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

Chapter 327 Ci Insists on Taking Command of the Army—Conan's Original Plan Was to Save 50 Billion People (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)
"Are you saying... that the historical inertia of this universe is still very dangerous?"

Looking at Conan, who had suddenly fallen silent, Hasegawa Tsuki hesitated before speaking.

"But whether it's [Matou Kariya] or [Wave], the alliance's operations have gone very smoothly, haven't they?"

She doesn't quite understand.

If the inertia of history remains extremely dangerous—

Why did the alliance's previous interference with Webber and others seem to go so smoothly?

Conan did not answer the question.

"moon."

The silent detective finally spoke in a low voice.

"There's something I need to tell you."

The moment Conan finished speaking, time seemed to slow down.

Even the image on the projection that was monitoring Kiritsugu Emiya in real time seemed to be frozen at that moment.

The extinguished cigarette butt, about to be thrown into the trash can, lingered in the air along with the white smoke that was about to dissipate.

Clearly, time has been paused at the Alliance base at this moment.

For Conan and Hasegawa Tsuki, who exist in the form of a "timeline," this is undoubtedly equivalent to an extra long period of time.

Hasegawa Tsuki's heart tightened at Conan's expression.

Her fingers quietly clenched the hem of her clothes.

My heart started beating faster involuntarily because of the tense atmosphere.

The moon felt her throat suddenly become dry for some reason.

"W-What is it?"

……

In fact, ever since Conan and Hasegawa Tsuki arrived in this universe, the Alliance has been tacitly avoiding and deliberately ignoring a problem.

But now, Conan has finally reached a point where he can neither avoid nor escape.

He personally uncovered the traces of the "fourth party" hidden behind layers of disguise.

And that's why he could no longer turn a blind eye—

The question is, why does the league need to make so many plans?

If the Alliance's true goal is merely to escape this universe and reach the legendary "inner world"...

Then they would have had the opportunity to achieve this goal long ago.

—Sakura Matou, an extremely rare [Imaginary Attribute] mage, is already under the control of the Alliance.

— Webber and Kenneth, these two young and exceptionally talented magicians, have also entered the predetermined path.

—The structural principles and core data of the Lesser Grail, the Grail itself, and the Command Seals system will soon be delivered by Zouken Matou, and analysis will obviously not be difficult.

—In terms of energy supply, the entire Fuyuki City's geological resources, combined with the timeline capabilities, are more than sufficient.

Furthermore, if the alliance were willing to force growth now and directly sacrifice [Matou Sakura] and [Illya], it would be even more feasible.

So the Alliance can now escape this universe that is a "trap".

However, if there is a concern about losing possibilities on the "inside of the world".

If you're worried that the enemy is still on guard in the [Inner Sea of ​​Stars], heading to the [Outer World] is even simpler.

after all--

If the enemy is truly "conscious" [Gaia], [Alaya], or even [Satellite]

The alliance's previous concerns were understandable.

But now it seems that beings like Alaya are indeed confined to their own personas, only reacting to threats.

All the previous actions were merely the result of that fourth party misleading the Alliance into believing that the three major entities in the entire [universe] had launched an attack on the Alliance.

Thus, considering the vastly different "influence" the person behind the scenes had on Heroic Spirits versus on Waver, Sakura Matou, Kariya, and others—

Whether it's that he can't interfere with the existence of these non-Heroic Spirits, or that he simply doesn't care about the outcome of the Holy Grail War.

Making a wish to travel to the Root through the Holy Grail is actually a very simple thing.

The league just needs to do nothing.

Just wait.

Just watching quietly—

When the inertia of history naturally leads Kiritsugu Emiya towards the ultimate fate of "destroying the Holy Grail"...

The alliance can then act at that moment.

Then, at the end of this tragedy, to stop Artoria from destroying the Holy Grail, and in exchange for saving the world, Kiritsugu Emiya is asked to grant his wish to go to the Root.

No extra battles or risks are needed.

Just "wait".

It's just a matter of waiting.

As for the final outcome of this world—

Why save someone in a universe destined to be cut?
Furthermore, this can be seen from the various bizarre and strange phenomena of this "universe".

