Chapter 35: Magical Girl

Chapter 35: Magical Girl

I shook her hand, her armored grip surprisingly gentle.

Its nice to meet you, I murmured nervously, not knowing how to really respond.

Sergeant Kelley didnt seem to notice my anxiety, simply turning to Everglaive with her hands back on her hip.

So, I think I get why youre here. Theres a nice low risk Usurpation for her to cut her teeth on, and it should give Moon Bunny here some good experience and points, yeah? The only thing I cant figure out is why you asked me here. I mean, yeah, Im good, but Im sure youre more than capable of helping her yourselves. Seems kind of overkill to bring me out, not that Im complaining about getting to hang with you or anything.

Everglaive gave a placid smile, simply gesturing to the Usurpation.

Lets talk about the specifics inside. I have Error Machina ready to put a privacy shell around the Usurpation so we can speak in peace.

The Warden raised an eyebrow, but something like mischief twinkled in her ruby eyes.

Oh? A secret mission? You should have led with that. Lets be on it, then.

She twirled on her foot and strode towards the distorted air without hesitation, humming happily as Everglaive followed. Naiads face had finally turned back to a more normal color, and she muttered something under her breath as she hurried to catch up.

I glanced at Selene, who simply shrugged with her tails.

[Magical Girls do not have a monopoly on unique personalities, I suppose.]

A surprised, amused huff escaped through my nose, and I shook my head before going after them.

I was hesitant as we approached, and watched with interest as Sergeant Kelley reached the bubble and kept going. The air rippled as she went inside, the effect similar to watching something fall into a still pond.

Everglaive and Naiad entered in the same manner, Naiad briefly stopping to give me a comforting smile. As I reached the distortion, I found myself holding my breath as I forced myself to keep walking.

A moment later, I stepped into the Usurpation.

Instantly, the faintest sense of wrongness tickled over my skin, like a summer breeze that had somehow been corrupted. The feeling quickly disappeared, but it left me feeling anxious.

[You can sense the miasma better in your Astral Shift,] Selene whispered in my mind, the explanation helping to soothe my nerves.

Now that I was inside the Usurpation, I had a better look at the structure contained within. It had the same modern, clean architecture common in most of Arcadias buildings. The building was long, covering a fair bit of ground with a big entrance and sign that I quickly read over.

Meadows Track and Field Center.

The size of the building suddenly made more sense.

Alright, Sergeant Kelley clapped her hands, turning so she was halfway looking at us while still keeping an eye on the building. So whats the big secret, then?

Everglaive hand went to her ear, head tilting slightly.

Error? Were inside. The privacy shell, if you please.

I felt a slight prickle against my skin, and turned to notice the distorted view of the world beyond the Usurpation becoming even more prismatic. In a few short breaths, the view became perfectly opaque, as if I was looking at an unreflective wall of glass.

Turning back to Everglaive with a frown, she gave me a nod.

Apologies. I meant to talk with you about this beforehand, but it was an idea I only recently came up with. Guin, I assume youre aware of some of the colorful rumors around Dark Magical Girls?

She snorted, folding her arms and rolling her eyes.

Sure. Hard to work with you lot and not catch a word or two. Think its a load of bull, personally. Ive worked with plenty of Darks before, and honestly, we tend to get along better with em than any other color except maybe Blues. Im of the personal opinion that those rumors are mostly just jealousy.

Youre not entirely wrong, Everglaive nodded. And that brings me to the purpose of our privacy shell. Moon Bunny here is a special case, even among Darks, and Im hoping to get her as much training as possible while keeping her exact abilities hidden. I believe this will give her an edge. While I hope she doesnt need it, having an extra ace up her sleeve certainly wouldnt hurt.

Makes sense, she nodded. Though it doesnt explain my purpose here.

Everglaive smiled, turning to me and waving her hand at the ground. Emerald light flashed, and my backpack materialized onto the grass.

Would you like to show Guin your chosen weapon, Moon Bunny?

I nodded nervously, and Sergeant Kelley watched me with interest as I crouched down to open my backpack. Reaching in, I very carefully removed my Umbra, making sure to keep it pointed at the ground even if it was unloaded with the slide locked back.

A Magical Girl focusing on using guns? Sergeant Kelly asked, voice filled with glee. Oh. Oh yes. Glaivy, I see where youre going with this, and yes, I accept a thousand times over. This is something I have to see.

I thought you might be interested, Everglaive sniffed with a haughty expression, looking at her nails. You do have a reputation, after all.

Oh come off it, elf, the Warden waved a hand at her, eying my Umbra with interest. So I assume you were thinking I could teach her a thing or two about guns, then?

More or less. Moon Bunny will be attending the Magical Girl Academy, and part of the curriculum is weapons training. I was hoping you would be willing to give her a few pointers right now and possibly help me find an instructor to fill her weapons training class. Im sure the Academy would have contacts, but Id rather she gets the best while keeping it under the radar.

Sergeant Kelley hummed thoughtfully, and I found myself frowning.

