Cu Alter Interlude Translation

By request from u/HuntingCurruids. Source video here. For this particular source the master is female, which will affect some usage of pronouns.

"A War for Two"

Narrator: An error in rayshifting is impermissible. However, it's currently not something that can be accounted for.
A coincidence? The work of the demon pillars? Or perhaps it was simply human error?

Regardless, on that day in 2016. When Cu Chulainn Alter had just been summoned. Humanity's last master... [Master name], was caught in a deadly situation.

Wasn't she always caught up in a deadly situation? Well, that's true, but this time in particular it was exceptionally so. Her trusted servant, Mash Kyrielight, was not at her side. And the repairs to the humanity foundation of America had only just ended. And of all things, she decided to take just one servant, Cu Chulainn Alter -

On a 48 hour long trip.

<< scene break >>

Cu: In other words, Alter's a different side of me - something like another possibility. I mean, for heroes, no matter what kind of lives they lead, most of them end up walking bloodstained paths, right? Even the heroes who consider themselves good will eventually realise that they've got a ruthless side to them.

What would happen if that "different side's" personality or circumstances ended up as the main one? Well, you should know without me saying it, yeah?

Tristan: ... of course, I can recognise that the me while I was alive and the current me are one and the same. However, even then I did not act like a saint all the time.

A noble King is cold-blooded. A cold-blooded King is noble. The fury of us knights was the glory of those bygone days, and the reverse is true as well.

There were those that fell, of course. Those who, at some point, toppled from the boundary into the darkness.

Gilles Saber: ... there's nothing I can say to that. That is, without a doubt, the future version of me. An anti-hero, one who caused massacres, the embodiment of evil.

I have no choice but to accept it. It pains me to do so, but...

Since I have accepted the fact that he is also me, I cannot look away.

Cu: The problem is, that isn't a completely different side of me. It's slightly off. It's merged with a side of me that shouldn't exist - me as a King, as imagined by Medb.

He probably turned out like that because the humanity foundation was so shaky. Otherwise he'd probably have a slightly better personality.

<< scene break >>

CuA: What's wrong... you scared, [Master name]?

Gudako: Not really | Well, honestly...<<

CuA: You should be.

Communications are cut, and we're almost out of food and water. Plus your only servant is me. Your trusted Shielder is off doing her own thing. Of course you'd be scared, right?

On this very land, we once sought to kill each other. Didn't we?

No, there's no mistaking it. The one who fought me to the death was you, [Master name].

If you're a Master, then you've got a responsibility to your Servants. Who to fight, and whether or not to fight at all... you decided that. That's why you're the one I fought, and I lost. Right?

Well, I only have faint memories of it now. In any case, looks like some enemies showed up while we were fussing about.

What will we do, Master? Retreat, or fight. Choose.

Gudako: Fight.<<

CuA: Got it. Your fast response was good, and so was your lack of hesitation.

Now then, it's time for a slaughter. Though at their level, they won't even be good for a warm up. Still, you should have a light snack like this every once in a while!

<< battle >>

Cu: To begin with, if I was gonna be summoned as a Berserker, something else shoulda come out. Well, as far as I can remember, when I get seriously pissed, I'm probably the most worthless fellow in the world. That guy might actually be preferable.

Roman: - and, we're connected! We did it!

Gudako: Doctor!<<

Roman: Ah, yes. It's great to see you doing well. Of course, we were still able to monitor your vitals from here, but it's hard to actually be at ease without seeing you face to face like this.

CuA: No, you're not actually talking face to face. Who do you think you are, hiding away all nice and safe while you chat?

Roman: Ugh, I have no retort...

CuA: ... Well, I was speaking for you anyway.

Roman: Well, it's as he says, [Master name]-chan. When you get back, I'll make it up to you by treating you to all the sesame manjuu you can eat!

CuA: ... that's it?

Roman: Eh, then... how about some special ohagi? Guh... this is gonnna cost me...!

