V6: Chapter 65: Is This the Signal for War?

Chapter 65: Is This the Signal for War?

A few minutes after the official order to assemble at the association headquarters was issued, I didn't need to prepare anything particularly special, but I didn't want to go to the association in my running clothes, so I went inside the house to change.

"You're going now, right? Um... please be careful, okay?" (Yuu)

"You don't have to worry so much, I'm Satellite, after all?"

"I always wonder where that confidence comes from... well, I can't imagine Satellite losing, but... there's always a chance!"

As for where it comes from, it's simply because it's true...

My overwhelming popularity is certainly due to my looks, but a major reason is that overwhelming skill is required in these times. I'm not number one in both popularity and skill for nothing.

"At times like this, it's frustrating that my Magic isn't suited for combat..."

"But that means things will be busy from now on... it's about putting the right person in the right place."

Naturally, large-scale battles are expected all over the country.

Although they're adorned with names like "Magical Girls," in reality, they're just sending girls around 15 years old into battle. Because society, the world, can't tolerate it... the glamorous activities and practical benefits are emphasized.

Some girls have their spirits broken after experiencing brutal battles.

It's her magic that can support them.

"So you're casually talking about what happens after victory?"

"Well, um... I don't intend to lose."

Since then, I've gained so many important things.

Or perhaps, they've increased too much...

Even now, the "flame" of ideal defeat still smolders darkly in the depths of my heart.

The urge to shatter everything I've built up, no matter what, rears its head at unexpected moments in everyday life.

It's weaker now, but... it hasn't changed.

That's probably only natural, people don't change that easily.

But even so, it's also true that I want to live my life looking forward.

I've come to terms with this duality and am living each day as I go.

"Shizuku..."

My eyes meet my mother's.

I've been causing her so much trouble, and we've talked about it so many times.　　　

And now, even if my mouth were to split open, I couldn't possibly say something as nice as "I'll definitely come back."

"We will be waiting for you."

"---Okay."　　

Without saying "do your best" or "you must come back,"

My mother simply told me that they will be waiting.

"Well then, I'm off."

As usual, I simply said "I'm off" and left the house.

Despite the state of emergency, the morning air was unusually clear, and the sky stretched out endlessly blue.

★

Lux is apparently heading to the Magic Association via a separate route, apparently due to some matter related to dealing with the gate. Well, even without that, the Magic Association is attracting a lot of attention right now, so it's understandable that it would be problematic for a demon like her to openly enter it.

Public transportation and roads were beyond congested; they were paralyzed. Walking was faster.

Of course, flying was much faster, so I soared above the city for a while.

Unfortunately... or rather, very happily...

The arousal from Lust Mark that Lux had been causing me after using my magic had almost completely disappeared since "that night."

Some of it apparently remains to maintain the Lust Mark, but honestly, it's at a level where it's hardly noticeable... it's improved.

It's not disappointing at all, but I begged her not to make it disappear... but there was no way to get through to her.

I think she said something about it being fully established or stable, but I don't really understand Succubus Magic.

While I was thinking about such things, I suddenly found myself in front of the Magic Association headquarters.

There was a huge crowd in front of the association, but it seemed that most people had decided not to stop me or interview me.

"What do you think about this gate incident───!?"

And a small number of uncontrollable individuals were apprehended by other people who seemed to be fellow professionals and security guards.

To have such initiative at a time like this, when the country might be in danger... they must be just as loyal to their own desires as I am.　　

As instructed by the Association President, I headed to one of the larger meeting rooms within the association, where a sparse crowd had gathered. Among them, I spotted a familiar face.

"You arrived quite early, didn't you? If you'd like, the seat next to me is free."

"Ugh... Gracia! Well, I'll take the seat next to you then, excuse me☆"

Gracia was just as usual.

Well, it's not like I was particularly nervous, either.

Looking around, I could see several familiar Magical Girls.

Many of them had signs of tension on their faces; well, that's understandable.

"It's me! I'm back!! I've arrived!!!"

...And I heard a familiar voice.

I even felt like the room temperature had risen slightly... no, I'm not imagining it.

"As always, you're really noisy..."

"Well, it's part of my identity, so it's fine, isn't it?"

If a quiet Bradia were here, I'd actually feel more uneasy. 

In this situation, even with outsiders present, her unwavering mental strength is truly a strength.

"Can you hear me?! I can hear you!! All of it!!!"

It's cold outside, and it's not particularly smoky, so it's fine...

I think everyone probably wishes she'd put away that fireball indoors.

★

Magical Girls are gathering one after another.

The total number of Magical Girls summoned for this invasion is approximately 50 in Tokyo alone. The rest will be assigned to defense and rear support.

Since we're going to the enemy's base, it seems that only the most elite members have been gathered, as mediocre skills would only get in the way of the other members.

