Observation of the Doomsday Faction
It was the result we had anticipated.
It was an existence beyond our expectations.
It was someone we had wished for.
“It’s begun,” she said.
Rinne muttered these words.
In a conference room adorned with geometric patterns, several magical girls were present, observing the operation carried out by the witch.
A whole continent enveloped in a barrier, ravaged by monsters.
Moreover, only irregulars were being summoned. Even if they somehow managed to win, the aftermath would render the land unusable.
But defeating the monsters was simply impossible.
After all, there were no high-ranking fighters currently in Australia, the targeted location. Its destruction was inevitable.
When Rinne said it had begun, there were still several minutes left until the designated time. However, to demonstrate despair, the monsters were already attacking cities.
The monsters appearing now could be defeated by the magical girls in Australia, but their numbers were overwhelming.
At this rate, even before the designated time, the Australian magical girls would surely lose.
And the defeat of the Australian magical girls signified the arrival of a certain magical girl.
“Why can’t we go?” someone asked.
“Don’t sulk so much. This is both a revenge battle and a litmus test. Most importantly, losing at rock-paper-scissors was your fault.”
Lockwert, sulking, was consoled by Rinne. The operation aimed at destroying a country wasn’t just about destruction—it was also a challenge directed at Inie.
From the start, the protection within the barrier allowed demons to enter.
However, the current Inie couldn’t save Australia. Even in the preliminary battle, there were over several hundred thousand monsters, followed by irregulars.
With the limited time given, Arcana wouldn’t provide enough strength to overcome this.
Even more so, another present prepared for Inie awaited this time.
Because the witch had made such extensive preparations, everyone here believed Inie would die in Australia.
When Rinne questioned the witch about whether it was necessary to go this far…
“If she dies this easily, then that’s all she’s worth. But I believe she will survive.”
Though Rinne thought it absurd, Inie had survived encounters with various powerful enemies thus far.
It wasn’t unreasonable to think Inie might make it through again.
“Here they come. There seems to be some extra company, but what should we do?”
Unlike elsewhere, this conference room transmitted not only visuals but also clear audio. Multiple monitors allowed for changing views freely.
“Magical Girl Nightmare. Ranked 8th in Russia, but essentially a human sacrifice. Her actual strength is around the lower 10 ranks, and she’s just a common fighter who can’t even achieve Enhanced Form, right?”
The magical girl seated at position 7 asked Rinne.
“That’s correct, Elraks. Also, she once tried to kill Inie but failed,” Rinne replied.
Nightmare’s evaluations were equally poor among both allies and enemies. Though pity existed for her, her destiny was solely one of death—a magical girl desired to die.
However, meeting Inie began to change that fate.
“What purpose does bringing such an extra serve? Why did she bring her?”
“Even as a provisional ranker, she has some utility. Considering she knows nothing, it’s not a bad move.”
This was merely the preliminary battle. The despair yet to come would render Nightmare’s presence meaningless.
Nightmare moved to Sydney, where the main office of the Australian Magic Bureau was located, while Inie commenced eliminating the monsters.
“Still only 11 years old. Where on earth did they find such a creature?”
“I agree. Or perhaps…”
Rinne seemed to have thought of something, and the surrounding magical girls sighed, thinking her episode had started again.
“There’s much we don’t know about Inie, but the most questioned aspect is her abilities. Typically, a magical girl’s abilities are confined within certain parameters. Those skilled in healing magic often lack offensive capabilities, and vice versa. Sword-wielding magical girls usually cannot use guns, and those adept at magic may struggle with weapons.”
For instance, Marin could wield swords and bows but couldn’t use elemental magic like fire or water. Star Nail used guns as her weapon but could perform attribute-based attacks when bullets were involved. However, close combat was limited to hand-to-hand fighting.
Main and sub-abilities.
Most magical girls possessed such structured abilities. A few specialized in specific skills, but they were rare.
“So what exactly are you implying?”
“It’s unbelievable. Inie’s ability structure. Not only does she possess two forms, but her ability to use both attack and healing magic at the same level isn’t natural. Therefore, it must be…?”
Upon hearing this, Lockwert grimaced, and the other magical girls understood what Rinne was suggesting.
“A manipulated child.”
“The possibility is high. Her eyes, her unchanging expression, her doll-like beauty—what do you think?”
