To Become a King and a Magician 901-906 [END]

Title: Regarding the Child’s Name

Antarctica.

Chaldea.

Six years had passed, and Gray, now thirty-three years old, jogged lightly down the corridor in her Chaldea uniform.

“Good evening, Senior Gray.”

“Hello, Senior Gray.”

“You must be tired from work, Miss Gray.”

“...”

Along the way, all the Chaldea staff she encountered nodded in respect to Gray—over the six years, some employees had turned over, and to them, Gray, who had been working here since six years ago, was undoubtedly a great senior.

Moreover, in her daily life, Gray acted like a perfect superman. She could complete any task quickly and flawlessly, and often helped others. This led to her reputation at Chaldea always being excellent; it could be said she was trusted by all the staff, and she received a lot of chocolate every Valentine’s Day.

From both men and women.

Of course, this image of a capable and reliable woman also made many male staff fall for her. Every year, there were always some who mustered the courage to confess their love on various celebrations, but without exception, all were rejected—for the same reason.

Over time, rumors began to circulate at Chaldea that Gray actually already had someone she was attached to, but no one knew who that person was.

As for such rumors, the insiders who knew kept silent. If they spoke out, it was feared that once someone returned, Chaldea would be thrown into chaos and cease operations.

“Yes, you’ve all been working hard too. Keep up the good work.”

“Understood!”

After skillfully returning the greetings, Gray arrived at the door of the control room. After swiping her card and entering, she walked to the main commander’s chair: “I’m here, Big Sis Merry. Is there something urgent?”

“If you call it urgent, it’s not too urgent. Actually, this is quite rare.”

Merry, who was sitting in the main commander’s chair while eating potato chips and drinking cola, lowered her legs that were crossed on the table. After licking the remaining crumbs from her fingers, she tapped the console. A transparent figure suddenly appeared in front of Gray.

It was Rei.

【Good evening, Gray】

“Yes, good evening, Big Sis Rei.”

Because this year was the time for Naoki to return, Rei, who had been asleep and had entrusted all operations of her body to the AI, had also awakened a few months ago. After learning that Naoki hadn’t returned yet, she temporarily continued her duties as the central information management hub of Chaldea.

All communications from outside Chaldea, or internal Chaldea communications... all information had to pass through Rei first before it could circulate.

【Ten minutes ago, I received a phone call from Japan. It was Ryougi Shiki who called.】

“Eh? Big Sis Shiki?”

Gray was slightly surprised, and she also understood why Merry said it was quite rare. Because Shiki had never taken the initiative to contact Chaldea for years. This was the first time—it could only mean there was a situation forcing her to contact Chaldea.

“What was the content?”

【I’ll repeat it—I’ve met an interesting person. You all need to return immediately; this has to do with that idiot—End.】

That sentence without beginning or end made Gray furrow her brow.

An interesting person? It has to do with that idiot?

“Does she mean... Big Sis did a guy?” Gray asked hesitantly.

Merry nodded while laughing: “Only her. But it sounds like Naoki hasn’t returned yet. And everything... It seems like this involves all of us. Anyway, I’ve sent out the gathering notice to everyone. We’ll meet in Misaki City next Tuesday. Let’s finish our tasks before then.”

“I understand—but what about the Director?”

Unlike Gray and Merry, Olga Marie was Chaldea’s true director, the highest decision-maker of Chaldea. There were many things she had to handle, and it was impossible for her to finish them all.

【That’s not a problem. We can send a summoning order to Romani Archaman. After giving him a year for the honeymoon, it’s time for him to return to work.】

Romani Archaman, alias Doctor Roman, was forced by Queen Sheba to remarry her a year ago, and the two became husband and wife again in the real world. After that, they temporarily left Chaldea for a world tour honeymoon.

A month ago, they sent photos from Bali.

For reference, Akuta Hinako and Xiang Yu, former colleagues, were now hiding in the Chinese countryside. They seemed to have also established relations with the Chinese Mountain Court and Spiral Hall, and were living well.

“Doctor Roman... It’s been a year since we met; I wonder how they’re doing.”

“Maybe they’ve already had a child.” Merry joked. “Well, speaking of children, we also need to catch up after that idiot returns. Originally, that was something that should have been settled in 2004, but it’s been delayed until now... Gray, have you thought about it?”

“Eh? Thought about what?”

“The child’s name.”

“Cough! Cough! Cough!”

As soon as Merry uttered that sentence, a series of coughs echoed throughout the control room. Although some were veteran staff who had worked since the Human Order Incineration era, there were also many new employees. The information contained in Merry’s sentence immediately overloaded their brains.

(No way? They’re already thinking about a child’s name?)

(Could those two seniors be married?!)

(Who is that lucky bastard! Not only Division Head Merry, but even Senior Gray—)

(The semen prepared in the warehouse for several years can be used now.)

(There are also shovels, white gloves, ropes, and sedatives prepared, production from Da Vinci’s workshop.)

(Great, once the identity is confirmed, we’ll move!)

“...”

Seeing the new employees communicating intensely through eye contact, the senior staff could only sigh with bitter smiles—they could already imagine what kind of chaos would ensue at Chaldea next.

As for Gray, who was asked, she only smiled helplessly: “Big Sis Merry, that hasn’t even happened yet.”

“Just think about it first~~~”

【I can help you generate it automatically. Besides, I’ve already thought of one. Whether boy or girl, the name is ‘Lúcy’.】

Gray: “Big Sis Rei, automatically generating it doesn’t seem great?”

