Part 67: Update LX - I am breaking from my usual naming scheme to restate my utter loathing of Week 6 in the 2011 PSP RPG: Fate/Extra

Update LX - I am breaking from my usual naming scheme to restate my utter loathing of Week 6 in the 2011 PSP RPG: Fate/Extra



We get the same intro speech in Rin's route, and we don't even get a different chapter name like in Week 4.

Music: School I


No changes at the bulletin board, so let's just jump to Rin.



...As your Servant said, it's probably safe to assume that your opponent was the one who did it.

-It's a good deduction, but is it possible to do that?



...I can't help you there. But if your opponent did erase all the info from the bulletin board, maybe there was a witness or maybe even some evidence nearby. You should look around.

Rin's right. Without so much as a name, I can't collect information on the opposing Master. There's one thing I know for sure: my opponent is one of the handful of remaining Masters here. I'll start out by investigating the campus.



A rather Hermetic obscuration of information... Proceed with great caution. The enemy is surely strong.

~

...You must be wondering if I'm your opponent? Well, Schrodinger's cat is both alive and dead... But quantum mechanics aside, there are some people more deserving of suspicion than others.

Remember when I said that the only things that needed to change today were the partner chat and who was on 2F?





Plus, someone hacked the Arena's entrance so you couldn't get in. That's one serious enemy...

I'm really worried about the door. If I can't retrieve the Triggers, I'll be disqualified.



Well, if you don't know who your opponent is, random guessing won't help your cause much.

My opponent...is trying to avoid a fight? They did force their way out of the Arena to avoid me, plus all of the blocked corridors... Yeah, they must be trying to avoid fighting me. I just can't imagine why...

I find it strange how the game goes through so much trouble to make lines as generic as possible, but then just... have unique lines anyways. Hakuno's equivalent line on the other side was:


Like, both lines state the same thing, and show up at the exact same point in the conversation. Reusing the lines would have cost nothing.

But right now, we need to do something about that door. Hopefully we can find an item or some other kind of clue to help solve all of this.

Speaking of items and evidence, I should ask her about this lapel badge I found.



...Leo Harway might be your enemy. Who knows, he might even tell you if you ask him... But you must be cautious. Your enemy might attack you without warning at any time.

Yeah, I know. I'd better start asking around campus before going to the Arena. I should also find Leo as well.

The rest of the day is the same.



Yesterday, after entering the Arena, I heard a blast. I head to the Arena to see the aftermath.

Music: Duel of Fate


In what is probably the biggest difference between routes, they actually changed the damage on the wall!

Wow, color Tamamo surprised. If that attack had landed, it would have been...bad. Well, it's over and done. Either our enemy isn't very good, or we were very, very, lucky.

I wonder if that's really true. Luck only goes so far. Did my enemy miss on purpose, and if so, what would the reason be? As I stare blankly at the scars on the wall, I hear a voice call me from behind.



Rin... What in the world caused this?



I wanted to see what happened and came across this... Anything out of the ordinary happen to you yesterday?

I explained what happened to me to an increasingly worried Rin. After running to the Arena to escape a sudden feeling of death, I heard a loud blast. After the explosion, the sense of my enemy's presence suddenly and mysteriously disappeared.

And this line is the same, but has entirely different red text!

I get it now. There is a brief moment when entering the Arena where you'd be defenseless. If that's the case, it's obvious that your opponent will do anything to see you dead... ...Well, good luck with that. Also, I have no clue as to why this attack failed.

As she speaks, Rin glances at the wall once more and then sighs as if she just realized something. I wonder what she sees that I don't.



A Berserker...? Hearing an explosion I assumed it was a code cast attack. Could it have been a physical attack? That must mean that the enemy Servant's class is Berserker.

Don't jump to conclusions. But it had to be a physical attack to damage SE.RA.PH like this.

I'll give this one a bit more of a pass. The enemy probably being a Berserker is less of a smoking gun than the enemy using Celtic runes, and Hakuno's first thought when seeing Rin and Rani's Servants is that both were Lancers.

Rin should still start suspecting Rani from this, at the very least.



Information about my enemy's attacks. It's not their class, but any info is better than none. Thank you, Rin. As I express my thanks, she turns her face away a bit.



If your enemy made it this far, they couldn't be so incompetent to miss such an easy target. This is only a guess, but maybe they missed on purpose. Maybe they don't want to face you.

