Innocence Seekers: April Light/Chapter 3/Episode 42

This is the eighteenth episode, "The Witch's Contract", (魔女の契約), of the third chapter of Innocence Seekers: April Light.

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Episode text
–Aoi: A Secret Skill of my own?

–Madeline: That's right. Aoi, your power, while it looks similar to mine, isn't identical. My power is not the manipulation of ice, but rather the manipulation of cold. Like Amelia, the basis of my power is thermokinesis. On the other hand, you specialise in manipulating water.

–Aoi: Water?

–Madeline: That's right. Fuyuka was the same.

–Aoi: But... I've only used ice spells. I've never used a water spell.

–Madeline: There's always a first time for everything. However, it's something you should figure out for yourself.

–Aoi: You're not going to help me?

–Madeline: My time as a mentor is almost over, Aoi. I'm a princess, and tending to the affairs of Nodaima should be my main priority. I've acted as a mentor to Fuyuka and Michiru; maybe you should ask one of them for help.

–Aoi: Ah, I understand. Anyway, thanks for what you've been able to tell me.

Aoi left the room. Madeline looked out the window.

–Madeline: However... I'd like to see what you will become.

In the next few days, the girls made their way back to Yaezora, and made preparations for the upcoming duel between Benio and Berdela. However, on the day of the duel, a blizzard was sweeping through Yaezora.

The girls, with the exception of Uzuki, gathered outside the school building but within the school grounds in the morning.

–Benio: Of all days...

–Aoi: Well, this can happen sometimes...

–Wakaba: Aren't all of you freezing?! My legs feel like they're going to freeze solid! And this wind isn't helping...

–Aoi: Wakaba, you'll just have to bear with it.

–Wakaba: And why are we still out here? Are we waiting for someone?

–Eun-Yeong: That reminds me. Where's Uzuki?

–Tamaki: I don't know if she'll come today; after all, she did nearly die on Thursday.

–Eun-Yeong: Ah, right. Anyway, let's head inside.

–Tamaki: Ah, right.

The girls were about to head inside when someone called out to them.

–Voice: Wait!

The girls turned around. It was Uzuki.

–Wakaba: Uzuki!

–Aoi: Uzuki, are you really okay with coming here?

–Uzuki: I'm fine now. And besides, it's not like I'm needed for anything right now.

–Tamaki: But are you sure you've fully recovered?

–Uzuki: I'm sure of it. There's no need to worry, Tama-chan.

–Tamaki: Anyway, let's go inside.

The girls entered the building.

The stormy weather did not ease at all as the day progressed. By the afternoon, the storm only became more intense. Benio looked out the window after the end of classes, and could barely see anything.

–Benio: It seems that it has gotten worse. Will Berdela still come?

–Aoi: I don't think she's the one who would let a blizzard stop her. I'm sure she'll come.

–Wakaba: Anyway, should we head outside?

–Uzuki: Ah, okay.

The girls headed to the entrance to the building. Wakaba opened the door, only to close it after the cold wind entered the building.

–Aoi: Wakaba, you should at least put your coat on before going outside. And wait for us before opening the door.

–Wakaba: Ah, okay.

After the girls were ready, Wakaba opened the door and stepped outside.

–Wakaba: Ah... it's so cold out here...

–Benio: Says the one who's covering the most skin out of all of us.

–Wakaba: Who cares if I'm the only one wearing thigh-highs? And besides, they don't really help against this wind...

–Aoi: Now, now, let's not fight here.

–Uzuki: Aocchi's right. Come on, let's go.

Uzuki stepped outside. She briefly shivered as the cold wind touched her bare legs, but she quickly regained her composure and ran to the entrance of the school. The other girls followed her.

–Uzuki: Ah, if you're here, then...

Standing in front of the girls, on the other side of the gate, was Lyra.

–Eun-Yeong: Ah, who is she?

–Tamaki: She is Lyra, a Donsilan who has lived on Haralni.

–Eun-Yeong: I see. Wait, a Donsilan?

–Aoi: Well, we didn't realise she was a Donsilan in the first place until recently.

–Eun-Yeong: I guess that explains why she's out here in just a dress.

The girls looked at Lyra, who was wearing a short-sleeved white minidress despite the weather.

–Lyra: Tehehe.... I always wanted to try this.

–Uzuki: Lyra... I know as a Donsilan you're not affected by the cold, but at least bundle up, if only to avoid people staring at you as if you were a freak. Don't you know how ridiculous you look?

