Entry 52: Chasing the ideal

[We go down into the new torture room, which is not much of a room.]

Rani and Lancer are here! According to Rin, when I talk to Rani I need to say “no” to her the whole time…

Tamamo :: Before we talk, this won't be much of a conversation unless someone does something about that red one. With our current power level, we might not be able to do much, though.

Lancer :: Ooh they’re here, a great way to kill some time. Come on Rani, let’s start. It’s time to show off my real musical skills!

She’s coming…! Lancer’s smile is different from when she was with Rin, it’s the smile of who who truly enjoys slaughter from the bottom of her heart. Even before she was clearly a cruel Servant, but now she overflows with a bloodlust sharp enough to cut you if you touched it.

Rani :: I can’t permit you to do that. Please put away your mic…your spear, Lancer.

Lancer :: Leave it to me, taking off with my first number — wait, what!? Hold on, another postponement!?

Rani :: It is necessary to take responsibility for one’s statements. We will not fight on this layer.  Since that is what I declared, we will not fight here. Please follow the rules, Lancer. To always keep to one’s schedule is a requirement for a top idol.

Lancer :: …so these are the obligations of the service industry? Fine, I’ll sign off on it. It is the destiny of the flower blossoms to be unable to move freely. I’ll clear up my frustrations with the pigs in the torture chamber.

Rani :: …now then. As you can see, we’re not doing anything. Killing me will not open the shield. Essentially, this is a stalemate. Rin Tohsaka self-destructed, but I’m different from her. I’m a homunculus. A manufactured life. No embarrassing secrets were placed in my heart.

…is that so? The memories are fuzzy, but Rani in the Holy Grail War had a heart. She fought, made decisions, and laughed by her own will. And —

Julius :: …that’s wrong, isn’t it. It’s because she has a heart that BB chose her as a Sentinel in the first place. So that homunculus has a heart. …all living things do, though it may be hard to see and understand. Kishinami. Ask her why she made the Labyrinth like this. If Rani VIII behaves logically, she should be compelled to answer.

Julius is right. Rani said she hates pointlessness. Therefore she must have some reason for this Labyrinth’s “corrective program.”

Rani :: The reason…? It goes without saying. You were not yet qualified to meet with me. Humans have many extraneous qualities. Things that are of no benefit to them. I am administering proper education. This Labyrinth utilizes my heart. Therefore, those who enter it must also attain a nature that lacks pointlessness, according to my wish.

Tamamo :: Hmmm. She's brought out the Rani-style "correct lifestyle" she espouses so much. But she can't match up with me.

Rani :: Yes, you have a problem with that? I have always thought that Hakuno was wasting her talents. Therefore I will give her discipline. It’s all for her sake. I you could call me a mother…well, an underclassman, obsessing over her education, I wouldn’t bother me.

Pain faintly runs up my left arm. Do I need to respond to what Rani just said?

> Thanks, sister in education!
[>] I never asked for this!

Rani :: …there’s no way you didn’t. Why else would you, one grade above me, have come to me for help?

> You helped me out.
[>] You were no help!

Rani :: …so I wasn’t helpful? But you must have considered it. That it would be good to do so.

> I considered it.
[>] Of course I didn’t!

Rani :: …that’s not – possible. Based on objective statistics, I improved you life style, Hakuno. Showed you how to a superior human being. You cannot deny that. You felt better, didn’t you?

> I did feel better.
[>] I didn’t feel good at all!

Rani :: …impossible. My program is perfect. And it is entirely aimed at making you a superior human being. I do not take violent actions. I am only here to provide superior management. So why, how can you deny that?

Rin :: Obviously because you made a mistake. Hakunon, tell her. Rani’s inconsistency, the opening to her heart.

I’ve already come this far, there’s nothing to fear. Rani’s inconsistency. Her secret desire. It’s —

[>] This is nothing but Rani’s idealized image

Rani :: …!

Right. All these requirements are nothing but the ideals Rani wishes were reality.

1. Do not take meaningless actions.
2. Never stray from perfection.
3. Do not make a single mistake.

These three are Rani’s ideals.

4. Actions without clear purpose are acceptable.
5. You may fail occasionally.
6.  A mistake or two is acceptable.

These three are Rani’s compromises.

7. Those who would be prey are more desirable than those who would be predators.
8. Cold colors must be preferred to warm colors.
9. Girls with glasses are supreme.

These three are Rani’s desires. This Labyrinth contains the words of her heart which she would never normally have given voice to. Namely —

[And we have glowing!]

Rani :: Ah…u, ugh…! N-no…my heart, it’s…

Tamamo :: Allriiight! Flower garden of secrets, grand opening! Master, GO, GO!

[SG capture go! The sequence is no different from with Rin. Shielding, body fading out and all. Also Rani’s eyes go dead again for moment, though.]

