Zelretch shook his head, "If it were just that, I wouldn't be too concerned. I'd simply observe the civilization of that parallel world crumble from a distance. The issue is that my magic disrupted the boundary between that parallel world and ours!"
Shirou furrowed his brows...
"Do you understand the concept of parallel worlds, Eternal King?"
"In a broader sense, it refers to the multiple universes contained within the multiverse."
"You can think of it that way. But to be more precise, two parallel worlds are like the front and back sides of a blank piece of paper."
Zelretch picked up a blank sheet of paper and continued, "Let's imagine that this world we're in right now is the front side of the paper, while the parallel world of that girl is the back side. Whatever is drawn on the front side of this blank paper cannot cross over to the back side, and vice versa. The line that separates the front and back sides of this paper represents the boundary between parallel worlds."
Shirou furrowed his brow, "So, in this analogy, you're suggesting that your magic destroyed the line that separates the front and back sides of the paper, essentially connecting this world and the parallel world?"
Zelretch nodded gravely, "Originally, aside from the entities who attained the truth of the world, my magic was the sole means of freely traversing between parallel worlds. However, due to the rampage of my magic over 1,500 years ago, the boundary lines between the two worlds were shattered, creating a link between them. That's why the gods from that world can come to ours, and why that little girl can travel between the two worlds."
"I thought it was the Holy Grail..."
"No, the Holy Grail doesn't have that kind of power. Only my magic can truly mess with parallel worlds, aside from those entities, of course!"
He added, "Due to the rampage of my magic, a connection was formed between two parallel worlds, letting people from that world, even gods, to enter this world."
"An invasion from parallel worlds..." Shirou said, "But how does all of this connect to the 'resurgence of the Age of Gods' you mentioned earlier?"
"About 1,500 years ago, I accidentally destroyed the boundary that separated the two parallel worlds. Back then, this world was at the end of the Age of Gods, while the other world was still under the rule of the gods."
"Are you saying...!" Shirou's eyes widened in sudden realization.
He had a chilling suspicion.
"Exactly," Zelretch nodded and explained, "When the boundary lines were destroyed, it caused a breach that allowed the Age of Gods from that world to flow into ours! Therefore, the Age of Gods in their world came to an abrupt end, while our world, which had already concluded its Age of Gods, began showing signs of resurgence."
Shirou raised an important question, "But if over 1,500 years have passed in this world since the end of that war, wouldn't the Age of Gods have already resurged here? Why did the signs of resurgence only appear when I returned from that specific time point?"
"That's due to the gap in the boundary lines. I closely observed it, and initially, the gap was small. However, for some reason, it has now become enormous. The Age of Gods from that world is pouring into ours relentlessly, and even the gods themselves have started manifesting here. And based on this understanding, those gods from that world are undoubtedly..."
"Invaders!" Shirou rubbed his temples with a troubled expression.
At first, he figured that acquiring the Class Cards in Fuyuki City was just a minor event, but little did he know it was actually linked to the resurgence of the Age of Gods. He found that troublesome on its own, but what caught him completely off guard was the revelation that this incident was an invasion from parallel worlds!
And to make matters even worse, the invaders weren't humans, but actual gods!
"Is there a way to repair that breach?"
"That's exactly what I wanted to discuss with you. Unfortunately, I cannot directly intervene in this incident."
Shirou furrowed his brow, "So, you're putting your efforts into fixing the breach in the boundary?"
Zelretch snorted, neither explicitly confirming nor denying it.
"Wait, so you're saying I'm the one who has to handle those invaders from the other world?"
Zelretch nodded.
"If that's the case, why don't you just take me directly to that world?"
"That's not possible. Interfering with that world again would only worsen the breach in the boundary. If you wish to go there, it's better to return to Fuyuki City and use the gateway there."
"I don't understand. It just doesn't make sense to me. If Fuyuki City is supposed to be the gateway to another world, why haven't I ever seen a single god crossing over during all my time there? Instead, I saw one in London! It goes against all logical reasoning!"
