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

Chapter 349 The Cup of Pollution Still Holds Compassion

Chapter 349 The Cup of Pollution Still Holds Compassion
Long ago, in a village that practiced Zoroastrianism.

The ignorant villagers, in an attempt to prove that all humankind in the world possesses goodness.

They viewed a young man as a symbol of "all the evil in the world," sacrificing himself to bear all the sins of the world.

However, this should be natural.

Just as in the past, when droughts or floods occurred, people tried to appease the wrath of nature through sacrifices.

To endure the hardship and poverty day after day.

In order to soothe the grief and sorrow of those numb souls.

Even those customs that are now considered "bad habits" were necessary at the time.

Even in the distant future, won't there still be those equally foolish or wicked people who try to use the lives of others to gain peace of mind for themselves?

"Our lives have not improved; there must be a culprit."

So, that's roughly the idea in mind.

Those who cannot find redemption but yearn for an answer choose to vent their resentment on one person.

The young man was labeled as "evil".

He was imprisoned on the mountaintop, his right eye gouged out, his hands and feet severed, and he was subjected to continuous and contemptuous torture as "absolute evil."

Having experienced all the pain that humans can feel, the young man died as a matter of course.

But ironically—

Such actions have indeed "redeemed" the souls of some people.

Therefore, he carried with him merits he did not want, and with hatred born of this absurdity.

This young man became a demon in the name of "all the evil in the world," and a "hero."

These vengeful spirits were illegally summoned by the Einzbern family during the Third Holy Grail War.

Just imagine it!

If a berserker simply abandons reason, they can gain a significant power boost.

So, if all good deeds are abandoned, then the evil and destructive "spirit" itself is considered in Zoroastrian dualism.

How powerful must the leader of such evil gods be?

To the Einzberns' disappointment, the Avenger summoned in place of the Berserker was far too weak.

They were so weak that they quickly withdrew from the scene.

That's only natural.

After all, "malice" must be defeated by "goodness".

The "Heroic Spirits" who protect humanity are precisely symbols of this "goodness".

Even as a Heroic Spirit, he possesses abilities such as "absolutely able to defeat humans" and "never losing to humans as opponents."

Even as a symbol of human evil, as long as the other party is human, even the strongest monster in history, more powerful than a Heroic Spirit, can definitely kill them.

But [Heroic Spirits] are by no means human.

Therefore, he was defeated in the Third Holy Grail War without even using his Noble Phantasm.

But it was considered a panacea that would grant the victor's wishes.

The Great Grail, which was connected to the ritual, was tainted by this "evil nature" remaining in the vessel, causing its colorless power to be corrupted into black.

Just like the information the Alliance had given to Kiritsugu Emiya.

Although the mechanism by which it grants wishes will not change, it will inevitably be done in a way that is malicious towards humanity.

This is by no means something that can be easily avoided through detailed processes, specific constraints, and methods.

Because it is designed to be evil.

Therefore, it will inevitably be achieved through "malicious intent".

From this perspective, perhaps the most successful outcome would have been if Tokiomi Tohsaka had made the promise during the Fourth Holy Grail War.

Because among all the participants, only this "pure magician" had a desire that fundamentally did not involve the "surface of the world" in the slightest.

To reach the "outside of the world," one must undoubtedly use up all of its magic power, specifically the magic power composed of the souls of heroic spirits.

Therefore, if such malicious magic is entirely wasted on "opening" the holes leading to the [Root] and building the path into the [Root], it would be disastrous.

Perhaps the Fifth Holy Grail War can proceed normally and fulfill wishes in the right way.

But in any case, in this Fourth Holy Grail War, the surging malice filled that cup.

Even more surprisingly—

That malice, which should have been "empty" in the first place, now has a spiritual master.

……

The sky was blood red.

Dark red, like rotten blood.

Those ominous blood mists.

Like the wailing of wronged souls, it floats above a swirling, black ocean all day long.

The sun was pitch black.

Its radiance, when it falls to the ground, transforms into a mountain of corpses flowing with pus and poisonous blood;
When they fall into the sea, they transform into a sea of skulls flowing with blood, tears, and resentment.

Even the wind and flowing water, propelled by that "heat," were filled with groans and echoed with curses.

If I had to use some kind of analogy...

Perhaps "hell" is a real word and a tangible existence.

No one, regardless of who they are, would consider such a horrific scene to be anything good.

They would never believe that the Holy Grail could fulfill their desire to obtain its existence.

Even now, those bare feet treading on the black mud.

The eerie purple strands of hair, floating along with the stirred-up deep malice, thought the same thing.

……

For [Great Matou Sakura], this was indeed a somewhat risky thing to do—

To ensure the plan goes smoothly, she must complete it before the first night of the Fourth Holy Grail War ends.

