Magical Girl and the Mysterious Boy
(I’m bored.)
“For now, we’re just waiting. The waiting room is individual, and until our turn, we can’t even go outside.”
It was supposed to be a more relaxed tournament for newcomers, but the security was stricter than I expected.
Back in the day, I used to gamble and watch on TV, but was it really this tight?
Well, back then I wasn’t really interested in investigating much about magical girls or the Fairy Realm, so maybe this is normal?
(Our turn is after the next match, right?)
“Yeah. But honestly, accepting Thalagong’s suggestion might have been the right move.”
(…Maybe.)
Both the first and second matches showcased genuinely strong magical girls, worthy representatives.
But as newcomers, they’re strong, sure—yet among all magical girls, they’re probably around mid-level.
The starting distance seems random, but if given enough time for two words, it’s sufficient.
I can just overwhelm them with sheer numbers.
I think Marin could’ve represented instead of me, but knowing Prizes, he likely panicked and went straight to me, the highest-ranked.
By the way, only Arongante, who’s handling the commentary, Japan’s top-ranking group, and the academy members know how I fight.
It feels kind of like a party trick, but there’s no way I’ll lose.
Anything but instant death can be healed, after all.
Still, I’m fighting without my staff, so bad luck could still happen.
I won’t let my guard down.
(Should I just keep watching… or sleep?)
“Understood. I’ll wake you when it’s time.”
I lie down on the sofa and close my eyes.
1
When I woke up, it felt different. My consciousness surfaced with a sensation I’d experienced not too long ago.
When I opened my eyes, I was floating above the same circular plaza as last time.
This isn’t a dream… I’m fully aware.
There’s no reaction from the Demon, just like before with the staff. What’s going on?
“Hey there, contractor boy.”
Is it fashionable these days to approach people from behind? Even NigoShiro does that.
So, who’s it this time?
“…Who are you?”
A child… judging by appearance, a boy.
He clearly knows me, but who is he?
“I’m an ex-associate of the Demon. How’s she doing?”
One of the Arcana… what do you want?
“She’s doing fine. And you?”
“It’s a secret. If she found out I met you secretly, she’d be mad.”
Not planning to reveal your name, huh…
I should’ve asked NigoShiro about the other Arcana, but the purpose is more important than the name, right?
“So, what do you want?”
“Well, I’m just here to observe. Also… to warn you.”
“A warning?”
The unnamed boy floats softly into the air, spinning once.
Come to think of it, demons look fairy-like, but this guy looks human.
Do they all have different appearances?
“Tomorrow, they’re going to attack you.”
“—I see.”
They’re trying something amidst this festival-like atmosphere…
Even though security includes top-ranking individuals from all over the world, they’re still reckless… unless witches don’t care about such things.
“Do your best. I’m cheering for you… choosing possibilities…”
He fades away, leaving those words behind. It sounded like something else at the end, but I couldn’t hear it properly.
Looks like it really was just observation.
Even though I was warned, there’s nothing I can do.
We already have maximum security measures in place.
…So, when am I allowed to leave this place?
Last time, the floor collapsed and I woke up, but there’s no sign of that happening now.
Where exactly am I anyway?
Is my spirit being summoned somewhere, or is this my own mental world?
The ground glows, but all around stretches darkness… it’s quite mysterious.
Sitting on the floor, I gaze across the empty space.
I can’t see or hear anything.
If there’s an afterlife, it might feel like this.
…Really, whoever called me should stick with it till the end.
“…Luna! Haruna!”
“Huh?”
At some point, I returned from that space and was lying on the sofa again.
Seems like I’m back.
Summoning someone and leaving them alone… next time I see them, I’ll give them a good scolding.
(Time to go?)
“Yeah. The person calling us will be here soon, so get ready.”
“Understood.”
I sit up from the sofa and stretch lightly when the call sounds.
“Come in.”
The door opens, and a fairy enters.
“Our turn is coming up, please follow me.”
“Got it.”
My opponent is Dendrobium, right?
Like Thalagong, her name is flower-related, which makes me remember old anime… must be because my mind is male.
She’s not as flashy as Arongante, but it’s still a charming name.
Following the fairy, I enter the simulator room prepared for the occasion. There are two cocoon-shaped pods for the top-tier fighters.
Monitors and waiting chairs are also set up, and Dendrobium is already seated waiting.
“Uh…”
“What is it?”
“Are these settings really okay?”
The attendant fairy checks, but since everything has already been decided, I can’t change it.
Kaede emphasized it as well.
“Don’t worry, it’s fine. Please take care of me.”
“I understand, but don’t complain later.”
Now, I thought I just had to sit and wait, but Dendrobium approaches me.
“Hello, Inny Flowering. I’m Dendrobium. Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise. I may not live up to expectations, but nice to meet you.”
“Magical Girl Dendrobium. Like Haruna, she’s a stray magical girl, officially from America. She’s 14 years old and ranked 52nd.”
(Glad to meet you.)
Since I’ll probably never see her again after this match, I don’t need to remember anything beyond her name.
“You were talking to the fairy earlier, right? What was it about?”
“Just about the match. You’ll understand once it starts. Don’t worry, there’s no cheating involved.”
“Really?”
It’s not cheating, per se, but in a way, it kind of is.
We’ve requested a non-standard setup.
“Yes. It might take a bit longer, so why don’t you sit and wait?”
The fourth match displayed on the monitor is turning into a messy brawl, so it’ll take some time.
Dendrobium sits beside me and stares at me instead of the monitor.
Look at the monitor, not me.
“…What is it?”
“No, I was just wondering if you really can’t see inside the hood.”
I don’t know the principle behind it, but wearing it feels reassuring…
It’s inconvenient that I can’t wear my hood while at the academy, but there’s nothing I can do about that.
“I prefer not to show my face. Did it bother you?”
“N-no, not at all. I was just thinking… I want one too…”
I thought stray magical girls were supposed to be bold, but she seems shy…
Now that I think about it, there are quite a few magical girls who wear hats, but hardly any who wear hoods.
There are various reasons like hair getting messed up or the back looking plain, but nowadays magical girls sell their dazzling appearances.
For me, having a robe with a hood is convenient, but from others’ perspectives, it might seem plain.
…Hmm? What were we talking about again?
Ah, about the hood.
“Does a regular one not work?”
“I wish I could hide myself better…”
“Did you ask the fairies?”
“They said hiding my face is unthinkable.”
Well, Dendrobium’s face is pretty standard.
Her pale purple hair and amethyst-like shining eyes… hiding them might be a bit wasteful.
“In that case, you should probably give up.”
“…Yeah.”
Seeing her sad face like that, I can’t do anything, but I can at least support her.
“I won’t ask why, but please do your best.”
“Oh! Regi Nimaris landed a hit!”
“That was a good straight punch. Lucky it didn’t result in mutual destruction.”
Looks like it’s over.
“The two contestants, please enter the pods! We wanted to talk more, but oh well. No holding back, alright?”
She smiles a little and heads towards the pod.
Me too… ah, I forgot to tell the Demon about earlier.
(Late notice, but one of the Demon’s associates made contact.)
“…Could it have been when you were sleeping?”
“Yeah, a boy showed up saying he was observing. He mentioned witches attacking tomorrow, but I’ll explain further later.”
The fact that I’m still sitting seems suspicious, as my name was called, so I move to the pod.
Alright, let’s enjoy this handicap battle.
I’ll make the most of it.
