Chapter 5: Truth and Lies
Daichi checked the bag for the third time before zipping it tight. Archer was working the finishing touches on a sigil on the wall by the kitchen sink. Diamond in shape, it pulsed a light green hue before dimming back to the black stroke of paint. The Counter Guardian glanced at him. "Do you have everything you need?"
Daichi tapped the rucksack on his back. It carried clothes, toiletries and a small tablet. "All ready. What's the plan?"
Archer glanced outside the window. Nightfall had begun. "You will take the train and go somewhere far away from this place. I'll be watching here from somewhere nearby."
"What for?"
"To see how much we can trust them."
"They aren't our enemies."
"Not yet. We are in no man's land kid. That means everyone has a chance of hunting us. Stay in a motel, net cafe or anywhere for tonight. Just make sure it's quiet and discreet. We'll think of a better place to stay afterwards."
"Sure." Daichi turned for the door. He paused with a hand on the handle. "Not that you need it but stay safe."
"You too kid."
Daichi stepped outside, closing the door shut. Left to his own devices, a few minutes was needed to make the plan before entering the lift to take him outside back to the world. The journey to the Gotenyama district took an hour's journey through the rush hour traffic. He had been keeping his guard up, looking around from time to time. An occasional check on the nearby mirrors or the glance towards a store. Archer had given a few tips on checking for followers.
The city opened its lights to reveal its beauty but Daichi felt its shadow. Once a bastion of safety and technology, now the large towers and buildings carried a weight of uncertainty behind every corner. Each unfamiliar face was a possible agent, waiting to pounce on him. The young teenager kept to open areas wherever possible and remained as normal as possible.
The train ride on the other hand was scary. What was commonplace was now frightful. Enclosed in such tight spaces, anyone could squeeze alongside him and stab a knife without notice. He would drop dead on the floor in a pool of blood and nobody would know the killer. Daichi shook the thought aside. I'm thinking too much. The guidelines were followed. There was nobody on his tail, all is well.
Daichi was tired by the time he arrived. He knew the room was going to be small. The selected Internet cafe was one of the smaller premises in the area. However this was absurd. Four feet, bare bones square room. Computer on the desk and a small plastic menu for orders.
The cafe was popular for the homeless. Slipping into the room, Daichi settled onto the cold floor. Alone, relatively secure for the moment, what would be the best option to take next? Given how the situation is, might be a good idea to let Kazuko know about it. Cell phone was not an option, the device turned off to avoid being tracked down by GPS like Archer's case. He dropped a quick email using the computer.
Careful, they have contacted me.
Kazuko's reply was instant. Where are you?
Daichi pondered. Can he trust email to remain elusive? He typed. Somewhere safe.
Good bro. You aren't hurt right?
No. We're alright. Not on the run, just being careful.
Good call. Is this Archer's idea? I'm sorry for not helping on this.
It's fine. You can tell me on whether you managed to identify the person I'm looking for.
That case is frustrating Bro. The description is too vague. I'm getting too many matches that it would take me a while to sort through them. I don't know if the choices are even correct. I did notice a trend.
A trend?
The number of pictures suggest someone highly popular. The typical database for anime and manga aren't getting anything but it should be the right direction. Unfortunately you are my only expert in this field.
I could try to do a search from here.
Don't. I'm doing it from a secured net. It would be dangerous for you to try it now. Leave it to me. I'm sure I can find out about it. Just a matter of when. It's almost midnight. Get some rest. You will need it.
Alright, take care. Daichi ended the email conversation and locked the door. He put on blindfolds after nestling into a sleeping bag. Everything went dark, a quiet silence. The first night of being on the run. Should I be afraid? He had no answer.
Emiya maintained vigilance as a pair of drunks walked past the Hideaki residence. Sitting within the dark corridor from a building four blocks across the street, reinforced eyes could stand watch without problems.
The stars were bright. A long time since he had seen the stars. The occasional draft of wind from the warm rooftop, made an old reminder of another life. Periodic naps and inspections proved that the bounded field had not been triggered to current time.
The city growled as dawn arrived. The probability of any attempt had dropped significantly. It would be best for him to get more rest and find the boy.
Speaking of the boy, Emiya had to admit that he was dedicated to the cause. A poor reminder of the past. The boy would suffer from the war. That will be a fact that cannot be prevented. The Counter Guardian will keep the boy alive however necessary. That would be his responsibility. For at least he must save the boy if not anyone else.
Another inspection before making the journey, he felt a familiar presence. Emiya leaned over the railing and looked down. The crowd of people was growing, intending to start the work day. A young girl that didn't meet the age group stood out. That Magical girl. An opportunity, follow her for more information. Her constant glances to the surroundings were peculiar. Is she looking for someone? She looked up towards the building. Their eyes met. She has a good sense. What should he do? Walk away? Instigate a fight? She waved at him. Might as well fish for information.
He waved a finger, gesturing her to circle around the building. Turning away from prying eyes, he leapt and slid down the walls. Taking short leaps, he landed as she appeared. He gestured for her to follow him. A few turns away and into an alley. A second bounded field had been prepared there beforehand for emergencies, providing warning about anyone nearby with hostile intent. Assured of the basis of her intentions, he nodded for her to speak.
"Err…Archie-san."
He was a man without pride but there were limits. "Don't you kids know how to speak names properly?"
The girl bowed. "Sorry!" She knows who I am. What can I gain from this?
"How old are you anyway?" She appeared to be a teenager in a school girl uniform. Though he had been surprised in a case where a particular girl was nine hundred sixty one years old.
She fumed. "You shouldn't ask a girl her age." Perfect, be annoyed.
Emiya started the probe. "Why are you finding me, someone who might decide to kill you this very moment?"
"I just want to talk with you." She waved her hands. "I mean no harm at all, I'm sure of it."
"Talk."
"My name's Mamika Kirameki from Magical Slayer Mamika. I know why you are here, that you are one of the destined ones to change your world."
First step. "How did you know about me in the first place?"
"I heard about you."
Heard. That was a particular word. "Where did you hear that from?"
"Alice said she saw you standing on the rooftops watching down at people. I thought you're also one of us, so here I am. Tee Hee."
"Is she the knight?" She nodded. How did the knight see him without his notice? That notion would be troublesome. "What exactly do you want from me?"
Mamika clasped her hands together. "I want to believe that everyone can work together, to change the world. I was thinking that if you can help me convince the others. I'll be there too of course."
The others, did she mean the sage and her lot? Or is this woman on the other side? "What do I have to gain from helping you?"
