The conquest of the Fifth Singularity had concluded.
This was the most challenging Singularity that Chaldea had faced so far. Not only because they confronted unprecedented enemies in battle, but also because the battlefield spanned the entire United States, causing severe physical and mental exhaustion for the three restoration personnel deployed to the front lines.
Yet, at the same time, it was also the relatively easiest Singularity that Chaldea had conquered thus far.
Because, at the most critical moment, Chaldea's greatest trump card returned to everyone's side just in time.
"Department Head~~~!"
The moment Naoki finished his battle with Scáthach and returned to Chaldea, he was greeted with a tight bear hug from Fujimaru Ritsuka.
Quickly reaching out to catch the wild girl pouncing on him, Naoki said with exasperation, "Why are you running so fast? And pouncing on me, are you a kid?"
"Who told you to be gone for over five months!"
Clinging to Naoki's neck, Ritsuka shouted while laughing and crying.
Five months, four Singularities.
Even with the help of Mash, Hinako, and Aoko, Ritsuka's battles were far from easy. It could even be said that after losing a reliable senior like Naoki, Ritsuka had exerted an unimaginable amount of effort to face the harsh realities before her.
The withdrawal of allied Servants, battles fought not for justice, conflicts born from misunderstandings… Compared to the difficulties in combat, Ritsuka suffered more mentally. Yet, thanks to this, she had made significant mental growth.
"It's been a while, Big brother."
Mash also approached. "I'm so happy, Big Brother, that you're back from the Tokyo Singularity… I'm truly, truly happy."
Naoki had made both of them worry.
Seeing the faint tears in their eyes, Naoki sighed softly. "Sorry, I was indeed a bit careless this time. I didn't realize the time inside and outside the Singularity was different. I've caused you all trouble."
"Hmph, hmph, exactly, you've caused us a ton of trouble!"
Hinako also approaching, glared at Naoki angrily. "When you told Fujimaru to pass on your message to me, you were so confident. But then you were gone for over five months. I thought you'd died there. If you weren't dead, you should've come back sooner, you jerk!"
"I'm truly sorry, Senior Hinako." Naoki bowed his head sincerely.
Hinako just pursed her lips and said nothing more. In her situation, whether Naoki lived or died wasn't particularly significant to her. After all, fairies generally don't die. Even if he did, he would regenerate after some time. The only difference was how long the regeneration would take.
(So, even if he really died now, after some time—hundreds or thousands of years— Hinako, who also couldn't die, would still meet him again. It would just be a slightly longer parting.)
"Ahem!"
At that moment, Roman's cough echoed from the control room.
"Welcome back, Fujimaru, Mash, Akuta, and Natsukawa. Except for that last jerk, the other three worked hard this time. A battle spanning the entire United States—you must be exhausted. As a doctor, my advice is to quickly take a shower and sleep. You all need mental and physical rest."
(What's that about 'except for that last jerk'?)
Naoki raised an eyebrow helplessly. Though he grumbled a bit about Roman's nickname, this time he had indeed returned late, causing a significant impact on all of Chaldea. He really had no ground to argue—later, he'd vent all his frustrations on the mastermind behind this situation.
But that was for later. For now…
"Alright, Fujimaru, get off me first. You're making us a laughingstock." Naoki patted Ritsuka's back. "Roman's right. Aside from Senior Hinako, you and Mash really need to rest. Get a good sleep. When you wake up, it'll be almost time for dinner. As an apology, I'll cook tonight."
"Really?!"
Ritsuka, who had been clinging to Naoki's chest and wiping tears on her clothes, immediately lit up!
"Then I'll be waiting! Department Head, don't lie! You have to keep your promise this time!"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah—I'm not going to disappear just to make dinner, am I? Go on, go."
"Okay!"
After waving at Naoki, Ritsuka pulled Mash and ran out of the control room. Hinako also shot Naoki a disdainful look before turning to leave with them.
At the same moment the three left the control room, three figures rushed in through the open door.
Gray, Atalanta, Sajyou Rei/Manaka.
Seeing these three, Roman, who had been about to say something to Naoki, firmly shut his mouth and moved aside to pour coffee. The other staff members also simultaneously left their seats, either heading to the restroom or, like Roman, finding a spot as far away as possible.
If they stayed too close, they'd easily get caught in excessive displays of affection.
"Big brother!"
Gray was the first to throw herself into Naoki's arms.
After not seeing him for over five months, even though she was used to Naoki's occasional absences over the years, not meeting for nearly half a year still left Gray feeling intensely lonely, isolated, and afraid.
Naoki gently stroked Gray's hair. "Sorry, Gray, I was gone too long this time."
"It's… it's okay… As long as Big brother is back…" Gray, tightly clutching her brother's clothes like a clingy child from the past, mumbled and sobbed. Add, hanging at her waist, also trembled and made a sound.
[Well, that's how it is, kid. Remember to spend more time with silly Gray after this. Make up for those five and a half months.]
"I know, Add. You must've been comforting Gray a lot during this time, right? I'll compensate you later too. I'll give you more QP."
[Oh! You sure know how to play, kid! This time, I want a million!]
"You'll choke on that much, Add."
Rei said with a laugh, "But that's a share you owe, Master. I won't say anything this time—welcome back, Master. This trip was quite long. You were gone for over five months without a single word, and within five minutes of returning, you left again. Not only that, you brought back two people we know and one we don't…"
"I bet you're ready to be unable to get out of bed for three days and three nights, right? During that time, Atalanta and I will have you explain every cause and effect in great detail."
"Wait, Rei, why are you dragging me into this?" Atalanta blushed slightly. "Besides, three days and three nights is a bit excessive… I think two days and two nights is enough."
(Either way, I'll be half-dead, and it'll cause mental trauma.)
Not far away, seeing Naoki's clearly awkward expression, the Chaldea staff watching the drama displayed expressions of delight at his misfortune—this was the price of having a harem, Department Head Natsukawa!
As someone who had experienced similar situations, Roman didn't take pleasure in Naoki's predicament. He only offered moral support through his eyes.
(I hope I can see a perfectly fine Natsukawa after this… The issue with the Fourth Singularity is better discussed after he's done with this.)