Xingyue, is Xiaokai also considered Kai?

Novia's words sounded like harsh criticism to young Leonardo da Vinci, leaving him no room for rebuttal, so he could only obediently purse his lips.

It'll be troublesome if the teacher starts lecturing; you'll have to quickly change the subject.

"...Right, right, it's a holiday today, and the prototype said that everything is 30% off today!"

Young Leonardo da Vinci felt he had said something foolish, but just as he was waiting for Novia's serious rebuttal, he saw—

Novia, her expression truly serious, said to her:

"Why didn't you tell me about something so important earlier? You should have sent me a message. There's no time to lose, let's go!"

Then, in a daze, young Leonardo da Vinci was taken by Novia to the workshop of the elder Leonardo da Vinci.

After Novia and Leonardo da Vinci left, Chaldea, which was depicting the future of humanity in the deserted space, suddenly flashed red. However, no alarms sounded around them, and Chaldea appeared as before in the silent surveillance footage.

Chaldea is an 'alien planet,' a tiny model of Earth. Even if it were built to be exactly the same size, Earth is still here. Therefore, Chaldea is obviously another planet. To it, this person named Novia Maintenance Personnel in the data is simply too 'strange'.

He possesses the power to utterly destroy himself, yet he speaks strange and bizarre things all day long, and can even touch himself...

Chaldea could naturally tell from the strange reaction that seemed odd to Leonardo da Vinci that it was simply Novia's way of pleasing Grancavallo.

The reason Chaldea acted this way, when no one knew it, was probably in response to Novia's words—

"Really? Heh, then let's make a bet."

Chapter 347 Ritsuka: Can I work with Hibiki's father forever?

"The first spirit transfer experiment will officially begin tomorrow. It's really fast; it feels like just yesterday."

"Yes, so logically, Consultant Novia should be in charge of the facility together with Consultant Da Vinci."

On the eve of Chaldea's first Spirit Transfer Experiment, the ace team 'A', considered to be qualified as Masters, was holding a casual get-together on the rooftop of Chaldea.

“Beryl, I invited Consultant Novia here.”

The blond youth, Wodem, the captain of Group A, who was playing chess with Debit, looked up and smiled at Beryl after hearing his words.

Wodim and Novia currently have a fairly good relationship, and one night, Novia, who was strolling around Chaldea, happened to run into Wodim, who was holding Debit's hand, as the two were on their way to the observatory.

"Because this opportunity won't come again! Advisor Novia, you're welcome to come and take a look too!"

The usually calm and collected chairman of the Astrophysics Department, Wodim, from a prestigious family, was panting heavily, making no attempt to hide his anticipation and excitement as he shouted.

"Shouldn't we call on others at this time?"

"Because the sky only seems to clear up for about 5 minutes, like the eye of a typhoon. If we wait, it might be too late!"

And so, the three witnessed the band of light hanging in the dark sky. Wodim gazed contentedly at the aurora unfolding in the sky throughout and exclaimed with delight, "I want to see many beautiful things, because that is what I was born for."

For Novia, he naturally understood the meaning of Wodim's words. The word "birth" was a metaphor for Wodim, whose values ​​may have died once and then been resurrected. It was the desire that arose then that was driving Wodim forward today.

The same applies to Debit; once he understood this, this 'human' also shared his thoughts.

Following closely behind—

"Oh dear, they didn't even invite us at a time like this. We're supposed to be a team."

"It is indeed a beautiful view."

"Yes, indeed..."

"Haha, Kadoc, don't speak so softly."

"boring."

"Everyone, come and take a look!"

Looking at the remaining members of Group A who were walking over, Wodem guessed that they had probably been invited by Novia, so he couldn't help but feel grateful and thankful that the clear weather today lasted for more than five minutes, otherwise everyone would not have been able to see this beautiful scenery.

As for Mashu, she was unable to appear at this time due to personal reasons.

The conversation became lively, and they talked about their dreams. Although their methods and ideas differed, the seven of them did not deny each other, but simply looked at each other and smiled, saying, "I hope it can be realized." The only exception was Hinako Akuta, who remained silent while looking at her book.

"So, if everything ends, what are your plans?"

Suddenly, Novia asked the crowd.

Wodym remained calm, but a hint of lonely struggle flickered in his eyes, and he did not speak immediately.

"How about we don't set any goals, but just travel wherever we want?"

