Chapter 327: Angra Mainyu

Before Emiya Shirou arrived

"Since four days ago, that faker has already ceased to belong to this Human Order, yet his origin stems from this era—that is why a Singularity cannot form."

Gilgamesh, who had grown a new arm by some unknown means, sat upon the Golden Throne, raising his wine cup toward the moon and swaying it; his crimson eyes seemed to see something fascinating through the moonlit wine, a faint smile curling at his lips.

"No matter what choice the future version of him makes—even if it concerns the grand trajectory of all human history—any event he intervenes in ultimately fails to generate new branches; he, positioned on this main trunk, has become an interferer incapable of producing divergence or continuation."

"If we simply followed the original history, it would be fine—other mongrels on this main trunk would sprout countless branches, obscuring this timeline."

"Gilgamesh, are you saying the anomaly detected by Chaldea is caused by Emiya Shirou himself?" Tenzan Lixiang asked: "But if you say that, does it mean we don't need to intervene?"

The Chaldea members turned their gazes toward Gilgamesh; this meeting had been summoned by him.

"Hmph." Gilgamesh sneered, draining his cup: "Things born of the soil are rooted within it; the nutrients of this fertile garden were never meant to nourish a single unique flower."

"Especially when this flower leaves no seeds at all—that flower holds no value whatsoever."

"He who fails to understand this seeks to guide everything, attempting to control the course of history; even if the outcome brings no harm, it holds no meaning for all of humanity. When all conditions are met, this world will become what is called an Anomalous Zone, won't it?"

"Are you saying Emiya Shirou will cause the destruction of Human Order?" Lord El-Melloi II said, then shook his head, rejecting Gilgamesh's words: "Not because of the entities behind him—but because of himself? Permit me to say, this—"

"Of course I know—I already said it: all conditions!" Gilgamesh crossed his legs, looking down at Lord El-Melloi II:

"That mongrel is growing at an inexplicable speed; the future he creates possesses no stability. Half an hour ago, that mongrel grew stronger again, and now bears artifacts foreign to this planet's history."

"Because of that mongrel's existence, the future of this worldline has lost all certainty."

"Using this Holy Grail War as a node, the human order after this point cannot be predicted and will not be recognized; the false future that preceded it is unacceptable to the planet itself—he intends to rewrite humanity's ending."

"Tch, are you seizing this chance to pin me down?"

Gilgamesh frowned and casually tossed his cup behind him.

"Verify it yourselves, mongrels. I'm returning to devise a new strategy—this game has not yet reached its climax."

Gilgamesh departed in haste, dissolving into shimmering Jin Guang—a effect of some artifact.

"So Emiya Shirou himself is currently an unstable factor?" Lord El-Melloi II exhaled a puff of smoke: "Given Gilgamesh's pride, he wouldn't deliberately deceive us."

"Master, excuse the interruption—we just compared the time Gilgamesh mentioned with the recorded time Chaldea detected the new fluctuation…"

"The moonlight tonight is quite lovely, Emiya." Lord El-Melloi II flicked his fingers twice, indicating his cigarette had gone out: "Thank you for your hospitality. May I ask—what is that outfit?"

"Exclusive Spirit Garb—the Hero of Winter's Night!" Dada Liya declared proudly: "Tell me where Gilgamesh went, or I'll judge you all as accomplices."

Is this roleplay?

Tenzan Lixiang's eyes brightened; she felt Emiya Shirou's attire gave him a peculiar aura—if his power increased further, this Spirit Garb would be worth the resource cost…

She glanced aside and saw Altrouge beside her locked in a gaze with Emiya Shirou's Servant Altrouge; both nodded to each other.

Emiya Shirou must have informed his Servant of Chaldea's information.

Even identical Servants of the same Class—even from Chaldea—can be classified under different biological categories, yet this feeling remained subtly odd.

"We don't know where Gilgamesh went—he came unannounced and left unannounced; we're just as frustrated," Lord El-Melloi II smiled: "I trust a Partner of Justice wouldn't act without reason?"

The Einzbern Castle was protected by a formation he had set, so they chose to meet in the nearby forest, with Shido and Senji Muramasa holding back the two maids—but they hadn't expected Gilgamesh's whereabouts to be exposed so quickly.

"It's fine."

