Chapter 2: CROSSROADS OF WORLDS
Takumi found himself standing outside the Chat Group HQ once more, groceries in hand, the hum of the teleporter still buzzing in his ears. He took in a slow breath, letting the swirl of neon cityscapes behind him settle into focus. After leaving so abruptly at the end of his first day's training, he had promised to return for dinner—Rimuru's promised 'slime-based' dessert was oddly intriguing, if not slightly concerning.
Yet, as he gazed out over the panoramic vista from the HQ's tallest atrium, Takumi realized his mind was wandering elsewhere. He still had an entire life outside this dimension. A swirl of half-familiar faces, from Eriri Spencer to the casual acquaintances in his everyday Tokyo school, had begun to merge with the new reality. This mix of "Saekano" and "Oreimo" settings felt more real by the day. And he had a growing curiosity about certain people he'd only glimpsed so far—like the Kousaka siblings everyone seemed to whisper about. Kirino Kousaka's name had popped up in passing, and Takumi recalled that the older brother, Kyousuke, had been rumored to help with some unusual otaku troubles.
He exhaled slowly, adjusting his grocery bag. The time difference still played tricks on him—having spent only minutes in the real world, he could stay here for hours or days if he chose. He brushed aside the thought for the moment; the chat group members were waiting, after all. It was time to take the next step in this new double life.
---
Evening in the Chat Group world looked like a futuristic neon wonderland. Streets lit up with vibrant, hovering lanterns; air cars zipped through the sky; and colossal LED billboards broadcast mission updates and comedic animations, courtesy of the system's AI. Takumi walked through the corridors of HQ's residential sector—an area many members used for extended stays. He navigated hallways lined with sleek sliding doors, each leading to personal apartments or communal lounges.
A sweet, peculiar aroma wafted from the lounge at the corridor's end. When Takumi pushed through the door, he discovered the scene: Rimuru—still in human form—wielding a spatula in one hand and conjuring miniature slime clones with the other, all of them working in unison to prepare a lavish spread.
"Ah, Takumi!" Rimuru said warmly, swirling around. "Perfect timing. Grab a seat. Dinner's almost ready."
On one side of the lounge, Ruri Gokou sat reading from a massive, leather-bound tome. She looked up briefly, then returned to her reading. Rin Tohsaka was arranging silverware with the help of a few floating magical sigils, while Misaka Mikoto peered over the dessert portion suspiciously.
"What…exactly did you mix into those slime-based pastries?" Mikoto asked, raising a brow.
"It's mostly standard pastry dough," Rimuru explained, "but the filling uses part of my slime cells for a unique texture and flavor."
Kazuma lounged on a nearby sofa, hands behind his head. "So, basically, we're eating parts of you for dessert," he teased with a smirk.
"It's perfectly safe!" Rimuru protested, cheeks tinted faintly pink. "Besides, I can regenerate."
Takumi snickered quietly at the interplay. It was surreal but somehow comforting. He moved to set down his bag of groceries, then slid into a chair at the table.
While Rimuru finished cooking, the conversation drifted to their next group objective.
Rin Tohsaka tapped her chin thoughtfully. "There's talk of some dimensional turbulence. The system gave me a small ping earlier, but nothing concrete. It might be an anomaly near some undisclosed boundary."
"How ominous," Ruri said in a low monotone, still nose-deep in her tome. "Perhaps it's an omen for the dawn of the Black Emperor's reign."
Kazuma rolled his eyes. "You sure you're not just reading too many chuunibyou novels?"
She shot him a glare but said nothing.
Mikoto sighed. "Anyway, until the system actually issues a mission, we can't do much. Takumi, how about you? How was your day back in your anime world?"
Takumi blinked, caught off-guard by the direct question. "Oh, me? It was pretty normal, I guess. Went to class, realized I'm behind on math homework…and I might have an upcoming sports event. I also keep hearing about the Kousaka siblings—Kirino and Kyousuke. People say Kirino's super into anime, but she's kind of hush-hush about it."
