Snow White Raising Project

This story is set a few weeks after Magical Girl Raising Project

The Magical Girl known as Snow White.

By her own actions, she went into isolation.

A survivor of the Forest Musician Clamberry’s final examination. Clamberry’s test methods were cruel. Charged with the crime of holding a Death Game.

Yet she was also a victim of that incident.

It’s been a while since that incident was first discovered. The person who successfully uncovered it was regarded as a hero.

There was also sympathy for her, as she was also a victim of the incident. However, her attitude has been stubborn. She rejected all the sympathy, worship, or care offered to her.

Eventually, people who wanted to help her stopped caring entirely about her.

Even though she didn’t want people to feel concern towards her, the Land of Magic couldn’t help it. It was necessary for them to bring treatment towards Snow White.

After all, they had to show sincerity to the victims of that incident. Other Magical Girls would feel dissatisfied, uneasy, and would spread negative opinions, otherwise.

At least, that’s what I think.

The Land of Magic often does things like that, anyways.

When the Land of Magic granted Snow White honorary status as a Land of Magic citizen, my thoughts were confirmed.

Does she want to continue being a Magical Girl? Or would she rather have her memories erased and returned to a normal life? Choosing to return to the world as another normal member of society.

It turns out, when asked, Snow White had answered that she would prefer to continue being a Magical Girl.

The Land of Magic probably would have preferred if she returned to being a human. After all, she still had a future ahead of her.

Judging from her personality, and how she behaved during the test, surely she would’ve chosen to leave and return to normal.

And yet…

...She chose to continue to become a Magical Girl instead.

I heard the news, and that day, I rushed to become Snow White’s new mentor.

Snow White was a Magical Girl who had yet to receive proper training from an official test. If she is to become an honorary member of the Land of Magic, then someone has to educate her in how to become a proper Magical Girl.

I am not a graduate of Clamberry’s tests. I was selected and passed a proper Magical Girl selection test.

My place of residence is relatively closeby to Snow White’s district. In a way, I am a veteran who isn’t doing much as of now.

My memories of the Land of Magic’s policies and training methods are still well ingrained as well. Thus, I satisfy the conditions of becoming her mentor.

Thus, in the candidacy of becoming her mentor, I feel I am capable of becoming chosen.

It turns out I was chosen. However, it’s because I was the only one running for that position. In a way, I felt a bit honored.

No one else cared for this girl but me.

I was interested in Snow White. She should have been disillusioned with Magical Girls, and she should’ve desperately wanted to be free from that life, and yet she chose to continue of her own free will.

Even though I knew the details of Clamberry’s final test, why is it that it seems like this girl is a mystery?

If she was like this, then was the other survivor, Ripple, the same?

An outcast, and a fighter, and yet she also chose to continue becoming a Magical Girl with high spirits.

Fact. Ripple didn’t quit becoming a Magical Girl. Yet, Snow White’s decision was incompatible with her personality.

Why?

I can’t stop thinking of that.

That’s why I wanted this position.

After I was chosen, I immediately contacted Snow White. I greeted her, told her my name, and explain that I had become her mentor.

“Ah, it’s difficult to meet together currently. However, I’m just a short phone call away. If there’s anything that’s troubling you, please, talk to me about it,” I said from the bottom of my heart.

I heard a casual reply from Snow White.

“I’m not looking to get close with you.”

When she said that, it hurt my heart a little, but since I wanted to get to know her better, I still tried my best.

“Anything is alright. I was just offering my assistance if you needed help, no matter how small. I know when I was troubled, I used to consult my mentors for help.”

“I see.”

“Please don’t hesitate to consult with me. Not just for Magical Girl things. Family problems, school perhaps. Is everything going well with those?”

And her reaction was not what I expected.

“Miss Frederica. There’s one thing I want to ask. How do I become stronger?”

She went straight to the point. Her words could be interpreted in so many ways.

I tilted my head, and tapped on my feet. As I had expected, she was an interesting girl.

“And what do you mean by that? Strength of the mind?”

“No. Stronger as in combat strength.”

“I don’t think Magical Girls need that kind of strength. They need kindness, beauty, compassion, friendship, those kinds of things. I don’t think any other things should be necessary.”

“Well, I don’t think any of those things you told me are necessary for me right now.”

After that, she didn’t ask any other questions, and then...

“I have to go. Goodbye.”

She hung up the phone.

Of course, just because I came from outside of Clamberry’s tests, and offered a balm to her doesn’t mean the living hell she went through would suddenly become a utopia.

Despite her rather rude actions before, I still tried to reach out.

I sent her a text, hoping to reach the next step with her,

“Why do you wish to become stronger?”

“I need to become stronger for what I’m about to do”

“And just what are you going to do, exactly?”

Her reply was slow.

It seems like she wasn’t willing to reveal it to her own mentor, so I decided to take the next step for her.

“You’re a Clamberry test participant. Because of that, you have a lot of eyes focused on you. So you’d do well to lay low. It’s dangerous to step out of bounds. If you start becoming violent. Even if what you’re doing is the right thing, everyone will just say, ‘Ah, of course she’d do that, she’s a Clamberry test survivor.’”

After I typed it all out. I erased everything and tried again.

“You’re a Clamberry test participant. Nobody will see you as anything more. If I taught you how to fight, then you’ll be the same as Clamberry. You’ll be judged as someone who only enjoys fighting and finding stronger opponents. If that happens, the Land of Magic will take appropriate action.”

That looked perfect. I sent the text to her.

After I hit send, I had this sick feeling in my stomach. I headed up and picked up my binder.

I sat on my kitchen chair and turned the pages slowly.

In my binder were the pictures of Magical Girls that I’ve seen throughout my years. And in those pictures…

...An angelic gloss, a supple vibrant feeling. A braided hairstyle.

Just looking at a Magical Girl’s hair was enough to ease my stress. For a while, my heart calmed down.

Then my Magical Phone rang, and I threw my binder towards the table.

“And what are those actions? Do they work? Did they manage to catch everyone who broke the law?”

I read those sentences twice. Then I typed in a reply.

“Some skilled people have often managed to escape-”

No, that’s bad. Let’s start over.

“There were rumors that some skilled people have managed to escape. However, I think those are just rumors”

This is good.

“Is there any truth to them?”

Since Snow White brought up these kinds of topics, I think I know what she was planning to do.

People who passed Clamberry’s tests were usually known by the name, Children of Clamberry, whether they are now good people or bad people.

I could smell her interest in them. There was no mistaking it.

“There’s no basis for it, though I personally trust what my colleagues say”

After sending her that message, I turned off my Magical Phone. I picked up a magazine.

The Forest Musician Clamberry.

It’s said that she always stayed in her Magical Girl form.

I couldn’t do that. I had to pay rent, and I had to pay my taxes too. Even though I don’t exactly have a job, I still kept my human life together.

As a Magical Girl, sensing the world through human eyes can feel refreshing, or at least I thought so.

Although there’s no grounds for that, I had that philosophy.

______________________________________________________________________

As I became Snow White’s mentor, I was able to investigate more details about her.

Her real name was Koyuki Himekawa. Her Magical Skill was ‘To hear the thoughts of people in distress’.

The details of the examination test that she won in N-City were written out in great detail.

They had used a Free-to-Play Social Game, Magical Girl Raising Project to lure potential candidates. From there, they picked the ones with Magical Potential, and made them into Magical Girls.

They used a Mascot Character, who was based in the Test Administrator’s Magical Phone, in order to access the vast network of Magical Girls that they’ve chosen.

An Cyber Fairy who was an expert on technology, Fav was used. Only with his expertise were they able to do this sort of selection method.

For something like this, the conventional Animal-Type Mascots, who couldn’t handle a Magical Phone with their limbs, wouldn’t be able to accomplish it.

Ah, but after Clamberry’s incident was discovered, there’s been a stigma against Cyber Fairy Mascots. Most people tend to use Animal-Types instead nowadays. Some would call it a revival of sorts.

Magical Girl Raising Project managed to find a total of 15 Magical Girl candidates. If we included Clamberry herself, that rounds up the test with 16 participants.

Their rules to decide who gets eliminated from the tests was a point system using something called Magical Candies. After a while, it seems that their candy competition turned into a deathmatch.

As time went on, there was betrayal, death, and murder.

Due to some accident of some kind, even the Forest Musician Clamberry, the administrator herself, was killed as well.

Since she had died, the test was suspended. The announcement of the game’s end was brought by Fav himself.

Unfortunately, another accident broke out.

