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

Chapter 371 [The Power to Break Limits]

Although the nature of [Conan Edogawa] sometimes troubles even himself.

but--

Isn't this proof of his ineffable power?

Just like what Merlin and the Jewel Elder perceived.

The moment Conan unleashed his Noble Phantasm, they immediately realized that the "Alliance" indeed possessed extraordinary strength.

Or rather, what lies behind that "strength".

For example——

"【The Distant Ideal Land】, it didn't work at all?"

For the first time, Merlin frowned in the dimensional rift.

"Logically speaking, a king protected by a sword sheath should not be vulnerable to attack, and even the possibility of defeat should be completely eliminated..."

He paused for a moment, a hint of doubt appearing in his eyes.

"Furthermore, Zelrich, I have temporarily lost contact with the [Sheath]."

Before Aozaki Aoko could react to Merlin's words...

The tone of 【Jewel Elder】 already carried a rare hint of amazement.

"If it hadn't actually happened, I would find it hard to believe that a single individual could exist at the level of the Throne of Heroes."

"How exactly did they manage to create such a Spirit Origin?"

In Zelrich's view, this was incredibly unbelievable, even contrary to common sense.

As the holder of the Second Magic, he knew it better than anyone else.

In reality, only one thing truly determines the strength of a Heroic Spirit—

That is the [Spiritual Origin] they were assigned when they entered this world.

……

Take Gilgamesh for example, he is indeed very powerful, there is no doubt about that.

However, if his [Spirit Origin] strength is insufficient when he manifests in the world.

Even that's not enough to make his character panel display the Noble Phantasm "King's Treasury"?

It's important to understand that the class restrictions for [Heroic Spirits] are already quite stringent—

When manifesting in the Archer class, it is often difficult to carry all Noble Phantasms of the sword type;
Furthermore, when manifesting as a Saber, it is equally difficult to retain barrier or spell-type Noble Phantasms.

All these limitations ultimately stem from the fact that the Holy Grail War is, in essence, a downgraded version of the great magic of "Heroic Spirit Summoning".

Under normal circumstances, the maximum Noble Phantasm a Servant can wield without the blessing of a Grand Order Spirit Origin is either a Noble Phantasm for attacking castles or a Noble Phantasm for attacking armies.

Otherwise, if the soldiers in Rider's [King's Army] could use Noble Phantasms...

It's really hard to say who will win against Archer.

It's worth noting that both Alexander the Great and Iskandar were renowned figures in history.
For example, Ptolemy I—the founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt—was revered as a "Pharaoh" during his lifetime and was considered the earthly incarnation of the sun god Amun.

He even received the sacred title of "Savior" for preventing the fall of Rhodes.

There's also Kashinda, who wielded the sword in the stone, or Seleucus I, blessed by the sun god Apollo...

Each of these characters, taken individually, is capable of being an independent Heroic Spirit.

There are even some Heroic Spirits who may surpass Rider in ability.

It can only be said that Iskandar's ranking as the foremost of the four great military commanders in Western history is not without reason.

As a king who unified Greece, conquered Egypt, and destroyed the Achaemenid dynasty in Persia, the title of "Conqueror King" was by no means a humble expression.

This was a vast empire stretching from Greece and Macedonia in the west to the Indus River Valley in the east, bordered by the First Cataract of the Nile in the south and the Syr Darya River in the north.

Furthermore, Iskandar's period of activity was from 356 BC to 323 BC.

At this time, the East was in the midst of the Warring States period, with seven powerful states vying for supremacy. Jesus had not yet been born, and the Celts of Great Britain were still in the tribal stage!

In other words, the Age of Gods—the era in which he lived—had not yet ended.

Therefore, whether based on "legendary status" or the principle of "the older, the more mysterious"—

Iskandar's strength should be even more terrifying.

Therefore, if a reasonable explanation must be given, it can only be the issue of the [Spirit Origin].

It must be that rookie magician Webber who tarnished Alexander the Great's reputation!
……

And this is the question that puzzles [Gemstone Elder].

No matter how much magic power is invested or spent to summon, there is always an upper limit to the size of the [Spirit Origin].

In other words, the amount of "intelligence" that can be accommodated is absolutely limited.

He simply couldn't believe it—

Someone actually managed to cram an entire universe's worth of information into the downgraded Spirit Origins of Heroic Spirits, such as the Holy Grail War.

Although reshaping a universe is not difficult for the [Gemstone Elder] at this moment.

Even using several universes as "materials" simultaneously wouldn't be a problem—

Just as Zelridge used intelligence from another universe to briefly "converge" and disguise this universe.

All the strong who have survived to this day in the [Branch Wars].

