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

Chapter 362 The Bell of Judgment is About to Ring (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)
"That should be... Berserker."

Finally, seeing that the Heroic Spirit did not intend to make the first move, Waver began to whisper among himself.

He undoubtedly voiced the thoughts of the other Heroic Spirits or Masters present.

After all, such a wild and undisguised aura is not something a normal "heroic spirit" would possess.

Even Gilgamesh, whose morality is difficult to discern, undoubtedly possesses a kind of heroic "radiance."

But what is this heroic spirit?
His entire body was covered by armor, and the only visible part of his body was the gap in his visor.

One of their eyes, like raging flames, carried an extremely evil aura and gleamed with a dangerous light.

Even the "shadow-like" standing posture is not a metaphor; that black madness carries a pure negative aura.

"Weber, how does that guy's situation compare to mine?"

Rider's question was not meant to be evasive.

He even nodded to Weber to report the values ​​he saw and share them with Lancer and Saber, who were standing nearby.

After all, the Church had already informed them about the Berserker situation.

Although no one knew why he was there.

And it's hard to understand why, after losing contact with his Master, this guy not only didn't disappear, but instead became incredibly powerful.

but--

"Faced with such a formidable enemy, we will probably have no choice but to join forces to deal with him."

Weber, sitting on the chariot, shook his head solemnly.

"I don't know, I can't see his status."

"What?" Rider frowned. "As your Master, shouldn't the Holy Grail grant you the ability to see the situation on the other side?"

Although for some reason, in the "historical inertia," it seems as if everyone is under a curse, and almost no one makes good use of this ability to see the "enemy's stats."

However, as a Master, one does possess abilities such as being able to see the [Heroic Spirit Panel] and compare the stats of Servants on both sides.

However, "fortunately," Berserker's power is evident without comparison.

In fact, what Rider found most perplexing was not the reason for his presence here, or his true identity.

Rather, those—

paint.

……

Yes, everyone who looked at Berserker at that moment could see it clearly.

The armor, which should have been dark black, is now covered with an uneven layer of white.

The white paint that hadn't been applied evenly, or that had accumulated in the crevices of the armor, resembled pure white tears—

It flows slowly downwards.

To be honest, the scene even looked somewhat comical and clumsy.

Because the heroic spirit consumed by madness seemed to be seriously painting his armor.

Or rather, it's a futile attempt at repair.

The surging black magic is no longer used solely for destruction and devastation.

The magic emanating outwards clumsily tumbled and tossed the dripping white paint back up, attempting to fill in the areas that had been revealed as black due to fading.

Even as the black madness seemed to accidentally shatter the solidified pigments, the blazing magic melted them back into existence, then pushed towards the black parts of the armor like clouds.

A Sisyphus-like stubbornness is revealed in such futility.

“That Heroic Spirit,” Irisviel said softly, “seems to be very concerned about those colors.”

“Mm,” Artoria replied.

The Knight King's gaze was fixed on the berserker's "pale" armor, which was constantly being painted on and then peeling off.

"This is no ordinary madness; it must be related to his obsessions in life—he looks like a fallen hero."

"However, even without reason, do you still subconsciously want to find the right path?"

For some reason, Artoria felt a deep sadness in her heart because of this seemingly ridiculous scene.

Clearly, painting the armor white will not eliminate that dark madness.

—But that heroic spirit still did it.

In Saber's eyes, the more earnest Berserker's actions were, the more tragic they appeared.

A complex emotion, a mixture of pity, sorrow, and even a certain anger, welled up in Saber's heart.

It's like someone who has broken a mirror trying in vain to piece it back together and "make the broken mirror whole"—a delusional attempt to erase the cracks by recreating its original form.

But how can that be done?!
The cracks had already spread to every inch of the mirror's fragments.

In the end, all that is reflected is a fragmented, unrecognizable afterimage and emptiness.

Saber clenched her teeth slightly.

For the Knight King, who always revered righteousness, this scene before him was undoubtedly a cruel punishment and torment for the deceased.

