NOVEL WEB Chapter 4
A summons order was issued for the Magical Girl.
While Haruna was training with her headgear, the Magic Bureau was becoming increasingly hectic.
This was due to the recent misconduct of a Magical Girl, as well as complaints from other Magical Girls who arrived on scene only to find the monster already defeated. Most of the staff were working tirelessly to address these issues.
Amidst this chaos, the Magical Girl in question was finally registered on the official site, and a meeting was quietly being arranged at the Magic Bureau headquarters to discuss how to handle her.
While it could be seen as “stealing” from the perspective of the Magic Bureau-employed Magical Girls, in reality, it’s simply a matter of speed—how quickly one can defeat the monster and prevent any harm.
However, in recent years, delays in monster hunting due to rankings and rewards have become more frequent, along with significant collateral damage from flashy battles. The incident where Haruna was struck by a stray spell also ties into these ranking disputes.
From the perspective of the Fairy Realm, which believes that as long as the monsters are defeated, everything is fine, Haruna’s actions deserve praise rather than criticism.
Incidentally, the Fairy Realm has its own Fairy Bureau, which manages fairies sent to Earth much like how the Magic Bureau oversees Magical Girls.
Fairies are not supposed to go to Earth without going through this bureau. Thus, all information about fairies contracted with Magical Girls on Earth should theoretically be here.
But there was no record of the fairy contracted with the newly registered Magical Girl, Inny Flowering.
It’s not necessary for a Magical Girl to have a fairy to transform, but for strays like her, a fairy’s assistance is required for official registration. Normally, the Fairy Bureau handles registrations after receiving notice from the Magic Bureau, but the fairy who registered Inny Flowering was not registered with the Magic Bureau.
If Inny Flowering had been registered directly with the Magic Bureau, it wouldn’t have been an issue, but because she was a stray, problems arose.
Just as Inny Flowering’s combat footage was gaining attention due to her unusual abilities, uploaded by another Magical Girl…
Thus, a separate meeting regarding Inny Flowering was also taking place within the Fairy Bureau.
More specifically, it was a meeting concerning the fairy contracted with Inny Flowering.
“So, does anyone have any information on the fairy attached to this particular Magical Girl?”
The man, officially the top of the Fairy Bureau, asked the other attendees, though he assumed there wouldn’t be much useful information since Inny Flowering’s registration had only happened an hour ago.
To him, the recent misconduct wasn’t too alarming, especially given that three days prior, the top of the Fairy Realm had requested intervention regarding Magical Girl misconduct, leading up to the current situation.
He naturally considered whether the fairy attached to Inny Flowering might have connections to the top.
So why hold this meeting? To anticipate potential protests from the Magic Bureau and show that they were also concerned, even if superficially so.
While Inny Flowering’s actions may be problematic for the Magic Bureau, they weren’t causing trouble for the Fairy Bureau yet.
“Nothing was visible in the video, correct?”
The man responsible for overseeing the recording of Magical Girl combat videos nodded in response to the inquiry.
“Just to be sure, we also questioned the fairy who posted the video, but apparently, no one fitting the description appeared.”
“I see. Our approach will be to avoid intervening unless they contact us first. We’ll give the Magic Bureau an appropriate response. Are there any questions?”
With no responses, the man picked up a snack from the table, smiling at its perfect sweetness.
Other fairies also helped themselves to snacks or chatted casually, creating an atmosphere more akin to kindergarten snack time than a formal meeting.
If someone from the Magic Bureau, who was busy due to the antics of fairies and Magical Girls, saw this scene, they would likely be furious.
Despite the troubles caused by Magical Girls, the Fairy Realm remains relatively peaceful.
About a week after the incident where his arm was bitten off, I continued my daily routine of monster hunting alongside a Demon. Though mostly dealing with minor threats, a higher-ranked monster now faced me.
A rampaging spider-type monster, with a heavily armored body constantly birthing smaller spiders to attack. While my compatibility isn’t bad, this B-rank monster is tough, especially since I need to protect the unconscious Magical Girl behind me.
Moreover, due to the barrier’s nature, calling for help is difficult—not that there’s anyone to call anyway.
