Early morning, a gentle breeze swept across the surface of Cider Lake, creating shimmering ripples. Under the soft morning light, small boats sailed across the lake.
Lumine sat on one of the small boats with Paimon, preparing to head to Hiroshi's home. Today marked the beginning of a new month—the day when the chat group's membership eligibility would refresh.
PS: The refresh happens at the start of each month. Previously, it had just opened to make up for that month. The refresh time is the first claim of the next month, which is 8 AM on the 1st of every month.
Stepping off the docked boat, a breeze greeted her face. With her right hand, she tucked a strand of golden hair behind her ear. Lumine looked into the distance, lost in the clouds on the horizon.
"Aether, where are you?"
"Lumine, let's go quickly," Paimon flew in a circle beside her, urging, "Hurry up! If we go now, we can still catch breakfast at Hiroshi's place."
Seeing the eager Paimon, Lumine's previously unsettled heart calmed down. She smiled and gently flicked Paimon's forehead, saying, "Paimon, you're such a little foodie."
Facing the morning light, Lumine stepped forward. Behind her, a trail of starlight appeared as Paimon followed closely.
They walked onto the main road and turned onto a path lined with soft grass. On both sides, lush willow trees swayed gently.
The scent of grass mixed with the moisture from Cider Lake drifted in the wind. Lumine and Paimon continued along the straight path.
"Hey~ Hiroshi, Paimon and I are here. Open up! Did you make something delicious for Paimon?" In the kitchen, Hiroshi, who was making breakfast, heard Paimon's loud voice and shook his head with a smile. This little Paimon really didn't stand on ceremony.
Pausing his actions, Hiroshi turned to Klee, who had just come downstairs, and said, "Klee, Lumine and Paimon are here. Go open the door for them; I can't leave the kitchen right now."
Wearing fluffy slippers with Dodoco patterns and still a bit sleepy, Klee heard that Lumine and Paimon had arrived. She quickly rubbed her eyes and smiled happily, "Okay, Klee will go open the door for Sister Lumine and Paimon."
Accompanied by the pattering sound of slippers, Klee opened the door.
"Good morning, little Klee." Lumine bent down and patted Klee, who was still wearing pajamas with rabbit ears, and said with a smile, "Did you miss me?"
"Sister Lumine!" Klee showed a happy little face, nodded cheerfully, and said, "Sister Lumine, come in quickly. Brother Hiroshi is making breakfast."
"Eh!" Paimon, who was about to greet Klee, heard that Hiroshi was making breakfast. She quickly greeted Klee and then flew rapidly toward the kitchen.
Seeing Hiroshi busy in the kitchen wearing an apron, Paimon zipped over to his side, happily waving her hand, "Good morning, Hiroshi."
Noticing Paimon staring intently at the plate in his hand, Hiroshi chuckled. He moved the plate up and down, watching Paimon's head bobbing along with it. Squinting, he smiled and said, "Little Paimon, do you want to eat?"
Smelling the aroma wafting to her nose, Paimon quickly swallowed and nodded rapidly, "Paimon wants to eat!"
"Oh, in that case, shouldn't Paimon help me set the table with the bowls and chopsticks?" Pointing to a stack of dishes nearby, Hiroshi waved the spoon in his hand, pretending to be troubled, "I still have dishes to prepare and can't spare a hand."
Paimon quickly flew over to the stack of dishes, which were twice her height. Patting her small chest, she said loudly, "Leave this to Paimon! Hiroshi, you hurry up and make more delicious food for Paimon."
With that, Paimon lifted several small bowls over her head and slowly flew toward the dining table not far away.
Lumine and Klee walked into the room, chatting and laughing. The scene before them was Hiroshi busy in the kitchen and little Paimon flying back and forth carrying plates.
"Klee will help too!" Raising her small hand, Klee called out and began to help set the table, her slippers clacking. Lumine smiled and took the plate that Paimon was holding over her head and started to help as well.
With Klee and Lumine's assistance, even the dishes Hiroshi had prepared were quickly brought to the table. By the time Hiroshi placed the last breakfast dish on the table, the impatient Paimon was already eating the food in front of her.
Seeing Paimon's puffed-up cheeks, Hiroshi and Lumine glanced at each other and couldn't help but laugh. Sitting next to Hiroshi, Klee held a fork with half-eaten food, looked curiously at the two laughing, and with an "ah-woo," stuffed the food into her mouth.
After breakfast, Lumine took the initiative to clear the table, then went into the kitchen to wash the dishes.
Wiping her hands with a towel, Lumine walked out of the kitchen. Outside the window, in the flower field, Hiroshi and Klee were squatting together studying something, while Paimon floated above them, looking down.
