Manager, give me a membership card too!

Rorschach: ?!

I just went out for a chat, less than three minutes, and you've turned into this half-dead, sickly state? What happened in the few minutes I was gone???

Although his mind was filled with endless questions, Rorschach did not hesitate much. He quickly stepped forward, used his soul vision to check the other person's physical condition, and pressed the nurse call button next to the hospital bed.

Twenty minutes later, in the VIP ward, Sumire Muroto, with a strange expression, removed a stethoscope from Mami Tomoe's voluptuous frontal armor. While gathering her medical tools, she stood up from the chair in front of the bed, nodded to Rorschach beside her in the direction of the door, and then walked out of the ward.

Watching Sumire Muroto leave, Rorschach first slowed down the flow of the glucose IV drip in Mami Tomoe's hand to ensure that the girl would not feel pain or any other abnormality. Then he nodded to the weak girl who was half-awake on the hospital bed and walked out of the ward.

After closing the hospital room door and making sure the girl inside couldn't hear him, Luo Xia looked at Muroto Sumire with a strange expression and asked:

"What's the current situation with that child?"

Sumire Muroto's expression was a mix of amusement and exasperation. After glancing at the door beside her, she began to briefly explain to Rorschach:

"The child currently has a slight cervical spine misalignment, a mild concussion, multiple soft tissue contusions, and some internal organ problems. Although it is not life-threatening, he still needs to be hospitalized for observation for a period of time to prevent his condition from worsening."

As Luo Xia listened and nodded, he suddenly noticed that Muroto Sumire seemed to want to say something but hesitated, so he smiled and asked:

"What's wrong? Is there another problem, Ms. Sumire Muroto?"

“Um…” Sumire Muroto’s expression was somewhat strange and hesitant. After struggling for a while, the beautiful scientist finally spoke with a tone that was hard to tell whether it was amused or pitying:

"Based on my experience, Ms. Tomoe's injuries are all recent. Especially the soft tissue contusions and the blood clots in the capillaries haven't fully accumulated yet; they appeared no more than five minutes ago. Therefore, I deduce..."

"You've deduced that all those injuries were self-inflicted by Mami Tomoe while we were away from the room?"

Without needing Muroto Sumire to explain, Luo Xia immediately guessed what she meant. Upon hearing this, Muroto Sumire nodded silently, confirming Luo Xia's statement.

"The girl before was perfectly healthy, I confirmed that myself. These injuries were all inflicted on her by herself when we left the room. I really don't understand why she would do this; she really showed no mercy."

"Perhaps it's because of an unwritten rule in the 'magical girl' world."

"Regulation?"

"It's something like, 'The identity of magical girls must never be revealed, especially not to the general public.'"

"There's such a rule? Isn't this just asking for trouble?" The introverted female scientist, Sumire Muroto, who didn't quite understand these things, looked completely bewildered, unable to comprehend what these girls were thinking. To keep such a trivial secret, they were actually willing to hurt themselves.

"Perhaps this is one of the principles these girls hold in mind: not wanting to cause trouble for ordinary people."

With a soft sigh, Luo Xia decided not to dwell on the matter any longer.

He composed himself and instructed Muroto Sumire before him:

"Please take good care of Mami Tomoe's follow-up treatment, Ms. Sumire Muroto. To be honest, I never expected that my negligence would lead to her self-harm. This is my fault, and we must make sure she recovers."

"Don't worry, Mr. Rorschach, with the technology of Chaldea, there will be absolutely no aftereffects. If you hadn't said you wanted to hide our presence, I could have discharged that little girl in just five minutes."

Nodding in satisfaction, Luo Xia instructed Muroto Sumire to prepare the medications needed for the follow-up treatment before returning to the ward where Tomoe Mami was located.

Luo Xia quietly closed the ward door and went to the bedside. Looking at the girl lying on the bed with her brows furrowed, seemingly already in a deep sleep, the man's face showed a hint of regret and affection.

Although this was only his first meeting with Mami Tomoe, in Rorschach's memory, this character, whom he had met nearly ten years ago, had deeply shocked him in every sense of the word. She made the then-minor Rorschach understand what it meant to receive care from Gen Urobuchi, and completely shattered his young worldview.

I don't know if it was because a major character died in the third episode, but the script and character designs were really good. Puella Magi Madoka Magica, which wasn't very popular to begin with, saw its popularity skyrocket in a very short time and quickly became a phenomenon that year.

