The Sacrificial Magical Girl
The darkness that had been completely absorbed into her body was dripping from her like sweat.
Even the sword is the same black longsword as before, but it has chipped and jagged.
Indeed, I can’t completely contain it…
The demon’s reaction has disappeared, but this was within expectations.
— Even though I am not moving, excruciating pain runs throughout my body.
It seems there was too much of a stretch.
Even if I could hold on for just a minute, it should be fine.
The wall of flame disappears, and I meet eyes with Orneas.
Inside Orneas, I can see a faint red mist. It must be the core.
“What is that form? Just because your appearance has changed doesn’t mean anything else did!”
Although I can no longer read her expression, her frustration is clear as she becomes more of a monster.
I wish to provoke her, but unfortunately, I don’t have the time to waste words. But I suppose I’ll allow this.
“Yap yap, little girl.”
“Hara-kiri for you!”
Taking one step forward, an even more powerful arrow is released.
Inside the arrow, I can also see the red mist…
Striking it away with the sword causes the arrow to scatter.
Ah, it’s convenient. Perhaps I should call it a Maga Eye?
Dripping something black, Orneas closes in on me.
Thinking it useless against the swords, she charges at me with two hands.
I’m grateful she’s coming towards me, as I can barely move my body due to the intense pain.
Cutting off Orneas’ arms with my sword, and channeling magic through my body,
The agony my body is screaming is trying to take over, but I suppress it.
Immediately circling behind Orneas, I cut down both of her bows, then pierce the red mist with my sword.
Orneas turns in shock, but it’s too late.
Suddenly, from the core, flowing through the sword, I feel Orneas’ resentment.
The reason Orneas joined the Extinctionist faction… Betrayed, cursed, and discarded.
Resentment. Hatred. And sorrow.
I understand the feelings hurtfully, but I won’t show mercy to the enemy.
“Why?”
Though it feels like demanding answers, I have no obligation to respond.
And at this rate, regeneration will not be possible.
—
Nightmare is a rookie in the world rankings.
Gaining the rank of Ranke through connections after a Russian Ranke was killed by an Extinctionist faction.
By connection, it’s not so easily attainable. Nightmare had put blood, sweat, and tears into it, yet fell short of becoming a Ranke.
Nightmare herself knows nothing of the connection.
Rejoicing at becoming a beloved Ranke – unaware of the sacrifice.
Yes, the connection isn’t to say she had a backer. When the Magic Bureau became aware that Ranke were targeted, they chose a sacrificial girl.
Not exactly promising, yet not out of question to rise Ranke.
That was Nightmare.
Only the deceased bureau official and Strauf, the #1 rank in Russia, knew this secret.
Strauf fiercely opposed raising Nightmare to rank.
Becoming newly Rank now would almost be signing a death sentence.
Moreover, the reason behind Nightmare’s selection wasn’t merely that.
—
Nightmare was a magical girl raised by Strauf.
To kill a future magical girl or eliminate a hopeless Nightmare.
Strauf was pressured by the Magic Bureau.
No matter the choice, taking a life with one’s own hands is the same.
Clutching onto the slight hope, Strauf selected Nightmare.
Possibly, with luck…
However, Nightmare was targeted by Extinctionists. Without Inie, she might have perished.
Upon separating from Inie, Nightmare was severely reprimanded by Strauf, but she understands that this is a sign of love.
She was told to rest, but as a Ranke, she held an honor she couldn’t let go.
Fortunately, with Second Form Inie’s support, she could venture out as usual, ending up only receiving scolding from the operator.
Expecting everything to proceed smoothly, the mission was disrupted by the appearance of Orthus.
Similar to last time, the barrier is set, expecting them to confront Orthos, but they summon a demonic creature instead.
A highly feared creature among some magical girls – M·D·W.
Rather than a S-rank, it’s a SS-rank M·D·W.
More vicious than when Inie fought, with increased barrages and the monster’s class heightened dramatically.
Even if summoned creatures are generally weaker, all are surpassing S-rank.
Nightmare alone could have fallen quickly.
But she has Ayame as a comrade.
If not for Ayame, winning wouldn’t have been possible…
Naïvely, she believed they’d triumph together.
But upon seeing Ayame and Orthus battle, Nightmare is shocked.
From afar, she recognizes the girl claiming Ayame as Inie, dressed in clown-like attire from the New Demon War.
Facing her, Orthus, no longer human but a monstrosity.
Unable to focus, Inie’s stray shot hits an opponent, dislodging part of it.
The impact is startling, and she glances again towards the two.
(What the heck is going on!)
While floundering, Nightmare continues fighting the monsters as instructed by Ayame.
The Ayame-named girl had turned into Inie, while Orthus, once human, is now a monstrosity.
An unbelievable situation.
Then, nightmare grips her heart with dread.
Forcing her quivering body to move, she dodges the monster attacks and M·D·W bombardments.
Turning his attention back, he sees an ominous shadow.
It is clear the one wielding the sword is Ayame.
Yet, her presence is drastically different from what Nightmare knows.
A humanoid black entity.
From then on, Nightmare feels a deep sorrow or grudge.
Just staring at them makes her chest feel like it’s splitting, emotions overwhelming her.
Trying to suppress her racing heartbeat, she attempts to think clearly.
Ayame and Orthus concern her, however, if she lets her guard down, it’s Nightmare who might die.
Concerning victory or defeat, Nightmare could never defeat this M·D·W.
Enduring as instructed by Ayame, though it’s nearing its limits.
Nightmare is unable to transition into Enhanced Form, and thus, this is all she can do.
During this battle, she began to comprehend.
No, she had known already.
Strauf, who had rejoiced with shadowy smiles over her 8th place ranking.
Her fellow Ranke distancing themselves.
The answer was clear.
Selected as a sacrifice.
(“I knew… But even if it’s a lie, I am here!”)
Grasping tightly onto the sword, trying to keep her grip despite the blood and sweat.
Magic creates an opening, stepping firmly on the darkened foothold, soaring through the sky.
She had become a Ranke.
Now, she must fulfill her duty.
Even if death awaits ahead…
“Ha!”
Deflecting a unavoidable spell, infusing it with magic.
In that moment, tears well up in Nightmare’s eyes.
Indeed, she had dreamed of being a Ranke. But, not in such way.
Rising through sheer skill…
Swallowing her thoughts, she endures, believing Inie—Ayame will win.
Wiping the blood and sweat from her forehead, readying for the next target…
Suddenly, a blinding light invades Nightmare’s vision, dissolving the monsters.
Startled by the sudden turn of events, she has no doubt about who did it.
“Inie Flowering.”
“It’s Ayame, Nightm-”
A magical girl in white robes, with a hood covering her face.
Descending gracefully, Inie Flowering lands.
—
