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

Chapter 341 Gilgamesh and Tokiomi's Beautiful Misunderstanding
Perhaps it is because that hidden land has concealed too much history and buried too many mysteries in the past.

Magicians almost instinctively prefer to set up their workshops underground.

The Matou family's insect storage and the Tohsaka family's cellar workshop are examples of this.

Of course, besides being more concealed and safer, the most important point is always the spiritual vein.

Compared to the Great Source Magic that easily dissipates in the air, the solid earth inherently symbolizes "bearing" and "containing".

To draw an analogy, workshops located underground are always more likely to be "favored" by spiritual veins, making it easier for them to succeed in summoning spells and creating barriers.

For example, the arrival of the Holy Grail.

In addition to the souls of at least six Heroic Spirits as a source of magical power, its manifestation also requires a ley line node with abundant and stable energy.

In Fuyuki City, there are three such locations—

Mount Enzo, the Tohsaka family mansion, and the Fuyuki Church.

This is also the fundamental reason why Tokiomi Tohsaka was extremely nervous about the disappearance of the ley lines, and why Gilgamesh was willing to go and investigate before.

It's worth noting that this golden king, even when the great sea monster was about to actually enter the city and cause destruction and casualties like a monster in a tokusatsu film, decided to let it do as it pleased because he didn't want to be the "gardener trimming the garden."

Compared to things like the destruction of an entire city.

Perhaps in the eyes of this hero-king, the interception and disappearance of the earth's veins is an even more intolerable thing.

Even setting aside the mastermind's intentions in using such immense magical power, the mere fact that it would "make Fuyuki's Holy Grail ritual disappear forever" was enough to be unacceptable to both Tokiomi Tohsaka and Gilgamesh.

Gilgamesh responded to the summons not only because of the relics, but also because of his desire to "punish the thief who stole his treasures."

Besides, he hasn't had enough fun yet!
Such a slinking away is truly beneath the king's dignity.

……

Therefore, when the base in front of him was inlaid with various gems, the gems representing the nodes of the earth veins no longer broke or dimmed.

Furthermore, one of the spiritual veins closer to their residence seemed to have been refilled, regaining its radiant shine as if it had never been depleted.

Tokiomi Tohsaka finally let out a long sigh of relief.

The burden in my heart finally lifted, and the somewhat anxious mood calmed down as my tense body relaxed.

"Has it been resolved?"

He whispered to himself.

Although that king unilaterally blocked his connection with himself through his inherent skill of "acting alone".

However, based on the condition of the spiritual veins and his sense of Archer's general condition, Tokiomi Tohsaka deduced that the situation had calmed down.

Even without using a barrier to prevent the Master and Servant from communicating, the existence of Command Seals still allows Tokiomi Tohsaka to vaguely grasp the state of his Servant.

After all, this is a miracle formed based on the "causal bond" between the master and the servant.

Not long ago, the king seemed to have encountered a great enemy. Not only did he draw away a large amount of his magic power, but his aura also plummeted, and he was even on the verge of being annihilated.

"Just now... it must have been my imagination."

Tokiomi muttered to himself.

He found it hard to believe, and he didn't want to imagine, what kind of enemy could have made Archer so close to death in just a few minutes, after taking a large amount of magic from him.

Yes, it's quite possible that Caster built a workshop there, or perhaps it was some other powerful enemy—

But that's Gilgamesh!
Even if that Caster really had a way to utilize those intercepted ley lines, whether it was a barrier or magical fluctuations, he should have been able to sense them easily.

Could it be that the King of Heroes couldn't even last three minutes against that person?
……

Seemingly wanting to solidify his judgment, Tokiomi Tohsaka forcefully suppressed the vague unease in his heart.

"I must have been too anxious and misunderstood the insufficient magic supply as Archer being about to disappear."

After all, since that brief interval, there had been no further unusual occurrences in the ley lines, and his supply of mana to the Hero King had returned to normal.

Well, that must be the case.

As for Gilgamesh's recent condition, Tokiomi attributed it to Archer "restoring" or "repairing" his territory.

With this in mind, the last doubt in my heart turned into the daily "elegance".

Yes, that's for sure.

Otherwise, how could the spiritual vein closer to their home have gone from being depleted to being full in such a short time?!
Even though he knew it might just be that the king couldn't stand the potholes that had been disturbed on his smooth land.

But at this moment, Tokiomi's heart was still slightly shaken by the King of Heroes' actions.

"The responsibility of being a king..."

After saying this in a low voice, Tokiomi Tohsaka decided to also display the elegance and responsibility of being a member of the Tohsaka family.

