Cosmos in the Lostbelt: Prologue

Plot Summary:

26th Dec 2019 marks the end of the MC's mission of repairing Singularities. Every contract that they have with the Servant had been released. With a huge sum of reward, the MC will leave Chaldea, which will be replaced with new staff and a new director. While having one last tour around the building, they accidentally overheard two staffs talking about the arrival of UN inspectors by helicopters once the blizzard is gone and the Mage Association has sent a new director to take over Chaldea.

When the MC stops by at Da Vinci's workshop, she is working on her reports to convince the UN investigators. From their conversation, the MC learns about the identity of the new director and the condition of the other Master candidates, as well as Chaldea had broken many UN regulations to save humanity. Besides that, she is working on a secret project with Sherlock Holmes, who decides to hide himself away when the investigators arrive due to his status as an unofficial Chaldea Servant.

The next day, everyone gathers at the Command Room to welcome the arrival of the new Chaldea team. The new director, Goredolf Musik is accompanied by his assistant Koyanskaya, an army of special military service and the representative from the Holy Church, Kotomine Kirei. After introducing himself, he orders his army to take Chaldea members to custody. Da Vinci quickly remarks that the number of his army is not enough to threaten Chaldea, which her wits intimidates Goredolf. After consulting with his secretary, Goredolf asks them to be cooperative with their investigation while they are confined within the discipline room.

(Goredolf's arrival)

As the MC is locked with Mash, Da Vinci, and Meuniere, they discuss the identity of Kirei and Koyanskaya. They also note that the military is from the NFF Service, which is an elite group of Russian private military service. Then, the MC, as the Master of Chaldea, is asked to get interrogated first.

After the long 6 hours of inquisition, the MC meet Koyanskaya in the hallway. Fou attempts to give her a hostile kick, which she hits it back and aggressively steps on it. She agrees to let Fou go if the MC is willing to chat with her. The MC is asked about the location of Chaldea, which they have no idea. She is also particularly interested in Chaldea's Team A, Mash, and the MC, and she also blames the MC for taking away Team A's opportunity to become saviors of humanity.

(She has no idea what happened back then.)

Reaching to their compartment, the MC wishes to know more about the members of Team A, which Mash is originally part of. Da Vinci soon informs about the history of Team A and the 7 core members, who are Kirschtaria Wodime, Ophelia Phamrsolone, Kadoc Zemlupus, Scandinavia Peperoncino, Akuta Hinako, Beryl Gut, and Daybit Sem Void. They were chosen due to their high aptitude to become Masters, which they are more prioritized than the others.

On the 31st Dec, the Chaldea employees are still trapped within their compartments while Da Vinci has gone for the last 12 hours. Then, Kotomine pays us a visit and tell us that Da Vinci is working in the Command Room to release Team A. Despite the priest does not show any hostility, the MC does not trust him.

(Yorokobe)

In the meantime, Da Vinci successfully opens the first coffin of Team A that contained Wodime, the Mage Association's priority. However, he is not in there, as well as the other members of Team A. Suddenly, all systems in Chaldea are shut down and the entire building is surrounded by a group of soldiers that do not belong to the UN or Goredolf. The intruders soon barge into the facility and attack anyone on sight.

(The empty coffin)

As chaos arises, the priest decides to leave and traps the MC and the other. It is not long until one of the enemy soldiers begins to attack the outside and breaks into the compartment. Without any choice, the MC uses a command spell to make Mash transform into her Servant form. Nonetheless, Mash's body cannot withstand the pressure and strength of a Heroic Spirit. As they are about to be obliterated, Holmes arrives for the rescue. The MC asks the detective to take Menuire away while they and Mash save Da Vinci.

They slowly make their way to the Command Room without being noted by the enemy. It is a relief to them that there is no sight of Da Vinci, but Koyanskaya is busying to require Chaldea's data from the system with two of the enemy soldiers. She also mentions a Grand Duchess who is also present within this building. They finally make it to Da Vinci's workshop, which she is retrieving her secret weapon, a briefcase that contains the data of Heroic Spirits and the MC's bond with them. It is an important proof for the UN to release all of the accusations on Chaldea.

(Trying to extract Chaldea's info)

The MC manages to reach the hangar after defeating some of the enemy soldiers. Holmes is waiting for us at an escape container with the survivors from the West Hall. It happened that many paths are blocked by ice, which can be a work of a Servant outside of Chaldea's summoning. As we are about to leave, someone is begging for help through the PA system, who turned out to be Goredolf. As he confesses on his failures, the MC decides to rescue him as the man reminds them of Olga-Marie, the person whom they could not save. Mash and Da Vinci agree to come along with the MC.

When the trio finds the man, Goredolf is confused at the sudden intrusion and recognizes those soldiers as the Oprichniks, a special corps belonged to a Russian tsar. On the way of their return, they meet with Koyanskaya, who reveals her true colors to her former employer. She is accompanied by the Grand Duchess, a young girl who channels her ice powers through a magical entity known as Viy. Seeing that there is no chance to defeat the Servant, Da Vinci quickly throws a smoke grenade to distract the group.

