Chapter 91: Type-Moon: The Human Love Simulator [91]
He sighed, exasperated. "In any case, it's a mess—a mess we can't make sense of."
Throwing his hands up, Romani turned to Da Vinci, practically begging for help. "This Singularity is troublesome, not your typical case. Da Vinci, why don't you take a look yourself?"
It wasn't entirely accurate to say they'd been outright rejected by the Singularity, but the year 500 AD in Britain was encased in a radiant light, draping the entire world in its glow.
Forget about Chaldea—nearly anything foreign was being denied entry.
The surrounding Chaldea programmers were drenched in sweat as they tried to work around the anomaly, but eventually one declared, exhausted, "Doctor Romani, this light may look gentle, but there's no getting through it. It's almost as if Chaldea itself doesn't meet the conditions to pass."
"Fascinating! Intriguing! A spark for the mind of a genius!"
Hearing that no one else could crack the issue, Da Vinci's interest was officially piqued. She hurried over to inspect the British Singularity, muttering to herself, "The Eternal… Everlasting… Perfected Britain?"
"It's certainly unique. It even has a name! So, this marvelous Britain is where we're headed?"
Da Vinci took a seat, hands on Chaldea's system controls, calling over her shoulder, "Ritsuka, Mash, get ready. With Da Vinci, the Ultimate Genius, here, you'll be transferred over in no time."
She smirked, adding, "It figures that I'd be the one to solve this riddle!"
With a gleeful smile, Da Vinci said, "Alright… I've figured it out. It's Kaelar's lingering essence that's protecting the world. It seems he's made a decision and has cloaked everything in that light."
At some point, a few Servants had gathered around, watching intently.
In front of them stood Sherlock Holmes, frowning thoughtfully.
"Isn't your approach a little too… cavalier?" he remarked coolly.
He stepped forward. "Have none of you noticed the true problem here?"
"Mr. Holmes?" Mash asked in surprise.
It was rare to see the ever-composed gentleman so visibly unsettled. In fact, it only happened during truly incomprehensible crises—problems even he couldn't solve at first glance.
Which, for Holmes, was almost unheard of.
"This is something my fellow Servants and I have noticed. As you know, Servants are projections of the Throne of Heroes, a mirror of human history itself. This allows us to sense when something is fundamentally wrong with that history."
Behind Holmes were several other Servants who had sensed the same anomaly and gathered hastily.
"After much discussion, we've concluded that human history has ground to a complete halt," Holmes stated.
"It's as if a boulder has fallen into a river, damming the flow entirely. Now, history finds itself facing a bleak predicament!"
No progress, no change, no hope or future—that was the fate of humanity in such a world.
The severity of it was akin to an Orwellian nightmare, an endless, dystopian stasis.
Even the pruning phenomenon—the phenomenon that excises stagnant timelines—could not address a case where the entirety of history had been rendered inert.
Turning the whole of human history into such a frozen state could be seen as nothing short of catastrophic. To human reason, it was akin to outright destruction.
"At any rate, we must locate the source of this issue," Holmes concluded.
The stagnation of human order and the incineration of humanity—two myths of near-apocalyptic magnitude—had come together in one terrifying event.
The only consolation, if it could be called that, was that…
With history frozen, the incineration of humanity had also been put on pause.
But…
For humanity, whether erased by flames or self-destructing from immobility, the end result was the same.
"This is… serious," Fujimaru Ritsuka nodded, though her understanding was only partial. Still, she managed a smile, trying to lighten the mood.
"But even so, let's not be too worried. We've overcome countless hardships to get this far, and I'm sure we can get through this one too."
"Remember, we managed to defeat the Lion King who had turned into a god before, didn't we?"
"Besides, since this is the era of King Arthur, we're bound to encounter the saint Kaelar himself. With his help, this Singularity might not be as challenging as we think."
"No, Kaelar might not aid us," Holmes interjected bluntly. "It's well-known that despite being revered as a saint, Kaelar met a tragic end, and Britain fell soon after. Had he known of that future, would he not have acted to prevent it?"
"In fact, the very light surrounding this Singularity, which obscures it from our view, likely originates from Kaelar himself!"
"That so-called saint is actively preventing Chaldea's intervention!"
"Perhaps he is the one who's frozen human history, unwilling to let Britain face its inevitable fall."
"Even if humanity faces ruin, it seems he cares only for his own Britain!"
Holmes, being a Servant from a hundred years prior, knew less of Kaelar than Fujimaru Ritsuka did. However, as a modern man, Holmes despised any form of authoritarianism—his era had seen the fall of empires, with most monarchs dismissed.
