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

Chapter 415 Using a Kunjin to Heat the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid
Lin Sheng didn't have a short time to think about the screen and options that suddenly appeared in front of him.

Fortunately, even after the suspension of the indoor time and space was lifted, he still had plenty of time to think and make a decision.

—The time of subjective idealism is really too useful.

"No wonder Black Sakura and the others can move freely within the bounded field from time to time."

Lin Sheng walked to the table, reached out and touched the [Moon Spirit Essence Liquid] placed on the desk, and then tried to free his [Heart Image] from his [Soul].

Under the CYZ effect, which appears somewhat golden-red due to the change in the [Elemental Axis], the spiritual particles that constitute all things around us become active.

Things called ether surround the spirit particles, and they nourish the soul called Lin Sheng with matters and information called phenomena, just as they water plants with sweet spring water.

Lin Sheng found this both natural and surprising.

Many things now seem to have an explanation.

Only now did he realize how aptly the description in his memory was, and he couldn't help but sigh with emotion:

"The soul is the outflow of higher dimensions, the love of the universe... Ah, so that's what it means?"

Yes, in this peculiar process, a concept commonly referred to as "time" was born.

But where does its anchor point come from?
What if this anchor point changes?

With that in mind, Lin Sheng couldn't help but give it a try.

All I can say is that the [Moon Spirit Essence Liquid] truly lives up to its reputation as a [Supreme Craft Essence].

As more effect values ​​are incorporated.

Like a burning flame.

This [Spirit Particle Calculator] is now shrinking in large swathes, as if it were getting close to the sun, and rapidly evaporating.

But at the same time, its texture becomes erratic, appearing transparent and blurry, and its shape transforms into a shimmering sphere.

If any Chaldea personnel were here, they would be astonished at how similar the shape of this object is to Chaldea.

But that's probably all they can see.

What's important is the light shimmering on that sphere, a light that should have symbolized the flame of civilization and the continuation of humanity.

They are now slowly forming a script, trying to convey some kind of message to the past.

Is this time travel?
No, Lin Sheng felt that was probably not the case.

He simply pushed his mental image backward, envisioning the difficulties and potential developments facing the Alliance today as "one day from now."

Thus, with this change in mental imagery, the anchor point flowing from the soul naturally shifts to the future.

"In other words, both the past and the future are just 'possibilities'."

Seeing that the [Moon Spirit Essence Liquid] in front of him was about to be used up, Lin Sheng stopped what he was doing.

The option to consume the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid has appeared. However, Lin Sheng will not use this cheat code until he truly understands the real meaning of this screen.

If we equate it with the "dual timeline," then even if it has no will, Lin Sheng wouldn't hesitate to speculate on the worst-case scenario.

With a wave of his hand, he revealed that "future" he had just envisioned.

Lin Sheng frowned.

The current situation seems to be both good and bad.

The benefits are self-evident.

The mere appearance of the "Options" is likely the biggest gain the "Alliance" has made in the "Type-Moon Universe" to date.

As for the downsides...

"I really didn't expect this. Is the 'past' only one possibility?"

In Lin Sheng and Conan's past plans, there was a standard that was undoubtedly self-evident, as self-evident as an axiom of the universe.

History, once it has happened, is very difficult to change.

This habitual way of thinking stems from Lin Sheng's past, and from the "element axis" related to the "universe" and reasoning and detective work.

However, the truth is that the Type-Moon Universe-001 does not have the option of "change" at all, and even the phrase "has already happened" seems inaccurate now.

Although this is not hard to understand when you think of a universe that features loading and saving game files.

For example, imagine a game with an infinite number of options and branches, where you can always choose one of your unselected options to start over.

So the "change" never actually happened.

Because if you exit the game and return to the main menu, you can select functions like "Memory" or "View Branches".

You will find that everything you did before is clearly recorded in it.

This is undoubtedly a very useful feature for players.

It allows you to easily recall and appreciate exquisite CG images or videos at any time, or freely jump out of the Bad End you explored out of curiosity and return to the route you want to choose.

"But in reality, the bad ending already exists; the other path has already been recorded by the [universe]."

Lin Sheng recalled the many branches Merlin experienced in his memory, the many sectors he traveled to, and—the various vague manifestations in his memory…

Lin Sheng's face was ashen.

"The problem now is how many save files there are, and whether these save files can be modified."

Fortunately, there is no better tool for this kind of probing than the CYZ effect.

Furthermore, unlike the "powerful ones" in the Type-Moon universe, Lin Sheng is not afraid to operate on his own soul.

To give a vivid example, the effect of different [element axes] is like his current "off-site archive," which is a backup on another computer.

