Compared to the city of Mifune, which has undergone several changes, the transformations at the school have been insignificant.
After all, she had only left here about two weeks ago. For a school, it takes at least two years to undergo noticeable change.
After entering the school, Ritsuka did not head straight for the main building but instead brought Mash to a structure beside the school gate.
"Senpai, what is this place?"
"It's the kyudo club room." Ritsuka replied. "I used to be a member of the kyudo club myself, and I even practiced kyudo a little… Well, after my first year of high school, I just became a registered member."
"Kyudo… Is that archery?"
Ritsuka nodded. "Yes, but beyond pure archery as an art, kyudo carries deep ritualistic meaning. It emphasizes not just drawing the bow and shooting arrows, but also rigorous training in ritual and etiquette—I wasn't particularly accustomed to those aspects, which is why I became merely a registered member."
As she spoke, Ritsuka had already placed her hand on the door of the kyudo club and opened it effortlessly.
Seeing the unlocked door, Ritsuka slightly furrowed her brow.
Club rooms are typically locked when inactive, to prevent theft. The key is usually held by the club president or supervising teacher.
But now, the door was open…
(Is someone inside?)
It was already afternoon, and furthermore, it was the weekend—there should be no one inside.
Walking into the kyudo club with Mash, they were greeted by an interior layout reminiscent of Ryougi's home. Since kyudo emphasizes ethics and ritual, the activity space was decorated in traditional Japanese style.
Of course, its standard couldn't compare to Ryougi's residence. After all, this was merely a school club.
"There's no one here." Mash carefully scanned the room. "The lights aren't even on. Did they forget to lock the door?"
"I don't think so. After all, the kyudo club advisor is…" She paused, then added, "But honestly, this place inevitably changes over time."
The kyudo club room wasn't large. Its size was smaller than a private dorm room at Chaldea. The side facing the entrance was entirely open, with a flat ground area before it. At the far end stood several targets.
Ritsuka walked over to where the bows and arrows were stored, picked up a set, and under Mash's watchful gaze, nocked an arrow onto the bowstring and drew it taut—
*ZING—*
With a faint, resonant whistle, the arrow shot forward and embedded itself squarely in the distant target.
*👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻*
Mash clapped enthusiastically. "From where I'm standing, it looks like it hit dead center. Senpai, you're amazing!"
Though she didn't understand kyudo, from the perspective of archery as an art, Mash felt Ritsuka was extraordinarily skilled.
Ritsuka set down the bow and smiled. "Not bad. I haven't held a bow in a long time. Honestly, I wasn't sure… Thankfully, I haven't forgotten everything completely. But by Sensei's standards—"
"I'd give you a barely passing grade."
Before Ritsuka could finish speaking, a voice came from behind them. Hearing it, she froze instantly, as if turned to stone.
Meanwhile, Mash turned around and looked toward the speaker. Her eyes widened immediately: "You're…"
"—Archer from the first Singularities?"
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
A few moments later.
The kyudo club's rest area.
After placing two cups of tea before Ritsuka and Mash, Atalanta sat down opposite them. She sipped her own tea first, then asked: "So… what brings you two here? Fujimaru, weren't you on leave? Why did you suddenly return? And earlier—you called me 'Sensei'… Have you been involved with Magecraft at Chaldea?"
"Well… you could say that." Ritsuka nodded. "But I only found out you were a Servant two days ago."
"I'm no longer a Servant—more precisely, I once was. It's been over ten years since I obtained a physical body from the Holy Grail. Compared to a Servant, I'm more human now."
"That's true. After all, over the years, Sensei never once used Servant powers… Ah, right, I haven't introduced you yet." Ritsuka pulled Mash closer. "This is Mash, Senpai… ugh, my junior at Chaldea! We're both members of the Operations Department."
"By the way, our department head is Head of Department Natsukawa Naoki."
Hearing the name of her beloved, Atalanta raised an eyebrow slightly. "You work under Naoki?"
"Yes. Nice to meet you, Atalanta-san. I'm Mash Kyrielight."
"Oh, no need to call me by my real name. I've essentially married into the Natsukawa family. According to Japanese custom, you can call me 'Mrs. Natsukawa' or simply 'Natsukawa.'" Atalanta chuckled. "I've been called that for over ten years—I'm thoroughly accustomed to it."
Among all the women in the Natsukawa family, only she earned the envy of the others. She could proudly declare herself "Mrs. Natsukawa." Though this stemmed from a false identity, the fact that she could publicly claim ownership in such a manner was undeniable proof that Manaka and Rei were already dead from jealousy.
Of course, it was their own fault—they'd become addicted to various role-playing games. But frankly, in terms of results, they were currently the most prosperous. If one truly had to choose a traitor, it would undoubtedly be them.
Since Naoki went to Chaldea, the two had nearly monopolized his entire time. They were the last people who had any right to complain.
"By the way, what's going on with you two this time? I heard from Shiki that the situation outside is quite complicated…" Atalanta paused. "Shiki—I mean Ryougi Shiki. You haven't met her yet, have you?"
"No, I've already met her… Regarding the situation outside, Sensei doesn't know?" Ritsuka asked, puzzled. "About the Incineration of Humanity… Didn't the Head of Department tell you?"
Incineration of Humanity.
Of course, Atalanta knew about it.
"Oh, that… Now that you mention it, it's about time. Ten years already? Time really flies. All these years, I've focused solely on being a teacher. As for Naoki's affairs, he never told me much."
Atalanta sighed.
"Tell me—what's the current state of the Incineration of Humanity?"