Friendly Fire from a Magical Girl
As expected, I lost the simulation match, and we decided to take a break in the waiting room.
Still can’t win…
Although it wasn’t as thrilling as the previous time, I gave it my all but still lost to Thalagong who hadn’t even transformed into Enhanced Form.
Even though I managed to land one hit, it’s frustrating…
(How did it look from your perspective?)
“You put up quite a fight. Considering you’re not really suited for direct combat, landing even one hit was a bonus.”
I used every major spell I could and only managed one hit…
Thalagong remains strong without being overconfident…
In the end, the entire battlefield was obliterated, with large craters here and there and ice mountains formed—it looked like the apocalypse.
If this had been real, an entire country would have perished…
To begin with, if you can fight this well without using Enhanced Form, why did you transform last time? Was it just to mess with me?
Well, while that tingling sensation wasn’t unpleasant, it was definitely excessive…
Of course, I’d end up groveling…
“You worked hard. I didn’t expect you to land a hit. Well done.”
Thalagong, looking refreshed, playfully patted my head after casually pulling down my hood.
“Still, I lost.”
“You wouldn’t be able to call yourself a top-tier fighter if you lost so easily. Inie, you need to get stronger so you can fight without going overboard.”
I think I’ve grown somewhat stronger and expanded my fighting capabilities, but the enemies I face are tough…
It’s not that I’ve gotten stronger; it feels more like the enemies keep getting tougher…
If Shengxi had intended to kill me from the start, things wouldn’t have gone so smoothly. She enjoyed the fight, and I took advantage of her momentary lapse to defeat her.
Had Thalagong been in Enhanced Form from the beginning, who knows what would have happened…
“As punishment for losing, let’s go shopping next time.”
Now, that’s something new…
Though, come to think of it, every time I lose, there seems to be some kind of penalty…
While Thalagong continued patting my head, Blade and the others returned to the waiting room. Blade was as usual, but Marin and Mika looked unusually exhausted.
“Good job~ How did it go on your side?”
“After 13 rounds, I finally managed to land a single hit. Not bad for a rookie.”
Ah, so she landed a hit.
I’ve only seen Blade fight in videos, but Marin is like an upgraded version, effortlessly slicing through space like Lockwert.
When Blade gets serious, no defense stands a chance, and spells are torn apart by some incomprehensible theory.
Blade is undoubtedly one of the most unreasonable top-tier fighters.
If there’s any weakness, it might be her lack of anti-air capability, though when in Enhanced Form, she could leap around in the air, so that’s only a flaw in her normal state.
“I’m tired…”
“I tried my best too~”
Both collapsed onto the sofa and didn’t move. Simulations may be simulations, but they’re exhausting, especially against top-tier opponents.
Should I bring them some drinks?
Orange juice should be fine for both of them.
Escaping Thalagong’s devilish hands, I went to fetch the drinks.
“Here you go.”
I placed cups of orange juice on the table, sitting slightly away from Thalagong.
“I watched your simulation battle between Thalagong and Inie, and it seemed pretty fun.”
Fun…? That apocalyptic-level battle felt far beyond just “fun,” right?
“Yeah, I didn’t hold back much, but I didn’t expect to land a hit either.”
“Considering how many wave attacks you faced, it’s understandable. I probably would have been fine, though.”
Blade teased Thalagong, who responded with playful banter.
What are these adults doing…
“Inie, you did well to land a hit against Thalagong… Watching it made me doubt if you were even the same magical girl…”
“To be honest, it’s impressive you fought without running away…”
Running might invite even more unreasonable challenges.
Compared to last time, this was a fairly standard simulation battle.
Though it was rather—quite flashy, I didn’t feel anything particularly special.
“It was better than last time, wasn’t it? How about you?”
“…Yeah. Thanks to Mika, but it won’t happen again.”
Mika nodded in agreement with Marin, and they both drank their orange juice simultaneously.
They seem to sync well…
After a short break, I trained with Thalagon again.
The training mainly focused on fighting while blindfolded, but I think I got somewhat used to battling while unable to see.
Currently, our fights assume the presence of demons, but I hope this training will lead to something meaningful.
I’m not expecting any sort of third eye ability, but I’d like to improve my ability to read auras and presences better.
