Rest and Reflection / How Can I Repay You?

Bai Ming took the sunflower seeds. "After I collect materials in the Singularity, I'll give you half when I get back."

Da Vinci waved him off. "Get out. Don't come in unless you need something. I'll let you know when I'm done."

After leaving Da Vinci's Magic Workshop, Bai Ming found that Akuta Hinako had already left. He did not care. After roasting the seeds, he first went to check on Fujimaru Ritsuka, who was resting in her room due to her poor mental state after using Magic Circuits for the first time. Then he kicked open Akuta Hinako's door and tossed the seeds inside. Finally, he went to see Mash, who was undergoing a physical examination in the medical room. Mash pointed through the glass at the food beside her.

Bai Ming nodded and ate every last bite in front of Mash.

Mash was reassured. Bai Ming gestured through the glass that he was going back to rest, and Mash nodded solemnly.

Bai Ming eventually returned to his room, formed a hand seal, and recited an incantation. Olga Marie's soul then drifted out of his body as a streak of light. After seeing Bai Ming and the layout of the room, Olga Marie let out a breath of relief before immediately putting on airs. "Say, when did you turn your room into a Magic Workshop?"

"I asked Da Vinci for a little gadget earlier. Though it's called a Magic Workshop, a lot of things still aren't ready. The only usable things are the pill furnace, incense, candles, burner, yellow paper, and cinnabar I brought with me. But every use means less remains. Even if I've collected plenty of Evil Bones, they're useless for now. Considering there's a group of old geezers doing nothing while plotting and watching from the sidelines, I need to find a way to get more supplies—Olga Marie, are you listening?"

"I'm listening."

Olga Marie let out a long sigh. "How far can I get away from you?"

"I don't know. You're the first soul I've bound, and before this, I never bothered with this kind of technique—I only learned it on the spot." Bai Ming rolled over on the bed. "If you want to test the range, go ahead and run around. Once you start feeling weak, you've already exceeded the limit."

Olga Marie fell silent. Did this annoying guy learn this magecraft specifically to save me?

"I'm not testing it."

Olga Marie said, "I've heard of souls dissipating before. In your terms, that would probably be called having one's soul scattered to the winds. I barely survived. I'm not going to go looking for death myself."

"Heh... cowardly Olga Marie."

"Who are you calling cowardly?" Like a cat with its fur standing on end, Olga Marie glared at Bai Ming. "I just have the courage of a normal person. Not everyone is as unhinged as you are—even compared to some Magi."

Bai Ming ignored Olga Marie. She did not mind and simply continued, "In any case, for the days ahead, I can only rely on you."

"Ah..." Bai Ming sighed in a strained voice. "If Lev were here, I'd feel much more at ease—"

Olga Marie caught the sarcasm in his words and said unhappily, "There was nothing I could do! When I first arrived, Lev was the only one who enthusiastically offered me help and acknowledged everything I did! After so long, wouldn't I naturally come to rely on him?"

"Yes, yes, Director Olga is always right." Bai Ming formed another hand seal. "Recess is over. Come back and nourish your soul. Chaldea's air doesn't have the dense mana of a Singularity, so come back first and nourish yourself. You clearly wanted to thank me, but you keep awkwardly rambling about other things. Why are all the women in Chaldea with even a little charm tsundere, one after another? Not cute at all."

Olga Marie wanted to say something else, but she directly turned into a streak of light and slipped back into Bai Ming's body.

Bai Ming glanced at the system's charge: 60%. By the time it's fully charged, we should already be entering the First Singularity. Given the current state of the three Masters, even if Akuta Hinako and Fujimaru Ritsuka head into the same Singularity, we can resolve all the Singularities in three or four trips.

Rest and Thoughts

It was time to rest, but Bai Ming's mind had not stopped thinking.

Under normal circumstances, the Sixth Singularity should have been the Round Table Domain.

