Bad News

(Sun Yao)

"This was just an experiment, so there's no question of success or failure. But even from your perspective, this interception can't be considered a failure... Obviously, if it really External Invader, it would already be dead."

As Ms. Yin Wei spoke, she took out another camera and brought it close to the remains of the dummy that the Association had thrown at her...

Yes, wreckage.

Although the dummy broke through, it was smashed to pieces, with not a single part intact. Miss SpiCa claimed that this dummy's strength was comparable to that of an ordinary Monster, so if a real Monster crashed into my bubble defense line in the wormhole, its fate wouldn't be much better.

Miss Sirius added, "It's as devastating as a high-speed train crashing into an engineering vehicle. As an interception tactic, it's successful, even highly efficient, allowing you to eliminate your opponent before the battle even begins. You could break Miluno- chan's fastest combat record... although there's no revenue from the live stream."

So it seems my magic is indeed quite powerful. At first, I thought it was just support magic without any offensive capabilities, and I underestimated myself.

"Is this why 'the Other Side' is targeting me?" I asked.

"There may be secrets we haven't discovered yet, but you must know that almost all magical girls, except for you, are unable to use magic inside wormholes. You are an exception in this respect."

"I know."

I've read popular science magazines on this topic.

The interior of a wormhole is like another spacetime with completely different laws, which is why most magic cannot work there. This is also why drones are equipped with jet nozzles, since propellers cannot be used.

But my magic is different. The essence of bubbles is to create a space with self-defined rules, so there is no problem of them not adapting to the environment. In fact, they bring the environment with them, creating an environment where other magical girls can use magic.

"I am indeed special."

"Aren't you quite pleased with yourself?"

"No, there isn't any..."

Actually, I'm quite proud of myself for being unique.

The wormhole in the sky gradually closed.

Opening a wormhole requires a considerable amount of energy. As soon as the experiment ended, the Association headquarters closed the wormhole. This technology still has a long way to go before it can be used for civilian purposes.

However, civilian application was just a pretext. Miss SpiCa's insistence on developing wormhole technology was actually for organizing Second Counterattack Operation. It is unknown whether her father was aware of this plan.

However, these are not things I should be thinking about.

"I wonder how Miluno is doing."

Hearing my mutterings, Sirius said, "The experiment is over. If you're worried, go check it out. If you can't find UI-31, call them over for a barbecue. They must be hungry after working all morning, right?"

"Having a barbecue when there might be invaders on the island?"

Is this the confidence and composure of being number one in the world?

"Come on, we have so many magical girls, what can just one Monster do? Besides, the island's surveillance cameras only showed a blurry figure, whether it's Werewolf is still questionable. Don't make a fuss~ Let's call everyone back for some skewers!"

"... Okay."

Although Sirius said that, the figure I saw in the sea earlier still made me uneasy, so I walked alone toward the mountain path where Antarctic Star and Miss Miluno had left.

Perhaps due to the abundant tropical sunshine, the trees on the mountain are all very tall, including species like the mimosa tree with an exceptionally large canopy. Therefore, it is difficult to pinpoint their location at a glance, but you should be able to get the general direction right as you head up the mountain.

"Oh dear? Ceruno?"

But after taking only a few steps, a voice called out from behind.

Turning around, I saw the enthusiastic head maid, but...

"Oh? Miss Melissa, didn't you go to Hawaii and Oahu with Yezi to do some shopping?"

They even took the Yezi with them.

The red-haired maid gave me a friendly smile.

"You are a guest, so there's no need for you to use honorifics with me. As for the supplies, they've all been ordered and will be delivered to the island later."

"Has Ye Yezi returned too?"

He's tired and is currently resting at the mansion.

"Tired? I didn't even lift anything heavy... Miss Melissa, please head to the beach! The barbecue is about to start!"

Miss Melissa shook her head slightly, placing her hand on her chest, and said, "My identity is that of a maid; how could I possibly participate in the activities of guests and masters? If you wish to return to the mansion, I can take you there first."

"Does this even need to be delivered?"

"Just passing by."

They said it was on the way, but the direction she was heading clearly indicated she had just come out of the mansion!

Although Miss Melissa's behavior lacked logic, she had no reason to refuse. As for the UI-31 matter...

Just like Miss Sirius said, let's leave it for now.

"Then I'll trouble you to lead the way."

"Yes, please come with me."

As expected of Sirius's maid?

Miss Melissa walks with elegance. If she took off her maid outfit, I would believe she was an international socialite. Even if I wanted to imitate her, I wouldn't have her grace; I would just be a poor imitation.

However, this way of walking also has a drawback: it's slow, too slow.

I remembered that it was only a minute or two's walk from the foot of the mountain to the mansion, but it took us a full five minutes to get to the mansion's main entrance.

"Oh, by the way, Miss Ceruno."

Just as she was about to enter the house, Miss Melissa turned around as if she had remembered something.

"Bai Ziye has run into some trouble."

"... What's wrong?"

That one sentence made my whole body tense up.

"He choked on a burrito while eating on Oahu and hurt his throat, so he can't speak right now... I wanted to let you know in advance so you wouldn't worry too much later."

Was it for this reason?

Why would he eat a burrito in Hawaii?

Will coughing damage my throat?

"Having Tabasco sauce in your mouth can cause, and may even cause, permanent loss of voice."

After answering, Miss Melissa added, "It's a very spicy hot sauce. It's my fault; the burrito vendor didn't understand my warning. I didn't realize it either."

"That Yezi, he..."

Would he lose his voice for such a ridiculous reason?

Miss Melissa smiled wryly, "Did I still make you worry? His throat problem isn't serious. I'll prepare some pear syrup for him, and he should be recovered by tonight. But the barbecue... I'm afraid we'll have to wait."

Being safe is the most important thing. I get extremely worried whenever something happens to Yezi, after all, he is my only best friend.

"He's really unlucky."

"I bear some responsibility for this."

It seems like Yezi is just making things up. Usually, when squeezing out chili sauce, they would ask if it's spicy, right?

Miss Melissa had already pushed open the doors of the mansion.

What was once the lobby of a hotel, now the grand hall of a Western-style building, witnessed a scene I can't comprehend...

"What... what are you doing?"

My tongue is a little wobbly.

Miss Miluno was stepping on Yezi's face with her leg, her hand covering her chest, and her usually cold face was flushed with an unusual blush.

Yezi, sitting on the ground, was clutching a black swimsuit that looked very familiar.

...?!