So he walked to the cabinet containing the gems, took out a few, and then used the magic power within to supply Archer with more of it through the circuit between him and his Servant.

"As expected of the King of Heroes, even he is—"

Before he could finish speaking, a sudden surge of magical energy caused Tokiomi Tohsaka to stop discussing the king.

As a golden figure appeared, the previously dim underground workshop was immediately illuminated by the glory of a king.

His tall and slender figure, clad in gleaming golden armor, emerged from the radiance.

Gilgamesh's blood-red pupils, carrying a mysterious majesty, looked down at the subject who had suddenly offered sacrifices before him.

“To speak recklessly about the king is a grave offense of disrespect, Your Majesty.”

Although his words were cold, the undisguised look of satisfaction on his face betrayed his true thoughts.

Gilgamesh even felt a sense of pleasure at that moment.

I didn't expect that Tokiomi would actually be quite sensible.

Although the tribute from the ministers was insignificant to the king.

But what truly pleased the King of Heroes was Tokiomi Tohsaka's unsolicited offering and the "authenticity" it revealed.

For any king.

The hypocritical flattery of those ministers only annoys people and may even incite a desire for destruction.

While Tokiomi's previous humble attitude towards himself could not be called hypocritical, but rather genuine respect, it was too conventional and dull, like a rigid etiquette.

That rigid, formal reverence is utterly tasteless.

So boring! So tedious!

But now Gilgamesh could see genuine gratitude in Tokiomi's eyes.

A kind of unconditional respect for the king.

And yet, having done nothing, Tokiomi was still grateful—and there was clearly only one reason for that—

"Are you sincerely pleased because you have witnessed my glory?"

If it weren't for Tokiomi, there obviously wouldn't have been a complete change immediately.

The King of Heroes was about to burst into a "king's delightful laugh."

After all, this change alone was enough to amuse Archer.

At this moment, Gilgamesh could hardly contain his joy.

Now it seems that my glory is indeed enough to make even the most mortal heart bow down in submission, hahaha!
……

For Tokiomi Tohsaka

The King of Heroes' rebuke was like a thunderbolt, causing him to lower his head without hesitation to avoid displeasing the capricious king, and to bow respectfully and humbly.

"King of Kings, I am only moved by your glory—"

"There's no need for flattery."

Gilgamesh waved his hand, interrupting this tedious talk.

Then, he remembered his promise to Tokiomi and the purpose of his stroll back from the streets.

The Hero King, who was in a very good mood, unexpectedly brought up the matter on his own initiative.

"Tokiomi, how long are you going to tolerate the covetous eyes of those ants?"

"Although I will certainly fulfill my promise to you, even a king's tolerance has its limits."

Gilgamesh's words sent a jolt through Tokiomi Tohsaka.

He was prepared to accept that Archer, having just eliminated Caster, would be unwilling to make another move tonight.

However, now, the King of Heroes has brought it up himself!

Overjoyed, Tokiomi Tohsaka immediately replied in a low voice, "I will inform Kirei right away, and we will proceed as planned tonight."

……

All I can say is that it's neither Gilgamesh nor Tokiomi Tohsaka.

At this moment, due to misunderstandings and lack of information, their thoughts were subtly misaligned—

Gilgamesh, after being "refreshed," was completely unaware that he had promised Tokiomi to investigate the disappearance of the spiritual veins.

In his view, this somewhat boring fellow had suddenly become unusually sensible and offered him a large amount of magic.

Therefore, out of a sense of comfort, I was even willing to tolerate his rigidity for a moment.

And what about Tokiomi Tohsaka?

It can only be said that perhaps his "misbehaving" nature has resurfaced, or perhaps he wants to seize this opportunity to avoid any further mishaps in the plan.

He subconsciously skipped over the most important question to confirm—

In other words, to confirm with Archer whether Caster was indeed responsible for the ley lines, and whether that Servant had truly left the stage.

In Tokiomi's view, Gilgamesh's current satisfaction and pleasure are the best proof.

Presumably, the heroic spirit who offended the King of Heroes' courtyard has already been slain by him.

Tokiomi Tohsaka's state of mind and demeanor indicated that the plan was back on track, returning to peace and elegance.

He then respectfully and elegantly reported to Archer the information he had just obtained from the church and Kirchhoff:

"King of Heroes, according to Assassin's report, four familiars are currently focused on this area."

Considering that one Heroic Spirit has already left the stage, Tokiomi Tohsaka paused for a moment before adding more.

"Considering that one heroic spirit has already left the battlefield, what is now being eyed should be all the other participants."

……

At this moment, the two disagreed once again on the identity of the departing Heroic Spirit.

