Part 54: Update XLIX - Creeping shadow of the demon

Update XLIX - Creeping shadow of the demon



Music: School I


...I have no way of knowing if the water is pure at this point. Even so, I can see where I need to go from here.





I don't know, but I'm okay now.

At Caster's question, I shake my head. I may not know, but I'm not paralyzed by confusion anymore. The days of worrying about my past are done. From now on, I'll live in the present.

~

Thanks to my friends and allies.

I thought I was alone, but that couldn't have been more wrong. I have Rani and Caster to lean on. I know they both want my inner resolve to well up on its own. Just knowing that, I feel like my cup overflows. Although it's up to me to make sure the water's pure. One thing they've taught me is that I shouldn't be ashamed, even if I'm empty now.

~~

Caster gently smiles as I explain my heartfelt sentiments. All right, now I'm ready to fight! My next opponent is Julius, who's been an obstacle from the start. By the time I defeat him, I should be able to accept what I am—





In order to successfully pull off the plan I set in motion yesterday, I need to lay low— I should talk with Rani one last time and then head into the Arena.



You haven't used it yet? Then, you can still contemplate the perfect situation to unleash it in.



That is an issue between Master and Servant. Talk to your Servant about using it. The system doesn't restrict the use of Noble Phantasms. If yours hasn't made an appearance, then... It's probably because your Servant doesn't want to use it.

Oh hey, a new book!



The Harway family leads a Western European plutocracy. It is a corporation with numerous subsidiaries that control many nations and has it own army. About 30% of the world's land and 60% of the world's wealth, based on GDP, belongs to the Harways. The Harways distribute the world's resources and wealth equally among nations. That's their policy. That policy rubs certain groups the wrong way, and those groups retaliate with terrorist acts.





It's Leo... The next head of the Harway family. Maybe he can confirm some of the things I've just learned about the Harway family. For instance, do they really think equal distribution of the world's wealth will lead to world peace?

Of course it will, and of course we can do it. So long as the ruler who presides over it is perfect, the government -will- be fair and just.

What must he think of those who reject the Harways' ideas?



Selfish, perverse individuals do reside within our hierarchy. Rin Tohsaka's displeasure is founded. But, once I become head, I will eradicate those cancers and usher in a new era of human history.

And what happens when old age does you in, Leo? Because if a successor with ulterior motives pops up a few generations down the line the world will be in for a very, very bad time.

A bold claim. He spoke without trepidation and without attachment to the current era that he plans to discard.

Now that I've given you a taste of my utopia, I must be off. Please, use your remaining time wisely.

Prick.



you will need the power of a Noble Phantasm. In this case, restraint could mean your death.





However, it will all be for naught if he doesn't enter the Arena. For that, I have a plan—

A plan? As I look into Rani's now serious visage, I can only wonder what she's going to propose.



Once you are inside, I will drive the scorpion into the Arena after you.

Music: Stops


That'd be incredibly dangerous. She might be killed in the attempt. I cannot allow her to risk her life for such a mad plan—

Music: Duel of Fate


Do not worry about me. Be assured that I will make our plan succeed.

However— None of this will matter if Rani is murdered by Julius. As my voice gains heat, Rani looks away as if surprised and embarrassed by my vehemence.



Even though I am but a tool to be used, Hakuno, I feel...strange. My heart feels as if—

The funny thing is that despite being even farther from human than Rani, Hakuno was always more 'human' than her.

Music: Stops


Rani isn't a tool to be used. As someone who has saved my life, she is a precious ”friend." I've said this before, but it needs to be said again. That is why I'm so worried about Rani risking her life to help me. Even if he wasn't an opponent, Julius is one who'd kill anyone who stood in his way.

Finally...I think I understand. This is what they mean by a...soul.



So do not worry about me; I will not fall so easily. Concentrate on exposing the scorpion.

I can see her determination in her eyes. I have no choice but to match her strength. This plan will succeed, regardless of what may happen.