"Kirino Kousaka," Ruri murmured, looking up from her book. Her expression took on a strangely complicated twist. "Yes…I know her from my…other life. Another me, in a sense, was acquainted with her, but that was a different reality's timeline. Hmph." She closed the tome. "If you meet her, be mindful—she's not the easiest to befriend, and she can be quite…stubborn."
Takumi tilted his head. "You speak like you already know so much about her."
Ruri's eyes flicked away. "Well, the threads of destiny in the realm of darkness—"
Mikoto cut her off with a teasing grin, "We get it, you're all mysterious. Anyway, let's eat, guys!"
Rimuru set the dishes on the table, and soon they were all enjoying a strangely delicious—and slightly squishy—meal. The dessert, a pastel-colored pastry filled with jiggly slime cream, turned out unexpectedly good. The sweet tang melted in Takumi's mouth, and an invigorating energy coursed through him.
"Satisfied?" Rimuru asked hopefully.
Takumi gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up. "Absolutely."
---
As soon as the final dish was cleared and they retreated to the lounge area for some after-dinner conversation, Takumi's phone buzzed. The swirl of the Chat Group's galaxy icon appeared at the top of his screen. He glanced at it, expecting a standard alert—but the text displayed made his heart skip a beat:
SYSTEM ALERT:
Boundary Fluctuation Detected in Tokyo District
Potential Dimensional Rift
"That's the anomaly I was talking about!" Rin exclaimed, leaning over Takumi's shoulder to read.
Kazuma hopped up, eyes bright with curiosity. "Dimensional rift, huh? Could be dangerous. Could also be a chance to prove ourselves."
Ruri shrugged, feigning disinterest. "Or it could be a fleeting crack in the veil, leading nowhere."
Mikoto stood up, sparks flickering around her. "We have to check it out. If it threatens Takumi's world, that's serious business."
Rimuru nodded. "Exactly. Let's not wait for it to fester."
Takumi set his phone on the table. "Alright. Let's handle it. But…this means we'd have to leave soon for my dimension, right? Because it's currently nighttime there."
"In your dimension, maybe a few hours have passed since you came here," Rin pointed out. "We can spend another day here if we want, but that might complicate the timeline."
Time's tricky dissonance weighed on Takumi. He looked at them one by one. "I don't want to risk letting this rift grow. Let's do a quick gear check, then head back tonight."
Everyone agreed. Another wave of excitement rippled through the lounge. Missions like these were part of the Chat Group's unspoken duty: to keep various worlds stable whenever cross-dimensional threats arose. Yet, for Takumi, it was also a chance to see how far his powers had come—and how well he could work alongside these remarkable individuals.
---
A quick gear-up followed. Mikoto grabbed a specialized wristband that regulated her electric output. Rin collected a set of gems infused with mana. Rimuru donned a cloak that sparkled faintly, presumably to keep a low profile. Kazuma brandished an odd sword he'd discovered rummaging around in HQ's supply cabinets—something called the "Blade of Mediocrity," which apparently had average stats but was reliable in a pinch. Ruri clutched her tome to her chest, black lace swirling around her slender figure.
When they stood together at the teleporter, the System's interface flared to life, scanning them each with a beam of light. Takumi's phone vibrated with a message:
ACTIVE SQUAD SELECTED:
Takumi, Misaka Mikoto, Rimuru, Rin Tohsaka, Kazuma, Ruri Gokou
Initiate Transfer? [YES/NO]
Takumi thumbed the "YES," and in the blink of an eye, they all felt the lurch of transdimensional travel.
A swirl of neon. A rush of wind. Then darkness.
They landed inside Takumi's bedroom, lights off and curtains drawn. He fumbled for the switch on the wall and flicked it on, revealing the same, modest space.
"Everything is exactly how I left it," Takumi muttered, setting aside his schoolbag. He checked his phone's real-world clock: 11:39 PM. "So only about four hours have passed here since I left for dinner. Good."
Mikoto peered around the cramped quarters, rummaging through some random trinkets. "We should locate that anomaly soon. Where did the alert say it was concentrated?"
Rin invoked a magical sigil that hovered above her palm. "Somewhere near central Tokyo, ironically close to the Kousaka family's neighborhood. That's not a coincidence, given that Kirino has certain…connections to mysterious forces of her own."