However, thanks to Bai Ming's arrangements, Artoria's holy sword had been smoothly returned to the fairies, and the Holy Lance was no longer needed.

Then would the Sixth Singularity become a war between the Crusaders and the People of the Mountain?

His previous meeting with Artoria had been too rushed, and there had been many questions he had not had time to ask. Bai Ming could only reason things out himself.

"Earlier, I gave the scabbard to Morgan and told her that if she could survive into the modern era, we would meet again in the future. If she could not, then I would wait until I summoned her as a Servant.

But Lily answered the summon, which meant Morgan had thrown the scabbard out of Avalon.

And Morgan did not appear in the Fifth Holy Grail War that led to Chaldea's establishment—"

"Morgan is most likely in the Inner Sea of the Stars?"

Bai Ming made a guess. "After all, Morgan has always been rather mysterious. I married her when she was still a young girl, and she was even connected to Lancelot's foster mother...

In other words, Morgan has at least two identities: fairy—the Lady of the Lake—and child of humanity. Morgan should have become Britain's regent, but because of me, she did not follow the normal course and become the island's ruler. The two rulers who took her place were Vortigern and me. Yet in magecraft, Morgan still shares certain similarities with Vortigern.

Then—why was I, as the island's ruler, unaffected by the Isle of Britain? Or was I already affected, but another body bore the consequences for me?

Don't tell me the Sixth Singularity is Type-Moon's special brand of fighting myself?"

What nonsense are you thinking? If you want to know about the Sixth Singularity, I can show you right now. Fighting yourself is just forcing a bad plot when there's nothing left to write. And didn't I tell you? If you want to appear as a Heroic Spirit or Servant, you have to agree to it yourself, then go there and fight yourself.

The system's voice suddenly appeared in Bai Ming's mind. Bai Ming clicked his tongue. "Tch... I forgot something so unimportant long ago."

That is very important.

"Not as important as reclaiming humanity."

Bai Ming peacefully closed his eyes. "Nothing is more interesting than humanity. Nothing is more interesting than human civilization."

As for the island ruler issue, there were two island rulers. One chose humanity, while the other chose Mystery. Vortigern, who chose Mystery, ultimately died by your hand. And in order to keep Artoria from agonizing over that mess, you personally sent off the last Red Dragon. Do you have any more questions?

"No. Tell me the direction of the next simulation in advance."

Why are you asking me? How would I know? What gets simulated depends on what you want to do. I only provide the platform.

"I see—then never mind. Once I've rested, I'll begin the true battle to reclaim humanity. Since you have your own mind, when I get close to Chaldeas, can you knock Chaldeas flat and completely ruin that dead white-haired bastard Marisbury's plans?"

The system immediately replied: I don't know.

Bai Ming had not expected much. He simply went to sleep and waited for a notification from the Command Room.

While Bai Ming slept, the people of Chaldea were holding a meeting in the Command Room. Since Bai Ming knew too much, Roman did not call him to attend.

As acting director, Roman opened with grim words. "The staff sent outside have yet to send back any news. I'm afraid they have perished along with the rest of humanity outside."

Mash asked, "...Is it really all right for Senpai not to attend the meeting?"

"There's no problem. Even if we called Bai Ming to a meeting, he probably wouldn't come, right?" Da Vinci said. "According to Roman's deductions and the final observations, only time within Chaldea remains outside the normal timeline. In other words, we are stranded on the edge of history just before its collapse. The moment we leave Chaldea and come into contact with the outside world, we will die immediately. This will continue until we break through the current predicament."

Fujimaru Ritsuka quietly listened to Da Vinci and Roman before asking, "Since Doctor Roman and Da Vinci are saying this, there must be a solution, right?"

"Yes, there is indeed a way. Fortunately, we now have three Masters. Even though Ritsuka, you are a newcomer who has only just begun using magecraft, if we split up, we can resolve the current crisis in three or four operations."