Merry: “Exactly. After all, you’re a doll; you can’t have children. Give up. Just obediently be our child’s babysitter.”

【Tch】

For the first time, Rei felt that her doll body was truly annoying.

-

Title: Clock Tower: Don’t Think I’m Afraid of You!

Clock Tower.

In the office of the Lord of the Department of Botany.

“Yes, I just received a call too. We’ll meet in Misaki City next Tuesday, right?”

The current Lord of the Department of Botany, Riddell Archelot, was on the phone with Aoko, who was far away in Italy.

Leaning back in her leather chair, looking at the Clock Tower sky outside, Riddell said with a laugh: “Come to think of it, the last time we all gathered was when the Human Order Incineration ended, and suddenly almost seven years have passed. Everyone must have changed a lot, right?”

【Then come and gather with us once in a while!】

“The affairs of the Lord of the Department of Botany are numerous, do you think I’m like you, wandering in parallel worlds somewhere every day—Oh, for the past few years you’ve indeed been traveling the world. Thanks to you, the Clock Tower has been filled with your bad reputation these past few years. The Queen of the Department of Policies must hate you very much.”

The Queen of the Department of Policies, named Barthomeloi Lorelei, was dubbed the Apex of Modern Magus. In terms of combat strength, it was no exaggeration to say that she was the strongest in the modern Clock Tower.

As a Lord, and also the strongest candidate to become the Director of the Clock Tower, she bore the responsibility of coordinating all Magus and regulating their behavior—this was also an obligation as the Lord of the Department of Policies. Therefore, she deeply resented Magus like Aoko and Touko who disregarded the rules of the Clock Tower and always operated outside the norms.

【All such rebellious Magus must be apprehended and given a Sealing Designation!】

Those were Barthomeloi’s original words. Of course, there must be a reason for desiring other people’s Magecraft knowledge.

After all, Magus were like that. Sealing Designations were not much different either. To expect Barthomeloi to truly act for pure justice and rules was to overestimate the morality of this group of Magus.

【No problem. If she hates us, tell her to come find us. We’ll see if I beat her until her teeth fall out or not.】

Regarding Riddell’s warning, Aoko showed no fear or apprehension whatsoever.

Barthomeloi was indeed very strong as a Magus. She could even directly subdue 27 Dead Apostle Ancestors. Her combat power was entirely comparable to a Servant—but Aoko had met monsters far stronger than Servants over the years. Frankly, just being the strongest in the modern era wasn’t enough to mean anything.

【By the way, that Queen definitely doesn’t count that idiot as the strongest, right?】

“That one is out of standard. Comparing adults and children is just bullying, isn’t it? Let’s just leave some dignity for that child.” Riddell laughed, “Then, see you next Tuesday.”

【Okay, see you again.】

After hanging up the phone, Riddell turned and looked at the person sitting in her office: “Sorry, it took a while. That was a very important call—So, is there anything else you’d like to say, Queen?”

“......”

Barthomeloi stared at the smiling Riddell, took a deep breath, then said: “May I consider your words just now as a provocation and insult to the Clock Tower as a whole? Lord Archelot.”

“Go ahead. After all, for the Department of Policies, it’s very easy to lay charges on me, isn’t it?” Riddell smiled, “It’s just, I think on the second day my charges are spread throughout the Clock Tower, the Department of Policies will be removed from the thirteen departments. Am I right, Mo-chan?”

“It won’t even take a day, an hour is enough.”

Mordred, sitting directly opposite Barthomeloi, said while resting her royal sword on her shoulder.

Since Riddell was the most vulnerable among them, to protect her, Artoria and Mordred had acted as her bodyguards for all these years. Although Artoria had gone back to Japan recently to visit family, Mordred was still around.

“Relying on the strength of others. As a Lord, relying on the strength of others is truly unsightly.”

“Then, you should also look for a Tiger?” Riddell said with a proud expression.

Barthomeloi raised an eyebrow: “Do you think that man would still look at you now? An old woman almost fifty years old?”

“In appearance, I’m still eighteen, you know. And if you say that, everyone on our side is an old aunt in their thirties and forties, you know—May I consider your words as a provocation against our Natsukawa Group?”

The Natsukawa Group—that was the name given by the Clock Tower to their group a few years ago due to the resurgence of Chaldea and the activities of Aoko and the others. Because they all operated with Naoki as their core, they were eventually named as such.

Currently, they had become the most unavoidable force in the Clock Tower. There were even rumors that their power was strong enough to change the existing order of the underworld, and to dismantle and reconstruct the Mage’s Association that had lasted for thousands of years.

“But, we actually don’t care about your disputes. After all, my person also doesn’t like to seek trouble. It’s very pleasant if everyone can coexist peacefully. Didn’t the Queen often order my person around?”

Riddell changed her tone.

“So, you don’t need to bother coming here seeking discomfort every time. After my child and he grow up in the next dozen years, I will naturally retire. At that time, you can go ahead and bother my child.”

“A dozen years later... you plan to retire at sixty?”

“Why not? The Clock Tower shouldn’t have retirement age regulations. The former head of the Archisorte Family retired at forty, you know.”

Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald.

This famous Clock Tower genius was now half-retired. All affairs were handed over to the current Lord of the Department of Mineralogy, Reines El-Melloi Archisorte, while he himself focused on delving into Magecraft and educating his children.

“Well, if you keep bothering us like this, I can only whine a little to my person, asking him to come to the Clock Tower and speak one by one with all of you. Coincidentally, he’ll be back this year.”

“Whining... You, an old woman almost fifty years old, dare to say it?” Barthomeloi looked disgusted, “Don’t you find it nauseating yourself?”