(The Grand Duchess)

The MC and the others finally reach the hangar where they are about to dispatch. As they are about to board the container, Da Vinci is pierced through the heart by Kotomine's bare hand. With her guts skills, she uses her last force to resist the priest and gives the MC the briefcase and bids them goodbye. The genius gives the sledding container one last look before she disappears into her spirit form.

(The death of a genius)

The emergency container is sliding down at full speed. Koyanskaya soon arrives at the scene and find the fleeing survivors, which she takes out her sniper and blows fire to the container. Believing that they are going to die from the impact, Holmes reveals that the container is just a cover-up for the true invention, a mobile tank named the Shadow Border. At the same time, a smaller version of Da Vinci shows up and introduces herself as an Artificial Servant, a substitute for the original Da Vinci if she dies. Seeing that her childhood home has been destroyed, Mash goes into a breakdown.

(The younger Da Vinci)

(Mash's breakdown)

Soon, they discover the unknown falling bright lights from the sky. At the same time, there is a radio transmission coming in. The message declares on the correction of human civilization and revolt against the Proper Human History by restoring the Age of Gods. The addresser of this transmission is none other than Wodime, the leader of Team A.

As the vehicle reaches the border, they spot on the incoming Oprichnik soldiers and the other half of the soldiers guarding in front of the Chaldea team. With the Paper Moon system created by Da Vinci and Holmes, the Chaldea team escapes into the Imaginary Number Space, a void beyond normal space and reality.

Storytelling and Gameplay:

Welcome to the new arc of FGO which I look forward the most. I think the writing of this prologue is executed better than the first one, I can feel the strong tension between the two forces. The prologue is divided into two parts, which the first one was released on 26th Dec 2019, and the second part on 31st Dec 2019. It is a gateway to a new chapter on the fate of humanity within Proper Human History and the world of Lostbelts. Although it has answered some of the questions we had been wondered since Day 1, it also leaves behind a lot of questions that will be revealed in future chapters. Now we all know the location of Chaldea is in Antarctica, which explains why there are blizzards happened outside of the facility.

(The location of Chaldea)

The first part happened right after the 2019 Christmas on Chaldea's future, exactly one year after the defeat of Goetia. This part serves as the bridge that links from the 1st arc to the next arc, which they tackle on questions that arose for the past two years. We have an insight into Chaldea's position and reputation within the society of mages and how the UN treats this association. It also provides some of the plot points that are prominent for the 2nd story arc, like the members of Team A.

The second part is the gateway to the 2nd story arc and the fall of Chaldea (hopefully they manage to rebuild the facility). Everything that we are familiar with is soon destroyed within one day by Koyanskaya and her super-soldier troop. This prologue also gives the players a basic idea on what the first chapter of the next journey would be like, with the introduction to a new enemy type called Oprichnik (опри́чник), a special force established by the Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible, as well as the Grand Duchess Anastasia, a Caster-class Servant. That means we are about to kick some Mother Russia's butt!

(An Oprichnik)

The main focus of this story will be the battle between humans in Proper Human History and people from the Lostbelts. The prologue does not further explain the difference between these two so I might as well not explain about these until the Anastasia chapter comes in. However, we have four new things introduced in this arc so here are some brief explanations on these terminologies:

SHADOW BORDER: A vehicle used by the survivors of the Chaldea attack that is capable to go into Imaginary Number Space.

IMAGINARY NUMBER SPACE (INS): A space that is beyond normal space and reality. The same thing that we use to seal Tiamat and the location of Goetia's Temple of Solomon.

PAPER MOON: A system that can transport the Shadow Border to the INS and monitor both imaginary and real space. Holmes learned its function from the Atlas Institute.

ZERO SAIL: Almost similar to Rayshifting, it is a form of transportation into the INS by slipping in between the gaps of the world.

(Within the Shadow Border)

There are not many fights in this prologue, as it focuses more on the story and information for the new arc. The second part of the prologue has the Assassin-class Oprichnik enemies, which they are easy to defeat with the available NPCs. The last fight includes the battle against the Grand Duchess, who does not fight back but she employs her skills and curse on her NP. For this fight, just focus on the Duchess and break the 1st life bar to complete the battle sequence. (It took me one failed round to realize this tactic.)

If you visit the workshop after playing the first part of the prologue, Da Vinci is absent in both Enhance and Shop section. Therefore, you can grab anything you want for free!!! (I'm joking, the transaction is still required for any items) Oddly, Da Vinci is still in the workshop after her assassination in part 2 (the dev should take note of this issue).

(The empty workshop)

Characters:

Mash Kyrielight

Poor girl. Firstly, she has to fight in her Servant form although it can break her body; then, she has to witness her mother figure dies for the second time; lastly, she is forced to leave her childhood home which is obliterated by an unknown group of people. This could be the most painful and traumatic experience for the girl. Chaldea is the place where her best memories are formed, which is now completely ruined into debris within one day. I really want to give her a comforting hug so badly!

