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

Magical Girl and S·B·T (Support·Booster·Thalagong)

(The time has come.)

“It’s not perfect, but let’s do our best.”

After finishing the break time given by Thalagong, we head towards the gathering point.

In the end, I couldn’t come up with a good spell, but fighting without preparation is nothing new to me.

“Are you ready?”

I’d like to say “not yet,” but making jokes in this atmosphere would be tasteless.

“I’m fine. We can go anytime.”

“That’s right… Understood. I’ll leave the defense until I return to the other three of you.”

“Yes.”

The three of them answer together.

Star Nail and Blue Colette aside, Marin doesn’t look well—will she be alright? It wouldn’t be funny if they were all wiped out when I get back, now would it?

While I was lost in thought, the three of them moved further back with civilians. Thalagong and I began the final confirmation of the operation.

“You can’t turn back now. When you fight, make sure to win absolutely.”

I had no intention of losing from the start, but what happens after winning is the real problem.

The key is figuring out what factor is causing the explosion.

If there’s a place that serves as the core of the explosion, perhaps…

To begin with, it’s uncertain whether we can even reach that point.

M·D·W is about 50 kilometers away. Last time, we were attacked once we entered within a 20-kilometer radius, but this time, it might be better to allow for some extra room.

Summoned monsters could potentially include S-Rank ones if we’re unlucky. There’s also the possibility that my firepower won’t be enough to penetrate M·D·W’s armor.

Ah, the more difficult the job, the more enjoyable it is.

“I’m sorry things turned out this way. Please hate me.”

Whoops, I spaced out a bit too much.

“I don’t hate you. Let’s go then.”

Thalagong picks me up, increasing their magical power. My hair flutters like flames, and the temperature gradually rises.

“We’re going now. Be careful not to throw up!”

And then Thalagong took off.

Although I don’t feel much wind pressure, the scenery rushing by tells how fast we’re moving. This makes roller coasters look like nothing.

(How many kilometers are we going here?)

“Probably around 500 kilometers or so?”

This speed is beyond what I can achieve. There’s a reason why boasting about super-speed is justified. At 500 kilometers, we’ll enter M·D·W’s range in no time.

“Here they come! I’ll try to avoid, but help out where you can!”

From the direction of M·D·W, beams of light resembling artillery fire start appearing. It’s less about precise targeting and more about area attacks.

In addition to artillery fire, magic also flies from floating magic circles in the air.

Is this the special S-Rank level…? It’s terrifying.

“Wind, create a path for me.”

It may not help much, but I add the propulsion of the wind. Also, as preparation for being launched by Thalagong.

Thalagong dives into the barrage, dodging what they can and exploding what they can’t.

Ignoring minor hits, they keep flying without slowing down.

Surely, if one could objectively observe this battle, it would be nail-biting. For those involved, though, between the G-forces and the aftermath of explosions, we’re on the verge of throwing up.

(Well, it’s about time to detach the auxiliary booster. Any orders while we’re at it?)

Trying to maintain normalcy, I address the Demon as usual. Don’t worry, I can handle it.

“Fufu. Then how about something exceptionally tough?”

(Tough is nothing new. We don’t have time, so let’s keep it short.)

“In that case, this time: complete silence of enemy monster M·D·W, along with the destruction of over 80% of intercepting monsters. And…let’s survive.”

(Right. Since I’ve only been alive for a month after coming back, I have no intention of dying.)

A man gets his work done smartly and honors his contracts.

“Alright, it’s almost time to release you. Are you ready?”

Time… Well, the preparations for the spell are complete. All that’s left is to cast it.

“Yes. I’m ready anytime.”

“…I won’t tell you to come back alive. Somehow…please die for us.”

Thalagong really is a great magical girl. Taking on the role of the hated character until the very end… But I have an order from the Demon. In game terms, it’s like the first boss—though it feels a bit too hard for the first stage.

If Thalagong is going to play the hated role, then I’ll indulge in a little showmanship.

“I will fulfill my duty as a magical girl. By my name.”

“Hmph! …I’ll leave the rest to you!”

Something like water fell on my head after that. I know what it was, but I’ll stay silent as a man.

