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

Chapter 352 Kenneth's Struggle to Survive!
To be honest, it's not impossible for Kenneth to escape his inevitable fate of being involved in the Fourth World War.

First, the easiest way to do it without any loss is, of course, —

It's better not to attend this ceremony.

Of course, it's too late to say that now.

Therefore, if he cannot do that, he will have to use another, more difficult method.

That confirms that this Holy Grail War is actually a derivative of the historical inertia of the Fifth Holy Grail War, rather than the historical inertia of the Fourth Holy Grail War.

Furthermore, due to the historical inertia of the Fifth Holy Grail War, it is clearly stated that in order to win the Holy Grail War, Kiritsugu Emiya used despicable means such as blowing up a building and threatening his opponent with his wife.

He also had to find a way to help Kiritsugu complete this part of the "historical inertia" while avoiding becoming the protagonist himself.

In addition, he also needs to ensure—

Between the end of World War IV and the beginning of World War V, Weber could naturally become "El-Melloi II".

But at the same time, he needs to avoid this "worldline" following the "official history" route.

In other words, he also had to break the historical inertia that "Weber will participate in the [disintegration war] in the future".

Then, we must also rule out the historical inertia that this is actually a singularity where "he survived"—

Otherwise, even if he escapes for a time, history will eventually revise his record to "death".

However, considering the constraints of historical inertia, even if he successfully overcomes these dangers...

His existence is still not 100% guaranteed.

Therefore, he may have to try to take a very extreme step—that is, to stop the progression of time in the entire universe before the end of World War V.

Using a method similar to that of the "current universe," it avoids the possibility of being corrected to "death" by preventing the advancement of "historical inertia."

However, even if it were possible to achieve that level of sophistication.

This "genius magician" still has to bear a series of consequences that may arise from the "inertia of history" and trigger his own response.

Therefore, even if one truly escapes the fate of death.

He should, and never should, live under the name Kenneth El-Melloi Archibald.

In the terminology of the Type-Moon universe itself—

Kenneth's death and Weber becoming the second were most likely events that were written into the "Compilation Matters" and became part of the "Quantum Record Permalink".

This is why even Lin Sheng gave instructions in TDD:
If necessary, one could try to abandon the reason for saving Kenneth's life.

To paraphrase someone's joke—

"The chances of Kenneth surviving the Fourth World War are probably as slim as the chances of humanity surviving the apocalyptic events known as the Steel Land and the Coral of the Moon."

……

This is perhaps the cruelty of fate.

Even if Kenneth really knew all of the above, he still couldn't choose the easiest path—

That is, to survive by immediately returning to the Clock Tower and withdrawing from the Holy Grail War.

Based on the clues Conan has discovered so far.

The reason they are in this universe is that it can still barely be maintained and has not been immediately "cut off" by the person behind the scenes.

It relied on the "bitter struggle" of the historical inertia of the Fourth World War.

therefore--

Unfortunately, but inevitably, Kenneth had no chance of remaining uninvolved.

Just like not long ago, the Alliance, through Hisayu Maiya, forced him to continue participating in the war in the name of a prophecy made by the gods.

—You cannot survive without fighting.

If Kenneth still decides to ignore Hisayu Maiya's warning and leave Fuyuki immediately...

The Alliance will still use follow-up plans to try to bring him back to his original historical trajectory.

After all, if the universe were to be "fixed," everyone would obviously face the same fate of death.

Therefore, his escape is not permitted.

However, considering the "sacrifice" he made.

A detective who couldn't stand seeing sacrifices go unrewarded ultimately decided to give him a chance to live.

Just as Hisayu Maiya told Lancer.

The Alliance does indeed have a way to keep him alive.

If Kenneth is truly determined to cast aside his arrogance and dignity, and even willing to change the form of his soul.

Therefore, he did indeed have a chance to escape his fate.

Of course, in the eyes of Hisayuu Maiya and Emiya Kiritsugu—

All of this is just a very minor trial, and there is almost no reason to hesitate.