Does it actually exist?

This doubt about its authenticity has always been buried deep in Conan's heart.

And in this way—

The Alliance could have waited until they were out of this universe before calmly redesigning their plans, saving other worlds, and uncovering the truth.

After all, there are so many "archives" in this "universe", aren't there?
—That almost endless parallel world.

The alliance could have made further plans after reaching either the outer or inner side of the world.

……

This is indeed reminiscent of Gilgamesh's assessment of Artoria:
"Arrogance also comes in two forms."

"One reason is that one's ability is too small; the other is that one's ambition is too great."

"The former is nothing but commonplace stupidity. But the latter is extremely rare, even a rare gem."

In a sense, the alliance is the latter.

They are far too kind and benevolent.

It could even be described as incredibly foolish.

However, those who actually see what lies beneath what is called "benevolence" often feel an almost chilling emotion.

They would find it too extreme, arrogant, and haughty.

Just like the Conqueror King's assessment of the [Detect Evil] spell—

What kind of forces would believe that everything they do is "correct" and "just"?
But faced with such a "grand ambition" and such a "terrifying" ideology.

Even Kiritsugu Emiya, the man who gave up everything for peace, seemed somewhat mediocre, even insignificant.

because--

How could anyone want to build a real, authentic utopia?

Perhaps Kiritsugu Emiya would resent the deaths brought by war and wish to create a world where no one would cry.

But will he try to eliminate natural disasters?

Will they try to solve human aging and even death?

Would he wish to eliminate all known and unknown suffering that humanity has experienced, may experience, or will experience?

Even when faced with a miracle like the Holy Grail, Kiritsugu Emiya's ultimate wish was nothing more than "world peace."

But what Conan wants to do goes far beyond such a superficial "change".

What he wanted to do was save "everything".

If we were to pinpoint the origin of this extreme view, it might simply stem from a businessman named Lin Sheng's desire to atone for past regrets.

But as time goes on, when that person has enough power to truly carry out their will...

The result was completely different.

Just as the fate of this universe has already proven—

Therefore, all beings in this universe can create their own cause-and-effect chain in their timeline according to their own preferences.

Each timeline can be woven, dreamlike and fantastical, into a "past" leading to victory and happiness.

—A utopia that truly belongs to everyone in the [Detective Conan Universe-001].

For Conan Edogawa, who "has actually done it before," giving up without trying his best is not an option.

It was something he found hard to accept.

Perhaps it's because Conan Edogawa has never truly escaped his established persona;
Perhaps it was after becoming a Heroic Spirit that this identity made him equally obsessed with this "long-cherished wish";
or--

It is this [Type-Moon Universe] itself that is shaping every being with "ideals" through an irresistible metaphysical law.

Conan wanted both.

The alliance wants both.

Like those “refuges” that sprang up overnight as if by miracle.

Like——

Since the arrival of the Heroic Spirit named Sherlock Holmes in Fuyuki City.

The city's crime and mortality rates.

—It's zero.

Death is suspended, and the crimes committed are punished accordingly.

And since then, all the omens of evil have been gently and silently "corrected".

Just as described in the records since the founding of the alliance.

—Victory after victory, victory after victory.

Even a temporary sacrifice can be quickly redeemed.

Failure exists only in the process, not in the outcome.

Miracles should be cheap for the league.

……

Conan showed how he had subtly interfered with the "cause and effect" and "behavior" trajectories of all the ordinary people in the city during this period of time.

Hasegawa Tsuki covered her mouth in surprise.

She had no idea that her superior had done so much during this time.

However, Conan now gave Hasegawa Tsuki a faint, bitter smile.

"After all, these people are just 'background'."

"After using the puppet to bewitch Ryunosuke Uryu, as long as the Holy Grail has not yet poured down with that malevolent fire, no one knows whether there have been any casualties in Fuyuki City."

Conan briefly explained why his actions were not interfered with.

Then, his tone became subdued.

"But... this is all I can do."

Without a doubt, no one would accuse the detective of not doing enough.

