MHGA Chapter 382 – Kyoko Sakura
"I realized it the moment I understood those Incubators," the Winged Lion said with a trace of regret. "I'm fundamentally incompatible with them."
"Look who's talking," Kairo Retsu gave the Winged Lion a sidelong glance. "Like you were any better than them in the past…"
The Winged Lion didn't deny it, but replied, "Still, I truly think—using those precious desires… just to convert them into energy is a terrible waste."
There was a faint smile in the Winged Lion's gaze. "To extract such insignificant energy at the cost of wishes and hopes so valuable… let alone—"
The Winged Lion shook its head. "The Incubators themselves are devoid of emotion. Their brand of desire is like… that last cold, greasy bite of rice left after you've already eaten your fill."
"You arrogant bastard, that's the most Versailles* thing I've ever heard." Kairo Retsu glanced at him. "Seriously—how the hell did we even beat you?"
*Translator's note: "Versailles" here is slang referring to humblebragging or pretentious behavior.
The more Kairo learned about the Winged Lion, the more puzzled he became.
A being of pure infinity born from infinity—if not for being shackled by its own desire, it would've been an unbeatable opponent.
In Laios' world, the former Dungeon Masters consumed magic power at astronomical levels.
Take Thistle, for example—a legendary elven archmage who lived for over a thousand years. He used magic to construct an entire Dungeon to defend the Golden Kingdom, halted the laws of death with magic, and created legions of monsters to protect its people.
But for the Winged Lion, the quantity of magic expended didn't matter. What it cared about was the desire of the Dungeon Master—the appetite it could satisfy through that desire.
In a way, the Winged Lion of that era was a remarkably pure kind of monster.
"I've thoroughly grasped how the Incubators create magical girls," the Winged Lion said casually. "I can now reproduce the transformation using magic—but that wasteful method is ultimately irrelevant."
It continued, "If one so wishes… the roles of Dungeon Master and magical girl can coexist within a single person."
"I really like humans, you know." The Winged Lion blinked and spoke from the heart. "I'm nothing like those Kyubey types."
"…The more I listen, the more you sound like the villain here," Kairo sighed. "But whatever. I trust you. So… can you help those kids?"
"I'm learning." The infinite symbols in the Winged Lion's pupils began to flow. "As you know, I'm just infinite magical energy. As for how to use that energy… I might be worse at it than you humans."
"So I want to give it a try." The Winged Lion smiled. "Once Homura Akemi becomes a Dungeon Master, perhaps by fusing with my magic, I'll be able to realize her abilities."
"…Using a gold bar as a brick, huh," Kairo muttered as he looked at the Winged Lion. "Though I'm probably not one to talk either."
"Well, better prepare anyway. Also, I've only made contact with four of the main five girls so far." Kairo started counting on his fingers. "I haven't met Kyoko Sakura yet."
"Maybe I should…"
He scratched his head as a wicked idea crept into his mind.
"…try a different method to approach Kyoko Sakura?"
——————————————
"What the hell is going on?"
Kyoko Sakura—the red warrior of Madoka's five-colored magical girl squad.
She first appeared as a selfish, combative magical girl who cared nothing for the destruction caused by Witches. She fought solely to steal Grief Seeds and use her magic however she pleased.
But behind that attitude lay a heavy past—one that left her emotionally guarded and cynical.
Yet lately, while active in Mitakihara City, Kyoko had noticed a number of strange occurrences. Namely, the sudden appearance of new magical girls.
And these magical girls were… hunting Witches together, day after day, as if they didn't care about the distribution of Grief Seeds.
"That doesn't make sense."
Kyoko frowned. In theory, only magical girls had the power to fight Witches. But if they hunted together… would there really be enough Grief Seeds for them all to survive?
Besides, the Witches in Mitakihara had been strangely powerful lately.
Kyoko was beginning to consider leaving the city, but just today, after seeing Mami Tomoe and the others enter a Witch's Barrier, she felt something off.
Without hesitation, she transformed—spear in hand—and scanned the area with heightened vigilance.
She had a distinct sense of being watched… but no matter how she searched, she couldn't find the source.
Then—just by turning around—she suddenly saw a man clad in armor that covered his entire body standing directly behind her.
She hadn't even noticed how he got so close.
"Kyoko Sakura…"
A low, adult male voice came from beneath the demonic-looking helmet. He called her by name.
"Magical girl… come join us, in the name of the Demon King's Army."
In response, Kyoko didn't hesitate for a second—she lunged straight for the man's forehead with her spear.
But before the strike could land, the man caught the spear mid-air with a single hand.
The sheer force of his grip halted the spear completely. What unnerved Kyoko most was that she hadn't even seen him raise his arm.
"Heheheh… you've got quite the temper," Kairo Retsu laughed like a classic final boss, clutching Kyoko's spear. "Very well, I'll give you a chance."
He released the spear and Kyoko immediately leapt back—about ten meters from him.
Kairo then raised one finger. "If you take two steps back, I'll officially accept you as one of us."
"If you want to throw your life away—then come forward."
"…Hah?!" Kyoko glared at the arrogant man before her. "What the hell kind of nonsense… You think I'd be scared of you?!"
Without hesitation, Kyoko took two bold steps forward.
But the moment her feet touched the ground, she realized—
—she hadn't moved forward at all. In fact… she was further away than before.
"Humhumhumhum~ Saying one thing while doing another, huh, Kyoko Sakura?" Kairo crossed his arms. "You stepped back after all. I knew you secretly wanted to join the Demon King's Army!"
"Impossible…!" Kyoko's face was full of shock.
Off in the distance, Homura—fresh out of a time stop—stood beside the Winged Lion, who had just relocated Kyoko two steps backward during the pause.
Both of them watched the absurd scene unfold.
"…So… he's playing around, huh?"
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