I'm a magical girl in the future

Chapter 43: The Hidden Truth?

"Actually, Ji Xia only hypnotized you once, just to prevent you from investigating her background."

The treatment wasn't over yet; Noah's hand was still stroking her lower abdomen.

"Aside from that, she didn't do anything else for you. After all, her ability is quite weak in terms of mental perception."

A very weak mental state...

Noah just explained some characteristics of Ji Xia's mental state, "obedience to the voice of heaven"—

It cannot alter memories, cannot force willpower, is ineffective against magical girls, and cannot even force the hypnotized person to do anything too outrageous. It does seem to be a rather useless ability.

However, my older sister used this ability to hide her identity.

What is this all about?

My older sister is a magical girl—that in itself is shocking enough, especially since she's the magical girl I often see on TV and online, Ji Xia.

As for her older sister deliberately concealing her identity, Lingbo gradually came to understand after her initial shock.

The battles of magical girls are undoubtedly accompanied by all sorts of dangers. It seems only natural to choose to keep it a secret from one's family to avoid causing them worry.

However, what really bothered her was not her older sister's concealment, but Noah's attitude.

Noah's attitude towards her older sister... is too cold.

Why is that?

"Noah," Lingbo began, deciding to ask directly, "Did my older sister do anything to hurt you in the future?"

No.

Noah's answer was crisp and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

Her hand had somehow moved from Lingbo's lower abdomen and placed on her chest. A warm magical energy emanated from her; it seemed the treatment had entered the next stage.

"In the future, Lu Yue has always fulfilled her duty as 'Shen Zixin's older sister' and has always been a magical girl who is respected by everyone."

Noah's voice remained cold and flat. "After all, since Xiaoling's accident, we've become the only family we can rely on."

...That's even stranger.

Lingbo was filled with great confusion.

If Lu Yue doesn't do anything to harm her in the future, and is still family she can rely on, then why is Noah so indifferent to her as if she were a stranger?

"So... what kind of conflict has arisen between you two?" Lingbo guessed.

Noah's movements hesitated slightly, but she quickly returned to normal.

"...I guess so."

"What is this...?" Lingbo was a little confused at this moment.

She is now very concerned about what happened in the future to lead to this situation.

However, Noah remained silent and ignored Lingbo's questions.

Silence fell over the room once again.

Seeing that Noah was unwilling to answer, Lingbo sighed silently in her heart.

Her older sister, Lu Yue. The relative who grew up with her and knew her intimately.

In her memory, her older sister was the most popular companion—cheerful, optimistic, and helpful.

He's willing to risk his life to protect those he cares for, and he's always the most reliable and caring older child in the eyes of adults when it comes to younger siblings.

Even though she might occasionally be a bit off-track, in crucial moments she is always the most trustworthy and reassuring presence.

She's such a warm and outgoing older sister who can be friends with anyone...

In the future, I'll actually have a falling out with "myself"...?

How could such a thing happen?

"You don't need to think about that."

Noah suddenly spoke, interrupting Lingbo's thoughts.

"Lu Yue... just treat her like your best older sister. And she truly will always be your 'best older sister.' Under normal circumstances, your relationship with her will remain the same. Moreover, she won't do anything to harm you, so you can completely trust her."

These words only deepened Lingbo's confusion.

If everything is as Noah says, then where does this estrangement come from?

Moreover, Lingbo could sense that... everything Noah had said was the truth.

That's the scariest part—sometimes, telling only half the truth feels even more terrifying than telling a lie.

"...Although I don't know what you've been through," Lingbo looked into Noah's eyes, "just don't act like this next time you see your older sister."

"Don't worry." Noah's previously gloomy face broke into a smile. "Didn't I act quite normally when I first met Lu Yue?"

Indeed… Lingbo recalled the scene when Noah first met her older sister. At that time, Noah's words and actions were very proper, and there was nothing unusual about her.

but……

In private, Noah's attitude towards her older sister was completely indifferent, to the point that she didn't even want to pretend.

Forget it.

Putting aside Noah's situation, how should I get along with my older sister?

Now that I know her secret, should I also confess the existence of "Lingbo" to her?

Ultimately, Lingbo's decision to conceal her identity from Xiaoling stemmed more from her desire to avoid being teased by her younger sister.

But as for Lu Yue, who is also a magical girl and has been protecting the city, Lingbo felt that there was not much need to hide anything from her.

Perhaps, after sharing their identities, they will be able to understand each other better and support each other in future battles.

"Noah..." Lingbo asked, "I want to tell my older sister directly that I'm a magical girl. What do you think?"

Lingbo asked this question with a bit of a probing purpose—she wanted to observe Noah's attitude towards her older sister more closely, and perhaps she could glean some clues from the subtle hints.

"...I think it's fine."

Unexpectedly, Noah's answer was very straightforward, and her expression returned to its previous calm.

"Anyway, she's a very responsible magical girl now. Once you're on good terms with her, you can support each other. And she won't laugh at you; she'll only be excited to have another partner to fight alongside. That's good for your future."

Noah's analysis is indeed reasonable. Given Lu Yue's personality, she would probably jump for joy if she knew her younger brother had also become a magical girl.

However, the more this happened, the more nervous Lingbo became.

What will happen in the future?

If there truly is an irreconcilable conflict between Noah and her older sister, then it must also be a conflict between "me" and my older sister—

Noah's attitude towards her older sister always left Lingbo with an indelible resentment.