To him, absolute power deserved skepticism, not reverence.
Furthermore, his suspicions were not unfounded. They stemmed from a logical analysis of human nature.
It was only… that his personal bias slightly tinged his judgment.
Dr. Romani frowned, sensing some deeper purpose behind Kaelar's actions, and feeling instinctively that Kaelar's decision was not simply driven by a lust for power or control, as Holmes suggested.
Eager to intervene, he said, "Now, now, Holmes. As a detective, isn't it a bit early to jump to conclusions? Seeing isn't always believing—have you not always insisted on that?"
"You're right, Dr. Romani."
Holmes nodded, conceding, "I was hasty. We're lacking information. More observation is required."
With that, Holmes stepped aside, his curiosity piqued by the mystery surrounding this Singularity.
Ritsuka, seeing Dr. Romani had already made her points, refrained from saying more and turned to Da Vinci. "Da Vinci, how long until this issue is resolved?"
Facts were the best argument, and Ritsuka had no desire to debate Holmes, whose reputation as a legendary detective was well-established.
She simply hoped to reach Britain quickly and prove once and for all that Kaelar truly was a genuine saint.
"All done!" Da Vinci announced with a smug grin. "Ritsuka, you need to have more faith in me~ With Da Vinci the Ultimate Genius here, this little obstacle didn't stand a chance!"
"Although Kaelar's essence does blanket the entire world, I examined it closely. He isn't trying to trap the world like some dystopian nightmare—he's preserving it, not imprisoning or shackling it."
All eyes turned to Holmes, who remained serious and undeterred, unwilling to dismiss his own reservations.
Da Vinci continued, "So, if we simulate the spirit that Kaelar himself would recognize, we can breach this barrier and enter Britain!"
"Rest assured, in the name of my genius, we'll break through. So, brace yourselves and enjoy the adventure ahead!"
"Thank goodness for Da Vinci—we're saved!" Dr. Romani sighed in relief, dabbing the sweat from his brow as he added, "It'll be quite the memorable experience, don't you think?"
"Ritsuka, you'll be meeting a truly remarkable figure soon. Remember to share your thoughts with me when you return."
"I will," Fujimaru Ritsuka replied, preparing to step into the Spiritron Transfer system with Mash. No… not with Fou.
Wait, why isn't Fou coming along?
Well… ever since Fou found out Kaelar was their destination, she had thrown a tantrum, rolling about in protest, and even playing dead.
Fou pretending to be dead was one thing, but it almost scared Mash half to death. The kind-hearted girl cared deeply for Fou and, for a moment, truly thought Fou had passed away.
In the end, Fou had to abandon the charade and begrudgingly admit she simply didn't want to join Ritsuka and Mash in Britain.
At that moment, Da Vinci asked, "Ritsuka, are you ready?"
With the situation being so unusual, Da Vinci had personally taken control of the Spiritron Transfer device, saying, "Destination set: AD 500, Britain, Maple Ridge!"
"Commencing Spiritron Transfer…"
"Fujimaru Ritsuka, Mash Kyrielight, Spiritron Conversion complete!"
"Begin transfer."
Spiritron Transfer technology enabled them to transcend time and space, sending individuals to a precise location and moment in history, targeting specific coordinates on the X and Y axes.
In the brief, dreamlike interval, Ritsuka felt a vast, warm consciousness gently embracing her—like a parent, or perhaps a loving elder.
Though Spiritron Transfer should be instantaneous, Fujimaru Ritsuka, the girl caught in that fleeting second, felt as though time had elongated into an endless moment.
She glanced at Mash, who was reduced to mere Spiritron data, realizing she likely appeared the same.
Such radiant intent, Ritsuka thought. Even with Chaldea's separation across time and space, it is overwhelming. What kind of splendor, what kind of brilliance…
In that instant, Fujimaru Ritsuka sensed she was beholding the essence of Kaelar himself. This had to be Kaelar, the saint whose presence felt neither arrogant nor overbearing, whose warmth radiated boundlessly.
"Kaelar, why are you so genuine?" she whispered, "What are you trying to tell me?"
That presence, noble but not lofty, brilliant but not blinding, felt infinitely gentle.
This must be the aura of Kaelar, the saint who loved the world and gave everything to save it.
But then, in the very next moment, the warmth warped.
In a brief, hazy vision, Fujimaru Ritsuka saw an immense shadow looming, a will so resolute it would annihilate everything if needed.
Its form was terrifying. Though it roughly retained a human shape, it had the grand wings and horns of a dragon, the mane of a lion, and an eerie, infant-like softness to its skin.