Since all the effects originate from [Lin Sheng] himself, these "thoughts" can be carried out entirely on another computer, only synchronizing with the effects of [Type-Moon Universe] when outputting the results.

Lin Sheng subconsciously tried to manipulate the [Timeline] to restore the [Moon Spirit Essence Liquid] to its original size.

With a thought, a ray of silvery-white light was about to—

Lin Sheng immediately stopped what he was doing.

He sighed helplessly, then patted Conan on the shoulder, reviving his pause.

Lin Sheng only remembered when he saw that ray of light that he could now be considered a local of the [Type-Moon Universe].

To pause time except for Conan and Hasegawa Tsuki, he must use the effects of the [Universe] to accomplish this.

"Conan, I'll answer your question later."

Lin Sheng looked at Conan, whose expression was still stuck in the past, and stopped him from trying to communicate with him.

"First, help me restore the [Moon Spirit Essence Liquid] to..."

Lin Sheng was momentarily speechless, as he couldn't remember how long he had remained in the [mental image].

"Uh, let's restore it to three minutes ago from your perspective."

"Also, don't look at the records inside, just rewind time and use your [unique skill]."

With just a few words, Conan immediately realized that there was something wrong with "time".

Fortunately, out of trust in Lin Sheng, Conan did not question or inquire about him.

And then, as time reversed, the [Moon Spirit Essence Liquid] transformed back into a computer lying flat on the desk.

"Right now, if I'm not mistaken..."

The tips of the golden-red flames flowing from the [Soul] leaped, almost urging the [Universe] to respond.

Then, Lin Sheng noticed a subtle change in the characters on the screen.

[The source of @&￥#% ​​cannot be found!]

[—Pour the Moon Spirit Marrow Liquid into a hot iron.]

……

Obviously, you can't try to make this "shell" involve things like the "CYZ effect".

It's just a visual novel.

For this merged "shell universe," it has done its best to get everything on track.

The impact of the missing core was much greater than Lin Sheng had imagined.

If we compare the current Type-Moon universe to a computer.

At this moment, it's like three systems are running simultaneously, making it difficult to determine exactly which command the [mechanism] should execute.

Take the complete activation of the [mechanism] as an example.

If the current universe were to actually do this, which worldview universe should it choose to reset?
Fujimaru Ritsuka? Emiya Shirou? Or Tohno Shiki?

Even now, the original "core" has left, but has left its fate in "Chaldea".

And what about the new "core"?

That guy was always reluctant about it.

Even more so because he was also at the final stage of "completely breaking down" the system.

Whether Emiya Shirou can be considered half a core member is still debatable.

All I can say is that if Type-Moon Universe-001 were conscious, it would probably actually cry.

There is also "constant conflict" between them due to "historical inertia".

Unlike the dual timelines where the story timeline dominates and the conflict lies solely in the word "time," this storyline is different.

The contradictions of historical inertia in the Type-Moon universe appear in every aspect.

Taking two [Jewelers] as examples, this [Type-Moon Universe] must maintain the [character design] and ensure the uniqueness of the [Second Magician].

However, the "historical inertia" also clearly states that the gemstones of the "third branch" and other branches are different.

And [Type-Moon Universe-001] must also maintain [historical inertia].

It's even about maintaining every piece of historical inertia.

……

"Therefore, the various strange phenomena in this universe, the interplay between the left and right hemispheres, can be understood."

Look at Conan right in front of you.

Although Lin Sheng felt a pang of conscience using him for experiments, the result was obvious.

"I turned back time so that... I could use the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid..."

What was I doing this for?

Conan frowned, carefully recalling what he had just done.

He could remember everything clearly—

Lin Sheng found him, and then the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid on the table shrank due to some time-related issue, and he needed to restore the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid.

"I reverted... to avoid using the effect to restore the Moon Spirit Essence Liquid."

Strange, what did I return?

"Conan, your current situation is exactly the same as Merlin's."

Lin Sheng points out the key to Conan's thinking.

More importantly, after he removed the golden light that enveloped the last bit of silvery-white effect and returned the watch that had just been separated from Conan,

Now, it was Conan's turn to be expressionless.

Under the glow of the detective watch and its silvery sheen, he finally "deduced" what Lin Sheng wanted to express.

He couldn't help but sigh, "Lin Sheng, [Mental Imagery], [Options]... are just too dangerous."

He hesitated for a long time before carefully speaking.

"And Lin Sheng, were you just... trying to [load a save/load]?"

Lin Sheng shook his head slightly. "As it stands, only the core can handle [loading] and [saving]."

"If it had succeeded, the consumed effect value should have been fully restored instantly."

