Jayr POV - Nasuverse, Moon, SE.RA.PH, Tsukumihara Academy - 2030 AD
After Run Ru and Elizabeth left the Arena, Nero and I took advantage of their absence to fully explore the second floor of the First Chimeric Lunar Sea, search for the Secondary Trigger, and retrieve it in the little time left before the end of the day.
We were able to successfully do all that within the limited timeframe thanks to the use of Behemoth, my digital motorcycle, whose speed is basically equal to the amount of energy one infuses into it, meaning that with enough energy, it can easily reach the speed of light and even more, something that Nero very much enjoyed.
In the end, we left the Arena with a satisfied grin on our faces and arrived in front of the classroom door that leads to our Private Room.
The door slides open with a low chime, and the moment I step into our Private Room, the air shifts, becoming much quieter, denser, and surely safer.
I take a brief moment to enjoy the change and fully relax, allowing me to fully digest everything that happened today and keep an optimal mental state, after all, I ensured the safety of our Private Room for this very reason.
After restoring my mental state, I focus back on the moment and warily pull out from my pocket my prize, the faintly glowing data fragment that Run Ru gave me, which is now pulsing gently in rhythm with my heartbeat.
Its color isn't a stable blue like the usual data fragments found in this reality, but it is alternating between crimson and violet, like a wound struggling to close, likely the result of Run Ru's mental state and messy handiwork.
Nero's presence stirs beside me, materializing halfway before fading back into Spirit Form, and her voice brushes against my mind, warm, curious, and at the same time with a hint of caution, [So that little token the mad girl gave us... Shall we see what melody it hides? A gift from lunacy can only sing in chaos, and chaos can be as beautiful as it is dangerous.]
Hearing that, my lips turn into a small smile, especially since Nero was cautious enough not to fully lower her guard in the presence of Run Ru's data fragments that may very well be a carefully crafted Trojan Horse.
After all, Run Ru is without question an insane woman with a pitiful past, but she is still competent enough to take part in this Holy Grail War, and that isn't something that can be carelessly understated.
I then set the data fragment down on the desk and reply to Nero out loud, "Probably, but this chaos may still hold information, and any kind of information can turn into a massive advantage. Especially when the one who has the information is able to use it."
I quickly receive Nero's response as she hums in my mind, [Umu! Spoken like a true scholar. Very well, Praetor. Lead the way! Rome shall watch from the wings.]
I sit down on the chair, boot up the room's analysis console, create a safe and disconnected environment, and connect the data fragment to it.
As expected, the system immediately flares with red warning icons signaling countless encryptions, some multi-layered, some organic, some adaptive, and naturally, a few nasty and well hidden surprises, exactly what someone should expect from Run Ru, or any other Master taking part in this Holy Grail War.
After all, the people competing in this Holy Grail War aren't simply magi; they are Spiritron Hackers.
Spiritron Hacker, also called Wizard, is the new class of magus in the world of Fate/Extra.
They are a new generation of mankind from after the era of magecraft ended, the magi of the old world have disappeared, and the era of Mystery has drawn to a complete close.
From then on, those who called themselves "magi" came to represent Spiritron Hackers, a new generation of mankind that possesses special abilities and can dive into the cyber world at a soul level.
Their form of magic is called Codecast, or Program: Simple Spell, where a Spiritron Hacker writes and compiles the program code in advance, and activates it by passing magical energy through it.
There are two types of Codecast. External Codecasts are one-time use consumable Codecasts, while Internal Codecasts are installed into the body, or rather the Spiritrons structures that make up one's body in cyberspace.
Codecasts that have been installed are very powerful. However, seeing as they change the fundamental nature of the user, not many Spiritron Hackers choose to use them.
Codecasts implemented through the use of a Mystic Code fall somewhere in the middle in terms of power and effects on the user.
After removing and erasing a few nasty Codecast hidden within the data fragment, I focus back on the encrypted files, let out a sigh, and mutter, "Figures... She doesn't even share her secrets without a game of riddles and a few nasty surprises hidden between them."
