A mysterious girl suddenly appeared, claiming to be an illegal upper-level AI named BB. Watching the ongoing broadcast, Alaric's expression was extremely serious. Among those present, only he knew the origins of this girl.
She was an artificial intelligence composed of programs.
They are things that "exist" before your eyes yet "do not exist." They are merely mechanical structures designed to facilitate human life.
Advanced AIs, however, were created to effectively fulfill Mooncell's primary purpose: the observation of humanity.
Even though they completely replicated humans, including writing souls into their systems, they merely "possessed" souls. The essence of those souls was still colorless and empty.
The birth of BB, however, was driven by a certain girl's love for someone.
During the preliminary rounds of the Holy Grail War that took place on the Moon, Sakura Matou—liberated by the hand of someone from her constraints as an NPC—lost control due to an abnormal state, causing an overload.
The NPCs, capable only of logical operations, ignored Sakura, treating her as a "nonexistent entity" as she was on the verge of collapse, leading her to the brink of disappearance.
Witnessing this, Ritsuka Fujimaru aided her, granting her the observation of "I exist here." This restored her fading consciousness. Later, through Ritsuka's care, she gained a sense of "wanting to exist here," thus avoiding her complete disappearance.
Desiring to prolong this one-day miracle, Sakura used the privileges of an upper-level AI to replay that day 69 times.
However, as time passed, Sakura became increasingly troubled by the inherent contradictions of her existence as an AI and by a certain truth regarding Ritsuka Fujimaru—that in the Holy Grail War, only one survivor could remain.
Endlessly conflicted, Sakura ultimately chose to seal away her memories of those 69 days and her "love." But upper-level AIs cannot delete records, so she transferred those memories to a backup body on the far side of the Moon.
This backup body is the self-proclaimed devilish girl, BB. Perhaps she represents what Sakura Matou might have matured into, a mischievous devilish kouhai more reminiscent of her older sister, Rin Tohsaka.
That is a story from another world, but for now, BB's appearance signals a problem.
The Mooncell/Chaldea Moon Cradle from BB's world has begun interacting with this world as well.
Mooncell is a massive photonic crystal discovered within the Moon. Created by an intelligent lifeform different from humans, it is a supercomputer using light as its storage medium.
It is also known as the Moon Holy Grail.
The official name for Mooncell is the Moon Cradle Autonomous Computation Device.
It was discovered within the Moon as an energy storage structure, an ancient artifact created by an intelligent lifeform different from humans.
Simply put, it is a supercomputer. Structurally, the currently confirmed layers extend to the seventh level. The first layer on the Moon's surface is accessible to ordinary hackers.
However, accessing the second layer and beyond, equivalent to the Mooncell's inner regions, is extraordinarily difficult without being a magus—practically impossible by physical means.
Only information entities in a pseudo-spiritual state, capable of soul transference, can gaze into the abyss.
It is said that magi of the old world could connect to Mooncell's interior without using radio waves, as this was part of their meditation.
Mooncell is also referred to as the Eye Observing Earth.
It can faithfully simulate all life on Earth and accurately predict future developments. It serves as humanity's grand database, recording everything from ecosystems and history to thoughts and even souls.
For intelligent lifeforms capable of technological advancement to the point of probing the Moon's depths, Mooncell represents a forbidden box, equivalent to divine power, that could enable them to ascend to the next stage.
Originally, it was an observation device placed by an extraterrestrial civilization.
It was merely designed to record the existence of Earth's life forms. However, over the long passage of time, it evolved into its current functionality.
Although it was initially an observer, the act of observation inherently requires that "nothing remains unseen." The observer must be impartial. If it observes, it cannot allow "unseen portions" to exist.
Thus, Mooncell was equipped with the ability to know everything about Earth.
To record everything fairly and faithfully, it required capabilities beyond those of a mere observer. Consequently, Mooncell's functions evolved significantly.
From observation to surveillance, this computational device eventually expanded its capabilities to the point of managing planetary operations.
