Hope is not always a sentiment that emerges in moments of bright optimism.
Instead, it can shine even more radiantly when the circumstances are steeped in darkness.
Like a solitary beam of light that appears even more brilliant and vivid against a backdrop of deep shadows.
It is within this contrast that Hayoon’s emotions seem to stem from.
From an objective standpoint, the situation was far from ideal, yet having Jieun standing beside Hayoon now provided a semblance of comfort.
Jieun, who not long ago Hayoon had feared may have been lost forever, was now a reassuring presence in the midst of uncertainty.
“•Magical girl………!”
The facility was not completely empty of combatants.
It seemed that the closer they got to the first floor, the more combatants started to emerge, appearing one by one as they descended further down.
When they had reached about three floors below the ground level, a horde of combatants dressed in tight-fitting black combat suits flooded out, creating an imposing and intimidating presence.
Hayoon’s sword moved in a graceful and precise manner, expertly dodging a fist aimed at her face.
With a swift motion, she used her sword, crafted from mystical energy, to slice through the attacker’s wrist.
The vivid pink blade effortlessly cut through the protective energy shield surrounding the combat suit.
Pssshk.
The circuit located in the combatant’s wrist suddenly burst, emitting a small flash of light.
Although not as powerful as cutting through the circuits of a monstrous creature, it still caused a significant disruption.
A brilliant white beam shot past Hayoon, effortlessly piercing through multiple combatants who were strategically positioned to block her path.
In the blink of an eye, these determined adversaries disappeared from sight, caught off guard by the unexpected assault.
Iris, taken aback by the swift success of her attack, blinked in slight surprise.
She had not anticipated being able to take out so many foes in a single motion.
The unfortunate combatants were left reeling from the unexpected turn of events.
Those hit by the beam were certainly injured.
Receiving prompt medical treatment would ensure a quick recovery for the injured individuals, yet the guilt of harming Jieun lingered, creating a sense of unease.
Despite the internal conflict, they knew they had no other option but to engage in the ongoing battle, especially now that Jieun was right by their side, fighting bravely.
As multiple adversaries made a beeline towards Jieun, they were momentarily taken aback by the sight of her wielding a formidable weapon capable of shattering walls and floors.
This caused them to pause and reconsider their rash approach.
Initially charging in without a solid strategy, the combatants found themselves hastily retreating as the deafening noise of the chaotic battle reverberated around them, adding to the pandemonium.
The vast number of foes present in the wide hallway only amplified the already frenzied atmosphere, further complicating the ongoing skirmish.
The individuals positioned towards the rear of the group made attempts to push forward, creating a sense of urgency among the front line who hesitated in their advance.
This hesitation resulted in the combatants becoming even more intertwined and locked in the midst of the chaos that ensued.
Dahlia emerged as the catalyst in sealing the fate of the combatants as she unleashed a series of magical spheres from her position at the rear.
The spheres swiftly found their targets, striking the combatants with precision.
Despite the formidable display of magic, the attack was not of a particularly threatening nature.
Dahlia seemed to have skillfully adjusted the power of her magic to avoid causing any severe injuries to those caught in the midst of the conflict.
The impact of Dahlia’s magic on the combatants was reminiscent of that of an adult man throwing a punch, a force that demanded attention but with a calculated restraint that spoke volumes about Dahlia’s skill and control.
While the presence of the magical girls may not have posed an immediate threat to someone in full combat gear, their fearless and confident approach was enough to strike fear into the hearts of the enemies.
Leading the way were Hayoon and Jieun, exuding an aura of determination and power.
Hayoon moved forward gracefully, her hand holding a glimmering light blade ready for battle, while Jieun gripped a massive hammer with both hands, her expression fierce and unyielding.
The combatants standing at the front line visibly paled at the sight of these formidable opponents and hastily began to retreat, realizing the daunting odds stacked against them.
As the frontline crumbled under the pressure, even those in the rear ranks started to understand that the situation was rapidly spiraling out of control.
The once organized formation disintegrated as panic and chaos spread among the enemy forces.
Witnessing their fellow comrades being swiftly taken down by a blinding beam of light, several fighters at the forefront abandoned their posts and fled in terror, realizing the futility of their resistance.
The magical girls’ unwavering determination and strength proved too overwhelming for the enemy, leaving them with no choice but to retreat in a desperate attempt to save themselves.
At a glance, it might have looked like a single attack had annihilated them, but in reality, they were merely transported elsewhere.
They might sustain injuries, but they would never die.
The combatants knew this.
But knowing didn’t necessarily give them courage.
Dahlia continued scattering small magical bullets, while Delphinium floated an enormous and visibly menacing sphere of magical energy above her head.
The sight of the massive power, much brighter than any artificial light source, made it clear to the combatants that standing their ground at the front was utterly futile.
Some turned their backs and ran, and seeing this, the rest eventually followed suit.
