Profiteering From Magical Girls: Chapter 10

Work School Love Life Balance

School wasn't as half bad as I thought it'd be. Oh sure it was annoying that I'd have to sit in class and relearn things I already know, but the rest of it was fine. I just had to make sure I kept a good work, study and life balance but that was easier said than done.

“I'm really sorry sensei!” I apologized profusely as I bowed lowly to my teacher. Another day, another assignment I somehow missed; This time being an english essay. “I forgot to submit my essay earlier. Please give me till after lunch and I'll pass my essay.”

“I promise I'll submit it this time!” I begged as I kept my head low. I didn't even need to look up to feel the annoyed glare she had leveled at me. And to think that this could have been avoided if I just did my assignment earlier.

“You did spend much of the night brewing potions,” I thought wryly as I felt sweat drip down my brow. It would be easy to write one up, but it wouldn’t matter if I wasn’t given the leeway. I missed far too many deadlines.

Holding my breath, I braced for the worse before I heard her let out a tired sigh. “Mizuki, what am I going to do with you?”

Glancing up, I flinched as I saw the tired look she had in her eyes. “Give me one good reason why I should even consider giving you a chance.” Crossing her arms, she reminded me, “This is the fifth time this month…”

Taiga Fujimara Lv. 10
English Teacher

It was not lost to me how she shared the same look and name of a certain character, but right now, I was far too busy trying to appease her. “Look, I know fucked up, but I swear I’ll make it up to you,” I promised her, “I just need a bit more time.”

Shaking her head, she turned back to her computer before letting out a grunt as her fingers glided across her keyboard. “Fine, but make you submit this immediately after lunch break or swear I'll tan you hide!”

“Understood, sensei!” I nodded, knowing full well that she would keep her promise. “And probably literally at that…”

As I breathed a little easier, she grunted. “You're lucky your grade and record’s spotless, so I'm letting you off the hook now, but don't make this a habit, you hear me?” She warned as I nodded along.

“I swear it won't happen again,” I assured her, knowing full well how I'd probably be back in her office in a few days time. “I just forgot about it, that's all.”

It was honestly my fault. If I had just kept proper track of my schedule, then this wouldn't have happened. “I had a lot of laundry this week plus the bathroom needed some scrubbing,” I explained with a disgruntled smile

Living by my lonesome, I was responsible for myself and nothing eats one's time more than house work. On top of my cooking, brewing, and dungeonering, I'm surprised I've lasted this long. “If it wasn’t for the time dilation in the dungeon, I probably wouldn't have enough time to sleep.”

I was just busy, and with the boss raid looming over the horizon, I just forgot. Looking up and expecting annoyance, I instead found her gazing up to me in concern. “Mizuki, is everything all right?” asked as she paused from her work

“Hmmm?” I hummed in question before biting my tongue for slipping up. The last thing I needed was an overly concerned teacher prying in my private life.

“Oh, it’s nothing. Things can just get a bit busy at home, that’s all,” I laughed nervously as I tried my best not to downplay my situation, “Lot’s things I have to juggle while studying.”

“Just like your bento and tutoring service?” She asked pointedly, making my smile waver for just a moment. Damn it, I didn’t need this right now! I just want my peace and quiet. Is it too much to ask?

As I wracked my brain, trying to come up with an excuse, she sighed. “Mizuki,” She started, “Teachers like myself aren’t here just to give lessons or exams. We’re also here to guide kids like you as you become responsible adults.”

“So things like this?” She replied as she pulled up a bento box, one of many I hand out to those willing to buy from me, “We notice and we’re starting to worry…”

“Look, I know you guys are worried but it's nothing bad. Really!” I assured her hastily as I started sweating. I knew it was against school policy, with justified health and safety concerns, but I thought I kept it down low. Seeing the box, however, it seems that I didn't keep it low enough.

“Yes we understand why you're doing all this,” She replied before she flashed me a wry smile “We were teens back then, you know?”

“Sometimes we need some extra pocket change or help the household,” She added with a disarming chuckle before her smile fell, “But isn’t this all a bit excessive?”

