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Chapter 9: Meeting
🕑 Added 2024-03-05 05:00:53 +0000 UTC"Watch out, they're up against two arachnomantis," Felicia announced, referring to the footage from my magic eye at the front gate. There, I observed three of Shirayuki's contracted Magical Girls and Guardians in combat. Red Flame Darkness, clad in red armor and wielding a longsword; Alice, known as Shining Arrow in her Magical Girl form, adorned in frilly, puffed-up skirts; and Sapphire Priest, in a blue dress with a white staff.
They were battling two spider-like Anathema, creatures that seemed to be a hybrid of human and spider. These beings had a human torso where the spider's head should be and long scythe blades instead of front claws. Shining Arrow and Red Flame Darkness were locked in a stalemate with the two arachnomantis.
"Should we assist them?"
"I'd advise against it. The arachnomantis, with its scythe hands and agility, poses a significant threat. It deals substantial damage and is incredibly fast. To combat it effectively, you need to maintain distance and keep moving or possess enough dexterity and agility to dodge its attacks. Red Flame Darkness seems to manage well, but the pink one is having a tough time."
"Alice is supposed to be the strongest of them," I remarked, noting Red Flame Darkness's precise parries and counterattacks. Alice, on the other hand, was primarily evading and occasionally blocking the scythe with her metallic bow, requiring Sapphire Priest to intermittently cast buffs and heal her.
"It appears she specializes in long-range combat. It's remarkable that she can hold her ground against an arachnomantis," Felicia observed.
"I think I should help, even if it's just to create a diversion."
"There's no need. Red Flame is close to defeating one of them. Once he joins the others, the remaining arachnomantis won't stand a chance. But the blue one seems to be lagging. Doesn't she have any attack magic? A brief distraction from her could significantly turn the tide for Shining Arrow."
"Sapphire Priest specializes in healing. She's contracted to work in our hospital."
"Even as a healer... Well, this is what happens with hyper-specialization when you focus too narrowly on your stats or skills. I'm sure her familiar will have some advice for her after this battle."
I watched the intense battle, eager for a better view, and moved to the window. They were now breaching the front gate.
"Look! Red Flame Darkness just severed an arm of the arachnomantis!" Clad in full red armor, Red Flame Darkness executed a downward swing, successfully amputating the arachnomantis's arm. However, he was then knocked back by a scythe sweep, a red barrier flashing to convert the cut into kinetic damage as he was thrown against the wall. Was that his shield aura? The protection astral shift was meant to provide?
In stark contrast to Red Flame Darkness's deadly melee, Shining Arrow, adorned in her puffy pink skirt and white shirt, fought with steady precision. She kept increasing the distance between them, countering with her arrows. Despite her seemingly cumbersome attire, she moved with surprising agility, outpacing even Red Flame Darkness. With a single backward leap, she gained five meters and launched an arrow into the spider's torso upon landing.
"Is that arrow magical?"
"Yes, that bow is from the Bow Vault [Rare]; it can utilize mana to form arrows. Additionally, it also had a special skill. It can serve as a grappling hook."
"She hasn't used that feature yet, though."
"Possibly, the idea hasn't occurred to her, or she's chosen not to use it. Engaging directly with the arachnomantis prevents it from targeting Sapphire Priest, who's vulnerable."
"Can I access a rare vault as well?"
"Unlocking it costs 1,000 points, and the weapons themselves are around three hundred. You might consider a Sky Piercing Partisan or Homing Javelin."
"I'd prefer a naginata or poleaxe, actually."
"So, will you opt for the Sword Vault or the Axe Vault?"
"Let's hold that thought. There might be an opportunity coming." I observed Shining Arrow moving closer to the school building. From the second floor, there could be a chance to intervene. "An opportunity will arise."
"Wait, that's too risky without your astral shift. Falling from this height could result in serious injury." I disregarded her caution, positioning myself at the window's edge, javelin in hand and ready to leap. The Seraph Spear would have been suitable, but for penetration, I preferred the javelin. Its cross-shaped blade could hinder enemies from getting too close, yet there were times I wished for a straighter point.
"Damn!" Shining Arrow cursed, realizing her error. She gained distance to shoot her arrow and didn't anticipate the arachnomantis's counter. As her arrow flew, the creature sprayed a web-like substance, ensnaring her against the school's outer wall.
