Part 50: Update XLV - Hard fighting

Update XLV - Hard fighting



Music: Duel of Fate


That's a problem. Looking at my Servant, the words of Julius's invisible Servant taunt me. —Death is inescapable. Death. Is Caster going to die? My strong, wise Servant who's always defended stupid me might really die? As much as my heart wants to deny it, my brain can't. Caster sucks in labored breaths, but doesn't awaken. I have to do something! Knowing that I have to do SOMETHING doesn't mean I know WHAT to do! When I rush out of the room to collect my thoughts, I run into a concerned-looking Rani.

Hakuno is a bit of a mess right now, understandably.





Oh... Hi, Rani... Good morning... I absentmindedly reply.

...Um. You don't look so well. Has something happened?

Rani's worried tone jump-starts my addled mind into processing things again. The first thing I notice is that my face is stiff with worry. Belatedly, I turn and greet Rani with a smile. —I'm glad to see you up and about.



Now it's you I'm worried about, Hakuno. What has happened? Please tell me if you can. You provided me a great service the professor said someone might someday. So, I must repay you.

Her professor? Rani talks about this individual a lot. What kind of things have they taught her?



"Find someone who treasures you for more than the doll you are." For when I do... That is when I will have a soul. That is why I have kept searching. And I have found that someone. You, Hakuno. You are so unlike my professor, and yet, you are the one. Yes... you are my owner. So please, let me assist you.

Alright, next goal after healing Caster: teach Rani that's she's her own person.



O-Owner?!

Owner?! It seems like Rani has been looking for a protector to take the place of her professor.

~

A doll...

My instructor could not construct me with a soul. Therefore, I am nothing more than a vessel. The person who holds my life fills that vessel. I have always believed the words of my professor, and they have come to fruition. I've found you.

~~

After an involuntary and somewhat bewildered silence, Rani goes on.



Up until now, I have thought my duty was to understand the lessons my professor taught me. However, Hakuno, I wish to aid you of my own free will, not for my professor. If you permit.

Of course I welcome her help. It's reassuring to know that even in the Holy Grail War, cooperation is possible. I'm luckier still that Rani is so skilled. But being her ”owner" is a little over the top. I wonder if "friend” will do.



May I link your portable terminal with mine, Hakuno?

I see no reason to object. I nod my assent, and hand my portable terminal over to Rani. Rani chants softly, and suddenly the terminal blinks. That must mean it connected.



Over halfway through the game, and we can finally talk to someone that isn't Caster or our weekly opponent while in the Arena.

Cool, now we can communicate any time. I'm glad Rani's on my side. She smiles when I thank her.





Anything... That's right! Rani may know a way to revive Caster.



Is your Servant okay?

When I tell her my Servant is still asleep in our private room, Rani ruminates for a moment.

Your Servant is still asleep in your private room? Will you please show me right away? I may know a way to revive your injured Servant.

Definitely not saying no to that. I nod curtly and accompany Rani to my private room. Caster should still be asleep there.

Music: Down to Dawn


Going over my recording, I noticed a single frame where Caster's sitting like normal.



Before dropping to her injured pose.



Your nerves— Your magic circuits are in disarray. In layman's terms, the pipe that supplies magic to your Servant has been blocked. A Servant thrives off their Master's magic. Without it, they cannot even sustain their body's existence. ...Your Servant is sustaining their body on their magic alone right now. But, that source is finite. Unless their Master's supply resumes, they will perish in a few days' time. -I have a grasp on the situation. I will think of something. Please come see me again later. I will be waiting at my usual spot in the third floor hallway.

Rani leaves the room, the look on her face solemn. Frustration at my powerlessness wells up every time I see Caster in pain, but it's accompanied by the urge for me to get help, fast. With Rani's help this evening, I'll form a plan of action.





Music: None


A cutscene starts the moment we walk out the door.

!! I twirl around to find the source of the voice, but there's no one there. I don't sense anyone. But there's no mistaking that was the voice of Julius's Servant! In other words, the malicious, unknown man who incapacitated Caster yesterday. Just hearing the sound of his voice petrifies me and makes me break out into a cold sweat. I try to flee, but my body rejects the command.



So, he's saying... If Julius isn't there commanding him to, he isn't interested in fighting me?

Hmm? Why such surprise? I'm not so savage to deal death when there is no need. Although, I do applaud that you've learned to be more cautious after your fight with Julius. He and I are kindred spirits, but I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I killed as often as him!