–Lyra: U-chan, I'm already quite aware of that. Anyway, Berdela couldn't make it here because of the weather, so she's currently at the Benson family mansion. I can take you there if you want.

–Benio: That'll be great.

–Lyra: Well, then, let's go. Stay right beside me, so you don't get lost.

–Uzuki: Ah, okay.

The girls headed out of the school grounds.

Inside the Benson family's Yaezora mansion, the girls entered what appeared to be a training room. Inside were Natasha and several familiar faces.

–Natasha: Ah, welcome, everyone.

Uzuki looked around.

–Uzuki: Wait, Yayoi-nee?

Uzuki ran towards her sister.

–Uzuki: Yayoi-nee, what are you doing here?

–Yayoi: I'm here to observe Benio's battle. And I'm not the only one here.

Uzuki looked around, and noticed Erelia and Orialla.

–Uzuki: Wait, you two as well?

–Erelia: Admittedly, I was more concerned about you, but I'm also here as an observer.

–Orialla: Uzuki, there's something I need to tell you.

–Uzuki: If it's about the upcoming Donsilan invasion, I already know.

–Orialla: Ah, okay.

–Natasha: Anyway, shall we head in?

–Benio: Ah, let's go.

The witch portal opened, and everyone entered it.

In the deepest part of Berdela's witch space, Berdela was waiting alongside Victoria and Meryl.

–Erelia: Wait, Victoria, you and Meryl are here as well?

–Victoria: Like you, I'll be observing this battle. Admittedly, though, it does feel weird being in someone else's witch space.

–Erelia: Now that you mention it, it does. It's my first time, though.

–Meryl: I'm also here as an observer. I want to see for myself what it's like actually undertaking the test, as I might have to test a magical girl in the future.

–Natasha: Anyway, everyone clear the battlefield.

–Uzuki: Ah, right.

Everyone except Benio and Berdela headed to one side of the area.

–Tamaki: Benio, are you ready?

–Benio: I am.

–Natasha: Alright, then...

Natasha began to cast a spell, and a green magic circle appeared beneath her feet. A magic wall appeared, separating the two combatants from the others.

–Victoria: Berdela, Benio, whenever you're ready.

–Berdela: Right, then. Here I come!

Berdela materialised her spear and charged straight at Benio, who dodged the attack.

–Benio: My turn now!

Benio attacked Berdela with her fists, only for her attacks to be blocked by Berdela's spear. Berdela counterattacked by firing a magic bullet, which Benio deflected.

–Berdela: You're better than I thought...

–Benio: Well, I have a lot more up my sleeve.

Benio sent a massive fireball towards Berdela, who put up a shield to block the attack. Berdela countered by throwing her spear towards Benio; however, Benio leapt to avoid the attack. Using the spear as a launching pad, Benio launched a flying kick towards Berdela and managed to hit her, knocking her back.

Meanwhile, Aoi was standing with Victoria, observing the battle.

–Aoi: Victoria, what do you think about this battle?

–Victoria: I'd say that they're evenly matched. Of course, conducting a test is a lot different to fighting to the death.

–Aoi: I see.

–Victoria: Aoi... is something worrying you?

–Aoi: Eh? What are you talking about?

–Victoria: It's written all over your face. Anyway, you can tell me if you want.

–Aoi: It's just... I don't fully know what my true power is.

–Victoria: Ah, that. I've mainly seen you use ice magic, along with your Inherent Ability. With that said, why did you choose to specialise in ice?

–Aoi: Well... the fact that Hima-nee uses fire magic may have something to do with it.

–Victoria: So... you chose to complement your sister's powers, right? Even though there won't be that many situations where you two will work together?

–Aoi: You could say that...

–Victoria: Aoi... you shouldn't model your powers on what those around you are capable of. While team synergy is useful, many magical girls operate alone or in ever-changing groups.

–Aoi: I spoke to Madeline the other day. She said that I can use water magic, and that I have a Secret Skill of my own.

–Victoria: It seems too much of a coincidence, but I know what that Secret Skill is.

–Aoi: You do? And what do you mean by a coincidence?

–Victoria: The Secret Skill you're able to learn... is a water-elemental version of Blast Calamity.

–Aoi: What? This is the first time I've heard of it.

Lyra approached the two girls.

–Lyra: Me too. I knew there was a wind-elemental and a fire-elemental Blast Calamity, but a water-elemental one? There was no mention of such a spell in the books I've read.

