Magical Girl and Her Classmates’ Dinner Gathering
I understand that she’s glad to see me after a long time, but I wish she’d stop headbutting me…
“Wow! Wow! It’s really you!”
“…I get that you’re happy, so could you please let go of me already? It’s starting to hurt.”
She headbutted me right in the solar plexus, and it really hurts.
“Ah. Sorry about that. Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine, but please don’t do that next time.”
“Sorry. So, why are you at the dormitory?”
Mika finally let go, her eyes slightly teary, but she seems as energetic as ever.
If anything, I feel like her strength has increased.
She must have been training properly.
“I came to retrieve my belongings since the charges against me have been cleared. The academy is locked down, so I’m not sure what will happen from here on out.”
“I see. I remember you had a lot of stuff there. Are you sure you can handle it alone?”
Physically, she might be right, but with the Demon helping me store things, I should be fine.
“Yes, I’ll be fine since I have magic.”
“That’s true…”
Just as Mika was about to say something, her terminal rang.
“That sound means it’s Marin. What could it be?”
It must be about tonight, since she mentioned contacting classmates.
When Mika glanced at her terminal, her expression changed briefly before she quickly replied.
“I see. Looks like Marin found me, but are you alright?”
“It’s more like ‘not alright.’ Did Mika say she’ll come tonight?”
“Yes. It’s a good opportunity, so I’ll take a break from this afternoon until tomorrow since we worked hard on the extermination.”
Mika also seems to be working hard.
I miss the days when we used to train together.
“That’s true. Then, I’ll see you again tonight.”
As I bid farewell to Mika and was about to head back to my room, she grabbed my clothes.
“…What is it?”
“Is that all you have to say after not seeing each other for so long?”
Mika wore a smile reminiscent of today’s Marin.
Even if I say “that’s all,” we’re meeting again tonight, and packing will surely take some time.
To be honest, I don’t have the time to deal with Mika right now.
“We’ll meet again tonight, so if you want to talk, let’s do it then. I need to start packing early since it will take time. So…”
Her hand didn’t leave my clothes.
“…”
“…”
…What am I supposed to do?
“Could you let go?”
“Yes, I understand that. But getting such a bland reaction… It really grinds my gears.”
Even if she says “bland,” I have no idea how I’m supposed to react.
Once you grow up, months or even years between meetings becomes commonplace.
There’s no surprise or sadness in meeting again after just a week or two.
“―After I finish packing, I’ll head to your room. Could you wait for me?”
“Yes, I’ve got your word now. If you don’t come, I’ll curse you!”
“Alright, now please let go.”
Finally, Mika released me and went back to her room.
My stomach still hurts a little…
Inside the room, nothing has changed since I left.
First, I’ll ask the Demon to store all my clothes and dispose of unnecessary items.
If only my magic could be used for cleaning; it’s truly regrettable.
It’s basically specialized in destruction.
With that, everything was neatly packed, so I drank the remaining juice, rested a bit, and then headed to Mika’s room.
Come to think of it, this is the first time I’ve been to Mika’s room.
Since people like Marin and Ibuki often visit me, I’ve never gone to others’ rooms.
Anyway, I’ll press the intercom.
“It’s Inie. It’s open, so come in.”
The room has quite a few animal plushies, but there are also strange things placed around.
There are hina dolls and beautifully written hanging scrolls among various items.
“Please sit and wait.”
“Understood.”
A small bird-shaped cup filled with juice and, for some reason, Japanese sweets are placed in front of me.
Should I point out that tea would be more appropriate here?
“What were you doing after that?”
“I was staying at an acquaintance’s house, but I was dragged here by Sister.”
“Foolish one, so that’s what happened. However, I was worried for a while, but I’m glad to see you again.”
If I told her that I thought we’d never meet again, I wonder what kind of face she’d make?
Of course, I wouldn’t actually say that, but I’m a little curious.
“Did anything happen to Mika after that?”
“Yes… The number of extermination requests increased, and the senior who trains me is cruel, which is troubling. Thanks to that, I’ve grown stronger, but… it’s tough.”