"Our worlds are changed for the better. People won't be hurt ever again." She pressed two fingers together. "You'll also have my gratitude too."
This girl was trying to be too cute. Does she think such ideas would work to convince him? "Do you think the world would be changed so easily?"
Mamika's eyes gleamed. "I know it isn't but if we put our hope to it together, we can make it happen. I believe, no I know it can be done." There's no saving her.
Emiya raised a brow. "Are Magical Girls that naive? The world will never become the merry merry land that you would ever have in your story."
Mamika yelled. "People in my world are being hurt. I can't stand here and do nothing to help my friends. That's why I want to change my world, make it a better and happy place for everyone."
Such optimism. "Impossible. My world suffers death by the thousands daily. People suffer abuse, murder, pain, sorrow amongst themselves and all that is never going to change. I alone would never be able to change it nor do I have the intention of doing so." Emiya retorted upon seeing the girl's glare. "What are you going to do about it? Beat me up with your broken sense of justice and passion? Pointless."
The young girl tightened her shaking fists. "Why doesn't anyone understand me?"
"The world isn't all about you girl. People have their own motivations. They will do what they like even if it against their morals. That little girl, is a fact."
"You're really mean."
"Welcome to real life. Survival of the fittest. The strong will survive and the weak will die."
Her words hissed. "Aren't you a hero? You saved people all the time. How can you say such things?"
"It is because I sacrificed everything. I've demanded my body to its limits. I abandoned my friends, family and loved ones so that I can keep fighting for this justice that you speak of. I condemned my soul to eternal torture so that I could be every bit stronger. I did all that just to get the strength to save the weak." He realised the intent he sent through and reigned it in. "Girl, are you willing to pay the same price?"
Mamika took a step back. "I won't ever understand you."
He whispered. "You don't have to." Raising his voice, he asked. "Anything else? Or do you need another lesson of life?"
"No, I don't want to hear anything more than you. It hurts so much to think that you could have saved your world but you don't want to. Good bye." Mamika leapt into the air and left.
That's just how life works. Learn it and just give it up. Emiya dispelled the bounded field. The task here is done. Rest, get an update from the boy and complete the mission. That is the priority, what it should have always been.
Staying in a net cafe sucks. The room was cramped and cold. Sleeping on the hard floor was painful to the back. Daichi had to twist his form to lie down on the floor. Adding to the discomfort was the lack of privacy with the quiet hum of the air conditioners or the sounds of people in the rooms next door. The lack of a shower was also regretted.
If this is what he felt in just one night, how the hell did those people live here for months or years? Rubbing a sticky neck, he went to grab some breakfast from the front counter. The little boon of food was delightful against all spites. As the counter took his order, he glanced at the clock. I'm late to school. Nine in the morning. Another day of skipped school. Beneath the hot vapours of steam, he can imagine his school attendance record melting within that cup of noodles.
Archer arrived somewhere before noon. The Counter Guardian was perplexed given the crunched look on his face. "This is a small place."
Daichi moved the empty lunch box to make space. "Reminds you of anything?"
"Solitary confinement before they hanged me."
Ouch. "I have some instant noodles left here. Want some?" Daichi offered. There was an extra pack planned for tea time.
"No thanks." Archer sat cross legged by the door. "Did you notice anything abnormal?"
"I had a bad night. Other than that, nothing. What about you?"
"They hadn't done anything at your place for now. I have added a few more fields to make it easier to detect intrusions from afar." Archer pointed at the computer screen of pictures. "What's all this?"
"I've been trying to find out who is that Military uniformed kid the others were referring to. I had no luck so far." Daichi scrolled through the online galleries he was perusing since morning. The tags he had used so far had been generic and difficult to get any answers. The four hundred pages remaining was not well liked prospect.
"Describe her to me." Daichi detailed the supposed features he needed to search. Archer narrowed his eyes, listening to every point. A moment's pause before he answered. "Her name is Altair." That was a surprise. Daichi nodded for him to continue. "I met her. She wanted me to join her side. I rejected the offer and things went violent."
"Why didn't you tell them about it?"
"I'm not obliged to. It had no purpose to the topic."
Right, Archer wasn't around after the standoff. "That would have been helpful for yesterday."
"First, they aren't our allies and we have no responsibility for them. Second, that Mizushino boy already knows."
Sota Mizushino, the shy guy with the glasses? "He knows? How did you discover that?"
"Projection." Archer raised his hands. A speck of light formed before finalising its shape into a sword with a golden guard. "This hanger, a longer version of the famous cutlass is Altair's weapon. 17th Century Europe. Simple and durable in nature and it told me about her history."
Daichi reached out to touch the sword. Cold metal as a finger brushed along the blunt side. The details was intricate, down to the curve and grooves along the blade. Surprise would be an understatement, astonished maybe. "Does it tell of her motivation?"
"Just as she said, destroy the world." The sword vanished in a cloud of blue pixels.
World domination, he could understand but destruction? "Why did she want to destroy the world? What's there to gain from it?"
"Vengeance. That alone is enough."
"Why would she want vengeance against us? What happened?"
Archer leaned back against the wall. Tell it already. "Her Creator committed suicide."
Cold chill travelled down the back. A tang of regret wrapped around the neck. "Suicide?"
"Pressured beyond her ability to cope, her creator committed suicide. That was enough of a reason."
"That's… really horrible." Suicides were regular within Tokyo. It doesn't make accepting it any easier. "What did she face until she wanted to die?" Archer shook his head. "How is Mizushino involved?"
"There was only a hint but he is directly involved. That is all I know." Archer closed his eyes.
"Speaking about them, what are we going to do now?"
"Stay hidden, changing places every day or two. That should keep you safe. I will be searching for Altair and see to this problem to be resolved."
"That'd make sense. I would be useless for a fight." Daichi shrugged.
"Try not to be seen especially by the other heroes. Otherwise you would never be able to escape."
"Well catching me wouldn't be much of use against someone like you." Daichi pointed out. He had no significant value in the bigger picture.
"No but it will be annoying. There's enough trouble to go around."
"I'll do my best," Daichi said.
"Good. Seeing as you left them a line to talk to, they're likely to talk to you first."
Daichi waved his phone. "Not while this is turned off. They can track me with this thing turned on just as I did with you."
Archer sighed. "You've led them to a dead end." He reached into his pack. "I'll create something to prevent them tracking you. Turn it on afterwards." The sigil was created within ten minutes. Daichi felt a slight shrill when the square shaped carving on the wall activated.
Archer packed up his things. "There, it's done. Play your cards right and we might be able to make use of them."
Daichi turned on his phone and set it aside. "Even when you gave them a strict warning? You did draw the line in the ground."