...Don't want to face me? But there are only enemies to be found in the Holy Grail War. ...Well, except maybe Rin. I wonder, is there a reason for this conflict? All that awaits the loser is virtual death.

I told you I was only guessing, you idiot. I seriously doubt that anyone that weak is still around.

Rin closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, as if she's psyching herself up for something.



With a final shy glance, Rin turns and walks away. I wonder what she wants. I'll be sure and go talk with Rin later.



Music: School I


Level 1 just nets us a single skill. Not even a Berserker? tag.






I intentionally failed the conversation at the end of Week 5 on this route, so choosing Tamamo here is locked out.

I also go for the harem option to lose Tamamo's Level E Matrix just to see if we get any unique lines for it.

...let's be real, this is Fate/Extra. They'll just not give a yellow chat in Week 7 and call it good.

Music: Down to Dawn


Anyways, time for Wacky Anime Shenanigans.

As I enter the cafeteria, I run into none other than Rin.



The manual says that when a contest of wills comes to an impasse, you fight with lunch!

She made lunch for me? While I am surprised she went through the trouble, it doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary for her. However, the whole "it's in the manual" thing is more than a little disconcerting...

Wh-What's with that look on your face? In case you were wondering, I do know how to cook! I-It's just that it has been so long since I made anything, it took me forever to finish.

Hmph. So, what's it going to be?! Do you want to have some or not?!

Yes, of course I do. And despite her talk of food fights and scary manuals, I'm strangely happy. Her show of kindness reminds me of my life before being forced into this brutal struggle.

Wise decision. I'll meet you in the classroom. Hurry before everything goes cold.



It might've been my imagination, but Rin looked somewhat happy as she walked away. Considering her normally haughty demeanor, her act of kindness caught me off-guard. Well, I should head up to the classroom before Rin's lunch goes cold.

Music: None






Honestly, this scene feels a lot weaker to me on this side.

Et tu, Rani? I wonder what's gotten into the two of them.

Music: Comical Life


Like, the entire point of Rani's route is her breaking away from her previous life of being just a tool to be used. Without that character development, it just feels a bit out of character for Rani to go for a stunt like this, you know?

I'm not -up- to anything. I happened to come across some recipes and ingredients for survival rations. And given the current situation, I do not believe my discovery was merely a coincidence. I've been looking for you Hakuno Kishinami, because I think you'd appreciate these rations. ...Am I interrupting anything?



No need to be so rude. I assure you everything is not only edible, but delicious.

The two glare furiously at each other. W-Well, as they say, "The more, the merrier," right? To be honest, I'm curious to see what Rani cooked up.

—?! W-Well, I guess being able to see what Atlas replicants eat is a rare opportunity.





Ugh... Why are you so nonchalant all of the sudden? It seems totally out of character for you.

Directly calling it out doesn't make it not bad writing, Rin.

Funny, I was going to say the same thing about you. Aren't you supposed to be the ever-rational Wizard?

Music: Down to Dawn


Rin and Rani have switched places.

After that brief exchange, we all sat down and began to eat the lunches both girls had made. Rin's lunch consisted of Chinese food, such as chili shrimp and spring rolls. Rani's lunch consisted of exotic Egyptian dishes.



Before I can respond, Rani proceeds to shove a forkful of ground meat into my mouth. As she keeps feeding more to me, Rani mentions that this dish is called kofta kebab. The scent, flavor, and texture of this dish all come together in perfect harmony.

On the plus side, we get to find out what Rani made in her route!

... *Grumble*

If you liked that, just wait until you try some of the other dishes I made.

Next up on the menu is a dish Rani says is popular in Egypt called kushari. Wow, this is awesome, too.



Try this one, too.

She hands me the Egyptian version of a falafel called ta meyyah, which is made using fava beans. Wow, everything tastes so good. Rin, why don't you try some? As soon as I said those words...

Music: Stops


Standing abruptly, Rin began to hastily pack up the lunch she had made. Rin? Hey, is there something wrong?

No! It's...nothing... I've had enough of...everything! It's time for me to be going.

With those final words, she stormed out of the room. She seems...not quite herself. Was it something I said?



Tamamo's lecture is unchanged.



