The Watchtower and a Terrifying Mentor

What Chloe hadn’t anticipated was that Tia would lead her to the Watchtower, the very headquarters of the Magical Girls.

“Ahheh What brings you here at this late hour, Master Demon Sword?”

A young girl, clad in pajamas, approached them, yawning as she offered her greetings.

Trailing behind Tia, Chloe couldn’t help but notice how the surrounding staff, upon hearing the title “Demon Sword,” unanimously ceased their work. Yet, they dared not openly gossip, instead only stealing furtive glances in their direction. (TL Note: The original text uses a Chinese slang term, ‘chī guā’ or ‘eat melon,’ which means to watch drama unfold or gossip.)

Could Miss Tia be some incredibly important figure?

“Of course, it’s because of her.”

Chloe found herself gently pushed forward by Tia.

“The demon you dispatched her to subjugate was already on the verge of reaching Tier 2, hardly something a newcomer could easily overcome. You were clearly baiting me into action, Ke Lan.”

The young girl, addressed as Ke Lan, averted her gaze.

“It was an accident. There are always uncontrollable factors.”

“And Yilan’s magical core? Why is it within her? Don’t even try to claim ignorance; her sacrifice was entirely your doing.” Tia’s voice trembled slightly, her tone laced with palpable fury.

Chloe’s shoulder throbbed; Tia was gripping it too tightly.

Yet she dared not utter a sound, for it seemed she had inadvertently stumbled into a very complicated affair.

“This was her personal will. The magical core didn’t choose her; Yilan chose Chloe. Tia, you know your sister was this kind of person. You should respect her wishes.” Ke Lan said, though her eyes were fixed on Chloe.

“Chloe, this is a Tier 6 Magical Girl, renowned as the Demon Sword—Tia. From now on, she will be your combat mentor…”

“I no longer take orders from the Watchtower,” Tia cut Ke Lan off.

She then added, “Of course, I will be her mentor, but this is my personal decision.”

For some reason, Ke Lan visibly relaxed. “Tia, I’m glad you understand. I hope Chloe can help you move past this.” Her words carried a profound weight, strikingly incongruous with her youthful appearance.

The two of them spoke in hushed tones, as if fearing their conversation might be overheard. Chloe could only catch sporadic fragments. Though she wasn’t entirely sure what had transpired, it seemed Chloe had gained a mentor—and a terrifyingly powerful one at that.

A cause for celebration, indeed.

“You’re still living in that rental, aren’t you? From now on, you can move in with Tia; her home is quite close to Lily High School, where you currently study.”

“Isn’t this… a bit sudden? And besides…”

Chloe was somewhat at a loss for words regarding this sudden suggestion, especially considering her original gender. Tia had claimed to know everything about Chloe… did that include this particular detail?

Ke Lan, seemingly seeing through Chloe’s apprehension, waved a dismissive hand.

“Don’t worry, Tia won’t object.”

Chloe looked up at Tia once more; Tia’s petite frame and endearing appearance made her resemble a wary stray animal, her uneasy gaze carrying a hint of supplication.

“…”

Tia offered no objection, effectively consenting.

“Therefore, all matters concerning your newcomer assessment will be solely determined by Tia.”

Ke Lan seemed quite pleased; after Chloe and Tia departed, she couldn’t help but hum a tune.

“That child should be able to help the Demon Sword emerge from Yilan’s shadow. I hope the Demon Sword can also take good care of that child.”

“After all, both of you are indispensable links.”

At this moment, in a house just a street away from Lily High School, Chloe had just finished moving some of her belongings from her rental apartment into this new residence, with Tia’s assistance.

Some items, such as blankets, pillows, and combs, Tia had specifically told her not to bring, as she had already prepared them.

Strange, they hadn’t even known each other for a full day, so how could she have prepared everything so quickly? Perhaps they were spares?

The moment she stepped inside, Chloe detected the faint scent of chamomile.

It was then that she recalled Tia herself carried a subtle hint of this same fragrance, faint yet distinct. Curiously, she saw no potted plants in the living room.