A Magical Girl named Top Speed was killed in the event, and her close friend, Ripple, couldn’t seem to contain her anger. In her revenge, she called out the killer, Swim Swim, into a duel.

She managed to kill her, though at great injury cost to herself.

Although it was quite a bloody affair, for Snow White herself, she came out only as a victim.

Attacked by Ruler’s group, attacked by Magicaloid 44, the endless cycle of people targeting her and others rescuing her continued.

And that’s why, considering all this…

...The Snow White that I talked to on the phone wasn’t the same Snow White that I’m reading about in that test.

She was helpless back then. Is that why she’s seeking strength? Does she want to stop being helpless?

The sense of distress, survivor’s guilt, the feeling to make right what was wrong.

It’s impossible to know for sure unless I ask her myself.

Not just by talking, I needed to observe her as well.

Because I knew Snow White’s human identity, Koyuki Himekawa…

...I was able to learn her address.

I examined the times where she would go to school, and while she was away, I raided the Himekawa residence.

This was very usual for me. This is the most orthodox way to get someone’s hair.

On the first floor, Koyuki’s mother was busy vacuum cleaning. Loudly enough that it may was well serve as BGM.

My focus was on Koyuki’s room. I managed to pick up her fallen hair on the carpet. Most of the time, hair would be hidden in your bedroom, it’s the most common place where you drop your hair.

The cuticle. It smells so good. I wanted to place her hair into my mouth.

But I couldn’t. I slipped her hair into a thin piece of paper.

______________________________________________________________________

When I transform into a Magical Girl, aside from the fantastical costume, I also possessed a crystal ball, as large as a child’s head.

When hair is wrapped to one of my fingers, then that hair’s owner is displayed within the crystal ball. One hair for each finger makes a total of 10 possible targets at a time.

Unfortunately, I can’t broadcast them simultaneously, but I could switch channels.

The only disadvantage to this is if I have to deal with bald people, or people with hair so short that I couldn’t wrap my fingers around them.

It’s fine though, every power has a weakness.

When I activated my magic, a girl appeared within a reachable distance.

Indeed, I could do that.

It’s possible for me to interact by reaching my hand through the crystal ball. It’s possible for me to reach in, grab her, and pull her over to my side. That was the original purpose of my Magical Skill.

But I won’t do that. Not now. It’s not the time.

I suppressed the desire to reach out to that platinum blonde hair, blowing within the wind. Now, I’m only an observer.

My magic has a very fuzzy system of recognition. I had Koyuki Himekawa’s hair, yet with it, I can also observe her, even when she’s transformed into Snow White.

Whenever I had free time during the day, I would spend it by observing Snow White closely.

The girl was a middle school student like any other. She took her classes seriously, and she had friends as well. She was in 2nd grade middle school.

She had a student back, high socks, a scarf, a pleated skirt.

Perhaps it’s due to my age, but seeing a girl dressed like that gave me a sense of nostalgia.

Even as a Magical Girl, she was dressed in school clothing as well. Though, her white Magical Girl uniform was decorated with large flowers.

Although she also had a flower motif, Clamberry’s flowers were different from hers.

Her activities seems to be those that the Land of Magic would recommend to her. She was busy almost all the time, searching for people in distress.

One time, she watched over her classmates as they left to school, another time she carried drunkards home.

She must be acting on her magic of hearing people in distress.

Originally, I thought that her magic only applied to opponents in front of her, but that’s wrong.

It seems to be a passive magic that acted more like a radar, with a range far beyond what I could imagine.

She picked up the voice of someone in distress, and would accurately pinpoint their location and help appropriately.

Although she was a Magical Girl who had just debuted, no other could match her when it came to similar powersets.

Most mind-reading based skills have some kind of limitation. It seems that although hers was passive, it could be focused if she tried.

I know of another mind-reading Magical Girl. She had the ability of shortening the process of information gathering. Her mind was shattered when she tried to process a large amount of information at once.

It doesn’t seem like Snow White would have any situations like that with her powers.

As Snow White was doing her job, she often met up with another Magical Girl in N-City. She met at a Children’s Park, usually near dawn.

A black ninja costume. Long black hair. Though her most interesting features are her left eye and left arm.

Where her left eye would be was a deeply gouged scar, as if it were the marks of a blade wound. Her left eye seems to be destroyed.

From the elbow of her left arm, her sleeves fluttered in the wind. You could then see that there was nothing inside.

I had a file on her as well. Her name was Ripple.

She performed actions beyond the realms of the deathmatch. She had killed another Magical Girl out of revenge.

As a Magical Girl with one arm and one eye, she didn’t have the most welcoming looks.

From the information I’d gathered, I imagined she was more of a fighter type, or an aggressive, strong and silent kind of girl.

Yet, the Ninja Magical Girl in the crystal ball,

She laughed joyfully and cheerfully.

Ah, as I thought. Her smile had the expression of a retired veteran.

Though, it was clearly by her own will, despite the circumstances that happened to her.

When Ripple had been offered by the Land of Magic to have her injuries treated, she clearly said to them,

“I don’t want any of them treated.”

Although she considered the people she killed her foes, and although one of them had killed her closest friends, she had decided to do this to herself.

“I killed someone I didn’t have to kill,” was her excuse.

She did this so that she could never forget Clamberry’s test. But she also did this to warn other Magical Girls of herself.

When they see Ripple, they may consider her a threat, or a danger to themselves. Perhaps this was how Ripple wanted to show her regret to the world, by showing them a part of herself she didn’t like.

But were there other reasons?

I couldn’t know this unless I asked Ripple myself. But would she even tell me if I asked?

The White and Black Magical Girls. Both of them sat side by side on the stairs of the park. The two of them were talking with each other.

When Ripple looked at Snow White, her eyes were like a teacher seeing her student, or a parent seeing her child, or an older sibling to a younger one.

As I thought, Ripple’s stance was that of a retired veteran. She’s already settled into this lifestyle, though I hardly know the details of that.

But Snow White was different.

She tried to say something to Ripple, but she couldn’t seem to find the right words. Her mind seems to be muddled with thoughts.

I feel like I’m watching a child taking her first steps into adulthood when I saw her. Innocent, yet confused.

But Snow White’s issues were not innocent at all.

She wanted to become stronger, and was seeking someone that could lead her to that strength.

Because she was a Child of Clamberry, there was no way the Land of Magic would risk sending a mentor that would teach her combat.

If they did, she’d end up just like her.

Ah, I see.

Ripple.

It was hard to depend on her. I could see by her state, she was already planning to go off-stage. She was already satisfied with her life, and had done what she wanted to do.

However, Ripple couldn’t help but feel responsible for her. That’s what’s going on.

Yet, Snow White wasn’t arrogant. Despite what she wanted to do, she wasn’t willing to trample her friends and family for it. If she did, she would become just like Clamberry.

And Snow White didn’t want to become like Clamberry.

Ripple and Snow White parted ways. Snow White waved her hands, and Ripple slowly began to slip out of view.

I turned off my crystal ball, and I detransformed. I found my coffee grinder and made some coffee.

As the kettle rang, I thought of Snow White.

With a little help, she just might be the one.

She just might become the Magical Girl I’m looking for, I believe so.

______________________________________________________________________

What should I do to make Magical Girls strong? There were many predecessors who tried, I believe.

I have many records of Magical Girls who have attempted to do those things before me…

...That included records on Clamberry tests… Despite their corruption.

Add to that, I also had my own experiences.

A Magical Girl’s personal Magical Skill, physical abilities, and battle techniques.

All of them were different for each Magical Girl.

Some Magical Girls would say, “Our worldviews are different.”

If you’re the kind of Magical Girl who fights universe scale threats, then you wouldn’t have time to help your neighborhood with small problems.

I don’t think I can do anything about that. If I were to do something about that, that would be a whole problem in itself.

In order for humans to become strong, some form of time must be spent earning that strength.

But we are Magical Girls. We don’t need a set schedule or to follow the scientific methods of normal training sessions.

Instead of equipping ourselves with armor, we dress ourselves up with frills and ribbons.

Simply put, Magical Girls work outside the realm of logic.

Our aspirations, our dreams, our love for Magical Girls, it allowed us to push through and do what we want without worrying about it until the end.

Instead of using a Training facility, being guided by a coach in order to not break our bodies, we’d use our homemade time and our own training equipment without worrying about those kinds of things.

Of course we do these foolish things, we’re Magical Girls, and everyone knows that Magical Girls are the heroes.