Wodem nodded subconsciously, and all the members of Group A present nodded in agreement.

"Crossing the sea where everything has been renewed."

Afterwards, Wodim still felt that those few minutes of astronomical observation were like reliving his childhood with everyone else.

Let's rewind to the present, to the tea party the day before the spirit particle transfer experiment.

"Anyway, it's been tested several times already, so there shouldn't be any problems."

Pepe, who was chatting with Ophelia and had a happy smile like a best friend, also spoke up.

"Wow, wow, it feels like I'm being targeted just because I said one sentence."

Beryl's lips curled up slightly. "But I'll listen to you, Wardem. After all, you're the captain."

"Alright, alright, everyone, come and try the delicious food that Xiaoliya has been making for so long."

"I made this with my own hands."

The seemingly calm and rational girl opened the box on the table. Inside were several flatbreads, and a burst of hot steam wafted out. They looked freshly made, with sticky cheese, crispy bacon, and topped with steaming mashed potatoes covered in hot gravy.

Such an aroma, so enticing, would undoubtedly make one's mouth water.

"Yes, it's really delicious. Thank you for your hard work."

Wodim nodded as he picked up a piece of food, held it in his palm, and took a few bites.

"That's good."

Ophelia, whose right eye was covered by an eyepatch, lowered her head somewhat embarrassed.

The silent Debit, who was exchanging a glance with the smiling Pepe; Hinako Akuta, who was quietly reading a book in a corner; and Beryl, who was talking to the seemingly self-conscious Kadoc with the air of an older brother.

Then, just as Novia was about to say something, she noticed something and looked down.

It was a white animal that looked like a dog.

"It's Fou! It actually came here. It seems like it's not even close to Mash anymore, and it's always sticking to you, Novia, all day long."

"Fu~Fu?"

Ignoring the stares of the people around her, Fufu ran to Novia's feet and stared at the silver-haired youth with her blue-eyed eyes. Her long, peacock-feather-like ears blinked, and the next moment she jumped onto Novia's shoulder.

"Fu!"

Seeing Fou like this, and understanding why it was like this, Novia could only smile helplessly. She then held the pancake made by Ophelia to Fou's mouth. However, to everyone's surprise, Fou did not take it with her mouth. Instead, it trembled and shook its head in a human-like manner.

"Fu? Fu!? Fufufu!"

In fact, Novia could still barely understand what Fou was saying.

My owner is so kind!

Even better than Master (Kurohime), she's actually willing to feed me instead of kicking me out to fend for myself. I'm so touched, Fufu! A master like that would definitely help me when Master (Kurohime) gets angry!

Although Mashu is cute and her personality is much better than that lousy succubus, everything still revolves around her master (Novia)!

Fufu thought to herself with great pleasure.

Novia could easily guess that the succubus Fufu mentioned was most likely Meli.

Then, in the instant Novia was pondering, Fou reacted. Without hesitation, it held the biscuit up to its head, its two long ears twitching beside it, as if they were human hands, wanting to tear it open and hand it to Novia to eat.

However, since there were outsiders present, Fufu couldn't easily reveal her power, so she just shook wildly.

"Fu!"

When the members of Group A around them saw that Chaldea's 'pet' was in such a state, which was a rare sight in the past, they couldn't help but laugh.

Pepe and Ophelia couldn't help but laugh, and Wodim, who had been observing everyone present, let out a genuine laugh.

Kadoc laughed along, while Debit remained as calm as ever. Hinako Akuta covered the lower half of her face with a book, and Beryl's expression was calm, though there was a slight twitch at the corner of her mouth.

At the end of the tea party, Wodim suddenly called out to Novia, who was about to leave:

"Tomorrow, we 48 people will be in the care of Consultant Novia, Dr. Roman, and His Excellency Leonardo da Vinci."

To date, Chaldea has recruited 48 people from all over the world who are qualified to become Masters, including those in Group 'A'. Although he only has nodding acquaintances with the other candidates, he believes that since he is the captain, he is also the captain of everyone. Therefore, regardless of whether he is familiar with them or not, he must fulfill the responsibilities of the captain. Wodem is also one of the few people in Chaldea who has a good relationship with Roman.

"Do not."

Novia turned and shook her head at Wodim. "It's 49 people."

"Ok?"

"Although the preliminary selection has been over for some time, some Chaldea members have persevered and found the last suitable candidate through their tireless efforts. In short, there is one more candidate on the way, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will arrive at Chaldea tomorrow. That means there are now 49 people."

