Kapitel 223: -220- For our belief
"Tonight..."
In an instant, Mash's expression turned somewhat speechless.
From Mash's eyes, Rozen could even discern a lot of hesitation and complex emotions, leaving him somewhat at a loss for words.
As a test subject, Mash hadn't been allowed to move freely within Chaldea. When she gained permission about two years ago, she met Rozen.
Since then, Mash had came to rely on Rozen.
Rozen could imagine how Mash had felt during his three-month absence within Chaldea before. Otherwise, Mash wouldn't have rushed over and hugged him as soon as she saw him.
Now, he had only just returned for a few days, and he was going to disappear again tonight. How could Mash not feel anxious and unsettled?
I'm such a...
Rozen cursed himself for only just realizing this fact and was about to say something to Mash.
However...
"Senpai, you don't need to change your decision because of me."
As if seeing through Rozen's thoughts, Mash gazed at him with an earnest expression.
"Mash..."
Being stared at so earnestly by Mash, Rozen even had a momentary pause in his breath.
In this situation, Mash spoke up.
"I know that Senpai will give everything he can for things that must be done. Ever since the beginning, that's just the kind of person you are." Mash met Rozen's gaze directly and continued, "So, I don't want to slow you down."
"But..." Rozen's tone became somewhat hesitant.
Looking at Rozen in this state, Mash's expression suddenly turned very gentle.
And then, Mash confessed something.
"All this time, I've regarded laying the foundation for human history as a job and a duty. Because that's my responsibility, and it's the meaning of Chaldea's existence."
Mash lowered her head and said so.
"I'm well aware that I'm not as altruistic as doctor, striving to save all of humanity, or as resolute as the Director, fighting for the survival of human history. I don't consider the survival of all mankind as an issue I absolutely need to resolve. Instead, I treat like a job."
In other words, Mash fought for her own sake in battle, not for the sake of others.
"So, during the Singularities, seeing everyone acting as proper Servants, I was truly shaken."
Mash's voice echoed slowly.
"Like Jeanne, who continued to act to save her homeland even when betrayed by France."
"Like Marie, who continued to love everyone even when facing public execution."
"Like Amadeus, who silently supported his loved one even when he knew that person would be unjustly treated."
"Like Elisabeth, who continued to deny her own descent into complete corruption even though she knew the future couldn't be changed."
"And even Kiyohime, who loves passionately, though it's a bit strange."
"Everyone has different beliefs, reasons, origins, I was deeply moved by all of them and came to understand that I must also have a reason to fight."
"It's not just about completing a job; there's definitely meaning in it."
Mash smiled at Rozen as she said this.
"I believe Senpai thinks the same way, right?"
Hearing this, Rozen responded without hesitation.
"Of course."
Otherwise, Rozen wouldn't strive for a grand goal like saving all of humanity.
In the path ahead, there were things he wanted.
Only by confirming this would one strive forward.
"I also want to seize my own destiny, just like Senpai."
Mash displayed a presence she hadn't shown before and asserted with determination.
"So, even if I continue to rely on you, I'll do what I can when you're not here. I'll train harder, improve myself, and become stronger to become a Servant worthy of you."
Saying this, Mash took a step forward, held Rozen's hand, and embraced it in her palm.
In this moment, Rozen saw traces of Jeanne in Mash.
It's not that Mash was similar to Jeanne, but rather that this girl, like the legendary saint, had gradually come to understand compassion and tolerance.
"I will do my best for you, Senpai."
Mash confessed from the depths of her heart.
"Please, Senpai, hold onto your beliefs and stick to your ways."
Such a voice, entering Rozen's ears, incredibly dispelled all his worries.
Including the mysteries brought by his experiences in the Singularities.
Recalling how this same girl had cleared his mind when he was troubled about whether or not to participate in the battle before entering the Fuyuki Singularity, Rozen thought this way.
"You always save me, Mash."
Rozen couldn't help but say this, his face now wearing a relaxed expression.
Seeing this scene, Mash smiled too.
"Because I'm always saved by you, Senpai."
The girl's sincere words, Rozen believed, would forever remain in his heart.
The two of them stopped talking, only holding hands and turning their heads to gaze out the window.
Even though the outside remained in utter silence and pitch-black darkness, both of them seemed to envision a bright future, as if gazing at a beautiful blue sky, their expressions without a trace of gloom.
"Fou!"
Fou, who had fallen to the ground at some point, looked up at this scene. It was as if he found it somewhat dazzling yet also felt joyous, emitting a gentle, soft cry.
Even if the world outside remained pitch-black and silent, here, everything was warm.
...
After returning to the room, Rozen changed out of his Chaldea uniform and put on the kimono he brought back from the Automaton World. He took off his gloves and touched the ring on his hand.
"Which 'door' should I open?"
This time, just like the previous time, his goal was to have as much time as possible.
In that case, returning to the Automaton World might be a good choice.
After all, when he had gone to the Automaton World before, Rozen had regressed to being an infant, proving the significant time difference between the two worlds. He had spent fifteen full years there while only a little over three months had passed in Chaldea. Moreover, opening the 'door' once again wouldn't affect Rozen's physical condition. Going there was undoubtedly the best choice.
However...
"As long as I open the 'door' once, the passage between the two worlds will be established. This would allow me to move freely between them, and the flow of time between the worlds will gradually synchronize until their time ratios are consistent."
Therefore, right now, the flow of time in the Automaton World should be slowing down gradually until it comes to a halt, matching Chaldea's time flow, right?
In that case, Rozen wouldn't choose to return to the Automaton World.
"I can only choose a new world."
But if he were to go to a new world, Rozen's physical condition would be affected, and if he regressed to infancy again, there was no guarantee he would be lucky enough to be found. It was more likely that he would simply starve to death on the streets.
"So, this time, I must choose a world where the time flow is relatively suitable."
Specifically, it shouldn't render him an infant unable to act on his own, and even if its time flow was slower than that of the Automaton World, it should still be much faster than Chaldea's.
Thinking this, Rozen used the power of "Miracle" to observe the flow of time in various worlds and selected the most suitable one.
"This one."
Just as Rozen made his decision...
"Zing!"
A vortex of light appeared in the room, once again carrying Rozen away from Chaldea.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein