The Golden Mechanical Fist / In the Name of Freedom!!

"Experiment?"

"Are you treating us like guinea pigs?!" the crowd exclaimed in an uproar.

"Let us out right now! You're kidding me!" Someone rushed towards the previous exit.

Someone tried to push open the steel gate to get out, but as soon as the gate opened, the person rushing out was kicked back by a leg.

On the steps outside the steel gate, a young general wearing a mask stood upright, holding two swords.

At this moment, outside the top-floor door, King Lanling, as Servant under the First Emperor, guarded the only exit.

The sound of footsteps came from behind, and rows of troops carrying various weapons appeared. They were all high-energy weapons, and even Servant with magical defense would suffer severe injuries that would cripple them if hit.

From the loudspeaker came the voice of the bunny girl host with a single ponytail from the previous underground venue. "Yes, yes! It must have been hard for everyone to climb the stairs, but now you're all surrounded, and the way down is blocked."

"It's that bunny girl's voice from before!!!" someone exclaimed in surprise.

They were currently in a monitoring room somewhere, monitoring the athletes' every move through electronic devices.

"As expected! This was a trap from the start! You wanted to kill us all so you could conquer the world more easily!?" one of the players roared angrily!

"Silence!! His Your Majesty is the one who most reveres the law in the world. Precisely because of this, His Your Majesty is the one who has the most right to rule this world, and has been granted the Mandate of Heaven, the supreme Son of Heaven."

Even though His Your Majesty already possesses the power to rule the world, he still grants everyone a fair and just opportunity to compete. However! If anyone steps out the door again, they will be killed on the spot. Don't say you weren't warned!" The bunny girl with the frilly hair said sternly.

The First Emperor spoke calmly, "When I sent out the invitations, I already informed you of the dangers of attending the conference, didn't I? And it was your own ambitions that led you to fight for the limited number of invitations and step into this tower. I believe that even if you are foolish, you should understand that you no longer have the right to refuse."

"That's true... but..." The contestants were speechless. Even though they were prepared to die in the battle, they hadn't expected to encounter such an exceptional opponent.

"First Emperor! What exactly do you want to do?" the crowd asked, suppressing their anger and fear.

"I simply want to use this world to find the answer to what kind of system is most suitable for humanity when facing the crisis of world collapse. If you can prove that you have a better plan for governing the world than I do, or perhaps you are more qualified to be emperors, then I will not hesitate to bestow upon you the divine artifacts, and I will gladly abdicate now."

The First Emperor surveyed the people around him and said with a smile, "The standard for judgment is very simple: anyone who can surpass 'me' will suffice!"

Whether it was the ambitious and hardworking Brotherhood or the aristocratic faction seeking to re-establish aristocratic rule, they all involuntarily lowered their heads when their gazes fell upon them. They had no way of competing with these most powerful Emperor in Human History.

The First Emperor was an outsider who arrived in this world before Shirou, and several decades earlier. As the mastermind behind the scenes, he made arrangements before the world began to collapse.

He silently observes everything that happens, such as the Holy Grail War and the conflicts in various places, all of which are under his surveillance.

Using the immortal techniques and technology he had acquired over two thousand years in his original Lostbelt, he began to lay out plans for this world. These were the Tower to the Sky, designed to provide stable dwellings in the event of the world's collapse. Each tower was a precious home for people to live in peace and prosperity, providing for their daily needs, but it was also a massive mechanical weapon.

Compared to pursuing individuality and refinement in civilian technology, the First Emperor was more adept at manufacturing massive military products that spared no expense and placed greater emphasis on functionality. Of course, because his technological strength was guaranteed, he was able to build the Tower to the Sky, which was impervious to any disaster and stood like a pillar of the sea around the world, providing shelter for all mankind.

"So, will you be guinea pigs or the emperor of the world? That depends on your own decisions and efforts," the First Emperor said leisurely, completely disregarding the others.

