To Become a King and a Magician 766-770

Title: The End of the Real World, the Beginning of Another World

Reality.

The center of the Grand Temple of Time.

When Naoki opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Aoko’s face.

“Good morning. Sleep well?”

“I wasn’t asleep—just went somewhere a bit far.”

Naoki sat up from Aoko’s lap and rubbed his head. At that moment, he felt something new added within him. Instinctively, he had the urge to summon it.

Then—

*BUZZ!*

Particles of light gathered in front of Naoki, forming a human figure.

“Solomon? No, not him. You… Goetia?”

“Correct.”

Appearing before Naoki was a man whose face was identical to Solomon’s, but with paler skin and golden hair.

He was the Human Order Correction Ritual—Goetia, whose soul had been fully eroded and modified by the Soul Eater Mystic Eyes, now fully belonging to Naoki.

“What is your command, my King?”

Just like King Hassan before, Goetia—whose soul had been eroded—had become a puppet that only obeyed Naoki’s orders. The same applied to the Seventy-Two Demon Gods.

Looking up at the sky, Naoki saw no ribbon of light: “Has it all been dismantled?”

“Yes, but I didn’t do it. Goetia himself unraveled it.” Aoko explained. “If I had done it, full dismantling would’ve taken months. It’s far more efficient if Goetia handles it himself.”

“I see… By the way, what about Fujimaru and the others?”

“They’ve all returned.”

Since Goetia was now under Naoki’s control, the Seventy-Two Demon Gods’ assault on Chaldea had ceased. Chaldea’s main body could land at the Grand Temple of Time to pick up Ritsuka and the rest.

However, the central area where Aoko and Naoki were was unreachable. Due to Excalibur’s shockwave, all paths to the center had been destroyed. The two had to return on their own.

After a moment’s thought, Naoki said: “Goetia, take Aoko back to Chaldea first. Then summon the Seventy-Two Demon Gods inside Chaldea and have them serve as guardians.”

“Eh?”

“Order acknowledged.”

Aoko had just been startled by this when Goetia immediately complied. A portal directly connecting to Chaldea’s interior opened beside Aoko.

Seeing Naoki standing with his back to her, Aoko frowned: “Naoki… you’re not planning to come back?”

Naoki nodded: “Yeah. Looks like there’s something else I need to take care of. While I was ‘asleep,’ just like twenty years ago, I went near the Root again. I met Shiki there. She said that after the Human Order Incineration ends, this world is safe—but I still have business to settle.”

“Something the Wielder of the Holy Sword of the Stars must resolve.”

“Another world-saving mission?” Aoko sighed slightly. “Need my help? Or should we return to Chaldea first and discuss it with the others?”

“No, no need. It’s not a big deal. I can handle it alone. Besides, I can feel it—it’s almost here.”

*BUZZ!*

Just as Naoki finished speaking, a black curtain of light resembling a mirror suddenly appeared behind him. A powerful pull immediately seized Naoki, sucking his entire body into it.

“Naoki!”

“It’s fine, Aoko. I’ll be back soon.” Naoki said with a laugh. “When I return, tell the others not to worry. Like before, I’ll come back to Chaldea once I’ve settled things. Also, apologize to Roman for me for taking his things. I’ll find a way to return them once I’m back.”

“That’s all.”

With that, Naoki plunged into the black curtain of light without looking back.

Watching this, Aoko stomped her foot and let out a helpless sigh: “Seriously… One battle just ends, and he’s already off to handle something else. Is he so busy he can’t spare even a moment of free time?”

“Fifth Magician.”

Goetia spoke: “The Grand Temple of Time is collapsing. Please follow me to Chaldea.”

“I know.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

At the same moment, as Naoki passed through the black curtain of light—

*BLUP!*

He felt as if he had fallen into an ocean.

Around him was a strange, empty space—yet at the same time, it felt filled with countless things.

(This is… the gap between worlds?)

This was Naoki’s first time in such a space, and for some reason, he instinctively understood its essence.

*WHOOSH!*

A light silently appeared at the edge of his vision.

Naoki unconsciously looked toward it. Then, between him and the light, a faint path appeared beneath his feet.