“But I am now eighteen forever. My mind also stays young. People who see me at most would think I’m a young girl in her early twenties, right?”

“Shameless Magus.”

“Same to you. Unwanted piece of iron for life. The Barthomeloi family will likely die out in your generation. Or are you planning to find a random man to complete the task after this?”

Barthomeloi’s eyebrow twitched instantly: “You—“

“Alright, calm down, Magus.” Mordred tapped her royal sword on the table at the right moment, “If you want to fight, I’ll accompany you. The outer courtyard is spacious enough; how about we fight there?”

“Enough, that’s enough for today. I’ll take my leave now.”

Taking a deep breath, Barthomeloi stood up.

“For now, I will trust your words, Lord Archelot. But don’t think that just because you rely on Naoki you can act as you please. The Clock Tower will not be intimidated by just one group. One day, I will put all of you in order—including that man.”

*CRASH!*

Seeing the door slammed shut, and after pondering Barthomeloi’s words just now, Riddell couldn’t help but laugh as she looked at Mordred: “What do you think, Mo-chan? I think this can be added to the collection of jokes.”

“Indeed. But it’s best not to let her meet Father.”

“Why?”

“A hunch.” Mordred said, “I’ve seen on the internet that plots like this, which are initially antagonistic, often develop into couples—Wouldn’t it be troublesome if that woman became part of our family?”

“Hmm, there’s some truth to that.”

-

Title: Reconfirmed Identity

And so, after the notification from Shiki and the message from Merry, everyone connected to Naoki gradually finished all their work this week.

For everyone, the moment of truly gathering together had happened years ago. Some people hadn’t even met each other again since the Human Order Incineration ended. Therefore, besides the issue Merry mentioned, the desire to meet the others also held considerable weight in everyone’s hearts.

In such a situation, a week passed quickly for all of them.

Then, the promised Tuesday arrived.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Inside the Ryougi Family home.

Compared to a usual quiet day with few people inside, the Ryougi Family home today seemed very lively, which was unusual.

The reason, perhaps, was that too many guests arrived all at once today.

Merry, Gray, Rei, and Olga Marie from Chaldea.

Morgan and the others from Misaki City, Atalanta, Okita Souji, Fujimaru Ritsuka, and Mash Kyrielight.

Riddell, Sajyou Ayaka, and Mordred who came from the Clock Tower.

Aozaki Aoko, Aozaki Touko, Ciel, and Arcueid who had just arrived.

As well as—

“Wow! So many people! Has everyone gathered?!”

Led by Angelica, Miyamoto Musashi and Tomoe Gozen also arrived at the Ryougi Family home.

Thanks to Tomoe, Chaldea was actually able to contact Musashi. Merry also informed both of them of this summons. After Musashi and Tomoe finished their business in other worlds at the fastest speed, Merry quietly picked them both up with Rayshift.

However, due to time differences, they were the last two to arrive.

More than twenty people who were originally scattered across the world, even in different worlds, were now all gathered.

“To think, we can actually all gather together.”

Holding a glass of wine and looking around, Aoko couldn’t help but laugh.

“That means everyone also really misses each other, and is also very curious about what Shiki will say today.” Merry, sitting next to her, laughed, “After all, this is the first time Shiki has taken the initiative to contact us, the importance of this is obvious, isn’t it?”

“Indeed.”

Shiki was a person who didn’t have much connection with the supernatural world. In her own words, she wasn’t interested at all. Therefore, she rarely contacted everyone; only people in Japan maintained a relationship with her.

The fact that she took the initiative to contact Merry this time indicated that what she was about to discuss concerned everyone.

“Could it be about Naoki?”

“Who knows? But I think even if it’s not, it shouldn’t be too different. We’ll know after seeing it.” Merry said, “Rather than that... Angelica, where’s Shiki? Why hasn’t she come yet?”

Everyone had gathered, but at this moment, Shiki, the initiator of the meeting, was nowhere to be seen.

“Could it be that she has a stomach ache and ran to the toilet?”

“It’s not impossible.”

“Could it be she hasn’t woken up yet?”

“...”

Listening to everyone beginning to discuss various things, Angelica was just about to say something—

*SHUUUT—!*

The sliding door that had just been closed was opened again. Shiki, wearing a kimono, entered from outside the door. After glancing at everyone, she suddenly pulled a short knife from the wide sleeve of her kimono and threw it towards Merry.

“Uwaa!”

Hurriedly tilting her head to avoid the sudden attack, Merry wiped away nonexistent cold sweat while looking at the short knife stuck in the wall and still vibrating slightly: “Still the same, Shiki. This habit of throwing knives at anyone you meet hasn’t changed after twenty years? Besides, I’m not Naoki; there’s no point in throwing it at me, you know.”

“I don’t have a stomach ache, and I didn’t oversleep either. There was just a small matter that delayed me.” Shiki said with a faint smile. At the same time, she pulled the short knife stuck in the wall from a distance, making it fly back into the scabbard hidden in her kimono sleeve. Then, she sat in the main seat Angelica had prepared for her.

“Everyone has gathered.”

“Yes, Shiki-sama, everyone has arrived.” Angelica replied, and immediately knelt in the outermost seat.

To host everyone who came today, the living room now had a long table that could accommodate everyone. Besides Shiki, the others sat separately on both sides.

As Angelica said, indeed everyone was present.

“Then, you can speak now, Shiki.” Morgan asked, “Merry said you wanted us all to gather; has something happened?”

“Something has indeed happened here... Actually, it’s also a little related to all of you.”

Shiki said: “Do you still remember the vampire I asked you to catch a week ago? The one from Italy.”

“Didn’t you cancel that order last Thursday?”

Regarding the request to catch the blonde vampire girl, Natsukawa Yue, after learning the situation, Shiki told Morgan and the others that they didn’t need to continue the investigation.

“Actually, I caught her a week ago, and she’s been staying here for this week.” Shiki said, “Her identity is a bit special, especially for us, and she holds many secrets. Since she said she would only tell us after we all gathered, that’s why I asked all of you to come here.”

That blonde vampire?

Morgan and the others frowned slightly, while Aoko and the others, who already had previous suspicions, exchanged glances and remained silent.

Shiki looked outside the door and clapped her hands: “Come in, everyone is gathered.”

“Yes~~~”

A somewhat light voice was heard from outside the door. Then, everyone in the room saw a figure entering from outside, and after clearly seeing her face, they unconsciously turned to look at Arcueid.

Ritsuka and the others, who had met her before, also showed thoughtful expressions.

Initially, they were only guessing, but now, after seeing Arcueid and the girl in the same room, the suspicions they had previously dismissed reappeared, and this time they were even more convinced.

Then—

“Although some of you here have met me before, let’s consider this our first meeting.”

Yue adjusted her tone, bowed, and saluted everyone very politely.

“My name is Natsukawa Yūe; I am a person from the future, thirty years from now. The daughter of Natsukawa Naoki and Arcueid Brunestud.”

“Nice to meet you; please guide me, all Aunties.”

D-Daughter?!

The address that came out of Yue’s mouth stunned everyone who had just met her for the first time.

-

Title: Chaldea Empire!

Daughter?

The child of Naoki and Arcueid?

Although many had already suspected it beforehand, they were still shocked when they heard Yue herself state that identity.

Meanwhile, Arcueid, as the person involved, showed a face that was truly flushed, something that rarely happened.

“Naoki and Arcueid’s daughter, huh... It seems like many people already knew from the beginning?”

Merry glanced at the others.

Ciel nodded: “You could say we had our suspicions. After all, this is the only possibility. Only the two of them fulfill the conditions of vampire, Imaginary Manifestation, Magecraft Displacement, and so on all at once. Plus, the face is very similar...”

“But this is truly surprising.” Aoko laughed, “Thirty years in the future... To come from that far in the future, is it Rayshift?”

“Yes, I came for a vacation.” Yue said. “I deliberately troubled the Aunties to come here because Auntie Shiki wanted to know about our situation in the future. I felt it wouldn’t be right to tell only Auntie Shiki, so I asked Auntie Shiki to help call everyone—I truly apologize if this caused trouble for the Aunties!”

Such a polite child.

Seeing Yue bow her head in apology, Touko couldn’t help but say: “So polite... Is she really Naoki and Arcueid’s daughter? Her personality is a bit different.”

“Rude, Touko! If I’m serious, I still have the noble demeanor of a princess!” Arcueid immediately retorted.

Indeed, Arcueid was undoubtedly an extraordinary princess in the past. Anyone who met her for the first time would surely think she was an unapproachable Ice Queen.

However, after long interactions, everyone present already knew that she was just a foolish vampire.

“Mama in the future is very polite, you know.”

Right at that moment, Yue suddenly said that.

“She seems to have changed a lot after I was born. She said she wanted to be a good example for her daughter.”

“Hmph~~~~”

Hearing her daughter say that, Arcueid’s expression immediately turned proud, making everyone sitting around her involuntarily look away.

Chuckling twice, Merry asked: “So, what are we really like in the future? And what is the world like in the future? Can you explain, Yue?”

“Just call me Yūe, Grandma Merry.”

“Grandma—“

That unexpected address made Merry’s eyebrows twitch several times: “That... Yūe... That address...”

“I’m just joking. Because I heard from Papa and Auntie Gray that you basically raised them when they were little. They said calling you Mama is also fine, so for me, calling you Grandma is okay too.”

“Big sister!” Merry immediately moved in front of Yue, pressing her shoulders and smiling amiably, “Call~~~ me~~~ Big~~~ sister~~~!”

“Uh... I understand, Big Sis Merry.”

“There, that’s better.”

Returning to her seat satisfied, Merry smiled and waved her hand, signaling Yue to start explaining.

“Ehem! Then, I’ll start from the earliest situation.”

Yue cleared her throat.

“First, the issue of the relationships between the Aunties and Papa that everyone is most curious about—all the Aunties present here marry Papa, you know!”

*Cough! Cough! Cough!*

*BAM!*

*CRACK!*

“Senpai?!”

That overly shocking statement caused several people present to immediately lose their composure.

Ritsuka pointed to herself and Mash: “Could it be that Mash and I too...”

“Yes, Auntie Ritsuka and Auntie Mash are the second marriage group.”

“Second group?!”

Mordred immediately slammed the table: “There are first and third groups too?!”

Yue laughed: “Yes. Because there were too many people at the wedding, it was divided into several groups. The first group is the Aunties who have been waiting since 2004, and the second group is the Aunties who met in Chaldea and the Lostbelts.”

The Aunties.

Meaning Artoria Caster and Baobhan Sith exchanged glances, then asked somewhat incredulously: “Could it be that we too...”

“Yes. It’s just that, to marry the two of you, Papa was punished by Auntie Morgan to kneel for half a month on Mount Everest. And importantly, the two of you took the initiative. Papa was quite shocked at the time.”

Took the initiative!?