Doctor Roman pointed at the restored Sheba. "I tried scanning the condition of Earth and saw Earth's past. Even after Singularity F was eliminated, Earth's future did not change. After Da Vinci and I analyzed the situation, we discovered that several foundations that should have established human history had been disrupted. As long as we repair the collapsed Singularities, we can resolve the current situation."

The moment he finished speaking, the Command Room door opened.

Bai Ming walked in and said bluntly, "Holding a meeting without me? Roman, that's not very brotherly. Mash, Ritsuka, how are you two adapting?"

Roman said helplessly, "Didn't you want to rest? I passed by your room and saw you sleeping."

"Couldn't sleep." Bai Ming shoved Roman aside and took his place. "I'll be chairing the meeting from now on. Roman talks too much nonsense. As for Chaldea's future and the battle to reclaim humanity, there are only three requirements.

First, Chaldea's logistical support must be in place. Second, the Masters will be divided into two teams. I'll be alone, while Ritsuka and Old Akuta will form the other team. Before exploring a Singularity, investigate the relevant intelligence thoroughly. Don't wait until you're on site to investigate things Chaldea could have gathered beforehand. Third, the rest of the staff must ensure the Masters' survival and condition. Strictly speaking, with two teams, we'll need four expeditions in total, since we also have to deal with that Jewish corpse with brain problems."

Akuta Hinako and Fujimaru Ritsuka said, "Understood."

Da Vinci spread her hands at Roman, then replied, "Leave the logistical support to Da Vinci. Don't underestimate the power of a universal genius."

"Then the meeting is adjourned. Starting tomorrow, we'll begin investigating the first two Singularities. Given Flauros's involvement, we may also encounter Demon God Pillars within the Singularities. Da Vinci, speed up your modifications to the Greater Grail, and Mash's shield needs corresponding upgrades as well.

Roman, Chaldea's other staff members' health is in your hands."

Roman said he had no objections.

"My, Bai Ming certainly knows how to assign work. So, what will Bai Ming be doing?" Da Vinci asked as she watched Bai Ming prepare to leave the Command Room. Without turning around, Bai Ming answered:

"Of course I'm going to rest. Akuta Hinako, Fujimaru Ritsuka, and Mash have all rested properly. I haven't—oh, right. If you have time, Da Vinci, prepare Olga Marie a temporary body that can house a soul."

After Bai Ming left, Akuta Hinako finally spoke. "There is a saying in China called raising ghosts. Raising ghosts has a certain effect on the mental state of the person doing it. It's normal for him to need rest."

How Am I Supposed to Repay You?

"I say..."

After Bai Ming returned to his room, Olga Marie popped out on her own. Bai Ming had not placed many restrictions on her. "I heard what Akuta Hinako said just now. Does that unfair contract you made with me have a huge effect on you? Then why did you make it with me? Are you an idiot?"

Bai Ming silently recited, The immortal way values life, then lay on his bed and perfunctorily replied to Olga Marie, "It was my own decision. It has nothing to do with you."

"So you admit it has negative effects on you?" Olga Marie's expression was extremely serious. "Now, in my capacity as director, I order you to tell me exactly how serious those effects are."

Bai Ming remained motionless with his eyes closed. "Chinese ghost-raising techniques are different from those low-class Southeast Asian methods. There will be some effects—but you wouldn't understand even if I told you. So just stay obediently by my side and live."

"How am I supposed to..."

Seeing Bai Ming's breathing gradually steady, Olga Marie fell quiet and gave him a good environment to rest.

The body interacts with the material world. The soul clings to the body and serves as a medium for communicating with spirituality. The mind represents one's self-awareness. And Akuta Hinako is a Magus from China. She definitely would not talk nonsense about something like raising ghosts.

In other words, Bai Ming is using up his own self-awareness to buy time for me to live...