Ruri raised an eyebrow. "So we might very well cross paths with that insufferable girl. Wonderful."
Takumi noted the edge in Ruri's voice. Perhaps there was more to her relationship with Kirino than she let on. "Alright, let's go. But keep your powers under wraps if there are normal civilians around."
The group nodded. Moments later, they were slipping through the quiet Tokyo streets, weaving past the occasional late-night convenience store or passing taxi. Neon signs still flickered, though the crowds had thinned considerably.
---
They arrived at a modest suburban district lined with houses sporting tidy gardens. The night air was still. Each step on the sidewalk felt like an echo in a sleeping world. At length, they paused before a corner house with a discreet nameplate: Kousaka.
"This is Kirino's place," Ruri said quietly. "I can sense faint magical residue in the air…like someone's tampering with dimensional energy."
Rin nodded in agreement. "I feel it too. The rift might be forming not far from here."
Kazuma hummed. "So do we just knock on their door at midnight and ask if they've got a dimensional anomaly in their backyard?"
Mikoto rolled her eyes. "Yeah, that's sure to go over well."
Takumi took a measured breath. "Let's do a quick perimeter check first."
They split into pairs—Takumi with Mikoto, Rimuru with Kazuma, and Rin with Ruri—to circle around the neighborhood. Tall fences surrounded most homes, and the dim glow of streetlamps cast long shadows across the pavement. At the back of the Kousaka property was a small alleyway. Halfway down it, Takumi felt a prickling sensation along his arms.
Mikoto paused. "Do you feel that?"
"Yeah," Takumi said, summoning the faint teal aura around his hand. The air shimmered with a subtle distortion, as though the alley itself was quietly warping.
A soft beep on Mikoto's phone confirmed it: "System alert. Boundary breach at 20 meters ahead."
They crept forward. The distortion grew stronger—an oval shape in the air, swirling with faint arcs of light. It was no bigger than a standard door, but the edges pulsed erratically. Takumi recognized it as some kind of cross-dimensional portal…still half-formed.
"Looks unstable," Mikoto whispered.
Just then, voices came from around the corner. Takumi recognized one as distinctly female and somewhat shrill. He and Mikoto pressed against the fence, peeking out.
A teenage girl with striking orange-brown hair stood there, face lit up by the swirl of the anomaly. She wore casual clothes, but her posture suggested alarm. At her side was a somewhat taller boy in pajamas, hair mussed and expression exasperated.
"Kirino, we need to get out of here," the boy was saying in a hushed tone. "I don't know what that thing is, but it's not safe."
Kirino shook her head fiercely. "But…this is the real deal, Kyousuke! I'm not going to run away. If this is connected to some supernatural phenomenon, I want to—" She cut herself off, noticing the swirling portal intensify. "Ah!"
A surge of energy erupted from the rift, sending out a shockwave of force. Kirino stumbled back, nearly falling over, but the boy—Kyousuke—caught her by the arm.
"Careful!" he hissed. "We can't just stand here!"
The swirl brightened dangerously, as if it might detonate. Takumi felt panic well inside him. He darted forward without thinking, Mikoto close behind.
"Get back!" Takumi shouted, placing himself between the siblings and the rift.
Kirino blinked in surprise. "Who are—"
There was no time to explain. The portal flashed a brilliant white, releasing a chaotic burst of energy. Takumi summoned the teal aura around his arms, struggling to contain it. Mikoto unleashed a controlled arc of electricity to neutralize the wave.
The combined efforts formed a protective barrier, reducing the impact to a gust of wind that swirled trash and leaves around them in a whirlwind. Kirino shielded her face, and Kyousuke ducked, eyes wide.
When the light finally died down, the alley fell silent save for heavy breathing. The rift still glowed ominously, a swirling mass of cosmic distortion.
---
Kirino gawked at Takumi and Mikoto, who were both standing in what was obviously a defensive stance that no normal high-schoolers should know. "Wh-what was that?" she demanded, trembling slightly. "Are you guys…some sort of secret agents or something?"
Kyousuke stepped forward, eyes narrowed. "And why did you appear out of nowhere?"