"Theatrics. Just as their talk. It was too simple, unprepared. They're testing us." Archer settled his pack aside.
"Do they need to do such a thing?"
"Someone screwed up but it's not those we've talked to. They just can't talk about it. Being too honest was a bad thing for them."
"So you're saying they have a plan but they can't use it?"
"Yes." Archer's simple answer.
"A plan in no plan. Ugh I think I'm having a headache," Daichi said.
"In a nutshell, that is correct. They're feigning weakness to gauge your reaction or there's more than it seems. Anyhow, try to dig and grab as much information as possible when they talk to you. About the boy, just nudge him in the right direction. It will be better that way."
Daichi raised a brow. "I thought that being direct is the best approach."
Archer opened his eyes. "The boy's will is weak. If you force it through, there are three things that he will do. Cry, be angry or resent you."
"What's the difference between anger and resentment?"
"Angry is temporary. Resentment would get you killed if you ever needed his help."
Daichi leaned back on his hands. "That's rather unusual compared to your normal approach."
"That's the thing about being a Counter Guardian, the best approach is not always the one you know."
"Counter Guardian, have you done this kind of thing before?"
"Occasionally. Other Guardians are more suited for the role. However sometimes my abilities are needed in conjunction and you don't need an expert to get the job done." Archer said.
"I thought Counter Guardians usually erase the source of the problem." Daichi raised a finger.
"That's normally the case. However erasing the individual doesn't always mean solving the problem. You might be stringing it along instead."
"A cause and effect kind of thing?"
Archer nodded. "That's why the Alaya needs a variety of guardians to make sure the tasks are completed. Usually blowing everything up still works in most parts."
"That sounds like a boring film." It reminded him of a certain science fiction film with a director with a penchant for dramatic explosions.
"It's not meant to be a story, its purgatory." Archer reminded as he stood up.
"Are you heading out to find this Altair?"
Archer opened the door. "That's right. I'll see you later tonight." The door slid close, leaving Daichi alone in his little box.
The appetite in the stomach had disappeared. Hearing about death makes that happen for anyone. I should probably return back to work. The phone rang a bell. A special melody for a particular person. That was fast. He verified the ID before answering. "Hello Meteora."
"Good afternoon, can we have a moment to talk?"
So soon. "Sure. I'm listening."
"Kikuchihara said you weren't around at your home today. Is everything alright?" They did have someone looking it out.
"She is not wrong. I am alive if that's what you are asking."
"That is rather pessimistic statement."
Daichi chose to cut straight to the point. "We aren't on the best of terms. What do you want?"
"Your email address. Kikuchihara would like to pass you some information. A gift to ease things over."
Archer was right, he was the target now. Email should be safe from any tracking and they haven't intruded his home so far. "Alright." The computer beeped a minute later. He opened the email to see some files attached. Big ones. Starting the download, he said. "What are all these documents about?"
The phone paused before replying. "This is Kikuchihara. What you are seeing is data that we have gathered and also a summary of the analysis."
Few hundred megabytes of data. It would take a few minutes to download all of it. "That's interesting. What do you think I would do with this?"
"I hope you will be able to study it and make a suitable decision." You mean join them and help out.
On the other hand, Kazuko might be able to make use of this. Their mission would be complete. That was the reason he was involved in the first place, to reveal this entire phenomenon to the world. They can't cover it up afterwards.
Something did strike him as odd. Is the government trying to make a cover up in the first place or perhaps something else? Daichi chose to test them."That looks like a lot of data. What if I revealed it to the world?"
"That would be a poor decision. The ramifications of such actions would be catastrophic. The people would be unsettled. A mass panic can happen and the public would be hurt from it."
"The people have a right to know. They shouldn't be pigeonholed into a box when the danger out there is real. Lives are at stake."
Meteora voiced out from the line, a tad softer. "That would be a dangerous move Hideaki. If we reveal this to the world, the Military Uniformed kid would be able to operate in public. That means that she would be able to accelerate her plans and destroy the world. More lives would be lost from that step." Her voice, a little louder. "Secondly, Kikuchihara is correct. The people in this world would not be able to accept it. There will be problems on many levels, economic, political and social. That is assuming the world isn't destroyed beforehand."
Archer mentioned the same thing once. However, his reality is different. An entire world created to fit the puzzle block. A story crafted from experience and formulas. No, it wouldn't be that easy. "I will think about it. Let me read the documents. I will inform you of my decision."
"We've placed our trust in you Hideaki. I hope you make the right choice," Kikuchihara said.
The call ended, mind returning to the cold box. Time to find out the truth. Taking a deep breath, he studied the monstrosity before him. Wow, they weren't kidding when they were sending me data. Forty files in total and already sorted into groups, convenient for Daichi to assess the material.
The first folder contained data from the Government's Meteorological Agency. The charts were a blur to him. A series of lines and waves, the charts didn't make any sense to him. Magnetic Field Deflection? Radio Frequency? Audio Signal loss and distortion? The part that he understood was the date mentioning the charts to be a few weeks old. The other documents were likewise equally incomprehensible.
Were they seriously expecting him to study all this information? No, that was the purpose of the summary. He opened the item, scrolling fifty pages long. Are you serious? Fifty pages, a summary. It must be someone's cruel joke. Lucky said summary had organised the details into sections for ease of reading. Flipping through the contents, he found what he wanted.
First Arrival
The interview with Creation - Meteora Osterreich and Selesia Upitiria has verified that their appearance into the world coincides with the variation of the Magnetic Fields detected within the time line.
Understanding better of the situation, the chart made more sense. The world is changed when each Creation appeared. He checked the time line again. The first one was two weeks ago. Who was summoned first? Could it have been Altair or someone else? The next fluctuations were periodic, once every few days. He recognised the fifth entry. That was on the day he met Archer. Since that day, the fluctuations silenced only to find the most recent one being yesterday. The biggest one thus far, spiking far more than triple of the other entries. What made it so big?
The arrival of Rui Kanoya and the mechanised machine - Gigas Machina has confirmed the hypothesis that there is no defined maximum to the scale or material that can be transferred from the Worlds of Creations. It has also confirmed that anime based technologies are able to operate within the real world without any known limitations thus far at current time of study.
Rui Kanoya? He's the main character for Monomagia: The Infinite Over Machine. Is he also here now in this world? The large abnormal spike in the chart, could it be related?