Indeed, Lockwert agreed.
To add, an 11-year-old killing people seemed unnatural.
Having fought Inie several times, Lockwert harbored doubts about her mental state.
Their first encounter ended due to Jeanne’s interference, but the magic Inie used then nearly took Lockwert’s life.
Magic meant to kill decisively.
While understandable from a top-tier fighter or experienced magical girl, Inie was newly transformed.
Yet, she attempted to kill without hesitation.
An ordinary person raised normally couldn’t possibly do that.
Especially during their second fight, where both of Lockwert’s legs were severed, Inie showed no signs of pain beyond a slight groan.
Lacking sensation was implausible, but Lockwert remembered a type of child who wasn’t normal—manipulated children.
“Isn’t the purpose of creating magical girls solely to train soldiers, irrespective of their abilities?”
“While true, there are reports that abilities can be influenced by parental genetics. Although imperfect, there are cases of transferring abilities.”
Rinne’s analysis might be off-base, but to those unaware, Inie didn’t seem human.
If one considered her birth and upbringing in special circumstances, it might seem plausible.
“Well, let’s set her aside for now and focus on the battle.”
Currently, Inie was eliminating the monsters.
Inie wields four elemental attributes, primarily using natural system magic. However, non-offensive spells are inefficient due to restrictions. Additionally, incantations are required, but thanks to these limitations, Inie rarely runs out of magic power during regular battles.
Incidentally, Inie uses two types of barriers: one prevents magic flow by using a magic circle as a catalyst during spell casting, and the other is highly effective against magic and physical threats, created using multiple elements.
The former affects only her own magic but consumes minimal power. Conversely, the latter is extremely energy-intensive.
During Arcana’s ability release, the mechanics change.
Such an Inie excels against weaker monsters.
“Truly, a magical girl born to slay monsters.”
“Didn’t Arcana also have a magic supply function? It feels like it was designed with contracting Arcana in mind.”
The magical girl sitting at position three, Notless, chuckled.
A magical girl designed specifically for contracting with Arcana.
That was impossible.
Neither witches nor Arcana existed in this world. No one should know about them, and creating such beings was unthinkable.
“Understandable feelings, but creating such an existence would require countless sacrifices… How many victims would it take?”
“Oh? Inie canceled her magic.”
Just as Rinne was about to begin her lecture, movement from Inie caught everyone’s attention. Elraks spoke over her.
Inie had turned all the monsters below into dust, dismissed her magic, and teleported away.
Her destination was beneath the three fools arguing pointlessly during this emergency.
Her method was simple—extortion. She threatened to leave unless they worked seriously.
The director of the Magic Bureau and the magical girls of Sydney, having witnessed Inie’s combat prowess firsthand, had no choice but to comply. Both sides’ arguments held merit.
“Too extreme. I understand the sentiment, but this isn’t how an 11-year-old should behave. That was Velanus ranked 18th, right?”
Resolving issues through discussion would have been age-appropriate, but threatening compliance with death wasn’t.
“Not a tactic suitable for an 11-year-old.”
“Seems she also understands reality well. There are more lives that can’t be saved in this world. As Rinne said, she’s one of us. Though her unsettling maturity doesn’t match her age.”
“If she sided with us, it’d be great, but it’s too late now.”
Inie killed Orneas. Convincing Inie, who killed her ally, to join them was impossible, even Rinne understood that.
“It’s almost time. With this many monsters left, starting the main battle seems according to plan?”
After finishing her extortion, Inie immediately teleported, floating in the wilderness sky.
She activated the Fool’s ability.
High above, two orbs ascended, drawing magic circles. They were absurdly large, defying logic.
“How many dozens of magical girls would it take to replicate that?”
“Even with enough magic power, the computational resources would overload anyone’s brain. And considering what she’s doing, Inie must be pushing herself too hard.”
Across the Australian continent, the magic circles expanded to the edge of the barrier, endlessly absorbing Inie’s magic power and unleashing its true potential.
The magic released from the circles annihilated the monsters.
“Instantly wiping out that number of monsters. Though city areas seem out of reach, with this alone, she’s earned the title of ranker… Time’s up.”
The sound of a bell rang through the conference room, signaling the hour.