Is it really that useful to hide the fact Im using guns? I asked nervously. Just Wont it be obvious pretty quickly? I dont really know how Im supposed to hide it

Naiad and Everglaive glanced at each other, and Naiad sighed, nodding almost hesitantly. Everglaive turned back to me.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

You are correct, it will be difficult to keep it a secret, but you wouldnt have to hide it for long. You see, there is something of a tradition among Magical Girls, that should there be an argument or conflict between two Guardians, one can challenge the other to a duel.

I felt my eyes widen, but Naiad quickly put up her hands in a placating gesture.

Its not as bad as it sounds! The duels are held in a special arena, and the fight is only until ones Aura is depleted. The arena itself is heavily enchanted to detect anything that might seriously injure a Guardian, and can place a shield around anybody in danger in milliseconds. In the twenty-one years of Magical Girl duels, there hasnt been a single death.

Its very safe, Everglaive agreed. There are also various rules and regulations about who can challenge who, but thats besides the point. The duels themselves can also be refused. No Magical Girl is obligated to accept a challenge, although refusing a challenge when somebody has a legitimate complaint can have social consequences.

I frowned, eyes flicking between the two in confusion.

Um I dont understand. I dont plan on causing trouble with anybody, and people are already not going to like me just for being a Dark, so Why does it matter?

It mostly doesnt, Everglaive admitted. However, one of the things that can be done in a duel is making a wager. Usually, its points, though only a limited amount can be gained or lost per month through duels. More importantly, there are other things that can be wagered.

Patrol zones, for instance, Naiad nodded. If two Guardians are arguing who gets dibs on a certain location if Usurpations show up, they can wager the area in a duel. Thats probably the second most common wager, but theres not really a limit to what can be put up for grabs. In your case, however

You could make a wager for people to leave you alone and have it be officially enforced, Everglaive sighed, glancing at Sergeant Kelley who was taking in the conversation with a carefully neutral expression. Newer Magical Girls who havent had a chance to actually work with a Dark yet are much more likely to fall for the rumors older Guardians pass along. That combined with the general angst and aggressiveness of teenagers who have suddenly gained magical fighting powers, and theres little to no doubt somebody will try to cause trouble with you. Hence, this ploy. Error already agreed to help, casting privacy shells over any Usurpation you fight in and using magic to clean up your battlefields until the truth comes out. If you can hide the fact you use firearms, youll be able to pull one out in your first duel, giving you a massive advantage over your opponent who will be misinformed about your capabilities.

It would pretty much guarantee a win, especially with a Warden training you, and if you wait to accept a duel until its from somebody who is really bothering you Naiad shrugged. You could get the most bang for your buck. No pun intended.

There was a long silence that followed, the three of them watching me as I stared back.

I internally went over their explanation a few times.

Something tied a knot around my heart and began to squeeze.

I couldnt breathe.

E-excuse me, I managed to whisper, storing my gun in my backpack before turning around and taking several hurried steps away from them.

[Mai?] Selene asked with concern, but I ignored her as I closed my eyes.

Everglaive, a Magical Girl powerful enough to lead a strike team to come save me in the middle of a hoard of Anathema, called in a literal special forces operative and got Error Machina, another powerful Guardian, to agree to assist her in spending their valuable time and points all so I could make sure the first person to really start harassing me would leave me alone.

My chest hurt.

Why?

It was hard to breathe.

Why go through all this trouble for me?

I blinked away the moisture in my eyes.

Why were they being so nice?

My hands squeezed into tight, impotent fists.

Was it pity? Was it because I was so useless? Was it that obvious?

I let out the breath in a quiet hiss of air.

Does it matter?

Slowly, I felt the not entirely unpleasant tightness in my chest loosen.

Ill find a way to pay them back. If nothing else, I can spend my points getting them gifts.

Nodding to myself, I tried to discreetly wipe at my eyes before I turned around and rejoined the group.

They seemed to be talking to themselves about something, but stopped as I neared.

Sorry, I just

I trailed off, realizing I didnt have a way to explain how I was feeling without it being completely humiliating. My face began to heat up, a heavy blush forming on my face, but Naiad quickly stepped in.

Its alright! I know that having to go through all this cloak and dagger stuff is a little frustrating. I know Id be upset if I was in your shoes.

Even though that wasnt exactly the cause of my reaction, I gave the girl a thankful nod for the escape opportunity. Then, I lowered my head, giving the three of them an appreciative bow.

I really appreciate what youve done for me so far, and what you continue to do. I hope I can find a way to repay all of you for your help.

Moon Bunny Naiad hesitated, and Sergeant Kelley let out a laugh that had me looking up at her in surprise.

Oh, I dont think that will be too hard. In my case, all I want in exchange for some training is a promise that you'll invite me to the duels, especially the first. Just thinking about it now has me excited. Just imagine it: some bratty girl who thinks shes top of the world has been bothering you and finally gets you to accept a duel, and then Oh lord, just imagine the look on her face when you pull a gun on her and she realizes she brought a sword to a gunfight!

She cackled with an infectious glee, and I found a giggle escaping me. Naiad chuckled herself while a Everglaives lips twitched with a small smile.

