Chapter 58: Chapter 58 - I don't want to though?

“Can my magic be of any help to the heroes?”

Alice had recently become aware of her power. After receiving magical guidance from Shin Hye-Rim, she used her magic during a concert and sang several songs. From the people who listened to those songs, she heard comments like this:

“Alice’s songs make me feel more energized.”

“Isn’t it because Alice’s songs are really good and put you in a good mood?”

“Hm, is that so? My head just feels clearer and lighter.”

These comments reached Alice’s ears. Wondering if this was also one of her magical abilities that attracted people's attention, she called Shin Hye-Rim to ask about the current situation.

[Ah, yes. That’s also one of Alice’s abilities. In game terms, it’s like a buff spell.]

“Oh, I see. I didn’t know I had such a power.”

[It’s good that you realized it now. I knew Alice had such magic and hoped you would naturally come to understand it. It happened a bit sooner than I expected.]

Alice was amazed by Shin Hye-Rim's words.

Not only did she realize she had such potential, but she also discovered that there was much more she could do besides singing.

So, Alice made a decision. She decided to join the heroes on their next expedition. She wanted to help the heroes fight against the monsters.

Alice’s desire was to truly help everyone, just like a hero belonging to the Hero Association.

When she confided this to Shin Hye-Rim, she showed an unexpected reaction.

[Hmm... Is that so? It’s impressive that you have such a mindset.]

While praising her, a hint of hesitation was noticeable in Hye-Rim’s voice. It seemed like Shin Hye-Rim wanted to stop Alice for some reason.

“Are you against me going on the expedition, Ms. Hye-Rim?”

[I’m not against it. It was just unexpected. And even if I wanted to oppose it, I can’t stop you.]

I can’t stop Alice’s choice, and it’s not up to the Awakened Crime Division's staff to prevent a hero’s personal decisions.

That was Shin Hye-Rim’s standpoint. Hearing that, Alice smiled bitterly and reaffirmed her determination.

“I don’t want to be satisfied with being a hero in name only. I want to help everyone, like when we stopped the terrorist attack by the Monster Association.”

[...]

After a brief silence, Shin Hye-Rim spoke slowly.

[Is that so? Then, I’ll support you. I hope you return safely.]

“Yes! Thank you for your concern.”

Although supportive, Shin Hye-Rim’s voice was filled with worry, which oddly made Alice feel happy.

Shin Hye-Rim was concerned for her. She was thinking about her. That fact alone made Alice’s heart flutter.

“Then, Ms. Hye-Rim, can we go on a date when I return from the expedition?” Alice acted on that feeling.

[...What?]

“A date! Just the two of us, like last time. A reward for someone who worked hard, right?”

[Uh, um... Yes, that’s true. Okay.]

“Hehe, then I’ll look forward to it!”

Ending the conversation, Alice hung up the phone.

She helped the heroes with her power and secured a promised date with Ms. Hye-Rim as a reward.

This is what you call killing two birds with one stone.

Time passed, and the day of the expedition arrived. Jung Ha-Yeon looked around at the ten or so heroes gathered in front of the gate.

They were all people she had seen coming and going in the hero's life.

Shin Chul-Min, standing straight with a bright smile.

Baek Shin-Hwan, yawning with a slightly annoyed expression.

Her friend, Lee Mi-Na, standing next to her.

And the most noticeable among them:

“Everyone, fighting! Let’s bravely defeat the monsters and come back safely!”

It was Alice, cheering the heroes with a bright expression and a beautiful voice.

As Alice was busy with her idol activities, it was rare for heroes to see her face. Naturally, many of the heroes were fans of Alice.

Seeing Alice cheering energetically, some heroes couldn’t help but smile.

“Wow... Alice came along. I’m glad I joined this expedition.”

“Right. Honestly, I was worried, but I can’t show a pathetic side with Alice here.”

Alice, who had become a living buff totem without doing anything. Lee Mi-Na whispered as she looked at her.

“But why did Alice come? Isn’t this her first combat mission?”