Rani :: Don’t…please, don’t look…I’m so…selfish, I…Ah…this is having one’s heart seen…my body heat goes up…it seems, I’m vanishing…

Hiding her face with both hands, Rani shatters like a glass ornament. …I wonder if that Rani was a “quarter” separated from the real Rani, like with Rin. I’m sorry we had to expose her secret, but with this we’ve invalidated the shield. Now we should just need to keep going forward, but…

Lancer :: …hmm. I thought you were odd back with Rin, but you really are an interesting one, aren’t you? Now this floor’s Rani’s gone, it’s fine to break that “no fighting here rule,” but…with a little more polish, I think you could make lovely pet rabbit…all right, I’ll give you a chance. I’ll just go home this time. I’ll go as far as to leave you here, see, and you know how I love tormenting the weak. Come on, let the force of my generosity and beauty bring you to tears. You could throw psyllium or something too if you like.

…It’s hard to believe, but we’re saved. I don’t know if she’s observing her contract with Rani, but it looks like Lancer won’t fight us on this floor. Perhaps she’s also being made to fight against her will by BB…?

Lancer :: Against my will? Of course not. I mean, I’m the one who made the offer to BB, you know? I chose the far side of the moon because I like it. Um, my real Master…the wizard who summoned and contracted me? I had no interest in that girl. So I stabbed her from behind and killed her. Maybe you could call it musical differences?

Tamamo :: I can't overlook what you just said. Can you explain in more detail?

Lancer :: Oh, you want to know? Hee…the document is usually star level, but it’s fine, I’ll tell you. My previous Master was a clown. I don’t why, but she dressed as a clown. BB was interested in her, and brought her here alive…but the clown refused BB’s invitation. She said “you love isn’t tasty,” something like that. And then something about how she’d starve to death like this? And that would mean I’d have to go too, see. So, there really wasn’t anything for it but to kill her, you know? That’s why I stabbed her. And then I said it, loudly. “This woman is unfit to be my manager. But BB, what you say is beautiful. Eternal life, those words are as sweet as the mock strawberry. Give up on this starving cat and rely on me. I will fight for you.” And so we established a contract. I was pretty easy transfer for an idol, but, well, nothing I could do, you see? If I hadn’t done it I would have vanished. And the loss of this beauty would be a loss to the whole world, don’t you think?

[Okay, Lancer’s previous Master was in the 4th round of Fate/Extra, Rin route, and her Servant at the time was Vlad Tepes. She looked kind of like an emaciated female Ronald McDonald, and was some kind of bugfuck crazy cannibal. I would like to take this moment to thank Lancer for stabbing her to death.]

…and that’s the only reason she betrayed her Master? Because her Master chose to defy BB, when she was brought to the far side of the moon?

Tamamo :: —–.

Lancer :: The only reason? The only reason, you say? It’s the most important reason there is! I will be eternally beautiful! I will never age! As long as I am more beautiful than any other, that is all that matters!

Lancer screams out her desire as if intoxicated. I can feel Caster's anger. However — Lancer, who thinks it natural to make a surprise attack on her own Master, is fundamentally different from other Servants. There has never before been a Servant so devoted to her own desires. Servants have their own ideas, but they all have the same intentions as their Masters. But this Servant is different. This girl cannot love anything but herself…!

Lancer :: You can say what you like. It’s just something a little squirrel like you can’t understand yet. I will live eternally. Beautiful, beloved, unsurpassed! You Masters and your Grail War are nothing but scenery to me. Just like a lemon with the juice squeezed out. BB is an ugly, stupid bug woman who does nothing but augment her memory, but…She’s infinitely superior as a manager, see? Soon she’ll grant me the ideal body. Until then, tremble and sleep. For very soon the world will be my personal stage!

So Lancer loudly proclaims, and leaves. I’d very much like to stop her, but if we find her now we won’t win. …anyway, the path to a new layer has opened. Now I should activate the checkpoint and return to the old school building…

[We return. And we’ve now got Rani’s Secret Garden. Its first entry is called “Desire for Control.”]

 

Modified from the translation at https://tsukinoura.wordpress.com/2013/08/06/entry-52-chasing-the-ideal/. Please support the original translator.

Entry 51: Rani’s test

Once again we enter the fourth floor of the Sakura Labyrinth. …I wonder. The ambiance here is different from before. It’s stinging, or maybe it’s more formal…

[Something appears to scan Hakuno and Caster.]

Caster :: I feel something in my tail. I think some woman just looked over all our stuff!

