Moeka often used the internet. She found it particularly helpful for studying and entertainment, as well as accessing news, though she never really got on social media to connect with other people. If she had to describe herself online, the word she would use is 'lurker.' Someone who watches and observes things on the web, but never interacts with them directly, like a ghost.
One of the destinations Moeka regularly visited was the BananaBoard forum, the largest site dedicated to hosting discussions about magical girls. There were numerous boards, each with its own function. Most people browsed n/general for general news. Some followed n/battles to see footage of magical girls fighting. There were even boards meant to host speculations about upcoming candidates for the job. Though, of course, true fans committed themselves to building up individual boards for their favorite magical girls.
Moeka, unsurprisingly, had one for herself—n/Osbeckia.
It was a sizable community with mostly wholesome and healthy posts about Magical Osbeckia, consisting of more than ten thousand members and counting. Moeka loved roaming the board, reading the posts about herself. She did not consider it self-absorbed by any means, but seeing people appreciating her work felt rewarding.
However, over the last week or two, she had not been on here, thanks to the chaos outside.
'I wonder if there are new posts...'
Fresh out of the shower, with Himeko's mark still hot on her chest, Moeka opened her laptop. As usual, she clicked on her bookmarks tab and went directly to the board. Now that she thought about it, there might not be too much content since she had not been sent to respond to any incident since Aloe's capture.
''...''
But what Moeka could never expect was the title and image of the trending post. Three seconds after seeing it, she rubbed her eyes, shook her head, and glanced at the screen again. It had not changed.
[Osbeckia's three sizes(speculation). 95% Accuracy.]
The attached picture was an oddly sensual, close-up shot, perhaps accidentally taken, of her during a battle. Moeka could not help but feel curious despite the initial repulsion. The post was made by a new user, 'Liliac225.' Upon skimming the texts, Moeka found that the user really did use image contexts and math to calculate her three sizes. Worse, they were scarily close to her actual numbers.
Rather than being creeped out by this, Moeka was impressed. A little intrigued, even. What kind of mentality would someone have to possess to make posts like this?
Scrolling down to the comments, Moeka found the usual types of commenters. Those who condemned the act, those who jumped into the discussion, or those who simply stayed to admire her body. Especially, Moeka spotted an avid fan of hers proudly sitting as the top comment.
[RadiantStarch4: Isn't this the pic I took T_T ur doing god's work]
∟[Liliac225: No problem. I just like to share what I fancy.]
∟[RadiantStarch4: Welcome to the club! Refer to the mega post if you don't know something.]
∟[Liliac225: You seem to be misunderstanding.]
∟[RadiantStarch4: Not a new fan?]
There were no more replies from the mysterious user. For one reason or another, Moeka felt uneasy. Yet, that sensation was faint at best. A degenerate on the interest was nothing new. The only thing that struck her as strange was their noble tone and aloof attitude. Moeka soon gave up on pursuing that chain of replies. She soon moved on to the other posts, which, fortunately, were quite ordinary.
The discussions below those posts, however, were far from usual. A recurring individual Moeka could spot in almost every comment section was Liliac225, the same person who deducted her three sizes. Under the replies, they always seemed to analyze Magical Osbeckia's content. From the way she fought to the gestures she gave out. And, of course, her sexual appeal.
Interestingly, Liliac225 talked in a self-absorbed, almost haughty tone, which made many turn the pitchforks toward them. Moeka chalked this up to another internet troll's appearance, something she had made a point not to be beguiled by their antics. Still, it did look as though what they said had some basis. Perhaps this person was involved with magical girls?
''...''
Moeka decided not to think too much about it.
The next day, Moeka had morning classes as usual. As she pondered what to have for lunch, someone approached her from behind, ''Senior!'' Himeko called, catching up to Moeka, ''Did you have lunch? Let's go together!''
Initially startled, Moeka quickly recovered and was about to agree... until her phone rang. It was a voice message from Fumiko, who asked her to bring some food to the lab. Once that girl got into something, she really did become glued to it, Moeka thought.
After explaining the situation to Himeko, it was decided that they would have lunch at the lab together. Just like with Casey, Himeko had planned to reach out to City O's leader—Magical Hibiscus—at some point. Having this opportunity was convenient. However, seeing Moeka referring to this person so comfortably, she felt a little irky.
''Senior... is this person the one who marked you before?'' Himeko cautiously asked as they moved to the lab. ''Miko?''
A little blush fell on Moeka's face, ''...Yes. Uehara Fumiko—Magical Hibiscus.''
When Moeka glanced at Himeko again, she found the girl's cheeks puffing out, as if displeased. Moeka was not an idiot, nor would she consider herself a dense protagonist of some romance novels. This was a clear sign of jealousy, which... kind of surprised her.
The two had only known each other for a day. Even if they committed less than decent acts in bed together, it should not have progressed so quickly. Either this, too, was the effect of pheromones, or Himeko just happened to take a liking to her immediately.
'...It's not like I plan to date her or anything.'
Moeka always prioritized her career and financial stability over romance. And once she started the kind of relief work for other magical girls, dating would become even more difficult. As for how to respond to Himeko's feelings... well, she would simply let it play out. If she found herself wanting to be with Himeko, she would accept them. If not, too bad.
Sometimes, letting things play out naturally could be a good thing, Moeka thought.
Soon enough, they arrived at Fumiko's lab, where... a conspicuous sportscar was parked outside the institution. Its distinct silver color dres many eyes, but more than the vehicle itself, its apparent owner was even more striking.
A silver-haired girl leaned against her car, arms crossed, chin held high as she glanced around. The cheeky look only added to her natural beauty, like a noble lady straight out of a picture.
''Ugh... not her...'' Himeko sounded audibly uncomfortable, hiding behind her senior.
''Do you know her?'' Moeka asked, ''She's also a magical girl, I suppose.''
Himeko sighed, ''You could say that. I've known that girl for a while, and... she's not a bad person, but the way she treats everyone is a little...''
While the two talked, the silver-haired girl seemed to notice them. With brisk and confident steps, she approached the duo. Ignoring Himeko, she began scanning Moeka from head to toe. As if satisfied, she then nodded, ''Not bad.''
''...I'm Magical Osbeckia.'' Moeka tensed, smelling trouble, ''You are?''
''Hm? Ah, my name is Aikawa Yurika,'' The girl grinned, ''Magical Lily.''
''...''
Another top-tier magical girl from the capital, Moeka sighed internally. And this one sounded like pain.