Was he meant to go toward that light?

{Come to us—we’re all waiting for you}
{Please come and save us—please come and protect us}
{Our hope—the hope of the world}

Faint voices echoed in Naoki’s mind, also coming from the direction of the light.

There was an entity there asking for his help—asking for the help of the Wielder of the Holy Sword of the Stars.

As if guided by something mysterious, Naoki moved forward toward the shining light—or rather, swam toward it.

But just as he began to move…

“Uwaaah! Watch out, collision!”

A woman’s voice suddenly came from the side.

Looking toward the sound, what entered Naoki’s eyes was a white-haired girl in Japanese clothing. Two swords hung at her waist. As if falling from somewhere, she crashed straight toward him!

No—correction.

Because she had suddenly appeared beside Naoki, by the time he saw her, they were already extremely close—close enough to kiss.

*BAM!*

In a powerful collision, Naoki was knocked off the path of light along with the white-haired swordswoman who had appeared out of nowhere. They immediately broke free from the world gap, as if piercing through some kind of barrier!

The light conveying the plea for help quickly receded. The sensation of being in an ocean vanished like a retreating tide.

In its place was the feel of grass against his back and a clear blue sky.

“What is this?”

Even Naoki was slightly confused now.

Which world had he entered?!

-

Title: Half a Year

Mifune City, Japan.

Fujimaru Residence.

As humanity’s last Master, Ritsuka was now enjoying a vacation she had never experienced before.

Six months had passed since the world-shattering Human Order Incineration Incident ended, and her journey to save the world alongside her comrades had concluded.

In those six months, many things happened at Chaldea.

First came the affairs of the mystic world, which were somewhat foreign to Ritsuka. After the Human Order Incineration ended, the Clock Tower—one of the organizations managing Magus society—immediately sent people to investigate.

The United Nations did the same.

The investigations didn’t go smoothly. Chaldea’s Rayshift technology was deemed a potential threat to past human history. On top of that, the fact that Mash was a Demi-Servant was exposed, along with much of Chaldea’s technology. In the end, the UN banned Chaldea from conducting any further Rayshift-related experiments. Meanwhile, the Clock Tower demanded Chaldea surrender all experimental results up to that point.

Regarding the UN’s demand, everyone in Chaldea agreed. After all, according to the message Aoko brought back, there would be no more major crises in the future—so Rayshift technology was naturally no longer needed.

But for the second demand, issued by the Clock Tower’s Department of Policies, every member of Chaldea unanimously voted to refuse.

According to many in Chaldea familiar with the mystic world, this was standard practice for the Department of Policies—and the Clock Tower in general. They never showed up during a crisis, but once it was over, they’d leap out arrogantly, demanding to seize all Magecraft achievements.

Naturally, Director Olga Marie, along with Riddell, filed a protest. It was then that Ritsuka learned Riddell, like Director Marie, was one of the Lords with the highest status in the Clock Tower.

The simultaneous opposition from two Lords caused quite a stir within the Clock Tower. To resolve the issue, Marie and Riddell returned to the Clock Tower to attend a meeting called the Grand Resolution.

It was a gathering to review Clock Tower operations, transcending disciplinary and factional boundaries—the highest decision-making body in the Clock Tower.

What actually happened during the meeting, Ritsuka didn’t know—she was still in Chaldea at the time. She only knew that shortly after Marie and Riddell left, Aoko and Touko found excuses to head to the Clock Tower as well, bringing Gray, Artoria, and Souji with them.

The Grand Resolution lasted about a week. Marie returned to Chaldea ten days after departing, announcing that everything had been resolved. The Clock Tower’s sanctions on Chaldea would be lifted, and the Department of Policies would no longer excessively interfere in in Chaldea’s affairs.

As a side note, Ritsuka later learned from the internet that an old clock tower in London had collapsed, supposedly due to age and decay. But since the news was quickly deleted, she wasn’t sure if it was true.

In short, in the six months following the end of the Human Order Incineration, after a series of secretive events not fully known to Ritsuka, both Chaldea and the world returned to a state of peace.

The only significant change was in Chaldea’s personnel.

