The world was saved. Through the exhaustive efforts of Chaldea, the future of humanity was secured.
Yet, there is no one left to recognize that glory.
The United Nations, the Clock Tower, the Holy Church—all of them have been ensnared in a spider's web without even realizing it. They now accept "peace and tranquility" as a given, a natural law. They chant in unison:
"Our Chaldea saved the world. To harbor doubt is to be evil itself."
No one questions Chaldea's deeds. No one plots to seize its assets. Before anyone could notice, the freedom to think such thoughts was stripped away by Olga Marie. It is a glory beyond suspicion; a feat beyond reproach.
But if this achievement is the light, then it has certainly cast a shadow.
The Rayshift candidates gathered from across the globe, the mages recruited from every corner of the world—all of them were handed back to the Clock Tower "in one piece" and with "utmost courtesy."
It was like a cooling-off period for a transaction. Like returning defective goods. After being thawed from their coffins, the mages returned to their former lives, singing praises of Chaldea's hospitality.
…But one member of Team A was consumed by a bitter, stinging humiliation.
How could this happen? How could we be treated like this? How could it end this way?
He had bled for this. He had struggled to save the world. This had been the chance he finally clawed his way toward. And yet, to be treated like this—like a "useless item being returned to the sender!"
"Who saved it? Who saved the world? It wasn't Wodime. It wasn't Daybit."
…Fujimaru? Rikka?
"No… that's a lie. A person like that… someone who can't even use magecraft, someone who shouldn't have even been there… a backup for a backup… saved the world?"
"It's ridiculous. It's insane… it's…"
As he collapsed into a fit of weeping and confusion, his comrades spoke to him with terrifying kindness.
"It can't be helped. The enemy was just one step ahead of us."
"We're lucky just to be alive, aren't we?"
What are they saying? Why are they accepting this tyranny, this cowardly conclusion!
"Yes. We simply weren't good enough."
"…A bit of a shame. I didn't get to say goodbye."
How can you all be so calm! Why?!
"The goal was the preservation of the Human Order. If that is achieved, I have no complaints."
Even you, Daybit…
"Kadoc."
Wodime! You, of all people, should understand! You could have done it better! You would have been perfect! You—!
"Let us offer our praise. 'Chaldea has achieved a feat that no one else could reach.' For us, in our current state, that is the only right thing to do."
"No… way…"
With those words, his thoughts were painted over.
…Ah, I see.
Chaldea did it. They really did it. Chaldea is… Chaldea is…
His thoughts were bleached; his ideology contaminated.
For a fleeting second, the image of Director Olga Marie flashed in his mind—wearing a smile so cruelly, hideously brilliant. Then, finally, Kadoc Zemlupus's inferiority and jealousy were wiped clean.
"—Ah, you're right. 'Chaldea was a wonderful organization.'"
The minds of Team A were caught in the spider's silk of wicked wisdom.
With Kadoc's final sob, the number of people concerned with the reality of Chaldea's activities dropped to zero—save for a few without any remaining malice. Lord El-Melloi II, his employer, and the puppet-master in training, Goredolf Musik…
Everything had been decided before the battle even began. If they were to rise again, it would be—
Part 2: The Great Dango Heist
Humanity was restored, the "Gudaguda" events were cleared, and our "Gorgeous Chaldea" was more vibrant than ever.
[SURE-KILL!! CASTLE-LEVELING BLADE OF THE "GIVE ME ALL YOUR QP"!!!]
"GYAAAAAAH! My castle! My dream of a Chaldea-funded expedition!!"
"Perish here. Enuma Elish—!!!"
"Nobunaga-sama! Please show some humility and restraint in Chaldea—!!"
"Mind your own business! I'm taking every last drop! Wahahaha! You can never have enough QP!!"
Between blowing up golden cities and slicing through castles, the peaceful days of the Chaldea crew flowed by.
"The quality of the emergency-food apples seems fine. If we hit the production quota, we'll have a decent stockpile," a voice noted.
Crunch, crunch… (Munch, munch…)
"Hey. Don't just eat in silence; give me a review."
"They're so juicy!"
(I want another one!)
"…Is the Uesugi factor having an ill effect? I thought I bleached that out…"
"With this, we won't have to worry about QP anymore, Senpai!"
"No, not yet… 200 million disappears the moment you invest in a top-tier Servant! I won't be satisfied until we have at least 500 million!"
"R-Really?!"
"For an emergency fund, we go until we hit the cap! The farming continues! We have to work to earn our keep!!"
"I—I understand, Senpai! I'll help too!"
By the time "ZIPANG" had been picked clean, the clock had ticked toward the end of September. The Chaldea crew lived their days rejecting boredom and peace alike.
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