He has reached his limit, the best he can achieve, and it would be difficult for anyone to find any problems with him.

But if you compare everything Conan has accomplished so far with the plan he truly wants to achieve—

It will appear incredibly small.

Conan felt that his coming to this [Type-Moon Universe] might have been a mistake.

If it were a doctor or a red-haired girl, they would probably have made a decisive decision long ago.

he thinks.

In some ways, Hasegawa Tsuki was even more suited to face this situation and make decisions than he was.

Conan did not mean to belittle Hasegawa Tsuki.

He knew very well that if faced with the choice of abandoning this universe, Hasegawa Tsuki might feel sadness, shed tears, and mourn everything that was about to pass away...

But in the end, she was able to accept it.

But what about Conan himself?

He originally thought he could accept it.

But now, his heart tells him that he can't do it.

……

Therefore, this wise man's "arrogance" has finally brought him bitter fruit.

Think about it.

These calculations for all parties, those incredibly detailed plans, the arrangements for every single person involved…

Is it really just so the Alliance can have a base in the Type-Moon universe?

If the goal is simply to evacuate a few people, a dozen people, or even a hundred people, then follow the approaching "hole" to the "outer side of the world."

As I just said, the league doesn't need to do anything.

All you need to do is strike at the last second.

The ten-string CYZ effect is more than enough.

Therefore, the path these plans ultimately lead to...

It seems that from beginning to end, the goal was to save the entire "world" that was about to be cut apart.

"...After all, it's only five billion people."

Conan then presented the plan, which had become increasingly refined after his discussions with TDD:

"Using the world's ley lines as the central hub of communication;

Using [inherent time-based imperial control] and timelines as means;
The result was a creation called the 'Clothes of Heaven', created using the Third Law;

The Holy Grail itself serves as the mechanism;
"Use the hole leading to the [Root] as a retreat route..."

Looking at the detailed plan, Hasegawa Tsuki suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with undisguised shock and confusion.

"To grant everyone a momentary [materialization of their souls]?!"

Hasegawa Tsuki had to admit that this plan was far too bold and risky.

She looked at Conan with disbelief: "This...can this really work?"

Conan nodded slightly.

"If we can 'transfer' success to the outside of the world, we will succeed."

“We did not influence the course of the Fourth Holy Grail War, therefore, this does not contradict the principle of historical inertia.”

"Because we left at the very moment the cut was finished."

"In other words, we are progressing along the normal 'pan-human history' route, which is completed through the pruning process of the universe's own normal operation."

"Unless the system of the Type-Moon universe 'rebels' against a mechanism like the 'Cut-Offs,' we will be fine."

Conan's tone at this moment was surprisingly calm, even carrying a chilling rationality.

"Moon, do you remember? I once said that the physical laws of this world are actually just a layer of fabric covering the surface of the earth."

"To achieve a perfect ending, we only need to set up a celestial realm belonging to the CYZ Alliance on the outer side of the world, reproduce the rules of this universe, and then we can define a perfect spacetime."

……

Hasegawa Tsuki bit her lip.

For some reason, despite it being a near-perfect plan, she felt an inexplicable sense of unease.

It's not that she doesn't believe in Conan.

Rather, it's a sense of disorientation and bewilderment when suddenly faced with a major decision.

Faced with such a miracle that seems destined to change the world, one's own existence seems to become light and unreal.

She subconsciously tried to find flaws in the plan.

"Then... then isn't a planet's energy finite?"

"If we were to materialize the souls of five billion people... wouldn't that lead to an even greater cost? Wouldn't it cause other—"

Conan silenced Hasegawa Tsuki with just one sentence.

"The Moon, the Third Law, is a phenomenon from the Root that triggers a 'transformation'—not dependent on the planet's energy."

Conan paused for a moment, then stated the question she wanted to ask next and answered it.

"If you are worried about the effects of the evil in this world, my anti-evil Noble Phantasm can just eliminate it."

Now, the same silence is reflected in Hasegawa Tsuki.

This plan sounds like it has no problems at all.