“From all the stuff we hear about your home, we don't know where you get the time to do all of that,” She noted, making me shift uncomfortably in my spot, “Hell, you're part of the track team so that's less time for you to wind down so forgive us if we're concerned.” Feeling her concerned gaze, she reminded me, “You know you could talk to us, right?”

Standing there, I kept silent as I mull over her words. In a certain sense, she was right; I was stretching myself thin. I couldn’t let this facade break now, not after I spent so much effort keeping it up. “Remember Mizuki,” I told myself as I forced a smile up my lips, “The moment those magical girls smell, you're done for.” I just can't risk it.

“I'm fine, sensei,” I assured her, adding one more lie to the growing pile I had made to keep everyone out, “No really!” Lying was easy. It kept me safe. I just need to lie long enough till it becomes the truth. “After all, that's how I became Mizuki.”

After a long uncomfortable silence, she relented. “If you’re sure…” She replied somewhat hesitantly before she reached for her pockets, “But just in case you need some help, there are police and magical girls that could help.” Pulling out a card, she handed it over, “They’re just one phone call away.”

Gingerly, I took the card and took note of the stylized silhouette of a magical girl along with the telltale heart shaped mark printed on it. It even smelt vaguely sweet, like it was dozed in perfume. Pocketing the card, I nodded. “Got it…”

“Now if you’ll excuse me,” She replied as she got up and pulled out a shinai of all things from under her desk, “I have some other brats to deal with.”

“Please go easy on them, sensei," I begged her while praying for the poor souls that the tiger-like woman would discipline shortly.

Snickering, she slung her weapon of choice over her shoulder before sauntering off, ready to dole out punishment upon those she deemed delinquents. “Oh, one last thing,” She paused just as she was just about to leave. “A kid like you ought to live the springtime of your youth as kids, not work yourself ragged. So ease up a little will you?”

“Haha, yeah…” I replied as she waved once more before finally leaving.

I stood there, waiting for a few minutes to make sure she actually left, before I sighed out in relief. “Fuck that was close.” One wrong move and I might have had to pack everything and run. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case.

“I'm not even sure I could run if I wanted to…” I thought to myself as I felt the ghost of Utena's touch and lips against my skin. Shaking my head, I stared down at the card.

“I might have to scale down on somethings, cause a Magical CPS?” I snorted, somewhat amused at how something so fantastical became so mundane. Still, I need to be careful, now knowing that the forces of good were allied with the local government. It was kind of obvious, but I could probably be forgiven for that lapse.

Pressing down my foot on the step of a nearby trash can, I held the card over before lifting my foot up and letting the lid fall close. “Maybe I should keep hold of this, just in case…” This might be a shitty option, but it was still an option.

Worst case scenario, I could just call on them if I ever have my life ever in danger… like say getting hunted by a particularly vicious Evil Magical Girl. “But what are the chances of that?” I shrugged as I pocketed the card before walking out of the room.

“Mizuki!” A voice shouted, making me jolt as my hands reached for my pocket and [Inventory], before I saw a familiar spectacled face gazing up at me, “There you are. We’ve been looking all over for you!”

“Damn it, don't scare me like that,” I cursed I clutched my chest. It was just one of the girls from the literature club.

Now you might ask, what the hell does a girl from the literature club want from me? I was already part of the school varsity after all. Well, the thing was that I might have offered translation services as well?

In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have offered this, but money was money and I needed cash. It would have been a waste to leave money on the table. The problem now was that I was that one guy that the Literature club could turn to if they found some obscure western work.

“I'm really sorry, but we just had this book delivered and we need your help!” She apologized before she reached for her satchel and pulled out a ratty, worn, paperback book that you’d usually find in some old bookstore in the corner.

“It's some English paperback that's a little too deep for us to read. It’s something called Bolo?” Was there no Japanese translation of the book? I was sure it's pretty popular, if somewhat niche.

“Anyways, think you can drop by the literature club later?” She asked as she clutched her book to her chest while giving me a pleading look, “Pretty please?”

“Never read it, but I heard it’s a good book,” I replied as I scratched the back of my head, "Unfortunately, I don’t-!”

“Hey, no fair!” Another girl shouted, cutting me off mid-sentence as I was reminded that I offered help to pretty much any club, “You already had him yesterday!”

