Chapter 38

The **Little Petrification Girl** (石化の幼女 Sekka no Yōjo) is the thirty-eighth chapter of Oumi Noko's manga series S Rare Soubi no Niau Kanojo.

## Summary

With Haruka victorious over the Puppeteer, Haruka, Daigo, and Saori see that Puppeteer is still alive, but she is crying. Puppeteer laments that, although she is 300 years old, she lost to a girl. Haruka tries to reassure her, but Puppeteer angrily demands she finish her off, but Haruka refuses. Puppeteer concedes, but warns them that they will have to face Medusa and other powerful opponents. Daigo asks Haruka if she is okay, pointing out that her clothes are nearly entirely dissolved, prompting Haruka to slap him.

Later, after Haruka is healed, Daigo apologizes to Haruka for not being able to protect her, but Haruka points out that Puppeteer would never have opened the magma pit if they had not arrived. Daigo asks why she would resort to such a dangerous tactic and Haruka awkwardly mumbles that Ea and Daigo are important to her.

A flashback shows an incident in which a very young Haruka plays tag with a group of kids who ostracize her for being demanding about the rules. Saddened, the young Haruka walks away alone, but discovers Daigo and Ea trying to play kick the can. Daigo asks Haruka to join them, but Haruka claims she wouldn't be any fun since she's a stickler for the rules. However, Daigo says he doesn't mind following the rules as the rules are in place to make the game fun for everyone, echoing Haruka's own sentiments. Haruka happily joins Daigo and Ea.

Back in the present, Daigo thanks Haruka and the two have a heartfelt moment, prompting Saori to wonder if they are dating. Flustered, Daigo and Haruka refute Saori's suggestion while Saori points out the awkwardness of Daigo being interested in two girls. Saori then suggests they get going as Princess Titan, who still wishes to mate with Daigo, is pursuing them.

Elsewhere, Rin Mei and Karasu discover Honoka and awaken her. Honoka panics upon realizing she is in Karasu's arms as she does not trust her, causing Karasu to mock Honoka's strength in return. Honoka affirms her strength, stating she was able to beat an unimplemented boss monster and the two continue to bicker. Rin Mei steps in and prompts them to continue on as she is worried about Marimo. Karasu informs Honoka that they have reason to suspect something may have happened to Marimo, but Honoka suddenly collapses due to her "Infected" status. Still, the three continue onward and enter a large room.

Inside the room, they discover several statues of young girls, including one of Marimo. Rin Mei is distraught, refusing to believe it is Marimo, but suddenly Medusa appears, assuring her that is the real Marimo who has been petrified. Karasu protests that the petrification status was not implemented, but Medusa assures her there was a reason it was not implemented. Suddenly, Rin Mei angrily attacks Medusa, but she prepares to fire a beam from Catoblepas's eye. Karasu knocks Rin Mei out of the way just in time, but part of her leg is struck by the beam and becomes petrified. Medusa then fiercely approaches the three Heroes, declaring that they will soon become part of her "collection".

## Key Events

* Rin Mei and Karasu discover and revive Honoka
* Honoka, Rin Mei, and Karasu enter Medusa's chamber and begin to battle her

## Character Apperances

* Daigo Seko
* Haruka Nanao
* Puppeteer
* Saori Kashiwagi
* Ea Yuki
* Princess Titan
* Honoka Kusunoki
* Rin Mei
* Karasu
* Marimo
* Medusa