–Victoria: Indeed, this Secret Skill has been forgotten by humanity. The last time a human knew the water-elemental Blast Calamity was around a thousand years ago.

–Aoi: I see...

–Lyra: Anyway, Victoria, what's your history with Alcea?

–Victoria: Let's see... by Earth reckoning, it was around 23 years ago that I met Alcea. She was probably around your age at the time.

–Lyra: She's younger than I thought...

–Victoria: Anyway, it was around that time that we formed a contract. Like now, the test I conducted was a duel, but Alcea was so powerful that she overwhelmed me even at full strength.

Meryl approached the three.

–Meryl: Victoria, are there magical girls who can utterly overwhelm the likes of us?

–Victoria: Very rarely. Alcea was one of those people. And if I recall, Akari managed to overwhelm her witch in her test as well.

–Meryl: Ah, I heard about that.

–Lyra: Anyway, you're no longer contracted to Alcea. What happened?

–Aoi: I'll answer. Witch contracts only last for as long as an Innocent remains an Innocent. As such, they only last for a few years, seven or eight at most.

–Victoria: Aoi's right, Lyra. The contract only lasts until the flower blooms. In other words, Alcea has since grown out of it.

Suddenly, Berdela was thrown into the magic wall right beside Victoria.

–Victoria: What the...

–Aoi: Benio, watch where you're launching your attacks! This magic wall isn't invincible.

–Benio: Right, right.

Berdela charged straight towards Benio, and sent her flying 25 metres away.

–Lyra: Is there any other way for a contract to be broken?

–Victoria: Only one. The contract can also be broken if the magical girl dies.

–Meryl: So then, on that day, Erelia's contract could've been broken, right?

–Victoria: That's right. The contract only gives immortality to the witch.

Berdela was thrown into the magic wall again.

–Aoi: Again...

–Wakaba: Benio, just what are you doing?! If this were a physical wall, it would've been demolished by now!

–Eun-Yeong: Wakaba, calm down.

–Berdela: Wakaba's right, you know. I know Natasha's defensive spells are exceptionally powerful, but it's not what I had in mind when I brought up this duel. Come on, let's do battle closer to the centre of this area.

–Benio: Ah, okay.

The two combatants headed away from the wall.

–Benio: Right, let's start again!

A massive fireball appeared in front of Benio. She kicked it straight towards Berdela, who parted it with her spear. Berdela responded by throwing her spear towards Benio, but it was caught.

–Benio: You know, I should try fighting with a weapon. It's something I haven't gotten a chance to do.

Berdela materialised a second spear. Benio charged straight towards Berdela, and swiped her with the back end of the spear. However, Berdela blocked the attack with her own spear.

–Berdela: You do know which end is the business end, right?

Suddenly, Benio kicked Berdela's left side, knocking her off-balance. Benio followed up by quickly rotating her spear, striking Berdela in the shoulder with the spearhead.

–Benio: Of course I do; if I didn't, Aoi would've given me a long and boring lecture a long time ago. And besides, in martial arts, you use all of the weapon in battle, not just the blade.

–Berdela: I see. You're more intelligent than I thought.

–Benio: Are you mocking me?

Berdela fired a magic beam, which Benio deflected into the magic wall.

–Uzuki: Benio, stop pushing attacks into the wall! What if it broke and your carelessness got us hurt?!

–Benio: Uzuki, don't you think I already know that?

–Uzuki: I'm just telling you to be more careful next time.

Berdela attacked Benio with her spear; however, Benio managed to swerve away just in time.

–Berdela: If you have time to squabble with your friends, then you have time to focus on this battle.

Benio knocked the spear away, and proceeded to send a fireball straight towards Berdela's face. The impact of the fireball sent Berdela staggering backwards.

–Benio: That's not all.

A massive red magic circle appeared beneath Benio's feet. Appearing in front of her was a massive fireball.

–Benio: Secret Skill, Blast Calamity!

Benio sent the fireball straight towards Berdela, who barely had any time to react. Upon impact, it caused a massive explosion, covering the area of impact with flames. However, Berdela was still standing.

–Berdela: Is that all?

Berdela began to cast a spell. A massive red magic circle appeared beneath her feet, and mana began to gather in front of her.

–Benio: Mana collection?

A massive red orb emerged in front of Berdela.

–Berdela: Let's see if you can handle this!