"is it?"

Upon hearing this, Wodem frowned slightly. "Does he intend to participate in the spirit transfer experiment with us as soon as he arrives? It would be rather irresponsible of him not to conduct any tests at all."

"That mainly depends on the director."

"……Too."

The blond youth nodded. "However, I will ask Director Olga Marie to give them as many tests and training sessions as possible to avoid any physical problems. After all, I am the captain and it is my duty to consider their health. By the way, what is the name of the last one?"

"name……"

Then, Novia crossed her arms, looked at the clear sky above the observatory, and smiled.

At that moment, an indescribable feeling welled up in Wodim's chest, as if the sun had finally risen from the darkness, and it felt like everything was just beginning. This made him feel that Novia was like the dazzling light of dawn.

"Fujimaru Ritsuka."

……

The next day, in the heart of Antarctica, the orange-haired girl, wrapped in the white clothes sent by the organization called Chaldea, gazed at the technologically advanced facility before her and once again asked herself:

What exactly am I doing here?

I wasn't just idly donating blood, how did I end up in Antarctica all of a sudden?

Even though all expenses were reimbursed, I didn't really have any strong desire to go to Antarctica...

Earlier, Fujimaru Ritsuka, who had already graduated from high school, was torn between continuing her studies or going straight to work.

However, since her family is relatively wealthy, her parents said they would support her education, as long as it's a university, and even if she goes to work, they could provide funds so that Ritsuka could open a bakery according to her own wishes... But this only made Fujimaru Ritsuka more conflicted.

But after thinking it over and over, she still couldn't make up her mind. Plus, with nothing else to do, Ritsuka even thought, "Why don't I go help my junior at school, Hibiki, take care of the coffee shop?" But after thinking about it for a long time, she decided against it. After all, Hibiki's father is... sigh, and her lover is still alive.

In short, Fujimaru Ritsuka, who grew up in modern society, knew that it was extremely wrong to interfere in other people's lives. That's why she gave up her feelings after learning that Hibiki's mother was still alive. The girl also felt that time would heal all wounds.

Look, it's been three months, twenty-two days, fourteen hours, thirty-eight minutes, and seventeen seconds since we last met. I've almost forgotten what we talked about... Anyway, Fujimaru Ritsuka would never do anything reckless under normal circumstances.

Afterwards, Fujimaru Ritsuka, who was planning to travel to other cities, encountered a Chaldea staff member in front of the station in the city center. The staff member had been despairing about the mission assigned by the organization, seeing his colleagues all over the world receiving Chaldea's reward funds to varying degrees, while he had nothing in this broken island country... But unexpectedly, Ritsuka's appearance gave him a chance to change his fate.

In other words, by disguising himself as a blood donation van, he successfully got Ritsuka to naively undergo an aptitude test. After being found to be 100% aptitude, she was enthusiastically recommended to Chaldea. The staff member himself also received a huge bonus to buy a new car, which was indeed a 'fate-defying' act in a way.

"Well, now I'm here."

Comforting herself with these words, Fujimaru Ritsuka pushed open the gates of Chaldea. In that instant, she seemed to see light shining on her face—

"Base sequence; confirmed as human genome; artifact attribute; confirmed as benevolent and neutral."

What the heck is this? There was no mention of anything like this...

Ritsuka, whose mind was in a daze, heard some kind of mechanical broadcast voice in her ears.

"Welcome to the archive that tells the story of humanity's future. This is Chaldea, the organization that ensures the continuation of human reason."

"Fingerprint authentication, voiceprint authentication, genetic authentication, completed, detection of magic circuit... completed."

"As the registered name, you are confirmed to be a primate. Nice to meet you. You are the last visitor to the museum today. Have a pleasant time!"

"Fujimaru Ritsuka."

The voice was not actually a Chaldean broadcast, but rather the voice of Chaldea.

Ever since the bet with Novia, who was the maintenance consultant, 'Alien' Chaldeas had kept Novia's words, 'If you can be completely crushed, you will always be a Chaldea member,' in his mind. In his opinion, the most likely candidate was 'Kirshtalia Vordeum,' who was regarded as the captain and superior by those in Chaldea who had the qualifications of a Master.

Chaldea thought to himself, "If I could find an opportunity to turn this Wodim against me, wouldn't I have won?"

It's easy.