Okay, I told her, giving her a serious nod. I promise.

Oh, youre quickly becoming my favorite Magical Girl, Moon, she rubbed her hands together. Now then, how about we get started. We are technically in an Usurpation, even if it isnt that dangerous with us around. How about you show me that gun of yours, and we can start with some basics?

I nodded, once again retrieving my Umbra from the bag. I started to raise it to hand it to her but paused, a blush forming on my face.

I, um I dont really know the safest way to give this to you. Selene taught me the basics of gun safety and shooting, but

Sergeant Kelleys face sobered immediately, and she gave me an impressed nod.

What you just did is one of the smartest things you could do, girl. Never be afraid to ask questions or admit you dont know something, especially with something as serious as handling a weapon.

A flash of scarlet light materialized a handgun into her hands.

Here, watch what I do. First, make sure the safety is set. Then take out the magazine, clear the chamber, and make sure the action is locked back like this. Then, hold the gun reversed and pointed down, hand gripped over the slide and receiver like this while making sure your fingers are wrapped over the trigger guard here. Then, you simply offer them the grip.

She moved slowly, making sure I could see every step of the process. When she finished, she quickly reloaded her gun and put it back into her dimensional storage.

I followed her instructions, and even though my Umbra was already empty, I went through the motions, and she nodded approvingly as she then took the gun from me, inspecting it carefully.

The Umbra, huh? she said thoughtfully. Model A, mark one by the looks of it. Nine millimeter? Youve got a solid starter gun right here. Its definitely one Id recommend to a beginner. Very nice accuracy and it handles recoil much better than other nine mills. Its only real weakness is its low caliber is going to struggle against some of the bigger nasties. At low levels, it shouldnt be too much of a problem, though.

Is there something else you would recommend? I asked, soaking in the information.

Mmm Im partial to forty calibers, myself. Good balance of stopping power with ammo capacity. Youll have more recoil than you would feel with a nine mill, but with some practice and your magical stats bullshit, I imagine youll adjust fairly quickly. If you like the Umbras design and feel, I know its made in both a forty and forty-five variant too, so the adjustment wont be too big.

She waved a hand dismissively.

But all thats for later. Lets talk about some gun basics first. Safety, strategy, that sort of thing.

I listened as she went into a miniature lecture, though a lot of it was the basics Selene had drilled into me. I still nodded along, not interrupting her as she gave some examples of bad gun handling and the consequences that could happen. After finishing the safety instructions and the most basic of shooting stances that she had me practice a few times, she gave a thoughtful hum.

Theres plenty more to teach on tactics, teamwork, and all that, but I think most of that can be left for another time. The last thing that you really need to know is collateral. When you point your gun and are about to shoot, you need to always know what will happen if you miss. Bullets can penetrate through a lot of objects, and while civilians should be evacuated when you enter an area, that might not always be the case. So, before you shoot, always know if your bullet is going to miss and hit a soft target that it could penetrate through, or a harder material that will stop it. If theres ever any doubt, its better to hold off and reposition.

Giving her a serious nod, she handed my Umbra back.

Like I said, it really shouldnt be a problem here in Arcadia. Theres enough shelters and warning time before Usurpations that its exceedingly rare for civilians to get caught out, but it never hurts to be careful. You might not always be deploying in Arcadia, and you never know when a scared kid might be hiding in a cupboard or something.

I winced at that, the image of Brian cowering under the clothing rack flashing through my mind. She didnt comment on it, simply looking at the other two.

That should cover the need-to-know. Ill admit, you lot can cheat a lot with your stat magics enhancing you, so Ill have to really think about training lessons and gun recommendations. Right now, though, I think that seeing her in action is going to give me the best idea where to begin.

Agreed, Everglaive smiled. Which is why Moon Bunny will be soloing this Usurpation with just her gun. We shall simply be observing.

Sergeant Kelley frowned.

Alone?

Yes. Moon Bunny has had some interesting experiences as a Magical Girl. It has, however, slightly skewed her view on certain things. Completing this Usurpation should give her a better idea of her actual capabilities. Speaking of which, there is one more thing Moon Bunny needs to learn.

Oh?

Guin, Everglaive said, motioning for Naiad to take a few steps back. Do you remember the test we did after trivia night at Macs? Moon Bunny needs a proper introduction to the strength of a Magical Girls shield.

Sergeant Kelley stared at her blankly for a moment.

Then a wide, malicious grin spread over her face.

Oh, do I remember? Are we doing the first or second one?

The second one, if you would. Moon Bunny, I urge you not to panic.

I watched in confusion as Sergeant Kelley stalked towards Everglaive who stood there passively, hands folded behind her back.

I dont think this will ever get old, the Warden gave a contented sigh.

Then scarlet light flashed, a handgun appearing in her hand that she promptly pointed directly at the side of Everglaives head.

From no more than an inch away, she fired.