Although she usually shouted that no one helped her or acknowledged her, and deeply longed for reliance, recognition, and help, when such life-for-life help truly arrived, Olga Marie was left at a complete loss. Before Akuta Hinako said those words, she had merely believed that they had signed an unfair familiar contract. Who could have imagined that the unfairness was actually on Bai Ming's side? Not to mention that Bai Ming usually acted as though he did not care about her at all.

She could not understand it at all! Someone as sharp-tongued and soft-hearted as her was already unreasonably dishonest, wasn't she?

Why was there someone who had helped her from the beginning, only for the result to be that he wanted her dead? Why was there someone who acted as though he did not care about her from the beginning, only for the result to be that he had saved her?

She could not understand. She truly could not understand.

She had never encountered anyone this strange before!

"How am I supposed to repay you?"

Bai Ming heard Olga Marie's weak murmur, but pretended not to hear it and continued resting with his eyes closed.

For Bai Ming, whether he saved her or not was a matter of a single thought. Likewise, he did not care whether Olga Marie repaid him.

Bai Ming had chosen this path himself, so naturally, he would bear the responsibility himself.

...A New Day

Bai Ming woke to Mash softly calling "Senpai" again and again. However, the first thing he saw was not Mash's smooth, round legs wrapped in black tights, but a white four-legged beast.

An expression of unconcealed disgust immediately appeared on Bai Ming's face. He was, more or less, acquainted with this little four-legged beast—after all, it was practically half of Merlin's familiar.

The four-legged beast wore an expression that said, "I knew it. You really are Joslin. When are you taking me to elbow Merlin?"

The man ignored Fou, and Fou did not care. It vanished in a flash.

Bai Ming looked at Mash, whose cheeks were slightly red. Mash asked, "Good morning, Senpai~ Did you sleep well last night?"

"Good morning, Mash."

A voice far gentler than Bai Ming's usual tone came from his mouth. "I slept fairly well."

That tone made Mash cry out in surprise before she explained, "Miss Akuta told me that Senpai has a bad temper when he wakes up. I never expected you to be so gentle right after waking up. You're completely different from how fierce you usually are."

"Akuta Hinako?"

Bai Ming murmured, but his tone quickly returned to normal. "Everyone has moments when they let down all their defenses, so it's not impossible for their true self beneath the mask to show."

"Then Senpai must be a gentle person."

Bai Ming felt that Mash was especially happy today. Even the slight restraint she usually showed around him had disappeared.

Did someone say something to Mash?

"Mash, did someone tell you something?"

Bai Ming never hid things he considered unimportant, so he asked directly.

Mash explained with a blush:

"It was Doctor Roman. He told me why Senpai beats up Mr. Beryl every time, and he also told me that Senpai doesn't have much sense of security.

Thank you for protecting me from the side, Senpai."

"Oh—"

Bai Ming replied, rolled out of bed, and stretched. "How did you rest last night, Mash?"

"Very well. I feel full of energy!"

Mash smiled.

"Come to think of it, Senpai, aren't you going to explain why King Arthur called you Joslin?"

"What is there to explain? I had no intention of hiding it. It's just that history has records of me. As for my age, I'm about the same age as Olga Marie."

Bai Ming noticed that Mash was not wearing her usual tights today, and her legs were bare. "Why aren't you wearing tights?"

"Eh?"

Mash's already flushed face immediately turned completely red. So the reason Senpai had looked at her legs those past few times was not because there was something wrong with her tights—he had simply been looking at her legs?

Mash hurriedly explained, "Ah—the... the tights were dirty! I haven't had time to change them yet."

Seeing that Bai Ming believed her, Mash let out a breath of relief. It looked like she had fooled him... But Senpai was always looking at her legs... Could he possibly be one of those rumored leg lovers?

"You seem to be thinking of something very rude."

Bai Ming put on the Mystic Code - Chaldea uniform and walked out of the room. "It should be time for the strategy meeting, right? Da Vinci's modifications still need time, but neither you nor I have any problems deploying."

"Yes. Mash Kyrielight is ready to deploy with her Master."