Its back even bore an oddly misshapen hump, akin to a camel's.
In its eyes, each like a thousand broken mirrors, the intensity of its emotions burned, blazing like fire.
Most chilling of all was its third eye, centered upon its brow, staring directly at her.
Suddenly, a sense of horror overtook Fujimaru Ritsuka, and she jolted back to consciousness.
As her awareness faded, left behind in that otherworldly space, the creature with three eyes closed them all, revealing a profound fatigue and…
Sadness.
"Child… seeing you," it murmured, "seeing that you—one so young—will become the savior who endures endless calamities to save the world…"
"I find no relief in knowing there is someone to follow after me… only pain. I ache, because I cannot be the one to save you. I ache, seeing the burden of salvation borne by a child…"
"Such tragedy, such grief…"
"So, tell me… how could I bear it, how could I ever stand idly by?"
"Child, I have prepared everything for you. It's all waiting…"
...
Chaldea
"It worked!"
Dr. Romani exhaled in relief, smiling. "As expected of you, Da Vinci, you actually solved it!"
"…No," Da Vinci murmured, biting her lip. "No, it wasn't me…"
"My device didn't have any effect at all. It was Kaelar who approved of Ritsuka, which is why she could enter the British Singularity."
"So Kaelar himself allowed Ritsuka to pass?" Romani furrowed his brow but soon relaxed, even smiling. "Doesn't that mean Ritsuka's actions were recognized by the saint Kaelar himself?"
"Don't celebrate so soon."
Holmes, standing nearby, cut in, "The King of Israel, Solomon, gifted with divine wisdom and recorded in the Old Testament, fell to become a threat to human order."
"Who can say if this 'saint' Kaelar has a similar purpose in mind for allowing Ritsuka in?"
"After all, Britain is Kaelar's own domain. If he harbors malice, then Ritsuka could truly be in danger!"
Romani's face darkened as he muttered under his breath, How did this end up on me again?
Damn you, Goetia, for everything you've done!
Clearing his throat, Romani spoke up, "Holmes, isn't this a bit extreme? Baseless speculation and suspicion aren't the traits of a proper detective!"
"My apologies," Holmes replied flatly. "I was presumptuous. But I still hold my reservations."
In other words, Holmes continued to distrust Kaelar's act of sealing off the world, barring foreign entry.
In his view, Kaelar was the true culprit behind humanity's stagnation.
Troublesome beasts… if it wasn't the Incineration of Humanity, it was the Freezing of Humanity; now they had a new threat: the Halt of Humanity. A world plagued with endless crises.
Romani shook his head, saying, "Anyway, Ritsuka's already in the British Singularity. She should be able to summon Servants soon. Holmes, if you're that concerned, I can have her summon you directly."
Mash, being a Demi-Servant with a physical body, couldn't bypass Spiritron Transfer as conveniently and would have to accompany Ritsuka.
It was, of course, also for Ritsuka's protection—just in case she faced danger upon her arrival.
After all, she was Chaldea's only Master left, the hope of the entire organization.
"That might be wise," Holmes nodded. "When everything lies under a veil of mystery, I believe my skills could be of use."
Sherlock Holmes, the famed detective from Conan Doyle's novels.
He possessed a unique skill called "Natural Insight," with an impressive rank of A++.
This skill stemmed from Holmes' ability to discern the essence of things.
With keen observation, he would catch even the smallest clues. Though entirely different from Clairvoyance, his insights allowed predictions almost on par with foreseeing the future.
With such a skill, Fujimaru Ritsuka would be shielded from "false appearances."
Furthermore, Holmes wielded a Noble Phantasm titled "Elementary, My Dear," ranked B, which granted him both anti-personnel and anti-boundary capabilities. This power could create clues seemingly out of thin air to uncover missing objects.
For example, if there were a locked chest with a missing key, this Noble Phantasm could "restore" the lost key, ensuring it could be found somewhere in the world.
Holmes wasn't an overpowering combat Servant but a formidable support Servant. When used wisely, his abilities could far surpass those of a typical fighter.
Confidently, Holmes believed he could make himself invaluable if he accompanied Ritsuka to Britain.
And then there was Holmes' lingering distrust toward the willful Kaelar. He knew prejudice was a flaw, but his first impression of Kaelar had been too negative, making it hard for him to shake off this bias.
"If possible, take me along as well?"
This suggestion came from Nikola Tesla, who had quietly joined the gathering. His eyes sparkled with determination. "Kaelar… I've longed to meet this saint."
"Let me witness for myself if he truly lives up to the tales."
Nikola Tesla had an EX-ranked Noble Phantasm, making him a combat powerhouse among Servants.
