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

Chapter 364 Stopping the War is the Third
Unlike the fierce fighting in the harbor—

"It's not good..."

At this moment, Merlin and Jewel King both stopped fighting because of a bad premonition in their hearts.

"If Berserker were to defeat any one of them at this moment..."

"Even if you, Merlin, use illusion magic to cover it up, it's useless."

[Jewel Elder] Stops his actions of converging the surrounding real illusions into "non-existence".

Merlin immediately abandoned his entanglement with the old man who had recently "observed" Artoria using the Second Method.

Even now, it seems clear that Zelrich has differing opinions from him.

But in any case, they are undoubtedly on the same side when it comes to protecting this universe from being discovered by others.

After all, once the "special" nature of this universe is revealed, the two of them will have no chance of protecting it amidst a multitude of powerful figures.

Nowadays, powerful beings in the Type-Moon universe are as numerous as carp crossing a river.

Even though Merlin believed there couldn't possibly be anyone stronger than himself, he still dared not draw any conclusions.

The War of Branches has raged on for so long that perhaps, apart from the Control Room which can investigate everything, no one can say for sure how many parallel universes there are.

As everyone was fighting, suddenly, out of some unfamiliar branch or unknown sector, emerged a "strange, powerful being" capable of shaking the entire multiverse.

This isn't the first or second time this has happened.

Just like before the appearance of "Emiya Kiritsugu," who called himself the "Origin Hunter," no one ever knew that there was such a powerful "Emiya Kiritsugu" in the multiverse.

Even the importance and vigilance people attach to the concept of "origins" began with "Emiya Kiritsugu".

Before that, no one had ever thought that this direction could produce a "strong person".

And almost all strong individuals possess, or rather, have "self-destruction skills" as a standard feature of "strong individuals".

It also frequently brings unexpected surprises!

There's a reason why [Jewelcrafter] and [Merlin] went to such lengths to hide this universe.

When it really comes to the point where it's discovered.

Finally, the crowd that arrived was able to discuss the matter.

Or, if a result is finally achieved that is barely acceptable to all parties, that would be a miracle.

……

after all--

Although the number of beings in the Type-Moon universe that can be tentatively called "justice" far exceeds the number of "evil".

But if it self-destructs, just one of them can destroy the efforts of many people.

Moreover, it is not uncommon for members of the "righteous camp" to do this to each other due to "ideological differences".

Otherwise, those "forced pacifists," or those guys who are tired of fighting, will be left behind.

Why must we retreat to the "Inner Sea of ​​Stars" or the "Outer World"?

It's not something like issuing a public announcement such as a "Universal Security Declaration".

But even the “inside” or “outside” of the planet, even those “memories” and “others” that are difficult to change.

Who can say for sure?

Will these guys try to climb out of their "history of withdrawal" again, perhaps because of a possibility or opportunity?

……

So the two old foxes exchanged a glance and immediately reached an agreement on this point.

"It's not time to start [the compilation work] yet."

If this were a universe without that so-called "alliance," then for the two of them, the [editing matters] could be moved without consequence.

After all, there are quite a few guys who personally take to the field, using "old history" and the "cutting mechanism" of the "control room" to try their luck.

Although such things happen less frequently nowadays—

The Chaldea, the Root Management Organization, has established its supreme authority.

Yes, these authorities don't fall from the sky; they are all established on the basis of the universe, which is ruthlessly denied.

Before that, many people tried to go back, or tried to find another way in various ways.

There are also situations like the one I just mentioned, where we try to "overturn" them.

But what if these things happened to the "miracle" that Merlin and the Jeweler had finally discovered?

That would truly make even a "stone" like the [Gemstone Elder] regret it to the point of shedding tears.

……

It is a truly terrifying thing to become numb to, or even accustomed to, "death" and "extinction."

But in the Type-Moon universe at this moment, this is actually quite common.

More importantly, the death of the strong often brings great risks or disasters.

A powerful being would risk its own complete annihilation.