After all, they were going to die because of this anyway, weren't they?

Following the historical inertia of the "Four Wars".

Apart from Webber Velvet, the deaths of everyone else were undoubtedly part of "fate."

……

Of course, even if we don't know these deeper reasons at the moment.

Now, Kenneth understands perfectly well—

My life is already on the verge of ending.

Maybe one day, maybe several days.

Based on my assessment of the situation, the Holy Grail War will inevitably end within a week at most.

What does it feel like to have the Sword of Damocles hanging over your head at all times?
Kenneth said that besides his inner anxiety, his strongest emotion was regret.

Why did you have to come to this rural place to die when you were doing your research perfectly well at the Clock Tower?

Besides this most regrettable thing, the second most regrettable thing was Lancer's report to him.

The Gesi that Lancer learned of "not to be told to others" seems to have been violated.

Kenneth even wondered if Lancer was deliberately trying to drag him down with him.

But if it's a minor setback, he might still reprimand and punish Lancer with the same angry attitude he used to have.

But when things seemed hopeless, Kenneth calmed down again.

Anyway, it's all already happened.

Since getting angry won't change anything, I can only grit my teeth and see if I can find a solution.

Although it appears that the deity placed a restriction on Lancer.

But she also told Lancer to ask him to tell her not to avoid the battle, so that she might have a chance to break the curse!

Moreover, even if Lancer was truly just following the path of fate, then—

It seems like it's still not being very friendly to itself.

Whether it was eloping with Sora, or turning against him because of this, or even killing his former colleagues...

Either way, it would be an outcome that Kenneth El-Mello absolutely could not tolerate.

Moreover, he is known as "Director Ken" for his suspicious nature, especially towards Lancer.

He still believes that Lancer's loyalty to him must have ulterior motives.

He might betray us at any time—that was probably the thought Kenneth always held.

In fact, he desperately wished he wasn't the one Lancer was loyal to.

Unfortunately, the Command Seals have already firmly sealed this relationship.

Moreover, Kenneth had given it serious thought—

If you view your relationship with Lancer as that of colleagues or comrades, the outcome also looks terrible.

The trajectory of fate has already proven:

When Diarmuid eloped with Princess Grani, he caused many casualties, even though he was unwilling to harm his former comrades.

If he were not Lancer's lord, then theoretically this "curse" would inevitably fall upon Sora.

This was something Kenneth, who loved Sora deeply, could never accept.

As for ordering Lancer to commit suicide.

Kenneth hasn't even considered this yet.

Putting aside the goddess, it has already been mentioned that we must witness Lancer's bravery.

This is the Holy Grail War!

It is crystal clear what tragic consequences await a Master who loses their Servant.

"Sigh...it seems like no matter which way you go, it's a dead end."

Looking at the sun, which had risen to its highest point, a sense of urgency, that "it's noon," rose in Kenneth's heart.

He had no appetite whatsoever for the food the waiter brought him.

Kenneth hadn't really thought of that.

It's unbelievable that a magic ritual in a small rural area could lead to such troublesome consequences.

He tried to contact the Magic Association in the morning, but all his messages went unanswered.

Or rather, just as the church says.

The replies from the association were all messages like "everything is normal" and "no need to worry".

This convinced him that leaving the city now was impossible.

He had used "code words" and "techniques" to inform the other lords of the urgency of the current situation in Fuyuki City.

It would be strange if none of those guys were tempted by a "god".

"So there's no way we can go back to the Clock Tower now."

At this moment, his and Sora's return journey was far less safe than staying in the workshop at the hotel.

Moreover, no matter how talented he is, it's impossible for him to turn the return flight into a workshop in a short period of time.

Using a ship also seems dangerous.

Whether shot down from the sky or sunk in the middle of the ocean—

I am, after all, just a mortal.

Even if the workshop itself is actually fine, the person inside is definitely going to die.

