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

Chapter 354 Truly despicable and shameless! (Seeking monthly votes at the beginning of the month!)
If we say that in this universe, Conan Edogawa hates "magic" because of its idealistic and illogical nature.

This is even more true in the Type-Moon universe.

That's the trouble with material things succumbing to the mind.

But at a certain moment, Irisviel, as if in the inertia of history, "thought" of a cloudless night sky.

As soon as she seized the opportunity, her mental imagery immediately expanded, replacing the celestial imagery that the alliance had already prepared.

What's even more troublesome is—

Both her and Saber's RSI values ​​rose, and in a way that Conan didn't want to see.

As is well known, there are currently two known ways to "break" a device, both of which will indirectly or directly cause the breaker's RSI value to rise.

The second one needs no further discussion.

Even now, it seems there's only one example: Karasuma Renya.

Furthermore, given its current state, it is difficult to conduct in-depth research on it now.

Therefore, the first type is usually the most common.

That is, just like what Professor Agasa faced in this universe.

Rather than calling it a "broken character design," it's more like amplifying a certain aspect of the character design.

The alliance called it a "pretend."

However, unlike Mr. Karasuma, who became an isolated case, there are many interpretations of "borrowing".

For example, when broken down further, Professor Agasa's and Ran Mouri's "breaking the rules" are not the same, and Koizumi Akako's and Kaito's methods are even more unique and difficult to replicate.

However, from the perspective of the Alliance, these various "pretexts" are mostly not detrimental to the plan.

But there are exceptions.

For example, [Vermouth].

Before the Alliance contacted her, her "broken facade" could be understood in another literal sense—

That is, it has completely lost its potential independence and become a tool for driving inertia.

In this situation, even if her rising RSI value confirms her identity as the "Thousand-Faced Witch," it would actually be worse for the League.

Just like the shout she made downstairs at the Maori office back then.

The Alliance failed to detect her disguise as Hattori Heiji's secretary.

Moreover, considering the final outcome that led to the "Star Tower Case"—she almost literally "called the Alliance to its demise."

If Lin Sheng hadn't intervened directly, rewinding the entire universe by three seconds multiple times and issuing thirty-three "divine pronouncements," it would have been a different story.

The final situation may be even worse.

Now, it's clear that Irisviel and Artoria are in a similar situation to Vermouth back then.

Conan then explained why this situation was many times more troublesome than that in "this universe".

Now, the [Type-Moon Universe Alliance Branch] obviously can't be like Lin Sheng, the "source of the CYZ effect," who was "powerful and could send bricks flying" back then.

what?
Is the dual timeline attempting to interfere?

Go ahead and talk to my CYZ effect!
"And the trouble is—"

"At the time, Vermouth was actually forced to do this by the story timeline, and she was willing to resist."

This is also the biggest difference between Kiritsugu Emiya and Irisviel.

It may be hard to believe.

But in reality, during his time with Kiritsugu Emiya...

This nine-year-old android is emotionally more dominant.

For example, it was actually this young girl who confessed her feelings to Kiritsugu. Even giving birth to Illya was Irisviel's own request.

All I can say is that the number "three" is truly wondrous.

Kiritsugu and Irisviel had three chances to escape this tragic fate:

After all, Kiritsugu Emiya is not a machine.

He was simply forcing himself to learn to operate like a machine for the sake of his "ideal".

In fact, unlike the misunderstandings some people have about him.

Kiritsugu Emiya was well aware that "sacrificing the minority to save the majority" was the wrong approach.

He simply couldn't find a better way, and that was also his reason for wanting the Holy Grail.

However, considering its ideal of "world peace," it seems that there really is no better way than the Holy Grail.

For this reason, he confessed his pain, hesitation, and struggle to Irisviel and his wife countless times.

And Irisviel understood him time and time again, speaking for him in his own heart—

This man is held hostage by his past sacrifices, or "sunk costs."

"So, if you abandon this ideal, then Kiritsugu, the rest of your life will only be spent in pain."

Therefore, at the three points where different "historical inertia" diverge, Irisviel's determination to help Kiritsugu Emiya is evident in Fate/Zero.

This is exactly the trouble Conan was referring to.

Kiritsugu's weakness and escapism, in a sense, actually made it easier for him to "break the established rules".

Because this kind of escapism is also part of the struggle.

The alliance doesn't even need to do anything.

Just give him a glimpse of the facts and the future, and offer him a possible promise, and he will willingly join the alliance.

