-20- It allowed me to meet you

"Bang!"

As if symbolizing his current state of mind, the red-black magical bullet hit the target with more force than ever before, sending it flying and shattering against the wall.

"Huh..."

Exhaling a breath, Rozen seemed as though he didn't want to continue shooting. He withdrew the magical energy at his fingertips.

However, Rozen still didn't turn around, but looked at Mash.

The reason was simple.

If Mash saw his current expression, Rozen doubted he could hide his true feelings.

".....Truthfully, I don't know."

This is Rozen's most genuine thought right now.

Speaking of which, Rozen recalled Romani's words.

"Chaldea is no longer as cruel as you imagine it to be, so at least here, I hope you can let go of your guard."

Romani genuinely wished for that, right?

But Rozen still couldn't fully trust Chaldea.

It wasn't just because of his aversion to the existence of "Magicians," but also because of his past.

Given these reasons, Rozen really didn't want to cooperate with Chaldea's actions.

But...

"If the operation fails, there will be no future for humanity."

Mash, holding Fou, watched Rozen's back and spoke softly.

"Do you think it's okay, Senpai?"

This question was the crux of Rozen's confusion.

Is it okay?

How could it be okay?

Putting aside the grand goal of saving humanity, even just for Mash and Romani, Rozen couldn't bear to watch them die.

And not to mention, Rozen himself didn't want to die.

Not out of fear.

Fourteen years ago, Rozen had already come to terms with death and had long since abandoned any fear associated with it.

However, Rozen didn't want this life, born from a miracle, to wither away so easily.

And if the Space Singularity F wasn't repaired, not only Mash and Raff, but Rozen himself would also be unable to escape that fate.

On one hand, there was his inner resistance, and Rozen didn't want to cooperate with Chaldea's actions.

On the other hand, for Mash, Romani, and himself, Rozen couldn't just stand idly by and let the foundation of human history fail.

With conflicting emotions, Rozen didn't know what decision to make.

What should he do?

At this point, Rozen couldn't help feeling distressed.

In the end, he stopped pondering his own question and turned to ask Mash.

"Then, what about you, Mash?" Rozen asked, reversing the conversation. "Do you want to participate in the first battle?"

Mash seemed surprised by Rozen's sudden change of question, but after a moment, she responded, "If possible, I don't want to give up the opportunity for the first battle."

Rozen had only one thought about her response, "It's really like your style."

Having spent approximately two years together, Rozen believed he understood Mash's personality quite well.

Rozen turned his head to look at Mash. She had shoulder-length pink hair that was very soft and distinct, with a fringe partially covering one eye. She wore a pair of square glasses on her face.

Her outfit consisted of a white uniform with a short skirt, complemented by healthy-looking thighs wrapped in tights, and she wore long boots.

Considering her age, her figure was both slender and charming, perhaps a bit too developed for her age. She often wore a serious and dreamy expression on her face.

At first glance, she appeared to be a mysterious and distant girl. In reality, she wasn't cold, just not adept at expressing her emotions. Like Rozen, she had limited life experience but possessed vast knowledge.

Usually, Mash appeared quiet and reserved in conversations, often speaking only when necessary, giving off an aura that made her hard to approach.

In truth, she was a curious and proactive girl, eager to greet and talk to others, seeking advice, always serious and hardworking, and filled with curiosity about the outside world, a kind and innocent young girl who wanted to explore a broader world.

It was only Rozen who knew this side of her.

Because of this, Rozen had to ask, "Do you think this is okay, Mash?"

He couldn't help but ask this question because he knew that her past, like his own, was filled with regrets. However, her fate was even crueler than his. While he had found salvation, Mash hadn't.

Her widened eyes showed that Mash was taken aback by the question, but then she smiled.

It was an incredibly shallow, light, yet exceedingly beautiful smile.

"Yes, I don't hate Chaldea," Mash answered with a smile. "Because it allowed me to meet you."

//// Precious Eggplant ////

Her heartfelt words of gratitude and warmth touched Rozen deeply.

He understood the meaning behind her words. It reminded him of their first meeting and how they both had changed since then. As she recalled the past, her smile became even warmer.

Seeing that expression, Rozen knew he had no other choice. He couldn't let this girl go through battles alone. He couldn't bear to see her smile disappear.

Thus, he made his decision.

"Alright, you win. Let's fight together, Mash!"

"Yes, senpai!"

In the training ground, the two teenagers made a strong and heartfelt declaration. One relaxed, the other wore a surprised expression.

"Fou!"

Fou, lying in Mash's arms, seemed to feel the bond and warmth between the two, and it let out an agreeing sound.

On that day, Rozen made his decision to fight.

They embarked on a long journey to reclaim the future of humanity.