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

Chapter 375 Phantom Thief Merlin, Little Rin, and Jokes

In Merlin's view, this so-called Beika Town is nothing more than a "singularity" of the "Big Billion Point".

Of course, the information that appeared in his mind, as well as the sudden loss of his spellcasting ability, gave him a strong sense of déjà vu.

—If “magic” does not exist, then where does this [realm barrier] come from?
The existence of this "contradiction" easily reminds Merlin of the situation in the control room.

Before Fujimaru Ritsuka told everyone that she would build a wall around the Root Vortex, most of the Heroic Spirits, and even the gods, thought she was talking nonsense.

Because the origin of the Type-Moon universe is a very peculiar existence.

It is more like a philosophical concept, the origin and end of all phenomena.

Therefore, it is the place that is both the beginning and the end, where "all records" and "all phenomena" are found.

It itself has no directionality, but because of its "flowing out" phenomenon, everything has its own unique "origin".

Since everything originates from and is derived from that vortex, how can we build a wall of restraint "outside" it?

Very, very few people have ever heard Fujimaru Ritsuka casually mention the reasons for her success.

Although I don't want to say it, as the former "Merlin, the older brother".

However, it really is just this little bit—

"If you have to blame someone, blame the 'contradiction' itself."

Merlin only knows that there is a so-called "contradiction" that could lead to this incredible situation.

But how exactly to do it, or how to reach that level.

—He forgot.

However, that person did it, as if she herself was the miracle itself, the possibility within the impossible.

Although many "strong people" today can deduce this "result".

To paraphrase a certain Grand Puppet Magician—

The current "root cause" is probably in a "limited" state.

"Although it is just a way of making things easier to understand, if there is to be 'infinite,' then the quantitative definition of 'finite' must be established. Without 'finite,' 'infinite' would not exist."

Therefore, Chaldea, which has grasped the "root," is not in a state of "infinity."

On the contrary, the savior, by proving that the original "finite" did not exist, also made the "infinite" a state of "nothingness".

As for how she managed to do it, perhaps out of some concerns, Ritsuka never talked about it to others.

In fact, after she actually succeeded, this usually optimistic and cheerful person became taciturn.

……

This is undoubtedly a rather strange thing.

At this moment, standing in front of the Tohsaka residence, Merlin inexplicably thought of this matter.

The white-clad "flower magician" glanced at the somewhat heavy staff in his hand—his proof of being a "phantom thief."

"but--"

Merlin didn't find it strange that he thought of this.

Perhaps it's because he's really "old".

No, it's not physical or spiritual aging, but rather a kind of mental exhaustion.

In Merlin's view, he was merely experiencing another moment of sentimentality upon seeing an object.

"I really miss the time when I was still the 'Flower Magician'."

"That must have been... the best time in this universe."

That state of Chaldea, or the Type-Moon universe, was undoubtedly the most powerful, beautiful, and blissful period of its time.

All that is needed to prove is that the “limited difficulties” no longer exist will make the “infinite suffering” of the future disappear as well.

If we say that Chaldea is now incredibly powerful.

So, during the time Ritsuka was still around, Chaldea essentially had complete and absolute control over "all" and "existence".

In the words of those evil bastards—

"God! Why do you favor 'good' and abhor 'evil'?"

"What difference do they make to you?"

However, while that's true, Fujimaru Ritsuka still managed to "sweep away" all the suffering and return humanity to "Eden".

—But what can she do when she's still human?
This Master of Chaldea is decisive and resolute when making choices.

Or rather, she had no choice but to do it.

It is always better to do this with "good" than with "evil".

Although he is such a person—

Knowing that the intention is good, one can still commit evil deeds; being a good person, one can tolerate malice; being abused by evil, one can still maintain a kind heart.

But ultimately it remains neutral and good, not neutral and evil.

Consider this: even a benevolent act to save the world can ultimately lead to a tragedy like the "branch war."
If the "contradiction" is reached from the beginning by "evil deeds".

If one chooses to prove that "limited good deeds" never occurred by proving that "limited good deeds" do not exist.

If such a thing were to actually happen, one can imagine—

Even Detective Conan wouldn't have the slightest thought of "saving" this universe.

Perhaps the Alliance's objective will shift to seeing if it can be destroyed.

At that point, even the most wicked and vile descriptions will seem insignificant in the face of the malice they reveal.

……

Of course, even if Chaldea succeeded at that time—I suppose they did succeed, Merlin thought.

