The establishment of the Time Travelers Alliance began in the first year of Conan

Chapter 307 Yes! Believe me! This really is Sherlock Holmes! (Seeking monthly votes!)

Now, standing before Matou Sakura, whose instructions had been written and who was waiting for her at the end of the corridor, Hasegawa Tsuki sighed softly.

Before the Heroic Spirit was successfully summoned, giving the CYZ Alliance a real identity disguise, she could only try her best to separate Matou Sakura's body and mind in order to alleviate the child's pain.

In fact, after Hasegawa Tsuki's TDD update, she actually returned to the state of "entering the Type-Moon universe for the first time".

She could even try to leave this "shell" once she successfully establishes herself in this universe with the support of the Alliance.

This is actually one of the advantages of the timeline that is unique to this universe.

Just like in the "Second Universe" managed by the Alliance today, most people have almost easily accepted the so-called "cause-effect" development system.

For life forms that exist in the form of a timeline, the development of things can begin from their end, and you can complete the "cause" you want by first adding an "outcome".

Clearly, this differs from the mainstream development of the entire Type-Moon universe.

In other words, this would result in an area of ​​RSI values ​​that are clearly below 100.

"But this will not immediately trigger the shell's defense mechanism; in fact, the shell is somewhat indifferent to this behavior."

Initially, the CYZ Effect Research Institute was somewhat surprised by this result.

However, this conclusion seems to coincide with the fact that Dr. Agasa and the Alliance themselves were able to maintain their existence in the initial stage of this universe.

Especially the [Alliance Cycle]. It's important to know that after the First Pointer incident, the Alliance became independent from the [Dual Timeline] because it had its own [Cycle].

It seems that no action or measure was taken regarding this matter at the time.

"Because being powerful is meaningless to the [shell]."

The head of the Narrative Studies Department, further convinced of the validity of his theory by his analysis of the phenomenon, presented his findings at the internal research conference of the Research Division:
"The development of other celestial bodies on the front of the ring by the [Action Layer] and [Logistics Layer] has already proven this point. As long as we do not cause too much disturbance to the [Historical Inertia], everything is just a 'background' compared to the [Shell]."

"And this may be a feasible way to leave the shell, that is, to adopt a form of expression that is incompatible with the worldview and universe."

He paused for a moment, then shared his opinion.

"Based on the data from the research institute, it is only necessary to construct a region with an RSI value of 0 within the internal effects and existence of the [shell] before reacting to this manifestation, in order to separate from the [shell]."

"The next step is to recapture and recover the separated parts."

However, the director of the CYZ Effect Research Institute pointed out the most difficult aspect of this method.

"Without the help of ZC-02, there is theoretically no way to make the RSI value of this universe reach zero."

"Otherwise, the worldview clusters should be very 'lively,' or at least there should be some form of communication between them."

"At present, this method is simply not feasible."

This problem is not difficult to understand.

After all, if your existence was originally part of the "shell".

Just like in this universe, since almost everyone is a derivative of Conan Edogawa, it's destined that your RSI value can never reach zero.

Of course, this is not the main reason why TDD suggested that Hasegawa Tsuki stay in [Type-Moon Universe-001].

The current threat level in the Type-Moon universe is only Volatile.

In other words, all Hasegawa Tsuki needs to do is discard the part of the timeline that contains the spirit particle structure and reverse his own timeline.

Since she doesn't belong to the Type-Moon universe, she could try using the CYZ effect to lower her RSI value to zero and leave.

But what happens after you "leave"?

This is simply a matter of shedding the shell.

How can she ensure she returns to her own universe, and not to yet another neighboring universe?

What if Hasegawa Moon runs out of the [CYZ Effect] and then falls into a space that could be named [Type-Moon Universe-002]?
Not to mention that this method requires an enormous amount of effect value.

Just like the rebuttal that followed from the director of the CYZ Effect Research Institute.

You can only say that it is "theoretically feasible".

After all, even within this universe, exploring the outside world often requires Conan and Lin Sheng to work together.