"But..." The contestants gritted their teeth, daring not to speak out in anger.

"Foolish... It seems you are not suited to be the rulers of this world. Ambition alone is not enough." The First Emperor glanced at them, a hint of disappointment in his eyes, then turned his head away. These fellows were probably only capable of being county magistrates, or at most regional governors; any more than that, and they would only be a menace.

What he was looking for was the kind of 'human being' who, even when driven to the brink of despair, did not forget their principles and fought to the very last moment for themselves and those in need.

If someone shrinks back when they encounter someone stronger than themselves, and only competes and fights when they encounter someone weaker, and then becomes complacent after winning, then such a person, no matter how strong, is of no use to the world today.

The First Emperor continued to scan the diverse faces in the crowd, then looked at Shirou, who was hidden in the shadows, and smiled. He asked, "Oh, so you're that boy from back then. I remember during that experiment in the Middle East, you betrayed your own family and killed your father, didn't you? Your weapon is different from the people here. I ask you, if you were to gain the power to rule the world, what would you do?"

"Hey!!!" Gordolf exclaimed in surprise, quickly putting distance between himself and Shirou. He hadn't expected that the white-haired young man had helped him so much along the way would turn out to be such a dangerous person.

"No! Shirou is..." the black-haired woman beside him interjected.

"Enough, Tohsaka." Shirou interrupted the woman, looking at the First Emperor and coldly replying, "I will not rule the world. I know my own limitations, and I understand that I don't have the talent to lead others. Just doing my own job well is already doing my best!"

"Is that so? He's truly a man without desires. He's not up to par." The First Emperor shook his head and stopped paying attention to Shirou. Although this young man had good character, he was less suited to be a ruler. Perhaps being a stay-at-home husband was more suitable for him.

In the end, the First Emperor turned his gaze back to the Pharaoh, seemingly waiting for his answer.

Osmanthus said, "Hahahaha!!! What a superfluous question! Are you trying to imitate my Stephens? I am the Pharaoh, I am the sun! I unconditionally accept the natural growth of all things on earth, giving them soil and sunlight. All things in this world exist because of me."

Of course, this includes worldly kings and overlords like you. I don't particularly dislike your passion. In my life, I've always enjoyed hearing stories of heroic epics, like the feats of Great Hero who shot out meteors with a single arrow, creating a canyon in the earth. In my youth, that always stirred my heart.

But now that I have come into this world and possess the means to achieve immortality, I will no longer allow you to contend for the world. Only the glory of the sun can make the world...

"Yes, it's always more pleasant to talk to wise people. That's exactly how it should be. Let me see more of the talented people in this world," the First Emperor said with a smile.

Just as this pharaoh regarded everything in the world, whether human or fish and birds, as his servants and possessions, he governed the world with the concept of equality for all beings.

The Chinese emperors shared similar beliefs: the emperor was the chosen one, the son of heaven, and the most noble person in the world. He ruled the world together with heaven, and all land under heaven belonged to the emperor, and all people within the realm were his subjects.

According to modern standards, both of them would undoubtedly be considered toxic and should be despised. However, this is not the case. Even today, absolute leaders, King, and warlords still exist. And some of them are actually not too bad.

For example, when making a decision, a question might be posed: Do you believe that all civilizations in the world are equal, without any distinction of superiority or inferiority?

I believe that anyone with good intentions who recognizes the universal values of fairness, justice, and equality for all would answer yes.

So, here's the second question: Do you believe that the civilizations of some Muslims countries where male dominance prevails, polygamy is practiced, and women are treated as commodities, and that of Hinduism countries with caste systems, are equal to, without any distinction of superiority or inferiority, other civilizations?

At this point, anyone who recognizes the universal values of fairness, justice, and equality for all would answer "no."

However, at this point, the two problems come together, and a contradiction arises.

If everything were done according to the rules, these two problems would become like the knot of King Solomon, an unsolvable knot that has remained unbroken for centuries, trapped in a vicious cycle.

