Cruel Reality

(Bai Ziye)

Simulacrum Factor.

That's what Monster rely on to operate in this world.

They appear in all sorts of bizarre forms, not because they like it, but to deceive the world's "immune system" and successfully pass through the firewall that rejects foreign objects.

And these "witches"...

Their "Simulacrum Factor" is the "magical girl" from seven years ago.

Just as the Sword Witch said, she is not the "Fomalhaut" of the Past, but Special Monster created from the material of "magical girl".

When she appeared in a half-human, half-deer form, the world's sluggish "immune system" finally reacted and pulled her out of the world.

I couldn't hold back any longer. Ignoring the slippery ground, I plopped down on the ground, panting. My hand holding the short sword trembled uncontrollably, and the wounds cut by the invisible blade formed by the moisture began to ache faintly.

Although I severely injured my opponent, I would definitely be the one who couldn't hold on if we continued fighting.

"Call--"

Even with new powers, it would be difficult to defeat such an oppressive opponent.

Therefore, those Monsters are not weak; rather, they can only use that limited level of strength in order to comply with the laws of this world.

Conversely, they have absolutely no restrictions on the Other Side.

Since the opposing team can't gain an advantage on our home turf, will the "magical girl" be able to unleash her full potential on the Other Side?

Perhaps this is the reason for that defeat seven years ago.

This discovery must be shared with SpiCa, and the plan for a second expedition must be re-examined... Perhaps maintaining the status quo is indeed the best option for humanity at present.

As for bringing the "witch" back to her senses, that's a false premise. It's impossible to restore the tomatoes in scrambled eggs to their original state unless time were reversed...

"... Um?"

I subconsciously touched the hourglass at my waist.

"Miluno, are you alright?"

Ceruno's concerned voice came from behind.

I replied, "Never mind me, go see your parents."

"... Um."

There are more important things to do right now.

I don't want her to see my embarrassing and vulnerable side.

The Star Crystal of the Heat Haze has already merged into Ceruno's mother's body. How should I tell her about this? Will forcibly removing the Star Crystal have any negative consequences...?

I have a lot of things to think about, and I can't just sit here forever.

Ceruno sent a message.

[My parents were rescued by other magical girls, and my aunt couldn't stop it.]

Were there hidden enemies all along?

It's good that Mom is alright; after all, her magic really isn't suited for combat.

The roar of motorcycles came from afar, sounding like two groups of middle-aged women fighting in the street, but not long after, Ceruno sent another message.

[We're going to Thunderous Resonance's clinic to have Heat Haze checked out. Do you want to come along?]

I thought about it and typed a reply.

No, I'm a little tired and want to go back and rest.

I'm really tired.

But going back to rest is just an excuse.

Although it was almost dawn, I had to tell this to someone else... and for that, I needed to go somewhere.

The boundary between D3 District.

A tent has been set up under the bridge at the end of the Riverside Promenade.

It's cool here; even on a deep summer night, you can enjoy a cool breeze.

I knocked on the curtain, and a werewolf with a delicate female face popped out, but there was no surprise on her face, as if she had known I was coming all along.

I glanced at him and asked, "Awake? Still awake so late?"

"Oh, he's up!"

It's only 5 a. m. Although going to bed early and waking up early is good for your health, this guy's schedule is a little unhealthy.

The tent was not messy, and there weren't many things inside. The soft mat on the ground served as the bed, and besides that, there was only a blanket and a pillow.

He took off his shoes and crawled into the tent, then asked, "Would you like something to drink?"

"Drinks? What kind?"

He took a soda can from the side of his head.

"Beer!!"

"... Then I won't drink it."

I don't quite understand the allure of alcohol, especially the cheapest kind, beer.

"Pity."

He opened the beer can himself and asked, "Did Miss Knight come all this way to see me because she needs something from me?"

He called me that again.

"Are you good at tracking?" I asked.

"Hmm, not to brag, but my nose is very sensitive. I could smell your scent as soon as you walked down the bridge."

What do I taste like?

"Lavender... no, more like orchid! You smell strange, but there's a hint of blood and rust on you. Are you injured?"

"Abnormal!"

It actually brought its face close, and I instinctively kicked UI-31 in the face.

Hmm--

I still feel nauseous.

Unconsciously, he quickened his pace and pulled his leg back.

Even when I turned my head, I could still feel his lecherous gaze...

"My injury isn't important, but I need your help to find someone."

"Finding someone? That's my specialty!"

"We'll talk about this later. Before that, I have some questions to ask, since you're the only one who knows 'the Other Side'."

"I don't know much either."

UI-31 shrugged.

He had previously stated that he had been imprisoned before undergoing reformation, and was transferred here shortly afterward, so he didn't know much about the situation on "the Other Side."

But is that really the case?

"It's still better than everyone else... You said before that you were modified from a human, right?"

"That's right."

He shifted his legs and sat up straight in front of me, declaring, "I am a human being."

This was almost his belief...

But I asked, "How confident are you about that statement yourself?"

"Huh? 100%!"

He looked surprised, as if he didn't understand.

"UI-31, I had the pleasure of chatting with the witch for a bit tonight. Although she's an enemy, she turned out to be an honest and upright person."

"... Witches? Those guys can communicate too?"

"They can speak, but you, who were once human, cannot. Don't you find that strange?"

"... What do you mean? Are you trying to say I'm not human?"

"Your Simulacrum Factor is wolf-like, isn't it?"

He reached out and touched the prismatic stone on his chest.

"That's right."

"Since we've already used 'humans' as the source material, why give you wolf- Simulacrum Factor?"

"To give me the strength to fight."

"But theoretically, the 'human' factor can also grant you power."

"... What exactly are you trying to say?"

I took a deep breath and said bluntly, "Liu, you may not be human. You are just a werewolf -Monster implanted with 'real human memories.' You may not even be a failure. What you are doing now is part of your infiltration of human society... you just don't know it."

My words were harsh, and they would undoubtedly shake his conviction.

If he can accept this reality, I wouldn't mind truly accepting him.

As a "person".

Even if he betrays me one day, I'm still willing to believe him, because this false personality possesses genuine humanity.

"... Where's the evidence?"

He was holding a beer in his hand, but he hadn't drunk any of it.

"I learned about the Monster from that witch, no..."

I shook my head.

"... It is the mystery of the birth of you External Invader."