Did I take advantage of my looks? Yes, but it was for a good cause! I needed some rainy day fund, but it was now starting to bite me in the ass.

“No uh!” The bookworm fired back as two girls butted heads with neither backing down, “That’s the baking club so back off!”

Feeling the tension in the air and knowing that this could get ugly, I stepped in, trying to diffuse the situation. “N-now hold on just a minute!” The next thing I wanted a fight in the hallway, but things wouldn’t be that easy.

“But we need Mizuki over at the gardening club!” shouted another girl, adding more to my growing headache, “We just had a batch of rare plants and we need help cloning them!”

“Oh screw your plants Ami,” shouted yet another girl, “He's obviously going to go with us!”

“God damn,” I cursed under my breath as things spiraled well out of my control. I really shouldn’t have been so greedy, but hindsight was twenty twenty.

If things weren’t bad enough, my team captain heard all the commotion and now she’s stomping over to the gaggle of girls bickering around me. “Ok ladies, back off!” She shouted as she muscled her way in the crowd, “Mizuki belongs to the Track Team and we need him in tip top shape for the upcoming track meet in a few months!”

The girls, however, were anything but stubborn and harsh words were thrown, lighting the powder keg of my own making. “God damn it,” I cursed under my breath as things spiraled well out of my control. I really shouldn’t have been so greedy.

I let them vent out their frustration before I took a deep breath and shouted, “Who wants to go out on a date with me!?” That immediately got them to stop, making me feel conscious at the hopeful stares of a lot of them.

Pushing down the feeling of embarrassment even as my cheeks burnt, I gritted out, “Ok, just to be clear, I’m not looking for a date right now. I’m a bit too busy dealing with some stuff.”

It was a bold-faced lie, but they didn’t need to know. “Now that’s out of the way, I’d like to say that I’m really flattered that you want my help, but I have to step back for now.”

“I’m going to be really busy at home so I won’t be available for the week,” I explained before turning to my captain, “And yes, that includes practice.”

“But-!” She tried to argue, but I cut her off as I raised my hand.

“No buts,” I replied, making her bite her tongue.“But it’ll only be this week,” I assured them as I flashed them a disarming smile, “I just had some plans and I can't miss it.” Giving them each a pat on the head, I added, “I promise I'll drop by your clubs when I get there sometime.”

“And yes, Aisawa-senpai,” I grinned as the red headed captain blushed at my touch, “I'll make sure to break the record at the track meet.” If not by my own merit, it’d be by magically doping myself, making the athlete’s of the 90’s proud.

That somewhat satisfied the girls as anger left their system and they finally calmed down. “Sorry Mizuki,” said the girls before apologizing to the others.

Satisfied, I nodded as I excused myself, assuring them one last time before leaving the gaggle of girls behind. “I should really learn to say no to money,” I grumbled at the sisyphusian task in front of me. “Or maybe I should charge more…”

Rounding a corner, I stopped as I stumbled upon a familiar hanging around the stare well. Based on that knowing smirk she had plastered across her face, she was listening. “Heh,” She chuckled, “And they say I'm a heartbreaker.”

“Oh fuck off, Kaoruko,” I grinned as stopped by and leaned against the wall beside her, “You and I know that there's only one prince in this school and it ain't me.”

Grinning, she laughed, “Keep telling yourself that loveboy cause from what I'm seeing, you're the one that has all these girls wrapped around their fingers.”

“So are you telling me you're jealous?” I fired back, making the girl sputter as her face slowly turned red; Gotcha.

Pushing myself off the wall, I sauntered over, making her blush creep down to her chest as I leaned in close, enough that my breath now tickled her neck. “You know you just have to say three words if you want my attention as well,” I whispered as she let out a strangled choke.

“Do you know what those words are, Kou-ro-ko~?” I asked as I cupped her chin, making her swallow thickly. “All you have to say is, I want you~” It was too much.

Pulling away, I broke out laughing, watching as the girl turned a funny shade of red while she glared at me. “You asshole,” She hissed.

“Hey, I'm not the one getting hot under the collar,” I smirked at her, making her huff as she plopped her down on the stairs. There was nothing more than teasing and getting a rise out of her. She does pay the favor so it was even.