—But Irisviel is not.

Hasegawa Tsuki objected to Conan's statement:
"But if we let Kiritsugu and Illya persuade her themselves, there should be a high chance of success, right?"

Conan stumped her with just one question.

"So how do we maintain the historical momentum of the 'Four Wars'?"

This is a new problem that the Alliance has never had to consider in this universe.

Conan never imagined that one day he would need to actively complete it, at least the part before the "ending".

"Furthermore, the Moon, Irisviel is different; she is theoretically part of the Third Law."

"If we want to achieve the same results with her as with Kiritsugu, how many effect values ​​do you think it would take?"

"She even had a 'scabbard' implanted inside her body, and she needed to 'shake hands' with the Knight King to ensure her survival at the last moment."

Hisayu Maiya's line, "Please hold the lady's hand tightly," was not just a metaphor.

[The Alliance] It is impossible to determine the exact form of Irisviel's personality, memories, spirit, and soul through dissection.

"The effect of that 'scabbard' is the only miracle that has been definitively proven to surpass the [Five Great Magics]. Without this, we would have no confidence in separating her from the Holy Grail."

In the silence of Hasegawa's moon, Conan's somewhat solemn voice continued.

"And whenever this is necessary, Irisviel must be in the same space-time as Artoria."

Hasegawa Tsuki didn't ask why Saber wasn't pulled into the eternal past second like Emiya Kiritsugu.

If the incomplete "Third Law" is destined not to appear "ten years later," then Irisviel may still have the possibility of intervening.

If the alliance were to take action against Saber now, it would mean that the alliance might be going against the historical inertia of the "Fourth World War" and "Fifth World War".

Other characters or forces, like Merlin, might even emerge at any time.

"but--"

Looking at the suddenly changing celestial phenomena and the environmental RSI value that was starting to fluctuate again, Conan thought for a moment and sent a few missions to Matou Kariya and Raymond.

Then he explained, "Indeed, it's not good to let the historical inertia of the four wars continue to expand. What we need is to maintain the current ambiguous zone where none of them are entirely true."

Conan decides to curb the power of "historical inertia".

With a casual remark, he sealed the fate of the battle.

"Then let Saber suffer a complete defeat this time."

"After all, judging from the records, Irisviel's strength has its limits. We need to make her doubt our own strength as much as possible."

……

In fact, even without considering Conan's arrangements.

Even though Saber now knows the power of Lancer's two magic spears.

And even under extreme vigilance, she wouldn't easily fall into Lancer's trap—

She still couldn't beat Lancer.

In fact, compared to the "historical inertia," they could even engage in several rounds of fighting.

If Saber hadn't raised her vigilance to the highest level from the very beginning.

Without considering the influence of historical momentum, she will inevitably be defeated quickly.

After all, it's hard to say what purpose Kenneth was supposed to have set up in the port.

But considering that even Waver could be brought into it by Iskandar without any problems, and Kiritsugu didn't seem to find it troublesome at all—it should indeed just be a barrier to conceal the traces of the Heroic Spirits' battle.

But things are completely different now.

In addition, Lancer's magic donor changed from Sora alone to Sora and the magic furnace providing magic together.

Furthermore, Lancer has now resolved to abandon chivalry in this war and stop at nothing to achieve victory...

To be honest, if there were no changes to the other Servants, Kenneth and Lancer's team would most likely win the Holy Grail right now.

After all, the "Inevitable Destruction Yellow Rose," which is incurable once hit, is indeed a treasure for the "war of attrition."

As for Archer, he can launch a sneak attack on his Master.

Or he could lure the Berserker into attacking while he waits for an opportunity to launch a surprise attack—after all, Gilgamesh and Lancelot are not compatible at all.

【Chains of Heaven】is basically useless against non-divine Servants.

In mythological records, Lancelot did not specifically target the legendary Noble Phantasm, and his Noble Phantasm, "A Knight Never Dies Barehanded," is a natural counter to Gilgamesh, who manifested in the world as an Archer.

Even if Berserker were to engage, the King of Heroes would never be able to draw the [Ea] sword for this "mad dog".

In close combat, he was no match for Lancelot.

In short, just use Lancer as an Assassin.

Ensuring an escape route is always the top priority, and in every battle, once the [Inevitable Yellow Rose] strikes, Lancer must be required to transform into a spirit and flee.

Although this tactic is extremely despicable, it is indeed exceptionally effective.

