Remaining Days: 5
# SERAPH NOTICE
# Masters have to attend classes according to their timetable.
# As you, Hakuno Kamiyoshi, have been unconscious yesterday, you had been excused.
# Without being excused, Masters are not allowed to miss any class.
# Skipping classes comes with penalties that will disadvantage you in the upcoming battle.
# It is advised to follow your schedule as a normal student.
# Classes run from Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 15:00.
# Lunch break is from 12:00 to 13:00.
My terminal beeps, the sound being so much more obnoxious being what wakes me up in the morning. Making it even worse are the fact that it's not just any text message, but something like an announcement. With ridiculous content at that.
I have no idea why, but for some reason, Masters are expected to live a normal school life. It's ridiculous. Who thought of this system? Not like I'm against acting like a proper student, attending classes, making friends, maybe joining a club even…
If that was the type of school life I could live here to begin with. If this school was any enjoyable.
Tsukimihara isn't a bad school, of course. Sure, it may be a little small, having only two classes per year but there's the potential for a nice and cozy atmosphere that's enjoyable. Under different circumstances, that is.
But nope. This is a place in which all but one will lose their life in battle, dying a death in vain, for a wish they want fulfilled. And then there's me, with no wish of her own, no ambition besides the most simple, primal one — I don't want to die.
It's an ambition that doesn't stand out — who'd want to die? But at the same time, it does. Because for most people, not wanting to die isn't their entire motivation, it's a general basis. It's nothing they have to think about consciously, so instead they think of other things they want, and aim to obtain them.
I have no such thing myself. Yet, I find myself here.
However, it's not up to me to decide whether I have the right to participate in this Holy Grail War or not. It's not like I could drop out without losing my life anyway. I'm here now, so I'll have to go through with it. After all, even though I remember nothing, I must have had a reason to come here and if I rediscover it, it might make it worth it after all.
It feels like I'm lying to myself here, honestly. But that's probably a given.
"Planning to attend school like a good student?" Saber raises an eyebrow.
Is there a hint of amusement in the cold stare of her golden eyes?
"It's not like I have a choice," I tell her. "And it might be useful."
It's not just that I don't have any memories, but I don't know all that much about this place or the Holy Grail War. Lessons might be able to clear up more about those things. At the very least I hope that they'll focus on practical, useful knowledge to survive in this place rather than algebra.
"If you think so."
Saber doesn't seem to think too highly of school. She strikes me as the type who'd be a delinquent, to be honest.
"Are you going to accompany me, Saber?" I ask as I put on my school uniform. Luckily it's a rather simple one and not too complicated to wear.
"I don't have much of a choice. If you were to get attacked in school and I wouldn't be there, that would be your death."
"… you're right."
Somehow that didn't cross my mind.
I brush my hair and get ready for the classes I have to attend for some reason. While the dorm room really just consists of the absolutely necessary furniture, it turns out that the door to leave the room also functions as a door towards a bathroom or a small kitchen. There's a small panel next to the door to choose where to go to determine where this door leads.
Though it never opens and touching it will simply teleport you to your chosen destination as long as you're inside the room, from the outside you'd need the pass-code from your own terminal.
It's amazing and defies the laws of physics, though that's not too strange in a virtual world.
I'm finding myself getting used to these commodities rather fast. Maybe life in cyberspace is the future in general?
The simulation here can run everything down to incredible and unnecessary detail, yet at the same time cut down on bothersome parts, or simplify matters at least.
"Are you ready?" I ask Saber as I change the door's purpose.
"Always," she responds plainly, rematerializing her black armor over the black dress.
She's engulfed in a few light particles and appears just as clean and ready for the day as I am, without having done any morning routine at all.
… I suppose that's an option, too, huh.
The walk to school is actually a nice change of pace. I know the situation I am, but having some moments to relax like this, that feel just normal — it helps to stay sane and keep a cool head, I think.
It's almost easy to forget this is a Holy Grail War on the moon, in a simulated, virtual area, when you go to school, among others in the same school uniform, talking to each others. Though the conversations don't aren't quite as limited to smalltalk and pop-culture as they would normally, it appears.
Overhearing conversations without the context is an all too natural thing.
"The craziest thing happened to me yesterday!"
"Huh, really? Wait, did you run into that clown people were talking about!?"
"Yeah, no, I'm not that unlucky."
"Whew, must be nice. I saw that freak down the hallway yesterday. Damn…"
"Poor you, dude. But nah, I just had some Servant introduce herself to me yesterday. Out of nowhere."
"No way! As if any Servant would be that stupid."
"No, really! She just came up to me and introduced herself, like it's the most normal thing. Dude, I couldn't believe it at first either."
"It was probably a lie. Think about it! Giving a false name isn't a bad strategy."
