Chapter 12: The Only Ones Who Can Battle Monsters in Crowded Cities

The only ones capable of battling monsters in crowded cities are the magical girls.

Unless humans are willing to deploy bombs capable of destroying an entire area, even ordinary firearms struggle to inflict damage that would incapacitate an E-level monster.

However, to defeat the E-level monsters that appear daily, driven mostly by destructive impulses, would we destroy a playground, a park, or a skyscraper?

The losses would be too great.

Moreover, the likelihood of causing collateral damage would be significantly higher.

Even coordinating the evacuation of civilians in a timely manner is a headache for official organizations.

When faced with D-level monsters and above, which possess special abilities, humans are often left at a loss.

These monsters are like wild beasts infiltrating human society, and their varied personalities and abilities make their methods of destruction more subtle and dangerous.

Thus, magical girls, who are more dazzling than any idol, strong, beautiful, cute, and brave, have become the sole entities that everyone relies on to protect the city’s safety.

‘Morning, Ren.’

A small, all-black cat stands on my chest.

It’s not too heavy, feeling more like a stuffed toy.

I reach out from under the covers and lift it high.

Its brown, vertical pupils gaze at me curiously, its tail swinging like a pendulum.

Ah…

This isn’t a dream.

A silver chain with a red gemstone lies quietly on the pillow, crafted with exquisite detail, like a piece of luxury jewelry.

This is the magical girl’s transformation device, similar to a Kamen Rider’s belt.

In a way, it’s quite girly.

‘Lingling?’

‘What is it?’

The cat speaks!

Could I also transform into a Kamen Rider since I can become a magical girl?

‘…’

Of course not.

After all, I am a magical girl.

Having only been in the role for a day, I’ve already achieved remarkable results.

I assisted Magical Girl Sakura Tsui in defeating a B-level monster, Yami.

I successfully protected my best friend twice and even managed to steal his first kiss.

Encouraging myself will make me more confident, more social, and more cheerful.

Am I a natural born magical girl?

‘Senpai certainly has a lot of talent.’

The cat speaks again!

Wait, I didn’t actually say those words out loud, did I?

‘Magical girls and their contracted spirits can communicate telepathically. The voice you hear from me is actually transmitted through telepathy.’

‘During the battle with Yami, I used this method to inform Sakura Tsui about the new magical girl and share our battle plan.’

Oh, that’s very convenient, but does this mean my thoughts can be known?

‘Usually, it only works when you focus on imagining and speaking to the other person. But if we have physical contact, communication doesn’t require imagination.’

‘By the way, as long as I’m here, Ren can also telepathically connect with other magical girls through me.’

It really feels magical.

I place the small black cat on the floor and approach the full-length mirror beside the wardrobe.

I see a familiar figure—myself.

I’m shorter than most people my age, and my skin, inherited from my mother, is paler than that of many girls.

Maybe, with some grooming, I could look handsome?

But I don’t want to attract attention anymore.

Just being with Hayato is enough.

Maybe, by watching him socialize, my social skills will improve too?

But if I have to face strangers alone, I’ll wilt like a potted plant in the scorching sun.

I prefer the shade.

‘Ren, why not try pulling your hair up and wearing contact lenses?’

‘No way, that wouldn’t suit me at all.’

I reply to Lingling.

‘Really? I saw that style in one of Shiori-chan’s fashion magazines.’

‘Yesterday, Kisa mentioned that name…’

But I was too sleepy and didn’t pay attention to Kisa’s message.

‘Oh, she’s a magical girl in Kanagawa City too.’

The small black cat leaps onto the desk and sits on my head.

I’ve never owned a cat, so its jumping ability surprises me.

‘Shiori-chan is great at styling, and Kisa’s look is her suggestion.’

No wonder Kisa, despite wearing the same school uniform as everyone else, always looks more fashionable.

‘In the future, Ren can ask Shiori-chan for advice on how to dress.’

But I have no confidence in that.

While it’s true that ‘Clothes make the man,’ if the style doesn’t match one’s personality, it can look ridiculously out of place.

And personality is what defines a person’s aura.

A gloomy person wearing a Hawaiian shirt and sandals just looks odd.

The outfits of magical girls seem to reflect their personalities.

Kisa’s pink dress after transformation matches her vibrant aura, like a blooming cherry blossom.

‘That’s right, the form of a magical girl represents the inner wishes of the girl. Her weapons, abilities, and clothing all reflect this.’

