FATE/CATBOX FICTION
Chapter 12: Universes Inside the Box
Akakor Labyrinth
Connla's subconsciousness returned to her sleeping body. The first thing she felt was the stiffness in her neck, after having slept in a sitting position with her head tilted for several hours. She woke up, worked out the kinks in her neck for a moment, then yawned and stretched before opening her eyes. She was still sitting outside the door to the workshop, but it seemed she wasn't alone.
She realized she was sitting on someone's lap. In addition, there was a strange, guttural sound that rhythmically rattled her ears every few seconds. Someone's head was nestled directly on her shoulder, and his arms wrapped around her shoulders, as if he was afraid of her leaving even while fast asleep. Connla immediately realized that it was Cuchulainn – no one else in Chaldea would be that determined to hoard her all to themselves like this. The deep throaty sound she kept hearing was his distinct snoring. For such a frightening Disaster-class Servant like him, he looked oddly at peace in this moment.
Connla wasn't sure what to do. She heard multiple voices coming from the workshop, so she definitely wanted to see what was going on. At the same time though, she didn't want to irritate Cuchulainn by shuffling around and disturbing his sleep. The man was certainly sensitive when it came to getting his rest, and she was afraid of bothering him. She opted to just remain there and wait for him to wake up. Besides, after hearing Cliste's testimony, Connla suddenly lacked the energy to try and help the others out with their work. That terrible sinking feeling in her chest refused to subside.
Cliste…
She sat there with a distant, melancholic gaze for a while. How was she going to explain this to everyone else? She wished she could keep quiet about it, but she knew that wasn't an option. She fully expected that Cuchulainn would notice that something was wrong and demand that she explain herself. Yet, how could she tell him about what happened to Cliste? Even if Lancer of Akakor wasn't the Connla that Cuchulainn looked after, she was still a Connla. She couldn't imagine how devastated he would be to find out his daughter went through total hell a second time over – once during life, and again as a Servant.
She sighed despondently. She never expected to face such a harsh dilemma, and she was more than used to coping with existential crises on a daily basis. She was so focused on her myriad of thoughts that she didn't notice someone approaching.
"What's up, missy?" Earp whispered. He sat down next to the pair and murmured, "Boy, yer quite the sorry sight. Ya look like ya got the weight o'the world on yer shoulders."
"Oh… Do I look that upset to you?" Connla replied.
"Damn straight. What's eatin' ya? Ya can tell me anythin' ya want."
"Well, um… First off, I want to know what progress has been made with searching the atelier."
"Loads, I'll tell ya. After Mash made that summonin' circle or whatever, a buncha Servants 'ave been poppin' through like no one's business. Bloody miraculous stuff ya Chaldeans got goin' on. This is the break I've been waitin' decades fer."
"I see. I'm glad you approve of our work."
"Ya'll seem to 'ave yer hands full with yer own problems in yer world. The fact that ya'll took the time t'come 'ere really means somethin' t'me. Now I'm one major step closer t'findin' out what 'appened durin' the Akakor Grail War."
"Oh, that's right," Connla recalled something. "Cliste had a couple of messages she wanted me to pass on to you."
"She did?"
"One is that she was sorry about making you so upset. She must have known that you would be shocked to find out she was still alive."
He sighed sullenly. "Damn it… That kid, still bein' as sweet as ever. I still can't wrap my 'ead 'round 'ow someone like 'er was summoned t'participate in somethin' as brutal as a Grail War. I think it was all some kinda mistake, or a sick fluke."
"You seem rather fond of her, despite all of you fighting against each other in such a terrible competition."
"Hm? Oh, right. Guess I 'aven't told ya yet. The Akakor War wasn't yer average fight b'tween seven Masters and their Servants."
Connla was rather surprised by this. "It wasn't?"
Earp nodded. "It was more of a clash b'tween two diff'rent ideologies. Sure, we were fightin' over a 'Oly Grail, but it was more 'bout 'ow our Masters wanted to use it. One faction was the Conservatives, who wanted to impose order within the world o'Magecraft. Ya could say that they were adamant 'bout keepin' the Mages' secrets away from the regular world, even more so than the Association was. The Servants aligned with the Conservatives were myself, Lancer, an' Saber. All of us represented the need to maintain 'armony so that the Mages couldn't abuse their gifts.
