Chapter 167

Beyond the Expectations of a Magical Girl

A girl who has been a magical girl for about half a year.

That magical girl deflected the fierce assault of Elraks’ Enhanced Form with only minor grazes.

An average magical girl couldn’t keep up with Elraks’ speed and would likely be defeated in one strike.

The movements of the two differently colored swords held by the magical girl in both hands, along with the invisible barriers before her eyes, were exceptional.

But…

(She’s certainly strong, but without Arcana, this is all she can do… Was what happened in Australia just luck?)

To Elraks, it was an anticlimax.

The witch had warned the members of the Doomsday faction that Inie might have something more than just Arcana’s power.

The witch herself had initially said that while Inie was an unusual presence, there wasn’t much need to be on guard, so it seems something must have changed her mind.

It’s about time to step things up.

Just as Elraks was thinking this, a change occurred in Inie.

Black liquid dripped from her glamorous black costume, soaking her clothes.

The light of magic that had illuminated her sword disappeared, and she began to transform.

(―This can’t be!)

A chill ran down Elraks’ spine, and she distanced herself from Inie.

This action stemmed from the instincts honed through countless battles.

From the stance where Inie was raising her greatsword, she quickly created distance using a thunder spell.

Then, Inie scattered a storm-like torrent of black magic, and emerging from within was…

“Ah, I’ve finally managed to come out. Even though I am her, he is truly stubborn.”

“Inie… is that really you?”

Her hair remained pitch black but took on a deep hue that absorbed light, and her eyes shone red like rubies.

Even in her slight movements, a touch of femininity could be seen.

Her attire had simplified into a plain dress, eliminating all unnecessary elements.

And the most significant change was the sword Inie held. It had transformed into a longsword blending red and black, pulsating faintly.

Even her manner of speaking had changed, and Elraks cautiously addressed her to gauge her condition.

“It might be you, or it might not be. Well, that doesn’t matter anyway.”

With an altered demeanor, Inie swung her sword at Elraks.

Muscles and bones protruded from Inie’s arms before beginning immediate repairs.

The slash released was incomparable to anything before it, and despite her surprise, Elraks met it head-on with her greatsword.

“Physical frailty is no good. To break with such a level of hatred makes me feel sorry for myself.”

“Who are you exactly…”

Though struck by a single slash rather than a direct sword attack, Elraks’ armor was damaged in places, and blood flowed from her wounds.

Inie appeared nonchalant, but the pressure—nay, the killing intent—Elraks felt was heavy enough to weigh down her body, causing her to break out in cold sweat over the sudden turn of events.

Elraks clearly saw Inie before her.

Yet, simultaneously, she seemed like some indeterminate monster.

Defeating this would be impossible.

Rather, the will to fight was slipping away from Elraks.

Just looking at her made Elraks feel an urge to scream from within, and any attempt to move triggered a chilling sensation akin to something slithering across her body.

It was exactly as the witch had said.

Engaging this in a straightforward battle should have been avoided.

Or perhaps, they shouldn’t have merely observed earlier; they should have killed her outright.

“Oh, there’s no need to be so scared.”

“I’m not scared!”

As those words were spoken, Elraks tried to step forward, but her legs wouldn’t move.

Unbeknownst to Elraks, her Enhanced Form had already dissipated, leaving her as just a regular magical girl.

While a magical girl’s strength stems from their resolve, once that resolve breaks, they cannot fight.

Elraks had her reasons for joining the Doomsday faction and achieving the Enhanced Form.

But those reasons had been erased.

“Tch. What a letdown after all the effort to bring her out. Ah, it seems just letting my guard down slightly was the end. All I do is destroy, so I’ll let you off today. There are plenty of prey options.”

The blackness faded from Inie, and she returned to her original white form.

Upon witnessing this, relief filled Elraks’ heart—not because she had spotted an opportunity for victory, but simply because the monster was gone.

I wasn’t underestimating her, but I never expected to lose control completely like this.

Somehow managing to revert to a White Mage, but as soon as she did, her right arm tore off from around the elbow and fell to the ground.

For just one hit, it left quite a parting gift.

Later, I’ll probably get scolded by Demon, but since it’s my fault, there’s nothing to do but apologize.

Hatred… its existence was unmistakably confirmed, but it lacks any limiter.

Normally, the brain would suppress it, but for someone driven purely by emotion, such things don’t apply.

Perhaps it’s some kind of ability, but that’s something to think about later.

Thanks to Elraks giving up, things worked out somehow, but if we had continued fighting, my body would have been pushed to near-death.

However, at the same time, I undoubtedly would have won.

“Have you returned…?”

“Yes. There was a bit of a mix-up, but it’s me. Though technically, it was also me earlier.”

It wasn’t a case of dual personalities; hatred is me myself.

The problem is, the other side has a more broken thought process than I do.

At first glance, she seems normal, but in reality, she thinks only of killing… destroying.

Especially inheriting my ill feelings towards magical girls, unless one possesses particularly strong resolve or purpose, they’d be crushed like Elraks was earlier.

