Resentment from Two Geniuses

An ocean somewhere unknown.

An ordinary wooden boat floated on the surface of the sea.

Gentle sunlight shone upon the anxious face of a blond man. He clutched a glittering golden goblet in his arms, sweating profusely with worry.

"Please, please. Let me summon that great hero."

Fujimaru Ritsuka lay in bed, his brow tightly furrowed as cold sweat ran down his face.

He had dreamed of some of Mash's past.

A man's voice was saying something indistinctly.

"Fouuu—!"

The little white creature sprawled across his face had scratched at him with its paws for ages without waking Fujimaru Ritsuka, so it simply bit down on him.

"Ah!"

"Eek—! Fou!"

A scream and Mash's startled cry rang out at the same time.

"Ah, that hurts, that hurts!" Ritsuka sat up, clutching the cheek that had been bitten by the little creature's sharp teeth.

Fujimaru Ritsuka, thoroughly irritated, grabbed Fou and bit him back in retaliation.

"Fou, fou, fou!"

Watching Fou and Ritsuka tussle, Mash could not help but smile in relief. "Good morning, Senpai. But could you let Fou go first?"

Ritsuka chuckled. "Good morning, Mash. You look pretty well-rested today too."

He got dressed and out of bed with practiced speed, stretched his body a little, then yawned and stretched. "Chaldea is probably as usual outside—buried in wind and snow."

Mash paused slightly before smiling and picking Fou up. "It seems you've adapted to the rhythm of life at Chaldea too, Senpai."

With a quiet sigh, Ritsuka did not continue the subject. Instead, he walked out of his bedroom beside Mash. "Any news from the doctor?"

"Not yet. The Third Singularity is still being located, though we have roughly determined its position. It may be completed within the next few days."

"Looks like we need to be ready for