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

Chapter 385 Stepping into the same river twice

Heraclitus likened existence to a river.

He used that nameless river as a metaphor for the truth of all existence.

And declare to everyone—

"You can't step into the same river twice."

Because when a person enters this river a second time, the water flowing beneath their feet is new.

Therefore, this is also a new river.

However, he clearly overlooked some factors.

At this very moment, Webber Velvet is doing just that.

He was about to step into the same river.

It was only because the river of time splashed the detective's clothes when he first stepped into the river that he had to step into the primordial waters a second time.

Time is flowing into the past.

The unfolded letter was folded back in front of him and returned to the hands of the girl named Matou Sakura, who then put it back into her bosom.

And those sounds that have already been spilled out like water.

The sound waves echoing in the air converged again, rolling back to the lips of those who had spoken, turning into a breath that had not yet been uttered.

Even light is like that.

The edge of the windowsill, the heavy curtains and the sun, once together wove a shadow.

But now, the shadows extend in the opposite direction, and the sunlight falls from the ground back to the sky.

The light reflected in my pupils, the world that appeared in my mind, were drawn away from my body.

But strangely, Weber was still able to "see" these things.

He saw—

The invisible horse named "Time" turned its hooves around and galloped eastward along the footprints it had left behind.

Within the loop, time follows the detective's logic.

……

And so, the rising sun set again, and the fallen stars returned to the sky.

The vigilant officers' movements, searching for traces around the deceased, were like being replayed frame by frame—

The fingerprint patterns were redrawn, and the "evidence" in the evidence bag...

The officers solemnly and slowly placed the items they had removed next to the deceased, as if they were performing some kind of ritual.

Now, the "ending" has become the "beginning".

And those traces of magic began to fade away little by little.

Whether it's [Matou Sakura]'s or [Matou Kariya]'s;

Whether it's Merlin's or Irisviel's.

In this miraculous reversal, a true timeline is slowly emerging from the edge of this universe—

It flowed from the mind of a great detective sitting in the [Detective Academy].

Because He is not the beginning of everything, but rather the one who begins everything.

Because the one who died willingly had already offered up his life.

thus--

Those who also committed unforgivable crimes, those former souls who have been given a new life, will therefore have an equal opportunity.

……

At this moment, the Mori Detective Agency, located at 5-39-1 Beikacho, a place that has been unvisited for a long time.

Under the glaring sunlight, behind the glass stickers on the second floor, lies the area used for discussing business—

Around the empty conference table, figures reappeared after a long absence.

The coffee on the coffee table was steaming.

Sitting across the table was a lazy, clueless detective.

Or perhaps, it symbolizes a detective's deduction.

With the client pleading in his eyes, Kogoro Mouri picked up the "Notice" that had been sent to the Matou residence for three consecutive years.

However, he still secretly pursed his lips—that annoying detective brat had "deduced" him again.

Meanwhile, Detective Conan secretly read the text aloud.

I am the guardian of time.

O foolish traitor to the flow of time, as punishment for you, I will, at the moment of your birth, halt your time with an invisible sword.

— Respectfully submitted by the Guardian of Time.
Therefore, there was an extra whole day between the first and second days.

Or rather, there was an extra "third day".

……

This is the true allure of information asymmetry.

Regardless of who the enemy standing in front of the Alliance is.

Perhaps it or he realized the significance of the "Detective" to the "Alliance," an outsider.

However, they still underestimate the irreplaceable connection between the timeline and the detective.

For these people who are used to death, they will never understand the importance of "death" and "case" to a "case".

Just as Gilgamesh was able to recognize Conan through the All-Knowing and All-Powerful Star, Conan possesses the ability to "manipulate the movement and direction of matter."

But he didn't know that the key to this ability wasn't how powerful Conan himself was—[Edogawa Conan] was really just an ordinary person.

However, his "persona" is only presented in the context of "cases in which a certain person is the criminal".

Therefore, although at the time no one thought that the threatening letter that Matou Sakura pulled out could be anything—

Even though she hinted to that kid named Weber that the real key point was "time".

But what's the point?

In the eyes of these true perpetrators, they had successfully killed Zouken Matou.

Therefore, what Weber was able to choose from those three different "choices" was ultimately just a trap woven by one of them.

Yes, that's exactly right.

