Chaldea, Central Control Room.
The moment Ritsuka opened her eyes, she didn't see the massive explosion crater—instead, she saw the familiar ceiling of Chaldea, and CHALDEAS just a few steps away.
*KREK...*
As the frame's cover slid open, Ritsuka stepped out and looked around: "We're back?"
"Yes, we've successfully returned to Chaldea, Senpai."
Like Ritsuka, Mash—also wearing Chaldea's operational uniform—walked over. Nearby, Hinako rose from her own capsule, glanced their way, then immediately headed toward the exit.
Typical reaction.
"Fou~~~"
At that moment, accompanied by a cheerful call, Fou suddenly leapt out of Ritsuka's capsule. In a few quick hops, he was perched atop her head.
Seeing this, Mash couldn't help but say: "Fou, so you did transfer with Senpai? By the way, Fou vanished mid-transfer—I barely even noticed."
"Me too. It felt like Fou was sometimes there, sometimes not—like an hallucination."
"Fou!"
Unsatisfied with their comments, Fou gave a tiny hop on Ritsuka's head, then darted down to the floor and sprinted toward the door.
Just as he reached the doorway, a hand stretched out ahead of him—as if waiting—and scooped him up gently.
"You really had me worried, Fou. You didn't help at all out there. Watch out—I'll toss you out of Chaldea like Merlin."
"Fou—!"
"Hahaha, just kidding! Don't be mad, come here."
Gently stroking Fou's fur, Naoki—who appeared at the doorway—looked toward Ritsuka and Mash. "Welcome back, Fujimaru, Mash. Thank you for your hard work during the first Singularities operation."
"No, it wasn't tiring at all, Big Brother." Mash shook her head slightly. "Actually, Aoko-san did almost all the heavy lifting."
"That's right." Ritsuka chimed in, hurrying forward to stand beside Naoki. "Aoko-san helped so much. Unlike the Department Head, who just lounged in the control room drinking cola until he had to pee. I didn't do anything there!"
Naoki smiled. "Yes, yes, yes—it's my fault, my fault. But don't say I did nothing, right? At least I confirmed your presence, and throughout the entire encounter with the Demon God Pillar, I continuously provided support."
"That's what you're supposed to do as Operations Department Head."
Roman walked over, looking utterly defeated, and gave Naoki's head a light, exasperated smack. "If you were going to go yourself, why did Fujimaru and the others have to risk their lives in such a dangerous battle?"
"This is training, isn't it? Honestly, it was quite a good experience. What do you think, Fujimaru?"
A "good experience"?
Recalling the past few hours spent in the first Singularities, Ritsuka fell silent for a moment, then smiled and nodded. "Well… if you call it 'good,' then sure, it was. But the progression was too fast—going straight into fighting super-sized bosses and stuff like that? It was a little…"
"Get used to it. I went through the same thing once."
"Don't compare your experiences with others'!" Roman glared at Naoki. "Fujimaru, Mash—come with me to the medical bay. This is your first full Spiriton transfer. I need to run a complete body scan to make sure there are no complications."
Mash nodded. "Yes, Doctor Roman. Come on, Senpai."
"Alright. We'll go now, Department Head."
"When you're done, remember to come to the cafeteria. As thanks for your hard work these past few hours, I'll cook you something delicious."
"Really?!"
Hearing the promise of food cooked by the Department Head, Ritsuka's eyes instantly sparkled. "Mash, Doctor Roman, let's hurry up and finish the check-up!"
"Wait, wait—Fujimaru, don't push! Natsukawa, don't forget to save some cake for me!"
"A-ah, me too, please, Big Brother!"
Watching Roman and Mash being dragged along by Ritsuka as they rushed off toward the medical bay, Naoki smiled and shrugged. "You're all so energetic… With this, one Singularities has been resolved."
Turning to face the crimson CHALDEAS and the glowing Singularities above it, Naoki took a deep breath—and left the control room.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Not long after.
Cafeteria.
The moment he entered, Naoki heard the rhythmic chop-chop of vegetables being sliced on a cutting board. Gray, wearing an apron and busily working nearby, came into view.
As if sensing footsteps behind him, Gray turned around. "Big Brother? Why are you suddenly in the kitchen?"
"No big deal—I just came to prepare lunch. Fujimaru and the others just got back. I'm going to cook them something tasty." Naoki explained. "And I can't keep letting you slave away in the kitchen every day, Gray. Consider this me helping lighten your load."
"You just itch to cook, don't you?" Gray chuckled. "Besides, I'm not alone here. Another chef will arrive soon."
Gray smiled. "Honestly… I'm not too burdened. Since I can't perform Spiriton transfers and I can't assist in the field like the others, the only thing I can do is ensure you all can focus on your missions without worrying about meals."
Gray couldn't perform Spiriton transfers.
It wasn't that he lacked the ability to adapt to the process—he simply didn't possess sufficient aptitude compared to Hinako, Ritsuka, and Mash. With the current staff levels sufficient, there was no need for Gray to risk himself by participating in transfers.
Patting Gray's head, Naoki sighed. "It's not 'just.' Maintaining logistics is vital. If I couldn't eat three meals a day made by you, my motivation would drop ninety-nine percent."
"That's an exaggeration, Big Brother." Gray couldn't hold back his laughter.
At that very moment—
"I cannot ignore those words, Master."
Rei entered through the door, already dressed in a maid uniform, and immediately wrapped her arms around Naoki's arm. "Are you implying my cooking isn't as delicious as Gray's?"
"I already said it was just hyperbole. Are you seriously competing over this? For years now?"
"Because I'm just a maid, right? I can't afford to neglect my duties—or Gray will fire me immediately."
Rei smiled, then pointed to her chest. "Oh, by the way, Master—the task you assigned me is done. So… should we discuss the reward now?"
Naoki's face stiffened instantly. "Ugh… Let's talk about that later. Right now, just get lunch ready. Gray, come help."
Seeing Naoki trying to escape in embarrassment, Gray looked at Rei with mild helplessness. "Sister Rei, please rein yourself in a bit. Even if you don't mind the clothing issue, washing men's clothes still—"
"Ohhh, our mistake. We sincerely apologize~~~" Rei clasped her hands together, closed one eye, and grinned sweetly at Gray. "But you're so patient, Gray. How about…"
She leaned close to Gray's ear and whispered: "This time, can you take my reward instead?"
"Ugh… I—I'll help Big Brother first!"
Gray's face flushed bright red, and he bolted away from Rei in flustered shame.
[You're truly generous.]
Manaka's voice echoed in Rei's mind.
Rei smiled. "After all, watching him look so anxious is kind of amusing, isn't it? If you count the time, Gray has spent the longest with Master. It wouldn't feel right if I always stole his place."
[That's true. If it's Gray, I wouldn't mind either. He's a good kid.]
"Right?"