A strangled scream escaped my lips that was aborted as Everglaive didnt so much as flinch, a green light flaring against her head. Everglaive simply smiled at me as Sergeant Kelley lowered the gun, storing it again with a laugh. She looked around for a moment before bending over and picking up a squished bullet, a wide grin on her face.

Lord, you Girls are such bullshit, she laughed. I love it.

I stared dumbfounded at them, my mind trying to process what Id just seen.

This is the power of your Aura, your shield, Everglaive stated. Like we told you, Its capable of absorbing most of the damage from hits, and if its strong enough, it can absorb the entirety of a blow. Your stats determine the strength of your Aura.

[Willpower determines your Auras overall capacity,] Selene added. [Vitality gives your Aura better defense against physical attacks, and Spirit does the same but for magical damage. Please note that Vitality and Spirit do not provide nearly as much damage reduction to your shield as they do to your body. Spirit also determines how quickly your Aura regenerates. Aura regeneration is generally slow, taking sixteen minutes and forty seconds if your Willpower and Spirit are of equal value.]

Your Aura is also adaptive, Everglaive said. Meaning it knows how much your Vitality and Spirit will naturally resist and let the appropriate amount of damage through before draining your shield. For example, as a Guardian who focuses on Vitality and has over 900 in the stat, my physical defenses are quite high. As such, my Aura knows to let most of the damage bleed through the shield to be negated by my bodys enhanced resilience instead of burning itself up against an attack.

She reached up, pointing to the side of her head where I made out some fragments of bullet that had smashed itself against her skin.

This is an example. I didnt even lose a single percentage point of my shield because a standard bullet doesnt pose much threat to me, especially because Sergeant Kelley was using one of her weaker guns. If it was from a Zenith catalog of a higher rarity or fired by a Magical Girl, there would have been some actual danger involved.

Just remember, Naiad jumped in, looking at Everglaive with concern. Your shield cant always absorb all the damage. If an attack is strong enough or has some kind of piercing aspect, it can get through much easier.

My heart had finally slowed down from the display, and I found myself shaking my head.

You really werent exaggerating when you told me I wouldnt have lost my arm if I had my Aura back then, were you? I thought to Selene, hoping the bitterness didnt fully transfer over.

[No. Its part of the reason what happened is so upsetting.]

I swallowed, nodding.

I understand, I told them.

Excellent, Everglaive nodded. Then all that is left is for you to clear this Usurpation and test out your new abilities, including your physical capabilities. Based on what you told me, your reaction time, speed, jumping, and accuracy will be greatly improved, so make sure to study those limits carefully.

Um, Naiad said sheepishly. Do you know how to clear out an Usurpation?

Everglaive paused, looking at me. I shook my head, and she looked slightly embarrassed.

Ah, yes. Well. Every Usurpation is formed by what we call a Miasma Seed, or Seed for short. At lower level Usurpations, its a stationary object that looks like a glowing, semi-crystalline flower. In higher level Usurpations, an Anathema will sometimes absorb the Seed, increasing their abilities drastically. Destroying the Seed or the Seed Bearer will end an Usurpation.

Usually its a good idea to destroy as many other Anathema as possible before targeting the Seed, Naiad added. The seed will call all the remaining Anathema to it if its under attack. Dont worry too much if you end an Usurpation before defeating all the Anathema, though. Except in very rare cases, Anathema cant survive outside Usurpations, so they will either die or return to where they come from. You will be missing out on points and experience, though, so its best to try to get them all first.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded to them, and Everglaive smiled at me.

Dont worry. This is the weakest of Usurpations, and Error Machina has assured me there wont be any Anathema over level ten. As for numbers, youll be looking at twenty to thirty Anathema. The three of us will be following you, but Im going to put up some invisibility spells with Naiads help to stop the Anathema from coming for us.

What if I accidentally shoot at you? I asked, worry in my voice, but Everglaive smiled.

Im a defensive Guardian. Ill have spells in place to protect us, but even without them, a few bullets at your level wouldnt be able to seriously hurt any of us, as our recent demonstration has proven.

I glanced at Sergeant Kelley, and she merely laughed, gesturing to her power armor.

Magical Soldiers are given Zenith bought equipment, mostly guns and such, but us Wardens, as you may have noticed, have all kinds of toys from dimensional storage items to enchanted power armor and third tier weapons. I even have a personal shield generator of my own. In all, Im easily equipped with over 300,000 points of equipment, not including the cost you Girls have to pay unlocking those Vaults. I probably also have over 50,000 points of expendable items alone like grenades, first aid, and ammunition. You dont have to worry about me, Moon.

I felt my eyes widen, and Everglaive nodded with a smile.

Wardens are equipped with enough enchanted magitech gear that I would bet on them being able to defeat any Guardian lower than level 150. I have no doubt some of the stronger Wardens like Sanguine here would beat any Guardian level 199 and lower.

Damn right I would, Sergeant Kelley flexed in her black armor.

Everglaive shook her head, lips twitching.

Is there anything else you would like to ask before beginning?

I could feel my pulse beginning to pick up, my mouth drying as I realized I was about to be thrown back into danger again. Squeezing the familiar weight of my Umbra in my right hand helped to soothe my nerves, and I only stuttered slightly when I spoke.