This has given new life to the magical girl genre, which was gradually declining, and produced entirely different results.

From that day on, various magical girl anime series that tormented the protagonists and were tragedies from beginning to end began to be broadcast one after another, which can be said to have ushered in a new era.

The character who caused all of this, Mami Tomoe, the 'senpai' who died in the third episode, has seen her popularity strangely continue to rise, even though she doesn't have much screen time in subsequent episodes. Even many people who haven't watched Puella Magi Madoka Magica know her basic information just by seeing her image.

Just like the skunk girl Karyl, she became popular beyond her niche.

Rorschach, naturally, was also one of those who paid attention to Mami Tomoe.

Silently tucking the blanket back in, which the girl had somehow lifted, Luo Xia stood silently in front of Mami Tomoe's hospital bed, gazing quietly at the girl's delicate face, lost in thought.

Suddenly, the man's gaze focused on the girl's forehead. There, a bright yellow crystal flower radiated a dazzling light that ordinary people could not even see.

'The Soul Gem?'

Almost instantly, Rorschach recognized the crystal hairpin's true form. It was proof of these girls' contracts with the X-Beast Kyubey, a vessel storing their souls, and also the corrupted egg secretly nurturing a witch.

Soul Gem

Almost instinctively, Luo Xia stretched out his palm and slowly reached towards the forehead of the sleeping girl.

Getting closer, getting closer...

10 centimeters, 5 centimeters, 3 centimeters...

Just as Mami Tomoe's slender hands clenched tightly under the covers with her eyes closed, Rorschach's outstretched hand remained in the same direction, but he gently smoothed the girl's disheveled hair, putting a few stray strands back where they belonged, before turning around and walking towards a sofa in the corner reserved for family caregivers.

'Hu~'

Suppressing her sobs, Mami Tomoe let out a long breath and cautiously opened one eye, watching the black-haired man opposite her tidying up the cushions on the sofa. For some reason, the pain from the magical injuries she had sustained was gradually subsiding.

This is the first time I've received such care from a stranger. Surprisingly, it feels... quite nice?

Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god! I've been slacking off too much lately, and I'm still short of writing for my half-year bonus. I don't know if I can make up for it today.

Chapter 249 Sudden Attack

Chapter 249 Sudden Attack

The windows of the VIP ward were sparkling clean, and even distant scenery could be seen clearly.

Having regained her senses, Mami Tomoe leaned against a soft cushion, silently gazing at the beautiful scenery outside the window. A shy blush crept across her delicate face. The reason this usually gentle and composed girl was acting this way was entirely due to the man sitting beside her, his head bowed.

'Shh~'

A sharp fruit knife gently sliced ​​the pre-washed apple, cutting the originally round, sweet fruit into countless symmetrical crescent shapes. Carefully removing the core, and meticulously cutting a 'V' shaped notch in the apple peel, a plate of sweet-smelling bunnies appeared in Mami Tomoe's bedside table in no time.

"Great, my skills are pretty good."

Satisfied with the sight of the cute and delicious little rabbits reflecting the glow of the setting sun, Luo Xia picked up a toothpick that had been prepared beforehand, gently forked one, and slowly brought it to the mouth of Mami Tomoe, who was tilting her head to look out the window at the scenery.

"Ms. Tomoe, the apple is cut up. Please have a taste."

"Luo...Luo-san, please don't do this, it makes me feel embarrassed. You can just leave it there, I can eat it myself."

The blonde girl's blush deepened, helplessly resisting the man's advances. Unfortunately, her soft voice couldn't change the man's mind. The shopkeeper's hand not only didn't retract, but instead moved forward, bringing the little rabbit, which exuded a unique fruity fragrance, to Mami's lips.

"Good boy, open your mouth, ah~~~~~~"

Faced with the man's forceful advances, the blonde girl's already flushed face turned the same color as the little rabbit in Rorschach's hand, a tempting, bright red. Seeing that she couldn't resist Rorschach's advances, and already feeling guilty towards the man, Mami Tomoe steeled herself, closed her eyes, and with a slight tremor, gently opened her mouth and slowly bit the little rabbit in the man's hand.

With a slight effort, her pearly white teeth bit off a corner of the apple cut into the shape of a rabbit. She was so shy that she almost fainted. Mami Tomoe lowered her head, almost burying it in her ample bosom, and gently chewed the sweet fruit in her mouth.

