NOVEL NEXT Chapter 115
In fact, the current situation around the world was nothing but a lid placed over the impending doom of humanity.
First, Japan was in chaos due to the invasion by Animus, paralyzing Tokyo, and the complete disbandment of the Fujimoto Group, causing turmoil in all businesses and market orders.
Amidst that, countless Magical Girls in Japan were either holding their ground in the chaotic environment or receiving monster extermination requests, running around tirelessly.
Magical Girls like Ichika, Hana, and Himari, who were 1000 Bloom 3-Stars, were especially deployed for regional defense, leaving only Sumire, the Guardian Magical Girl, to protect Japan.
‘Since Yuki knows everything about the trials, she must be included in the response team no matter what…’
China, despite the exciting news of the resurrection of state-affiliated Magical Girls, continued their political bickering over the Sword Magical Girl incident without proper official announcements.
Thanks to that, the propaganda and combat Magical Girls of the party, staying in Shanghai before dying, had to hide themselves due to external scrutiny. With nothing else to do but fight monsters, they had to live a displaced life.
– “Meilin, how long do the Magical Girls from Shanghai have to live like that?”
– “W-well… I don’t know much about politics.”
– “If they proclaim it’s the power of highly developed science instead of a miracle from the gods, could they go home…?”
– “If Hope says so, it might just get worse…”
The only thing I could offer them was to open Elysion so they could rest at ease.
Meanwhile, Alisa, the Magical Girl of Death, was chilling out in Moscow, so Russia was also at ease for the time being.
Russia had been supposed to carry out a vote alongside the impeachment of the president earlier this year, holding him accountable for the nuclear incident.
However, with the unprecedented trial looming ahead, they deemed it impossible to replace all government officials, thus maintaining the ridiculous title of the Russian provisional government since earlier this year.
The duration was until humanity overcame its extinction.
‘To be honest, it’s like saying that since we’ve already been saddled with responsibility for nuclear war, the defense minister might as well take on the responsibility for the extinction crisis.’
In this somewhat stable situation, the only place I could comfortably bring Magical Girls back from was Korea, where the 1000 Bloom 3-Stars had established a stronghold.
Additionally, the next trial would take place in the European sea.
The one who could fully exert herself there would be just one Born 2-Star Magical Girl.
“So, I called you because I need Na-yeon’s help.”
“Did I hear that wrong?”
“Pfft. Smells like it came out of a can.”
“……”
“Do you use that tone outside too? You’ve become a total soldier, huh?”
Hearing that, Na-yeon’s mouth slowly puckered, and her face turned bright red.
‘Oh no.’
The girl who had an easygoing vibe, punk-style clothes, a sharp gaze, and a snippy speech was suddenly speaking in a soldier-like tone dressed in military uniform, making it hilariously entertaining.
Park Saebyeok, who was listening, let out a small giggle, finding Hong Na-yeon’s situation amusing as well.
‘You should’ve come when called earlier.’
In truth, I wanted to grab Na-yeon’s mouth, which was popping out like a duck’s bill in real-time, and teabag her while saying it would’ve been more comfortable if Kang Eunbit from the Supernatural Ability Task Force had called her.
But I decided to overlook it with a generous heart.
“Ahem. Regardless, there aren’t many exceptional ability users when it comes to battles at sea, even if we borrow an airship, compared to Na-yeon.”
“So, I’m going to Europe?”
“Yes, of course, you won’t be going alone; many Magical Girls, including me, will be going with you.”
“What about Busan if I leave…?”
“Well, thinking about it, it wouldn’t be wise to leave talent capable of conducting naval warfare in fortified Busan.”
“Major…?!”
“I will tell Kang Dorim to strengthen the defense in Busan. It’d be best for Hong squad leader to go.”
“Elysion will also dispatch a Magical Girl to fill in for Na-yeon.”
“Ugh…”
Na-yeon was gloomy about her overseas assignment becoming almost certain.
