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

Chapter 384 Someone Was Here [Type-Moon Universe]

The enemy in front of them suddenly disappeared.

Just as he was about to use [Time Control], the Assassin in front of him suddenly disappeared.

Just like someone erasing characters that shouldn't appear in a script, they melt into the air and disappear into the dust.

All traces of the past—

Those branches cut off during the chase, the tree trunks broken by the collision, even the traps from before, the minor injuries sustained... at this moment they are like phantoms that have not yet happened, vanished without a trace.

Kiritsugu Emiya cautiously placed his left hand on the time-stop mechanism of his watch.

If anything happens, he will immediately use up the last minute of time stop.

Then, he nodded slightly and looked at Mami beside him, signaling her to "ask" what had happened.

Hisayu Maiya also realized that this might be reinforcements for their side.

She quickly pulled out the magic book, or rather, the shorthand notebook, from her waist and tried to consult the latest plan sent by the Alliance, following the established procedure.

Compared to watches that might be "hacked"—

Those messages telling you to evacuate immediately seem like they're deliberately leading you into a dead end.

At this moment, Kiritsugu and Maiya undoubtedly trusted the information in the grimoire more.

Aside from the fact that in this "detective world," the shorthand notebook is truly running out of pages as it cannot be replenished, the communications within it are instantaneous.

Kuyu Mai pushed aside the branches above her head, and with the sunlight filtering through, turned the page on the "brilliant plan."

"We are safe now." Her first words relieved Kiritsugu.

"We are instructed to immediately follow Plan Three and proceed to the Matou Residence for the midday banquet."

Emiya Kiritsugu frowned.

Although he wasn't one to raise questions, Kiritsugu was well aware that as a "criminal," taking on the role of a "detective" would easily lead to mistakes.

Unlike Waver and others who had to slowly deduce Conan's [Realistic Marble] ability, Kiritsugu and Maiya were told everything about it.

The criminal is clearly outmaneuvered by the detective.

Although "disappearance" can avoid most tracking, the fact that "they will definitely leave clues in front of detectives" means that as long as they appear, they will be exposed to those hounds.

"Don't worry about that." There seemed to be some information written in the shorthand notebook that gave Hisayu Maiya a lot of confidence.

“We are not the masterminds this time, and there are more important clues left behind than ours.”

Hisayu Mai paused, then added, "And Kiritsugu, you might need to make a small sacrifice."

Kiritsugu Emiya nodded without hesitation; he had long been prepared to sacrifice himself.

However, Kiritsugu was unaware at this moment that the "sacrifice" Maiya spoke of actually had another meaning.

—Irisviel will also be attending this party, I mean, that Black Irisviel.

……

For disciple Zero, the world is strange, and more importantly, he seems to be very popular with monsters.

They were camping on the mountain, preparing for the upcoming competition.

When he woke up, he found himself in a completely dark space.

All around them were terrifying hounds or wolves with red eyes and dark blue bodies.

even--

He can't even remember who he is!
"Wow wow~"

It made a sound of doubt, like a tiger.

"It's totally in PleaseQuestMe mode..."

"That's really terrible."

"So this is what they call three eliminations, Zero-chan."

At that moment, while saying such strange things, Shi-chan wielded a long sword and saved herself.

"But hang in there a little longer, you've been chosen as the Master! Probably."

"I see." After being saved by Shi-chan, I suddenly realized this without having understood anything at the time.

"By the way, what is a Master?"

What happened afterward felt like a grand dream within a dream!

"A huge hole suddenly appeared in the sky above the consultation room, and then... and then Shi-chan and I were back in Beika Town?"

Although I don't know why the person wearing the skull mask came back.

But disciple Zero knew that the most important thing now was to hand over the invitation and the newly discovered items to Master!
Awooo! Disciple Zero instinctively felt this was very important! Awooo!

And so, in the instant that strange "Time Guardian" sent out its pre-announcement letter, the [loop] it emitted affected the entire [Beihana Town].

Like a tiger leaping into the consultation room, Disciple Zero waved the thing in his hand at Master, who was still in a daze.

"Look, Shi-chan! Someone sent an invitation, and a book has also arrived!"

It was an extremely white invitation card, on which a few lines were written in a handwriting that alternated between thin and full—

It's like having several people writing at the same time.

To the Saints of Einzbern:

Thanks to the blessing of the night of Fuyuki, I was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the saintess's appearance.

At this moment when the Holy Grail's radiance reappears, a small banquet has been prepared at the residence, inviting the Holy Maiden to appreciate the fruits of my century-long labor.

