Profiteering From Magical Girls: Prologue [Gushing Over Magical Girls Gamer SI] (Patreon)

My New Reality

They say reality is stranger than fiction, that nothing that is ever written down or conjured by the human mind could ever compare to what life can throw at us mortals. Back when I was still older but none the wiser, I would have said otherwise; That fiction can overcome the strangeness of reality. However, as I sat there before the principal's desk while the woman read through my files, I made sure to sure avoid staring at the name and level hovering over their head.

Kurono Shinguuji, LV 12
Principal


Reality made me eat my words and made me thank it for the privilege. I'm actually not sure if I have fully grasped the reality of my new situation. Sometimes, I wonder if I'm still in bed, that this was just some elaborate dream cooked up by my overly active mind but as looked down on my scarred hands and traced the jagged cut over my palm, I was reminded that this was reality; I wasn't going to wake up to my old life.

Letting out a bored sigh, I found my eyes wondering about. The principles office had little of note, just the same old drab gray walls, pictures of past principals along with active staff members, several dozen filing cabinets, a computer desktop atop a large desk, a large fridge, several cacti that looked a tad bit overwatered all crammed into aa tiny office manned by an overworked middle age woman. Just the typical things one would find in a school office.

For someone that had finished college and earned a bachelors degree, I thought the next time I'll be in this office was when I finally get married and have a child of my own. So why was I here? Why was I stuck here, sitting on an uncomfortable seat with my bag on my lap, heels tapping on the tiled floor, waiting? Simply put, I was getting myself enrolled.

Setting down my files, the woman leaned back against her seat before speaking up, "So, Mizuki Kaneshiro," pausing briefly as she me a lazy lookover, "Born 20XX in the Island of Okinawa, age 14, recently orphaned."

"That's correct," I lied, nodding along. Mizuki wasn't my real name, it wasn't even close but as far as the records were, that was who I am. Just a young, Japanese, orphan that was way younger than I used to be, "I hope everythings in order?"

The woman nodded as she reached out for another envelop and picked up, giving it a quick glance once more, "Already got this stunning recommendation letter along with your transcripts," She told me before setting it down and pointing at his records, her fingers tracing my academic achievements, "From what I have here, I see you above average grades and part of the track and field team of your old school."

Flipping through my files, she continued, "Aside from that 3 month gap brought about by an accident that left you hospitalized," A reminder which had me reaching for the scars I had hidden beneath my clothe "I see nothing wrong with your record. No delinquency, little to no absence and punctual to a point. Over all, a model student."

While my new life came at a surprise, it wasn't all bad. Having a new lease in life felt like I was doing a second playthrough, avoiding the pitfalls that I once struggled with. Still, it does have it problems like having to wait a few more years before becoming legally an adult again.

Closing my files and setting it aside, the woman frowned as she noted, "Still, Ryuku is quite the distance from Kyushu, Wouldn't it have been better if you picked somewhere closer?" Looking over at me with concern, she then added, "Somewhere your friends and family could visit you?"

Quest: Far Far Away
Move Away from Okinaws and get yourself enrolled in a new school
Reward: 5 Skill Points, 50 EXP


I pursed my lips as I was reminded of why I wanted to get away as far as possible; my new body had a life before I came along. I could only curse whatever force pushed me in this new life for all the trouble it caused me. Turns out, it was hard to hide a sudden shift in personality if all you had to go along is memories. I wished I could have just stayed but the questions kept coming and I'd rather not deal with them when I had to deal with this… gift of mine.

"I have to admit that I'm a long way from home. But with recents events that had happened in my life…" I started, pausing briefly as I remembered the troubled start I had, before I let out a heavy sigh, "I feel like I needed a fresh start, somewhere where I can start over and make something of myself and I feel like Neruma is just the place for that," I then said I gave her a bright smile to mask the annoyance brewing in my chest.

It was also far as my budget could go as I was forced to take that horrible deal from my bastard of an uncle. A budget that was quickly dwindling with all the expense I had to make just to get here, find an apartment to call my own as well as canvas possible schools amongst other things. I needed a place to disappear and Nerima seemed like the best choice.