In response to that, Nero chuckles and purrs in my mind, [Hehe... Then solve them, my Praetor. I'm sure you do love puzzles almost as much as victory.]
Hearing that, I let out yet another sigh and fully focus on decrypting the data fragment while still being careful of any other hidden Codecast left behind by Run Ru.
Decryption takes its time, layer by layer. I peel away the protective code until the first set of data begins to unspool across the holographic screen and see that it is a group of uneven, stitched-together logs and fragmented reports.
This immediately makes me realize that it isn't Moon Cell data, it is Run Ru's own compilation, her notes, intercepted recordings, and visual scraps tagged with her twisted little comments and understanding.
The interface quickly organizes itself automatically as I scroll through them while Nero's voice hums faintly as she reads alongside me, [My, my… she's been watching everyone. Even I don't have admirers that devoted.]
I roll my eyes at that and say, "She's cataloguing threats. No wait, it is more correct to say potential meals... Which is much worse in my opinion."
After saying that, I focus back on the interface and the first entries in it aren't surprises and are quite recognizable.
[The Doll, precise, analytical, her every move calculated to dissect rather than destroy.]
Followed by Run Ru's annotation that says: 'The doll who pretends to be human... lovely cracks showing. Not so tasty at the moment...'
I immediately connect the description of this entry to Rani VIII, who is the Master of the Berserk Class Servant Lu Bu.
She is a homunculus created by Sialim Eltnam Re-Atlasia with the intention of seeing if it was possible for not just alchemists but for humanity to continue existing in the cyber world, which would mean having to give up their physical bodies.
She is different from the homunculi created through DNA engineering that are popular on the black market.
Rani's design is based on old-world Magus theory, and she was made with cutting-edge science and technology developed by the Atlas Institute; in other words, she is nothing short of being a new form of mankind.
By using nano-sized fibers called Etherlite, Rani can directly send herself into the cyber world without any direct physical connection.
Her computational power is equivalent to the power required to generate all of the Holy Grail War's arena and schools, making her quite exceptional.
She can even go head-to-head with the High Level AI who are in charge of managing the Holy Grail War, and the fact that Run Ru already took notice of her makes me genuinely admire the sharp insight hidden behind the chaotic madness.
[The perfect prince. I wonder what his blood tastes like when it boils?]
Naturally, this is Leo, who is quite eyecatching and in absolute confidence, he doesn't hide his unusual presence in any way, turning himself into a massive, shining target.
[A fairy tale lost in its own loop. Charming. Frightening. I want to meet her rabbit.]
Looking at that entry, I pause for a moment as my mind immediately goes over everything I know about the world of Fate/Extra, and in an instant, I connect Run Ru's rambling to a specific name, Alice.
Alice is the Master of the Caster Class Servant Nursery Rhyme, and her identity and backstory are quite tragic.
Her real name is unknown, and when she was young, she lived in England, but before Alice passed away, a foreign army invaded her country.
In an air raid at the end of World War II, she was gravely injured, and her remaining days were said to be numbered. She ended up in a vegetative state in the hospital.
However, it was discovered that she had Magic Circuits, and after that, she was kept alive as is for research purposes.
After a few years of experiencing continual pain and suffering, her physical body finally died; However, her mind that was connected to the net remains, and she continues to live as a cyber-Magus.
Her true identity is that of a net ghost that wanders around the cyber world.
She had run from a reality that held only pain for her into a cyber "Dream World."
As she wandered around the network, she came across Moon Cell and then made a contract with the only friend she'd ever had, Caster.
After formally becoming a Master, she did not immediately participate in the Holy Grail War; she just gazed upon the world of SE.RA.PH.
Occasionally, she would find another Master who she thought was similar to herself, and in order to speak with him/her, she would descend upon the grounds of the final tournament.
After remembering all that, I immediately feel extremely bad about her and promise myself to do something to help her no matter what, while I almost scold myself out loud for forgetting about such a pitiful child until now, even more so when my own children also come to my mind.
