Chapter 109

The magical girl begins to mutate.

How many times have I woken up on this ceiling now?

Well, this time it’s partly due to a family member, but I don’t feel too great about it.

This heaviness in my body feels similar to after fighting the Dopplers.

Meaning, there’s something wrong with my insides.

It’s like the weight of having a fever and the lethargy of a hangover.

If it were just a matter of lifespan, I’d want to recover quickly, but if I do that, the Demon will get angry…

So, I’ll have to manage with my own recovery magic…

I did manage to kill one person, so the witches might become a bit more cautious.

This should give us some time, but if they start moving for retaliation or something, that would be troublesome.

If they do move, I might have to push the Demon hard, even though it would be bad for them…

(The Demon?)

“…Hmph!”

Still sulking, huh?

Back then, if I had abandoned Nightmare, I wouldn’t have had to push myself so hard.

Although she may belong to the category of trashy humans, I don’t intend to fall so low as to abandon someone innocent.

Anyway, it’s mostly Sister’s fault, but ever since Mastidizaya made me remember her, I’ve been stuck with an odd mental block.

Especially, Nightmare’s carefree attitude or her foolishness reminds me too much of Sister.

I wish I could forget all of this quickly.

That way, when it comes time to make tough decisions, I won’t hesitate.

Before that, I need to figure out what to do with the Demon.

(Stop sulking. It couldn’t be helped, right?)

“…Haruna? Do you even know what state your body is in? Are you planning to abandon people?”

(I know. I’m probably near death again? I’ll rest a little, so don’t worry.)

“That’s not it! This isn’t normal… I didn’t understand before, but now I clearly see.”

What does he mean by that ominous tone? Is there some kind of change happening in my body aside from this poor condition?

(What do you mean?)

“No matter what state Haruna is in, it’s unthinkable that my consciousness would disappear. Now that I’m fully restored, look at this.”

So, it seems the Demon has also figured out the answer, just as I suspected.

A model of my entire body appears in my mind. Detailed information about heart rate, organ functions, and other bodily aspects are displayed.

“About the physical functions, there’s nothing we can do, but check the cells section.”

As the Demon instructed, I see two types of images appear in that section.

“One is a regular cell, but the other started mutating after the transformation. These cells contain traces of our Arcana origins.”

Hmm, originating from the Arcana like the Demon.

It must be because of my desires.

To fight. To win. Hatred. Insufficiency.

All consumed, surpassing limits.

By incorporating the power of the Fool, my body couldn’t handle it.

This must be a side effect of trying to forcibly suppress it.

“As these broken cells multiply, if you continue transforming… ”

(What will happen?)

The Demon remains silent, refusing to give an answer.

Probably, the result won’t be death, but rather turning into a monster like them, or disappearing altogether… Either way, there won’t be a proper ending.

“To be honest, I don’t know what will happen. This has never happened before, it shouldn’t have happened. So please, don’t take that form anymore… ”

Even though I can’t see him, I can tell his voice is trembling.

He probably wants to stay with me for as long as possible.

The more power I use, the more my body deteriorates.

There’s no helping it. For someone ordinary like me to fight, I have to push beyond my limits.

Even using Arcana like the Demon and the Fool isn’t enough.

Against one opponent, I might manage, but with increasing monsters and magical girls, it becomes impossible.

Honestly, this was still relatively mild.

Had there been another magical girl of Orneas’ caliber or another monster besides M·D·W, things would have turned much worse.

(While I’ll try to handle it carefully, if it comes down to it, I’ll rely on you. Otherwise, I’ll die.)

“Even if you survive, what good is a broken body… Just because you don’t die doesn’t mean anything goes, you know?”

That’s true, but I think it’s better than dying.

In any case, let’s rest and recuperate for now.

When I try to get out of bed, I notice ropes wrapped around my body.

(…Where am I? And what are these ropes?)

“It’s Jeanne’s nap room. The ropes are from Thalagong, to prevent you from escaping.”

Am I some kind of pet?

Though the ropes are long enough to allow bathroom trips, is this really necessary?

When I sit up to look around, I see a table next to the bed with a letter addressed to me and a bottle of apple juice I bought.

