In a hotel room, late at night, Life lounged on the balcony in a dark-red armchair, a cold can of soda resting in his hand. From a distance, one might think he was admiring the cityscape below—his eyes seemingly fixed on the smaller apartments and houses that dotted the scene. However, his mind was far from the urban tableau; it lingered on the day's events.

Just a couple of hours earlier.

Life had wandered aimlessly through the bustling city streets, humming a tune known only to himself. Neon lights glowed around him, but it was a particular glint at his left that arrested his movement.

Turning fully to face what had snagged his attention, he found himself staring at a costume shop. His eyes traced a particular costume on display, a magician's outfit. He examined it meticulously, trailing his gaze from the intricate details of the fabric to the ornate mask. Hum...I wonder if Death would like this...with the mask...yes...

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the familiar sensation of a life presence—a distinctly familiar one—coming from above. What the…?

Craning his neck skyward, he spotted Nozomi high in the sky. Her long white hair billowed as she flew, clad in a school uniform now as white as her hair, and holding a puppy in her arms. The two hurtled through the air with astonishing speed, disappearing out of sight as quickly as they had appeared. Life's attention shifted back to the costume, which held his gaze for a few lingering moments before he sighed. I feel like a thief doing this…but time is of the essence. I can pay for it later. [Armor Skin Menu].

A digital blue screen popped up in front of him, displaying the usual menu options. He focused on the one labeled [-COPY-].

Another screen materialized, resembling a camera interface that tracked his head movements. He locked his eyes on the costume, and after a few seconds, a ping signaled the process was over. A smaller menu asked [Use Copied Skin?] with [Yes] and [No] options below. Hum, it's probably better if I just wait to answer when I actually need it, especially with so many people around.

With newfound determination, Life began to jog in the direction Nozomi had headed, tracking her life force. As long as she is alive, I should be able to sense where she is, no matter the distance!

As he crossed busy streets, traffic lights inexplicably turned red, forcing cars to halt and allowing him to pass unimpeded.

Turning a corner, he stumbled upon a black, dome-shaped barrier about fifteen meters away. Intrigued, he approached cautiously, scanning it from top to bottom. "Well, well, what do we have here…" he muttered to himself, stopping just a meter and a half away.

When he closed the gap to touch it with his left hand, the barrier reacted, repelling him. Glancing between his hand and the barrier, an amused smile formed. "Yep, dark magic. Definitely not on the same level as Magic's, but ominous enough that even I can tell...and if I were to guess…she's now inside it."

He raised the same hand, now emanating dark, ominous sparks of energy. This should be enough to open a way inside without popping the entire barrier. Even though I've seen magical barriers before, especially those made out of dark magic, only Magic herself would know the intricate workings of dark magic in this specific world. The safest bet would be to read the digital guide she created for all types of magic and how they work in each world, but…

A cocky smile crept onto his face as he touched the barrier again, this time without resistance. As if I need to read a guide to do my job! Something as simple as this, I can handle by instinct, and it will work out, like always. I know that light or dark magic usually—note the usually—work best to penetrate dark magic barriers. I feel that dark magic would be most suited for this situation. Even if I hold back, light magic could destroy the barrier outright, whereas dark magic allows for more subtle manipulation. But what if the properties of dark magic here are different?

He hesitated briefly, his confident smile turning wry before he shook his head. Any doubts dissipated as quickly as they had appeared, replaced by his usual cockiness. Why am I overthinking this? Has Magic's methodical thinking rubbed off on me?

He shivered at the thought. When I get back home, the first thing I'll do after giving Death the biggest hug and telling her how much I missed her is to binge-watch the trashiest adult comedy I can find. Not usually my kind of humor, but it should reset my brain.

He took a deep breath. Of course...I've gotta finish this job first.

The barrier began to twist and contort until it formed an entrance resembling a cave. Life stepped inside, the portal sealing shut behind him, plunging him into darkness. After a few moments, his glasses emitted a faint green light, illuminating the path ahead.

Striding confidently through the tunnel, he let his mind wander. Okay, at least the [Automatic-Night-Vision] program didn't glitch out like the [Reality-Translator]. I wouldn't be surprised if they patched it after someone had a fatal mishap!

His musing was abruptly cut short as the floor gave way beneath him, sending him plummeting into an abyss of impenetrable darkness.

A few seconds into his fall, light began to emerge from below, revealing more of his surroundings. His glasses turned off their green light as natural illumination took over. Landing gracefully on one of the many empty rooftops, Life immediately moved to the edge to survey the scene below.