Therefore, the consequences he could cause would be extremely terrible.

If the opportunity is right, it can even lead to a one-for-many or even one-for-countless exchange.

For example, Merlin's attempt to replace "that history".

For these powerful individuals—

The mechanism of the shell is not an unfamiliar concept.

[Compilation Matters], [The Judgment of Root Causes], [The Weight of Pan-Human History], [Inevitable Destiny]...

Although they clearly don't understand the nature of the "shell" like the "Alliance".

However, they can still give similar titles.

Therefore, these beings can naturally understand the manifestation of their mechanisms, and can feel, or even personally experience, such despair.

Or rather, in this Type-Moon universe, the standard for being considered a "stronger" is being able to recognize the problems inherent in this "unchangeable" nature.

And once you become aware of something, the possibility of change arises.

The reason why every strong person has the potential to "exchange one for countless" lies precisely in this.

If they don't want to live anymore, they decide that before they die completely, they must "do something big".

So, as long as it's within the range of that powerful figure's "self-destruction".

Unless someone intervenes in time, no one can withstand this "Heaven and Earth Live Together" move.

……

Therefore, regardless of whether it is for the sake of concealing Chaldea.

Or perhaps we should avoid that predetermined fate, for now we are already straying far from it.

Although the Alliance's actions in ordering Matou Kariya to restrain herself clearly indicate that the opposing side also understands this issue.

But neither Merlin nor Gemstone dared to gamble.

And so, the two powerful individuals immediately decided to temporarily "give the others a cheat code".

……

And so, just as the dazzling rainbow light of the [Rainbow Sword], the compressed gale of the [Wind King's Hammer], and the Zeusian thunder of the [Divine Wheel] were about to engulf the white figure in mid-air—

[Emiya Kiritsugu] felt a strange sense of disharmony.

The surrounding space and time seemed somewhat disordered and shifting, changing like the tides.

"Wow, our ally has such a unique skill?"

The CYZ effect, which was observing all of this, couldn't help but sigh.

From Lin Sheng's perspective, the universe, spanning approximately 138 billion light-years, was immediately affected.

Although Lin Sheng had some doubts about whether this could still be called an "illusion".

But in the end, reality and illusion did indeed coexist in a tangible way at that moment.

The intelligence that can be observed with Earth as the center is instantly superimposed with a new dimension.

Merlin superimposed a pre-recorded spiritual structure containing the universe onto the universe before him.

To give a somewhat inappropriate example, it's like "The Faraway Land," capable of isolating communication up to the sixth dimension.

What Merlin did was devise a method to isolate all dimensions in the universe that could send information "outward" and replace them with another universe with a similar trajectory.

Normally, such illusions would not last more than a few seconds on a "real battlefield".

This is usually a "veil" that Merlin uses to conceal his intention to unleash a spell before actually attacking.

But now——

If combined with [Gemstone], [Second Magic], and the fact that there is no "strong" in this universe, it will produce amazing effects.

As for any deviations in the sent "message," that's completely irrelevant.

What Merlin needs to do is not to make everything exactly the same as the Compilation Items.

As long as we can conceal those "key information" that cannot be leaked—

In other words, the existence of the [Alliance] is sufficient.

……

All I can say is that everyone in the Type-Moon universe has a bottom line—

Whether it goes higher or lower.

—That's how it changed step by step.

Even just two days ago, Merlin's thought was to leave this damned universe with the king he remembered from the beginning.

But as I said before, how can you mend that broken mirror?

Merlin's anger towards the Jewel Elder was not without reason.

After Zelrich revealed that historical brilliance for a fleeting moment.

Artoria in this universe could never return to her original orbit.

because--

She was really cured.

Therefore, if Saber had followed the historical trajectory and ended this Holy Grail War...

So, let's go back to the moment of the Battle of Camlann.

She will be surprised to find—

She had actually appeared in her full power as Artoria, at the peak of her strength.

In that case, she must be either [Artoria] or not.

It can only be said that the fault still lies with the "scabbard".