Did Tamake – Star Nail leave this while I was asleep?

(Did anyone come while I was sleeping?)

“Star Nail and Marin came. Also, Nightmare stopped by. Oh, and Marin almost undressed me completely.”

What has happened to Marin…?

For my safety, it might be best not to meet her often.

Compared to Marin, Thalagong and Star Nail seem less problematic.

Actually, Thalagong might be similar to Marin in some ways.

(Was anything else done?)

“They talked a bit and left. Why don’t you read that letter first?”

(Good idea.)

I take the letter from under the bottle and unfold it.

Judging from the honorifics, it was probably written by Star Nail.

…I see.

In short, it says to rest well and suggests we eat together again soon.

It also mentions waiting for me.

Indeed, among everything that’s happened, Tamake might be the most decent one.

I pour the apple juice into a cup and drink it.

I usually prefer coffee when waking up, but this is nice occasionally.

I lie back down on the bed and close my eyes.

Days full of fierce battles, but there’s nothing I can do about my physical condition.

Being originally a corpse might have something to do with it, but I’m not particularly strong physically.

If only there were a way to strengthen myself, but such easy opportunities rarely exist.

For now, all I can do is sleep, eat, and rest.

…Closing my eyes is fine, but I’m not very sleepy.

(Is there any interesting story?)

“Not particularly interesting, but I’ve gathered information on the Magic Bureau and the Fairy Bureau during my free time.”

Because I’ve been preoccupied with witches and doomsday fanatics, I only knew about them from TV until now.

Apparently, the upper echelons of the Magic Bureau have been wiped out, and my wanted status has been lifted. The situation is changing rapidly.

(Anything concerning?)

“There’s still classified information, but Arongante seems to be active behind the scenes. Also, Kaede and some top-tier individuals are holed up in the Arctic. Additionally, there’s been an increase in magical girl fatalities and a shortage of personnel at the Magic Bureau, among various smaller issues.”

I see. The only thing directly related to me seems to be Arongante’s activities.

The higher-ups being busy is common, and staffing issues are beyond the control of an ordinary girl like me.

(What’s this classified information?)

“In short, it’s a takeover of the Magic Bureau. Currently, it’s functioning as a specialized agency against doomsday fanatics, but after everything is over, it will replace the corrupt Magic Bureau.”

Arongante, always serious, is taking big steps…

I used to think that someday someone would come along to reform or establish a new organization, and perhaps the timing is perfect now.

Most of the people who could interfere are already dead.

Now is the best time to take over.

(They seem to be working hard, but is that person getting enough rest?)

I only met them during training, but there were clear dark circles under their eyes.

And now, they’re undoubtedly busier than ever.

It’s hard to imagine they’re resting properly.

If I get the chance, I might help them recover again.

—It’s a feeling akin to handing coffee to a colleague working overtime, but I shouldn’t concern myself too much.

“From the data, there’s a transmission history at all hours, so they’re probably not resting.”

Expected, wasn’t it?

(That person works so hard. They should delegate tasks.)

“Magic girls’ main duty is to fight. Once they reach the age for desk work, everyone quits, so there’s no one to delegate to.”

(Sounds like career-minded office workers. Arongante is quietly doing all the work.)

“Sitting at a desk is mentally easier than engaging in combat, and the pay is better too. After quitting, one can live comfortably.”

Not many people work out of sheer desire; if I had money, I wouldn’t work either.

Financially, I’ve already saved more than I could ever spend, but it doesn’t matter now.

…After drinking water, I feel the urge to go to the bathroom.

Getting up from the bed, I head to the toilet, still tied by the ropes.

Having to sit every time is a bit bothersome, but there’s nothing to be done about it.

Come to think of it, my preferences have changed since acquiring this body.

I used to not be particularly fond of sweets, but now I crave them sometimes.

It’s natural not to drink alcohol, but coffee tastes better than it used to.

After finishing at the toilet and washing my hands, I lie back down on the bed.

Just as I’m about to cover myself with the blanket, the door starts to open.

Unfortunately, I lock eyes with Thalagong.

Jeanne is also behind, probably here for a check-up or observation.

Looks like I won’t get to rest peacefully anytime soon.