-939- [ Minamiya ]

—Minamiya Natsuki.

That is the girl's name.

Since various demon races(Mazoku) exist in this world, demons are naturally among them.

However, unlike ordinary demon races, demons don't exist directly in this world. They inhabit alternate dimensions, similar to elves, angels, and others.

Therefore, they are not entities that can easily manifest in this world. As a result, demons are not commonly seen in this world.

Nevertheless, the existence of demons has given rise to many legendary individual.

For example, witches.

These are human women who gain power by making contracts with demons. Witches can harness magic comparable to high-level demon races. They also have the ability to manipulate objects into demonic familiars with special powers. They are truly daughters of magic, distinct from magus who acquire magic through their efforts. Witches possess immense power.

Of course, as a price for gaining power, witches must enter into contracts with demons and offer something in return.

In this world, many people choose this path for power. Thus, witches, much like during the Middle Ages, are synonymous with terror and taboo in the eyes of ordinary people.

However, there are also those born with demons taking interest in them, or for other reasons, form contracts with demons from birth, becoming witches.

These individuals are referred to as pure-blood witches, signifying those born as witches. Their qualities and aptitude far exceed those of ordinary witches. Given the opportunity to grow, each of them is a figure capable of influencing the era.

Minamiya Natsuki is precisely such a pure-blood witch.

Therefore, although this girl is only ten years old, she is already under the supervision of the Itogami City Management Cooperative.

Currently, she has displayed extraordinary qualities, surpassing many demon races and mages in both magical power and magic. Given time, she will undoubtedly grow into a formidable presence supporting the entire order of Itogami City.

This has led Natsuki to mature early, even at the age of ten. Her eyes have lost the innocence and naivety of childhood, replaced by pure intellect and composure. It gives her a demeanor befitting her title as a witch.

Perhaps because of this, Natsuki has no friends around her. Even when she finishes school and returns home, it is just back to the monitoring facilities arranged by the Itogami Island Management Cooperative. For this witch, that is not something worth lingering over.

"I might as well leave school and go directly to work in the Sanctuary Security Force.

Natsuki says these somewhat self-deprecating words, but it's just talk.

Because Natsuki knows that if she really does that, she will lose her freedom.

Being a pure-blood witch, she is destined to be a dangerous figure under the management of Itogami City.

In the future, she will surely be employed, work, and fulfill her mission under the arrangements of the Itogami Island Management Cooperative. Only by doing so can she enjoy freedom during her student days, go to school, and once she leaves school, Natsuki will undoubtedly be incorporated into one of the organizations, contributing her strength to Itogami City.

This is what they call reality.

Natsuki has no intention of resisting her fate.

At least, not at the moment.

It's not that Natsuki intends to submit to such a fate; she just can't find a reason to resist.

Perhaps if it were someone else, she would feel pain for being a pure-blood witch, shed tears for the unfair treatment, rise up in rebellion, take the path of opposing the world, and eventually fall somewhere, ending her life. But Natsuki finds even that path dull and seemingly lacks a meaningful existence, so she continues to live her life.

This makes Minamiya Natsuki unable to help but think.

"If there really are gods in this world..."

Then...

"I really wish those irresponsible guys would hurry up and tell me, besides continuing down this path, what other meaning of existence do I have..."

Natsuki unconsciously muttered to herself.

Such a girl will never know that the gods have long set their sights on her and are about to descend.

And what the gods bring is the second meaning of her existence in the future.

"Boom—!"

A thunderous sound suddenly echoed in the sky.

It was a terrifying blaze released from high above, causing a disturbance as the air evaporated due to the high temperature.

"Ahhhhh!"

On the streets, countless citizens let out cries of distress, falling into panic and shouting in a rush.

"...!?"

Amidst the crowd, Natsuki also abruptly raised her head, looking at the sky. Shortly after, her beautiful eyes widened.

In the high-altitude where the blaze unfolded, a sun descended.

It was indeed a sun.

While releasing astonishing heat, the sun continuously emitted waves of flames, rendering the surrounding area with a fiery red hue.

"Bang—!"

A breaking sound suddenly rang out from the high altitude.

It was the noise caused by the breaking of the barrier.

Itogami Island is an artificial island built on the power of magic. Many research facilities on the island study the ecology and abilities of demons. Therefore, in addition to scientific security systems, magical defense systems operate in crucial locations.

Since Natsuki was planning to return to the facilities of the Itogami Island Management Cooperative, it was natural for this area, the city center, to be equipped with barriers.

The true form of the sun is that it came to this area following powerful magical energy. However, it was hindered by the barrier, leading it to use force recklessly.

If its master were still present, such an event would be impossible. However, the master of the sun is now unable to control the familiar. The god with ancient divinity acts recklessly, becoming an uncontrollable existence.

"Bang!" "Bang!" "Bang!" "Bang!" "Bang!"

Under these circumstances, as the sun descended, the continuous breaking sound of the surrounding barriers echoed.

Not only the barriers but even the glass windows of surrounding high-rise buildings kept shattering. The asphalt road was smoking under the influence of high temperatures. Even the walls of buildings showed signs of melting. It looked terrifyingly as if the real sun had fallen, causing unparalleled horror.

"What on earth is happening...!? What is that...!?"

Natsuki couldn't help but cry out, and her entire body was already sweating profusely.

And even if Minamiya Natsuki is in such a state, there is no need to explain how ordinary citizens would be affected.

One by one, the surrounding citizens fell under the terrifying heat, collapsing as if suffering from heatstroke.

"Damn it!"

Natsuki's delicate and exquisite face changed slightly.

Then, Natsuki couldn't help but grit her teeth, and magical energy began to emanate from her entire body.

"Hum..."

The next moment, the space on the street began to ripple.