That "golden period" lasted only a very short time.

It was so short compared to the almost eternal "Branch Wars" that followed.

Even Merlin's memory has become hazy and unrecognizable.

When exactly did I become the "Great Merlin" that everyone knows?
Merlin knew that he must have forgotten something very important.

But he didn't want to think about it.

Like those hazy memories. Even if you brush away the dust from the windows of your soul, the condensation on the once clear glass, what's the point?

This is no different from waking up those trapped in an "iron house," except that it lets them see the sandstorm outside through the window and witness the typhoon or tsunami that will destroy the house.

But why—

Why did I hesitate?

Name: Merlin
Occupation: World-renowned phantom thief magician

camp:???
Talent: [Flower Magician]

effect:

A phantom thief magician who manipulates people's hearts and reality with unparalleled charm and disguise.

You possess [exquisite magic].

You possess [Agile Hands] and [Thief Skills].

You can create incredibly realistic illusions and doubles to disguise your identity or setting, mislead or hide crucial clues.

Your exquisite magic tricks depend on your magic wand and your identity as a phantom thief; otherwise, you only have a one-third chance of success.

Because of your "Phantom Thief" identity, you can easily infiltrate high-risk areas, steal information, or crack mechanisms without leaving a trace.

However, every action you take carries the characteristic of being "high-profile."

You can only steal [high-value items], and you are more likely to be detected by characters with [detective] identities.

However, without the intervention of a detective, your theft of high-value items will be successful.
At this moment, staring at his own panel, this [Great Merlin] felt a slight wavering in his heart.

Can I still call myself the "Magician of Flowers"?

Can those bright past days ever return from bygone times?
Can it bloom again like the sea of ​​flowers in that ideal land?

Merlin pulled the notice from his pocket—the notice that had already been sent to the Beika Town Police Station.

Unlike Waver and others who were still slowly exploring the meaning of that panel, Merlin understood its usage as soon as he entered Beika Town.

"Let magic be realized in the true form of magic."

Creating clones, disappearing from crowds, conjuring props, breaking free from constraints, creating illusions...

"It's no different from me being outside."

Merlin even had a premonition.

If he carefully devised the "theft plan," it wouldn't be impossible for him to appear in "two places" at the same time.

In fact, it was as if, upon his appearance, he sent a notice to the Tohsaka family that Merlin the Phantom Thief was about to "steal the Holy Grail."

Just like the "battle" between the "Alliance" and the "story timeline" in the "this universe".

In Conan Edogawa's deductions, during the "case loop," no one can cheat.

But before that—

All parties have long since begun to "renege" on their promises.

The reason why the Alliance, and Conan at this moment, hates those who know about the existence of historical inertia lies here.

For Merlin, who knew the information about the "future," he immediately saw through the Alliance's thoughts and actions.

No reasoning, no clues, no excavation is needed.

The Greater Grail is located deep underground in the Tohsaka Mansion.

This is self-evident.

Because Merlin is clearly visible on the map—

The original [Ryudong Temple] has disappeared.

It should be its original location, but for some reason it has now become the "Tohsaka House" (see the map posted by the author in the comments section).

As for the possibility of stealing the [Great Grail], it's only if [Merlin] doesn't resist the panel's definition of him, or even actively tries to strengthen it.

"It's just a [high-value item] now."

Merlin was well aware of the value of the Holy Grail.

He knew that if he helped the phantom called "Hasegawa Tsuki", he might win the goodwill of the [Alliance], but what about fulfilling his own wish?

The history of the scabbard has now been briefly revealed by Zelrich.

Merlin wasn't confident he could persuade the Alliance—but the Holy Grail changed everything.

This point certainly needs to be emphasized.

That is, since the beginning of the Branch Wars, the Holy Grail, which can be used to make a wish, has not existed in the Type-Moon universe.

If Chaldea places equal importance on those "stronger" individuals who attempt to disrupt the "inertia of history" or resist its existence.

Therefore, its emphasis on the Holy Grail can be counted in the hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands.

After the second turning point in the "Branch Wars," all the "strong" realized the significance of that inconspicuous cup.

Or rather, they learned the meaning of the Holy Grail in the Holy Grail War.

That cup can now indeed be used to "make a wish".

Just as Merlin always emphasizes, even if Fujimaru Ritsuka were to return, it would probably be of no use in changing the current situation.

