Best Performance

(Bai Ziye)

A wormhole, visible to the naked eye, appeared on the sea surface at night.

Unlike cities, Nabu Island does not have Phase-Detection Airship, so there are no wormhole alarms here.

Ultimately, Monster generally wouldn't appear on such remote islands.

Although it's hard to admit, SpiCa's prediction is probably correct; Ceruno does indeed possess the ability to attract Monster.

Wrong...

This statement is not entirely accurate either.

To be precise, Ceruno became a thorn in the side of "the Other Side"... but why?

"I don't know how many more minutes until the wormhole opens. Yezi, you should go take refuge first."

Once in battle mode, Ceruno's nonchalant expression vanished, replaced by a serious one.

She changed into a pink and white dress, her Battle Dress complete with Ruby Wand clutched tightly in her hand.

"Okay, then you should be careful too."

I'm not being coy; going to "seek refuge" is the right option right now.

"Since Miss Miluno is still enjoying her holiday on Oahu, then I'll have to take care of things here!"

Although that's how it's supposed to be, I didn't actually enjoy it at all.

I advised him, "Actually, you don't need to work too hard; just treat it as practical training."

This is Sirius's territory, the territory of the First Magical Girl. What kind of Monster come here and they're just easy prey?

Despite thinking this way, I still planned to seek refuge in the direction of the Western-style mansion.

As soon as he turned around, he saw Sirius unfurl its enormous Wings of Light and fly towards him from the direction of the mansion... After materializing light, is it still possible to create wings capable of flight?

As expected of an ace who has fought continuously for twelve years, his application of magic has reached a level of consummate skill.

"Ceruno- chan, you should go to safety with your boyfriend too!"

Sirius flew through the air and called out to us.

"Huh? But I can fight too..."

"Nabu Island is my personal property! It's been invaded! It's only right that I handle this!"

Her wings of light shone brilliantly in the night, and combined with Sirius's already striking blonde hair, she was practically an angel except for a halo.

Looking back now, my magic seems to have no special effects from an ordinary person's perspective... it's just simple speed, and they can't even see it clearly.

Perhaps this is why I don't have many fans?

Although there was no Phase-Detection Airship, several hexacopter drones still flew in to take pictures and analyze the data. These large machines, operated by an unknown person, also delivered ear-type walkie-talkies to Ceruno.

However, it's not surprising. There's no reason why the battles of the first magical girl wouldn't be broadcast live. Considering Sirius's immense popularity, it's clear that the Association wouldn't miss this opportunity to make money.

"Yezi, come with me."

Ceruno dragged me to sit on the pier, then covered me and herself with her bubble. The bubble wasn't big, so we were very close, our arms occasionally touching.

Ceruno wasn't concerned about the immediate situation; she focused all her attention on the upcoming battle.

But I do care.

Although we weren't completely sweating, our skin still felt sticky against each other, and feeling each other's warmth made me feel strange.

She asked, "Miss Sirius, may we watch the game from here?"

"No problem, but you might get caught in the crossfire?"

"I will protect Yezi! Please allow me to observe and learn your fighting style up close!"

He actually said he would protect me...

If we really get into danger, I'll protect you even if it means exposing my identity, you idiot.

"The magic of magical girls is all different, so I don't think it's very useful for reference. If you really want to see, just stay there~"

The idol in the air, hands on hips, made a powerful declaration.

"Anyway, I will never let that Monster set foot on this beach!"

Buzz--

"It's coming!"

The wormhole has fully opened.

At this point, approximately five minutes Past since the wormhole appeared.

This time, what was delivered was a Monster of standard build. It plummeted from above the wormhole at high speed, then crashed into the sea with a whooshing sound, creating a splash several meters high... 0 points for falling into the water!

The night was too dark for me to see the enemy's true form, but Sirius's laser beam had already pierced the sea surface. Since the waters near Nabu Island were relatively shallow, the Monster was quickly forced to rush out of the water.

Then, by the Radiance of the stars and moon, I was able to see the enemy's appearance clearly...

It was an Octopus Monster.

Its head is that of a giant octopus, and it wears a diving breathing apparatus on its face.

Despite its large head, it was very thin, wearing a full-coverage swimsuit and webbed feet, making its top-heavy appearance particularly strange.

