Though it hurt, though she was already starting to feel weak, even showing signs that she might faint—
Mash unexpectedly felt pretty good right now.
Perhaps it was because she had finally regained that feeling of fighting side by side with Fujimaru Ritsuka.
Back then, they had traveled just like this, from Singularity F all the way to the Temple of Time.
That feeling had finally returned now, even if only a little.
"Mash, are you okay?!"
Seeing Mash still standing on the giant's chest, her body swaying unsteadily, Fujimaru Ritsuka hurried over and supported her.
Mash did not have to force herself to be so strong.
Looking at Mash's bloodless face, Fujimaru Ritsuka felt the faint thrill of victory ebb away like the tide, leaving behind only helplessness. And fear.
As well as a little anger.
The target of that anger went without saying.
"I'm fine, Senpai. We can fight together again. Hehe."
Mash's pupils trembled, but there was no doubt that she was smiling.
"Fight together? Don't say something so silly. Change back from your Demi-Servant state first and get some rest."
Fujimaru Ritsuka sighed and had Mash sit down on the broad chest of the dead rock giant.
"Fujimaru Ritsuka, this is the submarine! Report your situation immediately!"
Apparently, the voices over the comms had become less chaotic. Sherlock Holmes's stern voice came through.
"This is Fujimaru Ritsuka. Status report: we encountered what appeared to be a giant enemy. The battle has now ended, and the hostile unit has been neutralized. Over."
"Mash is in very poor condition. We cannot confirm whether there are other enemies nearby. If possible, please dispatch reinforcements to bring us back. At the very least, bring Mash back."
Fujimaru Ritsuka skillfully reported their current circumstances to the submarine—just as he had once