Does the Assassin Girl Dream of the Mana Doll?

Mana Doll.

Certainly, she had said so. Even Egret, who only occasionally dabbled in magic, had heard of such a thing.

These beings were known as Fresh Golems. They were golems made from biological materials, assembled from cultured organic components. While their bodies were more fragile compared to stone or iron golems, they were more agile and dexterous. It was said that in ancient times, they were often used to guard important figures or accompany magicians.

Among them, a particularly unique existence was the Mana Doll. Possessing vast amounts of magical power and manipulating it with high intelligence, it was said that these beings could even turn the tide of wars during the era of ancient magical civilizations. Because of this, they were mass-produced, deployed to battlefields, and consumed as weapons. Today, none are confirmed to exist.
… At least, not officially.

The girl standing before her had claimed to be one. And the situation, along with the magical power she exuded, seemed to support her claim. There was enough circumstantial evidence to conclude that she was genuine.

“Is something wrong, Lady Letty?”

“Well, um, yes, that’s right… First… who are you?”

“Yes, as I said before, I am Eliminator, a combat tactical-class Mana Doll. You may call me Ellie. From now on, I will serve you as my master.”

She said this so smoothly, as if she had rehearsed it many times before, and bowed her head with an exquisite smile. Egret lowered her eyes as if she had seen something dazzling.

“I have a question… I’ve heard of Mana Dolls, but… what is a combat tactical-class?”

“Yes, it’s a Mana Doll designed to handle individual, small group, and medium-sized group engagements. I’m equipped for suppression and support fire at close to medium range. For offensive capabilities, I have a Mana Blaster that gathers magical power and releases energy directly at the target. I also have a Mana Bolt that can target multiple enemies and fire homing projectiles. For defense, I can deploy a medium-power anti-physical and anti-magical field. It should be enough to protect both my body and yours, Master.”

“… I don’t fully understand, but I do get that you’re strong… Is ‘Eliminator’ like a species name?”

Ellie nodded with a gentle smile.

“Yes, you can think of it that way. We are designed for various purposes, and each type has its own name. So, ‘Eliminator’ is my official name, but… if you would allow it, Lady Letty, I would be happier if you just called me Ellie.”

Egret looked at Ellie with a confused expression, unsure of how to respond. She had never been approached so familiarly, let alone by someone offering a nickname. And besides, she had always been the one used, never the one in charge.

Thinking along those lines, she suddenly asked the question that had been on her mind.

“… Why am I your master?”

“That’s because you performed the unlock operation and registered your blood… Perhaps you didn’t know?”

“Well, more like… it was a complete shot in the dark…”

“Wow… I didn’t know that could happen…”

Ellie blinked in surprise as Egret averted her gaze awkwardly. After a moment of contemplation, she smiled again.

“However, since you’ve been recognized and registered as my master, there’s nothing I can do about it now. Please take care of me from now on, Lady Letty!”

She spoke brightly and bowed once more. Looking at her lowered head, Egret pondered.

… What should I do now…?

It was a completely unexpected situation. Deciding what to do with her was difficult. But then she remembered Greg’s words: “Go get me a treasure.”

… She could be considered a treasure, too.

In fact, if her abilities were real, her value would be immeasurable.

Coming to that conclusion, Egret turned to the girl.

“I understand, but… can I ask one thing…? The honorific ‘Lady’ is a bit… I’m not used to it…”

She furrowed her brow and scratched her cheek with her finger.

Seeing that gesture, Ellie froze for a moment before snapping back to reality.

“O-Okay, then… how about Miss Letty?”

“Hmm… Well, I guess that can’t be helped. Alright then, nice to meet you, Ellie.”

With that, Egret—no, Letty—extended her right hand. Ellie, smiling happily, took her hand in return.

Letty didn’t realize at the time that, as an assassin by profession, she had carelessly extended her right hand. And that she felt no unease whatsoever in having it taken.

**Next: The First Trip Home**