……

However, Irisviel's words made Saber realize that she should have temporarily completed her treatment.

She turned her head slightly and gave her "master" a wink.

"Irisviel, take advantage of this time and run as far as you can."

To Saber's surprise, Irisviel shook her head and refused to do so.

“Listen to me, Irisviel, if it were just me alone, I’m confident I could escape in a little while.”

Saber's tone carried a hint of urgency.

"I don't want you to die, so please—"

Irisviel's words were full of certainty.

"It's alright, Saber, trust your Master."

Saber understood her implied meaning and frowned.

—Is Kiritsugu here too?
Remembering that Kiritsugu had only sent one assistant last night, yet he had already demonstrated a power capable of rivaling Lancer, Saber no longer insisted.

She could only remind Irisviel to be extremely careful once again.

"Okay, but please be very careful."

……

"Lancer, how are you? Can you still fight?"

While the other two master-servant pairs were making their plans before Berserker took action.

Kenneth was also using the [Moon Spirit Elixir] to communicate with Lancer, who had already returned.

"No problem, my lord. My strength has recovered to about 90%."

This should also be considered as the benefit that most of the power relies on the [Noble Phantasm] itself.

As for Diarmuid, although he doesn't have a special move that he can unleash with immense magical power like Cú Chulainn.

However, this also means that as long as his [Spirit Core] remains undamaged, with a sufficient supply of magic power, and as long as his physical injuries are healed, his combat strength will hardly suffer any loss.

To Lancer's surprise, he heard his lord issue an order to cooperate.

"Lancer, I need you to work with Saber and Rider in a bit to try and defeat Berserker."

Kenneth's next words sent a chill down Diarmuid's spine.

"Berserker should be the key to cracking Geasa."

"The magical aura emanating from him is very similar to that of that night."

In fact, Kenneth's inner doubts were finally answered at this moment.

Why did that deity insist on choosing a harbor?

Why did she insist on dueling Saber here herself, and prompt Lancer to "show his bravery"?
Moreover, you should know that you and Lancer spent half a day setting things up at the harbor.

If it really is just the points mentioned above.

That deity.

Why didn't anyone try to stop it?

The reason is now clear.

"Because... as long as one ferocious beast is sent, the others will have no choice but to show their bravery."

It's like a gladiatorial arena.

The audience or organizers on stage have no need to worry that the "contestants" they've been assigned will fight each other before the performance even begins.

"He just needs to make us feel that if we don't cooperate, there is only one way out: death."

"In fact, all five Heroic Spirits are present now."

Kenneth then shared his opinion.

"That god might be planning to gather all the heroic spirits today and then wipe them all out in one fell swoop..."

can only say--

Kenneth is indeed one of the few magicians who could determine on his own where Berserker came from.

But his train of thought seemed to have gone completely astray.

……

These are heroes who have fought countless battles.

With just a glance, they immediately realized that they both had the idea of ​​cooperating.

In the blink of an eye, it was as if the legendary battle of "Three Heroes Fighting Lü Bu" had been reenacted—

Three imposing auras vaguely took shape, encircling Berserker like an invisible cage.

Unfortunately, there was one king who was even more impatient than those on the ground.

In this tense lull, Gilgamesh finally remembered where he had heard about the identity of the Heroic Spirit below.

In stark contrast to the solemn expressions of Lancer, Saber, and Rider on the ground.

The king standing atop the streetlamp seemed to suddenly become interested, his pupils flashing with a hint of amusement.

"Oh? So it's the rabid dog that disappeared from the Matou family after losing its mind?"

To this proud king, the conflicted heroic spirit before him was extremely interesting.

Although Rider's words just now did indeed anger this king.

But at this moment, the appearance of this new intruder made Gilgamesh feel that he could temporarily put aside his grudges with Rider.

after all--

Rider can be killed anytime, but the interesting thing happening now is not so common.

Unlike those blind fools, the Hero King, who possessed the ability to see through people's hearts, saw through the true nature of this heroic spirit at a glance.