If you wish to touch the lingering shadow of the Third Law, or witness another ending to Einzbern's tragic wish... please be sure to visit my humble abode.

Your loyal old friend.

Matou Zōkō.

—Respectfully presented from within this decaying body.
"Zoken Matou..." The invitation that was handed to him turned to ashes in a burst of spontaneous combustion.

"Shi-chan—!"

Just like a scene from a comic book happening in real life, Disciple Zero's body immediately turned as white as lime.

"fine……"

Irisviel gently embraced the child in front of her and held her in her arms.

"We're not going to that—"

Irisviel's words stopped when she saw the blue-covered book in Zero's hand.

(The image below shows disciple number zero and the books.)
……

For the "strong," using a persona is a perfectly natural thing to do.

Even with that strange, time-distorted, cyclical feeling, Irisviel couldn't do anything about it.

However, Black Alice, or the Black Grail, is the Grail itself, which is close to completion—making the invitation spontaneously combust through coincidence and accident, which perfectly matches the characteristics of the Grail.

Yes, if it weren't for the fact that several other "Holy Grails" were currently dividing up her "persona," and that annoying "detective" was forcibly trying to deny her own identity.

Just like how Irisviel even hacked into this universe early on, adding the Einzbern Consultation Room and her own existence to it—

She can even make two versions of herself exist simultaneously!

But the character design is still there.

Faced with such a terrifying and extraordinary existence, Conan only needed to use a little trick to force Black Alice to proceed according to his plan.

Since the detective's "persona" cannot be fully utilized in the enemy's "universe".

Let historical inertia take control of it.

In Irisviel's eyes, that blue-covered book was more terrifying than ten thousand wyverns!
The other party's desire for her to acknowledge her existence stems from another possibility.

Irisviel rarely used her Limit Break power.

The "evidence" that symbolized Irisviel was a fake was immediately reduced to ashes in the hands of disciple Zero.

Even the disciple's memories of that book were mercilessly burned away by Irisviel.

To become a "personality" of the so-called "all evil in this world" (AngraMainyu)?
How could Irisviel tolerate, how could she agree that she was merely a "container"?!
In that case, one's own memories, one's feelings for Kiritsugu...

Haven't they all become fake masks?

It becomes nothing more than AI, responding to others' desires according to preset templates!

Every “strong person” has an unyielding, tragic wish, which is precisely the key to their ability to break free from the heavy shackles of fate.

What Irisviel wanted to resist was precisely this version of herself.

That book, precisely, seems intent on pushing itself back down this dead end.

A hint of resentment, even malice, appeared in those eyes that had turned somewhat scarlet.

Irisviel had never heard of a "stronger" being this old insect before.

But without a doubt, from this day forward, that old bug will be his eternal enemy.

At this moment, I feel that subtle "cycle" about to recreate the scene from just now.

"Fate/Zero..."

[Irisviel] bit her lip slightly, knowing she had no choice but to attend the banquet.

"Zoken Matou, I'll remember you!"

……

High above, Merlin, who had originally planned to have Gilgamesh act as the vanguard, sighed.

"Sigh... I knew that old man Gem's plan was unreliable."

"That [Alliance] won't just stand by and watch us use [detectives] and [cases]."

I should have thought of that sooner.

Since there is such a formidable enemy as the "Compilation Matters" in our own "universe," how can we be sure that other "universes" do not have them?

Therefore, I now have two choices—

First, obediently follow the instructions of the [Alliance] to participate in the "case".

Secondly, we can use some [limit-breaking power] to see if we can try to fight against that [alliance].

“You should know what I’ll choose, Zelrich.”

Merlin didn't hesitate at all and chose the first option—only a fool would choose the second.

Although [Gemstone Elder] managed to tie him to the chariot.

However, it seems that Merlin himself also wanted to see if things would take a turn for the better.

Unfortunately, this nightmare, which desperately wants to escape, has finally found its organization.

Or rather, the organization finally "made contact" with him.

Moreover, looking at the long-haired girl standing above his glider and the gleaming gem sword in her hand...

Nightmare gave a bitter smile.

“Um, Sakura, I can explain—I’ve always been on your side.”

However, [Da Matou Sakura] remained completely unmoved and even pointed out his thoughts.

"So it was you who took Gilgamesh's watch; you wanted to take his place?"

For a powerful illusionist like Gilgamesh, disguising himself exactly as Gilgamesh is incredibly easy.

Following the historical trend, Gilgamesh survived from the Fourth World War to the Fifth World War, retaining most of his strength and mental fortitude.

At this moment, Merlin was undoubtedly speechless.

Both in terms of motivation and ability, Merlin had ample reason to make this choice.