There was a reason why Gawain and his companions initially asked the fairies to forge "exactly the same" scabbards.

Even if the new scabbard is ten times more protective than the original, it still cannot achieve the same effect as the original.

That is--

[Fate] itself represents "the invincible king who has not yet lost his sword sheath".

That is why, even among many powerful individuals, this [Artoria] can be considered one of the stronger ones.

The ability to influence the system to one's advantage to a certain extent is enough to give one a significant advantage.

Yes, there are indeed solutions to avoid it.

If only Merlin could rewrite the history of the lost scabbard, retrieve it again, and then return his king to his original trajectory...

This nightmare would never do that.

Perhaps other Merlins would consider maintaining [Fate] more important.

Perhaps Merlin from another branch of the story would think that this was just another minor "teasing" of Artoria.

But for Merlin, who has lost his Artoria.

Protect Artoria, even if it's just a shadow of hers.

This is the only thing this nightmare can have.

Merlin might even feel a mixture of anger and gratitude towards the Jewel King's actions!
In any case, didn't [Gemstone Elder] present him with the possibility of "reappearance" again?
……

Perhaps every "strong" in the Type-Moon universe went mad in the Branch Wars.

Even though Merlin repeatedly emphasized to himself—

"No, let the king rest in peace. Eternal death is also a way to prevent people from disturbing the king's peace."

At this moment, I feel like every strong person who believes that the direction they have chosen will bring them happiness and fulfillment.

A poison called "Hope" resurfaced in Merlin's mind once again.

"What if...maybe that alliance could do it?"

……

As for Saber, she naturally had the most free time.

Although she interpreted this scene as an illusion of time slowing down in extreme circumstances.

But Merlin did indeed allow Gemstone to give her the most time.

There are so many that you could make a round trip in Fuyuki City.

Therefore, Saber was even a little surprised that her intuition hadn't even given her a warning.

"Perhaps the sense of crisis has become so strong that it no longer needs intuition to give warnings."

Thinking this, Saber immediately made a judgment as Berserker unleashed a magical surge from within him that was far more terrifying than any previous magical release. "We can't let him draw his sword!"

Rider's pupils also involuntarily contracted.

His past experience on the battlefield made him feel an unprecedented sense of crisis.

"Hey! Are you kidding me?! His ability level can go up another level?!"

Even Archer's smile, which seemed to be a smile of anticipation as he watched his prey being successfully hunted, vanished abruptly, replaced by genuine astonishment in his eyes.

This is precisely the effect of Lancelot's Noble Phantasm, "Aroundight".

As a sword entrusted to humankind by the lake spirits, along with Excalibur, its effects are extremely powerful.

Although all other Noble Phantasms must be sealed during release, and each release consumes a huge amount of magic power.

However, when Lancelot drew this sword, all of his ability parameters increased by one level.

In addition, while providing a significant attack bonus against Servants with the "Dragon" attribute, the success rate of attacks is doubled.

To put it simply, if its Noble Phantasm were to be unleashed, sinking Fuyuki City in the next moment would be a description rather than an analogy.

Fortunately, [historical inertia] has also joined the ranks of those weakening [Lancelot]—

He was not destined to "draw his sword" at this moment.

In gaming terms...

At this moment, Lancelot is under the effect of "Noble Phantasm sealed for one turn".

but--

At this moment, it wasn't just Lancelot wielding the sword, but also Matou Kariya himself.

If we say that Sasaki Kojiro reached the limited realm of "Second Magic" through martial arts.

The skill called "Swallow Return" is a "multidimensional zigzag phenomenon (Kischur Zelretch)" that transcends elements such as speed, dexterity, and time and space.

At this moment, in that equally illusory space-time, the timeline extends into countless possibilities.

Facing the three powerful forces coming together, Yan Ye saw the possibility of being disadvantaged and slashed them down with his sword!
The saying that one person is equivalent to a thousand troops is no exaggeration.