"On the other 'and, ya got the Extremists. They wanted t'set the world o'Magecraft free from the constraints o'control and laws. Their belief was that the Family Tree Mages should decide 'ow the rest o'the world operated. They wanted t'be rid o'the stigmata of havin' t'practice their craft in secret. The Servants aligned with them were Rider, Caster an' Assassin. Y'could say that it was a battle b'tween the Knight classes an' the Cavalry classes."
"What about Berserker of Akakor?" Connla wondered.
"Phew… Berserker was an odd duck, that one. Totally unreliable, if ya ask me. Their Master didn't care 'bout any o'the ideological stuff – they just wanted t'save their own 'ide by sidin' with whoever was winnin' at the moment. 'Cause of that, Berserker 'ad no problem switchin' sides at the drop of a dime. Whenever Berserker was with us, it was often Lancer's job t'keep them in line until the inevitable b'trayal 'appened."
"I see. So it all boiled down to the six of you. But from my understanding, a typical Grail War has Servants killing each other to fill up a Grail vessel with magical energy. In essence, the Servants themselves are the Grail's contents."
"Yeah, I can see why it'd make no sense to ya," Earp nodded. "No worries, though. We weren't tryin' t'kill each other to fill up a Grail. We were actually fightin' each other over a Grail that was already full."
"Really?"
"Yup. Our war 'appened in 1926, but the Grail was actually from the 1866 War. I ain't keen on the specifics, but from what I could glean outta our Masters, the victor of the 1866 War 'ad quite a disturbin' wish that he made. He was so detached from reality that he saw everyone 'round 'im as just bodies o'magical energy, an' he wanted to 'arness all of 'umanity's power t'reach the Swirl o'the Root fer 'imself. Not even the Servants who died t'fill up the Grail, includin' 'is own Servant that he forced t'commit suicide, were enough fer 'im."
"So then this Mage's wish was to…"
"Convert all of 'umanity into energy fer 'is magical trip to omniscience."
Connla covered her mouth in revulsion. "That's terrible!"
"Sure was. Luckily, Lancer's Master 'ad the presence o'mind t'kill 'im b'fore he could enact 'is plan."
"Lancer's Master was alive in 1866?"
"The woman was in 'er early 80's by the time the 1926 War came 'round. She mighta been old, but she meant business. She was the boss o'the Family Tree at the time, and she didn't want such a mistake to 'appen again. She rallied any Mages who supported 'er and formed the Conservatives t'round up the Extremists who cared none 'bout laws an' morality.
"Ah, Giselle Brugger… Quite the woman, I'll say. Age never slowed 'er down one bit. She was still buckin' 'bout like a newborn mare, an' she made sure everyone else knew it. She was prob'ly the only other person 'sides myself an' Saber who looked after Lancer. Maybe there was that apprentice of 'ers, but she was too immature fer my likin'. That woman must be 'round Lord Brugger's age by now. Had a real fancy name too. Entorai… Intorail… Ino-somethin'…? Meh, can't 'member fer the life o'me."
Connla listened intently as Earp recalled his past. The cowboy shrugged and muttered, "Anyway, that's the gist of it. I've told yer superiors 'bout it as well, so they're all up t'speed with the nature o'the 1926 War."
"So that's what happened… Oh, that reminds me. Cliste had a second message for you, and it's related to the Akakor War."
"What is it?"
"She said that the other five Servants are all here."
Earp's complexion immediately paled. His eyes practically bulged out of their sockets. He appeared extremely uncomfortable, and he glanced away while muttering, "Is that right?"
"Is that a problem?"
"Uh, well… I mean… Not entirely, but…"
"Cliste said that Berserker was out of commission, though she didn't elaborate on what that meant. Technically speaking, that means the remaining four are out there. She also warned me to expect resistance from some of them. Do you know what that means?"
"Well, I can certainly count Rider among those who would go 'gainst us. That guy's the very definition of a loony tune."
"Oh yeah, she seemed rather emphatic about me staying away from Rider of Akakor. She didn't say anything about Saber, Caster and Assassin though."
"Mmm… I see… I see…"
Connla tilted her head. "Are you all right?"
Earp coughed, then uttered, "Peachy as ever. Don'tcha worry none 'bout me. Just real s'prised t'see the whole gang comin' back t'gether so quickly. The fact that they're 'ere must mean somethin' big is gonna 'appen soon."
"…"
"Well, we'll cross that bridge when we get there. The fact that we know they're around will give us plenty o'time t'prepare fer combat with them. I'll bet that's what Lancer wanted fer us."
