The Meaning of Strength for Magical Girls
I waited in the infirmary until time was up, but no new patients arrived.
I merely waited while sipping the tea that Rinde had prepared for me.
Though I would have preferred coffee, I decided to drink it since she had gone through the trouble of making it.
During the wait, a few of the magical girls whose injuries I had healed earlier left. But did they properly spread the word?
With nothing else to do, I began reading one of the medical books on the shelf when Rinde’s terminal rang.
“Come to the director’s office,” was the message.
“I see.”
I returned the book to its place and exited the infirmary. The atmosphere felt somewhat hurried, but were all preparations complete?
Following Rinde, I entered the director’s office where Bayern and a tall man wearing glasses were present.
(Do you know who he is?)
“He’s the deputy director. He was the only one on Bayern’s side back then.”
An ally, huh? Then I guess I don’t need to worry about him.
“You’ve come. Are the preparations alright?”
“Yes.”
“I see. The treatment will take place at the Newport Magic Bureau. While not perfect, the arrangements are underway. However, the distrust from the magical girls remains strong, so the turnout isn’t good.”
Bayern looked exhausted as he handed over a sheet of paper to the deputy director.
“From here, I’ll take over. I’m Roshe, the deputy director of the London Magic Bureau branch. We’ve already transported the severely injured magical girls from each bureau, so we’ll start with their treatment first. As for the magical girls at home or in the Fairy Realm, and others seeking treatment, we’ll transport them as negotiations conclude.”
Judging by his manner of speech and posture, he seems competent.
He gives off an intellectual vibe, but it’s not unpleasant.
“One more thing from our side. We’ve laid some groundwork regarding the distrust, so it should likely be resolved.”
“Yes. The magical girl in charge of medical affairs has informed me. Thank you for letting the director take the credit.”
Bayern gave Roshe a look as if to say, “Why are you saying this?”
“The rest will depend on how things go on-site. Do you have any questions?”
“I’m fine. No, please separate external injuries from internal ones, illnesses, and poison cases.”
“I’ll make sure to convey that. Roshe, please accompany Inie to Newport. And Rinde…?”
Compared to yesterday, Rinde seemed quieter.
I thought she’d immediately agree to come along, but there was hesitation in her eyes.
“…What’s wrong?”
“Ah! I want to come too!”
(She seems a bit off. What do you think?)
“She’s jealous. Seeing Haruna’s accomplishments, she’s probably feeling envious because she’s almost the same as herself.”
(Envious?)
“That’s right. She’s probably grappling with feelings like, ‘Why is someone my age so much better?’ and ‘Why can’t I do anything?’ Even though she wanted to help her grandfather, Bayern, reality is different.”
I see.
Since I hadn’t paid much attention to such matters before…
I work freelance, mostly alone, and have always been isolated in school. So, even hearing about jealousy doesn’t quite resonate with me.
Moreover, even if someone envied me, there’s nothing I could do about it.
After all, one lone girl can’t accomplish much anyway.
“Understood. Please assist her, Roshe.”
“In that case, I’ll guide you. Please follow me.”
Following Roshe, we teleported to Newport using the teleportation device.
The Newport teleportation room was bustling with people, enveloped in chaos.
“Please stay close to me. Fortunately, no one has noticed Inie yet, but it will get louder if she’s spotted.”
“Understood.”
Walking while staying in Roshe’s shadow, we exited the teleportation room and were led to a small room.
Inside were Albert, the director of Newport, and two other staff members. They didn’t seem entirely convinced, but they weren’t causing trouble either.
“We’ve been waiting for you. Though we received a call earlier, I thought we should briefly discuss things. The severely injured patients are in one room. Separate rooms are prepared for external and internal injuries. Some find movement difficult, but we have assistance arranged for them.”
“Understood. We’re ready whenever you are, but can we begin now?”
“The severely injured are gathered, so that’s fine, but it might take another hour for the others. We’re unsure if everyone will come.”
There are surely those who doubt us and are just observing for now. There are bound to be troublesome individuals who will only come once they confirm they can truly be healed. It’s not something we can say we won’t treat them for arriving late.
It would be useful if we could use Jeanne’s name here, but that would likely be unwise.