Rani :: Rani check, complete. — All out. Welcome, Miss Hakunon. We’ve been awaiting your arrival. However, I cannot welcome you in your current state. You cannot be permitted to invade this Labyrinth as you are now. If you wish to proceed further, you must accept a corrective program, and acquire the necessary qualifications. Rather, no matter what you do, I will have you acquire the necessary qualifications. You have too many imperfections. Bear in mind the following things, and come to see me. 1. Do not take meaningless actions. 2. Never stray from perfection. 3. Do not make a single mistake. 4. Actions without clear purpose are acceptable. 5. You may fail occasionally. 6.  A mistake or two is acceptable. 7. Those who would be prey are more desirable than those who would be predators. 8. Cold colors must be preferred to warm colors. 9. Girls with glasses are supreme. That is all. I expect great intelligence from you.

Rani’s message cuts off before I can respond. She explained it without much concern, but what it sounds like is that if I don’t do as Rani says I can’t continue…?

Tamamo :: Rani check, huh. She looks kind of cold from a distance, but she really is a girl, isn't she? I've changed my view a little, but, Master... You don't have to worry about 7 and 9.

Leo :: The Labyrinth here has become quite like Rani. There’s a marked different from Miss Tohsaka’s sentimentality.

Rin :: And who are you calling sentimental! Don’t compare the two, President Cold-Blood!

Sakura :: …Um…the data entry just now was extremely inconsistent, but…is that all right?

Leo :: That’s true. I found it interesting myself, but for now let’s just go forward. Hakuno, take 

care.

[Some new paths have appeared since last time — we head down one toward a treasure chest, but when we approach this red gate closes up and we get scanned again.]

Rani :: Rani check, complete. —- Minus twenty points. Wait until given permission. Please abstain from pointless actions.

Tamamo :: It's not pointless! Gathering treasure is a woman's instinct and a man's resourcefulness!

Rani :: Please continue on without distractions. The next exam subject is waiting for you. Now, hurry up.

[Proceeding roundabout the dungeon, we reach an large area with a number of enemies, and as we enter red gates lock us inside.]

Rani :: With the results of the battles I’ve observed thus far, your command score is 50 points. Please fight more flawlessly. Achieve three perfect victories, nothing less will be accepted. You will be tested as many times as necessary for you to succeed, so proceed.

Tamamo :: Geh. Making me compete earnestly - this is the worst. Master, fistfights don't really suit me.

[We do this pretty easily since there’s a healing fountain in this area, so there’s no reason not to just spam attack skills on all unidentified moves. In my case, you can also just use Tama's OP skills on all of the cards, that counts. The game goes through the trouble of explaining what a perfect victory is before this, so I assume this is meant to be some kind of tutorial. So, the gates open and we get scanned again.]

Rani :: Rani check, complete. — Plus twenty points. Well done.

Leo :: Yes, well done Hakuno, splendid powers of discernment. Being able to read your enemy is your strength.

Jinako :: Aww, what a betrayal. I was so sure Hakunon there was a battle invalid like me.

Gatou :: Prometheeeeeuuusss!

…It’s Gatou. He’s collapsed. No, he’s freaking out. I feel less worried, but also like this is pretty much what I expected.

Gatou :: Tiger Jātakaaaaa! Yonder girl, how wonderfully you’ve come for me. As you can see I was in something of a crisis. With the hunger and fatigue, the lack of sleep and the teething fever, I could truly see Calvary. My pain is as that of Prometheus who brought civilization to mankind. Odin close to death on the ash tree would also be a good comparison.

Jinako :: No one cares about your comparisons. …the point is, why’d you go into the Labyrinth, Gatou, old man? You’ve got no Servant, don’t you know that means you’ll die if you go in?

Gatou :: Hahaha. Servant or no Servant, this life exists ever at the brink of death! Nothing stops my training! Though, it’s true I was inspired by Hakuno Kishinami. I wanted to investigate the Labyrinth and see what it hid for myself!

Rin :: Very courageous, but to go this far is nothing but idiocy. Gatou, have you ever heard of “probability of success”?

Gatou :: Of course I have. But you’re pronouncing it wrong. It’s said “an excuse.” To fail to tackle a dilemma when there’s no chance of success makes you no better than a corpse. And I’m alive, as you can see. My feet will never halt their progress for such a petty thing as “danger.” All right, embarrassing girl? To challenge, facing dilemmas the value of which is in themselves alone, that is called adversity. And adversity exists to be passed through. With the summit before us, are we not to strike the flames of life!

Rin :: Gh…hey, what’s with you Gatou, that was almost cool.

Jinako :: Though Amazon still wouldn’t stock it. Can you stand up on your own, old guy?

Gatou :: Shameful as it is to admit, I can’t move a single step. But while I’m stuck here I can’t heal. Could you somehow bring me back to the old school building?

Sakura :: Transferring Mr. Gatou from that location will be impossible. We’ve set things up so we can bring Miss Kishinami back in once, but…

Leo :: …But to recover Mr. Gatou would require investigating this level all over again. I leave the decision to Hakuno.

