Part 59: Update LIII - Rin and high tech

Update LIII - Rin and high tech





I'd better see what's going on.

Music: Down to Dawn


As I put my hand of the door, I feel a slight shock, as if I was plugged into a socket. I crack the door open and peer inside...



What are you doing? Why are you so energetic all of a sudden?! Why are you licking your lips?!

...I can't really see anything. What is going on in there...?

If I open the door a bit more...



All of a sudden— What could that possibly—



Music: Stops
Noise: Electronic screeching




I told you to stay out! If you peek in again, I swear I'll wipe every last memory of yours!

Her anger washed over me like a wave. All I could think about was her leg...and other— No. Better not to dwell on that. The next time I try to peak will probably end up being fatal. I guess I'll go kill time in the Library instead. *SIGH*



Talk to Leo.



Then head back down.

Music: Down to Dawn


Just like the terminal said, when I reach the first floor, Rin is waiting for me. My Servant is behind her.

Look, Master! I'm all better now!

It's a big relief to see Caster's smile. Since she's extra bouncy, things must have gone well. Rin, on the other hand, looks a tad exhausted. Was the healing that difficult?!



I-I mean, it's nothing! I-In any case, you don't have to worry about Caster's magic now.

Oh good. What a relief. The nurse's office smells sweet. Maybe I should ask what they did in there, for future reference.



Oh, but I better cut the main body from the power source so higher-ups don't yell at me. *Giggle*

No, you idiot! There's nothing to discuss. You healed miraculously and that's that!

Main body?! Power source?! I don't know what she means! What did they do in there?





How could I not? I'm a Master, I care what happens to my Servant.

So that's what they call it these days. You're lucky the trap didn't catch you. If you'd gone in... Your electronic brain could have exploded. The trap was meant for the enemy, not you.

Alright, Rin's trap sounds much more of a threat to Hakuno than Rani's.

...Rin...is pretty scary. I'm glad I didn't, um...interrupt her. Well, I ought to thank Rin. She looks worn out.



But, I'm a bit tired. I'll rest for the remainder of today.



The rest of the day is identical from here. However, I intentionally skipped heading back to the private room, so keep in mind that Tamamo's Matrix is stuck at Level 1 for the rest of the week.





I cannot comprehend what you and Rin Tohsaka are doing.

Music: School III


I guess my Servant is getting enough magic for now, so no problems there. However... My real concern is that Caster's spell failed to even touch Julius's Servant.



I guess my fear is immediately apparent, something which annoys Rin even more than usual.

Your point being...? Did you lose your spine somewhere in the Arena or something?

Despite her abuse, she listens intently as I describe my enemy's ability to become invisible. At the very least, not being able to see him will make it impossible for my Servant to attack him.

I can see why you looked so dejected. Fighting an enemy you can't see would be impossible. Even Lancer and I would have had a seriously tough time fighting an invisible opponent.



Another thing is that, being a Heroic Spirit, they may have a number of unknown abilities.

And I can't do anything until I find out exactly what my enemy is doing, and how they're doing it. So, for now we should concentrate on finding out how he manages to conceal his presence.

Music: Stops


...? Rin suddenly comes out of her contemplative study and regards me with a serious look. Her look couldn't be caused by thoughts of Julius. I can see pity and puzzlement in her eyes. Is she...thinking about me...? Did something happen? As I start to ask her what just happened, she takes a deep breath and looks straight at me.

—Actually...I do know something. Something about you, anyway... I wasn't sure if I should share this with you or not, but I figured you have a right to know. There's no easy way to put this, so I won't bother trying. I tried to find a link to your body. There...isn't one. There is nothing on the other end of your link to this place. You can't remember anything because there's nothing for you to remember.

Music: Duel of Fate




Prior to the start of the Holy Grail War, not a single log regarding your activities exists. The reason I can't find a link is because you have no body to link to. You aren't human.

—I see. No words come to mind. Honestly, I'm not too surprised. I suspected as much already. Right now, I just appreciate the fact that this girl took the time to help me find the truth.



