Fate Q&A: Chapter 232: Unknown Conversation

Tohsaka Rin: "Uh, what is he saying? I don't understand."

Chihiro: "To put it simply, he has mastered an algorithm that can predict the future through calculations, but it's not absolute because this algorithm has its limits. The future has countless possibilities, and he can't calculate every single one of them with precision."

Chihiro: "Think of it like that story about filling a chessboard with grains of rice. It's not that the calculation itself is impossible, but there's simply not enough energy to complete it all."

Tohsaka Rin: "Predicting the future through calculations! Is that even possible?"

Sisigou: "If it's the monsters from Atlas Academy, then yes, it's possible."

Chihiro: "It's similar to prophecy, but their methods are far more scientific."

Waver: "Although magic shouldn't exactly be called science, I think you're right."


---

["..."]

[After a long silence, El-Melloi II nodded and said, "I think these words are indeed very profound. No, I believe I'll find them even more meaningful in the future."]

[Zepia: "As expected of El-Melloi II. Even among the magi of the Clock Tower, you're one of the quickest to understand this in most scenarios."]

[El-Melloi II: "I'm honored by your compliment, but it's probably because I lack confidence. I'm quick to accept what others say because I know I'm not strong enough."]

[Zepia: "That humility is precisely what will make the world a better place. Your influence extends far beyond what you imagine. The shadow you cast upon this world will one day stretch beyond your lifespan. Because of that, your teacher's seemingly meaningless death can be said to hold significance."]

["Don't mention Lord Kayneth."]

[El-Melloi II subconsciously raised his voice before immediately apologizing, "...Forgive my rudeness."]

[Zepia: "No, I was out of line. In place of an apology, I'll offer you a warning."]

["You'll soon be forced to make several critical decisions. While it's impossible to determine which choices are ideal, you should carefully select the actors who will take the stage. The script you choose on this journey will shape your involvement in the Holy Grail War."]

[El-Melloi II: "The Holy Grail War, huh..."]

Sisigou: "I don't like dealing with people like this. Feels like they treat us like their playthings."

Tohsaka Rin: "It's ironic that he ultimately gave up."

Tohsaka Tokiomi: "No, that itself is a form of enlightenment, isn't it?"


---

["Why are you here?"]

[At that moment, Bersac entered the room.]

[Zepia: "Ah, Bersac, you're always on time."]

[The scene shifted to the shaded area near the windmill.]

[After briefly speaking with Zepia, Bersac and El-Melloi II stepped outside.]

["I didn't expect you to meet with him."]

[Bersac's tone was tinged with bitterness. After scanning the area, he asked, "Where's Gray?"]

[El-Melloi II: "Her mother came to pick her up."]

["I see…"]

[Bersac's expression changed, and his gaze grew sharp. He asked warily, "First, let me confirm something."]

["Did either of you leave the cabin last night?"]

[El-Melloi II frowned and replied, "No, we stayed inside as instructed. Why do you ask?"]

["..."]

[Bersac paused before explaining, "There was an incident last night. Someone violated the village's taboos. When that happens, I'm alerted immediately."]

["What kind of mechanism is that?"]

[El-Melloi II silently wondered why such a mechanism wouldn't simply identify the culprit. Did Bersac mean to imply suspicion of them?]

[Bersac: "Unfortunately, the mechanism isn't precise enough to provide details. It only signals which taboos were broken. Consider it an authority granted to the gravekeeper."]

Sisigou: "That's a neat trick. Did they set up some kind of detection barrier over the entire village?"

Kayneth: "It's a bit half-baked. Knowing a taboo was broken but not who did it, what's the point of that?"

Waver: "At the very least, it acts as a deterrent."


---

[El-Melloi II: "Is it true that no one in this village ever goes out late at night?"]

[Bersac: "It's rare, but not unheard of. For example, when children run away, or during emergencies. However, this time, two taboos were broken."]

[El-Melloi II: "I see. Then perhaps it's possible that an outsider infiltrated the village during the night."]

[Bersac didn't respond to the theory and instead fixed his gaze on El-Melloi II.]

["Let me ask again. Lord El-Melloi II, you came here seeking a gravekeeper, correct?"]

[El-Melloi II: "Yes, that's correct. After speaking with Zepia, I've only grown more convinced of my decision."]

[Bersac: "What exactly did you discuss with him?"]

[El-Melloi II: "He explained the origins of this cemetery's name and mentioned he was here to gather data."]

[Bersac: "...I see."]

[Returning to the earlier topic, El-Melloi II asked, "Does the taboo-breaking incident have anything to do with Atlas Academy?"]

[Bersac: "No comment."]

[El-Melloi II: "Even if you won't discuss Atlas Academy, it's clear this cemetery is no ordinary place. I came here searching for someone skilled in dealing with spirits. Over the past ten years, I've relentlessly pursued ways to handle particularly dangerous spirits. That pursuit has brought me here."]

[Bersac: "Ten years?"]

[El-Melloi II: "Yes."]

[Bersac: "...Why are you pursuing this?"]

[El-Melloi II didn't hesitate to answer, "For my own personal reasons."]

[Bersac stroked his beard thoughtfully before gesturing toward the village's exit. "You should leave."]

["Please reconsider."]

[El-Melloi II pleaded, "I understand that my request is selfish. I have no right to complain if it costs me my life. Yet, I have something I must accomplish, and the path to that goal lies with you."]

["..."]

[Bersac fell silent before finally responding, "Your intuition is correct. She may indeed be a masterpiece in dealing with spirits. But precisely because of that, we cannot allow her to leave the village."]

[El-Melloi II: "Is this related to her resemblance to a certain British hero?"]

[Bersac's face stiffened. "How do you know about that?"]

[El-Melloi II: "Because her appearance is part of why I came here."]

["..."]

[After another long silence, Bersac said, "I want to hear the full story, but first, could you ask your sister to step away?"]

[Reines protested briefly but eventually left begrudgingly. What was discussed after that remained unknown to her.]


---

Tohsaka Rin: "He must have convinced Bersac in the end."

Illya: "Obviously. Gray wouldn't have left otherwise."

Waver: "...Still, I'd rather not speculate too much."


---

[The scene returned to Reines and Gray in the present.]

[Reines: "So, is that the whole story?"]

[Gray: "...Yes."]

[Reines: "When my brother returned from that village, he immediately took you in as his personal disciple. It caused quite a stir in the El-Melloi classroom."]

["So, can you help me finish the rest of the story? Why did he take you as his personal disciple?"]

["..."]

[Gray remained silent. This was the part of her story she had avoided confronting.]