If you don't have a few fixed cosmic sectors as your territory, you'd probably be embarrassed to even "go out" now.

Even so, some fundamental principles of the Type-Moon universe must still be followed.

For example, the Great Merlin can indeed forcibly extend the concept of "illusion" infinitely.

Furthermore, by maintaining a special state, he could become exceptionally powerful, even briefly rivaling the Second Magician.

But no matter what, he could not go against the most fundamental logic.

such as--

Pointing to the number "two", he said it was smaller than the number "one".

Or, "two" is derived from "one", rather than more "ones".

Neither Merlin nor Zelridge could ever do that.

Putting aside the fact that this area looks more like the realm of [First Magic].

The limitations of the universe, or rather, the limitations of Chaldea, alone make this impossible.

The number of powerful beings in the Type-Moon universe is undoubtedly declining.

This may be one of the reasons why Leonardo da Vinci chose to remain an observer.

The specifics are complex and lengthy, and could easily take tens of thousands of words to explain.

In short, it was one of the most important turning points in that long "branch war".

After all, back then, the so-called "resistance front" could still drop the word "resistance".

Many powerful individuals, to some extent, joined forces and decided to first defeat Chaldea, and then select a new core that was not centered on the first branch.

And the most important thing is——

Leonardo da Vinci was not yet autistic at that time.

Given the "justice" of this goal at the time, the heroic spirit who remained in the [Control Room] tacitly approved of it to some extent.

As for the enormous disaster that followed, and the indifference and even hostility that followed after everyone went their separate ways, that's another story.

And in those later remarks, one point is particularly important—

The upper limit of the Throne of Heroes has been completely locked by Chaldea.

From then on, countless powerful Heroic Spirits flocked in, vying to transmit their own data back to the Throne of Heroes, even overwriting their original forms.

Thus, the era of mass-producing powerful beings who could shake the universe and recreate the world with a mere gesture is gone forever.

The information repair mechanism, which sits horizontally on the Throne of Heroes, sets restrictions on each appearance of a Heroic Spirit.

Any intelligence that goes beyond the established historical patterns is difficult to leak.

In fact, they are usually "covered up" immediately.

The most direct consequence is—

Chaldea's first real attack wiped out 90 percent of the strong fighters on the "battle line" at the time.

From then on, the reputation of the Root Management Organization, Chaldea, became an unavoidable force.

From then on, the word "resistance" had to be added before the so-called "battle line".

Since then, with a few exceptions, the only remaining powerful Heroic Spirits in the Type-Moon universe are usually those who were the first to enter the Control Room.

……

After the [Jewel Elder] briefly explained the whole story, [Aozaki Aoko], the [Fifth Magician], couldn't help but interject.

Although she has the ability to "time travel," she also knows something about these secrets.

But by the time the third branch was discovered, countless millennia had passed since those "unrecorded" histories.

Therefore, this was the first time she had heard these details.

The red-haired girl narrowed her eyes slightly and asked curiously:

"So... that guy wasn't a [Heroic Spirit] at all?"

"Not really."

Zelrich glanced at Merlin, signaling him to cooperate so as not to let anything slip.

“Aozaki, do you remember I told you before that I had Gawain send over that machine called ‘Chaos’? Right?”

"This should be a universe constructed using techniques such as [Singularities], [Losers], and imaginary number magic."

Merlin nodded, indicating that the Gemstone Elder was absolutely right.

"More importantly, that heroic spirit borrowed the concept of 'another universe'."

"Furthermore, as the Fifth Magician, you should be aware of this—when the planet dies, the Steel Land is an inevitable end."

"And that [Alliance] cleverly utilized these points, through very ingenious weaving and arrangement, to materialize the possibility of a developing universe that 'completely lacks magic'."

"Moreover, it is precisely their identity as [Heroic Spirits] that helped them accomplish this."

……

However, as everyone knows, the Type-Moon universe is full of surprises and struggles to catch them.

Otherwise, Leonardo da Vinci wouldn't be facing those headaches now.

Even with the [information repair mechanism], "powerful Heroic Spirits" still appear from time to time in the [Type-Moon Universe].

One of the reasons is—

The strength of the Throne of Heroes was actually increased as a result.

As something with a "unique nature" and lacking "self-awareness," the Throne of Heroes is undoubtedly the most useful tool to use.

Whenever a new branch of the universe emerges, the Throne of Heroes will inevitably manifest in that universe.

But what if you think about it the other way around?

The so-called "firmly binding the strength of the Heroic Spirits" means using the original description on the Throne of Heroes to overwrite the state of any Heroic Spirit that does not conform to the "description".

That is to say-

If you are still able to successfully upload your information to the Throne of Heroes under these circumstances.

