Sergeant O'Malley rose from his chair and immediately saluted.

"Miss." He said respectfully, and I blinked in surprise. Ji-woo seemed to realize this after a second, repeating the gesture to confuse me. Selina turned around and looked at me and the officers.

[My magical girl is probably brand new, and was contracted only five hours ago.] You may be seated and we will continue our discussion. ]

This seemed to make some sound in Ji-woo's head, and when she sat back in her seat, her hand was lowered from the salute. Sergeant O'Malley followed, frowning, and I nervously adjusted my seat.

"Are there any irregularities?" Sergeant O'Malley asked, and Selina looked at me.

[Mai,] she started, and somehow, I could tell she was just sending her voice to me. [Do you want me to continue to take the lead?] If so, how much do you want me to share with them? ]

"I'm not quite sure what's best," I recalled. "So it makes the most sense if you're leading. As for sharing information, I would like to ...... Tell them everything you think is relevant? It's about what's going on in the mall. ”

Selina shook her head at me in affirmation, and she turned to face the two officers.

[Yes, violations,] she learned from Sergeant O'Malley's question. [Due to some unfortunate circumstances, Mai is unable to use her Astral Transfer.] ]

Sergeant O'Malley nodded, and Ji-woo's eyes widened.

"Wait, but that means—"

[In fact, Mai did fight multiple curses without protection or most of the enhancements,] one of Serena's tails wagged in exasperation.

[Except for summoning materials with portals, other combat methods are quite common.] But an important correction point is that the liquor store trap doesn't get all the curses. Mai single-handedly repelled seven men, with a lone hound on the way. Her total curse kills are currently 16, including the one she killed before I signed an emergency contract with her to save her from mortal damage. I'm afraid her first battle to protect Brian wasn't as smooth as it was initially reported. Ha. ]

[Although Mai was inexperienced and could only operate with a fraction of her strength and had little protection, she still showed a high level of talent.] She. ]

My cheeks started to heat up. It's an exaggeration, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish anything without her as a scout and advisor. Still, her words made my chest bloom with warmth, and I moved slightly.

[Mai and I believe that your plan has a good chance of success, but with a little modification, the chance of success will be higher. ]

Sergeant O'Malley nodded respectfully. "Of course, Mademoiselle Selene. We'd love to hear your suggestions. ”

[Good,] she paused for a moment, as if sorting out her thoughts. [First, I recommend contacting Guardian Command for any up-to-date information possible.] ]

"Unfortunately, this is not possible," Sergeant O'Malley replied. "As you may have noticed, the security staff at this vault is currently understaffed. We've sent a team to try to usurp and restart the generator. The director, Sergeant Price, is a former magical soldier who is also technically the officer in charge of the shelter. “

They must be gambling and sending more troops to break the curse while they are still relatively weak, and maybe even more in number. This still leaves them with a backup stealth plan, effectively giving them two separate chances to restart the generator.

My stomach muscles tightened. I tried my best to ignore this and instead focus on the second part of his explanation.

"You mentioned talking to the Magic Guardian before," I said. "But I think the encroachment zone cut off communications."

"Yes and no," he shrugged. "Internet and cellular devices are not available. Radios only work within this area, but they tend to be unstable. The only exceptions are landlines and advanced magic equipment. It is obvious that large shelters were built and directly connected to the Guardian Command. ”

"What the hell is Guardian Command?"

[It's the city's headquarters," Selina explained. [There, Guardian Guild volunteers in charge of the Magical Soldier helped coordinate the War of the Damned.] Support is also available from Zenith and Magical Guardians. ]

"Since Arcadia doesn't belong to any one nation," Sergeant O'Malley added, "you can think of the guild as Arcadia's army, but their only purpose is to fight the curse. The Guardian Command is the name of the center of all their local efforts. That's why large shelters have direct lines of communication there in case of an emergency. ”

[Exactly,] Serena's tail mimicked a shrug. [As for the issue of accessing communication devices, I'm happy to say that it won't be an issue.] As a magical girl, Mai has all the proper qualifications, and the biometric lock will be able to identify her. ]

I blinked, but then it dawned on me. If I'm not mistaken, I received a notice after the contract ceremony, which I mentally jotted down and added to the list of questions to ask.

Sergeant O'Malley nodded. "I agree, getting the most up-to-date information is ideal."

......She paused, seemed to hesitate for a moment, and then continued in her usual calm tone. [Mai will be the one to restart the generator.] ]

"What!?"

Ji-woo looked at Selena like she was crazy. Sergeant O'Malley grimaced.

"Ji-woo—" he began.

"Absolutely not!" Ji-woo shook his head and said. "You just told us that she lost most of what it takes to be a magical girl, and you want to throw her back?"