The "abandonment" of the three Alliance members in the past [story timeline] clearly utilized certain mechanisms of the [shell].

Therefore, Conan was responsible for adjusting the timeline of the [Ring] to the point in time when the [Shell] mechanism was touched in the past.

And what about Lin Sheng?

He needs to use the effect to re-anchor the scene of "detachment," forcing himself to unleash his power and leave the universe in the same manner as "at that moment."

This requires an investment of at least three figures in the "CYZ effect" each time.

Moreover, this mechanism of repeatedly triggering the "shell" clearly carries a certain risk, at least in part.

The moment the hands of his watch showed the slightest tremor, Conan stopped altering the timeline.

"Lin Sheng, if you want to try this again, you'll have to use the CYZ effect to simultaneously anchor a result that won't cause any impact."

"Otherwise, thirty-three attempts would be the limit for one cycle."

Conan gave his conclusion with a serious expression.

"Each change will slightly affect the stability of the [ring]. If we want to try again, we must make the [ring] circulate once more to further mislead the [shell]."

In short, because the [ring] needs to be maintained, the Alliance cannot provide support without interruption.

The total number of successful attempts so far is exactly ten.

Considering the lack of overall structural information about the [shell] and the [worldview system], this success rate cannot be considered too low.

But it is precisely because of these factors that...

Hasegawa Tsuki... In fact, she knew very well what was going on in her heart.

In a sense, she can never go back to the "past," and it's almost impossible for her to return to her hometown.

Whether it's the three-string effect or the ten-string effect.

As for the shell itself, the difference may be like that between a firefly and the bright moon.

"Unless... this [universe] is also included in the Alliance's scope."

Whenever she thought of this, Hasegawa Tsuki couldn't help but feel a little gloomy. This was the reason she had been asking TDD whether the "universe" had a "core."

"If we can get help from the [Core], and since we don't actually belong to this [Universe], maybe we can find a way home."

However, it seems difficult to draw this conclusion at present.

Hasegawa even felt a sense of unease.

Because TDD told her that this method must also meet at least one other prerequisite:
That means that Type-Moon Universe-001 did capture her in some way. Or, there is a record of some kind of "path" by which she came to this "shell".

"If...if all of this is just so-called luck..."

Hasegawa gently shook his head, suppressing these thoughts.

My most important task now is to fulfill the mission assigned to me by the alliance.

Every member who joins the alliance is prepared for the worst.

I was lucky enough that I didn't lose my life immediately because of that accident.

What I need to do now is continue the verification process.

"not to mention……"

Looking at the child in front of him, ravaged by insects, Hasegawa Tsuki clenched his fist.

This kind-hearted girl couldn't stand this evil, and she also happened to have the power to exercise justice.

The activated "Cyclic Protection Mode" is, in a sense, a forced use of the CYZ effect to keep her in a constant state of existence within the "local universe".

According to records in the Clock Tower and related documents.

The life forms in this [Type-Moon Universe] are a trinity of "spirit," "soul," and "body."
In other words, Hasegawa Moon, which is currently maintaining an RSI value below 25, is in a state of non-existence relative to the entire universe unless a mechanism that triggers the "shell" is activated, or she is pulled up to an RSI value above 50 by a high RSI environment or existence.

She can walk into the Matou family home with ease, but no one can see her, and that's what she relies on.

As for external interference and observation.

As emphasized before, all of this is left to TDD to handle.

The main reason Hasegawa Tsuki chose to come to the Matou family so quickly was for the sake of that child—

And let's briefly analyze the [imaginary attribute] of Matou Sakura.

Frankly, Zouken Matou's use of the Insect Pouch to forcibly convert Sakura's [Magic Attribute] into Water Attribute was an absolute waste.

Because imaginary numbers are a very rare, fictional attribute that is independent of the traditional five elements (earth, water, fire, wind, and space).

According to records, known users include only Sakura Matou, Rafe Lenore, and Trisha.
In fact, this magical attribute seems tailor-made for the League.

