Chapter 20 – Glimpsing the Previous World

Miku brought me my food. The smell was so good I could almost taste it in the air. Those empanadas carried such a rich, warm aroma that I felt like I was in paradise. And on top of that, the cold, fizzy cola was like a dream come true. I felt as happy as when I was a child, back when my mom cooked dinner for me every night.

Noticing my joy, Miku smiled and said:
—You look so happy just from eating this. I hope you enjoy it, Taiyaki. When you’re done, I need to show you something from your previous world.

Curious, I replied:
—Alright, but first let me savor these delicious empanadas. By the way, what kind are they?

—Meat and Roquefort cheese —Miku answered—. I know you love this type, so I made them to show my pride in how far you’ve come as a Magical Girl. You’ve finished the very first stage—let’s say you cleared Level 1, just like in a video game. Now rest, like saving your progress. I’ll be waiting over there while you enjoy this moment.

She walked off to rest, while I began to eat. Each bite felt like returning to my childhood, making me happier and happier. As I enjoyed what seemed like lunch, I thought about what we should do after resting. Maybe I’d propose a month of training for all of us, so we could grow stronger. With some luck, we could even challenge the Demon Queen. Though, deep down, I knew it wouldn’t be that easy. For now, I just wanted to enjoy this meal and the refreshing cola.

When I finished, Miku returned and said:
—Looks like you enjoyed it. You took thirty minutes. Alright, we only have an hour and a half left, so I’ll be as quick as I can. Please, watch this screen carefully.

—Alright, Miku. What do you want to show me from my old world? —I asked.

The screen lit up, showing news broadcasts: A father shot dead. Africa in worse condition than ever. Endless wars. Suicide rates climbing in many countries. Leaders still locked in power struggles. Presidents unable to reach agreements. Climate change spiraling out of control. We only hope things will improve in the coming years. This has been your favorite reporter. See you next time.

Then came other clips: bar fights in my city, riots, more conflicts... Even though I’d left that world, nothing had changed. But what did I expect? Humanity in my old world was rotten, suffocating in hypocrisy and false morals.

Miku spoke gently:
—I hope you’ll value this world more. Compared to your old one, this place is far healthier as a society. You have five minutes left before your mind returns to your new body. Listen closely: do not challenge the Demon Queen yet. She’s far more powerful than the Demon Ogre Boss you barely defeated through sheer luck and a miracle. Please don’t shorten your lifespan again just to kill a demon. Promise me, Taiyaki.

I hesitated for a moment before replying:
—Alright, Miku, I promise. But promise me this in return: if I die defeating the Demon Queen, you’ll let me finally rest in peace, free from this life as a Magical Girl.

Miku nodded.
—Fine. I’ll promise. But I’ll need to consult the Goddess you spoke with before. It’ll take me a month. Please, don’t get into trouble before then. Be careful with what you do as a Magical Girl… I don’t want to lose you.

Suddenly, my body began to fade.

With a smile, Miku waved.
—See you in a month, Taiyaki. Be a good friend to your new companions.

I lost consciousness, and everything went dark. A voice echoed in the void:
—Come on, Taiyaki, wake up. You’ve been asleep for three days.

I woke up in my room, in my own bed. Akane, Mizu, Mizuki, and Kori stood around me, watching over me. Confused, I asked what had happened and how we’d gotten there.

Akane explained:
—After you collapsed, we crossed the portal the receptionist told us about. They said the mission was a success, and that we’ve finally cleared the first stage of being Magical Girls. Our parents were so happy that they decided to throw a celebration. We were waiting for you to wake up so we could party together.

A small smile spread across my face, and I laughed. The others laughed with me. At that moment, my mother walked in.
—Taiyaki, you’re finally awake. You’re so lucky to have such good friends. Thank you, girls, for taking care of my princess. You’ve become so close already. Now then, why don’t we celebrate with cookies and milk?

We all cheered. While my mom prepared the snacks, I changed out of my pajamas. Five minutes later, we sat at the dining table as she served us cookies and milk.

—Go ahead, girls, enjoy. You’ve earned this —she said warmly.

We each had a glass of milk and four cookies. As we snacked, I asked the time.

—It’s five in the afternoon —Mizuki answered—. You really slept a lot, Taiyaki.

—What if we wear something more elegant for the party? —Mizu suggested—. We could go shopping for dresses.

—That’s a great idea —Kori agreed—. Let’s go after we finish here.

I felt excited. That party would help me relax after everything I’d been through. One chapter of my life had ended, and a new one had just begun. Perhaps that was how things were meant to be in this world.

—Taiyaki, are you going to invite your friend Tatsuki to the ball? —Akane asked.

I froze, shocked.
—Eh… no, thanks. I’ll go with Mizu… together, as a couple.

Everyone stared at us.

—Mizu, are you really sure about this? —Kori asked.

Mizu smiled.
—Yes. I’d like to go with Taiyaki, as a couple.

After finishing, we told my mom we’d be out until 8 PM to buy everything we needed. She gave her permission and also informed the others’ parents. They didn’t mind, as long as we didn’t get into trouble.

We got ready, and in five minutes we were set. There was only one thing left: I needed to use the bathroom… after three whole days.