Ch. 81Faster Than Light
Summary: “Faster Than Light” (Sun Yao)
1. Key Plot Points & Events
- During breakfast, Ceruno learns from Miss Melissa that she was once a magical girl codenamed “NAPALM” and a former member of the Sirius Squad. More shockingly, every maid in the manor is a retired or active magical girl.
- Miss Sirius announces she is going to the Hawaii Branch to meet Spica, intending to discuss wartime plans—including the possibility of placing magical girls under military management and advancing the war into its next stage.
- Ceruno asks Sirius for another training match alongside Miss Miluno.
- In the kennels’ dance room, Ceruno deduces that Miss Miluno’s magic is actually control over the flow of time, not just speed.
- Ceruno tests a new tactic: wrapping Miss Miluno in his Magic Membrane and having her accelerate the membrane itself. It works—she moves at extreme speed to the beach and back effortlessly, without physical strain.
- They plan a limit test to see how much acceleration the membrane can withstand, keeping in mind that Ceruno’s magic strength depends on confidence.
- The chapter ends with Ceruno smiling and declaring he will make Miss Miluno run faster than light.
2. Character Developments
- Ceruno: Shows growing insight and strategic thinking. He turns past observations into practical application, and begins to understand the true nature of his own power—that confidence is the key to stronger magic.
- Miss Miluno: Briefly drops her usual calm demeanor, showing genuine excitement about the new possibility. She acknowledges Ceruno’s talent and becomes more engaged in the partnership.
- Miss Sirius: Confirms her role as a leader preparing for the next stage of war, while still being cautious about military control. She trusts Ceruno to train independently.
- Miss Melissa: Her backstory is revealed—a veteran magical girl now quietly training the next generation as a maid.
3. Significant Themes
- Hidden identities and unexpected roles: Magical girls live disguised as maids; past war heroes now serve quietly.
- Confidence as a source of power: Ceruno’s magic is explicitly tied to his belief in himself.
- Breaking limitations through cooperation: Ceruno’s membrane and Miluno’s time manipulation combine to overcome previous physical limits.
- The cost of power and war: Military control of magical girls, the lingering effects of old battles, and the pressure of future conflict are present throughout.
4. Character Interactions
- Ceruno & Miss Miluno: Core partnership—Ceruno explains his theory, proposes the experiment, and they successfully test the accelerated membrane. Their dynamic shifts from teacher/student to something more collaborative.
- Ceruno & Miss Sirius: He requests a rematch through her; she calmly approves before leaving for official business.
- Ceruno & Miss Melissa / other maids: Melissa’s past is revealed; the other maids, like Miss Zara, react with quiet confusion to the sudden burst of speed.
- Sirius & Ceruno (indirect): Her departure and mention of Spica signal larger political and military developments that will affect Ceruno later.