CuA: Master, I don't think your superior is quite right in the head.

Roman: I want you to think of it as me trying to lighten the atmosphere with a little humour!

... well, all joking aside.

Right now, you're in a somewhat dangerous situation... but broadly speaking, there are two ways for you to return. The first is to force rayshift you back right now. It has its risks, but it's the best way to solve things as they are now. ... Though it does bear repeating that it comes with its own set of risks. There's a higher chance of there being a burden on your existence than when compared to a regular rayshift.

The second is - we've already confirmed your coordinates there. You should be able to meet up with Mash by foot. If you do, we'll be able to return you safely by regular rayshifting. That said, Mash is quite some distance away from you... it would take at least 48 hours to meet up.

Gudako: 48 hours...<<

CuA: Ha... no. Quite the troublesome development isn't it, Master?

<< scene break >>

Cu: Should you worry about being betrayed? Lessee... well, that's kind of a difficult question. No matter how intellectual a Berserker class servant may seem, in the end, they're fundamentally broken. If their Mad Enhancement overwrites their reason then they might simply rush forward without any rhyme or reason... maybe. Though, it's hard to see that different side of me mess things up like that. In fact, I'd say there's a good chance of the opposite.

<< scene break >>

CuA: ... I don't sense any enemies nearby.

Gudako: Thank you.<<

CuA: It's my duty as a Servant. Don't go thanking me each and every time.

Gudako: But-<<

CuA: Shut it.

This is how a Master and Servant should naturally be. I'm an existence born from malice and irrationality, but I still retain the nature of Cu Chulainn.

I will kill my enemies, and protect my allies.

If we were among the Celt, then when the time for fighting came, I'd kill them regardless of friend or foe, but -
I'm not so unreasonable as to expect that from an outsider.

Gudako: I understand.<<

CuA: Good.

... Rest. I'll keep watch.

Ah, before you fall asleep, there's one thing I'd like to ask.

... why did you pick this route?

Gudako: I can't go dying now, can I?<< | I felt like it

CuA: ... You sure got that right.

If worse came to worst, and something went wrong after choosing the rayshift because you just wanted to save yourself, the world would end.

Well, in other words, you're now stuck with me for the next 36 hours. Without a single ally, or any comrades. It'll be like torture for you - are you confident you'll be able to return alive?

Gudako: Yes. | No... not by myself.<<

CuA: ... I see.

<< scene break >>

CuA: Let's go, little girl. Daylight's burning.

Also, before we leave the forest, collect some water from around tree roots. It'll be some time before we can get water again.

<< scene break >>

Roman: ... I've got some bad news.

CuA: There isn't much that could be worse than how bad things already are, is there.

Roman: I've confirmed numerous enemy signals up ahead. They're spread out over a large area, so to try and go around them would likely add another 200 hours to our plan. Even if we could account for your food, water, and mental health, I would still recommend immediate rayshifting. Don't worry, the chance of success has gone up since last time. It should be fine... I think.

CuA: Enemies? We can take care of that ourselves.

Roman: There's too many of them. And from observing their movement patterns, we've concluded that the groups are constantly in contact with one another. Once fighting break outs, they will continue to call on their comrades until the fight is over. Maybe if Mash was with you, but you alone can't guarantee [Master name]-chan's safety.

CuA: Hoh... that's an interesting thing you just said. In that case, Master. I'll go secure a safe place now. After that, I'll go and deal with them all myself.

Roman: No no, don't be unreasonable! Besides which, I don't wan't you leaving [Master name]-chan alone by herself!

CuA: With things as they are now, that's the only choice, isn't it. If I do fail, then you can rayshift or do whatever you want.

<< scene break >>

CuA: So, to reconfirm: you will wait here, and secure food and water. I'll go wave my spear around for a bit. I'll use my Noble Phantasm too. Once I've taken care of the enemies, I'll call you. Got it?