"I think so too. She must be desperate for us to meet her at the Preservatorium. She'll do what she can to warn us of any obstacles in the way, but she can't do much more than that."
"Why not? Is she immobilized fer some reason?"
The terrible feeling of dread welled up inside Connla's chest again, and she stared at the floor with sorrowful eyes. Earp noticed her change in behavior and said, "Whoops, there's that long face again. Guess I hit a sore spot fer ya."
"No, I'm fine. I just think it'd be easier for me to explain when we're all together."
"What, did Lancer tell ya somethin' else?"
"Yeah… Sort of…"
"All right, I'll save the questions fer later. I'll go tell yer superiors what ya just informed me so we can prepare fer fightin' the Akakor Servants down the line."
"Mm," she nodded. She waited for Earp to return inside the workshop, then glanced over at Cuchulainn's face still buried against her shoulder. After a moment, she asked, "How long are you going to pretend to be asleep?"
"… Hm?" the Berserker grumbled as he woke up with a silly grin plastered on his face. "You noticed?"
"You weren't snoring."
"Heh. Got me there."
"I notice subtle things about you just as much as you do with me, you know."
"Well now. Your chattering was so noisy that I couldn't help but wake up."
"Sorry about that. There's just so much ground to cover in such a short time."
"Nah, don't worry about it. Just think of me as your shadow while you do your thing."
She stared at him with hesitance in her eyes. Those questions from earlier resurfaced, and she shuddered nervously. Regardless, she didn't really have much choice but to reveal everything, especially now that she promised Earp. She simply wasn't feeling quite ready yet, so she refrained from discussing it with Cuchulainn for now. She instead asked him, "Can I go inside and see how everyone's doing?"
"Huh? Oh, right. Guess we've been loafing around for quite a while. Sure, you can check things out. That room with the weird lights is off-limits though. Both Da Vinci and I want you to stay away from there until we figure out what's going on. Got it?"
"I understand."
They both got up, then entered the workshop. The first thing they noticed was that the glass floor was completely covered in dark blankets to obscure everyone's view of the snakes writhing below. They then spotted Kiritsugu standing guard in front of the small room with the Gate. His eyes narrowed when he saw Connla, and he kept his sharp gaze fixed on her as she anxiously passed by him. She could tell that he had likewise been ordered to bar passage for her, so she said nothing to him and continued looking around.
Some of Chaldea's best minds had already arrived while Connla and Cuchulainn were asleep. Among them were Da Vinci, Zhuge Liang, and Charles Babbage. While Da Vinci and Babbage were working away at the computer, Zhuge was inside the Gate chamber analyzing the portal. Mash and Ritsuka read through some literature to see if they could find anything interesting, and wrote down numerous notes when they did.
"Good evening, you two," Ritsuka greeted the Celts.
"Evening?" Connla wondered.
"It's almost ten o'clock. I almost forgot what time it was until Roman reminded me just now. I guess time really flies when you're doing such deep research."
"Has there been much progress?"
"Quite a bit," Mash replied. "Once Earp saw that room with the portal, he told us everything he knew about the Parallel World Gates. That's made the Casters' research go that much more smoothly, now that we understand that this world has unlocked the secret of interdimensional travel."
"I see…" the Lancer mumbled sadly.
"How about we stop for today, Senpai? You should think about taking a shower and going to bed soon."
"Yeah, I think I will," Ritsuka said. "Let me just see how Da Vinci and Babbage are coming along."
The group approached the computer, where the two Casters were preoccupied with going through a massive amount of data. Babbage was directly hooked up to the computer as he downloaded all of the data he could into his body. Unlike many other Servants, he wasn't human whatsoever. While his Spirit Origin was indeed human in origin, he always kept his core encased inside a steam-powered robotic shell.
Back when Charles Babbage was alive, he always had a dream of creating a civilization that fully operated on the power of steam. While his vision wasn't quite as fulfilled as he would have liked, he decided to localize his 'dream' as a Reality Marble and concentrate it on himself so he could manifest as a Servant capable of combat. Regardless of his radical change in appearance, his logical personality and love for mathematics remained intact nonetheless. Now though, Babbage was more than happy to function as a living computer capable of storing all the information they could obtain, so then he could bring it back to Chaldea and have more specialists analyze it. Dozens of wires were attached to him, so until the transfer was finished, he would not be able to move around for a while.
"How are you holding up?" Ritsuka asked him.
