Chapter 76

Magical Girl and Mastidizaya

The witch’s voice echoed throughout the simulation, and while it was helpful that she explained the situation in detail, I never expected her to attack us like this…

This is irregular. Straight-up strong types are a bad match for us.

Maybe M·D·W would have been better off… No, that’s not right.

The problem is that we can’t escape from here, and if we die in this simulation, there’s a possibility we might actually die in reality.

Since there’s no way out of this simulation no matter what we do, it’s probably best to believe what the witch said.

(Do we stand a chance?)

“Probably, if I abandon everyone else, but…”

That’s right. There are nine other magical girls here besides me.

Personally, I wouldn’t feel any pain from leaving them behind, but unfortunately, this battle is being watched by people all over the world.

I don’t care about my own reputation, but I’m here as Japan’s representative in the New Demon War. If my reputation drops, it could lower the evaluation of Japan’s magical girls as well. So abandoning the others isn’t a good move.

Only in the worst-case scenario should we consider throwing caution to the wind, but it’s best not to start with the intention of abandoning them.

(Do we have any detailed information on that monster?)

“Its name is as you heard earlier, and it’s a solo type that doesn’t summon followers. It flies just as it looks and handles everything from close combat to long-range attacks. Right now, it’s roughly S Rank. Once all its restraints are removed, it will deploy its own barrier and continuously apply debuffs. Moreover, if you make eye contact, it will trigger traumatic memories and deal mental damage—so it’s best to assume that making eye contact is fatal.”

At first glance, it looks like a fallen angel, and what it does seems similar too.

If its restraints come off, it will constantly spread debuffs, and if you accidentally make eye contact, your mind will be disturbed and you’ll be killed…

(Are the cannons and swords like what Arongante mentioned earlier?)

“That was only the type Arongante fought against; it’s better not to assume they’re exactly the same. Consider that as the baseline. Also, every time it takes damage, its restraints loosen and it gets stronger, so be careful.”

Both the sword and cannon seem to have considerable power and range.

They aren’t suited for defense, but let’s pray nobody charges recklessly.

If we’re unlucky, even grazing it could be fatal.

Moreover, Mastidizaya can fight in the air.

If it starts flying, only three of us, including me, can properly engage in aerial combat. Well, among those who can fight in the air, I’m likely the only one with a real chance of winning…

From what I’ve seen in the matches, Dendrobium seems to be the second strongest after me, but if she can’t defend against the spells I use casually, it’s better not to rely on her.

(Is it possible to defeat it while its restraints are still on?)

“Seems impossible. The restraints appear to take the damage instead.”

What a troublesome monster…

“And now, enjoy this final battle thoroughly. And since it’s such a great battle, make sure to commentate properly, or you know what will happen, right?”

After the witch finished her speech, the barrier surrounding me and the monster disappeared.

It’s truly malicious behavior. Impermanence at its finest.

Should I secure the other magical girls or gather hate on Mastidizaya first? No, I can use magic.

If I don’t utilize it when it matters, I shouldn’t call myself a magical girl.

(Akuma, give me the overall map and the positions of the magical girls.)

“Understood. I’ll input the information into your head—just bear with the slight pain.”

A sharp pain ran through my head as the information flowed in.

Though this allows for quicker understanding than words, it’s subtly painful.

From where I am, it’s about two kilometers to the monster, and the distances to the other magical girls are more or less the same.

“Wind, carry my voice.”

Alright, I’ve connected with all nine of them. Though it’s not really my style, there’s nothing to be done about it.

“This is Inny Flowering. I’ll be fighting alone, so I want all of you to focus on escaping. If you insist on fighting it, I won’t guarantee your safety.”

“What do you mean fighting alone?! I’m a magical girl too! My life…”

“What can you possibly achieve alone? If we all fight together…”

“Don’t underestimate someone who can defeat an S-Rank monster!”

Some of them protest, but do these magical girls who haven’t awakened think they can beat an S-Rank or higher?

…Well, I can’t talk, either, since I can’t transform into Enhanced Form, but I’ve defeated M·D·W before, so I should be fine.

Seriously, if they stayed quiet, they might have a chance to survive… What’s the point of dying just because you’re representing someone?

“I’ve given my warning.”

Cutting off communication because their complaints consume magic power. While I’m at it, I might as well do this too.

(Do we have a contract?)

“That’s right… Estimated SS-Rank monster. Prioritize defeating Mastidizaya and ensure your survival above all. As for sacrifices… leave that to Haruna.”

Just like with M·D·W, I’m feeling rather weak-hearted this time.

Akuma must not want to abandon anyone, but it probably thinks there’s no room for leniency.

Well, fine. After all, this opponent may be unbeatable.

If I concern myself with others, I might end up being taken down myself.

(Acknowledged. Let’s go all out from the start.)

“Four elements, unravel the truth, become wings.”

“Hidden chaotic power, soar as light and bring an end.”

I sprout white wings and black wings, but this time, I’ll add more.

Based on Arongante’s battles, I thought this through.

While my current state ensures excellent mobility and offensive capabilities, if my wings are attacked, I won’t be able to fly, creating a significant opening.

“Roaring winds, become limbs that race through the sky.”

I grow small auxiliary wings on my hands and feet.

Even with just these, I can handle aerial combat and aid in moving my limbs.

I should be able to withstand a single blow even if my staff takes the hit and redirect the force.

“Lightning!”

I enhance my reflexes and slightly fortify my body using lightning magic.

