Magical Girl and the Apology Case
“What is it…? Is there any benefit for me in answering that question?”
“There’s no benefit I can offer. The witches won’t stop, and our purpose won’t change.”
At this point, if someone were to say they’re going to stop destroying the world or reviving the Arctic monster, it would truly be a letdown.
Both I and the witches have already paid various prices.
There’s not even a hint of retreat.
“But I can introduce you to someone who might provide information. You probably want our information, right?”
The person themselves won’t talk, but preparing someone who can speak on their behalf…
If Rinde and Rinne were close, Rinne’s death would prevent them from speaking. There’s no guarantee the introduced person will talk, but indeed, we do want information.
While ensuring my own safety, I present the minimum possible benefit.
It’s an unpleasant way of doing things, characteristic of intellectuals.
(What should we do?)
“Personally, I’d rather kill Rinne than get information. But considering the future, the information isn’t something we can easily discard.”
I don’t know what position Rinne holds, but judging by her abilities, she must be in a command-like role.
Ordinarily, to witches, other beings are merely pawns. So, it wouldn’t be strange if Rinne were leading the destructionists.
Thus, killing her here would likely lead to a good outcome for this world, but looking ahead, we desperately need information about the witches.
Though it may seem disloyal to Arongante and Kaede, we’ll prioritize our side’s convenience. I dispel the staff I had prepared and lower my hand.
“Understood. I accept your proposal.”
“That’s good. I was worried I might be killed without discussion, but it seems you still possess some rationality.”
That’s quite a statement, but dealing with such individuals, unnecessary words often backfire. However, if you respond with meaningful words, they usually fall silent.
“Since you’ve given us a pass this time, it’s only proper to return the favor, even if you are an enemy.”
“That’s true. Idle chatter wastes time, and before ‘it’ appears, let’s get to the main topic.”
By ‘it,’ they mean Ren.
I’m unsure of the situation, but I believe they at least know I’ve disappeared. It wouldn’t be surprising if they’ve taken some action.
“So, what is the main topic?”
“What exactly are you harboring inside your body?”
Not Hermes or Sora.
Judging from Rinne’s serious gaze, she’s asking about the hatred I unleashed.
Until now, I’ve caused outbursts or partial releases, but this is the first time hatred’s self-awareness has surfaced. In Australia, I managed to repel it as it seeped like water, but this time, I was instantly overwhelmed without any chance to resist.
I assume the cell mutation mentioned by the Demon is also rapidly progressing.
But, should I tell Rinne about this?
Even if I do, it won’t become a weakness, but it’s fundamentally personal to me. It’s safe to say no one fully understands it.
(Hermes, what happens if I’m overtaken by this?)
“It depends on the situation, but if Shiro alone is taken over, it would cause slight damage to the world.”
Just Shiro alone.
(What if both you and the Demon take over?)
“To put it bluntly, it would result in the birth of a second witch.”
That’s astonishing…
No, what’s scary is that it could actually happen. Understanding after being consumed, hatred contains nothing but vengeance and the urge to kill.
It doesn’t matter which magical girl; anything obstructing will be destroyed.
I feel such thoughts.
If this hatred incorporates Arcana’s abilities, it could transform into an uncontrollable monster. Though I sense a faint semblance of self-awareness, it’s very dangerous to be overtaken in this state.
—Ah, so that’s why Rinne tried to kill me back then and is willing to risk her life to hear this now.
It’s best to answer honestly and gather as much information as possible.
“The emotions I’ve accumulated have swelled and gained self-awareness. I call it hatred.”
“I see. Do you understand how dangerous this thing of yours is? Why does your Arcana allow such a thing to exist?”
In the case of the Demon, it resists but remains powerless due to its attachment to this body. Hermes, on the other hand, inexplicably likes me and generally doesn’t oppose.
Rinne seems genuinely concerned, but regarding Arcana, I remain silent.
“I know it’s dangerous. But it’s necessary for me to fight, and I can’t do anything about this part of myself.”
“Even if it causes further calamities?”