My reaction is so strong that Nero also notices and asks, [Is something wrong, Praetor?]
Hearing her voice in my mind, I take a deep breath and refocus my mental state before I reply, [Reading that particular name, I suddenly remembered about this Master, which reminded me of my own children, and now I have the sudden urge to help her...]
After saying that, I briefly tell Nero about Alice, and her reaction is quite surprising.
Nero's voice, usually brimming with theatrical confidence, softened in my mind, [Such cruelty… to bind a child's soul to pain eternal, and call it research.]
At the same time, through our link, Nero's feeling bleeds into mine, and what I feel is anger, not for her, but for the injustice done to another.
Then she continues in an almost wistful tone, [Even emperors know loneliness, Praetor. But to be left alone in a world without warmth, without even the touch of another's hand… that is no fate I would wish on any soul.]
I can feel her presence stir. The radiant flame that is Nero's spirit is now tempered with sorrow before she quickly rekindles her resolve perfectily matching mine, and says, [If she yet lingers in that false paradise, then let us go to her. I, Nero Claudius, shall not allow a maiden so cruelly wronged to fade without applause! If your heart commands you to help her, then I, your Servant, shall assist you in making it so!]
She pauses, then, adds in a quieter, almost tender voice, [You have a kind heart, Praetor. Perhaps… kinder than mine once was. Let us see this through together.]
For a moment, her usual radiance returns, not the blinding gold of a conqueror, but the gentle glow of someone who, despite the past, still believes beauty can heal even the deepest wounds.
After that, we quickly focus back on the list of entries, easily noticing another familiar one.
[The blacksmith who forges his madness into metal. I like him. He bleeds insanity. But he is an idiot.]
This entry may mislead many into believing that she is talking about the legendary Shirou Emiya, but I know another one who fits much better and is Monji Gatuo.
I remember him quite well; he is the most incompetent Master with what potentially is the most overpowered Servant in the whole Nasuverse.
The reason for that is simply because the true identity of the Servant he has summoned is... Arcueid Freaking Brunestud.
THAT Arcueid Brunestud, the one who is considered by many to be THE strongest of the whole Nasuverse, who, at her peak, can reach the level of an Ultimate One.
Ultimate Ones are the ultimate beings from other planets, differing significantly from both creatures of Earth and each other biologically and in appearance.
They usually do not have various concepts such as a mind, thought processes, a sense of self, or will as human beings, nor do they have the concepts of damage and death.
Ultimate Ones cannot be judged by the common sense of the planet, so they require something above the existence of the common sense of the planet in order to be harmed or destroyed.
Crimson Moon, for example, was defeated by Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, wielding the Second Magic, due to being too late in understanding the power of Magic, "a rule outside of the rules." However, the resulting "death" is not necessarily permanent.
Each Ultimate One is the strongest lifeform of its planet, essentially the planets themselves, and they each have the power to singlehandedly exterminate all existing lifeforms on Earth.
Luckily, Monji Gatou is so incompetent as a Master that the summoned Arcueid Brunestud can't even use 5% of her true power.
On top of that, because this is the World of Fate Extra, where the information of the digital world takes precedence over the physical World, Arcueid is also no longer the strongest.
The reason for that is that in this digital world, legend becomes reality, and natural phenomena that have been incarnated as "God" can often hold more power than their original natural existence does.
Arcueid was originally a Spirit from the Earth called "True Ancestor", as opposed to gods, sentient beings with values able to be understood by Humans.
Due to Monji Gatou's misconceptions equating her to a God, her status was downgraded from Planet to God, making her unable to properly display her abilities even more.
This is quite good news for all the other Masters taking part in this Holy Grail War; after all, without all these debuffs, it is entirely possible that Arcueid would effortlessly destroy every opponent standing in her way.
After lingering my gaze on Monji's entry for a few seconds, I move on and skim past other familiar and recognizable entries, as I already know about them as they are famous within SE.RA.PH's Grail cycle.
