The Ex-Machina on a Dimensional Journey

Though that "fighting strength" really was impressive.

Whatever else anyone might say, Fujimaru Ritsuka agreed wholeheartedly when it came to her power.

"Though it is pretty suspicious..."

Roman spoke helplessly. He still remembered what he had just seen. The way she had slipped into Chaldea's systems without anyone noticing was almost unbelievable.

Fortunately, she meant them no harm. Otherwise, the Chaldea they had only just managed to restore through emergency maintenance would have been completely wrecked.

And then no one would have been left to stop that disaster.

After cleaning up the coffee-soaked seat, Roman sat back down in the center of the screen, his expression turning serious.

"But as Da Vinci said, in a situation like this, someone so powerful approaching us with goodwill is exactly the help we need."

Even if her way of making contact had been rather terrifying.

"So Da Vinci, the others, and I voted unanimously to accept her offer."

They actually agreed...

Fujimaru Ritsuka wanted to bury his face in his hands, but with other people present—and Xiu Er herself standing beside him—he resisted.

Mashu, meanwhile, still looked utterly lost.

She had heard Roman's entire explanation too, but now she could only stare, dumbfounded, at the young man and Xiu Er beside him.

Communication with Chaldea had been restored. Hearing those two familiar older voices had given her a rare sense of reassurance in this strange singularity.

But why had things turned out like this?

Senpai, what on earth did you talk to her about?

She was our enemy just a moment ago. How did things get to the point where she's joining Chaldea and traveling with us?

Mashu's thoughts were a mess. Fujimaru Ritsuka squirmed under her stare, while Xiu Er, who had caused all this, wore the same cool expression as ever,