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

Chapter 406 The Hall of the Holy Grail's Descent
The unusually strange weather that day will be remembered by many people even ten years from now.

It's like someone roughly pulling Van Gogh's "Starry Night" from the sky down to the ground.

Of course, unlike the original, the paint used in this painting is somewhat different.

A picture drawn in the city —

The melting starry sky, which should have been a blend of indigo and bright yellow, is now painted with contrasting colors of purple and gray-black.

The river, shrouded in thick fog, transformed into an endless, malevolent ocean.

A giant tornado, swirling with purple mist, swept up the atmosphere and churned the entire town of Beika.

Strangely, despite this natural disaster, things on the ground remained undamaged, and things unknown to people remained intact.

Only when everyone's gaze, when the gaze of those who are still conscious, shifts through time and space, can they see this purple malice—

Those purple strands of hair that drifted through my field of vision like ghosts.

Within minutes, the Beika Town Metropolitan Police Department was inundated with countless phone calls.

Ordinary people, in a panic, anxiously shouted into the microphone words that sounded like they were mentally deranged:

"I see it! Lots and lots of purple hair! It's there!!"

The announcements of road closures and curfews exacerbated public anxiety. These negative emotions made it all the more apparent how much the "Black Grail" craved humanity itself.

More importantly, the clash between the two Black Grails, even if they intentionally restrained themselves—

This situation, which does not conform to the "historical inertia" in itself, is still being tried to be corrected.

The historical inertia has been strengthened.

Both of them are slowly but steadily pushing themselves backward.

And it attempted to crush the two Black Grails, which were blocking its way on both sides, into dust.

Because two things that shouldn't be happening at the same time are happening.

Although they will move forward more firmly, this will create a contradiction in terms of time.

If it weren't for the fact that time within this [Unique Boundary] allows for this contradiction, Black Sakura and Black Alice would probably have to settle their differences right now.

No, rather, the probing before deciding the outcome has already begun.

……

The fog that kept blowing from the coast along the river was firmly blocked by the red bridge.

Near the bridge, there seemed to be an invisible wall of flames, and a blast of wind baked away the water vapor.

Winter turned into scorching sun, and the temperature rose as if being baked.

The air had an eerie reddish-black hue, as if it had been scorched.

It also has a faint fragrance, a very faint fragrance.

If one is not perceptive and has never experienced this smell before, they might not even notice it.

But Kiritsugu could tell—

It's the smoky, charred aroma of some kind of meat that's been grilled over a flame.

This reminded him of things he had witnessed on the battlefield, in places where morality and ethics were completely absent.

Kiritsugu clenched his teeth, ignoring Illya's question about the sudden rise in temperature.

He could only hope that the flavors came from the sky rather than from the ground.

But what difference does it make?

He raised his head and looked up at the sun hanging in the apocalyptic sky.

The sun's radiance... seemed far too weak, like a wounded person struggling to survive.

The orange-red light was surrounded by an ominous black border, like that of a solar eclipse.

The surface of the disc looked as if it contained something unclean.

The black patches, resembling congealed blood, lay like corpses on the sun, while the surrounding light flowed in a dark red, like rotting blood.

Kiritsugu didn't want to think about whether it was an illusion; the sun gave him a strangely familiar feeling.

This was what I saw before waking up from that nightmare, an apocalyptic scene that I could never accept.

……

It can only be said that, regardless of the origin of Black Alice, that [limit-breaking power] is undoubtedly real.

In fact, considering how scattered Black Sakura is, Black Alice when she gets serious is indeed much stronger than Black Sakura.

In Black Alice's mind, Earth is the core, while the celestial bodies outside of it are merely secondary background.

Therefore, compared to the more important Earth.

Black Alice didn't think that the God of the Detective Academy would use too much power on those celestial bodies beyond the planets.

She was absolutely right.

Now, at Irisviel's urging, the golden cup that once descended upon it now unleashes a destructive black light.

The black sludge not only pollutes the sunlight falling to the ground.

Like cancer, they exert pressure on the sun itself along the path of light.

At this moment, Black Alice was not stingy with these powers.

Whether it's her or Black Cherry.

Their real purpose was not to let the "editing matters" happen exactly as they were, but to use them to exert their power more fully.

Black Cherry's intention is to summon the "Endless Sea of ​​Resentment" and melt this universe into that purple ocean.

What Black Alice needs to do is to tear open the void and open the "hole" that once led to the "Root" and now leads to the universe she manages.

Every "strong person" who participates in the "Branch War" has, to some extent, transcended their "persona" and broken free from "inertia".

For them, using the power of the [Compilation Items] to deal with those entities that are already within the [Items] is undoubtedly a labor-saving and convenient approach.