Tokiomi Tohsaka was certain that Caster, whom the King of Heroes had just fought, was the one who had truly left the stage.

As for the so-called Berserker's departure, it should just be a smokescreen by the Matou family.

Gilgamesh, on the other hand, was the complete opposite.

Because he was "reset" and lost his memory of going to investigate the "disappearance of the spiritual veins," he naturally assumed that the person who left the scene mentioned by Tokiomi was Berserker.

"As expected, a mixed cultivator is a mixed cultivator."

Recalling the rift that had stretched across the Matou family compound from the sky before returning to the Tohsaka residence, Archer let out a cold laugh, a hint of disdain in his eyes for the out-of-control Heroic Spirit. "Even if you wear the so-called empty title of 'Heroic Spirit,' you're no different from an ant."

But then, his eyes lit up with a different kind of expectant light because of Tokiomi's words, "all the other eyes were on him."

"Oh? So you noticed my glory right away?"

A hint of bloodlust flashed in Gilgamesh's crimson pupils, and a smile crept onto his lips. He found the situation increasingly intriguing.

"Hmph, I hope there's one among these bastards who can put up a few fights with me..."

Gilgamesh was completely unconcerned about the possibility of being surrounded. He casually waved his hand, signaling Tokiomi to take charge of the remaining matters.

"Tokiomi, I'll leave the tedious details to you."

"Please rest assured," Tokiomi Tohsaka immediately bowed, his tone respectful, "I will certainly be able to demonstrate your—"

Before Tokiomi's words had even finished, the figure of the Hero King vanished into the radiance of spirit particles.

That arrogant posture disappeared into the room.

As the overwhelming sense of oppression disappeared from the room, Tokiomi Tohsaka couldn't help but let out a soft breath.

Just as he had been thinking—

Tokiomi Tohsaka was indeed prepared to abandon the idea of ​​faking Assassin's death tonight.

After all, the magical fluctuations Caster created near the mansion couldn't be faked.

In other words, the information that "the Tohsaka family possesses powerful Servants" has become unavoidably obvious.

Any Master who pays attention to the mansion cannot ignore this fact.

And considering Berserker, or rather the Matou family's statement of withdrawing from this Holy Grail War.

And the history of the Einzbern family being easily eliminated in every battle...

A strange feeling rose within Tokiomi Tohsaka.

Following this line of reasoning, in the eyes of outsiders, only the Tohsaka family remains active in the Holy Grail War among the three starter families.

In addition to the combat power Gilgamesh had previously demonstrated...

This is precisely why Tokiomi hesitated.

He was unsure whether the other Masters would temporarily set aside their differences and join forces to deal with the most obvious and dangerous threat at hand.

……

Things shouldn't get to that point.

Unlike Gilgamesh, who was indifferent to the current situation because he was prepared to fight the other four Servants alone, Gilgamesh was different.

After careful consideration, Tokiomi Tohsaka finally reached the following conclusion:

According to information from the church, Caster was only summoned at noon today, based on the information displayed on the aura chart.

Given this, there is simply not enough foundation of trust among the other Masters to build a so-called alliance on the very first day of the Holy Grail War.

Moreover, if Assassin were to strike first and then quickly and completely die at Archer's hands...

Presumably no one would be the first to stick their neck out on the first day.

"Moreover, it might actually establish Archer's invincible strength and make the other Masters wary."

Tokiomi Tohsaka involuntarily let his mind wander for a moment—

Under Archer's powerful protection, the Tohsaka family will finally realize their long-cherished wish to reach the Root.

However, he quickly snapped out of his arrogance, walked over to the jeweled phonograph, and sent instructions to his disciples in the church to proceed as usual.

"only……"

Releasing his hand from the phonograph, Tokiomi Tohsaka stared at the jewel-like hands that reflected brilliant light under the lamp.

For some reason, a strange unease still lingered in his heart.

It was as if I had subconsciously overlooked some extremely important clue, or rather, some chilling fact.

such as--

Tokiomi Tohsaka seems to have forgotten one of the simplest questions:

If Caster was only summoned at noon today.

So, which class of Heroic Spirit is responsible for those "holes" that have been appearing since yesterday?
The inertia of history is always so terrifying; it silently corrects deviations from the intended path.

Just like now, without anyone noticing, Tokiomi Tohsaka's RSI value has quietly reached 103.

……

"Hey, kid."

That bold and magnanimous voice, though spoken in a normal tone, still drew the attention of passersby on the street.

Rider looked around at the pedestrians with some wariness—after seeing so many people in the seafood market, he felt it was indeed necessary to be cautious.

The burly man then spoke in a "low voice".

"Can't you just use that [Detect Evil] thing again to reveal all the enemy's tracks?"