"No, he would just be crushed by the inertia of history; his effect value would be too small."

[Matou Sakura]'s TDD made a sound. ...

Sending [Matou Sakura] to trace the trail of Black Sakura was undoubtedly an unexpected and delightful surprise.

This should be his first real encounter with an entity that possesses other CYZ effects.

Without a doubt, the "limit-breaking power" mentioned by the Jewel King and Merlin is the CYZ effect.

At the very least, it is something of the same kind.

In the terminology of the "research layer," the CYZ effect on Merlin has an elemental axis that is completely different from that of the "local universe" and the "Type-Moon universe."

Therefore, everything aligns with the conjecture made by the research team a long time ago.

[Type-Moon Universe-001] Someone has indeed been here.

……

Merlin naturally heard another voice as well.

Or rather, it's clear that the "alliance" does indeed intend to cooperate with them.

Otherwise, that person wouldn't have kindly reminded him of this—although the term "historical inertia" was a bit strange, Merlin quickly realized that this was what they meant by "compilation matters."

At this moment, the nightmare's voice carried a hint of humble pleading.

"You must be the leader of the [Alliance], right? If only you were willing to help the King the way you helped [Emiya Kiritsugu] and [Irisviel]—"

"No, as long as you are willing to take the King with you when you leave, Merlin is willing to be at the mercy of the Alliance!"

In fact, Merlin's request was exactly what Lin Sheng had been wondering about.

This Type-Moon universe is really weird.

If all of this was indeed the work of another "time traveler".

In this seemingly chaotic situation, the historical inertia of this universe should have been suppressed by another time traveler long ago.

In fact, given the circumstances of this universe, Hasegawa Tsuki and Conan would be discovered as soon as they entered.

And then there's the "welcoming attitude" that the Type-Moon universe has always shown towards the outside world.

The Alliance believes that this universe may be a "modified" trap, and this is one of the reasons why.

If a certain "transmigrator" takes control of a "shell universe" and attempts to use a "mechanism" to do this, it should theoretically be feasible.

Of course, the Alliance is only speculating about this situation, since Conan has already tried to make the universe move, and of course it didn't work.

As for trying to copy the [Type-Moon Universe] by deleting the [Core]—it can only be said that the [Alliance] has absolutely no need to do so, and it would be tantamount to suicide.

However, because of this, there has always been a call from Lin Sheng and the [Alliance].

That being that caused the current state of [Type-Moon Universe-001] must be more powerful than the [Alliance].

After all, the current state of the [Type-Moon Universe], whether it's the fusion of the [Shell] or the extreme weakness of the [historical inertia] of the "Four World Wars," is something the [Alliance] cannot currently achieve.

This is why some members of the [research level] and even the [implementation level] previously wanted to use it as a "testing ground".

In any case, the current mechanism seems to be stronger. Since there is a possibility of being targeted, it's better to let the "enemy's" territory descend into chaos first.

Lin Sheng had been hesitant about whether to make contact with what might be another transmigrator in this universe, and for the same reason.

Regardless of the reason, that person hasn't noticed the [Alliance] yet.

Given that each strand of the CYZ effect is directly and strongly correlated with its producer, it is not the best choice to rashly come into contact with it.

……

"You mean, the outsiders before the Alliance arrived?"

Faced with the questions raised by the being who called himself ZC-01, Merlin also showed a hint of confusion.

"As far as I know, based on my observations, and those of Zelrich, you are the first being to arrive in this universe."

Lin Sheng's brows furrowed even deeper—if he even had eyebrows now.

He pondered for a moment, then asked, "Where do the effects you experience—I mean the [limit-breaking power] you mentioned—come from?"

Merlin hesitated for a moment, unsure whether he should reveal the truth to the other side here.

But considering Wang's situation, he finally sighed and "gave in."

"Actually, we don't know much about this power either—and I'm not lying."

Merlin emphasized once again that he had absolutely no intention of hiding anything.

"Before Ritsuka left, I think no one knew how to use this power."

"No, rather, most people only gradually discover that the [Control Room] can help them fight against the [Compilation Matters] after they leave the [Control Room]."

Was it discovered in the context of the "Compilation Matters"?
Lin Sheng's first reaction was whether Merlin had been deceived or had made a mistake.

Historical inertia and compilation matters are not the same thing.

[Editorial Notes] But it is a real thing in the [Type-Moon Universe], and it has a [character design].

The meaning of "Merlin" is that they have always been using effects to counteract another "character setting," rather than "historical inertia" itself.

Lin Sheng had to explain the difference between the two to Merlin.

His tone became serious.