“Understood. Considering Ren’s situation as well, let’s proceed with the treatment quickly.”
“Thank you.”
“I know the location, so I’ll handle the guidance from here. Let’s go.”
After a brief meeting, we headed toward the room where the severely injured were gathered.
“Hey”
“Is something wrong?”
As we walked, Rinde called out to me.
“How did Inie manage to acquire such incredible abilities?”
Incredible abilities… Her eyes started to darken slightly.
If I answer carelessly, it might lead to complications.
From the way she asked, she probably knows nothing about recovery magic.
Now, if asked how I obtained these abilities, none of them originate from me.
Hermes, Sora, Demon, and hatred—they all intertwine complexly to form what is me.
In other words, the only answer I can give is the usual lie.
Roshe glanced at me briefly, her expression sour.
She seems to know most of the details.
Even if I must lie, I should try to keep it simple and understandable.
“What does Rinde think the source of a magical girl’s power is?”
“Power? I don’t know…”
“It’s said that a magical girl’s power is tied to the strength of her resolve. Why did you become a magical girl?”
“—Because I wanted to help my grandpa.”
“I see. Then reconsider that reason and focus on your resolve. That’s how you grow stronger.”
Rinde didn’t seem convinced, but there’s nothing more I can say.
It’s clearer to fight for a purpose rather than wander aimlessly, as seen with Marin and Mika.
While I personally find such non-scientific concepts questionable, being fantastical myself, if I were to criticize it, I’d likely be told, “You shouldn’t talk.”
Besides, hatred itself is my resolve.
Though separated completely, hatred can be considered proof that resolve transforms into power.
“Can you really grow stronger this way?”
“That’s what makes magical girls magical girls.”
“Let’s end the discussion here. This is the room where the severely injured patients are gathered.”
Inside, numerous beds were lined up.
The total number is comparable to when we dealt with Miguria or China?
Several magical girls and staff members were moving about busily, so I decided to take action as well.
“Where are the charts?”
“Just a moment.”
Roshe walked over to a nearby staff member, spoke briefly, and returned.
Her troubled expression suggested there was an issue.
“It seems there aren’t consolidated records due to the rush.”
“I see… Well, that can’t be helped. Then let’s proceed in order from the beginning.”
Having the charts would save diagnostic time, but without them, it would just take a little longer—no big deal.
So, what’s wrong with the first patient?
…No, getting used to this sensation isn’t very good.
Although I often forget due to my own severe experiences, seeing someone as badly injured as Rinde beside me is usually frightening.
“Burns, huh…”
“An ordinary human would likely die from shock or blood loss… Let’s heal them quickly.”
Roshe winced upon seeing the first patient, but it’s understandable.
After checking the condition, I used recovery magic, transforming them back to normal in no time.
“My goodness, this is the first time I’ve seen such powerful recovery magic. It’s extraordinary. Is the patient fully healed?”
“Yes. Just let them rest for a while, and they’ll be fine. Let’s move on to the next one.”
“Thank you. You over there…”
While Roshe engaged a nearby staff member, I examined the next patient’s condition.
Given the type of patients gathered, it’s not a pleasant sight.
Almost like an assembly line, I healed them without much thought.
“If you’re feeling unwell, you can wait outside.”
“…No. I want to watch.”
Naturally, Rinde’s complexion worsened progressively.
Even adults like Roshe would grimace if they lacked tolerance.
Seeing such injuries, it’s no wonder one might feel nauseous.
Using intuition, I healed each person in around 2-5 minutes, completing treatments for everyone in about 2 hours.
Magically, I still have plenty of energy, but I am slightly tired.
When Rinde brought drinks midway, I was a bit surprised to find it was piping hot cocoa.
If only she had cooled it down a bit more…
Thanks to that, I had to take a short break, but it falls within the margin of error.
After finishing the treatments, we moved to a makeshift break room in the corner of the room to discuss the next steps.
“Good job. Are you alright to continue without resting?”
“I’m fine. Since others are waiting, let’s proceed with the treatments.”
I prefer handling tasks first and resting afterward—that’s my style.
“Understood. I’ll check, so please wait a moment.”
Roshe left the break room, leaving me and Rinde behind.
