Various troublesome people have descended upon the village due to overlapping issues.
The folks drawn by the issue of a dragon were relatively decent.
This equipment I’ve made…
Especially the accessories crafted for the children, which prompted questions like how they were made and if they could be sold, leading some to cling on persistently.
There were those who were content with the village’s system, wanting to learn or asking various questions.
Meanwhile, there were settlers and long-term residents alike.
There were also quite frequent minor incidents, mostly resolved by the knights; though when unresolved, I had to step in.
Occasionally, there were those trying to make a good impression on me who would handle it.
“Will you not sell magical equipment?”
Today marks another uncountable time hearing the same question.
Such queries never cease.
Despite delegating this matter to Rio and Berdetto, the same question keeps repeating.
Eventually, sick of it, I carry out a small task within my capabilities.
Creating low-quality equipment and putting it up for auction is my strategy.
It’s a small countermeasure to navigate this moment.
“Rio.”
“Yes.”
“I’ll give you three items: a ring, a necklace, and earrings. Try selling them at an auction.”
“Are these the famed… magical equipment?”
“That’s right. The abilities of each piece are identical: regeneration and resistance.”
Low-level, simple equipment.
With such low quality, I expect interest to wane—a hope-driven creation.
It’s a sort of protest saying, “Don’t bother with this stuff since it’s not that great.”
“I understand. If I take charge, I won’t disappoint you.”
“It’s fine to widely spread the word about the auction.”
“I’ll do just that.”
If this works, perhaps the pesky flies will buzz off.
Among these flies, the curiosity of mages is included.
I wish this auction element could rid us of such nuisances once and for all.
Of course, those interested in the village or dragons rather than the equipment are a different breed altogether.
Still, the latter group is more tolerable, but the former possesses a bothersome level akin to magic gear enthusiasts.
Thankfully, we have a mage tower master-like figure around the kids.
With the influx of people, the village gains unprecedented vitality.
Though its development speed isn’t extraordinarily remarkable, the groundwork laid over time shines through, encouraging people to settle down more frequently.
A pretty good atmosphere and culture flowing through the village play their part too.
Minimal discrimination and territorialism exist here.
And the adorable children moving about add a subtle sense of happiness.
A peaceful ambiance harmonized with minimal interference from higher-ups defines the village’s vibe.
Since nearby residents have all migrated to the Valley of Starwind, growth slowed slightly, but thanks to recent events, it’s gaining momentum again.
While we need to gradually weed out some, we’ve prepared contingencies in case someone causes trouble inside.
Now, the village has grown so large it feels almost embarrassing to still call it a village.
But the term “village” has stuck, so unless something drastic happens, it might remain thus.
After the morning report concludes, a group of four emerges, bursting out of their homes.
Whether they know it or not, these rascals are the reason the village gets noisy.
Cheerfully turning the village upside down today as well, they scatter joy everywhere.
“Abba!”
The leader of the pack.
Small but the most active and loudest among the cute ones, Yul comes dashing toward me.
That means she expects to be picked up, naturally.
So I lift Yul and cradle her near my chest, wrapping her warmly in my arms.
She isn’t wearing a headband today.
Thus, her tiny horns gleam cutely.
As I gently stroke her hair, the rough texture transfers through my palm.
Does she like it?
Yul snuggles into my embrace, giggling happily.
Jack and Lucy approach on a four-wheeled bicycle, while Bell stealthily wraps herself around my leg and plops down beside me.
It’s always an amusing and unique combination.
“Let’s go play with glass!”
“Play safely.”
“Me too.”
“Alright. Bell, come back safe too.”
Bell subtly arches her back, allowing me to place Yul atop her.
A perfect fit only possible because of their sizes being just right.
A rare sight to see.
I watch the kids until they disappear into the village, smiling all the while.
What a lovely scene.
* * *
“You want me to kidnap a child?”
“Not a child, but a dragon.”
“A dragon?”
“Yes.”
“What kind of dragon… it’s not a pet, right?”
“Yes. A small silver dragon.”
“Dragons? But… since you’re paying so much, rejecting feels awkward…”
“A small dragon in a rural village—doesn’t it sound like a common tale where a powerful noble family overvalues it and takes it all?”
“That’s probably it.”
An accomplished mercenary guild, known for taking on various commissions, was led by Barak of the Red Hood. Chewing thoughtfully, he spat out what was in his mouth and strapped two axes to his back, finishing his preparations.
The finer details and procedures were left to his subordinates.
Barak’s job was merely to suppress any potential physical conflict with his own strength.
Besides, it’s just a rural territory.
It’s unlikely to have anyone with formidable power there.
However, when Barak arrived after receiving the intel and rushing without rest, the place turned out to be quite different from his expectations.
Well-equipped soldiers patrolling cautiously.
Neatly paved roads and frequent movements of guards on patrol.
At a glance, it was clearly an excellent village.
He wondered why such a village wasn’t well-known.
Connecting the dots with the special feature of a dragon, plausible fantasies began spinning in his mind.
Satisfied with his own reasoning, Barak slowly led his mercenary group into the village.
Achieving goals often requires patience and effort.
The longer you prepare, the fewer accidents occur, and success rates increase.
This was a fact solidified by Barak’s long experience.
Fortunately, entering the village posed no significant problems.
With many people coming and going, the soldiers’ inspections weren’t particularly thorough.
Just a routine warning not to cause big disturbances in the village.