"Download speed nominal. Data capacity limit within acceptable parameters. Although my body is not as advanced as this supercomputer, which thus limits the rate that I can download such vast data, my storage capabilities will be more than sufficient for transport to Chaldea," the robot replied in a monotone voice.
"Thanks. I bet Dr. Roman is itching to find out what's going on with Akakor."
"I see that Miss Connla and her father have woken up. Has your condition improved?"
"Yes, it has," Connla replied. "I'm sorry if I made you all worry. I never expected something like this to happen."
"Think nothing of it. None of us could predict such an unexpected outcome."
Da Vinci beamed, "I don't think I've been so excited since I was first summoned to Chaldea. I've only had the time to glance at this info, and already it's been blowing me away. Once I told El-Melloi that Akakor possessed technology related to the Second Magic, he came straight away to see for himself. I've left him in charge of inspecting the Gate, so no peeking, okay? Don't be surprised if more Servants decide to drop by and check things out too."
Mash asked, "If I understand right, the Second Magic is one of the five True Magics that are considered lost in our world."
"You got it. I don't know how or why, but the Mages managed to unlock its secrets in this world. If we can glean anything from this, it might be a big help in our battle against the King of Mages."
Connla glanced away uneasily. Everyone looked so excited about these new discoveries that she couldn't bring herself to say anything. Da Vinci continued, "After recalling everything that Cliste has told you thus far, I've been doing some digging on my end. Babbage has been helping me out as well since we're dealing with quantum theory here."
"Quantum theory? What does that have to do with Cliste?" the child Lancer wondered.
"Babbage, why don't you take it from here?"
The inventor switched places with the robot, and he responded, "Very well. Before I begin though, Master, I am observing your vitals and noticing signs of fatigue. Even under normal circumstances, you are not particularly attentive during one of my full lectures. Attempting to explain my theories while you are in duress would not be a productive use of my time. Perhaps a suggestion of getting some rest is in order."
Ritsuka rubbed her eyes and murmured, "Sorry, Babbage. I don't think I'll be able to keep up with you."
Connla nodded. "Then I'll listen to what Mr. Babbage has to say. I can give you the condensed version in the morning."
Mash frowned lightly. "I'm kind of curious to hear what Babbage's theories are as well. You'll have to excuse me if I don't understand everything, but I think Connla can help me with that."
Cuchulainn clicked his tongue and muttered, "All this science-y stuff goes beyond my head, so I'll keep watch over Master for the night."
"Thanks," the Mage said, and the pair walked over to the spare bed so she could get some sleep. Mash and Connla sat at the table facing the nearby chalkboard so that Babbage could give his lesson like he was in a classroom.
"Now then, let us begin with Lancer's testimony of what her counterpart Cliste told her," he said. "According to Da Vinci's report, Cliste told you that she was afraid of a 'catbox' being opened due to 'something' being inside it."
"That's right," Connla said. "I don't really understand what she meant by this catbox business or whatever, but I was equating it to Pandora's Box where all of the evils of the world were released after Pandora opened a container she wasn't supposed to."
"I suppose there are parallels with that mythology as well. However, the term 'catbox' refers to something related to the Parallel World Gates that Mr. Earp was discussing earlier. Are you aware of the thought experiment proposed by the physicist Erwin Schrodinger?"
The young spearman shook her head. Mash replied, "I know about it. That's Schrodinger's Cat, where a cat is placed inside a box along with a radioactive sample that has a 50% chance of decaying and killing the cat. While the box is covered, we can't observe what state the cat is in, so it's considered to be in an equal state of being both alive and dead. Only when the box is opened will we know what has happened to the cat."
"Yes, that is a general summary of the experiment. It was conceived in order to explain how philosophically disturbing quantum physics can be, and thus why Schrodinger abandoned the theory he himself devised."
"How could he be disturbed by the very subject he contributed so much to? He came up with the Schrodinger Equation, and was known as a philosopher in a variety of subjects like thermodynamics, electrodynamics, cosmology, and even color theory to name a few, all explained from the perspective of physics. He obviously loved physics a lot, and yet he was somehow disturbed by it? That just doesn't make any sense to me."
"Perhaps he observed possibilities that he felt were better left alone," Babbage said. "You have to remember that in his youth, he performed work as a commissioned officer during World War I. Then he opposed Nazism during World War II, though had been forced to recant his views to preserve what little political reputation he could salvage. He consequently fled Austria, which had been annexed into Germany after the Anschluss, and moved to Italy to continue his studies."