I felt my hands clenched tightly on my knees, and she wasn't wrong, but—

Selina said calmly. Mai will be able to use me as a scout, effectively eliminating all but the most necessary encounters, as I can communicate directly with her telepathically. I'm right on A

Athema is almost invisible. Finding the best route will be trivial. ]

"The mana generator is in the basement," Ji-woo retorted. "It's mostly a mall maintenance room or an administrative office, but it's a labyrinth of long, narrow corridors that connect everything. There may not be any way to avoid fighting altogether, or even to keep Mai hidden, and it is not easy to fight in a confined space even for the trained. ”

[This would actually get better.] The narrow corridors will give Mai's unique fighting style a decisive advantage. ]

She blinked, looking confused. It took me a while to realize that I had arrived at the shelter with an ice axe, and she probably thought that was what I was working with. I walked to the left and opened the backpack I had placed on my seat. I started rummaging through boxes and cabinets, removing excess clothes, and stopped when I realized I was going to pull out a gun in front of two cops.

"Hmm......," I said, and turned straight to Selena. I'm not going to get in trouble by showing them this, am I? ”

[You're a magical girl.] Selene sent it back to me. [Possession of a gun is insignificant.] The current position of most countries can be described as appeasement: do not interfere with the magical guardians and meet their demands within reason. ]

"Can I have a gun?"

[Yes,] Selina shrugged. [I suggest warning them first.] ]

"Alright," I cleared my throat and said aloud. "I'm pulling out my weapon, so ...... Don't be surprised. ”

Both officers had curious expressions on their faces, and I pulled out my gun very slowly and very carefully. I always carefully observed the point of the muzzle and gently placed it on the table in front of me.

Seeing the gun, both of them were stunned for a moment, but they didn't make any other obvious movements except staring. The inside was obviously locked, hoping to make them feel a little more relaxed. I breathed a sigh of relief.

[As you can see,] Selene interrupted the shocking silence. [Mai uses a firearm.] In the long and narrow corridor, Mai's advantage is so obvious that her opponent can't dodge it. ]

"But......" Ji-woo broke free from staring at the gun. This is true for any of us. ”

[Yes, but Mai has a "Umb" that uses 9mm silver class ammunition

a”。 The blocking power against curses is orders of magnitude greater. ]

I'm not sure if Serena sensed my emotions because she looked at me for a moment, then at the two officers.

"What is Geas?" I said to Selena.

[Magic Contract.] They will be bound by it and will not be able to violate its terms, willingly or not. Not even torture or other magical means could make them break the contract. ]

"Selene!" I gasped loudly, causing both officers to flinch at my sudden outburst. "That looks..."

[It depends on your particular situation. She turned to face me, still just talking in my head. [Mai, you're still new to the role of a magical girl, and I'm going to do everything I can to protect you.] Specific information about your combat abilities, especially your unique enhancements, needs to be kept as secret as possible. ]

"I ......" shook my head, and I tried to parse what Selina had told me. I know my abilities are an important personal aspect of being a magical girl, but why keep it a secret? Who the hell is Selina trying to protect me from? Is it just mass scrutiny? Or...

"It's okay," Sergeant O'Malley sighed,

Ji-woo gave me a gentle smile, and I felt a warm fluttering sensation again. I nodded numbly in response. She turned her head to look at Selina, and the smile on her face vanished.

"That doesn't change the fact that I still don't think Mai should be the one who went out," Ji-woo told Selena. "Especially not alone."

[This makes the most sense with reconnaissance, communications, and sophisticated weapons.] Even if Mai is injured, she has access to advanced first aid services. The only reason she came to this shelter injured was to disguise her identity. In fact, she can heal most injuries in a matter of minutes. As for why Mai did this alone, the ammo and first aid she had not been given were unlimited. While Mai has enough resources to heal and arm herself, even one more person would greatly deplete her current reserves. It's also a secret mission, meaning that more people will greatly increase the chances of being discovered. Finally, if Mai needs to fight, the long narrow hallway will limit the effectiveness of multiple fighters, and may even endanger her if she needs to escape. ]

I'm a little surprised that Selina was able to express very well all the reasons why I myself think this is the best idea, and I do think it's the best plan.

"Ji-woo," I said, forcing myself to look at her. "I appreciate your efforts to keep me safe, but...... I'm a magical girl. Even though I'm new and inexperienced, I can't use my full abilities, but this kind of thing is what I should do, and it's the best thing to do. ”

"I agree," Sergeant O'Malley added, and both Ji-woo and I turned to him in shock. "She is most likely to do it without getting killed. Besides, even if we don't agree, there's nothing we can do to stop her. Miss Selena was kind enough to discuss the issue with us, but in the end, Mai was a magical girl. We don't have any authority over her, and technically she is higher than we are. ”

[Magical Girl theoretically has a special rank equivalent to that of an army captain.] 】

Ji-woo finally sighed, and I turned around to find that she was looking at me.

"Mai, if that's what you think is best," she said hesitantly, "that's fine." I'm just trying to make sure that's what you really want to do. ”

If I don't, people will die. Lily is dying. I have the best chance of success, and that's it. In addition, I trusted Selina and even thought she was right. With her help, I was able to avoid any real danger, and ...... Even if I'm injured, what does it matter if I can save those people?

I didn't say what I thought, just nodded to her. Her body collapsed slightly, but she still managed to give me a weak smile.

"Okay...... In that case, we should probably contact Guardian Command. Maybe they have some updates. ”

Sergeant O'Malley scoffed at this and shook his head.