We only realize that what we did looks stupid after we’ve done it. After all, if we continue to strive towards our dreams, new horizons will open.

Of course, I don’t do such things. It’s rather annoying and painful. But if others do it, then perhaps I can supervise it.

If Snow White wants to become stronger, then I won’t complain.

I dialed a number on my Magical Phone.

“Hello, Snow White? It’s Frederica.”

“...Hello”

“Still haven’t changed your mind?”

“I haven’t.”

I tried to make small talk, however,

“Can I hang up, now?”

I see she clearly doesn’t want to be bothered with that.

“So you still won’t change your mind on becoming stronger”

“I won’t.”

“Have you considered my thoughts? That Magical Girls don’t need to only be strong?”

“I did.”

“Are you willing to become strong, even if it destroys you in the process?”

“I would”

“What if it destroys something other than yourself?”

“....What does that mean?”

“Your friends and family, of course. Are you willing to become strong, even if it means sacrificing them?”

There was no reply. Snow White didn’t talk, but she didn’t hang up the phone.

I didn’t wait for an answer.

“Think about that, please”

I hung up the phone.

Snow White’s reason for gaining strength, I had thought were due to participating in Clamberry’s tests.

In Clamberry’s tests, Magical Girls killed each other, and they were killed as well.

Then, surely, Snow White’s friends were also killed.

The Magical Girls known as La Pucelle and Hardgore Alice. Both of them wanted to protect Snow White, and both of them were killed.

Snow White hated her helplessness. That’s why she wanted to become strong. Instead of being drunk with the power of a Magical Girl, she realized how helpless she really was.

In order for someone to want to seek strength, they first must realize that they are weak.

______________________________________________________________________

For me, other than regular Magical Girl activities, I also had experience as a scout and a test administrator.

In my experience, from those scoutings that I’ve done, I can count the number of people I’ve scouted that I would consider A Good Person with my fingers.

Even so, it was one of the few well-paying jobs from the Land of Magic. So I had pride on it.

When searching for candidates, I didn’t follow the recommended procedures that the Land of Magic had set. I used my own conditions.

One of my first conditions is to look in kindergartens or nurseries.

First, I’d find the hair of the teachers, then I’d use that to watch the children. I would look for outcasts. People who were dismissed from groups, or shunned by their peers.

You could tell who they were. They were the ones who would laugh on the outside, but were lonely on the inside.

I didn’t only focus on school life either.

Sometimes, kids would have a bright and happy school life, yet they’re hiding their crushing depressing family life.

Those who wake up in fear when they hear their stepfather’s footsteps at night. Those kids that didn’t want to go home. Some may even try to run away from home, sitting in the forest with household appliances.

Gloom, Depression, those children held a strength that no other child has. They wanted to be free of their life, but they lack the means to do so. For that reason, they would be able to endure any suffering or pain if it means freedom.

That’s right. Prayers. Hope.

Their desire shone strongly, and thus they make for perfect Magical Girls. Even those people who were stuck on the sidelines could become the best if they tried.

Of course, there were problems there too. Mostly due to the person’s personality. Some of them, once transformed into a Magical Girls, had all their ambition stopped, as they felt their problems have been solved there.

Their desires didn’t push them forward.

I tried to scout for adults as well. I had thought that surely an adult’s desire would be stronger than a child’s.

I targeted elite workers who was forced into technical training with marginal rewards, the homeless, who lived in cardboard boxes, or factory workers who were depressed with their lives. Even women, who, due to their age, didn’t feel like they were loved by anyone and drowned themselves in alcohol every night.

Although it’s in line with my categories, the results weren’t satisfactory.

Most of them were uncomfortable with the idea that they’ve become little girls.

At that point, I limited myself to women who were in their 20s. They seemed to have high Magical Potential. But it’s hard to judge, as there weren’t many who fit the criteria that I wanted.

On the other hand, while children were the easiest to find, many of them stopped their desires halfway.

As for Snow White,

She was a participant of Clamberry’s tests, that clearly had an influence on her.

Like Clamberry, she wanted to become stronger in order to push her own limits of her Magical Girl strength. She’ll never be satisfied with her own strength.

She’s like a Shonen Manga protagonist.

No matter who her opponents are, how strong they are, or how invincible they seem, she’ll just keep strengthening herself until she can surpass them.

Her strong willpower to push herself isn’t for some vague goal. She wanted to become stronger, but couldn’t find a path to do so.

If she found that path, perhaps like Clamberry, she will continue to pursue it, until her death.

The people who you would call Children of Clamberry had that in common. Even those who detest Clamberry found her way of life to be fascinating.

But what about the other one, who wanted to step down?

On one of Snow White’s usual days of helping people, about 1 hour before she began, I visited Ripple.

In order to gain her information and contact, I had to gain the permission of my Magical Girl superiors.

Though it doesn’t mean that I would also be training her. Apparently that girl had been forced to becoming a Magical Girl.

Amazed at my enthusiasm, my superiors told me, “Do as you like.”

Ripple was also engaged in helping people, but she wasn’t as rapidly outgoing as Snow White was. She had a determined patrol route that she followed systematically.

She’d stop for a moment atop a building, look around, then continue on her patrol. It was a very orthodox style of helping people.

Unlike Snow White, who had the power to hear people in distress, this was the easiest thing for Ripple to do.

Before I did meet her, I had infiltrated the apartment of Kano Sazanami and found strands of her hair.

Then, I went towards her apartment rooftop when she was standing there quietly.

Before I even called out to her, I noticed her hand moving towards the hilt of her Katana. As expected, she really was the youngest Child of Clamberry.

There is no waste in her movements, her movements were quick, and she could enter her battle mode before you’d blink.

She had a low posture, sticking close to the floor of the rooftops.

Her ninja style costume reinforces her agility and speed, and along with her Magical Skill of ‘Always hitting your targets with your Shuriken’, then it’s no wonder that she passed her test.

Because of the way she moved, her black hair flowed accordingly. It was a hair with a black color that reflected the moonlight. Rarely would you find black-haired girls with hair that shone at night.

Such beautiful hair. I wanted to comb and stroke it. Just imagining the feel of that hair between my fingers made my heart shake.

But now isn’t the time.

I smiled, my palms facing each other. I showed her that I meant no hostility or harm. Slowly, she moved her hand away from her Katana and stood up.

I walked up to her and handed her my business card.

“I’m sure you know by now, I’m Snow White’s mentor.”

“Her mentor?”

Her facial expression softened. Although there were clearly battle scars, she looked like a beautiful Magical Girl once more.

Her skin became soft, and her expressions calmed down. When she showed hostility, she was full of intimidation. Now, she only had the face of an injured warrior.

I continued talking.

“She’s been consulting with me lately”

“About what?”

“How to become stronger.”

Ripple’s expression seemed to get cloudier. She furrowed her eyebrows, her scar seemingly moving along with them.

“Do you know the reasons to why she would do that?”

Ripple didn’t answer. Instead, she simply looked ahead to the horizon. I saw that she wore Gatas, wooden sandals, on her feet. Despite such uncomfortable footwear, as it’s part of her Magical Girl costume, it wouldn’t present a problem for movement.

I continued talking.

“You know as well, don’t you? You and Snow White. You were participants of Clamberry’s final exam. People will be keeping a very close eye on both of you. So, even if she had a good purpose, her desire for strength will only attract unwanted attention.”

Ripple neither opened her mouth nor looked at my eyes.

“I won’t report to the Land of Magic.”

Ripple was surprised at that statement. She raised her eyebrows.

I nodded,

“I plan to conceal any of those records in my reports.”

I smiled lightly in order to lighten the mood. It was almost a custom.

“However, she is my charge, so if the Land of Magic found word of her seeking strength, and if I can’t give a thorough explanation, just imagine who they would send as her next mentor. The next one may be completely hostile to anyone who wants to be like Clamberry, even if it’s Snow White, for example.”

With one eye, Ripple looked back at me as if she was going to murder me. It was truly a serious look. Nevertheless, I breathed out and talked,

“It’s been a while since I’ve been to this rooftop. Ah, it makes me feel nostalgic.”

When I was a child, I remember playing on these kinds of rooptops. The wire meshes hanging around, the stalls, all were playground equipment in the eyes of a child.

Perhaps because of the recession, things have changed.

Popcorn stalls in the streets, cobblestone, part of the wired fence was also new. There used to be a part that was always cut. It seems they fixed it.

I looked back at Ripple, and she seemed even more confused. Maybe this can lead to a better negotiation.

