Magical Girl Marin’s welcome.
“Good morning, Inie.”
“……Good morning, senpai.”
“Even the Demon child would be surprised by this–”
After waking up, I had breakfast with Thalagong and was teleported to the Fairy Realm using their teleportation device. Everything was fine until then.
After parting ways with Thalagong, I briefly stopped by my dorm room to clean, but when I got there, Marin was already inside.
When I noticed the Demons acting strangely, it was because of something like this.
I wonder how she got in, but knowing Marin, she must have followed proper procedures. Even if I were to ask a teacher, it wouldn’t make much difference.
I don’t know what to say… Can I somehow start over from yesterday morning?
Additionally, the room has already been cleaned spotlessly.
It’s very considerate, but I can’t quite grasp Marin’s intentions…
“I didn’t do it as a thank you for yesterday, but I cleaned up for you.”
Yeah, but that’s not it…
“…Thank you.”
“I’ll bring drinks soon, so please wait here. Would coffee be alright for you, Inie?”
“Yes.”
Marin moved to the kitchen to prepare the drinks.
(What should I do?)
If I tell her to leave, I’m sure she will, but since we still have to see each other at the academy, I hesitate to spoil our relationship.
‘For now, let’s just observe. If things get too complicated, leaving the academy might be an option.’
Well, I’m only attending the academy out of obligation, so leaving would mean a simple farewell.
Besides, staying around could potentially make me a target for witches simply by being with me…
“Sorry for keeping you waiting.”
Marin returned with the drinks.
“After visiting the branch yesterday, I got scolded. They said if I had any troubles, I should talk about them.”
Since I was bedridden for five days, it means I stayed cooped up at home during that time.
My cheeks are still slightly sunken, and the dark circles haven’t fully disappeared yet.
Perhaps I should have taken another day off from the academy today?
“Considering you’ve worried others in different classes, you’ll probably get scolded by your classmates too.”
“That’s true. Thank you again, Inie, for yesterday.”
Taking a sip of coffee, I nodded quietly.
Marin seems somewhat broken since yesterday, but I hope she continues to try her best as a magical girl.
We need to prepare for any possible scenarios.
After chatting idly for a bit, it was time to head to the academy.
“Thank you for the coffee. Let’s go then?”
“Yes, let’s go.”
Apparently, Marin borrowed the key from the dorm supervisor to enter my room.
By the way, the dorm supervisor is apparently Prizes-sensei.
That teacher really doesn’t do anything sensible…
“Oh? Oh?! Why are the class representative and Inie together?”
As we locked the door and stepped out, we unfortunately ran into Mika.
Why did we bump into her today of all days?
“I was getting comforted by Inie. I had some issues, but I’ll be going to the academy from today onward.”
“Hmm. That’s good if you’re okay, but don’t push yourself. Honestly… showing up suddenly without any notice…”
Mika paused, noticing something. “Comforted?”
“Let’s head to the academy then.”
Before Marin could say anything, I quickly suggested moving on.
According to Mika, none of the magical girls quit after that battle.
Despite the significant tragedy, they seem mentally resilient.
…Well, I was the only one seriously injured, and second to that, Prizes-sensei had quite severe wounds, but they recovered quickly thanks to healing magic and suffered no aftereffects.
By the way, quitting as a magical girl doesn’t mean losing the ability to use magic.
However, since letting those capable of using magic run loose isn’t feasible, fairy magic is applied to detect magic usage.
Unless it’s an exceptional case, anyone using magic in this state will be confined to a facility for magical girls in the Fairy Realm.
Whether or not they can leave depends on the individual.
Even if someone quits, they can reapply to become a magical girl, but hardly anyone does.
Most who quit likely couldn’t overcome the fear of death and wouldn’t willingly return to being a magical girl.
With Mika and Marin’s conversation as background music, we headed toward the academy.
Since it was a bit early, there were fewer people than usual, and we barely crossed paths with anyone.
We arrived at the academy and opened the classroom door.
This was our first time back in a while, but it seems we were the earliest today.
“Ah, I need to go to the teacher’s office.”
Just as I was about to sit down and rest, Marin left the classroom.
She’s probably returning the key she used to enter my room earlier.
“So, why was Marin in your room, Inie?”
That’s exactly what I’d like to know.
“She was there when I came back from my hometown.”
“Is that so? It’s good that the class representative is doing better, but… hmm.”
Mika made a strange face and hummed thoughtfully, but only Marin knows the real answer.
“Hey! Are you feeling better now?”
“I’ve been healed by Jeanne, so I’m completely fine now.”
Tsituhime arrived, followed by more students.
They were surprised to see me here, but aren’t they overreacting a bit?
