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

Chapter 334 Kenneth's love life is not smooth sailing

As the head of the Archibald family, a magician lineage that has continued for nine generations, Kenneth is undoubtedly a magician of outstanding achievements.

During his youth, no one could solve any problem more perfectly than him.

His efforts were not beyond the norm.

His talent simply allows him to excel in any research outcome compared to others.

A gifted and intelligent young man from a prestigious family, he not only inherited the imprint of generations of magical achievements, but also possesses rare talents commensurate with them.

Therefore, the title "the genius of the Clock Tower" was simply a given for Kenneth.

Moreover, his talent extends beyond just research.

Kenneth is also very adept at political maneuvering, even to the point of being quite skilled.

Just as he was able to become the youngest person in the history of the Spellcasting Department to become a lecturer, and thus be valued by the Minister of Spellcasting Science, Monarch Euphoris, who betrothed his daughter, Sora Nazele Sophial, to him.

This was undoubtedly a politically motivated marriage between two noble families, symbolizing the intertwined interests of the two elite lineages.

Surprisingly, however, Kenneth actually fell in love with the woman.

To be honest, it would be almost unbelievable if I hadn't heard it with my own ears. But it's like the saying goes, "Men conquer the world, women conquer men."

Even the head of House Archibald, one of the twelve monarchs of the Clock Tower.

This young and vibrant beauty, with her neat short hair as red as agate and her aloof temperament like winter snowflakes, made the proud magician bow his head in his heart.

Driven by an inexplicable feeling, Kenneth willingly became Sora's "captive" the moment he saw her.

He could even become her devoted follower.

But what troubled this genius was—

He loved Sola deeply, but he never saw a similar longing or adoration in his fiancée's eyes.

But I suppose that's only natural.

As a daughter of the Sophia family, Sora did not inherit the magic crest because she was not a legitimate son. This was undoubtedly a blow to Sora, whose magical talent far surpassed that of ordinary magicians.

Marriages based on politics rather than choice often evoke resistance.

Who would feel genuine affection for their fiancé after being told they would "belong" to a certain family?

Therefore, even though this marriage may seem to outsiders as another boost to the power of the Clock Tower noble faction, it may not necessarily bring happiness to the two people involved.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons why Kenneth came to participate in this Holy Grail War.

It wasn't just about adding a remarkable military achievement to my record; it was also because—

Perhaps when he demonstrates enough bravery, Sora will open her heart to him, just like the legendary maidens who fall for heroes.

……

Kenneth was absolutely confident that he could achieve perfect results.

How could a mere inferior magic family from the Far East possibly compare to one of the monarchs of the Clock Tower?

This is actually a statement of fact.

Based solely on a few pages of records about the Holy Grail War within the Clock Tower, and the analysis of the Command Seals on the back of the hand within just a few days.

This genius successfully altered the originally closed and sophisticated summoning system of the Holy Grail War.

Logically speaking, there should only be one causal link between a Servant and their Master—which is why Command Seals can even allow a Servant to transcend spatial distance and appear beside them.

However, thanks to his exceptional talent, Kenneth managed to separate his magical energy from the Command Seal's circuitry without any effect.

He entrusted the task of supplying Lancer with magic to his fiancée, thus giving him more magic to deal with others.

Just like the Hyatt Hotel where they are now—

At this moment, the thirty-second floor of this tall building has been completely transformed into a solemn and terrifying magic workshop.

The nobleman booked an entire floor and completely renovated it as his base.

Putting aside the twenty-four layers of barriers, and the dozens of evil spirits and curses roaming the corridors and corners like bloodthirsty hounds, even ordinary heroic spirits would find it difficult to break through.

The following point truly demonstrates that Kenneth's talent has reached a terrifying level.

This genius has transformed the corridors and some key passageways into another world.

Yes, in a true sense, he replaced a portion of the hostile alien dimension onto the "body" of the planet, transforming it into an incredibly deadly trap.

In fact, this kind of "grand magic" that is close to magic is enough to make all magicians believe that it can be maintained for a long time.

"—【The Magic Furnace of the Three Foundations】."

Amidst a deep rumble, the massive magic furnace pulsed rhythmically like a heart, releasing intense and powerful magic.

Kenneth turned slightly to Sora beside him, inviting her to witness the true nature of a monarch and to show her just how well he had prepared for this "small Holy Grail War".