My theory is that you are one of these NPCs who somehow gained the powers associated with Masters... Some think that if you die in reality, your soul remains behind and you become a cyber ghost. ...That's why I thought you were an NPC at first. You didn't seem real the way most Masters do.

While I nod in sullen understanding, I steel myself to ask the obvious question: Why? Regardless of what I am, I had a feeling this moment of revelation would come. I now know why my memory won't return. Alice's "I've finally met you" now makes sense to me. This body, this mind...is not human. I am just a remnant of a real life, a packet of data. A collection of ones and zeros.



Even if you win the Holy Grail and receive a wish, you'll still be stuck in the SE.RA.PH. Unfortunately for you, the words "get out" have absolutely no meaning for you. If you were fighting for survival, you can stop now. After all... you're already dead. ...I know it's harsh, but better to know the truth now rather than suffer for it later. ...I hope you agree. That's why I needed to tell you this now.





I really don't want to die.

Though I am just ones and zeros, I fight, and kill, living beings. When I think about how pathetic it sounds, my heart turns to ice. But still, I cannot even begin to contemplate the thought of dying. And just allowing myself to disappear into the ether isn't even an option worth considering. I can think of no compelling reason for giving up now, even considering the costs. I wonder... Could this desperate desire to live be the last vestige of my previous humanity? When I faced Shinji, Dan, Alice, and Julius, my Servant was always there. Also Rin and Leo... I've experienced a lot, suffered a lot, and always did what I thought best... Now, to learn that none of it was real... That I wasn't real... It's not right—

...To be accurate you don't have a soul. But that doesn't mean you're not alive...more or less. For living beings, fighting for survival is a legitimate, even admirable, reason to go on.

In the past, anything artificial wasn't thought to be alive and stories thought to have no life. It was believed that true life could only be born from the living. I wonder if people still feel that way, think that way, even now...

Hakuno's line here cuts off earlier. In Rani's route she denies her life being fake because that would mean Rani's life is equally fake, and she's spent the entire time since the route split telling Rani that she's more than a doll. There just isn't an equivalent for Hakuno on this route.

Though human cloning is still a hotly debated topic, as a magus my opinion should be obvious. An existence born of data isn't life... That's absolute bullshit. I won't deny that you're alive.

So Rin has to step in.

...After that, she continued on, saying that there may be something waiting for me if I survive this. If the Holy Grail does what it's said to do, it might be able to give hope to even a virtual life. For someone like me who ”has nothing, is nothing," it shines like a beacon in the dark.

~

I will end the Holy Grail War.

I think I finally understand my purpose now. I know now that this is the only life I will ever have. I don't want this world to be a place where the only way to continue to live is to kill.



wait

this line used 'zealot' on the other side

they actually changed the line??? they just decided to skip past Ronnie/Gatou's name for no real reason????

Yes, in that case, if it's the system who takes away lives... I should just change the system itself with the power of the Holy Grail.

I see, though I personally don't agree. The risk is consummate with the reward, after all... Whether the system is good or bad is a matter of opinion. It is a compelling reason to go on.

~

I have no clue as of yet.

What will I do? I can't answer now. Especially not after just learning that my life is a lie.

You're not sure, are you? If you stay like this, your odds of surviving are pretty much— Actually, all things considered, I don't blame you for not having an answer. Not right now, anyway.

...For a wonder, Rin actually seems genuinely concerned. But...to just be eliminated from the Holy Grail War and then erased. There has to be more. Shinji, Dan, and Alice, who I fought. Julius, who was betrayed. And, of course, my own Servant... The Masters whose paths I've crossed, those who I've spoken to, like Rani, Leo and Rin. The things that have happened, the hopes I had... To let it all fade away as if they had no meaning would be a complete and total waste. Dan said to accept the consequences of my acts. Regret, doubt, even defeat is okay. But whatever the odds, stand and face them. Never run away. He said to always move forward towards my goal, to take my life into my own hands. ...Thinking on his words gives me hope. If I win the Holy Grail War, will it give my life meaning? Even if there is nothing for me at the end of this, I will not give up and wait for death.