Music: Down to Dawn




Rin has a stern expression... Damn, I knew it. She's still angry. I'll still tell her how my Servant lectured me afterward, and what I realized. I didn't mean to slight Rin's cooking. It was inexcusable of me to brush Rin off like that. And it was even worse to have said such an insensitive thing. I will be more sensitive in the future, so if she can find it in her heart to forgive me... I mean, please forgive me. I'm sorry. I won't do it again. Having run clean out of ways to apologize, I await her response with baited breath.

...You're sorry for what you've done to me?

Deeply.

Next time...will you actually try to enjoy what I tried so hard to make for you?



Of course. I promise.

-You're hopeless.



Good— I am relieved when I see Rin smile. Is there anything I can do as a token of my apology?

~

Sorry. That's not possible.



...I just wanted to see you get worked up, Rin.



-It's true, though. I can't promise. I'm a participant in the Holy Grail War. I could die tomorrow. That's why I can't promise anything.

...Promise me.

—Rin? She raises her head, looks directly in my eyes, and speaks.

Then promise me something else. I will forgive what happened today. But you have to promise...that you'll have lunch with me again some time.

...All right. I promise. Being pessimistic won't do me any good. I have to assume that I'm going to emerge victorious.

Right. Exactly.

—Let's see... What can I do to apologize for cracking that bad joke?

The choices converge here.



Gotcha. Tell me whatever you want.

I have no info on your opponent. This is a thousand times worse than dealing with Julius.

The only clue we have is the fissure in the wall on the first floor, next to the Arena.

But regardless of what you know and don't know, you still must prepare as best you can. With that in mind, I've been making you a Mystic Code. It should be ready tomorrow.

She's been...making me something? And meanwhile, I—

...Enough talk. You need to go explore the Arena more, so I won't keep you any longer.

Yeah, I ought to head to the Arena as soon as I can. Oh, but there's something I should say before I leave. Thank you. I look into Rin's eyes as I give my thanks, hoping she'll realize just how serious I am.



I feel like a weight's been lifted off my shoulders! Time to go to the Arena.



The damaged wall's description also changes.



Music: Duel of Fate




This is a Base Red Mystic Code... It contains a magic amplification mechanism built by Atlas.



I got it through shady deals with dangerous people. It's my trump card, if you will.

The Base Red is Schrodinger's Mystic Code. It is simultaneously given to Rani by her professor, and bought by Rin on the black market until Hakuno chooses to save one.

Is it really okay for me to take something that important from her?



I understand. It will also be my honor to use such a generous gift to the best of my ability.

However... See that ichors-like stuff? It means that it's defective...after a fashion. This Mystic Code was designed to be used by a specific magus. To use it, you must defeat a powerful enemy and gain the Mystic Code's approval.

Approval from the Mystic Code? She's talking like it's alive... That could be possible, considering that we're talking about alchemy.



Unfortunately for me, it never recognized any of my defeated foes as worthy... In the end, we arrive at this point, with me being unable to use it.



My advice is to be patient in your search and consider yourself lucky if you can use it.

I see, that said, it won't mean anything if I don't find that sort of an enemy and defeat it.

Sound: Phone ringing



My challenge is set before me. Okay, I'll head toward the Arena.



I accidentally botched Taiga's request this week, locking out the second floor sidequest and preventing Hakuno from getting a pet fish in this timeline.



Rani's effigy looks a bit different than Rin's.



...Rani? Why does your effigy have no legs?

_{95% sure it's because they don't have a walk cycle for a dude that big, and deleting the legs saves them from having to make one.}

Beyond that, the rest of the scene is identical.



So let's jump ahead.



Just think, I only have to suicide against a major enemy just a few more times!



This is the only line change on the Dead End.



And surviving the fight still just reveals the enemy's class.





Strangely, Level 2 just reveals the class...



But Blind Rage gets reflagged as New, even though we got it for Level 1!



Music: Duel of Fate


An effigy that copies the actions of a Servant... They're really trying to lay false trails... Well, I'm glad you're not dead. From what you've told me, your enemy is really strong.

It looks like a lightbulb goes on in Rin's head.



Considering the ferocity of the attack, I'm sure he's a Berserker. Even while hiding his identity and not using a Noble Phantasm, it was obvious what he was.

A Berserker... I see, thanks.

Rin is silent in thought for a moment, eyes down-turned, before turning to look at me.

That Effigy... There is something I need to tell you about it. It's just...I can't talk about it here. Come see me in the Nurse's Office this afternoon.

