Shinji Matou at Your Service

"Old man, you're killing me here."

Casually complaining, Shinji then realized an even more serious problem.

"Wait, aren't you going to war with that Wandering Star of Predation? Why are you leaving those three spearheads untouched?"

"Because they are also special elements. You can take action against them since you're part of this world, but I can't. If I'm not careful, the entire world line could collapse."

With a sigh, Shinji continued, "You know, the Type-Moon universe has a regular selection mechanism—if a world line doesn't pass the judgment, it gets cut off entirely."

A different choice could create a parallel world, and as time goes on, the number of parallel worlds inevitably increases. Supporting parallel worlds requires sufficient energy; if the energy is insufficient, the entire multiverse faces the risk of destruction.

To prevent such a crisis, the Type-Moon universe established a protective mechanism that periodically screens all parallel worlds, retaining the stable and promising ones, while cutting off the twisted, crippled, and hopeless ones, which then cease to have a future.

This cutoff point is called the Quantum Fixed Point, also known as the Human Order Foundation. It acts like a stake; once driven in, it signifies unchangeable facts, even if one returns to the past.

Over ninety percent of the various attempts by the Old Man of Jewels were severed by this mechanism.

"Well, this counts as a task left for you. For Earth's future, defeat them."

Shirou gave a thumbs up, flashing two bright white teeth.

"You might as well make me the Earth's U.O., that would be easier."

Shinji lay listlessly on the table.

"That's where you're wrong. Except for the spearheads' inherent anti-civilization abilities and special effects, their combat power isn't necessarily stronger than a U.O. Moreover, unlike a U.O., they have weaknesses and growth periods. If you find the right method, they can be dealt with."

"What if the Wandering Star of Predation comes back?"

"Rest assured, it's impossible within decades. Even if it returns after decades, it won't be a threat. So, are you taking this login right?"

"Yes."

Shinji answered without hesitation. Having witnessed a higher level of power, his desire to grow stronger burned even more fiercely.

Beyond that, he harbored a hidden anxiety about the world line selection mechanism. The selection cycle is a century, and he didn't know the exact timing of the last selection or if this world line, mixed with special elements, could pass the next selection. If it failed, he would have to consider transferring the world line—not just for himself, but also for his cherished family.

The most reliable method known so far is through Mooncell's jump. To be safe, he must obtain Mooncell's highest authority—Kingship.

"Good, this is the person I chose."

Shirou was pleased with Shinji's choice. He materialized the crystal again, tossing it lightly. The crystal turned into a blue stream of light and entered Shinji's body.

"The method is very simple. Find a safe place, close your eyes, concentrate, and silently chant 'Link start!' To log out, silently chant 'Log out!'"

"...Is it my imagination, or does this feel like Sword Art Online?"

"Haha, you caught me."

Shirou didn't hide it, laughing as he spoke, "When it comes to fictional worlds and deep dives, that's the first thing that comes to mind. I even vacationed in that world once. It was fun to beat Kirito in various ways. I even got a unique skill Dark Sword opposite to the Holy Sword, and using it at level 21 feels amazing."

"You can even bring out stuff that doesn't exist. Amazing."

"Alright, enough jokes. We've finished the wine and the food. I've said everything I needed to. If there are no more questions, let's go. It's time to end this."

Shirou stretched, stood up, and pushed open the door.

Shinji followed closely: "It's time to end it. Though the process was terrible, the ending isn't bad. One last question—will I be able to see my parents again?"

"There will be a chance, as long as you become strong enough."

Before the words were finished, the surroundings rapidly faded, replaced by the familiar Hanging garden and the damaged altar.

In front of the dazzling Holy Grail, Atalanta was holding Jeanne's hand, talking about something. Shakespeare was furiously writing beside them. A bit farther away, the Old Man of Jewels was manipulating space with one hand, preventing the Holy Grail's magic from affecting the real world.

Shirou nodded to the old man: "It's over. Everything went smoothly. Transfer everyone out of the garden."

"Alright."

The old man smiled slightly and tapped the ground with his ruby-adorned cane.

Everyone felt a sudden change in their surroundings and found themselves on an ark ten kilometers away. Along with them were the masters and servants scattered throughout the garden, as well as the Holy Grail floating in the air.

"Where is this…"

"Is this your doing, witch?!"

"Beware of traps."

The sudden change made Achilles and the others tense up, and it left the only conscious enforcer on the ark bewildered.

Zelretch spoke just in time: "I'm borrowing this place for a moment. I'll leave soon. After that, take everyone back to the Clock Tower. I'll handle the Yggdmillennia clan."

"Second Magician… as you command."

The woman dressed as a man seemed to find her backbone and respectfully stepped aside.

"Second Magician!!!"

Gordes and Caules' faces changed simultaneously. Although they had anticipated that the Clock Tower wouldn't let rebels go unpunished, they hadn't expected such a heavyweight. The mere thought of the spatial transfer they just experienced made them feel cold, even with top-tier servants like Chiron and Achilles protecting them.

"Don't be so nervous, young members of the Yggdmillennia clan. I'm here on behalf of someone to take care of things. If you don't mind, the Yggdmillennia clan will be under my name from now on."

"You, you mean…"

"No objections here, how could we have any objections?"

Caules and Gordes exchanged glances, trembling with excitement. They had thought they were doomed, but the turn of events had one of the biggest figures in the Mage's Association offering to protect them.

"Then go back and prepare quickly. Send a few representatives to the headquarters in London for a formal procedure."

"Thanks, old man," Shinji sighed, realizing he owed another favor.

The old man waved his hand casually and said, "If you have something to say, say it quickly. The counter force is becoming restless."

"Got it. Well then—" Shinji walked up to his companions and, with utmost sincerity, said, "—Thank you, and I'm sorry."