Case 66: Press conference.
Standing before the horde of fearless reporters hawking at her, Osbeckia remained composed. After all, she had been facing the same scrutiny for just over five years, although they had indeed never been so ravenous.
''Miss Osbeckia, is it true that you are an Omega?!''
Once someone uttered the question on everyone's mind, the small crowd fell completely silent. Dozens of pairs of eyes stared at Magical Osbeckia, who leisurely pondered a response.
Truthfully, Osbeckia did not need to answer this question. At this close range, they must have already felt her potent Omega scent and deduced her orientation. A verbal confirmation was merely for the broader viewers at home. It would also be proof of sorts, which meant... Osbeckia could just lie about it and delay the inevitable for a while.
Still, she saw no real benefits from deception, and since HQ had not given her any particular instructions, Osbeckia eventually nodded, ''Yes, I am an Omega.''
In an instant, the shutter clicked rapidly at the magical girl, accompanied by blinding flashes, which had become mandatory by law for any camera used in public. Osbeckia, already used to such occurrences, used magic to shield herself. At this point, she was prepared to take a few more questions before leaving the scene. The cleanup crew was already present, so she technically could already do so, and she was contemplating just that.
But on the other side, no one was as unenthusiastic as this young lady. In simple terms, they had just discovered the rarest species of magical girls in the entire world. As reporters, there was no news source more enticing than this.
Those who were informed knew—though a handful of Omega magical girls existed overseas, they were in name only. Cases of magical girls differentiating while carrying rare diseases, causing a dysfunctional orientation, or girls who had their contract severely damaged, in turn lowering their magical concentration, allowing a narrow path toward an Omega differentiation.
Different processes, same result—they were all forced to retire due to extreme magical instability. Truthfully, one could hardly call them 'magical girls' anymore.
This Magical Osbeckia, however, was another story. Unlike others of her supposed kind, her pheromones were stable, and if the earlier display of magical power was anything to go by, she was functionally a magical girl. A true one-of-a-kind!
''...''
Sensing the growing dubious intentions in the reporters' dazed eyes, Osbeckia tried to escape, ''Then, I'll excuse myself—''
''Wait, Miss Osbeckia!''
A barrage of questions then ensued, almost frantically. Most were about her unique differentiation or her thoughts on becoming an Omega, though it was difficult to properly separate them from the others amid the shouting. If Osbeckia engaged with these zombies, it would surely take her all night.
So, the magical girl promptly ignored them and disappeared into the distance. Still, a report of the situation must be made, so the two then headed to HQ.
In the afternoon hours, the building was still quite busy with a noticeable number of journalists camping outside, making their entrance feel as though a stealth mission. Nevertheless, they made it in just fine.
Accessing the database, registering a new case, and reporting the incident to staff members—all took less than thirty minutes. Afterward, they were summoned by the chief. This, too, was not strange.
''Well done.'' Miss Casey nodded after reviewing the newly made papers, ''I just looked up these guys you took care of, Osbeckia—not some small fries, surprisingly enough. It means you have truly gotten stronger.''
''...Thank you.'' Moeka, with her transformation undone, sipped her tea somewhat awkwardly.
Even without exchanging words, all three present understood how Moeka had grown so much. Yet, Miss Casey had not summoned the two to discuss this matter.
Clearing her throat lightly, the chief said, ''There must have been reporters after you dealt with these suspects. How did you handle them?''
''They asked me if I was an Omega, and I said yes,'' Moeka replied.
''Nothing more?''
''Nothing more.''
Miss Casey hummed thoughtfully. Then, she continued, ''It seems we will have to host a conference. An Omega magical girl is big. Some large news channels have already put pressure on us after that anonymous tip online. If we stay silent, they might say we have things to hide.''
''I understand.'' The Omega in question said solemnly, ''I wouldn't want to be pestered constantly either. It's better to just come clean right away.''
''Oh, trust me, if they find out your 'relieving' capabilities, they'll go crazy.''
