V6: Chapter 63: A Sinister Shadow?

Volume 6: "The Present, the Past, and the Future"

Chapter 63: A Sinister Shadow?

In the meeting space of the Magical Girl Association, a familiar group of faces had gathered.

While it was the usual crowd, this was an important meeting... and given the security concerns, it certainly wasn't the kind of discussion we could have at my kotatsu at home.

In fact, I could see a slight tension on Squire's face.

She slowly began to speak.

"It's about time... to bring an end to this long conflict... to humanity's war for survival."

She pointed to a map of Japan from 30 years ago, showing several cities that should have already been lost. This is one of the records showing the loss of many lands and lives due to the invasion of External Enemies within the demon race.

"For 30 years, humanity has been under attack from External Enemies. We, the Magical Girls, were born to resist this. Thanks to our countless efforts and sacrifices, the world is slowly returning to its former state." (Squire)

"It's a bit unusual to have demons present at such discussions, isn't it?" (Chloe)

"Even among demons, only about half are assisting the invasion of the human world, you know?" (Lux)

We probably don't know what the external enemies' motives are for attacking humans, beyond just breeding grounds and food... but we've never talked about it, so we don't know. Besides, the eyes of the external enemies always seem bloodshot when they look at us.

"As the number of missing people decreases year by year, the demons, perhaps out of desperation or simply because they've finished their preparations... have launched a much larger and more serious invasion than 30 years ago. Their appearance location is Okutama. We've also confirmed the appearance of the First Demon King, their greatest threat weapon."

"The Demon King of Strength, huh? His terrifying physical abilities and high resistance to various status ailments... he was incredibly troublesome." (Satellite)

He came out with such incredible confidence, and lost in such a way that it's hardly worth mentioning, so honestly, I don't really remember. It was so anticlimactic that I thought there might be a second form or something, so I braced myself for a few minutes after it was over, but nothing happened.

"Several months later, following the attack by the second Demon King in Kanagawa Prefecture... the appearance of gates has been decreasing."

"The Demon King of Magic, then. I wasn't feeling well that time... but it won't happen again next time." (Gracia)

I'm truly sorry about what happened back then, I feel that way all the time... but I don't have many memories of that person... or is he even a person? I only remember him catching someone as cute as me and treating me like a monster. How rude, really.

"If the testimony is correct, then the existence of a third Demon King... is real. This current silence could be seen as preparation for the next invasion."

He did say, "Even if you defeat me, the Demon King... there will be a second, a third..." so it's safe to assume that a third Demon King exists, given that there was a second one. After Strength and Magic, I don't know what's next, but...

"Preparations for a counter-invasion are already underway. We're coordinating with Magical Girls in various locations, establishing a cooperative system between branches, and creating manuals for various training methods to power up each Magical Girl. But the problem is..."

"We don't know where in the demon world the next enemy leader is residing, right?"

"That's right. Since we don't know where to attack... the means we have at this point are... limited. Even so, we can't keep such a large army hidden forever."

She took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled.

Thinking about it, it's rare to see her, who isn't very good at talking, speak this much.

"After defeating the Third Demon King,... the enemy leader, we will install Lux Luxuria as the leader of the demon race, centered around the moderate demon faction. After that, we will solidify the status of Magical Girls as planned."

"Heh heh, that's a heavy burden, isn't it?" (Lux)

If we hastily eliminate the External Enemy now, what will become of public perception of the Magical Girls, whose power has nowhere to go...? It's easy to imagine. Unfortunately, the enemy isn't just the External one; there are examples like Kanzaki, for instance.

"The day of resolution is near. I don't care about humanity's long-cherished wish or anything like that... but. For the sake of all Magical Girls, the Association will fulfill its role."

The emptiness that once existed in her eyes was nowhere to be seen.

Her expression showed firm conviction and a clear vision of the future...

But she must have been exhausted, because Squire slowly stood up and sat down beside me, resting her head on me.

"Phew... I talked too much. My throat's so dry."

