V1: Chapter 4: I Won't Be Defeated by Promises!

Chapter 4: I Won't Be Defeated by Promises!

Three days have passed since the summons from the association, and ten days since Satellite's disappearance.

Naturally, Shizuku hasn't shown up at school.

According to the rule of three, now that three days have passed since the disappearance... she wouldn't be able to withstand dehydration.

However, if, worst-case scenario, she's been captured by "that kind of person," then that shouldn't be a concern... a chilling thought, though.

For some reason, I've been summoned to the meeting room where I last saw Shizuku. This time, it's not just me; a considerable number of other magical girls belonging to the association have also been gathered.

Thirty years have passed since the sudden appearance of the 'External Enemy,' a foe of humanity, into the world. Unable to counter this being that defies even the laws of physics, let alone modern weapons, humanity's numbers have drastically decreased.

As if in opposition to this, human girls have suddenly been granted 'Supernatural Abilities.'

The government named these girls, who possessed both "magic" and "battle attire," "Magical Girls."

Currently, the prevailing theory is that only magical girls, who are also beings outside the realm of reason, can stand against beings outside the realm of reason. That's why, in today's world, every country relies heavily on children around 10 years old for the cornerstone of its national defense.

However, while we generally refer to them as magical girls, their ages vary widely, from young girls to mature women. Nevertheless, their abilities fluctuate with age—generally peaking around 15 years old. The organization that unites these magical girls is... the Magical Girl Association. It's only natural that such an organization holds power.

However, the reason they've attained such power is...

"The reason I've gathered you all here is... none other than..."

---Much of this is due to the power of the President of the Magical Girl Association.

Just like when we met the other day, her eyes, devoid of any emotion, held an almost artificial, inorganic quality.

"A large-scale magical energy signature was detected the other day."

"I know that, but on that day—"

I had assumed it was a meeting about Satellite's disappearance, or perhaps a search for her… but my prediction was completely wrong. And in a bad way.

"Separate from that, it's only a premonition, but… its scale was measured to be on par with, or even greater than, the 'Okutama Invasion'."

"…What!?"

Starting with the astonished cry of the red-haired magical girl, Flamma, a murmur spread through the meeting room.

About three months ago, over 1000 External Enemies appeared throughout Japan, and among them, a single gigantic signature appeared in the mountains of Okutama, possessing the largest magical energy signature. There—a special individual known as the 'Demon King of Might' was confirmed.

"So, you're saying a magical energy signature on par with that 'Demon King' has been detected?"

"Yes, the measurement team has determined this abnormal situation is—that of the second Demon King."

A roar of astonishment, incomparable to what had happened earlier, filled the venue.

No one had ever heard of multiple Demon Kings existing, yet no one seemed to lose their composure... This was surely proof that every magical girl present was an elite.　

"Dispersing our forces is a foolish strategy. However, considering the potential harm to civilians... we have no choice but to divide them to some extent."　

Saying this, the names of the magical girls were smoothly written onto the map. It was a feat that could only be accomplished by memorizing all of these magical girls. Furthermore, it seemed that compatibility between magical girls in adjacent areas had also been considered. Although I knew about it, seeing it in reality was still astonishing.

"If we find them, we'll focus on holding them off and making contact. We simulated this to be the optimal strategy. Raise your hand if you have any question."

It was a flawless formation, at least, that's what I think. There are things I don't like about her, but I've never seen anyone better than her in planning operations or these kinds of countermeasures. And that's not just limited to magical girls... it includes adults as well.

"Is Satellite... not here?"

It was a faint voice, a question that seemed to seek reassurance. It was a question everyone was probably thinking.

"She... for a reason I can't say, cannot participate in this operation."

All I could hear were voices of disappointment, unease, and anxiety. Perhaps we had become somewhat complacent in the brief period of peace established by the strongest magical girl; I would be lying if I said I wasn't at all like that.

"I'll go. It won't be a problem even without her."

I raised my voice, trying to reassure everyone, and also as if trying to convince myself.

Now that our first-rank is gone, it's only natural that I, the second-ranked girl, reassure the other girls. I never imagined I'd be given the title of strongest in this way...

"That's all for the announcement..."

At a time like this, we don't have time to worry about external enemies... but even so, there might be an enemy who abducted Satellite during this invasion. Furthermore, if we allow this invasion to proceed, humanity's habitable space will recede significantly, and we cannot allow that to happen...

I will definitely protect the place she will return to.

★

I was in a large park in Kanagawa, as darkness was slowly falling. Based on the magical energy signatures, it was said that a Demon King-level magical energy signature was likely to appear somewhere around here or in the direction of Hachioji... but even that wasn't certain.

In that situation, it was only natural that I, the strongest piece on the team, would be assigned to the location with the highest probability of a Demon King's appearance. The surrounding residents had all been evacuated; here, I wouldn't have to worry about my surroundings and hold back from using my full power. My thoughts were still disorganized, but I wasn't so weak as to make excuses, nor had I been through such a brutal situation.

Should I say it was a brilliant prediction, or was it just good luck... or bad luck?

The space before me began to warp, and a pressure as if gravity had multiplied many times over enveloped the area. That indicated...

"Oh, a welcome. You're quite considerate for a lower-ranking species."

"This is Gracia. I've spotted what appears to be a Demon King..."