Monsters appeared that only rankers could defeat. Moreover, each commanded followers.
Individually formidable and collectively disastrous.
Some magical girls and operators within the Magic Bureau collapsed, overwhelmed by despair.
Among them, however, two magical girls retained their resolve: Nightmare and Neiting from the New Demon War.
Nightmare shouted at the director and Velanus, issuing immediate orders. All irregular appearances were distant from urban areas, buying time to establish defensive lines thanks to Inie’s efforts.
Neiting remained undeterred because this was the second occurrence, and she knew Inie was coming.
With Inie present, victory wasn’t a dream. Witnessing it firsthand made belief possible.
Had they known what was happening to Inie…
Noise briefly disrupted the monitor displaying Inie in the conference room but quickly returned.
“Was that demon interference?”
“Likely. Now, the main event begins. True Shengxi is troublesome.”
The restored monitor showed Inie and the Doomsday Faction’s Number 5, Shengxi.
“One might think, as evil incarnate, she doesn’t need to confront directly, but is this her pride?”
Elraks mused before asking Lockwert for a drink refill.
“Rather, Inie seems better suited as the villain. Here.”
Lockwert’s words carried weight, having nearly died from Inie’s surprise attack.
Shengxi entered Enhanced Form, while Inie transformed into her Second Form instead of Arcana.
“Feels like a setup against magical girls. Natural occurrences seem improbable.”
“Unable to use magic, focused on melee combat. Blades that cut through magic, almost like…”
“—Wait, did it start?”
While Rinne and Notless exchanged opinions watching Shengxi’s rematch, the only member sleeping among the gathered group stirred awake.
Rosanne, seated at position four, opened her eyes.
“Waking up only when the main battle begins despite the bell earlier—same old Rosanne.”
Ignoring Lockwert’s sarcasm with a sheepish laugh, Rosanne looked at the monitor.
“That black one is Inny Flowering, right? They both look like they’re having fun.”
“I don’t get it, but really?”
“Yeah. Just seeing who’s stronger, maybe? Fighting purely for themselves, disregarding missions, reasons, or responsibilities.”
Rinne responded, “Is that so?” internally questioning the discrepancy between her perception of Inie and Rosanne’s description.
To Rinne, Inie was calm, calculating, and robotic, willing to employ any means for her goals.
Could Inie enjoy combat?
Battle was merely a tool. Ambushes, night raids, and overwhelming force were standard tactics. Winning justified endangering oneself.
It was hard imagining Inie enjoying the fight.
“And speaking of which, did we figure out why she changes into two forms?”
“…No. The witches claimed it was beyond their understanding too. After researching data, I found no plausible hypotheses or theories.”
“See.”
Despite the fierce duel between the two, the atmosphere in the conference room resembled a movie screening.
But that soon changed.
Inie had dodged just in time, avoiding a fatal blow from the Azure Dragon Saber.
“Match over…but”
“This is just the beginning.”
Briefly exchanging words, Inie and Shengxi transitioned to the next stage.
“Let’s call it a Mental Barrier…or something. Shengxi sure takes reckless steps.”
What would happen next…the only certainty was Shengxi’s impending death after taking the drug. There was no future ahead.
As everyone watched intently, Inie suddenly evaded.
Confused as to why, the reason became clear moments later—an Azure Dragon Saber had swung down where Inie stood.
“Instinct? Or did you see it? No change since Orneas, but this is unbeatable.”
No one saw when Shengxi moved. Inie’s dodge seemed forced after stepping forward.
Had Inie continued advancing, she would’ve been cleaved in two by the Azure Dragon Saber.
Defending would’ve left no chance for counterattack. Knowing this, Inie attacked but was blown back by a spear.
Then battered by a torrential spell, she was left battered and bruised.
“Match over.”
An unscathed Shengxi and a barely standing Inie. Any observer could tell who the victor was.
Yet…
“What are you smiling about?”
As if echoing the thoughts of everyone in the conference room, Shengxi questioned.
Subtle but unmistakable, Inie was smiling. Despite her injuries, she maintained her stance toward Shengxi, refusing to lose hope.
As if it were natural.
As if she knew nothing else.
As if she would die otherwise.
But machines don’t smile.
All that remained was for Shengxi to strike the final blow.
It was supposed to end this way.