Berdela sent the massive orb straight towards Benio. To defend against the attack, Benio put up a shield, but it was not enough to stop the attack. The orb kept pushing the shield until the latter failed, and at that point the orb struck Benio and exploded.

–Uzuki: Benio!

Uzuki and Aoi attempted to try to break through the magic wall to check on Benio, but Victoria and Erelia held out their arms to signal them to stop.

–Erelia: Uzuki, the test is still in progress. Please don't interfere.

–Uzuki: Ah, okay.

Meanwhile, Berdela walked up to where the orb exploded. Once the dust had settled, she saw Benio, who was battered by the attack, but still standing.

–Berdela: I see. That was one of my most powerful spells, and you took it without resorting to your Inherent Ability.

–Benio: I can take more. Something like that won't bring me down.

Benio attempted to punch Berdela, but found her attack stopped by Berdela's right hand.

–Berdela: The test is over, Benio.

–Benio: Huh?

–Berdela: As I said, the test is over. You have passed.

–Benio: You mean... I wasn't supposed to defeat you?

–Berdela: That isn't the point of these tests. I wanted to see how well you can fight. Your skills, both in attack and in defence, have proved to me that you are a good candidate for me to form a contract.

–Benio: Then...

The magic wall disappeared.

–Berdela: Let us begin, shall we?

–Benio: Okay.

Red magic circles appeared beneath both girls.

The other girls were observing Benio and Berdela from one side of the area.

–Uzuki: Wait... Benio didn't defeat Berdela. So why are they making the contract?

–Victoria: Ah, not all tests require the defeat of the witch in order for the magical girl to pass. Mostly, the "defeat the witch" tests require the magical girl to form a party to defeat the witch. Uzuki, that was how you formed your contract with Erelia. If a witch requests a duel, usually the condition is simply to impress the witch enough that she accepts your skill.

–Wakaba: That makes sense. After all, witches by blood are often more powerful than magical girls. So of course a magical girl wouldn't be able to win a duel against such a foe.

–Meryl: Where does that leave me?

–Victoria: You're only a bit over 20 years of age; it'll be a long time before you even think about entering a contract with a magical girl.

–Meryl: But Erelia entered one before her twelfth birthday...

–Victoria: Erelia is a special case. Chyla allowed her to form her contract early, although I had to persuade her.

–Eun-Yeong: Anyway, what do we do now?

–Uzuki: I think we should leave.

–Wakaba: But what about Benio?

–Uzuki: She'll catch up with us later. Come on, let's go.

–Wakaba: Ah, okay.

The girls exited the area.

When the girls exited the witch space, they saw Himawari waiting in the training room.

–Natasha: Ah, Himawari, what are you doing here?

–Himawari: Just how long did you have to make me wait here?! And don't you keep these rooms heated?! It's so cold in here my legs feel numb from waiting!

–Uzuki: Ah.

The girls looked closely at Himawari. Indeed, she was wearing a short skirt with bare legs, despite being bundled up above her waist.

–Aoi: Are you sure you're not exaggerating? I mean, we're magical girls, we can withstand these environments.

–Himawari: That's not the point. If you're using these rooms, at least make it warm for guests.

–Natasha: Himawari... this is the training room for winter combat. Of course it won't be heated.

–Himawari: Ah...

Himawari's face turned red from embarrassment.

–Wakaba: So the princess of this nation can't even be bothered to read a sign on a door? Anyway, come to think about it, it does feel colder here than outside. In fact, it's starting to hurt.

–Himawari: Anyway, before we get sidetracked... I have something important to say concerning the World Orbs.

–Uzuki: What is it?

–Himawari: The fire-elemental World Orb... has been shattered.

–Uzuki: Wait... you're kidding, right?

–Himawari: Unfortunately, that is the truth. Lyra, can you please tell the others on board the Spica about this?

–Lyra: I will.

Lyra left the room.

–Aoi: Himawari... what does this mean?

–Himawari: I'm not sure. I don't know what exactly a World Orb is composed of, nor do I know its structure. However...

–Uzuki: We can repair it, just like we did with Earth's fire-elemental World Orb.

–Himawari: Uzuki, this isn't just cracks. The World Orb is in pieces.

–Uzuki: But still... we'll find a way.

–Himawari: However... I think I know how we can fix it.

–Aoi: How?

–Himawari: First of all, we need to speak to the pendant holders. For now, let us all head home and rest.

–Uzuki: Ah, okay.

End of Episode 42

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