Ayaka was in another parallel world. Aside from Zelretch, no one else had the means to travel between parallel worlds.
Thus, it was impossible for Ayaka to have come here on her own. Whether directly or indirectly, her appearance in this world must be connected to Zelretch.
Taking a slightly damaged talisman from her pocket, Ayaka explained, "It's a bit of a long story. I think I need to explain everything to you from the beginning, Naoki…"
As she spoke, Ayaka gave Naoki a rough overview of what she had experienced over the past two years.
She didn't go into detail about the "side jobs" Zelretch had given her. After all, those were just disputes among Magi. Though they had the potential to cause significant harm, most issues were ultimately resolved without major incidents.
"—This time is more or less the same. The Wizard Marshal said a special Dead Apostle named Tatari would appear in Misaki City and told me to deal with it if possible. But he also said it didn't matter if I didn't, since it involves this world and you, so you'd probably handle it yourself in the end."
(That old man…)
Naoki felt he needed to have a serious talk with Zelretch after returning. While he didn't mind helping with some matters, throwing problems at him out of nowhere like this—was Zelretch treating him like a volunteer worker?
When he got back, he'd pluck a few strands of that old man's beard.
"So, how did you end up in this world? And why would Tatari's appearance affect my world?"
"Zelretch said there's a minor, not-too-serious issue with the axis of the two worlds. It would normally recover on its own over time, but Tatari's appearance coincides with that recovery period. Because of that, it affects both worlds simultaneously—like a reflection in water."
Ayaka explained, "The reason I could come to this world… I think it's because of this talisman."
"Originally, the Wizard Marshal gave me this talisman so I could exist in both worlds simultaneously while Tatari was active. But just now, I was attacked by Tatari disguised as my sister, and the talisman was damaged during that attack."
Because it received external interference, the Mystic Code malfunctioned and sent Ayaka to this world?
(There's reason to suspect that old man planned this on purpose.)
Glancing at the talisman in Ayaka's hand, Naoki asked, "Ayaka, can you show me that talisman? There's something I want to check."
"Sure, no problem."
Handing the talisman to Naoki, the moment he touched it, a message suddenly appeared in his mind.
It was a Magecraft message. It recorded a voice or information through a pre-set magical pattern, delivering it to the intended recipient.
["Naughty kid, this little Sajyou girl has been here too long. Take her back and deal with it yourself."]
It was a message from Zelretch.
(As I thought, that old man did this on purpose. What's with this Mystic Code that lets you exist in both worlds simultaneously? He really had the nerve to say that.)
This talisman was likely a portable Mystic Code for cross-parallel-world teleportation, designed to instantly send Ayaka to his side when she was in danger or when activated.
Did Zelretch think Naoki was short on people by his side? He even slipped Ayaka into his group?
"Naoki?"
Seeing Naoki's slightly strange expression, Ayaka felt puzzled. "Is something wrong with the talisman?"
"No… nothing's wrong. It's just completely broken." Naoki said, handing the talisman back to Ayaka. "Unless you meet Zelretch, you probably won't be able to return to your original world."
"Huh?"
Ayaka froze for a moment.
That meant she had to stay in this world for the time being?
(That's not bad either.)
The thought flashed through Ayaka's mind. But she quickly realized some issues. "I can't go back? Then what about my classes in the Department of Modern Magecraft Theory? And I also have elective courses in the Department of Mineralogy and the Department of Spiritual Evocation…"
"That's the first thing you're worried about?"
Naoki gave a wry smile. "It's fine. I'm sure that old Jewel guy will help you sort it out. For now, you can stay with me. I'm currently working as a teacher at the Clock Tower here and living in London."
"A teacher, you, Naoki?"
"A martial arts teacher. Basically, I train the new generation of Magi in taking hits and dodging attacks, forcing them to work on their physical fitness and endurance."
That was indeed a rough and straightforward teaching method. If they didn't want to get hit hard, they had to train their bodies. And physical training aligned with the true essence of martial arts—demonstrating the vitality of life through physical ability.
Considering Naoki's abilities, Ayaka could imagine what life was like for the Magi in this world.
But, living with Naoki?
"Like back then when I stayed at your place?"
"More or less. But my apartment is pretty crowded. You might have to squeeze in… I think Rei will be thrilled."
"Rei?"
The unfamiliar name made Ayaka frown. "Who's that? A girl you met in the last two years?"
"You could say we just met, but to you, she shouldn't be a stranger."
"I know her too?" Ayaka thought through the people she knew, and none were named "Rei."
Seeing her confusion, Naoki couldn't help but laugh. "Do you remember what I told you back then? That your sister didn't die at that time and might still be alive."
"I only said it was a possibility back then. But in reality, your sister's abilities were far beyond what either of us imagined. Even in that situation, she managed to survive by residing in another vessel."
Related to her sister?
Residing in another vessel?
"Don't tell me Rei is… my sister?"
"Yes. She's now called Sajyou Rei. Her soul and consciousness have merged with one of my doll-shaped Mystic Codes. Currently, she's living as… well, a not-very-polite maid."
Her sister? A maid?
Ayaka's mind was instantly filled with question marks.
Since when did her sister become a maid? And since when was she Naoki's maid?
What exactly had happened between her sister and this man in the two years she didn't know about?