Hinako, a Master like Ritsuka, left Chaldea with Xiang Yu. After all, her reason for joining Chaldea was to reunite with Xiang Yu. With her goal achieved and her contract with Naoki fulfilled, she naturally had no reason to stay.

Thus, during the Grand Resolution, Hinako and Xiang Yu left without telling anyone, leaving only a letter in her private room.

Then, many women connected to Naoki who had been staying in Chaldea mostly returned to London, England. Rumor had it they settled in an apartment. Others had their own destinations—Ritsuka wasn’t entirely sure, but she knew it wasn’t something she needed to worry about.

Everyone had their own path.

Additionally, many staff members left Chaldea. They couldn’t leave before due to the Human Order Incineration, but now that the world was normal again, they naturally departed. After all, the Incineration wasn’t a pleasant memory. They surely wanted to distance themselves from Chaldea, which reminded them of that time.

Marie understood and approved most resignation requests, beginning to recruit new staff.

However, some resignation requests were denied—for example, Chief Medical Officer Romani Archaman.

“While Naoki and the others are away, you’re the only one who can command the Demon God Pillars and the Human Order Correction Ritual! You’re staying!”

Marie rejected Roman’s resignation with that reasoning.

It was understandable.

Per Naoki’s final order, the Seventy-Two Demon Gods now surrounded Chaldea in Antarctica like guardians—while also deterring external threats.

After the Grand Resolution, some Lords and Magus still dissatisfied secretly sent infiltrators to Chaldea. But the moment they set foot in Antarctica, the Demon God Pillars sensed their malice and threw them all into the sea to fend for themselves.

Meanwhile, Goetia acted as the unifier of the Demon Gods, moving within Chaldea following his former master.

The King had not appointed a successor before leaving—so in terms of hierarchy, Roman was next in line.

Those were Goetia’s exact words. He returned all Ten Rings to Roman—which directly led to Roman’s identity as Solomon being fully exposed, causing quite a commotion in Chaldea.

Thus, Roman remained in Chaldea as Chief Medical Officer. Together with Queen Sheba, he carried Naoki’s spirit and will, spending his days in Chaldea spreading affection.

All of this Ritsuka learned through online emails.

After the Grand Resolution ended, Ritsuka was informed she was permitted to leave Chaldea—officially on Indefinite Paid Leave, until Chaldea called her back.

Thus, after saying goodbye to many friends she had made, Ritsuka returned to Mifune City with Mash. Through arrangements by the Ryougi Family, Ritsuka re-enrolled as a high school student, and Mash transferred in as a new student to the same school. Both attended classes taught by Atalanta, enjoying the long-lost daily life of youth.

Until now.

And at this moment, Ritsuka was sitting at her desk, typing on her computer to spend her weekend vacation.

“Senpai!”

Just then, accompanied by the sound of her bedroom door being pushed open, Mash rushed in.

“Eh? What’s wrong, Mash? Is it urgent?”

“Yes—Chaldea… The Director and Doctor just contacted me. They said we need to return to Chaldea immediately.” Mash said, “To recapture a certain irresponsible man who hasn’t come home in half a year—that’s what they said.”

-

Title: Naoki Capture Task Force

Organization for the Preservation of Human Order, Finis Chaldea.

An observatory at the planet’s pole, gazing at the starry sky.

Half a year ago, this rescue organization successfully saved the entire world from the brink of destruction—though its deeds remained unknown to the public.

Now, Chaldea should no longer need to carry out rescue missions after receiving a guarantee from Root Shiki. Yet, it was once again summoning comrades scattered across the world.

Boarding a plane and passing through the defensive barrier anchored by the Seventy-Two Demon Gods, after six months, Ritsuka and Mash returned to a place deeply significant to them both.

Compared to half a year ago, Chaldea hadn’t changed much. Though it had been quiet after many staff resigned, Marie had since used her connections as a Lord of the Department of Astromancy and UN resources to recruit new staff from around the world.

Currently, Chaldea’s total staff numbered two hundred. One hundred were permanent staff inside the facility, while the other hundred worked in the field—Chaldea’s public face—carrying out the duties advertised during recruitment.