—If the "third day" does not occur before the "second day".

—If this weren't a story that takes place in Detective Conan's "memories" of the past.

Just like Conan recognized that Lin Sheng must have arrived here.

The mighty ZC-01 did indeed play a small role in this war known as "deduction."

This time, Lin Sheng not only placed a real loop inside the [Unique Boundary], but also...

More importantly, he will bring the CYZ effect, which already has a "mental image" and an "elemental axis" of the "Type-Moon universe".

It was performed in the form of "existence" as discovered in "Detective Conan Universe-002".

After all, if we absolutely have to arrange them on the [element axis]—

Compared to the timeline, mental imagery and memory are undoubtedly very close.

This situation, where the brevity disappears once the brevity is "awakened," perfectly matches the nature of the [Unique Boundary].

So, during this period when the reversal began, many people started running.

……

For those "strong individuals" who possess the power to break limits—

Running again is undoubtedly a novel experience.

They are able to retain their "self," their "memory," and even maintain their own "positive time flow" in this reversed torrent of time.

But just as the Alliance task force members of the past had to carefully conceal and maintain their identities, these "strongmen" today also need to do the same.

Both Black Sakura and Black Alice discovered with heavy hearts—

Their [limit-breaking power] is diminishing in this confrontation.

Clearly, these murderers have now shot themselves in the foot.

The completed cause and effect is like a fierce sheepdog.

It tirelessly drives the flock back to their rightful place, led by the lead sheep.

At this moment, [Oo Matou Sakura] lowered her head, looking at the watch on her wrist—the watch on her wrist was emitting a smug laugh.

"You wouldn't believe it, would you? Your own power suddenly turned against you."

Everything was exactly as Lin Sheng had predicted.

The cause-and-effect relationships between "Day 1" and "Day 3" are contradictory.

Because Merlin knew nothing about the CYZ effect.

Or rather, due to the deliberate misleading of Leonardo da Vinci, the entire "strong" group has almost no understanding of the CYZ effect.

This was a great help to Lin Sheng.

Although the Alliance has yet to fully uncover all the secrets of the CYZ effect.

But they are undoubtedly far superior to these "illiterate" people.

For example, the discovery of the [Element Axis].

Or, for effects of various different properties.

This knowledge is clearly unknown to people in the Type-Moon universe.

They didn't even know how to use this power correctly.

"For example, like Merlin's previous use of illusion magic."

Lin Sheng said that this seemed somewhat wasteful.

"They're treating the CYZ effect like burning oil."

As he directed [Big Matou Sakura] toward [Detective Academy], he explained everything:
"Now we have plenty of time."

……

As we all know, if the CYZ effect were to be defined, it would be extremely complex and convoluted to write, much like a long and tedious academic paper.

If printed out, the definitions of its various properties alone from the CYZ Effect Research Institute would fill several thick books, each as heavy as a dictionary.

"It could even fill an entire library, if you insist on explaining those contradictions."

Simply put, this force is incomprehensible; it is comprehensible.

【大·麻桐樱】quickly understood the meaning of this sentence.

"You mean...it won't be like the Holy Grail?"

"Of course not." Lin Sheng snorted coldly.

"However, that's why I said that Merlin and his group were very wasteful in their use of it."

This waste of effect value disappeared after the Second Pointer Case in this universe.

"If you treat it as an energy source, then it will dedicate itself entirely to that one direction."

"I won't go into details about its catalytic properties, but the key point is that while this greatly enhances its effect, it also depletes itself."

“Moreover, this will create a problem,” Lin Sheng said.

This is the question that the CYZ Effect Research Institute is concerned with—the one related to the "table".

"Creating a universe might be possible with just one string, but it would also be possible with two strings..."

"Even if you use it all at once, if your need is just a universe, then it can still be done."

"Although there is still much debate on this point within the Alliance, it is undeniable that, due to its constant nature, a part beyond the 'command' will affect this."

This is the difference between the "use-up effect" and the simple "use effect"—

Like Raymond's "Grace of the Four Saints", or the hamster in the "Core Layer" office.

"The illogical nature of the CYZ effect," Lin Sheng said slowly, "lies in the fact that it can make contradictory properties appear simultaneously."

"It's like God lifting a stone that He couldn't lift."

Its "isolation" means that it will not dissipate unless it encounters something that contradicts its instructions.