In war, technology always tends to advance rapidly.

Chaldea easily wiped out 90% of the "strong" Servants.

But what about the remaining 10%?

To what extent will they further develop their "persona," just like Professor Agasa in this "universe" in the past?

The [Root] is indeed very powerful, unparalleled in its power.

But it is ultimately not a matter of historical inertia.

Therefore, all you need to do is use your own persona to counter this persona.

Given just one opportunity for "confrontation," these "strong individuals" could make a wish, or even find their way back to the [Control Room].

—The hole leading to the root is right there.

……

Therefore, it is not without reason that the historical inertia of the "Four Wars" suffered the most severe blow.

Unlike the outcome of the Fifth Holy Grail War.

During the Fourth Holy Grail War, a being named Kiritsugu Emiya entered its interior.

Furthermore, according to the inertia of history, Kiritsugu Emiya did indeed have the qualification and opportunity to "make a wish".

This is absolutely terrifying.

If such historical inertia could be "truly repeated".

The result is entirely predictable—

Those "powerful ones" will probably use this to make this "universe" many times better!

Therefore, preventing the Holy Grail Ritual from succeeding is not just Chaldea's idea.

Almost all the other "strong ones" thought the same way.

Perhaps everyone was able to work together at the beginning, and indeed they did work together at some point.

However, the longer the "branch war" lasts, the less certain people become of their own thoughts, and of course, the less certain they become of the thoughts of others.

For example, [Great Merlin] or [Sun Knight Gawain].

If they had the chance, they would make a wish to "revive Artoria and eliminate all factors, threats, and existence in the past, present, and future that could overturn or deny this wish."

The “danger” involved is obvious.

Just like Merlin's feeling of disgust with all of this.

If given the chance right after Artoria's death, this "Nightmare" would definitely have done what Kiritsugu Emiya refused to do.

what? !

Not only can it resurrect the King, but it can also eliminate all threats except Camelot?!
This wish is wonderful, please grant me a hundred more times, a hundred more times.

Of course, Merlin is in no position to do that now.

He simply wanted to escape, to escape a disaster that might never end.

“I did not blaspheme the king’s last wishes, nor did I want to harm anyone.”

"I just wanted to run away. Faced with insurmountable difficulties, can't even a useless piece of trash or a joke like me run away?"

[Great Merlin] has always been convincing himself with a very small reason and wish.

Therefore, he ignored the Metropolitan Police Department's wanted notice, ignored the existence of what was probably the "Alliance," and expressed his intention to "investigate."

Ultimately, is handing over the Holy Grail to the Alliance in exchange for a promise more valuable than a wish that can be made immediately?
Merlin was certain that even Chaldea could not see through this Reality Marble, nor could they know anything about its interior.

Without the hindrance of historical inertia, and with the help of his phantom thief identity, even going to the Tohsaka residence in person became incredibly easy.

He knocked out a police officer patrolling the perimeter, used "magic" to impersonate him, and bypassed the police cordon and alarm devices...

Even the deadly traps in the Tohsaka Mansion, the labyrinthine passageways leading deep underground, and the ruins.

Nothing can defeat Merlin the Phantom Thief.

Just like right now, he was standing—standing in the underground magic workshop of the Tohsaka family.

……

Yes, Merlin still hesitated.

He felt like a gambler, an addict.

He had already kicked his addiction to "hope." In fact, since he never saw it or stepped into it again for the rest of his life, he no longer held any expectations.

But what if it were actually right in front of you?
He would pounce on it like a hungry beast or a mindless zombie, tearing it apart viciously and drinking its poison to his heart's content—even at the cost of everything.

If it were any other "Merlin," the moment he discovered these clues, he would probably have been overjoyed to accept this wish!
Don't say that obtaining the Greater Grail is just the beginning; you still need the Lesser Grail and the souls of the other seven Heroic Spirits.

Even if it means sacrificing the entire universe, or even countless universes...

It's all worth it if it can bring the king back to life!

But at this moment, the self-proclaimed "waste" [Great Merlin] restrained his desires with an astonishing and unprecedented perseverance and will.

This is by no means a righteous desire, but a greedy one.

Perhaps this is the contradiction of Merlin.

The nightmare is no longer a nightmare.

Perhaps that once "unintentional" nightmare was emotionally detached and indifferent to everything.

But now, Merlin has already learned about things like "human nature".