However, the battles between "strong" individuals are fundamentally different.

You cannot possibly follow all the compilation guidelines exactly.

Just like how Black Alice deliberately brought forward the time of the "Sea Monster Battle" and intentionally created some errors.

To completely copy the "Editorial Notice" is tantamount to suicide; it's a strategy of using the principle of "living as long as heaven and earth."

Therefore, Gawain, the Sun Knight, would occasionally find stars or planets that had both ritual significance and a large size and put them in his pocket as weapons or support.

Similarly, the black circle surrounding the sun at this moment is the "hole" that Black Alice is trying to open.

Upon witnessing that scene, Kiritsugu understood why he only had thirty minutes.

Now, the [Inherent Time Control] on his body has been activated unconsciously and is connected to the entire city.

No matter how much power Black Alice uses.

Under the protection of the current Reality Marble, it takes 33 minutes for sunlight to "truly" reach the ground.

And if he can't convince Alice...

A chill ran through Kiritsugu's heart.

"Those victims, those controlled by the black mud, should already be on their way."

The diameter of the sun is 109 times that of the earth.

Even by visual estimation, that dark spot that suddenly appeared on the surface of the sun is large enough to contain several Earths.

Recalling the black-dyed Milky Way that stretched across the starry sky in his dream, Kiritsugu's mood grew heavy.

He even suddenly understood why the Alliance had to fight within the framework of historical inertia.

Perhaps in the early stages of the Branch Wars, many "stronger" individuals might not be able to defeat the powerful deities or heroic spirits inherent in the Compilation Matters head-on.

But all other existences are trapped within the confines of the "Compilation Matters".

And this war lasted for what seemed like countless years—

Are the weak still weak?

……

At this moment, the power that Black Alice displayed told everyone.

To what extent could she have accomplished this immediately without the interference of historical inertia?

Meanwhile, Ilya's face also turned pale.

She was aware of this as well.

Ilya thought of Merlin, who had always seemed somewhat timid in the League's records.

From this perspective, it's not just about Merlin himself.

Even those "strong" individuals he remembered who could be easily defeated might not be weak at all.

This is obvious.

The fact that Merlin could have every "strongman" pronounce his name and that the Jewel Elder treated him with respect already demonstrated his considerable strength.

And given that unlimited magic power is probably standard for every "strong person".

The "weakness" mentioned here is relative to those "stronger" ones.

Just like the "confidence" that [Matou Kariya] uses to kill others.

Or perhaps it was the act of [Big Matou Sakura] guarding that hole within Little Sakura's [soul].

They did indeed break through their established personas and can be considered "strong".

Perhaps Kariya's "level of breaking the rules" far exceeds that of others, but this superiority is based on [historical inertia].

If we disregard the influence or resistance of historical inertia, most "strong" players are at the same level.

However, there will always be a limit to breakthroughs in "quality".

This leads to the accumulation of "quantity".

Whether it's the power to break limits or other methods and techniques, they become even more important.

Because if it's the other way around—

For example, Kurozakura controls Tokiomi Tohsaka to face Kariya, or controls Risei Kotomine to deal with Kirei.

This kind of "special attack" that leverages historical inertia can, in turn, become an obstacle that is difficult to resist.

Judging from the actions of Black Sakura and Black Alice, there is undoubtedly a world of difference between them in terms of the amount of quantity they have accumulated.

In addition, these "strong individuals" seem to be more willing to showcase their unique qualities.

Whether it's Waver using the Phenomenon Phenomenon Weapon, or Black Sakura or Black Alice's current actions—

According to Conan's analysis, this is probably a long "branch war" that has even evolved into a special combat logic.

"The part of the character that is broken through, whether it is taken to extremes or abandoned altogether."

"If they don't maintain or even enhance it at all times, it's probably easy for Chaldea to correct it."

Clearly, this contributed to the chaotic "branch war" situation in the "branch war" to some extent.

"And similarly—judging from the habitual actions of Kuro Sakura and the others."

Lin Sheng supplemented Conan's analysis.

"Because there is a great risk in using [Compilation Items] every time, they usually only use and exploit it when the enemy is also using [Compilation Items]."

……

And that's exactly what happened.

If it weren't for the extra layer of [Unique Boundary] concealment, Black Alice would never have been so arrogant.

Black Sakura uses her to expand her own advantage, and Black Alice does the same.

In the air distorted by the high temperature, the foehn wind tried to blow the cherry-pink kimono.

Fortunately, unlike the lighter kimono on the upper body, Irisviel's dark purple hakama around her waist protected her completely.

The blouse, almost reaching her ankles, paired with a high ponytail bound by a dark black bow headband, creates a sense of both solemnity and liveliness.

