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

Chapter 353 This is Fate/Zero (Seeking monthly votes at the beginning of the month)
Kenneth and Lancer traveled to the port in a somewhat compact Toyota Corolla.

This vehicle was undoubtedly "borrowed" from Lancer, and it looks quite old.

Because the honor of knighthood does not encourage theft.

Therefore, Lancer specifically chose an unclaimed old car from the hotel parking lot.

In the past, if Kenneth had seen Lancer find him a vehicle that went against his aristocratic style and personal taste, he probably would have been quite annoyed.

But at the time, he didn't have such thoughts.

Kenneth didn't even ask Lancer to replace the car; instead, he simply inspected it and reinforced some of the damaged areas with mercury.

In any case, such ordinary vehicles can provide a little bit of "concealment," which is better than nothing.

The trunk couldn't hold the materials the magician intended to use to build his workshop.

At this moment, the seat next to Kenneth, as well as the empty passenger seat, were piled high with those magical items—

The crystals and metals, and the boxes containing them, made a slight clinking sound.

"Clang, clang... Ding-dong, ding-dong..."

Kenneth, meanwhile, was looking out the window.

The weather remained gloomy, like a prelude to some kind of destruction, accompanied by those "accompaniments."

Moreover, as they sailed closer to the port, the number of pedestrians on the roadside became increasingly scarce.

The vehicles parked on the side of the road with their flashing lights, and the announcements reminding everyone to be careful, made Kenneth feel as if everything around him was part of an omen.

"Due to the potential impact of the storm, all residents are advised to take precautions and avoid locations close to the coast or riverbanks, such as ports and seaside parks."

Hmph, at least it saved me the trouble of setting up a barrier to disperse idlers.

Kenneth comforted himself by thinking that he could save some materials.

But for some reason, he had the urge to speak—even though he was facing someone he didn't like—he still wanted to say something.

So he spoke up.

"It seems... that the storm that day really frightened a lot of people."

Lancer's attention was originally focused on carefully "driving" the vehicle.

He stood ramrod straight, as if riding a warhorse, his hands gripping the steering wheel as if holding the reins.

Lancers without the "Riding" skill should not be able to drive.

However, given his superhuman qualities as a Heroic Spirit, and the common sense bestowed upon him by the Holy Grail when it summoned him, he still learned it within a few minutes.

After all, as a knight, he couldn't very well have his lord drive him.

Upon hearing Kenneth's words, Lancer immediately realized that his lord was trying to talk to him.

He hesitated for a moment, but ultimately reduced the vehicle's speed.

"Yes, my lord. Although the goddess only opened a 'hole' in front of me at the time, based on my observation, the cyclone must have affected a very wide area, which was definitely not a natural phenomenon."

Kenneth seemed to be answering him, or perhaps he was just talking to himself.

"A city of 130 million people... I hope we can make it out alive in the end."

“Please rest assured, my lord.” Kenneth’s words made Lancer’s expression tighten. “I will ensure your safety.”

Making too many promises will annoy people, especially promises that cannot be kept.

Kenneth chuckled, somewhat annoyed, and said, "What if that goddess attacks me? Can you stop her?"

After Lancer responded with silence, he continued:
"In short, don't get carried away in tonight's battle. There's no place here for you to show off your chivalry."

"Furthermore, Lancer, if you cannot obtain a way to break Geasa for me, then I will use my last Command Spell—"

Kenneth didn't continue, but Lancer understood his lord's meaning perfectly.

"Yes, my lord. Please do not worry about my wishes."

The Cavaliers' response was as usual.

……

Perhaps these are the subtle changes that eventually converge into a torrent.

While Kenneth tries to "understand" his Servant's thoughts, and even does things he wouldn't normally do—such as explaining his plans to his familiar—Lancer also tries to make some "changes."

For example, at this moment, the "loyalty" to the lord is slightly outweighed by the "respect for chivalry" because of this "understanding".

After all, his previous "loyalty" seemed to have backfired.

"If I had followed the goddess's advice and concealed the truth from my lord in a benevolent way... perhaps Lord Kenneth wouldn't be suffering like this now."

A sense of regret arose in Lancer's heart.

"I have merely... passed on the difficult choices I should have faced to a monarch who should not have had to bear them."

As a heroic spirit born from the era of Celtic mythology, Lancer knew all too well—

The struggle for "glory" is entirely different from the struggle for "survival".

In order to survive the winter, villages choose to plunder the meager reserves of the weak, even if they may already have what appears to be enough firewood.

After all, who can say for sure how long this winter will last?

Natural disasters are such things, as unpredictable as the whims of the gods.

To survive, people will steal, kill... seize every opportunity, and do whatever they feel compelled to do.