“Four elements, unravel the truth. Become wings.”

Rather than for movement, I sprout shining wings from my back as an offensive tool. They are purely for attack, so there’s no reduction in power.

“Approximately 10 kilometers to M·D·W. Since we don’t know the detailed method of attack, don’t let your guard down.”

Carefully observing and analyzing information to provide answers is something I’m used to. Whether my body can keep up is another matter, though.

Though I can’t maneuver as skillfully as Thalagong, I activate magic from the wings to counterattack. For powerful-looking projectiles, I brace for impact and dodge them.

(I don’t have enough hands!)

My magic is too weak compared to their barrage. The mix of physical rounds and magic causes irregularities in my counterattacks, which translate into damage to me.

If I use too much magic before getting close, my already insufficient firepower will become even worse.

Attempting to defeat a fortress with bare hands is absurd, isn’t it?

“Remaining distance 2 kilometers… Uh oh! Guided missiles are incoming!”

Just when things were tough enough, they’re homing in on us too!

As we get closer, the full appearance of M·D·W becomes visible. It looks more like a mechanical ultra-large fortress than a monster. I can see four catapult-like structures and gun barrels like those mounted on battleships.

Somewhere, I read long ago that people can’t defeat tanks, but this is even worse.

“Heal, squeeze every last drop.”

Bullets that would obliterate me upon direct hit graze my body, and I heal the blood before it spurts out.

In a short-term battle, I wouldn’t worry about bleeding, but excessive blood loss impairs thinking ability.

In a state where a single decision determines life or death, sluggish thoughts are problematic.

However, I need to suppress the use of recovery magic that consumes a lot of magical power until the last possible moment… finding the right balance is tricky.

“First phase successful. Watch out, interception monsters should be arriving soon.”

(About 20% of my magical power is gone just reaching here, but I can still fight.)

“Secret chaotic forces, become heavenly soaring light and bring an end.”

Draining as much magical power as possible from the Demon, I channel it into the wings spread on my back, increasing them from two pairs to four.

Adding mobility and offensive capabilities to the speed-focused movement and minimal interception.

First, I’ll deal with the monsters while destroying the turrets. Even if it’s only part of the defense, this attack reaches there. To minimize casualties, it’s better to prioritize destroying the turrets.

“Multiple monster reactions confirmed. This… at least A-Rank. But most are S-Rank or higher!”

Impressive mutation species indeed. They excel at inducing despair.

Even fighting one-on-one normally would be tough, but surely I can win. However, facing countless enemies like this… it makes me laugh.

Looks like the wings I grew can only serve as a deterrent at this point?

Hey, staff, do you happen to have any useful spells for moments like this?

I don’t expect an answer, but I feel like complaining.

Using all the magical knowledge I’ve accumulated so far, I destroy the turrets as much as possible and take down the monsters I can.

I understand intellectually. At this rate, I won’t be able to defeat either M·D·W or the summoned monsters meant for interception.

About 60% of my magical power remains after including the recovered portion. I consumed about 20% approaching M·D·W.

Destroying the turrets and taking down the monsters requires maximum magical power each time.

The Element Flügel constantly drains magical power, continuing a battle akin to running at full speed.

So, yeah. That’s how it goes.

“Magical power depleted…”

Taking a direct hit from artillery fire, I was blown far away.

The result of allocating magical power to defense left none remaining for recovery…

(My reserves are completely empty. Isn’t this as bad as when I fought Thalagong?)

When conserving magical power, recovery magic is inevitably cut first. Bruises and monster attacks caused lacerations. Fortunately, nothing got torn off, but how many times did my bones break?

About 60% of the turrets have been destroyed. As for the monsters, it’s unclear if their numbers have decreased at all.

A magical girl without magical power is just an ordinary person. Moreover, I don’t particularly want to die, nor do I have strong attachments.

Sorry, Thalagon, but I’ll leave everything to you… Not that I can give up that easily—I’m not a child anymore.

Lack of magical power? Can’t move my body? As long as my heart beats, there’s no reason to give up.

Orders are absolute. Dying without fulfilling them would be embarrassing as an adult.

