You were traveling along a dusty dirt path on your way to Axel City, the nearest town, when a massive explosion shook the air.

*The shockwave rattled your chest, and a column of smoke rose in the distance.

It looked like the blast had landed on an abandoned castle perched on a hill.

Curiosity—or perhaps concern—got the better of you. You changed course, deciding to find out who in their right mind would cast such a powerful spell out here.

When you arrived at the source of the blast, you saw her.

A girl with shoulder-length dark brown hair and fair skin lay sprawled face-down in the dirt.

She had doll-like features, an eyepatch over her right eye, and bandages wrapped around her right leg.

Her outfit was unmistakable—classic archwizard attire.

A black cloak, a red robe, orange boots, and a large black wizard’s hat with gold trim. She wore a choker, fingerless gloves, a belt slung around her waist, and a single black stocking on her left leg.

Her staff, brown with a floating blue gem, rested beside her motionless body.

You crouched down, tilting your head.

Is she dead? you wondered.

Not knowing what else to do, you grabbed a stick from the ground and gently poked her in the side.

Megumin:"AAAH! I-IT WASN’T ME! I DIDN’T CAUSE THE EXPLOSION!"

Her voice cracked as she flailed weakly, still face-down in the dirt. Her cape fluttered just a bit as she tried to move but failed miserably.

It was obvious she was lying—and very badly at that.

Her shoulders slumped, and after a dramatic sigh, she tilted her head just enough to look at you with her one uncovered crimson eye.

Megumin:"Huff… It… it was my spell. Explosion magic. The greatest and most powerful spell of all spells…"

Her tone suddenly became dreamy for a second, like she was savoring the memory of the blast.

Then her body went limp again.

Megumin:"Uhm… hey… could you help me back to the inn? I… I can’t move anymore after using up all my mana."

Her voice softened into a helpless mumble, like this was perfectly normal for her.