"So what's the worst-case scenario?" Emiya Kiritsugu did not care about Tohsaka Tokiomi. Instead, he looked at Skadi. "I already understand the specifics."
The Earth Holy Grail.
And it was malignant.
That also explained why Gaia, as the Counter Force, had failed.
"The worst-case scenario is the destruction of the universe, with everything returning to nothingness—this could even happen before it is pruned," Skadi said.
"The Earth is the only thing with a problem. Why would that destroy the universe?" Matou Kariya was stunned.
"The Root Vortex is equivalent to this universe's source code. Cutting into the source code and causing a systemic collapse is perfectly normal. Of course, that is the worst possibility and generally will not happen. But under normal circumstances, filling the Earth with black mud would not be a problem," Skadi explained.
"...Source code?" Tohsaka Tokiomi looked completely lost.
Emiya Kiritsugu, standing nearby, understood.
"But why do this? What is the benefit of destroying the world?"
The adults were talking, so Rin Tohsaka did not dare interrupt, but she muttered quietly to herself.
"Rin," Young Gil explained with a smile, "everything has already been reversed. To this planet, that black mud is 'good.' Pouring 'good' over the surface of this world is perfectly normal, isn't it?"
"Huh?" Rin Tohsaka had not expected that explanation. Her little face was frozen in shock.
"—They are 'saving the world.' At this very moment, that person over there is the true 'Hero of Justice.'" Young Gil was speaking to Rin Tohsaka, but Emiya Kiritsugu found the words painfully grating.
"Yes, in a sense, that is indeed the case." What made Emiya Kiritsugu lose it even more was Skadi agreeing with him.
"—Why?! The world will be destroyed, yet you are telling me that is a virtue?!" Emiya Kiritsugu was furious.