Declaring Retirement at Night of Stars
The world's renowned magical girls from every country had gathered in one place. They met monthly to discuss countless issues related to magical girls. This was the place colloquially known as Night of Stars.
Today was the day of that meeting. As always. Just like every time. The meeting was already drawing to a close. What had started in the starlit dead of night dragged on until morning. Everyone looked utterly exhausted. Even magical girls, called superhumans, struggled with morning grogginess.
A weary-looking magical girl spoke up.
"Then... this concludes this Night of Stars. Thank you all for your hard work."
Ding――!
The bell signaling the end of the meeting echoed through the hall. Everyone bustled about, preparing to leave. Like office workers who'd just received permission to clock out, their faces were full of smiles.
In that moment of joy, someone doused them with cold water, speaking in a languid voice.
"...Oh, right. I almost forgot to mention this."
That casual remark froze everyone in place. Their gazes snapped toward the source of the voice.
The seat at the head of the table. The only one with authority equal to the chairwoman, who was absent today for unavoidable reasons.
A magical girl was still sitting there, stock-still. She was quite the unusual one. Unlike the others in their transformation outfits, she wore a baggy hoodie. Dark circles ringed her hollow eyes. She didn't look like a magical girl at all. Most there probably felt the same.
She leaned back in her chair, tilting her head, and took a sip of her energy drink alone. Her empty eyes gleamed with boredom. Among everyone here, she exuded the most alien aura.
And from her mouth came a bombshell.
"I'm retiring? Today's my last time attending here, so keep that in mind, everyone."
"""......"""
The magical girls in the hall fell silent at her words. The atmosphere was thick with bewilderment.
Was it because the statement was so shocking?
...To be honest.
Most people here didn't even know who she was. What kind of magical girl she was, or what she'd done to earn a seat there. She had the highest authority here, equal to the chairwoman. But unlike the chairwoman who led Night of Stars, she did nothing but show up.
There was only one vague rumor floating around.
That she was a 0th generation magical girl, just like the chairwoman.
Most only knew that much. So their lukewarm reaction to her retirement announcement was only natural.
...Except for a few veterans with plenty of years under their belts.
The now-empty meeting hall.
―Slurp.
Only two magical girls remained. I was still lounging in my chair, chugging my drink.
...Hmm. Even this taste is getting old. Maybe grape flavor tomorrow.
As I mulled that over, the last one approached and spoke to me.
"Cha Seol-hyun sunbae."
I rolled my vacant gaze from the empty air to the side.
A familiar voice calling my name. And a face I knew well. The one who'd been leading the meeting in place of the absent chairwoman.
The current US branch president and a 2nd generation magical girl, Chloe Miller.
She asked me with a troubled expression.
"Hey, Chloe junior."
"...Are you really retiring?"
"Of course. Why would I lie about something like this?"
"......"
...To be honest, I was getting self-conscious about freeloading. The fresh juniors were out there burning their youth on magical girl duties, while I just scratched my belly and spaced out all day.
I should've retired ages ago.
When was the last time I did anything resembling magical girl work? About 20 years ago? It felt like forever.
This seat was starting to feel like too much for an old-timer like me.
"It runs fine without me anyway, right? I never had any actual duties to begin with."
"That's―"
"Besides, what do the young ones think when they see me? 'That has-been just taking up space without doing jack.' Obvious, isn't it?"
"...You're still pretty, though. And your skills are as sharp as ever."
"Flattery will get you nowhere."
My peak as a magical girl was long over. Now there were so many magical girls charging ahead, looking up at the top, I could trip over them. I wasn't even running anymore—I'd forgotten how to walk. I'd given up advancing, so it was time to step aside.
"The chairwoman's still called the best magical girl, you know?"
"Yeah, well... she's exceptional in every way, unlike me. Still going strong after over a century."
"...She won't let your retirement slide, I bet."
"That's why I announced it while she was away. Saying it to her face would be a hassle."
"......"
"Time for me to kick back and relax~"
No more unnecessary commuting. I'd hole up at home and binge all the games I'd missed. Man, just thinking about it feels great.
"...Haa. Fine, got it."
"You worked hard too, junior~"
"I'm heading out."