(This... Although I do have the desire to be with Father forever, I didn’t expect my future self to be so bold...)

(W-What have I done in the future! Marrying that foolish Father... Is this serious?!)

Seeing Artoria Caster and Baobhan Sith clearly in disarray and lost in thought, Morgan took a deep breath, then stared at the two of them with a cold gaze.

“Ugh!”

“We’re done for.”

Feeling their mother’s gaze, their bodies immediately trembled.

“After this, I’ll have a good talk with you two, Baobhan, Caster. Prepare your mental state.”

“......”

“......”

This was tantamount to a death sentence.

The color in their bodies quickly faded to gray. They looked like they had lost their souls, and then Merry kindly dragged them to the corner of the wall.

“Just the second group is already like this... I don’t even dare to imagine what the third group is like.” Ayaka said with a bitter smile, “But, is it okay to marry so many people like that? The law won’t allow it.”

“This doesn’t need to be worried about either, because Chaldea in the future has independent autonomy.”

“Hah?”

Marie unconsciously exclaimed.

Yue continued her explanation: “In the future where I come from, Chaldea is no longer just a research institution. Although the headquarters in Antarctica is still operational, the operational focus has been moved to the Pacific Ocean. With the support of Papa and Mama’s Imaginary Manifestation and the Machine God technology Papa brought from Greece, it has now developed into a maritime city-state on a scale equivalent to two-thirds of Japan.”

Marie: “......”

“Additionally, because the initial city development was obstructed by the Mage’s Association, Papa decided to demolish the old Clock Tower and destroy the old Mage’s Association. In its place, he established a new magical society centered on Chaldea, with the three major associations as the main components. Starting from the Department of Modern Magecraft Theory, it develops and explores the path of combining magic and science. Recently, it seems they’ve started developing Machine Gods and preparing to go to outer space.”

Marie: “......”

“Named Chaldea City, but essentially the Chaldea Empire—that is our future.” Yue concluded her words with a smile.

After hearing it, Marie fainted on the spot.


-

Title: The First Hero and Savior

Why did it become like this?

This was the only doubt currently in Marie’s mind.

Although since the Human Order Incineration ended more than six years ago, Chaldea’s development speed had indeed accelerated, but... the future described by Yue still felt unreal to her.

The Chaldea Empire?! The center of the new era’s magical world?! The fusion of magic and science?! A maritime city as vast as two-thirds of Japan?!

Not to mention Marie, the others also showed varying degrees of shock after hearing this explanation.

After all, it was too astonishing.

It should be noted that Chaldea was currently still in Antarctica. How could such a massive maritime city be built in just thirty years?

Additionally...

“What is this Machine God thing?” Ritsuka asked curiously, “And Greece... Could it be that the President is in another world—“

“Yes, roughly like what Auntie Ritsuka is thinking.”

Yue continued her explanation.

“During the fourteen thousand years that Papa spent in another world, he experienced most of the Greek mythology in that world. Then, of course, he formed relationships with the Greek gods and obtained much knowledge and Machine God technology from them.”

“And this knowledge and technology became the foundation for the establishment and development of the Chaldea Empire. Even in the future, Papa discovered the remains of Poseidon at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea and successfully repaired it, making it the sea guardian of the Chaldea Empire.”

The Sea God Poseidon?!

Ritsuka and Mash had both seen the existence of the Greek Machine God in the Greek Lostbelt. So that thing gets repaired in the future?!

“Then, what do you mean by the Machine God development earlier?”

“Of course, designing and creating new Machine Gods from scratch, then starting space exploration.”

The Chaldea Empire was no longer satisfied with Earth and wanted to advance into space? How ambitious that foolish Naoki in the future was!

“Well, even so, it should currently still be in the design stage. The actual construction might only begin in ten years, and to truly advance into the universe will definitely take even longer.”

“The main goal of Chaldea City right now is to maintain the stability of the supernatural world. Since magic and science began to be combined and developed, magical crime incidents have continuously occurred. Plus, Chaldea City has now substantially become the center of the supernatural world, replacing the Clock Tower’s former position, and the crowds of people will trigger all sorts of problems.”

Yue laughed: “Two years after I graduated high school, I immediately started working at the Magical Crime Countermeasure Bureau managed by Auntie Ritsuka and Auntie Mash. Every day, I patrol around Chaldea City investigating dark incidents hidden in the shadows. It’s quite exhausting, you know.”

“The reason I came from the future to the past is actually because I worked overtime for a full month in the future, and after finally finishing all the pending cases, Auntie Ritsuka saw I was tired and gave me a vacation.”

“I see...”

The future described by Yue made everyone sink into contemplation—or more precisely, digesting it.

After all, even for them, it was unrealistic to accept such massive information all at once. It was too hard to believe.

After successfully calming down, Merry asked again: “We’ve got the general situation now. So... what are we like in the future?”

Not meaning whether they married Naoki, but more about each of their life statuses in the future.

Yue smiled: “Hmm... Based on what I learned from Auntie Shiki this past week, what everyone is doing thirty years from now isn’t much different from now.”

“Auntie Aoko often works outside Chaldea City. Although magical incidents are concentrated in Chaldea City, there are many outside too. Auntie Aoko is busy with those matters. Accompanying her are Auntie Ciel and Auntie Ayaka.”

“Auntie Ritsuka and Auntie Mash, as I said before, are the ones who directly deal with Auntie Aoko and the others. They could be said to be the busiest people in Chaldea City.”

“Auntie Morgan and Auntie Caster work in the Chaldea City Technology Development Bureau. Auntie Morgan even became the Chief Technology Advisor. Matters related to Machine God development are handled by the two of them.”

