"Speak, are you IXX?"
At the back of a store building, a beautiful young woman with her arms crossed looked down at a black cat, suspicion written all over her face.
Of course, that beautiful woman is me.
As I mentioned earlier, I'm pretty familiar with the cats in this neighborhood — but this one? Way different.
Its fur was immaculate, and it looked well-fed. A complete outlier. Even the most posh cats around here have some kind of flaw.
But this one... the way it looked at me. It gave off the same aura as IXX. So naturally, I figured it was that dumb rabbit trying out a new form again.
So yeah, I grabbed it by the scruff and dragged it behind the store.
The black cat's eyes widened — clearly not expecting that.
"Speak. Don't make me repeat myself."
I said impatiently.
『You are certainly an interesting human.』
A voice — mature, feminine — echoed inside my head. Like it was stitched into my subconscious.
My heart skipped a beat, but I didn't let it show. I kept my eyes fixed on the cat — the only anomaly here.
『To think I'd be dragged by my scruff... only my mother has done that to me. When I was a bad kitty.』
My eyebrow twitched.
So what? Do I need to learn your whole backstory now?
『So impatient as well.』
??
It could hear my inner voice?
『Of course. That is natural.』
The cat licked its paw — clearly flexing her power.
『I am the 「Most High」, leader of the faction you deemed "losing".』
My eyes glimmered at her words. To think she'd just admit it herself. Incredible.
"So you're here to test me then?"
The cat nodded, her diamond-shaped pupils narrowing.
『That is natural. You want autonomy — my entire domain. How can I be sure you won't sink this ship even further?』
I smiled, wider this time.
"Do you really have the audacity to say I'd sink your ship further?"
I pressed my index finger against the cat's chest.
"Lookie here, I'm not the one desperate for new employees. And besides, isn't it your fault your faction's in shambles? I'd say your leadership skills are... lacking."
I mocked, pointing at her with a smug grin. I probably looked very punchable right about now.
The cat stared back, visibly annoyed — exactly what I wanted. It made me even more smug.
"But alas... if you still feel the need to test me, I'll allow it, oh 「Most High」."
The cat lowered her gaze, trembling faintly, before looking up again.
『I can see why IXX has fallen into your grasp... you are certainly "unique."』
She said it with pure annoyance — music to my ears.
『I will ask you three questions, and I will determine whether you are worthy』
I looked at the cat with confusion. Just three questions? How quaint.
But either way, I bet I could answer them.
"Sure, go ahead."
I shrugged.
『Do you hate the state of the world?』
That's the same question IXX asked me. Doesn't matter — my answer's the same.
"Yes. It is stagnating. Ever since the world became peaceful, it turned its back on the original magical girls and so easily accepted the new ones.
That, to me, is unacceptable — and I despise Lya for her choices."
The cat's eyes sparkled with curiosity; the young woman's answer was consistent with what IXX had said.
『Interesting. You pass the first question.』
Having someone who hates Lya as the leader of the youmas is... beneficial.
『Are you willing to kill innocent people? What about your savior?』
My eyes widened at the question, but my smile never faltered.
"Hah! Innocent? If they were truly innocent, they'd be angry — they'd have complained that Lya made a mockery of the magical girls' image."
I spat the words with venom.
"And as for my savior — we do not put her into this."
I stared at the cat with piercing eyes. It stared back, unfeeling.
『That is a weakness.』
The cat said simply.
"It is not."
I retorted.
『How so?』
"No matter what your alignment is, killing your own savior is akin to killing yourself. It is the worst kind of disrespect one could have toward their own being.
If that is how your faction works — killing one's savior — then all the more reason to hand me your position."
I scoffed at the black cat.
Its eyes widened in shock before it shook its head, regaining composure.
『Final question. Why do you tread this path?』
I looked at the black cat with unwavering determination.
"Because in a world blinded by light, someone must remind them that shadows exist.
So long as these dumb lambs naively follow the light, they will remain blind to what truly happens around them.
So I will be their shadow — to guide them, to navigate them through a world of white. But should they still fail to see even in darkness...
Then I'll gladly gouge out their eyes and feed them back to them. Pierce them with a blade so they no longer waste oxygen or space."
I smiled.
The cat jumped and began to hover midair, at my eye level.
『Beautifully said. You pass.』
The cat looked at me; her eyes had softened, just a little.
『Though you are still rough around the edges, I can tell you are no mere diamond. You're more than a gem.』
I smiled.
"You can't be honest, can you? Just say you found your messiah."
The cat narrowed its eyes.
『You're too much... but I hate that I'm starting to like that about you.』
My lips curved into a smug grin.
"Tsundere."
The cat slapped my face with its soft paw.
『Shut up, human!』
It hissed.
"Anyways, when will I get my powers? Oh, and your position."
I tilted my head to the right.
『You're truly an impatient one. Tomorrow, at the earliest.』
My black eyes reflected the cat's face as my hand reached out to pinch its cheek.
"You're gonna be my mascot now. And you'll take IXX's name."
The cat swatted at my hands, to no avail.
『Get your hands off me! And why am I your mascot?! Why my name IXX?!』
I laughed, cradling the black cat.
"Because you're cuter. Plus, you've got quite the attitude."
The cat hissed, trying (and failing) to claw my face.
『You've got some nerve! I am the most high!』
"To me, you're the most cutest."
『Human! Shut up!』
I put down the black cat and patted my dress, making sure no fur stuck through my garment.
Then I looked at the black cat.
"Well, I hope you lot prove useful to my cause."
I smiled and winked at the cat, to which it promptly rolled its eyes.
『You speak as if you already own the faction.』
I stared at the cat, speechless for a moment—then burst into laughter.
