Magical Girl and the New Magical Girl Battle
The battles between magical girls have increasingly become part of their training since the development of simulations.
There are two reasons why they train not only against monsters but also against other magical girls.
Firstly, it is to ensure they can fight without hesitation when faced with creatures like dolls or special dopplegangers.
The second reason is to defeat those known as designated extermination targets.
These girls use their inhuman powers for selfish purposes, causing significant harm not only to ordinary people but also to other magical girls.
Moreover, for ordinary people, the battles between magical girls are incredibly thrilling.
However, it’s difficult for people to witness these battles in real-time.
Thus, the only way to see the magical girls’ battles is through officially released videos.
One of the rare chances to watch them battle in real-time is the upcoming New Magical Girl Battle, commonly referred to as the New Demon War.
While there are other opportunities to watch, many of them are hard for ordinary people to understand what’s happening.
In contrast, the New Demon War features battles between rookie magical girls, making it easier for everyone to follow compared to others.
Additionally, the fights among young girls might be worth watching just for that reason alone.
Ordinarily, civilians need a valid reason to enter the Fairy Realm, but today, anyone can come and go.
In exchange, anyone causing problems will be immediately expelled.
However, with people coming from all over the world, it would be impossible to accommodate everyone in one venue.
Here comes the turn of the ultra-3D hologram device, created by blending fairy magic with science.
Its official name is rather long, so I’ll omit it.
Thanks to this device, it feels as though the battles are happening right before your eyes in the arena.
For those who couldn’t get into the venue, public viewings and television broadcasts are available for those unable to visit the Fairy Realm.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting. I now declare the start of the New Magical Girl Battle. Commentary will be provided by Faye from the Magic Bureau Public Relations Department,”
“and Arongante, ranked 9th in Japan.”
At one of the venues, the academy branch in Japan, the voice of the commentator echoes.
Since the venue is at an academy, most attendees are students and staff associated with the school.
Among them are Marin and Mika.
The participating magical girls, including Inie, attend the opening ceremony held randomly at selected venues, then move to locations equipped with simulators adjusted specifically for this event.
“It went by so quickly.”
“Yes, indeed.”
Since the day Marin and the others engaged in mock battles with Blade, peaceful days continued, and soon enough, the day of the New Demon War arrived.
“When I heard about it, I thought it was a joke. Are they really going to do something like that?”
Tsubaki places her hand on her cheek, looking worried.
To support Inie, who represents the academy in this tournament, students from the rookie class and others have gathered at this venue.
Some are here purely to cheer, while others have their own reasons for attending.
“But I saw her fight, and she was doing fine, wasn’t she? She wasn’t moving as fast as usual, though.”
Sweep nods as if to say that there’s no need to worry.
“Anyway, how much did you bet, Princess?”
“…Around 20.”
“Quite a substantial amount, isn’t it?”
Indeed, betting takes place during this tournament.
It’s all legal, ranging from simple single bets predicting the winner to more complex trifecta bets guessing the top three finishers.
Rookie magical girls with limited earnings, regular people dreaming of getting rich quick, and even fairies mainly participate in the betting.
Occasionally, some extreme individuals place outrageous amounts, but since the bookmakers are the Magic Bureau, unless someone stakes their entire savings, there won’t be any issues with payouts.
“The participants this time number ten, and here they are.”
Commentator Faye displays a board introducing each contestant.
Japanese representative Inny Flowering.
American representative Orlantan.
Russian representative Ryezhparda.
Canadian representative Reginimaris.
Australian representative Neiting.
Chinese representative Roushen.
Arctic representative Kaltotristes.
African Union representative Calipurnus.
Miguria representative Haburansasu.
Fairy Bureau representative Dendrobium.
“In total, we have ten participants. Let’s welcome them all.”
With Faye’s call, ten magical girls appear.
Among them, Inie stands out as the strangest; while the other magical girls charm the crowd and promote themselves, Inie keeps her hood up, concealing her face from view.
“Inie is still the same…”
“That’s certainly true…”
Marin and Mika look at Inie on the hologram screen with exasperation.
Other spectators feel a sense of unease about the unusual magical girl, but the opening ceremony continues.
“The competition format will be a tournament. We’ll decide matchups by drawing lots here.”
After greetings from the Magic Bureau and others, the tournament begins, but the matchups haven’t been decided yet.
This is both to build excitement and to prevent cheating.
Winning brings not only a substantial prize but also honor, allowing one to continue working as a frontline magical girl unless they do something extremely foolish.
So, everyone wants to win.
And if someone predicts the winner and top three correctly through betting, they could earn enough money to live comfortably for life.
Cheating for victory or for money.
To minimize such occurrences, the lottery method is used to determine matchups.
“I’ll arbitrarily decide the order of the draw. First, please let’s have the Arctic representative Kaltotristes.”
Starting with the contestant chosen randomly by Faye, the lots are drawn until all ten participants have one in hand.
“Now that everyone has a lot, please open them simultaneously.”
As the magical girls open their lots, large semi-transparent numbers appear above their heads.