It wasn't until Alexander Great arrived there and cleaved King Solomon's knot with a single sword strike that this problem, which had plagued people for centuries, was finally solved, and they obtained the oxcart that emitted thunder.

Chapter 475 Golden Mechanical Giant Fist

At this moment, on the top floor of the Tower to the Sky, where the ceiling had been opened, everyone—from the assassination group hidden in the shadows, Shirou and the girl, to the many other contestants—looked back at the sky.

Osmanthus summoned his pet, the cosmos Stephens, who carried him into the sky. The First Emperor also chuckled and flew up. The two stood atop the Tower to the Sky, facing each other, everything understood without a word.

Reality is always complex and diverse, with all sorts of troubles; kindness and morality alone cannot solve the problems.

Therefore, a shrewd and capable leader is essential. If the leader is too conservative, he may lose his integrity, be looked down upon by other countries, and miss opportunities. On the other hand, if he is too assertive, he will make enemies everywhere. If the power of the country is handed over to a hot-headed person, it may lead to disaster.

Just like a captain steering a ship, a pilot flying an airplane, or a bus driver, people inevitably need to rely on them to reach their destination.

If someone gets into a fight with the driver or captain while driving, it could easily cause chaos and mishaps for everyone inside and outside the car.

Even if some bus drivers do have their own problems, such as being inhumane or rude, at least while the bus is in motion, passengers should still follow their instructions and directions.

People must understand that the primary priority of transportation is to ensure the safe arrival of everyone on board to their destination. Your personal feelings and emotions may be important, but they are not the most important.

The First Emperor simply wanted to select the helmsman of this world here. Whether he led people to the waves, causing the ships to capsize and sink to the bottom of the sea, or crashed into reefs, resulting in the destruction of the ships and the loss of life, it was merely an experiment for him.

What Shirou found intolerable was that the First Emperor showed no reverence for the people of this world, as if he were using this doomed world as a guinea pig for experiments, as if he were making use of waste.

Even if someone agrees to donate their organs, that's after death, but that person ignored all of these rules.

Regardless, this is a world that so many people have poured their hearts and souls into trying to save, even at the cost of their lives. Aunt Maiya and Kiritsugu both died for it. Even though it was already beyond saving, it cannot be allowed to be desecrated by others.

It's like a traveling quack Traditional Chinese Medicine selling dubious remedies, unlicensed and unregistered, who comes out of nowhere and tries to meddle in the treatment of terminally ill patients whom all authorities have given up on.

Or perhaps it's like the berserker nurses on Western battlefields centuries ago, who would attempt to treat any patient with amputation.

However, others may have different opinions. Human nature is to pursue self-interest, and everyone has selfish genes. Therefore, establishing and maintaining authority is very important. People should not have too high expectations of those in power, after all, they bear a lot of responsibility, and the world is too vast and complex. Even the leaders of the most powerful countries, who are full of vigor and whose decisions affect the lives of billions of people, cannot even stop the wars in the world.

Now, the great leader will bring them back to this essence. Those who cannot do this are neither presidents elected by a group nor fanatical religious leaders.

Rather, it is a purer, more direct absolute leader.

Both the First Emperor and Osmanthus were such figures, and they indeed achieved this in history. The First Emperor, in his original Lostbelt world, took it to the extreme.

To address the survival issues caused by the catastrophe resulting from the collapse of the world and to change the fate of human extinction, what humanity needs now is a strong, decisive leader, not the five permanent members of the UN Security Council who hold daily meetings, where various countries and forces are constantly arguing for their own interests.

The instinct to seek advantage and avoid harm is human nature. Whether it is a nation, a group, or an individual, everyone is afraid of taking risks and hopes to be in a safe place, with someone else stepping forward to shoulder the responsibility. This ranges from fighting to defend one's country to helping an elderly person who has fallen on the roadside.