The twisted and contradictory soul before me, the heroic spirit desperately denying its own existence—

In Gilgamesh's eyes, it was a spectacle that was a once-in-a-millennium occurrence.

Its bright red eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a predator-like interest.

"Is it a Heroic Spirit who wants to deny its own existence?"

His voice immediately drew the attention of the others.

Gilgamesh seemed to thoroughly enjoy the inquisitive gazes of the crowd—

This undoubtedly demonstrates his wisdom and insight that far surpass those of ordinary people.

However, he certainly wouldn't stoop to explain to these charlatans—that was the job of his subjects.

He would simply enjoy their confusion and bewilderment.

Moreover, to be more precise, the King of Heroes was already "eager to hunt".

Even setting aside the ridiculous denial of its own existence by the heroic spirit—

That contorted and twisted appearance itself was like a farcical drama that made him want to burst out laughing.

The resentment that clung to him, which had accumulated to the point of being like a curse, was more than enough for him to "conquer" it.

In the eyes of this king, Berserker at this moment is probably more like a monster used to showcase the king's achievements.

Moreover, unlike the mortal bones beneath our feet that are tense merely because of the breath of wild beasts.

In Archer's eyes, that feeling of being constantly on edge was all too clear.

From the very beginning, Berserker's frantic gaze was fixed on only two people:
Saber, and his hero-king Gilgamesh.

His ruby-red eyes swept over the wary Saber in the distance before slowly moving back.

Gilgamesh's playful smile deepened, and a dangerous undertone emerged from it.

"I have no recollection of ever having such an acquaintance..."

In fact, everyone present was right in their perception.

Berserker, or rather, Matou Kariya, was indeed fighting desperately.

But what he was fighting against was not the so-called curse or existence.

What he was fighting against was—historical inertia.

Right now, right here.

Scenes more terrifying than death are being repeated in every corner where Matou Kariya exists—

The pain is far beyond the physical level; it is devastating pain.

Every second, many parts of ourselves are shattered; every moment, another kind of history is swept away.

His consciousness, his memories, and even his understanding of "self" were constantly being swept away by this torrent.

Countless possible "Matou Kariya" were born in an instant, only to be crushed into dust.

Let alone maintaining any specific consciousness, let alone preserving any continuous logic.

That has become an unattainable dream.

It's like asking an ant to use its back to stop the rolling wheels of history.

Especially at this moment, when the Alliance is pushing historical momentum back onto the right track—

This piece of soul paper, grasped by countless hands and torn into countless possibilities, must support the heavy Mount Everest.

……

To move the entire universe with just ten strings, such a sacrifice is necessary.

For the league, nothing is more opportune than tonight to seize absolute dominance.

As long as we act according to the "historical inertia," six out of the seven heroic spirits will appear tonight.

As for Caster, the only one who hasn't arrived yet, now that the Alliance has him completely under their control, it wouldn't be difficult to bring him over at the end of the battle.

In other words, all seven Heroic Spirits from the Holy Grail War were present.

In addition, Kiritsugu Emiya, Irisviel, Kenneth, Waver...

Including Kirei Kotomine, who came here through the senses of Assassin.

Conan couldn't bear to give up such an opportunity.

An opportunity to bring the historical inertia of the Fifth Holy Grail War, the Throne of Heroes, Alaya, and the forces behind Merlin to the forefront as scapegoats.

From beginning to end, Conan Edogawa understood one thing: the redemption of all mankind.

Even if you come up with a perfect solution, you will still encounter the most terrible obstacles and setbacks.

"Regardless of which possibility it is, unless the historical inertia of the Servant Universe comes into play, we have absolutely no chance of success."

because--

If you think about it carefully, you will not have difficulty understanding the impact of its success on the so-called "pan-human history".

"After all, do you know what the most prominent characteristic of the Moon is in the [Type-Moon Universe]?"

Before Hasegawa Tsuki could answer, Conan continued speaking on his own.

