43. At This Rate, We'll Have a Magical Girl Squad!
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The day after wrapping up my chat with Blade Fang, I was browsing official communities to drop some broadcast bait when I let out a low whistle.
"Whoa. Cross-platform malicious chat bans? Malicious comment monitoring with official notices to every community... all of this?"
No matter how rowdy and drama-filled the streamer scene always is, the level of crackdown was shocking. Honestly, forums seemed more worried and anxious than surprised. Fair concerns, I suppose. And yeah, it kinda feels like they saw this as an opportunity.
"But YouTube's on the linked ban platform too? Is this for real?"
Such was the backstory, huh. Makes sense—even now, we're barely hanging on thanks to the Tower of Trials' power, clinging to hope. Before that, extinction was basically knocking. No way they'd let doomsday rumors spread. Not even in a freedom-loving society.
Entertainment industry's year-end events like this mega server are under the same rules. Overseas events are reportedly stricter too. At this point, I'm curious how much cash they're throwing at it. The whole world's in chaos. Gotta desperately claw for a "Happy New Year!" vibe, I guess.
"What, you think they'll run together?"
As I thought that, chat shifted topics. Awakeners pop up regardless of job, naturally. Besides idols awakening, plenty of idols become awakeners too. If they run with normals... no contest. Even non-physical powers get mana boost, changing potential. Physical enhancements? Even among awakeners, gaps widen massively.
"Gotta balance it, right? Good thing there's ways."
Probably... Besides me, existing VTubers have been spotted as magical girls. Chat didn't disappoint, rapidly compiling a list.
Regular streamers... and quite a few VTubers. Awakeners' schedules were always unpredictable before, easy to spot even hidden.
"Don't dox VTubers."
"Wym."
Sounds like nonsense, but weirdly convincing?
The rocky area at the foot of Sobaeksan that proved handy for Seong-yoon's training before.
"Su-yeon. You really gonna do this?"
"That's right, milady."
"For real?"
"Honestly, I've wanted to since before..."
I sighed, double-checking Su-yeon's answer. No wonder she agreed to combat training without fuss.
Su-yeon struck a confident pose and declared:
"Lily will reclaim her abandoned dream of streaming debut! O~hohohoho!"
Her dream, abandoned after watching me crash and burn. Turns out, Su-yeon wasn't just debuting on her brother Yoo Su-ho's say-so. Watching my daily streams. Eyeing guest spots since moving in. Thrilled to be on my camera post-magical girl contract. All signs pointing here.
"Sigh. You know the situation, Su-yeon."
"Of course, milady."
Debuting in streamer land isn't the issue. If she wants, go for it. It's what comes after.
Earth's first production-type magical girl. Top-tier domestically without me. Daily power blooms pushing her beyond chats with Seong-yoon. Hidden for now, but revealing? Predictable backlash.
Yet she wants the spotlight. From reveal on, floods of sponsorships and chats like mine back then.
"You said that before, sis. But Lily—Su-yeon—isn't scared."
"...Huh?"
"Not just 'cause sis will protect me."
Not her usual cutesy act. Still fresh and concept-heavy, but more mature voice. Smaller post-transformation, yet this Su-yeon feels grown-up. Magical girl effect? Nah.
I get it now. Body grew, but she acted 'like old times.' No dissonance. Same concept, felt natural—like the kid hadn't changed. But really?
"Sis might be disappointed, but Su-yeon's not that good a girl."
Over-the-top concept, but no dummy. No way no change at that young, developing age.
"Kongkong. Plan's ready, kong. Might not fit your magical girl view, kong!"
"Got it."
Scheming with the mascot too. Full magical girl without me noticing. Or did I baby her? Only a year older than Seong-yoon. If consulted mascot, treat as proper magical girl.
"But combat training continues."
"I know, milady."
"Once you can protect yourself in worst case, debut with the avatar you're tweaking."
Post-transformation, she's modding her old debut avatar. Likes Innocent Lily look. Originally for my streams. Or planned this from start?
"Invite to server too, milady!"
"Invite? Hmm... I joined invites anyway. I'll invite you. But fresh debut might not meet cutoff?"
My history—from past glory to current storm—covers all bases, no number issues. Didn't check details.
Usually, streamer servers have invitee conditions too. Days streamed, followers/bookmarks minimum. This one's strict management means tighter probs.
"Sis... you really didn't look?"
"Huh?"
"Server entry conditions, milady."
"Something up?"
"Special perks for awakeners?"
"Wym."
Checked notice—real.
"Register with agency, get handler rec—waives conditions..."
"Exactly, milady."
"No clue what they expect, but nice perks."
Encouraging entry? Fine for us.
"Alright. Pure training then."
Su-yeon's status first. Magical girl contract renamed ability, stats wildly changed.
"+ ranks exist?" Two even. Mine won't show. Bummer.
"Anyway, build... surprisingly solid body."
Seong-yoon averages B. Jo Cheol-min's B too. B's top physical among current awakeners. Didn't expect from production type, shrunken frame. Meaningful though. Tough body tanks one more hit.
"Hmm. Lily prefers elegance, milady."
"Not saying go melee..."
High, but not strength. Typical magical girl: over-spec'd vs skill, production perfect for rear guard even post-combat polish.
"No big diff from expected."
"What'll it be? Thrown at monsters like Blaze sis?"
"Nah, that's me—throw and see."
Seong-yoon had basics, battle-tested. Fine to toss then. Su-yeon's just starting foundations.
"Measure step by step first."
Tossed ice crystal. Ice target forms at range.
"Kong... protect body but start with attack, kong."
"Best defense is offense."
Plus, attack familiarizes combat use better than defense.
"So Su-yeon, easiest shot first."
"Got it, milady!"
Awkward for attack, but clean mana flow. Dense water orb fires like bullet—training begins.