At the same time, the names of the magical girls appear on the matchup chart.
“The first match will feature American representative Orlantan versus Miguria representative Haburansasu. Please proceed to your respective areas.”
The opening ceremony concludes smoothly, and the contestants begin moving.
Inie’s match is scheduled fifth and last, against Fairy Bureau representative Dendrobium.
Additionally, the final round is seeded, reducing the number of matches by one.
“Now, while we wait for the competitors to prepare, let’s introduce the participants competing this time.”
“First, we have Orlantan and Haburansasu from the first round. Both are excellent magical girls worthy of representing their countries.”
Orlantan.
The American representative and a magical girl who fights using a gunblade and several types of magical bullets.
She excels in close and mid-range combat and, despite being a rookie, possesses the strength to defeat B-class monsters.
Her personality has a bit of an edge, but she is considered America’s rising star.
“Faye, Orlantan has a comment: ‘I won’t forgive Inny Flowering.'”
“It seems there’s some sort of grudge. Let’s hope for her best effort. Next, we have Haburansasu.”
Haburansasu.
Representing the newly established country of Miguria after “The Day of Beginnings,” Haburansasu is a magical girl who fights with earth magic and a staff.
She fights steadily and hasn’t suffered any significant injuries so far.
Moreover, she excels at fighting as part of a group rather than individually.
“Haburansasu says she’s always ready to welcome Inny Flowering’s defection.”
“Technically, since she’s our country’s magical girl, it would be appreciated if she refrained from trying to poach her publicly.”
“What has Inie been up to?”
“She’s been hunting monsters worldwide, so maybe something happened during that time?”
Even though it’s not their turn yet, Inie’s name has come up twice, prompting Marin to sigh while Sweep casually responds.
In fact, Inie had met both magical girls while monster hunting; one she defeated first, and the other healed her companions.
It’s easy to guess which is which without saying.
“Oh! It seems preparations for the first match are complete.”
“Before the match begins, let me restate the rules.”
The match format is a deathmatch, but pain is somewhat reduced. Injuries and blood effects resemble a game, ensuring a safe viewing experience for everyone.
The battlefield is randomized and unknown until just before the match begins.
The match ends when one participant dies or concedes defeat.
A holographic projection appears in the center of the venue, showing the two magical girls.
The sandy beach battlefield likely favors Haburansasu.
“The first battlefield is a sandy beach. What do you think?”
“Haburansasu has the advantage, but if Orlantan can lure her in effectively, it could lead to a great battle.”
“Thank you. Now, let’s begin the first match of the New Demon War!”
With Faye’s announcement, the words “Start” appear on the holographic display.
Haburansasu moved first.
Using earth magic, she solidified the surrounding sand to create a stable footing and took a defensive stance awaiting Orlantan.
“Taking a defensive position on advantageous terrain suits Haburansasu.”
“While exciting commentary is appreciated, winning is the priority for the magical girls.”
Haburansasu skillfully blocks Orlantan’s gunfire with rocks.
Frustrated, Orlantan advances, stepping onto the stable footing created by Haburansasu.
“Ah! Orlantan finally attacks, but her footing has turned back to sand!”
“Haburansasu must be manipulating the sand with precise magic control.”
Despite the unstable footing, Orlantan tries to attack Haburansasu with her gunblade but struggles to unleash maximum power due to her unsteady stance.
Losing her balance on the sand, Orlantan is countered by Haburansasu, who gains the upper hand.
However, Orlantan retaliates, striking Haburansasu’s right arm with her gunblade.
“A double knockout perhaps? What do you think, Arongante?”
“Haburansasu seemed to defend with rocks during the attack, so the damage may not be as severe as it looks. Conversely, Orlantan’s disadvantageous position likely caused more serious harm.”
As time passes, Orlantan’s movements gradually worsen…
“Wow! Here comes Haburansasu’s big move!”
“According to records, it’s called Avatar Pestaa. For those who didn’t hear, let me elaborate.”
Haburansasu uses her staff and countless rock-made staves to deliver rapid strikes on Orlantan.
For her finishing blow, Haburansasu launches Orlantan into the air and creates sharp rocks beneath her.
Orlantan, motionless in the air, begins to fall and is impaled by the rocks.
“Match over! The victor of this intense battle is Miguria’s representative, Haburansasu!”
“Indeed, the initial strike was key. It was an excellent match.”
“That was an intense battle.”
“Yes, that initial strike set the tone for the match.”
“Still, representatives truly are amazing, aren’t they?”
Ignoring Tsubaki, who had fallen asleep, Marin and the others discuss their impressions of the first match.
Even as rookies, the representatives displayed a high level of skill.
“Now, asking after the first round might seem odd, but who is the most anticipated competitor in this tournament?”
“Undoubtedly, Inny Flowering, given she ranks highest among the participants.”
“Apparently, there was some drama surrounding Inny Flowering’s participation. Is that true?”
“…We’ll address that matter when it’s her turn.”
“Understood. Let’s move on to the second round.”
