Chapter 22 – Night of Reflection

Twenty minutes had passed, and the pizza still hadn’t arrived. Only ten minutes remained before the thirty-minute mark, and my stomach was already growling. While I waited, my thoughts wandered to my new life, everything I had experienced up until now. It’s incredible how much can happen in just three weeks.

The calendar reminded me—October was close. Soon, demons would grow stronger than usual. We would have to stay alert. What would the king’s knights do if there were no Magical Girls? Surely, humanity would have already fallen. That must be why the Goddess granted this power to humans. Without it, the Demon Queen would have destroyed everything.

Even so, fear gnawed at me. What if it really happened? I shook my head. No—I had to become stronger. Strong enough to fight alongside the king’s army, strong enough to protect humanity.

Seven more minutes passed before the doorbell rang. Through the peephole, I saw the pizza delivery man. Using the last of the money I had earned from the Dragon Potato mission, I paid him.

He thanked me and said with a smirk,
“Thanks, cutie. You’ve got a pretty face. Have a good night.”

My blood froze. What the hell did I just hear? Did he seriously say that—even knowing I looked like a twelve-year-old girl? Disgust surged inside me. I would have to keep an eye on him, in case he tried anything with Mizu, Mizuki, Kori, Akane, or anyone else. People like that…I hate them.

Still fuming, I closed the door and sat down to eat.

The pizza was delicious—so good I devoured it like I hadn’t eaten in days, washing it down with cola. As I ate, I thought: If I survive this war…if I gain power… I’ll make a law to protect children from people like that. But first—defeat the Demon Queen.

After cleaning up, I brewed myself a cup of coffee and paired it with chocolate. With the book I had been reading nights ago, I delved deeper into this world’s myths and legends.

One legend caught my eye: the elemental powers of Magical Girls could be combined, but only if they were in perfect sync. “Hard, but not impossible,” I thought. When the festival is over, I’ll tell Mizu and the others—we should train this. If we succeed, it could change everything.

The coffee was rich, the chocolate bittersweet and honey-like. Turning the pages, I learned more: the first Magical Girls were royalty, until the queen of that era allowed even common-born girls to join, forming the guild. But their lives were short—most didn’t live past thirty-five. Few survived to fifty, usually slain by Rank Z demons, the most dangerous of all.

No wonder the Demon Queen still lives.

Closing the book, I clenched my fists. It’s possible. If we can combine our magic, we might turn the tide. Three thousand years of war—it’s time humanity strikes back.

I won’t give up. I can’t. This new life was given to me—I must repay it by saving this world.

Together, with my friends and the guild, we will defeat the Demon Queen. No one who delights in cruelty can escape karma. This war will end, and I’ll make sure of it.

The clock read eleven. I turned off the lights, leaving only the dining room lamp, then went to the bathroom. There, the mirror reflected back at me—an undeniably cute girl of twelve. I blushed before slapping my cheeks. Stop it. You’re still an adult inside, remember?

Breathing deeply, I changed into my pink cat pajamas and whispered toward the window,
“Goddess, please grant me strength for this war. I need it—I know You understand.”

At last, I closed my eyes and surrendered to sleep.