"Being alive during both World Wars must have had a huge influence on him."
"Certainly so. While he did not directly witness the horrors of both wars, his insights into quantum physics and the possibilities that can stem from it must have caused him to be rather disturbed by the subject. Going back to the Schrodinger's Cat example, you can consider the contents of the box to be in a superimposed state of the cat being both alive and dead. Once the box is opened, the superimposed state is eliminated and the cat can be observed being alive or dead. Humans rely on common sense to say that it's impossible for the cat to be in both states at the same time, and that opening the box does not force one outcome to occur – whatever the outcome happens to be, it was already decided by fate.
"However, common sense cannot be applied when discussing quantum theory. While I am not a physicist by any means, as my métier was as a mathematician, I can at least understand that multiple experiments have been carried out that prove that subatomic particles behave in strange ways that we don't observe within larger bodies of matter. You know of the phrase, 'Anything that can happen, will happen'? That stems from the Many Worlds Theory, or the phenomenon known as parallel universes."
Connla immediately became interested when she heard that. "You mean the parallel universes that the Gates are being connected to?"
Babbage paused for a moment, as if contemplating his answer. He soon responded, "It is difficult for me to answer definitively. While I understand that we are currently inside a verified parallel universe, it is hard for me to know if these Gates are tapping into similar realities. I would have to go there myself and perform a thorough examination of the Gate's opposite end to reach any reasonable conclusions. For now, all I am capable of is explaining the general theory to you."
"I understand. So what was Mr. Schrodinger's take on parallel worlds?"
"Let us go back to the thought experiment. If the cat represents 'multiple possibilities', then it stems to reason that the box itself represents 'multiple universes'. In essence, it is a container that serves to obscure an infinite number of outcomes from the viewer. Luckily, we are only dealing with two outcomes here; whether the cat is dead or alive. But if you were to throw multiple cats into the box, or perhaps more than one radioactive isotope that could kill the cat, or even an isotope that can decay but potentially not kill the cat, then we start delving into the parallel universes as proposed by physics."
"Hmm… That doesn't sound like directly interacting with other worlds like we're doing. It's more like hypothesizing what could happen while the box is closed, and then observing the actual answer by opening it."
"Yes, but here is where it gets interesting. According to quantum physics, the act of opening the box does not 'destroy' all of the many possibilities and universes contained inside it. Instead, by observing the result, you are actually splitting that contained multiverse into different realities. If we were to equate it to Pandora's Box, then what Pandora would have released from the box was not all of the evils of the world, but rather the numerous parallel universes that existed inside it. Subsequently, this allows for only one possibility to exist inside the box, while the rest essentially depart for the realm of human imagination. The 'universe' that was inside the box then becomes a part of our own history."
"Only for one possibility…" Connla whispered, then closed her eyes in deep thought.
Mash interjected, "So whenever our universe is presented with an option, and a definitive choice is made from it, that result becomes part of our reality. But that doesn't mean the other options are just erased from existence. The universe 'splits' each and every time to create copies of 'what could have happened'. If you put it that way, a process like that could expand so exponentially that it'd be impossible for humans to measure."
"Correct," Babbage said. "Perhaps in a world where Magic and Mystery do not exist, those possibilities will exist only as fiction. However, we exist in a universe where five specific types of True Magic have been lost to humanity. Zhuge Liang offered his input into the subject and told me to peruse any literature involving the Second Magic."
"The Kaleidoscope," Connla blurted. "The Operation of Parallel Worlds."
"Yes. Parallel worlds are very much real to us. Your dreams of your counterparts, the actual Rayshifting to an alternate reality, as well as the works of Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg all are sufficient evidence that the Second Magic is a genuine thing. What you witness are the possibilities that did not become etched into our history, yet were valid enough to remain as histories of their own."
"But I can only see such worlds from the perspectives of other versions of myself. If there isn't another 'me' in that world that my subconsciousness can take residence inside their Spirit Origin, then it's impossible for me to see it."
"Even so, the Many Worlds Theory is perfectly valid from both a physics and a magical standpoint. Whatever world you may dream of is as viable as our own – the outcomes are different, but so long as the path that humanity takes does not lead to total destruction, then it is acceptable for both to exist. And yet…"
Babbage's tone seemed to turn grim. His enthusiasm for giving such a complex lecture subsided. It was impossible to see what his expression was beneath the mechanical shell he always wore as his carapace. Even so, Mash and Connla could sense that he sounded unusually distressed.