Could that person be the one who was patting me on the head and feeding me snacks at the Tohoku Branch?
The Demon said they were the highest-ranked and strongest at the Tohoku Branch, but their maternal aura contrasts sharply with their warrior-like presence, leaving a vivid impression.
“Are you talking about the person we met at the Tohoku Branch?”
“Yes, you remember well. They’re usually gentle, but during battles, they strangely turn S.”
“…Becoming stronger is necessary, isn’t it?”
Below B-Rank, if you start losing, you can escape quickly, but above that, you can’t escape even if you want to.
To avoid relying on luck, it’s important to train properly.
Luck isn’t something you can depend on forever.
“I know, but even the training given to Inie is pretty harsh…”
“You have to endure it to survive, so please try your best.”
(Mika, what’s your ranking now?)
“Little by little, it’s going up. Right now, I’m 105th place, so I think I’m trying hard.”
As a magical girl, she’s considered mid-level.
Though overshadowed by exceptions, her ranking as a newcomer is exceptional.
(Has she defeated B-Rank monsters already?)
“She’s taken down three so far.”
Considering her ranking, it’s expected.
Still, I think she doesn’t need to rush life so much…
“Soon, I’ll become a proper magical girl, defeating A-Rank and S-Rank monsters left and right!”
“While being enthusiastic is good, please don’t overdo it. You only have one life, after all.”
“…Are you saying that, Inie?”
Mika drinks her juice while looking somewhat exasperated.
Yeah, I get what she’s saying, but fundamentally, I don’t intend to die either.
Despite the severe inflation of enemies, somehow I keep winning.
During the Mastidizaya incident, I was prepared to die, but thanks to Fool, I managed to survive.
After chatting idly for about an hour, Marin informed us of the gathering time.
We’re meeting with Marin and another person, Mika, and me.
Sweep, Ibuki, and Honoo will also join us.
Others couldn’t make it due to missions or errands, but honestly, I wasn’t expecting anyone to gather anyway.
Especially Honoo—I hadn’t anticipated her coming.
Since mediating their fight, she hasn’t been entirely calm, but she follows the minimum rules.
Sometimes during training, she provokes me, but Marin, along with Akatsuki, knocks both Honoo and her down.
Sweep and Ibuki go without saying.
They’re a gal and a princess-wannabe.
“Let’s go a bit early and secure our seats.”
“Yes. While reservations aren’t possible at Numazu-Numazu because of that flaw, we should be fine using the Magical Girl Special Privilege.”
It’s quite expensive, but most stores offer special privileges for magical girls.
By paying several times the normal price, you can secure seats and receive preferential treatment.
Often, there are three tiers: beginner, general, and advanced.
You’re prioritized for seating, offered private rooms, or guided to special seats depending on the tier.
At a karaoke place we once visited with classmates, we secured a seat through the beginner privilege.
While we’re at it, I’ll cover the seating fees.
Since I caused some worry, it’s fair to consider it compensation.
…Honestly, there’s no other time I’d spend money like this.
Around 1 million yen for five people is pocket change these days.
It used to be a fortune, but it’s money I have no use for.
“This time, I’ll cover everyone’s seating fees. Consider it compensation for the trouble I caused. Of course, I’ll choose the top tier.”
“It’s fine, but won’t it cost a lot?”
When I show Mika my account balance on my terminal, her expression completely fades.
“It seems there’s no problem.”
“Yes, that’s correct. Let’s go.”
We teleport and walk toward Numazu-Numazu.
Incidentally, on the way, Mika insisted I hold her hand.
My weakness prevents me from shaking her off—it’s frustrating…
Forgetting the unpleasant journey, we’ve finally arrived at Numazu-Numazu.
“Welcome!”
“We’d like to use the Magical Girl Privilege.”
“Sure. We have three types. Would the lowest tier be fine?”
The fairy employee looks puzzled, but upon hearing my name, she immediately brightens up.
“Are you the rumored magical girl? Then it’s fine. Could I have the names of the rest of your party?”