To save Gatou and take him back to the old school building, we’ll have to redo our exploration of this layer. So —

[>] Investigation is our priority.
> Let’s save Gatou.

I feel sorry for him, but investigating the Labyrinth is our top priority. It seems like Gatou will be all right even if we leave him here.

Gatou :: Impossible — ! Eli, eli, lema sabachthani — My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me!?

[We get scanned again.]

Rani :: Rani check, complete. —– Plus thirty points. A wise choice, Miss Hakunon. You have avoided the height of pointlessness well. With that I am done with him, too. Invoking Sentinel privileges. Deporting Gatou Monji. Ejecting to the old school building. The minimum of necessary data has been collected. The program is complete. You are now authorized to explore freely, within the limits of this layer. Incidentally, as unlike Rin Tohsaka I do not possess defects, you will not be able to get an SG out of me. I will earnestly await your pointless challenge.

[Gatou vanishes, and all the red gates in the dungeon open.]

Leo :: …has the message ended? It’s good that her test is over, but as she said, we weren’t able to obtain clues toward her SG.

Rin :: Huh? It was obvious. What, Leo couldn’t tell? Really? Are you really that innocent, President Leo?

Leo :: Yes, to my embarrassment. I’ve yet to even have my first love. I’d like to experience the bitter-sweetness of youth myself, but…it’s truly unfortunate, but there are no suitable ladies around. This school has nothing but people with problematic personalities. If there were a girl who liked me, though, I’d omit all the unnecessary steps and pin her down without delay.

[Leo I think there are some things people have failed to explain to you.]

Rin :: …that’s not bitter, or sweet. That’s…meat. Like eating a steak.

Leo :: I think it would still be delicious for both parties. Right, brother?

Julius :: …please don’t talk to me about that kind of thing. Tohsaka. If you have ideas, tell them to Kishinami.

Rin :: Yes, yes. Hakunon, if you find Rani, talk to her, and deny everything she says. That will expose her true character, I’m sure of it.

 Modified from the translation at https://tsukinoura.wordpress.com/2013/08/05/entry-51-ranis-test/. Please support the original translator.

Entry 50: Andersen knows what’s up

Leo :: Thank you for you efforts. It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t locate Mr. Gatou, but Hakuno’s safety comes first.

Rin :: Welcome back Hakuno. I’m working on analyzing the image data and information from the cameras that were tracking you. The truth Rani’s better suited for this kind of thing than I am though. But it looks like she’s our enemy, so Leo and I will have to do our best to analyze instead.

[Rin is dressed in the same sailor-style uniform as Hakuno now.]

Leo :: As you can see, Miss Tohsaka has made a full recovery. From now on backup will be performed by Miss Tohsaka and myself.

It feels good knowing Rin will be on back up now. She has lost her Servant, but she’s an exceptional wizard. She’ll be much more reliable than I am. My only merit is that I have a contracted Servant.

Rin :: Though as a result we’ve asked Julius to undertake some very dangerous work. While you keep Rani and her allies’ attention, he will be investigating the Sakura Labyrinth. It’ll be layers you’ve already gone through, but there may be some clues left behind. …it is a dirty job though, with high risk and low returns.

Gawain :: There’s no need for concern. Subversive tactics are Julius’s specialty. He is a knight of shadows, carrying out his duties. No matter what dangers he encounters, no matter what he becomes, he will return to Leo’s side.

Rin :: …which is to say, our white knight won’t say he’ll come back safely. I didn’t think the say would come when I’d sympathize with Julius, but here we are.

Leo :: He trusts in my brother. Now, Miss Tohsaka. Please share the results of our earlier analysis with Hakuno.

Rin :: Yes, yes. With Sakura’s help, I’ve tried to measure the depth of the Labyrinth by passive sonar. We found that the Labyrinth is six floors in total. As my Labyrinth was three floors, we think the remaining three are Rani’s. So if we capture Rani the same way you did with me, we should be able to reach the Labyrinth’s exit.

[I’m sorry Rin, but the dungeon entrance screen shows way more levels than that.]

Leo :: Which coincides with the Sentinel System. The only women used as protective cores were Miss Tohsaka and Rani VIII, after all. The shields aren’t so much strong as they are impossible to penetrate under normal circumstances. Thanks to Kiara we have a way to unlock them, but if she weren’t here we’d have been trapped forever. Including girls’ hearts in the core of the Labyrinth is certainly an impressive stunt. It wouldn’t be possible if she weren’t possessed of an exceptional quasi-spiritual form. This is just based on the scope of my own knowledge, but the only ones in our Holy Grail War with a disposition able to survive as a Labyrinth core were those two.

Gawain :: Lady Rin and Lady Rani…you mean that BB was unfortunate in that she only found two qualified persons?