"It's about 'maintaining the contradictions.' Without contradictions and conflicts, it can't continue."

The detective smiled as if he had suddenly thought of something.

"At least, it's impossible to achieve according to the blueprint we're trying to follow."

"It was a utopia, for..."

Conan paused, his tone somewhat bitter.

"For a story, this is not allowed, it means its end."

……

This was the first time Conan had brought up such a heavy topic to the forefront and discussed it with Hasegawa Tsuki.

There's a reason why the Narrative Studies Department has a bad reputation within the Alliance.

Even now, after the troubles in this universe have subsided.

The majority of the Psychological Support Department's performance still comes from them and the departments that they contact or cooperate with.

Research that focuses solely on "another angle" is extremely prone to falling into the trap of "meaninglessness."

The most crucial and terrifying thing is—

These theories have been verified to some extent.

In reality, the universe originated from some kind of design, or the "brain in a vat" hypothesis may cause some doubt, but it will not lead to the "nihilism" of the Narrative Department.

Because they can't be verified, can they?
Perhaps some people, amidst the daily panic and anxiety, truly begin to doubt their own existence.

But that was just a suspicion.

Unlike the "Character Design Theory" and "Worldview System Theory" proposed by the "Narrative Studies Department," which have been subject to real observation and even verification.

……

Hasegawa Tsuki understood Conan's unspoken meaning.

The child's face was somewhat pale.

"You mean... we ultimately won't succeed?"

"--No."

Her response was a calm and clear voice.

The childlike figure standing in the center of the hall suddenly appeared exceptionally tall.

It's not a change in form, but a kind of aura, a light of unwavering faith that's almost tangible.

A sense of conviction, an emotion that stirs the heart, is born from that calm and steady response.

because--

[Conan Edogawa] He...

He insists on denying this unreasonable reality, blasting away this logic that is even more disgusting than frog piss!

The Heisei era Sherlock Holmes will use his own sense of justice to force the universe to submit to his will and his ideas.

Recalling his arrangements, he slowly began to speak:
"Moon, that's why I saw a glimmer of hope for success."

"The enemy is powerful, but rigid and lacks wisdom, just like when we faced the dual timelines in the past."

"—Our path to victory lies within this."

Thinking of this, Conan smiled again.

He accepted the panel provided by the Throne of Heroes, not just for its aesthetics.

My gaze shifted to the first of the three Noble Phantasms on my [Heroic Spirit Panel]—

The truth never exists in a single dimension.

"The biggest turning point in this war lies between Saber and Kiritsugu, isn't it?"

"Once they purify the contents of the Holy Grail, they will be one step away from victory."

This is also why Conan said that, to a certain extent, we should make use of "historical inertia".

"The planned future ensures the inclusion of [Alaya] and even [Gaia], and the abilities intercepted by [Throne of Heroes] ensure that the effects of Noble Phantasms can be recognized in a 'local form'..."

"【Emiya Kiritsugu】Destroying the Holy Grail requires a premise: once the 【truth】is revealed and the 【evil of this world】is eliminated, this 'premise' will no longer exist."

Yes, relying on the power of his Noble Phantasm, Conan will seize absolute control of the alliance.

At this moment, I am standing in the center of the [Execution Level Hall].

The radiance of the Noble Phantasm on the Heroic Spirit proclaims what a "detective" truly is.

The truth never exists in a single dimension:
The insurmountable realm of absolute reasoning.

The Detective's Brilliance forces the exposure of the enemy's "evil" nature, bringing "justice," "truth," and "redemption" to our side.

Type: Anti-evil Noble Phantasm / Detective Realm
Scope: No fixed scope
Maximum capture: Causal chain bound individuals (no upper limit)
effect:

When activated, the [Absolute Reasoning Domain] is forcibly deployed, transforming the battlefield into a spacetime that conforms to the "three elements of a case".

Assign all enemy and friendly units the "Criminal Faction" or "Detective Faction," and proceed through the three phases of "Clue Gathering," "Motive Unveiling," and "Truth Judgment."