“Marin, Star Nail, Sweep, Ibuki, and Honoo. All are magical girls from Japan.”
“Understood. Please follow me to your seats.”
Being under Thalagong’s protection certainly helps.
Without it, I might have faced unwelcome expressions due to my own infamy.
“Marin and Star Nail seem to be approaching. They should be here in about 20 minutes. The others too, probably?”
(Acknowledged.)
We walk deeper into the establishment than usual.
Mika curiously looks around, and I understand her sentiment.
It’s surprising that such a run-down exterior hides an interior brimming with luxury.
“Here we are. Are you familiar with the ordering process?”
“I’m fine.”
Opening the fusuma door reveals a spacious tatami room.
Taking off our shoes, we step inside, finding it surprisingly roomy and comfortable.
“The rest of the group should arrive in about 20 minutes, so let’s order some drinks and wait.”
“Got it. Let’s just order something random then.”
I usually order coffee, but today I’ll try something different.
Besides, coffee tends to make me visit the restroom frequently, which isn’t ideal in situations like this.
“My order will be the same as Mika’s.”
“Got it.”
Within seconds of Mika placing the order, the drinks arrive.
The higher price certainly ensures better service.
Cream soda appeared before us.
Slowly savoring it while poking the vanilla ice cream on top, the fusuma opens, revealing five figures accompanied by a store employee.
“So this is the top-tier room with the Magical Girl Privilege, huh.”
“Isn’t this place ridiculously expensive?”
Honoo mentioning the cost first is typical of her, but this time, her concern is unnecessary.
“I’ll cover the seating fees as compensation for the trouble I caused, so no worries.”
“Ho-oh, impressive, Ine-kun! Generous!”
“Saying ‘generous’ to a lady is a bit rude, isn’t it?”
Sweep and Ibuki seem as energetic as ever.
Star Nail appears somewhat uncomfortable, understandable since it’s her first time meeting me.
“Shall we decide seating by drawing lots?”
“Oh, I hadn’t thought about who sits where. What are you making there?”
Thinking she was fiddling with something, she was actually creating lots.
“―Sounds good.”
Marin’s demeanor shifts, and Mika smirks mischievously.
“Today’s exterminations, how did they go?”
Casually striking up a conversation with Star Nail, who seems adrift.
“Today? Five A-Rank and plenty of others, thanks to Marin rushing me.”
She seems to have exterminated quite a number, yet there are no visible injuries.
Speed is crucial in monster extermination, but avoiding injury is paramount.
Unless you can recover like me, healing takes time.
Small injuries can accumulate and lead to mistakes.
Such mistakes can result in death or severe harm, leading to irreversible consequences.
“Sounds like you had a successful day without any injuries. That’s good.”
“Yeah, no injuries… Well, sort of.”
Why the wry smile?
“Are the two of you still the same as always?”
“That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it? …Well, nothing significant has changed, I guess.”
“Same here. Though, I’ve gotten busier lately.”
Amidst the numerous damages caused by monsters, surviving effectively is commendable.
Recently, there have been more cases of severe injuries requiring long recovery times or even fatalities.
According to the Demon’s information, none of our classmates have died so far.
“Everyone seems to be doing well. How about you, Honoo?”
“Forget it. Things don’t change in just a few weeks. But, the income has improved.”
For a brief moment, Honoo flashes a somber expression but answers in her usual tone.
I thought it might be my imagination, but my instincts suggest otherwise.
Whether I should pay attention to it or ignore it… Let’s observe for now.
“Good to hear. Anyway, it’s nice everyone’s doing well.”
Finally, Marin and Mika’s standoff ends, and we unanimously agree to draw lots simultaneously.
Drawing them all at once, the results are: Me (1), Mika, Honoo on one side, and Marin, Sweep, Ibuki opposite, with Star Nail taking the auspicious birthday seat.
Each casually orders their favorite dishes, enjoying the meal while chatting lively.
This reminds me of year-end parties from my male days, but without alcohol, this feels better.
