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

Chapter 381 Old Friends—Now Counterfeits

"Wu-hu!"

The excited shouts, like those of a knight charging into battle, came first, followed by the roar of thunder.

Deep, resonant, and exuding pure power, it sped off from 11-chome Street.

Flames and thick smoke spewed from the exhaust pipe, as if the air was being torn apart by a violent force.

It was a motorcycle that seemed to belong to another world.

A golden lightning bolt.

Cool, Cooler, Coolest...!
Anyone who witnesses this scene will involuntarily burst into such amazement.

That was no ordinary means of transportation, but a mobile, violent work of art.

Its lacquered gold exterior shone dazzlingly in the sunlight.

But it was by no means a vulgar bright yellow.

Instead, it was an extremely flamboyant color, as if it were a mixture of molten gold and flames.

The car's lines are as elegant and fluid as a cheetah's.

On its left and right sides are its sharp claws or fangs, ready to pounce on its prey.

The heavy, parallel gun emplacements looked as if they could unleash a barrage of firepower at any moment, capable of shattering any obstacle in their path.

The things on the street were terrified by this beast.

The leaves on both sides swirled in the strong wind, and the fine dust and exhaust fumes formed a strange golden hue, like a smokescreen.

At this moment, the speeding shadow gradually rose, heading along the road leading up the mountain towards the place next to the Tohsaka residence, the place called the Matou family.

The unrestrained laughter never stopped; in fact, it was even more unrestrained than the waves of sound.

Seated firmly in his vehicle was a face that was arrogant to the point of being unrestrained.

His golden hair flew wildly in the fierce wind, and his bright red pupils were like two burning gems, revealing the innate arrogance of a god.

Undoubtedly, this is the dazzling entrance of a king.

That moving treasure, a symbol of wealth—

Gilgamesh, the Hero King.

He is riding his "Vimana" and surveying his courtyard.

……

In fact, its behavior became even more unrestrained after it left the neighborhood.

The roar, like the beating of drums, became even more urgent and loud as the accelerator was twisted to its limit.

On this winding mountain road, the golden motorcycle is like a shooting star that can turn corners, fast and agile.

Of course, Gilgamesh soon had to slow down.

Those two gold earrings hanging beside her ears, luxurious yet antique in design—

Or rather, the detective device, specially commissioned by the wealthy Uruk Group from Dr. Agasa's Research Institute, is a communication device embedded in a genuine hollowed-out antique that emits a clear sound.

Merlin stared at the tracking device that had been secretly placed on Gilgamesh—a simple task for a phantom thief.

Besides, his target is... well, you know.

Merlin then kindly reminded Gilgamesh, "Hey King, you're about to speed. If you don't want to take your driving test again, you'd better ease off the accelerator."

The figure, who was laughing exaggeratedly, suddenly froze.

Gilgamesh quietly slowed down the accelerator, then immediately looked up at the sky.

"You were spying on me, weren't you, Merlin!"

High in the sky, in the same direction as Gilgamesh, Merlin covered his face in pain and helplessness.

Sure enough, I shouldn't have given that memory back to that unreliable guy.

"Gilgamesh..."

Merlin's voice gradually took on a tone of gritted teeth, yet also one of lighthearted joy.

"Don't say I used this favor to get your help. Even if I didn't, you know you're a [Heroic Spirit] now, right?"

"Hmph, I already know this without you telling me," Gilgamesh snorted, but his attitude turned serious.

Faced with a potential major crisis for [Humanity], and knowing that he truly owed this guy a favor while on the "Absolute Demonic Beast Front," he was in a difficult situation.

Although I'm very unhappy that this time I have to turn the tables and take orders from that guy.

"Be grateful for my magnanimity, Merlin!"

Gilgamesh paused, then asked Merlin again for confirmation.

"And also, what you promised me..."

"Yes, yes, I won't forget."

Merlin feigned indifference and responded to Gilgamesh.

"It's just getting you out of the Throne of Heroes, nothing serious."

……

Clearly, our Gilgamesh has been dragged onto Merlin's pirate ship.

Actually, there's something quite interesting to mention here.

That means among the powerful beings in the Type-Moon universe, there might be multiple Merlins, and multiple Artorias...

Perhaps every powerful Heroic Spirit will have multiple opportunities.

However, Gilgamesh does not have a plural form.

