Following Touko's conclusion, everyone realized that this singularity might not be as simple as they initially thought. A singularity is an anomalous node that appears during a specific period in human history. However, compared to the singularities created by the Demon King Goetia, most minor singularities are like a self-healing skin condition for the Human Order Foundation Value and the Quantum Time-Lock.
Based on the principle of the Human Order Foundation Value, individuals who would have died during a Singularity are instead recorded as having died "by beasts," "in an accident," or other similar causes, maintaining the overall balance of Humanity's gains and losses. This Human Order Foundation Value functions as a form of "self-repair" for Humanity. As integral components of Humanity's Foundation, individuals "living in the present" during a singularity's occurrence retain no memory of the event once it's resolved.
For Shiomi, recalling that family hot spring trip in May 2001 now brings back unquestionably ordinary memories—just another relaxed, pleasant annual outing.
"Anyway, that's how it is. I don't recall anything strange happening... No, I should say I remember that period quite clearly." Shiomi added, "Nothing unusual at all. What about you?"
Morgan, who had been asked and confirmed, nodded in agreement.
"Indeed, nothing worth noting."
The memories were as peaceful as ever, as unremarkable as always, but still precious and warm.
"Did the anomaly at the singularity simply fade away naturally, or did something happen?" Scáthach, understanding the situation of her beloved disciple and Morgan, spoke up. "Even if it's a minor singularity, shouldn't we investigate it?"
According to Trismegistus' prediction, this slightly peculiar minor singularity could actually be left alone. But it involved Shiomi and Morgan, along with Sakura, Caren, and Rin Tohsaka. Shiomi simply couldn't let it go.
"At the very least, I support performing Rayshifting to verify the actual situation."
"Then as for personnel, shall it be us?" Artoria meant the five of them, plus Shiomi.
"Dispatching Chaldea's strongest forces all at once?" Da Vinci remarked with a smile. "But doing so should significantly boost efficiency."
Romani added, "Only you? I'm personally available—after all, for a Singularity of this level, you, Shiomi, should decide."
He was referring to whether Sakura and Caren should also be brought along. After all, if the Singularity wasn't severe, it could essentially be treated as a relaxing outing. Because every Lostbelt is fraught with danger; once you set foot inside, you have to remain vigilant at all times, operating under extreme tension.
"It's probably better not to bring them," Shiomi considered. "If we encounter their younger selves within the Singularity, it would be troublesome in every way."
"But doesn't that apply to you too?" Touko asked.
"That's why after the Rayshifting, Morgan and I will operate in the shadows. Dealing with the Singularity's people on the surface will be up to you and Master—"
Mid-sentence, Shiomi suddenly caught on.
"Wait—Touko, you have Rayshifting adaptability too?"
They hadn't specifically tested for that ability before.
"Well, sort of," Touko replied matter-of-factly.
As a Magus, she was a prodigy who had attained the rank of Clock Tower Grand Servant, so possessing such abilities wasn't surprising. As for why she hadn't been recruited by Chaldea, it made sense—after all, Chaldea, or rather Marisbury, had no intention of provoking a Magus as unique as Touko.
"Alright......" Shiomi felt awkward for asking such an unnecessary question and averted his gaze.
Touko found it rather amusing. There was no doubt that Shiomi felt guilty. He constantly asked her to assist with various Chaldea matters while preoccupied with reminiscing about the past, yet hadn't even confirmed whether Touko possessed Rayshifting adaptability.
Though Touko didn't mind—it was neither a major nor minor issue. Repairing Singularities typically didn't require her involvement. This particular Singularity just happened to coincide with a hot spring trip, which was why Touko was participating in the first place.
"Hot springs? Honestly, I'm not that interested. The water's always scalding hot, right?"
Skadi seemed uninterested in joining, citing her dislike for anything too hot.
"So I was thinking—"
Before Shiomi could interject, Scáthach whispered seductively into Skadi's ear:
"You wouldn't believe it, but sipping cold drinks while soaking in the hot springs is even more blissful than usual."
"...Well, what can I say? As a Chaldea supporter and a goddess who once stood on the opposite side, I have a duty to show my sincerity at times like this." Skadi shifted her tone with remarkable ease, agreeing to join the trip.
Her tendency to take the bait so readily had everyone quite concerned. But considering Skadi had already fallen for Shiomi's charm, perhaps there was no need to worry anymore.
"Then, the Rayshifting is scheduled for two hours from now. Take your time preparing," Romani said with a smile. "Especially you, Shiomi. You just finished the simulation battle; you need a moment to catch your breath."
Shiomi was about to say it wasn't necessary, but he suddenly realized this was a reminder—being with Morgan and the others... perhaps the pressure of investigating the Singularity wasn't as heavy as juggling their demands at the same time.
After the operational briefing concluded, Shiomi and the others gradually left the control room to make preparations. Along the way, he noticed Morgan walking at the rear, deep in thought.
"Is something troubling you?" Shiomi slowed his pace and asked softly by her ear.
"Based on past singularity restoration experience, when a singularity emerges in an era, the people of that time aren't necessarily equipped to handle it," Morgan replied. "Minor singularities are no different. Even if they eventually vanish on their own, the repair completed... but for the people of that time—"
"Meaning for us in 2001, even if we don't remember the anomalies afterward, it still indicates that the situation back then truly couldn't be properly resolved by us alone?" Shiomi took up Morgan's words and exchanged thoughts with her.
"Mhm." Morgan smiled knowingly. "But how exactly? We'll only know once we reach the singularity and examine it from the beginning."
Shiomi clasped her hand, replying with conviction, "Whatever awaits us at the Singularity of 2001, let's see it with our own eyes."
"Seriously..."
Feeling that familiar warmth, Morgan couldn't help but relax, joining him in a smile.