Based upon the data, it can be inferred that the Creations are brought into this world assumed to be through the disruption of the Magnetic Fields. The deflection of the magnetic fields are a short burst of transmission. This transmission of data through the medium of high frequency radio has led to the development of the Creation. This transmission in turn has performed a transference of information into an element of energy in order to form the said Creation. It is speculated that their bodies consist inherently of digitised data turned into a physical form through an unknown phenomenon. This phenomenon is currently not understood and subject to require further research before a hypothesis can be formed.
Daichi scratched his head. The summary was complicated as it is. A little easier to digest but still a headache. Maybe coffee would help. Kazuko could probably decipher this better than him. No, I should read it first before deciding. Kazuko would reveal the information in a heartbeat. There might be a trap inside.
It is observed that the baseline for radio signal interference has increased. The mentioned interference has increased significantly when the arrival of a Creation has occurred or upon the activation of a Creation's abilities. There is an identified increase of interference from the original levels that were recorded prior to the arrival of the Creations. The increased value has remained constant until current time of observation.
What was that supposed to mean? The remaining paragraphs afterwards were equally confusing with the technical jargon. He scrolled down the document when he noticed found a small attachment in the summary file. A small note attached as a comment to the file. Discreet and foreboding. He opened it.
The implication of the hypothesis is extremely dangerous and in this researcher's point of view, frightening. If there is no defined limitation, the materials that can be replicated from the other worlds would be astounding. A scientific revolution would happen and accelerate development of technologies on all fronts. The negligible cost for ratio of rewards would make Earth a haven of endless resources. Earth will prosper, provided it still exists.
I have watched many animations in my own personal time. Science fiction, the greatest joy and hope for scientists to view the hope and dreams of the future. Fiction is drawn to conflict. If this potential exists and utilised, the conflict will become real. Weapons of mass destruction would be real. These weapons would destroy planets and consequently it will destroy our world. It would only be a matter of time because the human mind is just too frail to truly understand the dangers involved.
To whom may be reading this summary, I hope that you take to heart that this research is more than just for oneself and may decide upon humanity. I pray for your actions that will be decided based on this information.
An unnamed scientist. A personal pleading note. It felt wrong. Why the secrecy? The fate of the world on his shoulders? That's downright impossible. There was so much information, so much data that it felt real. He noticed his hand place, how much of this data is reliable? Faking such information is possible. Scramble a few people to write up a bunch of technical gibberish beyond his understanding is possible. That would be piecemeal if they had the idea of deploying shooters. Could he trust them? That was their plan after all to convince him over to their side isn't it?
Who could help answer this? Kazuko was hostile against the government for reasons he had never said. Archer was relatively impartial with slight bias against them. Yuya Mirokuji is similar to them, a renegade. That man couldn't care less, more so given a lack of means to contact him. Selesia Upitiria was on the government's side. She was not easily fooled but she can be convinced to another side if given the right motivation of protecting the world.
Meteora was the key. She is on their side but why does Meteora trust them? She had been extremely helpful in Avalken, providing the keys to help save the collapsing world. Highly intellectual, able to recognise truth from lie. Could she have been misled by them? Meteora would be more limited here where the boundaries of a game is not defined.
Archer was as real as a normal human being. That was not a problem. Meteora's character would be true. There were no signs of ignorance or distress. Or is he just incapable to identify them? Archer would know better but he's not the type to trust anyone easily. Can he trust Meteora's judgement? That they weren't just trying to trick him into a foolhardy decision?
This entire idea could have been Meteora's doing. An out of the box method for her to convince him to their side. Would it have been a web of crafted lies? No, she can't. She's too logical, too rigid to be a liar. The librarian had little social skills. A lie this inconspicuous would not be possible. Meteora can think like a researcher but she'd be a horrible actor. I'll… trust on that fact.
Giving the benefit of the doubt, a decision was needed. He need to makes a choice based on these fifty pages, more if needed. Returning to the first page with a fresh cup of tea, Daichi started.
The time reached eight o'clock in the night when the deed was done. Daichi plopped onto the floor. A hundred and fifty pages completed, a third out of the entire package. There was a lot to process. A few videos were attached, depicting instances of Yuya Mirokuji and a knight called Alicetaria February. Goodness, he felt stiff like a board. Empty stomach growled a complaint. He couldn't care less now, closing his eyes to sleep. The decision can come tomorrow after a night's rest. The world faded to black until the phone rang.
Nothing, again. Emiya leapt onto the rooftop of a large building complex. The orange lights of the city nightlife across the horizon. Beyond the horizons of the urban centres, the rest of the buildings turned dark, end of the work day. The perch he stood on wasn't very tall but it served for the surroundings. A bridge to the north, train tracks to the southwest. Several schools and a university grouped together to the east. This district was quiet and it was another part of the search. Just like the previous six.
Emiya could feel the results closing. Slower than he'd like but there was progress. There are only several places that would work for them. From the brief outline of Altair from the sword, there are certain criteria that would define a suitable place to stay.
While she wanted vengeance, there was a sense of tact. The lack of news in the net or the papers for murders. Keen on the destruction of the 'land of Gods' yet discreet in its pursuit. Similar to his original plan, she wanted a quiet place. At least for two or bigger. Altair may have more forces than he know. The knight and the magical girl are good examples. Unconfirmed allegiance and potential enemies.
The place couldn't be too far. Denying any ability such as teleportation, there should be a certain range of distance in order for the notion of meeting to occur. They should be in Tokyo, at the worst on the outer fringes which he can validate in a few days. He needs to find her fast. The mission he set upon himself days ago is paramount.
Kill Altair before the war escalates into a bloodbath
Take down the leader and he would be able to handle the rest of Altair's forces. The fight with the gunman had been challenging but it was not impossible to defeat them. Emiya must prepare to set the battlefield to suit his needs. They can know every skill and ability in hand. It didn't mean they could stop him. Senses warned of a presence. He turned around to meet face to face. "Altair."
Altair smirked. "You know my name. Your ability is quite useful being a jack of all trades." A smile formed from her lips. "You've been eager in your search for me. I've decided to oblige you."
Trace on. Magic Circuits primed for battle. "Meeting your goal of making the worlds collide aren't you? I'll make it quick and with minimal collateral."
"Collateral, you talk of it as though you have killed the innocent. Oh wait, you did. Did you not with your father's philosophy? Sacrifice the few to save the many."
"You must have studied me well to know my father. I concede that respect to you." Emiya called Kanshou and Bakuya to arms. "I'll prove that I am above your choice of a hero for your quest of vengeance."
"As you say, hero. I'll grant you courtesy and let you go first." Such confidence. Emiya took a step and jumped into arms reach. A swing of the blade, held fast by another. Another swing, another parry. Each attack met its defence. A leap back, the retreat stabbed with swords. One of same, one of many.
