556 Past and Present

"You're too slow. Why would Ling and Ying arrive before you?"

Nostradamus's discontented voice echoed across the chief's office in the Imperial Royal Mage Guild.

"Just soothing a fearful child. Never thought that I would have some unexpected rewards."

Joshua took no mind towards the old mage's interrogation as he stepped out of the portal. Leaving aside the fact that he was less than a minute late and that there was a long time before the actual time of appointment, his arrival still should count as early. Furthermore, they do not even have to be mindful towards spatial distance with Nostradamus around, and could head for the vicinity of the Void anomaly anytime.

As for Zero-Three's behavior just a moment ago, the warrior thought nothing of it apart from being awestruck over how much her emotional plugin had evolved. One way or the other—it was still too early.