“Would you mind asking Snow White’s true intentions? I tried asking, but she didn’t give me a satisfying answer. Perhaps, since you’re close with her, you would be able to get an answer.”

I placed a lot of effort into my eyes.

“If what she wants is just, then I will help her. Snow White will gain my assistance.”

Ripple’s eyes were staring at me without blurring away. It seems she was considering it. She’s lived a life of constant battle, hardly the type to negotiate and ask questions.

Not just from her appearance, but Ripple also had that kind of strength. After all, she is a Child of Clamberry.

I shared my address and phone number with Ripple. Then, I shook hands with her. As I jumped away from the rooftops, I felt the nervous stare of Ripple behind my back.

She still hasn’t let go of her battle instincts. Despite being free from the battle physically, her mind was still sharp on that front, as I thought.

______________________________________________________________________

The next day, I was contacted by Snow White.

“What did you tell Ripple!?”

Straight to the point, just as usual then.

“Since I’m your mentor, I thought it would be a good idea to get to know your circle of friends, don’t you think?”

“Don’t do that!”

Her voice got louder, almost like a shout, though she was careful not to scream too loudly.

“On the contrary, it’s necessary. If you don’t keep close eye on the people that surround you, you might be in danger as well. In addition…”

I took a deep breath, and continued,

“...I wanted to know your reason for becoming stronger, yet you still refuse to tell me.”

“I don’t need to tell you.”

Snow White’s tone lowered. Although it was only a slight change, I realized that this was a bad time to ask. Time to fold that line of questioning.

“If you tell me, then I can help you. If you don’t, then I can’t. What are you doing this for? I realize you don’t want anyone else to know, so I won’t leak it to the Land of Magic or anyone else. I swear on our name as Magical Girls.”

I didn’t think it was worth it to swear in the name of Magical Girls, for I don’t know how Snow White would feel about that.

“Do you remember what I said earlier? About what you’d be willing to sacrifice for your strength? Perhaps ‘sacrifice’ is too strong of a word. Let’s try again. What would you be willing to use in your journey to strength? Yes, that’s better. What would you be willing to do to reach that strength? If you only use yourself, then you’ll be stuck.”

She was silent. But I could hear her. The sign that she recognized my question.

“If you don’t have a sparring partner, then ask Ripple. Also, if I were you, then I would take advantage of a mentor who would keep her mouth shut of all this. It would be a good tool to train yourself. I know that I, unlike Clamberry, am not as good a fighter, but I am still a Magical Girl. And I know I can teach you better than someone like Clamberry. So for the sake of your growth, I’d say I qualify.”

I took some time to catch my breath there.

“Please use me, Snow White. But before that, please tell me. Why are you doing this? Why do you want to become stronger? If I know your reasons, I can give you proper assistance.”

“I...”

Her voice was calm. Not weak, but calm. Talking to someone who wanted to understand her plight might cause her to open up. This is good.

“What can I gain from using you?”

“Why, I’m your mentor. Even in the human world, you should know, students need to utilize their mentors before they can head out into the real world. That’s why, if you were to seek my advice, then I would be very pleased. Don’t you worry about what I think. I took this job at my own risk. I’m prepared for the consequences.”

There was no reply. But I didn’t wait for one,

“Let me know when you’ve decided.”

I hung up the phone.

______________________________________________________________________

The next day, something unusual had happened. Snow White got into a fight with Ripple.

Because of how my Magical Skill worked, I couldn’t hear any sound at all. So i couldn’t understand what they were saying.

However, I could see that they were arguing intensely.

As for the reason they’re arguing. As I’ve talked to both sides, I can imagine what it would be about.

Snow White wanted to become stronger, so she’d be placing herself on the battlefield.

Yet she can’t convince Ripple, because for her, her battle was over.

Ripple had always thought what’s best for Snow White. Snow White was also always thinking of Ripple before.

Before now, they’d never argued before. But now, Snow White was furious. It was different then what I saw a week before.

The only person she could rely on was Ripple, but she couldn’t even do that anymore.

The two of them argued to no end, and parted without concluding. Snow White turned her back on Ripple, and they didn’t wave hands as usual.

At that time, I decided to contact her.

“Hello, Ripple? It’s Frederica.”

“...Ah, hello.”

“So, how was Snow White? Did she tell you her reasons?”

Ripple didn’t answer. Come to think of it, the timing for this call was too perfect. To Ripple, it was as if I was watching her from somewhere. In fact, she seemed to be turning her head around. It was suspicious for her.

For Ripple, I was a problematic person, not someone to rely on.

Though I’m certain that Snow White revealed her reasons to Ripple.

“You see, I’m worried for her.”

“...Worried?”

“Yes, of course! At the rate Snow White is going, she’s becoming similar to a lot of dangerous people. Her desire to seek strength without someone to teach her limits will take her to places where her life may be in danger.”

While I held my Magical Phone with my right hand, my left hand was manipulating my crystal ball. There, I saw Ripple, looking like she’d just swallowed some bitter medicine.

“I obviously can’t say anything to her, but you, Ripple. You could guide her. Don’t try to stop her entirely, but lead her so that she won’t do anything reckless. Do you think you can do that?”

I already knew the answer. Snow White wouldn’t stop even if Ripple had asked her, so instead, I led her to this path.

Ripple’s face hardened. Satisfied with my results, I turned off my phone and crystal ball.

If left to her own devices, Snow White will take her own actions. She’ll start doing dangerous things, and that worries me. If something happens to her, she may just die in the process.

Thus, it’s better to not let her get too reckless. For that, Ripple needed to guide Snow White. In that way, it will boost her survivability.

As I’ve planted the seeds in Ripple’s head, she should’ve understood exactly what to do.

Then, I contacted Snow White.

“Hello Snow, it’s Frederica.”

“...Yes?”

Her voice was trembling. Ah, she had been crying. I didn’t need to use a crystal ball for this.

I began to have small talk with her. “How was school? Did you pass your exams?”

After all, I did say that I would talk about ‘anything at all’. To all those topics, I gave her some advice.

Then, Snow White began to speak.

“Um…”

It was a voice filled with nervousness. So I asked back.

“What’s wrong?”

As soon as I urged with a gentle voice, it was as if a child on the other side wanted to break free.

I didn’t need to open the door anymore, for she would open it herself. I’ve already done my part, now to reap the results.

I had thought that if it weren’t today, then maybe tomorrow, or the next day, she’ll eventually open up…

...To think that it would be now of all times.

Although I wasn’t too surprised, I still acted like it. Finally, after 2 minutes of silence, Snow White began to speak while tripping on her words.

“If… If there are other Magical Girls like Clamberry, I want to stop them. I won’t let anything like that happen again. I want to intervene in major disasters in the human world as well. In order to do that, I need to become stronger.”

Snow White’s reasons are reasons that I believe I can agree with.

Even though she was still under watch, the Land of Magic’s monitoring system wasn’t very strict.

Though this might be a bad thing to say of them, but the way they monitor people is more like polite taps on their shoulders.

Over hundreds of years, and that system still hasn’t changed.

Why else would there still be rogue Magical Girls like the Children of Clamberry running around freely otherwise?

As her mentor, I can cooperate with her as much as I can.

When it comes to acts of evil, Snow White is different from Ripple.

Ripple hates the individual, while Snow White hates the act itself.

With people like Ripple, who hates the individuals committing evil, their fire will burn out fast. Though I see Ripple still has embers burning somewhere deep inside.

With people like Snow White, who hates the act, their flame will continue burning forever.

I took a deep breath, taking a moment to make it seem like I was shocked at Snow White’s words.

I had to act like I found this heavy to bear. If I took it lightly, it would be too suspicious for her.

Of course, i had already decided a conclusion. I’m going to make Snow White stronger.

With her personality, with her spirit, she just might be my Ideal Magical Girl. It’s possible that she might just be able to reform the Land of Magic.

I felt a talent that I hadn’t seen for a long time. As a mentor, I felt that way.

Even though the authorities will probably act, now is a good time to act.

Somewhere out there, the Land of Magic had already caught 2 more rogue Magical Girls, condemning them at the same time. They had given them villainous nicknames, that spread fear and distrust to those 2.

If the Land of Magic would do the same to her, then so be it.

After all, a nickname is a symbol. Something that they will attach to someone for a long time.

The White Devil?

The White Reaper?

No, that won’t do. Those were far too sinister. Either way, I should think of an appropriate nickname for her to be called… That is my homework for today.

I turned off my Magical Phone and placed it on the table. Then I placed my hands on the sliding doors of the kitchen.

