Chapter 62

A Meeting with the Superiors of Magical Girls

On that day, the directors of each branch of the Magic Bureau in Japan gathered for a meeting.

This meeting was held exclusively among the branch directors, with no secretaries or other personnel present.

Primarily, they discussed the status of monster exterminations at each branch and the current situation of the magical girls.

Recent scandals and incidents were also on the agenda.

Additionally, they deliberated on matters that were difficult to make public.

Among these topics was the upcoming Academy Rookie Magical Girl Tournament at the end of the month.

“Is it true that the representative from Japan is that Inny Flowering?”

Horiguchi, the director of the Shikoku Branch, asked after taking a sip of tea. This magical girl had been a frequent topic of discussion, influencing not only the main Magic Bureau but also the branches.

Recently, Arongante, ranked ninth, had praised without reservation the rookie magical girl who had eliminated eleven S-Rank monsters in a single day while protecting a newcomer.

There were also instances like when Take Mikadzuchi, better known as Mika, from the Tohoku Branch, was protected from what seemed to be an assassination attempt by another magical girl. The discussions never ran dry.

“It seems so, but is there any issue?” responded Amakaze, the director of the North Kanto Branch, who was chairing this meeting. Originally, someone else was supposed to take charge, but in exchange for Marin’s assistance in monster exterminations during her absence, he took over as chairman.

“Is there really no problem? Wouldn’t Marin from your branch have been better? From what we just saw, she appeared to overpower Inny Flowering.”

The “what we just saw” referred to a fight between Inie and Marin. Due to Marin’s awakening, an unusual amount of magical power was detected, prompting the North Kanto Branch, which had jurisdiction, to broadcast the footage.

Amakaze had wanted to keep it private, but due to pressure from the other directors during the meeting, he had to play the video.

All the directors were astonished by the footage, which lasted less than five minutes but contained combat far beyond what would be expected from rookie magical girls.

Inie, casting spells like raindrops, met her match in Marin, who shattered them head-on with raw power.

Even Amakaze, upon first viewing the footage within his own branch, couldn’t comprehend what he was seeing. Marin, who used to seclude herself, had transformed into someone entirely different, battling against the renowned Inny Flowering.

Thinking he might be hallucinating from exhaustion, Amakaze regained his senses only after Shirokigawa slapped him on the cheek.

He immediately wanted to intervene, but Star Nail and Blue Colette were out eliminating monsters, leaving him no choice but to watch helplessly. Despite fearing Marin might die, the vitality she exuded in the video reassured Amakaze greatly.

Shirokigawa, watching the footage beside him, was shocked by Marin’s transformation. She was already awakened and had reached a level few magical girls attained.

Though still struggling with control and able to maintain her Enhanced Form for only a short time, she could defeat A-Rank monsters alone and even more within the time limit.

Despite having awakened recently, Marin’s combat style in the video was unprecedented—twirling dual swords like a dance, gracefully crushing magic with her footwork. It was an unreasonable display akin to that of top-ranked warriors.

Although her ranking was still low and she remained inexperienced, her ability to toy with Inie and place her sword at Inie’s throat was captivating.

Then, Marin kissed Inie on the cheek. This left the directors, who had been watching intently, speechless.

Marin soon came to apologize at the North Kanto Branch but said nothing about Inie. Though Amakaze wanted to inquire further, Marin’s silent pressure forced him to remain quiet.

For the North Kanto Branch, Amakaze preferred Marin participating in the New Demon War tournament. However, too much attention could cause problems.

Famous winners like Thalagong and Glint had moved from their branches to the headquarters shortly after winning and later became top-ranked warriors. With the North Kanto Branch lacking strength and direction, Amakaze worried if Marin won, she might transfer to another branch, headquarters, or even become a Stray magical girl.

Though serious, Amakaze didn’t think Marin would leave immediately. Still, caution was necessary.

Fortunately, Inie being chosen instead of Marin was a relief for Amakaze. He wouldn’t divulge this thought carelessly.

“That child plans to compete next year, not this year. Her tenure as a magical girl is still short.”

“True, but isn’t Inny Flowering even newer…? Well, if you’re fine with it, that’s good.”