The sword's edge can be seen in every space, and the glint of its tip can be felt at every moment.

Although they were being attacked by the crowd, now the crowd was being surrounded by the heroic spirit.

The moment that glimmer of light appeared from the lake, the Conqueror King made the most correct judgment.

"Kid! Hold on tight! This isn't something you can just brute force!"

He roared, abandoning all offensive stances and pouring all his magic power into the [Divine Wheel].

That symbolic divine thunder seemed to truly be transforming into the lightning itself that would shatter time and space.

The chariot did not charge forward, but instead tried to leap to the other side through the impenetrable "ball of attack" in front of it, along the spacetime shattered by divine thunder!
Weber naturally understood the meaning behind Rider's words.

Whether it's a "heroic spirit body" or a "physical body," it's impossible to traverse that shattered spacetime in human form.

The grimoire in his arms was moved by the magician's magic.

This is the perfect time to unleash the RSI occlusion mimicry!

As the CYZ effect of the 10-string was consumed, just before the wall of swords was about to touch the chariot.

The [Divine Wheel] and its two companions vanished from the real world as if erased by an eraser, then reappeared behind Berserker.

At this moment, the situation was in a state of chaos beyond description!

Because Weber was using [RSI masking mimicry] at the same time.

It is precisely the historical inertia of World War IV that attempts to cover the moment by using the history of "Berserker being temporarily forced to retreat by Rider's charge".

The idea of ​​"historical inertia" has failed.

The same chaos also occurred with Saber.

She was destined to be at a disadvantage against Berserker.

But the power of the scabbard caused history to become distorted.

The gleaming golden scabbard, its phantom image flashing and disappearing within its body.

The invincible mental image collided with the historical inertia!
Now, the various factions are no longer concerned about what others think and are fighting each other recklessly.

The "result" must come before the "process".

"Mental imagery" must override the decisions of "history".

And the one who ultimately decides everything—

Lin Sheng then subtly manipulated the trajectory of cause and effect, painting the canvas with colors that leaned towards the [Alliance].

After all, the current situation has clearly exceeded Conan's initial expectations.

Thus, a sliver of light was separated from the 103rd string effect—

The world finally reached the point of collision only after the dust had settled.

……

The Fourth Regiment is about to grow stronger.

Colorless, purple, and iridescent light collided with the pitch-black black hole at the very center.

There were no earth-shattering explosions.

The four colors were mixed, but instead, a kind of—

blue.

Japan probably sank under such an offensive.

Those involved in the harbor could see it clearly.

The strike that cleaved the earth seemed undeniably real.

The earth's surface was easily shattered, leaving a trail stretching for hundreds or even thousands of kilometers, which not only divided the port in two but also continued eastward.

A powerful shockwave, carrying a destructive aura, spread outwards in a ring shape.

The mountains and forests were shattered into dust, and the lakes and rivers were evaporated into mist.

The earth cracked open, and life vanished.

It's as if someone in space used a ruler to draw a crack on a sand painting called Earth.

In the vast expanse of heaven and earth, it seemed as if only the white knight, wielding a demonic sword and standing atop the bottomless abyss, remained.

……

The entire battlefield fell into dead silence.

After a long while, Weber managed to get up from under the car seat with trembling hands.

He leaned against the railing of the chariot, his trembling voice breaking the silence:
"Was that...an illusion?"

Nobody can explain it clearly.

It must be a hallucination.

The intact harbor, as if nothing had happened, seemed to convince all the heroic spirits that the offensive had not yet taken place.

but--

Why does the [Divine Wheel] appear behind Berserker?
Why did the Noble Phantasm called "Neon Sword" end up next to Berserker?

Saber gripped the Star Sword tightly, his azure eyes filled with unprecedented solemnity and confusion.

At this moment, she appeared beside Irisviel in the posture of standing up after being knocked away.

But when exactly?
Gilgamesh's face was extremely pale.

He felt that he had fallen into a huge, bottomless conspiracy.

Such brilliance is something the King of Heroes would never mistake.