Leonardo Da Vinci

This is the last time we are working together with the Da Vinci we all know for more than 2 years (at least in some events we still have the chance to meet her). I swear the position as the Chaldea's director is cursed, literally every acting director dies on the job.

Most of the time Da Vinci is always one step ahead of everyone. She has everything prepared out of people's expectations. She does all the job to protect Chaldea's reputation and the future of the organization despite she admits that Chaldea has broken many UN regulations. One thing that she could not predict is her death, a heroic and noble sacrifice to save everyone. Although we still have her miniature clone with us, the Da Vinci we all know is gone.

(Farewell, the Universal Genius)

Sherlock Holmes

Another hero of the Chaldea Organization despite his identity as a neutral guest of the organization. He and Da Vinci has created the Shadow Border as an escape pod in case there is an emergency. Holmes will now act as an ally to bring the remaining survivors to safety.

Goredolf Musik

If you remember the loud fat guy from Fate/Apocrypha, this is his son, the new director of Chaldea. During his entrance, he already shows traits that are similar to his father other than their appearance. They have the same boisterous and lavish characteristics and see Heroic Spirits as mere tools than individuals. At first, he looks down on Da Vinci and her status as a Caster Servant, but the inventor's intelligence soon intimidates him. There are a few things about this guy who is still worth the respect is his attempt to purchase Chaldea as a whole instead of parts of the facility. He also believes that the organization is a valuable asset despite the bad reputation within the magus society.

Goredolf shares similarity with one of his predecessors, Olga-Marie. Both of them hailed from famous mage bloodline yet they are underappreciated by the people around them. They believe that being the director of Chaldea will prove their abilities to become successful. Lucky for him, the MC saves him from the attack and joins the survivors in the Shadow Border. There are many possibilities for this character's growth and I want to see his potentials as a leader of an organization in future chapters. I hope he survives the director curse.

(Sounds familiar, eh?)

There is one thing I have an issue with is his name. I prefer the fan translated 'Goldolf' than this.

Koyanskaya

Raise your hand if you like to slap this bitch across the face, hard.

She has that every characteristic of a basic bitchy villain has. Despite speaking with a flirty tone, she has a cruel personality in terms of animal abuse and blaming on the MC or taking away Team's A opportunity to save the world. She is the female Lev Lainur in this arc, who sabotages Chaldea and betrays the person who highly relies on them. Underneath her secretary disguise, she is skilled in using a sniper and has excellent marksmanship.

(Where does she get that sniper from?)

By the way, her fox earrings that look like the fox symbol on Tamamo Lancer's swimsuit.

Kotomine Kirei

Yorokobe Shounen and Shoujo, your local priest is here!

His presence is a surprise fanservice for those who are familiar with Fate/Stay Night and Fate/Zero since he is the meme priest in the Fate fandom. No matter in which universe he is in, Father Kotomine still has that evil menacing aura who is up to no good. That stab through Da Vinci's heart from the back is a direct reference from Fate/Zero which he performed the same act on Tohsaka Tokiomi (Rin's father). Same as Koyanskaya, he is most likely to be one of the main villains of this arc.

Team A

The elite members handpicked by Chaldea, which contained 7 members (not counting Mash). Due to the explosion, they were frozen together with the other Master candidates. From the prologue, they are placed to play an important part in this arc who is going to destroy humanity. What exactly happened to the group who is selected to protect humanity from incineration to become the opposite team player? There could be answers revealed in the next chapter.

Team A is the people who are chosen due to their meritocracy or the aptitude to become a Master. Their role is similar to Harry Potter, Katniss Everdeen, Percy Jackson or any other main heroes of fiction in which people have high expectations for them to save the world. However, their responsibility is placed on the MC's shoulder due to the group's immobile status from the unforeseen explosion. Hence, the conflict between the upgraded side character vs. the original group of main characters is also the theme in this story arc.

Here is a simple rundown on each member in one sentence based on Da Vinci's descriptions:

a. Kirschtaria Wodime

The Mage Association's golden boy and the supposed heir of the Animusphere family.

b. Ophelia Phamrsolone

The prodigy with mystic eyes.

c. Kadoc Zemlupus

A common mage who is both empathic and passive.

d. Scandinavia Peperoncino

A cheerful yet mysterious mage who is knowledgeable about Buddhism and Indian Myth.

e. Akuta Hinako

A bookworm with an antisocial personality.

f. Beryl Gut

No comments.

g. Daybit Sem Void

An enigmatic man who is chosen by the first Chaldea director.

Mysterious Blue Alien

The prologue does not introduce her so right now I will refer her as the Mysterious Blue Alien (temporarily).

Within the cutscenes, there is a female alien observes on the demise of Chaldea. However, no one seems to notice her presence and she does not say a single line. The main questions are: Who is this alien? What is her role in the story? Is she responsible for the falling ETs from the sky? Stay tuned for the next chapter for more answers.

Extra: Here are some of the screenshots with beautiful visuals.