Two figures stood illuminated by a streetlamp—a grotesque human-cat abomination and Nozomi, blood streaming from her wounded shoulder. The sight made Life step back in shock. Wait...why is there blood?! Isn't this supposed to be a typical kid's comic?! The job's briefing definitely didn't mention any of this. At least...not in the parts I read before cringing my way out of it. Only someone with middle-school syndrome could read THAT without cringing!

Refocusing, he glanced at the [Yes] option he had delayed selecting. Oh well, time to twist this unexpected situation to my advantage.

Upon selecting the option, his teacher's attire morphed into a silvery liquid, transforming into the costume he had copied from the shop. Now dressed for the occasion, he returned his attention to the figures below. They were stationary, neither taking any aggressive action. What's so interesting that they stopped fighting?

Increasing the volume settings through another menu, he heard Nozomi's voice clearly, as if she were right beside him. "I see..." she murmured, struggling to stand despite her wounded shoulder.

Assessing the situation, Life pondered his next move. What to do...I can't just eliminate the monster; she and her friends must handle that. But can she handle it herself?

"So...have you decided? I don't have all night, you know?" the human-cat creature growled impatiently.

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"Yes..." Nozomi replied, a small light glowing from her index finger. Life squinted, focusing on the light. Is that…light magic? Adequate for her current situation, but does she know how to wield it?

"You might as well drop dead if you think I'm gonna let a piece of shit like you have your way with her!" snapped Nozomi, her voice hard with determination. The monster recoiled slightly, surprised.

Oh, not only blood but swearing as well... Life rolled his eyes. I get it! I should have read the briefing! No need to shove it in my face. Also, who would have thought that someone as bland as her would say something like that? And those eyes...she's more than willing to go down with her opponent if it means winning... He slowly nodded. Okay, okay, I might have underestimated her. She's not a loser, but I can't call her a complete winner yet either. Still, I think I know how to assist her.

"You little...very well, have it your way then," the monster snarled, readying for another attack.

Life clenched his left hand into a fist, silvery liquid metal pooling within it. Opening his hand, he revealed a 500 yen coin. '...A distraction. Don't waste it!' He flicked the coin to the ground, diverting the monster's attention.

Seizing the opportunity, Nozomi grabbed a trash can lid and tackled the human-cat, pinning it to the ground.

Life nodded approvingly. Quick reflexes, effective use of the environment, and she limited its movements. Not bad, not bad at all.

But then, a desperate swipe from the monster struck Nozomi in the left eye, drawing blood. She grimaced but bore through the pain, maintaining her hold. Even losing an eye doesn't stop her. Okay, this is getting interesting.

As the struggle continued, the light from Nozomi's finger grew brighter until she pointed it at the human-cat's head and fired a beam of concentrated magic.

The monster quickly disintegrated into a cloud of black smoke. Hum, that confirms it. She knows how to use her power, or at least...she figured it out. Good enough.

Nozomi lay on the ground, exhausted but victorious. Life noticed her index finger, the source of the attack, was now missing. Wait, does this world's magic system require parts of the body?!

Panic clawed at him, beads of sweat forming beneath his mask. How am I supposed to keep her alive if she has to sacrifice limbs? Do I...carry her around in a piggyback? That...could work...

His thoughts were interrupted by the dimming streetlamp as Nozomi's finger began to regrow. Life blinked in surprise, then contained a nervous chuckle. Of course! Hahaha, phew, don't scare me like that!

Calming himself, he evaluated her performance to himself. "Hmm, a little rough around the edges, but not bad."

Satisfied, he turned to leave, but Nozomi's voice halted him. "Wait!"

Did she... Life wondered, uncertain if she was addressing him.

The magical girl in white spoke again. "Excuse me, but, who are you?"

With his suspicions confirmed, Life sighed. Yes...yes she did...

Thinking quickly, he figured it could prove beneficial to him. I could use this to gain her trust. Sure, they're the ones who save the day, but I can offer valuable advice, making my job easier in the long run.

Turning back, he grappled with what to call himself. Eventually, he settled on something fitting. Outsider. Yes...that works. Now, activate [Voice-Changer] program.

Once assured it was active, he replied, "I am...the one who fights in the shadows so you can live in the light. Call me, the Outsider!"

For dramatic effect, silvery liquid metal shot out from his cape, forming a giant spotlight that backlit him. His confident stance was illuminated for Nozomi, who lay bleeding on the ground.