To be precise, one must act at the same moment as the historical inertia of the Fourth Holy Grail War.

After all, it is different from the seemingly insignificant and easily borne [all the evils of this world].

That boundless, terrifying purple ocean is far more dangerous.

No one understands the horror of such a terrifying ocean of endless resentment better than [Oo Matou Sakura].

That was a kind of obsession that had been pushed to its most extreme form.

That's a mistake that can't be corrected even at its root.

It is a complete breakdown and alteration of the [character design].

It is—[Matou Sakura] herself.

Therefore, in order to prevent the horror that should not have occurred at this moment from happening, and also because it is indeed impossible to change the "history" acknowledged by the [CYZ effect].

At this moment, [Great Matou Sakura] acted according to the pre-arranged plan, within a few seconds that did not originally exist in the recorded history and had been altered.

"The method for cultivating the Lesser Grail has been obtained, and my other self has also—"

Standing guard at the location of Little Matou Sakura's [soul], at the hole forcibly anchored and protected by the CYZ effect, [Big Matou Sakura]'s expression dimmed slightly.

But soon those eyes, gleaming with righteous light, lifted and stared at "himself," who was looking at him with deep malice.

In fact, the "branch war" has developed to its current state.

Even those who are beyond description would feel a headache at the sight of the abominable thing before them.

【The Endless Sea of Resentment - Absolute Evil - Matou Sakura】.

—That's just the kind of thing she is.

In some ways, it is not very powerful.

It's simply about using malice to corrupt parallel universes one by one, and then spreading that corruption to more universes.

Although at the moment of "completion" of "erosion", it will be unparalleled in power in that universe.

However, it can only cause subtle changes initially, and the process is slow and gradual.

In this world where justice is practically everywhere—in the Type-Moon universe, which is now filled with all sorts of different kinds of "justice"—it's indeed difficult to stir up any huge waves.

As for fulfilling her wish...

The "wish" she sought had absolutely no basis for being fulfilled among the other branches.

In fact, the fulfillment of her wish conflicts with the long-cherished wishes of some others.

This is also one of the symbols that this war, which was loathed and hated by Merlin the Great, continues to this day.

Even if it were possible to pluck stars from the sky and reshape time and space.

Even if one could construct one's own "ideal world" in many universes.

But much more—

What they want is not merely to retreat to the depths of the [Inner Sea of Stars] and guard a corner alone, or to go to the [Outer World] and act as mere spectators.

The world should be like this.

That's how the world should be.

These existences are then debated through actions and facts.

These individuals, with their regrets, flaws, and ideals, all wish to project their will and blueprints onto the greatest thing—the Root.

No matter how slim the hope may be.

It's even fair to say that it's impossible.

Those who are holy, divine, heroic, and human beings all persist in this way, and have no choice but to persist.

When that greatest and most irreversible sacrifice occurs.

The first wave of disagreement and discussion was put into action by one of the participants to put it into practice.

Like a boulder rolling down a mountain, no one has since been able to restore the disrupted balance to its original state.

Hmm, maybe Leonardo da Vinci in the [Control Room] could.

But after all those things that happened, she has now made a decision with an "it doesn't matter" attitude.

……

"So... the place I'm going to now is inside Mount Enzo?"

With her small hands tightly clutching her older sister's clothes, Matou Sakura asked timidly.

My older sister said I absolutely couldn't touch anything outside, not even step on the ground.

At this moment, the child was warmly embraced in his sister's arms.

Sakura Matou could see a certain joy shining in her sister's eyes—the same joy that Uncle Kariya had felt back then, and perhaps even more so.

Is this tragic or blissful?
【大·Matou Sakura】Thoughts with some complicated feelings, the current scene really stirred up many thoughts in her mind.

She even found it somewhat...absurd.

True salvation and warm care can only be brought to oneself.

But at this moment, holding her tiny self in her arms, a feeling of happiness undoubtedly welled up in [Oo Matou Sakura's] heart.

—That's not so bad.

Meanwhile, Matou Sakura looked around at the scenery with a curious gaze.

Although her sister had already told her that these were all "bad things".

"But... I really feel like I'm in a fairy tale right now."

Even her older sister had changed into a beautiful white dress. (【大·麻桐樱】below)
“If you want to keep her, I can cut off this connection immediately.”

【大·Matou Sakura】tugged at her restless skirt, threatening the dark figures who had entered in her mind.

"Even if you are saved in the end, you will definitely be ranked last."

The skirt immediately fell silent.

It's almost as if they're arguing with "themselves".

The two hems of her skirt, resembling two arms, were twisted together in a huff, while the pink headband on her head angrily turned its head away.

But in the eyes of young Matou Sakura—

Everything around me seemed like a dream that had been painted over.