“This is a nice neighborhood.”
“Hmph. Indeed. How could such a place remain unknown?”
“Maybe it grew rapidly, didn’t it?”
“Could be. I smell money… a very sweet scent.”
Barak sniffed deeply through his nose.
No foul odors typical of villages lingered here.
It was so clean that it felt strange, even for Barak.
“Our target… huh?”
Trying to locate the target using a hastily drawn montage,
Barak noticed peculiar children passing by.
Riding silver creatures and strange wheeled contraptions, they moved somewhere.
“Isn’t that a dragon?”
“Do kids in this village ride dragons?”
“…I’m not sure either.”
“Sure is a curious place, isn’t it…”
Barak compared the crude drawing with the dragon.
It matched perfectly.
Even if it weren’t, creatures with such appearances aren’t exactly common.
According to the markings, the cheerful silver creature carrying a child must be the dragon.
“What’s that thing?”
“That’s called a bicycle. It’s one of the local specialties.”
“What does it do?”
“It allows you to move faster with less effort. Recently, it’s become popular, increasing demand.”
“Wow? They really have all sorts of interesting things here.”
Barak paid little attention, memorizing the route taken by the dragon and the children.
“Keep an eye on the kids. Confirm their path and ensure daily surveillance.”
“We’ll do our best to avoid detection.”
“Good. Blend in normally.”
“Understood.”
Securing lodgings, Barak slowly analyzed the village’s atmosphere and the target’s route.
The more he observed, the more questions arose.
An excessively peaceful and tranquil environment.
A village with almost no incidents or accidents was a first for him.
Moreover, the dragon accompanied by children freely roams the village every day.
No precautions against kidnapping or harm seem to have been considered.
It moves around as if the village is its natural habitat.
This reality filled Barak with deep satisfaction.
Everywhere leaves room for a first.
By instilling fear and wounds in this village with his own hands, he could earn money.
“Preparations are complete, right?”
“Yes. Everything is ready. We’ve arranged escape routes with the kids, and everything is set for a quick getaway if needed.”
“Great… let’s begin then.”
Hiding the axe blades.
Concealing all weapons under a bulky coat.
Without donning conspicuous hoods or suspicious attire,
He simply wore a spacious garment commonly seen anywhere.
As he departed the lodging to disperse,
a fiery burst erupted in mid-air.
Before he could react, the flames grew larger, spitting out a person.
Somewhere between middle-aged and elderly.
If viewed kindly, middle-aged.
But realistically, closer to old age.
A man draped in a red cloak tumbled down.
“Tch… these kinds of stunts aren’t good for my health anymore.”
Patting his lower back, Dukas brushed off the flames clinging to his body.
Then, standing awkwardly with a peculiar posture, he quietly stared at the silent group in front of him.
“Capturing them might earn me some points, wouldn’t it?”
Unaware of what Dukas’ muttering implied, Barak silently signaled orders.
“Who are you?”
“Have you never wondered?”
Their conversation ran parallel.
While Barak reached for the hidden axe handles behind his back, tension mounted.
Emerging from a flame-based phenomenon, this old man was undoubtedly a nameless powerhouse.
“What do you mean?”
“The issue of the dragon. The rapid development of the village. Yet, why is this village so exceptionally peaceful?”
Dukas stretched out both hands, unfurling flames with a swish.
Definitely a sign of magic.
Because of this, Barak’s gestures became subtler and deeper.
Stealthily redirecting his gaze, he urgently coordinated the operation team and escape routes.
“What do you know? This is just a village I happened to visit.”
“All potential troubles have been preemptively prevented thanks to guys like you. Luckily, it seems it’s my turn to handle this today. Last time, the blue elder took over.”
“I have no interest in listening to an old man’s nonsense.”
“Then, let’s grab you and have a more detailed chat. Whether it’s the ramblings of an old man or your hidden sinister intentions.”
Barak clenched his lips tightly.
His lower lip gnawed nervously, revealing his discomfort.
How skilled is this old man?
Can I suppress him without causing a commotion?
He planned to suppress him instantly in sync with his subordinates’ covert movements.
But if the situation changes, he also prepared to flee immediately.
A magician’s unpredictable power tends to create chaotic variables.
“Running won’t help.”
A whip made of fire.
A hissing, blazing flame lashed out, grabbing a human trying to sneak away and forcing them to kneel on the ground.
“Kuaaaaahhh!”
“Aaaagh!”
The quiet village echoed with screams.
The sight of a flame-made whip was more than enough to draw everyone’s attention.
“Damn.”
“Dear me, such vulgar language.”
Seeing this, Barak raised the threat level significantly.
A crazy mage.
Escape is the best option.
He signaled retreat with a gesture.
“Run!”
“If you run, it won’t work.”
The whip slithered like a snake, ensnaring the mercenary group.
About 30 members were captured by the blazing flames, helplessly screaming in the courtyard.
Naturally, knights and guards rushed to the scene.
The slight fear induced by the spectacle was enough to unsettle the villagers.
But when the guards reassured everyone that nothing serious had happened, the situation calmed down.
A simple explanation—that bad people entered and were dealt with—provided sufficient persuasion for the villagers to return to their routines.
And so, the village returned to peace.
As if nothing had ever happened, maintaining its usual tranquility.
![[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come](https://i3.wp.com/darkmtl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737407792-8993-TS-The-end-of-magical-girls-has-come.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come")
