Chapter 61
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 61
Chapter Title: Magical Girl? (2)
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On the workbench sat something that took the form of a staff, but it was closer to a work of art than a weapon.
Its length reached about seventy percent of my height, gleaming overall in shades of gold and silver with rose gold patterns engraved along its surface.
At the tip of the staff, the ornamental section reminiscent of a king's scepter held a massive gem embedded within. Inside it, golden and pink mana flowed softly as if alive, swirling into the shape of a galaxy.
The wing-like decorations cradling the gem were sculpted so finely that each feather looked like it had come from a real bird.
It was ornate yet perfectly balanced, without any sense of excess—a masterpiece of harmony. It preserved the style of Sparkle☆Princess Heart! while exuding an air of classical elegance.
"Hweee..."
I gaped, reaching out toward the magic wand.
I... I made this?!
The moment my hand drew near its shimmering form, the staff floated gently toward me as if responding, like a magnet pulling it in.
"Huh?"
It was clearly forged from hefty alloy, yet it felt as light as a feather. Moreover, it integrated perfectly, as if it had been an extension of my arm from the start. The grip fit my hand like a glove.
Clutching my pounding heart, I checked the item info. Il-ho's gear was S-Rank, so this should be around that level, right?
True to my expectations, a translucent info window appeared before my eyes.
Radiant Blaze Miracle Staff (S+)
A miraculous manifestation born from great golden mana and a young dragon's dream. Those who are worthy shall gain infinite potential. Grants 12x mana efficiency to all cast spells.
Transformation: Chant "Power of miracles, heed my call! Magical☆Dragon, descend upon this place!" to change its form.
Blazing Barrage: In transformed state, chant "Shining Spark!" to consume vast mana and unleash a mana beam that incinerates all hostility.
"...S+?!"
I rubbed my eyes and looked again, but the rank didn't change. S+...! My first S+ grade item!
Calming my excitement, I checked the details with trembling anticipation.
"......"
I was speechless at its effects.
Transformation, and Blazing Barrage.
This was the pinnacle of everything I'd ever made. The power of a magical girl I'd dreamed of every night before bed, fantasizing endlessly!
Even the transformation and attack chants were perfect.
Shining Spark...
How cool would it be to shout that incantation and fire off a beam? If I took down monsters with this, I'd have fans in an instant.
My heart thumped uncontrollably. I had to test it right now!
Yeah, let's do it!
Il-ho was still in the dungeon, and Miss So-jeong had the day off, so she wasn't home. I couldn't miss this golden opportunity.
I gripped the staff firmly and took a deep breath. My first trembling transformation. But if not now, when no one's around, then when?
Beep beep beep beep—
My slightly shaky heart filled with courage at the sight of the staff.
Click.
"Whew... Here goes!"
I clasped the staff with both hands and closed my eyes.
"Power of miracles, heed my call! Magical☆Dragon, descend upon this place!"
⟨ Transformation ⟩
As the chant ended, dazzling yet warm light burst from the gem at the staff's tip. The light gently enveloped my entire body. A cozy sensation, like slipping into a warm blanket.
Moments later, the light slowly faded.
The first thing that caught my eye was my outfit.
"Huh...?"
My sweatshirt and pants had vanished without a trace. In their place, a short dress wrapped around me, based in pure white and pink, adorned with lavish ribbons and frills.
The hem and bust featured intricate patterns embroidered in golden thread.
Lace decorations in the same style as the dress adorned both wrists, and my hair was now tied into cute twin tails that swayed with every movement—just like Princess Heart's.
The staff in my hand had changed too. The wing decorations around the gem had spread wide open, and the mana light flowing within shone far more intensely than before.
For some reason, my viewpoint felt a bit higher, so I looked down at my feet.
Did my height actually increase?!
Unfortunately not— instead, I was wearing shoes with a slight heel.
I needed to see this properly. I walked over to the mirror in one corner of the workshop.
Reflected there wasn't my usual self, but a perfect, heroic magical girl.
"Wow..."
I spun around on the spot. Whether a side effect of the transformation or not, my body felt as light as a feather.
A slight jump felt like it could lift me into the air. As I twirled, the frills of my dress and the ribbons in my hair fluttered, adding even more flair.
"Hee hee hee..."
I couldn't hold back the laughter bubbling up. It felt like I'd become the protagonist of a Sparkle☆Princess Heart! spin-off.
I struck Princess Heart's signature pose in front of the mirror: right hand holding the staff high toward the sky, left hand on my hip, flashing a confident smile.
...Perfect. Absolutely perfect.
I have to capture this. I must take pictures no matter what!
Not recording this historic moment would be a crime against humanity. Buzzing with excitement, I headed out of the workshop to grab my phone.
And the instant I turned toward the door, I froze in place.
Standing at the workshop door were Il-ho, drenched in sweat from just returning from the dungeon, and Yu So-jeong, who had gathered Il-ho's armor, both staring straight at me.
Il-ho's golden eyes brimmed with curiosity, while Yu So-jeong covered her mouth with her hand and turned her head away.
"Uh......"
Silence hung in the air.
My mind blanked; no words came out.
"This is, uh, you see..."
It felt like time had stopped.
No, if it actually had, that would've been better. Then I could've bought time to somehow salvage this nightmare.
My brain creaked as it tried to process the scene: Il-ho staring blankly at me, covered in sweat and dust. And... Yu So-jeong, hand over her mouth, shoulders shaking as she desperately held back laughter.
"I-I'm testing a new item I made!"
"Kh-hm, an item, you say?"
She coughed to mask her laughter, but her voice trembled openly. Even a ten-year-old could read that expression.
I had to undo this transformation now. How? Set the staff down? Was there a cancel chant?
Release! Transformation release! Cancel, cancel!
I shouted desperately in my mind, but my body remained in its sparkling magical girl attire.
As I flailed in panic, Il-ho swiftly grabbed the whiteboard and scribbled on it.
- What's this?
Then Il-ho held the whiteboard out to me with both hands.
"...For real?"
Il-ho nodded, gazing at me with pure, unadulterated admiration—no hint of mockery.
Maybe... this outfit actually looks cool to others too? Of course! It's an S+ item!
I cautiously asked Miss So-jeong.
"So... what do you think?"
"Ahem."
She straightened up, reverting to her usual expressionless face. She scanned me from head to toe and gave her verdict.
"It's very beautiful and cool."
The moment I heard those words, something snapped in my head. The sound of my prejudices crumbling.
Right...
Why had I been embarrassed?
Embarrassment is for wrong or unnecessary actions.
But what about now?
This staff was S+ grade. More powerful and superior than any weapon in the world. And I'd simply used its effects legitimately.
I hadn't done anything wrong. On the contrary, this was the epitome of rational, efficient use—maximizing an S+ item's potential at 100%.
"...Right?!"
"Yes. It suits your dignity perfectly, Miss Da-yoon."
I smiled in satisfaction at her response. Yeah, no need to be embarrassed at all.
"By any chance, may I take a few photos to report to the higher-ups? Of course, the files will be classified."
Photos? Absolutely fine.
"Yes! Take as many as you want!"
I agreed enthusiastically. It'd be a shame to keep this awesome look to myself.
Somehow, Yu So-jeong had already fetched a large digital camera from the entryway storage.
Might as well strike proper poses since we're doing this.
First up: Princess Heart's signature pose. Then I ran through all the ones I'd prepped in my mind, showing them off one by one.
Click! Click! Yu So-jeong's finger worked the shutter nonstop.