~~

Music: Down to Dawn


Caster speaks to me a little more serious than usual.

I'm kind of glad that you are what you are. It's like you're one of us Servants, or that one person.

Ah, I'm sorry! I mean, I know you're not happy about being like us, but...I mean...sorry... Gah, I almost screwed up again! Anyway, the difference between you and us is focus and experience.

A-Anyway, don't give up! And if you get the Grail, you can wish all of your worries away!

She's really trying to comfort me...at least, I think she is. ...Isn't she...? I have no idea how to respond, so I try to flash her a winning smile and hope that it doesn't come across as a sardonic smirk.



...? What was that? Was it my imagination, or did Rin's normally haughty expression slip there for a second?



A-Anyway, have you decided what you want to do? Even if a miracle occurred and you won, you might not even receive the promised reward. Knowing all this, you're still willing to take on Julius? You're ready to fight to the end?

Of course. While I still have lingering doubts, this is one thing that I state with absolute confidence.



I'm glad you chose how you did. If you'd given up after all this, I would've killed you myself. All right, enough about the past. From now on, we need to focus on the future.

I nod in agreement and silently thank Rin for her concern and her support. I'm sure she wanted to say that running was okay, that there is no reason to continue fighting. But giving up would be wrong. Now, I must win the Holy Grail War in order to shape the future.

Music: School I


A preemptive strike? What does she intend to do?

First off, we need to do something about your opponent's invisibility, right? To solve your most pressing problem, I will make three traps for you to set in the Arena. One will react to talismans, one will react to thaumaturgy, and one will react to your enemy's chi. Whether they're using a spell, item, or whatever; we have to find a way to counteract it.

—Got it. And of course, I agree with what you've suggested.

Once I know you're in the Arena, I'll pass along to you more detailed instructions.

Okay, we have a plan now. All I have to do is place the traps without Julius noticing—

Music: Fourth Chimeric Lunar Sea - Second Floor
Sound: Phone ringing




First, here is a map of the Arena's second floor. I predict that Julius and company will follow this path.



We...well, you...will be setting traps in three different locations along those paths I mentioned. Each trap tests for a different thing, so they can't be set together in one place. We'll choose the best areas to place the traps as you walk through the Arena. All right, so get to it, okay?

So she already hacked the Arena and mapped its layout. Her attention to detail is truly astonishing. I should take my time and be careful so that all of her assistance doesn't go to waste.





I'll send you the anti-artifact trap now. Once you get it, put your terminal against the field.

Following Rin's instructions, I touch my terminal to the ground. It seems as if the trap code is being encoded into the Arena.



The installation of the trap is complete. This is a simple interrupter that will react to any equipment that Servant might be using. If that Servant is using something to make himself invisible, this will let us know almost immediately.





As per Rin's instructions, I touch my terminal to the ground.



Okay, installation complete. This trap will be set off if he's using thaumaturgy to hide himself. I have the feeling that this is the one most likely to work...maybe...



Rin's line for approaching the gate is:

I've closed that way off for now in order to force Julius and his Servant to go where we want them to. It's more of a desperate bluff than anything else, though. Just leave it alone for now.





Following Rin's command, I touch my terminal to the ground. The data for the final trap is inserted into the field.



This trap has a way of disrupting the spirit as it flows along a person's meridian lines. Anything that requires advanced martial arts technique or serious concentration will set it off. However, don't get your hopes up. I doubt that anything will happen. Really, it's impossible to become invisible without an item of thaumaturgy. Oh well, whatever... All right! Mission...complete! It isn't really all that much, but it should give us some sort of clue. In this war, invisibility is invincibility. Being invisible gives him an overwhelming advantage. Okay, I guess all I can do now is wait for tomorrow. Bye!

It looks like the way to the next Trigger is blocked. I should just head back now— Or maybe I should stick around and get some more training in.



Music: School I


You know what comes next...right? We need to drive Julius straight to those traps. And for that, I have a plan.