But suddenly, I stumble upon an entry that feels much different; it isn't filled with the usual familiar description and mad rambling, and because of that, it immediately catches my attention.
[The Girl with Spheres. She's strange. Like her heart and soul are fighting one another. Plays games within games. I wonder how such dissonance will work as seasoning.
Observation log: A slender young woman with eyes that naturally look closed, standing move to a hidden spot, tossing small metallic orbs into the air. Each orb burst open, releasing a blinding light, and from within, impossible creatures take form.
Scaled, winged, bipedal, and four-legged entities with distinct will and individuality. She used them to attack and harass her opponent, and the system didn't stop it. They fought like Servants, yet were nothing of the sort.]
Looking at this entry, I especially look at the part of the "small metallic orbs" and at the creatures emerging from them.
Instantly, my mind connects the dots, and I can't stop myself from murmuring, "Poké Balls."
Nero hears that and asks while sounding bemused, [I beg your pardon?]
In response to her question, I point at the entry and explain, "I recognize these. These are from a different world with very different rules from this one. Those spheres described in this entry are called Pokè Balls and... Well, they kinda act as vessels to summon living entities called Pokèmon, but not through the Grail system. It is like she's importing her own ecosystem."
Hearing that Nero comments, [Creatures caged for war… In Rome, we had quite a few of them. They were entertaining.] But then her tone turns serious as she realizes something and says, [She's bypassing SE.RA.PH's restrictions entirely. A standard Master couldn't do that.]
I nod and, in a grave tone, I say, "Which means she's not standard. She is a Champion. Considering that she is using Pokèmon then it is very possible that this one is the Champion of Earth. The one who chose to reincarnate in the Pokèmon Universe."
After saying that, I let out a sigh and comment, "I admit that I didn't have any expectation about this... But it turns out that Run Ru's insight and observation are truly frighting sharp. She took notice of a possible Champion in only 5 days, while we were mostly unsuccessful... Oh well, at least we were lucky enough that these data fragments fell into our hands."
Nero's voice echoes in my mind as she says in a prideful tone, [Well, it is only natural. Luck has always smiled upon the glory of Rome. Now, let's focus back on this treasure trove of information.]
With new determination, I quickly focus back on the list of entries, this time studying them with much more attention than before, and soon, another one catches my attention.
[The Womanizer. The horny lover who never sleeps alone. His company is not from this place. Curious? Very.
Observation log: A handsome, tall young man with messy black hair and red eyes. He walks through the halls with lazy indifference. But what is intriguing isn't him, it is those who walk beside him. Every day, a different woman can be seen by his side. Each one with a different presence, some distinct, some real, some regal. Yet they are no Servant as confirmed by Elizabeth. No NPCs, as the way they act isn't stiff. Not Masters, as I didn't see any Command Seal on them. They are a complete mystery. Maybe some outside help?]
At this point, I hear Nero's voice as she hums softly, [This one changes companions as easily as one changes robes. How decadent.]
At the same time, my mind turns through the various possibilities before I say, "Or a strategic means to mislead his opponents. If these women aren't Servants, Masters, or NPCs, then they must come from somewhere else entirely."
Nero's voice resounds in my head as she wonders, "Another Champion, perhaps?"
I lean closer to the screen and reply, "Very likely. Using Occam's razor... The simplest answer is that those are his allies and he's summoning them from his own Soulbound Territory."
Nero pauses for a moment before she remembers what I've told her some time ago and says, [Ah, your Champion's trick. A pocket world tied to the soul, right?]
I nod and explain, "Exactly. Each Champion's Territory is unique in the sense that it is an extension of their essence and the manifestation of their Blessing. It can hold objects, beings, even entire environments... And if big enough, even entire universes. If that's what he's using, those 'companions' could be the allies he has gathered during his adventures across the Omniverse and pulled directly from his Soulbound Territory. Naturally, since all of them are women, it is also possible that they are also his lovers."
At this point, Nero muses, "A home carried within one's soul… How divine and how lovely. I would love to bring Rome with me whenever I go..."