Something that we can't discuss here... What could it be? She seems pretty serious about this, so something must be up. In any case, I'll go to the Nurse's Office this afternoon.

Music: None


Sorry for pulling you in here. Um, I need to tell you something I don't want others to hear... It's about the doll that you said attacked you yesterday. I don't want the Master who's in control of the doll to eavesdrop on our conversation.



If that's the case, I can give you an anti-Berserker Firewall Bypass I prepared earlier. You'll have a serious advantage against a Berserker, even one that's a doll.

Both Rani and Rin have a Base Red Mystic Code and a Firewall Bypass, what are the odds!

But, a countermeasure that targets Berserkers specifically...? Why would Rin have that on hand?

B-Because... Well, because I figured something like this was bound to happen. You asked for it.

Music: School III


Her forehead taps against mine. With her forehead resting on mine, Rin whispers something.





My cheeks tingle as something flows through them. It has to be the anti-Berserker Firewall Bypass. It rapidly courses through my magic circuits, making its way to my Servant. Rin shifts away.



So says the girl in front of me. Huh, how long has it been since the two of us have conspired like this in the nurse's office? The thought popped into my head.



I'm glad you're the one who saved me. If it'd been another Master, they'd be fighting alone. And also-

And also?

No. It's nothing.



She changed the topic. But, at least she's given me what I need to take out that doll. I should head to the Arena and get the Mystic Code's approval.

Music: Fourth Chimeric Lunar Sea - Second Floor


Scene's the same.



Die.



And now the whale.





It looks like you've got a big one on your hands. I can tell even from here. That foe should be enough to gain the Mystic Code's approval. But, when you fight it, be careful. That thing is probably more powerful than even certain Servants.



Die.



—Address conferred... Port connected. Session opened, presentation on, application executed...

The terminal whines as the Mystic Code bucks the program Rin sent. Will it work? Right as I'm starting to worry, Rin alerts me of the confirmation's completion.



Phew, success! By modding the Holy Grail through the back door, it's possible to amp up the power of one's Code Cast. How about you give it a try?

Oohhh... I don't really understand, but it looks amazing. Try equipping it now!

I thank Rin and terminate the transmission chain. This equipment was originally made for another magi, as her trump card. There's no doubt in my mind that it's a really high-quality item. I'll try it on in a moment.





It was probably a result of the Anti-Protect Code. From the impact, it's obvious that—

At that moment, Rin stops talking and looks me up and down, as if assessing my condition. What was she going to say?

Music: Duel of Fate


But it's probably better if you find out who they are for yourself, Hakuno. The only thing I feel I can tell you now is the name of your opponent's Noble Phantasm. Its true name is God Force, AKA Sky Piercer. It belonged to a famous Chinese general. A weapon of mass destruction, it is capable of every kind of attack possible. Meaning of course...





I know that weapon. Because I've seen it once. The Master guiding that weapon... That friend who extended her hand to me— She's my opponent. It's not like I'm facing a "friend" like Shinji... This time I have to face someone truly dear to me.



I know how you feel, but don't let it get to you now.

I understand. The time when I could be hesitant has long since passed. Even though I am nothing but bits of random data, I chose to fight until the end.



Promise— I promised Rin I would eat her cooking, after the lunch incident. My commitment to that promise will be tested tomorrow...



Level 3 nets us his Noble Phantasm, same as in Rani's side.

Lu Bu Feng Xian is an infamous general from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, who had an unfortunate habit of betraying any lord he served. You probably know him better from not persuing him in Dynasty Warriors.

Honestly, Lu Bu is probably one of the best fits for Berserker, just to stop him from betraying his Master at the drop of a hat.




Music: School I


... No, I didn't manage to find out who I'm supposed to fight. —Is how I'll answer her for now. If I can do that, these almost carefree times can continue, if only for one more day...



Tomorrow, the stars will show the truth to all. Goodbye, then...

As I watched Rani as she walked away, I sincerely hoped that tomorrow would never come. -Don't lose focus. Rin's words echo in my head. If I lose focus, I'll be killed. And I have no intention of dying now. That is why when tomorrow comes...I will face my opponent, and defeat her. But for now, I think I should— Rani. I was calling out to her without realizing it.



I just wanted to tell Rani how much I enjoyed her cooking. I just wanted to say that.



With that, she turns and walks away. And this time, she won't be coming back.

Next time: We finally finish Week 6