Although this clearly violates the law of conservation of energy—

How can you exert influence on the outside world without consuming yourself?!

But that doesn't matter, since the CYZ effect violates far too many physical laws. Lin Sheng concluded, "In short, these guys are unaware of this and are merely using the effect to maintain their existence and amplify their own power."

Of course, Lin Sheng knew this was a natural thing.

If this power was originally without any source.

Even if he were to be completely exhausted, risking death and the loss of his spiritual essence, he would still be so cautious.

"However, the conditions of 'maintaining oneself' and 'maximum effectiveness' can be met simultaneously, albeit with some difficulty, depending on the user's intentions."

"But in this [universe], there is a problem with doing this."

The problem is—

Do you acknowledge your actions from a second ago?

……

In this universe, the Alliance has been somewhat wasteful in its use of the CYZ effect.

But in hindsight, even knowing all this, the Alliance had no choice but to do it.

“To anchor a person’s death with an effect value, and then to bring him back to life in the future, you need to re-anchor his survival as you exhaust that effect value.”

The invention of TDD is undoubtedly a "miracle".

It initially chose to anchor itself on a material that was not easy to obtain and would not change, so that the task force members were more affected by its "derived" influences.

Furthermore, the characteristics of this universe regarding the timeline further delay the point of "using it up".

Because "time" in this universe is inherently a form of matter.

A real, accessible "timeline".

Otherwise, where would the [loop] and [dual timeline] come from?

If you learn the "Seven Chapters of Ke Jun", you might be able to secretly travel to the past and see the effect values ​​of those "time nodes" that are still in the past.

“But this ‘universe’ is different,” Lin Sheng explained.

After figuring out what unexpected events had occurred following the actions of those various parties, and what kind of situation they had led to.

Now that Lin Sheng possesses what can be described as "infinite time," his voice has become languid.

"It has no concept of time; it does not exist without human or primate cognition."

"Don't ask me why, that's just how it is based on performance."

[Da Matou Sakura] paused for a moment, then slowly nodded.

Unlike Merlin, whom she had no idea about before, she now truly understood him as a possibility embodied in TDD.

"You mean, there's a conflict between the mental images?"

"That's right, that's pretty much it."

Seeing that someone was finally able to join the conversation, Lin Sheng said a few more words.

"For example, Conan's Reality Marble is like a giant spindle, twisting together all the other people's messy mental images."

"If they want to change this trend, the first thing they need to deny is their own experience before they entered the cycle—"

"But their effect value has already been used up."

"To deny the [Cycle], we need to deny the fact that they killed [Zouken Matou], and we also need to confront the [Throne of Heroes] and even the [Root].

"I don't think they have the courage or the ability."

Of course, there were other things Lin Sheng didn't say.

That means this universe does have something called a "soul"—

This is also one of the reasons why Lin Sheng believes that Merlin and the others have been deceived.

If he were Merlin, he would immediately transform himself into a being similar to the CYZ effect.

Even if it involves modifying oneself, like the construction of the [CYZ Magic Base].

These guys are clearly more focused on their own [spirit].

They have been anchoring themselves to another “possibility” rather than the “existence of the ontology”.

Just like the case of [Great Matou Sakura].

In the past, this subtle difference might have been as insignificant as the distinction between "compilation matters" and "historical inertia."

"But if that Chaldea were to bring out the true historical inertia..."

It's hard to say whether these people in front of us can still be considered part of the "root".

If Merlin's memories hadn't been tampered with, Lin Sheng thought that Da Vinci might really have gone mad.

All signs indicate that—

She's going to destroy Old Chaldea!
……

To be honest, Lin Sheng thought that Da Vinci's "blind spot" technique was quite ingenious.

How does she prevent things from going wrong, and how does she prevent others from noticing anything amiss?
Even Lin Sheng, who had once played "Adoring Odd and Even," found it hard to connect this ruthless and insightful mastermind with the omnipotent person and great inventor who silently supported Chaldea.

Unfortunately, Merlin himself deleted those most crucial plot twists.

Based on his various acts of remorse, Lin Sheng deduced that—

There was once a [Artoria] who tried to act as the [Core], and then died;

There was once a guy named Shirou Emiya who almost broke into the Root.

Furthermore, we didn't get much useful information.