Yes, it even controls planetary operations now.
This is a supercomputer with computational power rivaling the solar system, a forbidden domain beyond the reach of humanity in this era.
The emergence of such a thing—what kind of situation will this lead to?
Alaric felt that the matter was of utmost gravity—extremely serious.
The thoughts in Alaric's mind were unknown to anyone else. Meanwhile, BB's broadcast on the Sheba channel continued.
["The opening act is over. Let's move on to the main topic."]
BB cleared her throat and smiled. ["Everyone, dear members of Chaldea, I'm not the kind of AI you think I am. Instead, I'm the type that planned to curl up under a kotatsu but jumped in fright when the kerosene heater caught fire.
Kerosene heater aside, I'm referring to Seraphix, Chaldea, and you humans who are compiling events.
Hmm, the kerosene heater itself doesn't matter much, but it sure made a mess of my room, didn't it?"]
["With all that said, I'm opening a communication line to help people I don't want to save!
The legendary oil field foundation no longer exists in this era, so please—please confirm the Mariana Trench of A.D. 2030!"]
"Adjust Sheba to 2030—"
Following Da Vinci's command, the staff quickly shifted Sheba's observation timeframe to the future—the Mariana Trench in the year 2030.
"Seraphix is currently located 200 meters deep and has already become a Singularity!"
Looking at Sheba's reflected data, Da Vinci curiously remarked, "It's become a Singularity, and it's actively sinking."
Undoubtedly, the offshore oil rig known as Seraphix was sinking toward the ocean floor in the distant future.
["Yes, yes. If left alone, it'll sink to a depth of 10,000 meters and be completely crushed by water pressure!"]
BB explained matter-of-factly. ["And since it's become a time-disturbing Singularity, as long as it exists, the timeline won't stabilize.
Oh, what was it you called your mission? 'Preservation of Human Order'?
You're all good kids, and rules are very important. Of course, the lives of the workers stranded on Seraphix are also very important.
It looks like you'll need to Spiritron Transfer, right? Come on, come on, hurry up and Spiritron Transfer!"]
Like a devilish kouhai tempting others, BB smiled and cast her gaze toward Chaldea's control room, ultimately resting her eyes on Ritsuka Fujimaru and the others.
The smiling BB locked eyes with Alaric. Despite mentally preparing herself beforehand, she couldn't suppress her nature.
["My, my, senpai, you're as miserable as ever this time~"]
Like an old friend eager to seize every opportunity to tease, BB quickly shifted her gaze from him to Ritsuka Fujimaru and said, "So—what's your name, tiny human?"
After hesitating for a moment, Ritsuka Fujimaru finally introduced themselves, "I'm Ritsuka Fujimaru. Do you know him?"
["I don't, BB doesn't know this bad senpai at all!"]
BB dismissed the topic with a dry laugh. ["Hmm, Ritsuka Fujimaru—wow, that sounds like such a background character's name. How sad.
But don't worry, that pathetic trait of yours hits my moe points! I'll help you while mocking you with pleasure, senpai!"]
"Overlapping traits!"
Mash, who had subconsciously shouted, noticed the stares from others and her cheeks instantly flushed red. But quickly, she shifted the topic, much like BB:
"Please wait a moment—Miss BB, is it? You seem to be very familiar with the situation at Seraphix. But what exactly is your purpose in contacting Chaldea? And why are you calling Senpai and Sir Alaric 'Senpai'?"
["Eh~~ That's the part you're concerned about?"]
BB, surprised by Mash's peculiar point of concern, looked at Mash, whose personality overlapped somewhat with her own, and said:
["For this era, high-level AI should be considered cutting-edge technology, right?
But this question is even more important than world peace, so I'll answer it for you! The reason I call Fujimaru Ritsuka 'Senpai' is—because of fan service!"]
"Fan service?!"
Mash's face turned slightly red at the words, immediately imagining something inappropriate. Noticing this, Alaric quickly used his years of internet surfing experience to follow Mash's train of thought.
