Chapter 58

EMIYA has been in a lot of situations before.

He got involved in a Holy Grail War, and met many individuals as he learned more of the world his father was part of.

He tried to be a hero of justice, only to realize he had become no different than a murderer, and began slowly going insane from it. Hating his past self.

He then spent what felt like an eternity as Alaya's dog, but eventually found an opportunity. Being sent to the past, his original past, with a possibility to kill himself and be freed from this horrid life he now lives in.

Yet instead of killing his past self, and seeing the original Shirou grow, EMIYA then realized that through this action, he found a form of peace with himself. One that remained with him even in the Throne of Heroes.

Then he began getting involved with Chaldea, a place that was practically a second chance for those like him. To be summoned not to kill people, but to him, at last save the world without murdering the innocent or those sadly involved. Having a rather fun time, though admittingly felt himself also go insane here and there from all the craziness in Chaldea. Still, it was a good time, as he even met interesting familiar faces. A few bad ones too of course.

Now, here he is. In another completely different world that he's never been in before. Full of beasts that threaten humanity, and is quite frankly, booth baffled and impressed by the weapons they had. Now on a mission to save the people by killing a man who undoubtedly deserved death.

He would not waver. He would not hesitate. As a Counter Guardian, and now a Huntsman, EMIYA would move forward without a problem.

"Say ah Jason."

"I can feed myself Medea (Lily)! I'm no child!"

"!" Berserker grabbed the pudding cup and ate it himself.

"..." EMIYA then sighed, as he looked at his new team and thought, 'Why couldn't I have gotten a less dysfunctional team?'

It's been one hour since EMIYA has been placed with the legendary team known as the Argonauts, and already he felt a headache coming on. They were loud, weird, and whiny. Even worse, Jason was in charge. So yeah, this kinda sucked. Regardless, this was a job he had to do in order to stop Merlot. So he's willing to suck it up and work with them.

"Who wants pancakes?" At the very least, Medea (Lily) made a decent meal.

Moving on, the group here had a simple mission. Fine Merlot's base of operation, destroy it, and maybe him as well. Beacon was already setting itself up in order to defend itself, meaning they had to do this right or risk everybody losing. Thankfully, this team, while weird, wasn't that incompotent as Jason began taking proper charge once he finished his pancakes to fill his tummy.

"Alright then Argonauts," He then narrowed his eyes and looked at EMIYA. "And...other." EMIYA rolled his eyes, but went along with it. "As we all know, we have but a bit of time before Merlot realizes we're going after him, and starts sending whatever forces he has against Beacon. From what we know, he has regular Grimm, mutated Grimm, a combination of Remnant's own machines and those creepy dolls, and demonic beasts who were Grimmified along with that fake Frankenstein."

"Yes. Merlot certainly has the numbers." EMIYA said. "Thankfully, most appear to be rather low-quality."

"True enough." Jason agrees with him. "Aside from that fake Frankenstein and a few certain others, it seems Merlot's biggest ace is all the numbers against us. Thankfully, Beacon has plenty of fighters and a bunch of Servants to deal with the tide. Still, it'd be better if we cut off the snake commanding them."

True, as while Beacon held superior fighters compared to what Merlot had, quality didn't matter when you faced numerous foes that seemed endless. People got tired. Ammunition runs out. Fear settling in as time goes by, slowly ruining a person's effectiveness to fight back. It also didn't help that while still stronger than most, the Servants weren't at full power and as such, couldn't use their Noble Phantasms to just blow up the horde only for more to come soon after. Thus, it was imperative that they defeat Merlot.

"Thank goodness Ozpin gave us a map of this place." Jason holds it as he checks where they are, then looks around. It was a bit tough, but damage can be seen here and there on the tree branches, big footsteps, and so on. "It looks like they're west from here."

EMIYA kneeled down, and looked at the footprints. They certainly did come from the west. However, he didn't see anything that led them to Merlot. After a bit of walking, it soon became apparent that the trail ended here.

"Great." EMIYA clicks his tongue. "It seems Merlot flew his minions here. That's not good." Now they had no method to track him down.