Altair smiled, rising into the air. Swords formed into the air and into a perpetual ring around him. The ones on the floor disappeared in a cloud of blue. Similar to projection. Emiya threw the twin blades into the air, reaching for the bow. The twin sword of heavens, drawn to each other clashed against the ring of sword. Sparks fly before they shattered to pieces.
Twenty arrows flew. The swords moved to intercept, blocking against the red barrage. Explosions into a smoky cloud. The swords spun the cloud aside. Emiya pulled back the arrow he had been preparing. "Caladbolg."
The Broken Phantasm accelerated, twisting everything in its path. It crackled against Altair's ring. Twist and be destroyed. The air twist and cracked. Thunderous shock waves crushed everything in its path.
The explosion like firework, visible across the horizon of the city. Emiya grit his teeth. Swords, fully intact. Altair, unscathed. Hell. What could penetrate that defence?
Altair did nothing in response. Those eyes were wide, a smirk in the lips. Worthless scum printed on her face. Emiya said, mind flickering through options. "Are you just going to stand there or call your goons to do the fighting instead?"
"My subordinates? I don't need them to fight you." The ring of swords expanded, growing in number. Emiya counted, tracking each and every sword within. Twenty six of them, each identical and generic. The swords themselves weren't special. Altair's ability must have kept them invulnerable in some form. Divert instead of destroy.
"You've done your opening. I want to see you suffer a little for ignoring me." They attacked. Every sword met an arrow. One struck ground as the other shatter. New blades replaced the originals on the ground, appearing beside its owner. The archer sprinted across the rooftop, firing on the move.
Her defence must have a weakness, a limitation. "I am the bone of my sword." Magic Circuits pulsed with more prana. Body hardened, growing closer to steel. Reinforcement travelled across the body. A step closer to the Hill of Blades. Emiya nocked the bow. Steel rain shall fly. Red swarm attacked, bolstered by individual blades from multiple angles. Altair did not move. The ring expanded, moving to intercept.
The rain of swords slammed into the unyielding defence. Emiya dived into the smoke, raising Kanshou and Bakuya for the kill. The ring parried again, screeching insanely in the song of steel. One red arrow, held back from the barrage continued its climb before diving for the kill. Did she just smile?
Altair reached up and caught it. With her two fingers? A squeeze and the arrow was broken in half. She said as the pieces vanished. "Not interested to use your ultimate ability? The Noble Phantasm that everyone is eager to watch?" She would be perfect as Gilgamesh's daughter, arrogant to the core.
"I don't need it against someone arrogant like you." He preferred not to use it. Unclear of its impact to the world. The Hill of Infinite Swords. It could be the saviour or destruction of everything.
"I am all seeing, all knowing. Your strengths are nothing compared to mine. You're not even giving me trouble. I can easily kill you with the snap of a finger."
Emiya saw smoke before being slammed down through the roof. A grunt of pain and blood. Slash wounds along his arms and chest. None fatal. Reinforcement had mitigated most of the damage but detrimental. More swords dived for the kill. He stretched a hand before the swords vanished in a crackle.
The Magus looked up through the hole. Altair glowed a blue hue, flickering in form and shape. She sighed, staring down towards him. "Unfortunate. You survive only thanks to the world's interference." A smile on her face. "I will leave this fact for you. You can never defeat me and I will not be stopped. I hope to see more from you, hero." Another flicker and she faded to nothing.
Emiya gave an involuntary grunt. Shifting the rubble aside, he rose to his feet. A bitter taste of defeat from battle. Pointless to think about it. Medical treatment is the priority now. Gloat as you will for now Altair. That doesn't mean I can never defeat you.
Daichi blinked at the ringing phone. He picked it up. "Archer."
"Have you relocated to somewhere else?"
"No, not yet." The call sounded harsh of heavy breathing. "You don't sound so good."
"Wounded. Fought with Altair. I'll live. Get a medical kit from a retail store and meet me nearby Higashi Nakano station. We're relocating." That's seven train stations away.
"Injured? We should get you to the hospital."
"Too risky. Government would know about us in five minutes. I won't die from this. Get going."
"I'm on my way." Daichi deleted the data files, grabbed all his things and left the room. It was a good time to relocate anyway. The place had no love from him. And I still stink.
The scramble to the nearest retail store took ten minutes. A moment of thought as the cashier processed it. Who did Archer fight? Is the other person dead? A chill down the spine. Mission first, get help to him. First aid kit in hand he turned towards Mitaka train station. The phone rang. Dread crawled in when he read the ID. He answered it. "Shizuka."
"Where are you?"
"I'm somewhere outside." It was a truth. Out here in the middle of the city, rushing off to get some medicine for an injured hero.
"Somewhere? You weren't at home or in school this morning. There wasn't any note, any text of where you've gone to. Some strangers were asking about you after I left. You didn't answer my calls or my messages." He could hear a deep breath. "You're definitely in some trouble aren't you?"
When did he receive the messages or calls? He checked the display on the phone. Darn it. The phone had hidden it away since the call with Meteora. A major screw up. Defuse the bomb. "No, I'm not."
"Then where are you? What are you doing now? I hear a lot of noise." That car should stop being so loud.
"Yes, I'm outside. Doing something, that's all."
"Something that made you disappear for an entire day?"
"Not exactly."
"Exactly? Are you trying to play games with me?" That didn't work.
I really need to learn how to lie better. "No. It's complicated but just listen to me. Please don't come over tomorrow. It's not safe for you."
"What did you mean it's not safe?" A click of the tongue. "I was right after all. What have you gotten yourself involved in?"
"I can't tell you that."
"Why are you trying so hard to hide it from me? Can't you trust me? What are you so afraid of?"
Afraid of losing you. "I have to go." He hung up. Running around the crowd had drawn eyes towards him. The dark disapproving looks they always have. Daichi ignored them, scrambling past the ticket gate. The phone buzzed. He answered while searching for the escalator down to the platform.
"You must tell me the truth."
"Shizuka, I told you. I have to go." A scramble down to the platform. The train arrived, perfect timing.
"Don't hang up on me again Daichi. You will regret it."
"I'm sorry. I have no choice." A click to end the call and he boarded the cramped train.
Higashi Nakano station wasn't a fancy place to be in the big picture. A common stop built decades ago like others with a few tourist spots. It was odd to consider why Archer was here. Daichi glanced at the clock as feet rushed up the stairs. Twenty three minutes since boarding, on the dot schedule. He made the phone call while stepping out of the station. "Where are you Archer?"