Basically, all you need to do is repeat the above steps, wait for the opposing teams to wear each other down, and victory will be a sure thing.

Just like now——

As soon as Artoria stepped into the harbor, she was plunged into a fierce battle.

"How despicable!"

At this moment, Saber, as the King of Knights, was running and shouting at Lancer, which was rare for her.

……

About ten minutes ago—

For Saber and Irisviel.

Just as they were about to begin discussing the contradictory aspects of "Emiya Kiritsugu".

Saber naturally took Irisviel's hand and gently pulled her behind him.

Irisviel immediately understood what she meant.

"...An enemy's Servant?"

Saber nodded, her gaze fixed on a shadowy spot about a hundred meters to the side.

As a Servant, I possess the innate "Spiritual Vision" and easily perceive a powerful aura of magic approaching as if in a provocation.

But the other party didn't seem to intend to get close and launch a sneak attack; they just slowly moved away.

"It seems they are trying to lure us over there."

Upon hearing Saber's assessment, Irisviel even considered making a joke.

"How 'honest' you are. Or are you planning to discuss with us where to start the war?"

"It should be Lancer."

Remembering the agreement between the spearman and their side yesterday, Saber made a judgment.

"So we should accept his invitation?"

Saber nodded.

“We have already inflicted damage on Lancer yesterday and learned his real name, which gives us a significant advantage.”

"Since we took the initiative to invite them, it is perfectly acceptable for the other party to choose the location for the duel."

Unaware of what they were about to face, the two, with unwavering confidence, headed in the direction where the enemy's presence had vanished.

Midway through, Irisviel remembered Kiritsugu's instructions.

As she followed behind, she reached into her pocket and pressed a button on the machine Kiritsugu had given her earlier, which was called a "transmitter."

In her heart, she prayed that the war would go smoothly and that the enemy would not be too difficult to deal with.

Irisviel was well aware of the source of Saber's conflict with her husband—

If possible, she hopes Saber can have a good, satisfying fight.

……

Lancer, or rather Kenneth, chose a warehouse street.

When Saber and Irisviel arrived at their destination along the edge of the seaside park, they saw rows and rows of shipping containers stacked in some strange way.

The streetlights, scattered on both sides, seemed to have been cut in two by a sharp weapon, replaced by containers twisted at various angles and decorated with patterns.

They stand at intervals on slightly sunken ground.

The harbor waters beside it were no longer empty.

The empty docks and the severed ropes on the piles spoke volumes about the fate of those ships.

Saber could even see some white spires peeking out of the water.

On those ships piled up to form "reefs," red and blue containers were also painted with patterns, like building blocks, and were "inserted" into the deliberately cut gaps.

Despite the constant threat of death, Kenneth persevered and completed the depiction of the composite array.

The ground floor, the underground or underwater floor, and the floor above ground.

Its maximum effectiveness is ensured by an array of instruments carved separately inside the container, and communication is achieved through imperceptible, extremely fine mercury threads, coupled with his wisdom in guiding and opening/closing...

When a ruler of the Clock Tower decides to use all his power, the effect he can achieve is undoubtedly astonishing.

He and Lancer even used tactics to lower Saber and Irisviel's guard.

Just as Saber was beginning to have a slight thought of retreating because of what she was seeing,

She noticed that Lancer seemed completely unprepared for a possible sneak attack.

The spearman simply carried his two spears and walked nonchalantly to the center of the deserted road.

At the same time, he spoke against his will.

"Hmph—it's really disappointing to have to be confined in a cage and fight your opponent in order to uphold the so-called mystery."

As if to confirm his words, an undisguised wave of magical energy emanated from the top of the containers, spreading outwards and forming a barrier.

Immediately afterwards, Irisviel exclaimed in surprise at its effect.

"The sounds from outside... have been cut off?!"

“That’s right.” Lancer still had his back to Saber, his tone carrying a hint of distress.

"After all, I made a pact with you to the death, Saber."

“It would be bad if the ‘sacred duel’ were interrupted by an unexpected spectator.”

Lancer's words eased Saber's initial wariness slightly.

Especially when she thought of the identity of the "glorious" person in front of her, her tense expression relaxed.

At this moment, revealing one's real name actually serves to confuse the enemy.

After all, heroic spirits are usually noble beings, let alone a knight of great renown.

Her intuition told her that Lancer was not lying.