At this point, Himeko interjected, looking somewhat anxious, ''I was meant to ask about this as well... would it be alright if they know about Moeka's 'relief'? I myself know how crazy I can get when I'm thirsting for lust. I'm sure they'd spare nothing to get Moeka.''
''...I know.'' The chief sighed, ''Until the suppressants are ready, it's best not to reveal Osbeckia's ability. But even staying silent has its limits. We'll have to double—no, triple the security for our precious Omega.''
''...''
Moeka was about to call it a waste, though the words never left her mouth. After all, she understood the sheer worth of a magical girl reliever in a scene where every magical girl was on the brink of pheromone runaways.
In the end, with Moeka's agreement, Miss Casey set up a press conference the following day. Hosted right inside HQ's main building, the event garnered immense buzz. With Magical Osbeckia's confirmation of the rumor the day prior as a prelude, reporters from virtually every major news network were present. Furthermore, the conference would be live-streamed on multiple platforms.
Moeka only learned the real scale of this event right before stepping onto the stage. It seemed HQ was going to strike first and seize the initiative on managing their talent's image. Naturally, Moeka was a little nervous.
''Do your best!'' Himeko gently hugged the Omega, ''Tell them who you are!''
''Alright.'' Moeka reciprocated.
On her phone, Moeka also received encouraging messages from her colleagues, her girlfriend, and even her mother, all of which eased her mind greatly.
It was about time.
Following a staff member's signal, Moeka transformed, then walked onto the stage with Miss Casey. The hall, crowded with hundreds of reporters and journalists, instantly locked its target.
At the center of it all, Osbeckia was showered in the limelight and unadulterated interest. It was the Omega magical girl in flesh. Without a word uttered, the atmosphere suddenly became tense, ready to explode at any moment.
Once the two were seated, Miss Casey announced the beginning of the conference before letting the questions roll in. The chief was confident enough not to have tricks planned in this round. Only, Moeka was told to reply confidently while keeping some topics sealed.
So, Miss Casey called randomly.
''Jason from **** News. Miss Osbeckia, excuse me for my rudeness, but could you once again confirm your answer from your interview yesterday?''
Osbeckia took the mic, ''Yes. I am indeed an Omega. I was differentiated a few days after the global incident.''
''Was there a... special circumstance then which affected the result?''
''No.''
''Miss Osbeckia, could you—''
Miss Casey interrupted, ''Next question.''
A naive-looking woman stood up, ''Y-Yes! Miss Osbeckia, why did you not announce your differentiation results?''
''I did not feel the need to.'' Osbeckia said flatly, ''Next question.''
Miss Casey designated another reporter. This time, a middle-aged man with a sharp look.
''Miss Osbeckia, does being an Omega affect your performance in any way?''
''I would say no.'' The magical girl replied, ''My combat capabilities are unaffected.''
''Understood.''
''Next question.''
Another person was designated. Somehow, Osbeckia could sense a strange hostility from him. Pulling out a small note, the man spoke, ''Miss Osbeckia... is it hard being the only Omega among your Alpha and Beta colleagues?''
Unfazed, the magical girl shook her head, ''Not at all. My colleagues are very thoughtful and fair.''
''That's wonderful.'' The man grinned, ''But do you think the people's perception of an Omega magical girl might be slightly more... unfavorable?''
''Could you please clarify what you mean by that?''
''Oh, it seems I was not being clear enough. What I mean is... does Miss Osbeckia think everyone would trust you to protect them as much as they would other candidates? After all, compared to an Alpha, an Omega is... you know?''
''...''
Clearly, the man wanted to stir up trouble. Miss Casey was already glancing coldly at him, while most journalists remained poised to witness some juicy drama.
If Osbeckia were to snap here, it would only play into these people's hands. But she could not just retreat either.
'Right, I'm here to make a statement.'
Staring straight at the reporter, Osbeckia uttered, ''Honestly... what's wrong with an Omega magical girl?''