"Head east from the station. Walk along the streets."
Such unclear directions. "How I will find you from there?"
"You will know when you get there. Wait for me." The instructions were so vague but Daichi did as instructed.
Most of the stores were closed. Stranger was the fact people were missing. The empty street onward felt dark, ominous of bad things to come. A chill down the back, a beacon of warning. Leave. Don't come this way. This must be the right direction. Cold feet took him forward down the street.
The unease grew with every step. Go away, go away it told him.A glance to the right. Izakaya Restaurant. Closed with lights turned off. The compulsion to turn and run was eating at him. He shouldn't be here. Daichi chose to stand and wait. Chills rumbled up and down his spine like a roller coaster. Danger bells were blaring into his ears. Anxiety sprouted like a tree before it snapped into half and was gone.
"Kid." Daichi jumped, turning left to the source. Archer was leaning against the wall. "Got the kit?"
The tears of fabric along the arms. Dark spots on the chest. Red lines along the back of the palm, blood. He didn't realise his voice was quivering. "What, happened?"
Archer narrowed his eyes. "I'll explain later. You were tailed after all." What? He turned around. Meteora and Selesia stood side by side. How did they follow him? Archer answered. "You didn't look up."
Selesia placed a hand on her sword. "Archer. We need to talk."
Archer clicked the tongue. "You want to talk but you hold your sword. Is that your way of talking?"
Meteora said. "We noticed another anomaly so we need to ask a few questions information."
"This isn't a talk. It's an interrogation."
Selesia frowned in return. "That's not the point. You didn't side with us when we gave you the chance. So, first question I want to know." Her hand drew the sword. "Are you with them?"
"Would you believe me if I say no?"
Selesia narrowed her eyes. "Prove it."
Archer sighed. "They always ask the same line. Kid, don't you think it's a bit too clichéd?" Are you even taking this seriously Archer? "Girl, that's your problem to figure out, not mine."
Selesia smiled. That didn't feel good. "Would you rather prove it against him?"
Daichi heard a small hum from above. The droning grew into a roar as winds blast across his face from above. Archer said. "What the hell." It was tall as the ten story building beside them. Metal gleamed as large feet landed in a gentle touch, a rumble onto the road below him. "Is that a robot?"
Daichi recognised the machine. The orange faceplate, large bulky body and arms that fought for the world of Energia. Its name was proud and brought righteous fury upon its enemies. "Gigas Machina." The Mecha Robot that fought against the Ione invasion. This is starting to be ridiculous.
The robot spoke from the loudspeakers. "Oi Selesia, can't we just take things easy? I don't like the idea of being a thug here." Rui Kanoya in the flesh.
The Counter Guardian yelled. "Are you idiots? Putting a big dangerous machine in the middle of the city. Have you thought of the casualties and chaos that can happen?"
"You had it covered. Nobody's around to see it." Selesia smiled. "He's just insurance. In fact if you stay nice, we won't even need to worry about it."
"I don't know whether to be glad or insulted." Gigas shook its head. Daichi remembered details about the machine. The pilot controlled it using every part of their body based on some control feedback system. It gave the mech the precision needed to control its bulky body.
Archer snorted. "If this is your idea of negotiations, this world is screwed."
"Isn't this how your world does it too? By sheer overwhelming force." Archer kept silent. "Why won't you join us? We're the good guys."
"Truth is not simple as good and evil. I prefer to watch and know where your intentions lie."
"You think that being neutral makes you alright. That just mean you're standing on the side of a coin. Honestly you are so eager to be a problem." She blinked. "You're injured."
Archer showed his bloody hands. "Quite astute observation. Would you care to give me a chance? Put down your weapons and go easy on me?"
"Only if you surrender and let us take you to custody."
Archer said, taking a few steps onto the main road. "Not a chance." A longbow formed in a hand. "Know that when you swing that sword that you are making a bad mistake."
The two warriors glared at each other. Selesia hissed. "Then put your weapon down. I won't fight if you do." Archer's reply was to tighten the grip on his bow and raise it to eye level.
"I will make you regret your choice Archer." Selesia dashed forward. A swing of the blade, parried by bow of metal. It held as Archer kicked her back. Archer leapt before a flash. Selesia swung her sword, parrying arrows. Daichi blinked as a crack shot past the ear. Arrow stuck onto the road. I can barely see them.
A lash of the sword, Selesia shot into the air. Red light rained from the sky. Gigas Machina reached out its hand, arrows halted before detonating into a string of explosions. "Ow, that hurts." The jet engines blew a gust of wind before lifting into the air to avoid the continuing rain.
"It's begun," Meteora said.
Daichi turned back towards her. They stood, eyes watching each other in little silence caught by the sparks of battle. He spoke his mind. "We shouldn't be fighting in the first place."
"They won't stop. Their pride is on the line. Daichi Hideaki, we gave you all the information that we had." Her blue eyes sharpened. "Have you made your decision?"
Daichi tightened his fist. "No, I haven't decided."
"When will you decide? What else do you need to make a decision?"
"I don't know. Something doesn't add up right. I think we both can work together but we want to be on our own."
Her eyes continue to drill deeper into his. "That means nothing in the bigger picture."
"We can fight but we'll do it our own way. We want the freedom to do what we have to do."
"What is this freedom that you need? We aren't depriving you of anything. Why are you both so adamant to join our side?"
Daichi felt difficult to read the woman. Meteora was using her poker face skills to its best. "I trust Archer more than the government. I will follow him." She could trust the government. He didn't and still wouldn't.
"Does he even acknowledge the sacrifice you have done?"
"Yep, very aware of them." Archer was an arse but he recognised effort and more so for idiocy.
"Kikuchihara told me where you were staying. A net cafe for a home. A pity." Meteora shook her head, the first sign of emotion from her thus far.
They did found where he was. "I don't need your concern about it." A small struggle against the final goal.
"Are you willing to continue living in a net cafe?"
"As long as it is necessary." There can be no victory without effort.
"For the rest of your life? Even though you don't actually need to?"
A nod. Hold fast and firm. Don't fall prey to her words.
Meteora closed her eyes. "We Creations will likely not stay here forever." The sadness was there, a string along her tune. "On the other hand, you would have your entire life ruined because of this refusal. Are you sure you can accept that?"
"I need to do what's right. However, that doesn't mean we have to do it your way. We have our reasons to do things the way we are."
Her answer was interrupted as Archer landed on the ground between them. Another leap before Selesia dived, sword scratching against the ground. A metal fist flew past them, striking the air. A crack of sound before the wind blew against them. She warned. "Don't kill him."