Do you, um do you have any advice for me? On tactics, or just how to go about this?

Hmm Well, I mostly want to see how you do on your own to get a baseline, but I suppose I would say to remember what you already did in your first Usurpation. What worked and what didnt, that sort of thing.

Um, Naiad interjected, taking a step forward shyly. This might sound dumb, but what helped me was looking at Usurpations like I did dungeons in Magical Girls Sunset: Rebellion. Im assuming you have experience in that? Did you get far?

The fifth dungeon, I replied, and both Magical Girls stopped.

But Naiad sputtered. Werent you an emergency How long did that take you?

Two weeks, I think? I said, and Everglaive let out a huff of air, shaking her head while Naiad just blinked a few times.

I fired, my aim going wild as I unloaded a half-dozen shots that echoed painfully in the enclosed room. The corpse blossom fell, landing onto the locker room floor with a splat. I kept my Umbra trained on it well after the confirmation ding went off in my head. My ears rang as I approached it, the only sound in the room was my ragged breathing as I stopped myself, standing over it.

My bullets had popped the eye, black blood leaking everywhere as it laid there lifelessly. Staring at it, my eyes trailed down to the toothed tendrils.

Tendrils tightened along my left forearm, and then they twisted. Pressure built, something snapped and pain exploded through me.

I felt my breaths start to come faster.

Lightning lanced up my arm as my bones snapped, and I screamed as the pressure continued to build only to be followed by another crack that lit my nerves on fire.

Dimly, I heard Selene trying to say something to me.

I swung the saw down, meeting no resistance. My lower arm fell to the floor, but I felt nothing as I stared at my stump, small streams of blood spurting out onto the floor.

Something in me snapped, and I raised my gun and fired another shot into the Anathema.

Then another.

And another.

I kept firing, each shot coming out progressively faster until my Umbras slide clicked back empty. The Corpse Blossom was little more than a mangled mess of flesh, blood forming a thick pool underneath it as I gasped for air, the sulfur smell of gunsmoke thick in my nose.

Closing my eyes, I tried to bring my breathing back under control. I felt Selene brush up against my ankle, her body leaning against my leg as I took a quivering breath in. Gratefulness flickered through me, the slight weight helping to ground me.

It didnt take me long to get myself back under control. When I opened my eyes again, I was left feeling tired and empty. I reached down, receiving a fresh magazine that I swapped out, the empty going to Selene.

Just the Seed left? I asked, Selene responding with an affirmative hum. Okay. Lead the way.

Walking through the empty building was still tense even knowing there wasn't any Anathema left. I tried to keep my guard up anyway, but my thoughts kept trailing to the Corpse Blossom and the rest of the Anathema Id killed today.

It had been nothing like the mall. Every encounter there had been a panicked haze of desperation as I tried to pull out every trick possible to just stay alive. Here, though, the fights had been a joke. Id only been hit once, and it barely reduced my shield at all. Most of the combat had been nothing more than me outrunning and outranging everything.

And I barely knew how to use a gun beyond the absolute basics.

And I hadnt used a single spell or my Signature Magic.

And I didnt have a single Skill ormy Class unlocked yet.

But Id still beaten twenty-two Anathema without even really trying that hard.

It was weird. I wasnt sure what I was expecting to feel really. Part of me just felt relieved it was over, but another part felt satisfied. One hound had almost been enough to kill me at the mall, and the Corpse Blossom but Id taken them out. Nobody would have to go through what I did, and having defeated twenty-two Anathema

I mentally unsilenced my notifications, looking over the log. I hadnt gained any levels, but earning 205 points brought me up to 4188. Considering I only spent a few points on ammunition, Id more than come out ahead, especially with how easy this all had been.

So many points. My handgun Vault only cost me 100 points. Just what kinds of things am I going to be able to unlock with over four thousand?

Excitement fluttered through my chest, a small smile pulling on my lips as I wondered how much stronger I was going to be after I spent my points and-

I stopped in my tracks, the smile fading instantly.

Am I actually enjoying this?

During the fight Id mostly been scared, adrenaline pumping through me as I fought, but thinking back, there had been an undercurrent, a slight thrill as I outran the monsters and defeated them, a fierce satisfaction as I aimed and hit my shots.

And that wasnt even touching how it felt to be getting so many points. Now that Id had a few hours to adjust from waking up, I realized I actually felt a little excited to explore what kinds of things I could purchase. It reminded me of the feeling I sometimes got when I beat a hard dungeon in Rebellion. It was a sense of accomplishment mixed with eager anticipation at the possible rewards, but somehow, it felt more real.

When was the last time I felt like this?

Standing there, I realized that I wasnt sure if Id ever really felt like this. Even the first time Lily had invited me to her house, Id been more nervous and wary that it was some kind of trap by Katie than anything else.

[Moon Bunny?] Selene whispered, her gentle voice radiating concern.

Shaking myself from my thoughts, I hurried after her. My mouth felt uncomfortably dry for some reason, but it wasnt the time to be spacing out.