“It really feels nostalgic.” Ritsuka said, observing her surroundings as they walked toward the meeting room.

“It’s only been half a year since I left, but it feels like forever. At the same time, it also feels like the Human Order Incineration just ended yesterday.”

“Because everything that happened last year was truly unforgettable, Senpai.” Mash laughed.

For both of them, everything they experienced the previous year was a memory they’d never forget for the rest of their lives. Even decades later, it would feel like it happened just yesterday.

“You’re right… Ah, we’re here.”

Passing through the familiar corridor and opening the meeting room door with her ID card, the first thing Ritsuka and Mash saw upon entering were several people seated on the sofas.

“Oh, they’re here, they’re here. Long time no see, you two.”

Roman, looking neater and more handsome, smiled and waved at them.

“Doctor Roman, long time no see!” Ritsuka immediately smiled back. “Same to you, Sister Sheba and Goetia.”

Beside Roman, Queen Sheba, dressed in normal attire, gave a faint smile and nodded. Goetia, as usual, said not a word, standing coldly behind Roman like a cool, aloof iceberg of a man.

Anyone unaware might think Roman was a big-shot CEO heading to a meeting with his wife and bodyguard.

Which, in truth, wasn’t far off.

“Just greeting Roman? Are you two playing favorites?”

Da Vinci raised an eyebrow in mock displeasure: “The rest of us are here too, you know.”

“Of course I saw you—long time no see, Da Vinci-chan, and also—”

Ritsuka and Mash turned to the others: “Director Olga, Merry-sensei, Sister Gray, Sister Rei, Sister Ayaka—long time no see to you all too.”

Several residents of Camelot Apartment in faraway London, along with Chaldea’s Director, had now gathered in Chaldea’s meeting room.

“Not that long.” Merry laughed. “For us, half a year is just a blink. But you two have grown a lot—especially…”

From her angle, everyone could clearly see Merry’s gaze fixed about thirty centimeters below Ritsuka and Mash’s eyes, continuously scanning the most developed parts of the two girls.

“Merry, mind your eyes.”

“Hehe~~”

Ignoring Rei’s cold glare while laughing, Merry clapped her hands: “Alright, everyone’s here. Time to get to the main point.”

“Eh? That’s everyone? Just us?”

Ritsuka was slightly surprised: “I thought everyone from London would come.”

Gray shook her head and explained: “We did send invitations to everyone, but right now, they all have their own matters to attend to.”

“Sister Aoko went to some parallel world and is unreachable. Sister Touko is busy developing alchemical parts that can change her appearance anytime, anywhere—she hasn’t left her workshop in a month. Sister Riddell is in a bit of trouble at the Clock Tower because of her statements during the Grand Resolution. Right now, Sister Souji, Sister Lia, and Mordred are protecting her…”

Arcueid went back to sleep in the Millennium Castle as soon as Naoki left. Ciel and Angelica stayed in London to guard the house. Atalanta was busy preparing exam questions for the upcoming tests.

—Basically, everyone had their own business.

Hearing Gray’s explanation, Ritsuka and Mash understood: “So… no one’s that eager to pick up the Department Head. They’re all planning to marry him, aren’t they?”

Merry: “Exactly. It’s just… overall, it’s a matter of trust, I suppose. Those who didn’t come believe Naoki will definitely return, so they don’t feel the need to look for him.”

“Then why are we looking for the Department Head?”

“Because if we don’t find him soon, Big Brother will definitely bring back a whole group of new women.” Gray said helplessly. “Big Brother is extremely popular with women. Basically, every time he goes out, he brings home some unknown woman. Before, he said he’d be back soon, so we didn’t worry much—but it’s been half a year…”

In six months, they absolutely didn’t believe Naoki wouldn’t bring home a new wife from outside!

So, they needed to capture that Auto-Running Beautiful Girl Trap before their number of sisters increased further.

(This is… a completely different reason than I expected!)

Ritsuka had thought something serious might happen if Naoki didn’t return. It was just a family matter?

“Then… why call Mash and me too?”

“Because there might be places where we’ll need your power.” Marie explained, then turned to Roman. “You explain, Roman.”

“Alright.”

