT UP! I haven't had anything like shame from the beginning!











Music: School III


What's more baffling than that zombie is the fact we haven't seen our opponent once in the Arena. That little king doesn't seem like the type to lay traps, but you can never be too careful.





Music: School II




And it'd be asinine to have any sympathy for him, as who are we to pass judgment on his life? The only thing we know for sure is that he tried his hardest to defeat you and failed. The only thing you need to remember from all of this is that only the final result matters.

...That may be true. Just like Archer says, Julius's life was his own. I can't take responsibility for how he led it.





Talk to Rin.



Spend SP.



Talk to Archer.

Archer seems unusually subdued. It seems as if there is something on his mind that's bothering him.



Although Archer seems to be back to normal, it's obvious that his bravado is slightly forced. If there is something bothering him, maybe I can help. Looking at him, I ask...



Is something bothering you?

Although my question seems to catch Archer off-guard, he just answers it with a sigh and a rueful shake of his head.



~

Do you have a stomach ache?

Ah, abuse. And to think, for a brief moment, that I thought you were concerned about me. So much for wishful thinking... And there isn't a food around that could upset my stomach!

I didn't expect my question to set him off like this. I never pegged Archer as a gourmand. With that aside...

~~

After hesitating for a few seconds, Archer begins speaking.



Servants called to fight in the SE.RA.PH's version of the Holy Grail War must obey one rule. The ban on combat on campus only pertains to Masters. Servants aren't obliged to follow it. If you're willing to accept the penalties, you can attack your foe at any time while on campus. But there is one restriction that cannot be circumvented nor will it ever be ignored... Any actions that threaten the Moon Cell, the system which runs the SE.RA.PH will be punished. It's a safeguard to protect the Moon Cell from rogue Masters who might want to destroy it. ...To put it bluntly, if a threat to the system occurs, I am to put its safety ahead of my Master's. Every Servant currently present in the SE.RA.PH is obliged to obey this command. A Servant who has gone berserk MAY be exempt from this rule, but not the rest of us.



...I see. After hearing his explanation, it doesn't seem that surprising. In fact, it seems fairly humane. It's like a last line of defense for the Moon Cell, considering its regard for Masters in general. However, Archer's little diatribe explains nothing about why he seems so conflicted.



How do I put this...? Let's just say that my priorities have...changed...recently. For a Servant whose loyalties shift so, only SE.RA.PH knows what will become— Err...never mind. I was just thinking out loud. Just forget I said anything.

With a dismissive shrug, Archer returns to his normal flippant self.







And off to go fight the SE.RA.PH.







Music: None




Music: School III


After seeing that look on the face of one so enigmatic there's no way I can pretend that I didn't hear anything.



If it's no big deal, why won't he tell me what's wrong? Why make me worry like this? It's not like Archer at all.



With that, I could see the tension melt away from Archer's shoulders. With one of his habitual self-mocking sighs, he turns and faces me.



I've tried to reset my priorities, but unfortunately I am not a robot to be programmed.



Whatever the case, I'm sure you're not going to be very happy about what I'm going to say next. Masters are always held accountable for her Servant's transgressions. The Moon Cell will undoubtedly consider you the target for any punishment it feels necessary.



There's just one tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiny issue with this line.

Namely:


We kinda do have more Command Seals.

Like, why even have the option to not use it, when even the one line that mentions them doesn't take it into account?

Archer begins to grind his teeth in frustration and anger, as though he loathes what his actions may cost me. A paragon of justice while alive, the person before me never allowed himself to be subordinate to anyone. He's actually apologizing for going against his nature and putting my well-being over that of the SE.RA.PH.





You suck as a Servant!

Just like with the others, both choices here give the same result.



I just blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. It wouldn't have mattered if I was kind or abusive. I've felt indebted to Archer for a while. From our first meeting until now, he's always supported me. But there is nothing I can give to him in return except heartfelt words of appreciation. But...I think that's enough. I am truly grateful that he put the welfare of his Master above that of the Moon Cell. The fact that we somehow have made it this far means a great deal to both of us. The fact that I'm still alive even now is testament to this Heroic Spirit's devotion to me. The bond we share means more to me than anything.



Archer acts stunned, but I've come to learn that's how he tries to hide his embarrassment.

But it's as good of word as any, I suppose. It's straightforward enough that anyone can understand it.

An actual, genuine smile lights up Archer's face as he repeats the word again and again. The ever-present grimness that usually colors his expression is gone, replaced with something akin to hope. —Before there's time to enjoy the moment...

I really like this! Archer has been nothing but a cold killer for god knows how many years as a Counter Guardian, and his one prior Heroic Spirit summoning had him try to paradox himself out of existance just to get out of it, but here he can just... save someone. Make a friend. Be more than just the nameless hero of justice he's been ever since Kiritsugu entrusted his dream to Shirou.

Music: None




That must mean the Moon Cell has decided on a punishment for Archer's actions. ...Oddly, I am actually relieved. I was worried that the punishment would be far more outrageous—

Music: Duel - Friend Turned Foe


And anyway, the Moon Cell's direct interference doesn't change what we still need to accomplish. If it chooses to be my enemy, I will just have to show it exactly what me and Archer are capable of!





Bop.

Next time: The final Matrix level.