"I won't." Gigas Machina landed, spinning around with another swing. "That doesn't mean I can't hurt him." Another wave of arrows before a blur of red backwards down the street. Gigas Machina twisted, taking the blow in the shoulder. Another grunt of pain before punching. "Take this."
Archer leapt away from the incoming hulk of metal. The building at the end of the street cracked from impact, chipping off holes from the walls. Selesia yelled as they pursued. "Don't start breaking everything." They were gone as fast they've appeared. Another moment of answers.
Meteora narrowed her eyes. "These reasons that you say. What are they?"
"That I cannot trust the government. Haven't they tried to silence me with those shooters across the blocks? Archer found them waiting just for me."
"They were there to watch you. To protect you in case someone else comes. One of the Creators was kidnapped this way."
"Who would that someone be? The Military Uniformed Kid?" A nod the answer. "What good would that be against a villain with super powers? You would probably be a better choice to protect somebody."
"Regrettably, my skills for combat are atrocious. I would not be able to fight the Princess."
"You could have Selesia nearby."
"Remember the conditions you've set. We know Archer was nearby and could spot her without difficulty. We honoured it albeit I have to admit we bent it a little to keep you safe."
Archer didn't say anything about them at the start. Had he expected them and considered them not a threat? "If you're so afraid about her, those people wouldn't mean anything in the big picture," Daichi said.
"As much as I dislike the fact, those men risk their lives to be able to give us warning or a distraction. It may be feeble but it was deemed necessary just so that you will live." Was that truth or lie? "Speaking of which, these reasons you have been saying. Are those yours to begin with?"
"What do you mean?" A few explosions roared in the background.
"You are open to dialogue yet you refuse to join us. What are these reasons that are so strong that you would never consider us to be an ally? A potential collaboration where both parties benefit."
"That's part of being neutral." Unbiased, impartial, unprejudiced. The key role that they must uphold.
"Neutral or indecisive. What do you think you want? Not what Archer says or does but you." What? "You've always ask what we wanted. However I have noticed, you have never mentioned what you wanted. Tell me, Hideaki. Give me an answer."
"Reveal the world the truth." That had been the mission. Make the government report it. Announce the entire spectacle to the world. Let the world know what is really happening. That was his responsibility.
"You know the answer to that goal. The consequence and the destruction that it will bring to the world. That is why you were against it yourself."
"How sure are you that it would destroy the world? The world can be changed by it but it can become better." His voice felt like lead but it need to be done. The world must know or it would be buried. Nothing would change and the world might be destroyed anyway, just because of it. Because he did nothing.
"I am sure of it. That is even what our enemy speaks of. She would never let us appear here without that single purpose in mind."
"She's isn't here to tell us that isn't it?" Daichi lashed a hand, his voice barked against the lingering cold. "We can turn it against her. The world would be able to unite and fight back against her. That strength is something that she cannot hope to use."
"You're mistaken. Your actions will be detrimental to the world. In fact, it will be better for you to do nothing. How can you not realise that?"
Just like that day. He can't. Red edged into his eyes. Kazuko's people had a right to know. Enlighten them, bring them salvation through awareness. The immense power and potential exists, surely they can use that to defeat this Altair if she's so strong.
"How dare you? You think that you are such a wise girl to think all of that. You're a sage but you can't predict the future. Are you considering mankind so hopeless that they don't deserve to know? That they cannot fight for their own survival?"
Meteora shook her head. "I feel sad for you Daichi." Sad for me? How can she say this? "You speak a falsehood. You're trying to push this goal that you believe is noble. The question I ask you this now, is that even your goal in the first place?"
His voice, harsh as metal. "How can you say that? Of course it's my goal. What have I been fighting for if it wasn't for that?" What kind of bull is this girl trying to spout now?
"The fact that you are standing here. You speak of one thing but doing another. ." The red tint grew stronger. "Your eyes betray you. Anger consumes you but the true enemy you have is doubt. There's so much of it inside that you're lying to yourself to make it real."
"No, you're wrong. Whatever you're saying is all wrong." That stoic nature of hers is so frustrating to look at. Perhaps he should show her a piece of his mind through his fists.
"Yes, you've become angrier. I've been asking the same question twice yet you jump around it like fire. You don't want to answer it because you don't know the answer. Regrettably, it must be a sore spot inside you. Know this and look inside yourself. Tell me whether my words are a lie."
To hell with her, it's pointless to talk anymore. He should walk away and give Archer the opportunity to just rain swords upon her. There would be no lies and the world would be enlightened by the truth. Was it…his truth to begin with?
It is fear that you're threatening to unleash
That's right. Archer said that. Pain felt sharp like a clean stab of the spear. A fist squeezed the heart to crush it. Were his actions the answer to salvation? Is he saving the world or condemning it? Deep thinking wasn't his best but that was all he had now. Where is the line between the truth and lies?
Archer's right. She's right. However, he just can't let it be. Too much is at stake as doing nothing would get people … can he make a choice? The sense of unease squeezing harder against him. How should he decide? His hands, they were shaking. Daichi squeezed them, hoping for a sign. A thought, an answer to rebuff her words. Anything.
Meteora softened as she raised a hand. "The struggle inside you is real but its answer is simple. Let go all your doubts and choose what you want to do. Not what others say but your own voice." That smile of hers. Red sea fell and crept away. Truth is turned false and false changed into truth.
A few extra breaths eased the foundation. "Do you know any magic spells to amplify a person's voice?" Meteora nodded. "Cast it on me." A few stanzas of a spell and he felt it, a slight warmth in the throat.
Voice strong as a loudspeaker, he said. "Archer, stand down. This fight is over."
Archer said from the roof. "What are you-"
"I said, stand down!" The windows creaked against the voice. Everything paused as the ringing stopped. Daichi continued. "Alright Meteora, I understand what needs to be done now. Our goals are aligned. We'll join your side."
"You cannot trust them." Archer said as he leapt down onto the street. Selesia joined from the other side with a crack of boots before the metallic whirlwind drowned out the moment.
"I know they're right. If you do not trust them, then trust in me who had the best in mind for both of us."
"Your sense of judgement is horrible. Why should I even trust you?"
"That's what it means to have a partner isn't it? Putting some faith in each other to get things done."
"People don't stay alive from optimism."
"Yet people can't survive without hope. We're all counting on heroes like you to win the bad guys. You've said it yourself, if people like me get involved, they will die. A slaughter of thousands, can you let that fall on your conscience, Counter Guardian?" Silence answered him. "So what do you say Archer? Can we work together and do the right thing? Minimise the casualties from this war?"