Emiya Shirou withdrew his gaze from Red A, sensing a subtle wariness emanating from him:

"As long as he remains in Fuyuki, he cannot escape. I've found a way to narrow the lockdown perimeter—he'll withdraw from this Holy Grail War soon."

"I'm more curious about what you discussed—could you share it with me?"

Gilgamesh probably used his Future Sight for something; though I didn't expect Chaldea to lower its guard toward him, it's worth asking.

"He asked about the whereabouts of Ea. We told him everything truthfully."

Lord El-Melloi II's expression remained calm, subtly shifting the topic:

"He left before sensing your arrival—remarkable. Even a Gilgamesh summoned by the Fuyuki Holy Grail, I've never seen a human force him to this extent."

This was truth. Having witnessed the sword capable of burying all heroes and gods, and knowing the strength of the Hero-King better than anyone, he understood what Emiya Shirou's displayed power truly meant.

Four days of growth, unobservable even by the highest-grade Clairvoyance, travel across Parallel Worlds, the Age of Gods…

'I wonder if Shi Weng knows something—but there's no way to contact him.'

This Emiya Shirou hides many unknown secrets. His claim of traveling through Parallel Worlds is likely true—but could he have truly gone to the Age of Gods? Otherwise, how to explain his current state…

Setting aside himself, the divine lineages behind him may have ulterior motives.

What do they seek?

The collective actions of so many divine lineages—I dare not even contemplate them in detail. If they truly have designs, their impact would be no less than an Anomalous Zone.

He would rather believe, as Emiya Shirou claimed, that it was merely incidental assistance.

"Save the flattery, Mr. Weber." Emiya Shirou turned to Tenzan Lixiang; the girl was the true decision-maker: "Tenzan Lixiang, I wish to cooperate with you."

"Cooperate?" Tenzan Lixiang immediately reacted: "Senior Emiya, you mean regarding the investigation of this world's anomalies?"

Emiya Shirou gave a slight nod:

"Yes. I'm deeply concerned about why you detected this world as part of the Human Order, since this is the timeline I live in."

"I ask you to inform me of any changes you observe in the Human Order; with your data, I will assist in your investigation."

"Thus, whether Chaldea's detection is flawed or a hidden danger exists, resolving it early will allow you to return to your own timeline sooner."

Under normal circumstances, as a native of this world, no one cared more for its safety than Emiya Shirou—Tenzan Lixiang clearly understood this.

But this Emiya Shirou differs drastically from the information we have. Judging from what Gilgamesh just revealed, perhaps—

"Then kill yourself, Emiya Shirou," Red A said coldly: "In my view, your very existence is the greatest danger to this world."

Mash helplessly exchanged a glance with Tenzan Lixiang; Archer Emiya was good in every way and reliable when it mattered—but since meeting his past self, he'd grown even more impulsive than before.

Lord El-Melloi II kept his hands in his pockets, glanced at the two, and said nothing to stop them.

"If you have the ability, do it yourself," Emiya Shirou sneered, refusing to yield: "Stab yourself in the heart—you'll have killed one Emiya Shirou."

This confrontation was fiercer than before.

"All your travels through Parallel Worlds gave you power but not a single brain cell, hypocrite."

I am indeed a hypocrite—so what? What are you going to do about it!?

Red A hadn't expected this guy's face to be even more infuriating than he imagined, and clenched his teeth.

I don't care what you're plotting or what entity you've gotten involved with, but if you keep this up, you'll drag this world down into the abyss with you!

You don't understand human speech? I already told you before—only I and Illya returned to this world. My other friends have no interest in it! Don't make me repeat this a third time!

You're the one who doesn't understand the situation! That power you possess shouldn't exist in post-mythic human history! If you wield it for your own hollow ideal, even if it's unrelated now, it will surely lead to—

Cough. Cough.

The coughing interrupted the argument.

"Enough, both of you. Set aside your ideological disputes for now—aren't we here to discuss cooperation?" Lord El-Melloi II stepped in to mediate, addressing Weigong Shilang:

"But cooperation requires mutual understanding. Weigong, you know us well, yet we know nothing about you. That's unfair."

He intended to use this opportunity to learn about Weigong Shilang's past.

"Mr. Weber, I am not a Servant of Chaldea. For now, cooperation is only necessary when preventing the emergence of Singularities or Lost Belts." Weigong Shilang restated his position:

"If you refuse to cooperate, then don't interfere in my affairs with Gilgamesh—no matter what he told you."