Roman replied: “In fact, over the past six months, we’ve already figured out roughly where Natsukawa went. Thanks to Goetia’s help, tracking was very easy.”

“Natsukawa is currently in a Lostbelt.”

Lostbelt.

A term Ritsuka had never heard before.

Noticing Ritsuka’s confusion, Roman continued: “Just as life involves competition, history also has winners and losers. The world we currently live in is the victorious history—based on correct choices and proper prosperity. The mystic world calls it Proper Human History.”

“Meanwhile, the defeated histories—based on wrong choices and improper prosperity—interrupted as unnecessary and even abandoned by parallel world theory—are Dead-End Human Histories,…called Lostbelts.”

“Think of it like a growing tree. They are branches that grew but are no longer needed.”

“And because they’re no longer needed, Lostbelts are pruned once designated as such. Considered historical remnants, they’re discarded into a corner.”

In short—thrown into the trash.

“Natsukawa is there.”

“In one of the countless pruned Lostbelts.”

After Roman said this, Ritsuka and Mash understood: “So… we have to Rayshift again? But didn’t the UN ban Rayshift—”

“Ah, the ban’s been lifted.”

Merry smiled, pulling a document from her chest: “I had a nice talk with the UN people. They’re all very understanding—it didn’t take much effort to get them to agree.”

“……”

“……”

“……”

(This demoness definitely used Illusion Magecraft to get that approval letter!)

-

Title: Naoki-kun and Musashi-chan Walking Together

While Chaldea was preparing to capture the Naoki who hadn’t come home.

In a distant Lostbelt.

“One more bowl, please! Naoki!”

The beautiful white-haired swordswoman, two swords at her waist, held out her bowl, asking Naoki for another serving of rice.

Taking the bowl with a resigned look, Naoki refilled it and said, “Can’t you eat a little less? You think rice grows on trees, Musashi?”

“Hehehe~~ Who told you to cook so well! I could eat a dozen bowls in one go!”

The girl named Musashi laughed innocently.

Musashi—full name Musashi no Kami Fujiwara no Harunobu, commonly known as Miyamoto Musashi.

She was the swordswoman who had suddenly crashed into Naoki, knocking him into this world when he first entered the inter-world gap.

For Naoki, meeting her was completely unexpected. This Musashi was a true Wanderer and Drifter.

Though Musashi herself never mentioned it, Naoki remembered. The swordswoman before him came from a pruned and destroyed Lostbelt. Thanks to her unique Heaven Eye Mystic Eyes, she could wander between different worlds.

The only issue was that this wandering was uncontrollable. Musashi herself didn’t know when it would happen or where she’d end up. Fortunately, she had a carefree spirit and didn’t mind going anywhere. So far, she hadn’t faced any serious trouble.

Their first meeting occurred when Musashi was wandering again and collided with Naoki, whose path intersected with hers while traveling to another world.

As a result, both arrived in this world—the destination of Musashi’s wandering.

After arriving, since both were from other worlds, Naoki and Musashi talked and got to know each other. With the goal of helping one another, they began traveling together in this world.

It had been one month since then.

And during their travels, they had more or less figured out what kind of world this was.

This was Japan—ancient Japan, in the 16th year of Kan’ei, 1639 CE. The simple wooden hut they were staying in now was a corner of the capital, Shimousa Province, which they had reached just two days ago.

The Stage of Carnage: Shimousa.

Upon learning this was Shimousa Province, Naoki immediately knew where he had arrived. Originally, this place was supposed to appear as a Sub-Lostbelt with Sub-Singularity properties—one of the remnants of the Human Order Incineration. But since Naoki’s Proper Human History faced no further crises after the Incineration, the events that should have followed did not occur.

(In the end, I still came here. Is this what they call fate?)

Watching Musashi eat heartily across from him, Naoki couldn’t help but smile. Meeting her had genuinely made him happy. Just seeing her eat so joyfully made the food feel worth it.

Noticing Naoki suddenly showing a soft, “ideal man” smile, Musashi unconsciously shrank her neck: “Hmm—Naoki, why are you suddenly smiling like that? It’s giving me chills. Feels like you’re about to eat me.”