I quickly pick up Lingling from my head and toss it onto the bed.

It’s too dangerous, and I forgot about that.

Come to think of it, when did it start sitting on my head?

Could Lingling be a bit sneaky?

I stare at it, and the small black cat stares back, tilting its head as if it might meow at any moment.

Because the cat is so cute, I forgive it.

‘Since we have some time, Ren, how about trying to transform again?’

The small black cat, now sitting on the bed, suggests.

I’m a bit tempted.

Yesterday, I transformed twice, both times during battles.

I haven’t seen what I look like after transforming.

In videos and games, magical girls are always flawless.

Especially Kisa’s elegant appearance after transformation, which is deeply etched in my mind.

Sakura Tsui’s dazzling fighting style and her barrage of arrows are mesmerizing.

Even if I’m a guy, I shouldn’t look bad after transforming, right?

I grip the bracelet, and seeing the dark sky outside, I realize I have plenty of time.

Usually, after getting up and washing, I go downstairs to prepare lunch and breakfast.

Over the years, I’ve become quite skilled, able to complete the task in about forty minutes.

So, this is just a simple test, a quick glance, and then I’ll transform back.

I take a deep breath and stare at my reflection in the mirror.

The small black cat walks up and stretches lazily at my feet.

Here goes.

‘Transform.’

A dazzling light fills the room, and my spirit enters a serene state, taking in everything around me.

I see Uncle Watanabe and Aunty Chinatsu sleeping, a crow perched on the eaves, water stains in the sink, and Hayato getting dressed to go for a morning run…

Wait a moment, my breathing grows heavy.

It’s not because I saw anything I shouldn’t have.

After all, I’m a guy?

…Right?

No, I’m Hayato’s good friend, not some weirdo.

I strengthen my resolve and open my eyes.

A girl with a doll-like face stands before me, wearing a black and white lace headpiece.

Her eyes are like red agate, and her straight black hair falls to her waist, as dark as pencil lead.

Her black Gothic skirt reaches to her ankles, with a large expanse of exposed skin in front.

A delicate collar, designed not to be uncomfortable, adorns her pale neck.

‘It’s… a bit seductive…’

To transform and become a mysterious beauty, lurking in the shadows of a tumultuous night, feared by everyone.

Even without such a setting, this face alone could attract a multitude of otaku fans.

But, am I a bit too short?

Looking back, the heels are slightly raised, about two centimeters.

So, am I really 160 cm tall?

Does Hayato like girls who are almost 18 cm shorter than him?

If I meet Hayato wearing high heels, will he think I’m too flashy?

—What am I thinking!

The girl in the mirror hugs her head and crouches down, the small black cat circling her.

‘Mew!’

I let out a moan.

Because it’s so cute, there’s a sense of incongruity, meaning, does being a beautiful girl make everything adorable?

As soon as my focus wavers, my thoughts drift to Hayato.

Just hearing Hayato’s name makes me happy.

Remembering Hayato’s words, ‘Ren, after you transform, you just need to kiss me,’ makes me want to cheer.

It’s only natural!

Hayato has never gone back on his word.

So, going to find him now should be okay.

It’s a promise for a lifetime, with no time limit.

I grasp the doorknob, and if I leave now, Hayato should still be in his room.

‘Ren!’

Lingling suddenly calls out.

‘Just a moment…’

I have something important to do.

‘Monsters have appeared!’

The small black cat, now at the window, looks serious.

Love or battle? That is the question.

But looking at it another way, if I eliminate all the monsters in Kanagawa City,

Hayato won’t be in danger like he was yesterday.

This is the only thing I can do for Hayato as a magical girl!

‘Judging from the aura, it’s likely a D-level monster. Unlike E-level monsters, these retain some rationality, so Ren’s first solo battle against such an enemy might be a bit challenging.’

I can feel it too, a sinister presence mixed with fear, despair, and other negative emotions, coming from the southeast.

It’s in the opposite direction of Hayato’s morning run, so I’m slightly relieved.

But that doesn’t mean there’s no danger.

I didn’t think I’d be afraid, but somehow, imagining Hayato returning from his run, sweaty and breathless, makes me a bit breathless too.

‘No problem.’

I say eagerly.

‘That’s what magical girls are for.’

Although it’s a baseless confidence, I feel like I can do anything for Hayato!

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