There has only ever been one Gilgamesh who could be called a "strongman".

Or rather, those other Gilgamesh "stronger" beings would be eliminated as soon as they appeared.

—Just like the one who faced [Conan] back then.

The reason for this is his arrogant and conceited personality.

In the pursuit of the "fake," that Gilgamesh even cooperated to some extent with the Throne of Heroes, or rather, with Chaldea.

His initial thoughts were not difficult to understand.

Since he is Gilgamesh, the first person in history to break free from the cage.

So--

In heaven and on earth, I alone am supreme.

All you need is one Gilgamesh who is a "strong one".

As for other unsightly imitations, and of course, those Gilgamesh in different forms, such as the young Gilgamesh and his ilk, they should all be "eliminated".

Therefore, unlike some Heroic Spirits, who might even cover for another version of themselves.

Gilgamesh is serious about hunting down the "fake version of himself".

However, if you are willing to admit your identity as a counterfeit, hand over the [Power of Breaking Limits], and voluntarily go to the [Inner Sea of ​​Stars] or the [Outer World of the World].

So, the magnanimous hero king might not be so incapable of sparing his life.

But parallel universes are endless, and there will always be one or two new "fakes" that pop up from time to time.

What if you get distracted while chasing one of the targets in the game?

Therefore, this wealthy and powerful Gilgamesh had already issued "bounties" to all other strong individuals.

For example, by submitting a counterfeit item, one could receive a reward from the king.

Of course, this approach has also sparked some "controversy".

For example, when he turned against himself after drinking the anti-aging potion, some powerful figures stood against him.

In the end, however, it still resulted in young Gil going to the [Starry Sea].

……

After all, it's quite normal for heroic spirits or "strong" beings to fight each other.

Furthermore, the Branch Wars changed far too many things.

Even the closest comrades-in-arms may feel like strangers when they meet again, as if the other person has become a completely different person.

If it weren't for the fact that some people still held onto past affections at the time...

That young Gilgamesh is doomed.

After all, those who came to "rescue" young Gil also had different motives—

Because, of course, there are differences among the "strong".

For those Gilgamesh who became "strong" due to the derivative of the Throne of Heroes.

Grab one, whether to enhance your own strength or to arm your own forces, it's a good choice.

The King's Treasure Trove can undoubtedly perform remarkably well in the hands of other "stronger" players as well.

Therefore, some people believe that this guy, whose stance is ambiguous and who acts purely based on his own preferences, actually aims to prevent such a situation from happening.

Gilgamesh neither clarified nor denied this.

Moreover, this [Hero King], known as the "Source of Endless Origins," is indeed a force to be reckoned with.

The Uruk Cup alone in the treasure vault is a devastating "bomb".

Although it is now just a simple source of magic, in the context of historical inertia, it still carries the title of the Holy Grail.

Apparently—

Nine-Tails, I mean Gilgamesh, your power is simply too great.

For the sake of peace and stability in the ninja world (scratch that), and the multiverse, you need to be sealed away! ...

Although the "Branch War" has caused countless deaths and injuries across multiple parallel universes.

However, compared to the number of universes destroyed, the number of "powerful" beings being eliminated is still much smaller.

Well, that one time Chaldea wiped out 90% of the population in one hit doesn't count.

Anyway-

For peace! Gilgamesh must die!
Although such a slogan "for peace" is undoubtedly somewhat untenable in the face of the current situation of multiple parallel universes.

but--

Since you "strongmen" have already made your decision.

This matter later became a rare consensus in the "Branch Wars".

……

Therefore, it must be said that Gilgamesh does indeed possess some wisdom.

If he doesn't do that.

Therefore, in the end, not even Gilgamesh, who is a "strong" being, will be left behind.

The main problem is the "Longevity with Heaven and Earth" move; no one can truly withstand it.

He is really dangerous.

Of course, Merlin had some minor regrets about this.

If he had the Holy Grail as a trump card back then, the situation might not have reached such an irreversible point.

However, that was all a long time ago.

……

In fact, this is a very sad thing—for both Gilgamesh and Merlin.

Just like the slight joy Merlin felt when he talked to Gilgamesh on the way to the Matou residence.

What a wonderful time, isn't it?
It felt like reuniting with an old friend after a long separation.

He returned those memories of the "Absolute Demonic Front" to Gilgamesh.