TDD even repeatedly emphasized that for Hasegawa Tsuki, Matou Sakura's existence was more important than the entire Holy Grail War.

The definition of "imaginary number attribute" is similar to the concept of imaginary numbers in mathematics, symbolizing a realm that "does not exist but is considered to exist." It refers to phenomena that, while potentially existing, cannot be materialized in the material world.
Imaginary number magic, on the other hand, relies on the foundation of "possibility." Under normal circumstances, its instability needs to be compensated for through special rituals or external power sources such as the Holy Grail.
Nothing explains why an organization called the CYZ Alliance suddenly appeared in the historical inertia better than the Imaginary Number Magic.

Furthermore, by adopting this "interpretation," even if some "information leaks" occur in the future, the alliance can still keep the situation under its control.

The [CYZ Magic Base] will utilize the [CYZ Effect] as its power source, incorporating the [Imaginary Number Attribute], and will maintain the stability of its [Spell] effects.

In other words, this applies to both the Seven Chapters Sutra and phenomena related to characteristics such as timelines.

Once the relevant magical foundation is established, the alliance is expected to gain absolute dominance over the magical system.
After all, given that all the techniques use the CYZ effect as a key element, even the root cause can only attempt to construct a similar phenomenon.

This will minimize dependence on others and is the foundation of the Alliance's plans for the [Type-Moon Universe-001].

……

Next, all we need to do is wait for the summoning result.

Hasegawa Tsuki continued treating Matou Sakura while waiting for the summoning ritual to begin.

First, there is the blurring, blocking, or even deletion of her painful memories of the year she experienced at the Matou family.

After all, for a six-year-old child, those heavy burdens might be painful just to think about.

The cellular-level biological structure called the "external brain device" shields the pain mechanism and incorporates a "pseudo-response" mechanism.

This will satisfy the external manifestation of its "persona" within the "historical inertia".

Of course, the plan also took into account the possibility that [Matou Kariya] might not be able to stick to her own principles.

If he fails to summon Sherlock Holmes, Hasegawa Tsuki will choose Ryunosuke Amuro as a backup plan.

In fact, after being found by Hasegawa Tsuki, this villain was never able to truly kill another person.

What he faced were all "pseudo-humans" created by combining [doll magic] and [biological magic].

Especially the "child" he would ultimately use as a sacrifice.

Although I feel very sorry for the Junior Detective League children, that child's appearance has been altered to look exactly like one of them.

And if neither of these methods succeeds...

Hasegawa Tsuki had no choice but to consider becoming the first real user of the [CYZ Magic Base].

She will immediately remove Gilles de Rais, who was summoned as a Caster (or "Magician"), from the field.

Then, briefly switch to the timeline where you exist within the [spiritual structure], and use the stolen Command Seals to perform a second summoning.

Fortunately, Matou Kariya did not disappoint her.

……

The dimly lit insect enclosure underground exuded a putrid smell. The crawling sounds of the cyst insects on the surrounding walls, along with the sticky, damp air, filled the entire space. A narrow beam of light fell from overhead, illuminating the only relatively clean wooden floorboard.

"Have you memorized the summoning incantation?"

The voice came from the depths of darkness, carrying its usual gloom and malice.

That was Zouken Matou, a disgusting old magician who was like a "bloodsucker".

His current existence can no longer be described as "human". His limbs are as thin as a mummy, and his sunken eye sockets contain black eyeballs that look like insects.

—He even looks like a giant [Crest Worm].

Standing before the summoning ritual, Matou Kariya looked up and saw Zouken reveal his usual gloomy smile.

“Yan Ye, now I need you to add two extra verses of chanting.”

"What do you mean?" Matou Kariya's heart became alert.

The old man acted as if he were genuinely concerned for Kariya. He made no mention of how Berserkers, summoned as Berserkers, are usually mindless beings who drain mana without regard for their Master's safety.

"Don't you realize how terrible your manners are compared to other Masters?"

