Over the next two days, nothing unusual occurred in the Mifune City Singularities.
As Naoki had said, this Singularities was remarkably safe—completely untouched by the Incineration of Humanity. Life proceeded as normal, unchanged in the slightest.
And Ritsuka, just as she had before, resumed a routine she hadn't felt in so long—two precious days that felt like a gift from another world.
She woke naturally each morning, without the dread of being dragged off for Hellish training. At home, she was free to do whatever she wished—calling her classmates, meeting them after school.
For an ordinary high school girl, this familiar rhythm—a life she had taken for granted—felt immeasurably valuable during these two days.
[I want to return to a life like this]
The thought kept circling endlessly in Ritsuka's mind.
Though inwardly she knew it wasn't right—that there were still duties awaiting her at Chaldea, that the crisis of the Incineration of Humanity remained unresolved—she couldn't stop herself from longing for it.
Then came the third night since her return to Mifune City.
"Ritsuka! Ritsuka!"
"Ahh?!"
At the Fujimaru family dinner table, startled by her parents' sudden call, Ritsuka jolted upright. "Dad? Mom? What's wrong? Why are you calling me like that all of a sudden?"
"You've been sitting there motionless for ages," Mrs. Fujimaru asked, concerned. "What are you thinking about? Your face looks troubled. Is something wrong?"
"N-nothing."
Ritsuka forced a smile. "Just… thinking about having to go back to Chaldea tomorrow. I don't know when I'll be able to come back again. So I'm feeling a little sad."
"I see. That's understandable. You're only seventeen and already working overseas. It's too early for you. By the way—I never asked. What exactly do you do there? Is everything going well? Are you facing any difficulties at work?"
Hearing her mother's questions, Ritsuka froze instantly: "Ugh… it's… it's…"
"Chaldea's job is real-time environmental monitoring of Earth, and deploying personnel to protect Earth's environment as much as possible, Auntie," Mash interjected with a gentle smile. "The actual situation is nearly identical to environmental officers. Senpai and I just returned from France."
"Yes, yes! We went to a place called Vaucouleurs in France," Ritsuka quickly added. "Everything went smoothly. There's a very reliable senior, and the Head of Department personally cares for me, so I didn't face any problems… Well, maybe the training was a bit tough."
"Training?"
Mr. Fujimaru frowned in confusion. "Does Chaldea also have training?"
"Yes. Since field agents often undertake long-distance missions, they must meet certain physical fitness standards. Additionally, they may encounter dangerous wild animals in remote areas, so they're trained in wilderness survival skills up to a certain level."
"Oh…"
Listening to Mash's explanation, the Fujimarus looked genuinely surprised. Meanwhile, Ritsuka—who knew the truth—silently groaned inside: Merry's version of "wilderness survival training" was absurdly extreme.
"But Ritsuka definitely has no problems."
"Of course not," Mrs. Fujimaru declared proudly. "Our daughter's determination never yields to anyone. If there's even one thing she can't do, she immediately resolves to surpass it. Isn't that right, Ritsuka?"
"Dad! Mom! Please stop!"
Her parents' sudden praise turned Ritsuka's cheeks crimson. Especially with Mash sitting right there. She couldn't bear being praised by her own family in front of someone she knew—it was mortifying.
Seeing her daughter's flushed, embarrassed expression, Mrs. Fujimaru laughed. "So you're leaving tomorrow? Exactly when?"
"It was decided for noon tomorrow. A car will pick me up, then we'll fly to South America first, and finally take a ship back to Chaldea's headquarters in Antarctica."
"That's quite a journey. Be careful on the way."
"It's fine. The trip will be extremely safe—just as safe as here. You don't need to worry at all."
"And while you're abroad, be cautious. The outside world is still very dangerous. Don't try to be brave alone. If you run into trouble, ask for help. In that regard, my daughter will be relying on you, Mash-san."
Mash nodded earnestly at once. "No, it's actually me who's always been helped by Senpai… Please rest assured, Father and Mother—even though I'm still immature, I'll do my absolute best to protect Senpai."
"Don't forget to call sometimes. Don't disappear and forget about home entirely."
Mr. Fujimaru added his own warning: "Next time you come back, don't show up suddenly without telling us anything. At least give us a heads-up so we can wait for you."
"In short, wherever you go, remember one thing—your home is here."
"Yes, I understand, Dad."
After a brief silence, Ritsuka answered firmly: "I'll come back. I promise."
(Senpai…)
"Oh, by the way. Since you're leaving tomorrow, we should pack your things today. Pajamas, spare clothes, towels—do you need anything else over there, Ritsuka?"
"No need, Mom. I didn't bring anything with me when I left, and I won't be bringing anything back. This time, Mash and I will return as ourselves—nothing more."
"Really?"
"Yes. Don't worry, Mom," Ritsuka smiled. "I'm… I'm fine now."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
The next day, noon.
The Ryougi Residence.
In the luxurious black car provided by Shiki, they returned here. As soon as they stepped out, Ritsuka saw Naoki, Shiki, Angelica—and also—
"Sensei?!"
Seeing Atalanta standing beside Naoki, holding a small suitcase, Ritsuka blinked in surprise. "Sensei… you…?"
"I've temporarily resigned from my teaching position," Atalanta explained. "I'm going to Chaldea with you. While helping resolve the Incineration of Humanity, I'll also become your Sensei—in combat."
"Eh…"
Ritsuka's face instantly dropped.
Beside them, Naoki and Shiki exchanged glances, then smiled at Ritsuka.
"So since Fujimaru and Mash are back, let's prepare for the Spiritron transfer once more. Fujimaru, after returning, you'll immediately launch the assault on the second Singularities. I've given you your rest period. I trust you're ready."
"Yes, I'm ready, Head of Department," Ritsuka replied firmly. "To return to this place someday, I'll work harder than ever."
"Good. By the way, once you're back, tell Roman that during my absence, all battlefield command for the second Singularities will be delegated to him. Also, inform Gray and Rei not to worry."
"Understood… Eh? The Head of Department isn't coming? Where are you going?"
Naoki smiled and pointed toward the distant sky. "Tokyo—or rather, the Imperial Capital of Showa Year 20. I can't leave that Singularities unattended. You and Senior Hinako will handle the second Singularities. I'll take care of the Imperial Capital one myself. It's simply to accelerate the process."
"Will the Head of Department be alright on his own—Ah!"
"What do you think I am? It's not your place to worry about my safety yet," Naoki flicked Ritsuka lightly on the forehead. "Besides, I'm not going alone. Angelica will accompany me as my assistant."
"I see… Understood. I'll relay that to Doctor Roman."
Naoki nodded. "Then, until later. See you again at Chaldea. I hope that when I return, you've already finished it—this time, there won't be me shielding you. You'll have to push yourself, Fujimaru."
"I understand!"