Late at night.
After having dinner at home, Moeka visited the bureau for the check-up Miss Casey had requested. This time around, since she was the only Omega magical girl registered in the country, all eyes were on her. It became very apparent when Moeka saw not only Miss Casey, but also the dozens of The Federation's executives standing beyond the glass separation as she stepped into the ward.
In order not to disturb the test's results, only Moeka and her mascot, Cherry, were allowed in the room. Following the instructions, Moeka quietly transformed and began to run through the tests, completing various objectives designed to measure a magical girl's capabilities. Even while doing them, Moeka herself could feel the quantitative change in her magical potency. After five years, she had adamantly thought she had peaked as a magical girl, so it came as a great surprise.
This level of growth in the latter half of a magical girl's career was somewhat rare, and for someone halfway into retirement like Moeka, even more so. Evidently, when the staff tasked with announcing the results stepped into the room, he sounded baffled, ''...Miss Osbeckia, your magical reserve did indeed spike by quite a bit. Even your spell masteries have improved compared to before.''
''I see.'' Moeka nodded blankly.
At this point, Cherry chimed in, ''Isn't that a good thing, Moeka?!'' The mascot cheered, ''You can keep getting stronger and remain active for a few more decades!''
''No, that's...''
Moeka was inadvertently reminded of the few cases where magical girls chose not to retire, even going into their thirties. Of course, the privileges and pay were decent enough to sustain adult life or even support families, though rarely did anyone pick that path once they realized how it would affect their lives.
Being a magical girl was flashy and trendy on the surface, but the dangers of fighting constantly were also paramount. Besides, having to stay alert and respond to threats at any given moment easily induced burnout. For the first year or two, doing work for the public and gaining recognition felt rewarding. Afterward... everything would feel like a chore. As a result, barely any magical girl made it past their sixth or seventh year.
On a personal note, Moeka also understood why girls grew out of this profession once they matured. As a fellow female, she, too, would not want to fight in these frilly, cutesy, and overly colorful clothes in her thirties or forties. She had to protect her image as a grown-up, and she would very much like to marry and eventually settle down.
''I'm not doing it.''
''Ehh...''
Moeka was uncompromising, though, seeing the little cat with her ears drooping, she could not help but stroke its head, ''It's not like we won't see each other once I retire, right?'' She said, ''We'll still be friends. I promise.''
''Really...?'' Cherry perked up.
''Mhm. You'll probably be assigned to another girl.''
These so-called 'mascots' were somewhat innocent and honest about their emotions, much like children. Still, their intelligence could not be underestimated. Cherry was a first-time mascot for a magical girl, so she seemed especially fit for this archetype, whereas someone like Himeko's mascot, Sol, was a well-known veteran.
While the two were exchanging casual talk, the debate outside the ward appeared to be heating up.
''We should have her transferred to the capital. With the right equipment and environment, she could become an incredible asset for us.'' A manager said.
Casey immediately interjected, ''I know Osbeckia. She already has a career and life in mind. I oppose this.''
''Are you saying we should turn away from the chance to procure another magical girl of strategic caliber?''
''Shouldn't we ask for her opinion first?'' Another person interrupted.
Mixed opinions were thrown around in the observation chamber. Some demanded Osbeckia's presence in the country's capital, where she could have the best chance to grow, even suggesting that other magical girls become her extended partners, while others drew attention to potential moral problems, saying they should respect the girl's wishes. Though in the end, they all secretly glanced at a lone figure, who had stayed silent since the beginning.
''...Mister Kakao, what do you think?'' Casey spoke politely to the floating mascot.
''...''
Certainly, the person with the most authority in this room was Mister Kakao, a high-ranking executive of The Federation who had come from the capital to help manage the additional girls being assigned to City O. Even in the capybara form, a sharp aura could be felt from him.
''Let me talk to her.'' Mister Kakao said quietly before entering the testing room.
Moeka quickly spotted the mascot approaching. Having been informed of the executive's visit, she politely greeted him. Beside her, Cherry also flusteredly bowed her head.
''Miss Osbeckia,'' The capybara gently said, ''I've heard of the hard work you put into protecting this city. Thank you for your service.''
''No, it's... my duty,'' Moeka replied.
''How humble.'' Mister Kakao chuckled, ''Younger ones nowadays are quite proud in their own right. They're that passionate about the job, I suppose. Oh, I'm not saying Miss Osbeckia is not devoted.''
''No, no, I understand.''
After easing the girl a little, the mascot then spoke, ''So, what do you think about your re-evaluation results?''
''I expected it to some extent,'' Moeka mused, ''Still, I'm not quite sure what to make of it.''
Miss Kakao nodded calmly, ''I see. You don't have to rush it. While we would like to recruit you to the capital branch, where your potential can be fully realized, I understand you may have your own plans, correct?''
''Well... yes.''
Even Moeka herself could guess where things were roughly going. In theory, as long as she let other magical girls mark her, her growth prospects were practically limitless. In that case, both The Federation and other factions would spare no effort to recruit her to their side, no matter the methods.
But Moeka did not ask for this level of recognition and scrutiny. All she wanted was a stable career and a house for her and her mother. Living peacefully for the rest of her life, focusing on hobbies instead of fame or wealth.
She knew that even if she tried to lie low, trouble would find its way to her regardless. It was much better to remain proactive. It really was. Still... she was unsure how to proceed with all of this.
Perhaps seeing her thoughts, Mister Kakao continued, ''Take your time, Miss Osbeckia,'' He smiled, ''As long as you do the work for the good of the people, you will stay under our protection. Your future is yours to decide, and we're here to support you.''
''...I understand,'' Moeka replied, feeling somewhat touched by the executive's encouraging words.
In the end, Moeka was given full control of what she wanted to do and where she wanted to be. Thankfully, unlike the corporate elites, the alien mascots were much more considerate of workers like her, Moeka thought.
'How ironic.'
As Moeka quietly exited the building, she happened to overhear the conversation between two staff members. The content... was about her. For someone as low-profile as Moeka, having people gossiping about her like this felt strange. Yet, she could not suppress her curiosity.
''She gets stronger by getting marked...? How does that even work?''
''Who knows? She's the only Omega magical girl our country has.''
''Maybe she absorbs magical energy from other magical girls? That kind of thing...''
''...Doesn't it sound like a succubus?''
A succubus.
It was the first time Moeka had been compared to such a creature. The staff members probably did not mean anything malicious, but it was shocking nonetheless.
''...''
Moeka walked blankly out of the building. More than she had realized, she was affected by those words.
''Hey.''
That was when a familiar figure walked up to her.
''Miko...?''