The buffer zone of the industrial district as dusk closed in.

The third monster—a D-rank individual resembling a grotesquely warped large dog—shattered under a single blow from my right fist and dispersed soundlessly into mist.

The stagnant magical power drifting in the air was absorbed through my skin.

A faint warmth bloomed deep within me, the unique sensation of energy just expended being replenished.

This ‘magical power absorption’ and the self-enhancement it brings are the greatest reasons magical girls continue to reign as guardians.

“…Recording end.”

I spoke briefly toward the lens of the drone hovering in the air.

Ordinarily, this would be the moment to strike a victory pose or smile toward fans watching the broadcast.

If I could stage something sparkling like ‘Momozono Runa’, the one Aoi talked about endlessly, maybe my score would rise.

But I immediately cut the stream.

Only the sound of my rough breathing echoed through the deserted industrial site.

The crude iron mass that was my knuckles quietly settled back against my fists after fulfilling its role.

“Good work. As efficient as ever.”

Dry applause sounded from behind me.

When I turned, a man was stepping out of a black police vehicle parked at the edge of the buffer zone.

Makabe Kohei.

A detective from the Monster Countermeasure Division and the on-site supervisor for this area.

“Makabe-san. Post-operation processing?”

“Yeah. The Bureau sent a ‘pressure release complete’ notice. I’m here to remeasure the surrounding magical concentration.”

With his hands in the pockets of his worn trench coat, Makabe approached me with practiced steps.

He pulled out a measuring device and scanned the space where I had just finished off the monster.

“Good. The numbers are normal. Clean removal. Makes cleanup easier when you’re the one who handles it, Himuro. The flashy types who blast big spells leave residual magical traces everywhere.”

“I only punch them physically.”

“And that’s the most reliable way. With current police heavy firearms, penetrating the magically reinforced hide of monsters costs too much. You magical girls’ ‘fists’ are the most efficient infrastructure this city has.”

After finishing his measurements, Makabe walked over to a nearby vending machine and bought two hot drinks.

He tossed one toward me.

I caught it with my bare hand after disengaging the knuckles.

“Here. A drink after work. Get some sugar in you.”

“Thank you.”

The pleasant heat of the container seeped into my palm.

I opened it and took a sip.

The bitterness and sweetness slowly calmed the nerves heightened by battle.

“About earlier… this pressure release stabilizes the energy in this area, right?”

“Yeah. What you cleared just now smooths the Magic Stone energy circulation in this block. Thanks to your work, people here can go about tomorrow without worrying about blackouts, peacefully staring at their hologram ads.”

Makabe took a sip of his own drink and looked up at the skyline casting shadows across the evening sky.

“When irregular occurrences like the one two days ago happen, we get cold sweats. But as long as we process the ‘stagnation’ on schedule like this, the city stays safe. The Bureau miscalculates sometimes, but basically it’s peaceful infrastructure management.”

“…Infrastructure. Not a very idol-like word.”

“Haha, true. But I prefer this kind of ‘reliable work’ you do over the flashy shows the top-ranked girls put on… Though the public doesn’t seem to think so.”

His gaze briefly dropped to the ranking screen displayed on my smartphone.

158th.

But there was no contempt in his eyes.

Only the deep trust of a professional who knows the field.

“Stay the way you are. Popularity’s fickle. But the peace you secured for this block—that’s real value.”

“…You overestimate me. I’m just doing my job.”

I finished the last sip and tossed the empty container into the recycling box.

The weight of the knuckles vanished, and my defensive suit dissolved into particles of light.

The magical girl from moments ago was once again just a high school girl in uniform.

“I’ll be going… I still have homework to finish.”

“Haha, right. Magical girls are still active high schoolers. Don’t stay up too late.”

Makabe raised a hand lightly and returned to his police vehicle.

Alone, I began walking through the industrial district as the quiet gradually returned.

Leaving just a trace of gravity-control magic at my ankles, I headed toward the residential area with light steps.

The residual heat of battle was carried away by the night breeze.

Only the faint warmth of the drink remained in my fingertips.

‘…I need to hurry home. The math assignment’s due today.’

Having fulfilled my duty as a magical girl, I returned to my everyday role as a student.

Toward the lights of people hurrying home beyond the twilight, I quickened my pace.