Entry 28: What we found in the Labyrinth

[We start with some really easy fights. It helps that I'm already leveled and this is new game plus, so those are basically trash mobs. The Fate Extra battle system works thus: There are three basic actions which have a rock-paper-scissors relationship, as demonstrated in the bottom left of the screen. Each round of combat is six actions, which you decide beforehand, based on what information you have available about your enemy’s actions that round. You can also use your Servant’s skills in place of standard actions, and once a round a Master can either cast a spell or use an item. That’s the basics.]

[Also, I'd like to mention that the currency is called Sakurament, which is... different. There's also no point-investing system, the servants just sorta gain stats when they level. No managing specializations anymore.]

We've been reset to square one, but even still, Caster rips through the enemy programs easily.

[Particularly because I haven't actually been reset, apparently.]

Her back is reassuring and familiar.... but Caster heaves a sigh and hangs her shoulders.

Caster :: ...Haa, this is a bit overwhelming. But you're probably feeling worse, so let's leave the conversation for later.

As I thought, Caster's noticed it too. It's a discrepancy between my memories and experience. My memories of this fight and of Caster have a large hole. I've lost a lot of valuable things while I wasn't paying attention -

I brace myself against the strong feeling of wanting to return, and like Caster, decide to leave the conversation for later. Right now, we need to focus on capturing the labyrinth.

There’s a solid door blocking the path. It looks like the arena continues past this door, but…

Leo :: An odd door, isn’t it? Its material properties are a Black Ice-model program. The security level is…star? Sakura, what is this star symbol?

Sakura :: I’ve never seen it before either. Security levels should be the same as Servant stat-measurements. The strongest security level is A, the weakest is E, and there’s EX as an exception, but…There is no star category. Wait a moment. I’ll analyze the image data from Miss Kishinami. If we have this sight data, even from here we should be able to scan…No way. Impossible to measure…? It’s not that it exceeds the limits of the counter, but it just can’t be numerically represented…!? That’s impossible! A new variety of fortification, not found in any of the Moon Cell’s libraries…!

Sakura is practically screaming in shock. When looked at by a Moon Cell AI like her, this door must be something completely incomprehensible — no, something that can’t possibly exist.

Julius :: We can worry about the fortification later. Hakuno Kishinami. The spirit particles in your area are unstable. Be on your guard. It’s just a feeling I’ve got, but maybe —

[Fuzzy screen and static!]

Julius –!? The message cuts off in the middle. His voice can’t reach me from the student council room, wiped out by a noise like a sandstorm. Over there —

Unknown speaker :: That’s as far as you go, third-rate Master and underling. Paupers like you shouldn’t stare at people’s hearts like that, you know?

—-! I turn my head at the sudden voice, but there’s no one behind me. Where is that voice coming from!? Or no, rather, is that voice —

[Enemy programs are seen to spawn around the area, and a familiar girl walks out of the door – the door doesn’t open, she just walks through it.]

Rin :: Welcome to my castle. I’m not the slightest bit glad to see you, but I’ll at least welcome you.

[…I’m starting to get Persona 4 flashbacks here.]

Caster :: Oh, is that Rin? Hiya, it's been a while.... or, I suppose I can't say that. This isn't normal, this dark aura.

Right, this is Rin Tohsaka…! One of the Masters participating in the Holy Grail War, a cut above the rest, she was a favorite to win, a virtuoso wizard. But…from what she just said…it sounds as if she’s the master of this Labyrinth —

Rin :: It doesn’t “sound like” it, it should be self-evident! You’re as transparent as always.

Caster :: She's not transparent, she just likes taking things at face value! But that's not important right now -

Caster :: Rin? Did you just make an end-boss-like proclamation?

Rin :: That’s what I said. I am the queen of this castle, the new ruler of the Moon Cell — Indeed, I am one who manages and governs you obstinate survivors, you can call me the queen of the moon!

Caster :: I'm shocked! ....Well, now that you say it, those leather boots you're wearing do sort of give off that vibe... What about the whip? Where's your whip?

[You can stop making bondage references, Tama... looks like I've got to hurry up and get you back in shrine maiden clothing -.-]

Rin says she’s the queen of the moon…? By obstinate survivors, she must me me and Leo and the others. She says she’ll manage and govern us…!?

Rin :: Heh. I can see what you’re thinking. You want to leave the far side of the moon, don’t you? That’s why you came into this Labyrinth, the only way out. But that’s too bad for you! Because I’m definitely not letting you out. Anyway, what would happen to you if you when back to the near side, Hakuno? Your abilities won’t get you further than the second round at best, and then you be beaten and die. Or do you really want to die? If that’s it — then it should be fine for me to just do it here, right?

