NOVEL NEXT Chapter 52 – Virtues of a Magical Girl (2)
“Is everything ready?”
“Yes. Thoroughly.”
Just before departure, Rana confirmed with Yuria once again. The truth is, they didn’t know much about Seria. All they had was the clue that the Demon King Takilas said she was a capable sorceress. They had no idea about her tendencies, likes, or whether she possessed the most important virtues of a Magical Girl.
“This might be a problem. Even if we choose an unqualified girl, Yggdrasil will judge accordingly.”
“That may be true… but it’s not completely wrong, Head. Let’s move.”
Rana, who was about to argue against Yuria’s words, bit her tongue. After all, what more was there to say about Yggdrasil, who accepted even a one-eyed tentacle monster like Takilas?
They soon opened a portal and stepped through.
As Takilas had previously announced, a barrier surrounded Seria’s bedroom preventing any unauthorized persons from entering.
“Ahem.”
Noticing Rana’s cue, Yuria cleared her throat. Just yesterday at this time, they had talked with Seria, who was still soundly asleep in her bed today.
“A girl with hope and dreams. Can you hear my voice… or not?”
Yuria stammered as she spoke. At that moment, Seria’s eyes fluttered open.
“Who are you?”
With her eyes wide open, Seria bolted upright and immediately cast a spell, shooting blue lightning from her outstretched hand, sending Yuria flying.
When Takilas arrived, he didn’t hide his overwhelming presence, contrasting sharply with the responsive behavior he had shown.
‘…sigh.’
Looking down at Yuria, who was crumpled and twitching on the floor, Rana couldn’t help but sigh. In a Magical Girl organization that binds powerless girls with leashes for their own benefit, someone with power before becoming a Magical Girl was an irregularity.
“We’re not here to fight. So, can you listen to us?”
“What are you… who are you? Demons?”
Gathering her wits, Rana wiped the cold sweat from her brow and adjusted her glasses as she began her pitch.
Seria’s reaction softened slightly as she noticed Rana’s nervousness. She became flustered upon seeing the wings of a butterfly fluttering on Rana’s back.
*
“What seems to be the problem?”
Later that night, I turned my head towards the star palace, specifically Seria’s room. It appeared that the fairies I prepped in advance had indeed arrived at that spot without the others in the Demon King’s Castle noticing. Now I just had to let them handle things.
“Let’s continue where we left off. It’s really possible, right Gabi?”
“Of course.”
I turned my head again, and the one who had quietly come to my bedroom bowed politely.
Her long, shimmering silver hair and the fox ears perked up above her head were a sight to behold, with nine tails swaying gracefully behind her.
Captain Yōhō, Gumiho Gabi. I summoned her for a particular reason.
“Honestly, I’m not even sure if it’s the same magical ability, but it definitely had the power against the magic.”
“Don’t worry, Your Highness. The difference between magical and non-magical is just paper-thin. Properly handling it is what true power is about.”
She showcased something sparking in her sharp-clawed hands. It was the power I had glimpsed from Jeon So-hyun.
It was absurd for a demon to wield magical power, yet this magical power was one aspect different from the holy power of angels.
“Tch. I want to go too; it’s unfortunate.”
“Sure it’s fun. But you have your main job, Mei.”
Mei, who was kneeling on the floor and leaning on my legs while seated on the bed, grumbled about wanting to go to Earth.
However, I denied her request. I wasn’t sure if the fairies or Magical Girls could see through Mei’s disguise, but I didn’t want to give any unnecessary openings.
“I only revealed this to you with great hesitation. That place is my playground and untouched ground. There are many cute ones, and that’s why I want to preserve it.”
“Of course, we will obey the Demon King’s orders.”
Robert bowed his head at my words. Initially, none of them were visibly shocked hearing the information I provided about Earth.
After all, we still had a lot to do in the demon realm. Even if it’s another world, it’s just a place crawling with humans, and there was no reason for ordinary demons to care unless they wanted to conquer it.