"Huh, now that you say it…"
I can't help but remember yesterday at that conversation. Seems Shinji's Servant isn't the only one a little too carefree about their identity, and that other Servant went a few steps farther.
It was a stroke of luck I got a Servant like Saber. We might not be on the most friendly terms, I feel, and she's hard to get a read on, but we at least are able to work together on a professional level. I can trust her to not mess up carelessly, and she can trust me to… well, try at least. I may be without memories and skill, but I have common sense.
Roughly 15 minutes before the start of the first class I arrive in my classroom — class 2-A. I happen to be assigned to the same class as before, or maybe this is just generally the case.
A few students are already in the classroom, talking among themselves. I don't really recognize anyone here, which kind of disappoints me.
"Master," Saber addresses me, inaudible for anyone but me. "You're not here to make friends."
I know that. I don't need that reminder. But… It's not like every single Master here is my opponent, right? Most of them, I'll never even battle. Though even if I don't, almost everyone will end up dead.
Dejectedly, I realize that I really don't have much of a counterargument.
The next time the door opens, it's Shinji walking in, scoffing at me as he walks towards his seat.
"Stupid game, who'd give a damn about school? A genius needs no classes," he complains to himself.
A genius, huh… Well, he is probably pretty school-smart, I suppose. I can't help but feel a little nervous now, being in the same room as my opponent. We'll have to go for each other's life in just a few days.
The next one to appear is another familiar face — Leonardo Bistario Harway, in his flashy orange uniform. Is that even allowed? Though the notice said nothing about a dress code, so it probably is inconsequential. It feels weird to imagine Leo of all people wear the same plain uniform as almost everyone else anyway.
"Good morning, Hakuno." Unlike Shinji, who ignores or scoffs at me, Leo greets me with a smile. "We seem to be in the same class again."
"Good morning. It's nice to see a familiar face."
"I'm glad we agree on that," he says, taking the seat in front of my desk, turning around to keep the conversation going. "To be honest, I'm looking forward to this experience."
"Classes, you mean?"
"Yes. I haven't been able to get much of a taste of a school life, so I appreciate this chance."
That's strange. Leo never went to school, I take it? Well, sure, I don't have any memories of a school life of mine either, but that's a different matter.
"Is something wrong?" He asks me.
Is that so easy to tell?
"I… haven't gotten my memories back. I don't remember anything besides my name from before the Holy Grail War."
"Ah… That's quite the problem." Leo rubs his chin in thought. "Sadly I don't know how to go about this either. I wish I could help you, but alas, my hands are tied, it seems."
… what? Just yesterday, Rin Tohsaka said I shouldn't expect other Masters to help me, and yet…
"You'd help me?" I blurt out.
"Obviously. You may be an opponent, but I don't plan to rely on cheap tricks or sabotage to obtain the Holy Grail. I will do so because I'm to have it, it's simple as that."
He somehow manages to say so without any hint of smugness, just plain, unadulterated confidence in himself. If I had just 5% of that confidence, I'd be happy. I don't even have it in me to question his self-assurance.
"Be that as it may, I would prefer if you were able to participate on more equal terms. And that would require your memories."
Ah, so that's why he'd be willing to help me out, huh? It honestly fits Leo. He just possesses this vibe of someone who keeps a certain distance by being above others, but still cares about them nonetheless. Not as his equal. It's more as though he is a ruler above people, that's how he carries himself.
As the teacher — surprisingly, it's Ms. Fujimura — enters the classroom, the bell also rings to signal the start of class. Leo turns around, willing to follow the lecture properly. Though he did say he's looking forward to experience a classic school life, naturally he'd be taking it seriously. If there were any clubs, I'm sure he'd join one just for the sake of that.
I glance to the side and see Shinji seems to be tapping away at some virtual keyboard. Unlike Leo, he seems to have no interest in following the lesson at all, being just present to fulfill the requirement to not be penalized.
As for me, I'm planning to listen. More likely than not, whatever is taught will be new to me, after all.
For today's morning, the lecture is about Servant classes and their strengths as well as weaknesses. It's more broad, which is natural, as the specifics would depend on what exact hero the Servant is. That's not necessarily something one can conclude from their class, but normally it's a huge hint at least.
The most interesting bit is the part about the Saber class. I listen carefully; any weakness Saber has is something I should do my utmost to prepare countermeasures to. However, there isn't much to be said.
The Saber class, apparently, is seen as the strongest class. A jack of all trades in a sense, able to adapt to most situations easily, coming with impressive prowess and capability. If there is any problematic match-up to be aware of, would be long-ranged fighters.
A Saber is normally perfectly capable of deflecting projectiles, whether physical or magical in nature, but if the opponent keeps them at a distance, there's no real chance for them to attack, most of the time. Naturally, without harming your opponent, you can't win a battle, no matter how strong you are.