Gudako: That's no good.<< | Shouldn't we stay together

CuA: ... do you feel like tagging along? If we do that, the plan will fall apart. The enemies will all be aiming for you. Do you feel like dragging me down? Would you still call yourself a Master after that?

... I get what you're trying to say. But... I don't want to let them die, and I don't want to die. A Master and Servant's relationship isn't something so simple.

<< scene break >>

Cu: ... I don't think he'll betray you. There'll definitely be death involved though, I can tell you that much.

In a normal Grail War, there tends to be trouble if a Master treats a Servant as nothing more than a familiar. When it comes to Masters, most of them are good-for-nothing magic users. There's no way they'd get along with heroes. Even so, well, the patient ones can hold it, but... once in a while, there are those that cross a line.

But for that guy, it'd be the opposite. He would consider himself a familiar, and act accordingly. That's why, if Master's life was in danger... he'd probably throw himself in the way, without hesitation.

Of course, that's not out of affection. It's simply his duty.

<< scene break >>

CuA: ... 「Gae Bolg!」

Roman: ... I don't believe it. Even if it is an anti-army Noble Phantasm, you've cut down 30% of them.

CuA: Don't say that, it was only 30% of them. Until I destroy at least 70% of them, it's not even close to being a success.

Roman: If only there wasn't one of you, and a countless number of them.

CuA: Hah, it's just business as usual.

Roman: No matter how I look at it, as you are now 50% is your limit. I recommend that you retreat for now.

CuA: And what will happen if I do retreat?

Roman: Well, we'll just be back to square one.

CuA: Screw that. Even Chaldea's backup has its limits. If we go back to square one I doubt that little girl can handle it.

Roman: Is that so... I think you're underestimating [Master name]-chan just a little. I'm repeating myself, but with just you alone the limit is 50%. Your opponents may be nothing more than small fry, but quantity is a quality all of its own.

CuA: Being alone on a battlefield is nothing new for me.

Roman: Ah, I see. Cu Chulainn did fight through all of Medb's warriors by himself. Even so, you're currently a Servant. To utilise your full potential, you need prana.

CuA: ... Guess so.

Roman: You're thinking, that's why I have a Master, aren't you. A contract in order for you to exist, to receive the prana you need to sustain yourself. That is what it means - no, that's all that's required of a Master.

CuA: Is there anything else other than that?

Roman: Unfortunately, there is.

With 30% of them defeated, with some backup we can guarantee your safety.

CuA: The hell are you... wait, no way.

Roman: It's your time to shine, [Master name]-chan! Time to support him as his Master!

Gudako: Got it, Doctor!<<

CuA: Shit.

Roman: Don't worry, this much is nothing to the girl who's overcome that baleful city of London! I've sent you all the data pertaining to the enemies you're facing. Fight, together with Cu Chulainn Alter!

<< battle >>

CuA: ... Alright, we've dealt with the majority of them. It's time to break through.

Gudako: Are you angry?<<

CuA: ...

... I don't get you, but I'm not mad. I'm now well aware just what kind of Master you are. In the future, I'll simply make sure to handle you appropriately.

Now then, it'll be a bit more of a walk. How are your provisions, Master?

Gudako: Ah...<<

CuA: ... Do you plan on starving to death? We don't have time to go back either. You'll have to gnaw on tree roots and suck on some pebbles. Don't complain, you reap what you sow!

<< scenebreak >>

Narrator: Afterwards? Afterwards, they rendezvoused with Mash Kyrielight and that was the end of that. As to what they directly gained out of that, obviously it was nothing. It was an important experience... is what I'd like to think. Of course, it was important for [Master name] too. To have to gnaw on a tree root is not something you have to do every day.

This concludes the report. This report was logged by ☐☐☐☐☐☐.

Now, perhaps one day somebody will go through this enormous rayshift log. Or perhaps it will never see the light of day again... if we think about what will happen after we're saved.

<< end >>

PS: but who was narrator?