The "Criminal Faction" is considered a "Criminal Organization" and receives the highest level of "Coverage" before the "Truth Judgment".

The Criminal Faction suffers one instance each of the following every 3 hours: Logical Interrogation, Exposure of Sin, and Remaining Clues. Furthermore, the "Sin Value" from Exposure of Sin is converted into a temporary Luck Bonus for the Detective Faction.

If the [Criminal Faction] has characteristics related to the [Black Organization], an additional "inevitable death" criterion is added, and the probability of "inevitable death" is checked every 3 seconds.

[Detective Faction] All units share the effects of the first four of Conan's "Six Elements" (equipment/activation conditions must be met) and activate the cooperative boost.

During the [Clues Gathering] phase, the entire [Detective Faction] gains "Intuition Evasion," tripling the efficiency of clue analysis and granting immunity to/weakening of interference from the enemy's "Cognitive Fog" type.

During the [Motive Revealed] phase, all members of the [Detective Faction] gain an increase in "Noble Phantasm Power" to EX rank, and their "Attacks" are accompanied by the effects of "Tearing Away the Truth" and "Exposing Evil".

During the [Truth Judgment] phase, the entire [Detective Faction] receives a [Supreme Judgment/Special Attack] bonus based on the "correct criminal".
……

Therefore, the task that [Matou Kariya] needs to complete is not complicated in essence—

He must become a nail driven into the inertia of history, doing everything in his power to hold back the five heroic spirits on the scene.

He needs to stall until Raymond arrives, until Holmes descends.

Once the Noble Phantasm is activated, you can successfully pass through the three key stages in sequence.

Reasonable reasons for making wishes, methods to combat the evils of this world...

Everything is just like the ritual case in this universe.

What was originally an impossible method now has a possibility of being accomplished.

more importantly--

[Inhibitory power] It will not oppose it.

Before the truth is fully revealed and the real culprit is identified, all of this does not violate the historical inertia.

The Alliance merely added a few words to a corner of its "unnarrated" story.

However, this is precisely the difficulty.

Even when Matou Kariya settled in the warehouse district of the harbor, the greatest risks had already begun.

As mentioned earlier, historical inertia will not be satisfied with the so-called "doing only half".

It doesn't have the logic of "negotiation".

The historical momentum of the Fourth World War will never let go of the opportunity to turn the tide once and for all, given his temporary exit from the historical momentum.

As long as there is even the slightest possibility of conforming to "correct history," it will not hesitate to spread that possibility throughout the entire world through [mental imagery].

If Kariya Matou truly followed the future revealed by those timelines meticulously, acting until the very end...

Can you imagine what the world would be like if it were covered by this mental image of [Matou Kariya]?

and so--

Yan Ye now has to walk on a knife's edge.

He needs to follow the trajectory of history, yet he must also break free at a certain critical point.

Fortunately, it seems that some kind of obsession is supporting him.

There was an obsession that, once abandoned, would be unbearable, an obsession even more unbearable than death and the pain of this moment, echoing in my mind.

Kariya Matou, or perhaps... Lancelot?
The timeline is on that white shadow, cycling and extending.

In countless times and spaces, the same words echoed in the ears and even the souls of countless "White Knights":
"Kaniya, you must—! You must ensure that this white never fades, no matter what!"

"Remember, during this period, history will temporarily be your asset."

"But you must never truly submit to it!"

At this moment, the white paint that keeps peeling off yet forcibly held in place is the anchor point that this shattered soul is desperately trying to maintain.

This is undoubtedly a miracle born from the ravaged yet brilliant soul of a hero.

The character design of 【Matou Kariya】 has been solidified to an unbelievable degree through countless struggles.

Even if historical inertia is in control at this moment, this is still the case.

Only three thoughts remained:

To launch a non-lethal counterattack;

To prevent anyone from leaving;

Also, keep the white paint from peeling off.

These are the only three thoughts that remain in this shattered timeline named [Lancelot] – [Matou Kariya].

(End of this chapter)