The Magical Girl’s Journey ~It Seems the TS Magical Girl Has Bad Luck~

Resolution of the Magical Girl

After thirty battles, defeating monsters while aiding people as per the Demon’s orders, I finally managed to locate Thalagong.

The journey was fraught with incidents, and as expected, I didn’t emerge unscathed.

I had my foot crushed under rubble, charged into a monster due to Star Nail’s mistake, and more.

Even my precious hood got obliterated by a monster’s beam-like attack, leaving me exposed from halfway through.

For some reason, after revealing my face, the reactions around me worsened.

(Truly, it felt so long… Now, I wouldn’t forgive Star Nail for their earlier blunders.)

“Though I understand your feelings, I think it’s already commendable that you refrained from intervening.”

After defeating wolf-type and elf-type monsters, Star Nail eventually woke up, but they were in terrible shape.

They went on ranting about where Blue Colette was, refusing to take orders from anyone, and claiming they could handle everything alone.

Ultimately, we had a discussion with a police officer. All I did was grow numerous spears of earth around Star Nail.

In the middle of all this, even though I had entrusted them with an amulet, they recklessly attempted to defeat a monster, nearly causing civilian casualties, so I decided to give them a taste of additional punishment at that moment.

Covered in mud and blood, I managed to reach this point without any sacrifices. As a side note, I’m barefoot now; my shoes are probably buried somewhere along with my feet.

While I haven’t grown accustomed to pain, since I can be healed unless I die, I feel like my senses are starting to numb.

Why did I become a magical girl to avoid death only to end up facing near-death situations?

(Moreover, isn’t something off about Thalagong?)

“Compared to when Thalagong was casually blowing things up, including Haruna, there’s definitely something strange.”

Even with my low perception abilities, I can sense something abnormal here. This must be the barrier where the boss resides.

Though not in perfect condition, I’m far from being unable to fight.

“Inny Flowering, may I have a word?”

As I feigned checking my surroundings and psyching myself up, Thalagong called out to me.

Called by an unusually serious Thalagong, I moved away from the group. What could it be?

“Do you know about M·D·W?”

(M·D·W?)

“Aha. Now I get it. That’s why Thalagong is being so serious.”

What does that mean?

“You seem unaware. There’s no time, so I’ll explain briefly.”

M·D·W. Its official name is Mother Disaster Wall.

A true monster in name only as a “monster”.

To reach the visible M·D·W, we’ll need to evade massive amounts of long-range magic and artillery fire. Once we close in, we’ll have to deal with the summoned hoard of monsters while targeting the main body.

And as an added bonus, upon defeat, it self-destructs. Considering its size, this feels like a job for someone ranked fourth or ninth, but…

From afar, M·D·W looks less like fantasy and more like science fiction.

Now I understand why Thalagong seemed off.

(In order to defeat it, someone will have to be left behind…)

If Thalagong attempts to defeat it alone, everyone except Thalagong will perish. That explains the anxious expression earlier.

Then someone with reasonable ability—me—showed up.

By sacrificing me, everyone else can be saved. But most likely, I would get caught in the explosion…

That’s why Thalagong pulled me aside. Such matters cannot be disclosed to civilians.

Regardless of the content, telling a small-looking magical girl that she must die—it must be a heavy burden.

(Is there a way for me to survive?)

“There is a way to escape, but depending on the time until the explosion after defeating it, there might be a chance to escape the barrier.”

Considering the scale of the enemy, it’s uncertain whether we can win. Moreover, there’s no guarantee that we’ll have the energy left to teleport afterward.

If I only consider myself, running away would be the safest option.

It’s true—I hate pain, and dying is absolutely unacceptable.

I understand why Thalagon chose what seems to be the best course of action.

Even if it’s a bitter decision.

Blood drips from Thalagon’s tightly clenched fists.

Please don’t look so teary-eyed. The path you’ve chosen is correct for a magical girl.

“I understand. I’ll do it.”

There’s a slim chance I might survive. Even if it’s minuscule. Besides, unlike those lackluster magical girls, I can’t turn down the wish of a genuine magical girl.

“Are you sure?”

Ultimately, Thalagong couldn’t hold back the tears. If successful, one life—mine—will save three magical girls and over thirty humans.

These tears are surely out of concern for me, but is it really worth crying over?

“If this is the job, then I’ll simply do it. Please take care of the rear.”

While I fight at the front, Thalagon and the other three must defend from behind. When M·D·W is defeated, Thalagon must protect everyone from the explosion.

Though my task is difficult, Thalagong also has their own responsibilities.

So, please stop hugging me suddenly.

“I’m sorry. It’s just that I’ve been so useless…”

(How should I react in situations like this?)

“I don’t know how to respond either. But are you truly okay with this? This is practically suicide…”

If someone like Star Nail or Blue Colette had requested this, I’d kill them. But this is Thalagon, who sheds tears for my sake.

Men have always been weak against women’s tears.

(Had the Demon been here, I might have thought we stood a chance. If it seems impossible, leave me behind and escape.)

“There’s a contract involved. If Haruna decides, I’ll see it through to the end.”

(So, let’s do our best not to die.)

Casually, I gently patted Thalagon’s back. I wish she’d stop crying soon.

“I apologize. I’m fine now. Let’s gather the other three for a strategy meeting and return to our positions.”

Thalagon, who had been silently crying while clinging to me, finally calmed down and returned to her usual demeanor.