A plan? Despite her bantering tone, it was obvious that Rin was being dead serious.



If I manage to time it right, I should be able to force Julius to enter the Arena.

Music: Duel of Fate


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—



Seriously, relax. I'll make sure that everything goes as planned.

However— None of this will matter if Rin is murdered by Julius. Although slightly startled by my vehemence, Rin somehow silences me with one of her glares.

Please don't insult me. Unlike you, I've survived situations far more lethal than this. This is just another dangerous situation amongst many. So don't worry. If I fail, I die— And I don't plan on dying just yet. And at that time, Julius will probably lose it, right? If I die or not, you'll come out ahead.

Until Hakuno gets slaughtered in the next two weeks because at the end of the day she still has zero experience in hacking and there's no chance she can deal with whatever Rani or Leo have in store.

Music: Stops


Hey—! What in the hell are you—?!

What am I doing? I don't even know. The fear I feel for this girl who can so casually shrugs off death overwhelms me. It just now hits me how cruel and vicious her daily life must've been. What I do know is behind her cold, hateful facade is a caring person worthy of respect. And even though I understand the necessity, I do not want to put Rin in any danger. Julius is the kind of person who'd kill anyone in his way, especially someone like Rin. ...But I can't do this alone. For that reason I cannot push Rin away.

—Idiot. That's the very reason why I'm doing my best.

Music: School I


Even if I'm no longer a Master, if I'm to die I want to go down fighting until my last breath.

But really, I don't plan on dying yet. You just...concentrate on exposing Julius's Servant.

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.

Music: Fear
Sound: Phone ringing


Are you in the Arena yet? Go wait by where you set the traps and I'll drive Julius your way.

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



Julius's lines change for this.

We won't be able to move until we have more information. But first, I must take care of that young girl.





The rest...is up to you... Hakuno...

Rin gives her message.

Music: None


And the rest of the sequence is the exact same until the end.



Rin sounds as if she's in some pain, but surprisingly, there's a genuine warmth in her voice. 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, Rin?

Hakuno described Rani's voice as having some of it's 'characteristic warmth' on the other side, while she's shocked at hearing any warmth from Rin. Just a fun little difference.

Yeah... More or less. I had to burn through all of my protective programs, though. But I am still alive, so no worries. More importantly, how did our plan go?

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

I see. Good— I'll restore full access to the Arena for you now. But don't feel you have to push yourself today. Sorry to bail on you, but I really need to get some sleep. I'll catch up with you tomorrow.



Music: School I


Music: Down to Dawn


It was all thanks to Rin. After hearing her pained voice yesterday, I'm worried about her.



Injury?! I knew I shouldn't have let her put herself in harm's way—

I said don't worry about it. I knew enough about Julius to avoid the worst of his tricks. Even being focused on evading him as I was, I knew I could survive at least one hit. But enough about me. Did you get a good look at his Servant, or figure out who he is?

Julius's Servant. I didn't uncover his identity, but I was able to break through his ability to hide his presence by disrupting his chi.

-Impressive. He must be a kung fu master whose skills at Concealment allows him to become one with nature. Julius's Servant is probably a Heroic Spirit with a martial arts pedigree.

A kung fu master— That would explain his fighting style. If his mastery of kung fu is that advanced, it should make it easier to discern his identity.

Today's your last full day to prepare, so get to it. You'll be facing Julius, after all.

With that, Rin turns and walks away. Today is my last full day to prepare. I'd better make the most of it. Train in the Arena, then head to the chapel... There's so much I still need to do—



Alright, only thing left for today is the lore dump from...



...Rin? Again?



I guess they didn't want to make a Rani version of this conversation, so they just popped Rin in regardless of route.



Rin being friendly for this makes so much more sense compared to Rani's route.



Remember when I said I skipped learning Tamamo's name? Turns out that the night conversation that unlocks her NP sorta... ignores if you actually got Level 2 or not. Hakuno just suddenly knows who Tamamo is with no fanfare.



Your partner doesn't show up during Elimination Battles.



Die.

Next time: The most baffling scheme.