Unlike her attire, which suggested she was heading to a meticulously planned date, Irisviel wasn't wearing the clogs commonly seen at fireworks displays. Instead, she was wearing a pair of dark brown boots that looked like they were for actual combat.

Because during the time Kiritsugu was on his way.

She was standing on the black water beneath her feet, where ripples were constantly rising and falling.

He wields a naginata and fights against those who are fused with blackness.

Everything was as Irisviel had predicted—

That wretched guy can't just sit idly by and watch himself "summon" this civic hall that's about to be burned down.

There was a reason why Black Alice abandoned Zaid and the arrangements made for the church and the academy.

Even if Kiritsugu hadn't sent the letter inviting her to a date, she would still have shown up at the communal house before it was burned down.

"But now...it seems like someone's getting anxious."

He chuckled indifferently at someone's attempt to ambush him in the mud.

Black Alice leaped high into the air, brandishing her naginata.

The blazing air blades, almost glowing with gold, slashed out, incinerating the black ribbons that could corrupt the mind with a mere touch.

If it weren't for the worry that the mud would soil the dress I'd finally found at the Emiya residence, and the fact that no one was allowed to enter the community center behind me before the opportune moment arrived—

Black Alice didn't want to pay any attention to that guy.

We all have the Black Grail, so we can't break each other's moves!
At this moment, watching the black silk cloths around her frantically trying to trap her, Black Alice even had the leisure to mock Black Sakura.

“Oh dear,” she chuckled, covering her mouth, “unlike some guy who got dumped.”

"Even though I've fallen, it seems there will still be lovers trying to 'save' me."

As soon as she spoke, the black ribbons that had been binding Black Alice like a cage paused for a moment.

—What a flaw!

Ruby-like pupils gleamed, and a burst of orange-red power instantly stained the naginata crimson.

Stab-! ! !
A certain unwavering force severed the tentacles that the black cherry blossoms reached out, thereby preventing her from appearing again in a place where she shouldn't be.

"Hmm," Irisviel hummed sweetly, "that way no one can disturb my date."

But as she said this, Black Alice's expression darkened.

Why does she still refer to the two people who come as her lover and daughter?

The black mud at his feet was burned away by the scorching ground as Kiritsugu approached.

The community hall behind us, which resembles an ancient temple, also seems to have taken on a burnt yellow color, like the edges of a photograph.

It was sunlight close to noon.

These white stones, which can last for thousands of years, have an old look that comes from the future or the past.

The exterior, adorned with reliefs, is now illuminated with a sense of twilight.

For Black Alice, even if this might be Kiritsugu's trap, it still greatly advanced the progress of her plan.

It was somewhat unexpected that Archer and Kirei didn't end up in Black Sakura's hands.

But just like Black Sakura, she also used and hoped that she would lend out Zaid and others.

This "borrowing and not repaying" lending was intentional on Irisviel's part.

If Black Sakura wants to utilize the sea demon's almost conceptual demonic nature, and the greater "freedom" provided by the [Editorial Matters], then...

So what Black Alice wants to achieve through this is the same.

The struggle against the sea monster was a rare scene where heroic spirits gathered together—

Well, Assassin is completely useless, so don't worry about him even if he's not around.

Even whether Rider and Lancer ultimately appear is not a major concern if the plan goes smoothly.

I just wish Saber, Archer, Kirei, Kiritsugu, and myself could all appear.

Because the Mihana Bridge, which is associated with the sea monster, is very close to the Kaiminkan.

What does the Huiminguan (会民馆) mean?

In the "Editorial Notes," the "Fourth Holy Grail War" concludes here.

If the sea monster occurs at noon, then the real midnight can be given directly to this final scene.

Just as she urged the black rays of the sun to propel time forward, proving where time stands.

As long as Irisviel from the Einzbern Consultation Room exists, the historical inertia symbolizing "ending" will quietly and eternally take effect.

Even though Black Alice didn't know the details and the truth, she could sense that this was an opportunity for her.

In her plan, as long as Black Sakura controls Archer and Kirei and uses the "Compilation Matters" to attack, she will help share the pressure while proving the "Compilation Matters".

Because Kirei, who killed himself, was controlled by [Matou Sakura]—

The contradictions here have given Black Alice many opportunities, even opportunities to make wishes for herself.

It's important to know that this was after learning that Kirei and Archer hadn't been taken down by Sakura Kuro.

Black Alice was fully prepared to actually attend the "trap" set up at the Hyatt Hotel.

However, Kiritsugu sent himself that letter at that time.

Black Alice even felt that perhaps, even if she escaped that "fate," there was still another destiny guiding her.

Kirei doesn't need to kill himself.