The magical girls paused momentarily, staring blankly at the chaos of tangled people fleeing in all directions.
In the end, Hayoon, Rose, and Jieun no longer needed to engage in fights with the combatants.
“Something… feels a bit empty,” Rose muttered, sounding somewhat disappointed at not having had the chance to fight.
“There could still be enemies left,” Hayoon said, as if trying to console her, prompting a small laugh from Rose.
“Maybe.”
The conversation felt reminiscent of the ones they used to have during battles in the past—back when they were still fighting under the Federation.
It wasn’t that Hayoon wanted to return to the Federation.
Even if she did, it wouldn’t restore Jieun to her former life.
Rather, it simply felt like a return to a time when the magical girls still believed in their own righteousness.
A time when they could share lighthearted conversations about their daily lives and minor worries, instead of constantly being weighed down by endless concerns as they were now.
The circuit was turning.
A circuit of hope.
Hayoon’s emotions resonated powerfully, as if in sync with the circuits of the other girls—
Except for Jieun’s.
Among them, only Jieun had a troubled expression.
Hayoon had noticed earlier that the power behind Jieun’s hammer swings had weakened slightly.
The propulsion system wasn’t as strong, and the magical energy that had once shimmered visibly around her was now dimmer.
Jieun’s strength was waning.
Hayoon didn’t think this was entirely a bad thing.
She felt a little sorry for Jieun, but Jieun’s circuit never functioned on positive emotions.
Hayoon recalled a conversation between James and Cherry.
The squeaky language of the Zizz species was so different from human speech that it was impossible to understand fully.
However, if Hayoon hadn’t misunderstood, she distinctly remembered one word among their dialogue: despair.
She couldn’t be certain it was related to circuits.
It might have been an offhand remark during the process of dismantling circuits, or a passing comment about Jieun’s situation being “despairing.”
Even so, Hayoon believed that word was connected to Jieun’s circuit.
Hope and despair—they were entirely opposing concepts.
She didn’t expect Jieun to answer clearly if she asked about it, but—
It hurt.
If Jieun’s energy truly stemmed from despair, it meant she was despairing even in this moment.
How could Hayoon give Jieun hope? How could she pull her out of that despair?
She didn’t know.
But at least one thing was clear:
Jieun’s energy had been gradually depleting.
That gave Hayoon hope.
If being by Jieun’s side could offer her hope, Hayoon was willing to stay with her for as long as it took.
Even so, Jieun’s expression remained dark.
It wasn’t perfect yet.
So Hayoon tried to smile.
She couldn’t allow herself to become Jieun’s despair.
She couldn’t let Jieun look at her with the same devastated expression as before.
Hayoon stepped forward confidently.
Even if Jieun’s strength diminished, Hayoon was determined to protect her and keep her safe.
Just as Jieun had supported Hayoon in her childhood, ensuring she didn’t crumble, Hayoon was resolute about not passing that role to anyone else.
Anxiety stirred Jieun’s circuits, but it wasn’t easy.
She didn’t want to be protected; she wanted to fight for herself.
Even if it was mere pride, that’s how she felt.
She… wanted to surpass Hayoon.
Even now.
Even though she liked Hayoon, that inferiority complex hadn’t entirely vanished.
Yet, the longer she stayed with Hayoon, the weaker her strength became.
That made her restless.
Was it because of Hayoon’s power?
The other magical girls’ energy was also intensifying, to the point where the vibration of their circuits could be heard from a distance.
Before Jieun could even fight anyone, the enemies had already fled.
“Let’s keep investigating,” Rose said.
“Are there any documents around? Maybe prototypes or something?”
“Or they might’ve left some components behind. The more circuits we have, the more we can create,” Hayoon added.
“Exactly. Even if they cleared out most things, there’s bound to be something left. These items aren’t disposable, and sorting out a place of this size would take time,” Cherry replied, agreeing with James.
In areas where there had been more combatants, there were indeed more items left behind.
While Jieun couldn’t confirm their exact significance or value, they seemed important.
“Maybe some fabric or—hey, are we being too blatantly like thieves?”
“…We are thieves,” Dahlia muttered, prompting Delphinium to reply bluntly.
“Our identity as magical girls feels a bit shaky,” Iris lamented.
Jieun remained silent.
What could she say?
For now, she felt like little more than a courier, ferrying others around rather than being an active participant.
If I were to voice such concerns, Hayoon would likely say, “That’s an important task too,” or maybe, “You fought as well.”
But even hearing such words, I doubt I could easily accept them.
That’s just how twisted my personality is.
While feeling hope, I simultaneously feel despair.
My circuit hasn’t been completely severed, but at least I still have enough energy to keep going.
This duality in my emotions reflects my internal struggle—finding myself trapped in an inferiority complex even as I witness a bright light.
At some point, Hayoon seemed to notice something about me and began glancing my way occasionally.