Takumi glanced at Mikoto, then back at the siblings. "It's…complicated. My name's Takumi. This is Mikoto. That portal is dangerous. You need to stay back."
Kirino's eyes darted to the swirl of teal energy still dancing around Takumi's hands. "A-are you using magic? That's insane! I've seen stuff like this in anime…"
Before she could elaborate, a shout came from further down the alley. The rest of the chat group arrived—Rimuru, Kazuma, Rin, and Ruri—each ready for action.
"Is everyone okay?" Rimuru asked, stepping forward. His protective aura fanned out, giving him an ethereal glow.
Kirino's jaw dropped. "W-who are all these people?!"
Kazuma snorted. "Oh boy, we've got regular bystanders."
Rin Tohsaka took charge, her voice calm but urgent. "There's no time to explain all the details. We need to stabilize this rift before it collapses. If it implodes, it could destroy this entire block. Kazuma, Rimuru, help me set up a containment field. Mikoto, keep channeling your electricity to offset the pressure. Takumi, ready your energy sphere if it tries to surge again."
They moved in sync, each following Rin's instructions. Meanwhile, Kirino, still shaken, clung to Kyousuke's arm. The older brother kept his eyes on the bizarre scene, clearly torn between protecting his sister and wanting to flee. Yet something—whether curiosity or concern—held him in place.
Ruri frowned at them from the side, tome clutched tight. "I suppose I'll handle any misfiring spells," she muttered. She caught Kirino's gaze, and for a moment, something flickered in her eyes—recognition, annoyance, maybe even nostalgia.
Kazuma, Rimuru, and Rin formed a triangular barrier around the portal, each chanting or invoking powers. Bolts of energy danced across the alley, reflecting in the siblings' startled eyes. The swirling rift slowly began to stabilize, its once-turbulent edges smoothing into a more spherical shape. The hum in the air quieted.
But then, as if resisting containment, the rift pulsed violently.
"It's pushing back!" Rimuru shouted. "We need more power!"
Takumi stepped closer, summoning the largest teal energy sphere he could manage. He placed his hands near the rift's surface, letting the sphere merge with the barrier to strengthen it. The drain on his stamina was immediate—he felt his muscles tremble, sweat beading on his brow.
"Hang on, I've got you," Mikoto urged, channeling an arc of electricity that intertwined with Takumi's sphere, creating a fused energy matrix.
Bit by bit, the swirling mass quieted, the distortion sealing itself. In a final flash, the portal crackled and shrank, collapsing into a tiny point of light before disappearing altogether.
A hush fell over the alley.
---
Rin breathed a sigh of relief. "It's gone. Good job, everyone."
Kazuma shook out his arms, as though dispelling tension. "That was more intense than I expected."
Rimuru's body flickered with leftover magical sparks. "We should be safe now. The residual energy might linger, but the crisis is averted."
Kirino and Kyousuke stood side by side, staring in bewilderment at the ragtag group of superpowered teenagers. Kirino stepped forward, determination igniting behind her eyes. "You…you can't just save me from some interdimensional portal and then vanish without explaining. Who are you people?"
Takumi glanced uneasily at the others. "Uh, well…"
"It's complicated," Mikoto said again, electricity still faintly dancing along her fingertips. "We're part of an organization that monitors dimensional anomalies. Let's keep it at that."
Kyousuke frowned. "You're telling me there's an organization of superhumans and you all just go around closing magic portals?"
Kazuma folded his arms. "Something like that. Usually, normal folks don't get tangled up in these affairs, but…here we are."
Ruri stepped forward, her gothic attire standing out starkly under the streetlights. Her gaze fixed on Kirino. "I see your taste in nighttime escapades hasn't changed."
Kirino's jaw dropped. "Excuse me? Do we…know each other?"
Ruri sniffed. "Not in this timeline. But I know enough to say that this fiasco is something you'd attract."
"Ngh…" Kirino balled her fists, clearly frustrated by the cryptic nature of the conversation. She seemed torn between demanding more answers and concealing her own secrets. "Fine! Keep your mysteries! But if anything like this happens again, you'd better—"
Kyousuke set a hand on her shoulder, calming her. "Kirino, maybe we should just be thankful they helped us. And it's late." He turned to the group, bowing slightly. "Thank you for saving us. We won't push for details if it's classified."