A gigantic body over 3 meters tall, with a head covered in horns. A demonic, monstrous figure, clad in what looked like a fine robe, stood there.

This pressure... it must be a Demon King.

As planned, I tried to contact the association—but something was wrong. Not only was there static on the radio, but even my smartphone showed no signal. It was unlikely both were malfunctioning, so it must be his doing...

"You've done something, haven't you...?"

"Yes, the reason Might was defeated... was because he underestimated you. Weaklings swarm, and they try to bite the necks of strong ones."

I finally realized the true nature of the blockage. It was probably a membrane of magic blocking all surrounding communications. And the precision of his magic manipulation was so high that it was undetectable even when it enveloped this entire area. How much training must it take to reach this level of skill?

"Therefore, I do not underestimate inferior beings. I will deal with you as individuals, and then devour you all."

"As a parting gift before I go to the afterlife, can you please tell me your name?"

I must bring back at least some information, so I prolonged the conversation with him, looking for an opening... but I couldn't see a single opening. He was undoubtedly superior; the possibility of me winning alone was—close to zero.

"You dare to ask my name, very well, this wise one will allow it. I am—the Demon King of Magic."

The pressure of calling oneself a King was understandable. This was the Demon King that Satellite had faced. The overwhelming magical power that shook the air was so immense it seemed to indicate a difference in biological class.

"How long are you going to keep your head held high in front of me? Your head is too high."

"---Agh!?"　

Under an unimaginable pressure, I was slammed to the ground, and the air in my lungs leaked out. My arms easily sank into the concrete, which should have been hard.

Was it gravity-based magic? It's impossible that I, who excels at detection, couldn't even track the magic's occurrence... but more importantly, I have to get out of this situation.　

"Ice Mirror String Mirror--!"

"...Hmm, interesting."

My magic is by no means suited for combat; it simply generates mirrors made of ice... that's all. In terms of superiority, there are countless other magics far more powerful. Even so, my second-place ranking isn't due to favoritism or my family's influence.　

I projected my own image, disappeared, and then dropped the gigantic ice mirror I had created in the sky.  Output and application—a deadly fighting style honed through refining these two aspects.

"But even if you hide your head, your magic is still visible, isn't it? Look—"

"Be annihilated!"

A gigantic, jet-black bullet appeared—and pierced a large hole in the ice mirror. Of course, I had factored in the magic. My mirror—reflects magic as well. A one-hit kill, a first-encounter kill, exploiting the overconfidence of someone with only the ability to produce an ice mirror.

"...I'm surprised, that's a good magic trick."

However, the Demon King that emerged from the shattered ice mirror wasn't completely unscathed, but it was far from fatal. That was the greatest firepower I possess. At times like this, I envy other magic specialized for combat, but complaining won't change the situation.

"Then I'll just melt it all away."

An overwhelming amount of heat, as if the sun had manifested on Earth. Just thinking about the damage it would have caused if something like that had been unleashed in a city with civilians sends shivers down my spine. The ball of heat, released with such intense light that I couldn't open my eyes, diffused, melting all the ice mirrors in the surrounding area... and naturally, it was directed towards me, my location now completely exposed.

Evasion—is impossible.

My left arm, which I instinctively thrust out to protect myself, burns with pain.

No, it's actually burning.

My instantaneous covering of my arm with an ice mirror worked wonders; otherwise, everything from my shoulder down would have been completely burned to ashes in this world.

"—!"

The pain is so intense I feel like I'm going to lose consciousness, but I can't lose consciousness here. My hand is almost completely broken.

Unlike the previous "Demon King of Might", his abilities are specialized in magic. Gravity, darkness, fire... those are some of the cards I've seen, but I'm sure he has other cards up his sleeve as well.

Now it's clear... I can't defeat him alone. On the contrary, my body is already severely injured. If I were in perfect condition, I might have been able to escape from this place... but such pathetic excuses keep getting in the way of my thoughts. However, the current situation doesn't necessarily mean I can't win. Because this battle has been───

"The data is sufficient. Your magic data and tendencies have already been observed."

"What does a dying person know about that... you... you bastard!?"

───It was relayed to the Association Headquarters via the Ice Mirror.

The head of the Association may be an unpleasant person, but her intellect is genuine. Based on this combat data, she will quickly devise countermeasures and carry out an efficient and rational elimination.

There's nothing scarier than an unknown enemy whose true nature hasn't been revealed.

"You underestimated me, this so-called Demon King of Magic?"

"...I see, so I was outmaneuvered by a mere human."

For the first time, I saw a look of distress on his face. Victory doesn't necessarily mean defeating the enemy on the spot. His unknown has long since been dragged down to the known.

"It seems this battle of wits is my—Agh!?"

"Hmm, I suppose there's no choice... I'll retreat this time. It's not worth it to use all those pawns against just one little girl—but they'll increase soon."

A jet-black bullet fired from above struck me directly. Unable to withstand the impact, my consciousness was enveloped in darkness.  

And the last thing I saw in that situation was.

"...Won't let you..."

"Shizu... ku...?"

It was a hallucination of her, who shouldn't have been here. They say people tend to believe what's convenient when they're in a desperate situation, but it seemed to be true.

Even so, even though it was just a delusion, why did your back... feel so big and warm?

Such thoughts vanished into the deep darkness.