"Now," I whispered, launching myself from the window with my javelin in hand. Time seemed to decelerate, sharpening my focus on the javelin and the anathema that chuckled menacingly as it approached Alice, ready to strike. Shining Arrow struggled against her bonds to no avail, unable to free herself in time.
Like a dark comet, I plunged towards the anathema, targeting its spider abdomen. I met substantial resistance as my javelin's tip collided with the creature's tough chitinous armor. The force momentarily halted my descent before the javelin pierced through, embedding itself into the concrete below, and my momentum was abruptly countered by the anathema's body.
It wailed in agony as it was pinned to the ground. Despite its lack of emotions, panic seemed to resonate in its cries while its body twitched uncontrollably. Shining Arrow seized the moment to wriggle free from the webbing.
"Catch!" Felicia called, tossing my Seraph Spear from the second floor. The spear fell beside me, and I have yet to take it due to pain. Pain surged through me from the impact, particularly in my knees and arms, yet nothing felt broken; the anathema's body had cushioned my fall. I grabbed the spear and advanced on the Arachnomantis, driving it deep into its humanoid chest. Despite the deep wound, it continued to fight for life. I retreated, preparing for another attack, but the anathema, in a desperate bid for survival, tore itself free from my javelin, shattering the surrounding concrete as it lunged towards me.
"Duck! This one's mine! Eat this, you bastard!" came a shout. I instinctively ducked as a flaming sword whizzed over my head, cleaving through the arachnomantis that nearly ended me.
[Defeated: Arachnomantis Level 25]
[Remaining Points: 366]
[You have leveled up to level 6]
[Bonus Stat Points: 30]
Silence ensued until Shining Arrow called out for assistance.
"Sapphire-chan, Flame-kun, help me..." Alice implored, struggling against her restraints.
"Purify!" Sapphire began her incantation, and the webbing dissolved from Alice's body. After brushing off the residual dust and web, she approached me.
"So, is this girl one of the emergency contract MGs needing help?"
"Yuri-sama! You've become a magical girl?"
"Sama?" Sapphire Priest echoed, puzzled by the honorific. Embarrassed, I averted my gaze. That title had become unexpectedly linked with my name.
"She's a school friend! You know her too, right?"
"Um, no. We don't attend regular school anymore," Sapphire and Dark Flame responded.
"Oh, sorry. I forgot. Personal details are off-limits. Anyway, she's the Shirayuki branch director's daughter we're contracted with! It's fantastic to work alongside Yuri-sama as a magical girl! Please, join our team! Don't worry, we welcome newbies!" The overly enthusiastic pink magical girl enveloped me in a hug. Her affection made my skin crawl, but her extroverted nature made it difficult to decline directly.
"That Shirayuki? The world's eighth largest company?" Sapphire's mouth fell open in surprise. I blushed, avoiding their gazes.
"Wait. If you know her, she must not have used her astral shift. Did you flee from a particularly strong Anathema?" Dark Flame quickly surveyed the area.
"Um... No. I can't access my astral shift due to something called the blacklight protocol. Felicia, my familiar, will explain the situation." I passed the explanation to her, hoping she could clarify.
"Greetings, I am Felicia, Yuri's familiar. I formally request Shining Arrow's assistance to witness the release of the Blacklight Protocol on Yuri, a Dark Origin Magical Girl."
The trio of Magical Girls looked puzzled. "What's a Blacklight Protocol?" they asked in unison. Then, a dog familiar resembling a corgi hopped onto Alice's shoulder, speaking in a tone as mechanical as Felicia's.
"I am Wan-Chan, Shining Arrow's familiar. As dictated by the United Nations of Humanity's council, we are obligated to explain the Blacklight Protocol when necessary.
"Shining Arrow, the Blacklight Protocol was implemented by the United Nations of Humanity to limit the misuse of magical powers by individuals, particularly those of dark origin."
"Limiting someone from becoming a Magical Girl? Why would they do that?" The red-clad warrior frowned. Soon after, a flaming bird appeared on his shoulder, and a blue snake coiled around Sapphire's neck.
"Does the UNH really wield such authority? I thought Magical Girls and Guardians were meant to be independent of any organizational control," Sapphire inquired through her familiar.