Selene led me up the stairs and across the floor. The rooms looked to be a mix of offices, meditation spaces, and yoga rooms. It was to one of the latter rooms that Selene led me, and I opened the door after she phased through without waiting for me.

Inside, the room was almost empty except for the yoga mats on the floor and what could only be the Miasma Seed.

A giant flower grew in the center of the room. It looked almost identical to a red spider lily, although its petals were a glowing violet color while the stem was an inky black. From the center of the flower, fractal lines of black shadow arced out into reality, splitting the air as if it was made of glass.

As I stepped closer, I began to hear faint sound of dissonant whispers. The sound rasped through the room like a dying breeze, a wordless sigh that brushed against my skin.

I shivered, staring at the Seed. In a way, it was beautiful, but it also felt wrong in a way I couldnt fully comprehend other than the fact filled me with equal parts sorrow and dread.

[This is the Miasma Seed,] Selene said, startling me out of my reverence. [Doing enough damage will cause it to disperse. With an Usurpation of this level, a single bullet should be more than enough.]

Nodding to her, I raised my Umbra, carefully aiming it at the flower.

Then I fired.

The gunshot rang out followed by the sound of breaking glass as the flower shattered. As it fell apart, the shards disintegrated into swiftly fading motes of light. The whispers faded, and I felt an almost imperceptible change in the air as the invisible tension Id felt upon entering the Usurpation disappeared.

[Quest Completed! - Girls First (Official) Usurpation]

[Description: Although you may have already braved a much more deadly Usurpation, you have yet to experience more than the most basic capabilities of being a Magical Girl! Go along with Everglaive and Naiad to clear your first official Usurpation and get a feel for your true abilities!]

[Difficulty: Very Easy]

[Reward: 50 Points]

[New Point Total: 4,238]

Blinking in surprise at the notification, I turned to Selene who shrugged her tails.

[You seemed to have enough on your mind on our way here, so I confirmed the quest in your stead. I hope that is acceptable?]

I nodded at her, opening my mouth to say something only to jump in surprise as the air in the corner of the room shimmered. I started raising my gun, stopping when the image of three familiar figures solidified in front of me.

Now that was quite the show! Sergeant Kelley grinned at me, hands on her hips. Ive got to say, its always a treat seeing a Guardian in action, but seeing a newbie wipe out an entire Usurpation with just a handgun? Amazing. Let me just say, for having no real training, you did a darn fine job.

Indeed, Everglaive gave me a gentle smile. Your speed and accuracy were quite impressive.

I felt my cheeks flush as Naiad stepped up to me, tilting her head as she peered at my shoulder.

Are you alright? It didnt look like the wasps stinger made it through your Aura, but

Im okay, I told her, fidgeting under her attention.

Naiad seemed to realize she was making me uncomfortable, because she backed off a moment later. Everglaive looked over at me almost expectantly, folding her hands behind her back as she addressed me.

I hope that this experience has given you some perspective on what it means to fight as a proper Magical Girl. That was the purpose behind this exercise, after all. Hopefully, you can now make a more informed decision on what kind of Magical Girl you wish to be.

I chewed on my lip, shifting my weight from side to side nervously.

Honestly, I only felt more conflicted than ever. Id come into the Usurpation expecting it to be this big, horrible event I was going to struggle through only to have the opposite happen. Combined with the help offered by Fantasy Fatale and Sergeant Kelley, it left me feeling torn.

There was one thing that tugged at the back of my mind, though.

It wont always be this easy, though, will it? I asked quietly.

It was mostly a rhetorical question, considering I knew how bad things could get. Maybe they werent doing it on purpose, but by taking me to this Usurpation and showing me how easy it was, I felt almost like I was being fed a false sense of security. It was a trick Katie had used against me a few times now, letting up on her bullying only to hit me when I let my guard down.

I wanted to believe that wasnt what was happening here, but it still felt like there was some manipulation going on.

That remains entirely up to you, Everglaive responded, surprising me. Some Guardians dont take quests or fight Usurpations unless they have a five to ten level advantage at a minimum. Others, like Thorina, enjoy fighting Anathema of higher levels and the challenge it brings. Neither path is wrong.

Some might look down on casual Guardians, the ones who barely level and only pick fights they know they can win, Naiad added softly. But theres nothing wrong with being safe. Its more important that the world has Guardians regardless of what they do.

Indeed, Everglaive tilted her head to the side. But I think you already have enough on your mind to contemplate. Now that youve experienced a proper Usurpation, I think you should take some time to figure out your next steps. Sergeant Kelley, Naiad, and I will be waiting outside when youre ready to depart. One last thing, before I leave you.

She held out her hand, and an emerald flash of light materialized my backpack into her hand. Setting it down, Everglaive gestured to it.

In the second folder I gave you, I said there was a letter. I would recommend reading it now before you make any decisions. Ladies, lets give Moon Bunny some time to think.

Everglaive turned on her heel and left without preamble, and Sergeant Kelley followed behind with a wave and grin. Naiad hesitated, seeming to want to say something. Instead, she just gave me a little nod before she left.