Shaking my head, I leaned back against the wall. “So, what do you want Kaoruko?” I asked as I glanced down on the blonde, “You're not usually the type to just drop by randomly.” She was never one for idle talk. She always had a purpose.

“Hey, can't a gal pal drop to check on her boytoy?” She teased back as her voice took on its usually playful tone. Oh she’s still red, but I doubted that would stop her from her fun.

“Hmmm, friendlier than usual,” I noted, taking note of her tone, “This usually means that you're either going to ask for a loan, an extension on your tab or you just want something else.” The latter of which was usually something embarrassing, but it was all good fun.

“So which is it?” I asked, feeling mighty generous today. Time for myself was precious, but so was time with my friends. I could only have a few minutes before they're gone.

Rolling her eyes, she replied, “Oh haha, very funny, but yeah, I might have a favor or two I want to ask.” That had his brow rising.;

“You do know this is gonna cost you?” I reminded her. Favors dealt had to be paid and vice versa. It was only fair that way.

“I know, I owe you a favor and shit like that, but I seriously need this one, Mizuki,” She begged me as clasped her hands together before flashing me an innocent smile, “I'll even pay my tab on top of giving you a big favor if you say yes!”

I didn't like that look, that all too plastic saccharine expression she had that was just asking for trouble and mischief. It would be too much trouble, but she had racked up a massive tab. “Ok Kaoruko, what do you want?” I asked with a sigh. What did she want to offer so much?

“Remember that Karaoke date night you promised me?” She asked, making me frown as I recall a certain chat I had with her in the tracks, “Well, I told my friends and they kinda got interested.” Wait, what?

“Speaking of,” She grinned as she looked up the stairwell, “Sayo! Haruka! Can you come over here for a sec?~” Following her gaze, I found the two peeking down from above. How long have they been listening?

As I waved at them, Sayo nearly bolted. “Come on Sayo, you can do this!” Haruka hissed as I heard the two arguing up stairs, “He's right there!” Huh, what’s gotten into them? Sayo’s usually quiet and reserved. This is the first time I’ve seen her so flighty.

After a brief struggle, the pinkette guided the red face bluenette down stairs. “Thank you Haruka~” Kaoruko purred as she slung her arms around the taller girl who was an all but petrified blushing mess, “Now, where we're we?”

Snapping her fingers, she smiled widely, “Oh right, Sayoko-chan over here's been meaning to ask you that all week long!”

“W-hat?! N-no!” Sayo vehemently denied as she snapped out of her stupor, “W-whatever Kaoruko said, she's lying!”

Shooting the blonde a look, I groaned, “Kaoruko.” There were some shenanigans going on here, and I don’t know exactly what it was, but I wasn’t going to be a part of it, especially with a good friend like Sayo.

“Look, I know you want to make this happen, but unless Sayako actually wants this, then it's no deal.” There was teasing, and then there was crossing the line, something which Kaoruko and Haruka picked up real quick as they looked away in shame.

Shaking my head, I said off handedly, “But if it makes you feel better, I really wouldn’t mind.”

This got a reaction out of Sayo of all things as she perked up, “W-wait, you don’t?”

“Sure don't,” I replied without missing a beat, wondering what the big deal was. I liked them so why wouldn't I want to go out with them. “Heck, I think it’d be fun.”

“Just the four of us, in a bar, away from prying eyes,” I nodded, liking the idea alot. It seemed like a fun time to let loose and just be happy. “But no drinks. I don't want to go home drunk.”

“I-if that's the case then, let's go out together!” Sayo stuttered out with a shaky smile stretched across her lips, “I-if you’re ok with it because you're the only boy…”

“I really don't see the prob…” I trailed off, frowning, before the realization hit me right in the face. “Ohhhh!” Was I being too forward with them? I was basically asking them out, even if Kaoruko was the one that invited me first, so it probably is. It might be why Sayo looks so flustered.

Thinking about it, I shrugged, “Nah, it's fine.” I'm probably over-thinking it. They probably don't even see me as more than just a friend. Besides, we're just having fun so there's nothing bad about it.

