Fate/Magus Path

The image projected mid-air by Zelretch was an intricate and peculiar diagram.

It depicted countless starting points, branching out into innumerable lines, each representing a different path. Yet, after several key junctures, these complex branches all converged toward a single, definitive endpoint.

This convergence transformed what was once a sprawling, tree-like diagram into a single, unbroken red line. This red line symbolized the future that Roy had created... or rather, the future he had chosen, the one that had become an immutable reality.

At first, Zelretch found this anomaly hard to believe. He thought it might be the result of some unforeseen alteration. However, after repeated observations across multiple parallel worlds, he discovered that all worlds were gradually aligning with Roy's chosen path.

In other words, this young man was actively selecting the future he desired.

The conclusion was absurd, almost incomprehensible...

Yet, there was no more plausible explanation.

Initially, Zelretch had thought that Roy, unlike those incomprehensible Outer Gods, and with the backing of the Root and the permissions granted by the Counter Force, wouldn't cause any major disruptions.

Now, he realized how naive that assumption had been. He also understood why the Counter Force had been so vehemently opposed to Roy from the very beginning. This young man was anything but predictable.

Though his intentions weren't inherently malicious, his unique nature had now fully manifested.

It was a nature capable of interfering with parallel worlds. Though the mechanics of it were unclear, it functioned like an anchor point, forcibly pulling all parallel worlds toward a singular trajectory.

He was dismantling all possible outcomes... whether tragic or comedic... erasing the "what-ifs" and consolidating every world line into the one future he had chosen.

In essence, this was a form of world destruction.

"Do you understand now, boy? This is the conclusion I've reached after my recent journey," Zelretch said, dispersing the diagram with a wave of his hand and exhaling in frustration.

"At first, I couldn't comprehend what had caused such a drastic shift in the parallel worlds. But after investigating, I realized it was all your doing."

Zelretch was clearly displeased that Roy had kept him busy for so long.

"So that's why you said I'm destroying the possibilities of the world..." Roy finally grasped the old man's meaning.

"Exactly. It's good that you understand. Right now, you're like an anchor point. The outcome you lock onto will influence all parallel worlds. That's why it's dangerous to let you roam freely."

"If I were to offer advice, I'd suggest you take Arcueid, Shiki, and settle down in the Millennium Castle or Avalon. Live a peaceful life there. Stop meddling in worldly affairs and interfering with the future. Be an observer and let the world unfold naturally."

"As long as you don't go around tampering with world lines, that's all the Counter Force is asking of you."

Zelretch stroked his chin, offering what he considered a reasonable suggestion.

"Is that so? I thought you'd lock me up here to ensure the stability of the world," Roy replied with a hint of sarcasm.

"Hahaha! That's not a bad idea. Locking you up here would indeed be the simplest solution," Zelretch laughed, not denying the feasibility of Roy's suggestion. "In fact, the Counter Force did ask me to do just that... to confine you within the World Rift and restrict your movements. But..."

"Never mind. I'm not their lackey. I have no obligation to do their bidding, nor do they have the authority to command me. Do as you please. After all, I'm merely an observer of parallel worlds, not their guardian."

"I returned only to explain the nature of the anchor point within you, so that you might act more cautiously in the future and make truly rational choices."

"Otherwise, things could get very messy."

While the Counter Force was in a panic over Roy's world-destroying potential, Zelretch remained indifferent.

Compared to the Counter Force's requests, he was more interested in the progress of the Magical Girl Transformation System.

With a wave of his hand, he opened a portal and presented it to Roy.

"Merlin seems to be in quite a bit of trouble. He contacted me, hoping I'd use the Second Magic to send you over to assist him."

"Step through this portal, and you'll arrive in Merlin's time."

"Merlin's in trouble?" Roy was surprised.

Merlin was no weakling. His mastery of the swordsmanship was unparalleled. Even Artoria had admitted that Merlin surpassed her in terms of pure swordsmanship.

Moreover, with his clairvoyance and his knack for knowing when to retreat, what kind of danger could he possibly be in?

Seeing Roy's puzzled expression, Zelretch shook his head and explained, "I know what you're thinking. Merlin's skills are indeed sufficient to handle most challenges. But this time, the situation is different. The enemy he's facing in the Age of Gods in Mesopotamia isn't someone like Merem or Dead Apostle Ancestors."

"This might even involve a god."

The Age of Gods in Mesopotamia...

Hearing this, Roy was momentarily stunned but quickly realized the gravity of the situation.

That was the era of Gilgamesh and the Seventh Singularity...

Merlin was strong, but if he was up against that being, he stood no chance.

So, he's calling for reinforcements, is he?

"How about it? Should I send you over to help him? He's currently suffering under Gilgamesh's command."

So it's... Merlin, Gilgamesh, and Chaldea face the Primordial Mother Goddess Tiamat.

"I promised Merlin that I'd stand by him when he needed help," Roy nodded, answering Zelretch's question.

"Oh? You and Merlin have grown that close, have you?" Zelretch was somewhat surprised by Roy's resolute response.

"Yes, we're friends."

Without hesitation, Roy affirmed his commitment. He always kept his promises.

"Friends, huh? Heh, that fool Merlin has made quite a good friend," Zelretch chuckled, then adjusted the portal to hover in front of Roy.

"Then prepare to depart, boy."

"Wait a moment, Old Man."

Roy shook his head and made a request before stepping through.

"Can you delay the transfer for a bit? I need to say goodbye to Shiki and Arcueid. If I suddenly disappear, it'll cause a lot of trouble."

A farewell, huh...

"That's not a problem. I mentioned earlier that I'd reward you after you complete this task. This should help with that."

With that, Zelretch pulled out a peculiar silver bracelet from his pocket.

"This is a Mystic Code of Parallel World Shifting, crafted using the Second Magic. The blue gemstone embedded in it contains the Second Magic I infused into it. Each use will deplete some of its magical energy, but you don't need to worry about running out. As long as you supply it with enough power, the magic within will regenerate. It should restore its functionality every half month or so."

After explaining, he fastened the bracelet onto Roy's wrist. The strange magical energy emanating from it felt novel to Roy.

The Second Magic...

It was a power entirely different from the Third Magic. He could sense that with just a slight activation of the bracelet, he'd be able to traverse parallel worlds freely.

Such a mysterious power.

"Alright, the user manual is stored within the bracelet. You can figure it out on your own. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now, boy."

Once he confirmed that Roy understood how to use the bracelet, Zelretch didn't linger. With a wave of his hand, he sent Roy out of the dimensional rift.

...

The low hum of machinery filled the air.

Looking around at the reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the disaster in Misaki City, Roy sighed, his thoughts turning to the peculiar anchor point within him that Zelretch had spoken of.

It was a revelation that left him uneasy.

So far, the outcomes he had chosen had been relatively positive. Being an anchor point wasn't entirely a bad thing.

But what if, one day, a mistake on his part led to a disastrous outcome? Would all parallel worlds suffer as a result?

The weight of this possibility pressed heavily on his shoulders, an invisible burden that grew with each passing thought.

Taking a deep breath, Roy glanced at the people around him, busy rebuilding their lives, and decided to head toward a quieter area to clear his mind.

"Roy, come here, quick!"

Just as he had walked a short distance, a familiar voice called out to him.

It was Arcueid.

Roy turned toward the sound, and as he did, a melody... one etched deep into his very being... began to play.

Moon Prism Power Make Up!

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