When a guy who became famous enough to hit the Throne of Heroes entirely due to how many people he killed is sniping at Julius, you know he's bad news.

The unseen Servant laughs heartily. I get the impression he's not the unrestrained killer Julius is.

Listen. I only kill one person every fight. That means just one person will unequivocally die. But...it seems that your Servant still lives? Take pride in that Servant, o great magus. For they evaded my fist, if only for an instant. Hmph. It's a pity that I will be forced to kill an opponent I have enjoyed more than any before.

...A pity...? Maybe Julius's Servant isn't the mad hellhound I thought he was. Then, maybe he'd be willing to heal my injured Caster-

Hakuno has to be desperate to ask an enemy for help.

Stay your request. As much as I'd like to assist you, my fists bring only destruction. My fists are murderous things, only able to rend the flesh and break the bones of the human body. The number that survive is zero. So as you see, I am no honorable warrior, just an executioner. So, you must aid your Servant with your own hands if I am to have an enjoyable fight.



Well, at least he's a good sport about everything!

Music: School I




With that, the cutscene ends.



This scene automatically starts the moment I enter the private room, completely bypassing the normal 'Speak with Caster' option.

First things first. I have to get Caster to recover, or I won't even be able to explore the Arena. I should ask Rani. I bet she would know what to do.



Oh hey, we haven't seen someone with a yellow speech bubble in a while!



I see, you fought with Kuzuki. It could be fatal if you don't restore your Servant's magic. Rani knows about stuff like that. You should go talk to her.

On the downside, we already know that. On the upside, at least we're telling everyone exactly how Julius kills in case Hakuno dies this week!



Nothing at the commissary can heal that extensive of damage, and we aren't allowed to help, either. The rules prohibit Student Council members from offering help. But... I can still wish you good luck.



His goth aura gives me the creeps. I'm 100% behind you this time. So, good luck. Really. I wish I could do more.

I like how Hakuno is friends with all the AI helpers.



But for now, you should concern yourself with the recovery of your Servant.



What? I'm right?! I guess it's time you started actually earning your victories for a change.

Now that us fighting each other has changed from 'if' to 'when,' Rin is a lot more caustic when dealing with us.



Here's hoping Rani figured something out.





If your Servant does not receive an infusion of magic soon, they won't be alive to see tomorrow.

And, thanks to the rules of a Moon Cell Holy Grail War, us by extension.

Dead by tomorrow...?! Whatever the case, what can I do before tomorrow comes?! How can I supply them with magic—



Rani looks directly at me and continues to speak in an almost indifferent tone.



Rani will send her—? Is that even possible? I don't know where to begin... First of all, I can't even imagine how that'll work.



First, I'll connect to the Holy Grail while you're in the Arena and open a temporary back door. Through it, I'll be able to send magic to your Servant. Consider me a spare fuel tank, if you must.

Is that even possible?! More importantly, how much stress will it put on Rani's body...

I appreciate your concern, but it's the only way, Hakuno. However, if you disapprove...

If Rani doesn't have a problem with it, who am I to object? And it's not like I have a choice... So, what do you need me to do?

First, go to the Arena and put this in a place that'll be easy to hack into.



As she says this, she hands me a black cube. And this is—?



Once you're in the Arena I will walk you through the details. For now, please go to the Arena.

I'm glad I spoke with Rani- I'm sure everything will turn out okay...somehow. For now, I'd better head to the Arena like Rani said.



Taiga has her first weekly request ready, even though Caster's still down.



Yes ma'am.

You're such a kind person. And kudos for staying positive. About my humble request... I would like you to track down something another student lost. It was a digital representation of a coin that has been in their family for countless generations. The item in question will be deleted in two days, so don't take too long to find it.



Sakura has her weekly gift.

This isn't a lunch, but I hope you enjoy it.



A new tier of Master MP restore!



Using this item's ability will allow you to move rapidly throughout the Arena.



I didn't think you were up to the challenge, especially with the Harways involved. Oh well... I can't believe you couldn't beat him even after using your Noble Phantasm. You did use it, right?



I haven't used it yet.

...Come again?! And you're still alive? That is...INCONCEIVABLE! I have no idea why you'd refrain from using your Servant's Noble Phantasm, but thinking you can always win without using the big guns seems ...I don't know...delusional.

Okay, that one is Caster's fault for not letting me use it!

