Chapter 25 – The Magical Girls’ Party, Part 03

Mizu and I headed to the party. The sound of our heels echoed softly with each careful step. We didn’t want to hurt our feet, so every pace felt slow… yet, at the same time, it felt like each step brought me closer to a truth I would have to face, whether I wanted to or not.

Mizu glanced at me and said:

—Taiyaki, when we arrive at the party, would you like us, together with Akane, Mizuki, and Kori, to sit at the same table with our partners and eat together?

—I don’t think that sounds bad at all. I guess it’ll be fun to spend the night together as friends.

—I was also thinking… after the party ends, maybe the two of us could spend the night at the park, looking up at the stars and the full moon.

—That sounds fun. Why don’t we do it after the party, Mizu?

—By the way… let me hold your hand. That way I’ll feel safer with you by my side.

—Of course, Mizu. No problem. If that’s what you want, we can hold hands.

She took my hand. My cheeks grew warm as we walked side by side like a couple. Around us, I could hear people whispering, commenting on how we looked like a cute pair. But the angel’s warning still weighed heavily on my mind. I couldn’t relax. I had to stay alert. Somewhere among us was the traitor.

After twenty minutes, we arrived at the Guild. Dozens of Magical Girls were gathered there, dressed beautifully, some accompanied by their partners. I saw a wide range of ages: some were already eighteen or older, others were around fifteen, but most looked between twelve and thirteen. Some came with boys their own age, others with slightly older partners, and a few even with younger ones. I didn’t give it much thought—my priority tonight was discovering the traitor.

—Look, Taiyaki, it’s the Elite Magical Girls! There are only ten of them, all Class Z, the highest rank among us! —Mizu pointed excitedly.

—I see them, Mizu. They really are beautiful… they look about seventeen.

They truly were striking—tall, muscular, with long snow-white hair, blue eyes, fair skin, and curvy, flawless figures. It was as if genetics had blessed them. But I wasn’t here to admire them. Once inside, I realized the Guild hall was completely transformed. It was elegant, almost like another world, decorated with an overwhelming splendor.

We soon spotted the others at a table.

—Taiyaki! Mizu! Over here! —Mizuki waved at us.

—We’ve been waiting for five minutes. Come sit with us!

—Okay, let’s go, Taiyaki! —Mizu tugged at my hand.

We joined them and I finally saw Akane, Mizuki, and Kori’s partners. They were boys with decent builds for their age—still just pubescent kids. Except Akane’s partner… he didn’t look like a twelve-year-old boy at all. He looked almost like a young adult.

I frowned and asked:

—Hey, how old are you?

—Ahem… I’m fifteen. If you’re asking about my height, it’s just hormones. Nothing unusual.

—I hope that’s true. If you hurt my friend, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.

—Ahem… there’s no need to act like that, little one. We’re just close friends. Nothing bad.

—It’s true, Taiyaki —Akane smiled shyly—. He’s special to me. We’ve been friends since childhood. I know he would never hurt me.

—I’ll take your word for it… for now.

Still, something about him bothered me. My instincts told me he was hiding something, so I decided to keep a close eye on him. Meanwhile, I noticed Akane occasionally seemed nervous, as if something was weighing on her. Could she be the traitor? I doubted it… but if she was, what would she do to her “friend”?

As for Kori, she looked cheerful and calm, enjoying the evening with her partner. Perhaps too calm. People say appearances can be deceiving.

I stood up. Immediately, everyone looked at me.

—Taiyaki, is something wrong? —Akane asked.

—The party’s just started… are you okay? —Mizuki added.

—It’s nothing. I just need to go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.

—Do you want me to come with you?

—No, I can go alone.

—Are you sure?

—I’m sure. Don’t worry.

I hurried to the bathroom. Once inside, I confirmed it was empty. Alone at last, I let my thoughts run wild. The traitor… it had to be one of three: Akane, Kori, or, the one I feared most… Mizu. One of them was hiding something. But who? How could I know for certain?

And then it struck me. If I could use my Dark Magic to distinguish truth from lies, maybe I could uncover the traitor. It was a gamble, but worth trying.

Whispering softly, I cast a spell:

“By the power of Dark Magic, grant me the sight to reveal the traitor who will betray us and join the Demon Queen.”

My vision shifted to a faint green hue. Then, text appeared before my eyes:

[Truth and Secret Detection Activated]
All Magical Girls will begin with three red hearts. If one is the traitor, her hearts will gradually turn black when exposed to the right words. Three black hearts will reveal her identity.

—So… that’s how it works. Alright then.

Taking a deep breath, I left the bathroom. Back at the table, I saw them—each girl had hearts floating above her. The interrogation had already begun.

Objective: Discover the traitor.