Unexpected Encounters~

"Who have you been praying to this whole time?"

"....."

Reaper fell into silence.

The question lingered, leaving her uncertain about how to respond.

It was the first time she had been confronted with such a question, and she found herself grappling with the answer.

She wasn't a believer in any religions or deities. Throughout her life, her prayers were directed to an ambiguous entity, or perhaps to someone above.

God?

She used to scoff at that notion back in her early days before the death of their "traitor."

'Who have you been praying to this whole time?'

This single sentence echoed throughout her mind, stirring reflections on her beliefs.

Deep down, she acknowledged that she cared little for the religions existing in the world. Even if Gods or Goddesses were to speak in her mind, she would likely dismiss them.

To her, they were irrelevant.

The only people she deemed important were her friends. Despite their frequent disagreements, she was willing to sacrifice everything for them. The hatred of those she had killed held no weight for her; their fates didn't concern her.

Praying for their peaceful passing?

Was she truly that kind?

"Ehem..."

Lost in contemplation, Reaper snapped back to the present upon hearing Saber clear his throat.

"I apologize for my question."

Reaper blinked, watching Saber turn around. Her mouth opened and closed a couple of times before she ultimately decided to keep it shut.

Observing Saber as he walked away, he paused to glance at the priest on the center.

Their silent exchange, marked by Saber's muted words, left Reaper pondering. Then, he continued walking away, seemingly unfazed by the encounter.

***

(Saber POV)

After leaving the church, my gaze turned upward, checking the remaining time we had left.

[00M : 00D : 02H : 10M : 42S]

With two hours left, I could probably utilize this time to make additional preparations. But amidst my silent contemplation, a question echoed in my mind.

"Why is she here?"

As I pondered, a familiar figure caught my attention from a distance. Adorned in an elegant dress with hues of blue and white, her face radiated elegance and beauty, complemented by her blonde hair and striking crimson eyes.

Her graceful stride, the cascade of her blonde hair as she walked – there was no mistaking her identity.

It was Juliette.

"... Butterfly Effect."

This was the only plausible explanation I could come up with.

Juliette, the younger sister of Hero Julius, was slowly making her way toward me. At least, it appeared she hadn't noticed me yet, providing a brief moment of relief and allowing me time to consider my options.

However, her presence here only signaled one thing.

Hero Julius, along with Seraphina and their other companions, was present in this city.

"This world is really trying to mess with me..."

When I turned around, an unforeseen collision abruptly occurred, and someone bumped into my chest.

"...!!?"

After a momentary glare at this person, my expression shifted to bitterness. To the person who's responsible for this shit, fuck you... Wait, that's me.

Standing in front of me was a short girl with indigo hair and purple eyes. She seemed a bit disoriented, rubbing her forehead.

This girl was Sylvia.

"I—I'm sorry... Hmm...?"

Shit, I need to escape this situation quickly before she recognizes me!

Backing away a few steps, I lowered my head and tried to walk past her, hoping she wouldn't notice my face... Since our eyes met for just a second, she wouldn't recognize me, righ—

"...Wait."

—Well, fuck...

Just when I thought I had successfully evaded notice, she grabbed the back of my shirt, abruptly halting my retreat.

"Why do you look familiar...?" She stepped in front of me, leaning forward to scrutinize my face.

Flustered, my body involuntarily flinched as our faces hovered mere inches apart... Ahh! Why was this girl so persistent?

Raising both my hands in a defensive gesture, I seized the opportunity to create a distraction. With a swift kick, I sent a rock flying, which hit the window of a nearby shop, diverting her attention.

"Wha—?"

Sylvia turned around, her hand dropping as her focus shifted to the unexpected disturbance. Ah, succes—

"Isn't that...?"

However, I didn't even have time to celebrate as my eyes landed on the guy in the distance.

....I'm not even surprised.

Julius, along with two unfamiliar women beside him, who were probably his companions, stared at me intently.

It only took him a second before his eyes widened in surprise upon recognizing who I was.

"Aren't you—"

"...!!"

Without letting him finish his sentence, I sprinted away in the opposite direction.

"You—!"

He wasted no time and chased after me. Smirking at the two women beside him, he darted after me.

"Saber! Your sister! She's—!"

Sister, my ass!

Saber doesn't have a goddamn sister, you fool!

Ignoring him, I veered into other streets, attempting to blend in with the crowds.

"Wait!"

His hand was about to reach for my shirt when, suddenly, a man blocked his path... To whoever this guy is, you have my thanks!

"Saber, listen—?"

"...!!?"

I didn't manage to hear his last sentence when someone unexpectedly grabbed my wrist, pulling me away from the crowds.

"Who...?"

When I opened my eyes, I saw a suspicious man wearing glasses with a ridiculous mustache.... Mmm, why does this guy seem familiar?

"You... Why are you being chased by a hero?"

...Ah!

When I tried to back away, my back hit the wall.

"Who are you?" I asked the man.

Since my [Invoke Fear] didn't activate, this guy must not be one trying to hurt me... However, what if he was one of Julius's companions?

This thought was immediately shut down when I realized that this guy saved me.

The man before me was silent for a couple of seconds.

Clearing his throat, he introduced himself as...

"You can just call me Maxi—I mean, Max."