Case 62: Social media account.
Another peaceful lunch at Orion University.
''Moeka, don't you have a social media account?''
''Hm?''
Himeko, who was scrolling on her phone, suddenly asked Moeka. The question itself carried little weight, as the girl was merely puzzled over her senior's lack of public presence.
Of course, as a citizen of the modern age, Moeka had several private accounts, which she mainly used to follow news she was interested in. Though in terms of posting, her main pages were as deserted as a graveyard; one might have called them suitable for an internet ghost like her.
Instead, what Himeko referred to was an official page for Moeka's magical girl identity—Magical Osbeckia.
In this era where the 'Magical Girls' had become an industry of their own, name recognition was invaluable, particularly to investors and shareholders who were salivating at the thought of using these urban heroines' names for advertisement. Most magical girls had social media personas, large or small, which were self-managed or handled by a team. In some states, these accounts were even mandatory.
Yet, for a relatively rural city like City O, such rules did not exist. Magical girls could request to create one, and through a process, it would be branded by HQ, becoming an official account.
However, Moeka never saw the need to do so. She only did her job and let the community handle itself, a mindset most compatible for a digital ghost.
''I don't.'' Moeka flatly replied, ''I couldn't be bothered.''
Hearing her senior's nonchalant answer, Himeko pouted somewhat regretfully, ''What a waste... you would be so popular, Moeka.''
''...''
Popular.
Moeka chewed on that word for some moments. She often saw Himeko amusedly fidgeting with different pictures she took in daily life before posting them on her page. Then, the girl would spend some time giggling to herself at all the netizens' reactions, sometimes replying to them, sometimes grumbling at them.
Out of curiosity, Moeka once looked up Marigold's name... and she was thoroughly shocked. Magical Marigold's account had dozens of millions of followers across a few platforms. The same could be said about other star magical girls as well, with Rose naturally having the most dominance among them. In short, the top dogs were immensely popular.
While amassing such a follower base might be many's dream, Moeka could only sigh at the thought of having to share moments of her life with so many eyes. How could influencers manage it?
'Maybe I'm just an introvert...' Moeka sighed inwardly.
Meanwhile, taking Moeka's silence as a sign of contemplation, Himeko continued her persuasion, ''Trust me, you'll do well!'' She said, ''If you don't feel like managing it, HQ will do it for you anyway. You can just log in casually and interact with fans whenever you like.''
''Interact with fans...''
''It's really fun!''
Outside of television interviews or on-scene work, Moeka had scarce interactions with her fans. Admittedly, they were quite pleasant, though it might have been because she was a small-time magical girl. Moeka had heard countless horror stories of her colleagues being stalked or harassed, which somewhat contributed to her aversion to public interaction.
Still, Moeka had a different goal now—to become a role model for Omegas across the country. As it stood, Omegas were at quite a disadvantage compared to Betas or Alphas... just like how it was in fiction. Moeka wanted to become their source of hope; to inspire them not to give up and fight for their rights.
In reality, some may not need her help, and many would brand her as having a savior complex, but Moeka wanted to try it. And having a notable presence was just the right first step toward that goal.
After pondering for a while, Moeka eventually nodded, ''Then... I'll do it.''
Following club time, Moeka, accompanied by a bubbling Himeko, headed to HQ to complete the procedure. As it was already common practice, none of the staff members opposed Moeka's actions. Thus, permission was granted right away.
It only took her a few minutes to create a Magical Osbeckia account across several prevalent platforms, though it appeared getting used to their distinct climate would take some time. Afterward, HQ also granted the new accounts The Federation's official seal, instantly distinguishing them from impersonators.
Then, Moeka was briefed on key protocols for operating social media as a state-affiliated magical girl—general etiquette, NDAs, NGs, etc. Surprisingly, the restrictions were quite ordinary.
''Miss Osbeckia, your posts and comments will be reviewed by us before publication. This is protocol, so I ask for your understanding.'' The representative staff member said, ''You can also contact us anytime if you need assistance. We can block malicious accounts or help set up your posts and profile—anything in between.''
''...Can I ask you to cross-post on these platforms for me?'' Moeka asked.
''Of course.''
The staff member looked completely comfortable, as if she was already used to this.
'How convenient,' Moeka thought. Perhaps she would have a smoother time on social media than she initially thought.
After exchanging a few more points, Moeka returned home with Himeko in tow. It was time to set up her account, though Moeka had always been clumsy with pictures. Under the blond junior's instructions, she was eventually able to create a pleasant-looking bio, which she used across the accounts.
''Have you thought of something to post?'' Himeko eagerly questioned.
''Nothing in particular.'' Moeka admitted, ''Maybe tomorrow. I'm a little tired.''
''Alright. Let me give you a boost, then!''
''...Hm?''
With a slightly smug face, Himeko declared, ''Consider this my welcome gift!''
Before long, the girl was busily typing on her keyboard, looking like a devoted artisan pouring everything into her craft. Then, she abruptly stood up and called her mascot, ''Sol, help me transform!''
''Huh?!'' Moeka was taken aback, seeing the junior transforming live for the first time, ''What are you doing—''
''Come on, you transform too!'' Marigold interjected, ''Snap a quick picture. C'mon!''
So, Osbeckia was eventually roped into the impromptu shoot, in which she stood rather awkwardly while Marigold clung to her and smiled in a hundred different poses. Only half an hour later did the girl finally get a piece that satisfied her.
''How's this?''
''Um... isn't that a little explicit?''
In the picture, Osbeckia was waving to the camera, smiling gently while Marigold leaned deeply on her shoulder, nearly hugging her from the side. Counting in the latter's exceptionally bright expression, one could almost decipher something between them right away.
Yet, Marigold insisted, ''Oh, it's fine! We do things like this all the time in Helios!''
''...''
Although she could sense a trace of mischievousness in the junior's demeanor, she decided to let it go. People getting the wrong idea or not... it was not really the wrong idea per se. Besides, seeing Marigold's bright, innocent smile, Osbeckia was almost convinced.
However, she did not account for the sheer virality Magical Marigold could achieve with every post. The caption simply read:
[Finally had a chance to take a double selfie with my favorite senior! Go follow @MagicalOsbeckia!]
Looking at it, Moeka had no way to imagine the absolute waves of tsunamis heading her way—the waves of curious netizens.