Ex-Machina in Dimensional Travel

"The noise made by number 3 was quite loud."

Clone No. 1 sighed as he looked at the red flames in the sky, his pupils constantly shrinking.

At this time, Number One was sitting alone on the highest branch of a tall tree, gazing at the scenery in the distance.

To his left lay the plains near the hurricane-ravaged highway. There lay the source of the fierce wind. A black figure, wielding a massive silver lance, engaged in a furious battle with the red Lancer. The ground was ravaged by the battle, littered with countless holes, large and small, some caused by energy bombardments, some vaporized by high temperatures, and some simply by the scratches of weapons.

On the right, there was a relatively smaller range of destruction and a less noisy battle between the black swordsman and the silver swordsman. Their swordsmanship styles were completely opposite, and the purple giant sword and the silver two-handed sword kept colliding. The aftermath of the battle between the two also left the nearby ground covered with sword marks.

"Well, No. 4 and No. 5 are not much behind."

Number One had a full view of these scenes. At this moment, he was sitting on a tree branch and enjoying a peaceful life, while his clones in other places were in dire straits. It could be said that the styles of the paintings were completely two extremes.

And just when he was so leisurely, a voice came from behind him.

"[Reminder] Instead of just lazily watching the other clones fight and complaining, why don't you let me give you something to do?"

Xuul, who had just flown out of the golden channel, immediately heard what No. 1 had just said.

Hearing such a speech, he did not have any thoughts, but silently called up No. 1's [record] and began to search his memory.

Unlike the previous [clones] that poorly imitated Emperor Kekeke, the reason why Xuer knew what the clones were experiencing at any time was ultimately because he was the one who [controlled] the actions of the clones.

And it is precisely because of this situation that every time there is an avatar, he needs to devote [energy] to control it.

Although he was completely fearless about energy consumption, it was natural that this state would also occupy his limited [memory].

But now, this kind of [limitation] has been solved by Xiuer.

The previous system upgrade gave him the ability to enhance his equipment to the original version. Although the number of enhancements was limited and the method of obtaining it was difficult, the result was satisfactory.

And the result he got was the number one in front of him.

The first enhanced weapon is the [Emperor Keke], which is the most useful and has the strongest auxiliary ability for Xuer.

These so-called clones number one, two, three, and four actually come from the original power of Emperor Keke, the [Eight Bullets]. So those [clones] are, in a sense, also Xule [himself]. They are Xule's past selves. After being summoned by Xule, they also have their own consciousness and memory, and can use all of Xule's abilities except Emperor Keke and the system.

Moreover, it will no longer occupy his limited [memory].

Of course, although Kekedi has become the [original] value, the [replica version] data that Xuer once used has not been deleted.

On the contrary, as long as he wanted, he could use both the [original version] and the [replica version] at the same time.

"Wow, how come I'm in the mood to come here and watch a show? How's the progress of number 2?"

Number One is the first clone created by Xuer using the complete Emperor Keke, and this code name comes from this. The Number Two he mentioned is naturally the literal meaning.

No. 2 was given the task of "recording the Whispering Chapter" by Xuer. Because the ability of the Whispering Chapter took up too much computing power, he let No. 2 use it on his behalf to reduce his burden.

It was precisely because of this decision that No. 2 became the intelligence officer in the Shul group.

Now No. 2’s only task is to stay safely in the space independent of the world that Xuel created specifically for him, and provide them with the latest intelligence continuously.

"World analysis progress is 50.01%. Although the progress provided after arriving in this world is very impressive, the rate of increase is also very slow."

"However, with this level of progress, the information we can gather is enough for us to deal with everyone involved in this Holy Grail War."

Just as Number One asked Xuer jokingly, Number Two he was talking about took over.

Number One didn't say anything, but after listening to Number Two's analysis, he also gave his own insights.

"We've only been in this world for a day, so there's no need to rush our analysis of the Whispering Chapter. And as you said, the information we have is more than enough for us to complete this Holy Grail War."

Number One said this, and it was obvious that he was speaking to someone behind him.

"[Refutation] My purpose in coming to this world wasn't just for this Holy Grail War."

It was [myself] anyway, so there was no need to use the [Ex-Machina tone] that was used to [hide] when facing [myself].