From what the research I've done, this school might just be the best of the bunch if I wanted to fade into the background. Middle of the pack, unassuming and entirely forgettable; perfect for my needs. Mostly importantly of all, it was public and just a bike ride away from my place. I'd rather not deal with having to spend 30 minutes in the train when I can do it with my bike.

"It's quite the decision to make for someone so young," The woman nodded, "But I can understand why," I could only sigh in relief at how she fell for his excuse. If she only knew…

Leaning forward, she then clasped her hands together before resting her chin atop her hand, "Unfortunately, due to the nature of your transfer, we cannot accommodate you," That… that does not sound good, "You could wait before the year ends and we'll be more than happy to get you enrolled. Believe me, if this was made a bit earlier, I would have enrolled you in a heart beat."
Turning her office chair towards the window facing the track and field, she mused out loud, "We could use a star…" before shaking her head as she turned back to him, "But you understand my predicament here, right?"

I grimaced briefly before shrugging, "Regrettable but entirely reasonable," I replied, feeling bitter about the news. Still, it's not like it was the end of the world.

With the quest having no time limit as well as a whole city to explore, I had plenty of things to do and all the time in the world. Maybe it was a sign that I should just focus on gaming rather than keeping up the facade of a respectable citizen.

Just as I was about to get up and thank her for her time, she decided to throw a spanner on my plans when she brought up a subject I would have rather avoided, "Oh, one more thing, there is also the matter of your guardian."

I felt sweat dripping down my neck as I sat there like a deer caught in headlight while she pointed, "It says here that your uncle is your current guardian but he's not here is he?" She asked, hinting that she knew more than what he had wished she had known, "His absence would have complicated your admission as we needed his signature," Looking over to him, she then asked, "Should I call on your uncle to pick you up?"

I took a deep breath as I held back a curse. While I had an apartment to myself, my uncle wasn't actually anywhere near Neruma or Kyushu for that matter. I can't let her tell anyone from my old address where I was or what I was doing, not if I wanted to have some peace and quite.

Gathering my wits, I quickly changed the subject, "Is there anything I can do to work this out? Like anything at all?" My sudden changed in demeanor wouldn't go unnoticed as she shook her head and reached for the telephone on her desk. Clenching my fist, I let out a hiss as I reached in my bag and pulled out an envelop I had hidden in between my change of clothes.

"Perhaps, this could convince you?" I offered cautiously as the woman pulled her hand back from the phone before grabbing the offered envelop. Opening, it, the woman then recoiled and dropped the envelop as if she held a snake.

"M-mr. Kaneshiro! This is improper!" She hissed out as she stood up and closed the blinds to the office. While brief, it wall hard not to see the way she glanced at the money stuffed inside that envelop. Selling what I inherited to start a new life might not have been ideal but it freed me from this life's previous attachment. It also gave me a lot of cash, lots of it.

Reaching in, I then pulled out another envelop as an innocent smile stretched across my lips, "How about now?"
The woman gulped but like all people, she had her price and I just found it. Walking back to her table, she took the offered bribe before turning her attention to her computer. It wouldn't take long for her to change a few things before she turned back to me with a smile of her own.

"It seems that a spot opened up in our school registry," offering me a hand, she then said, "Glad to have you on board Mr. Tenkawa,"

Taking the offered, hand I shook it as I replied, "The pleasures all mine," Not the best deal but I can make this work. It was either this or I had social service down on my head before I knew it.

Pulling away, the woman typed away at her computer as she offered, "While I handle the paperwork, why don't you have a tour of school grounds?" Nodding back at her, she then pressed the comms attached to her desk, "Sayo Minakami, can you please come to the principals office?" her announcement echoed over the intercoms.

I frowned at the familiar name before shrugging. Must be a coincidence. However, as soon as student she called came over to the office, I found myself frozen in disbelief as my new reality was quick to remind me of another insanity it offered and another reason why I wanted to run away.

Saya Minakami, LV 25
Magia Azul


Magical girls were real and I might just be in one of the horniest series that ever grazed public television. "Is there something wrong?" The bluenette asked as she glanced over at me worriedly. Of all the schools I could have picked, what are the odds that there was going to be a magical girl here?

