The Universe Between Fingers

　　Two days later.

　　Ryota returns to his own world with Misaki and Hayasaka.

　　Tokyo in the 20th century really brings novelty to the three of them.

　　Especially Misaki who had lived in Academy City, where advanced technology and cleaning robots could be seen everywhere on the streets, felt stronger.

　　But novelty is something that makes people feel emotional only at the beginning.

　　After taking the photo, the interest of the three of them dropped drastically. After all, they didn't need to study history, no matter how they compared it, the technologically advanced world was more convenient.

　　What's more, during the economic bubble period, the city's surroundings looked somber and gloomy.

　　The overall atmosphere is rather depressing.

　　Watching history and being a witness, however, is very different from what expected.

　　Since then, the originally scheduled four-day trip was only halfway through, and the three of them gave up on continuing to play and headed straight back to the team base.

　　...

　　"It always feels meaningless."

　　After returning to base, sitting on the high chair behind the counter, Hayasaka exhaled quietly, and looked a little depressed.

　　"Because the sense of detachment from reality is not strong?" After thinking about it, Ryota said: "Maybe we didn't make the right choice. If you want to play, you can just choose the ancient world. For example, Ishtar's side happens to be in the ancient Babylonian period. Or for Shinobu, she lived in Japan during the Taisho period."

　　"No, that's taking too long, isn't it? " Hayasaka shook her head quickly: "Is it a problem to even go to the toilet?"

　　"I think it's okay," Ryota shrugged, "I don't need to go to the toilet now."

　　"The same goes for psychics, Shiro-chan."

　　Seeing such an answer, Hayasaka couldn't help but agree with him, saying that she did the same.

　　She somewhat regretted mentioning the word toilet. In comparison, why does she feel dirtier than Ryota?

　　"Then why are you talking about this?" Ryota asked casually.

　　"She asked for it." Hayasaka pointed at Misaki directly.

　　Misaki: "..."

　　Misaki twitched the corners of her mouth, avoided Ryota and glared at Hayasaka, then said with a natural expression: "Sorry, people with superpowers don't need to go to the toilet."

　　"..."

　　Ryota glanced at the two girls subtly.

　　Psykers had to reach the second stage before they could escape an ordinary person's metabolism.

　　As for superpowers... Misaki thinks she doesn't know the settings!

　　Of course, Ryota's EQ was still normal, so of course he wouldn't try to disassemble the two.

　　"This is not a matter of basic needs." Hayasaka quickly changed the subject: "Sure enough, the past can only temporarily give people a sense of refreshment, and the future is the best choice! Am I right, Misaki?"

　　"Un, I also agree." Misaki nodded politely "Rarely do we agree, Hayasaka."

The question of going to the toilet... Hayasaka didn't like to mention it, she almost ignored it subconsciously!

　　If Ryota really chose ancient times when he went out to play again, Hayasaka might end up facing an embarrassing situation.

　　"Better to be in the future, much more comfortable."

　　The two girls sighed at the same time.

　　Ryota naturally knew the meaning hidden in their words.

　　Of course, he wasn't fooling himself into showing it, and as he talked about the business, he said: "I'm going to be secluded for a while. In order to concentrate, I might not pay attention to the forums for now. If you have something to do, just come to my house to find me."

　　"You are busy with the Fourth Bridge?" Misaki confirmed.

　　"Yeah, I feel like this bridge should be the easiest bridge I can build." Ryota nodded and explained: "Crime doesn't suit... Ummm.... My personality, so it doesn't really affect me."

　　After thinking about it, he added: "I'm so good!"

　　"..."

　　Misaki didn't know how to reply for a moment.

　　Hayasaka took the opportunity to describe it: "It means to have an inherent advantage?"

　　"That's right," Ryota said with a smile, "So I should take advantage of the time to clear the Fourth Bridge while I have the advantage. Otherwise, if I don't buy time, the benefits won't be reflected."

　　"Then why did you agree to accompany us to play..." Hayasaka sighed softly: "If the time is urgent, there is no need to force yourself."

　　"Don't force it, don't think too much." Ryota shook his head and explained: "I don't need to meditate to perfect my thoughts, just relax. When I went to Tokyo with you, I had adapted and conquered hate. Now I feel almost done."