"As long as you add the [Berserk] attribute to the spell, the Servant's attributes will increase significantly. Moreover, Servants without reason are easier for you to control."

"No sense?"

Kariya Matou's heart sank, putting aside whether this guy was hiding something from him.

Without reason, how could he communicate with that Heroic Spirit, or even use it to help me rescue Sakura...?

Moreover, Matou Kariya remembered it very clearly.

Berserkers are often known for their "infamous" reputation as "destroyers".

If the person summoned is an irrational villain, will he help him rescue Sakura from the Matou family?
Indeed, the constant pain in his body reminded him that the culprit behind all of this was not only himself, but also the man named Tokiomi.

If it were during those days when his pain and hatred were at their most intense, perhaps Kariya Matou would have accepted Zouken Matou's suggestion to make Tokiomi Tohsaka experience the pain of losing everything, and to be caught in the vortex of revenge.

But that's just a hypothetical.

Hasegawa Tsuki uses a psychological intervention method—a combination of light and shadow, temperature fluctuations, and Matou Sakura's own poor condition—that has no magical influence whatsoever.

This allowed Kariya Matou, who had already calmed down, to think even more deeply.

He had already seen Sakura's blank expression.

It was an innocent soul hollowed out by pain and insects; it was an expression a child shouldn't have.

Even more subtly, another thought was stirring within Matou Kariya's mind—

He promised to take Sakura, Aoi, and Rin out to play.

What good would it do if I defeated Tokiomi Tohsaka?

That damned magician probably never considered Aoi and the others as his family.

Kariya Matou finally realized what he truly wanted to do.

He just... wanted to save the child.

Kariya Matou couldn't wait any longer; he had to rescue Sakura from this hellhole. He couldn't wait even a day longer.

What if you fail to win the Holy Grail War?

Although Zouken Matou is undoubtedly evil, this magician's assessment of his own summoning abilities is undoubtedly correct.

Even with the so-called "Berserk" spell, can he really obtain the Holy Grail?
"Kaniya, don't tell me you want to quit now because you're scared."

Zouken Matou didn't know why Kariya Matou hesitated at the last moment when he was summoned.

"Do I need to remind you that even if you withdraw, it will only be for about two months—"

"No, I want to summon using only artifacts."

Kariya Matou interrupted Zouken, staring into the man's eyes and telling him of his determination.

In an instant, the insect chamber fell silent, with only the sounds of wriggling remaining.

A hint of mockery flashed in Zouken's eyes. He naively thought that Kariya's brain might have been damaged by the [Marking Worm].

But he did not immediately refute it.

He simply wore that barely concealed malicious smile: "Have you thought it through? With your pathetic magic circuits?"

A strange surge of courage and anger welled up within me—anger at all of this.

Kariya Matou then vented his anger on Zouken.

"You yourself said that this is a relic that can summon powerful Servants, right? I want to use it, not your tricks of manipulating other people's will and bodies."

As he spoke, the Command Seals on the back of his hand lit up red, signaling the start of the summoning.

Zouken's lips twitched slightly. Kariya had almost insulted him by name, but the key was the sacred relic.

It would be terrible if that Servant were summoned using a different class.

Although Zouken didn't tell Kariya what this relic was related to, he knew very well about it himself.

That was something related to Lancelot, one of the twelve Knights of the Round Table of King Arthur, known as the "Knight of the Lake" and the "Flower of Knights".

If I don't summon him as a Berserker...

Zouken Matou was well aware that he clearly did not belong to the ranks of those so-called "knights" who welcomed him.

The mummy-like hand immediately took away the sacred relic placed in the very center the moment Kariya uttered the first incantation.

The ritual array then dimmed.

"In that case... we can't let this relic go to waste."

The old man's face suddenly darkened.

He felt that he had been tricked by Yan Ye.

After all, given the current situation, Zouken Matou can no longer find a temporary replacement to participate in the summoning of Servants.

"Besides, since you don't obey my orders..."

The [Marked Insects] in his body were clearly acting under Zouken's command, and the intense pain emanating from various parts of his body caused Kariya to instinctively kneel on the ground.