-x-x-x-

Magical Girls? What are Magical Girls. To the people in my old life, they were nothing more than fictional heroines made to inspire young girls on the ideals of justice, love and most importantly of all, the power of merchandize and how they could own a piece of that ideal if they had those products. Truly, an insidious industry.

For the people of this world however? They were an daily, everyday occurrence, one where people adore them much like how people worshipped idols. How fitting of a name does the show have to describe the very setting I realized I was in.

Gushing Over Magical Girls, a series exploring the love that one girl could have for magical girls… and how she's absolutely creaming herself as she becomes the villain for said magical girls. As a parody to modern magical girls, it had all the tropes one could expect. A magical girl team, evil baddies to match them, a sinister subplot and the likes.

Last I checked… the series was more raunchy and light hearted and I wish it stay that way for my sake as I already had enough on my hands with the Magical Girls themselves. Glancing over to Saya warily, I mused on the nature of Magical Girls.

With the power of love and friendship, they shall vanquish and purify all that is evil. Given that I was not exactly the original owner of this body, despite inheriting it a bit mangled, I wasn't keen on finding out what'll happen if one of these girls decided to try and "heal" or "purify" me. I wasn't exactly built to handle that kind of abuse!

Now, if I was so afraid of magical girls, why risk being near one at all? Why was I making small talks with one as she excitedly pointed out the facilities offered by the school? Simply put, she had no reason to suspect about my true nature. Even if she come to know about my sudden change in personality, humans do have quite the hard time visualizing especially if they didn't know the person before the change.

The only magical girls I was afraid off were the ones from my "home town", those that may or may not know me… given my luck despite my stats, I'd rather not try and find out. Still, best to be at my best behavior.

Turning my attention back to Magia Azul or rather, Saya Minakami, "So, that's the left wing of Yume Middle School. Any question?" She replied as she flashed me a winning smile.

"Nothing so far, but," I replied before I bowed low, eliciting a squeak out of the girl, as I apologized, "I'm sorry about earlier!" Straightening myself, I feigned embarrassment as I glanced away and rubbed the back of my head before lying through my teeth, "I wasn't feeling really good earlier. Still recovering from my injuries you see…"

"N-no! No, it's fine. Really!" She replied, waving her hands to assure me, "No one should apologize for experiencing something beyond their control," She then said as she brushed her hair, "So if you need my help, just call me ok?"

I felt my cheeks heat up as I nodded, "Yeah…" I could feel my teeth rotting at her general vicinity. Truly, magical girls are fearsome creatures. Now I feel bad about lying to her. Returning the smile, I replied "Thank you Saya, I'm glad that I have someone that I can rely on."

The girl's cheeks turned rosy as she sputtered out, "W-well I think that's enough for a breather, how about we continue our tour?" I wasn't quite sure why she seemed so insistent but I nodded along and just followed her.

Saya Mikanami, LV 25
Magia Azul


At a glance, she didn't really look that much. Despite her long blue locks and admittedly cute charm, she didn't stand out. To anyone without my [Observation], she would be just another schoolgirl minding her business. In truth, she was quite the fearsome magical girl, one that can stand toe to toe with monsters that could make most human balk. Still, I kind of expected more.

For a magical girl, I expected her to have a higher level but she was just above human. Then again, she's technically just a beginner, a star that's yet to reach her fullest potential so that explains why. Now I can see why Utena doesn't want her to give up when she had her wrapped around her fingers in the shrine. She still has more to grow.

As the bell rang and a tide of students slipped out of their classroom for their lunch break, I found myself scanning the sea of girls and a few boys. Most, if not all of them were on the one digit level, given that they were just kids. A few though stand up.

"Saya!" a young womans voice rang out before a magenta colored missile shot towards Haruka. Latching on to her, I found another magical girl clinging to Saya while rubbing against her affectionately.

Haruka Hanabishi, LV 27
Magia Magenta


I found my brow rising at the small level gap but chose to keep quite as I found myself smiling at quite the amusing scene. Pushing at the cute limpet attached to her side, Saya shouted out, "Haruka!" while her cheeks burned in indignation, "Not the best time!" The red however would prove to be resilient as she refused to let go.