"It's like we're lucky," he said, standing up and walking over to the desk facing all the monitors. I got up and followed Ji-woo.

There is a keyboard on the table, as well as several touch screens that display various menus. Sergeant O'Malley reached out and pressed a few buttons, prompting a message on the main display: "Verification required." "Please submit your credentials."

"Okay," the sergeant pointed to a screen on the table with a handprint on it. "Just put your hands here and we're connected. Last time we had a real magic guardian respond, but don't know if we'll get the same person. ”

[Do you remember the Guardian's name before we call?] Selene asked, jumping onto the back of the empty chair in front of the table to balance her balance.

"I believe he said his name was...... E

o

Machi

a？ ”

Selina froze, completely still, as if someone had pressed a magical pause button on her. Her tail stopped wagging gracefully and froze in place with an unnatural stillness. My heart pounded, and before I could ask her what was wrong, her tail started moving again. Maybe it's my delusion, but they seem to be moving a little faster than before.

Selina turned to look at me.

[Mai,] she said, and I could tell that her voice was only sent to me. [With E

o

Machi

It is ideal to get in touch. Still, I asked me to take the lead in talking to him. ]

"Why?" I looked at her with a frown.

"It makes sense, but ...... Aren't we all trying to protect humanity from the curse? ”

"How did they become Guardians?" I asked, frowning. "Isn't that a contradiction?"

Her voice faded, then shook her head slightly. ]

"I ......," I sighed wearily. I believe you, but this act of keeping a secret is frustrating, Selena. I now understand why I can't convert, and everything else you're hiding from me doesn't matter, but it really doesn't feel good, especially when it starts to feel like something you've been running away from with something...... Bad things to worry about. ”

[Nope.] ]

Selene's tone was so strong that I jerked my head back. Her voice sounded in my head, and I felt my eyes widen as she continued to say the same tone.

[That's not a bad thing.] Your situation is complex and will certainly bring challenges, difficulties, and setbacks, but that's not a bad thing. I apologize if I'm not clear about this. ]

"Oh, well......" I replied, still shocked by her ferocity. I guess that makes a lot of sense......"

There was an awkward silence between us, and suddenly Ji-woo coughed.

"I'm sorry if I'm missing something, but are you two okay? You've just been staring at each other for a while, and I know you can talk to each other telepathically, but ......"

"I'm sorry." I replied hurriedly, my face flushed. "I mean to be rude."

"No, it's okay," Ji-woo hastened to reassure me. "Just want to make sure everything is okay."

I nodded, and turned my gaze back to Selina.

"I agree with your leadership, and I will make sure nothing is shared without asking you first."

[Thank you,] she bowed her head. [I just want to keep you as safe as possible.] ]

I nodded to her. After all we've been through, there's no reason I shouldn't trust her. She has saved my life, but more importantly she ...... Always seemed to know what I needed. Later she also helped me beat 14 aces at once

athema。

No, Selina is more than just my impartial advisor. She...... There's more to it than that, I can't find the right words. Strong!

Also, Selene is not exactly human. She didn't see me the way everyone else did...... Maybe that's why I found myself talking to her so naturally.

I shook my head and pulled myself out of the reflection. Then I raised my hand and hovered over the display for a moment.

"Oh," I blinked. "I was going to ask this, but you're talking about this Guardian, E

o

Machi

Alas, it's like you know him. ”

[I have access to a wealth of information, including the archives of each of the magical guardians that exist.] It contains only information about their public activities and their voluntary mention that I am sure he will become an ally. ]

"And if I don't deform, I have no problem showing myself to him.

I nodded, took a deep breath, stabilized myself, and put my hand on the screen.

The main display switches to the "Scanning..." screen, followed by "Authentication approved." "Trying to get in touch." After a while, it flickered and changed again, revealing a man sitting behind a desk. The area behind him is out of focus of the camera, blurring his surroundings, but it also happens that my eyes are immediately drawn to his costume.

He wears a dark green tight-fitting suit covered in dark, shimmering glass-like armor on his chest, shoulders, and gloved hands. The luminous lines of the emeralds illuminated his clothes, and the patterns were like circuits, accompanied by the vibrations of the light. His hair is another moss-green color, but his face is covered by a completely featureless, slightly angular black mask,

The mask is made of shiny metal. It doesn't have any bulges, protrusions, or even eye holes, giving it an intimidating feeling.

When the camera came online, the man's head shook back a little and his head jerked towards Serena. Then he slowly turned around and looked down at me. Even through the monitor, I could feel his sudden gaze on me. He didn't say anything, and I moved nervously as the tension mounted.

Suddenly, his mask cracked into four pieces, pulling his head apart, revealing his face. He looked young, probably in his early twenties, with some freckles on the pale skin of his nose and upper cheeks.

His emerald green eyes were sharp in color, but they were not as vivid as a man. His pupils are shaped like square zeros, which, combined with his outfit, give him a futuristic, almost robotic look.

A big smile with a childish joy on his face.

"Alright, alright, alright," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Today was full of surprises."

[Greetings,] Selina bowed her head. [Nice to meet you.] We hope you can provide some help to other guardians. ]

"Of course!" He smiled, and his eyes actually began to glow.