"Ugh, it's so ugly."

Even Ceruno said so; this Monster is truly unbearable to look at.

It completely defied physics, gliding almost parallel to the water's surface as it burst out, moving towards the riverbank while twisting its soft, boneless limbs to nimbly dodge Sirius's laser beams.

Seemingly tired of the chase, Sirius spread its enormous Wings of Light, from which countless lasers that would bend at angles in the air blasted towards the sea, instantly creating a cloud of water vapor.

Light wings unfold (?)

Sitting on the pier, we couldn't see the Monster's location at all.

Look this way!

Ceruno had already taken out her phone without anyone noticing.

The live stream was incredibly popular; after all, it was a battle on Sirius, so it was naturally a scene of immense excitement with millions of viewers. Drones used thermal imaging technology to lock onto the rapidly moving Octopus Monster, which was clearly being engulfed by rapidly converging laser beams, its life hanging by a thread.

"Huh?"

Just when I thought the Octopus Monster's days were numbered, its figure suddenly disappeared from the screen, and Sirius's laser shot missed its target.

"What happened?"

Ceruno put down her phone and became more vigilant.

But the next second, the bubble protecting us floated up without warning, its surface faintly glowing with an eerie purple light, as if it had been lifted into the air by some invisible force.

"Is this the target area?!"

To be precise, the target is Ceruno.

"Looks like a water-type, but turns out to be a psychic Monster?"

Where is its true form?

The laser's missed attack suggests that the Monster's ability isn't simply invisibility; it likely possesses abilities like teleportation.

"The drone has lost its way too... This is no good, the power of this telekinesis is too great, the bubble is going to be smashed!"

Ceruno supports the magic bubble.

Sirius looked up at the night sky, then suddenly exerted her strength, shooting into the night sky with a trail of light behind her. Behind her were no longer wings of light, but jet propulsion systems made of light.

Is that the Magus Power System?

Because of the great distance and altitude, I couldn't see the aerial battle clearly with my naked eye, but by tracking the light of Sirius, I could vaguely see another dark shadow.

Dazzling aerial combat...

What should I (Miluno) do if I encounter flying enemies like this?

The battle ended quickly, the psychic power binding the bubble disappeared, and Ceruno and I slowly landed.

Sirius landed steadily, still carrying the Octopus Monster in a light net... It smelled burnt; it had turned into takoyaki.

"Miss Sirius is so strong!"

With the crisis averted, Ceruno happily ran Past.

"Wait! Ceruno!"

Realizing something, I tried to call out to this idiot, but she was completely oblivious to the drone still filming nearby.

"Oh my? Ceruno- chan, are you going to be my backup dancer?"

Even I know that Sirius's battle livestreams have a special feature: after a victory, they will always sing a new single as a thank you to their fans.

Ceruno, meanwhile, inadvertently stumbled into the intro that seemed to start from nowhere.

The idiot stared blankly at the drone's camera lens, his expression becoming uneasy and flustered as the music played.

"Huh? No...?"

But the words of refusal stuck in his throat.

"... I... I'll dance! I'll be Miss Sirius's backup dancer!"

Suddenly changed his tune?

"Very good, then try your best to keep up with me!!"

The glittering idol began singing on the beach.

As an idol, and also as a lighting technician.

The empty beach shimmered with dazzling light and shadow, and the vibrant dance-like movements possessed an aura that could captivate the entire world.

In contrast, Ceruno, standing beside her, appeared much more clumsy.

Although I had dance practice with Sirius this afternoon, we haven't had a formal rehearsal yet. I'm probably not qualified to be Sirius's backup dancer.

Nothing particularly amazing, nor did I make any mistakes, just that my movements were clumsy, awkward, and hesitant.

My mindset is very similar to that of an elderly father sitting in the audience when his daughter performs on stage for the first time.

I think my daughter is very cute and I'm sure she can do it, but I'm still very nervous.

That's the kind of emotion I feel.

Perhaps.

"Clear your mind, my rhythm will guide your dance steps."

However, under Sirius's influence, Ceruno's stiff dance steps gained a bit more rhythm.

She tried her best, and even a silly smile appeared on her face.

Hey-hey--

Although I couldn't hear it, it felt like I could hear it again.