Fate/Magus Path

160 Worldline

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..."