"Well, that's... a bit much, isn't it?"

She had to speak louder than usual because she had to address everyone, but... it's true that she's exhausted after such a short time talking, which shows she's not used to talking to people. But still, I think she did pretty well for her current state.

"Here, Squire? Have some tea?"

"Mm, I'll have some..."

Squire drinking her tea from the cup with a straw is so cute, like a little animal... I thought, when she gave me a disapproving look. Ignoring her silent protest, I continued the conversation to wrap up the meeting.

"Well, basically, all we can do is maintain the status quo. No matter how strong we are, it's useless if we don't know where to attack." (Satellite)

"Even my Ice Mirror is useless when separated by dimensions." (Gracia)

If only there was some way to turn the tables, but as things stand, there's nothing we can do.

It would be a different story if there were an External Enemy coming through a gate from the coordinates of the Third Demon King, but as we discussed earlier, the number of gates themselves has been decreasing recently...

"So, don't you think there's something we should do to strengthen ourselves?" (Squire)

"It's infuriating, but I agree." (Gracia)

"It's decided. I should be able to fight a little too..." (Tinkerbell)

"Oh my, so that's how it is in the end? Perhaps I should join in too?" (Lux)

The gazes of all four of them turned to me simultaneously, their eyes gleaming ominously.

That indicates... in short, that's what it all comes down to.

"Oh, please be gentle...?"

"You don't have to be nervous, you know? Just relax... hehe, let's have some fun, shall we?"

In a locked room, with five girls, something was bound to happen───

That night, four girls with strangely shiny skin emerged from the break room door.

★★★

Dark, so dark... in a place as dark as darkness itself.

["Thank you for gathering, everyone."]

In that space teeming with various monstrous forms—those with bull's horns, four arms, sharp fangs, wings... every single one stood silently.

["Until now, this had been a time of lying low for us demons... and a time of winter."]

This was to ensure they didn't miss a single word from that being, and to avoid incurring 'His' displeasure under any circumstances. Because 'It' is their king—and a powerful one at that.

["His strength was no match for the overwhelming power—his arms were blown off."]

His physique wasn't as large as the First Demon King's; in fact, he was rather small among the gathered demons.

["The principles of magic vanish meaninglessly before a force beyond reason—that miracle became meaningless."]

Although the magical power hidden within him is strong, it does not possess the overwhelming power of the second Demon King.

["Your disappointment is understandable. To think that the one called the Demon King was only this much, the strongest..."]

Everyone is silent.

Yet, everyone is silently bowing and listening to his voice.

Even after the Demon King's defeat twice... he still has many supporters.

It is undoubtedly because he possesses something that they lacked.

["Heh heh, there is only one Demon King's soul left. Therefore, we only have one chance left, and for that reason, I thought..."]

The strange figure, spinning what is called a globe in his hand with a cheerful expression, laughs heartily. 

["Thinking about it, we must have dismissed humans as insignificant and refused to understand them. It wasn't just about how to succeed in the invasion. It was about understanding what kind of race humans are, and what their ecology is."]　

No one would understand what was so interesting about it… but the demon continued speaking.　 　

["Therefore, over these past six months, I have investigated, unraveled, and learned all of that. I analyzed it… and finally arrived at a conclusion."]　

With the corners of his mouth turned up, revealing a cruel smile, he raised his voice and continued his speech.

["Gentlemen, our winter season is coming to an end. We will rape women, devour children, and tame men as slave. Yes, as always. The plan is complete, so we must now proceed."]

["Gugyuaaaaaaa!"]　

From the previously silent crowd, a roar that shook the earth echoed.

Those gathered there possessed no intelligence comparable to His.

That's precisely why such easily discernible bait greatly stimulated their desires.

They would never understand that even this reaction was according to His plan.

["Shall we begin the struggle for survival between humans and ourselves? It's going to be really fun, isn't it? Don't you think so?"]

No one answered His question.

Only cries of joy and anticipation echoed in that dimly lit space.