When we rejoined the others, despite still being inside the barrier, an uneasy atmosphere hung in the air.

Do they not sense this abnormality? Or have they forgotten that we’re still within the barrier?

Marin remains vigilant, but the other two seem no different from ordinary people.

Though it’s none of my business, I can sense anger emanating from Thalagong beside me.

“Before we begin the strategy meeting, civilians, please retreat into the ruins. Magical girls, please come this way.”

Despite the slight commotion, everyone followed instructions and moved to their assigned spots. One doesn’t defy high-ranking individuals easily.

“First, I will explain the nature of this monster.”

Thalagon elaborates further on the explanation given to me. Hearing detailed predictions of damage from the final explosion and lessons from previous encounters was helpful.

The first phase of the operation involves Thalagon carrying me toward M·D·W. During this time, the three from the North Kanto Branch will handle M·D·W’s counterattacks and protect the civilians. The reason Thalagon carries me is both to conserve my magical power and because it’s faster.

The second phase requires Thalagon to disengage midway and fall back while I confront M·D·W alone and eliminate the summoned monsters.

Here lies the issue: even if I quickly defeat M·D·W, I shouldn’t.

Given the opponent’s stats, getting defeated is more likely than victory, but let’s set that aside.

At the very least, I must buy Thalagon enough time to retreat and prepare for the explosion.

Finally, the ultimate stage: my solo estimated S+ rank monster extermination.

According to Thalagon’s calculations, the success rate is 30%. However, this assumes it’s the same foe Thalagon fought before.

This time, it’s likely a mutated variant.

Even dipping a toe into the irregular category wouldn’t be surprising.

With only me, achieving a 10% success rate would be optimistic, but this is the only way for anyone besides me to survive.

If Thalagon takes the lead, no one can be protected.

My failure would mean the death of everyone except Thalagon.

Even with less than a 10% chance, once M·D·W is defeated, a large-scale explosion awaits.

This concludes the plan devised by Thalagon.

“Will… will she survive?”

Marin, who had remained silent until Thalagong finished explaining, asked in a trembling voice.

Her clenched fists seemed to answer in place of words as Thalagon remained silent.

“Can’t I do it instead? I can handle B-rank monsters alone!”

I appreciate the concern, but the adversary is too formidable. It’s said that the number of B- or A-rank monsters appearing for counterattacks is absurd.

Neither Thalagon nor I can afford to worry about others during battle. Fighting alone might be easier.

“She inflicted severe injuries on me during a simulation. Neither you nor the other two can defeat M·D·W.”

Marin lowers her head in frustration, while the other two mutter amongst themselves, seemingly discussing their survival.

Personally, I prefer their audacity this time around.

(The atmosphere between Marin and Thalagon is quite tense. What should we do?)

“Marin sees you as a savior or something, but Thalagon has her own code as a magical girl. Only Haruna can resolve this.”

(What a useless fairy…)

This calls for the conversational skills honed during my working years.

“This is the task I’ve been assigned. I’ll ensure I carry it out properly.”

“Ugh. While that’s a good answer for an adult, Haruna is still a girl…”

(Ah!)

Marin tackles me in a hug and starts crying.

I don’t intend to die, but reactions like these make farewells difficult.

“I’ll be fine. Please focus on your duties.”

Somehow managing to pry Marin off, I calm her down. No matter how hard I try against M·D·W, if the other three fail to protect the civilians, it would all be meaningless. I hope Marin works hard and fulfills her responsibilities, even though I can’t fully trust the other two.

“The operation begins in 30 minutes. Until then, rest while maintaining vigilance.”

30 minutes… Though concerning the enemy, it’s better than fighting without rest.

Let’s rest on some rubble nearby.

Finding a suitable piece of debris slightly away from the strategy meeting spot, I lie down using my staff as a pillow.

(Fighting spiders, battling Thalagon, and now Mother Disaster Wall… I mentioned this before, but I’m still a rookie magical girl.)

“While it’s interesting for the Demon, this situation is no laughing matter. I’ll support you as much as I can.”

If only I could think of a good spell. Given the enemy’s size, time is essential…

Having the Demon around, even slightly, is reassuring.

(Is that nice? Since this might be the last time, I’ll ask: Does the name ‘Demon’ have any meaning?)

“Hmm, it does have meaning, but it’s a secret. A hint is numbers.”

Numbers? Six or thirteen comes to mind, but it feels off… I was just curious, so I’ll stop pondering.

Let’s check my current status while resting.

My remaining magical power is roughly 60%. I’ve used quite a bit for healing myself and others during previous battles.

My robe is in tatters. It’s more red than white. Also, I lost my shoes.

Summarizing the upcoming operation: transported swiftly by Thalagong, launched missile-like, eliminating intercepting monsters, destroying the main body, and handling the final explosion independently.

Simplified, it sounds straightforward, but there are many issues. Methods for engaging the enemy once I’m alone, ways to defeat the numerous monsters, strategies for destroying M·D·W, and means of defending against the explosion.

Honestly, I doubt my magical power will last. With a hundred times more, I might attempt countering the explosion with another, aiming for mutual annihilation, but in my current state, it’s impossible.

Right now, awakening or enhancements would be ideal, but reality is cruel. Help and strength are absent when needed most.

While idly lamenting the world’s cruelty, footsteps approach.

Opening my eyes slightly, I see Magical Girl Marin standing there.

Still swollen from crying earlier, she appears ready to burst into tears again.

She asks me:

“Is this alright for you?”

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