Chapter 78

“This is amazing.”

Looking around, I let out a sigh of amazement. It’s understandable, as it’s my first time visiting Jamsil Gymnasium, and the scale of the gym, rebuilt after the collapse during the battle with the Mogmog Group when the Dark Realm barrier was still intact, is far more massive than I expected.

It used to be a basketball court, but when they rebuilt it, they made it a large, multipurpose gymnasium, big enough to fit four soccer fields. No wonder it’s so huge.

The event starts at 10, but since Dusik and I are involved, we were told to arrive by 8 to help with preparations. So, we made it on time.

And honestly, seeing the crowd waiting outside the gym, I’m glad I didn’t transform before coming. If I had walked in transformed, I probably would’ve been swept away by the crowd immediately.

That’s how many people there were.

“Here.”

It was Aquamarine, looking quite tired.

Still officially part of the Magical Girl Association since her resignation hasn’t been processed, Aquamarine appeared out of nowhere and handed two passes to Dusik.

“Oh.”

“‘Oh’ what? Just wear it around your neck and head to the main entrance. With the passes, you should be able to get in without any issues.”

“Alright.”

The passes were lanyard-style, so we just hung them around our necks. Showing them to the magical girls in black suits guarding the entrance, we got in without any trouble.

“Wow… this is seriously impressive. I heard the Association has a lot of money, but they really went all out.”

The gym was already packed with various events prepared by the Magical Girl Association.

The big screen was looping a flashy action sequence of magical girls, led by Eve, fighting giant monsters from the Mogmog Group. Meanwhile, the ceiling was playing a video of a magical girl idol group, who somehow made it into showbiz, performing a dazzling dance.

And that’s not all.

As Dusik guided me around, I noticed event staff in fancy dresses rehearsing their explanations for the different corners, preparing to greet the audience.

“Those staff members are all from the Association. They’re lower-tier, so they’re not useful in battles, so they do stuff like this.”

“Really?”

Even among magical girls, the lower-tier ones get treated like leftovers. Still, being event staff? That’s rough.

And in one corner, a photo zone was being set up, likely for a photo session.

“They’re doing a lot here. Over there, they’re setting up booths. They’ll be selling figurines, bromides, and all sorts of stuff.”

Following Dusik’s guidance, we wandered around the venue. I could feel some unfriendly stares, whether they recognized Dusik or me, but whatever.

“You’re here?”

“Yeah. Why’d you go all out on your outfit?”

Eve was wearing a red Santa-girl-inspired outfit instead of her usual sky-blue attire.

“It’s Christmas.”

“Well, yeah, but still.”

“Christmas Eve’s Eve is the best Eve.”

“Ugh. You’re so creepy…”

“Alright, that’s enough. The autograph session starts at 11. You didn’t bring Kabe, right?”

“No, I didn’t.”

Even if I had been told to bring her, I wouldn’t have. Kabe’s never been to a place this crowded, and seeing so many magical girls gathered here, who knows how she’d react.

I just left her with Sohee and came with Dusik.

“Good. It’s only fair without Kabe.”

“What is?”

“Kabe’s popular, you know? She’s cute. If she were here, I’d have to deal with both you and her at the same time.”

Is that what she meant? This woman, talking like that when she’s a mom? I really want to smack her.

“Still, it’s a given that I’ll win.”

She’s hilarious, really. She’s so convinced Santa’s coming to her that she didn’t even ask what gift I’d like. What kind of nonsense is that?

Later, I’ll have Kabe ask her, “Dad, what about my gift?”

—

Since the autograph session starts at 11, we had some time to spare. It was only 15 minutes until 10, and the session starts at 11, so we weren’t in a rush.

“Dusik, let’s grab some coffee.”

“Sure, the café is over there…”

“Why go to a café? A vending machine will do.”

The event hadn’t started yet, and magical girls from the Association were everywhere, doing final checks. Guards were also scattered around, so Dusik and I walked over to the vending machine.