"I assure you, on this matter, I hope more than anyone else that this Holy Grail War ends peacefully—even if it means confronting entities tied to the Alien God."

Even though he currently cannot stand against the Alien God, Weigong Shilang believed that one day, his present self would reach—and surpass—that level.

"You're confident, aren't you?" Lord El-Melloi II paused, then said: "About forty minutes ago, Chaldea detected another anomaly—but it vanished immediately, leaving no record."

Weigong Shilang's expression didn't change, but his heart sank—he had returned to this world roughly an hour ago.

"I understand." Weigong Shilang nodded, turned, and glanced at Red A as he spoke to the group's backs: "Thank you."

Tenzan Lixiang asked: "Huh? Are you leaving already?"

She had hoped they could sit down and talk.

"Sorry for the poor hospitality—please make your own arrangements," Illya smiled, speaking with a cruel tone: "Tonight we're going to rip out Goldie's heart. Weigong, why not just cut Goldie into seventeen pieces?"

"Illya, I understand your feelings, but girls shouldn't be so violent." Weigong Shilang sighed: "This isn't the Fate/Zero set."

Watching Weigong Shilang's group fade into the distance, Tenzan Lixiang fell silent, while Lord El-Melloi II glanced at Red A, then pulled out another cigarette and lit it.

Gilgamesh's earlier words echoed in their minds.

Mash said: "It seems he's understood."

"Someone said it so plainly, how could he not?" Tenzan Lixiang glanced sideways at the Red Archer, teasing: "Sharp tongue, soft heart."

"My apologies, Master." Red A looked at Illya, who was laughing with Weigong Shilang, then turned away and spoke slowly: "I only hoped he'd stop in time. He's stubborn, but he knows what's truly important."

"You're reluctant to leave this timeline, aren't you?" Zhi Du Nei flickered into view behind Red A, clinging to his back: "I overheard everything! Thinking you could hide from me near the Einzbern Castle? Too naive! Of course, Weigong still cares for me, sis—OW!"

Red A grabbed Zhi Du Nei's head with one hand and yanked him off his shoulder.

"Actually, he must've suspected already," Tenzan Lixiang analyzed: "He showed no surprise at our claims—he remained perfectly calm."

Mash hesitated for a few seconds, then said: "But I feel—he truly doesn't want Lost Belts or Singularities to appear."

"It can't be helped," Lord El-Melloi II saw Zhi Du Nei staring at his cigarette, sighed inwardly, and crushed it out:

"Didn't you notice? When we mentioned the Alien God, he showed zero hesitation. That kind of confidence makes it difficult to convince him to let the Holy Grail War end as history intended—and to abandon any future interference in human history."

Tenzan Lixiang lowered her eyes. Strictly speaking, Weigong Shilang had no intention of causing massive disruption; his desire to protect this world was genuine. But there were too many mysteries surrounding him—he couldn't be careless.

"Let's return to Chaldea," she finally said reluctantly: "To prepare for the possible emergence of the Spiritual Core Defense Device, we should bring some Servants along."

"At the very least, we must witness the end of this Holy Grail War—if nothing happens—"

"Then we'll still have time to slowly persuade Senior Weigong."

As her words ended, a giant firebird soared into the sky; distant clouds turned crimson, and from golden ripples, countless treasures shot out like a dense rain.

The following afternoon, in the underground cavern behind Liudong Temple.

"Caster, how's the progress?" Weigong Shilang, still wearing his unremoved school uniform, held a tray with a sandwich made of roasted beast meat and tea.

"Almost done. The final separation efficiency is slow—if we just purified it directly—" Caster retracted her bronze staff, and the magical array around her glowed faintly.

A deep hole appeared below, its edges oozing pale blue mana, while its center churned with a dark ocean.

"You've worked hard." Weigong Shilang placed the food on a smooth, flat boulder: "Rest for a while."

Caster instinctively swallowed, nodded slightly, and moved toward the boulder.

Food this delicious and capable of restoring mana—where did this kid learn such a technique?

She had just picked up a sandwich when she saw Weigong Shilang walk to the cliff's edge and leap straight down.

"Wait?!"

Light enveloped Weigong Shilang's body, and then he was swallowed whole by the black mud-sea—without a single splash.

"Angra Mainyu."

"You're here, aren't you?"

(End of Chapter)