NOVEL NEXT chapter 11
Episode 11: The Magical Girls’ Day Off
At the top floor of a high-rise building, the headquarters of the magical girls.
We were discussing our future plans there.
“I still think Omega is on our side.”
I insisted to everyone that Omega was an ally.
After the recent incident, I was convinced that he was on our side. He defeated two powerful demons and healed our severe injuries.
“I do appreciate that he helped us… but it’s also true that Omega caused some damage, right?”
“Yes, that big crater was caused by Omega. But if Omega hadn’t defeated those demons there, the damage would have been much worse.”
Especially the demon that controlled explosions was dangerous. If that demon had gone on a rampage, the damage would have been far greater.
“Yeah, I also think Omega is an ally.”
“Even Fiona… I’m against it.”
—
—
“I want to believe that Omega is an ally. But the current situation says otherwise.”
As I thought, persuading these two is difficult… But I…
“If we can establish a cooperative relationship with Omega, we might be able to reduce the damage caused by the demons.”
“But that’s—”
At that moment, the elevator, which should only be accessible to magical girls, stopped at the top floor.
And when the doors opened, a woman in a suit appeared.
“It seems like you’re having a lively discussion, both of you.”
“K-Kiryuin-san!?”
A beautiful woman with long black hair down to her waist, an overwhelming model-like figure in a black suit that suits her well, Kiryuin Setsuna.
She is the current CEO of the Artemis Group, a world-scale conglomerate built in a single generation, and the last of the legendary first-generation magical girls.
“Good work, everyone. Having a meeting even on a day like this… You all are as serious as ever.”
“Is it okay for you to be here, Kiryuin-san?”
“Hmm? Well, I had a little free time in my schedule, so I came to check on things.”
She says that, but she probably escaped from her secretary. Someone like Kiryuin-san never has free time.
“So, Kiryuin-san, do you need something? I believe the report on the Omega that appeared the other day was submitted…”
This person is also the master of us magical girls, so her decisions are absolute.
If she says Omega is an enemy, we will have to oppose Omega.
“Ah, I read it. Well, let’s observe for a bit. I’d like to see Omega in person next time.”
I breathed a sigh of relief at those words.
For now, it seems we’re still okay…
“More importantly, are you all attending school properly?”
“Yes, of course!”
“Everyone is going without any issues.”
“I see, that’s good. But you all are still young. Cherish your youth… because no one knows when that normalcy might crumble…”
Kiryuin-san looked somewhere far away, as if recalling something.
Her face had an expression that seemed a bit lonely, a bit sad.
“…Oh, sorry, I was reminiscing a bit. So, on your next day off, go somewhere and have fun. Here, take this.”
Saying that, she pulled out a wad of cash from her pocket and placed it in front of us with a thud.
It was probably around a million yen.
“What!? Wait!”
—
—
“Hmm? Was it not enough? Then—”
““““““It’s okay!”””””
As he tried to reach into his pocket again, everyone desperately stopped him.
This person really has no sense of money.
“This won’t fit either!”
“Hmph! I see… You don’t have to be so reserved, you know? I would like to give you a reward of over a hundred million if I could for your work.”
“No, this is our mission as magical girls.”
“…That’s right. I’m sorry… But you all still need a break. On your next day off, go somewhere together. Since you all would keep working if I didn’t say anything, consider this an order.”
He took out a black card from his chest pocket and placed it on the table.
“Use it freely and have fun.”
With that, he waved his hand and got into the elevator.
◇
So, we were all meeting at the shopping mall…
“Everyone, this is Hayami-kun, who I met at the ramen shop earlier.”
“H-hi there…”
“Hello, Hayami-kun!”
“Who is this guy…?”
“I… don’t know him…”
“……”
Why is this guy here… And why is he getting along with Yuna… Am I not her only friend?
“H-hey, Rena…”
“I don’t know this guy either.”
“Hey! The world won’t forgive you for that!”
“Rena and Yui, do you know Hayami-kun?”
“…Well… sort of…”
“I’m sitting next to Hayami-kun!”
What? Really?
“Oh, I see. Rena, what is your relationship with Hayami-kun?”
“…Like an owner and a pet dog, I guess.”
“Hey, hey, hey, who’s the dog here?”
—
—
“Who do you think feeds you every day?”
“…Reina-sama does.”
“That’s right.”
Yes, Souta is like my dog.
“Uh, um, I should probably get going—”
“Hayami-kun, since you’re here, why don’t you join us for shopping?”
“Huh?”
“It would be helpful to get a boy’s opinion when choosing clothes.”
“N-no, I—”
“That’s a great idea! Hayami-kun, come with us!”
“I don’t mind either way.”
“Me too…”
Huh? Am I the only one left?
“…I guess it’s fine.”
“It’s decided then, let’s go.”
With everyone’s agreement, Souta ended up coming along, and the six of us moved through the shopping mall.
“……”
“Re-Reina…? Are you angry or something…?”
“No, I’m not angry.”
“You totally are!”
Even though they’re my friends…
Feeling a bit frustrated, I walked quickly.