“Besides, I trust your girls so take care of me, ok?” I smiled, knowing I was in good hands.

“So it's settled then!” Kaoruko cheered as she slung her arms around my shoulder and Sayo, pulling us both close. “Karaoke night is a go!”

“I am kinda busy this week so maybe next week?” I asked before I forgot, “Are you girls fine with that?”

“Oh not at all!” Haruko piped up as Sayo and Kaoruko nodded along.

Grinning, I slipped off as I teased them again, “It’s a date then!” Man, it never gets tiring seeing these girls turn beet red.

“Oh speaking of being busy, I have to go now!” I excused myself, waving at them as I headed for the library. I still had an essay to write and I only got half an hour to do so, “See you guys at karaoke night!”

Taking the scenic route, I chuckled, “Heh, too easy.” Almost too easy even, making me shake my head. “Still, Karaoke night huh?” I hummed, “I wonder if Utena would be interested.”

“Karaoke Night?” A crippling shy voice whispered from the corner.

“Speak of the devil,” I replied with a grin as I turned around and found my shy little magical girl, hiding by the vending machine. “How’s my favorite magical girl doing?” I asked as I leaned in close and gave her a chaste peck in the cheeks.

There was no one around, a chance both of us were eager to take. Cheeks rosy, she chuckled softly as she replied, “I kept thinking about you and Kiwi…”

Smile faltering slightly, I leaned in closer, sneaking in a hug as that ugly feeling of jealousy crept in. “I missed you too,” I whispered as I held her. She belonged to Kiwi first, I know that, but my desires still got the better of me, something which I had to watch for.

“But yeah, Karaoke Night,” I replied, shifting the topic as I shared my plans with the trio, ‘Kaoruko and the girls invited me over.”

“Y-you got invited to Karaoke Night,” Utena choked out with a hushed whisper as she stared at me with that wide eyed feverish look, “By T-tres Magia?”

Sweating under her intense stare, I faltered. “... Should I cancel it?” I asked, kicking myself silently at not thinking this through. The last thing I wanted was to make Utena unhappy .

“N-no!” Utena all but shouted as a look of panic crossed her face, “Why would you!? It’s them!”

This had me chuckling as I cuddled my sweet little magical girl. “I thought you'd get mad,” I asked as I kissed her on the foreheads before pausing as I looked around. I still haven't seen Kiwi and a part of me was worried. Was she somewhere else or somewhere close. If she was close, Utena would warn me.

Turning my attention back to Utena, I found her pouting in my hand. “Maybe just a little,” Utena mumbled as she leaned in against my hold, “... just jealous.”

“You know they like you right? You could just come along if you want to, " I offered. They probably wouldn't mind if I had someone else tag along. Maybe I could even introduce the girls to Utena so she could become close friends with them.

Utena, however, looked unsure as she pulled my arms around herself tighter. “But Kaoruko and Kiwi…,” She whispered.

“Are just fucking with each other,” I replied, making her ears burn up. “Figuratively… but it would be kinda hot not gonna lie if they do,” I mused with a teasing grin.

This quickly earned me an elbow against my ribs as Utena covered her face, now all cherry red, “M-Mizuki!”

“Kidding aside,” I replied as I nipped at her ears, earning a squeak from the shy dominatrix, “I think they wouldn’t mind if you come.” As my hands glided over the gentle curves of her hips, I whispered, “Plus it’d be fun.”

This had her squirming under his arm as she leaned in unconsciously against him. “N-not out in public,” She gasped out with just the lightest of moans, “Let’s do it later…”

Reluctantly, I paused, struggling to reign in the raging hormones in my veins especially with Utena in my arms. Easy there, you don’t want to get caught. Taking deep calming breaths, I replied, “Speaking of later, ready for the boss raid?”

“Y-yeah!” Utena nodded, perking up at the change of subject. “Hopefully Vanelita doesn’t drop by because I haven’t seen them in a while…” She whispered, making me frown.

Ah yes, the flying rat. I hated that slimy bastard, especially with the way they effectively forced Utena to do their bidding, but Utena was happy this way so I kept my opinions to myself, for now at least. It was hard to make accusations if I didn't even know what they were up to.