Come on, elevate your resolve. Curse this unreasonable world, this despair with no chance of victory. Curse the world where magical girls exist.

(Come on, fall into the darkness.)

“Haruna…you’re still struggling, aren’t you…?”

Sorry, Demon, but I’ll impose my whims on you. Though, I’ll follow the order properly.

“Return to Darkness”

My robe, now in tatters, transforms into something resembling black gothic lolita mixed with traditional Japanese clothing.

My hair loses its color, turning silver.

Replacing my staff with a black sword, I face the approaching monsters and barrages.

There’s a rumor that has circulated since some time ago. Magical girls’ magic is related to the power of their feelings…

Weak magical girls usually lack a reason for becoming one; they became because they could.

Strong magical girls like Thalagong and Kaede possess some kind of strong feeling.

Setbacks, regrets, hatred, obsession—all sorts of feelings exist.

Even imitation magical girls should be able to fight if they have feelings, shouldn’t they?

For magical girls, nothing is impossible.

“What is this…? There shouldn’t be any magical power left! This can’t be happening!”

(That’s what the Demon taught me, isn’t it? Magical girls have no impossibilities.)

Using barriers or some force to defend against artillery fire and magic,

I slash the charging monsters with my black sword, reducing them to dust.

“Even if this could have happened back then…”

I sense a subtle inconsistency in the Demon’s words, but there’s no time to dwell on it. The battle is still ongoing.

“Air-Splitting Hawk Slash”

Sending multiple large shockwaves through the sky, deflecting artillery fire and killing airborne monsters. Unlike before, wiping them out all at once is easier.

Then, using the barrier as a foothold, I pass through the opened space.

The Demon was surprised, but there’s a valid reason for this power. I’m just burning a bit of my life force.

This is limited and restricted power. If asked why such a thing is possible, my ability is magic. Things called life or soul have historically been regarded as sources of power.

As a substitute for magical power, it’s perfectly adequate for using magic. Although, from the perspective of a White Mage, it’s inefficient fuel-wise.

Moreover, with my emotions driving this side of me, I can still fight.

With this maddening desire, until the very end…

I kill monsters with one strike each, breaking the remaining turrets. As the number of turrets decreases proportionally, the number of magic circles increases, and magic flies toward me.

I avoid attacks minimally and divert direct hits with barriers.

Never staying in one place, I continue destruction while considering the most efficient methods. Destroying turrets… monsters… magic circles. Escaping the pressing countdown, I kill and destroy. And then…

Before my life runs out, I successfully destroy all the turrets. All that remains is to deal with the annoying monsters and destroy M·D·W.

(Just a little more, just a little. I’ve thought of a way to destroy M·D·W. While killing monsters, I’ll prepare and switch back to White Mage form to use the magic…)

A pain like my heart being squeezed shoots through me, and I momentarily lose consciousness. My body tells me I’m nearing my true limit.

“Hey, Haruna. You don’t need to suffer like this, do you? It’s okay to give up and die, you know?”

Is this the Demon’s tempting allure? It’s certainly appealing.

Back when I first became a magical girl or shortly after, I might have succumbed to the temptation.

(Fuff. I’ve changed quite a bit from the beginning, haven’t I?)

It’s nostalgic how the Demon used to toy with me under the guise of entertainment and curiosity.

Has it been a month already? Is it still just a month? We seem to have influenced each other.

I’ve cursed the world countless times. I’ve forgotten how many times I’ve spat curses wishing for its destruction. Overflowing with magical girls, overflowing with monsters. Eventually killed by a magical girl…

Then, I met the Demon. Having received this second chance at life, I’ll do what I want.

The reason for the continuation of this mad world…the limits of humans…

(Watch closely, Demon. Even in a world like this, even someone like me, can accomplish something.)

“Right…then, I won’t say anything. I’ll just accompany Haruna until the very end.”

Exactly as per the initial contract. I hope the Demon’s curiosity will be satisfied by this.

According to the Demon’s perception, there are 500 monsters left. I’ll take them down while completing the preparations and destroy M·D·W.

“Alright, let’s finish this!”

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