From the next room, I heard the sound of a fan that continued to whirr and whirr. As I slid into the door, my foot sank more than usual. About a year ago, there used to be a tatami mat in this room, and sometimes I still think there is. But that’s long gone now.

When I entered this room, happiness struck my body.

There were steel walls to my left and right, and across from me was a large bookshelf. This room has undergone some renovations after an earthquake nearly destroyed it. Now, I’m confident that it can stand any disaster.

There were files in the bookshelves, arranged alphabetically. I searched for a specific one and opened it.

On the file was a single strand of hair. A thin strand of wavey dark brown hair. This used to be the prize of my collection.

Just by looking at this strand of hair, several memories filled my head. Many moments that I recalled started playing back again.

However, if I keep this strand, then I can’t move forward.

Although she used to be the one. Now, my interest lies with Snow White.

I took out the strand of hair, placed the file back in its cabinet, headed towards the trash can, placed my feet on the pedal, and deposited there.

As I did that, I felt a tinge of sadness.

Ah… How embarrassing.

______________________________________________________________________

I wondered what kind of exchanges those two were having. I seemed to have missed it.

That wasn’t what I was curious about, anyways. I was more interested to see their battle training.

Despite it being called training, it wasn’t a series of running or jumping. For now, Ripple was teaching Snow White how to properly kick, how to properly punch, how to properly throw.

Snow White had yet to reach the agility that Ripple had.

Ripple seemed relieved.

Snow White was still weaker than Ripple. Her movements were slower than Ripple, she didn’t have Ripple’s combat skills.

In other words, she wasn’t able to surpass Ripple.

If that was the case, then Snow White wouldn’t go to the battlefield. She wouldn’t go fighting for real.

However, Snow White was not the type to give up. I would guess that by the time Snow White improves, Ripple’s sense of security will decrease.

I was also relieved, because Snow White had determination. Sometimes in their sparring match, she’d be knocked down to the ground. Despite her pure white costume getting dirty, her face didn’t lose her determination, and she would always get back up again.

Ah, so cute.

Their difference in ability could be seen in their appearances as well. Ripple had survived Clamberry’s fierce tests. Her scars marked her history of combat, unlike Snow White’s appearance.

Still, appearances can be deceiving, and it seems Snow White’s determination surpasses Ripple.

Despite their combat skill gap, Snow White had intelligence as well. I continued to see her movements, they were getting faster and faster, yet she still hasn’t escaped that gap.

I focused on her expression.

I saw her passion behind her expression. Not only that, but I also saw impatience.

Impatience is correct. She wanted to become strong. She wanted to quickly reach that level. She wanted to surpass this weakness.

Despite being unable to match Ripple, Snow White has never given up.

However, although Ripple diligently attends every training session with Snow White, in truth, she doesn’t want Snow White to become stronger.

That’s why I decided to contact her after the day’s training was over.

“I’ve decided that I’ll cooperate with you.”

I heard a gasp from the other side of the phone.

“Thank you! thank you so much!”

Words of thanks came back.

“Ah, don’t mind it. Remember what I said, I wanted you to use me as a tool for your growth. As a mentor, I look forward to that.”

I confirmed it with my crystal ball, I saw Snow White’s face. It was brightly glimmering with happiness.

Also, she seemed to be calling from a steel tower, close to the beach.

“I’ll teach you these tricks to becoming stronger, so please keep them in mind. First of all, you need to increase your time as a Magical Girl. Minimize your time as a human. Whenever you’re alone, you should be a Magical Girl.”

Humans and Magical Girls have different capabilities. When you’re trying to learn something, you learn faster as a Magical Girl.

I had special human life circumstances that prevented that lifestyle, but if I didn’t, then of course being a Magical Girl would be preferable.

From the crystal ball, I saw that Snow White began to take notes. Her innocence was adorable. This kind of obedience, added to her stoic demand for strength made her so lovable.

“Your human life is just a pretense. You need to believe in your mission as a Magical Girl. It’s not enough to just think about it. You need to believe in it. Moreover, as a Magical Girl, or as a human, you need to repeat those fight simulations in your head. And you need to take them seriously as well. Not just thinking, but you need to believe that they’re real. Believe that this is a life or death battle. Remember, out there, your opponents will be going for the kill.”

I know that it’s impossible for Ripple to have the same ferocity as the opponents Snow White hopes to be facing, but it’s not impossible.

The greatest strength of a Magical Girl is their imagination.

On Clamberry’s profile of Snow White, it was noted that she was ‘A delusional daydreamer’.

Clamberry was a battle-hungry Magical Girl, who could only satisfy herself with more battle, while Fav was a straightforward Mascot who couldn’t see that kind of potential.

I won’t make the same mistake. Snow White’s imagination isn’t a weakness. It’s a strength. Using that imagination of hers, she can believe in something.

Using that, I will mold her into the ideal, unbreakable Magical Girl.

That may be a primitive way of thinking, but that’s fine. My methods will work for Snow White’s training.

“You may feel doubt, but you shouldn’t. You should be serious about this. Remember, we are Magical Girls. In terms of human standards, our very existence is absurd. That’s why, you need to take this seriously.”

Magical Girls become stronger by doing ridiculous things. Take Clamberry as an example.

“You human life is an addition. You’re a student, aren’t you? Don’t you study before taking exams? Do you think you can go to a good high school without weeks of constant studying? If you want to graduate with high marks, don’t you have to choose between the things that matter and the things that are just an addition? This is the same.”

Surprisingly, these things seemed to make sense to Snow White.

Snow White wrote down everything that I had said to her. Everything that I said on how to become stronger. She didn’t even question me once.

When I apologized that I couldn’t see her directly in her battle training, she told me that her opponent was Ripple.

That’s right. I already knew.

“Thank you so much!”

“It’s fine, please don’t mind me. It’s what I like to do.”

“But at least let me thank you… Really, thank you so much… You… You saved my life.”

I held my right hand in front of my chest. When I saw Snow White’s expression, my heart beat rapidly.

How can a girl be this cute? Is this why she was frequently protected by others in Clamberry’s tests? Was she a Magical Girl or a temptress?

______________________________________________________________________

It turns out, Snow White was able to gradually keep up with Ripple quite well. She performed everything she was taught diligently.

Even though their combat skill still hasn’t changed, her mindset had been sharpened, and she had a one-track mind to her destination.

Snow White also kept note of everything I taught her. In her day to day life, she kept imagining, thinking, believing.

Not just 1 hour, not 2, not even 3, but every single day.

Her time when she was supposed to sleep, she used it for Magical Girl training. She continued to cut off unnecessary human activities.

A Magical Girl is always striving to get stronger.

After returning home, she meditated.

After Magical Girl activities were finished, she meditated.

After breakfast, she meditated.

She was always in constant battle inside her heart.

The feeling of becoming stronger is the most exciting feeling in the world. I know because I’ve experienced such feelings myself.

She seemed to be having so much fun as well.

Ripple was perplexed. To her, Snow White was something to be protected. Never in her life would she think of Snow White as a sparring partner.

She’s arrogant that way, but it’s okay, even Snow White didn’t mind. Perhaps because they had a relationship going on already.

However, while she was perplexed, Ripple’s teaching style has changed.

Rather than feeling like she was talking to a child, it was more like a teacher teaching a student.

But if we’re using that analogy, then the lessons are similar to kindergarten lessons. Very basic. For Snow White, it was good enough.

For now, this was fine. Magical Girls are different from humans. Even teaching how to properly low kick would take years for a human. As a Magical Girl, they could learn and perform it faster.

At first, I had thought that Ripple didn’t want Snow White to become stronger. But now, that wasn’t even a question.

She seems to be delighted when Snow White looked happy. Perhaps I was correct, after all.

I opened a file. There was a newly added photo to my collection. I added a short annotation,

“I should moisturize this girl’s hair a bit more”

In addition to that, I looked at Snow White’s ‘Perfected Form’. What was missing from that?

Her long, soft, brilliantly golden hair, wrapped neatly between my fingers, gave me some inspiration.

I got it.

Her range and attack power.

No matter how much she trains, she still won’t be able to surpass that. Snow White’s imagination isn’t directed there.

I placed the file back on the table, and took my Magical Phone. There were things in Clamberry’s tests that appeared that I was still not sure about.

I waited until their training was finished, and when they separated, I contacted Ripple.

“Hello, Ripple? It’s Frederica again. I have some questions to ask, if that’s alright with you?”