“Do you think they’re out recruiting or something?” I asked, wondering where the evil mascot was. I really should figure out a countermeasure for them just in case they found me. They probably wouldn’t like having one of their minions having split loyalties. I know I wouldn’t.

Biting her lips, Utena replied, “Maybe? Vanelita doesn’t really share what they planned…”

Of course they don’t. Keeping her ignorant of stuff makes it easier to guide Utena. “Let’s talk about it later,” I replied, somewhat annoyed as I pushed this to the backburner for now. I’ll just deal with them once the time comes, “Because right now, we have a boss to deal with.”

“But right after school,” I hastily added, “I still have an essay I need to write for Fujimara-sense and I think I only have twenty minutes left…”

Reaching up to pinch the bridge of her nose, Utena groaned, “Mizuki…”

“I know I know,” I sighed, “I’ll do it right after a few more minutes of cuddles.” It wouldn’t hurt to just hold Utena for a right? It’s not like someone was watching them right now.

-x-x-x-

The excitement of the day quickly passed as the night drew in. While most students would head for their usual haunts, Utena and I had something else in mind, Someplace more fantastical and dangerous. Where the rules of man gave way to that of might.

[Heart of the Dark Forest]

Sitting on the branch of a giant tree, I watched as [Goblins], [Orcs], and [Trolls] alike milled around the spiked palisades of the fortress at the middle of the clearing. “Talk about an evil lair,”

I muttered as I took in the skulls of various races decorating the walls.

From animals, to the decapitated heads of orcs and even a few elves, they weren’t shy about letting people know to keep out. It wasn’t the dismembered trophies that boiled my blood, but rather the burnt and poisoned edge of the clearing around the fortress.

This was the heart of the rot, the source of every dangerous mob that plagues this forest. It was an eye sore, one that stood out amidst the almost enchanting feeling brought about by the towering trees and color wildly, a sight despoiled with the inhabitants' wanton disregard for the forest.

Now I was not against industry. I love it even! It was just the waste of resources before me rankled at my nerves. With the way they clear cut land, leaving everything bare, and how they dispose of trash and other refuse directly into the land around them, they were killing the very source of their wealth.

They might as well eat and shit in the same place, but given the lack of intelligence I’ve seen behind the eyes of most [Mobs], along with the ragged look they sported, I wouldn’t be surprised if they did. I needed to get rid of them fast.

Staring at the strange, multi-colored liquid spilling out of a canal and out towards a nearby stream, I grimaced, “Yeah, no wonder Daisy hates them.”

Hearing some rustling, I reached for my belt before pausing as I saw Utena carried up to my branch by a vine. “Any luck with the scouts?” I asked her as she sat down beside me.

“There’s a barrier around the fortress,” She reported, pointing her wand at the shimmering light of the barrier as stray streams of light caught against it, “They couldn’t get in.” Grimacing, she added, “We couldn’t even get beneath it.”

“Drat, I thought that would work,” I cursed as I bit my thumb. I was hoping that we could bypass the guards and avoid having to waste energy clearing it, but it was getting less and less likely. “Did you find any other gate? Maybe a back door we could use?” I asked.

Utena shook her head in answer, making me let out a sigh of frustration. “They really want us to use the main entrance huh?” I whispered as the fortress key weighed heavily at the back of my mind. I could get it, but it would be a pain to do so.

“And those Ocs don’t look all too nice,” Utena noted, eyeing the burly orcs on the walls with unease. There was only one way in and it was going through a lot of mobs.

“It’ll be a slog to get through them,” I grunted as I stood up before looking over to the forest with a grin, “But we didn’t spend the last few hours raising all these minions for nothing.” Utena truly was a cheat to this dungeon as I felt the whole forest seemingly alive and writhing for this fight.

Turning to my partner, I asked, “Ready to beat this dungeon once and for all?”

A/N:

Sorry for the late post. Office project started moving and welp, can't find time to write at work. Trying to sneak in as much as I could outside, but yeah. Anyways, just had my birthday! Yay.

Also, currently wondering if I could possibly push out Chapter 11 before I move on the other works or just head straight for it so we could have a smooth transition in March. What do you guys think?