Kirino pouted but nodded reluctantly. "Y-yeah…thanks."
Takumi met her gaze, trying to lighten the tension. "You're welcome. Sorry we startled you."
Kirino muttered, "You were pretty cool, though. Doing that, like, anime power blast or whatever."
She averted her eyes as soon as she said it, cheeks faintly pink. Ruri hid a smirk behind her hand.
"Well, let's get out of here," Rin suggested, dismissing her barrier with a flick of her wrist. "We still have to monitor the area for any aftershocks. We'll likely set up a small perimeter watch for the rest of the night."
Kirino looked torn, curiosity burning in her expression. Finally, she mustered the courage to ask, "Wait! Are you guys…like, real-life versions of the stuff I watch in anime? Is there some chat group or secret dimension? Or—"
Ruri interjected, "Don't pry too deeply. You'll only get entangled in something far bigger than your collection of eroge. Go home, Kirino."
Kirino's eyes widened at the mention of her hobby. "H-how did you—"
"Ruri," Rin hissed under her breath, "let's not blow up the poor girl's secrets."
Ruri feigned innocence. "I merely made an observation."
A wave of awkwardness passed among them. Finally, Kirino scowled. "Ugh! Fine, keep acting all high and mighty." She whirled around, yanking Kyousuke's arm. "Come on, Onii-chan, let's go. We've got school tomorrow."
With a final glance over her shoulder—some mixture of gratitude and irritation—Kirino turned and led Kyousuke away, disappearing through a side gate that led back to their house.
---
Once the siblings were gone, Takumi let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. His teal aura faded, leaving him feeling drained but oddly fulfilled.
"That could've been worse," Mikoto said, running her hand through her short hair.
"It still might be," Rin warned, checking her magical sensors. "We have to do a thorough sweep to ensure no secondary rifts form. That thing was fairly powerful for a random anomaly."
Kazuma shrugged. "At least no property damage. The last time we messed with a portal, half the building collapsed."
Rimuru shot him a mild glare. "Don't remind me."
Ruri exhaled sharply, then looked pointedly at Takumi. "So…that's Kirino. She and I share some entangled fate in another timeline, but here, she's just an ambitious otaku with a strong personality. If you want to befriend her, tread carefully."
Takumi nodded slowly. "She didn't seem that bad—just flustered and a bit spiky."
A ghost of a smile tugged at Ruri's lips. "You haven't seen her at her worst. Or best, for that matter."
The group set about scanning the alley and surrounding streets. Though the rift left behind a faint magical residue, it quickly dissipated under the specialized spells. By the time they finished, the night had grown darker. Midnight was approaching.
Despite the tension and the exhaustion, Takumi felt a quiet thrill. He'd faced down a dimensional threat in his own city, protected two unsuspecting siblings, and done it alongside his new Chat Group companions. The synergy they displayed made him realize how much he'd come to rely on them—and how much he enjoyed their company.
---
They reconvened at Takumi's apartment—six somewhat weary travelers in a small living space. The others sprawled across his chairs, couch, or simply hovered near the kitchen. Takumi offered tea, rummaging around for enough cups while Rimuru gave an approving nod at his hospitality.
Kazuma rubbed his neck. "So what happens now? The anomaly's sealed, so I guess we can chill until the next big threat?"
Rin sipped her tea, brow knit. "Yes, but I can't shake the feeling that this was more than a random event. Something or someone might be testing the boundaries."
"That might not be discovered tonight," Mikoto reasoned. "We should rest and keep an eye on the system updates."
Takumi stifled a yawn, the fatigue of two worlds weighing on him. He realized that for them, the night was still young, but for his real-life body, it was nearing midnight. "Feel free to crash here, though I only have one bedroom. Not sure how we'd—"
Kazuma snickered. "All of us in one bedroom? This is like a cheap rom-com setup."
Mikoto rolled her eyes. "Well, we can always go back to HQ. A few minutes in your world is a week there, after all."