An old friend...has come back..., hasn't he/she?

The figure beneath the white hang glider let the cold wind from high above brush against their face.

The Flower Magician then looked down at the path below—

A phantom that has been deceived and exploited.

Regarding this multiverse of parallel universes.

Memory, counterparts in different times and spaces, and even the existence of the same time and space are all meaningless.

Is the person communicating with me at this moment really "Gilgamesh" who has remembered the past?

He was the one who, despite saying "Merlin is useless," entrusted me with his trust and a heavy responsibility;

Is he the "Hero King" who would even risk his own life to save his people?

Or--

This was merely a result of the exquisite illusion of [Great Merlin].

Are we deceived by fabricated memories and false affections, mistaking them for genuine "fakes"?

Maybe, maybe not.

Nobody can explain it clearly.

However, the slight sense of relief or emotion that the "Flower Magician" felt at that time was undoubtedly genuine.

But even so——

“Gilgamesh…you have…been deceived by me.”

If this were the carefree, still "nightmare" Merlin of the past, perhaps none of this would be a big deal.

But at this moment, he felt a sense of sadness.

At that moment, he looked at his wrist—

That watch was borrowed from Gilgamesh through personal favors—no, more like through the "friendship" that the king cherished.

Name: Gilgamesh
Occupation: CEO of Uruk Wealth Group (self-proclaimed King of Judgments)
Faction: To be determined

Talent: [Gate of Babylon]

effect:

The King of Gold, possessing an endless treasure trove, symbolizes absolute authority and insight.

You are more likely to gain the trust of others, and your wealth is considered extremely high in Beika Town, so you will hardly have to worry about your usual money needs.

During interrogation or negotiation, your imposing presence can overwhelm your opponent, making it difficult for them to lie under your questioning.

You are more likely to become a target of various criminals, and are more vulnerable to harm when targeted.
……

Not long ago, the "phantom thief," who was a "criminal," "stole" the king's "identity."

"Hahaha! Since this is a favor I owe you, then I'll lend it to you for now!"

then--

He let out a hearty laugh.

Upon seeing his friend again, and even believing that he had been saved by his friend, the king did not hesitate to lend out his symbol.

"Ha—" The phantom thief let out a self-contemptuous laugh, "I really am... prone to sentimentality..."

After all, what right do I have to feel apologetic?
In the past, during the Branch Wars, the use of the Hero King was not only commonplace for others, but also for him himself.

Regardless of Gilgamesh's personality, identity, abilities, or treasures.

For the "strong," it's like how the Conqueror King described Gilgamesh—a walking gold mine, requiring no effort to mine.

Even if he can't use the Holy Grail from his treasury, the other divine artifacts and original texts in the treasury will always be useful.

It's a bit pitiful and lamentable, though.

But it is what it is.

The stronger Gilgamesh becomes as a “strongman”.

So other versions of him, or rather, counterfeits, are more likely to become something like a "toolbox".

Like right now.

Old friends—

It has become a counterfeit.

And what about the old friendships?
It's nothing more than something used to reminisce about the old days.

Merlin's gaze then fell upon the hero-king who was heading towards the Matou residence.

At this moment, he was the sacrifice pushed forward by [Great Merlin].

—A sacrifice no different from any other sacrifice.

……

"The fish has taken the bait."

At the moment Gilgamesh took action.

Kenneth, who had already led Irisviel and Saber to the trophy display room, felt his wristwatch vibrate.

So the head of the first-year department hurriedly unlocked the door for them and then rushed to his office.

Just as Weber had predicted, sending him out was indeed a calculated move.

In fact, Kenneth's vision was much longer-term than Weber's.

This wasn't because Kenneth was far more intelligent than Weber, but because he had a computer called "Moon Spirit Essence Liquid".

Of course, more importantly-

He has a whole bunch of detectives giving him advice!

At that moment, he dialed Lancer's number—

It was no surprise that Weber and the others didn't see Lancer in the office.

Lancer could undoubtedly be a game-changer.

……

Of course, the commotion at the Matou residence could not be kept secret from anyone who was paying attention.

As emphasized before.

This is the first murder case in Beika Town in sixty years.

This case is literally "globally sensational".

therefore--

The mantis catches the cicada, and the oriole is behind.

There's just one problem.

Who is Huang Que?

--I have no idea.

(End of this chapter)