"Maybe not us, but she can." Jason then looks at Medea (Lily). "Go and do your thing."

"Got it!" The young Caster says sweetly as she then gets to work. EMIYA sensed her magic power being at use, and how she closed her eyes and began focusing. Likely using clairvoyance or some form of scrying to tell where the Grimm and machines came from. After a few minutes, she then pointed east. "They came from that direction."

Jason looked at the map. "But there isn't anything there at all. It's just the Forever Fall forest, and unless Merlot made an underground base, he can't be there."

EMIYA grabbed the map to Jason's annoyance, and looked at it. "True, but this does lead to the docks, and by extension, the seas."

Hercules growled and made a few hand motions, which Jason understood perfectly. "You're saying he might be at sea?" The Berserker nodded. Jason tapping his chin. "You think he has a boat?"

"Maybe he has an underwater base?" Medea (Lily) suggests.

"Well, we won't know until we go there. Come on now." While Jason didn't like being ordered around, he relented as the group followed EMIYA as they began traveling further into the direction of the Forever Fall forest. From there, they didn't really find much of anything other than the occasional Grimm or demonic beasts from their world. Easily killed off as they continued one.

Thankfully, the dull trip met its end when the four discovered something. Traps.

Quickly, EMIYA touched what appeared to be a weapon of sorts, likely for the trap, and did an analysis scan on it to see it's history. From there, he got confirmation on what it was. "This is from Merlot, an old weapon that has been left here for a while."

"To capture the Grimm apparently." Jason checked out a few empty cages, and even though there was nothing in them, they were locked. Most likely Grimm were captured, but then vanished as per the strange rules about them. So Merlot must not have bothered grabbing them, as Jason noticed a bit of dust on the cages. They've been here for some time.

"We're definitely on the right track." EMIYA the narrows his eyes, then looks at a tree. Leaning down, he grabbed a rock and threw it. A small clattering noise is heard, and something falls down. A camera.

"Damn." Jason growls. "Is he watching us?"

Berserker grunted, shaking his head saying probably not. On that, EMIYA agreed. "This place has long been abandoned. From what we can tell when he sent the first wave, Merlot has countless Grimm. It's unlikely he's bothered to capture anymore."

"That's not even including the way he's able to turn our monsters into Grimm." Medea (Lily) recalled how some of the Grimm killed didn't vanish and instead revealed mangled remains of what they truly once were. Showing that they hadn't always been Grimm. "I wouldn't be surprised if he's stopped capturing Grimm, and is more interested in making them now since he's found a way to convert other living beings into them."

"Uh." Jason shivered. "Imagine if he did that to a servant?" Now wouldn't that be a creepy sight. Heck, they technically already saw something similar in the form of that fake Frankenstein. While she may not have been a Servant, she had the looks and strength of one, and was clearly Grimmified."

"I doubt such a thing would affect us...though I suppose it's better to be safe than sorry." While EMIYA didn't think it was possible for whatever formula Merlot used to turn others into Grimm would affect Servants, a small seed of doubt nagged at him. As those Grimmified wyverns reminded him of Saber, or should he say, Saber Alter. Recalling the story of how the shadow turned Saber into an alter version, alongside the corrupt Berserker as well. As such, best not to see how such a vile liquid would interact with a Servant's core body.

Still, ignoring that piece of information, the gang continued onward on their journey making much better progress than before. They now knew they were getting closer to Merlot, and kept going until eventually, they reached the shores of the continent where the docks were at.

Jason then grinning.

"Oh my. It seems we need a boat to travel. You know what that means." Berserker and Caster cheered. "That's right!" Jason stood taller as he pointed out at sea. "We're going to travel by sea, just like the good old days!"

All three of the Argonauts then ran toward the docks to find a functioning boat to travel by and get it ready. To re-experience those good old days when they traveled by sea, as while the New Argo was cool and neat, there was nothing like the fresh ocean breeze and sea sickness that made things feel right. As for EMIYA, he just sighed and followed after them. It seems this was going to be a sea voyage after all.