I know that he's hacked into the Arena, and has made the school his personal playground... He's desperate to secure a Harway win, but an arrow shot from a poor stance never hits its target.



This level nets Tamamo a rank in Magic, a passive Skill, and a preview of her final Skill.







By slight restoration they mean a 10% refill with every fight. Against bosses? Useless. For normal exploration? Incredible. We can already recoup two Curses every fight thanks to mp_heal, and Breath of the Soul bumps that up to three! And as Tamamo's MP continues to climb, that free restore will just get better and better.







After all you've done, if I can't hold up my end as your Servant I'll turn tail and run.

That's right; we've done as much preparation as we could. Now it's just a matter of following the plan.

Music: Fear


Sound: Phone ringing




Now then, please wait in the area where you placed the kilns. I will drive the Scorpion in your direction.

While I'm worried about Rani's safety, I need to focus on what I need to do now. I'd better hurry and head to where the kilns are set before Julius and his Servant arrive.





A cutscene starts by the very first ramp.



They're here.



How low a homunculus of the Atlas Institute must have fallen to betray even Eltnam—



... There's nothing particularly wrong. ...Let's go.



If you try to be an idiot and run back...



We need them to come to us, so I recomnend that we head on deeper into the Arena!

Tamamo just yells at you.



Ever so conveniently, the starting platform is juuuuust out of draw distance, stopping you from actually seeing Julius.



The kilns have now hidden themselves.



Also a scene starts at the platform.

Music: Stops


As I hide myself in the shadows and wait for Julius to pass by, I receive a message from Rani.

...The scorpion...has just entered the Arena... I leave the rest...up to you... Hakuno...



Rani?! All I can hear from my terminal now is static. She said Julius was heading this way, but what...did Rani...



It looks like they'll be here soon. Our turn is coming up, so let's get going!

I've got to calm down. Rani fulfilled her promise. Now it's up to me to hold up my end. I cannot fail now.





Is there something wrong?

Huh? No, I was momentarily distracted by a triviality. It's not worth even swatting a fly over.

-I see.

-Nothing. If this one didn't react, it means that his invisibility isn't dependent on an item or Noble Phantasm.



Hakuno, you are terrible at sneaking. You aren't even trying to hide! All Julius has to do is look to the right and he'll spot you!

Let's go to the next trap, Master. Second time's the charm, right?

Caster's right. It'd be a total disaster if the next trap triggered without us being there. We have to move quickly to the next trap and hope that something happens—





We made it. This is where we set the second trap, the one that's set to react to thaumaturgy. And just like before, I hide in the shadows and wait for Julius to arrive.



And now you're on a even plane with him! Does Julius just have non-existant peripheral vision!?



That could be the case. So do we withdraw, Julius? Remember that even a mouse will fight when cornered.

...No need. I'm still on edge after that skirmish with that tiresome girl. If our foe is here, I will crush them.



Is there something wrong?

Almost as if he was aware of our plan, Julius's Servant stopped and then glanced in my direction— My feet suddenly feel like they've been nailed to the ground and my blood seems to freeze in my veins.

No, it is nothing. You seem to be aching for a fight and far be it from me to dampen your enthusiasm.



They then walk to the extremely visible locked gate, instead of the actually open path.

Did they actually overlook us? Or are they just toying with us before striking a potentially fatal blow? As they move on, my paralysis fades away, leaving me with clenched fists and drenched in sweat. As I take a deep breath, I realize that the trap didn't react in any way. So the Servant isn't using thaumaturgy. Only one trap remains; hopefully third time's the charm. At any rate, I need to hurry to where the third trap is.



And here's the last.



This is the third and final trap. The anti-spirit trap. If we can't break through his invisibility by disrupting his chi, we're pretty much dead.





Assassin is just messing with us at this point.

Hmph... Such irritating insolence. Do you know where they are hiding?



Assassin walks up.



And it works!

Music: Duel - Prelude to Confrontation


What are the odds, the martial artist used chi!