Just as he had expected, Sora's cold demeanor had unusually disappeared.

The girl's eyes widened slightly, and Kenneth could even see a hint of surprise and astonishment in her pupils.

"This is—the El-Melloi family's highest-ranking formal attire?!"

Sora's tone, though questioning, carried an air of awe, as if he had witnessed a miracle.

Kenneth nodded slightly, a touch of aristocratic pride naturally emanating from him.

The implicit praise in Sora's tone made Kenneth even happier.

"It was the result of modifying the El-Melloi family's former Supreme Mystic Code—based on the highest level of fantasy unearthed from the spirit tomb Albion—before I invented the [Moon Spirit Essence Fluid].

The older it is, the more mysterious it becomes; and the more mysterious it is, the more powerful it is.

The Spirit Tomb [Albion] is an endless labyrinth formed from the remains of the ultimate life form, the Albion Dragon, which existed since the beginning of Earth's birth. It contains 4.6 billion years of life information and mysteries.

Based on the "mystery" unearthed from it, the [Three Foundations Magic Furnace] possesses a complete form that is inexhaustible no matter how much it is drawn from.

This also demonstrates the magician's omnipotence.

Relying on this seemingly inexhaustible magic, it can even resist the planet's own modifications to barriers and alternate dimensions.

……

Sora, of course, understood the underlying meaning in Kenneth's words—a boast about his own talent.

Because the highest symbol of the El-Melloi family is no longer this magnificent magical furnace before us.

At this moment, Sora's eyebrows unconsciously rose, and even his expression became dignified.

Even she had to admit that Kenneth truly possessed talent and ability that were unparalleled.

The powerful Mystic Code in front of him, capable of supplying energy to the entire magic workshop independently without relying on the earth's veins, had been "retired" from its symbolic position in the family line long before Kenneth turned twenty-five.

This was simply because Kenneth believed that things with magic power lacked aesthetic appeal, hence the creation of the magical costume.

——【Moon Spirit Marrow Liquid】.

Using a heavy 140 kilograms of mercury as its core carrier, and combining the fluid and invisible physical properties of mercury with its own superb fluid manipulation magic, it is a self-governing weapon.

It can automatically defend, automatically locate enemies, and automatically attack without requiring commands...

Whether it's the flowing, integrated shield for defense, or the high-intensity water pressure that transforms it into a blade capable of cutting through metal and stone—mercury's properties, combined with the enhancement of magic and spells, make it a truly versatile combat outfit.

More importantly, it was the most powerful computational machine in the entire El-Melloi school.

This is the real reason why it truly became the highest-ranking formal dress.

After all, for a magician, fighting personally is undoubtedly a condescending act—that's usually the job of a magician.

Advancing the research of magic and fulfilling one's own or one's family's "Grand Order" is the true path a magician should take.

Therefore, compared to the magic furnace, which can be replaced by resources such as ley lines, the [Moon Spirit Essence Liquid], which can greatly assist research, obviously has a higher significance and value.

In a sense, Kenneth could be described as being "blinded by love".

After all, before the Fourth Holy Grail War, this was just a ritual that had never been successfully performed in the Far East and had never attracted the attention or importance of the magic world.

However, the "Three Foundations Magic Furnace" is a renowned treasure in the entire magic world.

If information about Kenneth appearing in Fuyuki City wearing this outfit is leaked.

It is estimated that a large number of magicians will soon appear here in an attempt to obtain it, thus launching another war in the city.

In fact, in this magic workshop, besides the magic furnace and the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid, there are three more formal garments whose power is only slightly inferior, which he has carefully placed deep within the barrier.

At that moment, Kenneth proudly introduced to Sora the effort and energy he had put into this magic workshop as a magician.

His brows radiated a confidence bordering on aggressive.

Sora's expression initially showed some shock, but it quickly faded like the tide.

This girl, who was unable to inherit the magic crest and study magic, quickly lost interest.

For this woman who had always been like a princess trapped in a castle, Kenneth's description was both tedious and boring.

To her, such a presentation was as tedious as a programmer enthusiastically explaining his algorithm to a lover who had never touched a computer, using jargon full of code.

Although Kenneth was standing right in front of her, Sora felt as if they were completely isolated from each other.

