MHGA Chapter 392: Prelude to Battle
Kairo Retsu did not hide the fact that he had found Chaotic Gore Magala.
After he returned to their temporary base in Mitakihara City with this news, the hunters quickly became aware of Chaotic Gore Magala's presence within the Witch Barrier.
"It's badly injured?!"
Altair, who had arrived to help precisely because she was searching for Chaotic Gore Magala, appeared extremely agitated upon hearing the news. She couldn't believe how close Chaotic Gore Magala had been this entire time.
Altair intended to immediately go to Chaotic Gore Magala but was stopped by Kairo Retsu.
"Cough cough…" Kairo Retsu, wearing a mask, coughed heavily before explaining, "It's better if you don't go right now. I've already treated its wounds with a Max Potion, but the fundamental issues remain."
"There's a reason it's hiding within the Witch Barrier. That way, its scales won't spread outside—the current Chaotic Gore Magala can't even control its scale dispersion."
Kairo Retsu further explained that the state of Chaotic Gore Magala itself was irreversible. The transformative energy clashed violently with its untransformable flesh, causing uncontrollable scale dispersion.
If not for the barrier's containment, the Frenzy Virus from its scales could have already infected the entire city.
"For now, it's best to let it rest inside the Witch Barrier. Its condition is extremely poor."
Kairo Retsu reassured Military Uniform Princess before shifting their focus back to the imminent arrival of Walpurgisnacht and the possible appearance of Shagaru Magala alongside it.
Extreme weather heralding Walpurgisnacht's arrival was already noticeable, prompting Mitakihara City authorities to consider evacuations.
Moreover, Kairo Retsu had learned from others that Magical Girls deceived by Kyubey from various regions were gradually arriving in the city.
"Is it going to be okay? Magical Girls overall aren't especially powerful, but their abilities are quite varied…" Kairo Retsu asked worriedly before noticing, "Hm? Where's Kazuma?"
"Actually…" Laios scratched his head awkwardly. "Kazuma and I discovered something while researching."
"Kazuma's Steal skill seems effective against Magical Girls and their Soul Gems…"
A question mark appeared on Kairo Retsu's face: "Magical Girls… and Soul Gems?"
"Yes," Laios explained, still scratching his head. "Guildmaster, you know how a Magical Girl loses control of her body if her Soul Gem gets too far away, right?"
"But when Kazuma uses Steal, sometimes he directly steals a Magical Girl's Soul Gem—"
"—and other times, he steals the Magical Girl's body from her Soul Gem. I suspect it's because both constitute the Magical Girl's true self, similar to how a Dullahan relates to its head." Laios eagerly continued, "Thus, Magical Girls might be considered human-made monsters to some extent, and…"
"Don't ever say that in front of a Magical Girl, or don't blame me if you get blasted," Kairo Retsu sighed at Laios's enthusiasm.
While the idea of stealing bodies away from Soul Gems sounded strange, at least it confirmed Kazuma was practically a natural counter against Magical Girls here.
Who told these Magical Girls to store their souls in gems?
"Anyway, let's get ready for the fight." Confirming Kyubey wouldn't significantly influence Mitakihara City for now, Kairo Retsu redirected his attention to preparations.
But Homura Akemi, noticing the unusual sky after school, immediately rushed toward Kairo Retsu.
During her journey, Homura felt surprised. She encountered no familiars or Witches and saw no sign of the usually ubiquitous Kyubeys.
Upon finding Kairo Retsu, she noticed him crouched beside a wooden box, wearing a mask and seemingly tinkering with something.
When Homura approached, she saw Kairo Retsu's pupils faintly glowing purplish-red, with purple-black veins visible beneath his skin.
"What's going on with you?" Homura asked in concern, observing his strange condition. "Why are you…"
"Oh, it's you, Homura. I'm checking our inventory, seeing how many materials and items we have left," Kairo Retsu tugged at his mask. "This is the Frenzy Virus I told you about, but I've already eaten Nulberries. I'll be fine soon enough, just need a bit to overcome it."
"The Frenzy Virus…" Homura stared at the clearly affected Kairo Retsu. "Is this the virus you mentioned that Shagaru Magala spreads? Have you encountered Shagaru Magala?"
"No, this virus is from another dragon," Kairo Retsu rubbed his forehead. "Walpurgisnacht should arrive soon, and the city's residents should receive evacuation orders shortly."
"At that point, how about having Mami and the others help protect civilians?" Kairo Retsu suggested. "Giving them something to do will prevent distractions or mishaps, especially since Mami Tomoe's mental state is quite fragile."
"You're really... considerate of them," Homura said with complicated feelings.
In past timelines, Homura had struggled alone endlessly, desperately trying to alter events, eventually narrowing her focus solely to Madoka.
But now, Homura felt like the difficulty suddenly switched from hell mode to easy mode, complete with a built-in tutorial.
"Because I'm the Guildmaster," Kairo Retsu raised an eyebrow. "With big or small Monster Hunter affairs around, I can't exactly shirk my responsibilities."
"But we're not hunters," Homura responded. "Only Madoka joined you."
"Hunter family members count too! I told you we're a proper organization!" Kairo Retsu insisted. "Don't compare us to shady businesses like Kyubey! We offer food, lodging, gear, and even training sessions. Honestly, we're as good-hearted as it gets."
"…I should be grateful, but after hearing you say all that, I just feel strange," Homura sighed deeply.
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