…Will it actually happen?
We spent the morning training, and at noon, Blade suggested we all eat together.
There’s technically a cafeteria in this facility for top-tier fighters, but we decided to order delivery and eat in the waiting room.
By the way, our choice was hamburgers.
I used to eat them on my way home from work, but since becoming this body, I haven’t had the chance to visit such places often, so it’s been a while.
Apparently, this burger place is also quite famous in the Fairy Realm, but as long as it’s edible, anything goes.
For five servings, it was quite a substantial amount, but fairies floated in to deliver it.
So, this is fairy delivery…
Something you’d never encounter in reality…
This is what fantasy is all about…
The hamburger came with two patties, cheese, and tomatoes, with fries on the side.
Plain and simple, but it looks delicious…
“Gaaaaah…hard…buuuuh!”
Alas, my mouth was a bit too small to take a big bite…
Thalagong’s motherly smile and Marin’s indescribable expression added further mental damage as I couldn’t help but dirty my face around the mouth… It would have been better if I could have eaten off a plate.
“Oh dear, you’ve got something around your mouth.”
While Thalagong wiped around my mouth, I somehow finished the meal. Naturally, I ate the slowest.
“Now that our stomachs are full, shall we watch the reward video?”
“Yes!”
Marin enthusiastically agreed, but that’s a trap!
Whatever rumor it is, given the setting resembles reality and it’s a deathmatch, it’s not something I’d recommend for kids—or even adults.
And yet, this person wants to show it after lunch…
Blade operated the terminal and replayed the simulation battle between Thalagong and me.
(Nostalgic. Back then, I lost limbs multiple times, and it was quite a brutal scene.)
“You should just give up sooner. Pushing it too far is your fault.”
I went all out thinking it was a rare chance to fight a top-tier opponent, but now that top-tier opponent is my adoptive sister… Life is unpredictable.
We exchanged mild magic attacks, leading to me getting punched in the gut, hurling ice blocks at Thalagong, and Thalagong transforming into Enhanced Form.
“Ugh…”
My arm exploded, causing Mika to gag slightly.
Even though the blood spurting was brief, it was quite intense.
Watching limbs regenerate was also unsettling, making it unsuitable for viewing after a meal…
“Can you believe it’s been less than a year since then?”
“Yes.”
It hasn’t been a year, but likely won’t reach another year.
Depending on the witches, will they remain so relaxed?
Well, better not say anything rash…
As the video neared its end, despite having limbs explode multiple times, I flew toward Thalagong’s position.
Both appeared pale, but Thalagong and Blade were functioning normally.
My divine strike—now celestial strike—was blocked by Thalagong, and I continued singing until tears of blood flowed.
Finally, using “Perish Along With the Stars,” both of Thalagong’s arms were blown off, and I tumbled through the air before falling to the ground.
That concludes the video.
Incidentally, regarding “Perish Along With the Stars,” I haven’t been able to use it since that battle.
Back then, I must have removed some sort of limiter in a critical state to be able to use it.
We both managed to finish the video without vomiting, but our faces weren’t looking too good.
“…This cannot be released.”
“Aye. Didn’t expect it to be this bad.”
At least if the injuries and blood were toned down, it might have been somewhat viewable.
Even if the content itself was acceptable, given the unmasked faces appearing halfway through, it probably wouldn’t have been released anyway…
“Hehehe. It was a pretty good video, wasn’t it? By the way, don’t tell anyone else about it.”
“Of course… But why did such a simulation even happen?”
That would be because Thalagong went berserk, but I’ll stay quiet on that.
“That idiot took Inie and started it on their own. Afterward, Kaede made them grovel.”
“Don’t lie. I asked Inie for permission properly. It wasn’t random.”
“Even so, there’s a limit, which is why Kaede got mad, right?”
“Grumble…”
That was partly my fault for agreeing, but Thalagong shouldn’t have taken it at face value.
Still, it was factual that we learned what top-tier fighters are like through that experience.
The old rumor that a single top-tier fighter could destroy the world isn’t entirely false.
“Since 2 of you still look sick, rest a bit longer. Blade’s here too, so how about the three of us try that thing?”
“That thing? Who’s the opponent?”
“How about 964?”