Her gaze drifted between Kenneth's enthusiastic figure, and her thoughts gradually wandered away. For some reason, the more dazzling the aura Kenneth exuded, the more her inner turmoil spread and grew like weeds sprouted by the sun.

……

Driven by some inexplicable emotion, Sora instinctively retorted, her tone tinged with impatience and skepticism:

"No matter how skillful the magic, it can only be considered support against a Heroic Spirit, right?"

"The enemy won't be foolish enough to barge in unprepared. Besides, isn't Lancer's Noble Phantasm perfectly effective against anything imbued with magic? If he—"

"Miss Sora, please stop talking."

A deep, steady voice suddenly rang out in the room, like another invisible spear positioned between Sora and Kenneth, stopping her from continuing.

The owner of the voice was none other than Dirumdo Audina.

This is the "Radiant Face," the chief warrior of the Irish Fiona Knights, hailed as "unparalleled in the world" in Celtic mythology.

Now, in the Fourth Holy Grail War, he has answered the summons as a Lancer.

“To go any further would be an insult to my lord—as a knight, my duty is to assist my lord in seizing the Holy Grail.”

Lancer's voice carried a knightly dignity and composure as he asked Sora a question.

"Or are you questioning my loyalty to my lord, Diarmuid?"

The spirit-like magic paused for a moment, then continued to explain:
"Moreover, while my [Red Rose of Exorcism] can nullify magic defenses, it has absolutely no effect on contracts, curses, or magical effects that have already been formed in the past."

"The workshop built by the lord is undoubtedly a very complete fortress."

These words slightly calmed Kenneth's initial displeasure at being interrupted, and even seemed to ease the tension in his heart a little.

However, when his gaze turned to Sora, the shadow between his brows immediately lengthened again.

Kenneth's fiancée's behavior cast a shadow over his heart and even ignited a spark of jealousy.

Sora seemed completely unconcerned by Lancer's explanation, nor did he cast an admiring glance at him as he had expected.

Instead, she simply looked at the magic that appeared in the air, her beautiful eyes lowered with a slight embarrassment at her slip of the tongue.

Kenneth's face turned pale at his fiancée's behavior.

In fact, the magician was not satisfied with summoning Lancer as his familiar—

Yes, he didn't think Heroic Spirits were anything worthy of respect. Like all normal magicians, he saw them as nothing more than familiars copied from the [Seat].

The fact that the intended catalyst was stolen by the students was already upsetting enough, but the heroic spirit summoned because the plan was disrupted was even more dishonest.

Unlike Sora's view of this loyal and devoted man, Kenneth had certainly heard about Lancer's past:

Diarmuid eloped with his fiancée Grani because he fell in love with the monarch. Even with Finn ordering a nationwide manhunt, Diarmuid refused to fight his former comrades, choosing to repeatedly run away to protect his choice.

But in Kenneth's eyes, it wasn't romance and loyalty, but a mixture of betrayal and blind obedience—

A man who broke his vows and had an affair with his monarch's fiancée dared to claim that this summons was only to "fulfill an unfinished duty from a previous life" and to once again serve a monarch, without having any desire for the Holy Grail itself.

It's utterly hypocritical and ridiculous!
……

Perhaps this is the characteristic exhibited by Luck E—

People with luck level E always end up with tragic outcomes when they pursue what they desire.

Even though the knight before him solemnly declared that he did not covet the Holy Grail, but only wished to fulfill the unfinished duty of his life and wield his sword for his lord until the very last moment...

Considering Lancer's past and the significance of "responding to the Holy Grail's call," who would completely believe such an explanation?
Kenneth, anyway, wouldn't believe it.

Just like now, he coldly ordered Lancer with a condescending air:

"Lancer—since you are going to lift the Holy Grail for me, then today you will act as my familiar and go to the Tohsaka family to monitor their movements."

In Kenneth's view, the movements of the three starter families were the most important piece of intelligence in this war.

According to current information, the Matou family's Heroic Spirit, Berserker, has announced its withdrawal due to losing control.

Although this is clearly a tactical scheme by the Matou family, it symbolizes that Berserker has become a piece that is detached from the board and difficult to track in the short term.

The Tohsaka family, however, is different.

After all, as the ley lines managers of Fuyuki City, the Tohsaka family cannot be like other families and not care about their mansion.

