Episode 23 : Selling an idea requires connections and money

"Ah, that was interesting! It's funny because something like this is impossible."

"…Isn't it scary because it's impossible…I mean, why are you acting calm about this, secret weapon!"

　The Japanese horror viewing party lasted nearly two hours, but the reaction was mixed.

　Yukina was laughing and thinking that it was a completely impossible entertainment piece, Hazuki was kneeling in the corner of the room, covering her ears and sitting in a gymnasium, Mayu was frozen in place with a smile on her face, and Hazuki pointed it out to her. Koyomi was staring at the screen with a calm expression on her face.

　It was written in the setting materials that Mayu and Hazuki were not good at horror, and I had already gone through this event several times, so I knew that, but I was a little surprised that Koyomi was so unfazed.

　I? I crossed my arms as if if I calmed down, the fire would also cool down, but inside I was freaking out.

　I would have died instantly if I didn't have an image in my head of what magical girl Chihaya Saijo would do.

　At times like this, I can maintain my character as a senior character by acting calm and acting as if nothing has happened...or maybe it would be easier to relate to them if she also showed a surprisingly fearful side? I don't know, but I was able to complete the role play, so I guess it's okay.

"...Ah, eh...ge, reality is scarier...so..."

　Koyomi's answer to Hazuki's backlash was a sad story that was difficult to describe.

　It has often been said that what humans fear most is their fellow humans. That's probably not the case though.

　If you think about it seriously, even though their reactions are different, Koyomi, just like Yukina, reality is reality and fiction is fiction. It's sad when you think about the background.

"...I see..."

"Koyomi-chan, you're surprisingly okay with horror..."

　Hazuki and Mayu's frightened eyes is also looking at her with surprised eyes, which shows their public image.

"...uh...um...yes..."

"This can't be reality, can it? Just like Koyomi-chan said, reality is much scarier."

　In a world where magic exists, it feels weird to laugh at stories about ghosts as unscientific, but that's the way of thinking.

　I'll also use it as a reference. I don't know what kind of reference it will be.

　I checked the time on my wristwatch and found that it was just past lunch time.

　The store was closed, so I couldn't see the usual four officials, but the colonel was talking to his computer, so I guess they were doing it remotely.

　I'm starting to worry about security and other things.

　Well, on the day you carelessly hack, MAGIA, public security, and the Ministry of Defense will quickly detect it and send you to the pig box, so it's probably okay.

　That being said, it was convenient for the colonel to be able to avoid having to meet and hold meetings with officials in person.

　Immediately, in order to somehow sell the idea I had two hours ago to the higher-ups at MAGIA, I slip out of the group that was starting the impressions meeting and start walking towards the colonel.

　What do I need to sell my ideas? It may be pointless, but I will definitely need money or connections, or one of the two.

　It's not about getting a patent for an invention or anything like that, it's simply about realizing an impossible task in which an ordinary person steps into a secret organization under direct control of the state, its weapons factory.

　Although special-class magical girls are given operational authority in the field and are allowed a certain degree of freedom of movement, their position is lower than that of an official, and to put it simply, they are nothing more than a subordinate.

　Naturally, if she runs away, she will be pursued 24/7 by other magical girls, the public security forces, the Self-Defense Forces, or the dark side of the nation, and in the worst case scenario, she could even lose her life to a magical girl from her own group.

　In this world where such cruel magical girl situations are commonplace, a person who is a special rank but is still just the bottom of the organization suddenly brings a ``groundbreaking idea'' to the secret factory of ``MAGIA''.

　First of all, the origin of the idea would definitely be questioned, and if someone who had nothing to do with weapons development up until now came up with something like that, there would most likely be strict surveillance, so it's certain that something bad would happen. .

　That's why it's necessary to involve a colonel who is extremely knowledgeable about the internal affairs of MAGIA.

"Colonel, I know this is sudden, but could you give me some time?"

"I don't mind... What do you want, Saijo Chihaya?"

"I'd like to rent a meeting room in the basement, which is a little inconvenient here."

"...I don't mind. Well then, let's change places."

"That's helpful."

　The Colonel and I quietly disappeared into the basement meeting room, leaving behind the four of girl who were still having a heated discussion about the existence and non-existence of ghosts.

　Now, here comes the difficulty.

　It would be great if I could successfully sell the idea I came up with, but I will definitely be looked at with suspicion.

　Even so, if the idea and my existence are judged to be ``beneficial to the organization'' then that's fine.

　After all, I have no intention of starting a rebellion, I'm just trying to use someone who has ``connections to the upper echelons'' as a conduit for escalating ``thoughts from the field''.

　Anyway, let's continue to get along, Colonel. Also for the future of humanity.

◇◆◇

"Now then...Isn't it okay to assume that renting this place would be a pretty bad idea if it leaked out?"

　As soon as he was seated at the top of the meeting room, the colonel asked with a sharp look in his eyes.

"I affirm. And this is also a report from the field."

"Whose choice is it?"

"It was written by this individual, a magical girl named Chihaya Saijo."

　Sadly, even in the face of humanity's crisis with the critical beast, it seems to be the fate of the human race that organizations are holding each other back.

　I sympathize with the colonel, who has to doubt that someone is responsible for even reporting from the field, but this is just my opinion.

　Whether you believe it or not, I'd like to make it clear that I'm honest and have no ties to anyone. I don't want it to be misunderstood.

"...Okay. So, what's the content of the report?"

"Regarding Koyomi Nakahara's use of magical power."

　The colonel's temple twitched.

　A story about Koyomi's use of magical power would most likely involve upper management, and the worst case scenario could reach the relevant ministries, so it's an understandable reaction.

　If possible, I'd like to finish the story in MAGIA, but I'll have to leave everything up to the Colonel's skill.

"You are aware that the use of Koyomi Nakahara's magic conquest requires a vote by the relevant ministries and ministers, right?"

"I agree. However, if this proposal is approved, even if a more powerful critical beast appears, it will be possible to use Koyomi Nakahara's magic while minimizing collateral damage."

"...Do you have such a dream-like story, Chihaya Saijo? Aren't you tired?"

　Hmm, that's an amazing response to salt.

　However, that reaction was already expected.

　It's okay to take a nap, I say to get the attention of the colonel, who is blatantly trying to make fun of me.

"...We'll create a 'magical conquest from Earth.' That's what I'm thinking about."

"...are you serious?"

　Magical Conquest is basically something that is closely related to the transformation process of magical girls.

　"MAGIA" is also aiming to reproduce that, and the product is magical weapons, but there are severe technical constraints, and the key magical power must be drawn from outside, such as third-class or second-class magical girls. The current situation was that it couldn't be done.

　Is it possible to skip those restrictions and suddenly start creating a magical conquest?　

　The answer is yes. However, it will be quite a tightrope walk.

　The colonel glared back at me with a fearless smile, and without taking a step back, I slammed my demands and ideas.

　From here on out, it will be a test of how trustworthy Saijo Chihaya is. If I mess up, the worst I can do is end up with an explosive on my neck, and I'll probably be frozen, but I have no choice but to do it.

　As I said, for the future of humanity, and to avoid future tragedies.