“But, what do you plan to do with that human girl regarding handling the magical powers?”
“I just want to do an experiment.”
I replied with a chuckle to Gabi’s question. My fundamental reason was just due to a spark of curiosity, but I could find an excuse if needed.
It would also be possible for me to use Gabi to create a debt with Jeon So-hyun and move her as I wished. That way, I could use a powerhouse without having to move myself.
Moreover, I couldn’t forget what she had said to me. She really hated being powerless… I wondered if I could truly become her Yggdrasil.
“I think I understand.”
“Really?”
“Ultimately, it’s about widely broadcasting the demon realm’s stature, isn’t it? Raising a loyal warrior.”
At that moment, Gabi nodded, seeming to get the main idea. In a way, it made sense. As a Demon King, and the ruler of this demon realm, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to want to create warriors loyal to the demon realm.
“Get ready to leave. This will be the last vacation.”
“It’s not a vacation; it’s a…”
“Keep doing your best, Robert. As I mentioned, contact me if there are any issues.”
I cut off Robert’s bewildered words. Even if I were to come here often, it seemed I’d be spending more time on Earth for a while.
Besides, it appeared that things had also gone well on Seria’s side. The energy of Seria, who had briefly disappeared and reappeared, felt strangely different.
“How was it?”
After sending everyone else out, I quietly called Rana. She soon appeared before me with an excited expression.
“The contract has been completed successfully. Magical Girl Seria, or rather Rene. She is now our 168th Magical Girl and the 23rd active one.”
“So you chose to use the middle name. It seems you liked her quite a bit.”
Rana’s reaction was noticeably different from earlier. When I had become a Magical Girl, she was all stiff and kept casting suspicious glances; now, she smiled as if satisfied.
“There might have been a misunderstanding during our first meeting, but she is dignified and courteous. She possesses the virtues of a Magical Girl, such as justice and hope. Truly excellent… ready for immediate action.”
“Aha. So I was rude and a total mess.”
“Th-That’s…”
Knowing Seria’s personality, I expected some level of this, but upon seeing me chuckle, Rana’s face went pale as if she realized she had misspoken.
“It doesn’t really matter. I’m going back to Earth now. As for Seria… she’ll do as she pleases.”
I briefly wavered but decided not to poke fun at Rana. Unlike me, Seria would likely build her foundation here and commute between this place and Earth as a Magical Girl.
Her objectives were entirely different from mine.
I had originally become a Magical Girl just to play around on Earth, while she seemed to see becoming a Magical Girl as an end in itself.
“Oh, I forgot to inform you about one thing.”
“…What is it?”
“There’s an annual event prepared together by companies…”
Just before parting ways, Rana produced something from her bosom, looking as if she had just remembered. It was an invitation with an engraved spell.
“It’s a gathering to encourage Magical Girls with some experience. It seems to be held to commemorate the defeat of the named monster Mamute.”
“Seriously? You think I’d go to a place like that? A place full of people who dislike me? I’m too busy with real life.”
“That’s true, but…”
“How would my presence benefit the company?”
Rana hesitated to answer, and it was obvious why.
My scoff seemed to make her nod, and that left me with little choice. If the company went down, it would be a hassle for me too.
“There will also be drinks. Many of the Magical Girls are of legal age.”
“I’m not fond of alcohol. I miss the atmosphere and memories, not the drink itself, you know? So… what kind of drinks?”
Could I finally enjoy Earth alcohol this time?
Honestly, I didn’t particularly like alcohol or getting drunk, but with this much prompting, I felt the urge to eventually see it through.
‘Where have you been?’
Having decided to return in the morning, I lay sprawled on my bed and checked the condition of Plasea, who was currently disguised as me through the established connection.
On the floating screen, there was another me.
It looked like I was lying down sleeping, but my eyebrows twitched. Why on earth was Kim Soo-jung, who should be sleeping on the second floor, stuck so close to Plasea, who was taking my form?