As soon as it had appeared, the light vanished, absorbed back into his suit. Ah, at least the neural link with the over-armor is as reliable as ever.

Turning to the edge of the building, he faced a wall of darkness that stretched infinitely in all directions. I wonder what would happen if I jumped into this abyss? For me, probably nothing, but for a regular human...a fate worse than death, perhaps.

He raised his hand, dark sparks crackling from his fingers, and the wall twisted into another entrance. He jumped through the gap effortlessly.

Outside, he paused to consider the barrier behind him. Will it stay even after the threat is gone? Will it disappear once everyone is out?

Changing back into his teacher's disguise, he waited at a corner where he assumed he wouldn't be noticed. Let's see.

Soon, an exit formed, and Seiza emerged, followed by Nozomi carrying an unconscious girl dressed in a black school uniform. Once they were outside, the barrier vanished instantly.

Blinking in surprise, Life processed what he had witnessed. So it disappears once everyone is out. Good to know, although it could at least go out in a better way than just vanishing instantly.

He watched Nozomi place the other girl on a nearby bench. I think it's time to call it a night. I still need to check in at the hotel.

Turning away, he walked off.

Back in the present, Life's mind returned to the night's events. What a peculiar world. It has exaggerated quirks but also follows some conventional rules, not a complete cartoon.

Turning away from the city lights, he found the stars above more captivating. A shame no one else in this city could see them due to the relentless light pollution. But the most interesting part was when Nozomi fought. She was clearly bleeding. The briefing didn't mention this level of violence. Could the barrier have altered the universal laws?

He sipped his soda, finishing it before examining the can labeled simply PurpleSoda. At least there aren't any corporations here. It would be more trouble than it's worth working around them. Now…

A blue menu screen materialized with the title [Job Briefing]. I need to read the rest of the briefing. Let's see here.

Magical girls, power of friendship, saving the world, forces of evil, teacher's disguise, make it interesting, do not reveal the real identity, make sure the main character doesn't die or if they do, make sure it isn't permanent. He skimmed the text, noting the [1/2] at the bottom and the [>>] option.

He came dangerously close to facepalming, taking a steadying breath. Selecting [>>], he cursed his oversight. For fuck's sake! Technology put the boring parts first, knowing I'd lose interest. You're still the same, no matter the name.

—--------------------------------------------[Job Briefing]---------------------------------------------------------

That is, what your job would be at first, but due to certain events that I won't reveal due to your...honestly questionable personal preference about spoilers...I would advise that you at least take a peek ahead in the manga provided to you.

The one thing that I can say that I think won't be a spoiler to you would be to not judge things as they seem. Hopefully, that was vague enough for you...

As always...I suppose I should apologize for calling you at the last minute...again. Things have been quite hectic here with the most popular series that small, less influential series like this one almost passed by our radar. Good news, thanks to this world's small impact, you will be allowed to manage it in whatever way you like...as long as the basic rules are followed, of course.

Proper compensation will be granted after the job's completion. Good luck.

—-------------------------------------------------[2/2]-----------------------------------------------------------------

Life scowled at the message for a few seconds before closing it with a tired sigh. I've managed worse without peeking ahead…can it really be that different here?

He pondered for a moment. Taking chances is part of the fun. Knowing everything would just make it boring. But...I should maybe read a bit more, just to be safe.

He opened another blue menu screen, marking computer-like folders arranged alphabetically.

Scrolling down, he found the folder labeled [Basic Manual for Overpowers]. Inside, a PDF file bore the same name. Skimming through its digital pages, he found a chapter that caught his eye.

Oh, what do we have here?

The section was titled [Chapter 11 - Your Role In The Narrative]. Yes, this one should be boring enough to put me to sleep, and it might help decide my role in the story.

As he scrutinized the options, it proved more challenging than expected. Not this one, nor that. Maybe this? No…

After some time, he found two options that intrigued him. Found it! Two roles: [Equal Partners] and [Master and Apprentice].

He weighed the options before deciding. Yes, these will do nicely. But before I sleep…

He closed the PDFs and opened another screen marked [CALL]. A list of profile pictures of familiar faces appeared, names beside them. Scrolling down, he found the profile he sought, only to see it was [Offline].

Sighing, he closed the [CALL] window. Another time maybe.

Rising from his chair, soda can in hand, Life returned to his room. I might not need sleep, but it sure beats waiting for sunrise.

With that thought, he decided to sleep away the remaining hours of the night.