“As for the others, either they’ve retired and secluded themselves, or they work as teachers in the Academy City founded by Papa.”

Academy City?

Okita asked: “What is that?”

“An area in the eastern part of Chaldea City, about half the size of Tokyo. As the name suggests, it’s a district consisting of many schools, and also the center for training talents in Chaldea City. Papa developed it specifically to train the new generation of Magi and scientists. The current director is Big Sis Merry.”

Director Merry?!

“That’s a disaster.”

“What kind of people would be educated under Merry’s management... I don’t dare to imagine.”

“Future Naoki made the wrong decision...”

Hearing that, Merry couldn’t help but twitch the corner of her lips: “Are you all misunderstanding me... You should know that I’ve already educated two Kings, you know! Besides, since future Naoki became so great, it means I educated him well from the beginning.”

“I only know you made him entertainment material every day.” Riddell immediately revealed the fact, “Then what about Naoki in the future? Our situations can still be guessed. What about him?”

“Papa...” Yue paused for a moment, “He left Earth five years ago.”

“Eh?”

Left Earth?

“【In the future, you will surely go to the universe, and in the exploration process, you will face various difficulties and dangers. To avoid a major crisis at that time, I will go first to map the way】—Papa said that five years ago, then left Earth for the universe.”

“That guy can do space travel alone?! Wait, five years?! He never came back?”

“No, Papa returns. About once a year he comes back. Additionally, to accompany Papa, Auntie Rei and Auntie Gray went along. Meanwhile, the overall management of Chaldea City was handed over to Mama and Auntie Shiki.”

“........”

They no longer knew what to say.

Everything that happened in the future had surpassed the imagination of everyone present. Even if they wanted to say something now, they couldn’t string the words together properly.

(Is this... the future that Naoki, who will soon return, will bring?)

Thinking of someone who was sure to return this year, the corner of Merry’s lips lifted slightly.

(Hmm, if the future is this interesting, then I indeed will never leave you, Naoki.)

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

At the same time.

Parallel World.

Moon.

Standing on the barren land, gazing at the blue planet in the distance, the man who had lived here for dozens of years silently counted his time.

【The time has come, Contactee (Connector)】

That voice sounded from the void.

The man nodded and stood up.

“It’s here, huh... Fourteen thousand twenty-two years. That’s the time I spent here...”

Although he should be in the Moon’s vacuum environment, the man’s voice came out of his mouth very naturally.

【You may return, Contactee. May you fulfill your promise to us.】

“Yes, I will do it, Chaos.”

The man said to the void and empty space.

“By the way, do you still remember my name?”

【Natsukawa Naoki】

The voice from the void said.

【The first Hero and Savior of this planet, Wielder of the Star Holy Sword that destroys stars and skies, Ancient Elemental Spirit that witnessed the progress of Human History, Eternal Guardian of Humanity—Natsukawa Naoki.】

“What a long introduction. I even forgot I had so many titles.”

“But it’s fine. After all, all these titles will leave me forever starting today. In that world, I only have one identity.”

The man—Naoki—raised his hand and cut his long hair that had never been trimmed for twenty-two years, making it match the appearance he remembered most. Then, he drew the Holy Sword that had been embedded beside him for more than twenty years.

“Then, let’s return.”

“As Natsukawa Naoki, Head of Chaldea Operations Department.”

The Holy Sword cleaved space, and a dimensional rift opened in front of Naoki.

After glancing at the planet he had guarded and accompanied for more than fourteen thousand years, Naoki smiled faintly, turned around, and stepped back into the other world he had left for fourteen thousand years.

-

Title: Return from the Past to the Future

Nighttime.

In the guest room prepared by the Ryougi Family for Merry and the others.

“Here?”

Yue had just sat down when a familiar voice sounded from the door.

Holding a can of beer, Merry knocked on the doorframe casually before entering the room: “If you don’t mind, can I ask a few more things? Yūe-chan.”

“Still something you want to ask?”

Yue was slightly surprised.

Earlier in the day, she should have already answered everything everyone wanted to know. Did Merry still have questions she hadn’t gotten around to asking then?

(In a place like this, she has to hide something? No wonder she seems mysterious in the future too, like she’s always planning something.)

“Well~~~ rather than questions, I’m more curious about what comes after this—Can I sit next to you?”

“Yes, please, Auntie—“

“I already told you to call me Big Sis~”

While rubbing Yue’s cheek firmly, Merry sat beside her: “How long will you stay here?”

“Hmm... I haven’t thought about it in detail, but it seems I’ll wait until Auntie Ritsuka sends the return order.” Yue thought for a moment, “But based on previous experience, I might return in these two days, since I’ve already been here for ten days.”

“Returning soon, huh... That’s a relief.”

Merry smiled and took a sip of her beer.

“If you keep staying here, we’ll be the ones in trouble.”

“Ahaha~~~ I’ll try to keep a low profile and not trouble the Aunties.”

Remembering the commotion she caused when she first arrived in this era, and also her fights with the Aunties, even with her own mother, Yue smiled awkwardly.

However, Merry shook her head.

“No, that’s not what I mean. That can still be handled. The problem is the impact you’ll bring—not good for the people in this era to know things about the future too early.”

The future is not fixed. Depending on the situation in the current era, future developments will also be affected.

The people in this era will decide what kind of future they can aim for.

That is the unknown.

But Yue’s arrival made a small portion of people know the future, turning the unknown into known. Although this can provide certainty to a certain extent, in a certain sense, it can also cause negative impacts.