Yet, beyond his combat prowess, Tesla's true gift lay in his intellect. He was a scientist who brought electricity to humanity, transforming their lives.
Tesla was a reserved man who rarely socialized or left his quarters. His animosity toward his former employer, Edison, kept him isolated from most of the other scientific minds in Chaldea.
Romani, who had nearly forgotten Tesla even existed, turned to see the normally reclusive genius now standing among them. His shock only grew as he saw that, roughly estimated, at least a dozen Servants had quietly gathered nearby.
And as word spread, more Servants from the farther reaches of Chaldea started making their way to the scene.
"You…" Romani asked, bewildered, "What exactly are you all doing?"
"Ahem…"
"If possible, why not let Ritsuka bring me along too?"
"We also want to see Kaelar. There are things we need to ask him, words we want to say."
Among the gathering were figures from both East and West, all renowned philosophers, sages, and paragons of humanity.
Some Servants had never even heard of Kaelar, comprising about 99% of Chaldea's population. However, Chaldea had a near-complete roster of humanity's most notable figures, and even the minority who recognized Kaelar represented a sizable crowd.
Those few who had even a passing knowledge of Kaelar's reputation converged, filling the room to the point of overcrowding.
And these select few were the true titans of human history—legendary spirits renowned for their wisdom, individuals of a caliber far beyond that of ordinary Servants.
Curious about Kaelar, many of them had only heard rumors. Some were acquainted with his teachings; others only knew of him from fantastical tales or folklore.
To them, it was as if the childhood legend of an Ultraman fighting monsters had somehow come to life. They approached out of a sense of wonder and nostalgia, eager to see if the stories were true.
Dr. Romani's head ached at the sight of these legendary figures. "Do you even know who Kaelar is? I mean, not even a detective as famous as Holmes has heard of him, so he can't be that well-known!"
During her search for Kaelar, Merlin had traveled to various regions and nations, encountering people and things that echoed aspects of Kaelar's essence.
It wasn't that Merlin sought out only the most illustrious figures; instead, most people fell short, lacking the brilliance required to leave a lasting mark on human history. They simply weren't remarkable enough for Merlin to approach.
With her EX-ranked Clairvoyance, Merlin could view the entire Earth from her perch atop Avalon's Tower and, within a thousand meters, discern almost everything.
Yet even Merlin held onto a glimmer of hope, searching those who came closest in essence to Kaelar.
It was like piecing together fragments of a puzzle—Charlemagne, who carried Kaelar's stubbornness; Napoleon, who embodied Kaelar's grand ambitions; Tesla, who shared Kaelar's determination to uplift humanity.
Those closest to Kaelar might reflect up to 70% of his essence. They were not Kaelar, but in each sage, hero, and philosopher, one could glimpse a fragment of Kaelar's spirit.
Throughout human history, across East and West, spanning centuries, those worthy of Merlin's company numbered fewer than ten. Many others had only glimpsed her silhouette, a figure holding a lantern in the distance, through the use of various skills, sorcery, and mystic arts.
Merlin, like a ghost flitting through history, had inspired tales of witches and specters. Her fleeting figure, glimpsed by wandering poets, had spawned legends and stories.
At twilight, a faint bell's chime echoed through the valley, a light-bearer passing by, leaving a scent that lingered for days.
— "Strange Tales," Shen Kuo
To fulfill my wishes, so my fate repays me; to strive in vain, so my sins absolve me. In gain and loss, remain untroubled.
— "Searching for Fate" from Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio, Pu Songling
The Brothers Grimm, Andersen's Tales, and other storybooks also contained fleeting references to Merlin's quest.
Holmes frowned, perplexed. "Do you all truly know this Kaelar?"
"We know of him by reputation but have never met him."
Tesla's eyes sparked as he spoke. "And that's precisely why I'm so curious. Who is Kaelar?"
"Is he really as flawless as they say?"
These legendary "sages," paragons far removed from the common folk, kept their words sparse, merely observing Fujimaru Ritsuka as she breached the British Singularity and arrived at Maple Ridge.
"To the child who wishes to protect humanity… I learned at ten years old a universal and infallible truth."
"All grand ideals require strength as their foundation. Only through power can ideals spread."
"Power… that is what makes all principles indomitable!"
"Show me if you truly possess the qualifications to save the world."
The sky over Britain was shrouded in black and crimson clouds.
Only a faint light, dull and clouded, seeped through the cracks—almost like a sun veiled by fog.
If a Servant with Clairvoyance observed closely, they would realize…
It was not the sun at all, but a single, open eye.
---
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