Having already found themselves in a vulnerable position, clinging to the "way of chivalry" would be tantamount to courting disaster.

Anyway-

Ever since witnessing his lord being forced to make a difficult choice and the sacrifice that might come, Lancer has been constantly reminding himself of this.

For Lancer, who manifested in the world with the former desire, "loyalty to his lord" and "following the code of chivalry" were not difficult choices.

Although it might be a little late, Diarmuid finally made up his mind:

He would view it as a pure slaughter without any honor, a war solely for fulfilling his wish to "be loyal to his lord".

After a moment's hesitation, he added in a low voice:
"As long as it brings you victory, even if it means... even if it means doing things against my principles."

Kenneth merely snorted in response to Lancer's sincere words:
"This is what you, as a familiar—a Heroic Spirit, are supposed to do."

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of pride.

"Anyway, even if you don't say it, I can't prevent you from using the [Moon Spirit Essence Fluid] to command you to act."

After all, although he had used up a Command Spell, Kenneth still tried his best to make up for it.

Because Lancer did not resist the creation Kenneth implanted in his body.

At this moment, the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid has already interacted with its Spirit Core.

If he disagrees with his Master, then obviously the liquid metal "wrapped" around him will not be on the Lancer's side.

Of course, this also has some downsides, namely that Lancer has now lost the ability to [become a spirit].

However, considering that Sora is currently using the [Three Foundations Magic Furnace] to supply magic, and with the assistance provided by the [Moon Spirit Marrow Liquid], this may not necessarily be a bad thing.

……

Before arriving at the harbor, Kenneth informed Lancer of his decision—

If the battle becomes irreversible, Kenneth will use a Command Spell to make Lancer "retreat" in order to prevent the curse from also affecting Sora.

He would risk his own life and Lancer's to immediately signal Sora to "run away."

This shows just how pessimistic Kenneth was about his victory.

This once arrogant magician had already resigned himself to his fate in this Holy Grail War.

……

Perhaps this is Sora's good fortune, and the wonder of fate.

If it weren't for the kiss she gave Kenneth this morning as he left, Kenneth would never have had such courage and fear at this moment.

He might rationally weigh the pros and cons and choose to remain forever in that alternate dimension, trying to lie dormant until the Holy Grail War ends, before pondering how to reconnect with reality.

After all, judging from the food in the room alone, it would be more than enough to last a week.

Continuing the Holy Grail War might mean immediate death, so why not choose the other possibility of living longer?
In fact, it was this fear, a fear that surpassed even the fear of death—the fear of the sudden loss of the love and happiness he was about to win—that drove Kenneth to the battlefield.

It was as if a million versions of himself were shouting in his heart and soul, telling Kenneth that this was his only chance.

……

However, Kenneth overestimated his own mentality.

As the distant Fuyuki Port came into view against the increasingly gloomy sky, a silhouette emerged.

My previously calm state of mind, and the emotions I thought I could face with equanimity, began to fluctuate once again.

The cargo port at Fuyuki City's docks will undoubtedly be shut down today, and for the next few days, following the storm.

Kenneth's gaze fell on the piles of containers stacked along the dock.

He felt they were like ghosts of steel, lingering in the strong winds that were being torn apart by sharp edges, and that he himself might be next...

He almost felt like he was experiencing some kind of mental split.

Upon arriving here, an overwhelming sense of sorrow seemed to well up within me.

"No, things may not be at their worst yet."

"If we can defeat Saber, maybe Sora and I can still be saved."

Kenneth forced himself to focus all his attention on that last glimmer of hope and the arrangements that were about to take place.

He had given up all hope of winning this Holy Grail War.

Once he obtains a way to lift the curse, he will immediately take Sora away from this place.

In his view, since the god specifically named Lancer and Saber to fight him tonight, then obviously the final victor would get the solution to the curse.

This is why Kenneth immediately brought Lancer to this place after saying his almost final farewell.

Although the difference in strength between Saber and Lancer is unclear, there is no doubt that since the enemy has watched the entire Lancer battle, most of their information has been leaked.

Therefore, the failure in intelligence can only be recovered from other sources.

At this moment, Kenneth frowned as he watched Lancer unload the items from the car, taking in the surroundings.

"There are about three hours until nightfall. We need to set up a protective barrier around this area—"

"Tsk...troublesome open area."

Because barriers cannot be compositely depicted and are easily breached from one side, open areas are the least suitable terrain for barrier spells.

Fortunately, as everyone knows, Kenneth El-Melloi Archibald is an absolute genius.

Especially considering that he probably won't be returning to the workshop.

He also dismantled the usable parts of the barrier, except for Sora's room.

……

Just as Kenneth had suspected, he did indeed know Lancer's real name.