The blood vessels leading to his brain were choked by the worms until his face turned blue with pain and his consciousness became blurred.

The joy of about to summon a Heroic Spirit was swept away. After punishing Kariya for disobeying orders, Zouken Matou coldly uttered a few threats and then left the insect warehouse.

"It seems I can only wait for the Fifth Holy Grail War."

"Kaniya, I hope to see a decent result tomorrow."

"Otherwise... we really can't delay teaching that girl even for a moment."

In this extreme pain, the only remaining belief in Kariya's heart was neither hatred nor revenge.

Kariya Matou then offered his final prayer to the legendary Holy Grail and Throne of Heroes, which are said to answer wishes.

This man's yearning and plea for a miracle—

It was neither out of faith in magic, nor to prove oneself, nor was it a pursuit of the "root".

He never even dared to ask for a grand salvation for all humanity.

"Anyone who can rescue Sakura will do."

With the last of his strength, he spoke with a broken, fragmented voice.

Yan Ye compressed all her pain, regret, and longing into this moment, reciting in a trembling voice:

"Be full...be full...be full...be full...be full..."

The man convulsed, pleading with his own will for the help of any heroic spirit.

Each repetition was as heavy as a death knell, like the desperate cry of a dying man pounding on a coffin lid, echoing with his obsession and lamentation between the hollow insect walls underground.

He trembled as he chanted the name of the being who had brought him salvation:

“The cycle repeats itself, then five times; when it is full, it is time to discard it.”

Blood and foam rolled down his throat, and even his blind right eye bulged out of its socket from the pain of being summoned.

The detached eyeball faced the top of the ground before it was completely devoured by the [Marked Bugs] that rushed up to enjoy a meal.

Above them was darkness, where not even a single star could shine.

But Yan Ye knew that a full moon was trying to maximize the effectiveness of the ritual.

And perhaps it is because of this, or perhaps it is a coincidence of fate—at this very moment, in different corners of the world, other summoners are also chanting their own incantations.

Kiritsugu Emiya, Tokiomi Tohsaka, Waver Velvet, Kariya Matou...

At the same time, in different locations, these four individuals, yearning for that miracle and the crystallization of their wishes, made pleading requests to the heroic spirits far away on the Throne of Heroes.

"Declaration——

Your body is under my command, and my fate depends on your sword.

If one wishes to obey the Holy Grail's call, and follows this will and reason, then one should answer it.

In this dark and sunless insect warehouse, in the shadow of the full moon.

Matou Kariya then spoke with difficulty:
"I hereby swear—"

I am the one who has accomplished all the good deeds in the world.
I am the one who spreads all evil throughout the world.

The ground trembled slightly, and the patterns in the summoning circle seemed to be activated by some invisible force, shimmering like the pulse of blood vessels.

Yan Ye closed her eyes.

Now, all that remains in his heart is Sakura's small figure—that is his reason for living, and the meaning for which he is willing to die.

He used almost his last breath:
"You are bound by the three great incantations for seven days."

From the wheel of restraint—

Guardians of Libra—!

In an instant, the summoning circle burst forth with blinding white light, as if responding to the prayer cried out from hell.

Surprisingly—

Appearing in the ritual formation, appearing before Matou Kariya, was the figure of a child.

But after uttering his only request, the man recklessly and joyfully fell into a coma.

"Protect me, and that child named Sakura."

Kariya Matou knew that he had nothing to worry about anymore.

The last thing he saw before he fell into a coma was the basic information about the Heroic Spirit that every Master can see.

Heroic Spirit Panel: Sherlock Holmes
Class: Detective
Real name: Sherlock Holmes (■■■■■)
Alignment: Order·Good (Justice Alignment)
Attributes: Strength EX/Endurance EX/Agility EX/Magic Resistance EX/Luck EX/Noble Phantasm EX

This is enough.

Even though Kariya didn't have time to read the rest of the content.

But he knew that was absolutely enough.

(End of this chapter)