Medical Room
"How are you, Mash?
Are you feeling any discomfort?"
『Special Healing Capsule: "I'm truly sorry."』
"While you are in this capsule, your physical condition will be maintained at its peak. More than that, it will infuse your body with the miraculous, allowing for a veritable rebirth."
『Oh, thank you very much...! Indeed, I feel strength surging through my body!』
"—It is not for me to comment on this one's birth. However one is born, life is life. How one lives is far more important than how one was born."
"Yes. —Thank you, Gil."
More important than how one was born, is how one lives...
...Yeah. As expected, the King of Heroes is truly amazing.
"Listen, Mash. We will spend a long time reconstructing your body. Eight hours of sleep. You will enter this capsule every day during that time."
『Y-Yes, sir!』
"—This treatment is to shatter a future where you gnash your teeth, unable to fight even if you wished to. First and foremost, the body is capital. While I would not say it is as important as your shield... at the very least, you shall acquire a body of the Age of Gods."
『Y-Yes, sir! Thank you very much! Mash Kyrielight, I will devote myself to this physical enhancement!』
"Hmm. Looking at her like this... Mash has really grown up healthy, hasn't she..."
"—Romani. I don't care if you're letting your guard down, but what is that outfit? A Magi☆Mari headband and a happi coat? Fine. But why, of all people, in Solomon's likeness?"
"Well, I got a little too relaxed, you see... I was called in a hurry, so I just... H-Hey! If I'm dressed like this, no one would ever think this idol otaku is Solomon, right? It's a high-level strategy! Yeah!"
N-No way...! As expected of Romani, of Solomon! Could he have calculated even that far...!? Is this the Conqueror of Wisdom, who carved his name into history...!?
(So pure, so precious—(quietly vanishes and reappears) Ahem, Air, Air. No. He's just, to put it mildly, an idiot.)
Huh!? He's not!?
(No. ...But still, Gil's doing well. ...With this, the final 'that' might be alright. If so... alright, hope might be on the horizon!)
???
(It means I'll definitely keep my promise, Air.)
Yeah!
『My body, I... I feel like I'm being reborn...! With this... I can be even more, even more useful to everyone...!』
The smiling Avenger — Happy New Year's Prison Tour
Each Prepares
Chaldea, Da Vinci's Workshop
"I have compiled the documents. Master, please review them."
Olga Marie finished writing, setting her pen down at the desk. She gathered about thirty pages of reports and handed them to Da Vinci-chan.
"Alright, alright. Let's take a look."
Flipping through the pages, Da Vinci-chan browsed the reports Olga Marie had written, murmuring "Hmm, oh, yeah-hm."
—What she had written was this:
"Alright! It's almost perfect! The origin of the Human Order Incineration, its progression, the justification for using Rayshift in an emergency! Everything that needs to be communicated is completely communicated, and it will be understood! You've done well!"
"...That's good."
She let out a sigh of relief.
...Indeed. This compilation of documents was intended to assert the righteousness of their actions to the Mage's Association, the Clock Tower, the Holy Church, and all national assemblies, after overcoming the Human Order Incineration.
How they had struggled.
With what will they had fought.
For what reason they had fought to restore human history, they had meticulously articulated in these documents under the name of Animusphere, allowing no counterarguments, ensuring no harm could be inflicted upon them.
—That is my fight as Director.
Everyone fights, and I protect their path and their results.
One day, we will surely save the world.
They, and he, will surely accomplish it. There is no doubt. There is certainty.
—That is why I must wage a battle that looks toward the future.
I must defeat those who would find fault and try to seize Chaldea.
I must defeat those who refuse to acknowledge their achievements and make unreasonable demands.
I must prevent the miracles they grasp from being sullied by selfish motives.
—Yes, this is a fight only I can undertake.
It is a battle to protect everyone who is saving humanity.
"The logical and coherent writing style, the thorough observations from a third-party perspective! Even they won't be able to argue against this. Our arguments are sure to be accepted! As expected, you've worked hard! You truly are my disciple! My best one!"