Alice herself answered that question.

“Some of you might be wondering why I’m here. I can use magic that gives you strength. So, I came to help in any way I can.”

Each magic girl has different spells. Jung Ha-Yeon mainly used attack magic, while Alice could use buff magic.

Jung Ha-Yeon finally understood why Alice joined this expedition.

“Okay! Then everyone, shall we head into the demon realm?”

Led by Alice’s words, the heroes started to move.

The inside of the demon realm was quite desolate.

Strange plants and rotting trees could be seen everywhere. A creek glowing purple under a purple sky.

It looked like a place where monsters, not humans, would live.

“It’s an unpleasant scenery. The smell is also awful.”

Baek Shin-Hwa frowned, looking around the labyrinth. Shin Chul-Min, standing next to her, swallowed hard with a stern expression.

“Yeah. There are many sharp rocks that are dangerously pointed. We could get seriously hurt if we fall.”

“Sharp rocks...”

Looking between the ground and Shin Chul-Min, Baek Shin-Hwa wrapped herself in her arms.

“You mustn’t fall here, no matter how much you want to touch my chest, okay?”

“T-That wasn’t intentional!”

No matter how much Shin Chul-Min protested, Baek Shin-Hwa ignored him and turned her head away.

Seeing the two of them, Jung Ha-Yeon thought that their relationship was beyond repair.

The heroes cautiously moved through the labyrinth, searching for monsters. The fights with the monsters they encountered were not too difficult.

Shin Chul-Min, Baek Shin-Hwa, and Jung Ha-Yeon were exceptionally strong, but Alice’s magic also played a big role.

Listening to Alice’s songs made the heroes feel lighter and more powerful.

Even after the battles, they didn’t feel tired but rather more refreshed. This was Alice’s power.

After several battles with the monsters, the heroes took a break. Jung Ha-Yeon, who had been quietly gathering herself, heard Alice’s voice.

“Shin Hye-Rim is amazing. She knew I had this magic.”

Shin Hye-Rim. Her name came out of Alice’s mouth.

As expected, Alice’s participation in this expedition was influenced by Shin Hye-Rim. Jung Ha-Yeon stood up and approached Alice.

She wanted to ask.

What does Alice think of Shin Hye-Rim? Just a simple mentor-student relationship? Or a close acquaintance?

Or something more...?

“Alice, thank you for earlier. Thanks to your magic, I feel much lighter now.”

“Hehe, it’s nothing. There’s nothing better than being able to help, even a little.”

“Did Ms. Hye-Rim teach you this magic?”

“No, I figured this one out on my own. Of course, I realized it properly after consulting Ms. Hye-Rim.”

“I see. It’s best to ask Ms. Hye-Rim about magical girl magic.”

“Exactly! Ms. Hye-Rim is really amazing.”

The more Alice talked about Shin Hye-Rim, the brighter her face became. She even seemed to blush.

“So, how do you feel about Ms. Hye-Rim?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I mean...”

Jung Ha-Yeon hesitated, unsure of how to phrase her question. Alice spoke up first.

“Um, I obviously like Ms. Hye-Rim.”

“Oh, I see. I was just asking because you seem to be close friends.”

“Close friends... Well, right now we’re just friends, but if I try, couldn’t we become more?”

“What?”

Jung Ha-Yeon froze.

What did I just hear?

“I genuinely like Ms. Hye-Rim. I want to be in a special relationship with her. Oh, this is a secret, okay? I’m only telling you because you seem close to Ms. Hye-Rim.”

“...”

“And, make sure Ms. Hye-Rim doesn’t know! Hehe, I don’t want her to find out. It’s too embarrassing.”

“...I see.”

Stunned by Alice’s candid confession, Jung Ha-Yeon finally managed to speak.

What is this feeling? The thing I feared the most just happened. What should I do? How should I respond?

“By the way, can you tell me what Ms. Hye-Rim likes? I’m going on a date with her after the expedition, and I need...”

“I don't want to though?”