Conan also felt somewhat regretful.

After all, "time" in this world is a save-and-load mechanism.

If Lin Sheng could really steal this power even when the [Core] is not there.

Furthermore, it allows you to save and load the game every time you finish using the CYZ effect, and then continue...

This is just as satisfying as having an infinite Saint Quartz cheat in FGO!

It’s a pity that it can’t be opened.

Standing by the window, Lin Sheng looked through the building with windows that stood in the center of Beika Town towards the Beika Bridge.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the sky is boiling and burning due to the evaporation of the black mud.

The river of Miwon River seemed to suddenly come to life, and the waves formed by history tried to firmly bind the heat wave within it.

Lin Sheng paused for a moment, then explained his actions: "I tried to make this [universe] think that I did that."

"But since the effect cannot act on the effect itself, it will not be completed because it records the process."

“But this shouldn’t happen,” Conan pointed out, even if it were possible, “I find it hard to imagine that someone who finds my watch would become [Conan Edogawa].

"Yes, that's what I'm wondering about too."

Lin Sheng was very puzzled by Emiya Shirou's current state.

“It’s not just me, Conan. You forgot that Sakura and the others can also use the CYZ effect to 'save' their own status.”

"And then there's Chaldea. If Shirou Emiya really became the core, why is Chaldea still able to cause any trouble?"

"But if he isn't, how should we explain the recovery of the effect size?"

Clearly, Shirou Emiya's current status as both a Destroyer and a Core has become a problem for every force attempting to explore the Universe.

"Could it really be calculated based on 'one day'?"

Conan tries to bring the situation back to a logical possibility.

Looking at the series of options that popped up in front of him as Conan asked questions, Lin Sheng paused for a moment before speaking up in rebuttal.

"Impossible. If the process proceeds according to the established route and choices, the recovery of the effects should be happening every moment."

"In short, our plans need to be changed."

Conan nodded in agreement.

This is not hard to understand; the only thing that is truly determined is the moment when the core performs "saving and loading".

Now, the timing of the arrival of the Sea Demon in the context of "historical inertia" is very important.

"Because regardless of whether [Emiya Shirou] made a choice between Kiritsugu and Illya, or between Black Illya and Eri, this matter was unavoidable."

Conan quickly connected the Alliance's plan with Shirou Emiya's actions.

"This can be considered as a tacit understanding between us and him."

"But it also means that if our subsequent developments do not align with Shirou Emiya's ideas, he may very well bring everything back to this crucial decision."

This is more like a game where you can't save your progress at any time.

If the game has just started, even if a player is just feeling thirsty, they might get up to drink water and simply choose to wait and start a new game later.

However, if you discover a hidden route or make unprecedented progress in a game, you might have to hold it in until the save point, even if you urgently need to use the restroom.

“We must take advantage of his sunk costs,” Conan analyzed.

"The historical inertia of this universe proceeds according to key events in 'destiny,' according to 'editary matters.'"

"Judging from [Emiya Shirou's] performance, it is estimated that the ability to save and load cannot be used consecutively in the same [task]."

"If we separate the Three Kings' Feast, which we consider the finale, from the Sea Demon incident that is happening now, then perhaps he will have another chance."

You cannot give [Emiya Shirou] a second chance to save.

Now, Lin Sheng and Conan have reached this consensus.

“And Lin Sheng,” Conan then remembered something else, “you also have to keep this a secret.”

"If [Shirou Emiya] realized that every time he uses his ability, he also helps you replenish the CYZ effect..."

"Of course I know that." Lin Sheng nodded. That was why he had tried it on Conan earlier.

"If this gets out, whether he uses it to blackmail the [League] or to make a deal, we will be at a disadvantage."

Lin Sheng's voice deepened.

"What's even more likely is that he will never save or load his game again."

"From this perspective, historical inertia has its necessity."

[Emiya Shirou] forced [the universe] to provide him with a new path through some means.

The inertia of history is equivalent to the route that the universe itself must take.

“It can’t be easy for him to fight this,” Lin Sheng said, combining his performance with the disappearance of Fujimaru Ritsuka. “Otherwise, Fujimaru Ritsuka wouldn’t have chosen to leave in search of a way to break through the historical inertia.”

“I even suspect that he was able to do this because of the problems caused by [Fujimaru Ritsuka]’s departure.”

After all, when you're talking to a girl or a boy, a dialog box won't pop up in front of you.

Lin Sheng and Conan discussed the adjustments to the plan.

"In that case, we must revise our plan and make the Three Kings' Feast and the Sea Demon happen simultaneously."

"At the same time, this needs to be done discreetly, which in turn requires adaptability and time-wasting."

because--

The area around the Holmes is far from safe these days.