The striking red long spear and yellow short spear were his most distinctive features, coupled with the alluring beauty mark under his right eye and his unparalleled martial arts skills—

"It is the 'Radiant Face' of the Fiona Knights, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne."

At this moment, Saber, who was strolling in the seaside park with Irisviel, was both wary of enemies who might attack at any time and reviewing the battle with Lancer yesterday in her mind.

To be honest, Saber couldn't understand—she couldn't understand at all—the actions of that woman named Hisa Maiya.

"Madam, Saber, there shouldn't be any fighting during the day today."

At that moment, Hisayu Maiya said this, and then handed a transmitter to Irisviel.

"Aside from tonight's duel with Lancer at Fuyuki Harbor, you're free to do as you did yesterday afternoon."

Not to mention Saber, even Irisviel was puzzled by this order. — "Free time, just like yesterday afternoon."

This statement essentially means letting them enjoy strolling around the streets, taking photos, or shopping.

No matter how oblivious or unprepared someone is, they won't immediately switch back to a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere and attitude after a battle the previous night.

Irisviel gently shook her head, casting a worried look at Maiya:

"And what about you and Kiritsugu? And Maiya, your health is the best—"

In Irisviel's view, Hisayu Maiya's situation was far from optimistic.

Physical harm is secondary.

As a creation of the Third Law, Irisviel could hardly sense Maiya's presence when she tried to heal Maiya.

The connection between her soul and body seemed unusually loose, as if it would dissipate if she let go.

"I am fine."

Hisayu Maiya shook her head firmly, got out of bed, and walked towards the gate of the mansion.

—Because of the urgency of the situation last night, they rested in a somewhat old house that Kiritsugu had already bought.

She explained, "Kiritsugu still needs my help. The situation tonight might not be optimistic, and I need to go and help him."

Artoria stepped forward.

She grasped the hand of this woman who seemed determined to force herself, looking into her eyes with equal steadfastness:

"Miss Maiya, can you tell us what we can do?"

For Saber, it was already shameful to have allowed an ordinary person to fight for her and the Heroic Spirits last night.

She simply couldn't bear to see Hisayu Maiya, who had just recovered from serious injuries, risk her life for the Holy Grail.

Remembering a contingency plan mentioned in the "project proposal," Hisayu Maiya finally nodded.

With a somewhat puzzled look on Irisviel's face, Hisayu Maimi led Saber outside.

"Saber, can I do you a favor?"

Saber's response was immediate: "Please let me know, I will do everything I can to help."

……

Maiya didn't reply immediately, but instead confirmed with Artoria—she needed to make sure Artoria wouldn't reveal this to anyone.

“No, perhaps it is a despicable thing to say, but Saber, I need you to swear on your wish.”

She paused briefly, gazing into those emerald green eyes, and added softly.

“I assure you this will never violate your principles. I have to do this only for Irisviel’s safety.”

This is clearly not a request that can be easily granted.

For Saber, and for Artoria who has made a contract with Alaya—

To seize the Holy Grail and fulfill the wish to save Britain is something that cannot be easily promised.

Seeing Saber's somewhat troubled expression, Hisayu Maiya smiled understandingly.

"Ah, it's nothing really."

"I just hope that Saber will always hold the lady's hand tightly and ensure her safety in this Holy Grail War."

“I would do it without a promise,” Saber replied immediately.

She glanced at Irisviel, who was quietly pushing open the door a crack, trying to eavesdrop on their conversation, and a gentle look flashed in her eyes.

In fact, compared to her distant cooperation with Kiritsugu, Saber's relationship with Irisviel can be described as a good one of "knight and protected princess".

“I am not protecting her through the bond between Servant and Master, but as a knight, I have made a contract to protect Irisviel.”

"In that case, I have nothing else to say."

Mai said softly, then added as if suddenly remembering something:

"Ah, if I had to say something... I would trouble you and Irisviel to go to the harbor tonight via the seaside park, since the lady has never seen such a view before."

Saber's ahoge (a single strand of hair on her head) twitched.

That "radar" and her intuition told her that Maiya hadn't told the whole truth.

However, since she herself had also been unable to grant Maiya's request due to hidden reasons, Artoria did not say anything more.

"It's probably Kiritsugu who set up some kind of setup at the seaside park."

With that thought in mind, she finally nodded, which was considered an agreement.

……

In the end, however, nothing happened.

At this moment, facing the pitch-black sea before her, Saber couldn't help but feel a sense of doubt.

As dark clouds pressed in, making it seem like midnight in the afternoon, she and Irisviel walked along the deserted seaside promenade.

On the distant sea, the clustered storms swept the park with cold, damp north winds, filling the air with a biting chill.

