An unfamiliar ceiling.
Waking from drowsiness, Ritsuka sat up on the bed and looked around the room in confusion.
The room was completely white, spotless, and though it contained some unusual furnishings, it was so clean it felt unnatural.
"Where is this…"
Ritsuka's memories were slightly chaotic. Various fragments surfaced in her mind.
A burning city, shattered ground, terrifying monsters—
"Chaldea? Earlier, I…"
Gradually, she sorted through her jumbled memories and recalled the events she had experienced.
She was now in an organization called Chaldea, which had suffered an explosion during quantum transfer, then traveled to Fuyuki City in 2004, and afterward…
"Oh, right! Department Head!"
The final part of the memory came back. Ritsuka remembered it clearly. At the end in Fuyuki, because they encountered a final boss-like enemy, Department Head Natsukawa stayed behind to guard the rear so she could return safely.
Then during the extraction… after that…
"Ugh, I can't remember… My head's still a bit foggy."
"Fou~"
As Ritsuka held her head, a familiar sound drew her attention to the side of the bed. On the chair beside it, Fou sat there, staring straight at her.
About this small animal, Ritsuka had heard a little from Mash in Fuyuki. One could say he was an urban legend within Chaldea.
Why was he in her room?
"Fou!"
Jumping off the chair, Fou ran to the door, turned back, waved his front paw at Ritsuka, then quickly dashed out of the room.
(Does that mean he's telling me to follow him?)
Fou was a small animal that was oddly too intelligent. Mash had mentioned it before, but Ritsuka never expected him to be this smart.
(By the way, Mash and Akuta-Senpai must be fine, right?)
Ritsuka still remembered bits about the two of them. But at that time, her mind had only been focused on escaping as fast as possible, so she hadn't paid much attention to their conditions. Since she had returned to Chaldea, they should've returned too, right?
She really hoped both of them were safe.
"Fou-san?"
As she followed Fou down the Chaldea hallway, a voice suddenly came from ahead.
Ritsuka looked forward and saw Mash, now back in her Chaldea uniform, bowing and cradling Fou in her arms.
"Ah, Senpai, you've finally woken up."
Seeing Ritsuka arriving with Fou, Mash immediately showed a relieved smile. "Even though Doctor Roman said Senpai wasn't seriously injured, you didn't wake up for so long—it really worried me. Good morning, Senpai."
"Yeah, good morning… Eh? Wait? Does that mean I was unconscious for quite a while?"
Mash nodded. "About two and a half days in physical time. Senpai is really good at sleeping."
"No, I'm not… Guuurrr…"
A sudden sound interrupted Ritsuka's defense. Blushing, she held her stomach and smiled awkwardly. "Sorry… I think I'm hungry…"
"Hungry? That is a serious issue. But considering Senpai hasn't eaten since arriving at Chaldea, I'm actually a little impressed by your endurance. Not eating or drinking for two days is quite impressive."
"Ah… Yeah… Anyway, could you take me to the cafeteria first, Mash?"
"Of course, please follow me."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Chaldea Cafeteria.
After following Mash here, Ritsuka's first reaction was to freeze in place.
She was too shocked.
"Senpai, please order here. Today's specialty is… Senpai?"
Mash, used to the routine, walked to the counter and prepared to introduce the cafeteria to Ritsuka. But when she turned, she saw Ritsuka with a confused expression.
"Senpai? What's wrong?"
"Mash… Is this really the cafeteria?"
"Yes, I don't think I'm mistaken. For the years I've lived in Chaldea, I've always eaten here." Mash tilted her head slightly, confused. "Does Senpai have a question about the cafeteria?"
More than a question—it was shock.
After all, for a mere cafeteria, this place was truly…
"Too luxurious!"
Just from the ordering counters Ritsuka could see, there were already over ten. Each counter displayed available dishes: Japanese style, Western style, Chinese style, Indian style, French style… Almost every famous dish from around the world was available here.
In addition, there were desserts, drinks, bread—so many varieties it made one wonder if they were in a high-end academy restaurant.
"Mash, is the food situation at Chaldea really this good?"
"Yes, because Chaldea's staff come from all over the world, and some have special dietary preferences, so Chaldea pays great attention to this aspect of dining. But right now, only a few counters can be opened."
"Eh? Why?"
"The massive explosion caused by Professor Lev injured many staff, and among them were quite a few kitchen staff. Unlike others, kitchen staff are ordinary people without much ability to protect themselves from explosions. Though there were no fatalities, they haven't recovered enough for the cafeteria to operate at full capacity. Other departments are roughly in the same situation."
The explosion.
Since she had been inside the pod at the time, Ritsuka didn't have a clear picture of the damage Chaldea had suffered. But judging from the state of the cafeteria, it must've been very serious, right?
"In that case, I'll order…"
"I was wondering why this restaurant was a bit noisy. Turns out you're here."
Just then, a slightly dissatisfied voice reached Ritsuka's ears. Then, at a nearby table, someone eating turned around.
"Director?!"
"Don't speak loudly while eating. That's basic etiquette. Remember that well, newcomer."
Sitting there was none other than Olga Marie.