After testing various methods, strengthening myself too much makes recovery painful later, so I’m keeping this enhancement modest.

With that, my battle preparations are complete.

(How’s the enemy doing?)

“It’s been silent since its first roar. Four out of nine are heading towards Mastidizaya.”

I see. Then, I’ll build up some hate first…

“Ice, bloom swiftly like a gale.”

I release an ice spear focused on speed and fly simultaneously.

When this ice spear shatters, petal-like ice pieces will scatter, creating area-of-effect attacks.

It’s perfect for building hate.

“Hit! No damage. It seems to have noticed us. Here it comes!”

No damage was expected, but it’s running toward us instead of flying…

(How long until it reaches us?)

“If it keeps going straight, less than ten seconds. I’ll guide your escape route… Dodge!”

As soon as I hear Akuma’s voice, I take evasive action.

A blue something passes by my side and explodes upon hitting a mountain.

Where the mountain once stood, there’s now a large hole with ice spikes blooming at the center.

Even grazing that ice would be dangerous. Is this retaliation? For a monster, it’s quite audacious.

Following Akuma’s instructions, I fly and prepare my ultimate technique.

The issue is that I need to consider the other magical girls.

In my case, high firepower equals wide range.

I need to pay attention to barriers and firing lines to avoid collateral damage.

Also, I must be cautious of the direction of the enemy’s artillery fire…

“There’s only Mastidizaya on the straight line. Now’s the time to strike.”

I finish my incantation mid-flight and point the tip of my staff toward Mastidizaya.

“Vanish into the eternal void. Celestial Strike!”

I unleash the original Divine Strike I once fired downward at Thalagong.

It clears away trees and ground as it advances, engulfing Mastidizaya.

However, I didn’t expect this to be the end. The magic circle from the Celestial Strike disappears, revealing Mastidizaya standing bewildered in the crater left behind.

Then, the restraint around its right arm and the ones wrapped around its body break off.

Mastidizaya spreads its wings on its back and slowly points the cannon on its right arm toward me.

(Visually, it hasn’t taken any damage…)

“The restraints work like damage compression. The real battle begins once they’re all gone.”

(This is quite a predicament.)

The moment the cannon glows, I flap my wings to ascend.

A beam-like projectile passes through where I was, causing an explosion.

It’s getting stronger as the restraints come off…

As Mastidizaya attempts to take flight, a black beam-like object flies in from somewhere and hits it. Ignoring it completely, Mastidizaya shifts its gaze away from me.

Having targeted me exclusively, Mastidizaya now aims its right-arm cannon at the source of the black beam and begins preparing to fire.

Truly, they’ve made a foolish move…

“Run!”

I shout loudly, giving Dendrobium an order.

Neither me nor Akuma can always keep track of our surroundings.

Taking advantage of that gap, Dendrobium attacked with magic.

She’s far enough away, but with my enhanced vision, I can clearly see Dendrobium’s surprised expression.

There’s no way her level of magic could inflict any damage…

Mastidizaya releases a bluish-white shell from its right arm, hurtling it toward Dendrobium at high speed.

It seems to be aiming for around Dendrobium’s feet.

Even the blast alone would cause considerable damage.

“Ice, rage forth!”

I create a curtain of icy particles in front of the shell, causing it to explode.

I’m blown back slightly by the blast, but immediately begin scattering magic toward Mastidizaya.

The dust rises, buying me some time.

I’ll head toward Dendrobium while I have the chance.

Dendrobium was also blown back by the blast and, being closer to the epicenter, had sustained some injuries.

“I warned you, didn’t I? Please step aside—it’s hindering me.”

“Are you saying you’ll fight alone? That’s absurd! The enemy is SS-Rank, right? We’d be better off cooperating…”

“Do you possess firepower capable of damaging that thing?”

Dendrobium falters, gripping her staff tightly.

She’s probably recalling the results of the spell she used earlier.

Mastidizaya paid no heed to Dendrobium’s magic.

On the contrary, my counterattack almost got me killed.

Attempting a futile attack won’t remove the restraints or inflict any wounds.

Other than serving as decoys, Dendrobium and the other magical girls have no practical use.

That has become crystal clear now.

“If you wish to be of any help at all, please gather the other magical girls and keep them from coming here. It would make my battle easier if they stay grouped.”

I don’t want to be responsible for inadvertently killing them.

If Dendrobium has any sense of morality, I hope she listens to me.

“…Can Inie win alone?”

“None of you can even enter the battlefield against it. You know what will happen if I lose, don’t you?”

She distorts her face in frustration but refrains from arguing further, indicating she understands.

“We don’t have time. I’m counting on you.”

With that, I take off.

At that moment, Mastidizaya spreads its wings and ascends from the dust cloud.

With the facial restraint removed, four restraints remain.

First, I need to get all of them off.

Hmm… This guy feels like a boss with three phases.

My loss means the death of the remaining nine magical girls.

Good. This battle fills my heart with unreasonable excitement.

(Let’s go, Akuma.)

“Please, don’t push yourself too hard…”

Even though I know I have to push myself to win… Akuma…

With two restraints removed, Mastidizaya’s attack intervals have quickened.

Its left arm still seems unusable, but its right-arm cannon and beams alone are already quite threatening.

“Teardrops of pity turn into shooting stars.”

Countless magic circles appear in the air, and rocks encased in ice rain down toward Mastidizaya.

Here we go, the beginning of a delightful battle.