"Well, those gods you met in London managed to breach the boundaries between the worlds. However, the connection point in Fuyuki City was deliberately opened by magi from that world who used the Holy Grail as a means to fulfill their wishes. It is highly probable that in the future, we will witness many people from that world coming through that very connection point. Therefore, it is essential that someone guards the connection point in Fuyuki City, whether it's for defending our world or going into theirs. Moreover, when that girl arrived, some of the Class Cards had already found their way into Fuyuki City through the connection point!"
"If you were able to bring that girl here, why didn't you also bring the Class Cards?"
Zelretch's expression turned disdainful as he sneered, "Oh, please. Don't mistake me for some hero of justice."
Shirou couldn't resist mocking him, "If you're not a hero of justice, why bother getting involved in this incident?"
His reply was calm and deliberate, "I'm simply trying to make up for my own mistakes."
As if on cue, a fissure materialized behind Zelretch, and he began to slowly sink into it. He added, "I need to go and fix the breach in the boundary. That girl has great potential as a Magical Girl, but I don't have the energy to handle her properly at the moment. So, I'll leave her in your capable hands, Eternal King. After all, you're her brother from a parallel world."
Shirou sighed, "We may be parallel world counterparts, but we are not the same person, and certainly not the same soul."
Finally, the situation became clear, and its true nature was revealed as an invasion from parallel worlds! The one responsible for this incident was none other than Zelretch and his battle against Crimson Moon.
Considering that Fuyuki City acted as a gateway between these two worlds, it desperately needed defenders, especially because it was Shirou's hometown.
He couldn't help but sigh at the realization. Fuyuki City had undoubtedly faced numerous disasters and hardships over time.
On top of that, Fuyuki City had also been a battleground for the Holy Grail Wars throughout the years. Not to mention the attack it suffered from the Dead Apostle Ancestor, Forest of Einashe, nine years ago. And now, to add to its list of troubles, it had become a crucial nexus linking two parallel worlds.
It was undoubtedly a city plagued with troubles!
The solution to this incident seemed straightforward—protect Fuyuki City and await Zelretch's restoration of the boundaries between the parallel worlds.
However, he couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to this than met the eye.
Setting aside all other concerns, the revival of the Age of Gods triggered by the invasion of the parallel worlds raised perplexing questions. Why did the gods choose to descend on the British Isles? And why did the signs of the Age of Gods' resurgence only occur in that region?
It was a question that lingered in his mind—one that Zelretch had briefly mentioned but never fully explained.
Moreover, the most crucial aspect was that the breach had occurred over 1,500 years ago. Why had there been no indications of revival until now? What had triggered the sudden emergence of these signs?
Equally significant was the mysterious reason Zelretch mentioned, one that contributed to the expansion of the breached boundary. This was the aspect that concerned Shirou the most.
He couldn't help but wonder about the unknown factor that played a significant role in this incident.
...
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As he came out of the room, Lorelei approached with Miyu in tow, having just assisted her in changing into a fresh set of clothes. Miyu now sported a pink outfit, appearing far less untidy.
He commended Lorelei for her swift handling of the situation.
"It's just a trivial matter, unworthy of Your Majesty' praise."
Miyu peered inside the doorway, briefly hesitated, then turned her gaze toward him, "Niisan, where's the old man?"
"He had something to attend to and has already left."
"I see..."
Miyu hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath and locked eyes with him, her expression serious. "Niisan, please provide me with food, essential items, and a place to stay. In return, I am willing to do anything."
"No need for that," he reassured her, extending his hand to gently pat her head. "That old man entrusted you to me before he departed. I will be your guardian for now, so you don't have to worry about your living expenses, at least until you reunite with your brother."
Miyu's eyes dimmed, "My brother..."
He then turned to Lorelei and made a request, "Lady Lorelei, I need a plane that can get me to Fuyuki City as fast as possible."
"Fuyuki City... If Your Majesty doesn't mind, the Barthomeloi family has a private plane at your disposal."
"That would be greatly appreciated," he replied with a nod, accepting the offer without hesitation.
Lorelei quickly made contact with the Barthomeloi family to make the necessary arrangements.
Shirou hesitated briefly, then turned around and lowered himself, meeting Miyu's gaze. "Your name is Emiya Miyu, right? I'll simply call you Miyu."
"Please feel free to do so, niisan."
