Betting on a Possibility

**Betting on a Possibility** is the second story episode of Shoto Relief.

## In-Game Summary

The world is being destroyed by demons who escaped the flux. The magical girls bet their survival on their game of murder. Omnis is horrified by the truths Lilly tells him. At that moment, a message arrives from Hanabi. "Meet me at this place, and bring Omnis with you..." Omnis and Lilly worry about a trap, but decide to bet on the potential chance to change things.

## Plot

In the Karaoke Room, Lilly starts telling Omnis about the history of this world. The Omnis of her world forced most of the girls to become magical girls. Despite that, the girls fought to save the world or protect their loved ones. However, at some point the number of demons became overwhelming for the girls, and even when the flux dissipated, the demons would remain and escape into the city. The army attempted to battle the demons, but proved no match, and the demons proceeded to destroy everything they came across. Eventually, the survivors began living underground or in ruins to avoid demon attacks.

Omnis muses on the threat of demons outside the flux back home, before putting it aside for a more pressing question - if the girls were battling together to protect the world, how did they start fighting and killing each other?

Lilly is about to answer when her phone rings. Omnis is startled, and Lilly tells him only the Dynamisphere functionality still works. The notification turns out to be a message from Hanabi. She wants to meet Lilly and Omnis at a specified location. Omnis is relieved that Hanabi is okay, and wonders what she's planning by calling them out. Lilly suggests that she might want to finish the survival battle, since they are the only two magical girls left.

Despite the possibility of a trap, Omnis recalls the Hanabi from his world, and encourages Lilly to confront Hanabi. Inspired by his Hanabi's mentality, he suggests they bet on the possibility of overcoming the situation in this world, no matter how small it may be. Lilly, reminded of an important promise, decides to head out to find Hanabi.

## Transcript

*(In the Karaoke Room)*

Lilly
This world wasn't like this before either.
One day, Omnis appeared and we became magical girls. ...Mostly against our will.
Omnis' Thoughts
He forced them to become magical girls? Talk about a rough character.
Lilly
At first, we were fighting to save the world or protect our loved ones.
...But as the flux increased, defeating demons one by one was too much for us.
Lilly
Before long, even with the flux cleared, the demons didn't disappear anymore-
The escaped demons began to destroy the world. Buildings. People. Everything.
Omnis
The demons... destroyed the world...?
Omnis' Thoughts
What the hell? They weren't just devouring people?!
Lilly
The Defense Force tried to counter them, of course, but...
Omnis
...In the end, they were no match for the demons, and it turned out like this.
Lilly
Yeah. The survivors now live underground or in ruins... hiding from demon attacks.
Omnis
Still... demons outside of the flux? That never happened in our world...
*(Omnis recalls the ruins of Takeraho)*

Narration
True, it was possible it could happen in the other world.
If left alone, they would conquer and destroy everything. I could see that.
But... there was one more thing that didn't seem right about this world.
Omnis
Lilly, there's one more thing I want to know.
Lilly
.........
Omnis
Even if you were forced to become magical girls, you fought the demons.
You even said-it was to protect the world and your loved ones.
So why... did all of you...
Why did you start killing each other?
What did you hope to gain from the slaughter?
Lilly
That's...
Narration
Lilly opened and closed her mouth before she finally shut her eyes.
I could tell she was swallowing her rage and sadness to answer my question.
But as soon as she opened her mouth again-
*(Lilly's phone rings)*

Omnis
Th-that surprised me... cell phones still work in this world.
Lilly
No. Nothing works anymore but the dynamisphere function.
Still, who could it be at a time like this-
...It's Hanabi...
Omnis
Hanabi? I'm glad... She's safe too.
So? What did she say?
Lilly
...She said to meet her at this place and bring you with me.
...There's a map attached. I guess this is the place.
Omnis
...What is she up to?
Lilly
I don't know. ...But, this is-
...The only survivors now are her and me, so maybe she wants to finish it?
Omnis
...Anyway, let's prepare before we go. Though I doubt Hanabi can transform either.
Lilly
...You think it could be a trap, huh?
Omnis
.........
Narration
Lilly's suspicion made me a little sad.
But this was a different world. A cold one. Hanabi... might do that, here.
If nothing else, she was a strategic gambler.
In that case-
Omnis
...Let's take that risk.
Lilly
Huh?
Omnis
We don't have to copy Hanabi, but nothing will happen if we don't confront this.
Narration
The memory of Hanabi's ambitious hands, reaching for victory, gave me courage.
Omnis
If there's even the tiniest potential-let's bet on it.
Lilly
Bet on it...?
Omnis
Let's go, Lilly. This might be a chance to overcome this situation.
Omnis
Instead of regretting doing nothing, let's regret struggling to the end.
Lilly
Struggling to the end, huh... You're right.
...I don't think I'll regret it, but I'll keep struggling.
Thank you, Omnis. Thanks to you... I remembered a very important promise I made.
Omnis
Hm? A promise?
Lilly
Don't worry about it. ...Let's go, Omnis!
No matter what waits for us, I'll take hold of that potential.