As the sun set and the silver moon rose into the sky, the entrance of the banquet hall lit up with flashes of white light, signaling the arrival of all the previously absent group members.
"Hifumi-neechan!"
Klee's cheerful voice rang out as she opened her arms wide, rushing toward Takimoto Hifumi.
Hifumi caught the running Klee and hugged her tightly, their faces rubbing together as they exchanged smiles.
"Little Klee, it's been a long time."
"Yes, Klee hasn't seen Hifumi-neechan for a long time too!"
After placing Klee back on the ground, Hifumi let her pull her over to Qiqi and Liyue's side.
"Hifumi-neechan, this is Qiqi and Sister Li."
"Hello."
Crouching down, Hifumi gently patted Qiqi and Li's small heads, smiling softly. "Qiqi, Li, it's nice to meet you. I'm Hifumi, the big sister who chats with you in the group."
"Hifumi-neechan?"
With wide, blinking eyes, Qiqi and Li reached out to grab Hifumi's hand. This big sister was kind and often bought them fun toys.
"Li, do you want to come to my house tomorrow with Klee and Qiqi?"
Looking at the petite Li, Hifumi's eyes sparkled with affection as she asked softly.
"Thank you, Hifumi-neechan, but Li can't go."
Shaking her small head, Li's face lit up with a trace of anticipation. "Tomorrow, it's my turn to learn from Master Xiao. I want to study how to protect Liyue with him."
"Li loves Liyue, so I need to work hard."
Clenching her tiny fists, Li's face was full of determination.
"Li doesn't want Liyue to become like Grandpa Yellow Ape's place. I want everyone in Liyue to be happy."
"Li can do it."
Holding Li's little hands tightly, Qiqi and Klee encouraged her. "We will help you too."
"Hehehe, if any bad guys appear, Klee will use her Jumpy Dumpty bombs to show them how amazing Klee is!"
Smiling confidently, Klee grabbed Qiqi and Li's hands and looked up at Hifumi.
"Hifumi-neechan, let's go inside! Everyone has prepared so many delicious things today\~"
Excitedly nodding her head, Klee dashed through the large doors, flashing a big smile at Hiroshi, who stood at the entrance.
"That little rascal."
Watching Klee and her friends run straight for the dessert area, Hiroshi turned to Kuroneko, who was already standing there with Megumin and the others, shaking his head helplessly.
"You guys sure love sweets, huh?"
Reaching out to stop Gabriel, who was engrossed in her sci-fi-looking gaming console, Hiroshi's curiosity piqued.
"Gabriel, let me see that gaming console."
"No way!\~"
Slapping Hiroshi's hand away, Gabriel looked at him disdainfully, holding her head high.
"I worked hard to get this as a reward. If you want one, go ask Mark."
"Oh\~"
Hiroshi's eyes lit up as he turned to Mark, who was standing nearby, still stunned by his surroundings.
"Mark, do you have more consoles like the one Gabriel has? Could you make me a few?"
Snapped out of his daze by Hiroshi's question, Mark looked at him in confusion before finally understanding.
"Oh, sure, Hiroshi. I'll ask rakashunan to manufacture a batch."
"So this is another world?"
Surveying the peaceful and prosperous environment around him, Mark's eyes filled with longing and hope.
"I wonder when our world can become like this."
"That day will come."
Placing a reassuring hand on Mark's shoulder, Hiroshi spoke firmly.
"The apocalypse is over. From now on, just focus on building a new home with Bai Yue Kui and the others."
"With the foundation of your previous civilization, I'm sure peace will return quickly."
Turning to the kind-looking young man nearby, Hiroshi smiled warmly.
"You must be Natsume. Welcome to the gathering."
"Come on, the banquet is about to start. I hope you enjoy it."
Gesturing to the two of them, Hiroshi led the way into the hall, his smile widening.
"Everyone here is kind. Don't hesitate to join in."
Beyond the doors Hiroshi opened lay a scene of joyous laughter and lively chatter. Amid Venti's melodious performance, Aqua danced gracefully in her haori, water droplets scattering to form a seven-colored rainbow under the lights.
In the midst of cheers, Hiroshi strode forward and mingled with the crowd. Lifting Gabriel from the dessert table and grabbing Sōma Yukihira, who was eager to unveil a covered dish, Hiroshi placed them next to Mark and Natsume.
A vibrant glow appeared in Hiroshi's hand.
"Now then\~"
Holding his hand high, multicolored light radiated from his palm. Looking back at the crowd, Hiroshi laughed heartily.
"The welcome party for the newcomers, Qiqi's revival celebration, and the regular gathering officially begin!"
The multicolored beams shot into the sky, exploding into dazzling, luminous displays. Amid the radiant lights, everyone turned to Gabriel and the other newcomers with laughter and cheers.
"Welcome to the chat group."
Hiroshi lifted Qiqi onto his shoulders and asked, "Qiqi, are you happy today?"
"Mm."
Resting her small head against Hiroshi's, Qiqi watched the vibrant fireworks, her eyes reflecting the brilliant colors.
"That's good."
Placing Klee on his other shoulder, Hiroshi held Kuroneko's hand tightly.
"Boom!"
Klee's excited shout rang out as her Jumpy Dumpty bomb soared into the sky, leaving Hiroshi with a bead of sweat forming on his forehead.
Boom!!!
A massive explosion painted the sky with a giant golden Dodoco pattern.
"Hahaha\~"
Hugging Qiqi tightly, Klee laughed joyfully.
"Sister Qiqi, this is what I specially made today. Do you like it?"
"Mm, I love it. Thank you, Sister Klee."
With her soft face pressed against Klee's, Qiqi felt a warmth she had never experienced before and smiled sweetly.
"Can we start the banquet now?"
Poking her head in front of Hiroshi, Aqua waved eagerly. "I'm hungry."
"Let's begin."
With the two little girls perched on his shoulders, Hiroshi uncovered the dishes, releasing another burst of radiant light.
"Try my new recipe. This time, I've mastered the art of cooking with heartfelt intention."
"Oh-ho-ho\~ I can't wait!"
Rushing to the table first, Kazuma excitedly picked up his chopsticks.
"Let's eat!"
At the other end of the hall, Erina Nakiri shook her head as she watched the glowing dishes and the cheerful crowd.
"Am I dreaming?"
"Erina, this is the greatest opportunity of your life."
Pressing a firm hand on her shoulder, Senzaemon Nakiri looked at the crowd with admiration.
"They must be the legendary figures from the stories. In today's world, only in major nations could one find someone comparable to them."
"I've only seen glowing dishes like these once before."
"Erina, this might finally resolve the aftereffects of your God's Tongue."
Scratching his head, Ryo Kurokiba returned to normal mode and pulled Alice Nakiri toward the group.
"Come on, Lady Alice. We can't miss out on so many flavors we've never tried before."
"I know\~"