Despite some pressure from Marin, we finish our meal peacefully, and it’s finally time to part ways.
Just as Marin and Star Nail are about to leave the shop, Honoo stops us.
“Since we’re heading separate ways anyway, you two go ahead. This is something I’d rather discuss with Ine alone, right?”
“Yes. Sorry to Marin, but I’d like a private chat. I promise I won’t do anything to Ine.”
Sending away Marin’s intense gaze, Honoo and I are left alone.
“So, what’s this about?”
“…Can your healing magic fix lost limbs?”
Oh? Is this going to be serious?
My profile mentions that I can use healing magic, but the extent isn’t detailed.
Although I inadvertently showed a lot during the New Demon War, it’s technically still kept secret.
“It can be fixed, but why does that matter?”
“Akatsuki’s arm… It got bitten off.”
Sadness and regret cloud Honoo’s expression as she continues.
Honoo, Akatsuki, and two senior magical girls challenged a B-Rank monster but were ambushed, resulting in injuries to the seniors.
Honoo and Akatsuki fought the B-Rank together, but Akatsuki shielded Honoo, suffering a grave injury and losing her arm.
There are magical girls at their branch who can heal, but fixing an entire arm would incapacitate them for a whole day.
Recently, with the increase in injured magical girls due to monster battles, they prioritize treating higher-ranking ones.
Thus, Akatsuki received only minimal treatment and remains neglected.
All available healing magical girls are deployed elsewhere, and even offering large sums won’t secure treatment.
Furthermore, older wounds are harder to heal.
Retiring as a magical girl due to such injuries isn’t uncommon, but resolving the issue isn’t straightforward.
Summarizing Honoo’s story leads to this.
“You’re asking me to heal Akatsuki’s wound?”
“Yeah. I know it’s asking a lot, but there’s no one else. If we don’t, she’ll… ”
(What should I do?)
“Umm… Personally, I don’t care either way. Just do what you think is best, Haruna?”
Hmm, doing what I think is best, huh?
Refusing might be amusing, but since Honoo has been earnest since I mediated their conflict, I’ll help her.
Blue Colette would likely avoid trouble if these two were more diligent magical girls.
“It’s not ideal, but I’ll fix it. In exchange, please keep it confidential.”
“Really?! Thank you so much! You’re saving us!”
Honoo’s tearful expression transforms into a smile, and she tightly hugs me, making it uncomfortable.
While calming her down, I gently pull away.
“So, where is Akatsuki now?”
“She should be recuperating at home.”
Normally, we’d have to teleport and walk to reach her, but that’s troublesome.
(Can I read Honoo’s thoughts to teleport?)
“Possible. But I’ll need to touch Honoo while reading her thoughts.”
(Acknowledged.)
“Akatsuki’s address is…”
“No need. If you picture it, I’ll teleport. I’ll need to touch you slightly, but don’t mind it.”
“Okay, got it.”
Touching her shoulder should suffice.
“Place understood. Let’s teleport.”
(Acknowledged.)
“Let’s teleport, but please don’t make a sound.”
“Got it.”
Our vision changes, and we teleport to a residential area.
Thanks to the streetlights, it’s slightly brighter, but the sun has set, and the moon illuminates the surroundings.
“This is the house. There’s light, so her family seems to be home too.”
Having the family home is slightly inconvenient. Ideally, I’d quickly heal and leave, but I’ll skillfully use Honoo here.
“Do you and Akatsuki remain friends even when not transformed?”
“Yeah, we’ve played together since we were kids, but why does that matter?”
“If so, Honoo, please transform back and tell them you’ve come to visit. I’ll teleport using you as a coordinate, so please ensure you’re alone with Akatsuki.”
“Got it.”
“I’ll teleport in five minutes. If it seems impossible, please step outside once.”
Honoo nods, transforms back, and heads toward Akatsuki’s house.
I’ll wait until the appointed time, teleport in, heal her, and leave swiftly.
Looking up at the sky, the moon shines brightly.
Perhaps due to the cold, the air is crisp and clear, making the sight exceptionally beautiful.
