"That's not an accurate description. First, Izumi-sensei isn't old; he's around my age. Second, there's nothing wrong with the content he writes; it's just that the mundane world can't understand it…"
Senju Muramasa's eyes sharpened, and her tone became indignant.
The excellent creator she admired should not be misunderstood by the world!
She didn't care what the world thought of her, but she cared about what the world thought of him.
"Alright, alright, this is just a teasing remark from everyone, there's no malice. It's just because he hands out too many sad endings, that's why it turned out this way. Izumi-sensei himself has accepted this title with a clear conscience!"
Seeing this, Usami Suzune quickly explained.
"By the way, Izumi-sensei is the same age as us? I didn't know that."
She changed the subject.
"It was stated when demon slayer was released."
Senju Muramasa replied.
"Oh, I see, I found out too late…"
Usami Suzune suddenly realized.
After a few more seconds, seeing Senju Muramasa seemingly waiting for her to continue, she reacted and said, "Sorry, I talked too much and interrupted your reading, Kohana."
"It's nothing."
Senju Muramasa gently shook her head.
Being able to read and chat with a friend was a very novel experience for her.
Just as the two were about to re-immerse themselves, footsteps suddenly sounded from outside the door.
"Good afternoon, Muramasa-sensei, I'm here…"
Shino Aki walked in with her gentle, flowing smile.
"May I ask who you are…?"
Her expression was surprised when she saw the stranger next to her.
"I'm Kohana's childhood friend, Usami Suzune…"
Usami Suzune responded.
"Mm-hmm, hello, I'm Shino Aki, currently the illustrator for fantasy demon blade chronicles…"
"Let me finish first."
Before Shino Aki could finish speaking, Senju Muramasa immediately stated.
Shino Aki looked down and saw the light novel open in Senju Muramasa's hand, instantly realizing something, and her smile deepened, "Mm…!"
Then, she also pulled out the same light novel from behind her back.
Usami Suzune was stunned at that moment.
So you're playing the same trick as me?
…
"Next, it should be time to fully reveal Homura Akemi's story, right?"
Kousaka Kirino , after composing herself, was ready to set off again and turn the page.
At this moment, she had a strange premonition that the upcoming plot would be even more exciting!
Homura Akemi, a character who seemed very mysterious and important, her story had been held back until so late, and it would have a very significant impact on the overall evaluation of the story.
And now, everyone had finally waited for this anticipated moment.
What kind of story did this time traveler experience in the 'future' of the past? And why did she make those actions and say those words earlier?
This was a very important stroke.
If the plot here wasn't written well and didn't match the previous characterization, it could easily significantly lower the evaluation of this work.
For this, Izumi Chihiro also spent a lot of effort in this volume to shape her, from a weak and cowardly girl at the beginning to a cold and aloof temperament later.
He meticulously described the role each crucial experience played in one time loop after another.
He believed this would be the most exciting and fulfilling part of the individual story in this work!
Mami Tomoe died early, Sayaka transformed into a Witch, Kyoko died with her, and Madoka was injured again…
This strange yet familiar situation caused Homura Akemi, who had always kept herself taut, to experience a change in her mindset.
A memory flooded her mind.
On the day the dream began, Homura Akemi met Madoka for the first time; she still had pigtails, wore glasses, and was very timid…
Due to an accident, she learned about the existence of magical girls, Witches, and Familiars from Mami Tomoe and Madoka, and also knew about the day the Witch Night would arrive.
At that time, she never expected that the so-called Witch Night was such a powerful entity, so much so that even Mami Tomoe died at its hands.
Finally, Madoka also sacrificed herself without hesitation.
Thus, enticed by Kyubey, she made a wish—I want to meet my classmate again, not as the one she protected, but as the one who protects her.
Because of this wish, she was able to go back in time.
However, what awaited her was not true hope, but even deeper despair.
She tried to control her abilities and become stronger, hoping that when that day arrived, she could defeat the Witch Night and prevent Madoka from sacrificing herself.
But even after multiple loops, the outcome remained unchanged.
Even using firearms in conjunction with her abilities, uniting everyone to prepare for the fight… after learning the cruel truth, everyone's performance could not meet her expectations.
"Can you save the foolish me who hasn't been deceived by Kyubey yet?"
Falling into a pool of blood once more, tears streamed from her eyes, Madoka pleaded.
She agreed to this request.
Not only that, but she also personally executed Madoka, who was about to transform into a Witch.
Through repeated cycles, she no longer remained weak; she resolved to become strong and bear it all.
Since others could not be relied upon, she could only make herself stronger, defeat the Witch Night, and save Madoka!
However, one failure after another struck at her seemingly indomitable spirit.
Even if she insisted on facing the challenge alone, Madoka still became a magical girl under Kyubey's manipulation, unable to avoid the fate of becoming a Witch.
"Repeat, I will repeat countless times."
"Looping countless times within the same timeframe, searching for the only exit."
"To find a way to save you from your despairing fate."
Homura Akemi made a vow in her heart.
No matter what, she had to save this one and only friend!
Even if she was misunderstood or misinterpreted in the process, it would not affect her in the slightest.
…
"Waaah, this is too touching! Homura has given so much for Madoka! Homura must be in so much pain, seeing Madoka die in front of her again and again in countless loops…"
Kousaka Kirino couldn't help but wipe away tears from the corners of her eyes.
This plot point truly moved her.
Now, she could finally understand why Homura Akemi, as a time traveler, had such an attitude before.
After experiencing endless repeated despair, it's inevitable for a person to become numb and indifferent…
That's why she deliberately killed Kyubey, preventing him from contacting Madoka and leading to a future where she becomes a magical girl.
That's why she spoke those heartless words…