Park Saebyeok nodded and patted Na-yeon’s shoulder.
“Since this is your first overseas assignment, make sure to gain a lot of experience.”
“…Understood.”
“……”
Honestly, if the second trial was indeed facing a giant venomous snake at sea as per the original story, there was no need to call the Sea Magical Girl Hong Na-yeon.
‘I could just use my Unique Ability specialized in destruction to smash it.’
Nonetheless, there were two bothering elements since the trials began.
The first was the Plague, which had not declared a domain nor been spotted anywhere.
Even when Yuki and I went to the Antarctic, where she had previously declared her domain in the original story, we could find no trace of her power.
– “[Plague] has always just been muttering to herself and lying around here…”
The second was the complete distortion of the trial’s content due to the Animus.
According to Animus, if the power of a 4-Star Magical Girl was on par with a goddess, it could assure that the location and timing of the trial could not be altered. The trial was merely a purifying action that the will of the stars would unleash until the sixth and final trial, the Destruction Dragon, appeared.
In fact, the first trial occurred exactly as it did in Japan, while Animus bloomed into a 4-Star upon receiving the energy of the Lion monster.
‘The deities’ authority can only curse and obstruct there.’
The curse that rained on me during the first trial was neutralized by the nature of the Goddess of Start. But next time, they wouldn’t waste curses on me, but rather interfere in another way.
“If the trial’s content changes even slightly from what I know, then Na-yeon, you need to help the Magical Girls protect the people.”
“…You want me to take on such a huge mission?”
“Please.”
“……”
A Magical Girl who merely protected the surroundings until her parents returned up until the moment of impending destruction.
A Magical Girl who unexpectedly discovered her parents’ return in Elysion and forged a new destiny.
“Understood.”
“Thank you.”
The Sea Magical Girl Hong Na-yeon participated in the second trial.
I hoped all my worries would go awry and we would simply smack a giant snake in the sea.
‘But that won’t happen.’
The three goddesses would surely cook up something.
Instead of forcing their way down from the Throne of Nihility to get punched out by me, they might wait for the pivotal moment when the Destruction Dragon weakens humanity the most. Quietly spreading curses that gradually weaken humanity across the various trials.
We would have to consider worst-case scenarios and collaborate with the European Magical Girls.
‘Laura…’
I must help the girl who, upon her friends’ return, would bow her knees and thank me, a girl filled with affection, to overcome the crisis in Europe.
“Speaking of which.”
In the moment of lull in the conversation, Park Saebyeok suddenly began to speak.
“It’s astonishing how much stronger and more active the Magical Girls have become since the monsters appeared, compared to before.”
“Magical Girls were born to bloom into dreams and protect people from monsters from the start.”
Dependent on Magical Girls the most
And where Magical Girls were most active
Ironically, it was within humanity’s biggest crisis that the girls with the power of starlight garnered admiration and dreams that could not be compared to before.
Over the past several months, many girls had ascended from 1-Star to 2-Star thanks to the friendly matches and actively helping people, while recently awakened girls through monster exterminations were countless.
‘It’s true that the stars shine brightest in the darkest times.’
Park Saebyeok looked at me as if she was surprisingly amazed.
“Did you prepare all this since last summer?”
“I never imagined it would escalate this grandly.”
“Do you know that the media no longer receives correction requests for calling the Magical Girl of Hope a goddess?”
Hearing that made my head throb.
“…I’ll send a correction request.”
“No need.”
Park Saebyeok, as always, gazed at me with her gently blazing pink eyes with a smile.
“If it’s for the [Hope] that helped protect Seoul from the Bombardment, I’d gladly call her a goddess.”
“…I just did the decent thing.”
“That’s what makes you treated like a goddess.”
snicker
Park Saebyeok chuckling
Me in an awkward smile
And Na-yeon, who had slipped away with a bored expression, quietly backed away from the major’s words of blessing that had begun.