There's no need to fight another Holy Grail while trying to reproduce the compiled information.

At this moment, the black, scorching wind from the sun has cleared away all the noise in this already deserted clubhouse except for its own.

I've never been this close before.

Black Alice had never been so close to her desire.

Looking back at the hall that symbolized the end of his life, even though everything around him had become silent again.

But a deep sense of unease and a burning anxiety still rose in Blackie's heart, even bursting forth like magma gushing from the ground.

Do not know why.

She dared not step into the gradually crumbling guild hall, which was now engulfed in flames.

I dare not go to the floor with the ritual inscriptions on it right now.

Is it unease?

She silently questioned herself.

The final outcome, whether it was guiding Kiritsugu to end his own life or him accepting her proposal, should have been within her expectations.

Are you scared?

She questioned her own heart once again.

She had already anticipated that Kiritsugu might be disappointed and angry, and she had already anticipated that Illya might be confused and coldly reject her.

They had just defeated another [Black Grail].

He even declared his victory through Kiritsugu and Illya's love for him.

This somewhat lofty proof seemed to immediately drain Irisviel's strength.

She had to slam her long-handled naginata heavily on the ground, using it as a support to prop herself up.

My heart was beating faster than ever before, more rapidly and violently than it had on any battlefield.

"What's wrong with me?" Irisviel muttered to herself, trembling. "Having come this far, how could I still feel nervous?"

The answer is yes.

Of course I would feel uneasy.

They must be scared.

It must have been an unbearable anxiety, a fear that went deep into one's bones.

Those images flashed through Irisviel's mind—

Those were the days I spent with Kiritsugu and Illya in the castle and on the snowfield.

That must have been a very, very long time ago, separated by countless battles and bloodshed.

But she can still recall every single moment of it and recognize every tiny detail in the images.

Even now, Black Alice keeps telling herself that the daughter and husband she is about to face are not the "them" she remembers.

However, he faces Kiritsugu trying to save him, and Illya trying to persuade him.

Unbeknownst to me, the emotions in my heart had reached a point where they were no longer able to be contained.

She could neither, nor could she, tell the two people who were struggling through the scorching winds.

Even after witnessing her now unrecognizable and far removed from Irisviel's former self, her husband and daughter, who still stubbornly reached out to pull her out of the abyss, treated her as complete strangers.

"Yes, I've already driven away all the ordinary people in the hall beforehand."

Irisviel could only murmur these words of comfort to herself.

She even felt a kind of resentment that bordered on anger:

He was annoyed that Sakura hadn't continued her attack; annoyed by the warm letter Kiritsugu had sent him; annoyed that Sakura's plan hadn't gone smoothly and hadn't succeeded as he had hoped.

If Archer and Kirei were in Black Sakura's hands, Irisviel would have a reason to refuse Kiritsugu here, or not refuse Kiritsugu.

But she has no other choice now; this is her best chance.

However, this opportunity now fills Black Alice with a sense of despair.

If I absolutely must make that wish, then Kiritsugu and Illya will definitely…

Her gaze pierced through the obstacle—even though using her power in this way seemed wasteful, Irisviel no longer wanted to think about it.

Looking at Kiritsugu and Illya, who had already stepped out of the car and were still struggling and determined to move towards him despite the constant blowing and even sudden gusts of wind.

Why did you all come here?!

"Why aren't you stopping?!"

Black Alice almost cried out in a hoarse voice.

"Why not, from a distance, like in the past, point that gun at yourself and fire the [Origin Bullet] that could kill you?!"

For a moment, Irisviel even regretted that she had caused so many casualties in the past.

If it weren't for those deaths and those sins, I would have been able to walk up happily and without any worries to embrace my husband and daughter.

Why is this heir different from the previous ones?
Black Alice had no choice but to think this way, she couldn't help but think this way—

Why is this Kiritsugu different from the others in the past?
Even her own Kiritsugu, her own Illya, would probably find it hard to accept that she has become like this.

Why did Kiritsugu suddenly not choose the simpler option that would save the "majority"?

Black Alice's thoughts were in complete disarray; she felt like both crying and laughing.

If you do this with other heirs you encounter at the beginning.

Maybe I'll agree to him and let go of those inner obsessions.

From the far end of the field of vision, came the call of the child being led by his father.

"Mother--!"

The sound almost shook Irisviel's soul.

The naginata in his hand, like a hot iron, suddenly made a clanging sound and was thrown to the ground without hesitation.

Footsteps began to move naturally.

When she saw that child, Black Alice stopped thinking about anything else.

"Ilya—!"

"Irisviel," she called out. A pure and moving smile unconsciously bloomed on her face.

At that moment, a mother ran toward the child she had lost.

(End of this chapter)