"Freedom is constrained by the freedom of others. Thus, Magical Girls are expected to monitor one another. Nevertheless, the UNH has imposed restrictions on certain Magical Girls' powers, hence the Blacklight Protocol," Felicia explained.
"That's absurd. Such discrimination," the red knight grumbled.
"They're probably fearful because of past incidents," Sapphire mused, frowning.
"There's no chance Yuri would misuse her powers. I trust her completely, especially after she saved me today. How can we lift the Blacklight Protocol? I vouch for her character; she's always been an exemplary student, even surpassing me!"
"That's not saying much, considering your habit of dozing off in class," the red Guardian retorted. "Regardless, I'm not a fan of the UNH's methods either. Phoenix, how can we deactivate her Blacklight Protocol?"
"Do you vow that she will fulfill her duties as a Magical Girl without misusing her abilities or causing harm to fellow Magical Girls or humanity?"
"Yes," Alice affirmed.
"Then, as you hold her hand, declare, 'I, Magical Girl Shining Arrow, hereby release you from the Blacklight Protocol, Release!'" instructed the corgi familiar, outlining the process.
Alice extended her hand, and despite my hesitation, her unwavering smile encouraged me. I opened my palm, allowing her to grasp it. She then firmly recited the incantation, holding my hand against her heart.
"I, Magical Girl Shining Arrow, hereby release you from the Blacklight Protocol, Release!"
[Blacklight Protocol released. Astral Room unlocked. Please select your Magical Girl attire.]
The prompt appeared before me, stirring emotions I struggled to understand. Doubts about my worthiness clouded my mind—evil people like me should be under scrutiny, not entrusted with such power. Yet, here they were, placing their faith in me, especially Felicia, who believed in me more than I did in myself. Their trust bestowed upon me a responsibility I vowed to honor. "Thank you, Magical Girls," I thought, feeling a mix of gratitude and resolve.
"Is she now officially a Magical Girl? Wan-nyan?" Alice inquired, looking towards her dog.
"It's Wan-Chan, remember the name you gave me. Yes, the Blacklight Protocol has been lifted. She now has full access to her Astral Shift and Grimoire, just like the rest of us," confirmed the familiar.
"The Grimoire too?"
"Yes, the Blacklight Protocol restricted her to only the Gate function."
"Those UNH bureaucrats... We should lodge a formal complaint."
"Let's not dwell on that for now. What's important is deciding on a name for Yuri-sama!" Alice exclaimed with a mischievous grin, sparking an immediate sense of alarm in me.
"Do you have an alias in mind, Lady Yuri?" Sapphire asked, embellishing my name with an unnecessary honorific.
"Lady?" Dark Flame raised an eyebrow at Sapphire's formality.
"She appears so refined and dignified, even in her disheveled school uniform, almost like a princess or a noble. That's why I referred to her as 'Lady,'" Sapphire explained.
"Ah, Princess. Considering her lineage, what about Snow White Princess?"
"But she embodies the dark magical girl archetype, not white," Sapphire pointed out, causing me to blush from their suggestions.
"Dark Snow Princess doesn't flow well. Perhaps, Kuroyuki Princess? Kuroyukihime feels overly Japanese, considering our international unity."
"Since her name is Yuri, symbolizing a lily, what about Black Lily Princess?"
"I like that! What about Darkness Princess?" Dark Flame proposed.
Please! Stop. I am dying from embarrassment here!
"That lacks a feminine touch, Mr. Dark Flame. Maybe Nightly Princess?"
"No, let's embrace her Japanese heritage. How about Kurohime Yuri?"
"You can't use her real name! That's a breach of privacy!"
"Then, Kurohime Lily?"
"Yamihime Lily?"
"Shirahime Princess!"
"Darklight Princess!"
"Shadow Princess!"
"Shadowlight Princess!"
"Moonlight Princess!"
The brainstorming for my Magical Girl name spiraled into a battle of suggestions, each more embarrassing than the last. I couldn't believe they were seriously considering such flamboyant titles. Every proposal was laced with elements of royalty or honorifics, making me increasingly uncomfortable.
"Enough! Everyone!" I couldn't contain my exasperation any longer.
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how i pictured shining arrow