"So that's why the principal called you," another girl called out as I turned to find a blonde with a catty smile across her lips. Giving me a look, she then turned towards the duo as she then said, "Getting to show the new boy around, lucky."

Kaoruko Tenkawa, LV 30
Magia Sulfur


The whole gang was here, luck me. Tilting my head at them, I cautioned out, "Are you… Saya's friends?" as I found Saya finally giving up and accepting her fate, that of a teddy bear for a sweet little girl.

Perking up at my voice, she stuttered out, "O-oh, right!" Keeping a straight face, or as best as she could, she introduced me the duo, "Tenkawa, these are my friends."

Reaching down to her side, she ruffled the red head as she brought her forward, "The adorable one here is Haraku Hanabishi."

The girl grinned as she waved at me excitedly, "Hello!" and I found myself charmed by her cheerful demeanor. Waving back at her, I then turned my attention towards the blonde as Saya gestured towards her.

"While the cute one over here is Kaoruko Tenkawa," the bluenette said as the blonde gave me a casual wave.
"Sup," The girl replied. While Haruka was just rainbows and sunshine and Saya was all prim and proper, Kaoruko was as cool as cucumber. I've seen her getting pretty annoyed quite easily but I wasn't picking up any hostility from her. I take it as good thing.

Smiling at the warm welcome given to me, I greeted back, "My name is Mizuki Tenkawa, it's nice to meet you all!" And for once, I didn't have to lie. They were a treat to meet and seeing them in flesh and blood, I can see why Utena liked them so much. "Please take care of me!"

I as looked back at them, I found a Kauroko's hand atop my head as she started stroking my hair. Standing there dumb founded, she then told me, "Now ain't you adorable," all while an amused grin spread across her face.

"Kaoruko!" Haruka gasped out scandalized while Saya couldn't even form a sentence.

"What?" Kauroko asked as she pulled her hand back and shrugged, "He's cute isn't he?" She then asked as she gave me a wink.

I could only roll my eyes at that as Saya finally exploded and the three started bickering. Still, despite the craziness of the three, I found the ghost of a smile stretching across my lips. They were certainly adorable, I have to give them that.

While I watched on and let them selves sort things out, I found myself turning as I saw two high levels suddenly passed by. As my eyes met those nervous amber orbs, that shaky smile, that mousy look and hunched over posture, I quickly realized who it was.

Utena Hiiaragi, LV 32
Magia Baiser

Kiwi Araga, LV 29
Leopard


The titular main character and her love interest. It was actually quite amusing how the villainess/ protagonist was attending the same school and in the same class as that of Tres Magia, the girls that she was tormenting. Waving at her, she squeaked at the sudden attention as she looked around before pointing at her; Heh, cute.

My little fun would quickly be spoiled as the buxom blonde latching on to her pulled her aside, "Utena! Come on~" She said out loud as she gave me quite the hostile glare. Thankfully, she shifted her attention back to Utena as she happily sang, "We still have a date, remember~?"

Utena let out another adorable squeak as she glance between me and Kiwi. While it was fun seeing her all panicky, I'd rather not torture the girl. I whispered a silent apology to her before gesturing for her to go with her girl, "Oh! R-right, sorry," Utena stuttered as she turned away. As she walked away, I could still feel some glances towards me. Cute couple, those two were.

"My apologies Mizuki, I found myself rather distracted," Saya called out, making me turn back towards the abashed looking bluenette. "N-now where was I?" She muttered before she replied, "Right! Back to the tour-!" but she and the other two suddenly paused as all turned towards the city.

Turning towards Nerima, I found myself confused before my ears picked up the faint sound of explosions in the distance. There was an attack, today? Before I could ask them if they hear the sound, Saya would suddenly speak up, " I'm really sorry about this Tenkawa but I just remembered something! My friends and I I need to go… somewhere! Yes, to the library!" Bowing to him, she hurried walked away with friends in tow as she shouted, "I'll get back to you as soon as possible!"