My sister and I were walking on a forest path, with giant mushrooms that glowed faintly and had strange colors standing on both sides.

Like some dolls, strangely swollen insects with adorable heads wriggled adorably to the side.

Yellow specks of light, like fireflies, no, like magical specks of light from elves, drifted gently in the air in this fairytale-like forest.

The sky was like a black curtain for a stage play, with a crescent moon hanging at the end of the path.

Beside the moon, a fairytale castle, radiating happiness, stands atop a rugged, twisted mountain peak.

The joyful songs, accompanied by cheerful music box melodies, were hummed softly in the sky, as if rusted:

"Take a leisurely stroll in the woods."

Shaking and wobbling—his little head was empty.

Full and full—let go of your worries.

Shivering—but we must keep going.

Hee hee ha ha—humming a lullaby as I walk along,
With a whooshing sound, hands and feet fell like paper boats.
Thump thump thump thump—I fell into the black mud.

Walking and walking... laughing and laughing,

Whoosh, whoosh—you've grown into a grown-up…

There seemed to be rows of magic mirrors standing on the path beside the forest trail...

Dim, yellowish light drifted by, illuminating rows of purple dolls.

Staggering along both sides of the road.

Broken and dilapidated, revealing red cotton wadding stained with dew, it uses its tattered, still-connected arms to applaud and cheer itself on.

Beneath their feet, eight dark points of light, reflected in the shadows, formed an array, then strolled merrily along with the song.

"Walk and walk...walk and walk..."

"Laughing and laughing...crying and crying..."

The sky seemed to be trying to lull a princess in a fairy tale to sleep, speaking and singing lullabies.

After crossing a stone bridge, the river below flowed like a puppet.

The buttons, cotton wool, and candies were moving around.

Many lions, bear cubs, wolf cubs, and foxes were moving around.

The doll's face was sewn with a smiling face.

The doll tiptoed and happily tried to jump onto the shore.

Then, one by one, they happily fell into the floating candies and ran around with boundless energy.

—Like dancing in a pot of sweet oil.

"Walk and walk...walk and walk..."

"Laughing and laughing...crying and crying..."

……

【大·Matou Sakura】 stared at the scene before her with a hint of disgust.

—A scene they deliberately presented to themselves.

This was one of the rare times she had to borrow their perspective to see everything around her.

Otherwise, she was certain that she would have drawn her sword the next moment and shattered this disgusting scene completely.

"Poke—poke."

My footsteps paused before the castle gate.

A figure stood out from the other shadows—the eight holes on its surface shimmered with a ghostly blue light.

【大·马桐樱】immediately understood the meaning of the dark figure.

It says that there is now a "princess" trapped in a candy trap inside.

"So, you want me to save her? To avoid future condemnation?"

That tiny, even somewhat cute shadow jumped up joyfully.

It ran around her once and nodded vigorously.

After a moment of contemplation, [Matou Sakura] calculated the effects stored within her and finally shook her head slightly.

"Sorry, I can't waste my energy in a place like this—"

"Uh-huh..."

The shadow lowered its head and let out a low, aggrieved whimper.

The ribbon scarf on her head trembled slightly.

Then, the knot started to loosen.

It's clear that this "clothing" seems really reluctant to part with that rather plain-looking ribbon.

The loose tie hesitated.

But in the end, the pink ribbon with the bow still drooped down.

Then it gently floated into the arms of the somewhat bewildered little Matou Sakura.

Should we replace it with the evil we bear in this world...?

Thinking this, [Great Matou Sakura] couldn't help but speak:
"Tsk—I didn't expect you evil-minded people to have even a shred of sympathy."

But the pure white dress ignored her sarcasm, and simply smiled gently at its other self's shadow in the wind.

The moment the skirt billowed up, the flowing white silk fabric gently clapped hands with the outstretched hands of that small shadow.

As for [Da Matou Sakura], who was about to push open the door, she paused.

It was as if he was trying to convince himself.

She calmly listed the reasons in her mind:

"We will eventually have to bear that part of history."

"Instead of taking it directly from the cup and using up the effect to deal with it, it's better to let the guy who owes me a favor do it."

"She must know better than others how to behave."

"Moreover, it seems that this branch was not chosen from the main trunk, otherwise it would have been attacked on the way."

"Since we were able to get here safely, it means that the direction we chose is relatively 'safe'."

I finally made a decision.

Two expectant gazes?
In short, facing the two guys who were expecting a response, [Big Matou Sakura] sighed helplessly.

She truly lost to herself.

but--

Why then did a smile of relief and joy appear on his face at this moment?
"Okay, just this once."

As a clear, cold voice rang out, it met with curious and surprised eyes from Sakura Matou.