The Magic Association's meeting room, which we always use, was packed with people. There are lots of Magical Girls, and... unusually, I can see the faces of people in suits, probably high-ranking government officials.

About 30 minutes after I arrived, and after I'd finished reviewing the documents in my hand, almost all the Magical Girls had probably gathered.

Amidst the palpable tension in the air, the back door opened... and she appeared.

"Thank you for gathering here."

Squire, the president of the Magical Girl Association, often gives off a somewhat cold impression. But thinking that it's just because she's not used to speaking in front of people makes her seem rather endearing—and then our eyes met.

I should probably stop thinking such things now, before the consequences are too great...

"There's been a response indicating that a large-scale gate will appear in six major cities, including Tokyo, in two hours."

Although we knew this from the message, a considerable amount of unease was still visible.

In that atmosphere, she continued.

"We'll launch the counter-invasion we've been planning. The problem is... the forces we believe can take down Tokyo are among them."

Someone gasped, and the quiet space filled with disbelief.

The first invasion revealed the size of the army, including the Demon King, and the second invasion made the Demon King's strength known to everyone.

That's why it's understandable that they're intimidated.

Perhaps sensing the atmosphere, she continued.

"Even so, there's no need to worry. While we can't coordinate with the Magical Girls from other regions, the effort and training we've put in so far won't betray us. I'm confident that the elite here will definitely succeed in this operation."

With those words, the atmosphere certainly seemed to change.

She must have seen through someone's anxiety and delivered the words they needed to hear.

That was an absolute quality of a leader, a source of inspiration.

She accurately perceives the words the people desire to hear and assures them that there are no problems.

She makes this possible through her Magic, allowing her to choose the most appropriate words for those shaken by anxiety.

While her direct combat ability is unreliable, that doesn't mean she's useless in this battle.

Mental care is undoubtedly crucial.

No matter how much she's praised... ultimately, she's a young girl, not even an adult, who's fighting.　

"The basic plan is to explore in pairs, because we don't know what's inside the gate. Flexible maneuvering is required. Regarding other precautions..."　

The strategy meeting continued calmly, yet surely.

She read out the necessary information flawlessly, as if reading from a script...　

"That's all. We will now begin moving..."　

Until the announcement of the move for the operation.

Despite the unusually aggressive strategy, not a single person raised any objections.

★

After traveling by car for several tens of minutes from the association headquarters,

Due to traffic restrictions, there were virtually no crowds, and the car moved at a speed unimaginable for Tokyo. The already sparse crowd thinned out as we approached the station.

The station area, devoid of even a single person or helicopter, felt strangely refreshing.

In front of a fountain in a park near the station, a tent that appeared to have been specially erected, and familiar faces.　

"It was in the documents, but is it really..."

"I don't really understand! But if they're on our side, that's fine!!"

That was a shared point during the operation, and at first, they were probably skeptical.

However, seeing it in person, they had no choice but to accept it as true.

"Yes, the gate is ready."

There stood a Succubus with shocking pink hair, clad in bondage armor that could be considered formal attire. While her presence was essential to this operation, the Association President was certainly bold.

"This is also to demonstrate our future stance..."

Squire, walking ahead, softly spoke, only audible to me.

Fortunately, the other Magical Girls' gazes were fixed on the suddenly appearing 'demon.'

The fact that she was accepted was largely due to Squire's magic.

After all, betraying or deceiving her was nearly impossible.

As her fingertips traced the void... a strange, almost forced sound was emitted, and a gaping hole was pried open in space. It was resisting closing with a creaking sound, but then...

"Yes, stagnation... complete ♡"

A green-haired magical girl appeared from somewhere and fixed it in place.

All that remained was a gaping, strangely shaped gate.

"Then, as planned. Initiating Phase 1." (Squire)

"Behold my dazzling entrance! Imprint it on your eyes!!" (Bradia)

The fireball grew rapidly, becoming even larger... and heavier and more bloated.

The remaining snow evaporated in an instant, and the surrounding ground became so hot that heat haze appeared, despite it being winter.

"[Flame Empress:—]!"

It was as if the sun had manifested on Earth, illuminating the area.

A scorching wind, hot enough to dry up any human being just by approaching, raged around the area.

The sun that appeared on Earth is now...

"[—Overload]!"

---Sucked into the gate.

No explosion sound echoes as it is sucked into the gate.

But... the edge of the gate, which should have been stationary, is shaking.

That must mean that an impact of that magnitude exploded inside this gate.

In terms of firepower alone, there is no one with area-of-effect firepower comparable to that of the third-ranked Bradia. It was truly a case of the right person for the right job.

And with that overwhelming firepower, the battle began, and everyone started walking towards the gate. There are no magical girls here who cannot withstand the deadly sauna ahead.

"I hereby declare the commencement of the defense against the Third Demon King's attack, and the counter-invasion..." (Squire)

Amidst the lingering heat, a faint but clear voice announced the start of the operation.