Leo :: Certainly. It’s possible that she’s still searching the near side for qualified candidates at present, but that’s a race against time. We should acquire Rani’s SGs and break through the Labyrinth before BB can secure a new Sentinel.

Rin :: SGs…SGs…! I’m opposed to forcibly exposing people’s secrets, but…and when we get back to the near side I’m going to give all of you a merciless beating…but for now escape is the top priority. So there’s nothing we can do but make Rani put on a humiliating show for us like I did before…?

Leo :: Indeed. Hakuno, please continue to make contact with Rani, and find an opening in her heart.

[On the way back to the arena, I stop to talk to Andersen, whom Kiara would prefer I not inform of the stuff she told us before…?]

Andersen :: Gathering information…? You’re an incorrigible layabout. I don’t care, I’ll help you if it’s within my area of knowledge. My Master happens to be a depraved woman, as you can see. What’s your game, coming here asking me for assistance. Do you think I’m some obscure rental library? How *friendly*! But this is business, you can’t choose your readers. The topic of this composition will be Servants. Now, what shall I discuss?

[>] About the red Lancer

Well then…I’ll try asking about that red Lancer.

Andersen :: Ah, the dragon-child employed by BB? An ugly woman. And not just her appearance, though that much is clear, but her personality as well. Her upbringing was ugly. Her thoughts are ugly. Her idiosyncrasies are ugly. Her senses are ugly. She doesn’t bear looking on. She may seem very proud at a glance, but in fact no one else can see its source. That woman’s pride is aimed toward no one. What a joke! She treats humans as pigs. Which is to say, she puffs herself up in pride to lord over pigs! She may be the very incarnation of self-love, but, well then. What is love in the first place? Something stolen? Something bestowed? A woman who does not even notice its source is an uncontrollable monster in this world. That woman seems proud of her own beauty, but — Heh. No matter what gaudy decorations you festoon over a sack packed with garbage, it won’t change the stench of the contents. To fixate on beauty is a woman’s saga, I suppose. Take care, that brand of ugliness is contagious. The women of your acquaintance may some day come to say similar things, you know?

[>] About my Servant

…this is a good opportunity. He can tell me about Caster.

Andersen :: Your Servant? Well then, bring her out. I’ll give you an expert opinion on every nook and cranny, down to the asshole.

[Okay, hold up.]

Caster :: Ufufufu. Just because you're a writer you think you can say whatever you want, yes? Right, let's go. Rooftop, now. I'll blow you into the Sakura Labyrinth.

Andersen :: I'm not the only one who doesn't think before I speak. And what the hell are those fox ears, anyway? It's over the top even for the whole "charmer" shtick. Isn't it embarrassing?

Caster :: I'm not a "charmer" or anything! They're lovely little idiosyncrasies! I guess a child like you wouldn't understand that, though!

Andersen :: I'm firmly in the cat ears faction. If you pushed enough, I could come around to dog ears. But the very existence of fox ears is nothing more than an error. My pen feels heavier just thinking about it.

Caster :: Su -- SUNSHINE 2030!

[What.]

Caster :: Ah, that was close. I almost got so mad I blew up the sun. I haven't felt this humiliated since Abe no Seimei! Master, let's go! Any time spent with this rebellious brat is completely wasted.

Andersen :: Wait, fox-ears. I've changed my mind. Those ears aren't too bad, actually. In fact, the fact that they're ugly actually makes them more appealing. Show them to me a bit more.

Caster :: Wh-what are you doing! Don't touch me there! Even Master hasn't touched me there yet!

Andersen :: Ah. I see. Hmm. Yes. ....Damn, they were real. Haaa.... I was hoping for some new form of cosplay. You're a letdown.

Caster :: Your entire character is a letdown! Why are you only such a hard hitter when it comes to me?!

Andersen :: They say the soul of a child lasts 'til adulthood. I'm bored already. Let's move on to fairytales.

Caster :: Master, your orders please! I'd like to go ahead and blow away this straw house of a kid... Wait-. Oi, brat. What's going on under that uniform?

Andersen :: What, you're interested in my naked body?

Caster :: Nope.

Andersen :: I see. The pink made me think there wasn't much going on between your ears. But I see you're sharp-eyed - or, rather, sharp-eared. As you've guessed, my body isn't something that can be lightly shown. It's the curse of the mermaid princess and the match seller. The stories I've written are encroaching on my body.