The house was impeccably tidy, with a lot of wood furniture. Several walls were adorned with unique landscape paintings, depicting rarely seen vistas such as snow-capped mountains and sheer cliffs.

All sorts of home appliances were readily available, and there was even a kitchen, meaning Chloe would finally no longer have to rely on takeout every day.

Just as she was about to open the refrigerator to check its contents, some stickers on its door caught her eye.

[Don’t forget to drink the milk on the table.]

[If breakfast gets cold, remember to heat it before eating.]

[Tonight, I’d like fried shrimp.]

Chloe unconsciously read them aloud, a faint smile curving her lips.

These were all incredibly warm daily reminders. Judging by the handwriting and the yellowed state of the notes, they had been written by two people to each other over a long period.

Could there be someone else living here?

Chloe then realized there was no reason for such a large house to be occupied by only one person. Yet, it exuded a chilly, desolate atmosphere, which, curiously, seemed to perfectly match Tia’s demeanor.

It was too tidy, impossibly clean for two inhabitants, with every table spotless and not a single sign of clutter.

Chloe suddenly felt the air grow heavy and oppressive. Turning around, she was startled by Tia, who had appeared silently beside her at some point.

“Senior Tia, you walk without a sound! You scared me to death.”

Chloe forced a smile, hoping to alleviate the icy atmosphere. After all, they might be living together long-term, and such a strained relationship simply wouldn’t do.

“Are you very curious?” Tia spoke, her voice still as cold as before, perhaps even more so.

“Uh, Senior Tia, do you mean?”

“The other person who lived here.”

“Ah, I wonder who that was?”

“She was my sister, Yilan, the Magical Girl who sacrificed herself to save you.”

Chloe’s expression froze, her face suddenly paling, and her pupils abruptly constricted.

Her lips parted slightly, but for a long moment, not a single word escaped, as if all her thoughts were lodged in her throat.

“If it weren’t for you, she wouldn’t have died! She’s the one who should be alive; you’re the one who should be dead!”

Tia seemed to transform in an instant, her entire aura becoming terrifyingly frenzied, like a rabid beast.

“Senior Tia… what do you mean… Ugh! Argh!”

No sooner had Chloe’s words left her lips than she felt a heavy blow to her abdomen. Excruciating pain rapidly spread throughout her entire body, instantly draining her strength, causing her to collapse onto the ground in agony.

Before she could even recover, another heavy blow struck her stomach. She felt as though her internal organs had shifted, and stomach acid, squeezed out from within, surged up her throat.

“Ugh…”

Chloe curled her body like a shrimp, tears reflexively streaming from the corners of her eyes, while a burning gastric fluid spilled from the corners of her mouth.

If she had eaten anything beforehand, she would surely have vomited everything up!

“Ugh… No… please, no…”

Chloe pleaded on her knees, not daring to lift her gaze to Tia’s face.

“Argh! It hurts, it hurts so much!”

Tia mercilessly yanked Chloe up by her beautiful golden hair, then forcefully flung her against the nearby wall.

Chloe’s head struck the hard wall with a dull thud, and bright red blood began to trickle from her temple.

She gasped for air to alleviate the excruciating pain in her abdomen, her gaze gradually losing focus, every movement sending a chorus of agony through every cell of her body.

“If I look closely, you’re actually quite cute.”

Tia crouched down, reaching out to lift Chloe’s chin, forcing her to meet her gaze directly.

“But do you know, Yilan was my only family. If it weren’t for her, I never would have become a Magical Girl. Your appearance has rendered all of that meaningless.”

“Acknowledge me as your master, and I won’t hit you anymore. How does that sound?”

Tia leaned close to Chloe’s ear, gently blowing warm, moist air onto it.

“Haaah… ah… I promise… please don’t hit me anymore… Senior Tia…” In this situation, Chloe could only abandon all dignity; otherwise, she truly did not want to experience the sensation of being beaten into unconsciousness.

“What should you call me?”

“Master…”

“Good boy~”