However, because he had already been used to it in the previous two worlds, and Xuer had originally recorded this thing as the default option.

"It's all my fault. Don't use that so-called Ex-Machina tone of yours. It was just to hide it anyway."

Even though Number One complained like this, his expression didn't change much. Although the Ex-Machinas were not without the ability to express emotions, this was usually the default situation.

"Originally, since we have become Ex-Machinas, our [understanding] of ourselves can only rely on our sole [self-awareness]."

Having said that, Number One slowly flew away from the branch he was sitting on and looked face to face with Xiuer behind him.

"If you continue like this, aren't you worried that you'll gradually lose your true nature as a human being?"

Xiuer looked at Number One in front of him calmly.

He was not surprised at what Number One said, because it was himself who said it, his younger self.

Strangely enough, he became an Ex-Machina by the nature of [travel], so theoretically speaking, the longest time should be from the beginning when he became an Ex-Machina.

But when he used the complete Eight Bullets to create his first clone, he summoned his past life, his younger self. Although his body was still the same Ex-Machina as his own, his memories and personality were familiar to him, his old self.

This is also the reason why Number One is somewhat different from other clones.

"[Refutation] The probability of this happening is only 0%. You are the same as me, you should understand."

Xiuer answered the question word by word, just like usual, without any emotional ups and downs.

"Yes, I am you and you are me. Of course I know who I am."

Number one is Xiuer when he was young, but in fact, Xiuer’s personality has not changed much from childhood to adulthood, and his personality now is the same as it was back then.

Therefore, Xiuer naturally knew what Number One was thinking at the moment.

That is......

"[Reminder] This isn't an excuse to be lazy and try to change the subject when you're caught. Now that you've finished your work, go help number 3 finish the work."

After saying that, Xiuer grabbed No. 1 by the scruff of the neck and threw him into the golden passage that had just opened nearby.

Shul naturally knew what happened on Number Three's side. Although he was not worried about the various problems that would arise if ordinary people knew about the so-called Holy Grail War, he just wanted to have fun fighting and collect the treasures.

The purpose of letting No. 1 go over was simply to let him protect ordinary people from being affected by the commotion caused by No. 3.

After dealing with Number One, Shuul looked at Number Four who was fighting Red Lancer, and Number Five who was fighting Black Saber.

"[Ask] Number 7 how it's going."

"Infiltration successful."

After confirming the progress of No. 7, Xiuer turned around and flew into the passage.

......

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......

On a corridor in the fortress of Yogdomirenia.

Number Seven put aside his attention on the [Channel] and scanned the crowd in front of him with cold eyes. It was a dense group of people holding iron tools. Although they were of different genders, they had roughly similar appearances.

They are artificial life forms created through alchemy, commonly known as "homunculus". They are the basic combat force of the Yugdomileniya clan in the Holy Grail War, and are also the "batteries" that provide magical power to the Servants on behalf of the Master.

Normally, they are also the logistical personnel of this war. In the fortress of the Yugdomrenia clan, these androids can be found in all positions, and the [Guards] are naturally included.

After all, there are only seven Servants and they don't have time to take care of all aspects. At this time, these androids play a very good auxiliary role. Although they are vulnerable to the Servants, their role is not just about fighting.

The ground beneath Number Seven's feet was densely covered with broken limbs and debris of androids, and all around him were a group of androids with their backs to him, dressed and looking the same as those androids.

The difference is that this group of androids turned their weapons towards their companions.

The weapons and clothes were covered with the blood of the androids. It seemed that the corpses on the ground under No. 7's feet were from this fratricidal drama.

The instigator of all this, No. 7, just looked at the crowd gathered in the corridor, roughly calculated the number of people, and then the device above his head that had been deployed long ago started working again.

Suddenly, the entire corridor was filled with pleasant music.

"—[Opening of the Classic]—[Pseudo Classic]—[Po Jun Songstress Solo]—"

......

Chapter 20: Ah Fu

The sound of complicated footsteps could be heard throughout the fortress. Ever since the invasion alarm sounded three minutes ago, the guards stationed in this sturdy fortress had been continuously surrounding the enemy's position.