Saber and Irisviel walked back and forth in the park, but still couldn't find Kiritsugu.

"Is it really true, as Miss Maiya said, that Kiritsugu only wanted Irisviel to see the sea?"

Saber couldn't help but ponder to himself.

"Well, Saber, I told you!"

At this moment, perhaps it was the cold winter wind, or perhaps it was the joy brought about by this event, but her fair face was slightly flushed.

Accustomed to the harsh cold of her hometown, the girl paid no attention to the chill of the night and playfully circled around her knight.

A smile spread across his face as he announced that he had won the bet.

"Kiritsugu must still remember my complaints from back then, which is why he made this arrangement on purpose."

Yes, in the end, Saber couldn't resist the quirky girl's request and told her about Maiya's conversation before she left.

Irisviel felt a surge of joy that her husband remembered her casual remark about wanting to see the sea.

Saber pondered for a moment, but couldn't think of any other explanation.

She rarely showed a hint of surprise.

"That must be why he had Miss Maiya deliberately choose the port for tonight's battle."

However, upon hearing Saber's words, Irisviel suddenly remembered something that she found strange.

"Speaking of which, this is indeed a bit different from Kiritsugu's usual style."

"Is there a difference?"

"Hmm." Irisviel brushed a strand of her long, silvery hair behind her ear, looking slightly embarrassed.

“Actually, I don’t know much about Kiritsugu’s past either. But as you saw, Saber, he was the kind of person who would make thorough preparations in advance.”

In Irisviel's view, it would have been strange if she hadn't heard any explosions from the harbor that afternoon, or received any news that Kiritsugu had used a "challenge" as bait to assassinate Lancer's Master.

Saber's thoughts were still lingering on the surprise that "that man also has a gentle and romantic side."

Thus, Artoria, who mistakenly believed that they were still discussing "the surprise Kiritsugu had prepared," suddenly realized something.

She looked down at the dark sea in the distance and spoke with a hint of apology:
"This place should be visited during the day..."

Irisviel, however, did not care.

She simply gazed at the sea gradually swallowed by the night, listening to the sound of the tides surging back and forth.

"It's alright. The sea is beautiful at night too... like a deep mirror reflecting the night sky."

Irisviel's words gave Saber a strange feeling.

But the next second, Alice's cheerful voice interrupted her further thoughts.

"Having a 'man' by my side while shopping in an unfamiliar city is a surprisingly joyful experience—even I'm a little surprised."

Subconsciously, Saber responded softly:

"Irisviel, even if the person by your side is just a woman disguised as a man... is that enough?"

……

“That’s enough, absolutely flawless. Saber, you are a very charming knight today.”

—But it wasn't the voices of the two women in front of him that rang out.

Standing on the opposite bank of the river, Kiritsugu Emiya gazed at his smiling wife and uttered the next words she was about to say.

Exactly the same, without the slightest difference.

It was so precise that it sent chills down the spine of a man named Emiya Kiritsugu.

He knew that Irisviel would then talk to Saber about whether or not she liked the sea.

Then came the topic of "dating," and the discussion about "what kind of person is Emiya Kiritsugu"...

At this moment, he even understood "herself" better than Irisviel did.

He looked at Irisviel and fell silent.

As she looked at him, she thought to herself, "My husband must be lurking somewhere in this city right now, working for the same cause."

Kiritsugu stared intently at the figure, his breathing becoming rapid.

"Ha... Is this the 'fate' you wanted to show me..."

He knew all of this.

At least, you know which part is being shown.

And they are happening exactly as they were.

A chilling fear pierced my very bones like an ice needle.

More than anything, there was anger, anger at fate, which burned like a flame in my heart.

"Impossible... Stop talking nonsense... Stop talking nonsense! How could this be?!"

Looking at the clear, cloudless night sky that reflected the stars and the moon—it was all so absurd it was laughable!

So, in order for the Holy Grail War to continue, is this one destined to fail?

—If everything was already written, what does the death of the father, the death of Natalia, and the death of Shirley matter?
Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!

[Emiya Kiritsugu] slammed his fist into the tree trunk beside him.

"Boom--!"

Then he threw punch after punch, letting his fists be scraped by the rough bark and letting blood flow down the wounds.

That suppressed emotion quickly twisted into a painful roar:
"Turn back into a dark cloud, you bastard—!!!"

……

Just as Conan has always emphasized, the enemy of the Alliance has never been anyone in this Holy Grail War.

The historical inertia of the Fourth World War allowed it to quietly "watch" this scene unfold.

This time it actually did nothing.

Fate is such a terrible thing.

It needs no action, no words, simply because it "should happen this way."

In an attempt to fight against "fate," they ultimately faced the fate of "returning to zero."

This is Fate/Zero.

(End of this chapter)