Furthermore, if the plan succeeds, then both the main base and the allies that can be utilized—

With a total of 50 billion people accepting the existence of [Soul Materialization], they are more than enough to constitute the Alliance's members in the [Type-Moon Branch].

Even without any further support from the alliance, the alliance can almost be considered invincible.

So why doesn't the alliance comply?
Why is it that after Conan finished speaking, there wasn't a trace of a victor's gleam in his eyes?

Instead, it carries an unusually obvious sense of "pain"?

In fact, Hasegawa Tsuki's inner unease and subconscious rebuttal just now stemmed from Conan's obvious expression.

Looking at that child-like figure, all alone, huddled in the chair with an unprecedented sense of loneliness and exhaustion.

She cautiously began to ask:
"Then...why not follow this plan?"

In fact, Hasegawa Tsuki has now realized just how terrible what Conan is trying to tell her is.

Without a doubt, just as Mr. Kudo had never told himself about this plan before.

The source of Conan's pain and sorrow throughout his life is—

He plans to abandon the plan.

As for Conan, he even hates his own intelligence.

Because he exists as a [timeline], he has deleted that plan countless times.

But as a detective, he has now "derived" that conclusion once again.

His wisdom repeatedly forced him back to the end of the plan, an end that meant he had to abandon it.

In fact, the more he knew, the harder it was for him to bear the possible consequences.

Conan looked up.

He looked up at the names engraved on the walls and ceiling of the [Execution Hall] with a strange expression.

Then he slowly began to speak.

"Hasegawa... I've realized that this plan might not work."

The room suddenly felt a few degrees colder.

Conan then explained why the plan might not be feasible.

"Because the universe itself has a flawed structure, because of that damned historical inertia!"

A very important premise of this plan.

In this universe, the power of character design can overcome the inertia of history itself.

……

God knows how overjoyed Conan was when he first concluded that in this universe, the power of character design far outweighs the power of historical inertia.

At that moment, he even felt that he had grasped the smallest yet most crucial loophole in the entire universe.

After all, that makes perfect sense, doesn't it?
Since the data clearly states that the Type-Moon Universe is a system with countless parallel worlds.

So--

A universe destined to be cut and end.

Shouldn't there be a great chance of success at the end of his life, on a path that was "never imagined"?
"Even if this 'error' to the universe itself only lasts for the shortest time, it will be enough for me and for the world."

However, Conan has now discovered his so-called "tacit understanding" with the person behind the scenes.

How excited and thrilled I used to be.

After confirming that Gilgamesh was still proceeding along the original trajectory of historical inertia—

That's how complicated and painful it becomes.

Regardless of whether the person behind it did anything to the "newly downloaded" Gilgamesh,
Whether it's through the Throne of Heroes or by using the name of Alaya to interfere with the Alliance...

Conan was mentally prepared.

But in the end, the other party did nothing.

"Gilgamesh, who burned his spirit origin, has no way of sending back even a single message to the Throne of Heroes."

"But after being reset, he began his actions with the memories of the day before the Holy Grail War began."

"Whether intentional or unintentional, it is nothing more than attributing the reason for the inertia of history to that fourth party, or the inertia of history itself."

"In other words, our premise is very likely wrong."

Conan sighed deeply.

"And a breakthrough in character design might indeed allow those who possess it to survive."

"But this also means that saving everyone has become an impossible option."

"Perhaps characters like Waver, Kariya Matou, and Kenneth can break free from their destiny by relying on some extreme trait in their personalities."

"But others can no longer do it, because I cannot give each of these five billion people a grimoire before the Holy Grail War ends."

Conan paused for a moment, then continued to deny the possibility.

"Even if it could be done—I'm afraid the Alaya consciousness would no longer remain 'silent,' but would directly manifest itself and interfere with us accordingly."

After all, this is a universe where there is no [timeline].

How can Conan make the "result" of the world happen before the "cause"?

……

"But... isn't this just one possibility?"

Hasegawa Tsuki spoke softly, raising her head with a faint yet resolute light in her eyes.

Her voice revealed an optimism.

"Isn't your judgment based on the premise that the person behind it all truly understands the [shell] mechanism?"