“...Sure.”

“In Clamberry’s test, you all received Magical Items from the Land of Magic, correct? I believe it was a bag and some weapons? What happened to them?”

“We kept them… We… Me and Snow White… kept them… yeah”

Her words were cut off and she was slightly stuttering. It’s clear she didn’t want to tell me.

Perhaps she just didn’t want to remember those memories.

“So you still have it, I assume? I believe it was… a 4-D Bag, an Invisible Cloak, Healing Medicine, Rabbit’s Foot, and a Weapon. There should be five items”

“Yeah…”

“Could you tell me who has which?”

“I have… the bag, the weapon, and the cloak. Snow has the Rabbit’s Foot… and the medicine… I think I ate it all, there’s no more.”

I see, I see. So Ripple had most of the items.

“Are you keeping it, or is it more of a common pool type thing?”

“...Yes”

“So you two can lend or borrow items between each other, right?”

“...Why are you asking?”

“If Snow White wants to fight, then it’s better that she learn to use all the tools at her disposal, no?”

“So you’re not opposed to the idea that Snow White will fight?”

With that tone of blame, it’s clear that she still doesn’t want Snow White to go into combat. Despite her smile at Snow White’s progress.

As I thought. They were friends, so it was normal for a friend to be happy for another’s happiness. Yet, her fundamental principle hasn’t changed.

Just before the test was over, Ripple had killed someone who had killed her only friend. She feels guilty over her friend’s death, so she must not want to allow herself to be responsible for another friend going into danger.

She carried her sins on her back. Even now, it still haunts her. Ripple couldn’t tolerate exposing her friends to danger.

“What I was opposed to was Snow White acting as she pleases. What she wanted was just, and so like I said, I would help her.”

“You realize where she’s going is far too dangerous for her, right?”

“The amount of danger she’ll face is purely dependent on her skill.”

And then, a large voice shouted out,

“She is not a soldier!”

“That is Snow White’s decision, not yours.”

After that, the phone was hung up. Ripple became very emotional. She didn’t try to conceal that thought.

It may have been due to her guilt of allowing Snow White to train with her.

Ripple was weak to Snow White’s pleas… Eventually, she fulfilled Snow White’s wishes.

Of course, as I said to her before, it’s best if she were to guide her so that Snow White wouldn’t be weak.

However, what really made Ripple agree to train Snow White was her tears, her despair that she couldn’t do anything to help her friends.

As Ripple now cherished her friends, she couldn’t bear seeing Snow White that way.

That was how Ripple is now.

I picked up my files, and I turned the pages in order to make my heart beat faster. In addition to that, I imagined Snow White’s ‘Perfected Form’.

Clamberry’s strength, physical ability, and powerful magic was backed by her knowledge and experience in combat.

In a battle between Magical Girls, you need to know your strengths and weaknesses. That is the key to victory.

Snow White lacks Clamberry’s experience or knowledge. Her magic was ‘To hear the voices of people in distress’.

In the test, she was able to find hidden enemies by listening to their hearts when they were stressed out.

She was also able to tell Ripple that Fav would be able to be killed using the Land of Magic’s weapon, because she heard Fav’s distress upon seeing the weapon.

That’s right, without knowledge of her own magic, she wouldn’t last against an opponent. But if she knew herself, she may be able to stand close to Clamberry.

Furthermore, using those 4 items, she can choose the best tools for the situation.

By the time I finished reading, Snow White had become the most invincible Magical Girl in history in my head.

I’m satisfied. I put down the file and stretched my back.

______________________________________________________________________

As I expected, Ripple never stopped training Snow White.

She prioritized Snow White’s desires as opposed to her own. Like a human who picked up a sword to fight, arrogance is a proud weapon.

That was just like Ripple.

Though I know, Ripple still held a grudge against me.

When Snow White launched a light jab and threw a high kick on her right, her leg was grabbed by Ripple, who then slammed it down to the ground.

Ripple then twisted Snow White’s right arm, and lightly pressed it towards the ground.

The two then separated and tried again.

This time, Snow White jumped first, launching her fist down in full power from that momentum.

Ripple lightly blocked it, and Snow White observed how she moved her body so that she would take the least damage possible.

Snow White remembered everything Ripple taught her, but she also learned far more than that.

After the jab, she launched a high kick, then she swung her fist towards Ripple’s left side. She had created a blind spot, knocking her down. Taking advantage of Ripple’s lost eye. Not only did she use the things she learned, but she fought unpredictably as well.

Even if it’s only her knowledge and intuition, she’s grown this much in one month. How much will it change one month later?

However, after the first try, her Jumping Telephone Punch didn’t work again. That’s fine. Ripple will correct her on how to keep her movements varied.

I turned off the crystal ball

Snow White was growing up beautifully. Though I can’t afford to be careless with her. There were many things that I needed to do.

I even stalled my usual job for her.

Just like a human life, even Magical Girls have jobs as well. My job was the one with the highest priority.

Scouting for the next candidates in selection tests.

As a scout, as I am as a mentor, I always seek out Magical Girls who possess the talent to become my Ideal Magical Girl.

I would collect the Magical Girls, they would compete, and I would select one to pass.

For my ideals, I choose those who are capable of slaying evil, a heroine that can stand for justice.

I prepared for that. The next test to be scheduled, if I checked my Magical Phone, would be…

...soon.

I looked at the faces of the participants through my Magical Phone. All of them lacked anything that made me go “Ah! This one!”

None of the Magical Girls that I saw had hair that I wanted in my collection, either.

Though, I’d like to at least devise something good with this next test.

One thought came up.

What about a test in an amusement park?

I remembered the rooftop where I met Ripple. There was that atmosphere at night, a facility surrounded by playground equipment, stalls, and those kinds of nostalgic things.

To shape out new ideas, I took out a file, and began reading.

______________________________________________________________________

A month after that, it could be said that things have progressed smoothly.

Ripple and Snow White’s practice sessions had become more intense. They moved from practicing in the park to practicing in the mountains.

This was because in the park, a lot of ground had been broken, and playground equipment as well. Children would cry if they kept training there, so as Magical Girls, they wouldn’t do that to them. That common sense made me smile.

In the mountains, they were able to move more freely. After kicking the rock wall, they jumped into the air, using their momentum to direct their attacks. Grabbing the other’s arms to throw them, turning three times to land before getting back in the action like a real battle while trading blows.

Snow White had become full of imagination. She was much closer to her ideal self.

Although she hasn’t surpassed Ripple by too much, she was now an equal match for her.

It’s amazing to see her like this, compared to only 2 months ago.

Her imagination is more wonderful than I thought. Also, surprisingly, Ripple was also getting better as well.

She seems to be growing alongside Snow White. Was she inspired by Snow White?

Now, Snow White and Ripple were both maturing together.

While wiping away their sweat, they continued fighting while also learning.

“Like this?” “No, no, watch. Attack like this!”

How cute are these two? They spoke as they fought, smiling along the way.

When I saw them, I felt like a mother watching her children. I watched the two while embracing the feeling that they’ve become stronger. Occasionally, tears would come out as well.

I was hoping that I would be able to have Ripple lend the items as well.

I tried calling her, but all my calls were always rejected by her. She’s that type of girl it seems.

I’ll have to talk to her face-to-face.

Ripple is indispensable for raising Snow White. Thus, communication with Ripple was also necessary.

Meanwhile, my phone calls with Snow White have gone on with no interruptions. In there, I gave her advice, referencing everything that I saw of her training using my crystal ball. Of course, I had to be her mentor.

“I see. So you managed to read her movements?”

“Yeah! It feels almost like I knew it before it happened! It feels so amazing… Um… If it’s fine with you… could, uh… could you come and watch me train?”

“I’m sorry. I really do want to come, but now isn’t a convenient time. It doesn’t suit my schedule yet.”

“Ah, I see…”

I really wanted to meet her. Before this, her words seemed like she was impressed by my advice, but this was the first time that she straight out asked me to come see her.

It feels nice to be honored.

But I wanted to avoid meeting face-to-face with her.

“Unfortunately so. However, you have some tells, don’t you?”

“...Tells?”

“Tendencies that you do before doing something. For example, before you move out, you always seem to pull one of your feet back. It could be that your movements could be read because of that tell.”

Snow White did have that tell. I continued on,

“Now, you don’t have to get rid of that tell. In fact, you can use it to your advantage. Going by the previous example, if you move without pulling your foot back, you can trick your opponent, and defeat them.”

Snow White listened obediently.