Walking outside, Lumine approached them with a smile and asked curiously, "Hiroshi, what are you looking at?"
Hiroshi moved aside to make room for Lumine. He gestured for her to come over and pointed at the sprout surrounded in the middle, saying, "Klee's planted flower has sprouted. We're observing it."
Not minding the childishness, Lumine pressed down her skirt and squatted in the spot Hiroshi had made. Looking at Klee, whose eyes seemed to sparkle like stars, she smiled and said, "Klee, congratulations!"
"Mm-hmm," Klee nodded happily and said expectantly, "I want to take a picture and send it to Sister Hinata. We planted this together; she'll definitely be very happy."
Patting Klee's little head, Hiroshi said softly, "Hinata will definitely be happy. After all, it's something you planted together."
Watching Klee using the screenshot function of the chat group as a camera, Hiroshi reached out and tapped Lumine's forehead. Seeing Lumine's puzzled expression, he smiled and said, "Welcome to the chat group, Lumine."
[Ding, Hiroshi has invited you to join the Dimensional Chat Group]
As a voice echoed in her mind, an understanding emerged in Lumine's consciousness, and knowledge about the chat group became increasingly clear.
"Thank you," she sincerely thanked Hiroshi. After truly understanding the chat group's functions, Lumine, who had traveled through many different worlds, realized the immense value of this opportunity.
Following her newfound understanding, Lumine opened the chat group and saw that the sprout they were just looking at had been sent by Klee to the group.
Klee: @Hinata. Hinata, look! The flower's seed has sprouted. Sprout.jpg
[Ding, Lumine has joined the Dimensional Chat Group]
Hinata: Really? That was quick! Klee, I'll come visit you when I'm off this weekend.
Klee: Weekend?
Klee: Ah! Sister Lumine is here!
Klee: @Lumine, Sister Lumine, it's me, Klee.
Lumine: Hello, little Klee.
[Ding, Vanir has joined the Dimensional Chat Group]
[Ding, Tamaki Gokou has joined the Dimensional Chat Group]
[Ding, Aqua has joined the Dimensional Chat Group]
[Ding, Hifumi Takimoto has joined the Dimensional Chat Group]
[Ding, Riku has joined the Dimensional Chat Group]
[Ding, Shirou Emiya has joined the Dimensional Chat Group]
[Ding, Keqing has joined the Dimensional Chat Group]
Hiroshi: Oh, welcome, everyone!
Kazuma Satou: Whoa, so many newcomers have arrived.
Ruri Gokou: Yikes, why did so many people suddenly join?
Aqua: Hahaha! Finally in! Bow before me, for I am the great goddess of water, Aqua!
Aqua: Become my followers, and I will bring you happiness!
[Ding, Aqua has been muted for 10 minutes by administrator Kazuma Satou]
Hiroshi: Ah, such déjà vu. As expected of the wise goddess Aqua, muted in countless chat groups.
Hiroshi: Bow down, offer incense.
Riku: Schwi, why are you putting this in front of me? You're blocking my view.
Shirou Emiya: Please, can someone save my sister Miyu!
Hifumi Takimoto: w(?Д?)w, who are you people?
Hifumi Takimoto: 〒▽〒, so scary, why are voices sounding in my mind ┭┮﹏┭┮
Klee: Ah, such cute messages.
Klee: @Hifumi Takimoto. Big sister, can you teach Klee this?
Hifumi Takimoto: Σ(⊙▽⊙"a), who are you? How do you know my name and that I'm a girl?
Klee: You're big sister, of course. Isn't your avatar your own picture?
Hifumi Takimoto: (⊙o⊙)… Avatar! What's with your ears? w(?Д?)w
Klee: Because Klee has elf bloodline.
Hifumi Takimoto: (￣△￣;)Σ(⊙▽⊙"a
Hiroshi: (*′▽｀)ノノ, Hifumi, if you digest the knowledge in your mind carefully, you'll understand what's going on.
Hiroshi: @Riku. Did you just mention the name Schwi!!!
Riku: Oh, I understand. This is a chat group connecting countless worlds, and the knowledge in our minds is real.
Riku: @Hiroshi, judging by your reaction, you must have seen my destiny record. Can you upload a copy?
Hiroshi: Sure, no problem. I'll upload it right away.
Hiroshi: @Riku, I've always admired you. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask; I'll do everything I can to help you.
Ruri Gokou: ???
Hiroshi: Hold on, I'm asking someone else. You'll understand soon, Ruri.
Hiroshi: What's your situation now?
Shirou Emiya: Is this not an illusion?
Shirou Emiya: A chat group connecting different worlds?
Shirou Emiya: Please! Can someone save my sister for this useless brother!
Hiroshi: Shirou, don't panic. Quickly tell us your current situation.