For example, limitations in thinking, restrictions in actions...

“After you leave, the rest of us will seal all memories of meeting you and the things you told us.”

“Eh? Seal memories?” Yue frowned, “Why? Isn’t knowing the future early beneficial for our actions? Some school friends I knew back then had future sight, and they successfully avoided danger multiple times.”

Merry smiled: “Haha, that’s indeed good. Limited to this era, future sight is a good thing. But what you told us is the future thirty years later. The time span is too far. The more that’s known, it may not all be good.”

“Compared to walking toward a certain future, I prefer walking toward an unknown direction. That’s far more interesting.”

【Yūe, you should know that Merry is an incorrigible hedonist. She’ll do anything as long as it feels interesting to her】

Her father’s words, spoken years ago when she graduated to high school and was preparing to live in Academy City, echoed in Yue’s mind.

(Oh right... Auntie Merry is indeed like that. During school, she often drove me half to death.)

Some past memories made Yue smile slightly.

“Why are you laughing?”

“No, just remembering some things from school days. Big Sis often planned incidents in Academy City and made me resolve them, under the pretext of tests for the child.”

Out-of-control Artificial Beasts, malicious magical criminals, mutated artificial lifeforms... It seems there was one time she was made to fight one of the 27 Dead Apostle Ancestors?

Even when she was preparing for her high school graduation exam in her third year, Merry still made her stop a major disaster that could cause the collapse of the magical world order at that time—after she barely completed it, she realized the final exam was half a day away.

That was truly not human work!

If she weren’t a vampire, she would have died multiple times. During her three years of high school, she had to handle one incident almost every few days, and sometimes multiple incidents happened simultaneously, forcing her to run around all over Academy City, even the whole world, until exhausted.

“Big Sis Merry, sometimes I really wonder if Papa could like you because he’s an M.”

“Isn’t it because of my number one beauty in the world and my infinite care for him?” Merry puffed out her chest proudly, “Well, that’s all I wanted to talk about. I should go back to sleep too. Tonight, I have to think about whose dream to disturb... Ah, right.”

When she reached the door, Merry stopped, turned around, and smiled: “If you want to return, remember to let us know. We’ll all see you off. And convey my greetings to my future self.”

“Yes, I understand, Big Sis Merry.”

“Then, bye-bye~~~”

After waving her hand, Merry left Yue’s room.

After that—

*DIDI!*

An urgent alarm suddenly sounded.

Yue raised her wrist and pressed the bracelet there, projecting a light screen in front of her. What appeared inside was the figure of Ritsuka, looking much more mature.

“Auntie Ritsuka?”

【Yo, long time no see, Yūe. How’s life in the past?】

“It’s fine. I’ve met the Aunties in this era, and I was just talking with Auntie Merry. Everyone is much younger than I remember, but not much has changed.” Yue laughed, “So, Auntie contacting me now, is there work again?”

Ritsuka in the video nodded.

【You could say that. There are big and small jobs. I’m contacting you now to tell you that your vacation time is left with twelve hours. Tomorrow afternoon, we’ll transfer you back. Let us know there before then.】

“Yes, I understand.”

【Then, see you again after you return—You’ll be busy again then, so don’t lose focus from being too relaxed in the past.】

“I know, Auntie Ritsuka. You can rest assured one hundred percent.”

Yue smiled and turned off the communication.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“Eh? Leaving today?”

Noon on the second day after everyone gathered at the Ryougi Family.

While everyone was having lunch together in the dining room.

Hearing what Yue suddenly said, everyone showed slightly surprised expressions.

“Although you said yesterday you’d leave in these two days, this is truly sudden.” Merry was also slightly surprised, “What’s happening in the future?”

“Well~~~~ actually, I came for work. The workforce in the future is always short. After vacationing for about ten days, it’s indeed time for me to return to my post. Otherwise, work will pile up, and the magical society order will be in chaos.”

Yue said with a smile.

“In about a dozen minutes, Auntie Ritsuka in the future will transfer me back with Reverse Rayshift, so I’m telling you all now. Additionally, it seems I’ve caused a lot of trouble for the Aunties and Mama during this time. I truly apologize. I’ll reflect on it after this.”

Seeing Yue bow her head in apology, everyone was silent for a moment. Then, Arcueid was the first to stand and hit her future biological daughter hard.

*DUAANG!*

“Ouch!”

Yue immediately held her head and crouched down: “Mama! It hurts, you know!”

“That’s a lesson. Who told you to attack me without telling me beforehand. Show respect and care for your mother, you know?” Arcueid stared at Yue, then her gaze softened, and she patted her head.

“Well, that’s how it is. After returning, remember to work well, don’t make my future self worry about you—Don’t forget to convey greetings to my future self.”

⊰END⊱

“Us too.”

Aoko laughed.

“Additionally, if possible, convey our greetings to Naoki in the future as well.”

“That’s a bit troublesome.” Yue smiled bitterly, “Because Papa only returned once half a year ago. The next return is only at New Year’s—But I’ll remember.”

“Good—Oh right, want to bring souvenirs?” Ritsuka suddenly suggested, “Considering the time, no time to go out and buy. In that case, like this.”

Removing the flower petal-shaped hair clip she was wearing, Ritsuka gave it to Yue: “This as a souvenir and meeting gift. Although our first meeting was a bit strange, after all, I am your Auntie.”

“Ah... yes, thank you Auntie Ritsuka.”

“In that case, I’ll give this.”

“Me too.”

“If it’s only a dozen minutes, maybe I can still make a simple doll.”