Lin Sheng was even a little speechless.

Is it really impossible to shake off the label of "useless Merlin," that nightmare?
Ever since Artoria died, this guy has been obsessed with Artorias from other universes...

It's really hard to judge.

"However... it is clear that [Da Vinci] changed at some point."

"Otherwise, she wouldn't have agreed to change the [core] in the first place."

Lin Sheng thought to himself, "So, the most crucial issue is those memories that seem to have been deleted."

So, what exactly happened at those turning points in the "branch war"?
as well as--

Although I don't want to say it like this.

But Lin Sheng couldn't help but feel a sense of doubt.

Is this... really the first time this has happened?

Judging from Merlin's memories, the War of the Branches has been going on for far too long.

……

Everything was going backwards, but Weber remembered it all clearly.

It felt like some invisible machine was stuffing his lost memories back into his brain, page by page.

The light and shadow in the corridor flowed in opposite directions, dust rose against the air, and the students' laughter went from the end to the beginning.

At this moment, he was walking backwards in the school corridor.

In that bizarre scene just now, the magician chose the least bad move—

That is to pretend that you are also regressing.

With his discerning eye, it was not difficult for him to clearly remember his every move when he arrived.

"Hey, Weber, what are you doing walking backwards?"

It wasn't until Rider's loud voice rang out that Weber realized the inversion was finally over.

He hadn't yet recovered from the situation that had ended, where "everything was going backwards while he was going forwards."

My "detective instincts" kicked in first.

"It's over...it's over!"

The trainee detective muttered to himself, then immediately opened his eyes wide.

Weber realized that they now had an extra half hour!
When it comes to "solving a case," even being just ten seconds earlier could mean facing the murderer right there on the spot.

Besides, that half hour in the morning now!
"Rider! I'll explain the details to you later!"

At that moment, Weber believed that he, with his foresight, had seized the opportune moment.

It can be described as a place teeming with life and where all things flourish.

He then grabbed Iskandar and ran hurriedly down the corridor.

Rushing down the corridor, across the courtyard, I arrived at the [Central Service Center].

They even chose the car with the most horsepower and rented it directly.

And then……

Then they were stopped by the armed police at the entrance.

If it weren't for that girl with wisteria-like hair who stepped in and stopped the furious armed detective...

Webber and Rider were about to be easily defeated and then taken to the police station.

“Young Master,” the armed detective turned around respectfully, his face full of indignation, “these two actually said they came to investigate the cause of the old master’s death!”

Weber was somewhat confused.

Is this...is this right?

Why is everything different from when I arrived?

He instinctively retorted, "Right! Wasn't it you who sent a telegram to the [Academy], ordering us to investigate Zouken Matou's death?"

"Bullshit! When did the old master die?!"

Before Matou Sakura could respond, the armed detective almost rushed forward again.

Clearly, this applies to the Matou family, who pioneered the profession of "Armed Detective."

Most detectives, especially armed detectives, considered this an unbearable insult.

……

The air suddenly became quiet.

A silence more terrifying than time reversal.

Weber finally realized that he might have misunderstood the "time" issue.

He was shaking uncontrollably, as if he were being sieved, and cold sweat was pouring down his face.

“R...Rider…”

Weber squeezed out the words through trembling teeth.

"Can I ask you a question?"

Iskandar looked puzzled.

He also wanted to ask why they insisted on coming to the Matou residence!

However, he had already noticed Webber's panic, so he calmly replied, "Webber, what's the problem?"

In Iskandar's view, Weber's next question was very strange.

"Rider, how many days has it been since we came into this world?"

he asked.

This problem couldn't be simpler.

I have no idea what's wrong with this kid.

But Iskandar casually replied, "The third day."

"Then tomorrow is—"

"Tomorrow is the second day, and the day after tomorrow is the first day."

Iskandar answered matter-of-factly.

……

Clearly, no matter how carefully Weber analyzed the concept of "time travel," he underestimated the results of the Time Research Department's research.

[Timeline] and timeline are ultimately different.

There is no normal concept of "time" in the [loop].

It's strange that people who died in the past are still living well in the future.

However, based on the "effect-cause structure system" invented by the "inversion timeline," from the opposite perspective of the "Möbius strip"—

Isn't all of this perfectly reasonable?

(End of this chapter)