Pinned to the ground by several people, Shinji wanted to shrug them off and go home, but the intense gazes fixed on him made him feel a bit self-conscious.
Justice's ally—Shirou Emiya—was extremely anxious, having thrown aside Red Archer's mocking that nearly forced him to act,
"Shinji, what do you mean the world will be destroyed faster?"
"This world will..." Bazett, who also had an underlying sense of justice, followed up with a furrowed brow, "Why hasn't the Mage's Association ever..."
"Hmph!"
Standing nearby, Gilgamesh, trying to highlight his aloofness, snorted, wearing an expression of complete understanding.
Shinji knew that Gilgamesh was clueless, but due to his pride, he would never ask. Knowing Gilgamesh was waiting for him to speak, Shinji responded nonchalantly.
"In the past decade, through some observations, it seems the world's Greater Source is gradually shrinking. The reduction might be minuscule, only a billionth, so magi haven't noticed anything wrong yet.
But... this shrinking is exponentially increasing. At this rate, in no more than two centuries, the Greater Source will be completely exhausted. If the pace quickens, it might only take a little over a century."
"Greater Source... what's that?" Shirou asked curiously. "What does it have to do with the world's destruction?"
"Tohsaka, explain to Emiya."
"You sure know how to give orders..." Rin grumbled, but seeing Shirou's eager eyes, she sighed and began explaining the concepts of small sources and the Greater Source.
While Rin explained, Shinji rested his chin on his hand and pondered.
The shrinking of the world's Greater Source was discovered years ago while researching asteroids. Initially, Shinji didn't care, thinking it would take millions of years to deplete at that rate.
But later, he realized the shrinking speed was exponentially increasing. It might not be noticeable in ten or twenty years, but magi would eventually sense something wrong!
The speed is accelerating, and in no more than two centuries, this world will become completely desolate!
This phenomenon reminded Shinji of the world of Miyu from Magical Girl Illya, where the Greater Source was already heavily depleted, nearing destruction.
But this world was just beginning.
Shinji couldn't pinpoint the cause. It might be related to the systemized parallel world theory in F/E, which suggests a finite number of parallel worlds due to limited solar system resources, requiring periodic culling of unnecessary worlds.
Of course, it could be something else, but Shinji couldn't figure it out yet.
"...So, if the Greater Source dries up, the world will be destroyed."
After listening to Rin's explanation, Shirou reached this conclusion.
Seeing Shirou's furrowed brow, deep in thought, Shinji waved dismissively, "Why worry so much? Although I said that, I believe those magi must have noticed this fact. The Astral Plane department? I think it's called that. At least those people won't ignore such anomalies."
"We need to report this to the Association immediately!"
Bazett, with a deep frown, made a decisive call.
"Come on, do you have to be like that? Professionals will handle this. Besides, most of us won't live to see that time. Why worry about it? Does anyone here seriously think they can save the world single-handedly?"
Hearing Shinji, Rin nodded, "He's right. Given the shrinking rate, we won't live to see it."
Shirou, still full of righteous indignation, retorted, "But even if we won't live to see it, should we do nothing after learning about it?"
Because of this statement, three people raised their eyebrows—Red Archer, Rin, and Gilgamesh.
"And what can you do?" Shinji asked, puzzled by Shirou.
Shirou frowned, resting his chin on his hand, thinking deeply before looking at Shinji, "Shinji, you may have an odd personality, but I believe you've thought this through. If anyone could find the cause, it'd be you. I want to know the cause and tackle it from the source!"
Whoa! When did my friend get so sharp? Is this the Shirou Emiya I know?!
Shinji was stunned but then noticed the expectant gazes on him. Sighing heavily, he admitted,
"Your expectations are too high, and I don't know the exact cause. I have some theories, though."
"Theories? Like what?" Rin asked. "Does it relate to why you advised Saber against using the Grail?"
Shinji, supporting himself on the ground, stood up slowly and replied, "Just theories without solid evidence. Perhaps the number of parallel worlds isn't infinite."
"Parallel worlds aren't infinite?"
Shirou looked confused, but Rin and Bazett seemed to grasp something, pondering.
"Originally, the number of parallel worlds should be infinite, given the countless choices individuals face. But with magic and mysteries, maybe that's not the case."
Rin nodded thoughtfully, "That makes sense. Magic, unrelated to science, could limit the number of parallel worlds."
Shirou, still confused, asked, "Is it a resource issue?"
After a long pause, Shirou hesitantly asked.
"Yes, the solar system's resources can't support so many parallel worlds, so some must be culled periodically. Though just a theory, it's plausible."
"Cull a world?!" Shirou was stunned. Billions of people could be wiped out?
Red Archer chimed in, "If that's true, it's the only viable method to sustain more parallel worlds!"
Why does he always target me? What did I ever do to him? Shirou wanted to retort but felt the matter was urgent, so he looked back at Shinji.
"Shinji, is this true?"
"As I said, it's just a theory," Shinji waved dismissively. "It could be problems in connected parallel worlds affecting ours. There are many possibilities. Maybe the Greater Source will replenish itself in a few years."
"Really? Is that possible?" Shirou looked hopeful.
"Are you dumb?"
Seeing Shirou's naive acceptance, Rin snapped, "That's impossible! Without external intervention, it can't replenish!"
Ignoring their debate, Shinji turned to leave. He wanted to get home to his worried sister.
But before he left, he turned back with a smile and walked toward Lancer, who seemed detached.
Seeing Shinji extend his hand, Lancer shook his head, touched by the young man's loyalty.
This kid is really something!
Especially since Bazett mentioned they might be related, looking at Shinji's blue hair, Lancer felt certain. This clever kid must be a descendant!
Though Lancer wouldn't admit it aloud, he was pleased with Shinji's kinship, wondering which of his lovers was the ancestor.
Shinji, unaware of Lancer's thoughts, didn't know he was seen as a descendant. If he did, he might show Lancer why he's known as the "ancestor killer."
"Kid, no need for handshakes," Lancer waved. "I trust you can handle this troubled world! I believe in you!"
"Huh?" Shinji blinked, puzzled. "What are you talking about, Lancer? I just wanted to ask for your recent nightclub expenses. It totals seven million after taxes."
Lancer's expression froze, realizing he had misjudged the situation.
"Wasn't it free?!"
"Who told you that?"
"No one charged me when I went!"
"Probably because your card has an overdraft limit. You've reached seven million. Settle it before you leave. A hero like you wouldn't skip out on a bill, right, Lancer?"