Though this is, as most things, not a rule to rely on completely, as there seem to be exceptions, naturally. Just like how generally a Master is a person wanting to obtain the Holy Grail for a wish they want granted, while I possess no such ambition myself.
After a rather exhausting but interesting morning of classes, noon along with lunch break approaches. I typed information I deemed most notable into my terminal for later reference, I may review them in the evening.
I consider asking Leo if he might want to have lunch with me, but decide against it. Something just makes it feel too audacious, and if I want to talk to Saber, I shouldn't have another Master nearby anyway.
So instead, I head for the cafeteria myself. Just as I take the first step outside of the classroom, I run into Rin Tohsaka, of all people. She appears to come from the 2-B classroom.
"Kamiyoshi," she addresses me, stopping in her tracks right in front of me.
I didn't tell her my name yesterday, did I? I didn't do anything that should make me that famous either, right?
"How do you know my name?"
Rin sighs.
"Are you serious? Information is the most important in war, including this one. Only an idiot wouldn't look into their enemies."
Ah… Yeah, that sounds smart. As expected of Rin Tohsaka.
She crosses her arms in front of her chest, seemingly annoyed. Whether it's because of me or the school life forced on Masters, I don't know.
"Though there's not much to know about you, thanks to your lost memories. Your name is Hakuno Kamiyoshi, that's all I know. Surprisingly, you're even smart enough to hide your Servant, unlike others."
"Well, about that…" I can't really take credit for that. It's less me hiding Saber, more Saber keeping herself hidden. Yet again, I can consider myself blessed Saber is my Servant.
"So it's not thanks to you but your Servant, huh? I should've expected as much. You're way too careless, Kamiyoshi. I take back what I said."
Rin shakes her head in disbelief. Ugh, I really want to talk back, but she has a point.
She simply moves on without as much as a wave of her hand in my direction. It's not that Rin doesn't consider me a threat, she makes sure I know she's looking down on me. I know I should feel offended, but for some reason, I don't.
Though, for some reason it feels like there was something else she wanted to say but didn't. I'm probably just imagining that.
"Such a bitch," Shinji spits. "Acting so high and mighty as if she's so much better than everyone else."
I didn't even notice he left the classroom, too. I can't exactly disagree with him, but at the same time, pot calling the kettle black and that.
The lunch break goes by in a flash, I spend it in the school's garden, surrounded by beautiful flowers, before getting back for afternoon classes.
They touch on the topic of Code Casts. A form of magic to be used in cyberspace. Something that's prepared beforehand, compiled and then stored for later usage. Essentially, it's like a program, so it's explained, anyway. I'll have to get into that to support Saber to the best of my abilities, though I'm unsure on what types of Code Casts I should focus on.
I'll leave that decision for later, it's not like I will write any right now.
After class finishes, Shinji leaves before me, probably heading for the Arena. Kotomine said that the first Trigger is generated on the second day of each round, which would be today. Makes sense to want to get that out of your way as early as possible. Who'd want to lose simply by not obtaining the two Triggers required to head into the actual battle?
"Master," Saber addresses me.
"I know," I respond. "We should go get the Trigger."
Saber hums approvingly.
It feels super awkward to talk to someone who can't be seen and whose voice only I can hear, but given everyone here is either a Master with a Servant doing the same thing or an NPC, I try to shake that feeling off.
I push myself up from my desk and head towards the Arena's entrance with Saber.
"That simpleton and his Servant are surely in the Arena already," Saber warns me.
I nod, I thought the same after all.
Still, I lack more training, and we need to get the Trigger eventually, so it's best to get to it sooner rather than later.
Inside, Saber finally materializes next to me. It's the first time since this morning I've actually seen her, though she's been by my side the whole time.
"I'd like to get the Trigger today," I say.
As much as I know I can rely on Saber and I do trust her, I'm the Master, so I should be the one taking charge and making decisions. I want to live up to my role, so that Saber can focus on hers. Burdening her with all the responsibility while not carrying any of my own feels plain wrong.
"We're on the same page, then."
Saber materializes her sword.
"I want you to give me commands today. I won't follow them if they're wrong, but you need to get used to battles fast."
"Got it."
We make our way into the Arena, slowly, but steadily. The first Enemy Program we run into is more or less simply some orb.
"… Counter," I decide to order, though Saber clicks her tongue.
"Wrong," she says as she slashes the Enemy Program into two halves with a clean cut. "Didn't you notice how it's not even aware of us? There's no point in waiting for the enemy's attack to counter it when you can strike first and take them out before they can make any move."
Yeah… she's right. I was too careful.
"Sorry."