…I can’t believe this. This behavior is so out of place on Rin it’s even shocking to me, with my vague memories. Rin followed the principle of strength, but always played fair and honest. She was a rival I came to trust more than anyone, so why she now surrounding by this freezing atmosphere —

Rin :: You really are an idiot, Kishinami. You would have been fine if you’d just obediently stayed holed up in the school, but you just came in here all unconcernedly, like a turtle. A sucker just begging to be taken for a ride. This castle is our castle. Whatever enters it is our property. I won’t get let you away by complaining, so just prepare yourself.

Ah, Rin’s serious…! She licks her lips, and raises one arm menacingly. On that hand is the mark of a Master, her command seal…!

Caster :: Lancer, right? Bring it on!

Rin :: Right answer! That’s your cue, Lancer!

[Though not apparent in this picture, Lancer has a lizard-like tail, to go with those horns.]

…Lancer? This red-haired girl? Rin’s Servant was a Lancer, but something about this is different from my memories…

Caster :: ...! Get back, Master - this girl is ready to go!

Lancer :: Heheh…fine with me. My interest is peaked. I think they’ll make an excellent main dish this time around. I’ve been getting so bored of those sacrifices. These children should cry out nicely for me, though. Hey, pig over there. Your name, if you please?

Caster :: A pig?! That's gonna be a DEB from me, damn it! Don't get all cocky just because you look young!

[I think DEB stands for "Dont Even Bother" here? We'll be having more adventures desperately trying to translate Caster's acronym spam without knowing what language she's even abbreviating later. Wish me luck.]

Lancer :: And why shouldn’t I call a pig a pig? You should take it as praise. For me to deign to call you by name. You could at least climax. Come on, quickly. Squeal like a pig. Squeal, I said! Squeal! Just squeal! Please! Why aren’t you squealing? No way, what is this….they told me that in this world everything would be however I desired! This is not what I was promised, manager! Argh, this headache won’t stop…!

That Servant is tearing out her hair. The things she’s saying are confused, but her eyes have fallen into madness. Even I can tell that this girl in red has defeated countless Servants. Though as swiftly as Caster at my side, I do notice the scent of blood wafting from Lancer.

Rin :: Lancer, just calm down. It’s just an accident, they just happen to not be listening to you. And besides, if you just stab them everything will be settled. Anyone would squeal if you pierce them with your lance. Just…naturally.

Lancer :: — Ri, right! That’s just like you, Rin. You’re so sharp, it’s fantastic to have you on my side.

Rin :: That’s my line, Lancer. You have such a useful temper, I’d think you were a Berserker.

Lancer :: Heeheehee. Even if you praise me, I won’t give you any money, Rin.

Rin :: Heeheehee. Likewise, don’t think I won’t work you to the bone again today.

[Okay guys this has gone far enough, you need to get a room.]

Lancer :: Heehee — hahahahaha! You responses are the best! This is delightful, Rin!

Rin ::  Oh yes, as delightful as a massive failure in the stock market! Ahahahahahahahahaha!

Caster :: Th - This character overlap! They're both tsundere! Ah, this pattern is a little old, huh?

Right, this is no time to stand here dumbfounded. Honestly, what I’d like to do is run out of here and pretend I never saw anything, but that Servant’s powers and killing intent are quite real. What should I do, fight, or run—?

[>] Retreat for now
> Challenge them

Caster :: It's a little frustrating to back off against that horned woman, but let's just withdraw and prepare for the rematch.

As my Servant says, it’s time for what I think they call the 36th stratagem? Our opponents’ abilities and true nature are unclear, an on top of that your own powers have been decreased. There’s not even a chance if we challenge them here.

…plus. Though it seems unbelievable, Rin and Lancer are going crazy with their high-pitched laughter and are paying any attention to what we’re doing. I’ll just retreat slowly, get enough distance, and then just run —-!

[We run away!]

Rin :: Ahahaha…huh? Lancer, where did those suckers go? Did we already beat them?

Lancer :: What? But I haven’t moved an inch. ….huh, they’re gone. Rin. Are you some kind of idiot?

Rin :: I don’t want you calling me that, of all people —-!

With the voices of Rin and her red Servant behind us, we run out of the Labyrinth. …it looks like we’re not being pursued, but we have two new mysteries to deal with. The door blocking our path, and Rin Tohsaka’s sudden transformation. From Rin’s words, it sounds like she’s the master of this Labyrinth, the culprit who has trapped us all inside the school. What on earth could have happened to her —-?

The original translation can be found here: https://tsukinoura.wordpress.com/2013/07/10/entry-28-what-we-found-in-the-labyrinth/. Please support the original translator.