Just like a junior employee in a company, everyone hopes to have a smart leader who can help them avoid overtime and even get promoted and receive a raise.

Just like a real estate developer who wants to invest in a city might be more interested in getting to know the mayor than the local market.

Ordinary people also hope for more upright and just officials who uphold justice and do practical things for the people. In life, people also hope that there will be a savior in this world, and a few superheroes will emerge, instead of having to defend their rights and fight terrorists on their own, even if they don't admit it, they still do it.

So-called leaders are those who shoulder responsibilities and risks for the people. They take on all sorts of organizational chores and are given power by the people, but they are both capable and incorruptible, and do not abuse their power.

Therefore, a wise leader is of paramount importance, but even if such a great man appears, the strategies he devises cannot change his fate of dying and disappearing.

However, if this great man possessed an immortal body with eternal energy, then as long as he was a wise and virtuous Emperor, his rule would be without any problems, his policies to benefit the people would continue indefinitely, and he could lead his subjects to a peaceful life.

This fragmented world doesn't need more conflict, nor does it need two Servant human leaders at the same time. So the purpose of this conference was just this, and therefore, there was nothing more to say between the two.

At the top of the tower, the ceiling had been completely opened, allowing people to see up close the gods fighting above the clouds.

Here, the most powerful pharaoh in Egyptian history will face off one-on-one against the owner of the Tower to the Sky, the first emperor of China.

"Come, Pharaoh! Let me see your kingly way, your glory!" The First Emperor confidently spread his arms and landed on one side of the top of the Tower to the Sky, saying with a smile.

"Then let's settle this once and for all!" Osmanthus agreed, and then piloted the Stephens upwards.

Facing the unfathomable First Emperor, Osmanthus unleashed his strongest attack. Holding his scepter, he laughed and conjured a golden beam of light, soaring into the sky.

Osmanthus stood high in the sky, his feet on clouds, looking down at the towering structure below and the First Emperor standing below. He laughed and shouted, "Almighty God, witness my great deeds! Bow down! My boundless glory! The sun god will descend here! Descend! My—Great Composite Temple of Radiance!!!"

Those watching from the top of the tower only felt a dazzling light before their eyes, and then felt darkness above their heads, as if some enormous object had blocked the light.

When people looked up and opened their eyes, they saw a Gil building at the top of the tower. This was the ultimate Inherent Domain, a symbol of the pharaoh and the highest temple of the sun god, bringing together all the pyramids built by Egypt, one of the Four Great Ancient Civilizations, throughout its dynasties.

Employing the golden, pyramidal aura that descended downwards with the force of a hammer, as if about to crush the entire Tower to the Sky, it pressed down upon the First Emperor, aiming directly at his body.

Facing the Tower to the Sky pyramids descending from the sky, Qin Shi Huang smiled smugly. The mechanism beneath him activated, revealing a gap in the center, from which a huge, golden shadow shot straight into the air.

Boom!!!

The pyramid collided with the golden pillars, producing a deafening sound like metal clashing against stone, as if the heavens and earth were collapsing.

Only then did people realize that the giant golden pillar emerging from the opening in the center of the Tower to the Sky was actually a golden steel fist! It was like a giant swinging his arm, delivering his strongest punch to the pyramid that was falling from the sky.

The First Emperor was a mechanical cultivator who gained superhuman computing power and an immortal body. In the Lostbelt, he led the Qin Dynasty to conquer and rule the entire Earth. Then, through biochemical creation, he obtained an artificial immortal body that was ageless and immortal.

A giant golden fist pressed against the top of the pyramid, the two clashing against each other, sometimes the pyramid pressing down on the fist, sometimes the fist pushing the pyramid upward.

The golden fist occupied almost a quarter of the area at the top of the Tower to the Sky, and the fist alone was one-third the size of Ramesses II's Great Temple, a composite of the pyramids of all the pharaohs.