Back in Beacon, the defenses were being set up. All civilians and non-combat personnel were in the school, most sent into none other than the Vault beneath Beacon. While a bit risky, Ozpin knew that none of them would be able to locate the Relic of Choice, so things were fine in that regard. Still, even then he's worried. Particularly, of the battle to come.

'I know Beacon is well defended, but even then, this won't be an easy fight.' Merlot, to think not only he had survived the fall of Mount Glenn, he had clearly been thriving. All these new mutated Grimm, a formula that turned the new monsters into Grimm, and these new machines. There's no denying that Merlot has become a formidable foe, one that can ruin this already secure home for those who lost everything after Vale's destruction.

Even worse however, every minute focused on Merlot was a minute that Salem is using to continue her plans. Ozpin knows she's planning something, to continue dividing humanity. With Merlot here, he ruined any chance to counteract Salem, so hopefully they can deal with him quickly.

"Headmaster." Glynda then came in, holding her scroll with a new message on it. "It seems EMIYA and the others have found a lead to Merlot. Believing he is out at sea somewhere, and are promptly getting a ship ready."

"Thank goodness." Ozpin felt relieved. "We had little idea where Merlot came from, thankfully, now we have a clue. At worst, I would have assumed he was somewhere on this continent."

"Maybe not his base, but undoubtedly he has sent his forces somewhere around Beacon." Glynda then points out. "There's no way the man will uphold his agreement, and will attack sooner or later with whatever abominations he has in stock."

"True." Ozpin nods, in agreement with her. "Thankfully, we have enough people to defend against a few waves, and plenty of ammunition. It turns out the Atlas vessel the Argonauts brought had a good amount of Dust, and are giving it out to the Huntsmen and students willing to fight."

"Excellent." Glynda smiles. "So it seems Beacon is ready then."

"At this time, yes." Ozpin looks out the broken window, seeing the sun still rising. "Still, there's no telling how long this fight will last, and while we have a good amount from the pillaging and scavenging, our Dust reserves are far from unlimited. Not to mention merlot undoubtedly has a few tricks up his sleeve. That's not even mentioning of those who might take advantage of the situation."

"Salem?"

Ozpin nods. While not a guarantee, there was a chance Salem may attack, and Beacon would be unable to defend against a second strike. Unlike Merlot, Salem had not just quantity, but powerful quality members, if what he heard from reports were true.

"Regardless, we must focus on Merlot for now." Glynda remembers the fight from just a bit ago. "We can't just ignore him. If we do, even if he doesn't just attack, sooner or later he'll become even more of a threat than he is now."

"Which is why we must hope that Jason and those with him can find Merlot, and put a stop to him before things get any worse." The last thing this world needed was for Merlot to have an army to cross all the continents and try to rule them. While Merlot would ultimately fail, the fear and panic he would bring would have long-lasting damage for decades. Something Remnant didn't need.

The world was experiencing everything too fast.

Vale's fall.

Kingdoms locking themselves up.

The new monsters.

Sightings of strange individuals with unknown powers.

The return of the so-called Sister Goddesses.

Now this.

If it weren't for the fact Remnant was quite divided by this point, Ozpin would have considered gathering the Relics and summoning the true Gods in hopes they could fix this devastating mess. Too bad Spring has gone missing and that travels between the kingdoms was far more difficult now. As such, the Relics were pointless to utilize. So, even if it was a bit difficult, Ozpin had to believe Jason and the others will find Merlot's base of operations, stop him, and end this conflict so they can re-focus on Salem.

"Headmaster!" bursting into his office, is Oobleck who looked serious. "Our scouts have returned, a horde is heading our way."

"No doubt that spineless scoundrel is about to get started." Peter Port also came in, readying his axe. "They are coming from the east side of the school."

"And thanks to Atalanta, she has spotted some fliers heading our way." Oobleck adds on.

"Thank you for the report." Ozpin then stands up. Not willing to sit out, and instead got ready to help everyone. The Servants. The Huntsman. The students. All of them, to defend what was left here. Before Ozpin leaves though, he says one last thing. "I'm counting on you, Jason."