The next time she trained, she challenged Ripple by doing that kind of thing.

Ripple had been so used to reading Snow White, that when Snow White did something unexpected, she managed to land a kick on Ripple’s thigh, launching her away unexpectedly.

Ripple was surprised. Snow White was also surprised.

After that training exam, she called me, expressing excitement that she was able to defeat Ripple that day. I could imagine her excitement without even using my crystal ball.

“That’s wonderful, Snow!” I praised her.

It’s these kinds of pleasures that make Magical Girls stronger. I’m happy that Snow White was also pleased.

This means Snow White’s training was heading in the right direction.

However, my main job didn’t go so well, because I was too focused on Snow White’s training.

The test that was held at the amusement park had staggering results. The entire park was nearly ruined. Destroying many of its equipments unnecessarily.

Snow White and Ripple were right to leave the Children’s Park and train in the mountains.

In addition to that, no one from the 10 participants had passed the test.

A wasted attempt. I was exhausted.

I turned the pages of the participant’s files, trying to comfort myself. But I could only feel absence.

In addition to annotating their photos, I placed their treated hair next to it. In a way, I feel like it’s part of my duty. I sighed.

Well, it doesn’t matter now. I have Snow White. That in itself comforted my tired heart.

Snow White is a very interesting Magical Girl.

It would be my biggest accomplishment as a Magical Girl to successfully be able to raise Snow White into the Ideal Magical Girl.

I guess it doesn’t matter if the test that I held had been a complete failure.

I turned on the TV, on the news was a report of a bus accident that killed 10 girls. I didn’t like the look of the newscaster talking painfully, so I turned off the TV.

I took the documents that I was planning to submit as reports.

Snow White is a very good Magical Girl, with very little violent tendencies. Every day, she strives to help people by using her magic.

I submitted the report, business as usual.

______________________________________________________________________

Right now, the most pressing issue isn’t, in fact, Snow White. It’s actually Ripple.

Currently, my relationship with Snow White was on good terms. It was Ripple that was a bit of a hassle.

Her voice over the phone was so sharp you would probably get cut listening to it.

Fitting with her biography, she was the type who cherished her friends. Snow White would be my pretense.

I needed to persuade this girl.

After Snow White and Ripple had parted ways, I confirmed that Snow White was out of the area, and has come down from the mountain.

I visited Ripple.

The mountains aren’t a very popular site because they were so mysterious. In the light of a full moon, they became even more fascinating.

Emotions were evoked by the insects clinging to the stones and wood.

Beyond a chain of trees, pure water streamed together, joining up to form a river. My destination was upstream, beyond the rocks that lined up alongside it.

I jumped from rock to rock, creating a nice tempo as I did so.

Magical Girls don’t accidentally slip on their feet.

Ripple hasn’t left her spot ever since she parted with Snow White.

Was she meditating, or just listening to the sounds of the river? If there was ever a better time to talk to her, it’s now.

I jumped up towards the boulder she was sitting on and bowed my head.

“Long time no see, Ripple.”

Upon hearing my voice, she turned around with a disgusted look on her face. I was hated.

“What I told you before, have you considered it?”

Her face was that of someone who had been betrayed. She was slow to respond to me.

“I appreciate that you’re taking the time to train with Snow White. She’s grown stronger.”

Ripple glared at me. Her right eye shining brightly in the moonlight. She looked neither like a human nor a Magical Girl. She looked like a demon.

Though, I’ve never personally seen such things.

That was the power of her glare.

“I knew it. You were spying on us.”

“Huh?”

“How did you know I was training Snow White?”

Oh. This is bad. I said too much.

“Spying is not the correct term. I prefer watching over. I wonder myself if Snow White would walk the right path, so I feel it’s my obligation to guide her and watch over her.”

Ripple clicked her tongue. She was angry. However, perhaps there might still be room for negotiation.

There may still be a way to draw out her sincerity.

If there was a way to transition the conversation somewhere. From work, to other Magical Girls, perhaps.

Appeal to her that I’m a capable mentor.

I wiped my tears lightly off my face. I looked at Ripple. My mouth curled up a little.

She was cute. Though she was still angry.

Let’s keep talking.

I talked about the pleasure of meeting Snow White. Her human nature. I praised her high aspirations. Her potential strength is immeasurable. I told her how Snow White might be able to reform the Land of Magic.

I had hoped that this would make her happy for the direction she’s headed, as this would also make Snow White happy.

I tried to speak as calmly as possible, to hide my elation as I spoke.

But how did she respond? I looked at Ripple’s expression.

Ripple looked over the river,

“Well now…”

I saw where Ripple was watching. There, I learned that everything was destroyed. Standing at the edge of the riverbank, was Snow White.

She had a fluffy white thing on her right hand.

That was the ‘Rabbit’s Foot’.

Snow White didn’t go home. She was planning on returning back and bringing the Rabbit’s Foot.

Perhaps Ripple really did intend on sharing the items and teaching her weaponry use. Did she really listen to my opinion back then?

And even now, the Rabbit’s Foot, the Magical Item that could grant luck to the user, indeed made Snow White lucky. She really was lucky, because she was able to see the mentor that she wished would watch her in training.

Yet, to me, it was extremely unlucky.

I saw Snow White’s expression gradually distort from surprise to disdain. Seeing this, I swung my right foot, my skirt rose, then, I kicked Ripple away.

Almost immediately, Ripple moved her arms to block me. Cushioning the impact. Although it was a surprise to her, I admired that she could react so quickly.

Still, I felt her arm bones cracking. Ripple fell into the river.

I saw Snow White beyond the riverbank, she ran towards me with a distorted expression, crying out words that I couldn’t understand.

It was hard for me to come face to face with Snow White.

The reason for that was due to her Magical Skill, ‘To hear the voices of people in distress’.

Indeed, if Snow White knew what I had planned, I had thought to myself that I would be in danger. There was a possibility that she would find out if I met her face-to-face.

And now, I can see that her response was just that, as she heard me explain everything to Ripple.

Beyond knowledge of her Magical Skill, nothing in the world can hide your true feelings.

This was one of the few cases where knowing my opponent’s Magical Skill actually placed me at a disadvantage.

As I thought, Snow White was a very special girl that way.

I wanted to make my Ideal Magical Girl.

Powerful, gentle, beautiful, standing for justice, shedding tears for others. If such a Magical Girl existed, then surely they wouldn’t stay put if they knew the state of the Land of Magic now.

Surely she would reform it, and stage a revolution. If a coup happened, I would support her to the very end.

If she ever forgave me… I wanted to be alone with her.

I wanted to place her head on my thighs, and stroke her hair, because I would love a Magical Girl like that.

Right now, I loved Snow White.

Before her, however, there was another that I loved. The Forest Musician, Clamberry.

I cared for her hair with love. Using it, I peeked into her life. I was inspired by what she was doing.

I tried several times to imitate her tests, thinking how meaningful it could be. However, I mostly failed.

For example, the test the other day, at the amusement park. Fortunately, I was able to make it look like an accident.

I don’t think Snow White will allow me to leave. I don’t think she’ll forgive me. I don’t think that I would want her to forgive me.

However, it is a shame. Here are Snow White and Ripple. Together at last with me. Yet, I felt shame from the bottom of my heart that I had to return to my old days, my old days of seeking the Ideal Magical Girl.

I wanted to realize my dream. Even though it’s a personal thing, Snow White was supposed to grow stronger. Now, there’s no way to win her back.

She was the only one I was interested in ever since Clamberry died.

I prioritized her so much that my real life became careless as a result. I kept her hair as a comfort to myself.

I know it’s only sentimental, but it’s such a sad and painful thing. I would treat it properly, so it will never rot. I’ll keep it safe and special, not tucked away in a file.

Then, when I see it, I’ll always remember Snow White.

While grinding coffee beans, I’ll remember Snow White. I’ll pray that I’d be able to meet Snow White again. Slowly, and slowly, I would always remember.

Snow White broke the boulder in half as she jumped towards me. Kicking me as hard as she could.

Her movements were fast. I didn’t have time to react. I taught her as much. She was focused on attacking at full power, and I was far too distracted.

If I could break her leg, no matter how angry she would be, she wouldn’t be able to move.

I did my best to avoid Snow White’s attacks. Her legs were aimed towards my neck.

This is bad.

From the bottom of the river, a metal object flew upwards and orbited towards me, ignoring the physical laws of gravity.

It was a Kunai. But I broke her arm, so how?