We move on. Enemy Program after Enemy Program, I sometimes have the right feeling, but most of the time, I'm off. Saber criticized every wrong call I make, pointing out things I haven't noticed. Quite frankly, it's nothing short of impressive how much little details she can pick up within split seconds to make immediate decisions and even follow through.
I don't hold a candle to her, and I don't think I ever possibly can. Do all Masters feel like this, or is it just me?
"Careful," Saber says, halting her steps. She reaches out her left hand to keep me behind her. "They're here."
Turning around the corner are Shinji and his Servant, though we expected to meet them here.
"Hiya, Hakuno! Long time no see!" His Servant calls out to me.
"Agh, how often do I have to tell you to not act so friendly with other Masters!? Her especially, she's our enemy!"
"But she's pretty nice, Master."
They disagree on very fundamental aspects when it comes to how to approach others. Shinji is aware that his Servant clearly can't really be reasoned with, so he drops the argument. Honestly, I'd do the same.
"So, that's your Servant, huh? Wouldn't have expected you to get one so capable. Though maybe any Servant would look strong next to you," he laughs.
"Oh? Your Servant doesn't make you look any intimidating in contrast, though," Saber shoots back before I can say anything.
Shinji grits his teeth. Saber clearly struck a nerve there.
"Your Servant's got a damn big mouth," he grumbles. "Let's see if you can back it up."
Shinji's Servant sighs, muttering a disappointed "Aww, really?" before materializing drawing a sword, thinner and lighter than Saber's.
Is Shinji's Servant a Saber as well, then? No, not necessarily.
"Go ahead," Saber invites the battle.
She dashes ahead like a black lightning, clashing with Shinji's Servant who barely covered any distance herself.
"Whoa whoa, you're fast!"
However, she seems to have no trouble parrying Saber's slashes. Really, a Servant's strength can't be told just by their appearance or even attitude. Shinji casually materializes a keyboard, tapping away at keys, using what appears to be a Code Cast that lets a small explosion go off right in front of Saber's face.
"Tch. What a cheap move," she comments, barely managing to parry an attack from Shinji's Servant.
Suddenly, I feel a small shock, not painful, but extremely unpleasant, course through my whole body. So does Shinji, from how it looks. Our Servants, however, seem to be getting a more powerful shock, paralyzing them momentarily.
# SERAPH WARNING
# Cease battle immediately. Further hostile actions will be penalized.
"SERAPH's cutting it so quick, huh? What a killjoy," Shinji complains.
For Saber and me it's a saving grace.
"All right, then. We already got the Trigger anyway, let's just head out. Enjoy crawling on the ground like the insect you are," he says as he walks past me towards the Arena's entrance.
"Geez, Master…" His Servant pouts. "Anyway, it was nice meeting you again!"
Happily, his Servant follows him, completely unscathed physically and mentally.
Saber on the other hand, while not physically hurt much, seems completely frustrated… or rather, angry. At me.
I can tell she's biting back insults she wants to throw at me, and I'm sure I deserve every single one of them. I was entirely useless in every way in this battle. So much so, that I really was just dead weight.
"I'm sorry," I tell her, though I can see her eyebrow twitch. "It… It all happened so fast, and…"
Saber's wrath burns like a cold flame. Rather than lashing out on me or raising her voice, she glares daggers at me.
"Are you going to give that excuse when your head's cut off your shoulders, too?"
I swallow.
"Do you think that'll reattach it? Think anyone will spare you out of pity? Give their life so you won't have to lose yours?"
"… no," I mutter. "I failed you, and… I can't excuse that."
"Exactly," Saber says.
Though, in a way, she seems content with my response.
"You can't change what happened, but you can change what will happen."
With that advice, we move farther into the Arena. Once I still my trembling hands, I can feel my mind to be clearer than ever before.
Because Saber was strong, I haven't been putting my full focus and attention on training, even though I didn't notice that myself. And that was a big blunder. An unforgivable one, really.
I can't rely on Saber's strength, I need to carry at least 100% of my own weight at all times. I know that know. Rather than apologize to Saber once more, although I really want to, I will put my effort into working harder to make up for this mistake.
To our luck, the Arena turns out to not be all that big, and we find the Trigger in a box of light at the deepest end of it. With that, half of the path to at least participate in this round's battle is walked.
We return to the Arena's entrance without any extra training, only battling the Enemy Programs that are on our way. Saber hides it and I can tell with a look on my terminal that it's not all that serious, but she did get hurt in the battle against Shinji's Servant. She should rest to heal, and we can train more tomorrow.
Unlike her, I'm not all that spent, so back in my dorm room, while Saber goes to bed, I stay up at the desk trying to work out my first Code Cast. I can't sit by idly, I need to make up for what I lack, I owe that much to Saber.