So even if the skill descriptions on your [Heroic Spirit Panel] are outrageous, the [Throne of Heroes] will definitely help you "complete the phenomenon".

In addition, there are those "accidents" involving physical bodies—

Those who haven't reached the Throne of Heroes still possess more "possibilities".

Furthermore, before the "rules" were perfected, many Heroic Spirits, upon becoming powerful, would immediately revive themselves.

However, this is also why Conan previously said, "We must bring the Throne of Heroes to the side of the Alliance." With the support of the Root, you can write "Shaping a universe" on your Heroic Spirit panel without any problem.

Even if it were to describe the creation of a thousand or eight hundred universes—the current Throne of Heroes would accept it all.

Of course, how to avoid the numerous restrictions and constraints imposed by Chaldea is another matter entirely.

With the help of the CYZ effect, it's not difficult for Conan to do this.

……

“This is also a good opportunity for us,” said [Gemstone Elder].

“A universe devoid of any magic or even any form of magic, even if only its interior is visible rather than its exterior, is enough to deceive many things.”

He paused, then added meaningfully, "Especially given that it relies on the current Throne of Heroes."

“Indeed.” Merlin understood the meaning behind Zelrich’s words.

He nodded, his expression becoming somewhat serious for the first time.

"Within this framework, we can deceive Chaldea and make direct contact with that Alliance."

Whether it's gaining a deeper understanding of that "alliance," communicating with them, or even seeking their assistance...

This is undoubtedly a great opportunity.

【Merlin】means a real opportunity.

……

So the two of them began to discuss how to enter that world.

"The scabbard can block communication directly to the sixth dimension. As long as I temporarily use illusion magic to elevate myself to a higher dimension, it won't be too difficult to get in."

“But—” Merlin paused, looking up as if in deep distress, “what about the Holy Grail War in that branch universe?”

"If I go in, Merlin in that universe will disappear without being able to maintain his existence."

The plan to help the person named "Hasegawa Tsuki" escape from the Holy Grail War was something the two of them had agreed upon long ago.

“Alas—” [Gemstone Elder] also sighed, feigning distress.

Her once vibrant white hair was deliberately left to droop, making her look decades older, aged and weary.

"But I have to maintain the convergence of the world lines of each [branch], otherwise if it is discovered, even the [third branch] will be affected."

"Besides, I've already made a promise to the sorceress Aozaki..."

"That's enough! I understand! I'll help you!"

Now, Aozaki Aoko finally understands why those two old foxes dragged her onto their pirate ship.

What about the Throne of Heroes, Chaldea, and maintaining "world line convergence"...?

Those two despicable guys are practically betting on me!

Thinking that since she was already there, and that this "forever sixteen-year-old" girl would definitely do things thoroughly without any mercy, she reluctantly agreed.

She stamped her foot and said impatiently, "Say it, what do you need my help with?"

"Let's make this clear first: don't even think about participating in that Holy Grail War or entering that world."

The two cunning magicians in front of them exchanged a smile.

Zelrich stroked his beard and smiled "kindly".

"Don't worry, even if the Fifth Magician wants to participate, Merlin and I will do our best to dissuade him."

“That’s right, that’s right,” Merlin immediately replied with a smile.

“After all, it’s so… ‘useful’—” He paused, pretending to bite his tongue, “Ahem, I mean, such an important identity, if it were lost, it would be a huge problem.”

"Miss Aozaki, all you need to do is throw me and the old man Jewel to the ends of the universe!"

[Merlin] deliberately made a "long-range shot" gesture, his tone light and cheerful.

"I'm sure I can really unleash Magic Gunner's fury—Pfft!"

Before she could finish speaking, a sense of oppression erupted from the girl.

This mage, whose fighting skills were outstanding, raised an eyebrow and then put his hands together in a calyx shape at his waist.

A visible sphere of cyan light gathered in his palm and expanded at an astonishing speed.

As the ball of light grew brighter and larger, Merlin immediately swallowed hard.

"Um, Miss Aoko, is it too late for me to apologize now?"

"Die, Merlin!"

Fueled by this anger, Aozaki Aoko, provoked, roared out.

She mimicked the pose she saw in the comics, unleashing a beam of light with a terrifying aura:

"Ka-me-ha-me-ha-!!!"

Thus, under the powerful attack known as "Merlin Must Die," boundless blue magic covered the entire rift.

Neither of the two people who were hit made any move to resist; they disappeared in an instant.

The Fifth Mage wasn't going to let these two old guys get away with it; she deliberately aimed for their faces.

"Hmph, let's see if you dare to play the old fox in front of me."

……

The end of the Type-Moon universe where the Alliance resides.

The moment two figures with red marks on their faces appeared.