With some free time, I decided to reflect on what Demon had mentioned about jealousy. Indeed, I don’t understand jealousy.
If someone surpasses me or is stronger, I rejoice rather than dwell on winning or losing.
If I lose a match, I acknowledge my weakness.
Blaming others is inappropriate.
I haven’t experienced envy.
But I recognize a similar emotion.
The amplified version of jealousy.
Hatred.
I don’t know what Rinde thinks, but whether her jealousy turns into hatred or admiration…
It’s somewhat intriguing.
Regardless of the emotion, strong feelings translate into power.
Marin, Star Nail, and Mika seem incapable, but perhaps Rinde…
“Don’t think foolish thoughts.”
…Got reprimanded by Hermes.
Well, as long as witches exist, we won’t lack enemies, so there’s no need to create unnecessary ones.
Though bothersome, I should offer some mental support.
“Are you troubled?”
“…Yeah.”
After a pause, Rinde nodded.
“Does it hurt that you can’t do anything?”
“Yeah. Even though I’m a magical girl… I should be able to do something. But I couldn’t do anything.”
(Give me Rinde’s information again.)
“Sure thing. Magical Girl Rust Rinde. Ranked consistently 220th. Been a magical girl for 4 months, 14 years old. Father passed away, lives with mother. Became a magical girl to help her grandfather Bayern. Ability is wind-based, weapon is a battle axe.”
I remember her holding it when I helped her.
Due to the other magical girl’s interference, I only recall that part clearly.
(How about that.)
“Is it too late to grow stronger?”
“Now… If not now, it loses meaning! Yet… why… why can’t I…?”
Tears streamed down her face, falling onto her clenched hands.
It’s frustrating to be unable to act when it matters.
And nearby was someone close to her age who could solve everything. Hence the resentment, frustration, and envy.
It’s as if she feels her rightful place has been taken.
“People, magical girls, are not omnipotent. Each has their own strengths and limitations.”
“Are you the one to say that?”
“Didn’t I just say that? We’re not omnipotent.”
Had we been, the Arcanas would have defeated the witches, and it wouldn’t have been my turn.
This situation wouldn’t have arisen.
“If you wish for ordinary happiness, be content with the present. Cherish and nurture the desire to help others gradually.”
Rinde glared at me, trembling.
If only Rinde knew about me or had access to magical girl information, it would be simpler, but I’ll explain slowly.
We have time until Roshe returns, and she won’t be back immediately anyway.
Pulling back my hood to look at Rinde caused her to freeze in surprise.
“Would Rinde sacrifice something important to gain power? Would you kill someone to help others?”
Strong magical girls have all sacrificed something… lost something.
Even Jeanne must be the same.
To possess such capabilities implies enduring immense suffering and hatred.
That suffering and hatred likely stemmed from losing something precious.
There’s no such thing as convenient strength without sacrifices in this world.
“What do you think is the easiest strong emotion to obtain as a magical girl?”
Rinde shook her head but suddenly froze. Her face paled slightly as she realized what I was implying.
“Yes. Hatred. Negative emotions. Power gained through loss. Strength obtained only after it’s too late. Do you truly desire it?”
“Innie… What happened to you?”
Something, huh…
Actually, my sister was killed, but I can’t mention that.
My current sister (temporarily) is living normally.
“A certain facility… To put it plainly, a survivor of human experiments. My body and brain were tampered with, strange liquids injected, and I stand atop countless corpses.”
“That’s… ”
“There must be things you can do even without power. Take your time to consider and find your answer. Unlike me, you have time.”
This time, she lowered her gaze, looking dejected.
She’s young; taking her time to think instead of rushing would be better.
Though whether she’ll get that opportunity depends on me.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. Humans are all selfish beings after all.”
Re-covering my face with the hood, I sipped my cocoa while waiting for Roshe.
Hopefully, Rinde won’t do anything reckless…
Personally, even if she became like Blue Colette, it wouldn’t bother me. But Demon and Hermes would be annoying…
“Admonishing her like that was kind of you~”
(If I didn’t, you and Hermes would be annoying.)
Demon doesn’t grasp my deeper thoughts, but Hermes sees right through everything.
Though she claims to mainly observe, she interferes like this when I stray from the path.
I have no privacy.