Ideally, I’d move the Magical Girl to safety, but that seems unlikely to be allowed. Without considering her safety, I could easily use high-powered magic to turn the area into a sea of flames and easily defeat the monsters.
The Demon suggested either option, but as an adult, letting a child die isn’t something I’m willing to do.
This whole ordeal started when I was invited to observe a nearby Magical Girl battling a higher-ranked monster for educational purposes.
Once a barrier for monster extermination is activated, it won’t deactivate until either the monster or the Magical Girl inside dies. However, the Demon can enter the barrier without breaking it. Normally only the Demon could enter, but by possessing me, it allowed both of us access.
The Magical Girl wielding a sword and bow fought skillfully at first but began to struggle as the mother spider overwhelmed her with numbers. After being entangled by a web, she lost consciousness.
That’s when I intervened.
Now, I’m in quite a predicament.
“So, what’s your plan now, Haruna?”
(Why must you ask with such excitement.)
Honestly, just casting “Earth, become my wall” could suffice for protection.
However, I’d prefer to keep the unconscious Magical Girl within sight in case she wakes up during battle and acts unpredictably.
(I’ll do what I can. In the worst case, I’ll abandon her.)
Ideally, I’d like to save her, but my life comes before others. She won’t wait around politely, so it’s time to act.
“O Flame, dance. O Wind, circulate.”
I summoned numerous fiery butterflies to burn the webs and deal with the baby spiders. This magic continues to summon them automatically once cast, consuming my magic power efficiently.
Simultaneously, I prepared for a powerful technique by spreading my magic power throughout the area using “Wind, circulate.”
Since it’s my first battle within a barrier, let’s make it spectacular.
“You must be Inny Flowering!”
As I dealt with the baby spiders and kept the mother spider at bay, the unconscious Magical Girl woke up.
(Oh dear, she’s awake. How should I respond?)
Silently helping her wouldn’t be ideal; I don’t know how to interact with children, even if I’m technically an adult.
‘This looks fun, so I’ll take over. Let me borrow your mouth for a moment, but please don’t resist. Turn around first.’
(Acknowledged.)
Following the Demon’s instructions, I turned back to the unconscious Magical Girl. About 50 seconds left until preparation completion.
“Are you awake?”
My voice came out unusually flat.
“How are you here?! I was the only one supposed to be in this barrier!”
The Magical Girl tried to stand but couldn’t due to exhaustion and depleted magic power.
“Magical Girls can do the impossible.”
Ignoring the Demon’s undertone, I noticed the Magical Girl’s eyes widening, perhaps reflecting deep thought.
“I’ll handle the rest. Please rest.”
Ignoring her bowed head filled with regret, I turned back to the monster. Five seconds left.
‘Ready?’
(Of course. Hopefully, this will generate enough force to break the barrier.)
“O Iron, surround and extend.”
First, I erected a protective wall to shield from the upcoming magic’s backlash. The spell I’ve been secretly chanting will activate using the dispersed magic power.
“Sound of the Beginning.”
An explosion accompanied by a thunderous sound erupted beyond the wall. The Magical Girl behind me screamed, but I ignored it. Frankly, I almost screamed myself.
(How’s the barrier holding up?)
‘…Not bad at all. It looks like there are some cracks.’
That’s excellent. Even though it’s meant for general Magical Girls, using half my magic power was worth it.
Given its concept—a space-distorting, ultra-wide-range annihilation magic (with self-destruction)—I was thrilled when I learned about it from my staff.
Though it has flaws, the romance outweighs them. If it were just the mother spider, I could have handled it in five seconds. Still, the mystery technology of fairies is impressive, living up to their reputation of supporting Magical Girls all this time.
After deactivating “Iron, surround and extend,” I surveyed the area. All debris within the barrier had vanished. The Demon mentioned my core also disappeared, leaving me somewhat apologetic.
“That’s your ability…”
Right, there’s still the Magical Girl.
‘Let’s return before the barrier fully collapses. Fortunately, there are cracks, making escape easier.’
(Acknowledged. Perhaps I should say something before leaving.)
I suddenly remembered that this girl belongs to the North Kanto Branch. I’ve seen her eliminate monsters in Gunma Prefecture where I live. Her name was Magical Girl Marin, if I recall correctly.