Because of the time constraints, Merlin spoke first: "Zelrich, now you can believe me, right?!"

"That universe, which was shaped by the Alliance, did indeed use that power."

“I won’t be mistaken, and you absolutely won’t be mistaken either—the nature of that power does indeed look exactly the same as that thing in the [Control Room].

[Gemstone Elder] also looked solemn, and he slowly nodded.

"This explains why the Alliance was able to come to our universe."

“They do indeed possess the power to break limits.” He paused, then continued, “In fact, judging from their unwavering use of it, they must have a way to create it, or to utilize it even better.”

At this moment, the possibility of the being named [Kishia Zelrich Schbein Augu] began to dissipate for the first time as the [Second Magic] was forcibly reversed.

And under that coercive, irrational force—

The power that Zelrich had so deeply concealed, the power that the strong in the [Type-Moon Universe] called "Limit Breaking Power," was revealed here.

Long before Aozaki Aoko arrived, the two truly powerful individuals had already completed their plans.

The claim of "using the power of the Throne of Heroes and constructing the universe with imaginary number magic" is nothing more than a public announcement, a pretext to deceive the unsuspecting mage.

If the construction of the universe, especially the construction of an "acknowledged" universe, could be accomplished solely through "technology".

If it were that simple, the Branch Wars wouldn't have even started.

Those who have been inside the control room are the only ones who truly know the inside story.

The key to everything lies in just one fact:
They had been inside the control room.

A few words about the power of breaking limits that Fujimaru Ritsuka had told him back then.

The "threads" they left behind were the key to becoming "strong".

Those who thought they had been freed by using the Throne of Heroes were actually only using the Throne of Heroes, which had been enhanced by Leonardo da Vinci using his Limit Breaking Power.

The true trigger for the "branch war" has always been only one thing—

That is the foundation for breaking all rules.

……

"Don't worry, everyone! I've found a way to save our universe!"

The child was overjoyed and shared this news with everyone.

The child then embraced and said goodbye to each of his friends and each of the Heroic Spirits of Chaldea.

"When I return, I will definitely bring everyone a way to save them!"

The hug that once inspired and gave everyone confidence still seems to retain a warm lingering warmth.

A hint of sadness flashed in the eyes of the Flower Illusionist—

Even if Ritsuka returns in the next moment, everyone... can never go back.

Recalling his wish to leave with the king, Merlin's eyes hardened.

An equal amount of [limit-breaking power] was distributed into his ability called "illusion".

“Zelrich, I don’t need you to pay for this.”

[Jeweler] knew very well that this was [Merlin] telling him to refuse to join the plan again.

But he didn't take back that precious resource, which was dwindling with every use.

"In that case, put this power into the box I left at the Tohsaka residence."

……

Meanwhile, in the neighboring town of Fuyuki City in reality.

Rin Tohsaka is at her mother's house, the Zenjou house, staring blankly at her homework.

This young child knows very well—

The father is currently participating in a "war of seven magicians".

Judging from the fact that my mother and I moved back to our house in Chancheng ahead of time, it must have been a very dangerous battle.

Rin Tohsaka knew that the nights in Fuyuki City were probably filled with strange creatures that could endanger other people's lives.

"I wish I could help Dad..."

Her small face puffed up slightly, filled with resentment and helplessness.

Unfortunately, under my mother's orders, I haven't even been allowed to make a phone call to chat with my father these past few days.

Her cute little face turned a little dejected, and her eyes kept glancing at the telephone out of the corner of her eye.

"Mom's out now, should we secretly call Dad?"

Rin Tohsaka muttered to herself, thinking about it with some hesitation.

And when she bit her lip, finally deciding to be a "good girl"—

"Jingle Bell……"

The phone rang.

She immediately jumped off the sofa, quickly moved a small stool under the table, and then grabbed the microphone.

It has to be a call from Dad!
As she prayed, Rin Tohsaka answered the phone.

"This is Rin Tohsaka—!"

The clear, childlike voice was met with a somewhat aged voice on the other end of the phone.

Just like the original purpose of the [Branch Wars]—

[The Gemstone Elder] also has principles that must be upheld...

This alumnus, who identifies himself as a graduate of the "Earth" school, has a bottom line that is—

To keep the school of Earth from collapsing and being destroyed.

Therefore, after Merlin disappeared from his sight, he immediately seized this last opportunity and made this call.

【Jeweler】Knowing that his actions might be considered deceiving a child, he did not hesitate to induce young Rin Tohsaka to take action.

At this moment, he needed Rin Tohsaka to make a decision.

"Rin, do you want to save your father?"

He needs Rin Tohsaka to help him with the "historical inertia".

(End of this chapter)