Stepping out of the tavern, Ais didn't return to the familia's headquarters.
Instead, she slipped into a quiet spot nearby.
After confirming no one was around, her gaze fixed on the floating screen in midair—one only she could see.
[Ding! You've joined the Trading Chat Group!]
[Welcome to the Trading Chat Group!]
[This group exists to promote exchange and trade across the multiverse!]
Ais stared at the words, baffled by what was happening.
Just then, a stream of messages began to scroll:
Busujima Saeko: "Another newcomer. Welcome to the chat."
Mikoto Misaka: "Who is it this time? From the magic side or the science side?"
Tohru: "Newbie, report your name!"
Yukinoshita Yukino: "Don't scare the new members. @Tohsaka Rin, @Ais, feel free to speak if you don't mind."
Yomogawa Ayame: "Welcome aboard. Don't be nervous—this is a friendly group."
Tohsaka Rin: "…W-what is this thing?"
Rin's big eyes were a little dazed.
She was sure Sakura couldn't see this strange chat only she could see.
And it was claiming to link different worlds—that everyone here wasn't from the same world?
Skeptical, Rin asked:
Tohsaka Rin: "Are we sure this isn't some nasty prank spell by a lousy magus?"
Erica: "Spell? You mean magic, right?"
Tohsaka Rin: "How could 'magic' possibly exist?"
Erica: "???"
Marcille: "Of course magic exists. There's magic and black magic."
Tohsaka Rin: "???"
Shiba Miyuki: "This might just be a difference between worlds. Why don't we hear what their 'magecraft' is?"
Tohsaka Rin: "Magecraft is…"
Rin gave a brief explanation based on what she'd learned from her family:
Magecraft is a system of mysteries that artificially reproduces phenomena achievable by science.
Using magic circuits to convert life force into mana, it employs specific formulas—such as incantations or rituals—to recreate phenomena that science can replicate.
It adheres to the principle of equivalent exchange.
It relies on foundational systems of magecraft, like Western leylines or Eastern thought matrices.
"Magic," by contrast, refers to miracles unattainable by both science and magecraft.
According to her father, magic is also what magi ultimately pursue.
Frieren: "Got it. So the essence of 'magecraft' is imitation of nature, bounded by human technological limits."
Frieren: "In general, you might say some 'magic' degraded into magecraft as technology developed."
Frieren: "Whereas 'magic' in essence is direct manipulation of a supreme power—fundamentally different in mechanism, form, and social impact."
Shiba Miyuki: "Looks like our definitions of magic really do vary by world."
Tohsaka Rin: "…"
Rin was at a loss for words. These people sounded so convinced.
Could they really be from other worlds?
Ais read the messages in surprise.
After a moment's hesitation, she tried replying by silently forming the words in her mind.
Ais: "What… is this?"
Hiiragi Shinoa: "@Rei Ao, we need you here. The newcomers are confused."
Hayasaka Ai: "The group owner is still in Couronne's world, right?"
Couronne: "Um… y-yes!"
Couronne replied a little bashfully.
Because at the moment she wasn't in great shape—nor were Azril, Jibril, and Schwi.
"…"
The one feeling truly unwell, though, was Michiru nearby.
Things had been fine earlier, but after dinner Rei Ao and the others had grown progressively… intimate.
By the time she realized it, she could barely walk for fear of giving herself away.
Head down, she snuck a peek in Rei Ao's direction—and her face went scarlet.
"Has Rei Ao-kun… always been this open?"
Rei Ao: "Welcome to the Trading Chat Group, Ais-san and Tohsaka Rin-san."
Though occupied with certain matters, it didn't stop him from splitting his attention to watch the chat.
The addition of these two surprised him.
He recognized Tohsaka Rin by name—though he wasn't sure which era she was from.
As for "Ais"…
There were many characters with that name. He'd need to confirm.
Rei Ao: "This is a communication platform connecting multiple universes. Through it, you can exchange knowledge with members from other worlds."
Ais: "Other worlds? Like different floors of the Dungeon?"
Marcille: "Wow, interesting analogy—the Dungeon. You have one too? Or are you and I from the same world?"
Ais: "I don't know. I live in Orario."
Marushiel: "Orario… never heard of it."
Yotsuya Miko: "Then she's probably not from your world."
Rei Ao: "She isn't."
Now he knew which Ais this was.
Orario, the Dungeon, Ais—put together, it could only be the Sword Princess from DanMachi.
Frieren: "Your analogy isn't quite right. We come from entirely different universes, each with its own worldview and physical laws."
"…"
Ais mulled over what that meant.
As an adventurer who delved the Dungeon often, she was better than most at accepting the unknown.
But cross-universe communication still went far beyond her understanding.
Ais: "Prove it to me."
Bibi Dong: "Straightforward. I like that."
Bibi Dong: "But understand this: the chat group doesn't demand your belief. Whether or how you interact with us is up to you. Believe and it is; don't and it isn't—entirely your call."
Shizue Izawa: "That's about the size of it."
Rei Ao: "They're right."
Ais: "…Understood. I apologize for my earlier rudeness."
Stella: "Eh, no big deal. I'm more curious whether you two newcomers have run into any trouble—or have something you want to do but can't. If so, you can apply for a trade with Rei Ao-kun."
~~~
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