"Thank you. Well, of course, right? It's the guidance of an all-purpose genius."
She puffed out her chest with a "Hmph."
—That's right. Master aptitude, other people's opinions, none of that matters.
More important, more precious, is to do what only I can do.
"But... humans don't always accept things based on logic, and that's both a flaw and a virtue. What if, even after reading this, they say 'So what?' and take forceful measures?"
—Ah, in that case, it's already decided.
"I have this. It's not a very commendable method, but..."
She delicately handed a sheet of paper to Da Vinci.
...Such a thing, I've already thought of it.
The explanation has been given. Our sincerity has been exhausted.
If they still don't accept it, then—
"Hmm? What's this? 'Should this explanation be rejected, or should steps be taken that would prove disadvantageous to us, the achievements of Animusphere and the Chaldeas will, under the Director's responsibility, declare secession from the Mage's Association, the Clock Tower, the United Nations, and all human hands, and will operate eternally under the mission of observing 'Humanity.' Furthermore, its whereabouts shall be entrusted to the Arbiter of All Things.' ...I see! You've gone big!"
...That's right. If Chaldeas, if everyone, were to be exposed to base schemes and fall into crisis—
"To sever Chaldeas from human hands." From the Mage's Association, the Clock Tower, the United Nations. ...And, of course, from her own hands. And to transform it into an automatic mechanism that will eternally fulfill its mission and purpose.
...In short, it means, "If you have a problem, we will confiscate Chaldeas from everyone and hand it over to no one." It will be shut off from all outside interference. Given the current situation, there should be no problem in continuing, as there are no particular inconveniences.
—And the culmination of Animusphere, she would entrust to him.
The King of Heroes, the Arbiter of All Things. Gilgamesh.
To him, she would offer Animusphere's "treasure." He, surely... would use and protect Chaldeas more correctly than any other being on this earth.
To him, she could safely... offer her everything.
—Would they say it's too much? Would they say it's foolish?
But... I believe in him.
I believe in his way of judging humanity.
Rather than it being used for selfish motives... I want him to use Chaldeas to aid in that responsibility.
Then it will be rewarded. Animusphere's wish will be fulfilled.
Because—for Chaldeas to be welcomed into that glittering treasury. For it to be recognized as a treasure by that King.
There is no greater honor...
"Ahahah! They'll have their eyes wide! How will they respond when we come out this strong?!"
"We no longer need their aid or help. Having gained Gil as the best possible collaborator, human schemes are unnecessary."
"He told us he'd stay with Chaldea until the very end! He's truly the best owner and sponsor, in name and reality!"
"—Is that true!?"
Gil will stay...! He'll support them even after the Human Order is restored...!?
"Oh? Didn't you write that bold statement with that intention yourself?"
"N-No... it was half-hope, or rather..."
"Ahaha! My disciple is so endearing! But is it truly alright? I think the jealousy directed at you will be immense~? You might hear boos like 'Chaldeas privatized disgrace' or 'Animusphere's stain'."
—Ah, that's no problem.
"I don't mind. Insults, denunciation, shame for generations to come, bring it on. I will accept everything."
Whap, she slapped her fist into her palm.
—Just as my precious friend would.
"Because—I am fighting to save those very people who will hurl insults and curses for generations to come. One should be prepared for at least that much, right?"
She grinned.
"The continuation is this: 'If you have complaints, bring them on. If you choose a path of hostility, we will take decisive action. To protect our righteousness and rights, and the treasure of humanity, we will fight. If you threaten it, we will fight even if it means opposing all of humanity!'"
That's right.
We will fight. We will not stop.
We will continue to fight to save this world.
If anyone tries to impede us... we will not yield, even if it is humanity itself.
Chaldeas, we will hand over to no one but him.
"'If they won't listen to words, I'll show them with actions!' ...Just like that."
—Our battle is precisely that kind of battle.
We will not recognize base schemes.
We will not allow their journey to be sullied.
My enemies... are those kinds of people.