Otherwise, he wouldn't feel pain like a human being, or even want to forget those "realities".

otherwise--

Why did he decide to "stop waiting" and instead do so many right or wrong things?
The "phantom thief" hesitated like a young girl at that moment.

Sometimes I want to stand with [Jewel Elder];
Sometimes they want to trade the [Greater Grail] for the [Alliance];
Sometimes... she wants to make a wish that belongs only to herself and the king.

Fortunately, Merlin first helped the Jewel King fulfill his request, convincing himself not to go to that door or confirm whether the Greater Grail existed as predicted.

It's hard to explain this nightmare clearly; it's hard to know exactly what I was thinking.

Is it that you want to use up the [Limit Breaking Power] that Zelrich gave you, which might be monitoring you, and then make a wish?
I still hope—

The old man with the gemstone had already anticipated my thoughts, and therefore would do his best to stop me.
With extremely complicated emotions, the wisp of power, shimmering with a faint orange-red light, drifted out from the gem on the scepter and landed on the [Zelrich's Magic Box].

Then, something happened that even Merlin hadn't expected.

—The box moved.

……

That was ten years ago.

No, of course not ten years before the "Branch Wars".

It was much earlier, much earlier.

Arrived early...

Ten years before the first occurrence of the Fifth Holy Grail War in this Type-Moon universe.

I saw someone I really miss.

A very tall and reassuring figure.

An unforgettable, deeply defined face.

I don't recall him ever joking; he was a very rigid person.

He stroked my head and gave me instructions.

No, because they didn't know how to control their strength, it was less like patting someone's head and more like messing up their carefully styled hair.

I think that's to be expected.

After all, this was the first time that person had done this.

"Then, I'm leaving."

"You know what happened next, right?"

The serious and heavy voice left people speechless.

Like those children left behind in rural areas, their parents have to leave home to work elsewhere after the Spring Festival.

If I had said I didn't understand at that time, could I have asked that person to stay?
In the end, all he did was nod politely, as if to show that he was very mature.

Answer "Yes".

Although, as the child watched him suddenly say things he'd never taught him before, one after another, his mind picked them up—

I guess this person is probably not coming back.

So, if you knew this was the last time you would see them.

I should have used my treasured jokes to make him laugh.

In order to one day make that person put down their serious and rigid expression, I secretly practiced speaking for a long time.

In the end, he never said it.

In short, that's how it is.

Even though I knew I was about to cry, I always pretended to be strong in front of her.

Say things like "Take care on the road, Father" or "Have a safe journey, Shirou."

If we're talking about sadness, then it really is very sad.

Even if you try your best to salvage the situation, it may still be ineffective.

“I’m sorry, Rin,” the person said to him, “I have my reasons for doing this.”

In the end, I still left.

This even led to the current situation.

……

Therefore, when [Gemstone Elder] found his disciple.

"Is there something else you want me to do?"

"I guess I can't be of much help now, right?"

The old man even felt a little ashamed at the disciple's voice.

Even the things he was about to do made the old man feel ashamed.

The [Rin Tohsaka] in front of me is indeed not powerful.

But that doesn't matter, because—

The old man simply needs Rin Tohsaka's memories, the original, fifth World War I Rin Tohsaka's "history".

Faced with his master's request, he remained silent for a long time with a blank expression, but finally agreed.

"I have a request."

This was a rare instance of the young girl asking someone to do something.

Of course, whatever the request or wish.

Even though it may be the weakest of the "strong," as long as it's proposed, it will surely be accomplished in the end.

Both Zelrich and Shirou Emiya would agree out of guilt.

Even if the [Gemstone Elder] cannot be completed.

For that being who can be considered the "strongest" in the [Type-Moon Universe], for that being who almost briefly rivaled that [Master]—

As long as it doesn't violate his principles, any wish can be fulfilled.

However, the girl never asked anything of her [Emiya Shirou].

Even her request startled the old man in front of her, and his expression darkened.

……

"Rin, don't forget that there's a very important condition in the way to save Dad, okay?"

  The old man spoke these earnest words of advice to the child on the other end of the phone.

"Okay! I understand!"

Young Rin was happy, and she was just telling jokes—her own treasured jokes.

Although a slight unease still lingered in my heart.

Father, would you laugh at that joke?

If saving the world requires a big smile, then maybe I should think again and see if I can come up with the funniest joke in the world.

So, halfway there, the child suddenly hesitated and pouted.