By the way, all my mana was drained, so while I managed to stop the bleeding on my right arm, it’ll take a little time to fully heal.

“So, are we still fighting?”

“…No, originally it should have been a fight to the death, but I lost. Do with me as you please, whether you boil or roast me.”

Elraks seemed to give up, dispelling her greatsword and raising both hands.

I could kill her, but given the unexpected situation, it feels incomplete, and I lack motivation.

I want to fight as myself.

Hatred is me, but hatred has its own self-awareness.

We’re technically separate.

Because of this, it doesn’t feel right to kill Elraks since I didn’t defeat her myself.

However, understanding that controlling hatred is difficult, it seems I’ll have to resort to tricks next time.

Again, my trump card will be sealed for about a month, but there’s nothing to be done.

“Normally, the correct course of action would be to kill you. But now, I’m not in the mood, so I’ll let you go. Rinne.”

When I called out the name, a rift appeared beside Elraks, and Rinne along with other members of the Doomsday faction emerged.

Rinde was also present, but her complexion looked quite poor.

“Phew. We were warned by the witch, but I never imagined she’d accumulate such emotions. Is she really 11 years old?”

She’s actually 26. No, this year she turns 27, but saying that wouldn’t make them believe me.

“Just as she appears. So, who’s next?”

With my mana somewhat recovered, I’ll take care of various things while I can.

Though my recovery speed increased due to the double contract, it’s frustrating that instant healing isn’t possible.

“I thought, ‘What about Inie?’ You’re someone I never anticipated, someone even the witch couldn’t predict.”

Rinne sighed, exasperated.

Everyone except Lockwert looked perplexed at Rinne.

Their gaze assessing us turned sharp, clearly focused on an enemy, and smiles vanished from their faces.

“No, considering your extraordinary nature, I still wonder… This is my selfishness. ― Die for me.”

Rinne nodded at Lockwert.

Lockwert, making a face of disapproval, lightly waved her arm.

“I see, that’s why you needed Lockwert. I hold no grudges, but I would have preferred to act on my own volition.”

The expressions of three out of four people changed, but even without asking Demon, they knew what had happened.

Lockwert’s magic manipulates space.

And through that magic, she directly administered the drug to the three of them.

“According to the original plan. See you then.”

“Should I drink it myself?”

“Adding Rozanne might ensure success, but there’s a concern I’d like you to handle.”

“Alright, alright.”

Ideally, I’d like to land a blow now while I have the chance, but showing even the slightest opening could get me killed.

Moreover, before their preparations are complete, I need to prepare myself too.

Elrax and two unnamed individuals began to transform, during which Rinne and the others escaped through the dimensional rift created by Lockwert.

(Hermes!)

“I’m ready whenever you are!”

(Demon!)

“There’ll be punishment later!”

Since it’s my fault, I’ll accept the punishment willingly.

Preparations are going well.

Last time, I used the abilities of The Fool and The Devil; this time, it’s The Lovers and The Devil.

If it ends up specializing in anti-magic and close combat, that would be nice, but I won’t know until I release it.

“Number 6, The Lovers. Number 15, The Devil. Simultaneous Release.”

Simultaneously releasing the two Arcanas, I swapped bodies with Sora through the enhanced body provided by The Lovers’ ability.

My field of vision rose, my white robe transformed into black armor.

Two large scythes appeared on my back, and two swords materialized at my waist.

Though my chest grew larger, slightly altering my balance, it should be manageable.

Immediately after taking the drug, one doesn’t lose rationality.

Why don’t they just attack already? What are they planning…?

“This is the final round. How about you two introduce yourselves?”

Names don’t matter much, but I need just a little more time right now.

I must accurately understand what I can do so I can react appropriately when necessary.

One misjudgment could cost lives with these opponents.

One fatal strike from them could be lethal due to that drug.

Having this time allows me to observe them.

Even if I can’t determine what magic they use, knowing their weapons is helpful.

“Introducing ourselves now… I’m Natalia.”

“I’m Eleonora. Cry as much as you can.”

Elraks’ weapon was supposed to be a greatsword, but its shape had drastically changed due to the drug.

The main blade was surrounded by multiple smaller blades forming a strange-looking sword.

It seems not only the weight of each strike but also the number of attacks will increase.

Natalia wields a halberd, but aside from some added decorations, it hasn’t changed much after taking the drug.

So, there’s no room for complacency.

Lastly, Eleonora wields a spear, similar to Orneas, with additional arms sprouting from her back, holding a total of eight spears.

All three seem primarily focused on melee combat, but like Elraks, they should be capable of using magic too.

Unexpected attacks from a distance are the most dangerous.

“Understood. If I can remember, I’ll keep it in mind.”

Drawing one sword from each hip, I pointed the blades toward the three.

I don’t know what Rinne is thinking, but I appreciate her gifting me this battle.

Killing these three means eliminating half the members of the Doomsday faction.

There were some unexpected twists, but the end seems near.