Satisfied with Amakaze’s explanation, Horiguchi nodded. He wasn’t trying to nitpick about Inie’s participation in the New Demon War. As the host, the Magic Bureau had its reputation at stake; losing with Japan’s representative would be problematic.

“Still, I harbor doubts. Isn’t she a Stray? Is she suitable as a representative?”

Katsumori from the Tokyo Branch, reviewing some documents, complained. While generally delegating selection to the academies, representatives usually had connections to the bureau.

However, given Prizes’ oversight and the short preparation time for the academy-specific rookie tournament, selecting ordinary rookies was unfair.

Katsumori’s tone carried thorns, reflecting the sentiments of those present.

“There are now ten rookies in the academy, and Inny Flowering ranks 21st, making her the strongest among them, right?”

“Isn’t the claim of eliminating eleven S-Rank monsters fabricated? Considering her previous issues with recovery magic, she might even be on the enemy side.”

“She was officially cleared at a tea meeting, and she’s under the guardianship of Thalagong and Kaede, so there’s no need to worry.”

“Even if she’s top-ranked, isn’t that just a woman’s judgment?”

As Katsumori kept arguing, Amakaze grew weary and countered.

“Excuse me?”

Unable to bear the bickering, Sougawa from the Kansai Branch raised a hand.

“What is it, Sougawa?”

“Probably I’m the only one here who has properly met her, so I thought I’d share my impressions.”

All eyes turned to Sougawa, who had been helped by Jeanne and Inie through volunteer work and harbored goodwill towards Inie, even attempting to recruit her.

“Without a doubt, she’s a kind-hearted magical girl. Do you want to say something reckless and risk getting scolded by Kaede again?”

“Ugh! You’re right, but…”

“Besides, she’s undoubtedly strong. She might even cause chaos reminiscent of the Blaze Princess incident from years ago.”

This referred to an event twelve years prior where Thalagong fought all rookies alone and emerged victorious. After swiftly defeating her first opponent, Thalagong provoked others, leading the Fairy Bureau to escalate the situation, angering the other rookies. Ultimately, Thalagong obliterated everyone and won.

Thus named the Blaze Princess, she became infamous for her brashness and disregard for rules, maintaining the title even as a top-ranked warrior. Although Japan’s Magic Bureau faced international criticism, the outcome suggested weaker participants deserved their fate. Simulated battles ensured no real injuries, and the tournament aimed to foster camaraderie among rookies and assess global magical girl standards. Despite Thalagong’s rampage, the rookies ended up befriending each other.

“…Well, that would certainly be troubling.”

“Still, unlike Thalagong, she’s serious and responsible, so there shouldn’t be an issue. Let’s stop dwelling on the results and fully support her instead.”

Sougawa managed to calm the slightly heated atmosphere with talk of Thalagong.

“My branch has also benefited from her, so I support her as well.”

Watanabe from the Tohoku Branch, who had quietly listened, agreed with Sougawa. When Mika from the Tohoku Branch was attacked by Lockwert, Inie came to her rescue. Mika herself testified to this fact.

When Mika’s presence disappeared, the Tohoku Branch was powerless to act, leaving them indebted to Inie.

“Let’s move on to the next agenda item, assuming this matter is settled.”

The meeting proceeded smoothly until all topics were discussed. Just before concluding, Sougawa raised his hand again.

“Is something wrong?”

“I heard a rumor—has Inie really become Thalagong’s younger sister?”

“Really?”

Thalagong had submitted official paperwork to the Fairy Bureau and registered under her real name, but the news hadn’t spread widely. Living in a remote area contributed to her obscurity despite revealing her identity and location publicly. Few people outside her immediate vicinity knew of her connection to Inie.

“Since she lives in a waterside area, her jurisdiction falls under North Kanto, but did you know?”

“Yes, I did, but why does it matter?”

“…No, it’s nothing.”

Katsumori scratched his cheek awkwardly and avoided eye contact. Thalagong was dreaded not only among magical girls but also by certain authorities, especially corrupt ones, who viewed her as a harbinger of disaster. Those associated with her often met fiery fates.

“Are there any other questions or reports? …None? Then let’s proceed to the next agenda item.”

Despite the twists and turns regarding Inie, the meeting progressed smoothly and concluded.

The next gathering of directors would be on the day of the Academy Rookie Magical Girl Tournament, commonly known as the New Demon War.