"And yet… Something does not feel right with this world we are in," he finally said. "I find it most difficult to quantify why I feel so vexed."
"Well, when did you start experiencing this feeling?" Mash wondered.
"Hmm… Hmm…"
The robotic scientist mumbled to himself for a good minute. Soon, he replied, "Perhaps after I heard Mr. Earp's explanation of the Gates."
"Does something about the Gates bother you?"
"It is difficult to say why, but I do not like them."
The two girls glanced at each other, totally perplexed as to what he was talking about. Da Vinci stepped next to Babbage and interjected, "Maybe I can take over from here. Truth be told, I've been experiencing that same 'pit in my stomach' feeling that Babbage is having ever since Earp told us about the Gates."
"You mean you both see them as a bad thing?" Mash asked. "But you seemed excited about the Second Magic being discovered in this world."
"Sure, but there's also a fundamental problem with such a discovery. Think about it - if you were able to freely wrench open pathways to alternate realities, what would you do there?"
"Um… Maybe make some new friends? Get to know their societies? Help them deal with any issues they have?"
"That's too naïve. Clearly you and Ritsuka have been watching too many of those silly isekai anime. † We're dealing with Mages here. Considering how much of a sociopath Marisbury was, I dread to imagine what it'd be like for an entire world populated by Mages like him to have access to parallel worlds. If we're to consider that these other realities have inferior societies to this one, it'd be nothing for them to march in and claim possession of it."
"Claim possession of an entire parallel world? How?"
"Simple. They'd use their advanced Magecraft to make those humans submit to their will. Whether through warfare, manipulation, or some other form of magic, they'll do whatever it takes to get what they want. Since Earp has been saying 'Gates' in the plural sense, that means this sort of thing must be happening on a regular basis in this particular world."
Now Connla and Mash were the ones becoming increasingly uncomfortable with this proposition. Da Vinci smirked a little and said, "Are you starting to see the implications of this technology? Furthermore, I think continuing such behavior would wind up being disastrous in the long run."
"Disastrous?" both girls uttered.
"Imagine that this particular world is a parasitic cell. After discovering the Gate technology, it opens a pathway to a parallel world and latches on to it, the same way a parasite lives inside a host body. If the parasite opens up multiple pathways like that, it can continuously feed itself at the detriment of the other worlds being wasted away. Of course, any worlds that die from the parasite's influence can easily be cut off, and the parasite can likewise create a replacement path to a brand new world to usurp all over again."
"That's horrible!" Mash cried out. "You're saying this world is literally killing off parallel universes in order to sustain itself!?"
"Well, it's hard to say without any conclusive evidence. Until our analysis of this Gate is complete, we can only speculate. However, the fact that there's enough mana in the atmosphere to match what was around during the Age of Gods must mean that the Gates are responsible for it somehow."
Connla bit her lip. Her teeth sunk into the skin so hard that blood trickled down her chin. She shivered, experiencing the dreadful grip of anxiety take hold of her rational mind. Babbage noticed this and asked her, "Is something the matter, Miss Connla?"
She couldn't say anything. Her throat choked up so terribly that she started crying. Da Vinci stared at her for a moment, then murmured, "You know something, don't you?"
The grief-stricken child nodded. Mash put her hands on her shoulders and implored, "You don't have to tell us if you don't want to."
"No," Connla sniffled and wiped her eyes. "If I don't say anything, then you'll all find out anyway. I think it'll expedite the search if I explained everything from the get-go."
"About what exactly?"
"Well… When I passed out, I actually got to talk to Cliste again. She told me something that was incredibly unsettling. I wish I could hide it, but I know it'll be relevant for our mission. I just have to suck it up and tell it like it is. I'm mostly worried about how well you, Master, Father, and Mr. Earp will be able to handle it though."
Cuchulainn heard this and stared in muted surprise at the despondent girl. He never expected that she would worry so much about whatever she was hiding that it would bother him so much. Usually it was none of his business as to what Connla saw during her dreams. Why would it be important to him now?
He thought to himself, I'm starting to get a bad feeling about this…
Mash asked her, "Is it that disturbing?"
"Mm," Connla nodded.