I waved to the junior heading for the exit. Then she suddenly stopped, turned, and looked at me.
"Seol-hyun unni."
"...Huh? What'd you just say?"
"Thanks for all your hard work over the years."
"......"
My waving hand froze mid-air. Ignoring my reaction, she left the hall.
...Guess I'll head home too.
Morning had fully broken before I knew it.
On the way home. It wasn't rush hour yet, so the streets were quieter than expected.
...Unni, huh.
I mulled over the junior's words as I walked, sipping my drink.
...The term didn't sit right in my mouth.
Maybe 'cause I'm used to sunbae.
Or maybe it was memories from my past life. There, terms like oppa or hyung were more familiar. I'd never been called unni much in this life either.
I paused. A convenience store came into view. My stomach growled right on cue.
...Might as well grab some snacks. Gotta take care of the freeloaders too.
I quickened my pace.
Ding―!
...
"...That's 42,000 won. Need a bag?"
"Yes."
I paid with my card. As the clerk bagged the items, the staring I'd felt earlier intensified.
An energy drink was slid toward me over the bag.
"I didn't buy this."
"I already rang it up, so go ahead. On the house."
"......"
It was far from pure kindness. Anyone could see the ulterior motives.
I was used to it, though.
...Magical girl perks.
We all had idol-level looks by default. Superhuman bodies extended our lifespans and kept us eternally youthful. Even I, with zero maintenance and perpetual exhaustion, drew this kind of attention. No wonder clueless folks hit on us like this.
"Thanks, I'll take it."
Of course I'd accept. I didn't love the attention, but free drinks? No complaints.
"...If you don't mind, you're my type, so maybe your number―"
"I'm a magical girl."
"...Ah. I... see."
"Thanks for the service. Bye."
Ding―!
I bolted out of the store.
...Most react like that.
Magical girls were like flowers on a cliff—beautiful but untouchable.
Some brave souls persisted. Confident in their looks. Or their money. Or, stupidly, thinking they could force a magical girl. The last type? I folded them in half. Literally.
I get how those guys applying for dating/marriage counseling felt back in the day.
Magical girls were different from normals. Long lifespans meant no growing old together. Nighttime activities were tricky too. High divorce rates among magical girls stemmed from that.
...Not that it mattered to me.
Seeing young juniors cry over consultations always tugged at my heartstrings, though.
Won't have juniors consulting me anymore.
I pushed those thoughts aside and trudged home.
Ring-ri-ring―!
Clunk.
Quitting time was always the best. Stepping inside, cozy air enveloped me.
"I'm home, you freeloaders."
As always. Calling them by their usual nickname.
"Welcome back? Chit."
"Welcome home! Woof."
"Welcome home, Seol-hyun. Nyaa."
They came scampering out from the rooms, pattering across the floor. Anyone would think they were pets.
"Kkamang, cut the internet time. Your speech is getting weirder."
"Seol-hyun, no way~ The net's basically part of me now~ Nyaa."
"...Maybe confiscate the phone."
"Kyaaah―!"
I ignored Kkamang's screech and headed to the living room. The other two trailed after me.
"Seol-hyun-nim! Great work today, woof."
"Yeah, Nureong-i. Mind sticking this in the fridge? Got stuff for you guys too."
"Yes, woof!"
Nureong-i grabbed the bag in its mouth and dashed to the kitchen.
...Seriously loves food.
Anyone seeing us chat would figure it out. These weren't normal animals—they were mascots.
Beings that contracted with magical girls, granting them various powers. Partners for life, you could say.
...Usually.
These were more like strays I took in. Like abandoned pups.
"...So, how'd the retirement go? Chit."
"Did it, obviously. Free as a bird now."
"Hmm. I see. Chit."
"What?"
"Nothing. Chit."
...Juidori always dropped lines like that. Had a knack for piquing curiosity.
"...Sigh. Anyway―"
I bolted to my room.
Click.
Flipping on the light revealed a sight that brought a smile. I changed clothes quick, fired up my top-spec PC, and plopped into the chair. The cushy comfort melted away my fatigue.
...Ahh. This is the life.
Retired now—total freedom. Time to roll around and enjoy it to the fullest.