~

...Noble Phantasm?

Don't tell me that you have no idea what your Servant's ultimate technique is... If you don't learn what your Servant's Noble Phantasm is, your chances of surviving are nil.



Alright, let's get in and out while Caster rests.





Or not. If we went in alone, any fight would be an instant Game Over, and not even Extra is willing to go that far.

I was planning on entering the Arena alone, but Caster would have noticed immediately. ...It's obvious that my Servant is in no condition to fight effectively, if at all. However, I have no choice but to have them join me. The fact is that if I entered the Arena alone, I wouldn't last a minute. The fifth round has arrived and Caster said that they would fight, injuries and all. Knowing the consequences of my actions, I ask that you fight alongside me anyway. Of course, you probably expected nothing less from one you've fought alongside with.



So regardless of my condition, protecting my Master is the only thing that matters to me!

Music: Fourth Chimeric Lunar Sea - First Floor


We can see a sparkling spot in the dungeon preview.

Sound: Phone ringing




Rani's quick to take advantage of that link she added.

As I said earlier, find the weak points in the Arena's firewall and set up a bypass circuit. I will guide you along, so please listen to my transmissions.



Despite these screen-sized text boxes not having portraits, the game is still able to differentiate the speaker. Hakuno's lines always start at the top, as usual, while Rani's start in the middle of the screen, like the normal Terminal messages.

...And also, when I connect with the Holy Grail, that means I will link to you, Hakuno. I will have to intrude on your files a bit, so please forgive me...

Whatever Rani needs to do, she has my permission. If I want to carry out Rani's plan, I'll need to avoid contact with the enemy.



Caster's injury isn't just for show, she skipped her usual entry lines.



...Is everything all right? Everything seems in order. Then, let us begin. It appears that this dungeon has six places vulnerable to hacking. I marked the potential hacking sites. Visit them in the specified order.

When not in a cutscene, Rani will have fully voiced lines while we're in the Arena.



Today, the star of the show is the unassuming Shockwave-1st Strike.



The first marked spot is right past where Julius ambushed us yesterday.



So far, wandering around on the field is the same while Caster's injured.

Music: Battle - Fourth Chimeric Lunar Sea


But in battle is an entirely different story. Right off the bat, she's locked to her critical HP idle animation.



(The Blazing Soul is another Crix-type enemy.)



Now, Caster's look isn't just cosmetic.



In this state, all of Caster's stats are halved, on top of muting all her normal voice lines.



Although Caster is fragile enough that half Defense won't make much of a difference.



But being forced to go into today with minimal info means I have to burn a lot of MP to brute force a turn. Combine that with dealing half damage, and suddenly even a simple battle like this would take a sizable chunk of Caster's MP to clear safely.

This also explains why the Trigger is being guarded by a Phobia. If I tried to get cheeky and grab the Trigger with Caster in this state, I'd have to deal with an extremely bulky enemy that would probably survive Caster burning all her MP.



Skills are still voiced, however.

Music: Fourth Chimeric Lunar Sea - First Floor


Anyways, here's the first spot.

...This one is inaccessible. I cannot circumvent the protective barrier.

Naturally, it won't be that easy.



Here's why the Shockwave is so important today: Halved stats mean nothing when I can just stun every enemy and slip by them!



But this Blazing Soul manages to chase me anyways??? The stun clearly hasn't faded, you can still see the sparks around their body.



It barely misses me, and I snag the second point.



The third spot is in the corner here.







The fourth spot is right past this Inspire-type.



...As you have told me, I will do what I think is right, my—



The one we saw in the dungeon preview is over here.





And the last one is right there.

Despite what Rani said on the way in, this one is the only spot you have to hit. You can just skip past everything and rush here to get through this segment.



You lose control the moment you get close.



I shall analyze it in more detail to see if it is an appropriate place to set a bypass circuit.



Interestingly, the game forgets to bring up the screen blur that usually goes with a full text box.

...Yes, that place is suitable to establish a bypass circuit. I will circumvent the barrier by channeling magic from the Holy Grail that maintains the Arena.

I hear her whisper something—

I will conduct an unauthorized entry from the terminal. Please remain still. ...We won't know until we test it out, but it appears the bypass circuit was successfully created. It's all thanks to your support. So thank you very much. Now then, let us continue this on the school grounds—

Alright, let's get out of here before-





Fuck.

Next time: A narrow escape!