Ah, this—
BB, whose cheeks were also slightly red, said with an incredibly determined expression:
["Yes, just take it as a desperate measure to maintain my motivation!
In this universe, there's only one true Senpai for me—a shining princess-like existence of the stars—but I've never met such a person.
After I became the boss and started reflecting on my actions, I rewrote my destiny into this form.
So Fujimaru Ritsuka is merely a stand-in for my Senpai—someone to be toyed with during this incident. Since she's my second toy, of course, she should be called 'Senpai'~!"]
Not planning to answer the part about Alaric, BB continued:
["Time is running out, you know. As an organization dedicated to saving humanity, aren't you planning to perform a Rayshift?"]
But as BB spoke, Mash explained:
"No, Miss BB, that's impossible. Rayshifting can only intervene in the past, but the future, well—that's not possible."
As their past selves, they couldn't transfer to the future world.
"Yes, Rayshifting to the future is impossible," Da Vinci confirmed after verifying that Seraphix had reached the year 2030.
"As long as Seraphix exists in 2030, we can't make a move against it."
["Hehehe, I figured as much. After all, this is 2018's technology~~"]
BB smirked mischievously and said:
["But this is where divine intervention, demonic traps, and even cheating come into play. Leave the cheating to BB!
This time, I'll make an exception and help you. To the future of 2030, go!"]
"Oh, so you mean you can prove your existence in the future? In other words, you're a resident of 2030?"
Da Vinci, never missing an opportunity, said:
"For us, 2030 is the future, but for you, it's the present. We're not communicating with someone from the future but rather someone in the future asking for our help from the past. Is that correct?
["Don't just casually reveal the truth I was planning to proudly unveil in the finale—"]
BB pouted and said:
["However, how you interpret this part is entirely up to you. What's important is that in just a few hours, Seraphix will sink to the bottom of the ocean and be torn apart by the pressure.
So, what's your plan? Are you going to Rayshift or not?"]
Hearing this, Fujimaru Ritsuka, who had long been prepared, instinctively looked towards Da Vinci and Mash. Finally, under Alaric's thumbs-up and reassuring smile, her emotions stabilized.
"Da Vinci, prepare for the Rayshift!"
"Understood. From now on, Master Fujimaru Ritsuka, stand by in the transfer chamber. Prioritize the mission!"
As Da Vinci began preparations for the transfer, she said:
"Investigate the anomalies occurring in the Singularity Seraphix and resolve them."
"Got it. So, it's under the ocean, right?"
Taking a deep breath, Fujimaru Ritsuka smiled and gave a thumbs-up, saying:
"Leave it to me!"
"Umu, since it's by the sea, naturally, we should bring our three Rider Servants along!"
The ever-ready Emperor of Tyranny chuckled.
"Then, please proceed with the Rayshift. Although existence verification will be interrupted when set in the future, from that point onward, I will personally protect your fate.
Who is BB? What exactly happened at Seraphix? I'll explain everything once we're on-site.
So, come on, hurry, hurry, hurry—get to the Rayshift already!"
Hearing this, the fox maiden Tamamo-no-Mae looked at BB with suspicion and said:
"From the way you're rushing us, your suspiciousness level is off the charts. Shouldn't we call you the Health Committee Chair instead of 'Miss BB'?"
["Who knows~~"]
With a smile, BB winked, continuing to dodge the question.
As the final exchanges concluded, Chaldea entered the final stages of preparing for Fujimaru Ritsuka's Rayshift.
"Fujimaru Ritsuka, although BB's been dodging questions, the situation is unprecedentedly dire. Also, this time, you'll likely lose all communication with Chaldea. You must keep this a secret from Mash."
With a serious expression, Da Vinci spoke to Fujimaru Ritsuka after Mash left:
"It's also uncertain whether Sir Alaric can go to the future. You must prepare for the worst. This time, it's all on you."
"Understood!"
Despite the fear swelling inside, Fujimaru Ritsuka refused to give up. With a determined expression, she nodded and said to Da Vinci:
"I'll do my best!"