Then, as the bell rang, Prizes-sensei entered the classroom with Marin.
“Well, Inie and Marin have safely returned after taking a break. Things were tough last time, but let’s keep pushing forward!”
“I’m sorry for causing concern.”
Marin bowed her head apologetically to everyone.
Her conscientiousness is evident even in her apologies…
“Now, let’s proceed with training as usual, but Inie, please stay behind for a moment. Everyone else, please move to the simulation room.”
The students left the classroom, leaving only me behind.
What’s this about?
“Uh, have you checked your ranking since that battle?”
Since I fought Marin against the sunset backdrop and ate curry with Thalagong before sleeping, I haven’t checked.
(Did the Demons check?)
‘Truthfully, I meant to tell you, but I forgot. Your rank went up because you took out several S-rank enemies at once.’
It makes sense that defeating that many would raise my rank, but why is Prizes-sensei asking about it?
Shaking my head sideways, I indicated I didn’t know.
“Um… Inie is currently ranked 21st, and I’m 22nd…”
Prizes-sensei flapped their wings awkwardly and poked their index fingers together.
Did something happen that caused the teacher’s rank to drop below the students’?
Considering Prizes-sensei’s age, I think they’re still incredibly skilled, but maybe they were asked to do something official?
“Could you participate in the upcoming Academy-specific New Magical Girl Tournament?”
What’s that?
‘Roughly speaking, one new magical girl from each academy is selected to compete. It’s officially called the New Demon War, but it’s shortened because it’s long.’
(Is there any particular meaning to it?)
‘It’s organized by the Magic Bureau to showcase the strength of various countries. Though it’s not a proxy war, it does influence factions within magical girls.’
(I see… despite there being no time for countries or magical girls to fight each other, it’s rather peaceful.)
‘Although, Haluna fights to protect this peace from those destructive types. While agreeing with human conflicts, it’s necessary.’
Since we don’t know the movements of the nihilists, and it’s difficult to act against witches from our side…
While passivity is unavoidable, I wish they’d take action sooner.
Though we can’t ignore their actions, I want to strengthen myself before they make a move.
In a way, this invitation might be beneficial.
Being able to legally fight other magical girls, even rookies, is helpful.
Though I’ve fought quite a bit in my second form, it’s more like instant justice there.
“Can you explain the details?”
“Yes!”
I already know the general outline from the Demons, so I’ll get the specifics from Prizes-sensei instead of asking them.
Even though I could have had the Demons investigate, it’d be unfair to them, so I’ll hear it from the teacher.
The schedule is split over two days: December 28th and 29th. Eight schools will participate, along with two participants from the Fairy Bureau’s slot.
The tournament format is single-elimination, with the semi-finals held on the first day and the rest on the second day.
The combat method involves simulated death matches.
Of course, unlike my battle with Thalagong, there won’t be full pain sensations. The reproduction of blood and injuries will also be toned down for the audience’s sake.
Participants are limited to one rookie per academy, but rookies—magical girls within three years of becoming one—can participate regardless of their current classification.
Apparently, there were past incidents where Glint spread despair and Thalagong wiped everyone out alone, prompting the Magic Bureau and countries to attempt rule changes. However, the global tea parties rejected these attempts, stating that overcoming injustice is essential for growth.
Since then, the event has remained largely unchanged.
So, it seems there’s no problem with me participating as a rookie (laughs).
Normally, competitors for the Academy-specific New Magical Girl Tournament are chosen six months in advance, but apparently, Prizes-sensei forgot again.
……Does their head contain pudding or something?
When questioned by the principal, whom I’ve never met, Prizes-sensei remembered about the tournament and asked me to participate.
“I’m sorry for the trouble, but could you please join?”
“—Understood, I’ll accept.”
“Thank you so much!”
I can consider this part of my duties.
There’s no necessity to win, so I’ll relax and fight.
“And, Thalagong-san sent a message saying that anything less than winning is unacceptable.”
When did they…
(Well, unless a top-tier White Mage or high-ranked fighter shows up, I shouldn’t lose.)
Starting distance might be an issue, but as a trump card, there will be an announcement sound signaling the start.
If I don’t have to worry about pain, self-detonation would be the quickest option.
‘Haluna… that’s a flag…’
Surely there aren’t such formidable rookies.
If there were, rumors or news would have spread by now.
“Do you need me to do anything else?”
“There will be formal rule explanations and venue instructions later, but for now, that’s all.”
Then, it seems I can continue as usual until the day of the event.
“Understood. Is our conversation done?”
“Yes. Let’s go then.”
Together with Prizes-sensei, I headed towards the simulator.
Today’s simulation turned out to be tougher dealing with Marin than with the monsters…