However, although the barrier's effects now seem quite obvious—the sudden disappearance of the sound of the waves and the sound of the trees in the distant park being blown by the wind are evidence—Saber still turned to Irisviel, seeking her "Master's" opinion.

“Hmm, Saber, I don’t sense any magic trying to invade my body.”

Irisviel sensed the flow of magic within her body and nodded slightly to Saber, indicating that Lancer was not lying.

“Saber, this is an open area, so the barrier's effectiveness will be very weak and won't affect me.”

This understanding and reasonable girl put Saber at ease, and she even pumped her fist to cheer him on.

"And don't underestimate the Masters of the Einzbern family!"

Irisviel's words put Saber at ease again.

However, because of a lingering unease within her, she still gave Alice a piece of advice:
"Please be sure to let me know if anything seems unusual."

can only say--

If it were Kiritsugu Emiya, he would probably have fled immediately upon seeing what was happening before him.

Even without a doubt, the ritual formation in front of them appeared to have been hastily assembled, and was so scattered that it was completely impossible to form a coherent shape.

……

"But Alice—it would be a mistake to enter someone else's 'nest' without knowing the full story."

Standing in a gap between a stack of containers.

At this moment, Kiritsugu Emiya had a clear view of the street below and the crane boom that was about thirty meters high in the distance.

He couldn't help but sigh as he watched his wife's unsuspecting and foolish actions.

Alice is still too inexperienced; her vigilance is far too weak.

As a "magician killer," Kiritsugu knows all too well how terrifying the magicians in the [Workshop] can be.

Moreover, he could be said to have watched Kenneth build his "nest".

As soon as Saber and Irisviel get any closer to Lancer, the magician hiding on the other side will be ready to "close the net".

If it weren't for the "time" that isolates them from the outside world, constantly reminding them of the importance of Kiritsugu's plans...

Several times, he subconsciously placed the magician's figure within the crosshairs of his sniper rifle.

You see, he's not the helpless magician he was in "Historical Inertia" anymore.

Even now, a fragment of Assassin's spirit is crouching on a distant tower crane. Let alone the fact that shooting Lancer's Master now would reveal his location.

Even if he had to go up and fight Lancer hand-to-hand right now, Kiritsugu felt that he wouldn't lose.

According to that "alliance," as long as they don't encounter skills like "Individual Manifestation," which can ignore time-related skills, or Noble Phantasms that can function in the form of "causality," they will never be injured.

Even Noble Phantasms like the [Spear Piercing Death Thorns], which reverse causality.

The prerequisite for a successful hit is having a target.

In a sense, unless the attack can go back to the moment Kiritsugu just received the "timeline shield" on him, Kiritsugu will never exist in the "present".

Of course, another point is to avoid the depletion of effect value due to historical inertia.

Kiritsugu Emiya always kept in mind that he should never meet with Saber.

According to the information provided by that "alliance".

In this war, I can only communicate with Saber three times, which means "three sentences".

"Otherwise... 'fate' would have a reason to turn against me."

Although I don't fully understand the meaning of this sentence, and I'm not sure what kind of attack I will suffer afterward.

However, he wouldn't risk ruining the plan.

"Doing it could potentially... ruin the plan."

Although that was indeed what he thought, just as Conan was never worried that this man would do something unplanned.

Kiritsugu's physical body seemed to move even faster than his mental body.

Therefore, even though he was somewhat worried about his wife's safety at this moment, and even though he was still angry and pained by the "fate" that had just manifested itself.

As soon as Kenneth's image appeared in Kiritsugu's mind, he immediately put down his gun.

His hand was already instinctively on the safety, ready to turn it off to prevent accidental triggering.

……

Thus, under the watchful eyes of several people.

Saber and Irisviel walked steadily toward Lancer, stopping about ten meters away from him.

A sharp aura spread out as Saber regained her composure.

The magical core, fueled by the Dragon Factor, surged ceaselessly, unleashing a fierce storm that was difficult to look at, driven by its master's fighting spirit.

When Irisviel opened her eyes again, she found that Saber was wearing a suit of armor that shone with silver and azure light.

The Star Holy Sword, entangled by the [Wind King Barrier], hummed incessantly, and the flowing gale was held in the hand of this Knight King, as if it would strike at any moment.

Irisviel held her breath, watching the scene unfold before her with a slightly nervous expression.

At this moment, the air between the two Servants was so tense that it was like a fully drawn bow, ready to explode at any moment.