　　"Is it true?" Hayasaka looked into Ryota's eyes.

　　Ryota tapped his forehead: "Why would I lie to you about this kind of thing? Go back and confirm the time."

　　"What's the time?"

　　"How much time has passed on our side, and the flow rates of the two worlds' time are different."

　　Ryota kindly reminded: "I don't care how much time has passed, but Hayasaka, aren't you still a high school student? How long have you been taking leave?"

　　Hayasaka: "..."

　　"I'll be back first! Shirou-chan."

　　Hayasaka rushed to the gate of the base, only her voice came back: "Remember to tell me when the Fourth Bridge is over, see you soon!"

　　"Oh..."

　　Ryota looked out the door, but there was no girl in the way. It looked like she went straight to the bedroom with her own 'door'. So, why insist on going to school?

　　Isn't this completely unnecessary?

　　(Probably chasing the difference.)

　　Ryota shook his head, and found reasons to convince himself according to common sense.

　　He could only think so.

　　Otherwise, it couldn't be the same as he had previously thought. Hayasaka was actually using her "high school student" status… Or was she using this attribute to maintain an even greater temptation for him?

　　In principle, women with identities such as princess, saintess, etc., are always attractive to men.

　　Perhaps all humans have the desire to desecrate and conquer noble people.

　　"Shiro-chan, what are you thinking?" Suddenly, Misaki said.

　　"...There isn't anything." Ryota answered subconsciously.

　　"Lie."

　　Misaki half closed her eyes, and looked at Ryota with a little concern: "I called you twice and you didn't answer, and you said you didn't think about anything?"

　　"I wonder why Hayasaka insists on going to school."

　　Ryota can only tell the truth.

　　Misaki can read minds!

　　Even though she promised not to read it.

　　But a woman's mouth...

　　"It's a matter of getting used to it. The mentality of students has not changed. And..." Misaki suddenly showed a faint smile: "I didn't call you just now, I lied."

　　She showed emotion and said: "You are conned at once, very simple."

　　Ryota: "..."

　　Sure enough, a woman's mouth...

　　Looks like the Fourth Bridge will have to be completed quickly.

　　At that time, Misaki's mind reading simply wouldn't work for him at all, and subjective psychological safety would definitely be strengthened by then.

　　It's fine if Misaki doesn't activate her ability, it won't be revealed.

　　Once there was a need to activate an ability, such as telepathic communication, then would he be miserable?

　　Good guy... this is an untenable skill!

　　Just when Ryota thought this, the base gate opened.

　　Two girls of almost the same height entered.

　　This is Manaka and Ishtar.

　　"Hah? You're back?"

　　After seeing Ryota, Ishtar was slightly stunned.

　　Manaka quickly rushed to Ryota, took his hand, raised her head, and looked at him deeply with longing eyes.

　　That delicate face, the hopeful expression, the flushed cheeks… It's so easy to make people think wrong.

　　"Give it to me!" Manaka said.

　　Besides, Misaki saw the two of them a few more times, she knew about Ryota's intelligence agreement with Manaka.

　　It's just... Manaka's hungry and thirsty expression just now made her subconsciously think of a bad picture, and she couldn't help frowning.

　　"Don't worry, I'm back, have I broken my promise to you? I'll talk to you later."

　　Ryota shook his hand, telling her to let go first: "By the way, you guys came to base... Are you coming back?"

　　"I will be back." Manaka let go of Ryota obediently, and replied: "There's one more thing to attend to, so... quickly tell me, Shiro-chan."

　　"I also have something to deal with," Ishtar sighed slightly, "The situation on my side is a bit troublesome… that's right!"

　　Suddenly her eyes lit up and she asked: "Shiro-chan, can you come and help?"

　　"I can't deal with Goddess Tiamat." Ryota shook his head.

　　"Huh…you actually know about this?" Ishtar said in surprise: "How do I feel you know everything?"

　　"That's not too exaggerated."

　　Ryota thought for a moment, borrowing someone else's famous saying and replied: "I don't know everything, I only know what I know."

　　"That..." Ishtar bowed curiously and asked: "Could you share some information with me? When Gilgamesh can't defend Uruk, the goddess plays on her own. But the situation on my side is getting worse. If it goes on like this, even I will feel a little harsh."