Caster :: -----. [Surprised]

Andersen ::  I'm taking damage from the gossip my readers spread. Every time I wrote, my readers thought "The authors must be this kind of person". That idea was then fixed on my body. My legs are covered in fish scales. My arms are covered in burns. And my heart is a demon that can only seek bad endings. This is the price of fame. Actually, the readers really captured me. They're really persistent in considering subjectively how others might be. After all, you're the same, aren't you, fox-ears? You who admired humans, went so far as to reincarnate into a human, and finally was considered as a monster by humans. In Japanese children's literature, there's a story called Gangitsune. It's a perfect fit for you. All that awaits those who love and attend humans is death by misunderstanding. But - It's because you understand that and still serve them that you're able to touch their hearts. Fox-ears. Your devotion will, well, eventually, reach their hearts.

[Nankichi, the author of Gangitsune, is sometimes referred to as Japan's Hans Christian Andersen. Cool reference.]

Caster ::  --hmmph. I didn't ask for your help. And you've got the wrong impression.... But, well, it'd be immature to lash out at a kid, right? I'll spare you a death by big bad wolf for now.

Andersen :: That was fast. Already dere, huh.

Caster :: There won't be a time when I go dere for you even after the Sun's gone out!

[>] About Andersen

I’ll try asking about this boyish Servant, Andersen.

Andersen :: About me? You idiot. This is the furthest boundary of pointlessness. To ask this of a man who is to all ends exactly as he appears…

…No. I asked because judging from appearances tells me absolutely nothing about him. What powers does he have? Can he fight with that physique? And why does he take the form of a child in the first place?

Andersen :: How should I know? When I was called out, I was already in this form. Of course I have no combat capabilities. I am, at my core, completely useless.

Andersen declares himself useless. Perhaps this is why Kiara Sesshouin is so afraid. Even if Kiara herself were an A-rank wizard, partnered with this Servant she wouldn’t be able to do anything, Grail War or otherwise. Also, Servants exist in the form they had in their heyday in their myth or story. It seems Andersen doesn’t follow that rule either.

Andersen :: I think I follow it. My interpretation is that in my case, I had much more sensitivity as a child. And something else comes to mind. Looking over the documents of my past self, their style is so far from mine I want to die. Don’t make a fuss about it, child prodigies are just people once twenty years have passed. What is more frightening is…it’s just a possibility, but, if I had been called with this age because of some special interest of that witch. I would ask, but even I am afraid to know if it’s true. Therefore, I avoid the subject.

Kiara :: My oh my, what cheery voices I hear from you two. Would it be all right for me to join your discussion?

Andersen :: ………

Andersen sighs heavily. His melancholy too much to grasp. I think I should also take care in matters relating to this question…

[This updates Andersen’s information matrix. His stats are STR E, AGI E, Mana EX, Luck E, END E, and he has the skill High-Speed Incantation E – not the same skill as Fate/stay night Caster’s High-Speed Divine Words.]

 Modified from the translation at https://tsukinoura.wordpress.com/2013/08/03/entry-50-andersen-knows-whats-up/. Please support the original translator.

Entry 49: Rani’s Idolm@ster strategy

[I can't believe the FGO event's been announced already. I'll try to get to Melt before then, if I can, but we'll see. Rest assured, though, I'm finishing this regardless.]

[Some more points have shown up in the Information Matrix – Lancer’s Stats are STR C, AGI E, END D, Mana A, Luck B, she has the skill Dragon’s Breath E, and “torture techniques” as a keyword. Meanwhile, BB has appeared on the roster, but with “Gamemaster” next to her name instead of “Servant.” Her file lists her as masterless, named BB, and of the class “Moon Cancer.” She has the keyword “high level AI.” Also, Tamamo's got another My Room dialogue available.]

Caster :: Rin's taking this... better? than I expected. Still, this must be pretty hard on her. Master, are you alright?

I'm definitely pretty down - and that might be understating it. This is close to the worst possible situation. To say nothing of my vague memories, ripping open the secrets of everyone I meet isn't a great feeling. All the more so because they're all girls. It's different from seeking those of men, and I can feel that especially when looking at Rin's extremely composed demeanor. It's less breaking through and more of a boring into the soul, and as BB said, a girl's soul is the strongest firewall there is.

Caster :: Don't make such a troubled expression! I just wanna squeeze you... in particular, right... here ♡!

…For now, stop shoving your breasts in my face, Caster. You're really bringing down the room's tension gauge.

Caster :: Well, I do understand why you're having trouble. You really do have to be careful when prying into women's secrets. To say nothing of the fact that you've got a special predisposition towards Rani.... I guess that time has finally come for me.

I have to admit, she's a little scary when the fur on her tail stands on end like that. But - I see. I value Rani just like I do Rin. That must be why this is so hard.

Caster :: Right, the time for unnecessary concerns ends now! Master, my primary objective is to return to the near side of the moon. The same goes for everyone in this building - as well as Rani, of course. And the only person who can do that is you. So let's act before we think. We can worry about the consequences after we save her.

It's just as Caster says. I've got reservations about prying into Rani's heart, but now's not the time for that. Only I can unlock the SGs we need.