Ruri tapped her tome thoughtfully. "True, but I have some errands to run in the city tomorrow. Besides, I find this world's night atmosphere…soothing."
Rin shrugged, finishing her tea. "I might head back to HQ for some rest. The bed in my suite is top-notch."
Rimuru raised a hand. "I'll stay. I can rest anywhere, and I'd like to gather samples of the residual energy at sunrise."
Takumi, not entirely sure how to host so many overnight guests, decided not to argue. "Alright, do what works best for each of you. But keep a low profile if you stay here. My neighbors might freak out if they see you popping in and out with magic."
A small wave of chuckles passed over the group. They parted ways—Rin and Kazuma teleported back to HQ, while Mikoto declared she was going to find a capsule hotel for the night ("I want to experience normal life here, just for fun," she said, ignoring the raised eyebrows). Ruri and Rimuru stayed, claiming corners of the living room to doze, or in Ruri's case, read arcane texts by lamplight.
Takumi changed into casual clothes, slipping into bed with a swirl of conflicted thoughts. He was grateful for the quiet moment, even if his heart still pounded from the near miss in the alley. The last thing he saw before drifting off was the glow of the city lights through his window, each one reminding him of the vibrant possibilities that lay ahead.
In the back of his mind, he couldn't help wondering about Kirino and Kyousuke. Would they recover from this shock easily? Had he just irrevocably changed their perspective on the world? Perhaps, in time, they'd cross paths again under more normal circumstances. For now, though, he let the hum of the Chat Group's connection lull him to sleep.
---
Morning light spilled across Takumi's face, and he groaned, rolling over. The clock read 6:22 AM. From the living room, he could hear hushed voices.
He got up, stretched, and peeked out. Rimuru stood by the window, gazing at a swirling test tube of faintly glowing mist. Next to them, Ruri held a mini-laptop, referencing some data. They turned at his arrival.
"Morning," Rimuru said softly. "I collected some leftover energy from the alley. Fascinating stuff—like it's from a dimension not yet mapped in the system archives."
Ruri tapped the laptop's screen. "Our preliminary analysis suggests the entity that created that rift might attempt more infiltration. We'll have to remain vigilant."
Takumi rubbed his eyes. "So…we might be dealing with more rifts soon?"
Rimuru offered a half-smile. "Let's not jump to conclusions, but it's a possibility."
Ruri shut the laptop, the corners of her mouth curling in a thoughtful smirk. "At least it will keep us from growing complacent."
Takumi nodded, recalling how the day before, his biggest worry was being late to homeroom. Now, he had to juggle algebra exams with interdimensional anomalies. Still, he felt a sense of purpose in it all. He was no longer just living day-to-day—he was part of something bigger.
A buzz on his phone made him glance down:
Kazuma: *Already back at HQ, but let me know if you find more weird stuff. Good luck dealing with normal-school-life. ;)*
Mikoto: *Breakfast at a local cafe. Might drop by your school later, so keep an eye out. I want to see your daily routine.*
Rin Tohsaka: *Preparing a formal report for the system. Keep me posted.*
Takumi gave a small laugh at Mikoto's message. He shook his head, imagining her trying to blend in among normal students. Then again, he never expected to be living like this.
The events of the previous night—and Ruri's cryptic warnings about Kirino—still loomed large in his mind. Perhaps he'd cross paths with the Kousaka siblings again soon, especially with Kirino's unstoppable curiosity. If so, he'd have to think carefully about how much to reveal.
Stepping out onto his balcony for a breath of fresh morning air, Takumi looked at the rising sun. Another day in a world that was simultaneously mundane and extraordinary. The Chat Group had given him new powers, new friends, and new responsibilities. He felt the warmth of the sunlight on his face, remembering the moment he first opened his eyes to this second life. If this was his new path, he'd walk it with determination—even if it meant balancing infiltration missions at midnight and final exams by day.
His phone buzzed again.
Rin Tohsaka (System Notice): *Potential quest update: TBA.*
Takumi exhaled, a slow grin forming.
"Alright," he said to himself. "Let's see what the day brings."
With that, he turned back inside to prepare for yet another dual existence: a normal high-school student by morning, and an interdimensional troubleshooter by night.