After being led by Ritsuka, the others also followed by giving items they were wearing as gifts from this era to Yue.

Most were small jewelry they wore, or simple Mystic Codes made on the spot. The most special was Shiki, who directly gave the short knife she always carried as a gift.

Truly her style.

Seeing the sudden pile of items in her hands, Yue was stunned for a moment, then couldn’t hold back her laughter: “Hehe, thank you Aunties. I’m sure your future selves will be very happy to see this.”

Gifts sent from the past thirty years ago to the distant future.

If it were her future self, she would surely understand the meaning behind the intention to convey a message from the past.

*WHOOSH!*

Right at that moment, light suddenly lit up under Yue’s feet, then spread and solidified visibly, forming a strange and intricate magical formation that enveloped her entire body.

Although there were slight differences from this era, most people there understood.

“Future Rayshift?”

“Yes, it seems the time has come.”

Hugging the pile of items given by the Aunties, Yue stood up, bowing one by one to the Aunties in this era: “In that case, I’ll return to the future first. See you again in the future, Aunties, Mama.”

(A bit regrettable not being able to meet Papa in this era.)

That final thought flashed through her mind. Under everyone’s gazes and the increasingly strong Rayshift light, Yue’s body slowly disappeared into space. After that—

*WHOOSH!*

The Rayshift light merged into one line, finally flickering, then completely went out.

Seeing the now empty spot, Merry smiled faintly: “She’s gone—In that case, let’s start implementing what I said yesterday.”

“Sealing, even erasing, all our memories related to Yūe. This is the best choice for us right now. It’s too early to know the future thirty years later.”

“That’s right.” Gray nodded, “Please help, Big Sis Merry, Big Sis Rei.”

“In that case, please everyone close your eyes. Next, Succubus and I will connect to all of your spiritual domains to perform memory manipulation.”

Rei said that.

However, before everyone could close their eyes—

*📲📲📲!*

A very urgent phone ringtone suddenly rang from Merry’s pocket. Then, other communication devices also rang one after another, as if receiving a mass message.

Taking the communication device from her pocket, Merry turned off the ringtone and glanced: “Oh, this is from Chaldea. Emergency contact from Romani. Let me see... Eh?”

After seeing the content of that emergency contact, Merry was silent for a moment and blinked, raising her head to look at the others, but found that the others showed the same reaction.

“You all received it too?”

“Yes, sent by Roman.”

“So... this is real?”

“In that case, we...”

After a brief silence, everyone’s gazes immediately focused on Angelica!

“Angelica! Immediately take us all to Chaldea! Whether it’s Vimana or Magecraft Displacement! Anyway, quickly take us all there!”

“Understood.”

On everyone’s communication devices, the emergency contact sent by Roman contained only one sentence.

【Naoki has returned!】

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The future.

Year 2052.

*WHOOSH!*

Accompanied by a flash of light, in a room resembling a company laboratory, Yue’s figure appeared inside a machine in the center of the room.

Along with her, various gifts given by Ritsuka and the others appeared simultaneously.

“Seems like a smooth return?”

Right at that moment, a familiar voice sounded from the side. Yue looked toward the source of the voice: “Huh? Big Sis Mina? Why are you the one waiting for me? Where’s Auntie Ritsuka?”

Standing not far away was a woman with black hair, elegant facial features, and beautiful hairstyle. Her age appeared two or three years older than Yue, and she wore a white lab coat over a certain department uniform.

Mina—Ryougi Mina.

The eldest sister of the Natsukawa Family children, twenty-three years old this year, daughter of Naoki and Shiki.

“Mama Ritsuka left in the morning, said the President of the Atlas Institute is making destructive weapons again, so she hurried off to stop him.”

“Ah~~~ Auntie Sion really never gets tired of that.”

“More than that, what’s in your hands?”

“Gifts from the Aunties in the past. After this, I plan to give them one by one to the Aunties.” Yue said while neatly arranging the gifts on the side table, “In that case, where’s my work?”

“I’ve already made a list. Here. Prepare to sleep only ten hours a week.”

“Why does it have to be like this!”

Yue’s face immediately wilted. As soon as she returned, her work was already this much. The good mood from returning to the past was completely shattered with just one sentence from Mina!

Stuffing the list in her hand into Yue’s hand, Mina smiled like a demon: “Cheer up, Little Sis—After work, remember to tell me what the past world was like. I’m going for afternoon tea first.”

“Ngggh~~~~ Damn it!!!”

Screaming in despair, Yue grabbed her uniform jacket placed beside her and put it on, jumping strongly until she crashed through the ceiling, flying straight through the hole!

At that moment, what appeared in her view was an endless expanse of towering buildings—the place where she had spent twenty years of her life.

A super-large artificial island consisting of four zones: east, west, south, and north. A maritime city as vast as two-thirds of Japan. The core of the current magical world, an Empire granted independent autonomy.

Flying in the air while looking down at the island, Yue pursed her lips, then shouted while laughing.

“I’m back!”

“Our Chaldea Empire...”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

【Personality data reading begins】

【Subject: Personality from Fourteen Thousand Years Ago】

【Beginning to overwrite existing personality, converting existing personality to retained data, and storing it in the personality management area】

【Overwrite complete】

【Welcome back, Natsukawa Naoki】

*WHOOSH!*

In the Chaldea control room.

From the cross-shaped dimensional rift that suddenly appeared, Naoki slowly emerged from it.

Seeing one by one the people he knew standing in the control room, after taking a soft breath, he showed an expression already familiar to them all.

“Long time no see, everyone.”

“I’m back.”