Watching them leave, I let out a breath, sitting down next to my backpack and putting down my Umbra.

Id done it. I defeated more monsters and cleared out an entire Usurpation on my own.

So why did I feel so torn? Empty yet satisfied? Guilty yet excited?

Why didnt I feel any closer to an answer than before I agreed to this plan?

[Mai,] Selenes gentle voice rolled over me. [Please know that regardless of the path forward you choose, I am with you.]

Numbly, I nodded as I grabbed the folder I was looking for from my backpack. Pulling out the envelope inside, I leaned against the wall, hugging my knees to my chest and closed my eyes.

Everything felt like it was happening too quickly. Even though it had technically been a week since the mall, Id been asleep the whole time, so it really didnt count. To me, my life had been drastically changed in less than a days worth of time, and I was struggling to figure out my new place in life.

I decided to try to save a boy, almost died, had been chosen to be a Magical Girl, was locked out of a shelter, got into gun fights with monsters, lost an arm, and then chosen to sacrifice what little I had to save the lives of an entire shelter along with my best and only friend.

And the only reason I was alive was because others had risked everything for me and continued to treat me like I was some kind of hero, like Id made this great big sacrifice that had helped Arcadia fight off an entire invasion.

But I wasnt. I was just one selfish, lonely girl who didnt want the blood of her friend or innocent people on her conscience. I wasnt what Everglaive or the rest of Fantasy Fatale seemed to think I was. Even Selene, as supportive as she was, didnt really have a choice in the matter. She was tied to me, so of course she would try to make me feel good and help me.

I just I felt lost. Even before becoming a Magical Girl, Id just been moving forward one step at a time. With Dad, my brother, and everything I owed I didnt have a future, not one I got a real choice in, anyway.

Which was fine. It was just the way things were. The way the world worked.

But now it wasnt.

Somehow, the Zenith had picked me, and if I wanted, everything could be different.

Wanted.

That was the problem, wasnt it? I hadnt really thought about what I wanted in a long time. Beyond stealing some of Lilys time, playing games on my phone to take my mind off everything else, and trying to make good on what was required of me, I didnt really know what I wanted.

Was defeating Anathema with Selene fun? Did I like shooting guns and being rewarded with points for killing monsters?

Weirdly, yes, but that was shallow. Shamefully so. Could I really make a decision on what I wanted to do with the rest of my life based on fun? Based on what I liked?

Id made the contract to be a Magical Girl, but Fantasy Fatale made it clear it was my choice on what fighting the Anathema meant. It all just depended on what I wanted.

Wanted. That word again. That frustratingly vague, hazy concept that I couldnt grasp because it hadnt ever really mattered what I wanted. All that mattered was what I had to do and what I deserved.

And what right do I have to make a decision based on what I want? How much more selfish can I possibly be? What right do I have to make this decision?

Silence fell on me, the quiet gaining a weight that pushed down on my shoulders and squeezed my chest tight.

I dont know what to do, Selene, I whispered to her numbly. Im not what everyone thinks I am. Im not brave. I didnt do what I did at the mall because Im a hero. Im not strong. Im just I just did what I had to. Im not Magical Girl material.

[Mai] Selene started, but I shook my head, raising my head to look at her.

If I hadnt been bleeding out on that mall floor, I whispered, finally giving words to the niggling doubt that had been gnawing at the back of my thoughts, you would never have gone through with choosing me.

Selene went still.

I stared into her eyes, searching for some hint, some confirmation that I was right.

[Open your letter.]

Her voice was calm and quiet, but there was an unwavering steel in her tone that brooked no room for argument.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I opened the letter, pulling two folded pieces of paper free and unfurling them.

Dear Mai,

My name is Lucielle Palmer, and my husband Jacob is also here helping me find the right words. Im not really sure how to write this sort of thing, so Ill just come out and say it: Thank You.

You dont know us, but its thanks to you and your friend Lily that our children, Brian and Lucy, are safe. You risked everything for them, put yourself in danger, and even fought those monsters to save our baby boy. There are no words for the sheer gratitude we have for you, and it was devastating to hear you were injured keeping our boy safe. For this reason, we decided to write you this thank you and get well soon letter.

Brian has been over the moon since hes been home, telling us about how brave and cool you were. Hes always been bright and curious, and we were afraid that maybe this incident might have hurt or changed him.

It hasnt. Hes just as energetic as ever, and seems to have come out of all of this unscathed. Other than carrying his new toy around everywhere, its almost like nothing ever happened. I dont know how you managed to keep him safe while also keeping his spirit alive, but you have my eternal thanks.

Lucy is doing good too, although she refuses to let Brian out of her sight when we are outside now. Shes been inspired by your friend Lily, and has started getting into running to become cool and strong like her.

Speaking of your friend, Im not sure what youve heard, but she did everything in her power to stop the shelters emergency shield from activating. She even put herself between the controls and fought a panicking security guard to stop it from happening. I hope you dont blame her for what happened, because when it came down to it, she was the first one to fight for your safety, and the most torn up when the shield went up.