As the group bolted, Kauroko skidded to a halt as she shouted, "Yo new guy!" I flinched as I found a small coin pouch thrown at me. Staring at the cute little purse, I then heard her shout, "
"The Cafeteria's just down the hallway! Go grab yourself a coffee and some snacks while you wait ok!?"
With that, she finally left, leaving him with some money to have some snacks. "Huh… so that's how it feels to be in the receiving end of a magical girls giving excuses..." He muttered as he slid the coin pouch in his pocket.

Finding myself alone there in the hallway, I wandered off to get myself a drink. A free drink was a free drink, I really wasn't going to say no to that.

-x-x-x-

One trip to the cafeteria and I found myself sitting in the mythical school rooftop. Sitting on an overturned crate, I breathed in the sight as lances of light shot off in the Nerima skyline. It was quite the spectacle, one I enjoyed with my cheap yet strong coffee. It was a shame that I didn't grab that melon pan but I really rather not abuse the generosity.

Looking down, I found a puddle to which I could look at my reflection. Staring deep into the stagnant water, I found myself staring at the unfamiliar face that I now wore.

Mizuki Tenkawa LV 15
Newbie Merchant


"That's not my name damn it…" I whispered but it remained there, refusing to change. Sighing, I turned my attention to my profile, showing me not just my stats but my skills as well.
[Status], I whispered and before me was a brief look on how strong I was right now. Admittedly, it wasn't the best but I had to keep a low profile. At best, I earned myself two levels?

Name: Mizuki Tenkawa
Level: 15
Age: 15
Exp: 1550/3300
Class: Alchemist

Health: Healthy
Energy: Well Rested

STR: 10
DEX: 20
INT: 25
WIS: 18
CON: 15
CHA: 12
LWD: 5

Free Points: 15

"I really wish I know exactly what that last stat does though " I grumbled as there was no such thing as tutorials in this game. "Even rogue likes have tips…" I muttered as I closed my stats. I had some inkling on what it does but it might not be the best stat investment especially with how stingy the game was in giving points.

If I want to get stronger though, that can easily be remedied. Looking around, I found myself alone out here. With the fight still going quite hard, I felt like I had enough time to have a little adventure of my own.

Slipping the pouch inside my bag for keep sake, I set it aside before I reached out and whispered, [Inventory], My hand then sank into thin air as a UI showing my limited pocket space showed up and listed out the items I kept hidden.

Inventory:

• Small Herbs
  
• Empty Bottles
  
• Leather Strips
  
• Sphagnum Moss
  
• …
  

Ignoring the large number of crafting materials I had, I reached in deep and grabbed my adventuring essentials. A small flash of light enveloped me as my casual wear gave way to a full leather armor ensemble along with a dented but reinforced football helmet. With aluminum bat in hand, I looked more like a Legionnaire from Fallout New Vegas than an adventurer but with my current level, this had to do.

Slinging my bat over my shoulder, I breathed in as I then whispered, [ID create] as a listed scrolled down before me. They were your typical game dungeons but most of them were grayed out. The only ones I have access to right now were the deep caves, downtown and dark forest.

As an alchemist, I was always in need of fresh ingredients so the choice was obvious, [Dark Forest]. With those words, the world around me dissolved in a sea of light as I soon found myself in a dark damp forest. Tall gnarled trees stretched up above while the dark clouds covered the sky. Only the glow of mushrooms, crystals and some plans served to illuminate the spooky forest as the sound of birds and other creatures echoed in the distance.

Looking up, I found the name of the location floating above, [Dark Forest, Outskirts], The game told me as I tightened my grip on my weapon. Setting a timer for a quick harvest, I then picked a direction before heading on deeper, eyes peeled as I scouted for ingredients.

While the forest was terrifying with its constant creeping fog and shadows dancing from the random flashes of lightning, it had an plethora of ingredients. Colorful herbs, mushrooms a plenty and small animals whose parts I could harvest. The place was actually quite peaceful if you stick to the right place.

With a harsh swing, the small colorful frogs exploded into a colorful explosion of spark leaving behind [Frog Legs] and [Frog Meat], still no money however. "Making money would have been so much easier if I didn't have to process this," I said out load as I knelt down and slipped them in my Inventory.