Slowly, the girl, whose attention had been entirely on the man beside her, opened her eyes wide. She looked at the man in front of her in disbelief, then tentatively took a small bite of the rabbit-shaped apple, and gently refused with her delicate lips slightly pursed.

This taste, this texture...

Delicious!

The blonde girl, who hadn't eaten breakfast due to time constraints, was captivated by the sweet apple Rorschach had never tasted before, much like Eve in the Garden of Eden tasting the forbidden fruit for the first time. Once you've tried it once, you can't stop.

Soon, the girl finished the whole little rabbit in small bites. With a hint of lingering satisfaction, she licked her rosy lips and looked longingly at the remaining little rabbits beside her, a look of struggle appearing on her face.

However, Rorschach didn't give the girl much time to hesitate. After Mami Tomoe finished eating the toothpick in his hand, he smiled gently and picked up a small rabbit from the fruit plate next to him, holding it out to the girl.

"Ah~~~~~~~"

As the saying goes, once you've experienced something the first time, the second time is much easier. Having already accepted being fed by the kind man in front of her, Mami Tomoe only hesitated slightly this time before squinting her eyes and biting into a piece of fruit. She carefully savored the sweet taste she had never experienced before, and her expression softened and relaxed.

Seeing the girl's blissful expression, Luo Xia's hands moved more frequently. Before long, the blonde girl had eaten the whole apple clean. Feeling the faint feeling of fullness coming from her lower abdomen, the girl, who had already woken up from her appetite, blushed again and became embarrassed.

For an elegant and beautiful lady to act so gluttonous in front of a man she wasn't very familiar with was extremely impolite. If it weren't for the fact that Rorschach was still sitting in front of her, Mami Tomoe might have already buried her face in the pillow in embarrassment.

Seemingly sensing the girl's embarrassment, the man smiled knowingly, picked up the empty fruit plate beside him, and said:

"I'll go wash the dishes and be right back. If you need anything, just press the nurse call button by your bedside, and someone will take care of your needs."

"Okay, I understand."

The girl's head was lowered, and her voice was so faint that Rorschach might have missed her reply if he hadn't had exceptional hearing.

Smiling, Luo Xia stood up, straightened her slightly wrinkled clothes, picked up the fruit plate from the bedside table, and left the ward. The instant Luo Xia closed the door, a suppressed scream, tinged with shyness, rang out in the ward. Hearing the scream, Luo Xia shook her head with a slight amusement and headed towards the hospital's washroom.

.................................

While the blonde girl nervously enjoyed Rorschach's care, her once inseparable 'friend' was not in a good mood at the moment.

Crimson clouds, like blood, hung in a corner of the sky over Mitakihara City. The sun, which was usually bright, now radiated a soft light, gently scattering its rays over an empty park.

A cat-like creature with white and pink fur sat quietly on a piece of exercise equipment in the park. Its scarlet eyes were devoid of any emotion as it indifferently observed the peaceful city before it, while countless thoughts echoed in its mind.

'Mami Tomoe has been missing for a whole day; there's no trace of her in the entire city of Mitakihara.'

'Neither telepathy nor magical tracking can locate her. I deduce that there's a high probability she's been captured by that group of mysterious otherworldly beings and is likely dead now.'

'What a pity. That girl was one of the most talented magical girls in recent decades, her strength ranking among the top of all magical girls. It would be such a waste for her to die like this.'

"Yes, I had already planned an 'accident' to completely shatter her spirit. If it were Mami, not only would the witch she becomes incredibly powerful, but the emotions ignited by the sudden shift from hope to despair should be enough to meet my clan's current energy needs."

"Yes, that's a real pity."

'But it's alright. I've recently noticed a very talented child. If it's her, not only can she make up for Mami's disappearance, but she could even bring more considerable skills to my race. If we let her wish to become a magical girl, and then transform her into a witch, even that evil god from another world would be no match for her.'

'Are you talking about...?'

'That's right, it's the one from the Kaname family...'

Suddenly, Kyubey, who had been crouching quietly in place, trembled and nimbly leaped to the side, dodging an object that whizzed past behind it. Swinging its large, fluffy tail, like a squirrel's, Kyubey turned its head to look in the direction of the attack.

There, a girl with a red ponytail pouted with regret and muttered something in a low voice.

"Apricot, you've arrived."

Ignoring the girl's previous rude attack, Kyubey wagged its fluffy tail and smiled as it greeted the disgruntled red-haired girl.