What is happening—?!

Truly amazing! Hahaha, most excellent, Julius! It seems our enemy is allied with a magus of the highest order!



As is obvious, you've overcome my Concealment! And the injury you've inflicted will take days to heal!

And as a lucky bonus, the trap also locks out his invisibility for the Elimination Battle!

This isn't the time for mirth...! Be alert for the enemy, as they must be close by!



...He knows we're here! That glance wasn't random after all. A sinister smile forms on the Servant's lips. In contrast, Julius's expression remains frozen, but the terror his presence causes courses through me.



So, what trick are you going to do next? Or should I show you my transforming routine?



Once again, I commend you on defeating my Concealment. No other opponent has managed that before now.



If I am to asphyxiate a target, I'd rather it be a lion than a rat! But still, I am doomed to do only evil!



Anyway, I think it's time that you acknowledge my Master's greatness. Then again, you aren't very smart. Could it be that it wasn't only your muscles that were damaged, but your brain as well? Honestly, the thought of touching you makes my skin crawl, but the evil you've done demands punishment. My dear Master, shall we put an end to all of this now?



It seems that you hide your weakness behind a warrior's pose. Perhaps you are like Daji, but not as civilized?

Alright, that's a low blow, Assassin.



I'll burn you to cinders in the fires of yomi and cook what's left of your body in a wok over the flames!



I cannot maintain this form for long, but I will at least bestow upon you the torment of hell itself...!

Music: Duel - Unauthorized Battle






We finally get a normal Servant duel against Julius.



The main thing here is that Assassin will always use Focused Chi for his first action.

It still doesn't do anything, mind, but keep it in the back of your head for the actual fight.



Julius chips in on the second turn.



Gatou sealed Attack, Ronnie sealed Break, and now Julius seals Guard.



And Assassin's pattern list is set to always follow up with an Attack buff to exploit it. If you see that Attack on action 6 and try to Guard it, they'll punish you.



However, Skills always work. Past that, we just have a normal fight.

We've actually taken off a good chunk of his HP in just three turns, to show how far Tamamo has come!



Music: Duel - Prelude to Confrontation


Separated by the System, Julius's Servant can only bellow at the seriously winded Caster.





The only reason why Leo deigns to notice you is the fact you are one of the masses. However— I still ask, ”Why?" There is something about you that truly irritates me. ...Never mind; I don't care. The Elimination Battle will come soon. It is there that this farce will end.

Music: Stops


With those final words, Julius and his Servant fade away, as if they were swallowed by the surrounding darkness. The pressure that seemed to crush everything in the area fades, and my entire being screams with exhaustion. I take a deep breath and look over to Caster, who is standing beside me with a serious expression.



Caster continues to mumble, seemingly oblivious to my presence. While trying to decipher their muttering, my terminal begins to chime.



Rani sounds as if she's in some pain, but her voice still has some of it's characteristic warmth. All that matters is that she's alive. I'm so overcome with emotion at hearing her that I grip my terminal to keep my hands from shaking. —Are you okay, Rani?

Yes. My injuries aren't serious and I should be able to move on my own. More importantly, what of the kilns?

Thanks to you, Rani, we were able to reveal Assassin's presence with the anti-spirit kiln you created. With what we discovered, we should be able to fight them.

Is that so... I'm glad to hear that. I will now restore full access to the Arena. However, do not feel you have to continue fighting today. I apologize for leaving you, but I need to sleep now in order to fully recover. I will see you tomorrow.



The gate unlocks, opening up the second half of the floor.

Now I can forge ahead and explore the areas beyond here. The identity of Julius's Servant and Caster's behavior concerns me, but I have no time to look into it. I have to keep moving forward, being sure that I don't forget to track down the Triggers.



Music: Fourth Chimeric Lunar Sea - Second Floor




Level 3 knocks the ? off his Class, plus it gives us a second Key Word and two Skills.








Next time: We continue fighting today.