Another of the Game's idiosyncrasies was the utter lack of cash or gold rewarded. It was all loot or experience. It made something difficult as it also had the annoying Durability traits. Looking at my bat, I found it still in the [Used] state. It was getting worn but not by much.

Glancing deeper into the forest, I found bigger herbs just a stone toss away, just waiting to be harvested. Glancing at my clock, there was still a few minutes left, enough for me to get there and harvest as much as I can before booking it. Still… it was in a part I've had yet to venture, potentially dangerous parts.

Looking down to my bat before I felt my grumbling stomach, I made my decision. Skittering to the bush, I knelt down as I pulled a pocket knife from my inventory. [Medium Healing Herbs], large broad leaves that smelt strongly of medicine; specifically of antibiotics. I wasn't sure what it was it had but what ever it was, it was going straight to my potions. I was going to eat good tonight!

So lost in thought was I that I almost missed the muttering around me. Ice filled my veins as I sheathed my knife before pulling out my bat. Standing up, I squared myself up as I looked around and strained my ears to pick up any sound. "God damn it, why now" I muttered as I head back to my trail, heart pounding inside my chest, hoping that they'll just leave me alone.

There was another reason why I picked the Dark Forest, I was not exactly the bravest of person. A loud scream nearly sent me tumbling down to the ground as a crazed goblin burst out of the foliage.

Goblin, Lv10


I screamed back as I swung widely, the dented metal bat dinging against the goblins skull as it knocked it down. The thing twitched, its loin cloth soiled before it burst into light leaving some [Strange Nuts] and [Goblin Teeth]. While useful ingredients, I was still not out of the clear. Goblins were rarely solitary creatures.

"Come on!" I screamed as adrenaline pumped in my veins, my eyes wide open as I saw a dozen green child sized monsters stepped out of the tree line, armed with primitive stone tools, "Come and get me!" I taunted as I reached inside my inventory.

With a war cry, they came charging straight at me with murderous intent. Putting out a flask filled with swirling fire, I threw it at them before shouting, "Fireball!" and the world turned to fire.

-x-x-x-

Purging what's little left was in my stomach, I stood up shakily as I turned to harvest the burnt corpse of the goblin, the smell of roasted chicken filling the air. "I fucking hate Adrenaline dump," I muttered as I reached in the darkened corpse and pulled out what little loot they had. The fire potions definitely destroyed a few drops… but I wasn't going to risk it.

As much as I want to tell my self, i was not a fighter and I wasn't going to become one anytime soon. I was too flighty, to panicky and far to nervous to even consider going toe to toe with something stronger. I was far more suited for the back lines, one that's better support someone stronger than my own self.

It's partly why I picked to become an alchemist. I have the benefit of being some sort of magical caster, through offensive potions, while making money (by selling said potions). I could even heal someone with the practically free [Tiny Health Potions] that I can make.

"Still… it'd be great if I could have someone to support," I muttered as I snoozed the alarm I had. It was the second time and seriously needed to get out of this forest. Admittedly, my half baked idea was a bit hasty but being a pure caster or warrior was not something I could afford in my situation. I need to be a bit practical.

Pulling out a [Instant Bath Bomb], I throw it down on the ground as a wave of cleaning bubbles washed over me, removing sweat and grime and giving me quite the lovely scent; wild flowers. Maybe I should use some citrus instead. Swapping out my armor for my uniform, I stored everything I had in my Inventory before stepping out of the dungeon, [ID Close]

As soon I stepped back into reality, I found myself staring at the most peculiar but also quiet frankly terrifying sight. With her dominatrix ensembles, her revealing clothes and pasties that barely gave her enough decency to walk around, there just a few feet away from me was Utena or rather Magia Baiser, clutching on to a star shaped object in hand as she blinked in surprise, "Eh?"

With a flash, the uniform melted away revealing a shocked Utena alone with me in the roof. I gulped as stood there, unsure on what to do as the girl slowly grew more and more panicked. Hiding the star behind her back, the girl then shouted, "This is not what it looks like!"

A/N:

Decided to play around with this idea to get back into the writing groove as well as remind myself why I love writing. The first day was very rough but after that, I found myself writing as fast as I used too. Sorry for the slight delay, will get back to finishing commissions as well as the winner of this months polls.