"It doesn't make sense to arrange the evening banquet at the dock where a fierce battle is taking place."

The two exchanged a glance. Now that things had come to this, they could only suffer through the "inertia of history."

"Notify Kenneth to spread the word that the entire structure of the Hyatt Hotel's 32nd floor has been moved to the Holmes, and that the banquet venue has been changed."

"Then have Hisayu Maiya contact Caster and Uryu Ryunosuke to fix the time of death to be at night."

"As for the community center..."

Lin Sheng pondered for a moment, then decided to test the quality of this [option].

Although he had just told Conan everything, ultimately, that option was not chosen.

Lin Sheng looked at the first option box that had popped up earlier.

【—Look carefully.】

—I don't know. (Lying)

As the [option] was framed by a golden-red effect, Lin Sheng chose "I don't know".

What happened next was almost immediate.

If the watch with its silvery sheen were still on Conan's wrist, he could still vaguely recall the "general experience" of his previous conversation with Lin Sheng.

But if Conan chooses to remove it, the situation will immediately change to only having vague memories left.

Conan conducted a comprehensive assessment of his condition: "If more time passes, I might actually forget these things."

“More importantly,” Conan said, his face showing a hint of anger, a struggle on the edge of suppressing his emotions, “Lin Sheng, my trust in you, or my affection for you, has diminished.”

This makes sense.

Since certain things have been anchored through the [options], before Lin Sheng makes a [choice] and regains the favor of the chosen one—

Conan put his watch back on, freeing himself from this strange state, and concluded:
"This indifference, or even subtle hostility, cannot be suppressed by reason."

"The good news is that if the [Option] is recognized by the [Universe], it can indeed produce the same effect as [Emiya Shirou]'s ability, except that it cannot instantly replenish the effect's consumption."

Conan's words gave Lin Sheng some ideas.

In any case, with "time" becoming unreliable, obtaining information has become inconvenient.

Conan has already tried using the [timeline] to explore the specific contents of the meeting hall.

However, perhaps due to the influence of [Emiya Shirou], he obtained no useful information other than the confusion caused by Kiritsugu's [Origin].

The final silver CYZ effect is unusable under any circumstances.

It is an indispensable part of using the third Noble Phantasm.

Next, Lin Sheng even plans to reclaim the effects emitted that contain the elemental axis of the [this universe] and replace them with effects that contain the elemental axis of the [Type-Moon Universe].

Fortunately, thanks to Shirou Emiya's save and load actions, and the resulting increase in effect value, the situation improved.

Now, Lin Sheng no longer needs to be too frugal with the effects of using these golden-red materials.

Lin Sheng considered how to reasonably postpone the plan.

My behavior of looking at the Fuyuki Bridge just now can be interpreted using another kind of effect value.

Thinking this, Lin Sheng reminded Conan to save his physical and mental data and make changes to himself.

As it turns out, as long as Lin Sheng doesn't try to get the dialog box to give him options related to the CYZ effect, he can still use it if he tries hard enough.

With the alteration of his own soul, Lin Sheng's "intuition" from a higher dimension directly presented him with an option.

[—The plan will proceed as scheduled.]

[The plan will be postponed until tonight.]

Obviously, choosing the second option means that the "plan" can definitely be postponed until the "evening".

Lin Sheng moved the CYZ effect to the second [option].

"Ok?"

A hint of doubt immediately arose in his mind.

The second option consumes approximately twice as much effect value as the first.

Where will this extra effect go...?
At this moment, instead of trying to reduce its cost, Lin Sheng used more effects to "select" and trace their working methods.

Lin Sheng tried to understand how this "mechanism" achieved this.

A portion of it flowed to Conan—Conan's favorability is recovering to its initial level.

Another portion went to Kenneth, Lancer, Rider...

The CYZ effect attempts to adjust the existence of anyone who has had contact with Lin Sheng, as well as the mental image of Conan Edogawa, to achieve this.

Besides these, Lin Sheng frowned, and another portion flowed to…

It flowed to Lin Sheng himself.

At this moment, Lin Sheng finally understood why Emiya Shirou seemed unwilling to make a choice easily.

In order to postpone the plan until the evening, you decide to use an unexpected event to make Black Sakura hesitate. You plan to go to the Holmes ship with the headmaster to provide security.
The [Soul] reveals a very reasonable line of thought, followed by another [Option] that pops up.

—Never mind, let's proceed as planned.

This is a necessary risk.

……

Clearly, anything involving mechanisms should be treated with the utmost caution.

such as--

Regarding the choice itself.

It never stops, it never ends.

(End of this chapter)