“Yes…” Conan sighed, “They are all just possibilities.”

But Conan was telling himself this in his heart.

But precisely because of this, I cannot let Hasegawa Tsuki take such a risk.

He clapped his hands and stood in front of Hasegawa Tsuki.

"so--"

"Councilor Hasegawa Tsuki, what is your decision?"

"Eh—?! My... decision?!"

For a moment, Hasegawa Tsuki almost thought he had misheard.

Under Conan's calm yet complex gaze, she suddenly took a step back without realizing it.

Then, as if instinctively avoiding some invisible pressure, he subconsciously raised his hand and pointed to himself.

"Yes, your decision."

At this moment, his eyes revealed a completely equal and rational respect—the gaze of someone facing a true executive member of parliament, not a "child" who needed care.

"After all, the Alliance sent me here on only two missions:"

"First, to save you; second, to try and find new clues about the [shell]."

"—On the premise of ensuring your safety."

Conan tried to make his tone as nonchalant as possible.

"After all, these extra plans are ultimately just because of my own selfish motives..."

A faint, self-deprecating smile appeared on Conan's lips.

He bitterly admitted to himself that he had ultimately done it anyway...

what the hell.

In the end, didn't we still have to compromise?
No matter how much you try to convince yourself, don't you still give up in the end?

The choice is between the possibility of saving 50 billion lives and preserving the strength of the alliance, and preventing Hasegawa Tsuki's life from being endangered.

Didn't I still choose the latter?

Of course, deep down, he might be more condemning his own "despicable" behavior.

He clearly could have—

Delete that plan immediately and never let anyone know about it.

That way, everything won't feel so heavy.

That difficult and painful choice had to be borne by him alone.

And now-

He, however, pushed this painful decision onto the shoulders of both of them.

"That's not the case!"

Hasegawa Tsuki's voice had never sounded so powerful and resolute.

"Is the Alliance's attempt to save this universe solely due to its own selfish motives?"

"Besides, hasn't your plan already given us a lot of valuable information?"

That dashing face approached Conan, carrying a hint of underlying anger.

Conan felt that this member of the alliance, who was usually somewhat mild-mannered, had never looked so aggressive before.

For a time, Conan was so overwhelmed that he couldn't even lift his head.

For Hasegawa Tsuki, she would not allow anyone to discredit the principles upheld by the League—not even Conan himself.

As the saying goes, a kind heart cannot command an army.

But at this moment, the alliance's "mercy" is determined to try this approach.

The alliance is determined to save everything!
An unusual determination appeared on Hasegawa Tsuki's face.

"Let's proceed with this plan! As an executive member, I vote in favor!"

Any admonition now seems like a desecration of this belief.

Conan nodded seriously.

Then, he instructed TDD to hide the plan specifically set up for Hasegawa Tsuki in the most urgent situation, with the permissions of the [Core Layer] members, and then turned to look at the paused Kiritsugu screen.

—What kind of logic is it for adults to let children charge ahead?
For [Conan Edogawa]

This detective, who would never change his principles, was prepared to sacrifice himself in the end.

He paused, then looked at Hasegawa Tsuki.

"Then let's give it a try."

Hasegawa Tsukiryou nodded as she watched Conan send the plan he had prepared to Hisayu Maiya, who was anxiously waiting in the room.

She frowned, as if she had suddenly remembered something.

"Mr. Kudo...you're not hiding anything from me, are you?"

Conan's body stiffened almost imperceptibly.

"Don't worry, there's definitely none left!"

"Besides, aren't you and I both executive-level councilors?"

Huh? It seems that's really the case!
Hasegawa Tsuki suddenly remembered that she seemed to be "on the same level" as a certain detective.

She glanced down at the TDD on her wrist and decided to have TDD review all of Conan's plans later.

Noticing the message she sent to TDD, Conan lowered his head and smiled gently.

—He's a member of the [core] level.

However, this also resolved my last remaining worry.

Even if I eventually disappear because of it.

By now, Yue Liang should be able to grow into a qualified executive councilor.

(End of this chapter)