Seemingly remembering something important, Rin ran back to her bedroom and pulled out a book titled "The World's Funniest Jokes Collection" from the bookshelf.

He carefully rolled up the book and stuffed it into his small backpack.

Then, hesitantly, he took it out, put it inside his clothes, and wrapped it up.

That way you definitely won't lose it.

The child thought this way.

Unless I lose myself, I will never lose this key to saving the world.

Slide down the pillar from the balcony to the ground floor, then slip under the hedge in the yard and sneak out the back door to the outside of the wall.

Slipping out like this would undoubtedly go unnoticed, but if he came back, he certainly wouldn't be able to hide it from his mother.

However, it doesn't matter if I might be severely criticized afterwards, or even sent back immediately by my angry father.

As long as you muster up your courage, no matter how great the difficulty, it won't scare you.

At this moment, Xiao Xiaolin had already made up her mind—

She will definitely bring her father back!

……

The entire city was eerily empty, and the north wind whipped across my cheeks, making my face turn bright red with cold.

Rin hasn't breathed the air of Fuyuki City for a week.

At that moment, she was clutching that train ticket tightly—

I just need to save my father before the last tram leaves.

For young children who are unaware of the seriousness of the situation.

Being late, or missing the last tram, is probably as bad as the world being destroyed.

So he counted out all the loose change in his pocket, one by one, and calculated how much it would cost to take a taxi back to the mansion.

But in the end, we had no choice but to walk back.

The taxi drivers either asked where her parents were or gave her a serious look and told her that the money wasn't enough.

Seeking help from the police is definitely not an option; that would only let my father know, and I might be sent back without even seeing him.

So, Rin hurriedly ran out of Xindu Station, with the anxiousness of a child, and rushed home.

Although a kind driver eventually gave him a ride home, it was already night when he arrived.

For a six-year-old child, the city, now under curfew, is eerily quiet.

This is especially true in some remote residences.

The other villas on the hillsides and slopes had their doors tightly shut, and even the curtains were drawn.

Whoa! That's terrifying!
Rin didn't even have time to look for a gap in the house's barrier.

Rather, she now hopes that her father will suddenly appear in front of her and protect her with his warm arms.

So they broke through the security barriers and arrived at the hall, which was empty.

Rin called her father's name a few times, but only a faint echo came from the empty living room and corridor.

"That's it! Master's hint!"

He pulled out a note written in somewhat childish handwriting from his pocket.

"All we need to do is find the box left behind by the master!"

So, just like before when she would sneak into the underground workshop, Rin slipped into the empty basement where the lights were still on.

Then, she followed the instructions on the note—

"Ah, here it is!"

Open the box, crawl inside, close the box, and then count silently.

one two Three……

……

For Merlin, seeing the box that was trembling slightly made him tense.

Is it a monster? Or a trap?

Is it some kind of oath or curse that one has to obey upon seeing it?

None of those, but they're more... more... than that.

Merlin opened it, and a child crawled out of the box.

A child with tears of fear still clinging to his face.

In that instant—

Merlin understood everything.

He saw it very clearly.

That sense of alienation, that feeling of incongruity stemming from historical inertia.

[Jeweler] has placed a heavy bet on this child.

This is an introduction to the "Fifth Holy Grail War".

She is absolutely incompatible with the "Fourth Holy Grail War".

If I were to take action, if I were to make a wish...

We have to... kill her.

We have to sabotage that "Gemstone Old Man's" plan.

Children are always innocent.

Even this desire to save others—is it any different from what it was back then?

Her long white hair, reaching her waist, trembled, and her body, gripping her cane tightly, swayed uncontrollably.

The Flower Magician staggered, and even began to sob—

"You won! You won! Zelrich!"

The nightmare emitted a pitiful and mournful sound, which even startled the somewhat bewildered child.

Merlin wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes, and then he took the child's hand and stood up.

“Okay,” he said. “This is the last time, absolutely the last time.”

"I'm sorry, Artoria," he thought to himself. "Haha, I'm such a joke, the funniest joke in the world."

……

Then, Merlin the Phantom Thief quietly left with the child in his arms.

The unseen figure standing behind him—

The surging shadow of the Holy Grail stopped.

Without a doubt, this surging "sea of ​​endless resentment" has been watching Merlin for a long time.

Thus, Merlin avoided becoming the first "dead man".

Apparently—

The Holy Grail undoubtedly possesses the power to use true "magic" or even "magic power".

(End of this chapter)