"Listen, Miyu. I'm Fujimaru Shirou. While your brother, Emiya Shirou, and I can be considered counterparts from parallel worlds, I am not him. I won't sugarcoat or offer false comfort. However, if you choose to stay with me, I can assure your safety. So, there's no need to fear anything. That's all."
Shirou straightened himself, then turned to face Lorelei.
Miyu, however, was taken aback. Was he worried that she might not feel safe?
Lorelei informed them, "Your Majesty, everything has been arranged. The private plane of the Barthomeloi family is currently stationed at the London airport. Are you ready to go there now?"
"No," he replied, shaking his head. "I still have a few matters to attend to. I will notify you, Lady Lorelei, when I am ready to depart."
"Understood, Your Majesty!" she nodded in acknowledgement.
He decided to depart from the Clock Tower first. Lorelei suggested that he join the Barthomeloi family's grand car procession, but he declined, finding the procession impressive but inefficient.
Having borrowed a car from her, he prepared to leave. As he opened the car door, he noticed Miyu standing motionless. He called out to her, saying, "Why are you still standing there, Miyu? Get in the car!"
"Yes!" she nodded and moved to sit in the backseat.
Shirou pointed to the passenger seat and said, "Sit there."
She nodded in agreement and took a seat in the passenger seat.
He got into the car, fastened his seatbelt, and began driving towards the hospital where Waver resided.
London's climate was frequently foggy and humid. As he opened the car window and accelerated down the road, the refreshing cool breeze brushed against his face.
But for Miyu, it felt quite chilly. However, she didn't express her discomfort. Instead, she pressed her lips together, her hands trembling, and endured the cold.
Shirou glanced at Miyu but remained silent. He reached for the window controls and closed all the windows.
The temperature inside the car gradually became warmer, and Miyu released a sigh of relief. She turned her head to gaze at Shirou, only to discover him staring ahead without uttering a word.
Honestly, when she first laid eyes on this alternate version of her brother in the parallel world, she felt as though she was looking at her own brother. However, upon closer observation, she found it difficult to get along with him.
This Shirou maintained a calm expression and possessed a relatively average build, yet he emanated a chilling aura of pressure. Furthermore, his actions and speech displayed a proactive and assertive nature, creating an impression of being unapproachable.
However, Miyu noticed that while this Shirou was not her brother Emiya Shirou, their essence appeared strikingly similar. The disparity lay in the fact that Fujimaru Shirou favored actions over words.
Many things were not expressed through words, but his care and demeanor were revealed through subtle gestures.
She wondered in her heart if this could be what they called a pragmatic person.
Shirou had no intention of leaving Miyu at the Clock Tower. Ever since Zelretch entrusted Miyu to him, she had been labeled as the possession of the Eternal King.
It wouldn't matter if he stayed, but if he left, Miyu would become a pawn in the power struggles within the Clock Tower.
Shirou was certainly not an extreme righteous hero of justice like Emiya Kiritsugu, who sought to rectify all the wrongs in the world by himself. Nevertheless, he would offer assistance in any way he could, given the present circumstances.
This was particularly true when it involved children in wars.
Perhaps this behavior was a consequence of emotional trauma.
Having participated in the Fourth Holy Grail War at a tender age and subsequently becoming entangled in the conflicts in Britain, Shirou developed a strong aversion towards involving children in unnecessary disputes. This aversion extended not only toward Illya and Miyu but also to other children.
Although he couldn't single-handedly handle every situation, he remained resolute in extending a helping hand to those who crossed his path and were in need.
Shirou drove the car to the hospital entrance and took Miyu to Waver's ward.
Miyu stood silently by his side as Shirou exchanged pleasantries and inquired about Waver's condition before addressing the main topic.
"Waver, I need to bring Gray to Fuyuki City."
Waver appeared puzzled and questioned, "Shirou, why are you telling me about this? You should be discussing this with Gray."
After witnessing the younger version of Shirou, Waver seemed to have let go of the issue of Eternal King and Fujimaru Shirou. He began calling him Shirou again, but there was a noticeable change in his demeanor that couldn't be reversed.
And it was only natural. The Eternal King held immense historical significance as a legendary king of Western Europe. If he could still approach the situation with complete composure, he wouldn't be a mere subject but rather a king himself.
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