Weber, who was carrying a small bag of fish, stumbled and almost fell to the ground.

"Magic tricks? I'll bring that up when I get home!"

Weber tried his best to stop Rider's carefree behavior.

With both hands occupied, he couldn't even manage to lunge over and cover Rider's mouth.

Yes, Rider was eventually dragged into the seafood market.

Weber's hypocrisy is one aspect.

He eventually ran back to the park, and under the pretext of "picking ingredients," invited Iskandar to visit the seafood market.

More importantly, when Weber stared at the seafood swimming around in the aquarium.

He suddenly realized something terrifying—

I probably couldn't lift all that seafood myself.

that's the truth.

Therefore, Iskandar undoubtedly garnered the most attention from passersby in the seafood market.

It wasn't just because of his tall stature and exotic appearance, but also because of the strength he displayed.

"Hiss, this...is this really possible?!"

"Wow, that's really muscular, those shoulders..."

Amidst the murmurs of the crowd and Weber's complaints.

Iskandar casually slung a steel fish basket, almost the size of a refrigerator, over one shoulder and strode forward.

Because these seafoods are less resilient than large animals, in order to ensure that the magic power can be extracted to the maximum extent when using energy potions.

Just like the incredible scene unfolding at this moment, Rider simply unloaded a steel fish tank from a delivery truck.

……

Fortunately, the park remained quiet and deserted.

When we reached a secluded corner of the park on our way back...

Weber finally couldn't hold on any longer and collapsed to the ground with a thud.

He let the salty seawater and the splashing seafood fall on him.

After all, for a magician whose physical condition could be described as "frail"—

Just carrying that huge bag of fish from the market to here had exhausted almost all of Weber's strength.

"R...Rider, I can't walk anymore."

Iskandar bent down and picked up the fish that had slipped out of Weber's bag one by one, and put them back into the fish basket.

"Sigh..." The Conqueror sighed, "If you can't lift it, wouldn't it have been better to just hand it over to me sooner?"

He was a little annoyed by his Master's tendency to show off.

However, this attitude isn't so bad.

Weber, slumped weakly on a nearby bench, made a feeble suggestion to Iskandar:

"Rider... I guess you'll have to use your chariot to take me back..."

"Anyway, once I get back, I can turn these fish into energy potions..."

Iskandar nodded in agreement.

Unlike a certain flashy guy, he didn't think there was anything wrong with using the chariot as a means of transportation because of his Master's suggestion.

Rider looked up at the setting sun that was about to disappear below the distant horizon, then turned to Webber, who was still somewhat exhausted, and said:
"Well, although this might waste some magic, it's a good strategy in terms of saving time."

Iskandar gently patted the steel fish tank next to him, making a "bang" sound.

He scratched his beard and then pondered the size comparison between the two.

"Well, considering the position of the chariot and the size of this thing, kid, you might need to change your seating position."

With that, Rider opened the fish tank.

Then, he lifted his Master off the chair and placed him on top of the fish basket, where the grille of the fish box was slightly recessed due to being opened.

The next moment, as the sword drawn from his right hand attracted a bolt of lightning, the [Divine Wheel] descended into the riverside park of Weiyuanchuan with the power of thunder.

Immediately afterwards, Webber, along with the seafood, was placed on the chariot's seat.

Iskandar, however, is rarely seen riding on the back of a sacred bull.

As the command to return to the woods behind the house was issued, thunderous roars, as if trampling the laws of physics, echoed from the hooves of the divine bull, and the magnificent chariot sped toward the heavens.

Weber was clearly not used to the different "seat" he was in before, and his shouts were broken and intermittent by the sound of the wind.

"Hey! Rider! I'm going to fall!"

"Sorry, Webber, although it's a chariot that can carry trophies, there's still a limit to the space it can hold. This fish tank is really too big."

He stretched out an arm and, incidentally, "poked" Webber into the fish basket to prevent him from falling from the sky due to the turbulence.

High in the sky, the Conqueror patted the divine bull beneath him, as if he had thought of something amusing, and his hearty laughter once again echoed through the heavens.

"Hahaha! This is the first time I've ever ridden in a war chariot like this."

"Boy! If you don't want to be stuck with these wet seafood again next time, you'd better get some exercise!"

Webber's body couldn't help but struggle because of Rider's movements.

No! He's sinking now!
The magician gripped the edge of the fish basket tightly with both hands.

Then, with his last bit of strength, he poked his head out and began to complain loudly in the howling wind:
"Hey—! Rider! Pull me out of here! I'm really going to be buried under all this seafood—glug glug glug..."

Night is approaching.

(End of this chapter)