According to Kenneth's perception of magical energy flow, there is an extremely high intensity of magical energy fluctuation remaining near the Tohsaka family's residence, which is very likely the aftershock of the [Anti-Castle Noble Phantasm].

Of course, this is actually a wonderful misunderstanding.

In reality, those were merely "traces" left behind from the destruction of the earth caused by Gilgamesh and Conan Edogawa, which were instantly restored by the power of time.

The ley line magic that was suddenly destroyed and then reappeared clearly demonstrated an extremely powerful magic index.

But Kenneth was unaware of these things.

Remembering that the Clock Tower recorded the Tohsaka family's expertise in Jewel Magic, he forcibly cleared away the complicated thoughts in his mind.

Kenneth even changed his opinion of the magician named Tokiomi Tohsaka.

After all, based on what he found about Tokiomi Tohsaka's patented techniques recorded at the Clock Tower, that magician was just a minor figure who had registered a few "jewel magic" patents.

With mediocre talent, he is undoubtedly just an ordinary person.

"But now it seems that he can mobilize the magic power of the spiritual veins so quickly, and even restore what is damaged..."

This is not something a "mediocre person" could do.

That's right, who would register their family's secret technique as a publicly available technique within the Mage's Association?
The thought that he was not just competing with an ordinary person on the path of demonic cultivation replaced the contempt in Kenneth's heart with a rare fighting spirit.

He even felt a rare surge of fighting spirit.

Given their ability to wield such immense magical power, the Heroic Spirits of the Tohsaka family would undoubtedly be formidable adversaries.

With this in mind, the magician cleared his mind of distractions and, with keen judgment, continued to give Lancer orders:

"Remember, Lancer—regardless of whether the Tohsaka family's Heroic Spirits appear, this is just a reconnaissance mission. Do not venture deep into their workshops, and even more so, do not engage them rashly."

Kenneth paused, then continued, "This is only the first day of the Holy Grail War."

Diarmuid fully understood his lord's meaning.

A golden light condensed in the air. He knelt down, bowing his head and letting his spear hang at his sides, his hands resting on the hilt. The knight's elegant and dignified posture was impeccable.

Dirumdo's voice was calm and steady.

"Understood, my lord."

"I will never linger in battle."

……

Kenneth's gaze returned to his fiancée standing to the side.

Sora's eyes held an unprecedented reverence and longing—Kenneth truly wished she looked at him that way.

But at this moment, all such longing was poured into the "glorious appearance" before him.

Kenneth snorted inwardly, feeling a vague and inexplicable displeasure. The doubts that Lancer's oath had just dispelled were now resurfacing in his mind.

Kenneth suppressed his emotions and decided in his mind to add some more orders.

This is by no means entirely due to jealousy.

In fact, his judgment was exactly the same as that of Tokiomi Tohsaka, Waver, and Kiritsugu Emiya at the time.

This near-destructive plundering of the ley lines is undoubtedly Caster's Noble Phantasm effect.

Such a "scorched earth" tactic would be a huge blow to any participant or heroic spirit.

Fortunately-

Kenneth turned his head and glanced at the magic furnace he had carefully tuned.

"Fortunately, I made ample preparations."

But that smile was fleeting—no matter how powerful the source of magic, it could never compare to the gifts of the earth's veins.

Even though the output power of the furnace core is stable, it cannot compare to the ether that Gaia directly dissipates.

Moreover, the key to a Heroic Spirit's battle is not who can live the longest; a powerful burst of energy in an instant can sometimes defeat an enemy with far more magic power than he has.

Kenneth clarified his thoughts and then issued a supplementary order in a stern tone:

"Also, if there are no new developments from the Tohsaka family tonight, you don't need to hide your whereabouts tomorrow. Follow the ley lines that have been completely looted—see if Caster has left any traces of magic."

Lancer lowered his head even further, almost imperceptibly.

He knew very well that his lord's trust in him was always limited.

Even the way Miss Sora looked at him overlapped with a memory from the past—a complex gaze that he was already used to and extremely familiar with.

The radiant light of his spirit form enveloped him once more, and under Sora's slightly worried gaze, Lancer knelt on one knee, solemnly and heavily swearing an oath to Kenneth:

"I will obey my Lord's orders."

"I swear in the name of a knight—I will bring you victory."

(End of this chapter)