Meanwhile, as Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others prepared for the transfer, Alaric—
"You're not planning to go?"
Crouching on the ground, Alaric tightly held onto the small, pure white beast named Fou. The creature wasn't planning to go to this Singularity.
Why?
Alaric, who had already sensed something, frowned deeply.
Should he go?
At this moment, Alaric had a premonition that he must go but going would spell trouble, and not going would be even worse.
In that place called Seraphix, something seemed to exist.
But Alaric couldn't let Fujimaru Ritsuka go to such a place relying only on three Servants. Going with her was necessary.
The conflict in Alaric's heart didn't last long. As Fujimaru Ritsuka entered the transfer chamber, the Rayshift activation pulled Alaric's attention.
[Reverse Summoning System Activated;]
[ Commencing Spiritron Conversion;]
[ Rayshift countdown: 3, 2, 1...]
[Process complete.]
[Analyze Lost Order;]
[ Begin Exploration; Correct Humanity's Order.]
As the figure of Fujimaru disappeared, successfully stepping into an unpredictable future—
"Ha! Ahaha! Ahahahahaha!!"
Having already cut off the broadcast, BB held her stomach in laughter and said:
"Too easy to manipulate, Senpai! So easy to sway, so easy to deceive. Honestly, no matter the era, humans are such optimists!
In conclusion—BB interference."
The superior AI that extended her hand intervened in what was supposed to be a smooth spiritron transfer. The Master and Servants, who were meant to arrive at the Singularity together, were forcibly separated by this power.
As if casually tossing away sandbags, the three Servants were thrown into random corners. BB clapped her hands and laughed, saying, "Did you think you could perform a spiritron transfer so easily? The gateway to SE.RA.PH has an entry restriction. To pass through the gate, only the smallest in capacity, under 1GB, can enter—your Senspai, and no one else.
Mmhmm, other Servants lack entry qualifications and will be randomly transported to some other part of the base. After all, humanity is not allowed to use 'Easy Mode'; the only mode granted to you is 'Hard Mode,' which is your challenge and responsibility."
"Is that person not here yet?"
Despite her smiling face, BB instinctively remained on guard against the imminent arrival of a certain presence.
Seeing no movement still, BB arrogantly made her declaration: "There's no turning back now. Welcome to a battlefield where there's no chance of victory, and all you can do is wait to be killed.
Here, there is only discord and severance. The final destination of corruption is ultimate pleasure—a sweet, melting survival competition. Come, let's ignite the most ancient yet newest Holy Grail War of pleasure. Humanity's last Master?"
And at the very moment the girl made her proclamation, a presence that had transcended time and worlds, tracing the sole connection, arrived at the future that was never far away.
Absolute authority, and only—
It was a power capable of manifesting independently in the world, born from the original sin of the self, a culmination of humanity's primates and everything else.
Clutching tightly to that one and only bond, someone approached once more after more than a decade.
Finally, what echoed was a certain girl's scream: "Ehhh?! Don't squeeze in! BB—no, the SE.RA.PH gate is going to break!"
...
When Alaric opened his eyes again, he saw an unfamiliar sky.
Or perhaps it was an ocean.
The vast blue seawater filled her vision, and the radiance of spiritrons constructed the world before his eyes.
[Welcome, travelers, to the Spiritron Virtual World—SERIAL PHANTASM.
This simulation, abbreviated as SE.RA.PH, is a computer-generated space and a newly created Happy Pure Land.
You have gathered here in SE.RA.PH, 128 Masters and Servants, to prevent the collapse of the world. We commend this noble purpose.
However—human desire is insatiable, and nobility alone cannot satisfy the audience.
Thus, a new victory condition will be added in SE.RA.PH: to become the last survivor by killing the other 127 Masters.
If you can accomplish this, the omnipotent power of Mooncell will be yours.
That said, keep this in mind: SE.RA.PH has no exit, and there is no option to 'do nothing.'
Whether through combat or slaughter, you must prioritize your survival.]