[After that I find the real Taiga Fujimura AI hanging around on the first floor of the school – she’s confused about how she got here and wants to find a way out. She plans to do this by assigning me fetch quests in the Labyrinth, as was her role in Fate/Extra. First she wants a ladder. Hopefully she will give me random room decorations in return like last time (also completing all her quests unlocked the bonus boss, but I never fought the bonus boss).]

Sakura Labyrinth Floor -04: Honeytight Dresscode

We’re deep under the sea. It’s an indistinct memory, but I feel like the ambiance of this layer is close to that of the Grail War’s arena on the near side. But there’s one large difference from the arena. I can hear singing echoing through the Labyrinth like ripples in the water. The voice is so lovely, I feel like if I closed my eyes and listened closely its feelings would become clear to me. But…is this the red Lancer’s voice…?

Tamamo :: Um... Is this singing voice, perhaps, Lancer? I can't believe it! Whatever god has domain here is way too generous, giving her this beautiful a voice!

Anyway, this is the Labyrinth, controlled by BB and her cohort. I’m interested the new Sentinel, but after that SOS I’m also concerned about Gatou’s safety. “Let’s focus,” I signal to Caster with my eyes, and my terminal rings its alert.

Sakura :: Can you hear me Miss Kishinami? This is the student council room. Monitoring, scanning, both maintaining normal levels. Hm…as the layers get further down our memory usage increases, but it’s not a problem yet. We can provide back up.

Leo :: Good work, Sakura. It may be hard on you, but please maintain the council room’s subengine at all times. Hakuno. As Mr. Gatou’s rescue signal has been cut off, please try to go as far as you can. As we’re in a new layer, stay alert during battle — if you find yourself in danger, return to the stairs.

Jinako :: No need to panic about ol’ Gatou, I’m getting life signals from him. That guy’s not the sort to die if he gets killed.

[We descend to a platform with a shield on the other side of it, where we find Rani and Lancer. As we approach, walls rise around the platform like those in the torture chamber back on Floor -01.]

Here they are…! I don’t think I’m seeing things. It’s Rani, now a Sentinel of the Labyrinth like Rin was, and the red Lancer who was Rin’s Servant. But — what is this room? The torture chamber for captures Masters and NPCs should have disappeared as one of Rin’s policies, but —

Rani :: 64 escaped Masters and 23 discarded NPCs have been successfully salvaged from chronological coordinates 2020 07 22. They will be delivered to the torture chamber as new patrons.

Lancer :: Lovely. A new supply of pigs. Nicely done, Rani. You may be a mood-killer, but you’re an excellent worker.

Rani :: Of course. I accomplish the jobs I undertake. That is the purpose of my existence, and my pleasure. However, Lancer.

Lancer :: Oh, I know. We have guests we didn’t kidnap, yes? Good evening, little squirrel Master. It’s nice to see you again. It’s true! I wouldn’t flatter you, you know.

Tamamo :: This is the worst. A total disaster. Could you not show my pure and innocent master this kind of scene?

[She uses the English word for "calamity" here.]

Lancer :: What a nice response. Cheeky and rude, yet charming. You’re the prey I’ve been longing for, you’re lucky your audacity was made for smacking. I cut corners, so the last round was my loss. Caster. That humiliation will be paid back to you and your Master three, no, sixfold.

Caster :: Wouldn't two be fine? Seems a bit excessive to repay us six times. Wouldn't that cause trouble for your household finances?

Lancer :: Worrying about that kind of stuff evokes the distinct scent of old age! If you're going to do something, go all out. You remember what it's like to be young, old-lady fox?

Caster :: --Okay. Lizard barbecue. Now.

Lancer :: Heehee…looks like you still can’t figure out the fragility of your position or the power balance of my present station. Behold my new torture chamber! Even in life I never had so much blood on hand! Ahh…how amazing it is! A font of beauty that never drys up no matter how much I draw! This is the Eden of beauty treaments I always longed for! Last round…when Rin was my attendant, I couldn’t display my true powers. But it’s different this time. Thanks to Rani’s flawless provision of mana, I have become by true self!

Lancer speaks triumphantly…it’s true that the pressure she gives off has increased since last time. But the problem isn’t that Lancer’s gotten stronger. It’s the fact that Rani opened a new torture chamber. My memories are vague, but Rani’s not the kind of girl to do something so inhuman. She’s a homunculus…a man-made being built back on Earth. A counterfeit, like her virtual counterparts the AIs. Though she is a constructed being, she lived as an individual “person.” There’s no way someone like her, with such rational conduct and so little selfishness, would ever make a torture chamber like this!

Sakura :: Miss Kishinami, please call out to Miss Rani! She must be under BB’s control!