"I didn't want to come, after all, Mitakihara is that woman's territory. But why do you keep calling my name in your heart three times a day, as if the world would be destroyed if I didn't come? Let me tell you in advance, I didn't come for those boring things like 'love' or 'peace,' I just don't want to be bothered by you anymore. And you, do you understand?"

The girl, looking annoyed, explained why she had come. Afterward, she glanced at the empty park around Kyubey, and asked, somewhat puzzled:

"Kyubi, where's Mami Tomoe? I finally came to her floor, and she didn't even come to greet me! How rude! Did that naive woman already get killed by that so-called evil god? That's hilarious, hahahahaha~"

The red-haired girl chuckled softly halfway through her sentence. Although she didn't get along with that naive and hypocritical woman, she knew Mami's strength well, having teamed up with her for a long time. Even now, she wouldn't dare claim victory lightly.

Even if that so-called 'evil god' was incredibly powerful, it couldn't possibly defeat the woman she considered her number one 'enemy.' That's why she laughed at her own words. But the next second, Sakura Kyoko's smile froze. Because...

"You're right, Kyoko. It's regrettable, but based on the information I have so far, Mami has most likely been killed by that evil god from another world. Even if she's not dead, she's been captured and is currently out of contact."

'Damn it! That stupid woman, I knew it. Without me, she'd be in trouble sooner or later.'

Clenching her fists tightly, Sakura Kyoko tried her best to appear indifferent, and spoke in a very lazy voice:

"That's a real shame. I was hoping to find some time to spar with her, but it seems impossible now. Oh well!"

A girl with fiery red hair angrily crushed the lollipop she had been sucking on, her body radiating a dazzling light. When the blinding light faded, what appeared before Kyubey was a vengeful figure dressed in a dress as brilliant as flames, her eyes filled with hatred and rage.

That foolish and naive woman was her prey, and Sakura Kyoko would not allow anyone but herself to kill her.

Even if it's just for the sake of protecting and teaching them during that brief period of time, she has to take revenge on them herself!

With practiced ease, Sakura Kyoko twirled the crimson spear in her hand, pointing its sharp, hair-splitting tip at Kyubey, the man who had once given her a miracle. Her voice was cold as she spoke:

"Tell me, where is that so-called evil god? Let me go and kill him."

Looking at the red-haired girl in front of him, who seemed to be burning with rage, Kyubey narrowed his scarlet eyes slightly, and his tail behind him wagged even more merrily.

Although an important piece has been lost on the chessboard, the other piece seems to be even more powerful than I imagined.

As Sakura Kyoko waited for Kyubey to reveal the location of his target, she suddenly frowned and glanced furrowed her brow, her gaze subtly drifting towards a certain direction in the empty park.

The next second, a beam of light flashing with lightning shot out from a building in the distance, arriving in front of Kyubey, who was sitting on a park facility, almost instantly. Just as the lightning was about to tear the X-Beast to shreds, a spear tip gleaming with cold light suddenly blocked the lightning and Kyubey, attempting to stop the attack.

"How naive! With me here, how could I possibly allow you to... huh?!"

Originally, Sakura Kyoko was prepared to intercept the attack that shot from a distance, but when the tip of her gun made contact with the dazzling lightning, the immense force transmitted through the gun made her stagger.

After the red-haired girl finally regained her balance, she was shocked to find that Kyubey, who should have been unharmed under her protection, had turned into a pile of charcoal emitting a pungent, burnt smell.

Let alone telling her the location of the evil god, even if you gave it to a dog to eat, the dog would shake its head in disgust.

"You...bastards!!!"

The veins on the back of her hand, gripping the crimson spear, bulged. The anger and shame brought on by the unprecedentedly devastating 'defeat' caused Sakura Kyoko's body to tremble uncontrollably. This trembling was not from fear of facing a powerful enemy, but from the rage of encountering an opponent she had to kill.

Without hesitation, Sakura Kyoko pushed off with both feet, leaping into the air and rushing towards the direction from which the attack had come. But before she could take two steps, the girl, who seemed to be an incarnation of flames, stopped with a solemn expression.

Because right in front of her, another girl, whose hair color and clothes were very similar to hers, but who had a pair of fluffy rabbit ears on her head and looked exceptionally lively and cute, was standing smiling in front of Sakura Kyoko.

This unprecedented magical fluctuation, and these animal organs that are definitely not human... So, this woman before me is indeed the so-called witch under the command of the evil god?