The ceremonial sword, shimmering like a dream and reflecting the brilliance of gemstones, quietly appeared in the eldest sister's hand.

——【Imaginary Number Severing Domain: Causal Break】.

The [Imaginary Attack Mystic Code] belongs to the media layer.

By briefly overlapping the area specified by the spell with the "imaginary boundary", a "slash" is projected from the imaginary space.

It can create a "cutting fault" in reality, connecting the target to a causal chain and forcibly throwing it into the imaginary domain.

This is a terrifying costume that achieves the dual obliteration of "existence truncation" and "cause not reaching effect".

……

But at this moment, fine beads of sweat had appeared on his cheeks and forehead.

Even [Oo Matou Sakura].

The goal is to directly intervene in another universe without disturbing too many beings—

It remains like walking on thin ice, fraught with difficulties.

"However, if it's just all the innocent people I 'killed' in Fuyuki City..."

He exhaled softly, a resolute glint in his eyes.

—It seems we'll have to sing the complete chant this time.

……

The interior of the fairytale castle.

Four somewhat fierce-looking dolls were running around Matou Sakura.

Their actions were obscene and comical, attempting to defile this heartless young woman, who possessed a tragic beauty in the dark alley.

Looking at these unruly dolls, Matou Sakura puffed out her cheeks in a huff.

With a touch of childish anger, she was about to stretch out her fingers and turn them all into "candy" to eat.

At that moment——

This is the crucible of nothingness, the other side of cause and effect—”

A strangely familiar voice, seemingly coming from nowhere, rang out in the alley, interrupting everyone's actions.

A certain citizen standing at the alley entrance, about to witness this unbearably ugly red-eyed blond "helpful citizen," couldn't help but pause in surprise.

"This is……?"

A dazzling golden light emanated from the heart of the [flesh]—

No, more accurately, it gushed forth from the core of the [spirit].

It flows along the veins of blood and will, onto the tightly gripped ceremonial sword, reflecting a certain radiance of time.

"Ah...so beautiful..."

The "princess," lost in her "fairytale," couldn't help but murmur to herself.

My gaze was almost completely captured by that light, so I subconsciously reached out my hand.

The surface of reality opened a void.

A golden imaginary crack appeared, and the eyes opened.

"No—impossible—how could something like this…!"

Gazing at the boundless magical power surging forth from the other side, the enthusiastic citizen Gilgamesh finally revealed a rare look of panic and disbelief.

but--

That was the last sound he could make.

The space began to groan.

The layered present world, like shattered glass, reflects the fault lines of time.

And the chanting voice became even clearer and more magnificent.

"The world is about to collapse amidst overlapping paradoxes;"

In the end, it will be swallowed up by the cyclical flow of time.

At this moment, a kind of "law" that does not belong to this world is manifesting.

The heavens and earth seemed to be forced into a final cough, emitting a tearing lament. Countless faults seemed to pulverize the entire city in an instant, at every indivisible point in time.

—Everyone has gained an extra dimension.

Thus, the endless strings of cause and effect, and the countless lines of time, appeared.

They were forcibly pulled into the boundary of that imaginary number, emitting a forced lament.

As if some kind of pressure from the universe itself was coming, [Oo Matou Sakura]'s breathing became rapid, and her slender shoulders trembled slightly.

"Not truly disrupting cause and effect... but merely severing them before the end..."

Thinking this, the tightly gripped longsword fell with a roar.

"The blade of destiny, negated from birth, severs the very roots of existence—"

Imaginary Slash Causality Break!

……

They seemed to have sensed something.

The sweet dream was suddenly targeted by the terrifying ocean.

Before everything transforms into a silken woven fabric that controls people's hearts, into a black mud that pollutes the soul and surges forth.

But the weary body ignored those resentments and even casually put the jeweled sword into its body.

"Just right... the three seconds are up."

As expected, the tide of historical inertia prevented everything that shouldn't have happened from occurring.

"Humph……"

Looking at the ocean that was suddenly and forcibly erased, and history that vanished like bubbles, [Oo Matou Sakura] simply curved the corners of her mouth slightly.

That is ultimately nothing more than "history that does not exist".

If there is no effect, you won't even be able to remember anything.

"If you're so capable, then go and confront [the shell]."

What followed was actually the simplest thing.

The briefly appearing entity also loses its foundation because of the disappearance of its shadow.

Looking at the sleeping Matou Sakura in front of him.

Finally, the dissipated spiritual particles gently brushed past, adjusting the pink hair ribbon that had been stained with a dark red tinge.

Sweet dreams, Sakura.

……

On the edge of a distant branch, in a parallel universe unnoticed by anyone.

"Sakura, how have you been lately?"

A familiar voice came through, filled with laughter and gentleness.