‘That’s fine, but remember not to use rude language since she’s a beautiful young lady.’
“(Understood) Are you alright?”
Despite still struggling to stand, she displayed a dignified expression, showing strong mental fortitude.
“(By the way, thank you for your help. But how did you get inside the barrier?)”
“(Through brute force, thanks to the Demon.)”
“Brute force? Is that safe?”
While her injuries are more concerning, considering the barrier’s nature, it’s understandable she worries about me. Thanks to the Demon, things worked out.
“(It’s fine thanks to the Demon’s power. Let me heal your wounds. Pain, vanish.)”
Seeing her covered in injuries was unsettling, so I decided to experiment with healing magic on someone else. Apparently, it works on others too.
“Your magic can do this… Thank you for healing me.”
Even though I interrupted her and startled her, she properly thanked me, which is admirable. Her wounds seem completely healed, so she should be fine now.
(Since there don’t appear to be any issues, Demon, let’s go.)
‘Sure thing!’
With the Demon’s casual reply, I teleported home from the barrier.
Today’s results: 10 minor monsters and 1 B-rank monster. Unfortunately, the B-rank core disappeared, so no reward.
The “Sound of the Beginning” will remain sealed unless absolutely necessary. Both romance and money are important.
“Still, that magic was incredible. I’ve seen it in simulator training once, but I didn’t expect it to crack the barrier.”
(The simulator version knocked me out immediately after use. This time, I improved it, so it didn’t harm me.)
Though losing the core hurt financially…
“But does using such powerful magic have any negative effects on you, Haruna?”
Since this state began, I’ve researched Magical Girls extensively. My abilities aren’t particularly strong, but they’re quite versatile.
Non-offensive magic weakens under certain constraints, but offensive spells are fairly unrestricted. Additionally, my strength is weaker both as a Magical Girl and in civilian form.
I wish I were stronger…
(This aside, it seems fine except for the magic consumption. Originally designed as a self-destructive spell, that’s part of its drawback.)
“Hmm. Well, if you’re okay, that’s good. Also, defeating the B-rank monster boosted your ranking.”
Checking my smartphone handed to me by the Demon fiddling with it earlier, I confirmed the official site. A week ago, I was a newcomer outside the rankings but am now ranked 18th.
My total monster elimination count far surpasses those around me, hinting at Inny Flowering’s uniqueness.
Inny Flowering’s page still shows her hooded figure, but some additional details have been added.
Considering the Demon writes these entries, I don’t pay much attention to them.
(Incredible how we’ve made it into the top 20 so quickly.)
“Initially, I aimed for six months, but it’s amusing when plans change. Traveling across Japan daily and occasionally abroad certainly helps. Eliminating so many monsters naturally raises your rank.”
Incidentally, while ranked 18th in Japan, each country has its own ranking system. Many countries fell after the beginning day, but rankings persist.
(Either way, confirming that we can handle B-rank monsters without issues is reassuring.)
This time was excessive, so I’ll be more careful next time.
“In cases of B-rank or higher monsters, I can’t set up barriers, so I’ll have to steal kills from other Magical Girls.”
(Faster ones would be better, but outright stealing isn’t preferable.)
“So, I’ll primarily assist other Magical Girls in defeating higher-ranked monsters. Rewards will be halved, but it’s worthwhile for the combat experience and goodwill.”
Money is important, but I’ll sacrifice it for combat experience. Helping Magical Girls builds goodwill, which isn’t a bad idea.
“Also, expect a summons from the Fairy Realm soon.”
(Why?)
“Because of the barrier intrusion and cracking incidents. Being called to meetings among top-ranked Magical Girls is almost inevitable.”
Ah yes, those exist. Meetings among top-ranked Magical Girls, colloquially known as tea parties.
Primarily discussing designated targets, monster spawning trends, and the Magical Girl landscape. They also reprimand problem children and organize events to boost Magical Girl morale.
Incidentally, everyone has nicknames. I haven’t memorized all of them, but famous ones include #1 ‘Dominion’ and #4 ‘White Knight,’ often referred to by their aliases instead of their Magical Girl names.
“Speaking of which, there’s a summons order via the official site.”
Summons sounds too criminal-like…