Is this a fist made of machinery? It was thrown out at the speed of the world's fastest high-speed train. It directly tore apart the space of the Inherent Domain, like a boxer throwing an uppercut, rushing upwards and smashing into the inverted pyramid that was falling from the sky.

The people watching from the corner gasped in amazement, their faces filled with disbelief.

"What... what is this?"

"Could it be that there are mechanical monsters like this inside the Tower to the Sky?"

If we take human proportions as the standard and calculate based on this arm, in order to flexibly use this giant steel fist, the entire machine's height would probably be over a thousand meters, making it an unprecedented super steel monster the size of a skyscraper.

This arm alone is equivalent to a world-class aircraft carrier, and it can swing up and down and throw punches, full of destructive power.

"So... the rumor that becoming the master of the Tower to the Sky means controlling the world isn't just about influencing people, but also about having military power?"

"This... this versus the Pharaoh's Noble Phantasm, which is stronger? Even with such a massive machine, ultimately... modern technology can't compete with the mysterious Noble Phantasm of the Age of Gods, can it?"

The spectators below swallowed hard, watching this battle that could very well determine the fate of humanity with bated breath.

The golden mechanical colossus's fist clashed with the falling pyramid until the very end, and Ramesses II, along with the pyramid itself, was sent flying by the punch, soaring straight up towards the sun in the sky, showing no sign of stopping until it reached the cosmos.

The First Emperor stood atop the floating pyramid, gazing at it as it transformed into a shooting star and flew off the earth, and sighed.

"Hmm, the most powerful pharaoh of Egypt truly lived up to his reputation. If he were still alive when I conquered the world, he would have had to pay a considerable price."

However, there's no need to worry now. After all, I've been planning this for a century, learning its technology, and using over 90% of a nation's resources to build the Tower to the Sky. The power of this tower, combining immortal arts and the technology of two worlds, is something that a recently summoned Servant cannot contend with.

Whether in terms of preparation time, the quality of materials, or even from a Magecraft and technological perspective, it's a victory for my Twelve Golden Men... Hmm... they should be called the Seventy-two Golden Men now."

The people on the top floor were stunned, their mouths agape; everything had happened so suddenly.

The First Emperor slowly descended from the sky, looked at the silent people around him, and spoke:

"The entire Earth's ecosystem is already collapsing, sea levels are rising continuously, and the Earth's core is shifting. Apart from Japan, which is located between the Pacific and Eurasian plates and is experiencing continuous elevation increases due to compression, other Asian countries have lost some important port cities to varying degrees. Faced with this situation, what solutions do you have?"

"Don't be in a hurry. Let me make this clear beforehand: your current performance will determine your future. I have never been bound by convention when it comes to appointing talent. No matter where you come from, as long as you have skills and can contribute to my world, you will be granted the corresponding position. I will appoint you in the same way I appointed Li Si, Wei Liao, and Zheng Guo."

By this time, the Sun King had been defeated, and the contestants looked at each other in dismay. They no longer had anyone who could rival the First Emperor. Above them was a giant golden hand that could crush them into mush with a single slap, and the gates were heavily guarded; there was nowhere to escape.

"Is this going to be... a palace examination with questions asked before the emperor? They didn't have that in his time!"

"What to do?"

"Let's give it a try anyway, maybe we can even snag a tower master position."

"Right! You go first!" The First Emperor pointed to a very conspicuous bald man on the side and said.

"Huh? Me?" The bald man from the Brotherhood pointed at himself in surprise, hesitated for a moment, then clenched his fist, flexed his muscles, and said, "If all of humanity works together, there's always a way! The important thing is to try! As long as we try..."

"Enough! Drag him away!" The First Emperor said calmly, no longer looking at the other person.

Chapter 476 In the Name of Freedom!!

"Yes, sir!" Four armed soldiers who were waiting outside walked in and draped themselves over the bald man.

"Hey hey hey? Where are you taking me?!" The bald man cried out in alarm as armed soldiers carried him toward the door.