At such a distance, the two sides' heroic spirits could easily exchange attacks and defenses dozens of times in a single second.

Saber glanced at Lancer, who was still standing with her back turned, and whispered to Irisviel again:
"Irisviel, the enemy's Master has still not appeared. They may have a backup plan. Please be careful."

She paused, then her voice became resolute.

"Furthermore, I entrust my back to you."

Irisviel nodded solemnly: "I understand. Please grant me victory, Saber."

"As you wish, my princess."

Saber took the first step, assuming an attack stance, and spoke sternly:
"Lancer, is it because you're worried that your beauty mark will bewitch me and that you plan to fight me behind my back that you refuse to turn around?"

"If you underestimate me like this, I'm going to defeat you with a single sword strike."

"How can it be."

Lancer interrupted Saber, his tone filled with deep bitterness.

"Although I don't know your identity, Saber, with your clear fighting spirit, I'm sure my tricks won't have any effect."

Diarmuid was silent for a moment.

As Saber became more alert, he gripped the twin pistols resting on his shoulders again, ultimately offering a final act of respect for chivalry that even he himself found absurd:

"Watch out, I'll attack the moment you turn around."

As Lancer spoke, she turned away as if in some pain.

"What—?! Lancer, you—"

Upon seeing Lancer's face, Saber couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

This is by no means the appearance of a hero.

At this moment, a flowing mask that Saber had never seen before cast shadows over that once "glorious appearance".

It was as if it had been possessed by some kind of evil.

Some flowing mercury seeped out from a wound on the face, flowing outwards like a living thing.

In the next instant, the two demonic spears pierced Artoria's vitals simultaneously, like venomous snakes.

There was no time to ask Lancer what had happened.

Saber immediately drew her sword to meet the attack.

But in the instant the sword parried the demon-slaying spear and faced the doomed short spear—

A thread of mercury hidden beneath the arm armor shot out from the tip of the spear with the swift and powerful swing of the spearman.

With the same speed, it split into countless silver threads in mid-air, winding up along the invisible blade!

Even during this continuous attack, Lancer's actions did not stop.

A surge of magical energy coursed through Saber as she attempted to use the airflow from her sword to block the silver threads that were like a pocket trying to strike her wrist—

"Irisviel!!!"

A scene caught in her peripheral vision immediately made Saber anxious, and she couldn't help but shout it out.

Without even considering the red spear that was about to attack again during this gap, Saber was about to leave.

In the instant his attention was focused on the tangled silver threads, he used the obstruction of the mercury spread out like a fishing net.

The mercury on Lancer's armor simultaneously transformed into four streaks of silver light that shot out rapidly.

Two of the attacks were aimed directly at Saber's ankles, which she was about to retreat from, forcing her to turn around and defend.

The other two bypassed her and headed straight for Irisviel behind her!
—This is Lancer's real purpose in attacking just now.

Even though liquid mercury could attack through gaps in Saber's defenses, it's best to use it only as a feint or for harassment.

The physical constitution of a Heroic Spirit, and Saber's magical resistance, determine that the magician's methods cannot inflict injuries that can decide the outcome of a battle.

……

"Shapeist Leben! (O wreckage, you are given life!)"

Irisviel, who was always attentive to the battle situation, immediately chanted a spell. Almost identical silver threads intertwined in the air, transforming into a giant eagle woven from silver, which rushed towards the two streams of [Moon Spirit Essence Liquid].

But it was too late.

In the distance, near the ground and water, the containers flickered, and a red barrier briefly lit up from the horizon.

Furthermore, the [Moon Spirit Essence Fluid] that attacked Saber provided her with information.

Kenneth immediately bypassed her, who possessed strong magic resistance, and simply shifted the ritual array toward Irisviel, making the air around her instantly heavy, like flowing water.

Even under such a despicable sneak attack.

Lancer continued to use psychological tactics.

He didn't feign a painful sigh.

"I'm sorry, Saber, I was forced to give the order using a Command Spell by my Master."

Out of the corner of her eye, Saber noticed Lancer seemingly "trying to weaken his offensive" and paused for a moment.

At that very moment, the heavy atmosphere hindered the Silver Giant Eagle's rescue—

Irisviel's arms were pierced through.

……

As mentioned earlier, facing such disgusting tactics—

At this moment, Saber, as the King of Knights, was running and, unusually, yelling at Lancer, or rather, his Master.

"How despicable!"

(End of this chapter)