This fortress, belonging to the Yugdomilenian clan, is the perfect position for the Black side to resist the Red side's offensive in this Holy Grail War. It is also their only and safest stronghold in this seven-day Holy Grail War.

Therefore, under normal circumstances, this fortress not only has a series of familiars monitoring the territory from outside, but also countless guards stationed inside, as well as puppets temporarily stored in the warehouse for use in large-scale battles.

It also has six other black servants besides Assassin in charge.

Theoretically speaking, in this situation, it is easy to imagine how difficult it would be to capture this fortress. Even Assassin, who is good at infiltration and assassination, cannot deal with the siege of multiple servants alone.

However, tonight, after all the Servants had been summoned, on the first night of the Holy Grail War, this fortress was attacked beyond everyone's expectations.

Another group of android guards rushed towards the scene of the battle. When they passed the next corner, they indeed met a pink-haired "girl" dressed in a very chivalrous style.

The "girl" stopped one of them after seeing how hurried they were.

"Ah, is there an intruder?"

"Yes, Lord Rider."

"Hey, really? Do you need help?"

The Rider mentioned by the guard did not show much surprise at the intruder appearing in the fortress, and the "girl" asked the two guards without thinking if they needed her assistance.

As he said this, Rider had a friendly smile on his face.

"If it's not too much trouble, please."

......

----

......

The sounds of shouting and killing were endless. Several minutes had passed since No. 7 sneaked in and used the Broken Army Songstress to control the androids in the range and make them turn their swords against their compatriots.

The blood and flesh of the androids had already covered almost all of the corridors. Number Seven was at the center of the controlled group of androids, and he and his "guards" were advancing towards the core area of ​​the fortress.

With the enhanced buff of Pojun Songstress, the overall combat capabilities of the androids under No. 7 are stronger than the original ones in all aspects. In addition, there is no room for the puppets to fight in this small corridor.

So this is why he can keep moving forward without having to do anything, just by playing his music in the crowd.

No. 7's actions at this time were all for the purpose of completing the [mission], and this massive [infiltration] was also to attract the [target].

At this moment, he was wearing a wide black robe, with no part of his body exposed, making him particularly conspicuous among the group of androids in white uniforms.

"Which agency will be coming?"

Number Seven was so curious because his mission was not to target any specific servant. Shuul only asked him to fight the first servant he met.

To put it bluntly, he would beat up whoever arrived first.

One comes and one goes, a pair comes and a pair goes, if there are three, a brand new "Xuer" will soon come to help.

Just like Number One said before, tonight is not the [end] yet. Both the red and black sides have [Noble Phantasms] that require time to prepare.

Just as Shul said when chatting with No. 1, his goal is all of these servants, otherwise, Red Saber would have been eliminated as early as last night.

"The noise I made should have been quite loud, so why haven't the Black Servant made any movement for so long?"

Number Seven fully understood Black's vigilance, but the fact that no Servant had come to greet him for such a long time also made him somewhat puzzled.

Fortunately, the waiting time was not long. Just when No. 7 had this idea, a pink figure rushed out from the crowd of artificial people.

The man brandished the sword drawn from his waist and moved freely among the controlled artificial people. Every swing of the sword in his hand would take the life of an artificial person.

Rider responded to the android's request and came to help.

Number Seven naturally detected the Servant's movements before he joined the battlefield, his eyes fixed on the pink figure dancing among the crowd.

After a few seconds, as if finally noticing Number Seven, the most conspicuous and unique presence, Rider immediately pointed his spearhead at the latter and charged towards him.

Looking at the sword tip heading straight for his face, Xuer simply turned slightly to the side and easily avoided Rider's sudden attack.

"So you are the [Intruder]?"

Seeing that his attack failed, Rider was not discouraged. However, because he was trying to surprise attack No. 7, he was now surrounded by the enemy. The controlled androids around him also swung their weapons at Rider.

However, ordinary people cannot threaten Servants, and the same goes for these androids.

With just a few simple sword moves, Rider knocked away all the weapons thrown at him, and then swept horizontally to clear space around him, and then attacked Number Seven again.

All this happened in just a few seconds, but for No. 7, who was Xuer's clone, it was still not enough.