……

"Now that things have come to this, we can only believe that the goddess really does have a way to break those two Geasa."

Kenneth ultimately decided to follow the guidance of that deity.

After all, he really has no choice right now.

While it's not unheard of in history for mortals to slay gods, such acts were clearly aided by divine artifacts, supported and blessed by other deities, or involved heroes who possessed immense power.

I don't have any of these things.

"But... at least now I don't have to worry about Lancer betraying me."

This is perhaps the only thing Kenneth can be thankful for.

It's not that he's suddenly moved by Lancer's loyalty.

In fact, the magician still harbored some doubts about Diarmuid, but he was now certain—

I have made sufficient preparations.

He used a Command Spell.

After verifying Lancer's words in the morning and confirming they were true, Kenneth decisively used up a Command Seal.

"If you are truly loyal to me, do not resist this next order, Lancer."

Compared to using vague and unrestrained knightly oaths.

Kenneth believed more strongly in the absolute binding power of Command Seals on familiars.

[Magic Resistance] A Lancer with only a B-rank magic resistance would absolutely be unable to resist a single Command Seal.

If he were to resist as a result, it would completely prove that his so-called loyalty is a pure lie.

At that moment, looking at the Command Seal on the back of his hand that was missing a stroke, Kenneth finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Lancer, from this moment on, you must not come within three meters of Sora, nor do you cause her any harm."

—This is the constraint Kenneth just imposed on Lancer using a Command Spell.

Hmph, you want a farce like those in history?
If you can't even get close to Sora, how can you talk about eloping with her?

Although prolonged use of Command Spells can weaken their binding force.

But the prodigy of the Clock Tower is no mere figurehead.

Kenneth, who had even more faith in his skills, also took out a lot of insurance.

A portion of the Moon Spirit Essence was implanted into Lancer's body without his resistance after being given a "self-discipline command".

Diarmuid's figure at this moment is different from that of the past.

A layer of mercury-based defense, now flowing like armor and a silver mask, adhered to Diarmuid's body along the cut on his face.

Even the magical power that had dissipated from the "demonic appearance" damaged by the demonic spear was utilized.

Without Kenneth's orders, Diarmuid could command these mercury-like creatures to attack from tricky angles, aside from providing some defense.

Furthermore, if he gives clear enough instructions, the mercury can even temporarily act as his "third hand".

In battles between Heroic Spirits, the advantage of having an extra hand is self-evident.

……

In addition, Kenneth also considered another possibility—

If it wasn't Lancer who betrayed Sora, but rather Sora who chose to leave on her own initiative...

To be honest, he really felt incredibly unlucky.

Not long ago, he sacrificed Lancer's unique skill, "Love's Black Mole," as a price.

Let him personally nullify it completely with the [Red Rose of Exorcism].

Logically, this should mean Lancer shouldn't have any impact on Sora.

But the words of the gods brought this possibility back.

Considering that in "The Path of Fate," it was Princess Granny who actively chose to elope with Lancer.

Kenneth simply couldn't rest easy.

Now it's confirmed that it wasn't Lancer's "bewitching looks" that seduced his fiancée.

But the Gesi that followed convinced the magician that Sora must have been cursed by the gods.

Therefore, in order to save his unfortunate fiancée from such a tragedy.

Kenneth altered the magical link to Sora once again.

He connected it to Sora to some extent with the magic circuit of the [Three Foundations Magic Furnace].

He even had Lancer speak on his behalf:
"Miss Sora, in order for me to gain merit for my lord, could you please stay in the workshop and provide me with magical support?"

At Lancer's request, Sora readily agreed with obvious delight.

All I can say is that this scene is rather... bizarre.

Under Kenneth's orders, Lancer used Sora's affections to get his lord's fiancée to obey his lord's arrangements.

This was the best way Kenneth could think of to protect Sora.

He thoroughly reinforced the barrier around the room containing the [Three Foundations Magic Furnace].

Moreover, it was inspired by the goddess who changed the celestial phenomena.