Daichi waited for the Guardian's reply. Archer studied him. A long moment between their eyes. He recognised pause, comprehension and analysis. Deep thinking within the Magus that have fought wars dozens of times. His breath was held, unyielding as seconds ticked. A cold silence fell upon the pregnant pause. The longbow was lowered. "Very well, Kid."
The others relaxed and lowered their weapons. Daichi turned towards their new host. "Meteora, we'll be in your care. Don't make us regret this decision."
"We won't."
"Home sweet home." Daichi opened the front door of his home. The ordeal was over. They had their home back. Kikuchihara would arrange accommodation for Archer within a few days. Archer had been adamant about it but he accepted it.
The house was just as they left it. Archer walked towards the sigil and inspected. "This place is secure."
"Great. How are your injuries?" The red streaks had been bandaged up by a doctor in the nearby hospital. The secrecy about his identity had been closed shut thanks to the government's strings.
"I'll be fine in a few days. I can still fight, just not at my best."
Daichi settled his rucksack onto a chair. "Let's not get into a fight then. There's some medicine and painkillers in the drawer. Feel free to use them until you're all healed."
"Very well. Good night." Archer entered the room. "Also, get yourself a shower. You smell." The door closed shut. Daichi took a whiff and cringed.
The cold shower was great, refreshing to the skin and mind. Being clean didn't feel so good. A towel around his neck, he can return back to a normal night. First off would be some good sleep before he think anything further. There was enough excitement for a night.
The phone beeped about a message. He flipped it over and read it. Kazuko asked: Yo, how are you doing?
Daichi chose to call instead of replying. "The fresh shower felt good."
"This is a surprise. What's so urgent that you needed to call?"
Daichi decided to come clean with the truth. "The government and I had a talk earlier."
"I see. Are you safe right now?"
"I'm alright. In fact, it's great to be home." The bed felt soft, warm and comfortable to the skin.
The careful vibe froze. "What did they tell you?"
"They're working to fix the anomaly. They gave me data from their agencies and equipment. I've studied and it's the truth."
"Can you give it to me? I'd like to verify it for myself."
"I know what you would do it so I'm sorry. I can't." Daichi said.
"What about the heroes?" Kazuko was getting harder to hear.
"I've heard from Meteora, our heroine in the flesh. The government's taking good care of them." Archer would join them soon as well.
"Are you sure they're speaking the truth?"
"I know it's not a lie."
"It doesn't always have to be a lie. There are half-truths as well. You're in one of them." Kazuko was becoming philosophical.
"It's the real thing." Daichi affirmed the facts. Convince him before he starts thinking too much.
"No, it isn't. You have once said you can't read them well. So Daichi, do not believe it. They are making forgeries of everything, even the data they have given you. Listen to me carefully bro and don't trust them." Daichi felt the silent pleas within them.
"I can be rather gullible but I've done my homework. I can vouch on this."
A hiss. "Lies, lies all of them are lies. Remember, heroes are strong but they are not infallible. Anyone can become a puppet." A frustrated sigh. "Now we lost them all."
Take it from another angle. "Why do you say it's a lie? I mean we've already done what we needs to be done. The Government knows about it and taking action. The heroes are being taken to a safe place, the creators are being contacted and protected. They'll sort the problem and make it disappear as though it never happened."
Kazuko's answer felt cold. "That's the problem. It's a cover up to make everything disappear. They're going after you next. You need to get out of their grasps quickly or else it's too late."
Standing now on the other side, he could feel it. Intent hostility against a public institution. "I don't understand. Can't you accept the idea that they just might be telling the truth?"
"Have they revealed it to the world? Why would they be afraid of revealing this? They're afraid of revealing the facts because they would lose power and control. To lose them to heroes with super abilities. That's their fear and I am sure they will not stand watch to let it be."
"Think calmly with me. You're starting to talk emotionally than thinking this through."
"Oh, I am being quite calm Daichi. Very much so that I can understand now that it's too late. You think you're being a hero by trying to go with the government? Getting all the awards and recognition. What you've just earned is your death." The words were a sledgehammer. Blunt and hard. "It's pointless to talk anymore. Your fate is already decided." The call ended.
Daichi stared at the phone. A friend now turned into someone he couldn't understand. That alien feeling, twisted into something else. A sigh before tossing the phone aside. Ah, damn it.
The phone beeped again. Who would it be? A grunt before picking it back up. It was another text message. From his father.
I've heard bad news from Katsumi. What happened Daichi?
Shit.
Author Notes:
Good day to all, I hope you enjoyed reading Beyond Worlds. Thanks for the feedback given. Feel free to PM or include your reviews. If you have questions, you may ask so and I will reply accordingly via PM or general author notes.
Now moving on to other matters.
1) Chapter 4 - I am aware of your concerns based on the previous chapter. I understand you, dear readers are annoyed up about specific parts of it. I thank you for your comments. I admit that little bit had been poor on my part. Rushed and unrefined being last minute additions.
I have focused more work on fixing the next chapter and did find extra opportunities that can make use of it. That will need some analysis to ensure it wouldn't detriment the story. Whether the chapter managed to resolve these concerns, I hope to hear your answer on that in a review.
2) General Response to reviews - For those who liked the chapter, I thank you. I have noticed the enquiries and ideas from your reviews. They are noted and may be addressed in some form in the later chapters. One has raised up a question about the necessity of the OC, Daichi Hideaki which I believe should be answered.
Yes, it is necessary in part due to various factors such as world building, crossover factor and also motivation factor. I have mentioned this once in PM to a reviewer in the previous chapter. Daichi is needed for the start as an anchor to both Fate and Emiya. As you'd probably noticed, these few chapters are heavily focused on setting up the correct character motivation and setup to ensure the right direction that would hopefully be appreciated by you readers. Otherwise it'll be closer towards a Re:Creators story than a Crossover. You can also see that as part of a struggle in Chapter 4 where it didn't turn out so well.
Daichi will start to have less screen time later on as the paths to other characters are opened so he'll be less important but not out of the picture. I'll also say this in advance, I'm sure there are other options to create a Crossover story without this OC. Yes I also agree with that in advance . I hope to see others who are able to explore that path and expand the stories here in FFN (2 as of current post). This Fandom needs more love.
3) Project Status and Beta Reader - I am requesting for a Beta Reader for this project. If anyone is interested to support, please PM and we will sort arrangements. Also status of this project will be available on my Profile for those who are curious on the status.
4) The word count will be controlled back to 8-10k per chapter.
Thank you for reading this and enjoy your day.
Regards
MarksmanKNG