Fear. Chaos. Death.When the youmas appeared without warning, that was all the world knew.These monstrous invaders left nothing but destruction in their wake, rampaging through cities, killing indiscriminately, and tearing apart everything humanity had built.Science and technology faltered in the face of such overwhelming threats. Humanity, once confident in its ingenuity, found itself pushed to the brink of extinction.But when all seemed lost, five girls were approached by mysterious mascots, each granted extraordinary powers to fight back.
At first, it felt hopeless.
The magical girls were just teenagers, unfamiliar with their roles and burdened with responsibilities beyond their years. They lost more battles than they won, and often, their victories felt pyrrhic.Yet, little by little, they grew stronger. With every fight, they honed their abilities, their courage serving as a beacon to a despairing world.The tide began to turn.Humanity, inspired by these brave girls, dared to hope again. The magical girls' victories eventually outweighed their defeats, and they became a force the youmas could no longer ignore.Through relentless effort and unwavering determination, these five girls became legends, protectors of humanity. They were known as "magical girls" or "mahou shoujo"-different terms, yet both symbols of hope.Each of them bore an alias that reflected their unique personalities and strengths:• Stella Commet: Renowned for her radiant beauty and unshakable kindness.• Luna Star: The brilliant leader, shining with the light of the sun.• Astra Celeste: An enigmatic figure who spoke few words but wielded immense power.• Nova Eclipse: A combat expert whose presence on the battlefield brought fear to the youmas, as if plunging them into darkness.• Aurora Sparkle: A shy yet merciful soul, always seeking to spare as many youmas as she could.Together, these five magical girls saved humanity from the brink of annihilation.At first, their battles were met with fear. The destruction they caused during their fights was akin to live coverage of a warzone. But over time, the public's terror gave way to admiration-and eventually, to entertainment.Their battles, broadcast on live TV, became spectacles. What had once been a source of dread turned into something people eagerly watched. Yet, beyond the thrill and awe, there were still those who found deeper meaning in the magical girls' fight.One such person was a young girl named Shizuka.Every person dreams-of achieving something, of becoming someone. Some realize their dreams early in life, others much later, and some, tragically, never find them at all. But as Shizuka sat in front of the TV, watching the magical girls fight, she felt her dream crystalize.She wanted to be like them."You really like those magical girls, huh, Shizuka?"Her mother's voice broke her reverie. Turning, Shizuka saw her standing in the doorway, smiling softly."Mhm! I love them,"Shizuka replied, her eyes still glued to the screen."I want to be just like them!"Her mother chuckled, her expression a mix of pride and quiet concern."Well,"she said gently,"you'll have to work hard to be like them. But I'm sure you'll make it one day."Shizuka nodded, her resolve hardening as she turned back to the screen.There, the magical girls wiped the sweat from their brows, their exhaustion evident, but their determination unwavering.One day, she thought. I'll fight alongside them. I'll save the world, just like they do.But that day never came...Years passed. After countless battles against the youmas, the magical girls decided it was time to retire.Youmas were no longer a significant threat; reported attacks had dwindled to once or twice a month, and the authorities had become capable of handling them on their own.This only solidified the magical girls' decision to step down. Their hard work had paid off-the world was slowly returning to normal.People cheered.People celebrated.But not everyone shared their joy.Shizuka didn't.The idols she had revered for so long-the heroes she had dreamed of standing beside-were stepping down.But Shizuka still wanted to fight alongside them. She was 15 now, the same age when the magical girls she admired had received their powers.She had believed, hoped, dreamed she would catch up to them, that she'd join their ranks.But that chance was gone.Was her dream too far-fetched? Too ambitious? While the rest of the world celebrated the magical girls' retirement, Shizuka felt her dream crumble to pieces.Her days became monotonous after that. She no longer waited eagerly at 3 PM for the news to broadcast the magical girls' latest victories. Instead, it was always the military fighting the youmas.Even after the magical girls retired, she clung to hope. She believed that, someday, a mascot would appear before her and grant her the powers she longed for.Days turned into months, months into years, but nothing happened.Instead, five new girls were chosen to inherit the mantle of the magical girls.Shizuka waited for four long years. Now 19, she heard the news: other girls had been chosen. Not her. Why?When Shizuka found out, she rushed to the TV and turned it on. Her heart sank as she watched the broadcast."Good morniiiing, everyone~! This is the new Stella Comett!"The girl on the screen struck a cutesy pose."We magical girls are happy to announce... we're going into showbiz!"The new Stella Comett looked to be Shizuka's age. But instead of admiration, Shizuka felt only disgust.This isn't what being a magical girl is about. This is absurd! A disgrace to everything magical girls stand for!Showbiz?To hell with that!Shizuka stared at the screen, hopeless and defeated. Was this really the future of magical girls? She couldn't help but laugh bitterly, the sound hollow."To hell with everything,"she muttered, her voice heavy with scorn.She scoffed, her eyes burning with hatred-not just at the new magical girls but at the people who celebrated this mockery of what magical girls had once been.