Kenneth shifted the anchor point of that room relative to the outside "world" from tangible objects like the hotel walls to himself.

This genius truly managed to create a phase separation within that room by recognizing the difference in spacetime between the "other world" and the "planet" itself.

Just like Kenneth's assurance to Sora—

"Sora, as long as you don't go out on your own, you're absolutely safe."

Of course, Kenneth himself could not afford the burden of such a barrier.

To put it more vividly, Kenneth's role is somewhat similar to the "Faithful Charm" in Harry Potter.

He is more like a "key" that records the location of that part of the "other world space".

As for how to prevent this completely misaligned spacetime from disappearing directly into the "folds" of the "world's surface,"...

"The Holy Grail System anchors the Master and Familiar in the causal chain, preventing you from becoming completely lost in the spacetime you inhabit."

"As long as either Lancer or I survive, you'll be fine."

Kenneth's tone was more serious than ever before.

At this moment, Sora finally realized the seriousness of the problem.

The fear in her heart even overwhelmed her dissatisfaction with her fiancé and her affection for Lancer.

Sora, who was not yet blinded by her infatuation with Lancer, soon realized a problem.

Her face suddenly lost its color and turned pale.

"Then... Kenneth, what if you and Lancer both lose?"

This statement silenced Kenneth.

The strongest fortress can also be the strongest prison.

If Kenneth and Lancer, who are the sole causal anchors, die, and Sora had not left the room before that...

—She might never be able to get out.

"Therefore, you must keep a close eye on this [Moon Marrow Elixir] at all times."

The magician had already considered the worst-case scenario that Sora had mentioned.

He gave Lancer a signal.

After the spearman saluted and left the room.

Kenneth handed the test tube containing a small piece of his skin to Sora.

The mercury, named "Moon Spirit Marrow Liquid," pulsated around the skin imbued with the spell, like a heartbeat.

“I used a technique to preserve the activity of some of my tissues. If the mercury inside starts to boil, Sora, you must evacuate immediately.”

"I will use all my Command Seals at the last moment to make sure that Lancer and the Geasa within me don't drag you into this."

"And once you step out of the door, immediately abandon everything and return to the Clock Tower as quickly as possible—"

Kenneth paused for a moment, his gaze falling on Sora's fiery red hair.

Then, his voice lowered.

"And then... don't come back."

It's hard to say what Sora's complex feelings were at that moment as he faced words that were almost his last.

From childhood to adulthood, she was nothing more than a girl raised by her family as a "bargaining chip".

Sora never truly understood what "like" or "dislike" meant.

That is why, due to the "historical inertia," she mistakenly identifies her excitement towards Lancer as love.

At this moment, she stared blankly at her theoretical fiancé, experiencing for the first time a complex emotion called "conflict".

The implication in her fiancé's words was undoubtedly that she should prepare for the worst.

In any case, she was not prepared for Kenneth to die here immediately.

“...Kenneth.”

Sora rarely approached Kenneth, and even stood right in front of him.

Then, the girl's outstretched hand finally grasped the hand that was trembling in the air, outstretched due to tension and unease.

She spoke softly and cautiously.

"Can we...leave?"

Even the mercury droplets gently swaying in the test tube clearly revealed the magician's intentions.

He was afraid—without a doubt.

Who wouldn't be afraid when faced with a possible true god?

Who wouldn't be afraid of facing their own death?

No...you don't understand.

Kenneth shook his head in apparent pain.

"Sora, this is... the safest method."

"Is that so..." his fiancée murmured.

The next moment, something Kenneth never forgot happened.

She gazed at the man before her, a man she had once looked down upon, yet who now seemed incredibly resilient.

"Go, Kenneth."

Sora looked up at Kenneth's uneasy eyes and said softly:

“Not in the name of the head of Archibald, but in the name of my husband, a true warrior—he has returned.”

She straightened his clothes.

Then, she gently gave her husband and warrior a kiss.

(End of this chapter)