Or rather, now that he possesses the [Omniscient and Omnipotent Star], he would never misunderstand the source of its true power.

--magic.

But when he was about to say something that would shock all the Heroes.

But coincidentally, as if they had planned it together.

This may be a manifestation of luck (A).

At this moment, Gilgamesh was fortunate enough to receive the combined assistance of the Fifth Magic, the Second Magic, the Throne of Heroes, and the Timeline.

Suddenly, a sound like a pastor's devout prayer echoed through the air.

"In the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, in the name of the Holy Spirit."

"A firm belief—that my body is the throne of God. With the holiness of the sacraments, I receive the weight of the stars."

"The grace of baptism—my soul is the holy water. With divine punishment, I cleanse my defiled deeds."

"The grace of the Eucharist—my soul is the eternal shield. With the constancy of the Word, I guard the wall of faith."

"The gift of confession—my pain is the tears of repentance. With divine mercy, heal the wounded body."

"The four sacred rites have become my flesh and blood, my soul. This body is the temple, this soul is the sacred artifact. This is—the grace of the four saints!"

Following the chanting-like incantation, a figure appeared directly below Berserker.

At this moment, some of the paint on Berserker's body began to peel off.

The sword he was holding, the blade pressing down, was blocked by another hand.

Raymond has finally arrived.

……

"call--"

In the void, countless sounds of relief echoed.

Looking at the cause and effect that was finally somewhat coherent, Conan wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

"so far so good……"

Conan knew he had almost messed things up.

But what his face revealed was a sense of relief, perhaps even certainty.

"I knew I was right."

"Since the parties behind the scenes have also placed their bets here, they won't just sit idly by and watch the chessboard be smashed."

Conan could see it clearly.

Or rather, he was the one who brought about this scene.

Because of Matou Kariya's attack at that moment, there was no possibility of anything to follow.

With Saber, Rider, and Archer all tied down, there's only one possibility for continuing the "chess game."

That is to put a new piece called "Raymond" on the field.

Under the influence of the "Blessing of the Four Saints," the properties of the neutron star manifested, rendering attacks powerful enough to split mountains and shatter the earth unable to even leave a scratch on his robe.

"In this way, this technique has been recognized by [historical inertia] and the [persona] of other allied forces!"

More importantly, this opportunity finally gave the Alliance a chance to declare its existence!

……

At that moment, amidst astonished gazes, Raymond addressed the assembled heroic spirits:
"All of you who participate in the Holy Grail War, in the name of my Lord—"

"I hereby order you not to cause any harm to the surrounding living beings or the ley lines during this Holy Grail War."

Unlike the doubts expressed by some others.

Kenneth looked incredulous and suddenly realized what was happening.

Is this...is this really possible?!
Is that goddess actually a heroic spirit related to Yahweh?
……

But in the distant dimensional rift.

The somewhat irritated voice of the mage from the [Third Branch] rang out.

Yes, as the Grand Marshal of the Demonic Path, the [Gemstone Elder], who carries an even heavier burden at this moment, will not personally take risks.

The [Blue Magic] that just shone at the core is the best example of this.

"Old Man Gemstone!"

"If you don't give me an explanation, I'm not done with you!"

The only [Fifth Magician] roared into the phone.

"Didn't I already promise to let you come here for refuge? How dare you try to drag me down with you!"

"Believe it or not—"

Meanwhile, [Jewel Elder] held the phone that had suddenly fallen from the sky a little further away.

Faced with Aozaki Aoko's anger, he revealed a sly smile.

"I had my reasons."

"Aoko, do you want to know what Merlin and I discovered?"

It looks like there's going to be one more player on the board.
-
PS: Aozaki Aoko is not unique.

However, Aozaki Aoko, as the Fifth Magician, is unique.

Because a magic spell can only be possessed by one person.

The second person completely copied the first person's approach and followed the same route.

Even if a similar phenomenon can be reproduced, magic cannot be regained.

(End of this chapter)