Since it’s winter, the vending machine only had hot drinks. I usually prefer iced coffee, but I really wanted coffee now, so I had no choice.

Sitting on the indoor planter, sipping my coffee, I noticed a crowd gathering outside the glass wall. Some had cameras, others held placards that read “M.P.E. Forever!”

“M… P… E… H… I… Sis, isn’t that your alias?”

Dusik pointed, and sure enough, some people were holding signs with my picture on them.

Wait, why would they use that picture?

“Wow, Sis, they’re here for your autograph!”

“Looks like it.”

It’s fascinating. When I was a guy, I was just another NPC on the street, but now that my appearance is appealing, I’m getting all this attention.

“Hmm. Should I give them a little service?”

“Service?”

As Dusik looked at me curiously, I put down my coffee and walked over to the glass wall.

As I got closer, people’s eyes turned toward me. The doubtful looks gradually turned into certainty, and a smile crept onto my face as I finally stood right in front of the glass.

“Behold.”

Starting off lightly, I raised my hand and pointed at them.

“Look closely at who stands before you.”

A boss must have charisma. Every word must carry authority, overwhelming the opponent.

Seeing their pupils dilate and cameras start flashing at my commanding tone, I subtly pulled my hand back and pressed my earring with my left hand.

And right on cue, as I released my magic power, it billowed up like black smoke…

“The adversary of magical girls, the one who stands against light and love!”

That familiar tightening sensation in my chest. This means the transformation is complete.

Spreading the smoke, I lightly covered my face with my fingers.

“The magical girl who realized the truth and chose the path of evil, the Evil Magical Girl, known as the Mother-Body! Right here, right now!”

Then, stretching out both arms toward the crowd!

“I, have descended!”

The crowd clapped, pointing at me and chattering among themselves.

“Uh, Sis.”

Dusik, who had somehow appeared beside me, was looking at me with awe.

Hehehe. Dusik, your Sis can do it too. How’s that? Cool, right?

“Sis, this is soundproof glass. They can’t hear what you’re saying inside.”

“You should’ve told me sooner!”

—

Anyway, my appearance seemed to spread quickly.

After the event started, I didn’t bother untransforming and strolled around the venue with Dusik. At this point, untransforming wouldn’t make much difference, and honestly, being the center of attention isn’t such a bad feeling. If anything, it feels good.

What’s surprising is how many families with kids are here. There are even quite a few kids cosplaying as Eve, which really shows her popularity. Now, if Eve were to untransform and show her true self… well, we can’t ruin their innocence, can we?

Aside from families, there are also quite a few groups of guys and girls. Surprisingly, there aren’t many couples.

As I walked around, I could hear people whispering about me.

“Is that really the Mother-Body?”

“I heard she’s participating in the autograph session. She’s got some bet with Eve.”

“Yeah, I heard if Eve wins, she’ll release some exclusive footage.”

That Eve, seriously.

“What if you get autographs from both?”

Right. I was curious about that too. There’s no rule saying you have to choose just one, so some people might get autographs from both.

But when I asked Eve, the rule was simple.

Whoever gets more autographs wins. If someone gets both, it counts for whoever they got first. So, if they got mine first and then Eve’s, it counts for me. The opposite counts for Eve.

How do they know? Apparently, the autograph cards are coated with magic, so they can track it.

Magic is really something. When I asked why they don’t use it more for humanity’s benefit, she looked at me like I was some pitiful, soft-hearted fool, which kinda hurt my feelings.

“Sis, it’s time. The autograph area is over there.”

Dusik, who had been checking his phone, tugged at my hand. I thought I heard some gasps, but I must’ve imagined it.

—

The autograph area was simple. Two desks were set up a bit apart. I guess Eve and I will sit there and sign autographs.

Glancing around, my line was noticeably longer. Strangely, there were a lot of moms holding their kids’ hands, and quite a few guys too.

On the other hand, Eve’s line was full of young girls.

What’s up with that?

It’s almost 11, and the session’s about to start. Why isn’t Eve here yet?