I don't answer that and focus back on studying the list of entries, already moving on, but the next few entries are about me with Run Ru, wondering how tasty I am, and Aletha, who Run Ru took notice of because of me.
Soon, I realize that all the remaining entries do not contain any new hints or information about the other possible Champions taking part in this Holy Grail War.
At this point, I lean back, absorbing the weight of everything I've just read, especially about the two possible Champions, 'Two anomalies. Two distortions in the Holy Grail War. Each one reeking of Champions intruding where they didn't belong.'
While thinking that, I say quietly, "She knew I'd see this. She wasn't mocking us... She was sharing the pieces." Which makes Nero comment, "Then she plays a longer game. Perhaps even madness can have method."
I let out a sigh and say, "Maybe. But the board just got a lot more complicated... At least, now I can see a few more pieces of it."
After saying that, I manually make a copy of the logs and encrypt them, then I make sure to store the clean logs in my own hidden data vault before I completely erase Run Ru's ones to ensure the safety of our Private Room. After all, when dealing with Spiritron Hacker, one can never be too careful and paranoid.
The next moment, Nero calmly appears, stretching as though testing her new strength. She looks as radiant as ever while she comments, "More strange actors upon our stage, Praetor. Beasts, lovers, and who knows what else. Rome would call this a carnival."
I smile wryly and reply, "More like a storm. And we're still standing in the open."
She chuckles before she theatrically lies on her royal-looking bed and says, "Then let the thunder come. We have danced in worse conditions."
I power down the terminal and lean back on the chair's backrest, exhaling slowly.
My mind keeps returning to the idea of the Soulbound Territory, that secret inner world that each Champion carried, 'It is usually a refuge, a weapon, and can even be a cage. Mine is still in a semi-sealed state, just like what happens during a Random Battle. I can use it to store and summon anything I want, but I can hide inside it. And the same is true for all the other Champions... But, even so, it is still a massive advantage that only the Champions have at their disposal. This may very well be the crucial factor that may help me identify the Champions from the regular Masters...'
While thinking that, my mind remains active, and sleep comes slowly, but in the end it comes, and I close my eyes, resting my mind and body as the dawn of a new day arrives.
The next morning arrives, and the artificial sunrise flickers across the sky, flooding our Private Room with light while the system's chime signals the start of a new cycle, making me open my eyes and mutter, "Two days left... Only two days and the Elimination Match will begin."
For a moment, I'm torn on what to do as I could easily remain in the safety of the Private Room until it is time for the Elimination Match, but that would be too boring, so I quickly decide to keep exploring trying to find some more information about the Champion and maybe even meet with Aletha to see what she found out and if she needs help.
Having decided on a plan, I get up and get dressed, before checking the terminal for updates, but seeing nothing new, I calmly put it back in my pocket, then I ask, "Ready, Nero?"
Nero gets off the bed and, with a twirl, she says in a bright, crisp tone, "Always. Let us enjoy these days to the fullest while waiting for our showdown against that fake, wannabe idol and her crazy Master!"
I nod before walking toward the door while saying, "Remember. Just stay in Spirit Form until we're back inside our Private Room. There is no need to carelessly give away some information to our opponents." Making Nero reply, "Naturally. Mystery is half the charm."
We leave the Private Room together and once again find ourselves in the middle of the corridors of the academy that I immediately notice are much quieter than usual, almost too quiet.
Even the chatter of other Masters has dulled, replaced by a low tension humming through the air, making the now Spirit Form Nero comment through our mental link, [It seems that the closer we get to the Elimination Match's date, the more the tension increases... How magnificent.]
I take a moment to look at my surroundings while replying, [It is pretty natural... The Holy Grail War is merciless. A single mistake and you can end up deleted, and no one wishes for such a fate to fall upon them.]
After saying that, I start to cross the hallway, keeping my eyes open for anything out of the ordinary, hoping to find some trace of the remaining Champions hiding within the walls of this virtual academy.