"Ahahah! Animusphere has become quite violent! Or rather, has she been trained?"
Laughing, Da Vinci patted her shoulder.
"Alright! We'll show them! Gil and I will definitely protect Chaldea! You, in turn, can proudly declare war!"
"No, this is only if our explanation isn't properly accepted, it's not that I want to fight. Besides, we need to quickly secure the staff's families, or they might be taken hostage."
"Oh, of course, I've considered that! Once human history is restored, we'll go collect them thoroughly! Ah—it's truly a perfect plan, wouldn't you say!"
—Yes.
"Our battle continues even after the Human Order is restored. —Therefore,"
She bowed deeply.
"Please continue to look after me, always and forever, Da Vinci-sensei."
"Of course! I love the current Chaldea! I have my beloved disciple, so even if you asked, I wouldn't leave, you know?"
Suddenly, Da Vinci hugged Olga Marie.
"We'll be together forever. Please continue to rely on me, alright?"
"—Yes, Master."
Embraced by the genius, Olga Marie softly whispered.
—The same to you. Thank you, Master.
"...Well then, Master. I'm going to see Ritsuka."
"Hm? Is it training?"
"Ah, no. Not that... I intend to transfer all of my main Magic Circuits to her."
"Ooh! Is that so!"
—A small help, at least, for my precious friend.
"I have a Holy Grail, so I'm not short on magical energy. If I have too much, I'll give it all to Ritsuka."
"Now Ritsuka-kun will have top-class Magic Circuits in both quality and quantity! Pancration, Samurai Sword, Goddess's Blessing, versatile Mystic Codes! My, how fearsome, perhaps no modern human can stand against her now?"
"She wouldn't be much good if she wasn't. She is—"
Yes, she is—
"—the greatest Master of humanity, whom I acknowledge."
—I would be glad if you feel the same way, Gil.
Because... isn't that right?
There's no way your Master isn't the best in the world—
"...Ah, yes. Indeed. Even among Team A, there will be no one who can underestimate her as just a 'normal Master.' So—"
"Yes. Let us say it with pride. She is the Master who represents us!"
—Am I being selfish? But it's okay, isn't it?
You'll just smile and say you'll be fine, even with our expectations, won't you?
—Because you are the one who bears the future of humanity and smiles.
...Ah, but.
It's okay to show a little weakness sometimes, you know?
"Well then, I'm off!"
"Be careful, my disciple!"
The girl runs off.
The flower of hope, having overcome exhaustion and ceased its dependency,
Now proudly blooms—
"Alright, the transfer of my Magic Circuits is complete. With this, you should be able to summon six Servants and use even more powerful magecraft."
"Thank you! ...That was amazing, I loved it! ♥"
"...Hehe."
"Oh, you too, Marie?"
"Not that way. ...It's just that I'm happy to be able to support everyone like this. I might have died there, after all."
"Marie..."
"Come on, cheer up. With this, regardless of your skill, your aptitude is undoubtedly first-rate. The rest is up to your effort."
"Okay!"
"Do your best. —You are the greatest Master I acknowledge."
"Okay! Thank you—"
『View of the Prison』
"—!?"
"...Ritsuka?"
"Hm? Hmm? ...No, it's nothing...?"
"...Are you alright? You look pale..."
"I'm fine, I'm fine! Really, I'm okay!"
"Are you two done talking? Honestly. A chat between friends and not a single sweet? That's just un-girly. Here, a shortcake and a cheesecake. Eat them both."
"Yay!"
"Thank you, Jeanne Alter."
"It's fine, really. I'm doing it because I want to. It would be even better if you told me what you thought, though?"
"Delicious! (Making a silly face)"
"...Master only ever says that..."
"Ah... well then, I'll eat."
"Enjoy. Oh, there are napkins too—"
"...Ritsuka?"
"—Ah, wha—"
"—Master—!?"
"Now, the party preparations are complete! You are invited! I welcome your light and your darkness! Kuha! Kuhahahahahahahahahahaha!!!"
-----------------------------
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