"Kill it! Kill it! Kill it!" Jason screams as he hands onto the mast in fear. Swinging his blade clumsily doing nothing at all. Berserker roaring as he punched a tentacle, only for it to do nothing at all while he was then lifted in the air and thrown onto the ship's deck and falling through it.

"Hya!" As for Medea (Lily), she tried blasting the enemy with magic. A tentacle swung down and smashed her into the ship's deck as well.

"Are you kidding me." EMIYA scowls as he cuts down numerous tentacles, only for them to regrow. One then grabbing him and throwing him at the side. He spawned his famed blades, got up and cut apart the tentacle that dared to hit him.

BAM!

Only to spit blood when another crushed him on the deck. Jason squealed as numerous of the non-ecchi tentacles loomed closer to his form. With the ones heading toward him having spikes on them. Didn't help matters that loud screeches and roars could be heard, as jumping out of the water were many Grimm sharks ready to take a bite out of Servant flesh once they finished bringing this ship to sink.

Heck, even the non-Grimm sea creatures, aka, piranhas, alongside other predatory fish were also eager to taste this new cuisine. The ship Jason and the others 'borrowed' now under attack by a kraken, numerous sea starfish monsters, and so on with a good chance of this four-man crew about to be their next meal as the ship is assaulted by them.

Where the hell was Blackbeard at this moment!?

Next time, the attack on Beacon begins while our four man crew battle the sea monsters that have dared to strike at them, and swim their way to Merlot's island. Assuming they don't become fish food of course.

Yep. Blackbeard would totally have been useful at this moment.

In the meantime, time to show what else has been going on in Remnant, with the reveal of more Remnant/Fate characters who play no important role in the grand scheme of things.

Due to the Dust embargo, many people became naturally upset by this. Angry that they weren't getting their Dust, and as such, didn't have what they needed to say, sell and make money. Or buy Dust needed for mundane stuff like powering homes and the like. Yet none were as unhappy as Jaquess Schnee, who knew the embargo was ruining his business. Yet there was one thing that upset him even more than this.

"My, my. Does someone need to go home and take a nap?" That is, the young girl sitting across from him in this meeting. Blonde hair, a youthful face, red eyes, and in truth a teenager. However, despite her youth, this girl was the heir and successor to a rival company to the SDC. While normally in second place, due to the embargo and loss of profits, the EA Company was now slowly lording over the SDC. Something Gila Gilgamesh knew fully well with that smug grin of hers.

Beside the damn girl was another girl called Artoria Pendragon, who is apparently part the student council president of the school Gila goes to and her bodyguard. Here because they were having a meeting which infuriated Jaquess how this little brat acted towards him.

"No." He then calmly says, not allowing this girl to try and make him act like a loon. "I was just wondering why the heir and soon-to-be CEO of the EA company came here for exactly?"

"Oh. You must truly be going senile, since I sent a message to you last night about why I was here." That little shit! "But since you clearly forgot, allow me to explain once more." Gila then slid a scroll towards Jaquess who picked it up, where the information present was there. "Basically put, I'm here to buy some of your stocks, and in turn, ensure your company doesn't face any financial crisis, since unlike my company, yours profits on Dust mainly. This embargo devastating it entirely."

Guh! She was right.

While the SDC did involve itself in more than just Dust, it was their main source of profit. Meanwhile, this brats company did more than Dust, and now, were actually making more profit than Jaquess because of the embargo. By taking this deal, the SDC won't suffer any more financial loss, but then Gila will have control over some of the SDC.

In other words, either he held the storm and hoped the SDC can survive this embargo but continue to lose money, or, join up with Gila's idea and stabilize the SDC's stock market, but give her some control which she can use as a foothold. Neither option was good, and was a lose lose situation for him and a win win situation for her.

Gila smirking at his frustration.

"?" As for Artoria, the girl(?) looks out of the room and saw a little girl...that looked a lot like her(?). Only younger and cuter, who gazed at her weirdly. By her side being what Artoria believed to be Jaquess's son, who blinked. The two then left slowly, then vanished from sight.

'Wonder what their problem was?' Artoria thought as she(?) saw them leave, and also pondered who that girl was that looked exactly like them. Oh well, it probably wasn't anything important.