-799- A rare and distinctive scene?

Yes.

It has been a whole half year since Rozen left Chaldea.

This period of time, whether long or short, is precious and crucial for Chaldea. After all, if all seven singularities aren't repaired before the arrival of 2020, humanity will face destruction, and human history will be completely incinerated. The fate and trajectory of the planet will be altered – an unbearable fate for anyone.

Now, after half a year, there's less than a year left until 2020 arrives. However, Chaldea has only managed to repair one out of the seven singularities. The urgency and anxiety surrounding this situation are palpable.

Despite the pressure, Chaldea hasn't wasted a single moment.

"Thanks to the efforts of all technical personnel, the observation of the second, third, fourth, and fifth singularities has been completed. Spirit particle transference can be conducted at any time. Reconnaissance and calculation for the singularities have also progressed well. Everything is ready; we just need the right opportunity," Roman says earnestly.

"During this half-year, Mash's efforts have resulted in a remarkable improvement in her strength. Once she enters a singularity, she can undoubtedly demonstrate more reliable abilities than before," Olga Marie acknowledges.

The only issue is:

"The Master capable of saving humanity hasn't returned yet."

This statement comes from a Servant slowly approaching them.

Chaldea's current sole officially summoned Servant, the chief technician who replaced Lev and transformed into the appearance of Mona Lisa – Da Vinci.

"Although the protagonist always appears in the end, considering this, our only Master is quite the protagonist. But if possible, I hope he can handle all the surges like a real protagonist," the Servant, whose gender is difficult to discern, remarks with an unconcerned tone, making others feel somewhat helpless.

However, when it comes to Rozen, everyone present has their own reactions.

"I really don't know where that kid disappeared to. It's been half a year since he left."

Roman expresses a mix of resentment and helplessness as he speaks.

"I shouldn't have agreed to let him leave in the first place. I should have realized earlier. That guy has no sense of proportion. Doesn't he know that time is what we need the most now? We can't afford his casual waste," Olga Marie says, her tone filled with teeth-gritting frustration.

"Personally, I'm quite curious about where he went. He hasn't undergone Spirit Particle transference, and the area outside Chaldea has become a dead zone. Logically, he shouldn't just disappear. But in this half year, I've tried all sorts of methods, and I can't find him. It's as if this person doesn't exist, which is really intriguing," Da Vinci enthusiastically expresses, living up to the reputation of being the legendary genius.

The people present show varying degrees of anxiety about Rozen's whereabouts, but there's more concern.

"There's less than a year left."

"Only one singularity has been repaired so far."

"The situation is beyond precarious."

Roman, Olga Marie, and Da Vinci express their concerns in turn.

In this situation, it's truly inevitable to feel urgency and worry.

Except for one person.

"Please, everyone, rest assured."

Mash's face shows no sign of anxiety or worry, only pure trust. She speaks out without hesitation.

"Senpai will definitely return in time. I'm sure of it."

Her words are not hesitating, not confused, not comforting herself, nor deceiving others. They reflect her genuine thoughts and feelings.

"Do you feel the same, Fou?"

Mash asks another friend present.

"Fou!?"

Surprisingly, the first one to react to this name is Olga Marie. Hearing it, her eyes widen as if she heard the name of a demon, and her face is filled with horror.

Almost simultaneously,

"Fou!"

A delighted voice rings out, and a small white creature leaps from behind Mash, rushing towards Olga Marie.

In this leap, the owl perched on Mash's shoulder is immediately knocked away and pinned to the ground.

"Fou! Fouuu!"

Fou happily steps on the owl beneath, bouncing back and forth, as if treading on a comfortable cushion of flesh.

This scene makes the owl emit a series of miserable screams.

"Stop! Stop it! Stop, you damn demon! Stop, Aaaaah!"

Olga Marie has completely lost her dignity. Like a child being bullied, she struggles and flails, emitting continuous cries.

Unfortunately, no matter how Olga Marie struggles, she can't escape Fou's magical grasp. She's was played with recklessly by Fou, and all that remains is a chorus of cries.

Watching this scene, everyone stands by without intervening, looking rather accustomed to such situations.

"The Director and Fou still have such a good relationship; it's truly admirable," Mash innocently remarks, leaving Roman and Da Vinci with wry smiles.

In the past, Fou was an incredibly mysterious presence, only appearing in front of Rozen and Mash. Others couldn't see it, only acknowledging its existence.

However, since the appearance of Human Order Incineration and Olga Marie becoming a Evil Spirit for various reasons, Fou has frequently shown itself to everyone. Moreover, where Olga Marie is present, Fou can usually be seen, often playing with her.

Oddly enough, despite Olga Marie gradually gaining control over her powers, her magic circuits haven't adapted to her current body, preventing her from using magecraft. In other words, Olga Marie is now a prestigious and dignified pet, only subjected to being bullied by Fou.

"This is quite a rare and distinctive scene in Chaldea," Da Vinci comments nonchalantly.

"Although I feel a bit sorry for the Director," Roman chuckles.

"It's about time to let go of the Director, Fou," Mash generously prepares to step forward to intervene.

Just then,

"Fou!"

Fou suddenly stops its actions, ears twitching slightly. Then, as if the scene before its eyes brightened, it emits even more joyful cries, ignoring Olga Marie and pouncing towards the entrance.

There, the automatic door of the control room has just opened, welcoming a person.

"Fou!"

Fou leaps without hesitation towards the newcomer.

"Haha!"

The next second, in a laughter that leaves everyone wide-eyed and astonished, the newcomer extends their hand and catches Fou rushing towards them.

"Long time no see, little guy. You're still full of spirit."

The joyous words resonate from the young man's mouth, reaching everyone's ears.

Seeing Fou in the arms of the newcomer, everyone present reveals expressions of pleasant surprise, especially Mash.

"Senpai?"

Mash murmurs in disbelief.

The newcomer is none other than Rozen.