“I’m not a man-eating beast. I’m just admiring the sight of a beautiful girl eating.”

“Eh? You mean me?” Musashi scratched the back of her head shyly. “Aww~~~ I’m embarrassed being praised out of nowhere. Beautiful girl… Hehehe.”

“Don’t grin like an idiot. Look, your nose is about to fly to the sky.”

Naoki irritably tapped the pot in the center: “More importantly, did you finish what I asked you to do?”

“Yes, yes, you mean gathering information, right? Of course I did it perfectly!”

Gathering information.

Though Naoki had some understanding of this Lostbelt’s situation, it was from memories over twenty years old. He couldn’t recall everything—only the general outline.

So, to move more easily later, Naoki had Musashi go out to investigate while he earned money for their living expenses in this world.

Musashi’s appetite was no joke. It took a lot of money to keep her full.

Originally, they took turns cooking, but after Musashi tasted Naoki’s cooking for the first time, she blatantly—and one might say shamelessly—handed the cooking duties entirely to him.

After finishing her eighth bowl, Musashi let out a loud burp and rubbed her slightly bloated belly: “BUUURP~~~~ I’m full. Today’s lunch was luxurious too, Naoki. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Glad you’re satisfied.”

Naoki cleared the dishes: “Now that you’re full, tell me what you found today.”

“Hmm… Let’s start with the Heroic Spirit Swordsman you asked me to look into.” Musashi organized her thoughts. “Honestly, there’s no news about any Heroic Spirit Swordsman right now.”

Heroic Spirit Swordsman.

Originally, they were monsters created by Ashiya Douman using Servant corpses. In Shimousa Province, Musashi was supposed to fight seven Heroic Spirit Swordsmen alongside Fujimaru Ritsuka.

But—

“Nothing at all?”

“Yep, nothing. But there are reports of population disappearances or sudden large fires.”

No news of Heroic Spirit Swordsmen, but incidents that might be caused by them.

(Are they just starting to appear?)

Naoki frowned: “What about the City Ruler matter?”

“Ah~~~ That one was completely uninvestigable. I couldn’t even get close. There’s a super strong old man guarding it. Just approaching made my body tremble.” Musashi gave a bitter smile. “So? Is this info useful?”

“It’s somewhat useful.”

“Great!” Musashi grinned, clenching her fist. “This proves I’m not just a glutton who only knows how to eat!”

“Yeah, now you’re a slightly useful glutton who only knows how to eat.”

Someone who can eat eight bowls of rice in one sitting—if not a glutton, then what?

Ignoring Musashi’s annoyed glare, Naoki put away the dishes: “Get ready. We’re going out for a bit.”

“Eh? Where to?”

“To the place where you investigated the fire—think of it as a post-meal walk. We’ll check it out.”

-

Title: Musashi-chan, Culinary Captive

In Japan, the term “kuni” (province or country) is actually a rather underwhelming designation.

After all, Japan as a whole is only so big. Before full unification, this small region was always divided into numerous tiny areas called “kuni”—for example, Shimousa Province, which spanned northern Chiba Prefecture, southwestern Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Saitama Prefecture, and eastern Tokyo in the future.

Clearly, it wasn’t large.

And now, Naoki and Musashi had left the capital of Shimousa Province and arrived at a grassland outside the city. Aside from the capital, most of Shimousa Province consisted of fields, forests, and scattered large and small villages. This was actually true worldwide.

“Hey, Naoki, do we really have to go out when it’s already this dark?” Musashi asked, walking behind Naoki.

“It’s not safe to go out at night.”

“Why? Scared of running into something weird in the dark?” Naoki turned and laughed. “The famous swordmaster Miyamoto Musashi is afraid of something? Bugs? Or ghosts?”

It was night, not day. Ghosts and spirits that wouldn’t appear under sunlight would emerge at night with strong yin energy. It wasn’t impossible to encounter ghosts at this hour.

Laughing awkwardly, Musashi gave a bitter smile: “Well… sort of. It’s not that I’m really scared—it’s just that ghosts are a pain because you can’t cut them with a sword.”

“As long as it’s something that can be killed with a blade, I’m not too afraid. But the opposite—things that can’t be cut…”

Ghosts were formless existences. Even if sliced with a sword, they’d just reform and regenerate. Though Musashi had activated her Heaven Eye and her combat skills rivaled a Servant’s, she still struggled with this.

Despite wandering through so many worlds, it was surprising she hadn’t figured out a way to kill ghosts.

“It’s just that your swords aren’t good enough.” Naoki said. “I’m not a blacksmith or a master swordsman. I won’t comment on the craftsmanship of your blades—but from a Magecraft… uh, or Jutsu perspective, those swords are scrap metal.”

The two swords Musashi had been using were at least up to standard in terms of forging. Killing humans or cutting physical objects was easy.

But that was something any sword could do. They were just very ordinary blades, with no Mystery whatsoever.

“If you want to kill ghosts, I’ll reinforce your swords later and add some Magecraft that can harm spiritual entities.”

“Eh? Magecraft? So Naoki, you’re a Magus?”

Musashi was slightly surprised.

They’d been traveling together for over a month. During that time, no battles had occurred. Even if there were, both could resolve them quickly. Naoki hadn’t needed to use supernatural power at all. Thus, Musashi had no idea about his various abilities.

“Hiding it from me this whole time is really unfair.”

“I didn’t mean to hide it. It just didn’t come up. If there’s a situation later where I need Magecraft, I’ll use it.”

Musashi grinned: “Hmm~~~ By the way, what kind of Jutsu do you know, Naoki? Shikigami? Or chanting Kyūkyū Nyoritsuryō with talismans to summon water and fire?”

“Have you met an Onmyōji before?”

“Uh, I’m not sure if it was an Onmyōji—I just met someone who did stuff like that.”

“I can do everything you mentioned, though the method’s different.” Naoki said, using Summoning Magecraft to ignite a flame in his hand. “Fairies… and for now, Star Spirits too, I guess? These are Shikigami I can command. And besides summoning water and fire, I can conjure all sorts of things from thin air, fly through the sky, and teleport instantly from one place to another.”

As he spoke, Naoki was already floating three or four meters in the air. In Musashi’s eyes, he vanished from the air—then reappeared behind her, blowing on her neck.

“KYAA~~~~~”

Musashi quickly covered her neck, face red, and jumped several steps forward: “Ugh… You really startled me, Naoki! You know so many Jutsu—by the way, if you can fly, can’t you just carry me and fly us straight to our destination?”

“If it was just me, of course I’d fly there. I’d even hide myself so no one sees. But the problem is you.” Naoki pointed at Musashi’s stomach. “You eat so much and still refuse to move. Do you want to turn into a pig?”

“GUK—”

That one sentence shut down all of Musashi’s thoughts.

True, Musashi wasn’t a Servant—she was a living human, and a girl who cared deeply about her figure. If she got fat…

“T-that can’t be helped! Who told you to cook so well! Isn’t it a waste not to finish it?”

“That’s your excuse for eating most of the food and leaving me barely any?” Naoki raised his fist and bonked Musashi’s head hard. “From now on, you’re limited to two bowls of rice per meal.”

“O-okay…”

Fearing Naoki’s fist, Musashi could only relent and nod for now. But she wasn’t actually worried about being restricted to two bowls in the future. In one month, she’d more or less figured Naoki out—he couldn’t say no to women’s requests. As long as she begged nicely, he’d definitely give in!

(Just act cute later, and I can keep eating happily! Musashi is a genius! Hehehe~~~ Naoki’s cooking, Naoki’s cooking…)

Musashi truly looked like her stomach had been captured by Naoki—becoming a prisoner of someone’s culinary skill.

And as she thought this—

A slightly cold wind suddenly blew from ahead, carrying the scent of burnt things.

The laughter on both Naoki and Musashi’s faces vanished instantly. After exchanging a glance, they quickened their pace and followed the smell to its source.

“This…!”

Seeing the scene before her, Musashi froze in place.

What lay ahead was a completely burned grassland. Though not clearly visible in the dark of night, with faint moonlight, they could still make it out.

The area before them—this should have been a village, now completely incinerated.