Hearing them talk about “that” and “who,” I was confused, but the number gave it away.
They intend to simulate data-based battles involving human opponents.
A 3v3 battle, it seems.
Numerically speaking, the opponents are Arongante, a Fullure we haven’t met, and Glint… Are they insane?
Among the three, there’s only one normal magical girl…
“Regular rules should be fine, let’s go!”
“Alright. My arms are tingling.”
As usual, Thalagong pulled my hand, and we left the waiting room without waiting for my response.
Before I knew it, I was thrown into a cocoon, and the scenery changed to a wasteland.
Blade and Thalagong immediately appeared.
“What are the rules?”
“Hmm? You didn’t hear from Thalagong? It’s a 3v3 deathmatch. Pain sensation remains, but since there are two observers, the visuals will be toned down.”
So, it looks safe visually, but dying will still hurt like hell, right?
I hardly avoid pain, but I’m worried about losing control during the fight.
With the excitement of battle, I might not be able to restrain myself…
I grew wings to fly beforehand.
Of course, black ones, not white.
Though my stamina is recovering and increasing somewhat, aerial combat offers more options than ground combat.
Though there’s a disadvantage of constantly depleting mana, I can cast minor spells instantly and move faster than running on the ground.
“Alright, let’s start!”
A mechanical sound rang out, and about dozens of meters ahead, Glint on a Lindt with two others appeared.
(By the way, details on number six?)
“Magical Girl Fullure. Alias Wise Plant. A magical girl who uses plant magic, excelling in defense and restraints. Extremely solid. That’s all!”
So, it seems Arongante is the frontline, Glint is the roamer, and Fullure covers.
Feels a bit mismatched, but let’s do it anyway…
Arongante and Glint attacked with ranged weapons, but Thalagong deflected them with explosions.
Sand swirled, and Blade charged through.
“Roaring thunder, become a blade that severs all things!”
Countless lightning bolts descended from the sky, seemingly targeting all three, but were blocked by Fullure’s magical plants.
Blade sliced through Fullure’s magic, and Arongante intercepted Blade’s follow-up attack, starting an intense exchange.
I occasionally launched spells from my wings, but Fullure blocked everything.
Well, the more spells I scatter, the more advantageous it becomes for me…
However, while Fullure and I are playing support roles, the other four are having an intense battle.
I manage to dodge stray shots, but even one hit could potentially be fatal…
Anyway, continuing like this will result in a stalemate with no progress…
――Let’s involve everyone then.
Creating sixteen icicles that won’t be destroyed, I kept a considerable distance and stabbed them into the ground in a circular pattern.
“The needles of destruction mark time. The path to the end opens. Endlessly flowing blood spreads infinitely, becoming proof of sin, poured onto the cross.”
The surrounding sounds of explosions and railgun firing, along with the sound of Blade’s sword cleaving the earth, were incredibly loud.
Though I wasn’t specifically targeted, it was terrifying.
“Weak ones weave songs, noble ones weave blood. As a representative of fools, I beseech.”
This spell consumes roughly 40% of my mana.
Having already used about 20%, this scale of magic can only be used once.
Also, after using this, I’ll likely become a primary target…
“Isn’t it ruthless? Impressive, Haruna.”
(I had no choice.)
Given the nature of my magic, it’s difficult to distinguish between friend and foe.
Thus, using magic that involves everyone from the start is more effective.
The magic circle created by the icicles layered in the air.
“End the atheism of this world!”
The magic tore through the heavens and shook the earth, momentarily obscuring vision with light. I faintly heard Thalagong’s voice saying “Baka,” but I had permission, so it doesn’t matter.
“5 survival reactions detected. No one died, but everyone seems to have gone all out.”
Exactly! And this is where the main event begins…
However, the ensuing battle is honestly something I don’t want to remember.
Interfering in a battle between top-tier fighters in Enhanced Form is beyond my current abilities…
Even with this much power, can I still lose to witches?
Beating these people alone seems impossible…
―But there’s nothing else to do…
Just, I got scolded by Thalagong for using the final spell that affected allies too…
You said it was okay to use it…
After completing Thalagong’s Spartan training, I left the simulator, dragged along by everyone except Blade, who had business to attend to.