Shirou Emiya: I'm currently imprisoned in the dungeon of the Einzbern Castle. Earlier, there were continuous sounds of explosions. I have already used the Holy Grail to wish Miyu into another world.
Shirou Emiya: Please, save my sister! Julian won't easily give up on Miyu. So, can you, on behalf of this useless brother, protect Miyu!
Hiroshi: As expected, you are Shirou the Hero!
Hiroshi: Don't belittle yourself! You risked your life to protect those important to you!
Hiroshi: Believe in yourself. I'll upload everything I know to the chat group soon. Rest assured, your wish has been fulfilled. Your sister already has someone willing to stand by her side.
Hiroshi: You can't give up now! Your sister is still waiting for you to return and protect her!
Hiroshi: Trust me, as a fellow older brother, I'll lend you a helping hand.
Shirou Emiya: Thank you! Ah, after organizing the knowledge in my mind, it seems I can still accompany Miyu in my remaining life. Although I hope Miyu can live happily forever in another wonderful world, Julian definitely won't give up.
Keqing: Klee, the Spark Knight of Mondstadt?
Klee: Eh! Kitty-eared big sister, you know Klee!
Keqing: These are not cat ears, it's my hairstyle!!!
Ruri Gokou: !!!
Keqing: @Hiroshi, the new Honorary Knight of Mondstadt, you are the admin of this group. Can I inform Lord Morax about this chat group?
Hiroshi: No problem.
Keqing: Alright.
Vanir: I have finally entered this chat group full of infinite unknowns!
Hiroshi: Alright, alright, you can get excited slowly.
Hiroshi: @Everyone, newcomers, remember to catch up on the previous destiny records. They can help everyone get to know each other better. Later, I'll upload destiny records that include some members of the group. If you know the destiny records of others, remember to share them; there are point rewards.
[Ding, Hiroshi has uploaded "No Game No Life: Zero," "New Game!," "New Game! Season 2"]
[Ding, Hifumi Takimoto has uploaded "Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya" Seasons 1-4 and "Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya: Oath Under Snow"]
[Ding, Hiroshi has gained 1,000 points; Hifumi Takimoto has gained 1,000 points]
Hifumi Takimoto: (^▽^), I understand the chat group now.
Hifumi Takimoto: ヾ(?°?°?)??, Good luck, Shirou Emiya brother.
Hifumi Takimoto: @Shirou Emiya, (o゜▽゜)o☆ Go check out what I uploaded. They're all stories about you and your sister.
Hiroshi: Well done, Hifumi! ╰(°▽°)╯ "New Game!" is about you.
Hifumi Takimoto: ?(????ω????)?
Shirou Emiya: Thank you, Miss Takimoto, really, thank you so much.
Hifumi Takimoto: o(￣▽￣)ブ, yes, good luck.
Hiroshi: @Riku, "No Game No Life: Zero" is about you. If you need help, don't hesitate.
Riku: Thank you.
Riku: Although I don't know why you admire me, if I need strength, though I feel sorry, I will not hesitate to ask for your help.
Hiroshi: Don't worry, I will definitely help you.
Hiroshi: As fellow humans, you are someone worthy of respect. I won't withhold my strength.
Hiroshi: When you need it, don't hesitate.
Riku: Mm.
Luo Xiaohei: Suddenly so many people have joined; it's getting lively.
Luo Xiaohei: @Hiroshi, Brother Hiroshi, did something bad happen to the two newcomers?
Hiroshi: Yes, especially Riku.
Luo Xiaohei: Then when help is needed, Xiaohei will go too.
Hiroshi: Mm, Xiaohei, remember to watch "Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya: Oath Under Snow" and "No Game No Life: Zero" first.
Hiroshi: Then you'll understand why.
Luo Xiaohei: Okay.
Wuxian: I'll watch them too.
Hiroshi: Mm. If you're willing to help then, Wuxian, that would be even better.
Wuxian: Mm.
Hiroshi: @Ruri Gokou, Ruri, remember to watch what I told Xiaohei. After watching, you'll understand why.
Ruri Gokou: Already watching.
Kazuma Satou: +1
Megumin: +1
Aqua: Kazuma, how dare you!!!
[Ding, Aqua has been muted for 1 hour by administrator Kazuma Satou]
Kazuma Satou: Don't interrupt during important conversations!
Hifumi Takimoto: ┌(.Д.)┐, the newbie is trembling.
Kazuma Satou: (,,′?ω?)ノ"(′っω?｀.), don't be afraid, go watch "KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World" and you'll understand why.
Hifumi Takimoto: (o′ω`o)?
Closing the chat group, Hiroshi looked at Lumine, who was still studying intently beside him. He looked up at the sky and exhaled.
"Looks like there's work to be done."