Are you sure what you're fighting against is really the [editing matters]?

[Merlin] is still unclear about the difference between these two.

But he nodded subconsciously.

"Yes, everyone has been trying to make their universe, or branch, a true 'pan-human history'."

"It's not good..."

Just like Conan had not long ago, Lin Sheng felt the same way.

"This is...very, very bad."

To become a "true" pan-human history?! Isn't this supposed to be the plot of Lostbelt?!

There's no time to hesitate; the [Case Loop] is about to begin.

Lin Sheng instructed Merlin to have Gilgamesh turn around and head towards the Academy.

At the same time, a wisp of CYZ effect is directly distributed to envelop him.

"Release your memories and [Limit Breaking Power], let me take a look."

Things got even more complicated.

This Type-Moon universe has already gone through the Lostbelts.

"What's going on with Chaos?"

"Didn't you already go to the Greek Lostbelt? Why are you still thinking of using the Lostbelt to cover up Pan-Human History?"

Lin Sheng's urgent question made Merlin a little nervous.

"Yes, is there a problem? Isn't this precisely because the Pan-Human History only selected one branch..."

Lin Sheng finally realized where things had gone wrong.

"You said the three branches are equal! They are all blocked by a Holy Grail!"

If my guess is true... then this "universe" is truly doomed.

"I thought you were fighting over the stagnation of the [ritual] and the choice of [branch], but why are you still arguing about the issue of [pan-human history]!"

But Merlin sees it as the same thing.

But now he was getting anxious.

Because he realized that perhaps they had made a huge mistake from the very beginning.

"But Leonardo da Vinci said that only by replacing the 'compilation matters' with a new 'pan-human history' can it be effective, right?"

"Ah... so that's what happened with the pause in the ritual."

Lin Sheng finally understood.

"I thought the stagnation of the entire Type-Moon universe was caused by Fujimaru Ritsuka, but it seems that's not the case now."

"What do you mean?" Merlin was stunned.

"What I mean is—you were all fooled by Leonardo da Vinci, whether or not she knew about it, but that's the result."

Lin Sheng sighed, "There will be no new [Pan-Human History] at all. Suspending the progress of the entire [Pan-Human History] is simply a waste of those effects."

"Don't you realize that your actions all along have been an attempt to spread the original 'pan-human history,' and—"

"Should we implement the same standards for the 'Editorial Matters' into this merged 'Type-Moon Universe'?"

"In your words, the first branch is now about to absorb the second branch."

"If you successfully complete your plan to use the [third branch] for refuge, then there will only be one branch left."

There is only one Holy Grail, so wouldn't it be enough to just leave behind one "wish"?

"But what about those powerful individuals from other branches—"

"There are no other powerful figures among the [Branch]! Merlin, don't you understand?"

In Lin Sheng's view, Chaldea had fooled everyone.

These so-called "strong people" work hard, even viewing it as an act of "breaking fate," but their ultimate goal is completely contrary to what they intended from the very beginning.

"Most of you came from the [Control Room], you are the [First Branch], while the others who came later are mostly derived from the [Throne of Heroes]."

"Once that so-called [limit-breaking power] is used up, and even if the [historical inertia] comes into play, it will all end!"

Since things had come to this point, even the great inventor of Chaldea kindly instructed these people to erase those memories of his.

Lin Sheng's recollection of Merlin's memories ended just minutes before they left the control room.

"Moreover, even so, your memories are riddled with inconsistencies..."

"Sigh... I'll explain the difference between [historical inertia] and [compilation matters] later."

Lin Sheng sighed.

"Merlin, what you need to do now is help Waver complete the first stage of this Reality Marble—that is, Clue Gathering."

"The Alliance will try to stop the fusion process of this shell."

"This will buy us as much time as we need."

"In short, the situation cannot be allowed to deteriorate any further."

“That—Wang Dangshi…”

Merlin originally wanted to say something more.

But after that "alliance" emphasized in its words that the situation was very bad.

At this moment, Merlin no longer had the courage or dignity to utter any demands or inquiries.

In the end, he just gave a somewhat pathetic smile.

"Okay, I think... saving the world... is fine too."

……

【Root Cause Management Organization, Item Guarantee Mechanism, Chaldea】.

"Hmm hmm hmm~~"

[Da Vinci] looked at the plan completion chart next to the alarm interface and a happy smile appeared on his face.

"Ritsuka...it'll be soon, very soon! I'll be bringing everyone to find you soon!"

A joyful voice rang out in the once packed yet now empty control room.

"after all--"

"Everyone wants to... but it's just a phenomenon!"

(End of this chapter)