"Oh darling, you sweet summer child. I already am."
I flipped my long black hair as I turned my back to the cat, glancing at it over my shoulder with my black eyes and a smile.
『You're insufferable.』
The black cat hissed.
"Since you're of an evil faction, I'll take that as a compliment," I said with a grin.
"In any casee, tata~"
I shooed the cat away, and it flinched.
『Are you just... are you doing what I think you're doing?』
The black cat glared at me like daggers.
"Yup. Go on now—share the gospel, toodle~loo!"
I shooed the black cat again.
The poor thing could only sigh.
『This is humiliating.』
"You'll get used to it."
I clasped my hands behind my back and leaned forward, watching as the cat turned and began to walk away.
And as she did, her body began to fade—head to tail—until nothing remained.
『Hmp!』
That was the last thing I heard before she disappeared, leaving me alone at the back of the store.
"Guess joining an evil faction was easier than I thought!"
I looked up at the blue sky in wonder.
No hurdles so far—and that's good.
If there had been... I would've done whatever it takes to crush them and achieve my goals.
I then looked in front of me, staring at the street.
"Now then, I wonder how that black cat relays my word."
I smiled as I made my exit from the back of the store.
---
Back at the looming black castle, inside a room reminiscent of a jury hall.
The other mascots were all arguing, anxious about what's to come.
"I wonder how the trial went,"
A black silhouette of a turtle muttered, cowering.
"Cowardly turtle, knowing the Most High, that audacious human has probably met its demise, ribbit!"
A silhouette of a frog croaked, interrupting.
"I agree with this frog for once. Knowing the Most High—the most shrewd and fickle among us—she wouldn't accept some nobody so easily."
The room erupted in laughter, most relieved by the sentiment.
"It's because of this dumb rabbit! Easily intimidated by a mere mortal! Just because you got choked!"
A silhouette of a dog snarled at the rabbit, still surrounded by its allies.
The black rabbit couldn't help but cower—compared to that human, this was far more humiliating.
But the room's elation came to a sudden halt as the air grew heavy.
Everyone knew—the 「Most High」was coming.
The sheer pressure pressed on their chests, their heads bowed as only a few managed to raise them.
Soon, the weight mellowed out, and a black cat appeared out of nowhere, hopping down to the highest platform.
The mascots instinctively bowed, showing their respect.
"May I ask what happened, 「Most High」?"
The silhouette of a dog spoke first.
The rest of the mascots turned their curious eyes toward the black cat.
The cat, knowing what transpired... couldn't help but look away.
But because of her standing and authority, she had no choice.
『The mortal… we accept her.』
The room burst into uproar.
"「Most High」! We can still look for more recruits!"
"Why was she accepted?!"
Various complaints (most dumb) erupted.
『Enough.』
The black cat sent a shockwave that knocked back all the mascots present.
『It is my decision as the 「Most High」. Though it will be my last decision as one.』
The room fell silent. Most still refused to accept it.
But though they were dumb, they weren't idiots. They were desperate—willing to cling to any mortal with even a sliver of evil in their hearts.
"「Most High」… how exactly is having this mortal beneficial to us, ribbit?"
The silhouette of a frog tilted its head.
『This mortal is audacious enough to make me revoke my title.
Take our faction.
And claim all our abilities and powers.』
The black cat spat the words with venom.
『And more importantly… this human dared carry me by my scruff! The last time I experienced that was when I was a small kitty—and my mother was still alive!』
The black cat teared up with frustration.
『She even told me to name myself "IXX"! She carried me even though I refused!
I feel so violated!』
The room fell silent once again.
There was no mistaking it now… perhaps they had treated IXX, the black rabbit, too harshly.
To reduce the 「Most High」into a crying mess upon her return—
The mascots couldn't help but wonder who that mortal truly was.
---
A day has passed. And if that black cat was true to her word, a faction is as good as mine today.
Before that, though, I made sure to make myself look presentable.
Today, I wore a pink long-sleeve and a black skirt.
I guess I did a great job with my fashion choice—given how many eyes are on me, more than usual.
But if I aim to be the new leader of a faction...
I need to have style.
I looked at my phone — it's currently 4:30 p.m.
I'd just finished my classes for today, so now I'm free to do whatever.
"Meow"
My feet stopped, and I looked down.
My lips curled up as I saw a familiar black cat.
"It's time, isn't it?"
『Indeed』
The same deep, feminine voice rang inside my head.
---
Within the black castle walls, the jury where all the youma mascots resided was thick with tension.
Their known leader had stepped down, and now came someone they knew so little about.
Clouds loomed over the castle as thunder rolled and rain began to pour.
"Just so you know, Rabbit. If this mortal is unsatisfactory, I'll end you myself."
The silhouette of a dog snarled at the rabbit, who flinched and shut its eyes tight.
"Stop that, Ribbit. You need to be on your best behaviour."
The frog scolded the dog.
"Foolish. Why should we be afraid of some mortal?"
A silhouette of a fox laughed mockingly.
Soon, the room erupted with laughter after her.
clang
However, the laughter died the moment they felt the air shift — as the door opened.
Raindrops froze and the orange light emitted by the torches became a deep shade of blue
The sound of heels echoed through the room as the mascots turned to see a beautiful woman with long black hair, and eyes as mysterious and dangerous as the void.
Her smile was mocking — self-assured — and her steps never faltered.
"Why should you be afraid, you ask?"
Her voice was soft and comforting, yet the mascots could feel the malice threaded within it as she stared at the fox with her soulless black eyes.
"Because— Veni, Vidi, Vici."
Her smile widened even more.