There’s no doubting that. I call out to Rani —

> You’re back to yourself, Rani!
[>] Sorry to make you wait, Rani!
> Is it true you’re not wearing anything under there, Rani!?

Rani :: I don’t know what you’re talking about, but there’s no need for you to apologize, Hakuno. I’m not angry. I am a Sentinel entrusted with the keeping of this Labyrinth. That matter should have been publicly explained and settled already. You and I are enemies. But knowing that, you still entered the Labyrinth? Did you understand the discussion?

[I’m not sure it comes across in the photo, but Rani’s eyes have gone pretty strange looking in her portrait.]

Rani’s words bore into my chest. …The discord I'm feeling comes from the fact that though I've already been through Rin's labyrinth, I don’t think it will go so smoothly this time. It’s just, apart from that, Rani’s tone makes my chest ache. She hasn’t changed at all. Although I’ve forgotten most things, I feel like she was a hard-won friend, and it's difficult to reunite with her in this state.

Rani :: It appears you haven’t come to fight. Then go home. I have things I need to do. I am a Sentinel of the Sakura Labyrinth, but it is also my duty to nurture Lancer.

Leo :: To nurture Lancer…? Rani. Are you actually illegally modifying that Servant?

Rani :: No. Lancer will become a top-class Idol, to which end I will act as her producer. These are the terms of our contract. Therefore I retrieve data from the past that took place on the near side of the moon. I am temporarily maintaining the Masters who were erased after losing, and salvaging those resources.

Sakura :: Then…the people in there aren’t people who were captured by BB!? They’re people who were really alive…!?

Rani :: Do you consider it inhumane? They were all deleted by the Moon Cell seconds later – destined failures. I am simply temporarily bringing them into imaginary number space, and harvesting the elements in their quasi-spiritual forms corresponding to their blood. There is no effect on their lives. They were originally to be erased. If it pleases Lancer, we can keep them here in this prison, and they can live an eternity in that instant. I repeat the question, then. Is there some problem with my actions?

…pinned down by Rani’s cold gaze, no words come to me. The losers in the Holy Grail War were all to be erased by the Moon Cell. She’d bringing those defeated Masters here from the moment before they were erased, and making them sacrifices to Lancer. She asks me if it’s inhumane, and I’m certain it is.

However — I have to wonder what the Masters brought into this torture chamber actually think. To make a comparison, they’re like criminals sent to the guillotine. The guillotine will mercilessly fall, and they will die an instant later. But then, that instant was extended into eternity. The body bound at the guillotine has no freedom, but even bound, if that instant continues eternally — I wonder if they would denounce that as an act of the devil?

Jinako :: That sort of human rights issue happens in other places! I hear it’s a thing in Leo’s Western European plutocracy!

Leo :: No, it’s not so bad as that. We have freedom of work and study, and our welfare program works perfectly.

Jinako :: You sure are rich, putting on a smile while saying stuff like that! Anyway, what about the old guy! Where’s ol’ Gatou!? Did they already throw him into the torture chamber!?

Lancer :: Gatou? Oh, that big man from before. I have no need for boars like that, nothing but muscle even in their blood. Rani dealt with him, but what happened?

Rani :: I felt no need to dispose of him, nor to educate him. He was a “Prince Power minus” contaminant. It was troublesome, so I quarantined him in a corner of the Labyrinth. Perhaps if we leave him there like that for ten years he will change into a more pleasing form.

Lancer :: Ah yes, you take pride in that prince scoring system. You’re just ignoring the Masters with no potential? …Hmm. So, what about this little squirrel?

Rani :: Right. According to the measuring function on these glasses…Protagonist Power no higher than 5…

[She has a scouter? This would have been useful in Extra. ...maybe.]

Lancer :: Trash, then. So, why don’t you clean up this garbage?

Rani :: …however, she has the potential to shine with polish. No, I will make her shine. I cannot allow that potential to go unrealized.

Rani’s glasses glitter. An intensely unpleasant premonition runs through me — I feel a faint reaction from my left hand, where the Five Thought-Stopping Meditations is stored.

Rani :: I’ve made up my mind. I will proceed with Plan D. Lancer, let us go back temporarily. I will be remodeling this layer in accordance with my own preferences.

Lancer :: Roger, I’ll accompany you, producer. In return, have that exclusive stage and the thousand fan club slaves you promised me read soon, okay?

[They disappear.]

Tamamo:: Hold up, Indian glasses girl! "Protagonist Power no higher than 5"... There's clearly something wrong with your glasses!

…Rani and Lancer have transferred away somewhere. As Rani is the master of this Labyrinth, we have no way to follow her. At least we’ve confirmed that Gatou is alive, so let’s go back to the old school building.

Modified from the translation at https://tsukinoura.wordpress.com/2013/07/30/entry-49-ranis-idolmster-strategy/. Please support the original translator.