“I’ll manage properly. It was an accident earlier, but it won’t happen again.”
“In your case, it’s hatred. Do you really think you can coexist with it so easily?”
Your case… As the Demon once said, witches are the embodiment of a magical girl’s despair. Thus, just like me, inflated emotions gained self-awareness through magic and consumed them—or perhaps they willingly surrendered their bodies. Such overwhelming feelings are concerning.
“As long as witches continue to exist, there’s no problem. My hatred targets magical girls, and since monsters also seem to understand, I won’t be consumed as long as battles persist.”
“Can you prove that?”
“That’s like proving a negative. I understand what you fear, Rinne, but there’s also the possibility I lose and die.”
Even if hatred consumes me now, I can’t fully utilize Arcana’s power in this state. Defeating witches and that particular monster is impossible.
I don’t know what will happen if my body transforms, but if I can completely control hatred before then, Rinne’s concerns will be unfounded. In exchange, I’ll eliminate all destructionists, including witches.
“Do you really turn 11? Would you answer that?”
“The price of age-related information is high.”
I could tell my age, but you wouldn’t believe me anyway.
“I see… At least I know you’re not a thoughtless fool. Still, I hope you understand the dangers this brings. Remember, if you or Inie dying saves others, consider it.”
Die before losing control, but that’s after defeating the witches.
Thinking too far ahead is pointless now, but if I lose control, I should prepare some ultimate measures.
“Are the questions done? Now, who’s the source of the information?”
“I’ll tell you eventually.”
Rinne took out a piece of paper from her pocket and placed it on the ground.
“If you visit the person written on this paper, they’ll understand. I hope Inie stays as Inie.”
Leaving those words, Rinne disappeared with a magic circle appearing beneath her feet, just as she arrived.
(Arc)
“Which is why, I don’t want to become something like that. This time, the infiltration has progressed again… Idiot!”
Tsk, it looks troublesome later, but first, I should pick up the paper Rinne left behind.
Upon picking up and unfolding the paper Rinne left, Rinde’s name was written on it. And in P.S., it said “Take care.”
Rinne and Rinde. While nicknames, they sound similar…
There’s probably some connection, but I’ll confirm that with the person herself.
“Ren’s calling.”
“Acknowledged.”
Good timing.
We should report the minimum details; otherwise, Ren might do something unpredictable.
“Hello?”
“Some destructionists appeared here. Are you okay over there?”
“I fought three of them and defeated all. I’ll explain the details when we meet. How about you, Ren?”
“Good job. I’m fine, but there was some damage, so please help with healing.”
Did she fight outside the barrier in reality?
Maybe because fighting in reality allows more constraints against opponents, even though the person themselves might ignore such things entirely.
“Understood. I’m heading home now, so let’s talk then.”
“Got it. See you later.”
Regarding Rinde, since escaping isn’t an option, we can deal with it later.
Although sudden, this concludes Arongante’s request.
As I look at the mountain gouged out,
I don’t know how much damage Ren sustained, but this feels like an apology-worthy incident?
Magical Girl Name: Inny Flowering
(Japan) Ranking: Unknown
Age: 11 years old
Weapon: Staff
Ability: Attack Magic + Healing Magic (Various unknown abilities)
Kill Count:
SS+: Unknown
S: Unknown
A: Unknown
B: Unknown
C: Unknown
D: Unknown
E and below: Unknown
Notes:
A magical girl who continuously defies the norms of magical girls.
After the battle in Australia, all kill counts became unknown.
According to someone who constantly monitors Inny Flowering’s official site, all kill counts below SS rank exceeded five digits.
Often referred to as the White Mage due to her white robes, but those who witnessed her battle in Australia began calling her the Grim Reaper or Liberator due to her immense strength and unique attire.
This mysterious magical girl not only excels in combat but also possesses healing magic, which she demonstrated proficiently in Australia.
There’s a rumor that she escaped from an illegal organization’s experiment, but it remains unconfirmed.
Also unconfirmed, but it’s rumored she created a massive hole in a certain country’s mountain…