"Okay. Maybe it'll be easier if we all sat down and listened to what you have to say. I should consider recording the meeting as well. That way, you only have to explain everything once. I'm worried that if you have to talk about it more than you need to, it might cause a great deal of stress for you. But don't be frightened. We're all in this together. Whatever it is you found, everyone at Chaldea will give you their full support. Don't forget that, okay?"
"Yeah."
The next morning, Mash informed Ritsuka of a meeting that was planned so Connla could discuss what she found out. Once the Master had freshened up and eaten breakfast, she joined everyone at the table. Earp and Kiritsugu leaned against the nearby wall, while Cuchulainn reclined on the sofa and listened intently.
For the next hour, Ritsuka, Mash, and all of the Servants attending the session remained silent as they listened intently to Connla's testimony. Da Vinci handled asking any difficult questions on everyone's behalf, and Connla answered as best as she could. Although the Lancer knew she wasn't being put on trial, she felt terrified during the whole ordeal. She felt like she was inside a courtroom, surrounded by faceless officials who couldn't hope to understand this tumult of emotions she was soldiering through. The monitors displaying the faces of Servants she made friends with during her previous adventures, and even of some people she hadn't become acquainted with yet, only served to worsen her anxiety.
At the end of the meeting, she concluded with, "That's all I was able to find out from Cliste."
Mash scrunched her face in disgust and clenched her teeth, unable to utter anything but, "Unbelievable."
That was essentially the mood being shared by everyone within Chaldea. Some remained stoic, appearing unfazed by Connla's testimony. In truth, they were just as repulsed as those who visibly expressed their disgust.
"God, 'ave mercy…" Earp choked up, then removed his hat and hid his face behind it. He didn't want anyone to see him shedding what few tears he had, but they could still hear him sniffling.
Connla nervously peeked back at Cuchulainn to see what his reaction was. He was just looking away and keeping his lips tightly closed. His face was so well-hidden beneath his hood that she couldn't discern his facial expression whatsoever. She figured that he had to be using every ounce of willpower to keep himself from flailing into a rage.
On one monitor, Gilgamesh exhaled a sigh of contempt and muttered, "The Mages never learn, do they?"
"No, they don't," Da Vinci agreed with him.
"This would be no different than if they cut my head off and stuffed it inside a Holy Grail in order to utilize my Sha Naqba Imuru for themselves. Predicting the future, seeing parallel worlds… Such miracles makes no difference to them. To them, they are just more tools in their arsenal for reaching the Swirl of the Root. How utterly boring and repugnant. To think that I have ignorantly allowed such a world to abuse the runt's gift is nothing short of appalling on my part."
Mash pressed her hand against her chest and said, "Galahad might be dormant inside me, but it's almost like I'm feeling his utter disgust. Or perhaps he's sharing it with me."
Ritsuka was likewise as bothered by the news, but there was a more pressing concern on her mind. She asked, "So what do we do from here? Is it really our place to decide how this world operates? Our objective is to meet with Connla Cliste, not to distort this world's way of life just because we don't agree with it."
"To meet the runt's counterpart is tantamount to venturing into that world's very beating heart," Gilgamesh said. "I've already reached my own conclusion about how the Mages would use these silly Parallel World Gates. If they somehow figure out which world we come from, it would be a terrible inconvenience for me to have a horde of greedy Mages storming into Chaldea and pillaging my territory for themselves."
"Exactly," Da Vinci agreed with him. "At the very least, we have to keep Chaldea safe from such people. I know this will be especially difficult for you three to hear… Ritsuka, Mash, and Connla."
The trio stiffened up. They had a good idea of what the inventor was going to say, but they prepared themselves for it anyway. However, it wasn't Da Vinci who said the inevitable. It was actually Kiritsugu who muttered, "So this is the reason I've been called here."
They glanced at him, but said nothing. He stared Connla straight in the eye, and said, "Now that I understand what the stakes are, I have no choice but to complete my promised task, both as a Guardian of Humanity and as Cliste's agent. Regardless of how you feel about this, I must put her to death."
AUTHOR'S NOTE #1:
† - Literally means "another world". A genre of anime characterized by a protagonist(s) venturing to a different world than their own (often a fantasy-based one utilizing video game mechanics, which has been the recent trend) and getting involved in adventures there.
AUTHOR'S NOTE #2: This was quite the heavy chapter, wasn't it? Things feels like they're progressing at a slow pace, but there's so much worldbuilding to cover before we get into the mission proper. There shouldn't be too much more than this before things start getting interesting again.