Ripple jumped out of the river, her Katana being held in her mouth. She flipped in the air, raising her feet. Slipped between each of her toes was a kunai.

She used the momentum to throw them towards me. The trajectory was hard to read. Using her feet made the kunai travel slower. Ripple had removed her wooden shoes, bending her knees and twisting her ankle to throw the kunai.

A sword on her mouth, and kunai on each of her toes.

If it weren’t for the actual danger, she would look very comical.

Their eyes were different.

Snow White’s eyes had the threat of beating me down, yet Ripple’s eyes had the threat of murder.

I don’t even know what was fueling Ripple’s attacks. Possibly it was just simple anger. The wet sword reflected the light of the moon violently.

Snow White attacked close quarters, while Ripple kept throwing Kunai. I tried counter-attacking by dealing with both of them at once.

I would defend myself against the Kunai before I would block an incoming jab.

Their combo was amazing, and it’s only been 2 months of training. In the middle of our fight, Snow White caught my leg. I couldn’t move it. Ripple took the chance.

The kunai struck my right arm. Blood flowed down heavily. I retreated by jumping away from rock to rock, but the two of them followed me.

This was their training ground, and it was made of hard ground, so they were at an advantage. They were neither weak nor gentle.

This time, Ripple threw a knife instead of a Kunai. It nearly hit my head, but I managed to avoid it as it lightly scarred my scalp. A faint pain shot through as it did so.

Ripple moved towards me, using her sword as best she can to strike me. During this time, I was unprotected against Snow White.

I know her strength. Even though she was skilled, I know the extent of her power. Thanks to her, I was also able to push Ripple away, taking advantage of her blind spot.

My goal is to land a hit on Ripple’s throat.

When Snow White attacked me, I attempted to block it as best as I could, but each of her attacks seemed to be accompanied by a sharp stinging pain.

I flew up, climbing rocks, upstream.

I see. Snow White wasn’t attacking barehanded. On her hand was the knife that Ripple had thrown earlier.

Ah…

...I see now.

Ripple wasn’t throwing the knife at my head. She was aiming to pass it to Snow White, that’s why I could avoid it.

I avoided Snow White’s slashes, while also dodging Ripple’s Kunai with my movements. The timing of the attacks are getting closer and closer.

They’re in synch. Did Snow White hear Ripple’s thoughts? Their speed of cooperation was too fast. I felt like I was being chased by a single person with two bodies.

It was strange, yet wonderful at the same time.

Because I can sense their competence.

Their movements were getting better, my breath was getting tired, and not just because of the wound in my shoulder.

Their skills and speed were something that they couldn’t get by simple training. This felt like a real battle.

“Believe that you’re in a real fight”

That was the ultimate word of my training method. And now they’re fighting as if it’s kill or be killed.

It’s wonderful, isn’t it?

The Kunai hit my left hand. I was brought back to my senses. Despite my happiness, I remembered the wastefulness of my opportunity.

Snow White and Ripple were wonderful together. In battle, their minds were strengthened. The ties between these two were strong, like pack animals attacking together.

Ripple kicked a rock wall, and on the other side, Snow White did the same.

Snow White kicked me with her shin. The momentum brought me straight to Ripple slashing me with a Kunai that ripped through my shirt.

Snow White and Ripple landed on opposite walls. Once again, intersecting and jumping back.

My cheeks were cut by Ripple’s Kunai, Snow White jumped above Ripple as she punched me in the back.

The rocks that the two were jumping from were torn in half. These two Magical Girls with such quality, it’s truly regrettable that I have to kill them both.

Ah, I know. I’ll decorate both of your hairs in a set. I’ll befriend you even after death. When I perform my next test, I’ll always be gazing at that hair. What a beautiful future that would be.

I pulled out my crystal ball. On the fingers of my hands, I wrapped several strands of hair. The owner of one of those hairs appeared on the crystal ball.

A little girl.

She wasn’t a Magical Girl. She was just a human girl. She didn’t have any special talents either. She’s a commoner.

She was an elementary school girl, asleep in bed.

My Magical Skill isn’t limited to only peeking at people through my crystal ball. I can also pull them over here. No matter where the target is. They can be anywhere in the world, or even anywhere in space.

Once, I even pulled an opponent who escaped into a pocket dimension. It didn’t matter where they were.

I saw the two Magical Girls run across the cliffside walls. As they did, I pulled out the girl from my crystal ball, grabbing the nape of her neck.

She was asleep. She rubbed her eyes open.

Snow White and Ripple’s expressions were…

...Ah, I wanted to see it!

Their eyes widened in surprise. They saw the girl that I had in my hands. They must have lived in a world where they wouldn’t think that scum like me could exist.

They probably wouldn’t think that I would involve someone completely unrelated to themselves.

I’m sorry, but this was necessary.

I gently hung the girl’s body, dangling her above the cliff. Ripple and Snow White, who had been focused on me this whole time, ran underneath the cliff to catch the girl.

It’s okay. I know they’ll make it in time. Because I made sure of that. The two of them will save the girl before she fell to her death.

But there, I will have created an opening.

If they save the girl, they have to create an opening for me to act on. If not, they must abandon the girl to deal with me.

Because of this dirty trick, I can win.

Trampling the weak to ensure that I make it out, I’m willing to do things like that. Similarly, if my Ideal Magical Girls are on the side of justice, and I need to become a villain to accommodate that, then I would gladly take on that role.

I dropped the girl, then switched the picture of the Crystal Ball. Snow White had caught the girl. What about Ripple?

When I switched images, it seems that she’s already running atop the cliffs.

Ah, two righteous Magical Girls. My sentiments have reached its maximum levels.

Goodbye, Magical Girls that I loved.

I switched back to Snow White. My Magical Skill can drag people in the crystal ball to where I am. However, sometimes it depends on my strength.

I have the strength to crush bones if I managed to grab my opponent’s neck.

I aimed at Snow White’s neck, gently, I prepared, and thrusted my hand forward.

However, when I thought I would grab onto Snow White’s neck, Snow White turned around and thrust her arm forward to mine.

No, I had already forgotten.

Snow White didn’t thrust her bare hands, she had thrusted the hand that gripped the knife, and stabbed her knife towards my palm, twisting the knife inside of it.

At the same time, my right calf was stabbed. I roared with intense pain. There was something unnatural stabbing my right calf.

A gigantic Shuriken stabbed into my bones. It was Ripple’s hair clip. My hands couldn’t hold the crystal ball, and I fell down.

The coldness of the ground spread across my body. The wounds on my calf have broken my bones. I can’t crawl.

My breath became rough, the cold air of the mountains were hurting my lungs.

How did Snow White read my attack? I wasn’t distressed at all. She couldn’t have read my hands, as it had no mind of its own.

Ah… I see.

I had thought I attacked her blind spot, but I had forgotten someone else.

The girl.

Being carried by Snow White, she must’ve seen my hand appear out of nowhere. She must’ve been so scared at this whole situation.

Snow White read her mind, and immediately reacted to stab my hand. In response to that, Ripple immediately launched her attack by unplugging her clip and throwing it to me.

Speaking of myself, I don’t think I can stand up.

Snow White and Ripple, to think that they could use a waste like me, and make themselves stronger, polishing their skills.

How fun would it be to think of their future?

How sad would it be that I won’t be there to see that future?

If it’s my destiny to fall here, then I will accept it, knowing that I’ve created my Ideal Magical Girls.

How tragic.

I myself cannot become my own Ideal Magical Girl. My heart is rotten. There’s no such thing as repentance for me.

However, I still continued seeking for that one Magical Girl who would become my ideal.

A superb Magical Girl who can destroy the Land of Magic from within, and rebuild it anew. A Magical Girl who can do what I couldn’t do.

For that reason, I would teach them, and I will always strive to make the Ideal Magical Girl.

I always thought that she would stand next to me, facing the Land of Magic together.

If only I had more time.

Ripple looked like a beast, and Snow White looked cold. They hadn’t treated their injuries, blood dripping from them.

Snow White’s emotions pierced through me, like a hunter’s gaze.

Her hair was ruffled and disturbed. Sometimes, there are situations where messy hair is more beautiful than orderly hair.

She looked like a hunter, hunting her prey. Me, the Magical Girl known as Pythie Frederica.

Ah…

An idea came into my head. That beauty inspired me. Although this can suit both of them, this name suited Snow White the most.

The Magical Girl Hunter.

Such a beautiful name.

It’s a shame that she couldn’t hear me suggest it.

As a painful strike from her hit me, my vision faded, but that nickname will soon be known everywhere.