　　She clearly used her thumb and forefinger to draw the "little" category.

　　"...The universe between your fingers?" Ryota couldn't help but complain.

　　"What?" Ishtar wondered.

　　"It's fine, it doesn't matter if I tell you." Ryota said quite seriously: "Under Merlin's interference, Tiamat was in a dream, in a sleeping state. The Tiamat that was currently active outside was a fake, and her true identity was Medusa. If you want your land to be peaceful for a while, you must find a way to prevent others from attacking Medusa, because once the snake goddess dies... the real Tiamat will wake up soon."

　　"It turned out to be a fake..." Ishtar glared slightly.

　　Seeing her expression, Ryota couldn't help but think of the [FGO: Zettai Majuu Sensen Babylonia (Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia)] plot.

　　To be honest, he had never been able to fathom the extent of Ishtar's intelligence.

　　The protagonist group thought of her as one of the three goddesses at first. When this matter was mentioned, he immediately jumped out to deny anything.

　　She even answered Quetzalcoatl's situation. But in the end, she said that she knew nothing about the alliance of the three goddesses...

　　Ryota had always thought Ishtar was faking it, but judging by her reaction now, it didn't seem like she was faking it.

"That will be resolved in the end. Shiro-chan, why are you telling her so much?" Suddenly Manaka interrupted.

　　"Little girl, what do you mean by this sentence?" Ishtar showed a suspicious look: "Why do you feel like you're always saying something mysterious?"

　　"Means nothing." Manaka ignored her, looked directly at Ryota and said: "Reward, hurry up."

　　"Okay."

　　Ryota nodded, and pulled Manaka aside.

　　Out of curiosity, Ishtar wanted to follow and eavesdrop. As a result, Manaka immediately set up an isolation barrier around her. It seemed she had created a Workshop here, and she could use Magecraft.

　　Ryota pretended not to see it, and immediately said: "This might sound a bit unacceptable..."

　　Since then, he has revealed little about the characters in the work. As he had expected, Manaka showed a surprised expression.

　　She turns out to be a character in a work of fiction. After careful consideration, Manaka asked a new question: "Shiro-chan, can you return to the original world?"

　　"No," Ryota shook his head. "Perhaps it will happen in the future, but no one can say for sure about this kind of thing."

　　"Is that so… what a shame."

　　Manaka showed a somewhat regretful expression.

　　Knows where the source is, but can't browse the source.

　　"Then apart from this, what else? What about other information?"

　　Manaka quickly adjusted her mood, and continued asking: "For example... I want to know about the other members, let's talk about Mine first."

　　"That can't be done," Ryota flatly refused, "Why do you think I would tell you?"

　　The reason for his refusal wasn't that he didn't want to betray his teammates, but...

　　"New information must be exchanged for new conditions."

　　He said it as a matter of course.

　　"Then make a condition," said Manaka urgently, "I can do anything."

　　"..."

　　Ryota couldn't help but look Manaka's body up and down, and that evil thought appeared in his heart again.

　　He quickly suppressed it, changed the subject and said: "Let's talk about this another time, I have something to ask you."

　　"What is it?" asked Manaka strangely.

　　"The Holy Grail War," Ryota asked, "How did you decide to finish the Holy Grail War there? According to the plot I know, you will be stabbed to death from behind. Do you need help?"

　　"No need," said Manaka, "I will return this time to retrieve Holy Grail."

　　Ryota was stunned for a moment: "Retrieve Holy Grail?"

　　It's so fierce?

　　"Yeah, it's useless."

　　Manaka gently waved her hand, looking indifferent: "The Adventurer's Guild is much more interesting."

　　"...Okay."

　　Ryota thought about Manaka's characteristics, and suddenly accepted this fact.

　　What does Manaka want?

　　Unknown!

　　Now that there was the unknown everywhere before her eyes, why would she still care about Holy Grail War?

　　As for the matter between her and the Prototype Saber… Through omniscience, she might have seen it in her own world.

　　Judging from her current situation, she must have found it boring. Compared to the Adventurer's Guild members, it was really boring.

　　Right now, on the road outside the base, if one were to be picked at random, it might be more interesting than Saber...that is, the male version of King Arthur.

　　King Arthur is no longer the prince of Manaka.

　　In terms of status, perhaps not that different from Ishtar.