Im sorry if this letter comes off as rambling, but there truly is no way to express how thankful we are to you. Were going to get to watch our boy grow up thanks to you, and our little girl wont know the agony of losing her brother. We get to be a family, to have birthdays and Christmas parties, to laugh and live without having to shoulder the pain of losing somebody dear, and its all thanks to you.

If there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask. Weve included our home address and phone numbers to the bottom of the letter and would love to have you over for dinner sometime to give you a proper thanks. Heaven knows Brian would love to see you again, and Lucy would be overjoyed if you brought along Lily.

Please know that you are always welcome at our house, and do not hesitate to call if there is anything we can do for you.

You are such a blessing.

Sincerely,

The Palmers.

I stared at the words, eyes glued to the last line.

A blessing.

Youre a curse, Dad snarled, as I curled up on the floor, trying to choke down my sobs at the throbbing pain in my stomach. You owe this family everything! Dont you realize that!?

My vision blurred, wet spots appearing on the letter. I moved it out of the way, revealing the second paper.

It was a picture done in crayon. On it were two crudely drawn figures, stick figures except for the clothes they were wearing.

The first was a boy, holding a smaller stick figure in his hands with a smile.

The second was a girl, one eye a bright blue and the other an eyepatch. In one hand she held the boys free arm while the other held something like a pickaxe.

On the ground next to them was a black colored dog-like creature with two red Xs for eyes.

Finally, above the two figures were words written in crayon.

Thank You!

I lowered the picture, my hand trembling.

[You did that, Mai Kuroki,] Selene told me, her words absolute. [Regardless of what you perceive your motivations to have been or how you rationalize your decisions as necessary, it does not change the fact that you saved a child. Then you saved hundreds. You stopped thousands of others, of family members and friends, from having to mourn their losses. If nothing else, take heart in the simple fact that when it came down to it, you chose to save others over yourself.]

The world became an indistinct swirl of colors as a thick, heavy feeling rose in my chest. I tried to take a calming breath, wiping at my eyes with my sleeve. Deep inside me, I felt a flicker of genuine happiness tinged with actual pride.

And wasnt that a weird feeling? It wasnt the cheap thrill of conquering a challenge in a game, the brisk relief of hearing I cooked another satisfactory meal for my family, or the brittle relaxation I found listening to music.

It was a real, fulfilling feeling that I had done something worthwhile, and that I enjoyed it.

Id never really known what I wanted for my future. I didnt have any stand out skills, was too awkwardly shy to be talented socially, and other than Fathers connections and small amount of fame, I had no real advantages to rely on. From all my attempts at trying to find some kind of job I might be good at, I was all too aware of what I wasnt good at and what I didnt like.

But maybe that was enough, because if I knew what I didnt like, then maybe I could find my calling in preventing those things.

It seemed like an obvious idea in retrospect, but to be fair, I was pretty sure that line of reasoning only worked if you were passionate about whatever you didnt like, if it was something you hated.

It just so happened that I knew exactly what I hated.

The hollow ache of loneliness, the subversive barbs from cheap insults, the burning throb of a fresh bruise, and the bitter, ever-present emptiness of loss.

Pain.

Id grown used to it to the point it hardly bothered me anymore. It didnt stop me from hurting, from having sleepless nights being frustrated at how helpless I was, but it became easier to keep moving forward regardless of how I felt. In a way, being hurt was more of a familiar feeling than a revolting, intrusive one. Id adapted to it, because that was just how life was.

But the one thing Id never grown used to was seeing other people in pain. How could I when I was so familiar with what they were going through, when Id struggled through what they had, when Id lost nights of sleep trying not to cry too loudly over something similar to what they were struggling against?

How could I turn away when I knew what it was to be helpless?

I accepted pain that happened to me, but pain itself? I abhorred it. I outright loathed watching others suffer. Nothing in my life made me feel more relieved and happy than the few times Id been put into a position to ease someone elses pain.

But this time with Brian and his family, I was actually able to prevent it altogether.

Now, after reading their letter and realizing how much it meant to them, it seemed obvious what I wanted.

I wanted to save people from having to go through the same pain I had.

Maybe that was a fragile dream I would never have been able to follow just a little while ago, but now?

Now I could walk that path if I chose to.

I could be more than just Mai Kuroki, the awkward, weak little girl with weird eyes.

I could be Moon Bunny, the Dark Magical Girl who killed monsters and protected those who couldnt protect themselves.

The fact that I actually enjoyed some aspects of being a Magical Girl would just be a bonus.

Everything clicked into place, and I suddenly knew.

Looking up from the letter at Selene, I took a deep shuddering breath in.

Selene, I rasped. I I want to be a Magical Girl. I want to fight Anathema. I want to stop anybody from having to go through what I have. I want to protect people.

I licked my suddenly dry lips, forcing myself to not look away from her gaze.

Will you help me? I murmured the question.

Selenes scarlet eyes glowed, tails fanning about behind her.

[Nothing would make me happier.]