The intense battle of the magical girls begins.
After the first round concludes, a new magical girl appears on the holographic screen.
The field for the second round transforms into a mountainous terrain, proving to be treacherous in ways different from the first round.
“The second round will feature Roushen, representing China, against Kaltotristes, representing the North Pole.”
“Before the match begins, let’s introduce the competitors.”
Roushen, representing China.
Her weapon is a halberd, and she wields magic of thunder and fire.
She is an attack-focused magical girl who skillfully handles her halberd at close range and uses magic to close distances when far apart.
Her style, where offense is absolute defense, is incredibly stimulating.
“A comment from Roushen: ‘When will Inny Flowering reveal her true face?'”
“…Could it be that everyone has been commenting about Inny Flowering?”
For some reason, three consecutive comments have been about Inie, causing Arongante to ask worriedly.
Faye merely smiles wryly and says nothing.
“Fwah! Ah, did I fall asleep?”
“Indeed, you were sleeping soundly. But since Inie’s turn is still later, it’s fine.”
Sweep tosses popcorn bought from the snack stand into Tsumugi’s mouth while casually nodding along.
“Mmm. Caramel flavor, thank you.”
“…Yeah, sure.”
Though Sweep tossed the popcorn into Tsumugi’s mouth as a prank, she feels awkward after receiving thanks.
“Next, let’s introduce Kaltotristes, representing the North Pole.”
Kaltotristes, representing the North Pole.
Established as a nation after “The Day of Beginnings,” they face numerous issues.
Setting aside the national situation, Kaltotristes alternates between using a scythe and a battleaxe depending on the situation, employing light-based magic and healing spells.
With considerable magical power, they handle battles from short to long durations efficiently.
“A message from Kaltotristes: ‘I will surely win this championship.'”
“Finally, a reasonable comment from the fourth participant.”
Roushen and Kaltotristes are already stretching on the field, ready to start at any moment.
Roushen even performs a dance routine, entertaining the audience.
“With the participants fully prepared, let’s begin the second round.”
“I hope they fight without regrets.”
“And now, the second match of the New Demon War… Begin!”
As the match starts, Kaltotristes fires a large light projectile into the sky.
This creates backlighting for Roushen, impairing her vision.
Positioning themselves with the light projectile behind them, Kaltotristes unleashes beams toward Roushen.
Despite attempting to use fire magic effectively, Roushen’s movements seem slightly off due to the backlighting.
“Even in previous battles, creating advantageous conditions seems crucial, doesn’t it?”
“Creating a place where one can fully utilize their strength is important. It minimizes risks of injury or death.”
Stopping her pursuit of Kaltotristes, Roushen leaps high, prepares to throw her halberd, and launches it toward the light projectile.
Though the halberd destroys the light projectile, Kaltotristes takes advantage of the opening by charging forward with the scythe raised.
“Kaltotristes closes the distance quickly!”
“While destroying the light projectile was a good decision, how will Roushen counterattack without her weapon?”
As Roushen begins descending, Kaltotristes charges in, raising the scythe.
However, Roushen mysteriously retrieves another halberd and counters the scythe. The previously thrown halberd returns, spewing flames from its pommel back to Roushen.
“Surprisingly, Roushen had two halberds all along!”
“She intentionally fought with one to catch opponents off guard. She never mentioned her dual-halberd technique.”
“Did Arongante know about this?”
“I learned it from someone in a mentor-like position to her. They also suggested betting on Roushen, but I declined.”
Of course, Arongante bet on Inie. The amount wasn’t significant, but it was more for good luck and support.
Caught off guard by Roushen’s counterattack, Kaltotristes manages to block the halberd strike and evades the incoming second halberd.
Roushen then accelerates with fire magic and approaches Kaltotristes.
Seizing the perfectly timed return of her halberds, Roushen skillfully wields both, cornering Kaltotristes.
“Roushen’s movements are elegant, just like her earlier performance.”
“It’s said she undergoes formal training. That’s why her movements are so sharp.”
Every time Roushen swings her halberd, flames and lightning streak through, making her look as if she’s dancing.
Yet, she steadily pressures Kaltotristes, gradually increasing their injuries.
While trying to counterattack, Kaltotristes struggles to find openings.
“The halberd, often called the strongest weapon in some circles, truly troubles Kaltotristes.”
“Piercing, slashing, sweeping—all versatile attacks make predicting moves difficult with a halberd.”
Realizing the situation isn’t favorable, Kaltotristes switches from the scythe to the battleaxe and strikes Roushen, accepting potential damage.
Though Roushen could’ve pushed forward recklessly, Kaltotristes’ ability to heal would’ve put Roushen at a disadvantage if they traded blows, so she reluctantly keeps her distance.
“Ah, Kaltotristes uses healing magic to mend their wounds!”
“Hopefully, this magical expenditure won’t affect the battle outcome.”
Healing magic consumes immense magical energy.
In most cases, except for specialists like Jeanne, using healing magic mid-battle is a double-edged sword.
Shortly after retreating, Roushen advances again, attacking with both halberds.
Having healed their injuries and regrouped, Kaltotristes shifts from defense to offense, clashing with their battleaxe.
Halberds meet battleaxes, sparks fly.
Amid weapon clashes, fire and lightning streak through, and pillars of light and laser-like beams erupt.
“Initially, we thought Roushen would dominate, but Kaltotristes fights back fiercely!”
“Considering the healing magic usage, is Kaltotristes at a disadvantage?”
“I wish I could fight like that…”
Watching Roushen’s combat style, Mika quietly mutters.
Dancing with her halberd, interspersing fire and lightning, executing unpredictable attacks.
Thinking that her massive chakram might allow her to do similar feats…
Throwing well, slashing well, swinging well.
But her current physique makes it hard to control the weapon properly. If only she gained enough strength or grew taller to match the weapon…
Watching the two battle, Mika seriously contemplates her own abilities.
A brief clash ensues, followed by both fighters leaping back, panting heavily.
Though the actual combat duration hasn’t been long, the tension of fighting on such a grand stage has drained them quicker than usual.
“This seems to be the final exchange.”
“In such a grand stage, starting too fast has exhausted them prematurely.”
Roushen crosses her halberds in front of her, while Kaltotristes switches from the battleaxe to the scythe.
Both charge simultaneously, closing the distance rapidly…
“The winner is… Roushen!”
“That feint was impressive, possible only with dual halberds.”
Before crossing paths with Kaltotristes, Roushen threw one halberd to force a defense.
Taking advantage of the forced defense, she pierced Kaltotristes with the other halberd.
“That was a thrilling match. Let’s move on to the third round.”
“The next battle features Russia’s representative Lyezhpada versus Africa Union’s Calipurnus.”
Two matches have concluded smoothly, and the New Demon War proceeds to the third round.
Unbeknownst to anyone, a sinister figure operates in the shadows…
“So, that’s the Demon contractor… incredibly weak-looking, huh?”
And no one realizes the new trials awaiting Inie…
